The Fleet Set Sail Again

After Yan's figure disappeared at the entrance of the council hall of the Fire Tribe's Little Fish River Mouth Outpost, Jianshi withdrew his gaze and looked at Dazhuang. Dazhuang was still standing in the same spot. His tall body was like an iron tower, and his broad shoulders were like a city wall. He had a simple and honest smile on his face. His eyes were not big, but they were very bright. His eyebrows were thick, like two brushes, and slightly raised, which made him look somewhat heroic. His nose was straight, his lips were a bit thick, and his chin was square, giving people a sense of reliability and dependability.

"Dazhuang, the fleet is basically in place. Get ready, and in two or three days, you and Yan will lead the fleet to depart from the Little Fish River Mouth Outpost stronghold. Once Yan arrives at your Green Leaf River Mouth Outpost, you can hand over the reins."

Dazhuang nodded, took two steps forward, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "Okay, Big Brother." He was still used to calling him Big Brother, not Leader. In private, when only his family was around, he always called him that.

"Don't worry about the fleet. I guarantee they'll set off in two or three days. In the meantime, several thousand more people from the north Clothing River and the north bank of the Little Horse River are preparing to join our Fire Tribe," Dazhuang continued, his voice filled with excitement and pride. "I've already talked to them quite a bit. The conditions are all agreed upon, and the rules are clear. They've agreed to migrate, to be resettled separately, and to submit to the management of our Fire Tribe. Now we're just waiting for the first harvest of the year so we can bring them to our Fire Tribe's main valley to settle them."

He paused, thought for a moment, and then said, "The Horse Tribe is also very interested in joining our Fire Tribe. They used to be a little hesitant and had some concerns, worried that our Fire Tribe Fire Tribe n't strong enough and couldn't protect them. But this time, when our Fire Tribe defeated the Tiger Tribe, the overlord of the Fish River, the news reached the Horse Tribe, and their attitude changed drastically. They became more and more respectful towards us."

Upon hearing this, Jianshi smiled with satisfaction and said, "Strength is the foundation of our Fire Tribe's development. Without strength, nothing you say matters; without strength, others won't even look at you; without strength, no matter how enthusiastic or polite you are, others won't take you seriously."

His voice was deep as he said, "As long as our Fire Tribe continues to grow and become stronger, more and more Fire Tribe will voluntarily join us. We won't need to beg or urge them; they will come to us on their own."

He patted Dazhuang on the shoulder and said, "Dazhuang, you've done a good job over there. From now on, the task of absorbing people and conducting trade in the north will be entrusted to you. This is a major matter, related to the future of our Fire Tribe. You need to pay attention and put in a lot of effort."

Dazhuang puffed out his chest and said in a loud voice, "Don't worry, big brother, I'll definitely handle this well! I won't let you down!"

Jianshi nodded, his gaze becoming more serious. "Of course, you can't let your guard down at those strongholds either. They must continue to develop and expand. The Green Leaf River Mouth Outpost, the Little Horse River Mouth Outpost Estuary Stronghold, and the Clothing River South Bank Outpost —none of them can be neglected. The population must increase, the fields must be cultivated, and the soldiers must be trained. Nothing can be stopped, and everything must be done diligently."

Dazhuang nodded repeatedly and said, "Understood! Don't worry, Big Brother, I've remembered everything!"

Jianshi waved his hand and said, "Go on, go about your business."

Dazhuang clasped his hands in a salute, turned around and walked out of the council hall. Jianshi watched his back disappear through the door, then turned his head and looked at Jianya and Dali.

"Jianya, Dali."

The two men stood up, clasped their hands in a respectful greeting, and said, "Elder Brother."

Jianshi gestured for them to sit down, and then sat down himself.

"This period is a time of peaceful development for our Fire Tribe. The Tiger Tribe won't be coming for the time being, the Valley Tribe doesn't need our help, and the Bear Tribe is still resting. This is a rare opportunity for us. You must make the most of this precious time, Dali develop and strengthen your strongholds, and provide a strong material foundation for the development of our Fire Tribe. Produce more grain, build more ships, train more warriors, and stockpile more supplies. Not a single drop can be wasted, and we cannot relax for a single day or moment."

Jianya nodded, his eyes filled with determination, and said, "Don't worry, brother. I'll keep a close eye on the Fire Tribe's stronghold in the valley. Those building ships will continue building ships, those farming will continue farming, and those training will continue training. Nothing will be neglected."

Dali nodded, his voice booming, "I'll keep a close eye on the Red Flower River Mouth Outpost."

Jianshi nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand, saying, "Go on, get on with your work."

Jianya and Dali clasped their hands in a salute, turned and walked out of the council hall. Sunlight streamed in from outside, so bright it was blinding. The two squinted to adjust their eyes, then strode towards the dock.

