The sky cleared up after the rain, and the bright sunshine fell, bringing the blessings of the Sun God. The golden roof of the Palace of Winds shone brightly, and the silverware in the main hall shimmered. On the viewing platform, strings of pleasant copper bells hung.
A gust of breeze blew, and the golden bell swayed with the wind, playing a clear ringing sound.
The ringing of the bell awakened the king in his deep thoughts. "Kasonchi" Suangua raised his head, revealing a young and resolute face. He had only been on the throne for four years and was only in his twenties this year. The young king looked behind him,
An older man in rich clothes was holding a wooden board in his hands with a solemn expression.
"Zinzini, have you tested the power of this long bow?"
In the Prepecha language, Zinzini means "hummingbird", and the capital Qincongcan means "the place of hummingbirds." The old man in gorgeous clothes has such a noble inheritance title, which is obviously a noble noble with high status. In fact,
, he has held the position of chief minister for more than twenty years and has served three generations of kings.
Chief Minister Zinzini nodded solemnly and answered in a deep voice.
"Your Majesty, I have personally observed that the Mexica's new longbow is extremely powerful, at least twice as powerful as the Tlaxcala bow! Within one hundred and forty steps, the projectile shot and wounded the lightly armored militiamen, and within ninety steps, the flat shot
Kill the leather warrior!"
Hearing this result, Su Angua looked shocked and stood up suddenly. He was a king who had been in battle. He only did a little mental calculation and immediately cried out in surprise.
"Most of the stone fortresses in the north and south are no more than three or four people high. To effectively kill the enemy's leather-armored warriors, archers and slingers must shoot within fifty steps at least. According to the range and power of this longbow, it is longer in Mexico.
In front of the bow warrior, isn't the fortress on the ground helpless to fight back?!"
Zinzini looked at the young king and nodded solemnly.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Under the surprise attack of Mexica's longbow warriors, the wooden forts on the north bank of the Leman River only held out for six or seven days before they all fell. In the south of Sitacuaro State, the outermost circle
All the stone forts have been lost, and they are now fighting hard on the defense line of the second ring of mountain fortresses. Under the attack of the ferocious big fish from the east, the lives of the warriors and militiamen are dying like newborn fish eggs."
King Suangua's face turned pale.
"What's the latest battle situation between the North and South?"
The old man in rich clothes thought for a moment, handed over the wooden board in his hand, and then pointed at the topography and described it in detail.
"The Mexican army on the south road has nearly 30,000 warriors, which is the main force of the enemy. Those who can be dispatched at this time must be directly under the royal family of the Texcoco Lake District, the real core army of the Mexican Alliance. Their commander is temporarily
Iskali, the 'Last Moon' of the Mexica royal family, is a veteran general. However, with the increase in the size of the army, the supreme commander of the southern army must be the new king, 'Water Spirit' Avitsotl, who is also you.
His men were defeated."
Suan Gua raised his head to recall, and then nodded slowly after a long while.
"Four years ago, not long after I ascended the throne, Avit led an army to attack. I led the army personally and defended Sitacuaro State for several months. I repeatedly harassed the grain roads with the navy and militia before repelling the Mexica people.
Then we took advantage of the situation to pursue it, defeated several legions, and won a brilliant victory! In fact, this was a tough battle, and the 'water monster' is not an easy person!"
Having said this, Su Angua had a bit of a wry smile on his face.
"The year before last, Tisoke came to the throne, and I was overjoyed for a long time. In Tisoke's accession war, the Otomi people were chosen. The whole kingdom was ready to go, and the crusade against the Tekos people in the north was stopped. I led the army again, and
Avitt had a fight on the banks of the Leman River, and he was deeply aware of the opponent's difficulty. However, he did not expect that just a few months later, Avitt would kill his brother and ascend the throne as king in the capital city of the lake. The civil strife had just stopped, and he had only been practicing for half a year.
And they mobilized a large army to attack. The Mexica people are really a bloodthirsty and warlike nation!"
Upon hearing this, Jinzini saluted solemnly and said solemnly.
