Another Trip to the Valley Tribe for Grain

Over the next two days, Yan and the others visited the Youth Team Youth Team's camp whenever they had time. The camp was much noisier than before, with a noticeable increase in the number of people. Most of the 1,500 newly joined youths were still feeling awkward and curious as they arrived. Gubang, Daya, and Zhuangchai Chai were busy moving around, shouting to maintain order and assigning the youths who hadn't yet been assigned to temporary groups. They were sweating profusely.

Yan observed for a while before calling the three of them aside.

"Boss, you're finally here!" Gubang wiped his sweat, panting. "These kids, there are too many of them, and they're a real handful. Managing them is a real headache!"

Daya also looked distressed. "Brother Yan, there are too many people. We can't manage them all. Just getting to know everyone and dividing them into teams will take several days."

Zhuangchai, however, remained excited. "Brother! It's lively with so many people! Look at them, their eyes are so bright, they're just a bit thin!"

Yan looked at the three of them: one impatient, one worried, and one optimistic—just like they should be at this age. He smiled and first affirmed, "You've all done very well these past few days. Keeping things under control is a success in itself."

Then, he said seriously, "Listen, we can't rush the training of the newly joined youths. Many of them didn't even have enough to eat before, so their physical foundation is weak. In the early stages, we shouldn't subject them to high-intensity physical and combat skills training."

"Then... then what kind of training?" Gubang asked, puzzled.

"Rules and knowledge," Yan said clearly. "First, spend ten days to half a month, or even longer, to familiarize them with the rules of our Fire Tribe —how to live and work, how to follow instructions, how to get along with their companions, and how to cherish public property. At the same time, arrange for older members who are literate to teach them the most basic pictographs, how to count, and to learn about the history, culture, and main leaders of our Fire Tribe, so that they first identify with the three words ' Fire Tribe ' from the bottom of their hearts."

He looked at Daya: "Daya, you're meticulous about this matter. You'll be mainly responsible for the initial instruction in rules and culture, and you'll create a simple study schedule."

"Yes, Brother Yan!" Daya's eyes lit up. This was indeed more organized than simply maintaining a chaotic order.

"Gubang," Yan turned to him, "Your task is to carefully observe these new teenagers during this time. Identify those who learn rules quickly, are quick-witted, recover their physical abilities rapidly, or possess some special talent (such as speed, sharp eyesight, strength, or dexterity). Mark them separately; I have a great use for them."

Gubang nodded vigorously. "Understood, boss! I'm good at picking people!"

"Zhuangchai," Yan said, turning to his younger brother, "You should lead them in playing some simple team games, like relay races or blindfolded scavenging. This will not only strengthen their bond but also allow you to observe their teamwork and personality. Remember, it's 'leading them in,' not just playing around on your own."

"I guarantee I'll complete the mission!" Zhuangchai straightened his chest.

"Remember, proceed step by step. Once they've recovered and understand the rules, gradually introduce them to drills, basic physical training, and weapons familiarization. You can't get fat overnight," Yan concluded. "If you handle this well, the three of you will deserve just as much credit as killing enemies on the battlefield. Many positions in the tribe will require capable managers in the future."

These words ignited the passion in the three teenagers, filling them with a sense of responsibility. Their previous frustration and pressure seemed to lessen considerably, and they nodded vigorously, their eyes brimming with enthusiasm.

After leaving the Youth Team, Yan threw himself into the tedious preparations for the fleet. This time, the goal for the trip to the Valley Tribe was clear—to transport as much grain as possible back from the Valley Tribe. Although the Fire Tribe's own rice was about to be harvested, the more grain the better. This time, the Fire Tribe Fire Tribe Valley Tribe.

In the Fire Tribe's pottery warehouse, mountains of pottery jars were piled up. After months of full-scale production, the stock here was enough to cover the trade volume of three million catties of grain, with a surplus. Yan and Dali personally supervised the soldiers as they carefully bundled the pottery with dry straw and carried it to the dock, basket by basket. Then, based on the size and load capacity of the boats, the pottery was rationally allocated to eighty large boats with a load capacity of five thousand catties and one hundred and ninety large Muzhou with a load capacity of two thousand catties. In addition to pottery, some of their own woven hemp cloth, woven straw sandals, as well as cured meat and dried fish, were loaded onto the boats as extras or special goods.

