Chapter 51 Building a House The house is so beautiful!!
"Building a house..." Cheng Liu leaned closer and asked curiously, "We've been hearing people from your tribe talk about this a lot these past few days. What exactly is a house?"
Yu Yan: "It's a place built on the ground, a place for people to live."
He gave a brief description of what the house looked like, but Cheng Liu tilted his head, still unable to imagine what it was like.
It wasn't until he said that the house was more spacious, taller, and brighter than a bird's nest, and much more comfortable to live in, that the people of the highland tribes looked on with longing.
Heng Qing said regretfully, "Alas, it sounds like a very good thing, but it's a pity we have to go harvest and dry seaweed, otherwise we would like to stay and help."
Yu Yan smiled faintly: "You can see it when you come back, but drying the seaweed is more important right now. You've noticed, haven't you? It's going to rain in a couple of days, so if we don't dry it before then, all our work will be for nothing."
With so many people's illnesses at stake, Heng Qing said very seriously, "Yes, I will definitely lead the team to do a good job."
Cheng Liu covered his stomach with his hand: "Should I go to the beach with you guys too?"
Yu Yan: "No, you're pregnant. The most important thing is to rest. Just stay in the tribe."
Cheng Liu listened to him very well: "Mhm."
He smiled at Heng Qing and the others, and said happily, "Then I can stay and see how the house is built, haha."
Everyone immediately looked at him with envy.
Heng Qing reached out and ruffled his gray hair as if in revenge, saying, "I feel like you'd love to break up with me," but her eyes were full of affection.
Before coming to the peninsula tribe, Cheng Liu was in poor spirits, didn't like to talk or laugh, which was very distressing to see.
Now that his condition is gradually improving, Heng Qing can feel more at ease.
He sincerely hoped that Cheng Liu and their baby would be alright, and he was willing to endure any hardship or fatigue for that.
After cuddling for a while, Cheng Liu, her face slightly flushed, pushed him away, saying, "Alright, it's getting late, you should head out."
Heng Qing gently kissed his cheek: "Okay, wait for us to come back."
After saying goodbye to Yu Yan and the others, they walked a short distance, transformed into their beast forms, and headed towards the sea under Qinghui's guidance.
Cheng Liu withdrew his reluctant gaze and returned to Yu Yan's side.
Everything about the peninsula tribe was unfamiliar to him; only Yu Yan made him feel safe.
Even though he was much older than Yu Yan, he clung to his "bird father" Yu Yan like a fledgling bird that had just left the nest.
Yu Yan also felt very much like the "host" and took care of him in every way.
"They've left, shall we set off too?"
Cheng Liu: "Okay!"
Feng Gui, already carrying his belongings, sprouted wings and flew away.
After Lan Xiu transformed into his beast form, Yu Yan took Cheng Liu's hand and sat with him on Lan Xiu's back.
Cheng Liu thanked him, sat down, and then smiled at him, as if he had thought of something.
It's a beautiful day. The warm morning sunlight dispelled the mist in the forest and made the fur on Lanxiu's back feel cozy.
Yu Yan felt happy at the thought of building a house and hummed a cheerful tune.
The group chatted and laughed as they quickly arrived at the foundation of the new house.
Before them, people from the Mingyuan, Shenhu, and Qingqing tribes had already arrived.
Yu Yan was worried that there would be a repeat of the last time when too many people came to lay the foundation, and there was no work to be done. So she told them about her house construction in advance and told them that if they came, each tribe could send ten people.
On the peninsula tribe side, Yu Yan chose fifteen people who were closer to him.
He had no idea that everyone was fighting tooth and nail for those spots.
In the end, those who stood before him were all young, strong, meticulous, and diligent.
"Yu Yan!" Jiang Kuo, the chieftain of the Mingyuan tribe, was the first to raise his hand in greeting.
"Is everyone here?" Yu Yan asked with a smile.
"Hmm! Is that a sub-orc from a highland tribe next to you?"
"Yes, his name is Cheng Liu."
After introducing themselves, Yu Yan assigned tasks to them according to the notes she had written in advance in her notebook.
"Cangfeng, take a team of orcs and go move the wood."
"Lanxiu, you guys come with me to work on the wood."
"Jiang Kuo, you guys go move the stones."
"Fan Su, bring people to move cement, transport sand, and fetch water. But don't start arguing yet, or we'll have to get to work."
