Conditions on the East Bank of the Upper Fish River

The oars dipped neatly into the water, the sails rose in the gradually strengthening morning breeze, and the fleet slowly left the dock, heading downstream along the Fire Creek River —they needed to first sail downstream along the Fire Creek into the Fish River before they could begin their true upstream exploration.

Yan stood at the Chuantou, looking back at the receding dock and the figures of his people until they became blurry dots. He turned back and looked at the increasingly wide river ahead, his heart filled with curiosity about the unknown.

The Fire Creek has a considerable volume of water, and in recent years, the Fire Tribe has intermittently dredged and cleared it for easier transportation. Even during the dry season, the section of the river near the Fire Tribe's dock can barely accommodate large boats weighing tens of thousands of kilograms. The fleet sailed downstream at a considerable speed, and in just half a day, the water suddenly widened ahead— the Fire Creek Mouth had arrived.

This is the estuary where Fire Creek flows into the main Fish River, where the river widens abruptly. Along the bank, you can see some simple wooden docks and a dozen or so crooked but sturdy wooden houses. This is a temporary outpost established by the Fire Tribe, originally for unloading and transshipment during trade with the Fish Tribe, and later also became a rest stop and tool storage point for their own Fishing Team. Last time, when the Valley Tribe's giant ships couldn't enter Fire Creek, they used small and medium-sized boats nearby to transfer their grain in.

The fleet briefly regrouped near the mouth of Fire Creek Mouth. Yan stood on the boat and Yuantiao. On both sides of Fire Creek were gentle slopes and flat land, the soil of which looked dark and fertile. However, because the Fire Tribe was currently focusing its manpower and tools on the reclamation of the core valley, this vast land was still sleeping in weeds and bushes.

Yan pointed to the vast riverbank area and said to Dali, "Uncle Dali, look at these two banks, what great land! The terrain is flat and close to the water. As long as we clear away the trees and grass, it will be excellent paddy fields and dry land."

Dali squinted, shading his eyes with his hand as he examined the land closely. He then agreed in a deep, resonant voice, "Yes, it's a vast expanse of beautiful land! It looks even smoother than the land cleared in our valley. It's a pity we don't have the manpower."

"There will be more in the future," Yan said confidently. "I estimate that the fertile land along both Fire Creek, from our valley exit to this river mouth, can easily support a hundred thousand people if carefully managed."

"Ten thousand or so?" Dali whirled around, his Dali, bell-like eyes glaring at Yan, his breathing quickening. "Good heavens! That's a lot of people! If our Fire Tribe really had ten thousand or so..." He clenched his fist, waving it in the air, a look of longing on his face, "Then on this Fish River, who would we be afraid of? The Bear Tribe? The Valley Tribe? Even... even that Tiger Tribe, we'd dare to challenge them!"

Yan was also caught up in Dali's emotions and nodded vigorously. "Yes! So we need to make the tribe stronger, with more people and more land! This trip to the upper reaches of the Fish River is also to prepare for the future."

The fleet set sail again, this time changing course and truly heading upstream against the current of the Fish River.

The Fish River at Fire Creek Mouth still has plenty of water and a wide surface. Yan remembered that the Valley Tribe's 50,000-jin giant ship could easily dock here last time. Yan carefully observed the water level and estimated in his mind that during the dry season in autumn and winter, this section of the river would probably only be able to barely allow large ships weighing around 100,000 jin to pass.

The fleet continued upstream along the Fish River, stubbornly going against the current with the help of the boatmen's powerful oars and sails. Going upstream was much slower and more physically demanding. But the sailors on board took turns rowing in an orderly manner.

On the afternoon of the eighth day of their voyage, the river forked ahead, with a smaller but still considerable stream flowing into the Fish River from the east. Wang Yan confirmed, "Uncle Dali, that's where the Valley River flows into the Fish River. This is where the people from the Valley River used to live."

The fleet made a brief stop near the mouth of the Valley River Mouth, where Yan and Dali climbed to a high point on the bank to observe. The Fish River here was narrower than at the mouth of the Fire Creek Mouth. Yan squatted down and observed for a while before saying, "During the dry season, the water level in the Fish River will drop even lower. Those massive ships of the Valley Tribe, weighing 50,000 jin each, will probably have a hard time moving forward here. The further upstream we go, the smaller the water will become, and the size of large ships that can pass will be limited."

This assessment was quickly confirmed. Continuing upstream from the Valley River Mouth, the navigation became significantly more difficult. More Qiantan and reefs appeared in the riverbed, forcing the fleet to be more cautious and frequently sending people ahead in small Xiaozhou to scout the way.

Six days later, they encountered two tributaries flowing into the Fish River from different directions. These two rivers were slightly smaller than the Valley River, but their currents were stable, and their width was sufficient for a 2,000-pound Muzhou to navigate. Based on the order of their discovery and the characteristics of the surrounding vegetation, Yan named them "Wood River" (because of the many tall trees along its banks) and "Clear River" (because of its exceptionally clear water).