The dock was bustling with activity, yet orderly. In just two days, all the cargo was loaded, and the ships' draft increased significantly.

On the morning of departure, Fire Creek Wharf was once again crowded with people. Jianshi, along with almost all the high-ranking members including Qingye, Dabang, Binmao, Jijiao, came to see them off. Looking at this unprecedentedly large fleet, everyone felt a surge of pride and anticipation.

Jianshi walked up to Yan and Dali, his gaze sweeping over his son's slightly tired but determined face, then looking at his brothers, who were travel-worn but still full of energy. His tone was apologetic and solemn. "Yan, Dali, you've hardly had any rest these past few months, but for such important matters concerning the tribe's food supply, I can only feel at ease if trustworthy and capable people like you personally handle them. Thank you for your hard work."

He paused for a moment, then said, "We were supposed to have Jianya take turns going, but those new outposts are in a critical phase of construction, and we can't do without him for now. So, we'll have to trouble you all to make this trip again. Once things are settled, we'll make sure you get a good rest."

Yan immediately replied, "Father, you flatter us. The affairs of the tribe are our affairs. Rest assured, we will adapt to the situation when we go to the Valley Tribe. Our Fire Tribe has brought enough 'sincerity' (referring to pottery). The trade between the Fire Tribe and the Valley Tribe will greatly benefit them. Even if there are disagreements between Chief Daiyue and those elders, that is a matter of how to distribute the benefits after they have been received. The trade itself should not be a problem."

Dali added in a deep voice, a glint of shrewdness in his eyes. "Don't worry, Chief, we know what we're doing. This time, we not only have more people and more ships, but we've also secretly hidden a batch of the best bronze weapons in the hold of several large ships, all wrapped in oilcloth. If anyone in the Valley Tribe is foolish enough to try something wicked, even if Chief Daiyue can't openly support us, we're more than capable of protecting ourselves!" He spoke with great confidence, clearly having made preparations in advance.

Jianshi listened, a look of relief and satisfaction on his face. He nodded, "Good! I'm even more at ease knowing you're prepared and confident. Remember, safety first, food second! Go and come back quickly!"

"Yes!" Yan and Dali clasped their hands in acceptance of the order.

Without another word, the two turned and strode onto the lead ship, where the boatmen untied the mooring lines and poled the Changgāo.

"Set sail!" Yan Qingliang's clear voice echoed through the morning mist.

"Set sail!" The Chuantou relayed the order in turn.

Sails rose one after another, billowing in the morning river breeze. The massive fleet slowly departed from the dock and headed downstream of Fire Creek. The Fire Tribe's fleet, like a giant dragon awakening, disappeared into the light mist. On the dock, the crowd seeing them off stood for a long time.

The fleet sailed downstream at a fast pace, and two days later, in the early morning, they arrived at an important landmark on the main channel of the Fish River — Stone Creek Mouth.

Stone Creek is a medium-sized tributary of the Fish River. The river mouth is wide, and the banks are covered with rolling hills and mudflats. The land is fertile and the vegetation Fengmao. The fleet of boats rested here and replenished their water with clean water from several nearby springs.

Standing at the Chuantou, Yan pointed to the open terrain at Stone Creek Mouth and said to Dali beside him, "Uncle Dali, look here. The terrain is flat and open, with abundant water. It's only about a three-day land journey to both the Pottery Salt Tribe and our Little Gathering Valley dock."

Dali followed Yan's finger and nodded, "Yeah, it's a nice place. I didn't pay much attention to it when I passed by before, but now that you mention it, it's true."

Yan continued to elaborate on his ideas, "If our Fire Tribe's population continues to grow and our dependence on external food and supplies deepens, we will need more forward outposts and supply depots. Building a stronghold here would have many advantages."

He counted on his fingers. "First, it can serve as an important transit and supply point for our trading fleet. Second, it allows us to control this fertile land; as the population grows, we can relocate some of our people here to cultivate it, since this place is closer to the downstream area than our main settlement. Third..."

