I am a Primitive Man-Chapter 838: Plans to Establish a New Branch Tribe
Chapter 838 – Plans to Establish a New Branch Tribe
Previously, Han Cheng might not have fully understood the growing habits of cabbage and radishes. But after several years of planting by the tribe, he and others who regularly dealt with these crops had developed a deep understanding.
It was precisely for this reason that Shaman, Ba Ge, and the others appeared so panicked upon seeing this morning’s frost damage.
Compared to the early days, the cabbage—now clearly distinct from ordinary rapeseed—had become one of the tribe’s key winter vegetables.
Whether cooked in a hot pot, or halved and sliced into two- or three-centimeter strips to stew with pork or other meats, it was incredibly delicious.
Seeing the frost strike them before they had fully grown worried everyone in the tribe.
“Once the frost fades, we’ll wrap the cabbage heads and let them continue to grow. If the weather warms in a few days, the cabbage may still grow some more. Even if the yield isn’t as high as before, it’ll still be substantial. If the weather doesn’t improve, we’ll harvest a large batch and store them in the cabbage cellar,” Han Cheng instructed.
Given the current conditions, there wasn’t much else he could do.
In the modern era, people can grow off-season vegetables in plastic greenhouses or luxury glass greenhouses. At worst, you could cover each cabbage head with a colorful plastic bag for warmth.
But now, Han Cheng could only make these arrangements and leave the results to the whims of the weather.
The bigger problem was the radishes. Unlike cabbage, which could survive frost even if leaves were damaged, radishes risked complete loss if exposed to severe cold.
Radishes and cabbage were two magical winter vegetables. After years of selective breeding, they had improved significantly. Losing them to frost could mean losing valuable seeds—a significant setback.
This incident reminded Han Cheng always to reserve extra seeds when planting. That way, even if one season failed, the tribe wouldn’t run out of seeds.
“Soon, we’ll shovel more soil over the exposed parts of the radishes. Then clean out the radish cellar, harvest a batch, stack them inside, and cover the outer layer with sandy soil,” he said after thinking carefully.
The underground radish cellar, warmed by the earth, was much safer. Harvesting some radishes before they were frozen entirely would ensure survival. In spring, they could be replanted to grow new shoots, flower, and produce seeds.
While the radishes weren’t yet at the stage for cellar storage, this precaution was necessary to preserve seeds and prevent the radish lineage from disappearing. If the weather improved in a couple of days, any losses would be minor; if not, this measure was vital.
“No worries—even if cabbage and radishes yield less, our tribe has enough food. We don’t need to eat them to survive winter. Remember, we also have lotus root for the cold months,” Han Cheng reassured the anxious tribe members.
The tribe’s food supply was indeed abundant. With Han Cheng’s encouragement, Shaman and the others felt relieved.
After breakfast, the tribe got busy. Some collected coarse grass to twist into rough ropes for wrapping cabbage heads. Others harvested radishes, trimmed the tops and roots with copper knives, and stored them in the radish cellar. This prevented radishes from growing in the dark cellar, which would waste their stored energy.
Some dug soil to cover the exposed parts of radishes, protecting them from frost.
By mid-morning, the previously gloomy sky cleared, casting orange sunlight over the land. Though cold, the sunny day lifted spirits.
Other, more primitive tribes nearby—the Bear Tribe near the bamboo forest, and the Creek Tribe with limestone outcrops—celebrated the sun, some crying in gratitude, others kneeling in devotion. They collected and stored food: acorns, chestnuts, hickory nuts, late peaches, pears, persimmons, hawthorn, and other wild fruits. While some had shorter storage life, all were useful.
Over the following days, temperatures remained extremely low. Thick frost covered the grass, water surfaces had a thin layer of ice, and autumn seemed to vanish as winter arrived early.
Seeing no improvement after a few days, Han Cheng ordered the harvest of more than half the cabbage and radishes to prevent total loss.
Even amidst frost, the tribe collected fruits, tilled fields, and crafted winter clothing. Winter had come quickly; some clothing wasn’t ready yet, so everyone worked hard to complete it.
Standing on the walls in a tiger-hide cloak, Han Cheng reflected on the possibility of a small ice age. Since his era had no written records, he could only speculate. He knew that temperatures had been gradually cooling over the past few years, so this cold spell didn’t surprise him.
As long as grain, soybeans, and other crops weren’t affected, there was no need to worry. If survival became impossible here, the tribe could migrate south.
When Han Cheng first started, the tribe had only a few dozen people, including ten able-bodied men and the lame. But now, after absorbing the Wind Tribe and Neighbor Wind Tribe (140 people), plus 89 surviving newborns, the Green Sparrow tribe numbered 1,169.
Citizens increased from 513 to 807, adult male citizens from 71 to 123, adult female citizens from 133 to 225, totaling 348 adults. Minor citizens numbered 459, with 19 soon reaching adulthood.
The number of slaves decreased from 426 to 362, with 182 adults and 180 minors. Some minors became citizens, since children born in the tribe were automatically citizens.
Crops included millet, soybeans, peas, and rapeseed; livestock included donkeys, deer, dogs, and pigs; and they had bronze tools. With such resources, migrating to a new location was feasible.
Of course, this was a last-resort plan. Moving all possessions and people blindly into the unknown south could result in catastrophic loss. It was far safer to prepare in advance.
Han Cheng decided to scout a suitable southern location in advance for a new branch tribe. This would reduce potential damage from future cold spells and ensure the tribe’s survival.
Standing in the cold wind, he felt a sense of reassurance. Even finding the location in advance, without immediately building, would prevent panic if conditions worsened.
He then descended the wall to discuss the plan with Shaman and the Eldest Senior Brother.
Shaman was near the rabbit pen, looking kindly, as usual. Han Cheng admired his careful method for handling rabbits and began helping.
He tied the rabbits killed by the Shaman onto a pole and began skinning them with a copper knife. The Eldest Senior Brother was already skilled, peeling multiple hides.
They set aside intestines to be cleaned later with warm water and salt by other tribe members, including the lame and weaving specialists.
While skinning, Han Cheng spoke to Shaman and Eldest Senior Brother: “Next year, when it warms, we’ll send some people south…”
As Han Cheng explained the dangers of prolonged cold and how migrating south could benefit the tribe, the others gradually slowed and then stopped, listening intently.
They were horrified by the prospect of winter extending, with crops freezing and livestock starving. Eldest Senior Brother clenched his fists, Shaman’s wrinkled face was filled with fear, and even the stick he used for rabbits fell.
Yet they also realized that, with proper preparation, they could survive.
“Smart!” Han Cheng nodded and gave Shaman a thumbs-up. Seeing Han Cheng’s approval, everyone exhaled in relief.
“South will be warmer. If we can’t live here, we’ll move south… But this is just the worst-case scenario. We must prepare in advance to protect the tribe as best as possible,” Han Cheng continued.
Shaman, Eldest Senior Brother, and the others nodded in agreement, fully understanding the wisdom of his plan.
With that, Han Cheng felt satisfied. He had once again earned the tribe’s respect, quietly asserting his authority.
Even before finalizing the plan, Shaman asked a deep, thoughtful question…
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Chapter 838: Plans to Establish a New Branch Tribe
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