Changes in the North

The oil lamps in the council chamber had already been refilled; the new wicks were longer than the old ones, and the flames had stabilized, flickering more evenly than before. Most of the food on the table was gone; the whole roasted lamb was reduced to a skeleton and some scraps of meat, laid out on a plate like a small ruin. A few bits of meat, not completely removed, clung to the bones, glistening slightly in the lamplight. The bowls of soup were empty, leaving only a thin layer of liquid at the bottom, reflecting the lamplight like a small patch of amber water. Three rice wine jars were empty, placed upside down in the corner; the last few drops clung to the rim before slowly seeping into the earthen floor.

Yan picked up the earthenware bowl in front of him, took a sip of water. The water was lukewarm; after sitting in the bowl for a while, it wasn't too hot anymore, just right for his mouth. It slid down his throat, washing away some of the wine and food aromas. He put the bowl down, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and as he did so, the bottom of the bowl tapped softly on the table, as if gently drawing a period to the end of tonight's banquet.

Daiyue also put down his chopsticks. He held the chopsticks together with his thumb and forefinger, placing them neatly on the rim of the bowl in front of him, with the tips facing outwards. Then he picked up a linen cloth from the table and wiped his mouth and fingers. He folded the cloth and placed it on the corner of the table, sat up straight, and scanned the empty bowls and plates on the table, as if to make sure everyone was full, before finally focusing his gaze on Yan's face.

He spoke, his voice warm and soothing after the touch of rice wine, yet his enunciation remained clear. "Young Chief Yan, we counted the number of ships your Fire Tribe brought this time, and it's fewer than last time—but most of them are large ships. We noticed that the number of small ships is less, but the number of large ships is significantly more than last time. It seems your Fire Tribe has built quite a few new ships, and your strength has increased considerably."

As he said this, he tapped the table twice with the fingers of his right hand, as if he were going over the number in his mind again. He then rubbed his fingertips against the wood grain before stopping, looking at Yan and waiting for his answer.

Yan put down his bowl, sat up straight, lifted his back from the chair, placed his hands flat on the table, and looked at Daiyue. When he spoke, his voice was steady, as if stating a fact that had already occurred. "Recently, our Fire Tribe's shipbuilding workshop has hardly stopped, which is why so many large ships have appeared."

Upon hearing this, Daiyue didn't immediately respond. His gaze lingered on Yan's face for a moment before he nodded slightly. "No wonder."

He picked up the earthenware bowl in front of him, took a sip of water, put it down, and then looked at Yan again, his voice lower than before, saying, "I recently received intelligence from my undercover agents that the Tiger Tribe is also secretly building ships."

Yan's gaze sharpened slightly, and the fingers gripping the rim of the bowl paused for a moment, but he neither moved them away nor spoke immediately.

Daiyue continued, "After suffering a loss on our side last year, they secretly increased their investment in shipbuilding upon returning home, and it hasn't stopped. The Tiger Tribe's Great Elder, Tongding, has been Dali promoting the shipbuilding plan recently, taking out and using a lot of resources they've accumulated over the years, directly converting them into ships and weapons. I heard that although there's still some internal competition, they're surprisingly unified on shipbuilding, and no one's stopping them. Now, the Tiger Tribe has more than thirty ships with a carrying capacity of 100,000 jin, and nearly a hundred ships with a carrying capacity of 50,000 jin. The number of other small boats has also increased significantly, and their warriors' training has also been strengthened."

After listening, Yan didn't immediately respond. He picked up his water bowl and took another sip before speaking, "This is still under the condition that we haven't provoked them too much. If one day they all feel the crisis, and they convert all the resources they've accumulated over the years into strength, we'll be in trouble. A tribe that has accumulated strength over many years, once it starts operating at full power, the power it can unleash in a short period of time will be much greater than we imagine. The Tiger Tribe has accumulated not only ships and weapons, but also a lot of resources over the years. Once they unify their direction, they won't be so easy to stop."

Daiyue nodded, his expression becoming more serious. He put down his water bowl, crossed his hands on the table, and leaned forward slightly. "Yes, and there's something else. Our people have sent word that the Wolf Tribe is launching a massive attack on the Great Luwei Tribe. They're moving incredibly fast, raiding their camp under cover of darkness. The Great Reed Tribe didn't have time to mount any effective resistance before their camp was breached. Even their chief, Lusheng, didn't have time to evacuate. Several of the Great Luwei Tribe Great Luwei Tribe's core subordinate tribes came to their aid after receiving the news, but they were ambushed by the Wolf Tribe on the way and routed one by one."

He paused, as if recalling the details of the intelligence. "Some remnants of the Great Boulder Tribe fled to the Great Luwei Tribe for refuge, but the Wolf Tribe took the opportunity to wipe them all out, leaving no survivors. Now it will be difficult for the Great Luwei Tribe to gather its strength to resist the Wolf Tribe in the short term."

