The Fish Tribe Joins

The camp of the Fish Tribe was bustling with activity early in the morning. On the dock, several fishing boats were unloading their catch, with fresh fish still jumping in the baskets. By the field ridges, several women were picking vegetables, chatting and laughing. In the distance, several children were chasing and playing, their laughter ringing out. Everything looked so peaceful and serene.

But beneath this tranquility, an indescribable emotion was stirring within him: anticipation? trepidation? or reluctance? In the council hall, Canglan sat in the main seat, holding a bowl of hot soup, but he didn't drink a drop. His gaze was fixed on the direction of the entrance to the Fish Tribe camp. Chief Yan should be here today.

He put down his soup bowl and looked at the leaders present: Julang, Shentan, Feiyu, Bailin, Langhua... and several older elders, all sitting in their respective places, waiting for him to speak. Canglan cleared his throat.

"Everyone," his voice wasn't loud, but everyone heard him clearly, "The young chieftain of the Fire Tribe, Yan Shao, will be arriving today."

Everyone nodded, indicating that they understood.

Canglan continued, "The Wolf Tribe has now been wiped out. I called you here today to discuss joining the Fire Tribe."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone.

"These past few days, I've thought a lot. Everyone has witnessed the development of the Fire Tribe over the past few years. From a small tribe of two hundred people to a large tribe of tens of thousands, they can make pottery, build ships, and produce salt. Now they can even... manufacture bronze."

He emphasized the word "bronze" when he said it, and a low murmur rippled through the room. Julang was the first to speak.

"The chief is right." His voice boomed, "The Fire Tribe's strength is unfathomable. I saw it with my own eyes outside the Wolf Tribe's temporary camp that day—almost every warrior of the Fire Tribe had bronze weapons! Spears, swords, daggers, all bronze!"

He paused, his eyes gleaming.

"What does this mean? It means their bronze production was not low! It wasn't just a few pieces, it was enough to equip thousands of people!"

The Shentan nodded in agreement.

"Julang is right. I saw it when we attacked the Wolf Tribe's temporary camp that day. The Fire Tribe's warriors not only had better weapons, but they were also better trained. They charged in formation and obeyed orders without question. They were much stronger than our Fish Tribe's warriors."

He looked at Canglan and said seriously, "Chief, even without bronze weapons, the tribes around here are no match for the Fire Tribe. Their warriors are all rigorously trained. What about the tribes around us? They fish and farm in their spare time, and practice martial arts in their spare time. Their food isn't as good as the Fire Tribe's either. How can we compare?"

Feiyu and Bailin also spoke up.

"Chief, we support joining the Fire Tribe as soon as possible!"

"Yes! And the earlier you join, the better!"

Feiyu stood up excitedly, "Chief, Bailin and I have followed the Fire Tribe's fleet to the Valley Tribe several times and seen the Fire Tribe with our own eyes. The fields stretch as far as the eye can see! The wooden houses are so neatly arranged in rows! And all those people are well-fed and warmly clothed!"

He looked at Canglan, his eyes filled with longing.

"Chief, our Fish Tribe can live a similar life if we join the Fire Tribe!"

Bailin chimed in, "That's right! And the Fire Tribe has been good to us. They've never treated us badly along the way. We eat and drink together, and they help us solve any problems we encounter. Joining a tribe like that means we're sure to be safe from being bullied."

Julang also rose up.

"Chief, I, Julang, will make this clear—I've wanted to join the Fire Tribe Fire Tribe a long time! If it weren't for the opposition from some people in the tribe, I would have joined long ago!"

As he spoke, he glanced at the older elders, whose faces were somewhat grim, but none of them spoke. In the past, they were the main force opposing joining the Fire Tribe; they were reluctant to give up their power, their interests, and the Fish Tribe's independent status.

But now, the conservative faction of the Fish Tribe has suffered a major blow and dares not oppose them. Moreover, the strength of the Fire Tribe is plain to see. The Wolf Tribe, with nine hundred warriors, including six hundred cavalry, was utterly routed by the Fire Tribe. That arrogant Xueya even abandoned his stronghold, fleeing north with only a hundred or so men. With such strength, what can the Fish Tribe possibly match?

