The Banquet

As night fell, the Fish Tribe held a grand welcome banquet for the Fire Tribe. The bonfire leaped, and the aroma of roasted fish and joyful laughter filled the air. Chief Canglan was exceptionally hospitable. With his arm around Jianshi's shoulder, Canglan said in a booming voice, "Brother Jianshi, the 100,000 jin of grain you requested this time is no small amount!"

Jianshi Chenwen replied, "The tribe needs to prepare for winter and also needs to prepare for next year, so I have no choice but to shamelessly trouble my brother-in-law again."

Canglan laughed heartily, "Of course, of course! Your Fire Tribe's pottery is a hot commodity here. The pottery we traded last time was immediately exchanged for three times the amount in furs and medicinal herbs!"

He lowered his voice, a hint of smugness in it. "To be honest, those old grains are just taking up space in our warehouse. We're the ones who benefited from exchanging them for such fine pottery."

Wang Yan sat quietly to the side, listening clearly to Canglan's words. He noticed that the elders of the Fish Tribe also had smiles on their faces, clearly very satisfied with the deal.

After the banquet, both parties formally finalized the details of the transaction. Jianshi then asked, "Brother-in-law, transporting 100,000 jin of grain is inconvenient. I wonder if the Fish Tribe could help with the transport?"

Canglan readily agreed, "That's easy! We'll provide eight large ships, making two round trips to transport it to your destination. However..." He changed the subject, "How about we settle the transportation costs with pottery?"

After some discussion, it was finally decided that the Fish Tribe would dispatch eight large sailing ships to transport 100,000 catties of grain in two round trips to the confluence of the stream and the main river of the Fire Tribe. The transportation cost was converted into fifty medium-sized pottery pieces.

The trading officially began the next morning. The area in front of the Fish Tribe's warehouse was bustling with activity.

Wang Yan said to Jianshi, "Father, I'm taking Dazhuang and eight large boats to transport the first batch of 50,000 jin of grain back. We'll unload at Xiaoxikou, then send someone back to the tribe to inform them and organize manpower to move it."

Jianshi pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "That's fine. You take eight ships back first, and Dali and I will stay behind. After the second batch of grain is loaded onto the ships, we'll return with the Fish Tribe's next large ship."

The laborers of the Fish Tribe began loading sacks of grain onto the Fire Tribe's eight large ships. This grain was still old, but its quality was better than the last batch; at least it showed no obvious signs of mold.

Wang Yan carefully counted the quantity while arranging for the soldiers to provide protection. Dazhuang led the men on the ship to organize the cargo and ensure the ship's balance during navigation.

Canglan watched from the side and laughed at Jianshi, "Your Yan kid is really steady in his actions, not like a teenager at all."

Jianshi's face showed a proud expression. "This child has received enlightenment from his ancestors and knows more than any of us old folks."

At noon, the eight large ships were fully loaded. Wang Yan stood at the Chuantou, waving goodbye to the Jianshi on the shore.

"Father, we'll be waiting for you at the confluence of the stream and the river!"

Jianshi stood on the dock, waving vigorously. "Be careful on the road! Once you get back to the tribe, organize the men immediately!"

Eight large ships, fully loaded with grain, slowly departed from the Fish Tribe's dock, beginning their upstream journey powered by both sails and oars. Despite their heavy loads, the ships were sturdy and maintained a smooth voyage.

Dazhuang walked up to Wang Yan and said with emotion, "Yan, the grain we got this time will be enough to feed us for quite a while."

Wang Yan gazed at the winding river ahead, his eyes deep in thought, "This grain isn't just for feeding ourselves, but also to support an even larger population next year. Uncle Dazhuang, when we return to the tribe, we must continue cultivating new paddy fields."

The fleet sailed smoothly along the river. The warriors took turns rowing and maneuvering the sails. Although it was hard work, everyone was full of energy because the ships carried the hopes of the tribe.

Four days later, the fleet arrived at the designated location—the confluence of the stream leading to the Fire Tribe Valley and the outer river. The terrain here was flat and the riverbanks were wide, making it ideal as a transit point for supplies.

Wang Yan ordered the ships to dock and began organizing the unloading. Fifty thousand catties of grain were carefully moved to a temporary thatched shed on the shore for storage.

"Uncle Dazhuang, take two men and return to the tribe immediately. Inform my mother and Uncle Jianya, and tell them to organize manpower to transport the grain as soon as possible."

"Understood!" Dazhuang selected two agile warriors and immediately set off for the Fire Tribe Valley.

Wang Yan then led the remaining soldiers to establish a temporary camp in Xikou to guard the grain while awaiting the arrival of the second batch of supplies.

Standing on the riverbank, Wang Yan gazed at the shimmering surface of the river, pondering his next plan. This 50,000 jin of grain, combined with the tribe's own harvest, would be enough to support the Fire Tribe through the harsh winter and lay the foundation for its great development in the coming year.

In the afterglow of the setting sun, the campfire at the temporary camp was lit. Warriors took turns on guard duty, vigilantly Shouhu the food supplies that were crucial to the tribe's fate. Meanwhile, in the distant Fire Tribe Valley, after receiving the news, preparations were underway to receive this vital batch of supplies.