A Send-Off and a Fight over Ships

Early that morning, before dawn, the dock at the Little Fish River Mouth Outpost was bustling with activity. The morning mist still lingered, a thin layer floating on the Fish River. Dazhuang had already led the prepared fleet of boats to the dock. Large and small boats were neatly arranged, loaded with grain, tools, seeds, sacks of salt, and bundles of burlap. The boats were piled high, like small Little Mountain. The soldiers were conducting final checks. Some squatted by the boats, checking the mooring lines, pulling and tugging to see if they were secure; others stood at the Chuantou, inspecting the sails, tugging and shaking to check for holes; still others were in the hold, counting and calculating supplies to see if anything was missing. Two hundred advance soldiers had set off several days earlier; today's departure was the main force for the construction of the new stronghold, 1,800 men, along with the supplies, forming a long, impressive procession.

Jianshi, Dabang, and Yan came to see him off at the dock of the Little Fish River Mouth Outpost. Jianshi was wearing a linen robe, the robe was blue, and it shone softly in the morning light. His gaze was deep, as if he was looking into the distance, or as if he was expecting something. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were like those carved by a knife. His hands were behind his back, his fingers gently twisting, as if he was counting the days.

Dabang was wearing a linen short jacket with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing his thick forearms, which were muscular and had prominent veins. His hands were rough and strong, with large knuckles, yellowed nails, and calluses all over his palms. He stood next to the Jianshi, arms crossed, his eyes scanning the fleet as if inspecting something.

Yan stood beside his father, wearing a linen jacket, his back ramrod straight. His gaze swept across the fleet, carefully examining each ship and each soldier, as if making a final check.

Even Dali rushed over from the Red Flower River Mouth Outpost. He had dark circles under his eyes, but he was in great spirits, his eyes sparkling. As soon as he arrived at the dock, he strode over, grabbed Dazhuang's hand, shook it vigorously, and said, "Dazhuang, you're really lucky!"

Dali's voice carried a hint of sourness, like he'd drunk vinegar. His lips curled down, but his eyes were glued to the large ships. "You're so lucky to have two 50,000-jin (25,000 kg) capacity ships at the new base! You must be laughing in your sleep these days. Our Red Flower River Mouth Outpost only has one 50,000-jin (25,000 kg) capacity ship. I heard that next year, your brother will get you two 100,000-jin (50,000 kg) capacity ships, and first come, first served! You're so lucky, you get all the good things in the world. Why don't I have that kind of luck?"

Dazhuang grinned, revealing a set of white teeth. His eyes narrowed into slits, and his mouth stretched to his ears. He deliberately puffed out his chest like a victorious general. He patted Dali on the shoulder and said, "Brother Dali, what you're saying is so sour, it could be pickled. Now that our Fire Tribe's power has grown, the Green Leaf River Mouth Outpost and Little Horse River Mouth Outpost are now our Fire Tribe's frontline outposts, our northern gateway, our Fire Tribe's eyes and ears. Your Red Flower River Mouth Outpost and Little Fish River Mouth Outpost have become the rear. The importance of our new outposts has become apparent. If there's any trouble in the north, our new outposts will be the first to know. So, in terms of naval strength, many will prioritize our new outposts. That's only right, since our new outposts are at the forefront!"

He paused, his eyes darting around, a wicked smile playing on his lips. "If you're not happy, if you feel it's unfair, if you're not in a good mood, I can switch places with your Red Flower River Mouth Outpost. You come to the new stronghold, and I'll go to the Red Flower River Mouth Outpost. You stay here at the new stronghold, and I'll enjoy myself at the Red Flower River Mouth Outpost. How about it? Want to switch?"