At the confluence of the Clear River and Fish River, the fleet stopped again for a rest. The Fish River had narrowed considerably here, and the water was rushing against the rocks on the banks. Yan looked at the river and said to Dali, "Uncle Dali, look at this section of the river. The water level in the Fish River is still okay at this time of year. But during the dry season in autumn and winter, I estimate that only boats with a load capacity of about 20,000 jin can pass through here at most. Further upstream, large boats with a load capacity of 20,000 jin probably won't be able to move."

Dali wiped the sweat from his face and nodded, saying, "Yes, the water is getting shallower and there are more Shitou. Large ships with a carrying capacity of 20,000 jin have a deep draft, and it's definitely risky to go any further during the dry season. But those small boats with a carrying capacity of 5,000 jin should still be able to move a bit further."

After resting for a night, the fleet continued its journey. Sure enough, the water level of the Fish River decreased at a visible rate, and the mountains on both sides of the river became increasingly steep. There were fewer and fewer flat areas suitable for cultivation and settlement. In many cases, the banks were either steep cliffs or dense primeval forests that were impossible to traverse.

On the fifth day, the Xiaozhou that had been scouting ahead quickly returned, and the soldiers on board excitedly reported, "Young Master Yan! Dali! Another river is flowing in ahead! The river is quite wide, and the current is steady!"

The fleet sped forward and soon spotted the third major tributary. The riverbed was rather white, perhaps due to sand and gravel or mineral deposits from upstream, so Yan named it the "White River."

At the confluence of the White River and Fish River, the fleet came to a complete stop. Yan stood at the Chuantou of the large ship, his brows slightly furrowed. The upper reaches of the Fish River before him were not only narrow, but also riddled with exposed Jushi and Qiantan, with the water splashing white Langhua among the rocks. He observed for a long time, then discussed the matter in hushed tones with several old boatmen, before finally shaking his head.

"Uncle Dali," he turned to Dali, who had been silently observing beside him, "I think we probably can't go any further up the main channel of the Fish River. Although it's not the driest time of year, there are too many hidden reefs and Qiantan ahead. It's too risky for our large ship, with a carrying capacity of 5,000 jin, to continue sailing forward. If we run aground or hit a reef, it will be a real problem. I estimate that even during the dry season, the Fish River can only accommodate ships with a carrying capacity of 5,000 jin here."

Dali had been watching closely too; his experience told him Yan's judgment was correct. He asked gruffly, "So what do you mean?"

Yan pointed to the Baihe River beside them, which had abundant water and a relatively wide and calm White River: "The main channel of the Fish River ends here. Next, we'll focus on exploring these major tributaries we've discovered. I think the White River is quite good; the current is stable and the river is wide. Our 2,000-jin (1,000 kg) boat should have no problem going in."

Dali had no objection. "Okay, I'll listen to you. You're smart."

The agreement was reached. Yan ordered Dali to lead most of the men, along with the 5,000-jin large ship and most of the supplies, to stay at the White River Mouth to establish a temporary camp, guard the ship, and fish in the nearby Fish River and White River to replenish their food supplies. He himself selected a dozen or so capable and reliable soldiers and sailors, and, in two 2,000-jin large Muzhou and six 500-jin Xiaozhou, carrying the prepared trade goods, formed a more flexible and lightweight fleet. They decided to travel upstream along the White River to explore further.

Once everything was ready, Yan jumped onto the lead boat, a large 2,000-pound vessel, and waved to Dali on the shore. "Uncle Dali, the camp is in your hands now! We'll go in and take a look, we'll be right back!"

"Be careful! If you encounter a tribe, be courteous first, then use force. It's crucial to understand the situation!" Dali reminded him again, still worried.

"Understood!" Yan replied with a smile, then turned and ordered, "Let's go! Head to the White River!"

The small boats raised their oars and sailed away from the main stream of the Fish River, turning into the relatively clear and gentle White River. Dense forests lined both banks, birdsong filled the air, and occasionally traces of wild animals drinking at the riverbank could be seen. After rowing upstream for about half a day, a cleared area appeared on the riverbank ahead, with dozens of low thatched huts scattered among them. There were firelight and figures in the clearing.

"There's a tribe here!" the scout reported in a low voice.

Yan's spirits lifted. "Approach them slowly, without disturbing them. Hang up the patterned linen flags we brought (this is the Fire Tribe's symbol) to show we have no hostile intentions."

The fleet slowly approached. On the riverbank, the people of the small tribe also noticed the unfamiliar fleet, and a commotion immediately arose. The men picked up their simple Shimao and wooden sticks and gathered on the bank, looking around nervously, while the women and children hid behind their houses.

Yan stopped the fleet a dozen paces from the shore—a distance that indicated harmlessness while ensuring safety. He stood alone at the Chuantou, arms outstretched to show he was unarmed, and then shouted in as clear and slow a voice as possible, "We are from the Fire Tribe! We came from downstream! We have goods and wish to trade with you! We mean you no harm!"

"Fire Tribe?" The commotion on the shore grew even stronger; clearly, some people had heard of the name. An elderly man with gray hair and adorned with animal teeth parted the crowd, walked to the front, and squinted at Yan and his fleet. He saw that there were no obvious signs of attack on the ships, cargo was piled up in the hold, and the people were mostly holding oars rather than weapons. His expression softened slightly.

