The Distribution of the Fire Tribe's Advance Payment

After seeing Yan and his group off, Daiyue stood at the entrance of the council hall. Behind him, none of the seven elders of the Valley Tribe had left. They stood in twos and threes at the entrance, whispering among themselves. Their voices were like the rustling of leaves in the wind, and the content was indistinct. Some had their arms crossed, some had their hands behind their backs, some frowned, and some were expressionless, but everyone's gaze kept drifting towards Daiyue's back, as if they were waiting for something.

The First Elder, Yaoshan, leaned against the doorframe, his hands tucked into his sleeves, his eyes half-closed as if dozing, but occasionally a glint of shrewdness flashed in them. The Second Elder, Hefeng, stroked his beard, his brows slightly furrowed, muttering to himself, seemingly lost in thought. The Third Elder Jin Ye with his arms crossed, his back ramrod straight, his gaze sharp as a drawn sword. The Fourth Elder Lin Feng, paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, his steps light and hurried, like an ant on a hot pan. The Fifth Elder Shuize, stood beside Lin Feng, nodding occasionally in agreement, like a yes-man. The Sixth and Seventh Elders stood at the very back.

Daiyue turned around, his gaze sweeping over everyone. He sighed softly, the sigh carrying a hint of weariness and helplessness in the night breeze. "Everyone, come in and sit down," he said.

The crowd filed in and took their seats. The fire in the hearth was blazing, crackling and sputtering, occasionally a few sparks falling onto the Qingshi floor before quickly going out. The air in the council hall was stuffy, carrying the lingering smell of wine and food, but the atmosphere was much heavier than during the banquet, like the sky before a storm. No one picked up a wine bowl or a plate of food; everyone sat, their eyes fixed on Daiyue.

Daiyue sat in the main seat, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, making rhythmic sounds, like playing a song without melody. He was silent for a while before speaking, his voice not loud, but exceptionally clear in the quiet council hall.

"The Fire Tribe is truly amazing; they can now even build ships with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin." He paused, his fingers tapping faster. "Next year, they plan to increase the number of these ships to fifty. You know, our Valley Tribe only has ten right now."

The second elder He Feng shook his head and sighed. The sigh contained a bit of helplessness, a bit of emotion, and a bit of indescribable sourness. "Yes, the Fire Tribe was a small tribe of about two hundred people a few years ago, and now it has become a large tribe of 100,000 people. Tribe, their development speed is unimaginable." He stroked his beard, his fingers trembling slightly, "Our valley tribe has been developing for decades, and now it has only reached 20,000 people. How many years have they been? How many years do you think they did it?"

The Third Elder Jin Ye, sat up straight, his brows furrowed, his hands crossed on the table, his knuckles white, and said, "Just now, the young leader of the Fire Tribe said that they are developing a ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin. Judging from his tone, the Fire Tribe is very confident that they can build it by the end of next year."

His voice was low, tinged with anxiety and urgency. "That's something only the Tiger Tribe has. The Tiger Tribe has boats with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin, so they can roam freely on the Fish River. If the Fire Tribe had it too, then..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood what he meant.

Fourth Elder Lin Feng nodded, tapping his fingers lightly on the table in rhythm with Daiyue's. He said, "The Fire Tribe's shipbuilding speed is far faster than our Valley Tribe's. I heard their shipbuilders work in three shifts, the workshop never stops when people rest. What about us? We work during the day and rest at night. How can we compare?" He paused, raising his voice slightly, "Moreover, the Fire Tribe's craftsmen are becoming more and more skilled. What about our craftsmen? The old ones are old, some have left, and those who remain are few and far between who can shoulder heavy responsibilities."

Fifth Elder Shuize also spoke, his voice tinged with worry and confusion. "The Fire Tribe is developing so fast, is that a good thing or a bad thing for our Valley Tribe? I'm a little confused now. Before, I thought they were small and wouldn't be a problem; we could even profit from them. Now that they're bigger, bigger than us, I'm starting to feel uneasy." He rubbed his hands together. "Do you think they might one day swallow us up too?"