"The Mexica people have a disordered inheritance, respect strength, and take pleasure in fighting all day long. This is a barbaric tribe disgusted by the sun god, and they are the demons in the volcanoes of the west! The Mexica people failed to conquer Otomi in the west not long ago
, suffered heavy casualties, and in the end only the city of Xilotepec was captured. According to common sense, the Mexica city-states will not have too much enthusiasm for war this time. As long as we block this sudden attack during the busy farming season,
When the warriors and militiamen from all over the country are mobilized, victory will eventually belong to us!"
Suangua thought for a moment, nodded slightly, and continued to wait for the chief minister's analysis.
"The Mexica army on the northern route only has 10,000 warriors, including a large number of longbowmen. Their commander is the 'God of Death' Xiulote, who is said to be a teenager. He is a branch of the Mexica royal family and is
The grandson of the current high priest, Shuter, is also the fiancé of Avit’s eldest daughter. The commanders of both the north and the south are Avit’s cronies, and have united the priesthood and the royal family.”
Hearing this, Su Angua spoke in surprise.
"There were successive defeats on the North Road. First, we lost the wooden castle stronghold, and then we were ambushed by the river. We lost one or two thousand warriors and tens of thousands of militiamen... I thought my opponent was an experienced veteran, but I didn't expect that it was just a
child!"
Chief Minister Zinzini shook his head and explained cautiously.
"Your Majesty, this is not an ordinary boy. The lurking spies reported that shortly after the death of Montezuma I, the 'God of Death' Shulot was born. When he was born, there was a vision in the sky, the morning star was bright, and he was born with a destiny.
Hui. Later, he personally killed the old king Tisoc and was appointed as the heir to the royal family. There are even rumors that he is the reincarnation of the ancient Toltec craftsman and can make all kinds of extraordinary instruments, such as the Mexica long bow.
His invention!”
After hearing the chief's words, King Suangua looked solemn and doubtful. He was still young, and although he was not very devout in his faith, it was difficult for him to fully understand the things of the gods.
"In this case, we still need to be careful. It seems that we should send another batch of reinforcements to the north road."
Zinjinni hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a low voice.
This chapter is not over, please click on the next page to continue reading! "Your Majesty, there are not too many enemies on the northern road. The land on both sides of the Leman River has been temporarily abandoned, and the kingdom retreated to the fortress at the mouth of the river and the fortresses along the line. Akanbaro State's
There are already 6,000 warriors and 20,000 militiamen stationed in the solid defense line. As long as they don't go into battle rashly, they can resist 20,000 to 30,000 Mexica warriors... Half a month later, the kingdom can allocate another 10,000 militiamen to the north, but the warriors can only
We can wait for support from the Lake Chapala area.”
Suangua paced back and forth, recalling the kingdom's military deployment. He had been personally controlling the most important military mobilization.
"With the Patzcuaro Lake area as the core, there are 25,000 warriors in the hands of the royal family. There are 5,000 other well-trained spear militiamen and 5,000 rebuilt barbarian mercenaries. Now, after several months of fighting, the north and south
An astonishing loss of more than 3,000 warriors was lost. At least 2,000 warriors must be left in the capital, and the only reliable combat power that can be mobilized is 20,000 warriors and 10,000 elite militiamen.
Under the Mexica raid, the militiamen have lost more than 20,000 people, and about 50,000 have already gone into battle. Militiamen from all over the country are urgently mobilizing, recruiting strong men from villages, and temporarily shelving the autumn harvest."
Su Angua had a bitter smile on his face. He had worked hard for a long time and was invincible in the conquests in the west and north, but he was still unable to withstand the huge power in the east. This year's busy farming season lacks enough manpower, and the autumn harvest will inevitably be significantly reduced.
.
"Currently, Akambaro State in the north has stationed 6,000 warriors and 20,000 militiamen. Sitacuaro State in the south has stationed more than 10,000 warriors and 30,000 militiamen. The remaining 3,000 warriors..."
The king pondered for a long time, recalling the terrain of the north and south of the kingdom, and then asked.
"What do the two marshals of the North and South say?"
Chief Minister Zinzini thought for a while and replied seriously.
"The latest letter is a report from a week ago. The southern commander Cuius said that the battle was extremely fierce, and the stone fortresses in the mountains were fighting all day long. The Mexica army's longbow warriors numbered in the thousands, besieging several key fortresses, and continued to attack for days.
The enemy's long archers even approached within sixty steps, and under the cover of shields, they fired at the bows and arrows at the top of the city. They also built a roaring wooden beast and smashed huge stones into the stone fort.
