Tribal Affairs

After chatting for a while longer in the council hall of the Fire Tribe headquarters, everyone gradually dispersed. Yan and Dabang walked out of the council hall side by side, walking slowly as if taking a stroll. The autumn sun shone on them, warm and comforting, dispelling the heat from the fire pit in the council hall. There were several trees outside the council hall, their leaves already beginning to turn yellow. When the wind blew, they rustled and a few fallen leaves drifted down, swirling and landing on the ground.

Dabang is now the head of the Fire Tribe workshops, overseeing all the workshops including shipbuilding, pottery, smelting, and weaving. He's incredibly busy every day, but he's always in high spirits. Right now, he's smiling, his eyes are narrowed into slits, as if he's thinking about something happy.

"Yan, after you left, our Fire Tribe built another twenty ships, each with a carrying capacity of ten thousand jin." Dabang's voice carried a hint of pride, as if he were showing off some treasure. "Our Fire Tribe's shipbuilding plan for this year is now complete."

Yan's eyes lit up, and he asked, "Is this year's shipbuilding plan all completed?" His voice carried a hint of surprise and disbelief.

Dabang nodded, counting on his fingers, "We've built this much in just a short time since you left. The shipbuilding workshop in the Fire Tribe operates on a three-shift system, so the workshop never stops. One group works during the day, and another group continues at night. They even eat in the workshop. The craftsmen are highly motivated, and we have plenty of materials, so the progress is naturally fast." He paused, his tone becoming more relaxed, "Now, for the rest of the year, the shipbuilding workshop just needs to maintain and inspect the Fire Tribe's ships properly, and then prepare materials for next year's production. As for maintenance, they should oil what needs oiling, replace what needs replacing ropes, and patch what needs patching."

Yan laughed, patted Dabang on the shoulder and said, "That's great! Our Fire Tribe's shipbuilding output will increase significantly next year. We need to build quite a few ships, some with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin and others with a carrying capacity of 20,000 jin. With more ships, we can transport grain to the Valley Tribe much faster, and we can finish the transport in just a few trips."

Dabang Stick nodded with a smile and said, "Yes, now that our Fire Tribe has more of its own boats, we don't need their help as much to transport grain to the Valley Tribe. Our own boats are more convenient to use, and we don't owe them any favors. If the Valley Tribe is too busy, we won't delay their business."

The two walked for a while, turned a corner, and came to an open space. In the distance, the sound of hammering and clanging came from the workshop area. It was the craftsmen repairing the ships, and several large ships were moored on the dock.

Dabang stopped and looked at the ships, saying, "Right now, our Fire Tribe is Dali cultivating the land, preparing to plant more grain next year. Every outpost is busy tilling the soil, repairing irrigation ditches, and accumulating fertilizer; no one is idle."

Yan also looked at the ships and nodded, saying, "Food is indeed one of the biggest obstacles to the development of our Fire Tribe. Without food, nothing can be done. If there are too many people and no food to eat, chaos will ensue. If there are too many ships and no food to transport, it's all for nothing. As long as our Fire Tribe can be self-sufficient in food, we can continue to develop and grow rapidly, and we won't be afraid of having too many people."

Dabang Stick nodded in agreement, "Yes, we still have a shortage this year and have to buy grain from the Valley Tribe. But next year, our Fire Tribe will have enough to eat by growing our own. We can even store some. The more grain we store, the more at ease we feel, and the less afraid we will be of disaster years."

The two chatted for a while longer. Dabang glanced at the sky, said he had something to do at the workshop, and left. His figure gradually disappeared behind a cluster of wooden houses.

Yan stood there, looking in the direction where the Dabang disappeared, thinking about next year's plans: ships with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin, ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin, fifty ships, a hundred ships... The Fire Tribe's fleet would grow larger and larger, and its naval strength would become stronger and stronger. At that time, transporting grain to the Valley Tribe would only take a few trips, and when trading downstream of the Fish River, they wouldn't have to worry about being bullied.

He turned and walked towards his dwelling. Back at his place, Yan filled a basin with water, scooped it up, and splashed it on his face. The water was a little cold, making him shiver, but it immediately sobered him up. He scooped up another handful, rubbed his face, and then dried it with a burlap towel. Water droplets slid down his face, dripping onto his collar and spreading in a small patch. He looked at his reflection in the copper basin; his hair was a little messy, so he combed it a few times with his fingers and straightened his collar.

After changing into clean clothes, Yan walked out of the door and headed towards the stables. The stables were not far from his residence. Before he even got close, he heard the neighing of Chasing Wind. That guy had very sharp ears and could hear his footsteps from afar. Yan quickened his pace and entered the stables.

Chasing Wind poked its head out and rubbed its nose against his face, its hot breath tickling his skin. Treading Clouds also snorting and pawing the ground with its front hooves, making a clattering sound.

"Alright, alright." Yan chuckled and patted their heads, then grabbed two handfuls of fine grain from a bag beside him—a mixture of roasted beans and cooked rice, specially prepared for these two horses. Chasing Wind and Treading Clouds immediately buried their heads in their food, eating with great relish, their mouths making crunching noises.

After they finished eating, Yan led out two horses, put simple Jiangsheng on them, mounted them, and rode off towards the edge of the camp. Not far from the camp was a wide open meadow. The autumn grass was already somewhat withered and yellow, and it felt soft underfoot.

