Infighting and Undercurrents
The next morning, just as dawn was breaking, the Bear Tribe's dock was already bustling with activity. The morning mist hadn't yet dissipated, leaving everything shrouded in white, obscuring the opposite bank and the distant mountain silhouettes. Dew clung to the Caoye, glistening brightly. The air was damp and cold; a breath felt like drinking ice water.
The warriors of the Tiger Tribe were already busy on the boat. Some were tidying up the ropes, while others were moving supplies. They moved quickly and skillfully, clearly veterans. The sounds of footsteps, voices, and things clattering together created a lively atmosphere, like a bustling market.
Tong Dachui stood at the Chuantou of the largest ship, a massive vessel with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin (50,000 kg), his gaze sweeping across the dock like two knives. His expression was still not good, gloomy and oppressive, making it hard to breathe. His brows were furrowed, his lips were downturned, and his jaw was taut, but he didn't get angry or curse. He just watched coldly. Xiong Lie stood on the dock, followed by Xiong Pan and several leaders. They were bowed low, their heads hanging low, like children who had done something wrong. His face was plastered with a smile, but it was forced and strained.
"Chief Dachui, all the supplies have been handed over, nothing is missing, not a single item is lost, everything has been prepared according to the quantities you specified, and it's all been loaded onto the ship."
Tong Dachui nodded, not looking at him, his gaze still sweeping across the river.
"Hmm." He snorted, the sound squeezed out from his nose, cold.
Xiong Lie opened his mouth, wanting to say something more, but seeing Tong Dachui's cold expression, he swallowed his words.
The dock was quiet for a moment, with only the sound of the river lapping against the surface. After a while, the Tiger Tribe's fleet was ready. The sails were raised, the oars were extended, all in perfect formation. Tong Dachui raised his hand, swung it sharply, and shouted, "Let's go!"
The fleet slowly left the Bear Tribe's dock, one ship after another sailing into the river and drifting downstream along the Fish River. Xiong Lie stood on the dock, watching the Tiger Tribe's fleet depart, his body trembling slightly, unsure whether it was from the cold, anger, or fear.
Xiong Pan stood beside him, his face pale, his eyes red, and his lips tightly pressed together.
"Father, the Tiger Tribe's fleet has left." His voice was low, as if he were whispering.
Xiong Lie nodded without speaking, staring intently in the direction where the Tiger Tribe fleet had disappeared. After a long while, he finally let out a long breath.
"Let's go, let's go see the new ship," he said in a hoarse voice.
He turned around and walked towards the boats left behind by the Tiger Tribe at the dock. There were several large boats with a carrying capacity of 50,000 catties, as well as some smaller boats, all neatly moored at the dock. Xiong Lie walked to the largest boat, reached out and touched the hull. The planks were smooth and cool to the touch. His fingers slowly slid across the planks, as if he were caressing a treasure.
"What a fine ship," he murmured softly.
"This is a really good ship. In the past, our Bear Tribe couldn't buy it even if we wanted to, and we couldn't exchange it even if we wanted to. The Tiger Tribe cherishes this kind of big ship more than their own lives, and they rarely sell it or give it away."
Standing behind him, Xiong Pan's eyes were filled with admiration, envy, and greed.
"Father, with these large ships, our Bear Tribe's naval strength has greatly increased! We're much stronger than before!"
Xiong Lie nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, with these boats, we no longer need to fear the Valley Tribe on the Fish River. They don't have as many boats as we do now. In future naval battles, our Bear Tribe will have a significant advantage. Although our Bear Tribe lost a large amount of supplies this time, we gained these large ships in return, so it's not a loss. Supplies can be earned back, but these boats aren't something you can just buy or exchange as you please."
He patted the gunwale, making a dull thud, and said, "Come on, let's go aboard and take a look."
He stepped onto the gangplank and boarded the large ship. Xiong Pan followed behind him and boarded the ship as well. The father and son walked around several large ships, looking at every place and every corner carefully and meticulously, as if they were examining a treasure or sizing up a bride.
Xiong Lie touched the gunwale of the boat, looking at the river in the distance, his eyes gleaming.