The winner will live and die immediately."
"Kuiyus" means eagle, a sacred inherited title. The southern commander Kuyusu is a bloodline of Taliguri, the first generation of King Kasonchi. He is also the uncle of King Suangwa and a highly trusted royal relative.
King Suangua's face once again showed confusion and shock.
"What is the roaring wood beast?"
Zinzini thought for a while and replied.
"It should be some kind of siege weapon. It is said to be the invention of the 'God of Death' Shulot. Queius has sent a large number of warriors and militiamen to harass the Mexica's retreat. But the enemy's food road is not long, and they have already
For defense, several intermediate camps were built. The warriors on both sides died in battles every day, and the militiamen died twice as many."
Suangua's expression was extremely heavy. He had not heard much good news since the war began.
"Where is the commander-in-chief of the north, Osipai? What did he say?"
Zinjinni smiled slightly and shook his head.
"Marshal Ospai, commander of the Naval Corps, reported that the situation is optimistic and the pressure is not great. He does not face many enemies, and the Mexican Navy has returned eastward. Now the Navy is dispatched in large numbers to suppress the enemies in the north in the wooden fort.
Among them, he applied to you to mobilize the garrison of the southern defense line and besiege one or two wooden forts. He also invited your army to dispatch to completely wipe out the Mexica division in the north!"
Hearing that the North was dominant, Suangua relaxed slightly. He shook his head, laughed, and scolded softly.
"This bellicose crocodile! Tell him that he is not allowed to mobilize the defense line garrison. The policy of the North Road is to wait for work and not to leave. There will be more and more enemies in the follow-up. He must defend the river mouth fortress and the southern line fortress without any loss.
! In addition, I don’t have a large army for him, so it’s okay to temporarily abandon both sides of the Leman River. Let him give full play to the power of the navy and harass the enemy’s food routes!”
The chief minister bowed his head to accept the order, which was a safe policy. He wrote down the mark on the wooden board, and then continued to look at the king.
Su Angua pondered for a moment, finally made a decision and gave the order loudly.
"The focus of this battle is in the south! I will personally lead two thousand bronze ax guards, five thousand spear militiamen, and five thousand barbarian mercenaries to support the southern front! I will leave three thousand direct warriors in the capital, and you will arrange the situation. Likewise.
, most of the mobilized militiamen will support the South, and the North will replenish them as appropriate!"
The king paused for a moment, with a majestic look on his face.
"Jinjinni, when will the reinforcements from various countries outside the lake area arrive?!"
The chief minister bowed his head slightly.
"The Chapala Lake area in the west has been mobilized, and the big nobles from all over the country have declared themselves kings. However, due to the busy farming season, they have temporarily promised to dispatch 10,000 warriors and 20,000 militiamen. The plan is to divide them into two batches and transport them to the north by water. The first batch is one
Fifteen thousand reinforcements will arrive within a month, and the second batch will arrive in two months."
Suangua's face flashed with anger.
"The Chapala Lake area has a population of at least 600,000. There are 20,000 warriors from the nobles in various places. If they are all recruited, they can mobilize 80,000 militiamen at the maximum! Send an envoy to scold them and ask for doubled reinforcements!"
Jinzini looked helpless. He was silent for a moment and whispered an admonishment.
"Your Majesty, the Lake Chapala region has a long tradition of autonomy. They have to guard against the Tecos rebels in the mountains and forests, and the Guamar canine descendants in the north. This time, they can mobilize 10,000 warriors and 20,000 militiamen to support them.
, I already respect His Majesty’s prestige in conquest and have shown great respect.”
The chief minister looked at the young king's face and continued to explain respectfully.
"I will negotiate with them. After the autumn harvest is completed, if nothing unexpected happens, they should still be able to support 20,000 militiamen. The northern front is as stable as the towering western mountains, and there is no need for your Majesty to worry."
After hearing this, Su Angua thought for a moment and finally nodded.
"Maintain communication with the Chapala Lake area, send old men from the kingdom, and convince the local nobles. How to respond to the Wetamo state in the mountainous area south of the Tarsus River? They are very close to the southern front, and five thousand warriors can quickly join the battlefield.
"
Zinjinni hesitated for a moment and then told her frankly.
