Unlike last year, everyone was busy this winter. The males, taking advantage of the still-mild weather, went out to search for various mineral materials: copper, iron, silver ore, coal, sulfur, and so on. Shuxin busied herself with the encyclopedia, attempting to smelt them.
The females were also occupied, organizing and tidying their stored provisions. A portion of the idle population, led by the priests and Baron, each armed with a charcoal pencil, went to learn writing and basic cultural knowledge.
Shuxin was very busy, making decisions on all matters of the tribe. Leite executed them, while the teaching duties fell to Shuyue.
At the trade fair, Shuyue's beautiful and mysterious writing had already caused an uproar. Had it not been for Baron's continuous suppression and emphasis, Shuyue and her sister would have been worshipped by the tribesmen, for they possessed something more sacred than even the witch doctors.
Knowledge and civilization.
The sisters did not wish to be elevated too high, nor did they want to hide their abilities, so they decided to popularize the writing among everyone, as it was bound to happen sooner or later.
Aman was shrewd. Seeing how Shuxin managed so many people in an orderly fashion, with no chaos and clear divisions of labor, coupled with the knowledge possessed by the sisters, the Man tribes joined Warrior City as soon as winter arrived.
It was not practical for the entire tribe to move at once, so Aman brought their tribe's old witch doctor, who would adapt to the priest group's life and strive to be among the first to learn the writing.
The management team was also finalized: Baron, the Great City Lord, and Long Ye, the Deputy City Lord, were primarily responsible for leadership and deterrence.
Leite, Captain of the Hunting Department, with Aman as Deputy Captain, was responsible for managing all hunting teams, a crucial area.
Wente, Captain of the Logistics and Inspection Departments, was in charge of tribal distribution, personnel adjustments, and a series of miscellaneous tasks. Ashui, Dajin, and Dajiang were all deputy captains.
All arrangements were made by Shuxin, with the high-level positions naturally prioritized for those she trusted.
Ya, Shuyue, and Husha, among others, were responsible for managing the females, including assigning tribal tasks and mediating disputes. The females could be quite formidable when they clashed, and it was difficult for males to intervene, making Ya, as a female, perfectly suited for the role.
The arrangements were set for now and would be adjusted as the tribe developed and stabilized.
This winter was a year of earth-shattering change for the beastmen of the East Sea, for Warrior City was born!
—
Five years later.
The cold receded, and the earth welcomed spring. A new year had begun.
The trees sprouted new buds, and laughter filled the pale green land.
Within the majestic city walls, a scene of prosperity unfolded: tall buildings and simple houses, crisscrossing streets, and bustling crowds, all forming a thriving small city.
Today was the New Year Festival, and the streets were exceptionally crowded with people purchasing necessities for the celebration. They wore coarse linen clothes, with money pouches hanging from their waists, the clinking of silver coins emanating from within.
In addition, a copper piece was worn on their waists or necks. Upon closer inspection, one would notice characters engraved on it. This copper piece served as Warrior City's identification card and a pass for entering and exiting the city, something most envied by other small tribes.
That was Warrior City!
Shuyue's home was bustling with activity. The laughter of children echoed through every corner of the courtyard. Two little girls with pigtails were the source of everyone's joy.
Little Bei, six years old, and Little Shu'an, five years old, were playing on Big Horn's back, taking turns jumping off. A half-grown youth was responsible for catching them. This simple game made the siblings burst into laughter.
Shuxin and Leite arrived. The children in the courtyard doted on Leite. He spread his arms wide, "Little Bei, Little An, come let your uncle hug you~"
The sisters were engrossed in their play and had no time for him. Little An called out softly, "Uncle, hug us later, we're playing now~"
Leite: "..." He felt a little hurt and wanted to steal Little An away!
Shuxin shook her head silently and walked directly into the house.
Shuyue's home was also no longer the same. It had been expanded, with two new small bedrooms added. Originally only two rooms, there were now four. The children had grown, and they couldn't all sleep together.
However, only two rooms were actually used. The two sisters slept in one room, while Big Treasure and Big Horn squeezed together.
When the weather was warm, they slept outdoors on mats. In winter, they slept with Big Horn in the living room. The brothers were so close they were inseparable.
"Yueyue, I'm here to help you," Shuxin rolled up her sleeves and entered the kitchen to assist.
Today was a festival, and relatives and friends would gather for a reunion dinner. They had done so every year, and this year was no exception.
The New Year Festival was established by Shuxin. The festival date was the seventh day of spring's arrival, as this was when spring truly began. Setting the New Year on this day symbolized new life and hope.
The Hua Xia people loved to seek good omens, and there were no other festivals to celebrate here, so everyone enjoyed the New Year Festival.
Five years had passed, leaving no trace on the two sisters, only adding a touch of mature charm.
By age, Shuyue was only 24, and Shuxin was 28, both in the prime of their youth.
Shuyue was already a mother of four, while Shuxin had yet to conceive.
Judging by the faint marks on Shuxin's neck, the two had indeed put in considerable effort.
Whether it was an illusion or not, Shuyue felt that her sister's hips had become rounder than before...
"Where are you looking?" Shuxin glanced at her.
Shuyue chuckled and reminded her, "Sister, pull your collar up a bit higher. It won't be good if someone sees."
"..." Shuxin silently tugged at her collar, covering the marks. When certain things become routine, one becomes very composed.
As the sisters chatted, they peeled potatoes. For the evening meal, there was a dish called stewed chicken with potatoes.
Not long after, two more people arrived in the courtyard.
"So lively!" Aman entered with a swagger, his arm around Ya's slightly plump waist.
"Long Rui, go play with your brothers and sisters." As soon as he spoke, a sturdy little boy with a tiger-like head emerged from behind Aman. The boy was about three or four years old, the shortest among the children.
This was Aman and Ya's three-year-old son, and they had another two-month-old in Ya's womb.
The name was given by Long Ye. After hearing the surname, he felt that dragon beasts should be surnamed Long, so he named him Long Rui.
Aman was currently at the peak of his life, his mood soaring sky-high every day, feeling wonderfully pleased.
Leite, who still had no children, felt a pang of envy whenever he saw Aman. This fellow actually had a child!
Seeing Leite's expression, Aman couldn't help but want to laugh. "Ya, you go inside. I won't come in; I'll chat with Leite in the courtyard."
Ya nodded, "Okay," and then walked into the kitchen.
Aman grinned widely, "Leite, you seem a bit unhappy today?"
Leite rolled his eyes. "How can you tell I'm unhappy? I'm very happy!"
Aman nodded in agreement and deliberately sighed, "Indeed, you're different from us who have children. It's more comfortable for you two; you can go wherever you want without being tied down by children."
Hearing this, Leite really wanted to kick him. This guy was doing it on purpose!