The Sixth Elder and the Seventh Elder exchanged a glance but did not speak. At this moment, silence itself was an attitude.

The Third Elder Jin Ye, spoke again, his voice rising slightly and echoing in the council hall. "The Tiger Tribe currently very unfriendly to our Valley Tribe. They won't sell us bronze weapons, they won't sell us coarse salt, and they won't even let us sell them pottery. Our Valley Tribe should strengthen its defenses and take precautions." He lightly pounded his fist on the table, making the dishes clink. "Otherwise, once the Tiger Tribe has a spare moment, our Valley Tribe will be in trouble. This time, the Fire Tribe prepaid for the equivalent of eight million catties of grain in pottery. I suggest using it to build ships and purchase armor to increase our Valley Tribe's military strength. Now, with the Tiger Tribe's support, the Bear Tribe is stirring up trouble. We must be very careful."

Fourth Elder Lin Feng immediately retorted, his brows furrowing even more deeply, as if knotted together. He said, "Our Valley Tribe's current massive strengthening of its military will only make the Tiger Tribe more vigilant and dissatisfied. Then the Bear Tribe will also follow suit, and our Valley Tribe will have to provide additional supplies. If this continues, the situation will only become more and more troublesome!" He paused, lowering his voice as if afraid of being overheard, "Moreover, our Valley Tribe members have worked hard these past two years. Shouldn't we get some reward? We can't just work without eating. Look at those farmers; they go to the fields before dawn and don't return until dark, barely getting a few days off all year round. If we don't give them some benefits, who will be willing to work hard in the future?"

The Third Elder Jin Ye, glared at him, his voice rising like thunder as he spoke, "The Tiger Tribe has now imposed sanctions on our Valley Tribe. Many businesses in the lower reaches of the Fish River have been given to the Bear Tribe by the Tiger Tribe. If this continues, the Bear Tribe's strength will only grow stronger. Even if our Valley Tribe doesn't strengthen its defenses, the Bear Tribe will!" He tapped his fingers heavily on the table, making a thud. "Then, what will we use to resist? Shatter our heads against it?"

The First Elder Yaoshan, had remained silent, leaning back in his chair with his eyes half-closed as if dozing. His hands were tucked into his sleeves, and he looked like a clay sculpture. Upon hearing this, he opened his eyes and slowly began to speak.

His voice wasn't loud, but it was Chenwen, like a deep pool of water, calm and undisturbed. "Everyone has seen how hard our Valley Tribe has worked these past two years. If we don't reward them properly, we won't be able to explain it to them." He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, "I suggest using these pottery pieces to compensate our tribe for their efforts. As for the Bear Tribe, we're not going to fight them for now. Even if we do, we're not afraid. The Valley Tribe has been established for decades; what storms haven't we weathered?"

Daiyue listened to the argument, his fingers tapped faster on the table, like rapid drumbeats. He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over everyone, his voice Chenwen and carrying an undeniable power.

"Now the Tiger Tribe has imposed sanctions on our Valley Tribe, and our pottery isn't selling well downstream of the Fish River. The larger tribes, intimidated by the Tiger Tribe, have all retreated." He paused. "I plan to use half of the pottery the Fire Tribe prepaid for us as a reward for our people, and the other half to trade with nearby tribes for supplies to replenish our tribe's needs."

Since Daiyue had spoken, no one dared to say much more. The Third Elder Jin Ye, opened his mouth, wanting to argue further, but seeing Daiyue's gaze, he swallowed his words. Daiyue's eyes were calm, but beneath that calm lay an undeniable determination.

Fourth Elder Lin Feng nodded, a satisfied expression on his face, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned. First Elder Yaoshan closed his eyes again, as if he were really dozing off, but the corners of his mouth also twitched slightly, as if he were smiling, but not quite. Just then, First Elder Yaoshan opened his eyes again, his gaze sharp, like a drawn sword, flashing coldly in the firelight, sweeping over everyone present.

