A Smooth Voyage Home
More than twenty days after the Fire Tribe's grain transport fleet left the Valley Tribe's main dock, Jianya finally led the Fire Tribe's grain transport fleet to the Fire Tribe's Fire Creek River Mouth Outpost. The voyage of more than twenty days was neither long nor short. Going downstream along the Fish River was fast, while going upstream was slow and took more time. The dock at the Fire Creek River Mouth Outpost was crowded with people. A dark mass of people, like a black forest.
Jianshi stood at the front, wearing a linen robe. The robe was blue and shimmered softly in the sunlight, like a pool of spring water. He stood ramrod straight, like a pine tree, with a deep gaze, as if looking into the distance. His hands were behind his back, his fingers gently twirling, as if counting days or plotting something.
Qingye stood beside him, wearing a light-colored linen dress with several Little Flower embroidered on the hem. The petals were pink, the leaves were green, and the stamens were yellow, all so lifelike they looked real. Her hair was neatly combed and held up with a wooden hairpin, with a few stray strands falling beside her ears, shimmering in the sunlight. A faint smile graced her face, and her hands hung naturally at her sides.
Yan stood behind his father, his face also full of anticipation. The corners of his mouth were slightly upturned, and his eyes were narrowed into slits. He was wearing a linen short jacket with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his strong forearms with clearly defined muscles. He stood with his hands on his hips, his back straight as a poplar tree. His gaze was fixed on the river, unblinking, as if he wanted to see through the surface and into the pebbles at the bottom.
The leaders, including Dabang, Jijiao, Jia Li, Canglan, Wu Xiong, were all there, craning their necks to look at the river. Some stood on tiptoe, their toes barely touching the ground, leaning forward as if they were about to fly; others climbed to higher places, standing on wooden barrels, Shitou, or steps; still others squeezed to the front, pushing aside those in front of them, all wanting a better view. Their faces were full of anticipation, their eyes sparkling, their mouths slightly open, but no sound came out.
Everyone had received the news early on that Jianya was arriving today, and they came even before the sun had risen. They waited on the dock, some pacing anxiously, others standing on tiptoe to peer in, as if stretching their necks a foot longer; still others whispered amongst themselves, their voices like mosquitoes buzzing, indistinct. Time passed slowly, the sun moved from the east to its zenith, and then slowly moved from its zenith to the west, but no one left, no one complained of hunger, no one complained of being tired, and even the children stood quietly beside the adults, without making a fuss.
When the Fire Tribe's grain transport fleet appeared on the river, everyone became excited, like a pot boiling over, a volcanic eruption, or a flash flood. Some cheered, some jumped, some hugged, and some shed tears. More than twenty giant ships with a carrying capacity of 50,000 catties each led the way, their Chuantou raised high, their sails billowing in the spring breeze, making a whooshing sound.
When everyone saw that the Fire Tribe's grain transport fleet had brought back another five million catties of grain, they were all very excited and happy. Their faces beamed with smiles as bright as autumn chrysanthemums, as vibrant as spring peach blossoms, and as pure as summer lotus flowers. Some clapped and cheered until their palms were red; some jumped up and down, then jumped up again; some hugged each other tightly, like long-lost relatives; some were so excited that tears welled up in their eyes, streaming down their cheeks and dripping onto their clothes.
Five million catties of grain, like a golden mountain, shimmered in the sunlight, dazzling the eyes. Including what was transported back before, ten million catties have already been transported back from the Valley Tribe this year. A full ten million catties of grain have filled half of the warehouse on the Fire Tribe's side, with bags stacked neatly.
The Fire Tribe is about to harvest its grain in the next couple of days. The early rice is almost ripe, golden and heavy, swaying gently in the wind like a golden sea. The fields are bustling with activity. Men wield sickles, their blades gleaming in the sunlight, each stroke bringing down the rice stalks. Women skillfully bundle the rice, their hands deft. Children run and play on the field ridges, their laughter ringing out. The air is filled with the sweet scent of rice, a scent that brings peace of mind. With the grain brought back, the Fire Tribe's reserves are now abundant. Many warehouses are almost overflowing, with sacks stacked neatly from floor to roof, like small Little Mountain. The tribespeople feel more secure, sleeping soundly at night, unafraid of famine, war, hunger, or winter.
