Thoughts Behind a Massive Trade
After everyone nodded in agreement, they dispersed. Dali didn't immediately return to his tent, but instead walked side by side with Yan along the path worn into the temporary camp, slowly heading towards the center. The camp was much quieter now, with only the footsteps of the patrolling soldiers, the faint sound of water from the distant dock, and the crackling of the campfire.
Dali looked up at the scattered lights still lit in the direction of the Valley Tribe, then turned back to look at his own fleet of ships, their massive silhouettes visible in the night, moored at the dock. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Yan, to be honest, this is my first time here, and I'm truly shocked by the Valley Tribe's wealth. Eight million catties of grain! Judging from what Chief Daiyue said, they could easily produce that much with just a little more effort and more land! This grain production capacity is terrifying. No wonder they've been a long-established major tribe rooted in the middle and lower reaches of the Fish River for so many years; their foundation is incredibly solid!"
His voice was filled with amazement, but also with a hint of barely perceptible pressure. No matter how fast the Fire Tribe developed, in terms of the stability and total amount of food production, it was still significantly behind the Valley Tribe, a power that had accumulated strength over countless generations.
Yan nodded, his steps unwavering, his gaze calm. The wealth and power of the Valley Tribe had also greatly shocked him. "Yes, I didn't expect it either. My original estimate was that they would have a surplus of six million catties of grain, which was already their limit. Eight million catties... This means that the Valley Tribe's grain production and reserves far exceed our previous estimates."
He paused, seemingly lost in thought, "I think that besides their fertile land and advanced farming techniques, it's probably also related to their relatively peaceful recent years, which has allowed them to concentrate their efforts on developing production. Moreover, I see that the leader of Daiyue and those elders are very enthusiastic about doing large-scale grain transactions with us."
Dali immediately chimed in, his tone certain. "Of course! They must have tasted the Tiantou! Last year, we traded them two million catties of pottery made from grain, and they resold it downstream along the Fish River, making who knows how much profit they made! I bet the profit was at least two or three times! Otherwise, would these leaders of large tribes be so easy to talk to and so readily agree to eight million catties?" He often saw things directly at the core, driven by self-interest, which was the most practical principle everywhere.
"Therefore," Yan continued, his thoughts becoming increasingly clear, "The pottery we provide is the 'key' to unlocking downstream trade and reaping huge profits for them. The grain they provide is the 'cornerstone' for our internal stability and sustainable development. This transaction is crucial for both sides; as long as this fundamental basis remains unchanged, the cooperation can continue in the long term."
However, behind the enormous profits and close cooperation lie real problems and risks. Dali frowned again, counting on his fingers. "But how to transport these eight million catties of grain back is a big problem. From our Fire Tribe to the Valley Tribe, even going downstream is fast, but it still takes more than ten days. Going upstream, fully loaded, would take at least twenty-six days, and that's assuming good weather and no accidents. A round trip, plus the time for loading, unloading, and rest on both sides, would take at least forty days. In a year, even if our fleet didn't eat, drink, or run non-stop, we could only make about eight trips at most."
His expression grew increasingly grave as he calculated. "One trip... with the help of the Fish Tribe, we can transport about 500,000 jin at a time. Eight trips would only amount to about 4 million jin, still short by half! The rest depends entirely on the Valley Tribe's help with transportation. But isn't that Bear Tribe downstream always stirring things up? If a war really breaks out, the Valley Tribe's fleet will definitely prioritize its own use, drastically reducing our grain transport capacity. If we can't transport the 8 million jin of grain, that will be a huge problem!"
Yan's expression also turned serious, his Dali concern reflecting the very issue he had been weighing in his mind: transportation is the lifeline connecting the "production end" and the "demand end." If this line breaks down, all agreements are meaningless.
"Uncle Dali, you're right. We can't completely entrust our transportation lifeline to others, especially when the situation might change." Yan's voice was steady, carrying a sense of determination. "Once we get back, this matter must be put on the agenda immediately. We need to discuss it thoroughly with everyone. We must improve our Fire Tribe's own transportation capabilities as soon as possible!"