"Once we've gotten familiar with these boats and the soldiers are skilled at operating them, we'll go and cause trouble for the Valley Tribe. They've lost nearly half their naval strength this time, and they're at their weakest, like a wounded tiger or a sick wolf. If we don't attack them, who will we attack? If we don't vent our anger on them, who will we target?"
His voice deepened as he said, "When the time comes, we'll let the Valley Tribe know that the Bear Tribe is not to be trifled with! We'll let them know what the price is for offending the Bear Tribe!"
Xiong Pan nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement, anticipation, and a hint of ferocity.
"Father is right! We must show the people of the Valley Tribe the power of our Bear Tribe Bear Tribe! We'll make them regret opposing us for so many years!"
Xiong Lie nodded, glanced at the new ship a few more times, and then reluctantly disembarked.
"Let's go back and prepare for a while. After some time, we'll go to the Valley Tribe and see if there's an opportunity."
The father and son left the dock and headed towards the camp. Their shadows grew longer and longer in the morning light until they disappeared at the camp gate.
The Tiger Tribe's fleet sailed downstream along the Fish River at a fast pace. The current made it easy to navigate, as the boats were propelled forward by the water. The oars didn't need to be used much; once the sails were raised, the boats moved forward on their own.
Tong Dachui stood at the Chuantou the largest ship, a massive vessel with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin, arms crossed, his gaze coldly fixed on the distance ahead. His expression was still grim, his brows furrowed, his lips downturned, and his chin taut. Hu Wei stood beside him, his face equally solemn.
"Chief Dachui, when we return this time, Hu Bashan will definitely seize the opportunity to launch an attack. He provoked a conflict with the Wuyue Tribe in the east, drawing away 70% of our naval strength and causing us to suffer a defeat in the Valley Tribe. When we return, he will definitely shift the blame onto us, saying that we were incompetent in command and that we underestimated the enemy and acted rashly."
Hu Ya also came over, his voice tinged with anger and resentment.
"Yes, Dachui Leader, that old bastard Hu Bashan has been looking down on us for a long time. He'd love for us to suffer defeats outside, to lose face, and to be punished by the leader, so he can take the opportunity to expand his power and suppress our faction."
Hu Zhua's voice carried a hint of worry and unease as he spoke, "Chief Dachui, we must be careful when we return. Hu Bashan has deep roots in the tribe, especially in the military. Many in the Great Tiger Tribe's army listen to him. If he makes trouble in the council hall, we might be in trouble."
Tong Dachui snorted coldly, the sound coming from his nose, chilling.
"What are you afraid of? What can he do to me? The reason for this defeat is crystal clear. It wasn't due to poor command or underestimating the enemy; it was because Hu Bashan was up to his old tricks in the east, drawing away our main force! We only have 30% of our ships and 30% of our men left. We've already done quite well to have achieved that result! No one could have done any better!"
His voice grew louder and louder, like thunder.
"Moreover, the Fire Tribe's strength this time has truly exceeded our expectations. They have five giant ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin each, fifty large ships with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin each, many small boats, bronze battering rams, catapults, and an ample supply of arrows. With such strength, even if we don't divert seven-tenths of our forces, annihilating them will still come at a heavy price!"
Hu Wei nodded and said, "Chief Dachui is right. This defeat cannot be entirely blamed on us. The Fire Tribe has risen too fast, exceeding everyone's expectations. A year ago, they only had one giant ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin, and now they have five. If they are given another year, I don't know how far they will develop."
Tong Dachui's face grew even more grim, as if he had thought of something terrible.
"This Fire Tribe is indeed a big problem. Their development speed is too fast. If we don't find a way to stop them as soon as possible, in a few years, they will be able to stand on equal footing with our Tiger Tribe on the water. At that time, the Fish River Basin will no longer be dominated by our Tiger Tribe, but will become a battle between two tribes."
Hu Ya's voice was filled with urgency and anxiety as he urgently asked, "What should we do? Should we suggest to the Grand Elder that we launch a preemptive strike against the Fire Tribe? Should we take them down before they've fully developed?"
Tong Dachui shook his head, his gaze distant.