Yan's expression changed slightly, his brows furrowing deeper involuntarily. His fingers, which had been resting on the table, clenched slightly before relaxing. "Why would the Wolf Tribe suddenly attack the Great Luwei Tribe? Although they have a history, Xueya never acts without a benefit. Since he's made a move, there must be someone pushing him from behind."

Daiyue shook his head, his tone implying, "I also find it strange: "Not only that, a few days after the Wolf Tribe occupied the Great Luwei Tribe, the Tiger Tribe suddenly appeared on the Great Luwei Tribe's territory. As soon as they arrived, they politely asked the Wolf Tribe to leave, and then directly took over the Great Luwei Tribe's territory and population. The Great Luwei Tribe just disappeared like that."

Yan fell silent. The flame of the oil lamp cast a flickering shadow on his profile, obscuring his expression in the firelight. But his fingers, gripping the rim of the bowl, tightened slightly, his knuckles turning white, before relaxing again. When he spoke, his voice was lower than before. "Such a drastic change has occurred in the north all of a sudden?"

Daiyue nodded and said, "We only just received the complete information. During the time the Wolf Tribe disappeared, they really did take those two thousand ponies to the Tiger Tribe, offering the horses as a gift of allegiance. After they returned, they even received some boats. I didn't believe the news when it came back, but now it seems to be true. The Tiger Tribe accepted the horses and gave them boats, clearly reaching a tacit agreement with the Wolf Tribe. Otherwise, the Wolf Tribe wouldn't have suddenly attacked the Great Luwei Tribe, and the Tiger Tribe wouldn't have appeared there so quickly. Everything seems to have been planned in advance."

Yan tapped his fingers lightly on the table twice and said, "This is highly likely. The Wolf Tribe attacked the Great Luwei Tribe to pave the way for the Tiger Tribe; the Tiger Tribe then took over, and now the Tiger Tribe has used the Wolf Tribe to annex the Great Luwei Tribe. Their territory has expanded significantly, their strength will increase considerably, and they now directly border the Wolf Tribe. This is very disadvantageous for us."

Daiyue nodded and said, "The Great Luwei Tribe's territory is quite large. Now that the Tiger Tribe has annexed the Great Luwei Tribe and several of its core subordinate tribes, if they can subsequently bring in the scattered smaller tribes nearby, their population will rapidly increase by 30,000 to 40,000, and their territory will expand considerably. Moreover, the southern part of the Tiger Tribe Tiger Tribe always been controlled by the Great Elder Tongding. This newly acquired population and territory also fall into his hands, which will significantly strengthen his faction's power. Their influence in the Tiger Tribe's council hall will be even greater, and they are very likely to initiate a war against us. When Tongding slams his fist on the table in the council hall and declares war, even if Hu Bashan and Hu Zheng want to stop them, they won't have enough reason or strength to do so."

Yan chimed in, "That's true. We need to pay closer attention to what's happening in the north. We can't wait until they're ready before we know, or it will be too late. Our scouts need to extend further north, not just keep an eye on the Little Valley Camp."

He straightened up, his gaze becoming more serious, and said, "When I arrived, our Fire Tribe had already reached an agreement with the Horse Tribe. After this year's autumn harvest, the Horse Tribe will bring all its people to join our Fire Tribe. This will significantly increase our population and territory. With the Fire Tribe Horse Tribe joining us, we will be truly connected with our stronghold at the Big Horse River Mouth Outpost. We will also strengthen the construction of our northern stronghold. If your Valley Tribe needs any assistance, you can directly contact our northern stronghold."

Upon hearing this, Daiyue's face relaxed slightly. He picked up his wine bowl and said, "Thank you for your Fire Tribe's help. I've always felt that the Horse Tribe's position is very important. Their willingness to join your Fire Tribe Fire Tribe makes things much smoother for you."

Yan also picked up his bowl and clinked it against his, saying, "It's only right. Our two tribes are allies, so it's only natural for us to look after each other. If your Valley Tribe is stable, then our Fire Tribe's rear is also stable."

Daiyue was silent for a moment, then raised his head, his tone more certain than before, and said, "Even if the Tiger Tribe wants to deal with us, it's unlikely this year. They still need to digest the territory of the Great Luwei Tribe and integrate the newly incorporated population and land. At the earliest, they won't be able to free up their resources until early next year."

Yan thought for a moment, his fingertip tracing an arc on the edge of the table, and said, "Large-scale conflict is unlikely, but we still need to be wary of small-scale conflicts. The Wolf Tribe now has boats, and the Bear Tribe also has a deep grudge against your Valley Tribe. They might send a small group to harass and test us."

Daiyue nodded and said, "That's what I was thinking too. I'll keep a close eye on things. By the way, the warehouses are ready for the 11 million catties of grain you're planning to transport back this time. I'll have Quyong bring some men over first thing tomorrow morning to help you load it onto the ships."