Jianya jumped off the boat with a swift and clean movement. His foot landed on the dock with a "thud," kicking up a small cloud of dust that floated in the sunlight. Jianshi hurried over to meet him, his steps hurried. He grabbed Jianya's hand and held it tightly, scrutinizing him from head to toe, his gaze like a comb, not missing a single detail.
Jianya's face was covered in dust, his hair a mess, like a bird's nest, clearly from spending too much time on the ship and neglecting his appearance. He had dark circles under his eyes, like two panda eyes, indicating he hadn't slept well for days. However, Jianya's eyes were bright and sparkling, radiating energy. A smile graced his face—a smile of contentment, peace, and satisfaction, like the warm, gentle autumn sun. His lips were chapped and Baipi, like sandpaper rubbing against wood, but his spirits were high.
"Seeing your smiling face, it looks like everything went very smoothly this time," Jianshi asked, his voice tinged with relief and anticipation.
Jianya nodded, grinned, and said, "Yes, brother, it went very smoothly. This grain transport went very smoothly, without any trouble or major storms. Now the conflict between the Valley Tribe and the Bear Tribe is getting more and more intense. They're like fighting cocks, pecking at each other. The Valley Tribe really wants to get more bronze weapons. They can't wait for us to transport all 20 million catties of grain they ordered this year back so they can get bronze weapons as soon as possible, arm their warriors, and defend against the Bear Tribe. Daiyue also told me to tell you that they want to get an advance on this year's bronze weapons, to get the weapons in hand first. I said I'd talk to you about it when I got back, and we'll see what you think, brother!"
Jianshi Shi nodded, his brows furrowing slightly, forming a deep frown, and deep lines etched on his forehead. He said, "It seems the Tiger Tribe is secretly supporting the Bear Tribe Bear Tribe, sending them bronze weapons, food, and supplies. These actions have put the Valley Tribe in a bit of a panic. Many people in the Valley Tribe are now restless, unable to eat or sleep, living in constant fear. The Valley Tribe is now our military alliance member, an ally, a brother in the same boat. Since they have made a request, we should provide them with some assistance, lend them a hand, and not let them fight alone, nor let them be bullied by the Bear Tribe."
He paused, his gaze hardening, and said, "In a couple of days, take a boat to the Valley Tribe and bring them all of their bronze weapons for this year. Don't worry, our Fire Tribe is so powerful now, with a population of over 100,000, hundreds of boats, tens of thousands of warriors, mountains of bronze weapons, granaries overflowing with grain, and warehouses overflowing with cloth. The Valley Tribe won't dare to renege on their debt, nor do they have the guts. They wouldn't dare even if they had ten times the courage, and there's no need for them to. Refusing to pay would be a complete falling out, which wouldn't benefit the Valley Tribe or either of our families."
Jianya nodded, his eyes lighting up, his smile deepening as he grinned wider, revealing even more teeth. "Alright, brother," he said, "I'll rest for a couple of days and then leave. I'll go to the Valley Tribe as soon as possible to deliver the weapons, so they can feel at ease and put their minds at ease."
Jianshi continued, his voice tinged with excitement and pride, "While you were away, the Fire Tribe successfully tested ten more boats with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin each. They're already in the water and ready to sail. They've circled the river several times, looking majestic, like ten giant beasts moving across the surface. Now, our Fire Tribe has thirty-five boats with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin each! Thirty-five! That's more than three times that of the Valley Tribe, twenty-five more! The Valley Tribe will definitely be shocked when they see our fleet."
