The undercurrent surges, the young phoenix sings
The joy of a newlywed couple was like a gentle rain, relieving the fatigue of days of hard work in the camp and bringing everyone's cohesion to a new level. The union of Zhang Qing and Qiongying was not only a romantic fusion, but also a symbol of the stability and unity of the leadership core. People privately joked that Chief Zhang's military leadership and Lady Qiongying's literary leadership were a match made in heaven.
However, beneath the calm sea surface, undercurrents never stop surging.
The first to strike were internal forces. As the camp expanded and its population grew (including several small boats from former Liangshan members who had escaped after hearing about the situation), the previously simple management structure began to struggle. The myriad tasks of allocating supplies, assigning tasks, and mediating disputes kept Zhu Wu and Yan Qing constantly busy. Even more problematic, a subtle rift emerged between the latecomers and the early pioneers. The early pioneers, brimming with pride over their contributions and hard work, inevitably felt a sense of superiority over the newcomers; the newcomers, in turn, felt marginalized and struggled to truly integrate.
At a meeting in the council hall, several leaders who joined the team at different times argued over which team should be responsible for cultivating a newly opened paddy field, and the atmosphere was somewhat deadlocked.
Zhang Qing, seated at the head of the table, frowned slightly. Just as he was about to speak, Qiongying, sitting beside him, gently held his hand. Her gaze swept calmly over the crowd, her voice low but clear to everyone's ears:
"Do you remember why we gathered here? Not to fight for power or to divide ourselves, but to seek survival and a future together in this overseas land. In the early days, we brothers blazed a trail, overcoming difficulties and hardships, and our contributions are invaluable. Later, we brothers braved hardships and crossed the sea to join us, trusting us and willingly entrusting our lives and property to us. If we harbor resentment based on who arrived first, what difference would that make us any different from the imperial officials on shore who ostracize us?"
She paused, her tone becoming more resolute. "The foundation of our existence lies in unity. I propose that from now on, the land and labor duties will be centrally allocated by the Council Hall based on the actual conditions of each team, with each team taking turns to be responsible. The harvest will also be distributed uniformly based on the number of people and the amount of effort, striving for fairness. If there are any disputes, the Discipline Team will handle them according to the rules and will not show partiality. What do you think?"
Her words not only emphasized the importance of unity but also offered concrete, feasible solutions. They were impartial, selfless, and convincing. Both sides, humiliated, bowed their heads in agreement. Zhu Wu and Yan Qing exchanged glances, each seeing admiration and admiration in the other's eyes. This lady was not only a skilled doctor with profound wisdom and foresight, but also possessed remarkable insights into the human condition and institutional development.
After this incident, Qiongying's prestige within the camp soared to a new level. She was no longer simply "Chief Zhang's wife," but the beloved "Mr. Qiongying." She began to participate more deeply in the refinement of various systems, leading the compilation of more detailed "Camp Iron Laws" and "Contribution Points Charter," further standardizing management.
The internal turmoil has temporarily subsided, but external challenges are coming one after another.
The "trade" with the indigenous tribes upstream lasted for a while, with both sides getting what they needed and living in peace. However, this balance was broken by a group of uninvited guests.
A group of more aggressive and ferocious natives from the southern tip of the island, having somehow learned that these "foreigners" possessed sharp metal and shining treasures, actually came along the coastline in canoes. They were numerous, numbering about a hundred, and one morning they suddenly appeared in the hunting area outside the camp and attacked a small team setting traps there.
The team was small in number and was caught off guard. Although they fought hard, two people were killed on the spot, several were injured, and all the tools they carried were looted.
When the news got back, the camp erupted in excitement! Especially the former Liangshan soldiers, their blood instantly ignited, and they all demanded to send troops to retaliate and flatten the Nanman villages!
"Blood debt must be repaid with blood!" Wang Ying's eyes were red, and he was about to rush out with a knife in hand.
"Wait!" Zhang Qing shouted sharply. His face was gloomy, and anger burned in his eyes, but he had not lost his mind. "We don't know the enemy's situation. If we attack rashly, we may be ambushed. Besides, our base is here. If we all come out, what will happen to our home base?"
Qiong Ying carefully examined the wounds of the attacked team members and the traces of enemy weapons they had brought back (a wooden stick with obsidian fragments tied to it). She said in a deep voice, "Judging from their methods, these enemies from the south are even more brutal than the tribes we've encountered before. This matter may not be resolved amicably, but we must not act rashly."
She looked at Zhang Qing and Zhu Wu and said, "The most urgent task is to strengthen the camp's defenses and find out the strength of this enemy. Revenge requires careful planning before taking action."
Zhang Qing adopted her advice. On the one hand, he ordered the reinforcement of the camp's wooden walls, the installation of additional watchtowers and traps, and the implementation of a strict curfew and patrol system. On the other hand, he sent Yan Qing to lead his most alert scouts, accompanied by early hunters familiar with the terrain, to track the retreating group of southern natives and investigate the location, size, and defenses of their lair.
At the same time, Qiongying personally brought gifts and visited the leader of the tribe upstream with whom they had trade relations. Using simple gestures and drawings, she informed him of the attack by the southerners and tried to obtain information about them.
The chief's face darkened when he saw the picture. He clearly recognized the intruders from the south. He gestured to indicate that they were from the "Venomous Snake Valley," a place of great ferocity that often attacked other tribes, plundering people and property. He hinted that the "Venomous Snakes" were numerous and lived in a very dangerous area.
The pressure of internal and external difficulties hung over the camp like a dark cloud. Everyone knew that a tough battle for survival was unavoidable.
Amidst this tense atmosphere, Qiongying discovered something was amiss with her body—she hadn't had her period in two months and was constantly tired and nauseous. She quietly felt her pulse, and the smooth, rolling pulse beneath her fingertips startled her for a moment, then a wave of indescribable emotions washed over her.
Is it joy? In these turbulent times? Is it sorrow? This child's arrival seems to be inappropriate.
That night, she told Zhang Qing the news.
Zhang Qing was stunned when he heard this, but then a huge burst of ecstasy rushed to his brows. He hugged Qiongying tightly in his arms, his voice trembling with excitement: "Really? Really? I'm going to be a father? We have a child!"
But he soon realized the difficulty of his current situation, and his joy was tempered by a heavy sense of responsibility and worry. He held Qiongying's shoulders and looked at her with a serious expression: "Don't worry, no matter what, I will protect you and your child! We will definitely protect this inheritance and give your child a safe home!"
The new life growing within her belly heralds the future and hope, but also brings deeper concerns and heavier responsibilities. The young phoenix's voice is pure, but before it even cries, it must already face the bloody storms of this overseas land.
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