"Your Majesty, Huetamo State rejected your call. They replied that they were busy with spring plowing and the Mexica raided the border, so they could not mobilize their troops to go north."
Hearing this, Su Angua angrily tore off the copper bell in front of him and threw it on the silver ritual vessel. The crisp wind chime was accompanied by a low thump, just like the king's turbulent mood.
"Damn the southern city-states. When this war is over, I will hold these tribes in my hands again!"
The king made an oath in a low voice. Then he looked at the chief minister with a serious face.
"Zinzini, will the surrendered Tekos tribes in the west respond to the call?"
Jinzini smiled and nodded.
"Your Majesty, the surrendered Tekos tribes responded to the covenant and promised to send 10,000 elite tribal warriors. The condition is that the kingdom will provide food and grass and give them high-quality equipment. They have just completed spring plowing and the journey is far away. It is expected to arrive in two months.
.”
Su Angua calmed down and sighed softly.
"The kingdom's city-states don't even have the loyalty of foreign vassals!"
Then, the king gave an order in a deep voice.
"Agree to all their conditions. There is no need for them to come for reinforcements on foot. Send the navy from the south to meet them and directly throw them into the Sitacuaro defense line. In addition, after discussing with the local chiefs, the kingdom is willing to provide exquisite feather costumes and expensive gold and silver jewelry.
In exchange, they will mobilize another 20,000 militiamen and wait until the autumn harvest for reinforcements!"
Zinzini lowered his head again and wrote down the decree on the west side of the wooden map.
Su Angua paced back and forth and pondered for a long time.
"Zinzini, how are the negotiations with the envoys sent to the major countries? Are the surrounding ministries willing to send troops to help or attack the Mexica people?"
Zinjinni shook his head slightly.
"Your Majesty, we have always been alienated from each tribe. Each tribe believes in false gods and does not know the value of the true God. The Mixtecs and Zapotecs in the south are waiting and watching. The Mexica have relaxed their tribute to them. This
The two groups have no intention of resisting for the time being. The northern Otomi people have contacted us several times. Although they maintain a tacit understanding with us not to interfere with each other, they are unwilling to send troops at this time. The Huastec people seem to be severely exploited and have quite a few complaints. However,
They were suppressed by the northern commander of the Mexica and did not dare to resist for the time being."
Having said this, the chief minister saluted solemnly.
"The only hope now is the Tlaxcalans in the east. They have deep grievances with the Mexica people and have been fighting each other for decades. At this time, there is quite an enthusiasm in talking about sending troops. But the holy city of Cholu, a false religion,
The priests of Ra intervened and threatened that this was a divine war against pagan believers. Unless we convert to false gods..."
Suangua frowned. The beliefs of the three main gods, the Sun God, the Earth Mother Goddess, and the Moon Goddess, have been rooted in the land of Mikancho for a long time. Although the priests are suppressed by the royal family and accept the appointment of the king, it is absolutely impossible for them to agree to convert.
"The matter of conversion cannot be mentioned. The Mexica people are jaguars devouring the mountains and forests, and their ambition is the whole world. The Tlaxcala people should understand this truth. Only the two countries unite to resist the domination of the Mexica
The great alliance of the valley.
Select from the royal family and send distinguished envoys of divine descent. Say that I am willing to be brothers with the leaders of the four states of Tlaxcala, with them as the eldest brother and me as the younger brother, and sign a century-old covenant witnessed by the gods! At the same time,
, I am willing to marry them, take the princess of the Tlaxcala people as my head wife, and then betroth the princess of the late king to them!"
Upon hearing this, the chief minister's expression changed drastically.
"Your Majesty, your current wife is the daughter of a great noble in the kingdom. How can you abandon her so easily? As for the princess of the previous king, the people of Tlaxcala have always been cruel and tyrannical..."
Su Angua shook his head, his tone was tough and decisive.
"This time the Mexica people are coming with great force, and they have mobilized the whole country, and they have many new weapons. In my opinion, the kingdom may be in danger of destruction! At this time, what does the grievances of the princesses mean? As for the current queen,
I will naturally explain it nicely and appease her family. Besides, the marriage will not take place until this war is over. The first priority now is to find ways to get the Tlaxcala people to send troops and reduce the pressure on the front line!"
Chief Minister Zinzini was speechless. He was silent for a long time, and finally bowed to the ground and accepted the order with great ceremony.