He paused, then lowered his voice and said, "Moreover, we've overcome many difficulties with our 100,000-jin (50,000 kg) carrying capacity ship. The shipyard is working day and night, with three shifts a day. The blueprints have been revised again and again, stack after stack; logs have been sawed one after another, sawdust piled up like mountains, which children climb and play on; planks have been planed piece by piece, shavings flying everywhere like snowflakes. By the time you return from the Valley Tribe in a couple of days, our first 100,000-jin (50,000 kg) carrying capacity ship might already be built and launched."
Jianya exclaimed joyfully, "That's wonderful! Wonderful! I'll take a boat with a carrying capacity of 100,000 catties to sail on the Fish River and enjoy the breeze. Such a big boat will definitely be comfortable, stable, and I won't get seasick. It'll definitely be more enjoyable than a boat with a carrying capacity of 50,000 catties!"
Jianshi laughed and said, "Okay, I'll let you sit as much as you want, until you don't want to sit anymore. If Dali finds out, he'll definitely be envious, jumping up and down, and coming to make a scene. He might even lie on the ground and roll around."
The two chatted for a few more minutes, talking about their experiences on the road, the situation of the Valley Tribe, the movements of the Bear Tribe, and Daiyan's expression. Jianya spoke animatedly, gesturing wildly, and at one point mimicked Daiyan's surprised expression, opening his mouth wide and widening his eyes, making everyone laugh. Then, Jianshi looked at the sky; the sun was beginning to set, the sunlight softening, scattering across the river's surface, making it shimmer like a layer of shattered gold.
"You must be exhausted after your journey back. More than twenty days at sea, it must be tough. Let's walk and chat, eat and talk. I've had some hot food prepared, hot soup and hot rice, to warm you up, relieve your fatigue, and make sure you get a good rest."
As he spoke, Jianshi took Jianya's hand and turned to walk towards the council hall. Everyone followed behind, chatting and laughing, discussing the harvest, the newly built ships, and the upcoming large ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin. Jianya walked beside Jian Jianshi, gesturing as they went, saying that the Valley Tribe's dock had been expanded again, that Quyong's eyes almost popped out when he saw their fleet, and that when Daiyan saw the twenty-three large ships, his mouth was so open that it could fit a fist, and he couldn't close it for a long time.
The council hall at the Fire Creek River Mouth was newly built last autumn. It's smaller than the main hall, but still spacious enough to seat many people. The log walls, made of rows of round logs bound together with vines and plastered with mud, are sturdy and warm, impenetrable to wind and rain, keeping it cool in winter and warm in summer. The thick, tightly packed thatched roof prevents rain from seeping in, sunlight from penetrating, and snow from drifting in. Two sturdy pillars stand at the entrance, engraved with flame patterns—the symbol of the Fire Tribe, representing light and warmth. Symbolizing hope and the future, symbolizing life and strength, a fire crackled and popped in the hearth, pine firewood blazing and sparks flying, tracing brief arcs in the dim light like shooting stars or fireflies. The room was warm and cozy, dispelling the chill of late spring and making one drowsy and relaxed. Food was already laid out on the low table, steaming and fragrant: grilled fish, stewed meat, wild vegetable soup, rice, and several jars of fruit wine. The aroma of the wine mingled with the scent of the food, filling the air and making one's mouth water and stomach rumble.
Everyone sat down to eat, chatting and laughing, creating a lively atmosphere like New Year's. Jianya Teeth devoured meat and drank wine from large bowls, his mouth bulging with oil, his chopsticks and mouth never stopping, as if he hadn't eaten for days. Binmao, sitting next to him, also wolfed down his food, practically swallowing his tongue, sweating profusely with fine beads of perspiration on his forehead. Dabang asked about the Valley Tribe while eating, Jijiao asked about the Bear Tribe's movements while drinking. Canglan listened, stroking his beard, nodding occasionally, his eyes narrowed to slits. Wu Xiong slammed his hand on the table, cheering, the dishes clattering and wine spilling. Yan sat beside his father, frequently serving him food and pouring wine for Jianya Teeth.