Hearts Revealed in a Riverside Night Talk
As Yan bid farewell to Daiyue and Qingsui and returned to the temporary camp near the dock, it gradually grew dark. Although the secret talks had not yet reached any substantive agreement on a military alliance, Yan did not feel too disappointed. Instead, he felt a sense of reassurance that "it was expected and there is still a long way to go."
This time, Yan not only successfully demonstrated to Daiyue the Fire Tribe's astonishing development speed and potential strength, but more importantly, he truly grasped the Valley Tribe's, or rather Daiyue himself's, deep anxiety and desire for change in the face of the colossal shadow of the Tiger Tribe downstream. Daiyue's caution was entirely understandable; after all, any major diplomatic shift by the Valley Tribe could trigger unpredictable chain reactions. But as long as the "intention" had been clearly conveyed and both sides shared a common understanding of "sticking together for warmth," then the future held infinite possibilities. Currently, consolidating trade between the two sides was the most realistic and solid bond.
"There's no rush for what comes next," Yan told himself. Qingsui and Yan chatted as they walked.
"How was it? My father... didn't make things difficult for you, did he?" Qingsui asked nervously.
Yan felt a warmth in his heart seeing her concerned expression, and shook his head with a smile, "No, Chief Daiyue was very frank, and we had a very in-depth discussion. Although some things still need time, the general direction is good. Thank you, Qingsui."
Hearing Yan say that, Qingsui breathed a sigh of relief and smiled broadly, "That's good! You must be hungry after a long day!"
The two walked side by side toward the temporary camp at the dock. When they returned to the camp's cooking area, Yan rolled up his sleeves and used some ingredients stored at the camp—a few fresh river fish, a piece of pork with alternating layers of fat and lean meat, some wild vegetables brought by Qingsui, and precious seasonings he had brought from the Fire Tribe —to once again demonstrate his culinary skills that Qingsui had been longing to hear. The firelight illuminated his focused profile, and the copper pot seemed to come alive in his hands. The aroma of the food quickly filled the air, causing many Fire Tribe warriors around to swallow hard.
Yan prepared a very generous portion. He first served several large bowls and had a warrior deliver them to Dali and the two leaders of the Fish Tribe, Dali Feiyu and Bailin, who were still making final checks at the dock. Only then did he sit down with Qingsui by the fire to enjoy this belated but exceptionally delicious dinner.
Qingsui ate with great relish, praising the food indistinctly as she ate, until she was so full she couldn't eat anymore. She reluctantly put down her chopsticks and sighed contentedly, "Sigh, every time I've eaten your cooking, the food from our tribe just doesn't taste the same."
Yan couldn't help but smile at her childlike appearance.
After dinner, night had completely enveloped the earth, and most of the soldiers in the camp were resting, conserving their energy for the long voyage the next day. In the distance, towards the dock, there were still scattered lights and faint voices, as Dali were making their final checks.
The night breeze carried the moisture from the Fish River, gentle and comfortable. Qingsui suggested taking a walk along the river, and Yan happily agreed. The two avoided the main passage of the camp and strolled slowly along the riverbank on a flat grassy area not far from the dock. The starlight was reflected in the gently flowing river, and it mingled with the scattered lights of the Valley Tribe headquarters on the opposite bank, creating a tranquil and hazy night scene.
At first, the two were just chatting about trivial things that had happened during the two or three months they had been apart.
"How are Chasing Wind and Treading Clouds doing lately? Have you fattened them up?" Qingsui asked about her two beloved horses that she cared about most.
"Don't worry, they're doing great," Yan laughed. "Not only have they not gained weight, but because they train with our cavalry squad regularly, their muscles have become even more toned. Now, in our Fire Tribe's horse herd, those two are practically 'kings of horses.' Other horses avoid them when they see them; they're very imposing."
Qingsui's eyes lit up, but then she pouted in disappointment, "I really envy them... My father won't let me ride horses anymore, saying it was too dangerous last time. Now I can only go to the stable to see his ' Startling Thunder,' brush its fur, and feed it some treats. It's so boring."
Seeing her disappointed look, Yan had a sudden thought and blurted out, "Then... next time you have time, come visit our Fire Tribe. You can ride to your heart's content, whether you want to ride the Chasing Wind or the Treading Clouds, I'll personally lead it for you."
"Really?!" Qingsui jumped for joy instantly, her eyes sparkling in the starlight. "You have to keep your word!"
"Of course." Yan nodded with a smile.
The conversation flowed in a relaxed atmosphere, but then, Qingsui suddenly fell silent for a moment, her pace slowing. She lowered her head, gently kicking the Xiaocao with her toes, her voice suddenly becoming hesitant and awkward.
"Yan... you... in your Fire Tribe, do the men... all like... girls with... darker skin, stronger bodies, um... bigger butts?" She asked, her face already slightly flushed, but thankfully the night concealed her embarrassment.
"Huh?" Yan was taken aback by her sudden, abrupt question, and didn't react for a moment, taking several seconds to understand what she was asking. Looking at the girl in front of him, who seemed a little uneasy under the starlight, Yan thought seriously for a moment before answering, his voice particularly clear in the night. "That... maybe it's for the strength to do farm work, or something else. Personally, I..." He paused deliberately, noticing Qingsui's eager ears, before slowly saying, "I actually prefer someone with fair skin, and a figure... like you, slender and well-proportioned."