Yan clasped his hands in thanks and said, "Daiyue Chief Daiyue. Every time you come to the Valley Tribe, you arrange the food matters perfectly, saving us a lot of trouble."

Daiyue returned the greeting with a fist and palm salute, saying, "It's only right. The sooner you transport the grain back, the sooner we can feel at ease. When the grain is stored in the warehouse, we have to worry about preventing dampness and insects. Once you've transported it away, the warehouse will be empty, and there will be a place to store the new autumn harvest."

The two chatted for a few more minutes about the situation in the north and possible plans for next year. When they were almost done talking, Yan stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Daiyue, and said, "It's getting late, we'll take our leave now. We'll start loading the grain first thing tomorrow morning and try to finish as soon as possible."

Daiyue also stood up, clasped his hands in return, and said, "Alright, you should go back and rest early. Tomorrow, Quyong will bring people to the dock to wait for you. Once you arrive, you can start immediately."

He turned to look towards the doorway, raising his voice slightly, and said, "Qingsui, see Young Master Yan and the others off."

Qingsui emerged from the small door at the back of the council hall. Her footsteps were light, her skirt barely making a sound, as if she had been waiting there without disturbing anyone. She walked to Yan's side, glanced at him slightly, then nodded to Daiyue and softly said, "Yes, Father." Turning to Yan, her voice was even softer than when she spoke to her father, as if reserved for Yan alone. "Young Chief Yan, please."

The two walked out of the council hall one after the other. Night had fallen, and most of the torches in the camp had gone out, leaving only a few burning. The flames flickered slightly in the night wind, their glow shrinking to a small circle around the wick. The moon hung in the sky, not Manyue, but bright enough to cast a hazy glow over the entire camp, gilding the rooftops and treetops with a silvery outline. The two walked side by side, their pace neither hurried nor slow. Shibang and Yingmu had already tactfully led their men back to camp.

As the two walked back to camp, Qingsui spoke first, her voice very soft, as if afraid of crushing the moonlight beneath her feet. "You heard what my father said, right? The Tiger Tribe swallowed the Great Luwei Tribe, and the Wolf Tribe joined forces with them."

Yan nodded, his voice low. "I heard you. Your Valley Tribe is better informed than ours; you always know about the movements in the north first. When I get back, I'll have more scouts sent north; we can't keep waiting for news to come from you."

Qingsui turned her head slightly to look at him. "So, do you really think they'll attack next year?"

Yan pondered for a moment, his gaze falling on the road ahead. The road surface shimmered silvery-white in the moonlight, like a ribbon washed clean by the moonlight. He spoke softly, as if weighing his judgment. "Possibly, but not necessarily. There are still internal conflicts within the Tiger Tribe. Although the Great Elder has become stronger, Hu Bashan and Hu Zheng won't stand idly by. No matter how strong Tongding, he can't decide the entire Tiger Tribe's fate alone. Even if they want to fight, they need to unify their internal opinions and make their arguments clear before they can act. What we can do now is use this time to continue accumulating strength. By the time they are truly ready, we will no longer be what they think we are."

Qingsui nodded, not pressing the matter further. She slowed her pace, as if to match the rhythm of the night, or perhaps to extend the journey further. Her gaze lingered on her steps, and after a moment she spoke, "So, when you're loading the grain tomorrow, will I still be able to see you?"

Yan turned his head to look at her. Moonlight fell on her profile, clearly illuminating her features. Her eyelashes cast a small shadow under her eyes, and her lips were slightly pursed, as if she hadn't immediately let go of the tension after asking the question. He said, "Yes. I'll be at the dock when the grain is being loaded; you can see it if you want. After loading is finished, I promised to stay an extra day, and I won't go back on my word."

Qingsui didn't reply, but the corners of her mouth curled up slightly. The curve was particularly clear in the moonlight, like a line drawn by the moonlight, thin and gentle, before she resumed her normal pace.

The two reached the entrance to the Fire Tribe's temporary camp. Yan stopped and turned to look at her. They stood face to face, the moonlight casting a silvery path across the ground between them. A night breeze blew from the river, ruffling her hair and the hem of his clothes for a brief moment before settling back down.

Yan said, "You should go back now; you'll be busy tomorrow. I also need to get some rest early; we need to start loading grain first thing tomorrow morning."

Qingsui nodded. "Okay. Then you should get some rest. Oh, by the way, I'll bring you a can of ginger tea tomorrow. The river wind was strong when we were loading the grain in the morning, and it's easy to catch a cold if you stand for too long."

After she finished speaking, she didn't rush to leave. She stood there for a moment before turning around and taking a step. After a few steps, she looked back again, as if to make sure he was still standing there, before turning her gaze away, quickening her pace, and walking back the way she came. Her figure grew smaller and smaller in the moonlight, the hem of her skirt brushing against the roadside Caoye, making a soft rustling sound, until she finally disappeared around the corner of the campsite.

Yan stood at the camp gate, looking in that direction. He stood there for a moment before turning around and walking into the camp.