Yan's Right-Hand Men

Two days after Yan and Dali returned from the meeting, on the morning before the morning mist had dissipated, the dock at the Fire Tribe headquarters was already bustling with activity. Dali stood at the Chuantou the largest ship, weighing ten thousand catties, watching the supplies being loaded onto the ship with a satisfied smile on his face. Grain, coarse salt, pottery, and linen were neatly stacked in the hold.

"Uncle Dali!" a young Xiaotou ran over, "Everything's packed! We're ready to go!"

Dali nodded and glanced back at the shore, where Jianya was standing at the Chuantou of another fleet, waving at him. The two fleets, one to the north and one to the south, were going to split up today. Dali's fleet was going to the Ash River, Grass River, and Peach River on the west bank of the upper reaches of the Fish River to deliver food and supplies to the tribesmen who had not yet arrived, and to transport back the miscellaneous items of those who had already arrived at the Fire Tribe headquarters.

The Jianya Tooth tribe is going to the Pottery and Salt, Beast Taming, Shuize, Hundred Crafts, Qinghe, and Fish Tribe. The fields there cannot be left uncultivated, and planting will be expanded next year. Many things need to be prepared before the end of the year. After finishing these tasks, he will also take some people and boats to the Horse Tribe to purchase furs, dwarf horses, and draft cattle.

"Let's go!" Dali gave the order.

As the horn sounded, the two fleets slowly left the dock, one heading north and the other south, gradually disappearing into the morning mist. On the dock, Yan watched the departing fleets, silently thinking about what was to come. In the next two days, he planned to visit all the workshops at the Fire Tribe headquarters and also check on the training of the Youth Team.

As the population grows, so do the needs, and the workshops' production must keep up. He turned and walked toward the workshop area, which now occupies a large area, and the clanging and hammering sounds could be heard from afar.

In the pottery workshop, hundreds of artisans were busy at work. Some were mixing clay, some were throwing clay, and some were firing kilns. The kiln fire was blazing, and the heat was intense. As Yan walked in, an old artisan greeted him.

"Young Master Yan, you've arrived!"

Yan smiled and nodded, "Old man, how's the production lately?"

The old craftsman beamed, "Excellent! Production is much higher than before! At this rate, our pottery will definitely be enough to replace the 20 million catties of grain the Valley Tribe next year, with plenty to spare!"

Yan nodded and asked again, "What about the quality? Is there no problem?"

The old craftsman patted his chest and assured them, "Don't worry! Our pottery is even better than the pottery of the Tiger Tribe at the very bottom of the Fish River! People down the Fish River are fighting over it!"

Yan left satisfied and went to the bronze workshop, which was even more lively. Hundreds of craftsmen were busy, some smelting copper, some forging, and some polishing. The fire was blazing and the hammers were clanging.

The head of the bronze workshop came forward and called out, "Tongchui."

"Young Master Yan!" he said with a beaming smile, "You've arrived!"

Yan asked, "How's the production lately?"

Tongchui said, "The war is over. Now we mainly focus on making farm tools and implements. Our current production volume is sufficient."

Yan nodded. "What about bronze weapons? Is the inventory sufficient?"

Tongchui said, "That's enough. We made them ourselves, and we have over two thousand sets in stock. If a war really breaks out, we can arm another two thousand men!"

Yan nodded in satisfaction. He then went to the textile workshop, the salt-making workshop, the shipbuilding workshop, and so on. He visited each workshop, inquired about the output, checked the quality, and chatted with the craftsmen. After several rounds, Yan had a good idea of what was going on. The output of the workshops was enough to support the rapid development of the Fire Tribe. Next, it was time to find people. He turned around and walked towards the Youth Team camp.

Before Yan even got close to the Youth Team's camp, he heard a series of neat shouts—the sounds of the youths training. Yan quickened his pace and entered the camp. Inside, hundreds of youths were training. They were divided into several formations; some were practicing marching, some were practicing physical fitness, and some were practicing martial arts. Everyone was very serious, and their clothes were soaked with sweat.