Jianya's hair was a bit messy, and his eyes were bloodshot, clearly indicating he hadn't slept well the night before, but he walked quickly.

Dali had a smile on his face and his eyes were sparkling. The two walked side by side without saying a word. When they were almost at the dock, Dali spoke up.

"Second Brother, when do you think our Fire Tribe will surpass the Tiger Tribe? When will we become the largest tribe in the Fish River Basin?"

Jianya thought for a moment and said, "Soon. At this rate of development, in less than three years, our Fire Tribe will be on par with the Tiger Tribe, and in less than five years, we will surpass them."

Dali hearing this, Dali's smile deepened, and he said, "Five years? Then I'll be able to wait until that day very soon!"

Jianya smiled but didn't say anything. The two arrived at the dock and saw Yan and Dazhuang chatting next to a giant ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin.

The giant ship was moored on the dock. Its hull was enormous, like a Little Mountain. The oars were neatly arranged on the gunwale, and Chuantou bronze battering ram at the bow gleamed in the sunlight, like the Liaoya of a beast.

Yan stood there with a faint smile on his face, talking to Dazhuang. Dazhuang stood beside him, hands on his hips, like an iron tower, looking up at the ship. Dali saw them, strode over, and said in a voice like thunder:

"Yan! Dazhuang!"

The two turned around, saw Dali, and smiled.

"Uncle Dali," Yan greeted with a fist and palm salute.

"Brother Dali," Dazhuang also clasped his hands in greeting.

Dali walked up to them, looked the giant ship up and down, his eyes gleaming like a hungry wolf eyeing its prey.

"This ship is huge! So sturdy! So beautiful!" He reached out and touched the hull; the planks were smooth and cool to the touch. "When will our Red Flower River Mouth Outpost have a ship like this?"

Dazhuang grinned, revealing a set of white teeth.

"Brother Dali, didn't you say you were going back? Why are you still here watching the boats? Aren't you afraid you won't be able to leave?"

Dali glared at him, her gaze sharp as a knife, and said, "What's it to you? I'm watching my boat, what's it to you?"

Dazhuang Zhuang laughed heartily, his laughter echoing across the dock, and Yan laughed too.

Dali turned to look at Yan, his eyes filled with anticipation, and said, "Yan, your father promised me that he will soon provide our Red Flower River Mouth Outpost with a giant ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin. Is that true? You're not lying to me, are you?"

Yan nodded, his voice Chenwen, "It's true. My father said it himself. He wouldn't lie to you. But you'll have to wait a bit. Once the ship is built, we'll send it to you."

Dali hearing this, Dali's smile deepened, his eyes narrowing into slits as he said, "That's good! That's good! I've been waiting for that day!"

He turned around and patted Dazhuang on the shoulder with a Dazhuang pat that made Dazhuang sway slightly.

"Dazhuang, don't be so smug. Your Green Leaf River Mouth Outpost will soon have a giant ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin, and our Red Flower River Mouth Outpost will have one soon too. Besides, I can come to the Little Fish River Mouth Outpost anytime I want. Anyway, the two strongholds are less than half a day's boat ride apart. I can come and see the ships whenever I want. There's no need to envy you."

Dazhuang nodded repeatedly, smiling as he said, "Good, good, good! Your Red Flower River Mouth Outpost will soon have large ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin! When that happens, both our strongholds will have them, and neither of us will envy the other!"

Dali snorted and turned to walk towards his ship, a large ship with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin. It was moored not far away. The ship was not as big as the giant ship with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin, but it was still very sturdy and beautiful. The sails were already raised, a white expanse, fluttering gently in the wind.

Dali stepped onto the gangplank and onto his boat. Standing at the Chuantou, he waved to Yan and Dazhuang and shouted, "I'm leaving! You guys get on with your work!"

Yan and Dazhuang waved and said, "Uncle Dali, be careful on the road!"

"Brother Dali, take care!"

Dali nodded, turned and walked into the cabin, slowly leaving the dock. Yan and Dazhuang stood on the dock, watching Dali's boat sail away, watching the sail grow smaller and smaller, farther and farther away, until it finally disappeared at the bend in the river.

Dazhuang turned to look at Yan, his gaze becoming more serious, and asked, "Yan, when do we set off?"

Yan thought for a moment and said, "Let's set off in three days, once the fleet is ready."

Dazhuang nodded and said, "Then I'll go back and prepare. You should get some rest during this time."

Yan nodded and said, "Okay."

After Dazhuang finished speaking, he turned and walked towards his boat. Three days later, just as dawn was breaking, the dock at the Little Fish River Mouth Outpost became lively.

The fleet was ready: ten giant ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin each, sixty-five large ships with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin each, and many small ships, all neatly moored on the dock. The sails were already raised, creating a vast expanse of white, and the oars were arranged in neat rows on the gunwales.

