novel-bin Chapter 147 The atmosphere in the camp has been strange lately.
Chapter 147 The atmosphere in the camp has been strange lately.
Gu Jinyan smiled as he accepted the herbs from Samira's hand, trying to make his movements appear natural.
She felt somewhat relieved by Samira's enthusiasm.
But he remained vigilant.
Every action and word she makes could affect her position in the tribe.
Samira handed the herbs in her hand to Gu Jinyan.
He explained, "These herbs can dispel cold and treat colds. Burning them in the sacrificial fire can make the flames burn brighter, and it also symbolizes our prayers for peace in the coming year."
Just then, Tukir—a young soldier—ran over excitedly, followed by several other soldiers.
They had just finished a winter training session, and their faces were still covered in sweat.
Tuker grinned at Gu Jinyan and said, "Lana! Look, we've had a really tough time training today."
General Allegir also specifically said that we must all be prepared for this year's winter hunt!
However, you'll have to help me learn more about herbs before the fire ceremony, otherwise I won't be able to count on you then.
Tuker's liveliness and cheerfulness eased Gu Jinyan's mood.
His words were spoken in a joking tone.
In this tribe, the army is highly disciplined, and Allegir has extremely high standards for every soldier.
As night fell, the entire camp was illuminated by the glow of the campfire.
The flames were burning brightly, the firewood was crackling, and the air was filled with the aroma of firewood and herbs.
The entire tribe gathered around the campfire, their faces beaming with celebratory excitement and anticipation.
Gu Jinyan stood in the crowd, quietly sensing the atmosphere around him.
She remained cautious, but undeniably, the sacrificial fire brought her a long-lost warmth.
Samira tossed a small bunch of herbs into the fire, and the flames instantly burst forth with an even brighter light.
She smiled and patted Gu Jinyan on the shoulder: "Each of us will contribute some herbs and food during the fire-worshiping ceremony."
This is an expression of gratitude for the past year and a blessing for the new year.
Yasha, a seamstress from a tribe, led several young women to the campfire.
They held in their hands the fur coats they had carefully sewn.
They offered their furs to the fire, praying for a bountiful and peaceful life in the coming year.
Yasha handed a fine fur coat to Gu Jinyan and smiled, "These are the winter clothes we prepared together for this winter."
May you find your own warmth on this grassland while wearing it.
Gu Jinyan was slightly taken aback, took the fur coat, and felt a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.
He was still an outsider in this tribe.
But these selfless acts of kindness made her feel a real sense of warmth.
Alleger stood not far away, still with a cold and aloof demeanor, his eyes as steady as an eagle's.
He always seemed to be able to spot Gu Jinyan in the crowd.
I was constantly on guard against her every move.
Gu Jinyan reminded himself: I must not reveal any flaws.
As the warmth of the campfire gradually enveloped her, her inner tension slowly eased.
The people of the tribe sat around the fire, sharing stories from the past year.
Samira and Yasha spoke quietly, while Tukir enthusiastically recounted the amusing incidents he and his soldiers had during training.
Gu Jinyan didn't interrupt, but listened quietly, trying to find clues in their stories that allowed him to connect with them.
As night deepened, Yasha suggested that everyone dance the tribe's traditional dance.
They circled the campfire, their light steps leaving graceful trails on the snow.
Samira took Gu Jinyan's hand and said with a light laugh, "Come on! Join us. This is the happiest moment for the Tiger Clan."
Gu Jinyan was initially a little unaccustomed to it.
But as the music played and everyone laughed, she gradually relaxed and joined them in dancing.
At that moment, the cold winter night seemed to be completely dispelled by the warmth of the campfire, and even the loneliness deep in her heart slowly melted away.
She moved with a bouncy energy, feeling the unspoken connection between each step and those around her.
The laughter that surrounded her strengthened her connection with the tribe.
Alleger stood quietly in the distance, still gazing at the ancient brocade rock.
However, his expression relaxed slightly, and Gu Jinyan's behavior did not arouse much suspicion.
Gu Jinyan temporarily stabilized the situation.
The campfire burned late into the night.
The cold northern grasslands were no longer so frigid because of the laughter and warmth of this night.
In spring, the snow in the northern desert slowly melts, and the grasslands revive from their silvery white state, showing a hint of green.
Although the cold wind has not completely subsided, a hint of life has already permeated the air.
For the Tiger Clan, spring symbolizes a new beginning.
People emerged from their tents, ready to welcome the return of warmth to the land.
At this time of year, tribes begin their annual "Welcoming Spring to Purify the Land" ceremony, praying for a bountiful harvest on the grasslands and a peaceful and prosperous life in the coming year.
Gu Jinyan was filled with curiosity about this festival.
She walked with Samira to the location where the ceremony was being prepared, her heart filled with anticipation and a touch of trepidation—after experiencing the warmth of the winter fire.
She gradually developed an attachment to the tribe's customs, but she was also keenly aware that she was still an outsider and needed to carefully integrate.
"Welcoming Spring to the Pure Land" is a unique ritual.
The tribe believes that after the earth rests in winter, it needs to be cleansed and revered to welcome its revival.