"Really?!" Qingsui suddenly looked up, her face instantly lighting up with surprise, as if the brightest star in the night sky had fallen into her eyes. Her skin tone and physique, which stood out as particularly "different" in the Valley Tribe's agricultural and fishing-based environment, had always been a source of slight inferiority for her. The mainstream aesthetic of the Valley Tribe favored healthy, strong, and hardworking types. Although no one dared to openly criticize her as the chief's daughter and relatively fair-skinned and slender "outlier," her status meant that she didn't have many true suitors; most of them were attracted to her because of her identity.
Qingsui hadn't cared much about this before, and was even somewhat self-centered. But ever since she fell in love with Yan, the boy who was almost perfect in her eyes (brave, intelligent, of high status, a good cook, and able to take care of horses), she began to become sensitive and particularly concerned about her image in his eyes. Now, hearing Yan say "I like you" in person, the surprise and sweetness instantly overwhelmed her, making her feel light as a feather, as if she were soaking in the sweetest wild honey.
However, after the sweetness subsided, a deeper worry welled up inside her. She bit her lip, her voice lower, and asked tentatively, "Then... in the Fire Tribe, there must be many, many girls who like you, right? They give you gifts, or... have their elders arrange marriages for you?"
Seeing her nervous yet expectant expression, Yan finally understood, and a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes. He deliberately put on a serious face and said, "Sigh, you guessed it! Quite a few people do like me! Every now and then, I receive little things they secretly leave at my door—wildflowers, braided bracelets, even burnt dried meat... Many uncles and aunts in the tribe are also very enthusiastic, always pulling me aside to tell me which family's daughter is capable, which family's daughter is beautiful, and they want to play matchmaker!"
"Ah?!" Qingsui's heart jumped into her throat, her face turned pale, and she hurriedly asked, "Then... then did you agree? Did you choose one?"
Seeing her on the verge of tears, Yan finally couldn't help but chuckle, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous glint. "How could that be? I've already fallen for someone!"
"Who is it?!" Qingsui's voice trembled slightly, her eyes fixed on him.
Yan stopped and turned to face Qingsui. His eyes shone brightly in the starlight. He leaned closer to her and said, word by word, in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Far away, yet so close."
Qingsui was stunned for a moment, blinking blankly as she watched Yan wink at her with a smile, and then glance around meaningfully—the riverbank was deserted, who else could be there besides the two of them? In a flash, she finally realized what was going on!
"You...!" A surge of shame rushed to Qingsui's head, her cheeks instantly burning hot, even her ears turning red. She was both ashamed and angry, and she turned around abruptly, her back to Yan, and stomped her foot. "Yan! You... you're bullying me! I'm not talking to you anymore!" But there was little real anger in her voice; it sounded more like a spoiled child.
Yan smiled and stepped forward, gently taking her wrist and turning her around. Qingsui lowered her head, refusing to look at him, but she didn't break free.
"Okay, okay, it's my fault. I shouldn't have teased you." Yan softened her voice, her tone filled with sincere apology. "Don't be angry anymore, okay?"
Qingsui was secretly overjoyed. Her earlier embarrassment was half genuine and half feigned. Hearing Yan coax her gently, her little temper vanished instantly. She raised her head and glared at Yan reproachfully, but the smile in her eyes was impossible to hide.
That evening, during their riverside stroll, their seemingly joking conversation unfolded like a spring breeze lifting the last veil of mystery, allowing them to clearly see the budding feelings in each other's hearts. With starlight as witness and the river as their matchmaker, the hearts of the young man and woman quietly drew closer at that moment.
However, as the night grew quiet, Qingsui reluctantly left under the escort of her attendants, and Yan returned to the temporary camp alone, the sweetness of their initial understanding of each other gradually subsided, and more realistic thoughts surfaced in his mind.
Qingsui is the only beloved daughter of the Valley Tribe chief, possessing a noble status, while he himself is the young chief of the Fire Tribe. Although the two tribes have grown increasingly close through trade, they are ultimately located on opposite Fish River, far apart, and their cultures and customs differ. A marriage between them would be no easy feat. Would Chief Daiyue agree? What would the other factions within the Valley Tribe think?
"Thinking about these things now might be too early." Yan lay on the simple bed, gazing at the tent ceiling, thinking to himself, "We're all still young. Right now, the most important thing is to seize the enormous opportunities brought by trade with the Valley Tribe and make the Fire Tribe stronger and more stable as soon as possible. Only when the Fire Tribe is strong enough can I stand taller and speak with more weight when facing anything or anyone."
"As for Qingsui..." He pictured the girl's blushing face and bright eyes under the starlight, and a gentle smile unconsciously curved his lips. "There's plenty of time. Once the Fire Tribe's foundation is more solid, and once the connection between our two tribes is closer... things will be much easier later on."
In the makeshift camp, Dali deep, rhythmic snore came from beside Yan's tent. This generous elder had already arranged everything perfectly, making thorough preparations for tomorrow's voyage. Listening to this reassuring sound, Yan slowly closed his eyes.