Further Arrangements

Just as everyone was still immersed in the joy of a bountiful harvest and their hopes for the future, Fumu, who was in charge of building the ship, stood up, his face showing the relief of having completed a heavy task.

"Chief, everyone," Fumu's voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly, "There's good news. The last batch of 5,000-jin (2,500 kg) heavy-duty ships were launched and tested a few days ago, and everything went smoothly. Our plan to build fifty 5,000-jin (2,500 kg) heavy-duty ships this year is now complete!"

He paused, then continued his report, "Including these 50 boats with a carrying capacity of 5,000 jin each, our Fire Tribe now has 100 large Muzhou with a carrying capacity of 2,000 jin each, and 200 small Muzhou with a carrying capacity of 500 jin each. The current fleet size should be sufficient for the middle and upper reaches of the Fish River. We plan to gradually replace the old, over-repaired, and unusable boats after the autumn harvest to maintain the fleet in optimal condition."

Fumu then shifted the focus to the upcoming main event. "Over the next period, our shipbuilding workshop will concentrate on researching ships with a carrying capacity of 10,000 jin (5,000 kg). How to thicken and reinforce the keel, how to match the thickness of the hull plates, how to adjust the hull lines to make it more stable and faster, how to design the compartment structure to make it safer... We need to make small models of all these first, and repeatedly test and calculate them. As long as the models pass the test, we will start building our first real 10,000-jin ship next spring! We think it shouldn't be a big problem."

Jianshi nodded repeatedly, his face beaming with undisguised satisfaction and pride. The fact that his family could build fifty 5,000-jin (2,500 kg) heavy-duty ships was unimaginable just a few years ago. He smiled and encouraged them, "Good! Fumu, you've done a great job! These large and small ships are enough for now; there's no need to rush to increase the number. Next year, our goal is 10,000-jin (5,000 kg) ships! We'll build as many as we can, the more the better!"

His eyes shone with anticipation. "If we can produce 20,000 jin next year, that would be even better!"

Upon hearing "a ship with a carrying capacity of 20,000 jin," Fumu's excited smile faded slightly, replaced by a hint of difficulty. He was an honest craftsman, always speaking his mind. He carefully considered his words before replying earnestly, "Chief, we are confident we can build a ship with a carrying capacity of 10,000 jin next year. However, we cannot guarantee exactly how many such ships we can build in a year. It depends on how smoothly the first ship goes and whether any unforeseen difficulties arise. As for a ship with a carrying capacity of 20,000 jin..." He shook his head, his tone frank, "That's much more difficult than a 10,000-jin ship. The keel, planks, structure, and strength requirements are all different. We still don't have a clear idea. Next year... I'm afraid we can't guarantee we can build one."

Upon hearing this, Jianshi was not disappointed at all; on the contrary, he appreciated the practicality of the Fumu even more. He nodded, indicating his understanding. "That's true. You can't get fat in one bite. You should do what you're capable of first. If you can build a 10,000-pound boat steadily, that will be a great achievement!"

After a moment's thought, an idea suddenly struck him, and his eyes lit up. "Fumu, how about this? In a few days, we'll organize a fleet and, together with the Fish Tribe, go to the Valley Tribe to transport the remaining grain back. This time, you'll go with the fleet!"

Fumu was taken aback, then his face lit up with immense joy. He understood his leader's intention, of course!

Jianshi continued, "Last time, when the Valley Tribe's massive 50,000-jin (25,000 kg) ships came, you could only see them from afar at Fire Creek Mouth and touch them a couple of times while they were transporting grain. This time, if you have the chance when you go to the Valley Tribe, you can observe their giant ships up close! See how thick their keels are, how the planks are assembled, how the sails are hung, how the cabins are divided... Taking a closer look will definitely be very helpful in figuring out our own 10,000-jin (5,000 kg) ships, and even larger ships in the future!"

"That's wonderful! Thank you, Chief!" Fumu rubbed his hands together excitedly, wishing he could sprout wings and fly to the Valley Tribe's dock immediately. As a shipwright, the opportunity to see and learn about more advanced ships was far more exciting than any piece of good meat he could ask for.

After arranging the Fumu, Jianshi turned his gaze to his strategist and capable assistant— Jianya.

"Jianya," Jian Shi said Jianshi, "This time, we're going to the Valley Tribe to transport grain. The tribe is busy right now, so it's inconvenient for me to go. Yan showed his face in the Valley Tribe last time, and they know that the pottery technology is related to him, so it's not appropriate for him to go there frequently. This time, you will lead the team, taking the Fumu and the pottery we've prepared, to complete this transaction. Everything has already been arranged over there. Your main task is to hand over the goods and bring the grain back safely."

Jianya nodded Chenwen: "Okay, big brother, leave it to me." He was also full of curiosity about the behemoth among his neighbors, the Valley Tribe. After hearing Jianshi and Yan's stories last time, he had long wanted to see it for himself.

After agreeing, Jianya remembered another matter he was currently in charge of and asked, "While I'm in the Valley Tribe, who will take over the Small Gathering Valley Outpost? The construction progress there is going well; the wooden houses for two thousand people are basically finished, and most of the one thousand mu of paddy fields and three thousand mu of vegetable fields have been cultivated. My team leaders and I have estimated that that Little Mountain has great potential. If managed properly, cultivating five thousand mu of high-quality paddy fields and fifty thousand mu of dry land and vegetable fields shouldn't be a problem."

Jianshi had clearly considered this issue beforehand, and answered without hesitation, "Little Gathering Valley is indeed a good place. Its location is crucial, and the land has potential. We will definitely increase investment next year. When you go to the Valley Tribe this time, let Yan and Dazhuang temporarily take over. Yan is quick-witted and good at planning; with the two of them working together, they can finish up the remaining work there and also finalize the initial reclamation plan for next year."

Yan and Dazhuang, who were called upon, immediately replied, "Okay!"

Jianshi continued his plan, his mind clear. "Once Jianya returns safely from the Valley Tribe with the grain, we'll have fresh supplies and feel more at ease. We can then put the exploration and trade along the upper reaches of the Fish River on the agenda. At that time, Yan and Dali will lead the team again to make another trip and explore the west bank of the Fish River, strengthen ties, and expand trade."

He looked at Jianya: "Don't just sit around after you come back from the Valley Tribe. Rest for a few days, then prepare to go to the Horse Tribe again. We need to work hard to cultivate the land right now, and we still have a big shortage of oxen. Last time, Chief Junfeng promised to leave us some good cattle. This time, when you go, bring back plenty of our newly produced fine pottery, sturdy linen, and the preserved goods they like. Try to exchange them for as many good cattle as possible, preferably cows that can give birth. If you find any suitable ponies, you can also get some more. They'll be useful for our cavalry and messengers."

Jianya nodded emphatically, having memorized each task. "Yes, brother. I'm back from the Valley Tribe. I'll go prepare right away."

Inside the meeting room, tasks were clearly assigned one by one, with timelines closely linked. When the meeting ended, everyone left with clear objectives and high morale.