"No, now is not the time. To the east are the Wuyue Tribe, and to the west are the Shu Tribe. Both sides are watching us and looking for an opportunity to take a bite out of us. If we transfer all our main forces to the upper reaches to the Fire Tribe, the east and west will definitely take the opportunity to launch an attack. At that time, we will be attacked from two sides and fighting on three fronts. We simply cannot cope with it."
He paused, thought for a moment, and then said, "Moreover, the Fire Tribe is not easy to deal with now. They have five giant ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin each, fifty large ships with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin each, and many small ships, as well as bronze weapons and well-trained warriors. To fight them, we would need to mobilize at least 80% of the Tiger Tribe's strength to have any chance of winning. But if we mobilize 80% of our strength to the Fire Tribe, what about the east and west flanks? Who will defend them?"
Hu Wei sighed and said, "So we can only endure it for now and watch the Fire Tribe grow stronger day by day?"
Tong Dachui was silent for a moment, then his gaze sharpened as he said, "It's not entirely about enduring. We can first try to weaken the Fire Tribe's strength and slow down their development."
"What method?" Hu Wei, Hu Ya, and Hu Zhua Claw asked in unison.
Tong Dachui smirked coldly, "Support the Bear Tribe, give them more ships, more weapons, and more supplies, so they can restrain the Fire Tribe and the Valley Tribe in the middle reaches of the Fish River, preventing the Fire Tribe from developing peacefully and expanding at full speed."
"In addition, we should also make contact with that Wolf Tribe at the appropriate time. If they are willing to submit to our Tiger Tribe, we can give them some support and let them cause trouble in the Fire Tribe, making sure the Fire Tribe is never at peace."
"The Fire Tribe has a large population and territory, but its foundation is unstable and its internal unity is questionable. If we plant a few spies around them to prevent them from developing at full capacity, their rise will slow down or even stagnate."
Hu Wei nodded, his eyes filled with admiration, and said, "Chief Dachui is right. We can't confront the Fire Tribe head-on for now, but we can find ways to cause them trouble and slow down their development. Once we've resolved the issues in the east and west, we can concentrate our forces on dealing with the Fire Tribe."
Tong Dachui nodded and said nothing more, his gaze fixed ahead. The fleet sailed downstream along the Fish River for about twenty days before finally returning to the Tiger Tribe's dock. The Tiger Tribe's dock was located at the mouth of the Fish River, where it merged into the Long River Fish River. The water was wide and the current was gentle, making it a natural and excellent dock. The dock was filled with boats of all sizes, including giant ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin, large ships with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin, and many small boats, all densely packed together.
The dock was packed with people, all there to welcome the fleet. The man at the front had gray hair but was in high spirits. He wore a blue linen robe, a leather belt with a bronze buckle around his waist, animal skin boots, and carried a bronze-tipped cane.
He was the Great Elder of the Tiger Tribe, Tongding Ding. Tong Tongding was Tong Dachui's father and the most powerful person in the Tiger Tribe. He possessed the core technology of bronze smelting, controlled the economic lifeline of the Tiger Tribe, and held most of the power over personnel. As soon as Tong Dachui got off the boat, he walked quickly to Tongding, knelt down with a thud, and lowered his head so low that his forehead almost touched the ground.
"Father, we did not fight well in the Valley Tribe this time and lost a giant ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 catties. Please punish us!" His voice was deep and heavy.
Tongding didn't speak immediately, but looked down at his kneeling son with a complicated expression. After a long while, he finally spoke, "Get up. I understand the details of this matter. It wasn't your fault, so you don't need to blame yourself."
Tong Dachui raised his head and looked at his father, his eyes full of doubt and confusion.
"Father, if it weren't for my poor command, we wouldn't have lost that giant ship..."
The Tongding waved its hand, stopping him.
"I told you, it's not your fault. The Bear Tribe's message was wrong. They told us the Fire Tribe only had one giant ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin, but they actually have five. It's not your fault; nobody expected the Fire Tribe to develop so quickly."
