The Last Grain-Hauling Trip of the Year

Two days later, before dawn, the Fire Tribe's headquarters dock was already packed with people. In the late autumn morning, a thin layer of mist floated on the river, like a veil shrouding the flowing water. Torches lit up the dock, their light spreading through the mist and casting a dim yellow glow over the surroundings. The masts of the fleet appeared and disappeared in the mist, like a bare forest. Hundreds of boats were densely moored on the river, their Chuantou raised high, resembling a lurking beast in the mist.

Jianshi stood at the front, followed by Qingye, Jianya, Dabang, Canglan, Wu Xiong, Jijiao, and other leaders. Everyone was dressed neatly and looked solemn. This was the last large-scale grain transport for the Fire Tribe this year, and also the first time the Fire Tribe had taken a giant ship with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin to the Valley Tribe. It was of extraordinary significance. Jianshi specially wore a newly made linen robe and stood up straight.

Yan stood on the dock of the Fire Tribe headquarters, making final preparations. He was wearing a newly made linen robe and a bronze dagger at his waist. He looked very energetic. Feiyu, Bailin, Yingmu, and Shibang followed behind him, all dressed neatly, chests out and heads held high, as if they were going to war.

Jianshi stepped forward, straightened Yan's collar, patted his shoulder, and lingered on his son's face for a moment. His son was already capable of handling things on his own in the Fire Tribe. He knew how much effort Yan had put into making the Fire Tribe what it was today.

"This time you're taking a ship with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin to the Valley Tribe. The entire Valley Tribe will definitely be shocked." Jianshi's voice wasn't loud, only Yan could hear it, and his tone carried a hint of caution, "But our Fire Tribe can't be too ostentatious. Some things are best left unsaid. Let them know we have this ship, that's enough, no need to deliberately show off."

Yan nodded and said earnestly, "Father, don't worry, I will pay attention to these things and restrain my subordinates to prevent them from being ostentatious. When we arrive at the Valley Tribe, we will keep a low profile when necessary and speak up when appropriate."

Jianshi nodded in satisfaction. The Fire Tribe's ship with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin was built by themselves. A few years ago, no one would have dared to even dream of such a thing. Back then, the Fire Tribe didn't even have a decent ship. They needed the Valley Tribe Valley Tribe to provide large ships to help them transport grain. But now? The Fire Tribe has more and more ships, and they are getting bigger and bigger. Starting next year, the Fire Tribe will no longer need the Valley Tribe Valley Tribe's assistance to transport grain.

"Our Fire Tribe's naval strength seems quite formidable, but compared to the Tiger Tribe, there's still a significant gap." Jianshi's voice deepened, his brow furrowing slightly. "Our Fire Tribe must continue its low-key development. Only when we build ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin by the end of next year will our Fire Tribe truly be able to protect itself on the waters of the Fish River Basin."

Yan nodded and said, "Only when we build ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin will we truly have a say in the Fish River Basin."

Jianshi was silent for a moment, then spoke again, his voice even lower so that only the two of them could hear him. "We previously mentioned to the Valley Tribe the matter of strengthening military cooperation, but Chief Daiyue had not given a clear answer. Now that our Fire Tribe has built a ship with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin, he should seriously consider this matter."

Yan thought for a moment and said, "Our Fire Tribe has built so many large ships so quickly. Chief Daiyue probably guessed that we can make bronze ware. Those people from the Valley Tribe aren't stupid; they can definitely figure out if they want to buy bronze ware from our Fire Tribe. Would we agree?"

Jianshi pondered for a moment, his brows furrowing slightly as he tapped his fingers lightly on his waist. He had been thinking about this problem for a long time and still couldn't make up his mind: to sell or not to sell? If he sold, the Valley Tribe's strength would increase, which would benefit the Fire Tribe, but if word got out and the Tiger Tribe found out, it would be a huge problem.