Yan lowered his voice, a hint of coldness in it. "And most importantly, it allows us to closely monitor and restrict the Wolf Tribe's activity range. Although we crippled the Wolf Tribe last year, I have a feeling that people like Xueya will never willingly succumb to defeat. If we build a strong outpost here and set up beacon towers, it will be like a nail driven into this area. If there's any disturbance to the north, Wolf Tribe wants to harass the Pottery Salt Tribe or even further downstream, we can get early warning and even provide rapid support!"

Dali listened, his eyes growing brighter and brighter. He couldn't help but slap the gunwale. "Great idea! Yan, you're really sharp! Now that you mention it, we really should take this place! Before, we were only thinking about looking further afield (towards the Valley Tribe), forgetting to tidy up our own frontier. By planting a stake here, those wolf cubs to the north won't be able to comfortably extend their claws! Our Fire Tribe's power can take another significant step forward!"

Yan nodded and added, "Moreover, I've observed that even during the dry season, the water level in this Stone Creek is sufficient for our 2,000-pound Muzhou to pass through. A long stretch along the Stone Creek is suitable for cultivation. If our Fire Tribe plans well, this place can accommodate a considerable population in the future, and it will become a new and important branch."

The more they talked, the more they felt the idea was feasible. They agreed that once they returned from transporting grain from the Valley Tribe, they would formally propose at the tribe's high-level meeting to build a base at Stone Creek Mouth and gradually develop both banks of the Stone Creek.

After a brief rest, the fleet continued its journey. Early the next morning, the familiar "Pottery and Salt Creek," which flows into the Fish River, appeared ahead. Near the mouth of the creek, Jia Li, the chief of the Pottery Salt Tribe, was already waiting there with several people. Clearly, the fast boat sent by the Fire Tribe in advance had delivered the message.

When Jia Li saw the enormous fleet, far larger than ever before and almost covering the entire wide river, he could hardly hide the shock on his face. Especially when he saw the many brand-new boats, their wood still slightly damp, his assessment of the Fire Tribe's shipbuilding capabilities and expansion speed was once again refreshed.

What chilled him even more was that he knew this fleet was heading to the downstream Valley Tribe for large-scale grain trade— the Fire Tribe's thirst for grain seemed inexhaustible, yet they were able to continuously offer equivalent goods (mainly pottery) in exchange, and even get the Valley Tribe's massive 50,000-jin (25,000 kg) cargo ship to provide transportation assistance! This strength and power left the Pottery Salt Tribe only able to look up in awe.

Suppressing the complex emotions in his heart, Jia Li put on a warm smile and waved vigorously at the main ship where Yan and Dali were slowly approaching, "Young Master Yan! Dali! You must have had a long journey!"

Yan and Dali stood at the ship's railing, smiling and returning the greeting with a cupped hand, "Uncle Jia Li, thank you for waiting here in person!"

The boat didn't fully dock, but just moved close enough to talk. Yan said to Jia Li, "Uncle Jia Li, our mission is urgent, so we won't disembark and bother you any longer. The pottery, linen, and cured meat you ordered last time have already been loaded onto the boat behind us. We'll have someone deliver them to the Pottery Salt Tribe dock in a small boat right away. As usual, we'll give you credit first, and you can settle the payment later once you've sold them all."

Upon hearing this, Jia Li's gratitude deepened. The Fire Tribe's "credit sales" model greatly alleviated the trade pressure on tribes like the Pottery Salt Tribe, which were of average size and had limited working capital, and also strengthened the trade ties between the two sides. He quickly said, "Oh, thank you so much! Yan'er, Dali, your Fire Tribe is truly a good friend and a great support to our Pottery Salt Tribe! Please give my regards to Chief Jianshi and Sister Qingye when you get back!"

"I'll definitely bring it!" Yan nodded in agreement.

After a brief handover, several small boats carrying goods from the Pottery Salt Tribe broke away from the main fleet and headed into the depths of the Pottery and Salt Creek. Yan and Dali did not delay any longer and ordered the fleet to raise their sails again and continue downstream along the main channel of the Fish River.

The massive fleet, propelled by the currents and winds, sailed at an incredible speed. By evening, the Fire Tribe's enormous fleet was about to arrive at the doorstep of this trading hub and important partner in the middle reaches of the Fish River.