Standing on the sidelines were three familiar figures: Gubang, Daya, and Zhuangchai. The three were watching the boys with Orthodox God, occasionally loudly correcting their movements. Yan did not disturb them, but quietly walked to the sidelines and watched quietly. After a while, Gubang suddenly turned his head. He saw Yan, paused for a moment, and then a surprised smile appeared on his face.

"Boss!"

He strode over, followed by Daya and Zhuangchai.

"Boss! You're here!" Gubang exclaimed excitedly. "You were so busy yesterday, I didn't even see you!"

Yan smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

"I'm done with work, so I came to see you all."

He looked at the teenagers who were training and asked, "How are these new recruits?"

Gubang said, "They're all good! They're all promising talents, willing to work hard, and obedient to commands. After training for a while, they're already quite skilled."

Daya added, "There are a dozen or so outstanding ones who are fast, strong, and quick-witted. We've written them down and will show them to you later."

Zhuangchai also said, "Yes, yes, those kids will definitely amount to something someday!"

Yan nodded, feeling very gratified. These brothers had really grown up. He looked at Gubang.

"Gubang, you're fifteen now. Before the heavy snow this year, we'll all have our coming-of-age ceremony."

Gubang's eyes lit up. "So fast?"

Yan nodded. "Yes, you'll be going to the Deer Tribe Mining Area to take over your brother Shibang's position."

The Gubang paused for a moment, then straightened its chest.

"Don't worry, boss! I'll do my job well when I get there, and I definitely won't let you down!"

Yan patted him on the shoulder, then looked at Daya and Zhuangchai.

"Although I still hold the title of captain of the Youth Team, I'm usually busy and can't be here every day. After Gubang leaves, the two of you will be responsible for the daily management and training of the Youth Team."

He paused, then said seriously, "The Fire Tribe's population will continue to grow, and so will the number of members in the Youth Team. Are you confident you can lead them well?"

Daya and Zhuangchai exchanged a glance and said in unison, "Yes!"

"Good!" Yan nodded in satisfaction. "I believe in you."

He chatted with the three of them for a while, asked about the details of the training, and offered some suggestions before leaving the Youth Team camp. As he walked out of the camp, Yan was thinking about what to do next. Some time ago, Yingmu had led a group to the north to investigate the Wolf Tribe and had just returned today. He needed to find Yingmu to ask about the situation. When he arrived at Yingmu's residence, Yingmu was already waiting for him.

"Boss!" Yingmu greeted him.

Yan nodded and sat down by the fire.

"Sit down and tell me, what's the situation to the north?"

Yingmu sat down opposite him, his expression somewhat grave.

"Boss, that bastard Xueya, he pulled off two more heists after he got away."

Yan frowned. "You pulled off two heist?"

Yingmu nodded. "Yes, after they fled into the territory of the Horse Tribe, they raided two tribes of about five hundred people each, stole their food and ponies, and then ran further north."

Yan remained silent for a while.

"The Horse Tribe didn't pursue them?"

Yingmu shook his head. "We chased after them, but Xueya and his Horse Tribe searched for several days but couldn't find them. They're probably hiding in the area between the Valley Tribe's Little Valley Camp and the Horse Tribe."

He paused for a moment, then said, "Seeing that I couldn't get any more information, I brought my men back."

Yan nodded, not blaming him.

"That's right. That bastard Xueya is incredibly cunning. Since he's hiding, we won't be able to find him anytime soon. Let's take care of our own business first, and we can deal with other things later."

Yingmu breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "Boss, what do I do next?"

Yan thought for a moment and said, "Rest for two days first, and then come with me to the Deer Tribe in a couple of days."

Yingmu's eyes lit up. "To the Deer Tribe?"

Yan nodded. "Yes, Shibang is over there. I haven't seen him in a long time. We can also take this opportunity to check on the situation at the mining area."

Yingmu grinned. "Alright!"

Two days later, Yan and Yingmu set off on horseback towards the Deer Tribe Deer Tribe, which was located east of the Fire Tribe's headquarters. It would take more than a day to reach them by horseback. The two chatted along the way.

"Boss," Yingmu asked, "How's the Shibang over there doing?"

