Report

On the dock, the group left side by side and walked towards the largest wooden house in the valley. As they walked, Yan calculated, "Father, our Fire Tribe's main force originally had over 17,000 people. With these 3,000 newcomers, we've surpassed 20,000. The Small Gathering Valley Outpost currently has 2,000 people. So, the Fire Tribe's total population has reached approximately 22,000."

He paused, then continued, "The Fire Tribe's main base in the valley can only accommodate a maximum of 20,000 people. Now, with the addition of new tribesmen, it's already at capacity. We need to prepare in advance for the matter of sending 3,000 people to the Small Gathering Valley Outpost next year."

Jianshi nodded in agreement. "Not only that, next year we will also relocate some people to the old sites of the Bison, White Pig, Green Sheep, and Deer Tribe. Only when the Fire Tribe's main valley is vacated can the main valley continue to receive new tribespeople."

As they spoke, the group arrived at the largest wooden house, where many high-ranking members of the Fire Tribe had already gathered— Jianya, Qingye, Dabang, Zongmao, Jijiao, Lu Ming, and others were all present. Upon seeing the group enter, everyone stood up.

"Please sit down." Jianshi sat down in the main seat and gestured for Yan to report the situation.

Yan stood up, walked to the wall with the simple map, and began to recount his experiences on the Fish River trip. He described in detail the living conditions of the tribes along the six tributaries of the Valley River on the east bank, their trust and longing for the Fire Tribe, and the situation of three thousand people joining them.

"Many tribes on the east bank of the Fish River are living in poverty," Yan concluded. "I estimate that quite a few more people will be willing to join us next year."

Then he described the situation of the five tributaries on the west bank of the upper reaches of the Fish River: "The tribes there are smaller and more scattered, and life is even more difficult than on the east bank. The powerful Valley Tribe doesn't go there once every ten years or so, Fish Tribe only goes to trade with coarse salt about once every two years. Each time, they exchange a very small amount of salt for a large amount of furs and medicinal herbs. We got a good deal this time and brought back quite a lot of supplies."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Once we go there a couple more times and establish trust, I estimate many more people will be willing to join next year."

Upon hearing this, Dabang excitedly slapped his thigh. "The more people, the better! Many hands make light work!"

Jianya picked up the conversation. "With more people, the planting in the fields needs to keep up. This time I bought four hundred cows from the Horse Tribe. With these cows helping, the efficiency of cultivating the fields can be increased several times."

As one of the deputy leaders of the Fire Tribe, Jianya is more focused on practical matters. "Next year, we will buy more grain from the Valley Tribe. The more grain we have, the more at ease everyone will feel, and the more confident we will be in expanding our population."

Jianshi Stone nodded, signaling Jianya to tell him about the trip to the Horse Tribe. Jianya cleared his throat. "This trip to the Horse Tribe took about a month round trip. We brought back 150 ponies, 400 oxen, and some hides, tendons, and Niujiao. We didn't bring enough pottery this time, so I still owe them some. We agreed to make up for it when we go to trade again next spring."

His expression turned serious. "As for warning them to be careful of the Wolf Tribe... Chief Junfeng of the Horse Tribe said he would pay attention, but I don't think he takes the Wolf Tribe seriously at all."

"But that Xiao Matou from the Horse Horn Tribe —the one who fled to the Horse Tribe after his tribe was wiped out by the Wolf Tribe —was very happy to hear that we had annihilated the main force of the Wolf Tribe. He said he would try to persuade Junfeng within the Horse Tribe to pay close attention to the Wolf Tribe's movements."

Jian Shi said in Jianshi voice, "We've done all we can. After all, that's the Horse Tribe's territory. It was our way of showing them the toe; whether they listen or not is their choice."

Yan frowned and said, "If the Horse Tribe is careless, they may suffer a great loss. The Wolf Tribe is no longer an ordinary raiding tribe; they have a purpose and ambition. The Fish Tribe just suffered a great loss at their hands."

Everyone nodded in agreement; they all had a deep understanding of the Wolf Tribe's ferocity and cunning.

Jianshi steered the conversation back to internal affairs. "Yan, Dali, you spent over a month on the upper reaches of the Fish River, and you haven't brought all three thousand people back yet. Dali, you'll continue to be in charge of the follow-up evacuations and the transportation of their miscellaneous supplies."

"Yes!" Dali replied.

"Yan," Jianshi looked at his son, "Move the copper and tin ore refining process to the Deer Tribe. This needs to be done quickly. You rest for two days, then go to the Deer Tribe to choose a site and build the ore refining workshop as soon as possible."

"Clear."

"Jianya," Jianshi turned to his younger brother, "Your mission to the Horse Tribe is complete. After resting for two days, go to the Small Gathering Valley Outpost to bring Dazhuang back. Although the Wolf Tribe poses less of a threat, I feel more at ease with you there."

He paused, then added, "Our Fire Tribe currently has over five hundred cavalrymen. I plan to station two hundred of them at our Small Gathering Valley Outpost to assist you in your defense."

The Small Gathering Valley Outpost not only serves as a barrier to the north, but may also become a forward base for the Fire Tribe to expand further north. Deploying elite cavalry there would strengthen defenses and allow for timely monitoring of movements in the north.

Jianya solemnly replied, "Don't worry, brother, I will guard the stronghold well."