"If they agree to develop a military cooperative relationship with our Fire Tribe, whether privately or publicly, we can secretly sell them some bronze artifacts." He paused, his gaze becoming distant, looking at the river as if trying to pierce through the thin mist. "This time, Jianya brought back grain from the Valley Tribe and said that the Tiger Tribe downstream of the Fish River reacted strongly when they saw the Valley Tribe still peddling our Fire Tribe's pottery there."

Yan listened attentively without interrupting. Jianshi's tone grew increasingly serious as he continued, "While the Tiger Tribe was lowering prices to sell their pottery, they were also imposing an economic blockade on the Valley Tribe Valley Tribe, prohibiting them from buying bronze weapons and coarse salt from them. They were also threatening and intimidating the major tribes downstream of the Fish River, forbidding them from buying pottery and other supplies from the Valley Tribe."

His tone turned serious, and his brows furrowed as he said, "If the Tiger Tribe weren't currently embroiled in fierce conflicts with tribes on both the east and west sides, they probably would have already sent ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin to intimidate us. In that case, the Valley Tribe's situation would have been even more difficult."

Jianya chimed in, his voice tinged with indignation, his fists clenched. "The Tiger Tribe is too domineering," he said. "They rely on their large ships and numbers to bully whoever they want in the Fish River Basin. Our Fire Tribe needs to strengthen itself quickly, otherwise we'll suffer sooner or later if we clash with the Tiger Tribe. Once they have a spare Tiger Tribe, the first thing they'll do is target our Fire Tribe."

Yan nodded and said, "In that case, the sales of pottery from the Valley Tribe will soon be affected. The downstream tribes, having been intimidated by the Tiger Tribe, are probably afraid to buy the pottery that the Valley Tribe brought. The sales of coarse salt might be slightly better, since salt is something everyone needs; if they don't buy it, they won't have anything to eat."

Jianshi said, "Next time you go to the Valley Tribe, bring back plenty of coarse salt."

Yan nodded and said, "Yes, Father."

Jianshi looked at him, his eyes filled with expectation and a hint of worry, and said, "The Tiger Tribe is so arrogant and domineering that it will only cause other tribes to unite against them. As long as the Valley Tribe is willing to develop a military cooperation relationship with our Fire Tribe, we should give them some assistance. Helping these tribes is actually helping our Fire Tribe itself."

Yan nodded solemnly, his gaze firm, and said, "Father, rest assured, I've remembered all of this. I'll assess the situation when I get to the Valley Tribe. If Chief Daiyue relents, I'll talk to him; if he still hesitates, I won't force him."

Jianshi looked at the sky. The fog was dissipating, and the sky behind the mountains to the east was beginning to lighten. A ray of golden light shone through the ridge and onto the river. The torches on the Fire Tribe headquarters dock were gradually going out. The sky was getting brighter and brighter. Several early birds were chirping in the trees by the river, their clear voices drifting in the morning breeze.

"It's getting late, you should set off now, and come back as soon as possible." Jianshi patted Yan on the shoulder and took a step back.

Yan turned around and led Jia Li, Binmao, Feiyu, Bailin, Yingmu, Shibang and others onto the largest ship. Jia Li walked at the back, turned Jianshi and nodded to Jianshi, who also nodded to him.

Soon, the sound of Niujiao rang out, and the Fire Tribe's fleet slowly started, drifting downstream along the Fire Creek River. The oars cut through the water, making a splashing sound, and the sails billowed in the morning breeze. The entire fleet resembled a giant dragon, slowly moving through the morning mist.

On the dock, Jianshi and the others stood watching the fleet sail away. Qingye stood beside Jianshi, looking at the largest ship with worry in her eyes. Jianshi squeezed her hand and whispered, "Don't worry, Yan will take good care of himself."

They didn't turn and leave until the last boat disappeared into the morning mist. Yan led the Fire Tribe's fleet downstream along the Fire Creek River at a fast pace. The scenery along the Fire Creek River flashed by. Yan stood at the Chuantou, looking at the ever-growing stronghold, and was filled with emotion. A few years ago, this place was a wasteland, with weeds taller than a person. Now, it has become the Fire Tribe's granary, with rows of wooden houses, fields, wisps of smoke rising from chimneys, and bustling with activity.

