Chapter 37: The Sprouts of Spring
The ice melted, the streams sang, and the Silvermoon Tribe welcomed another spring. But this spring was completely different from the previous ones - it was the first spring after the unification of the tribes, full of new possibilities and expectations.
Early in the morning, Lin Chen stood on the newly replanned land, holding the newly completed "Map of the Earth." Representatives from various tribes gathered around him, discussing the spring plowing plan.
"Based on the experience of each tribe," Lin Chen pointed to the mark on the map, "the eastern foothills are suitable for growing cold-resistant grains for the mountain tribes, the western riverside is suitable for aquatic crops for the lakeside tribes, and the plains are suitable for our main crops."
Feng Yi added: "The nomadic tribes' grazing areas can be set up here, close to water sources but without affecting arable land."
Shi Feng nodded, "The mountain tribe is willing to provide their unique terrace construction technology to help expand the planting area."
The first joint spring plowing season began. Each tribe played to its strengths: the mountain tribes directed terrace construction, the nomadic tribes provided animal-powered transport, the lakeside tribes managed the irrigation system, and the Silver Moon tribe coordinated overall planning.
The most surprising aspect is the innovative integration of knowledge. Yunshan combined the drying techniques of nomadic tribes with the storage methods of mountain tribes to design a new grain handling system; Xiaoyu integrated the stonework techniques of various tribes to improve water conservancy facilities.
During the spring plowing season, the Knowledge Garden became a true innovation workshop, with people from different tribes using a unified symbol system to exchange ideas, sparking countless sparks.
One afternoon, Lin Chen discovered Feng Yi and Xiao Yu in a heated discussion. As he approached, he discovered they were designing a new tool—one that combined the portability of nomadic tribes with the durability of mountain tribes.
"Maybe this is a good idea," Lin Chen joined the discussion. "Use light wood for the main body, and inlay stone pieces in key areas. It's both light and strong."
The three of them toiled on the design until the sun went down. The result was a surprising achievement: a multifunctional farm implement adjustable for hoeing, raking, and harvesting.
"What should we call it?" Xiaoyu asked excitedly. "The Connecting Device," Fengyi suggested, "symbolizing the cooperation among the tribes." The name was unanimously accepted.
Spring plowing isn't just about food; it's about cultural integration. The various tribes' spring rituals have been integrated into a new "United Spring Festival," preserving the essence of each tradition while creating a new way to celebrate.
At the altar, the elders of Shiyan and representatives from each tribe jointly presided over the ritual; the ritual dance incorporated movements from various tribes; and the lyrics of the ritual song included words from various languages. Although mixed, it was harmonious and moving.
"Differences don't necessarily mean oppositions," an elderly man said at the ceremony. "They can be like threads of different colors, woven into more beautiful patterns."
During the spring plowing season, children also participated. They formed teams of "little agriculturists" to record the progress of crops. Using a unified symbology, children from different tribes could collaborate seamlessly.
Children from the High Mountain Tribe and the Silver Moon Tribe jointly discovered that crops grew better near a certain wildflower. After testing, Berry confirmed that the flower repelled pests. This discovery was immediately adopted and applied.
"Children's eyes are unbiased," Lin Chen said to Canglan. "They often see connections that adults overlook."
Canglan was guiding the joint hunting team. Hunters from various tribes exchanged techniques, with the Silver Moon Tribe learning the tracking techniques of the High Mountain Tribe, and the High Mountain Tribe learning the sustainable hunting principles of the Silver Moon Tribe.
The most successful was a joint hunting operation. By sharing intelligence and coordinating actions, they captured enough cold-season reserves without unduly disturbing the herds.
"Hunting separately is like catching fish with one finger," Shi Feng sighed, "working together is like casting a net to catch fish."
In late spring, new challenges emerged. Incessant spring rains threatened flooding. But this time, the tribes worked together to address the situation.
The Mountain Tribe directed flood diversion, the Lakeside Tribe monitored water levels, the Nomadic Tribe provided emergency evacuation plans, and the Silvermoon Tribe coordinated the overall effort. The flood was ultimately successfully controlled, minimizing damage.
"If we face the disaster alone, every tribe may be affected." Shui Hen concluded afterwards, "If we respond together, we can even turn harm into benefit" - the fertile silt brought by the flood was directed to specific areas and became high-quality farmland.
After the rainy season, the cultivated areas flourished. The diversity of new crops was astonishing: cold-resistant grains for the mountain tribes, aquatic crops for the lakeside tribes, forage for the nomadic tribes, and the staple food of the Silvermoon tribe.
Even more surprising is that intercropping of crops from various tribes has produced unexpected benefits – certain crop combinations can promote each other’s growth and naturally suppress pests and diseases.
“Nature naturally values diversity,” Lin Chen wrote in his observation notes. “Monoculture goes against nature, while diverse symbiosis conforms to the laws of nature.”
As the harvest began to show in late spring, the Silvermoon Tribe held a "Spring Farming Achievement Exhibition," where each tribe showcased its own innovations and achievements, sharing its success stories.
Fengyi and Xiaoyu showed off their "connecting device"; Yunshan demonstrated a new processing system; the children reported their observations; and even the elders showed off a new calendar that integrated the wisdom of various tribes.
The most popular is a jointly compiled "Spring Planting Guide" that records the best practices of various tribes using a unified symbol system and is accompanied by simple illustrations.
"This should be shared with all tribes," Elder Shiyan declared solemnly. "Knowledge is enriched the more it is shared."
After the exhibition, representatives from each tribe signed the Joint Spring Farming Agreement, pledging to jointly plan, share resources, and exchange knowledge every spring.
As night fell, after bidding farewell to the tribal representatives, Lin Chen and Cang Lan were alone in the Garden of Knowledge. The starry sky on a spring night was exceptionally clear, and the scent of fresh green filled the air.
"I never thought spring could be so...rich." Canglan said softly, his arms naturally around Lin Chen.
Lin Chen leaned on his shoulder: "The knowledge of a single tribe is always limited. By uniting, we see broader possibilities."
In the distance, newly plowed fields stretched out in the moonlight, their crops neatly arranged like a tapestry of the earth. Further out, the signal lights of various tribes twinkled like a reflection of the starry sky.
"You know," Lin Chen said suddenly, "In my hometown, people often say 'Spring is the season of hope.' But now I understand that hope lies not in the season itself, but in how people treat it."
Canglan smiled: "You have brought a different kind of spring. Not only a spring for crops, but also a spring for knowledge and connections."
Under the starlight, the two stood quietly, taking in this brand-new world. In this primitive and simple era, humans are rediscovering each other and nature in the most essential way.
There is no high technology, but there is high wisdom; there are no modern facilities, but there is a spirit of mutual help; there are no shortcuts, but there are steady steps.
Spring will eventually pass, but the seeds sown in spring have already taken root and sprouted. Among tribes and in the hearts of every person, the seeds of cooperation, innovation, and hope are breaking through the soil and growing.
The Silver Moon Tribe was no longer an isolated village, but the center of a network, a melting pot of innovation, and a symbol of hope. And the soul from another world had finally fully integrated into this endless cycle, becoming both an observer and a participant, both a student and a teacher.
As the last spring star fades into the morning light, the Silvermoon Tribe and its companions prepare for the season of growth and harvest. The budding of spring marks not only the birth of new crops but also a new chapter of civilization, slowly unfolding on this ancient yet young land.
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