Independence and self-reliance? Ha, the end result of independence and self-reliance will be no better than that of the Wolf Tribe. Canglan looked at the faces of the elders and sneered inwardly. These people finally know fear. He cleared his throat and continued.

"Everyone is right. The rise of the Fire Tribe is unstoppable. If our Fish Tribe wants to continue to develop in this area, we only have two paths: either join the Fire Tribe, or be driven out like the Wolf Tribe."

He looked at everyone and said, word by word, "I choose the first option."

The Julang wave shouted, "Excellent! The leader is wise!"

Feiyu, Bailin, Shentan, and Langhua all nodded in agreement. The elders exchanged glances and slowly nodded as well. Seeing this, Canglan finally felt a Shitou lifted from his heart.

"Alright," he said, "Since everyone agrees, let's prepare to join the Fire Tribe."

He looked at the Julang: "Julang, take your men and take inventory of our food, supplies, and ships. Take everything you can!"

Julang Wave stood up. "Yes!"

Canglan then looked at the Shentan: "Shentan, take some people to count the population, how many men, women, and children there are, and record those with technical skills separately."

Shentan Pool nodded. "Understood!"

Canglan looked at Feiyu and Bailin one last time.

"Feiyu, Bailin, you two are familiar with the Fire Tribe. When Chief Yan arrives, put in a good word for him. If there's anything you don't understand, ask him."

Feiyu and Bailin replied in unison, "Yes!"

Everyone accepted their orders and left, leaving only Canglan in the council hall. He walked to the door, looking at the bustling camp outside, a complex emotion welling up inside him. The Fish Tribe, from today onwards, would become history. From now on, there would only Fire Tribe, no more Fish Tribe. He sighed, but quickly rallied his spirits. So what if it became history? As long as people were still alive and life could go on, that was enough.

In the afternoon, a horse was galloping towards them from afar. Canglan recognized the rider as Yan. Canglan strode to greet him at the entrance of the Fish Tribe camp. Yan rode his horse to the camp entrance, dismounted, and Canglan was already there to meet him with a smile.

"Young Master Yan!" he shouted, "You've finally arrived!"

Yan smiled and clasped his hands in a fist salute, "Chief Canglan, I've kept you waiting!"

Canglan pulled him inside, saying, "Please come in, please come in! I've already had some hot food prepared; let's eat and chat!"

The two entered the council hall and took their seats as host and guest. Leaders such as Julang, Shentan, Feiyu, Bailin, and Langhua also sat down. The table was full of food—grilled fish, stewed meat, wild vegetables, rice, and several jars of fermented fruit wine. Canglan personally poured Yan a bowl of wine.

"Young Chief Yan, come, have a bowl first! To celebrate our great victory over the Wolf Tribe!"

Yan took the wine bowl and drank it all in one gulp. Everyone else followed suit, raising their bowls and drinking in one go. After several rounds of drinks, Canglan put down his wine bowl and said with emotion.

"Chief Yan, your Fire Tribe is truly amazing! You easily defeated the arrogant Wolf Tribe, and now you've even destroyed their stronghold! That bastard Xueya abandoned over a decade of hard work, fleeing in a sorry state with only a hundred men. It's so satisfying!"

Yan smiled and shook his head, "Chief Canglan, you flatter me. This victory is thanks to everyone. Without your Fish Tribe's restraint and without the Pottery Salt Tribe's intelligence, we wouldn't have been able to win so smoothly."

Canglan waved his hand repeatedly.

"Chief Yan is too modest. In any case, eliminating this cancerous Wolf Tribe is truly gratifying! It's given our tribe, which has been bullied by them for so many years, a real chance to vent our anger!"

He paused, looked at Yan, and said seriously.

"Young Master Yan, I'd like to formally discuss joining the Fire Tribe today."

Yan nodded and listened attentively.

Canglan said, "To be honest, before, some people in our Fish Tribe disagreed with joining the Fire Tribe. They were afraid of losing their territory and their power, but now..."

He gave a wry smile.