Therefore, at the beginning of spring, the tribe would first clear away the remaining snow and withered grass accumulated during the winter around the camp.
These wastes are piled up together and then a symbolic fire is lit to purify the earth's accumulated waste, allowing new life to sprout better.
Samira brought Gu Jinyan to the site and explained in a solemn tone: "Spring is the rebirth of the grassland."
We must first cleanse the land, then purify it with fire; this is a sign of respect for the earth and a blessing.
She handed a bundle of hay to Gu Jinyan, gesturing for her to join in.
Gu Jinyan accepted the bundle of grass and felt the simple faith in the grassland culture.
This is not just a cleanup, but also a demonstration of the tribe's reverence for and dependence on nature.
She slowly joined the crowd, clearing away the snow and withered grass with everyone.
Her movements were somewhat clumsy, but full of focus.
Behind every seemingly simple folk activity lies people's piety and faith.
On the second day after the ceremony, people would clean the earth of accumulated dirt as the sun rose in the morning, symbolizing preparation for the hope of the coming year.
On this day, Samira, Tuker, Yasha, and Gujinyan went together to pick new shoots of herbs.
This is the "First Sprout Ceremony" in tribal tradition. They believe that the tender sprouts in early spring are the first gift the grassland gives to people, and can bless them with health and peace.
Gu Jinyan and Samira bent down and carefully picked a tender bud.
When her fingers touched the tender bud, she felt a soft vitality.
She looked up and saw Samira smiling and watching her.
Encourage her to experience the beauty of life.
"Every spring, this is the moment I look forward to the most."
Samira said softly, her eyes sparkling with tenderness, “Every herb is a gift from the earth to us.”
Gu Jinyan nodded slightly, a touch of emotion welling up inside him.
During the winter fire festival, she felt the tribe's resilience in the face of the cold winter;
In this "first bud ceremony," she saw their appreciation for new life.
Every ray of life on this land is carefully nurtured by them.
The spring feast on the grassland is the highlight after the "Welcoming Spring to the Pure Land" ceremony. On this day, tribes gather together to share food and dance.
Yasha, who works as a seamstress at the camp, has been busy these past few days sewing new clothes for the children.
The bright fabric fluttered in the breeze of the grassland, giving people a refreshing and joyful feeling.
As night fell, Gu Jinyan sat by the campfire, enjoying the tribe's delicacies.
She watched Yasha, Samira, and Tukir laughing and talking around the fire.
Alleghen stood outside the crowd, watching everything with a thoughtful expression.
At this moment, the coldness on his face faded slightly, replaced by a gentler expression.
During the banquet, Samira quietly brought a cup of herbal drink to Gu Jinyan.
With encouragement in his eyes: "This is wine we made from the tender buds of early spring; it's very special."
Come on, give it a try.
Gu Jinyan picked up his cup and took a small sip.
The crisp, slightly bitter taste spreads in the mouth, with a hint of sweetness in the aftertaste.
She smiled slightly, a warm feeling washing over her.
His gaze swept over everyone present, and he felt an indescribable warmth.
The people on this grassland possess simple beliefs and a spirit of inclusiveness.
After the banquet, Gu Jinyan walked alone outside the camp and looked at the starry sky of the spring night.
The vast tranquility of the grassland gradually calmed her heart.
She still carried a heavy burden, and Alleger's gaze was probably still on her.
But during this brief night, she allowed herself to relax a little and feel the inclusiveness and beauty of this land.
The wind swept past her, bringing the fresh scent of early spring on the grassland.
She slowly closed her eyes and silently made a wish in her heart.
In spring, the ice and snow melt in the northern desert, and the grasslands sprout new green shoots, but this is also the season when war drums sound.
The various tribes on the grasslands entered a tense state of preparation for war in order to compete for fertile pastures and water sources.
A tense atmosphere permeated the Tiger Clan's camp. The soldiers were no longer as relaxed as usual; instead, they wore solemn expressions and prepared in silence.
Gu Jinyan was busy in the camp's medical tent, helping Samira take care of the wounded soldiers who had just been carried back from the battlefield.
The tent was filled with the stench of blood, while the sound of horns outside constantly reminded her that spring in this land was far from peaceful.
Gu Jinyan was bandaging a young soldier whose face was pale and who had a deep knife wound on his arm.
She carefully applied the herbs, her movements gentle and slow.
The soldier frowned, occasionally groaning softly, yet he recounted the situation on the battlefield to her in broken, low voices.
"We... launched a surprise attack on the tribe in Xishan last night, but the enemy had already laid an ambush..."
The soldier's voice was weak, but filled with resentment, "General Allegheny personally led the troops, and we suffered heavy losses, but fortunately the general retreated in time, otherwise..."
Gu Jinyan paused slightly and looked up at the soldier.
She could see the pain and resentment in his heart, but she couldn't comfort him. She could only silently continue to bandage him.
The soldier then whispered, "Rumor has it that the enemy has received reinforcements; we must strengthen our defenses."
Otherwise, spring on this grassland would likely be stained red with blood.
Upon hearing these words, a complex mix of emotions welled up inside Gu Jinyan.
She felt worried about the people of this land.
On the other hand, he also knew that this was exactly the kind of military development he had been eager to know.