Feiyu walked over and stood beside him, also looking at the ever-growing stronghold, and said, "Young Chief, our Fire Tribe's stronghold is developing really fast. Last time I came, there weren't this many houses."

Yan nodded and said, "Yes, it will be even more lively here in two years."

Soon, the fleet arrived at the Fire Creek River Mouth Outpost. Yan ordered the fleet to stop and regroup, and he and a few others boarded the giant ship with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin. This ship was more than twice the size of the 20,000 jin carrying capacity ships next to it. Its Chuantou was raised, like a swan with its head held high, and its stern was flat and wide, capable of holding hundreds of people. The deck was wide enough for several oxcarts to walk side by side. The mast was thick and required two people to encircle it. The sails were huge, made of the finest linen, and billowed in the wind, making a whooshing sound. The wooden planks of the hull were thick and made a dull sound when tapped, like striking Shitou. A bird with outstretched wings was carved on the Chuantou, lifelike, with every feather carved out, as if it were about to take off at any moment.

Yan walked around the deck, patted the hull, touched the mast, and finally squatted down to examine the seams of the planks. They were perfectly fitted and finely crafted. He nodded in satisfaction. The craftsmen in the Fire Tribe's shipbuilding workshop had indeed put in a lot of effort. This ship was no worse than the one from the Valley Tribe.

"Let's go!" he commanded.

The fleet set off again, sailing downstream along the Fish River. The giant ship with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin led the way, like a giant beast swimming on the water. Its Chuantou cleaved the river, stirring up white Langhua. Behind it were ships with a carrying capacity of 20,000 jin, 10,000 jin, 5,000 jin, and 2,000 jin, forming an orderly line that stretched as far as the eye could see, like a school of fish following the giant beast.

Three days later, the Red Flower River Mouth Outpost came into Yan's view. From afar, Yan saw a man standing on the dock of the Red Flower River Mouth Outpost. He was burly and broad-shouldered, craning his neck to look in this direction, like a giraffe waiting to be fed! Who was this but Dali? He was wearing an old linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his thick forearms. His hands were rough and strong. His hair was messy from the river wind, but his eyes shone like two lamps.

Yan laughed. He had already received a message from Dali saying that Yan insisted on resting at the Red Flower River Mouth Outpost. Although he said he was resting, he was actually thinking about the ship with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin. Dali's obsession with Dali ships was well-known in the Fire Tribe. Last time, when the ship with a carrying capacity of 10,000 jin was tested, he was the first to rush aboard. Now that the Fire Tribe had built a ship with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin, how could he not have his fill of it?

Yan led his fleet slowly to shore. Dali up from the dock to greet him, his feet seemingly springy, his face beaming with a smile, his eyes narrowed into slits, and his mouth stretched to his ears.

"Yan'er! You've finally arrived!" He grabbed Yan's hand and shook it hard, with a grip so strong it could crush Shitou.

Yan Tiao chuckled and teased, "Uncle Dali, you weren't hoping for me to come, were you? You were hoping for this big ship to come, weren't you?"

Dali chuckled, scratched his head, his face slightly flushed, and said, "Isn't it all the same? Now that you're here, the ship is here too. Besides, you're going to lead the fleet to rest along the way anyway, so what difference does it make where you rest? My place is spacious, and I've prepared plenty of food; it's better than anywhere else."

Yan shook his head helplessly, feeling both annoyed and amused, and said, "Alright, then let's rest here for the night."

Dali's eyes lit up, like a hungry wolf spotting its prey. He turned and walked towards the 50,000-jin (25,000 kg) cargo ship, his steps light as if he were walking on clouds, taking three steps at a time, as if he wanted to fly there. "You guys go eat and rest first, I'll go up and take a look!"

Yan watched his retreating figure, both amused and exasperated, and raised his voice to call out, "Uncle Dali, slow down, don't fall!"