He paused, his voice lowering, tinged with anger and resentment:
"Moreover, Hu Bashan, which is stationed in the east, took the opportunity to provoke a conflict with the Wuyue Tribe, drawing away 70% of your naval strength. Otherwise, even if the Fire Tribe came to our aid, they would not be a match for our Tiger Tribe. We only had 30% of our ships and 30% of our men. It's already quite impressive that we were able to fight like that."
Tong Dachui stood up, his eyes flashing with anger.
"Father, Hu Bashan did this on purpose! He deliberately provoked a conflict in the east at this time, and deliberately withdrew our main force, just to make us suffer a defeat, lose face, and be punished outside! This way, he can take the opportunity to expand his own power and suppress our faction!"
Tongding nodded, his eyes filled with coldness, and said, "I know. Hu Bashan is very ambitious. He wants to seize power, wants to become the leader, and wants to kick our Great Copper Tribe out of the core of power. Over the years, he has never given up on this idea, and has been looking for opportunities and making plans."
He sneered, "But he underestimates us. Although we suffered a defeat and lost a giant ship this time, the foundation of our Great Copper Tribe remains intact. He thinks he can use this opportunity to suppress us? Not so easy."
He turned around and walked towards the dock, saying, "Let's go, they're all waiting in the council hall. The three brothers, Hu Bashan, Hu Zhenshan, and Hu Dingshan, are all here, along with the four elders, Yan Feng, He Man, Tao Shan, and Zhi Jin, as well as the leader Hu Zheng and some other leaders. Today, we'll clarify this matter in front of everyone and see who is responsible and who is behind it."
Tong Dachui nodded and followed his father toward the council hall. The Tiger Tribe's council hall was located in the very center of the camp. It was a large wooden house, much larger and more imposing than the Valley Tribe's council hall. The council hall was already full of people.
On the left sat the four elders: Yan Feng, He Man, Tao Shan, and Zhi Jin. Yan Feng was the leader of the White Salt Tribe, in charge of the salt industry. He Man was the leader of the Rice Tribe, in charge of grain. Tao Shan was the leader of the Great Pottery Tribe, in charge of pottery. Zhi Jin was the leader of the Cloth Tribe, the only female elder, slender with long, delicate fingers, and her hands were well-maintained, unlike those of someone who did manual labor.
On the right sat the three brothers, Hu Bashan, Hu Zhenshan, and Hu Dingshan. Hu Bashan sat at the front, a burly man with broad shoulders and a thick waist. He wore a black linen robe, a leather belt with bronze buckles around his waist, and animal skin boots. His hair was held back with a bone hairpin. He sat there with an air of authority.
Hu Zhenshan sat next to him; he was lean and always had a smile on his face, and he wore a long blue linen robe.
Hu Dingshan sat at the very back. He was of medium build, neither fat nor thin, neither short nor tall, and wore a gray linen robe. He sat there quietly.
The current leader Hu Zheng, sat in the head seat. He wore a white linen robe, a leather belt with a bronze buckle around his waist, and his hair was held up by a jade hairpin—a keepsake left to him by his mother, which he rarely wore except on important occasions. He sat there with his back ramrod straight, his gaze calm and unreadable, revealing neither joy nor anger, but his heart was far from at peace.
He knew that today's meeting would not be peaceful. Hu Bashan and Tong Dachui, one wanted to take the opportunity to suppress the other, and the other wanted to defend himself. The two forces were bound to quarrel, and might even fight.
As the leader of the Tiger Tribe, he had to maintain a balance in this struggle. It was a game of power, a game he couldn't afford to lose. Over the years, he had been painstakingly building his strength. Now, he possessed power in the Tiger Tribe second only to these two factions. Although these two factions often wouldn't give him face on matters of core interest, his situation was much better than before.
He believed that as long as he took it slow, one day he would take control of the Tiger Tribe Tiger Tribe and become its true leader, no longer a puppet in someone else's hands, no longer a child in someone else's eyes. When Tong Dachui followed Tongding into the council hall, everyone's eyes were on him. When Hu Bashan saw Tong Dachui come in, he curled his lips and revealed a mocking smile.
"Yo, Dachui Hammer's back?" His voice was loud, sarcastic, like he was mocking or sarcastically saying, "I heard you suffered a defeat in the Valley Tribe and lost a giant ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin? Tsk tsk tsk, what a pity. That ship cost our Tiger Tribe so much manpower and resources to build, and it's gone just like that. What a pity, such a pity."
