2 Chapter 2
Salt
These words caused a huge uproar, and almost everyone in the tent changed their expressions.
The Holy Salt Lake is the most important salt source for the Northern Di tribes and the only large-scale natural salt field within a radius of hundreds of miles. It has been controlled by the Black Hawk tribe for many years.
Not only do people need salt, but livestock also need salt to be strong. Tuge's move is tantamount to using salt as a bargaining chip to force other tribes in the alliance to draw a clear line with the Canglang Tribe, in order to shake Helian Xiao's position as the leader of the alliance.
"How dare he!" A centurion with a hot temper slammed the table and stood up. "How dare that brat Tug monopolize the gift of the sky!"
"Yes, Khan! We will gather our warriors and recapture the Holy Salt Lake!"
"Fight them!" Voices of agreement rose one after another.
Another small leader, named Altan, stood aside with his arms folded, saying nothing. He tried several times to offer advice but couldn't find the right moment. His tribe was related to the Black Hawk tribe by marriage, and he clearly had his own agenda.
Helian Xiao was about to speak when he saw Li Hengqing, who looked calm. He raised his hand to signal for everyone to be quiet. "What do you think, Khatun?"
Li Hengqing had just briefly reviewed the system's provided blueprint library and now spoke calmly, "Khan, warriors. The tribe has experienced a natural disaster and needs to rest and recuperate. Moreover, military strategy has always emphasized the importance of having a legitimate reason for action. Chief Tuge's actions are simply forcing us to take action so that he can justify a counterattack in self-defense."
The captain snorted coldly upon hearing this: "What a hypocritical righteousness! What should we do with the salt if there is no Holy Salt Lake?"
"The heavens are merciful, and naturally bestowed upon their warriors more than just the Holy Salt Lake." Li Hengqing had been waiting for these words, a smile playing on his lips. "We also have salt, and we can create salt even better than the Holy Salt Lake with our own hands."
"Better than the Holy Salt Lake?" someone couldn't help but question, "There's not even a proper salt source in the tribe. How can we create something out of nothing?"
Li Heng said calmly, "It's the Black Water Swamp."
After hearing this, everyone hesitated for a moment: "Even the water in that place is filthy. Livestock will get sick after licking it. Where is the salt?"
"It's like skinning a lamb," she explained patiently. "It's the same principle as extracting salt from the marsh water and separating the bad stuff that harms livestock and people."
"this……"
"This Wulan Nur is a demonic land cursed by the heavens." An old figure holding a bone staff appeared at the tent door against the light. His voice was hoarse and erratic. "To save the White Plague, you tore the flesh of Mother Earth. The Holy Salt Lake will bring down divine punishment. Princess, please don't make the same mistake again."
Li Hengqing glanced up at him, confirming that it was Wu Rigen from yesterday. He calmly said, "Then I would like to ask Great Shaman Wu Rigen: what will happen if we don't produce our own salt and allow the Black Wolf Tribe to blockade the Holy Salt Lake? Does the sky's blessing mean that her people will be driven to despair or even to slaughter each other?"
Her eyes were blazing and her words were powerful. Many people present were moved by her and were wavering between the two sides.
Helian Xiao was moved by that look. He suddenly pulled out the scimitar from his waist and stuck it into the map, deeply anchoring it into the territory of the Canglang Tribe. He laughed and said, "Okay, okay. Let's see whether it is the hands of the Canglang Tribe warriors or Tuge's conspiracy that can gain the true blessing of the sky!"
Wu Rigen sighed deeply, but said nothing more, turned around and left. Seeing this, Altan followed closely behind him.
*
Helian Xiao's full support cleared most of the obstacles for Li Hengqing. However, getting the Canglang Tribe, a huge war machine that eats raw meat and drinks blood, to start production was not as easy as a simple gesture.
The first problem they faced was the lack of craftsmen. Helian Xiao sent a small team, but Agula was not among them.
To build an efficient stove for purifying bitter salt, the initial earthenware they had constructed didn't meet the system's standards. Unlike a greenhouse, a stove requires precise internal temperature control, and even the slightest error is unacceptable.
Li Hengqing called the maid over to ask. The maid observed his expression and reported carefully: "...Princess, Master Agula said that he was unwell after the white disaster and his old injuries had relapsed. He is currently recuperating at home."
Yesterday, Li Hengqing had specifically instructed her to continue calling her "Princess" in private. Furthermore, after the princess's shocking behavior yesterday, she was unsure of her master's intentions and feared further anger.