The temperature in the council chamber seemed to drop several degrees. He began, "The Fire Tribe's shipbuilding speed has now far surpassed that of our Valley Tribe." His voice wasn't loud, but every word pierced everyone's ears like nails, causing a sharp pain. "Everyone knows that shipbuilding requires many bronze tools. Saws, chisels, planes, hammers—which one can function without bronze? The Fire Tribe's shipbuilding speed is so fast, they must have a large number of bronze tools. So, where did their bronze tools come from?"

The council hall fell silent. Even the crackling of the firewood in the hearth seemed unusually loud, like thunder. Everyone's breathing became lighter, as if afraid of disturbing something. Second Elder Hefeng's hand, which was stroking his beard, stopped in mid-air. Third Elder Jin Ye's fist was still on the table. Fourth Elder Lin Feng's fingers stopped tapping. Fifth Elder Shuize's mouth was open. Sixth Elder Mulin raised his head. Seventh Elder Caoye no longer stared at the flames. All eyes were focused on First Elder Yaoshan, as if they had been frozen in place.

Yaoshan continued, "Our Valley Tribe has blocked both banks of the Fish River. We definitely know that the Fire Tribe goes to the Tiger Tribe by water to buy bronze. They also know that they're going to buy bronze from the Tiger Tribe on a large scale by land, and that can't be hidden from us either." He paused, his gaze sharpening as if trying to pierce through everyone's heart. "Therefore, I have a guess— the Fire Tribe, like the Tiger Tribe, can now manufacture bronze."

A collective gasp filled the council hall, the sound perfectly synchronized, as if rehearsed. After a while, the Third Elder Jin Ye, jumped up, knocking over his chair with a loud crash that pierced the quiet hall.

His voice changed tone, becoming high-pitched and sharp, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. He said, "So that's how the Fire Tribe could build so many large ships all at once! It turns out they already know how to make bronze! That explains it!" He slammed his fist on the table, making the bowls and plates clatter, and a bowl of soup spilled onto the table.

Fourth Elder Lin Feng also came to his senses, his voice filled with a mixture of emotion, admiration, and a few other indescribable feelings. He said, "This Fire Tribe knows how to make salt, fire pottery, weave, build ships, and even manufacture bronze ware. No wonder they've developed so quickly."

Second Elder Hefeng shook his head and sighed deeply, a long and heavy sigh, "Our Valley Tribe has no technology whatsoever, relying entirely on growing and selling grain. The Fire Tribe, on the other hand, has everything they need. This gap will only widen."

Daiyue nodded, his gaze distant, as if looking into the far distance, or perhaps lost in thought. He began, "Actually, I've had this suspicion and guess as well, but seeing the Fire Tribe bring this 50,000-jin carrying capacity ship to the Valley Tribe to transport grain, I'm eighty or ninety percent certain." He paused, his fingers tapping lightly on the table, the rhythm slowing. "The Fire Tribe must have mastered bronze craftsmanship by now. Their constant expansion and construction of larger ships is likely a defense against the Tiger Tribe. If the Tiger Tribe has a 100,000-jin carrying capacity ship, they'll build one too. If the Tiger Tribe has over 100,000 people, they'll grow to that number. They're racing against the Tiger Tribe."

The Second Elder, Hefeng, asked, "What would the Tiger Tribe's reaction be if they knew the Fire Tribe could manufacture bronze artifacts?" His voice carried a mixture of curiosity and worry.

Daiyue was silent for a moment, then his fingers tapped faster on the table, like the rapid sound of galloping hooves. "We've been dealing with the Tiger Tribe for so many years. Knowing their ways, they definitely won't let the Fire Tribe off the hook. Whoever controls the bronze technology now holds the power. The Tiger Tribe won't allow anyone to share this with them." He paused, his voice lowering, "In the end, there will definitely be a major war between the two tribes. It's either you die or I live."