Tong Dachui's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. He strode up to Hu Bashan, his eyes wide like copper bells, his gaze like a knife piercing Hu Bashan's face.
"Hu Bashan, how dare you speak like that!" His voice was loud, like thunder. "If you hadn't provoked the conflict with the Wu and Wuyue Tribe in the east, drawing away seventy percent of my naval strength, would I have fought so hard and suffered such a humiliating defeat at the Valley Tribe? Would I have lost that giant ship?"
Hu Bashan sneered, stood up, and met Tong Dachui's gaze without flinching.
"I provoked the conflict? I stripped you of your strength? Tong Dachui, you need evidence to back up your claims! The Wuyue Tribe from the east invaded our territory, and as the leader stationed there, it was my duty to mobilize troops! My withdrawal of the fleet was with the chief's approval and the Council of Elders's authorization! You're not satisfied? Go talk to the chief, go talk to the Council of Elders!"
Tong Dachui was so angry that his face turned red, as red as a monkey's bottom.
"You're talking nonsense! You did this on purpose! You knew our fleet was heading to the Valley Tribe, you knew our main force was out there, you deliberately provoked conflict in the east, deliberately diverted the fleet, just to make us suffer a defeat, lose face, and be punished! So you could take the opportunity to expand your own power and suppress our Great Copper Tribe!"
Hu Bashan laughed loudly and arrogantly, the laughter echoing in the council hall.
"Tong Dachui, you overestimate yourself! Who do you think you are? Who do you think your Great Copper Tribe is? Our Tiger Tribe is not just your Great Copper Tribe! Our Great Tiger Tribe is the core, the legitimate one! What right do you, an outsider, have to shout here?"
Tong Dachui trembled with rage, his hand resting on the bronze sword at his waist.
Who are you calling an outsider? Who are you calling unqualified?
Hu Bashan also gripped the bronze sword at his waist, his gaze fierce.
"I'm talking about you! I'm talking about your Great Copper Tribe! More than a hundred years ago, you were just a group of refugees fleeing from war. It was our Tiger Tribe that took you in, gave you food, and gave you a place to stay! Without our Tiger Tribe, you would have starved to death in the Huangye long ago, or been eaten by wild beasts! Now you've grown wings and want to turn the tables? Want to be the boss?"
The two were on the verge of fighting, and the other elders and leaders looked at each other in dismay. Some lowered their heads, some turned away, and some closed their eyes. No one dared to speak up or try to break up the fight. They couldn't afford to offend either of these two forces, and they dared not offend either of them.
Hu Zheng sat at the head of the table, watching this scene with a slight frown. The fiercer Hu Bashan and Tong Dachui fought, the more advantageous it would be for him. Only when the two sides fought to the death and were both severely injured could he reap the benefits and slowly regain power. If the two sides united as one, he, as the leader, would become a figurehead, a puppet, and a dispensable person.
Therefore, he cannot mediate the fight, nor can he take sides. He can only watch, listen, and wait until they are tired of fighting and have finished arguing before he steps in to speak and mediate. Only in this way can he appear impartial and act like a leader.
Hu Zheng coughed softly, not loudly, but everyone present heard it.
The council chamber fell silent instantly, so quiet that the crackling of the oil lamp could be heard, like the chirping of insects.
Hu Bashan and Tong Dachui exchanged a glance, then withdrew their hands, took a step back, and sat back down in their respective seats.
Hu Zheng looked at them, his voice calm, like a Shentan pool, its depths unfathomable.
"I've learned about the incident with the Valley Tribe. The Bear Tribe's message was flawed, which was a major reason for our defeat. In addition, the invasion from the Wuyue Tribe in the east also affected our troop deployment."
He paused, looking at Tong Dachui. "Chief Tong Dachui, although you suffered a defeat in the Valley Tribe this time, you were able to retreat in time and preserve most of the fleet, which is quite good. I don't blame you."
Tong Dachui clasped his hands in a respectful greeting. "Thank you, Chief."
Hu Zheng again