"Okay. Bring some gifts and come with me." Li Hengqing wasn't surprised. First, the grasslands' dislike for an outsider like her wasn't something that could be changed overnight. Second, talented people often became arrogant. It wasn't a major flaw, as long as she could ultimately use it to her advantage.
Arriving at Agula's tent, the maid raised her voice on her behalf: "Master Agula, the Khatun is here to visit you."
The tent door moved slightly, but it seemed as if it was just the wind.
Li Hengqing cleared his throat: "Master Agula."
The tent door lifted a corner, and she looked down and saw a girl about seven or eight years old. Her round green eyes stole glances at the master and servant outside the door, and she seemed a little flustered and bewildered: "Khatun, Dad... Dad said he was not feeling well and didn't mean it... Great Shaman Wurigen..."
"It's okay." Li Hengqing didn't point it out. Seeing the girl's hands, which looked a little rough from years of hard work, his heart moved slightly. "What's your name? It's windy outside. Can we go in and talk?"
The girl bit her lip, clearly feeling a bit embarrassed. Then a man's coughing voice came from inside the tent: "...Naren, cough cough, please let Khatun come in."
*
Li Hengqing walked out of Agula's tent, but unexpectedly saw a figure with a long body and ape arms.
It was Helian Xiao. Frost and snow formed a thin layer of white frost on his brow, and the white steam he exhaled drifted away into thin air.
She was slightly surprised, but didn't show it on her face. She asked, "Khan, are you here to see me?"
Helian Xiao nodded, handed over something, and his Adam's apple rolled up and down: "Sorry, Princess, I will..."
Li Hengqing felt a sudden warmth in her hand, discovering it was a delicate, Nansheng folk-style hand warmer. She couldn't help but smile, "Khan, that's thoughtful. Master Agula is indeed ill, but he'll be able to come and help with the construction in two days."
Unexpectedly, Helian Xiao only nodded after listening, staring at Li Hengqing in silence. Li Hengqing glanced at the carriage parked not far away, then looked at the man in front of him, whose eyes were particularly aggressive because of their deepness, and couldn't help but wonder: Is this really the Wolf King?
Like a big dog.
She said, "I do have a favor to ask of the Khan. Could you lend me another troop of scouts?"
*
The next day, when Li Hengqing and his men started to build the earthen stove again, Agula indeed appeared limping on crutches.
This was an elderly grassland man, his face darker than dried cow dung. He snatched the crooked adobe brick from the herder's hand and roared in a muffled voice, "Idiot! If you build it like this, it'll collapse before the fire even starts! Get out of my way!"
He cursed but kept working. Under his guidance, the first small salt-boiling stove, although simple but well-structured, was finally built.
The snow salt produced did not disappoint Li Hengqing. It was much finer than the salt produced in the Holy Salt Lake that she had seen a few days ago.
However, achieving large-scale salt production still faces numerous obstacles. Helian Xiao dispatched the Canglang Tribe's sharpest scout team, but after half a month, not only were several scouts missing, but none of the samples they brought back matched Li Hengqing's description.
Fuel became the hand that strangled all plans. Relying solely on the dry cow dung and firewood stored in the tribe, the daily output of the small salt stove was barely enough to meet the needs of the Khan's personal guard, which was just a drop in the bucket for the tens of thousands of people and livestock in the entire tribe.
As time went by, the remaining salt in the tribe became increasingly scarce, and the milk tea in some herdsmen's homes began to lose its salty taste.
The news of the scouts' loss only added fuel to the fire. The ominous rumors of the Demon Land, already circulating quietly, now gathered momentum.
"I told you it was a demonic land. The scout's disappearance is a punishment from Mother Earth!"
"We sacrificed our best warriors just to find some black stone. Is it worth it?"
"We already have refined salt. It doesn't matter if the production is a little less. It's better than going to die!"
What's more, some people directly attacked Li Hengqing through Helian Xiao.
"Khan, we've already offended Chief Tuge because of this Khatun. Now, are we going to sacrifice our warriors in vain for her empty words?" Altan shouted aggressively. "I suggest that we immediately stop searching for the black stone, send someone to apologize to Chief Tuge, and exchange cattle and sheep for salt. That's the only way to save our tribe."
"Great Khan, please think twice."
Great Shaman Urrigen sat in the corner with his eyes closed and remained silent, as if he were in meditation, but his eyeballs moved under his eyelids and "looked" in the direction of Altan.