"Are you here to make a deal?" The old man's voice was a little hoarse, with a heavy local accent, but it was still understandable.

"Yes!" Yan turned around and gestured, and a soldier immediately picked up various goods to show them to the other party.

Upon seeing the goods, the crowd on the shore became visibly excited, and even the old man's breathing quickened.

"Please come up! Guests from afar!" The old man's attitude immediately became much warmer, and he waved for the men behind him to put down their weapons.

Yan then ordered the fleet to dock. He took five warriors with him, carrying a set of hemp clothing and straw sandals, along with some dried meat as a gift, and walked onto the riverbank. After talking with them, he learned that this tribe called themselves the "White River Tribe," with a population of about 150 people, and had lived there for many years. They mainly lived by hunting and gathering, but their harvests were meager. Their means of obtaining resources from the outside world were very limited; they could only trade precious furs and herbs with the occasional Fish Tribe that came by.

"We haven't seen the Fish Tribe come to trade for almost a year." The leader of the White River Tribe, the old man named Baishi, looked worried. "Our tribe is also running low on salt. Your arrival is very timely!" His eyes gleamed as he looked at the coarsely salted dried meat and fish that Yan had brought.

Yan then proposed a trade. He exchanged salted meat and fish, a small number of sturdy and durable pottery jars from the Fire Tribe, and other items for a large quantity of high-quality furs (fox, deer, wolf, etc.) accumulated by the White River Tribe, some precious herbs they had collected (some of which Yan did not even recognize), and several kinds of nuts and dried fruit seeds unique to the White River basin.

The transaction went very smoothly. Chief Baishi wanted to offer everything the tribe could in exchange. Yan knew when to stop and didn't haggle too much, leaving a good impression. He took the opportunity to inquire about the situation in the upper reaches of Baishi White River and the surrounding area. Baishi told him that the total population of the entire White River basin, including all the scattered small settlements, was no more than two thousand. They all lived in hardship, and their biggest problems were a lack of salt, a stable source of food, and good tools.

"Downstream Fire Tribe... does your tribe really have a lot of food? Can everyone eat their fill?" After the transaction was completed, Baishi couldn't help but ask cautiously, his eyes filled with undisguised longing.

Yan didn't exaggerate, but truthfully described the Fire Tribe's relatively affluent life, the vast cultivated fields, and their willingness to accept hardworking tribespeople. Baishi and the other tribespeople around him who could understand the language all showed complex expressions, including envy, doubt, and a hint of wavering.

Yan didn't rush to recruit them. He knew that building trust and making a good impression were more important during the first contact. He stayed overnight in the White River Tribe, and the next morning, he took the goods he had obtained and the information he had acquired, bid farewell and left. He continued to explore the upper reaches of the White River for about half a day, which roughly confirmed Baishi's statement. Then he turned back and went downstream to his camp at the mouth of White River Mouth.

After meeting up with Dali, Yan gave a detailed account of the situation in the White River. Dali listened attentively, marveling, "I never imagined that the tribes upstream of the Fish River were living such a difficult life. Our coarse salt-cured meat and pottery are truly treasures here."

The fleet rested for one night at the White River Mouth. Then, Yan and Dali led the fleet back. This time, they were not in a hurry to travel, but instead sailed downstream along the main stream of the Fish River. They planned to follow the White River's example and send small fleets to make contact and trade at the mouths of tributaries such as the Clear River and the Wood River.

The downstream journey was much faster, and after a little over two days, they returned to the mouth of the Clear River. Yan reorganized a small team and entered the Clear River. Along the Clear River were two larger tribes, known as the Greater Qing Tribe (about two hundred people) and the Lesser Qing Tribe (about one hundred and fifty people). Similar to the White River Tribe, they showed great enthusiasm for the goods brought by the Fire Tribe. Yan again traded goods for furs, medicinal herbs, and local specialties, and spread the word about the Fire Tribe's reputation and basic information. The tribes here showed a stronger yearning for the prosperous life downstream, and several young men even directly asked if they could join the fleet to visit the Fire Tribe.

A little over a day later, the fleet arrived at the mouth of the Wood River. This exploration went smoothly as well, and the two tribes (each with about two hundred people) along the Wood River completed a pleasant transaction. Yan noticed that the tribes in the Fish River basin, a tributary of the Wood River, seemed to know a little more about the outside world, had heard rumors about the Fire Tribe, and were more open in their attitude.

Carrying several boats full of furs, medicinal herbs, nuts, and various novel seeds, as well as something even more valuable—a preliminary understanding of the main tributaries of the upper reaches of the Fish River, the distribution of tribes, the size of the population, and their living conditions—Yan and Dali's exploration fleet concluded their exploration of the upper reaches of the Fish River and began their return journey at full speed.

The fleet, sailing and oars in hand, sped along the calm currents of the Fish River towards Fire Creek Mouth, towards home. Yan stood at the Chuantou, gazing at the mountains rushing past on both banks, his thoughts churning. This expedition had not only brought back tangible supplies, but had also sketched out, albeit a rough, but beginning to take shape, "map" of the upper reaches of the Fish River in his mind.