"Now, the conservative faction of the Fish Tribe has suffered a significant loss of power, and no one is opposing them anymore. The strength of the Fire Tribe is plain for all to see, so who would dare to oppose them?"

Yan smiled but didn't say anything.

Canglan continued, "If we had known earlier that your Fire Tribe could make bronze, we would have joined long ago! Bronze, that's something that only the Tiger Tribe in the lower reaches of the Fish River could produce, even the Valley Tribe didn't have that technology or ability, and your Fire Tribe actually does!"

Canglan exclaimed, "With technologies in pottery making, shipbuilding, salt production, and bronze production, it would be difficult for them not to become powerful!"

Yan smiled and nodded, "Chief Canglan is right. Technology is fundamental. Only with technology can we develop."

Canglan nodded repeatedly.

"Yes, yes, yes! So joining now is the wisest choice! The earlier you join, the more opportunities you'll have!"

He looked at Yan, his eyes full of expectation.

"Chief Yan, our Fish Tribe is ready. When can we migrate?"

Yan thought for a moment and said, "Chief Canglan, I came to see you to discuss this matter."

He explained, "The four members of the Pottery Salt Tribe have already begun migrating to our Fire Tribe's headquarters. They number nearly six thousand. Once they are settled, we will bring you over."

He paused, then continued, "Our Fire Tribe's main valley can't accommodate so many people all at once. My suggestion is that the Fish Tribe send some leaders and chieftains to the Fire Tribe's main headquarters to learn for a while, to see how we manage things there, and how to get used to life there. Then, next spring, we can all migrate there."

Canglan was taken aback.

"Next spring? That's so far away?"

Yan nodded. "Yes, during this period, we will first transport a batch of food supplies to ensure your livelihood. We will also send a thousand able-bodied soldiers with some bronze tools and farm implements to assist you in cultivating more land."

He looked at Canglan and said earnestly, "Chief Canglan, this arrangement is to make your transition smoother. Moving 6,000 people over at once, plus your 4,000-plus, makes 10,000. We can't accommodate everyone on our side at once. Moving in batches is better for everyone."

Canglan thought for a moment and slowly nodded.

"Young Master Yan is right; relocating in batches is indeed the safest approach."

He looked at the leaders present.

What do you think?

Julang was the first to speak, "I think it's a good idea. Let's send some people over to learn first, and then bring everyone back together. That way, everyone will be familiar with the process, and we won't be caught off guard when we arrive."

Shentan nodded in agreement. "I agree as well. A phased migration is the safest approach."

The Feiyu and the Bailin were even more excited.

"Chief, let's go learn first! We're familiar with the Fire Tribe!"

Canglan smiled.

"Okay, you two definitely have to go."

He looked at Yan: "Young Chief Yan, it's settled then. We'll send a group of leaders and chiefs there to learn first, and then the rest will migrate over next spring."

Yan nodded. "Okay, it's settled then."

The two discussed some more details—how to transport food and supplies, how to arrange for able-bodied soldiers, and when the trainees would depart...

After everything was settled, it was already late. Yan stood up, clasped his hands in farewell, and took his leave.

"Chief of Canglan, fellow leaders, I must hurry back to the Stone Creek River Mouth, so I won't stay any longer."

Canglan quickly stood up.

"Young Master Yan, why the rush? Why don't you leave tomorrow?"

Yan shook his head. "No, the Pottery Salt Tribe is starting their migration today. I estimate we'll run into them when we reach the Stone Creek River Mouth. I need to go check on them and make some arrangements."

Canglan had no choice but to nod.

"Alright, I won't keep you any longer. Take care on your journey!"

Yan smiled and nodded, "Take care!"

He walked out of the council chamber and mounted his horse.

Behind him, Canglan led the leaders all the way to the camp gate. Yan turned back for a glance, waved, and rode away. Canglan stood at the camp gate, watching his figure gradually disappear into the distance, remaining motionless for a long time.

"Leader," the Julang approached and said softly, "We made the right move this time."

Canglan nodded.

"Yes, we made the right choice."

He turned and walked back to the camp.