Helian Xiao's face darkened. Li Hengqing, standing beside him, remained unmoved, throwing a parchment scroll onto the long table.
"With coal, we can not only make salt better, but also provide winter heating and forge iron tools." She glanced at the little leader, and a cold look flashed across her watery eyes. "As a ruler, you should plan for the long term and avoid being blinded by petty gains."
She calmed herself and spoke aloud, "Based on my description, the scouts have narrowed the area to Wolf Mountain to the west. I expect results soon."
If you want to accumulate enough points to return to your homeland, you must first use these small investments to gain the trust and support of the tribe to leverage larger tasks.
It hurts a bit, but it’s not a loss.
*
However, Li Hengqing did not expect that Helian Xiao actually decided to lead the team to Langshan himself.
On the day of departure, she looked at the exquisite carriage covered with soft carpets and refused without hesitation: "I am the one who is most familiar with the ore and need to maintain a good vision."
Helian Xiao frowned and spoke to his guards, who soon brought over a docile mare. Li Hengqing climbed onto the horse, his back slightly stiff.
The road was passable on the flat grassland, but the closer they got to Wolf Mountain, the more rugged and uneven it became. Helian Xiao saw her trying to hold on, but without saying anything, he slowed down his horse and rode alongside her, extending his hand and saying bluntly, "Come here."
Li Hengqing hesitated: "This..."
"The mountain roads are difficult to navigate, not suitable for beginners to practice riding. I'll find another place to teach you later." He spoke earnestly, lowering his voice to protect the princess's dignity, as if whispering to a lover. "Besides, there are wolves in Wolf Mountain, so I'm the safest person."
Without waiting for Li Hengqing to finish saying "OK", Helian Xiao stretched out his arms, easily lifted the man from the saddle, and placed him steadily in front of him.
She fell firmly into a solid and warm embrace, her whole body was wrapped between the chest and arms. There was a faint scent of soapberry lingering in her nose, and her cheeks suddenly felt hot.
Fengying was incredibly majestic, carrying an extra person as if he were walking on flat ground. His embrace blocked the cold wind, and his powerful heartbeat was so close. Li Hengqing's ears flushed, but he didn't resist too much.
The team arrived near the coordinates provided by the system, and faint wolf howls could be heard from the deep valley ahead.
Helian Xiao's expression was slightly serious. "This is the largest wolf pack in Wolf Mountain. Now is the time to forage. If we force our way in, there will be a bloody battle."
Seeing this, the attendant suggested, "Shall we set up camp here and wait?"
Li Hengqing closed his eyes, memorized the route suggested by the system, and unfolded the parchment map in Helian Xiao's arms again. He pointed to the southern ridge and said, "They are only guarding their territory and have no intention of attacking. We can go around the ridge more quickly and avoid the hinterland without any danger."
A look of approval flashed in Helian Xiao's eyes. The team accepted her suggestion and began to detour quietly.
Just when everyone thought they could pass safely, a horse at the end of the team suddenly stumbled and let out a panicked neigh, which sounded particularly harsh in the silent valley!
In the blink of an eye, a gray shadow as fast as lightning suddenly jumped out from the shadow of the mountain wall and headed straight for the frightened horse!
It was a lone wolf that was attracted by the sound and left the pack!
Li Hengqing's heart tightened. Before she could see clearly, a huge force pushed her deeper into Helian Xiao's arms. His chest was elastic, now engorged with blood from the exercise, but it didn't feel suffocating. At the same time, a warm hand covered her eyes, blocking out all the blood and danger.
A dagger pierced the wind beside my ear, a sharp blade slicing through flesh. A short, mournful wail was followed by the dull thud of something heavy falling to the ground, and then everything returned to silence. The entire process took less than a breath.
"It's okay." Helian Xiao's deep voice sounded above her head. He slowly removed his hand, and Li Hengqing saw that the lone wolf had fallen in a pool of blood a few steps away, and the wound on its throat, which had killed it, was still bleeding.
He looked into her eyes, which still held a hint of shock, and explained earnestly, "The scenery of the grassland is beautiful, but blood is not for you to see."
Li Hengqing's heart skipped a beat, but he squinted his eyes and smiled brightly: "Khan, there is no need to look down on me like that. It's just a little blood. You have to get used to it eventually."
