The Returning Grain Fleet

After returning to the Fire Tribe, Yan spent several days sorting out the progress of various matters. Standing on a high point in the valley, looking down at the busy crowds and vast fields, he silently calculated the gains and losses of this northward journey.

"About twenty days," Yan said to his attendant. "From the time we set out from the Fire Tribe to the time we return with the newly joined tribesmen, it will take about twenty days."

The attendants carved the number on the wooden board. Twenty days was not a long time, but for a rapidly developing tribe, much of their work was slowed down by this military operation.

"How's the land reclamation progressing?" Yan asked.

"Chief Yan, the weeds and shrubs on the 5,000 mu of newly cultivated paddy fields in the valley have been almost completely cleared." The recorder flipped through the wooden plank. "The progress at the Small Gathering Valley Outpost is a bit slower; only 70% of the planned work has been completed."

Yan nodded. This was within his expectations; war always comes at a price, even a victorious one.

"Where's the workshop?"

"Pottery production has decreased by 30%, woodworking by 40%, and textile production has remained largely normal." The recorder paused, "However, among the new tribespeople from the north, we've discovered quite a few skilled farmers."

This was an unexpected delight, and Yan's eyes lit up. "Register them properly, assign them to appropriate positions, and give extra food rewards to those who are skilled."

"Yes."

As they walked and talked, from the fields to the workshops, Yan observed the busy yet orderly scene and gradually began to form new plans in his mind.

"With the Wolf Tribe crippled, the threat from the north has been temporarily eliminated," Yan said to his attendant. "I'm thinking that the copper and tin mines near the Deer Tribe could have their refining processes located right near the mining area. This would save a lot of manpower in transportation and improve efficiency."

The follower's eyes lit up. "Chief Yan's idea is great! But... is it safe over at the Deer Tribe?"

"It should be safe now. The main force of the Wolf Tribe has been wiped out, and it will take time for the remaining troops to regroup and recover," Yan analyzed. "Furthermore, I plan to build stronger fortifications in the mining area and deploy more soldiers."

He paused, then continued, "Once the defenses of the mining area are secured, we can even consider relocating the entire bronze casting workshop there. The Fire Tribe headquarters can then focus on agriculture, textiles, pottery, and other livelihood industries."

The idea is clear: although the Fire Tribe's main valley is safe, it has limited space. According to Yan's estimate, the entire valley can only be developed into 20,000 mu of high-quality paddy fields. Adding the nearly 200,000 mu of dry land, vegetable gardens, and orchards, with the current productivity, it can only accommodate 20,000 people at most.

"If we increase the population further, we will have to expand outwards," Yan said to his attendant. "We should develop new fields and settlements along the lower reaches of the Fire Creek River, or add more outposts on the periphery."

However, it is not yet time for the four thousand newly joined tribespeople to be assigned out. Although they are grateful and identify with the Fire Tribe —after all, they can eat their fill and wear clean clothes here—their lifestyle and way of thinking still need time to integrate.

"They need to learn our language, rules, and skills." Yan looked at the new tribespeople undergoing training in the distance. "This process takes time. Those who adapt quickly can be assigned to outlying outposts or participate in the construction of new settlements."

The attendant carefully noted down these thoughts, knowing that every decision Chief Yan made could influence the Fire Tribe's development direction for the next few years.

On the tenth day after Yan returned to the Fire Tribe, exciting news spread throughout the entire valley.

"They're back! Jianya Fang is back! The grain has been delivered and is almost at the Fire Tribe Valley dock!"

The news spread like Yehuo, and people dropped what they were doing and flocked to the Fire Creek Mouth Wharf. Jian Shi, along with Jianshi and the other leaders, were already waiting there. Even Qingye, unusually, came out of the Internal Affairs District to greet them at the wharf.

On the Fire Creek River, a huge fleet of ships was slowly approaching. Leading the way was a ship with a carrying capacity of 5,000 catties, and standing at the Chuantou was Jianya. He had seen the crowd on the dock from afar and was waving his arms excitedly.

"Big brother! Yan! We're back!" Jianya's voice carried from afar.

As the fleet gradually docked, a deafening cheer erupted on the pier when Jianya jumped off the ship. He strode towards Jianshi, and the two brothers embraced tightly.

"Everything went smoothly!" Fang grinned Jianya. "1.15 million catties of grain have all been safely transported back!"