Dali waved his hands frantically, like a windmill, his face showing a hint of nervousness, as if afraid Dazhuang would take it Dazhuang, or as if afraid Dazhuang would be robbed of some treasure. He said, "Let's forget about it! I built the Red Flower River Mouth Outpost myself. Everything there has passed through my hands, and I've poured my sweat into it. From a barren land to this large stronghold, I've put in so much effort, stayed up so many nights, lost so much hair, and endured so much hardship. If we suddenly change places, I definitely won't be used to it, and I won't feel at ease. We won't be able to sleep at night, and we'll dream about the Red Flower River Mouth Outpost. I'd better wait a little longer. Next year, the 100,000-jin carrying capacity ship will definitely be part of the Red Flower River Mouth Outpost. It won't be lost, and it won't be spared."

He paused, his gaze falling on the massive ship weighing 100,000 jin (approximately 50,000 kg), his eyes gleaming like a child seeing a beloved toy, or a hungry wolf spotting its prey. The ship lay quietly moored on the dock, its massive hull resembling a colossal beast. The tung oil gleamed with a deep sheen in the morning light, like a layer of honey. Its Chuantou was raised high, and his Dali eyes stared intently at it, unblinking. He swallowed hard.

"Once this ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin finishes transporting supplies to your new stronghold, it will return to the Little Fish River Mouth Outpost. When I miss it, I can come and ride on this huge ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin and have some fun. Anyway, our two strongholds are not far apart, it only takes half a day to get there."

Jianshi listened from the side, shaking his head with a smile that was a mixture of helplessness, affection, and indulgence. He stepped forward, patted Dali on the shoulder, and said, "Dali, don't worry. If you want to come to Little Fish River Mouth to take this 100,000-jin carrying capacity ship, you can come anytime. No one will stop you. The gates here are always open for you. Anyway, the Little Fish River Mouth Outpost and the Red Flower River Mouth Outpost aren't far apart; it only takes half a day by boat. Don't worry, the Fire Tribe will have more and more large ships coming later, one after another. You two shouldn't fight over them anymore, getting all red in the face like two children fighting over candy. I will allocate more large ships for you later; there will be some for Red Flower River Mouth and some for the new stronghold."

Upon hearing this, Dali and Dazhuang both nodded excitedly in agreement, their smiles deepening and their eyes sparkling. Dali rubbed his hands together, making a rustling sound, like he was twisting hemp rope or warming his hands. Dazhuang patted his chest, the sound booming like a drumbeat or thunder.

Then Jianshi turned to Dazhuang, stepped forward, straightened Dazhuang's collar, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Dazhuang, once you get there, don't rush the progress. Safety first, stability first, don't cause any accidents. If you encounter any difficulties, send someone back to report immediately. Don't try to handle everything yourself. If you're short-handed, just say so; if you're short of supplies, just report it. Don't be shy, don't be afraid of trouble. The new stronghold is counting on you; you're the pillar there now!"

Dazhuang, his eyes welling up and his nose stinging, but he held back his tears. He blinked hard a few times to suppress the heat and said, "Don't worry, brother, I will definitely build both strongholds. Just wait for my good news!"

Jianshi glanced at the sky; the sun had already peeked over the eastern mountains. He urged, "Alright, it's getting late. You should set off soon. Be careful on the road; safety first."

Dazhuang, turned around and waved to the soldiers behind him, his voice booming like thunder, echoing across the dock. "Board the ship! Prepare to depart!"

The soldiers filed aboard, each taking their positions with hurried steps. Da Dazhuang boarded the largest ship, stood at the Chuantou, hands on his hips, and gave directions. The sound of the horn rang out, and the fleet slowly started moving, leaving the dock of the Little Fish River Mouth Outpost and sailing downstream along the Fish River. The oars cut through the water, making a splashing sound, and the sails billowed in the morning breeze.

Jianshi, Dali, Dabang, and Yan stood on the dock, watching the fleet sail away until it disappeared around the bend in the river, becoming blurry little dots.

"Let's go, everyone, come back with me first." Jianshi turned around and led everyone towards the council hall of the Little Fish River Mouth Outpost.