Chapter 22: Winter of Plenty
The first snowflakes of the cold season drifted quietly down, gently covering the newly built roofs and walls of the Silvermoon Tribe. At this time of year in previous years, the tribe was always filled with a subtle anxiety—worry about food shortages, dread of the prolonged cold. But this year, everything was different.
Early that morning, Lin Chen and Canglan inspected the tribe's food storage cave. Inside, neatly arranged ceramic jars and woven baskets were filled with a variety of foods: golden potatoes, plump ground beans, smoked meat, pickled fish, and a variety of dried fruits and herbs. The air was filled with the rich aroma of the food, rather than the empty, musty smell that was common in previous cold seasons.
"All storage areas have been inspected," Canglan noted with satisfaction. "We have enough potatoes to last the entire tribe four months, enough ground beans for at least three months, and enough dried meat and fish for two months. Add to that dried fruits and herbs...not only will we not starve during this cold season, but we'll also have a variety of foods."
Lin Chen reached out and touched a basket of Difeng beans. The beans were plump and dry. "It's more than we expected. It seems the new storage method is very effective."
Elder Shi Yan, leaning on his cane, slowly walked into the grain storage cave. His cloudy old eyes scanned the overflowing reserves, and a deep smile spread across his face. "I've lived for sixty winter seasons, and I've never seen such abundant reserves. The Silver Moon Tribe has finally bid farewell to the memory of hunger."
The news spread quickly throughout the tribe. People came to watch, the children curiously touched the various foods, and the adults were filled with emotion.
An old orc who had experienced many famines stroked his potato basket, tears in his eyes. "I remember the cold season five years ago, when we could only get a small piece of frozen jerky every day... Now look at this!"
Yunshan calculated excitedly, "That means we don't have to worry about food during the entire winter season. We can even have two full meals a day?"
"That's not all." Lin Chen smiled and opened a special storage area. "Look, these are delicacies reserved for festivals and special occasions: honey, dried fruits, the best bacon... We still have to celebrate life in the cold season."
The abundant reserves transformed the entire tribe's atmosphere. In previous years, the eve of the cold season was always a time of last-minute, emergency gathering and hunting, often risking danger but yielding little. This year, however, everyone was able to calmly make final preparations: fortifying their homes, making winter clothing, and preparing for cold-season work and recreation.
Berry's medical team was particularly busy. "With sufficient food, cold-season illnesses will be greatly reduced," she said as she sorted herbs. "But I still prepared enough preventative medicine, especially for coughs and fevers that can be spread by indoor gatherings."
Lin Chen proposed establishing a "winter season activity plan" to make the long indoor time fulfilling and meaningful.
"We can take turns telling stories, teaching skills, and even learning how to count and record," Lin Chen explained to everyone. "The winter season shouldn't be a long wait, but an opportunity to learn and grow."
This proposal received an enthusiastic response. Elders offered to share tribal history and legends, hunters offered to teach tracking techniques, and artisans planned to offer classes to teach their craft. Even children were willing to learn simple counting and drawing from Lin Chen.
The most surprising thing was that members of the Liuhe tribe brought a new method of fishing in the water and prepared to demonstrate and teach it on the ice of the tribe’s creek.
On the first day of the official arrival of the cold season, the mountains were covered in snow, but the Silvermoon Tribe was warm and lively. In the morning, smoke curled from every chimney, and the air was filled with the aroma of breakfast—no longer the monotonous dried meat, but a variety of hot meals.
Lin Chen and Canglan shared breakfast: bean porridge with roasted potato slices, a few pickles, and hot herbal tea. Sitting in the warm house, watching the snowflakes fall outside the window, a deep sense of contentment came over them.
"I never thought the cold season could be so... comfortable." Canglan said softly, the ceramic cup in his hand steaming.
Lin Chen smiled: "Adequate preparation makes all the difference. And..." He looked out the window at the tribe members moving around, "Everyone's mental state is completely different."
In the morning, the first group arrived at the central hall for an event. Today, the elders were recounting the history and legends of the Silver Moon Tribe. Surprisingly, not only children but also many adults came to listen—in previous years, hunger and cold often kept people away from such activities.
In the afternoon, Lin Chen began his first counting class. He used clay to create simple counting symbols, teaching everyone how to keep track of food and other resources. Many young people showed great interest, especially Yunshan, who quickly mastered the basic counting method.
"This is so useful!" Yunshan said excitedly, "Next year when I collect plants, I can accurately record the number and location of each plant!"
In the evening, families returned to their homes to prepare dinner. Unlike previous years of frugal eating during the cold season, this year everyone could rest assured that there was plenty of food to eat. Laughter and singing emanated from every home, melting the winter chill.
While touring the tribe, Elder Shi Yan stopped outside a house. Through the window, he saw a family of all ages sitting around a kotatsu (warm table), sharing a steaming hot stew, each with a satisfied smile on their face.
The old man quietly wiped his eyes and continued his inspection. A similar warm scene emanated from each house, a stark contrast to the cold winter he remembered.
Seven days later, Lin Chen proposed to hold a "Cold Banquet" to celebrate the first abundant winter in the tribe's history.
At the banquet, everyone shared something they were most grateful for. "Thank you for the warm house!" a child said first. "Thank you for the variety of food!" a mother followed up. "Thank you for the opportunity to learn!" a young person said. "Thank you for everyone's joint efforts!" the elders concluded.
When it was Lin Chen's turn, he stood up and said sincerely, "I'm grateful to the Silver Moon Tribe for accepting an outsider like me and giving me the opportunity to contribute. This winter of plenty is the result of everyone's hard work."
Canglan then said, "I am grateful for the changes that Lin Chen has brought, and I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to the tribe."
At the climax of the banquet, Elder Shiyan announced a decision: "Starting from this winter of plenty, the Silver Moon Tribe will establish the tradition of 'Storage Day' - at the end of each warm season, we will celebrate the completion of storage and express gratitude for the gifts of the earth and everyone's labor."
The proposal was enthusiastically approved, and everyone is already looking forward to next year's Reserve Day celebrations.
The cold night deepened, and the snowflakes continued to fall, but the Silver Moon Tribe was as warm as spring. Lin Chen and Cang Lan made one last inspection of the tribe to make sure everything was alright.
Standing on the wall and gazing at the snow-covered mountains and forests, Canglan whispered, "This winter, no elderly will die of the cold, and no children will cry from hunger. You have changed all of this, Lin Chen."
Lin Chen leaned on his shoulder: "We changed everything together."
In the distance, patrolling orcs let out the peaceful howls of wolves, their voices remarkably clear in the stillness of the snowy night. The Silvermoon Tribe slept peacefully, welcoming each winter dawn with ample supplies and warm homes.
Abundance is not just about having enough food, but also about having a sense of security and hope in one's heart. In this primitive tribe that once struggled for survival, a new life is sprouting - no longer just surviving, but truly living.
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