The location of the coal mine indicated by the system required going around Wolf Mountain and heading west. The herders had originally considered it a barren wasteland, as barren as the Black Water Marsh, and everyone avoided it.
The open-pit coal seam is located in a remote area. If it weren't for the systematic roadmap acquired through points, it would have been difficult for anyone to find it. No wonder the scouts returned empty-handed. The team had been walking for a long time and was already a little tired, but Li Hengqing suddenly became energetic, his eyes sparkling, and he jumped off his horse.
Helian Xiao followed and saw a thick, inky black rock layer embedded in the gray-brown rock wall. The rock layer had a loose texture, and with a little force, one could break off a piece of black stone with a slightly greasy sheen.
"This is..." Helian Xiao frowned. This thing looked ordinary, even a little dirty.
The soldiers gathered around and looked at the black stone in Li Hengqing's hand with confusion on their faces.
Is this what the Khatun was looking for, even at the cost of his scouts and the head shaman? A plain, dirty stone?
Li Hengqing focused on the coal in his hand and did not answer. He asked someone to light a bonfire on the spot and threw a fist-sized piece of coal into the burning firewood.
At first, nothing happened. The coal just lay quietly in the flames, burning red.
"Look, it's just a broken stone..." someone muttered.
However, before he could finish his words, something strange happened.
The red-hot coal suddenly made a soft puffing sound, and wisps of light yellow smoke emerged. Then, a cluster of faint blue flames shot out from the cracks in the coal!
Unlike the bright and jumping orange-red flames of firewood, the heat carried by this flame itself is incomparable. The temperature around the campfire seems to rise suddenly, and the heat wave is faintly blowing in the face.
The soldiers stared at the scene in shock, their mouths wide open enough to fit a fist. They had lived with fire their entire lives, but had never seen such a fierce burning.
The heat emitted by a small stone is even more amazing than that of a large pile of firewood.
Helian Xiao looked at Li Hengqing and saw jumping flames in her eyes.
"This kind of flame..." he said hoarsely, "if it is used to forge iron..."
Li Hengqing raised a finger in front of his lips: "It's more than that."
The team returned with a full load, bringing new victory to the Canglang Tribe.
Inside the warehouse tent, Helian Xiao looked at the piles of salt, feeling reassured. He turned to Li Hengqing and said, "Why don't we open a few more earthen kilns and store three years' worth of salt just in case? What do you think?"
Li Hengqing lowered his eyes and said, "It's good, but not good either."
Helian Xiao really asked: "Why is this?"
"It's right to stockpile salt just in case, but we can't just stockpile salt." Li Hengqing said calmly, "Khan, we still have to sell salt."
"Sell?" Helian Xiao was puzzled. "Tuge blocked the Holy Salt Lake and is waiting to see us make a fool of ourselves..."
"That's why," Li Hengqing explained. "Given Tuge's character, he'll definitely sell salt to other tribes at a high price, draining the pond to make ends meet. Our salt will be sold at a normal price in the grassland market, and the winds of the grassland will naturally spread the news of the magical salt to our friends far and wide."
"Compared to swords and guns, everyone naturally prefers the hands of friends." She looked at Helian Xiao and said word by word, "We are different from Tuge. The Canglang Tribe does not need to force anyone to take sides."
The news shook the entire Northern Di Grassland. Initially, most tribes remained cautious, hesitant to offend Tuge, who controlled the Sacred Salt Lake. But soon, smaller tribes, suffering from the Black Eagle Tribe's high salt prices and bordering the Canglang Tribe, began secretly sending people to trade.
When they discovered that this was truly a finer grade of salt, the craze became unstoppable. Every day, caravans from tribes all over the world, carrying furs, medicinal herbs, and even weapons, came to the Canglang Tribe to purchase salt bricks.
Helian Xiao's Khan's Golden Tent was crowded with people, but Tuge, who tried to isolate the Canglang Tribe, was isolated.
Not only did he fail to strangle the Canglang tribe, but he also lost the support of the people because of his greed.
However, the good times did not last long.
One day when winter was about to end, a scout who had been responsible for exploring for ore rushed back to the tribe, covered in wounds. There was even a Black Hawk tribe-standard feather arrow stuck in the belly of his mount, and he himself was almost dying.
"Khan... Silvermoon Valley... is poisonous!" He struggled to pull out a handful of soil mixed with grass seeds from his arms. "The Black Eagle Tribe has sown this black thyme over a large area in the valley... They've destroyed our spring pasture!"
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