Yan loosened the Jiangsheng, letting Chasing Wind run freely. The wind whistled past his ears, and the scenery rushed past. Chasing Wind ran very fast, its four hooves flying, like an arrow released from a bow. Treading Clouds behind, also running very fast, its Zongmao fluttering in the wind.

Yan lay on the horse's back, enjoying the thrill of the speed. The wind stung his face, but it felt good. After running several laps, he reined in his horse and slowly walked back to the camp. Chasing Wind and Treading Clouds were covered in sweat, but they were in good spirits and kept snorting.

Yan led them back to the stable and carefully groomed them. Chasing Wind hummed contentedly, Treading Clouds stood quietly without moving. Yan added some more hay for them and patted their necks.

"You two get some rest." He patted Chasing Wind's neck and then patted Treading Clouds's head. "I'll come see you when I have time."

Chasing Wind snorted as if in response, then left the stables and headed towards the Youth Team's camp. Before Yan even got close, he heard a series of neat shouts, the sound of the youths training. The shouts were loud and powerful, echoing in the empty valley. Yan quickened his pace and entered the camp.

In the camp, hundreds of teenagers were training. They were divided into several formations. Some were practicing marching, walking in step, turning, and standing at attention, their movements were neat and uniform. Some were training their physical fitness, doing push-ups, sit-ups, and squats, and they were all sweating profusely. Some were practicing martial arts, using stone weights, wooden swords, and spears, and they were fighting back and forth with great force.

Standing on the sidelines were two familiar figures— Daya and Zhuangchai. Their expressions were serious, their eyes sharp, and they frequently corrected each other's movements loudly. Daya's voice was booming, like thunder. "You, straighten your legs! Raise your arms higher!" Zhuangchai's voice was deep but powerful. "Steady! Don't sway! Do it again!"

Yan didn't disturb them. He quietly walked to the sidelines and watched silently. Although some of the boys' movements were still a bit clumsy, they were already quite good, much better than a few months ago. Especially the newcomers, who no longer showed any trace of their initial awkwardness. They were wearing uniform linen clothes, their hair was neatly cut, and they stood and sat with proper posture. After watching for a while, Daya suddenly turned his head. He saw Yan, paused for a moment, and then a surprised smile appeared on his face.

"Boss!" He strode over, his feet barely touching the ground.

Zhuangchai followed, the two of them standing one in front and one behind, like two guards.

"Boss, when did you get here?" Daya ran up to Yan, panting.

Yan said, "I just got here."

Daya grinned, revealing a set of white teeth, and said, "Boss, don't worry, the Youth Team is doing great! The new kids have almost integrated, and they're keeping up with the training. They haven't disgraced our Fire Tribe." He patted his chest, making a loud thud.

Zhuangchai nodded, a smile on his face, and said, "Yes, yes, we have a few good prospects. They're fast, strong, and quick-witted. We've noted them down and are waiting for you to come and see them."

Yan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the training boys as he said, "Good, you've done very well."

He watched for a while longer, asked about the details of the training, and offered some suggestions. Daya and Zhuangchai listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

"Alright, you guys get back to work, I'm leaving now." Yan patted the two of them on the shoulders, turned and left.

Daya and Zhuangchai stood by the field, watching his back until he was far away before turning back to continue training. Yan walked back to his residence. The setting sun dyed the sky a golden red, and the golden light shone on the valley, giving the wooden houses, fields and rivers a warm color. Smoke rose from the chimneys, making it especially warm in the twilight.

He returned to his lodgings, quickly washed up, and then went to the canteen for dinner. He ate very quickly, finishing his meal in just a few bites. After dinner, he returned to his wooden cabin, lay down, and slept exceptionally well that night. He had no dreams and didn't wake up until dawn. The animal-skin rug was soft, the quilt was warm, and he felt as if he were sinking into a cloud.

Yan woke up early the next morning. He opened his eyes, stared at the top of the tent, and paused for a moment before remembering that he had returned to the Fire Tribe. He sat up, got dressed, and walked out of the wooden house. He took a deep breath; the air was crisp and cool, carrying the fragrance of grass and trees.

He strode toward the Hunting Team Hunting Team's camp, which was on the other side of the valley, not far from his lodgings. Before he even got close, he heard shouts of battle; it was the soldiers training. Yan quickened his pace and entered the camp.

Inside the camp, hundreds of soldiers were training. Some were practicing formations, some were practicing hand-to-hand combat, and some were practicing archery. Yingmu and Shibang stood on the sidelines, giving instructions. Both of them were wearing leather armor, with bronze swords at their waists, and looked very spirited.

Seeing Yan approaching, the two quickly went to greet him.

"Boss!" Shibang ran ahead, a smile on his face, "You're here!"

Yingmu followed behind, nodding and smiling.

Yan looked at them, nodded, and asked, "How's your training going?"

Shibang patted his chest and said, "Don't worry, boss, every single one of our soldiers is an elite!"

Yingmu nodded and said, "Yes, they haven't been idle during this time either. They've been training in physical fitness, combat, drills, and archery—they've covered everything."

Yan nodded in satisfaction and said, "Good, keep practicing. Let me take a look."