...
Not only those involved in building the house, but also Cheng Liu, who was standing to the side, listened attentively.
He was curious about everything Yu Yan mentioned: the beams, pillars, and cement.
Oh right, he'd never even seen this thing in his hand before.
Before he knew it, he had accumulated a lot of questions, which he planned to ask Yu Yan when she was less busy.
After Yu Yan assigned the tasks, everyone immediately got to work with great enthusiasm.
Not to mention orcs, even sub-orcs are very strong, and carrying stones and timber is no problem for them.
Yu Yan brought a lot of people to process wood using metal tools.
People like Yin Qing, Feng Gui, and Lan Xiu have already developed a tacit understanding with Yu Yan.
He used to be able to carve wood very well just with his claws, let alone now, he can "point and shoot".
Under Yu Yan's "supervision," the main components such as the roof beams and columns were completed.
He marked the points on the foundation, selected several strong orcs to erect the pillars, and then installed the beams.
Since the tribe doesn't have enough ironware available, Yu Yan uses mortise and tenon joints, which still makes the roof beams sturdy and strong.
Moreover, there are few methods for preventing rust nowadays, and since ironware is not used, there is no need to worry about the roof beams collapsing due to corrosion.
When the "skeleton" of the house was completed, everyone except Yu Yan was so amazed by this structure that they were speechless.
Feng Gui's gaze remained fixed, his heart pounding like thunder.
This is the house he and Yu Yan will live in from now on... It's so different from bird nests and caves.
Even if it's just an empty frame, he can sense how spacious and comfortable the house will be once built.
No more feeling like you're in a bird's nest, unable to even stand up straight while wearing clothes.
He was not only excited, but also deeply moved, and his nose tingled with emotion.
"Is it good-looking, Father?" Yu Yan walked up to him at some point and smiled brightly at him.
Noticing his expression, Yu Yan was taken aback and asked, "What's wrong?"
Feng Gui shook his head and looked away, embarrassed.
He felt incredibly guilty when he thought about what Yu Yan had said yesterday: that the baby lacked nutrition in his father's womb and might be born mentally challenged.
Yu Yan didn't blame herself; instead, she brought her so many good things, allowing her to live such a good life...
Feng Gui thought with a bittersweet pride that having such a wonderful cub made him the happiest person in the entire tribe, no, in the entire beast world.
He looked at Yu Yan again, smiled gently, and said, "I think it looks really good. I'm really looking forward to seeing the house when it's finished."
Yu Yan could tell that Feng Gui had something on his mind, but they needed to speed up the construction, and with so many people around, it wasn't appropriate to talk, so she silently kept it in mind.
"It should be almost finished today!"
Yu Yan called for help, mixed cement, and officially began building the wall with stones!
The people from the peninsula tribe took out the mud scrapers they had made in advance and said to Yu Yan, "I have the tools, let me build one side!"
The people from other tribes were helpless when they saw this.
"How dare you try to get there first!"
"We had no idea we would need such a tool!"
As they talked, everyone turned their resentful gazes toward Yu Yan.
Yu Yan scratched her head and tried to smooth things over: "Let our tribesmen do it first, then it'll be your turn."
Everyone was just saying it on purpose, but they were just as enthusiastic as ever.
Yu Yan guided the people of the peninsula tribe in building the wall, while people from other tribes brought them cement and stones.
Building a wall is a job that is not particularly difficult, but doing it well is not easy either.
After observing for a while, Yu Yan had a good idea of how good everyone was at building walls.
Yu Yan entrusted the important parts to the orcs who built them beautifully, sturdily, and smoothly.
Fortunately, the orcs learn quickly, and after overcoming the initial stumbles, their progress is rapid.
The four exterior walls rose at a visible rate.
Inside the house, Yu Yan also had walls built.
The exterior walls need to be sturdy, warm, and soundproof, so they are built relatively thickly; the interior walls, which serve as partitions, are built relatively thinly.
The two types of walls also differ greatly in the way they are built with stones.
Yu Yan shared her knowledge about bricklaying techniques without reservation, providing thorough guidance to everyone throughout the process.
The beastmen studied with exceptional care and did their best. Yu Yan saw the spirit of "craftsmanship" in them.
With everyone working together, although many people participated in building the wall, the final product looked as good as if it were made by one person.
