Surging Waves at the Dock and Settling into Camp
As Yan led the Fire Tribe's fleet, following the guide ship from the Little Valley Camp Outpost, sailing grandly towards the Valley Tribe's main dock, the colossal ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin (approximately 50,000 kg) led the way. Its Chuantou was raised high, cleaving through the Fish River and stirring up white Langhua, crashing like a giant plow tilling the land. The ship was enormous, its tung oil gleaming darkly in the sunlight. The flags on board fluttered in the wind, and the embroidered Fire Tribe emblem danced wildly in the wind like leaping flames.
The people of the Valley Tribe headquarters were also greatly shocked when they saw the Fire Tribe's ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin. The people on the dock stopped what they were doing, as if they had been paused, and stood motionless. Some were still holding goods, some were still bent over, and some had their mouths agape. Then, they surged to the dock like a tide, craning their necks to look; some climbed to higher places, standing on wooden barrels, on Shitou, and on steps; some squeezed to the front, pushing aside those in front of them, all wanting to see more clearly. Their faces were full of shock, their mouths agape, their eyes wide open, as if they had seen something unbelievable. Some rubbed their eyes, thinking they were seeing things; some pinched their thighs, thinking they were dreaming.
If Daiyan hadn't sent someone ahead to warn them that the Fire Tribe's fleet was arriving soon and that the Fire Tribe was bringing a massive ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin, the Valley Tribe would have thought the Tiger Tribe was coming to cause trouble. Such a large ship, such a massive fleet, and such an imposing presence—only the Tiger Tribe possessed such power. Without prior warning, it would have caused immense panic, and people would have scattered in all directions.
Even though everyone had received advance notice and was somewhat prepared, hearing about it was one thing, seeing it with their own eyes was quite another. When they finally saw the Fire Tribe's ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin, its massive hull and imposing presence still left them utterly stunned. Even Quyong, the dock manager of the Valley Tribe headquarters, was shocked, as if struck by lightning. As the Valley Tribe's dock defense chief, responsible for all dock affairs, he had seen many large ships, but he had only ever seen ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin in the Tiger Tribe, from afar, like mountains. He never expected the Fire Tribe to have one, and it was right in front of him, within reach. He stood on the dock, his eyes wide like copper bells, his whole body like a statue, completely motionless. After a while, his subordinates nudged him and called him several times before he finally reacted.
When Yan went ashore, Quyong had also come to his senses after being reminded by his subordinates. Someone next to him nudged his arm and called out "Chief Quyong" in his ear, which made him suddenly jolted as if he had been electrocuted.
He quickly straightened his clothes, hurried forward, and forced a smile, but it was somewhat stiff and unnatural. He reached Yan, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, and spoke with a mixture of admiration, emotion, and complex feelings:
"Chief Yan, I never expected that your Fire Tribe would actually build a ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin! You previously said it would be around the end of the year, but it's already finished. The Fire Tribe's shipbuilding capabilities are truly amazing, unbelievable! I, Quyong of admiration!"
Yan smiled modestly and said, "This is the result of our people's hard work. We've been building bigger and bigger ships to make it easier to transport grain. Our Valley Tribe ordered 20 million catties of grain this year, and without large ships, we don't know when it would take to transport it."
Quyong, as the powerful leader of the tribe, held a high position and was well-informed. He naturally knew the true purpose behind the Fire Tribe's rush to build large ships: the Fire Tribe possessed a wide range of skills—pottery, salt production, bronze ware, shipbuilding, and textiles—and was proficient in everything. The Fire Tribe wanted to increase its strength before the Tiger Tribe could react, secretly developing and quietly growing stronger to prevent the Tiger Tribe from causing trouble. However, the Fire Tribe's strategy was very successful, and their methods were also very skillful. They advanced step by step, steadily and surely. By the time the Tiger Tribe reacted, the Fire Tribe had already become a formidable force and was no longer easy to deal with. Now, the Fire Tribe's ten... Ships with a carrying capacity of 10,000 jin have already been built; who dares to underestimate them now? With the Fire Tribe's manufacturing capabilities and shipbuilding speed, next year the Fire Tribe will have more and more ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin. Moreover, the Fire Tribe Fire Tribe continuously absorbing people; its population is already over 100,000. Even if the Tiger Tribe wants to cause trouble for the Fire Tribe now, it's too late. As time goes by, the Fire Tribe's strength will only increase, and the gap between it and the Tiger Tribe will only decrease. Perhaps in a few years, the Fire Tribe's strength will even surpass that of the Tiger Tribe, becoming the largest tribe in the Fish River Basin and the overlord of this land.
Quyong, though harboring various thoughts, remained outwardly calm. His mind was in turmoil, but his face was composed as he enthusiastically arranged for the Fire Tribe's boats to dock and for the Fire Tribe's temporary camp to be set up.
"Young Master Yan, you must be tired after your long journey. You've been on the ship for over ten days. The usual spot, the open space next to the dock, has been cleared out for you. It's the same familiar place, so you can set up a temporary camp, just like before. If you need anything, feel free to come to me anytime. Don't be shy, make yourself at home here."
This year, thanks to the Fire Tribe 'Fire Tribe bronze weapons—high-quality, inexpensive, and only half the price of the Tiger Tribe's — the Valley Tribe has regained its dominance over the Bear Tribe. At the Little Valley Camp Outpost, the warriors, now armed with better weapons, are more confident and assertive. The Bear Tribe no longer dares to be as arrogant as before, no longer openly provoking them. Chief Yan's visit this time will not only involve transporting back the surplus grain ordered this year, but also discussing next year's grain trade. If the Fire Tribe orders another 20 million catties of grain from the Valley Tribe next year, the Valley Tribe Valley Tribe will receive a large quantity of bronze weapons in return, further strengthening its power. With even better weapons for its warriors, the Bear Tribe will be even less likely to act rashly. Quyong believes it's crucial to treat the Fire Tribe members well, not to neglect them, and not to give the impression that the Valley Tribe lacks manners. They provided such excellent weapons and helped so much; they deserve a proper thank you.
While arranging for the Fire Tribe's ships to dock and for a temporary camp, he also sent someone to deliver the news to Chief Daiyue, informing him that he had personally witnessed that the Fire Tribe did indeed have a large ship weighing 100,000 jin (approximately 50,000 kg), so that the chief could know as soon as possible, be prepared, and arrange a banquet and reception accordingly.
Yan continued leading his men to set up a temporary camp on the open space next to the Valley Tribe's dock. This was the Fire Tribe's old stomping ground; they always set up camp on the same spot whenever they came to the Valley Tribe. Therefore, the Fire Tribe members were very skilled, as if they were at home, able to do it with their eyes closed. Tents were erected one by one, neatly arranged like soldiers in formation; wooden stakes were driven in, sturdy and firm, like nails driven into the ground; ropes were tightened and secured, taut and straight. A fire was being lit over the cooking area, wisps of smoke rising, and the aroma of food filled the air, making one's mouth water.
After arranging these matters, Yan found Quyong and thanked him sincerely. He clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying, "Chief Quyong, thank you so much. We, the Fire Tribe, always trouble you whenever we come here. We're truly sorry. Please go ahead and attend to your business. Don't worry about us. Our Fire Tribe can manage on its own, so don't fret."
Quyong waved his hand and said with a smile, "It's no trouble at all, Chief Yan. You should rest for a while. The chief will host a banquet for you tonight. Someone will come to invite you over. Just wait at the temporary camp."
Yan nodded, saw Quyong off, and turned back to the Fire Tribe's temporary camp.