Yan smiled and said, "It's good. The Deer Tribe Mining Area has copper and tin mines, as well as refining workshops. He's in charge of security there and oversees several hundred warriors. Although it's hard work, he's doing a good job."

Yingmu exclaimed, "Shibang is truly capable. I heard that since he went there, there hasn't been a single accident in the mining area."

Yan nodded. "Yes, he's serious about his work now, and his subordinates respect him."

Yingmu was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Boss, after I came back I heard that Shibang has been sending messages to you lately, asking when his younger brother will take over his place?"

Yan laughed, "You're quite well-informed."

Yingmu scratched his head and chuckled.

Yan said, "Gubang will go after his coming-of-age ceremony. Shibang is getting restless in the mining area and wants to go out and fight."

Yingmu said, "He couldn't participate in this extermination of the Wolf Tribe; he must be extremely worried."

Yan nodded. "Yes, that's why I'm going to see him this time, and also to comfort him."

As they talked, they headed east. The next day, the Deer Tribe Mining Area came into view in the distance. From afar, Yan saw a man standing at the entrance of the camp. The man was burly and strong, riding a tall black horse. It was Shibang. He had already received the news and was waiting here. When he saw Yan and Yingmu from afar, he excitedly spurred his horse to greet them.

"Boss! Yingmu!" He dismounted and strode over.

Yan dismounted and went to meet him; the two embraced tightly.

"Shibang!" Yan patted him on the back, "Long time no see!"

The Shibang released him and looked him up and down.

"Boss, you've lost weight! You worked hard wiping out the Wolf Tribe this time!"

Yan smiled and shook his head, "It's not tiring at all. But you, you must be getting restless here, right?"

Shibang grinned, but a hint of melancholy flashed in his eyes.

"It's a bit frustrating. I heard you guys are having a big fight over at the Fish Tribe, and I'm just watching anxiously from here."

Yingmu said from the side, "Shibang, you couldn't participate this time, but you'll definitely have a chance next time!"

Shibang patted him on the shoulder and nodded.

"Come on, let's go inside! I've had some delicious food prepared!"

The three mounted their horses and galloped toward the camp. Inside, the soldiers sat around a campfire, chatting and laughing. When they saw Yan and Yingmu, they all stood up and saluted. Yan responded to each of them and followed Shibang into the largest wooden hut. Inside, food had already been laid out: golden-brown roasted mutton, steaming hot broth, and a jar of fermented fruit wine. The three sat down, Shibang personally poured wine for Yan and Yingmu.

"Come on, boss, Yingmu, have a bowl first!"

The three of them drank their wine in one gulp, put down their bowls, and Shibang looked at Yan and asked seriously.

"Brother Yan, when is that kid Gubang coming?"

Yan laughed, "What's the rush? He'll come over after his coming-of-age ceremony."

Shibang scratched his head. "I just couldn't wait. I've been stuck in these mountains for so long, I'm almost going crazy from boredom."

Yan looked at him, feeling a pang of emotion. Shibang was one of his most trusted brothers, his right-hand man. With the fighting raging outside these past few years, it was truly a waste of Shibang's time to be sent here to guard the mining area.

"Shibang," Yan said seriously, "Just bear with it a little longer. When the Gubang comes, you can come out. Then, there will be plenty of battles to fight."

Shibang's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Yan nodded. "It's true, the Fire Tribe still needs to expand. The Xueya in the north hasn't been wiped out, and the Tiger Tribe is downstream. There have been countless battles in the past few years!"

Shibang grinned and nodded vigorously.

"Okay! I'll be waiting!"

The three of them drank another bowl of wine and chatted about the past years, from following Yan Diaowa to training with the Youth Team...

As they chatted, the night deepened. Yan stepped out of the wooden house, looked at the starry sky, and took a deep breath. Shibang stood beside him, also gazing at the starry sky.

"Boss," he suddenly asked, "What will become of our Fire Tribe in the future?"

Yan was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly.

It will become very big, bigger than you can imagine.

Shibang looked at him, his eyes full of trust.

"I'll become anything as long as I'm with you."

Yan smiled and patted him on the shoulder.

"Go back to sleep, we need to go check on the mining area tomorrow!"

The two turned around and walked back to the cabin.