Yu Yan chose to use bluestone to build the exterior walls. The dark color of the bluestone, combined with the gray of the cement, gives off a rustic and dignified feeling.
The interior walls are made of light-colored granite, which looks bright and pleasing to the eye.
The house, which spans several hundred square meters, has holes in the doors and windows, and is completely empty inside.
However, standing quietly on the yellow earth, under the blue sky and white clouds, it creates a strong visual impact.
After obtaining Yu Yan's consent, everyone walked around inside and outside the house.
Xin Yu stared blankly for a long time before finally finding her voice: "This...this is what we built?"
The others looked on with surprise, as if waking from a dream, and said, "The house is so tall and spacious..."
"It must be so comfortable to live here."
"It feels like even the breeze blowing in from inside the house smells sweet."
"Although it's drafty everywhere, I still have to say, the house is so beautiful! I really want a house of my own!"
Yu Yan stood outside with her arms crossed and laughed, "What do you mean by 'leaky'? That's because the roof isn't tiled, and the windows and doors aren't installed either."
What are roof tiles?
"And what are windows and doors?"
They gathered around, their eyes gleaming, bombarding them with questions.
Yu Yan said, "These are just things to shelter you from the wind and rain. You'll understand once I'm safe and sound."
Cangfeng asked in surprise, "So, the last house will be completely leak-proof?"
Yu Yan smiled: "More or less."
The people around gasped in unison.
This house is amazing! It's really tempting them!
Several orcs beat their chests in frustration: "If I had known the house was this nice, I wouldn't have traded away the timber I had saved up!"
"Yu Yan, can we build a house using freshly cut wood?"
Yu Yan shook her head and said, "No, we still have to use wood that has been air-dried."
"It's already summer, when will we ever finish saving up?! Sigh!"
"I really want to build the house this year."
Jiang Kuo and the others were more curious about cement than wood.
When they first saw this thing, they all thought it was unreliable.
Can you really build a wall by mixing water, sand, and mortar together? And wouldn't it collapse at the slightest touch?
The cement on the ground had dried, and when they picked it up and tried to squeeze it, they couldn't even squeeze it without using their full strength!
This contrast made their blood boil.
"Yu Yan, are you going to change the cement manufacturing process?" Jiang Kuo asked.
Fan Su, Shu Yu, and the others nodded in unison upon hearing this.
Yu Yan spoke frankly: "What you've learned is useless; cement must be made by burning charcoal."
The method of burning white charcoal is the most core thing of the peninsula tribes, and it cannot be exchanged under any circumstances.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Kuo and the others all sighed regretfully.
"Cement is really useful. It would be great if you could replace it with cement for us."
"Or can your tribe handle it?" Fan Su thumped his chest loudly. "Our tribe can spare people to do the work! Just pay us a little bit of cement."
Jiang Kuo gritted his teeth: "...How come you beat us to it again! Yu Yan, look at us, our Mingyuan tribe has the most people, and we work fast and well! Let us do it!"
Shuyu retorted, "I just smelled the cement; it smells of stone and clay. We don't have white charcoal, but our tribe has an abundance of both! If you need them, just let us know!"
Cheng Liu spent a day here, and was so amazed by the wonderful things the peninsula tribes had to offer that he was completely numb to it.
He actually had a lot of questions he wanted to ask, but he couldn't get a turn! He was now pacing anxiously on the outskirts of the crowd.
Oh dear, why haven't Heng Qing and the others come back yet? If they don't return soon, all the good stuff will be taken by others!!
Yu Yan's tall and straight figure, like a pine tree, stood in the center of the crowd, attracting everyone's attention.
He raised his hand to reassure everyone, "Don't worry, everyone. I've lived in bird nests and caves myself, so I know what it's like. If you want to replace the cement, I'll replace it for you."
He sincerely hopes that these hardworking and honest people can live in comfortable houses and have a better life.
When they wear a contented smile, his heart feels as sweet as if it's been coated with honey.
Those present were also deeply moved by Yu Yan's kindness.
Yu Yan changed the subject: "However, there are two things I must say. First, although cement is made from stone and clay, charcoal is precious, so you will need a lot of resources to exchange for cement. But I guarantee that you can afford it if you save up."
Jiang Kuo and the others nodded repeatedly, saying with gratitude, "It's already enough that you're willing to replace it for us. Don't try to save us any supplies; we're willing to give as much as we can."
