Chapter 9: Wall Building Plan
After the rainy season, the Silver Moon Tribe welcomed a brief period of clear weather. With the influx of members from the Flowing River Tribe, the population grew to nearly sixty, making the existing caves and thatched huts overcrowded. Lin Chen realized that a comprehensive plan for the tribe was necessary to accommodate its growth.
In the morning, Lin Chen approached Elder Shi Yan and Cang Lan and solemnly proposed: "Our tribe needs to be replanned. A larger population means more housing, better storage facilities, and a more complete defense system."
Hong Yan happened to walk over and heard this, nodding in agreement: "The Liuhe Tribe suffered heavy losses in the flood because of its low-lying location and lack of protection."
Canglan's silver-gray eyes sparkled with interest: "What specific ideas do you have?"
Lin Chen picked up a wooden stick and began to draw on the smooth sand. "First, we should build a wall to protect the tribe. Not a simple wooden fence, but a solid barrier made of mud, stones, and wood. It should be at least two people tall and wide enough for people to walk on it and patrol."
Elder Shi Yan stroked his beard and pondered, "It's a massive undertaking... but it's absolutely necessary. Last winter, those hyenas nearly broke through our defenses."
"We can build in stages." Lin Chen continued drawing. "First, determine the scope of the tribe, dig the foundation, then build the framework and compact it layer by layer. We can build platforms inside the wall to facilitate guarding and throwing weapons."
Hong Yan added: "The Liuhe tribe is good at water conservancy projects and can design drainage systems to prevent rainwater from eroding the wall foundation."
The four of them discussed more and more deeply, and finally decided to hold a meeting of the entire tribe.
That night, all the tribe members gathered around the central fire. Elder Shi Yan spoke first: "The Silver Moon Tribe is growing, but we also face new challenges. We need to build a safer and more comfortable home. Lin Chen has some suggestions, and now I will ask him to share them with everyone."
Lin Chen stood up and cleared his throat nervously. "I propose building a wall to protect the tribe, while also replanning the internal layout." He showed a diagram drawn with charcoal on a flat piece of tree bark. "The wall will surround the entire residential area, with four exits that can be closed at night. The interior will be divided into living areas, storage areas, work areas, and gathering areas."
The crowd began to murmur. The old orc Aoba asked worriedly, "How much time and manpower will such a large project require?"
"It's such a huge project that we need everyone's efforts together," Lin Chen explained. "We can divide the work: Orcs will be responsible for the heavy labor, while sub-orcs will be responsible for auxiliary work and logistical support. Friends from the Liuhe tribe have construction experience and can guide us."
Yunshan raised his hand excitedly: "I'm willing to participate! I want to contribute to the development of the tribe!"
Sisters Morning Dew and Evening Glow also expressed their support: "We can weave more baskets and ropes for carrying things!"
Liefeng spoke on behalf of the young orcs: "In addition to hunting, we will fully participate in construction!"
After heated discussions, a consensus was finally reached: to devote all efforts to tribal construction during the remaining time of the warm season.
The next day, planning officially began. Lin Chen and Canglan, along with several experienced members, surveyed the terrain and ultimately selected a slightly elevated, flat area as the site for the new tribe.
"The terrain here is higher and not easily flooded. The field of vision is wide, making it easy to spot threats from a distance," Canglan analyzed.
Hong Yan inspected the soil quality: "The soil is solid and suitable for construction. There is clay and stone nearby, so it's easy to get the materials."
Lin Chen used dyed rattan ropes to mark the perimeter of the fence and the various functional areas: "The living area is arranged in a sunny and sheltered area, the storage area is located in the driest location, and the work area is close to the water source..."
Berry led the team of sub-orcs to gather and prepare food: "Construction projects require more energy. We must make sure everyone has enough to eat."
Once construction officially began, the entire tribe was bustling with activity. The orcs were divided into several groups: one to mine stone, one to cut wood, and one to dig the foundation. The sub-orcs were responsible for transporting materials, preparing food, and caring for the children and the elderly.
Lin Chen designed a simple lever and pulley system that greatly improved the efficiency of stone transportation. Hong Yan was amazed when he saw it: "Such a simple method, why have we never thought of it?"
"Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the easiest to be overlooked." Lin Chen smiled.
The wall was constructed using the "plate-building method" designed by Lin Chen: two rows of wooden planks were first built as a mold, and then clay mixed with straw was filled in between. Heavy wood was used to tamp the foundation, and the wall was raised layer by layer. Every time the wall was raised an arm's length, horizontal wood was added to strengthen the structure.
Canglan praised this method highly: "It is faster than building a simple stone wall, and it is also stronger."
Half a month later, the wall had taken shape, and the Silvermoon Tribe's appearance was changing daily. Most surprisingly, during the construction process, they discovered even more resources: a particularly sticky resin that could be used to bond materials, a plant with tough fibers that could be used to make stronger ropes, and even a vein of high-quality flint.
One evening, Lin Chen stood on the newly formed wall, gazing at the tribe in the setting sun. Canglan quietly approached him and asked, "What are you thinking about?"
"I'm thinking, maybe we can build watchtowers." Lin Chen pointed to the distance, "Building high towers at the four corners can help us detect distant dangers in advance."
Canglan nodded. "That's a good idea. During the cold season, wild beasts often attack the tribe. Early warning can save many lives." He was silent for a moment, and his voice softened. "You've thought very carefully about the tribe."
Lin Chen turned to look at him: "Because this is already my home."
Canglan's silver-gray eyes gleamed warmly in the sunset: "Yes, this is your home. And..." He paused, as if making up his mind, "To me, you are not only the benefactor of the tribe, but also..."
At this moment, Yunshan called out from below: "Lin Chen! Canglan! Dinner is ready! We have fresh grilled fish today!"
Canglan swallowed back the unfinished words and just looked at Lin Chen deeply: "Let's go down."
During dinner, Elder Shi Yan announced a decision: "After some observation and reflection, I have decided to establish a tribal construction committee. Canglan, Hongyan, Meiguo, and Lin Chen will jointly be responsible for construction planning and implementation."
Everyone applauded and approved. Lin Chen noticed that in Canglan's eyes, besides admiration, there was another emotion.
As night fell, newly lit torches were placed on the newly constructed wall, outlining the new outline of the Silver Moon Tribe. Lin Chen stood within the wall he had designed, feeling an unprecedented sense of security.
Yunshan came running over and said excitedly, "Once the wall is built, the children can play safely inside! We won't have to worry about wild animals suddenly jumping out!"
Berry was checking the herbal supplies and nodded with satisfaction, "A dry and ventilated storage room will preserve the herbs better."
Hong Yan and members of the Yuanliuhe tribe are planning a water conservancy system: "Next rainy season, we won't have to worry about floods anymore."
Canglan quietly came to Lin Chen's side, and looked at the busy tribe side by side: "You bring not only technology and knowledge, but also hope and the future."
Lin Chen smiled silently, but a warm feeling welled up in his heart. In this primitive world, he found a sense of belonging and perhaps, a special emotional bond.
As the walls grew higher day by day, the Silver Moon Tribe grew stronger. And as they worked together and got along, the relationship between Lin Chen and Cang Lan quietly took root and sprouted, like a new bud breaking through the soil in spring, full of vitality and hope.
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