The soldiers were busy on the ship. Their movements were quick and skillful, clearly those of veterans. Jian Shi and Jianshi men stood on the dock to see Yan and Dazhuang off. Today, he was wearing a blue linen robe, a leather belt with a bronze buckle around his waist, and animal skin boots. His hair was neatly combed.

With a smile on his face, he said, "Dazhuang, Yan, have a safe journey."

Dazhuang nodded and said in a loud voice, "Don't worry, Big Brother."

Yan nodded and said, "Father, don't worry, I will take good care of myself."

Jianshi patted them on the shoulder and said, "Go on, come back soon."

Dazhuang and Yan clasped their hands in greeting, then turned and boarded their respective ships. Yan put his hands on his hips and glanced at the entire fleet.

"Let's go!" He raised his hand and waved it sharply.

As the horn sounded, the fleet slowly left the dock, one ship after another entering the river and sailing downstream. The ships moved quickly. Jianshi stood on the dock, watching the fleet go by, watching the sails grow smaller and smaller, farther and farther away, until they finally disappeared around the bend in the river.

He stood there for a long time without moving. After a while, he turned around and walked towards the camp. A few days later, the fleet arrived at the Green Leaf River Mouth Outpost. The Green Leaf River Mouth Outpost was located on the west bank of the Fish River. The water was wide and the current was gentle, making it a natural and good dock. Dazhuang and Yan got off the boat and walked towards the outpost.

Dazhuang led Yan on a walk around the camp, introducing Dazhuang as they went, his voice filled with pride and satisfaction.

Yan nodded as he listened to Dazhuang's introduction, his eyes full of approval.

"Uncle Dazhuang, you've done a great job. The Green Leaf River Mouth Outpost is developing very quickly, even better than I expected."

Dazhuang grinned and said, "It's all thanks to Big Brother's excellent leadership and everyone's great work. I couldn't have done so much by myself."

Yan smiled but didn't say anything. They spent a day at the Green Leaf River Mouth Outpost, handed over their work, and arranged manpower. Then Yan led the fleet downstream. Over the next few days, Yan led the fleet to inspect the Little Horse River Mouth Outpost Clothing River South Bank Outpost.

The Little Horse River Mouth Outpost is located on the east bank of the Fish River. It is smaller than the Green Leaf River Mouth Outpost, but it is still very lively, with busy figures everywhere.

The Clothing River South Bank Outpost is located on the west bank of the Fish River. It is a newly built stronghold of the Fire Tribe. The camp and the dock were built not long ago, but many people are already living there. They are busy cultivating fields, building houses, and repairing the dock.

Yan spent a day at each stronghold, inspected the construction progress, listened to the leaders' reports, resolved some issues, and assigned some tasks. Afterward, he left Shibang, Yingmu, and Feiyu to temporarily manage these strongholds. Yan stood in front of them, looking at them with eyes full of trust.

"Shibang, Yingmu, Feiyu —these strongholds are yours to keep a close watch on them and prevent any trouble."

Shibang patted his chest and said loudly, "Don't worry, boss, with us here, nothing will go wrong!"

Yingmu nodded, Feiyu clasped his hands in a salute, saying in a Chenwen voice, "Young Master Yan, rest assured, I will definitely handle things here well."

Yan nodded and said, "Okay, I believe you."

He turned around, boarded his boat, and the fleet slowly left the dock, continuing along the Fish River towards the Clothing Tribe. Yan stood at the Chuantou, watching the scenery on both banks of the Fish River. The trees on both sides of the river were lush and green, and occasionally one could see tribesmen fishing on the riverbank. When they saw this huge fleet, they all stopped to look and pointed.

Yan was preoccupied with many things: when the Tiger Tribe would retaliate, whether the Bear Tribe would seize the opportunity to cause trouble, the future of the Fire Tribe, and his own future. He let out a long breath, turned around, and walked into the cabin. The cabin was spacious, covered with animal hides, and furnished with a wooden table with earthenware bowls and pots on it. Sunlight streamed in, casting golden patches on the floor. Yan sat on the animal hide, picked up the pot, poured himself a bowl of water, and took a sip.

The water was cool and slightly sweet. He put down the bowl, leaned against the cabin wall, and closed his eyes. The ship rocked gently, like a cradle. Many images flashed through his mind: Qingsui's smile, her eyes in the moonlight, the glance she gave as she turned to leave, the giant ship of the Tiger Tribe, the ship that had been sunk, half-submerged in water, and Daiyue's words at the banquet last time.

He saw his father, Jianshi, standing on the dock to see him off. He opened his eyes, looked at the top of the cabin, reached out and touched the jade pendant at his waist. It was a gift from Qingsui, and he always carried it with him, never letting it out of his sight.

The jade pendant was smooth and warm to the touch. He closed his eyes and fell asleep again. The boat continued downstream, and the trees on the shore rushed past. Soon, the fleet finally arrived at the territory of the Clothing Tribe.