"Good! Good!" Jianshi patted his younger brother on the shoulder, "You've worked hard!"

Yan stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Uncle Jianya, you've come just in time! We've just added four thousand mouths to feed, and we were worried about food."

Jianya laughed heartily, "I heard about it while resting at the Fish Tribe! The people Fish Tribe told me that our Fire Tribe has won another great victory, annihilating the entire main force of the Wolf Tribe! Amazing!"

He paused, then suddenly lowered his voice, a mischievous smile spreading across his face, "But Yan, some people in the Valley Tribe didn't seem to like me much this time."

Yan was taken aback, then realized what was happening, and a rare look of embarrassment appeared on his face. Several leaders around him were suppressing their laughter—everyone knew that Qingsui, the only daughter of the Valley Tribe leader, had an unusual fondness for Yan.

"Uncle Jianya..." Yan said helplessly.

"Alright, alright, I'm not teasing you anymore." Jianya said seriously, "Seriously, your friend was a great help in getting so many cotton seeds and other crop seeds so easily this time. Chief Daiyue originally only promised to give us half, but it was Qingsui who mediated and got us this much."

A complex mix of emotions welled up in Yan's heart. Qingsui... the daughter of the chief of the Valley Tribe. She was intelligent, enthusiastic, and clearly had feelings for him, but Yan knew that the two tribes were far apart, and many things were not so simple.

"Is she... alright?" Yan finally asked.

Jianya gave him a meaningful look. "Very good, but I keep asking when you'll go to the Valley Tribe again."

At this moment, two other small boats also docked. One boat carried Fengren, the chieftain of the Valley Tribe, and Daiyue, the chieftain's trusted general; the other boat carried Feiyu and Bailin, the two chieftains of the Fish Tribe.

Jianshi hurriedly stepped forward to greet them, "Fengren Leader, Feiyu Leader, Bailin Leader, you must be tired from your journey!"

As Fengren stepped onto the dock, his gaze was immediately drawn to the scene before him. Although he had visited the Fire Tribe once before, each visit revealed noticeable changes—more fields, neater houses, and a denser population. What struck him even more was the rosy complexion and neat attire of the people gathered on the dock. Their inner confidence and vitality were rarely seen in other tribes.

"Chief of Jianshi," Fengren said sincerely, "Every time I come to the Fire Tribe, I am awestruck. Your speed of development is truly astonishing."

Feiyu and Bailin were visiting the Fire Tribe headquarters for the first time. Standing on the dock, they looked at everything before them, almost unable to believe their eyes. High earthen walls stretched out, behind which were neat clusters of wooden houses; in the distance lay vast fields.

"This... this is the Fire Tribe?" Bailin murmured to himself.

Feiyu took a deep breath. "No wonder the Wolf Tribe was no match... With this kind of strength, even two more Wolf Tribe wouldn't make a difference."

Jianshi waved his hand modestly. "You flatter me, Chief Fengren. We were just lucky."

He gestured for them to enter. "You've all come from afar, you must be tired. Please come inside and rest; we've prepared food."

The group arrived at the largest wooden cabin, where a long table was laden with food: golden-brown roasted mutton, fresh fish soup, goat milk, sweet fruit, and even a small jar of precious honey.

Looking at the lavish feast, Fengren gained a new understanding of the Fire Tribe's strength—the fact that they could offer such food to their guests indicated that their reserves were quite abundant.

"Chief Jianshi," Fengren said after sitting down, "Our Chief Daiyue specifically instructed us to ensure the safe delivery of the grain. We highly value the friendship between the Valley Tribe and the Fire Tribe."

Jianshi raised his wooden cup. "Thank you, Chief Daiyue, and thank you, Fengren Ren, for escorting us all the way. This cup of goat's milk is for everyone!"

Everyone raised their glasses and drank together, and the atmosphere quickly became lively.

After several rounds of drinking, Jianshi put down his cup, a worried look on his face. "To be honest, our Fire Tribe has encountered some difficulties this time."

"Oh?" Fengren asked with concern, "Chief of Jianshi, please speak."

"During the Wolf Tribe's rebellion, we took in over four thousand homeless tribespeople," Jianshi sighed. "With so many people, food became scarce. The 1.15 million jin of grain you brought this time has relieved our immediate crisis, but in the long run, it's still not enough."