Dali waved his hand without turning his head, and boarded the giant ship in a few steps. He stood on the deck, looking left and right, touching the hull as if he were stroking his own child; patting the mast to test its sturdiness; and then squatting down to examine the planks, wishing he could check every single plank.

He muttered to himself, seemingly lost in thought, his expression shifting between surprise, satisfaction, and a furrowed brow, as if he were finding fault. Yan shook his head and led the others to eat. The kitchen at the Red Flower River Mouth Outpost was much larger than when they last visited, with dozens of stoves, cutting boards, water tanks, and spice racks—everything was there. Pots and pans were neatly arranged. Yan had promised to send a skilled cook to Dali last time, and this time he brought the person along.

That was a man in his thirties named Shixiang. He was recognized as one of the best cooks in the Fire Tribe headquarters. He was fair-skinned and clean-cut, unlike the burly warriors. His hands were white and tender, as if he had never done any work, but when he cooked, he was incredibly skillful.

As soon as Shixiang entered the kitchen, she started working. She tied on an apron, rolled up her sleeves, and began chopping vegetables, lighting the fire, and cooking. Her movements were so swift and graceful that they seemed to be dancing. Before long, the kitchen was filled with a wonderful aroma that wafted out through the crack in the door and onto the dock. Braised fish, stewed pork, stir-fried vegetables, and mushroom soup were served one after another, each dish a feast for the eyes and the palate, making one's mouth water just by looking at them.

Everyone sat down and started eating, their mouths greasy with Shixiang stood aside, watching everyone eat with relish, a satisfied smile on her face. Dali, however, was not there; he was still wandering around the giant ship. He had walked from the Chuantou to the Chuantou and back again, several times, making new discoveries each time. Sometimes he would lie down to look at the seams under the ship, sometimes he would stand up to touch the mast ropes, and sometimes he would run to the Chuantou to look at the carving of the flying bird.

Yan had someone save him a meal, packed in a food box and kept warm on the stove. He went to rest first. In the evening, Dali finally came down from the boat, his face full of satisfaction, like a cat that had just eaten. As soon as he entered the kitchen, he smelled the aroma of the food, his stomach rumbled, and he sat down to eat, wolfing it down, his cheeks bulging like a hamster.

Yan sat opposite him, watching him wolf down his food, and couldn't help but smile before asking, "Uncle Dali, how's our ship with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin?"

Dali swallowed a large mouthful of rice, gave a thumbs-up, and, with rice still in his mouth, mumbled, "Great! Excellent! It's even sturdier than those 50,000-jin-capacity ships of the Valley Tribe!" He shoveled a few more mouthfuls of rice, picked up a piece of braised pork, stuffed it into his mouth, chewed it a couple of times, and his eyes lit up, "Who made this meat? It's delicious!"

Yan pointed to Shixiang, who was tidying up by the stove, and introduced him, "This is the culinary expert I promised you, named Shixiang. He'll be staying with you from now on."

Dali's eyes lit up. He looked at the Shixiang, sized it up, and exclaimed, "Great! Great! Excellent!" He shoveled down a few more mouthfuls of rice and mumbled, "Next year we need to build several more ships with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin each, and place one at the Red Flower River Mouth as soon as possible."

Yan nodded and said, "I've already spoken to my father. The Red Flower River Mouth Outpost will be equipped with a ship with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin. Once it's built, it will be sent to you."

Dali's eyes lit up. He forgot all about his meal, put down his chopsticks, and stared intently at Yan, asking, "Really?"

Yan nodded and said, "Really."

Dali laughed heartily, the sound echoing in the kitchen and rattling the windows. He picked up his bowl and continued eating, enjoying it even more than before. The next morning, before dawn, Yan led the fleet to prepare to set off. Dali stood on the dock, watching the giant ship with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin gradually sail away, remaining motionless for a long time. Shixiang stood behind him, also watching the ships.

"Leader, let's go back," Shixiang said.

He shook his head Dali, his gaze still fixed on the ship, and said, "Wait a little longer."

Only when the boat became a tiny dot on the river and disappeared into the morning mist did Dali turn around and stride back to the camp.