He took a deep breath, his gaze turning serious, and said, "Our Valley Tribe is currently caught between two large tribes. If they really start fighting, our Valley Tribe won't be in a good position. It's wrong to help either side, and it's wrong not to help either side either."

Everyone nodded in agreement after hearing Daiyue's words. A solemn expression appeared on everyone's face, like the sky before a storm, with dark clouds covering the sky. Some people frowned, and deep lines appeared on their foreheads. Some bit their lips until they turned white. Some tapped their fingers on the table, making people feel restless.

The Valley Tribe has been peaceful for many years. Although there have been some frictions with the Bear Tribe, the conflicts are still within a controllable range. However, once the Tiger Tribe and the Fire Tribe start fighting, the situation will be beyond the control of the Valley Tribe. The Valley Tribe is situated between the two major tribes. Once war breaks out, it will inevitably have to choose a side. Which side to choose? Choosing the wrong side will lead to annihilation.

Daiyue looked at everyone and continued, his voice Chenwen and powerful. "Right now, our Valley Tribe still needs to improve its strength. Only in this way can we have more say in the future. No matter which side we stand on, we need to have our own weight for others to take us seriously. Without strength, nothing we say will matter."

This was met with everyone's approval. The Third Elder, Jin Ye, was the first to nod, nodding vigorously like a chicken pecking at rice. The Fourth Elder Lin Feng, also nodded, albeit somewhat reluctantly. Even the First Elder Yaoshan, gave a slight nod, so subtle that it was barely noticeable. The Tiger Tribe's sanctions had actually made the Valley Tribe more united than before. External pressure was sometimes more effective than internal persuasion. Now that a knife was at their throats, who had the mind to fight amongst themselves?

The Third Elder Jin Ye, spoke up, his voice tinged with urgency. "Could our Valley Tribe exchange grain for bronze weapons with the Fire Tribe to strengthen our tribe's power?"

Daiyue thought for a moment and then said, "Chief Yan mentioned to me before that he wanted to develop a military cooperation relationship with our Valley Tribe. At the time, I had many concerns and never gave a clear answer."

He paused, his gaze becoming distant, and said, "Now that the Tiger Tribe is at odds with us, we don't have too much to worry about. If we secretly develop a military cooperation relationship with the Fire Tribe Fire Tribe, they should sell us some bronze weapons."

Fourth Elder Lin Feng immediately spoke, his voice low as if afraid of being overheard. "Even if we develop military cooperation with the Fire Tribe, we can only do so secretly. Otherwise, if the Tiger Tribe finds out, our Valley Tribe will definitely be their first target!" He looked around, as if to make sure no one was eavesdropping, "Those people from the Tiger Tribe turn their backs faster than flipping through a book. Today they're calling you brother, tomorrow they'll turn their backs on you."

Elder Yaoshan nodded, "Yes, buying bronze weapons alone isn't enough. We also need more people. People are the most fundamental element. Without people, no matter how many weapons we have, they're useless." He paused, his voice growing deeper, "Currently, the Great Luwei Tribe and the Great Boulder Tribe downstream of the Fish River are also expanding their populations and strengthening their power. We can secretly recruit some people nearby without alerting the Tiger Tribe. The Tiger Tribe is currently busy dealing with enemies on both the east and west sides and can't attend to our Valley Tribe for the time being."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, and said, "Furthermore, we have 20 million catties of grain to trade with the Fire Tribe next year. Increasing the population will greatly help ensure grain production. Farming requires people, harvesting requires people, and transporting grain also requires people."

Daiyue nodded and said, "We can increase our population by five thousand people first, absorbing some from the small tribes nearby. As for buying bronze weapons, I will discuss it with Chief Yan in the next couple of days."

The group chatted for a while longer, then their voices gradually lowered. One by one, the elders got up and left, and the council hall gradually emptied out, leaving only Daiyue alone.