A Visit to the White Pig Tribe

Leaving the bustling Bison Tribe camp, Jianshi and his party pressed on without pause, heading toward the White Pig Tribe's camp on the other side of the valley. Unlike the Bison Tribe's rough, bold style, the White Pig Tribe's camp looked more orderly. Their shelters, built from branches and vines, were more uniform, and there were even small plots enclosed by simple fences, with what seemed to be crops growing inside.

The White Pig Tribe's chief, who was also the father-in-law of Jianya (Jianshi's eldest younger brother and the tribe's strategist), was named Zongmao. He was about the same age as the Bison chief, but lean and capable, with a merchant's shrewdness in his eyes. He had long since noticed the Fire Tribe's arrival and their enviable supplies. Now, seeing his son-in-law Jianya approaching with his elder brother and nephew, he immediately came forward, his face wreathed in a welcoming smile.

"Chief Jianshi! Jianya! Ah, at last you're here!" Zongmao's voice carried a slick warmth. "I spotted those fine things you brought from far away. They really are enough to make a man envious! It looks like the Fire Tribe is going to flourish this year!"

"Chief Zongmao (Father-in-law)." Jianshi and Jianya both bowed respectfully. They maintained the proper respect for this father-in-law renowned for his shrewdness. At Jianshi's signal, Dazhuang presented the gifts this time-not a clay pot, but a pair of elegantly shaped, smoothly polished pottery storage jars, likewise carefully wrapped in soft leather.

When the pair of pottery jars was revealed, Zongmao's eyes instantly narrowed, a sharp gleam flashing through them. He carefully took one jar, tapped it with his fingers, and listened to its clear ring, then closely examined the symmetry of its body and how tightly it sealed.

"Fine! Fine things!" Zongmao praised them repeatedly, unable to put the jar down. "These pottery jars are far better than those misshapen melons and cracked dates from the Fish Tribe! Nothing could be better for keeping things sealed away!" He immediately recognized the immense value of these jars for storing precious seeds, salt, or medicinal herbs. They suited his wishes better than a large cooking pot. He hurriedly had his tribespeople put them away carefully, his manner growing even warmer than before.

Everyone sat down in a circle, and once again Jianshi spoke first. "Chief Zongmao, we've come to trade with your tribe. We need some fine, exceptionally tough wild boar hides. Also..." He glanced at Jianya, who nodded slightly and continued, "Father-in-law, we'd also like to trade for piglets. If possible, we'd like to learn how to make better use of the resources along the swamp's edge, and... how to smoke meat more effectively so it keeps longer."

As Zongmao listened, his fingers tapped lightly against his knee while he rapidly calculated. The Fire Tribe's needs were clear: pig hides, piglets, and the "techniques" on which the White Pig Tribe depended for survival-making use of swamp resources and preserving food. Although these were important tribal assets, they were not beyond trading, especially when the other party had produced such exquisite pottery jars and clearly had a large quantity of dried fish as well.

He had already noticed that the Fire Tribe's people were in excellent spirits and clearly had no shortage of food. Their willingness to trade precious salt-cured dried fish showed that what they truly valued were techniques and certain distinctive supplies.

"Haha, easily done, easily done!" Zongmao laughed. "We still have some pig hides in stock. Take your pick. As for piglets, we can trade you those too. As for those little tricks you mentioned..." He made a show of pondering, his gaze sweeping over the pair of pottery jars and the conspicuous pile of dried fish at the distant Fire Tribe camp. "Since we're family, naturally I won't keep anything to myself. We can have a good exchange. But that salt-treated dried fish of yours is fine stuff. You'll have to trade us more of that. Also, those 'hemp clothes' you're wearing look quite good too?"

Zongmao was shrewd indeed. He had not only set his sights on the dried fish and salt, but also noticed the Fire Tribe members' matching new-style clothing.

Jianshi and Jianya exchanged a knowing glance. Jianshi answered readily, "Hemp clothes can certainly be traded too. We can exchange dried fish, salt, and some hemp clothes for Father-in-law's pig hides, piglets, and techniques. We can discuss the exact quantities later."

"Splendid!" Zongmao clapped his hands and laughed heartily, thoroughly satisfied with the outcome. Trading replenishable supplies and techniques for urgently needed salt, large amounts of high-quality protein (dried fish), and novel, practical hemp clothes was a good deal however he looked at it. This would be enough for the White Pig Tribe to weather the winter safely, even with some left over.

At this point, Jianshi once again requested guards. "Chief Zongmao, we'll be going to the Fish Tribe afterward. It's quite a journey, so we'd like your tribe to send five alert, capable men who know the route to accompany us as well. Again, we'll cover all their expenses and provide additional payment."

Sending five people would have little effect on the White Pig Tribe, yet it would save rations, deepen their relationship with the Fire Tribe, and give the tribespeople a chance to see more of the world. Zongmao barely hesitated.

"No problem!" he agreed at once. "I'll have a few of the tribe's sharpest young men go with you. They know the way to the Fish Tribe well!"

It was another negotiation that left hosts and guests alike delighted. The Fire Tribe obtained quality hides, future livestock, and experience in using resources, while adding another five guards. The White Pig Tribe, meanwhile, filled its winter shortfall in salt and food, and acquired practical pottery and hemp clothes. Once again, both sides achieved a win-win outcome.

As they left the White Pig Tribe's camp, Jianshi and Jianya both breathed a sigh of relief. Dealing with the shrewd Zongmao required particular care, but the result was satisfying. Wang Yan followed silently behind them, reflecting that trade was not merely an exchange of goods, but also an exchange of wisdom, information, and relationships.