After the Top Hundred Feast
The following morning, the core leaders of the Fire Tribe had gathered in the largest wooden house. The warm charcoal fire inside dispelled the chill of the early winter morning. Jianshi sat in the main seat, watching his trusted lieutenants, including Flame, Jianya, Dabang, Dali, Dazhuang, and Shibang, take their seats one after another, a gratified smile on his face. The success of the Top Hundred Feast was not just a celebration, but also an excellent demonstration of the tribe's cohesion and fighting power.
"Everyone has worked hard this time," Jianshi said in Chenwen voice, with a hint of satisfaction. "The martial arts tournament was a great success! I witnessed the strength of our Fire Tribe warriors, the rapid growth of the younger generation, and the high morale of warriors from all tribes after their integration!"
His gaze swept over everyone present. "Such competitions should be held frequently in the future! Not only should there be a general martial arts tournament, but we can also break it down into smaller events: strength, endurance, archery, spear throwing... we can even have handicrafts and farming skills! We should hold a centralized event every year, so that all those with talent have a stage to showcase their abilities and receive the honors and rewards they deserve!"
"Father is right," Yan immediately chimed in, his eyes gleaming. "This will not only ensure a continuous selection of talent, but also inspire the entire clan to dedicate themselves to honing their skills and training diligently. Winners will receive titles, material rewards, and even priority consideration for positions, creating a virtuous cycle."
"Great idea!" Dabang slapped his thigh. "I'll definitely participate in the strength contest! I'll fight Yan again every year from now on!" His words drew a burst of good-natured laughter. Although he lost the final yesterday, he accepted the defeat wholeheartedly and his heroic spirit remained undiminished.
Dali, Dazhuang, and others nodded in agreement. This open and fair competition mechanism is undoubtedly one of the ways to maintain vitality and select capable individuals for the increasingly large Fire Tribe.
Seeing that everyone had reached a consensus, Jianshi turned the topic to more practical arrangements. He looked at Jianya, "Second brother, are the winter preparations at the Small Gathering Valley Outpost all settled?"
Jianya's smile faded, and he said seriously, "Don't worry, brother. We have sufficient food, firewood, and winter clothing. As planned, the last batch of supplies transferred from headquarters arrived with the fleet three days ago. The wooden houses at the outpost have also been reinforced for wind protection. We should be able to get through this winter safely."
"Yes." Jianshi nodded. "Next spring, we plan to relocate another 3,000 people from our headquarters. You need to plan ahead and prepare enough temporary accommodations. The primary task for the new people is to assist in land reclamation. Next year, we aim to cultivate 5,000 mu of high-quality paddy fields and 50,000 mu of dry land and vegetable gardens in Little Gathering Valley. This is a tough task."
He paused, then looked at the crowd. "The headquarters will provide full support! Oxen, bronze tools, and experienced farmers will be prioritized for allocation. Jianya, you have a heavy responsibility on your shoulders."
Jianya's expression was serious as he nodded solemnly. "Brother, I understand. Before spring, I will lead the men to refine the plan, clear enough wasteland in advance, and build shelters. As long as we have the manpower and tools, I will definitely lead the brothers to take down those 5,000 mu of paddy fields and 50,000 mu of vegetable fields!"
"Good!" Jianshi praised, then added, "Furthermore, the trade with the Horse Tribe must continue next year. We need more oxen and miniature horses. The oxen will be used for land reclamation, and the miniature horses... will be useful not only for cavalry but also for transportation and communication in the future. You should plan ahead for this. Just let us know if you need any support."
"Yes! I've got it." Jianya replied.
Then, Jianshi's gaze turned to Shibang, and the young mine manager immediately straightened his back.
"Shibang, how's the situation with the Deer Tribe? Are they having any problems getting through the winter?"
"Reporting to the chieftain," Shibang's voice boomed, "The winter supplies for the Deer Tribe are complete, the mine has been reinforced for safety, and the refining workshop has sufficient charcoal and raw materials to maintain minimum production. As for defense, the lookout posts and beacon towers are manned day and night, so please rest assured, chieftain."