He looked at Fengren: "So I would like to ask Chief Fengren to tell Chief Daiyue when he returns that the Fire Tribe will need a large amount of food next year, possibly even more than this year."

Fengren's eyes lit up. As one of the trade leaders of the Valley Tribe, he loved hearing about large orders like this the most.

"Chief Jianshi, rest assured!" Fengren patted his chest, "Our Valley Tribe will have even more grain surplus next year than this year! Chief Daiyue will be overjoyed to hear this news!"

He paused, then lowered his voice. "To be honest, our Valley Tribe has made quite a bit of money using the pottery we traded with the Fire Tribe. Now, everyone in the tribe is hoping to strengthen our long-term cooperation with the Fire Tribe."

That's true. The Fire Tribe's exquisite pottery is very popular among the surrounding tribes, and the Valley Tribe can make a considerable profit by reselling it.

"Then it's settled!" Jianshi. "Next spring, we'll send a fleet to the Valley Tribe, and we'll decide on the exact number of additional ships then."

The banquet reached its climax as everyone drank and chatted freely, discussing everything from tribal development to their experiences in various places, with the topics becoming increasingly broad.

Just as they were getting into the conversation, a warrior from the Valley Tribe came in to report, "Chief, all the grain has been unloaded."

Fengren immediately stood up. The Valley Tribe's large ship could not remain out there for long— the Bear Tribe downstream of the Valley Tribe had been making frequent moves recently, and the Valley Tribe needed to maintain sufficient military strength to deal with them.

"Chief of Jianshi, everyone, I must take my leave now." Fengren his hands in a fist salute.

Jianshi nodded understandingly. "Fengren is busy with military duties, so I won't stay any longer."

He gestured to his men to bring out the gifts that had been prepared beforehand—exquisite pottery, fine linen, and some food specialties from the Fire Tribe.

"These are for Chief Daiyue and the seven elders. Please have Chief Fengren pass them on," Jianshi said. "This one is for Chief Fengren; you must be tired from your journey."

Fengren accepted the gift and repeatedly expressed his gratitude. "Jianshi Jian Shi is too kind! I will definitely report back truthfully when I get back!"

Just as Fengren was about to leave, Yan walked over, carrying a leather bundle containing spices and seasonings he had carefully prepared—rare items in the Valley Tribe.

"Leader Fengren," Yan handed over the package, "This... please give it to Qingsui."

Fengren took the package and smiled knowingly, "Leader Yan, rest assured, I will personally deliver it to Qingsui."

After seeing Fengren off, Feiyu and Bailin from the Fish Tribe also came to say goodbye. Jianshi had his men bring over a lot of pottery—this was an advance payment to the Fish Tribe for their help in transporting grain next spring.

Feiyu stared at the pottery, his eyes wide with astonishment. "Chief of Jianshi, this... this is far too much!"

"Not much, not much," Jianshi laughed. "You'll have to work hard next year. You can exchange these pottery for the supplies you need around the Fish Tribe."

Bailin was so excited that he stammered, "Thank... thank you, Chief Jianshi! Our Fish Tribe will certainly live up to your expectations!"

The two men left with profuse thanks, leading their fleet back to the Fish Tribe.

After seeing off all the guests, Jianshi, Jianya, Flame, and several core leaders gathered together to begin taking stock of the grain that had been transported back.

One million and a half hundred thousand catties of grain filled the remaining granaries. Looking at this grain, everyone felt even more confident.

"With this food," Jianshi said, "We can easily absorb another two or three thousand people."

Yan thought further ahead, "Father, next year we need to cultivate more land. The current yield is barely enough to sustain us. If we want to truly become strong, we must have sufficient grain reserves."

"You're right," Jianshi nodded. "Next spring, we'll expand the reclamation area further."

As night fell, lights twinkled in the Fire Tribe Valley. New and old tribespeople gathered together, sharing food and discussing the future. The granaries, overflowing with grain, gave everyone a great sense of security.

Meanwhile, in the distant Valley Tribe, Qingsui received a package brought by Yan Fengren. She opened the package and saw the spices and seasonings, a sweet smile spreading across her face.

"Yan... when will you come again?" she murmured to herself, her eyes filled with anticipation.

Meanwhile, in the distant northern High Pointed Mountain Wolf Tribe's lair, Xueya's eyes burned with the flames of hatred.

"Fire Tribe... you just wait, I will definitely get my revenge!"