As he walked, his thoughts became increasingly clear and specific. "First, there's the issue of the number and carrying capacity of the ships. We can't be satisfied with the current ships that can carry 5,000 jin. When we get back, we must urge the shipbuilding workshops to gather the best craftsmen and research how to build larger, stronger, and more suitable ships for long-distance heavy loads. Ships with a carrying capacity of 10,000 jin must be built this year, and a certain number must be produced. Ships with a carrying capacity of 5,000 jin and large Muzhou with a carrying capacity of 2,000 jin must also be added immediately. In this way, we can hope to increase the transport capacity of our fleet from the current 500,000 jin to 1 million jin, or even more!"
Dali's eyes lit up as he listened, and he clapped his hands loudly. "That's right! That's how it should be! Only when you have your own boat will you feel at ease! That 50,000-jin boat from the Valley Tribe looks really impressive. I wish we could build one too!" A look of longing appeared on his face.
Yan laughed, "With our current technology and materials, building a ship weighing 50,000 jin is probably still a challenge. But I believe that building a ship with a carrying capacity of 10,000 jin should be no problem this year. When the first one is built and launched for sea trials, I'll definitely let Uncle Dali be the first to take the helm!"
"Haha! Good! I'll remember that!" Dali was so happy he couldn't stop smiling, as if he could already see the magnificent sight of the Fire Tribe's huge ship cutting through the waves.
After laughing, Yan's expression returned to calm. "Besides shipbuilding, the training of sailors, the organization and scheduling of the fleet, and the establishment and maintenance of supply points along the way all need to be kept up. This trade of eight million catties of grain is not a one-off deal. In the next few years, as long as we maintain rapid development, the annual demand for grain will still be very large. This trade route with the Valley Tribe must be long-term and stable. Improving our own transportation capacity is fundamental to ensuring the safety and smooth operation of this lifeline."
"That's right! True strength comes from being strong yourself!" Dali completely agreed, feeling gratified by Yan's thorough and long-term considerations.
With the business settled, Dali changed the subject, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. He nudged Yan lightly with his elbow. "By the way, what did that young lady from the Valley Tribe talk about when she saw you off? You two seemed to be getting along quite well. We have to leave early the day after tomorrow, young people, it's a rare opportunity to meet, so let's chat as much as we can!" He winked, his meaning clear.
Yan felt a little embarrassed by what he said, but he didn't hide anything and frankly said, "Qingsui asked if I had time tomorrow. She's coming over tomorrow at noon, and I promised to cook her some food from our Fire Tribe. Also... I might accompany her for a walk around the neighborhood this afternoon." He looked at Dali, "Uncle Dali, about tomorrow afternoon..."
Dali immediately waved his hand and patted his chest to interrupt him, "Don't worry! I know the two leaders of the Fish Tribe very well about what's going on tomorrow afternoon, I guarantee it'll be handled perfectly! You can go ahead after you finish your own business tomorrow morning! I'll take care of the miscellaneous matters in the camp, I guarantee everything will be arranged clearly and won't delay our departure the day after tomorrow!"
Seeing Uncle Dali's support and willingness to take on the work, Yan was grateful and said solemnly, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Uncle Dali!"
"Hey! Don't be so polite with me!" Dali waved his hand dismissively. "Alright, you've had a long day too, get some rest. We'll be busy tomorrow. I'm going to check on the night watch setup over there." With that, he strode off, his figure quickly disappearing into the night.
Yan stood there, looking in the direction Uncle Dali had left, then looked up at the night sky above the Valley Tribe headquarters. The stars were sparse, but the moonlight was still bright.
The trade of eight million catties of grain between the Fire Tribe and the Valley Tribe not only ensured the Fire Tribe's survival but also brought transportation pressure. It also prompted the Fire Tribe to push its development to a new level, build more, bigger, and stronger ships, and establish a more reliable transportation system.
Yan took a deep breath, turned, and walked towards his tent. Tomorrow would be a busy and crucial day; he needed to conserve his energy. Yet, his mind was still racing: discussing the details of shipbuilding with everyone at the Fire Tribe, the potential risks along the way, maintaining the long-term cooperation with the Valley Tribe... and, what delicious food should he prepare for Qingsui tomorrow?