The Valley Tribe's Relief

News of the Wolf Tribe's rampage in the north soon reached the Valley Tribe. In the Valley Tribe's council hall, Daiyue sat in the main seat. His face was wrinkled, and deep crisscross lines were etched on his forehead, but his eyes remained sharp, like two lamps. He wore an exquisite linen robe embroidered with golden ears of grain that shimmered in the firelight. A leather belt was tied around his waist, from which hung a jade pendant.

Qingsui sat beside him. Now sixteen years old, she had grown into a graceful young woman with a touch of heroism in her eyes. She wore a light-colored linen dress with a few Little Flower embroidered on the hem. Her hair was tied in a simple bun and secured with a wooden hairpin, with a few stray strands hanging down beside her ears, gleaming in the firelight. She had a faint smile on her face, but her eyes shone brightly, like two stars or two clear springs.

"Father, the Wolf Tribe caused trouble in the Big Horse River Basin before, but fortunately our Valley Tribe reacted in time, and the people at the Little Valley Camp Outpost reacted quickly and drove them away." Qingsui's voice was clear and crisp, like a silver bell, echoing in the quiet council hall, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples.

"Otherwise, if the Wolf Tribe grows stronger there, even if we can suppress them, it will still affect our Valley Tribe's food production. I didn't expect the Wolf Tribe to have some tricks up their sleeves. Their remnant army of a hundred or so people grew to two thousand in just a few months, a twenty-fold increase. The Great Boulder Tribe was careless and underestimated them, not taking the Wolf Tribe seriously. Sure enough, they've suffered a great loss now."

She paused, her eyes sparkling like two stars, and said, "Father, it's all thanks to my constant reminders to you about the Wolf Tribe, and your repeated emphasis to Uncle Daiyan to have people keep an eye on them and be on guard, that Uncle was able to react in time when the Wolf Tribe Wolf Tribe caused trouble, and send troops to drive them away. We didn't let them gain a foothold in the Big Horse River Basin, or establish roots there. Otherwise, if they had established themselves in the Big Horse River Basin, close to our Valley Tribe, they would have been the ones to harm us. They would have stolen our food and killed our people."

Daiyue nodded, his eyes filled with approval, and said, "Yes, you've done a great job. Your reminder was good, your advice was spot on. Those people from the Wolf Tribe are not to be trifled with; they're not easy to deal with. After the Wolf Tribe's disturbance, the tribes on the east bank of the lower reaches of the Fish River will definitely absorb manpower, expand their strength, stockpile food, and purchase weapons. The Great Boulder Tribe and the Great Luwei Tribe had already expanded their population to ten thousand, and now that the Wolf Tribe has caused this trouble, they will continue to increase their manpower."

He paused, lowered his voice, and continued, "The Wolf Tribe passed through the Bear Tribe Bear Tribe's territory unscathed, without being stopped or wiped out. They must have had the Bear Tribe Bear Tribe's tacit approval. Those Bear Tribe Bear Tribe appear calm on the surface, but who knows what they're plotting or scheming behind the scenes. We need to send more people to keep an eye on the Wolf Tribe, monitor their movements, and gather information. Report any suspicious activity immediately. They have a grudge against our Valley Tribe, and they might come looking for trouble once they grow stronger. If they join forces with the Bear Tribe, things will get complicated."

Qingsui said, "Father, although we are currently under sanctions by the Tiger Tribe, we can still purchase bronze artifacts and coarse salt from the Fire Tribe. The Fire Tribe's goods are better and more affordable than those of the Tiger Tribe. We are still recruiting people. If we are given some time to catch our breath and develop, our Valley Tribe's strength will not be too bad."

Daiyue nodded and said, "Yes, we have absorbed quite a few people now. By next spring, we will have completed the absorption of these 5,000 people, and then we will have 25,000 people, including about 5,000 warriors. If we accumulate more resources later, we can continue to absorb more people to expand our strength."

Qingsui nodded and said, "As long as we become strong, even if the Tiger Tribe wants to deal with us, they will have to think twice and calculate the gains and losses."

Daiyue nodded and said, "Yes, but it's best to avoid conflict with the Tiger Tribe if possible, and to avoid war if possible. After all, they have over 100,000 people, and more than 30,000 warriors, which is several times our number. Although they are tied down by the two large tribes to the east and west, even if they send a small force to attack us, we can't withstand it now. We are no match for them. Next year, I will send someone with some gifts to the Tiger Tribe to ease tensions, offer some gifts, say some nice things, apologize, and lower my head. I hope this can give our Valley Tribe a little more time to develop."

Qingsui said, "Father must have his reasons, his considerations, and his difficulties in doing this. The clansmen will understand."

Daiyue nodded and said, "Next year, the handover of bronze artifacts with the Fire Tribe will be handled by Chief Yan of the Fire Tribe. He specifically asked you to be in charge. This matter is very important; it concerns the military preparedness of our Valley Tribe and the very survival of our Valley Tribe. You must be serious, cautious, and careful. You cannot afford to make any mistakes. Do not tell anyone you don't need to, and do not spread it around. The fewer people who know, the better. The fewer people who know, the safer it is. This is a secret, a top secret."

Qingsui nodded, her face becoming serious. She put away her smile and said, "Father, rest assured, I will be responsible and careful. I won't say anything I shouldn't say, ask anything I shouldn't ask, or let anyone who shouldn't know know."

The two chatted for a while longer, discussing the defenses of Little Valley Camp, the movements of the Bear Tribe, the winter supplies, the plans for next spring, and when the Fire Tribe's fleet would arrive.

Then, Qingsui stood up, stretched, raised her arms above her head, and said, "Father, I'm going to cook. What would you like to eat today? Braised pork, steamed fish, or a soup?"

Daiyue smiled, his wrinkles smoothing out, and said, "I'll eat whatever you make. Everything you cook is delicious, whether it's braised pork, steamed fish, or soup."

Qingsui smiled, turned and walked out of the council hall. Her steps were light and quick, like a cheerful little bird, like a gentle breeze. Her skirt swayed gently with her steps, like ripples on a lake. Since learning to cook from Yan, she had become her father's personal chef, preparing different dishes every day. Daiyue could no longer live without Qingsui's delicious cooking. He couldn't get used to the food made by other chefs; he always felt that something was missing. Only Qingsui's cooking suited his taste.