Fan Su: "And the second one?"
Yu Yan: "Secondly, the people of the peninsula tribes replace the cement they produce first."
The people of the peninsula tribe were overjoyed, each of them holding their chests high, their faces full of pride.
The people from other tribes were incredibly envious. Jiang Kuo gritted his teeth and finally managed to squeeze out, "...Fine, I have no objection."
Ahhh, how come these people from the peninsula tribes are so lucky!
Fan Su and Shu Yu exchanged a glance and said, "We're fine with it too."
Yu Yan: "Um, then..."
"Yu Yan." Cheng Liu weakly raised his hand from outside the crowd.
"What's wrong?"
"Could our highland tribe also trade some cement with you? Besides cement, we'd also like to trade soap, paper, cloth, pottery, metal tools, animal milk, and seasonings..."
The more he spoke, the softer his voice became.
This is practically replacing all the good stuff from the peninsula tribes.
Senbo returned from Shenhu Tribe today to help Yu Yan build a house.
He didn't have a good impression of the highland tribesmen, after all, they had charged him two large animal hides for just two pieces of iron ore.
After listening to Cheng Liu's explanation, he silently winked at Yu Yan: Trade! Let them trade iron ore!
He and Yu Yan had the same idea.
Ironware is much better than aluminumware. Yu Yan originally planned to go to the Highland Tribe with Lan Xiu after finishing the house.
In his eyes, Cheng Liu was now a shiny mountain of iron ore!
Yu Yan gave him a warm smile: "As long as it doesn't affect our tribe, and you can provide the supplies we want, of course we can trade."
Cheng Liu's eyes lit up. There was hope!
"So what do you want?"
"No rush. You're going to stay for a while, right? We can sit down and discuss it slowly."
Cheng Liu was captivated by Yu Yan's appearance, thinking that he was incredibly considerate and gentle.
"Okay, okay, you're right. I was too impatient."
Yu Yan thought with a smile: The longer you stay, the more you like our stuff, the more money we make.
After working for most of the day, the warm red sun was already setting in the west.
Fortunately, summer days are long, and there's still a long time before it gets dark.
Yu Yan said to everyone, "Come with me to our altar square. Xue Fei and the others should have already moved the things there."
Jiang Kuo asked in confusion, "What are you going there for?"
Fan Su: "What did you move?"
Yu Yan: "Ingredients! You've done so much work for me, I can't let you go home hungry, can I? Let's have a get-together today!"
Shuyu: "I'm so sorry, we didn't do much work..."
Jiang Kuo: "Yes, it's you who patiently taught us how to build a house. I think we should treat you to a meal."
Yu Yan waved her hand: "I'm building a house, why should you treat me to a meal? Just do as I say!"
If anyone tried to argue, Yu Yan would just give them a look and they would fall silent.
This is called a doctor's innate ability to suppress fear.
Yu Yan smiled with satisfaction, conjured wings, and took the lead in flying into the sky.
He enthusiastically called out to the people behind him, "Don't just stand there! Let's go!"
Everyone laughed, and the beastmen transformed into their animal forms, carrying their relatives and friends, and followed behind Yu Yan.
Giant birds of prey, wolves, leopards, rabbits, pythons... galloping in a mighty procession, kicking up clouds of dust.
As they approached the altar square, many people ran over to greet them.
The little ones jumped and skipped happily: "Brother Yu Yan is back!!"
"Father, Uncle Father! I'm here!"
Meanwhile, Heng Qing and the others returned from the beach.
Yu Yan landed first, folded her wings, and quickly walked towards Xue Fei.
Not far away, pots, pans, firewood, and other ingredients were laid out on the ground.
“We’re here,” he said to Xuefei.
Xuefei asked with a smile, "So, shall I start a fire now?"
"OK."
Yu Yan turned to find Feng Gui and said loudly, "Father, take Xin Yu and the others to process the dried mushrooms and make more bone broth. I'll need it later!"
Feng Gui: "Understood!"
Meanwhile, after Xue Fei heated the pot, Yu Yan took out the mutton fat he had saved up and began to render the oil.
The chilies are all dried in the sun, and the Sichuan peppercorns are roasted dry too. He's going to make a spicy hot pot base and eat hot pot to celebrate the completion of his new house!
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