"Yes, I trust you with your work." Jianshi was very satisfied with the young man he had watched grow up and who was now capable of handling things independently. "Next year, the Deer Tribe will also be accepting new members. We plan to relocate two thousand people there gradually, mainly to build living areas and expand the guard and support personnel in the mining area. Your task will be even more important—you must ensure the safety and production of the mining area, and also assist the new members in settling down and cultivating the land along the river. As for defense and security, that is always the top priority, and there can be no slackening!"
A determined glint shone in Shibang's eyes. "Rest assured, Chief! I will personally oversee the defense of the mining area, and I will also assign capable people to manage the construction of the living quarters. We will ensure that the Deer Tribe is firmly and securely defended!"
"Good! It's good that you have this spirit!" Jianshi nodded and then gave the other leaders several instructions regarding the headquarters' winter preparations, workshop production, and continued training.
After the meeting, everyone went about their respective tasks.
The following three days were officially named the "Top Hundred Warriors' Feast." The Fire Tribe provided a large amount of meat, offering the hundred warriors a continuous feast—golden-roasted whole sheep, stewed venison, plump pheasants and ducks, and even smoked fish and cured meat, as well as unlimited sheep's milk, wild fruits, and a wine simply fermented with wild honey and berries. Even ordinary tribespeople received extra food rations. The air was filled with the aroma of meat, and laughter echoed throughout the village.
The most excited were the new members of the tribe. For many of them, simply having enough to eat was a luxury in the past. They had never seen such a lavish and continuous feast. Looking at the abundant food, many were moved to tears, their faces beaming with happiness and satisfaction. Their sense of belonging and identity with the Fire Tribe reached new heights amidst the delicious food and celebration.
During the Top Hundred Feast warriors, new and old clansmen, as well as warriors from different backgrounds, sat together, talking loudly about the exciting scenes of the martial arts tournament, exchanging their experiences and skills. The previous barriers and unfamiliarity quickly melted away in the enthusiastic atmosphere. This grand feast not only rewarded the warriors but also became a deeply moving unifying force.
The warriors from Little Gathering Valley and the Deer Tribe, after enjoying three days of lavish hospitality from headquarters, returned to their posts by boat and horseback, carrying with them glory, rewards, and heartfelt friendship. They brought back not only abundant supplies, but also the strength and unity of headquarters, crucial for consolidating morale at the outer outposts.
The three days of jubilation passed in the blink of an eye. As the last group of people left, the valley gradually returned to its usual rhythm, but with an added sense of settled confidence and cohesion.
The weather turned completely cold at this time, and the cold wind began to howl in the valley, stirring up withered leaves and dust. A few days later, one morning, fine snowflakes began to fall from the leaden sky. At first, they were sparse, but gradually they became denser, and by the afternoon, they had turned into a flurry of goose feather snow.
This was the first snowfall of winter, arriving swiftly and heavily. In just one afternoon, the valleys, fields, houses, and distant mountains were covered with a thick, soft, white blanket. The world seemed to fall silent instantly, with only the howling of the cold wind carrying snowflakes remaining.
The once bustling training ground is now deserted, and the formerly busy fields are now just a vast expanse of white. Most of the tribespeople have retreated into their warm and sturdy wooden houses, gathered around the hearth, mending clothes, sharpening tools, telling ancient stories, or simply enjoying the rare leisure and tranquility. Only in a few important workshops, the fires still blaze, and the pottery kilns, bronze furnaces, and spinning machines are maintained at a minimum level of operation under the careful care of the craftsmen, storing up supplies for the tribe to get through the winter and for the coming year.
The soldiers on patrol wrapped their fur coats tightly around themselves, their breath instantly turning into white mist. The children, on the other hand, excitedly pressed their faces against the windows, gazing at the snow-covered world outside, eagerly anticipating running out to play in the snow once it stopped.
Yan stood at the door of his wooden house, watching the snow falling all around. This heavy snow marked the beginning of the Fire Tribe's "hibernation" season. The hustle and bustle and passion had temporarily subsided, but the tribe's progress would not stop. People were resting, preparing, and planning. The glory of the martial arts tournament was now a thing of the past, and the jubilation of the top 100 feast had returned to calm.