Chapter 167 Tarasco's Response

The sky clears up after the rain, and the bright sunshine shines, bringing the blessings of the Sun God. The golden roof of the Palace of Winds shines brightly, and the silverware in the main hall sparkles. On the viewing platform, a string of pleasant copper bells hangs. A gust of breeze blew, and the golden bell swayed with the wind, playing a clear ringing sound.

The ringing of the bell awoke the king from his deep thoughts. "Kasonchi" Suangua raised his head, revealing a young and resolute face. He has been on the throne for just four years and is only in his twenties this year. The young king looked behind him, and saw an older man in rich clothes 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, Zinzinni means "hummingbird" and the capital Qinconcan means "the place of hummingbirds". The old man in gorgeous clothes has such a distinguished inheritance title, and he is obviously a noble noble with high status and honor. In fact, he has held the position of chief minister for more than twenty years, through three generations of kings.

Chief Minister Zinzini nodded solemnly and answered in a deep voice.

"Your Majesty, I have personally observed it. The new longbow of the Mexicans is extremely powerful, at least twice as powerful as the Tlaxcala bow! Within one hundred and forty steps, the projectile shot wounded the lightly armored militiamen, and within ninety steps, the flat shot Kill the leather warrior!"

Upon hearing this result, Su Angua looked shocked and stood up suddenly. He was a king who had been in battle. He just did a little mental calculation and immediately made a sound of 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, the fortress on the ground is helpless!"

Zinzini looked at the young king and nodded solemnly.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Under the attack of Mexica's longbow warriors, the wooden forts on the north bank of the Leman River only held on 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 vicious fish from the east, the lives of the warriors and militiamen are dying like newborn fish eggs."

King Suangua's face dropped.

"What's the latest battle situation between the North and South?"

The old man in colorful 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, as the size of the army increases, 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 his 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, defeating several legions, and won a brilliant victory! In fact, this was a tough battle, and the 'Water Monster' was 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. Tisoke chose the Otomi people in the war to ascend the throne. The whole kingdom was ready to go, and stopped the crusade against the Tekos people in the north. I led the army again, and Avit fought against each other on the banks of the Leman River, but he did not expect that just a few months later, Avit would kill his brother and become 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 people!”

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 that is hated by the sun god, and they are the demons in the western volcanoes! The Mexica people failed to conquer Otomi in the west not long ago , the casualties were heavy, and in the end only the city of Xilotepec was captured. According to common sense, the Mexican 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!"

Su Angua 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. The grandson of the current high priest, Shuter, is also the fiancé of Avitt's eldest daughter. The commanders of both the north and the south are the confidants of Avitt, and unite the priests 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 he 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 Tisoke 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 various extraordinary tools, such as the Mexica long bow. His invention!"

After hearing the chief's words, King Suangua looked solemn and doubtful. He is still young, and although he is not very devout in his faith, it is 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."

Zinzini hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a low voice.

"Your Majesty, there are not too many enemies on the northern route. The land on both sides of the Leman River has been temporarily abandoned. The kingdom has retreated to the fortress at the mouth of the river and the fortresses along the line. Six thousand warriors and 20,000 militiamen have been stationed in Akambalo State's solid defense line. . As long as we don’t go into battle rashly, we can resist 20,000 to 30,000 Mexica warriors. After half a month, the kingdom can deploy another 10,000 militiamen to the north, but the warriors can only wait for support from the Lake Chapala area.”

Suangua paced back and forth, recalling the kingdom's military deployment. He has 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 militia, and 5,000 rebuilt barbarian mercenaries. Now, after several months of war, the north and south An astonishing loss of more than 3,000 warriors was lost. At least 2,000 warriors were left in the capital, and the only reliable combat power that could be mobilized was 20,000 warriors and 10,000 elite militiamen.

Under the Mexica raid, the militiamen had suffered losses of more than 20,000, and about 50,000 had already gone into battle. Militiamen from all over the country are urgently mobilizing to recruit strong men from villages and put the autumn harvest on hold temporarily. "

Suan Gua smiled bitterly. He worked hard for a long time and was invincible in the conquests in the west and north, but it was still difficult to resist the huge power in the east. This year’s busy farming season lacks sufficient manpower, and the autumn harvest will inevitably suffer a significant reduction in production.

"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 longbow warriors of the Mexica army numbered in the thousands, and they besieged several key fortresses, and they 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 castle. The winner will live and die immediately.”

"Quius" means eagle, a sacred heritage title. The southern commander Kuyus is a descendant of Taliguri, the first king of Kasonchi. He is also the uncle of King Suangua 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 moment 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 militia to harass the Mexica's retreat. But the opponent's food road is not long, and there is already For defense, several intermediate camps were built. The warriors on both sides died in battle every day, and the militiamen died twice as many. "

Suan Gua's expression was extremely heavy. He had heard little good news since the war began.

"Where is the commander of the north, Osipai? What did he say?"

Zinzini 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 faces not 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 castle "

Suangua relaxed slightly when he heard that the North was dominant. 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 doesn’t hurt to temporarily abandon the two sides of the Leman River and let him give full play to the power of the navy to harass the enemy’s food routes!”

It is a safe policy for the chief minister to bow his head and take orders. He made a mark on the 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 2,000 bronze ax guards, 5,000 spear militiamen, and 5,000 barbarian mercenaries to support the southern front! I will leave 3,000 direct warriors in the capital, and you will arrange the situation. Likewise. , most of the mobilized militiamen support the South, and the North will replenish them as appropriate!"

The king paused for a moment, a majestic look on his face.

"Zinzini, when will 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 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."

An angry look flashed across Suangua's face.

"The Chapala Lake area has a population of at least 600,000. There are 20,000 warriors from the nobles in various places. All the strong men are recruited, and they can mobilize 80,000 militiamen at the maximum! Send an envoy to scold them and ask for double the reinforcements!"

Jinzini looked helpless. He was silent for a moment and whispered advice.

"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 , I already respect His Majesty’s prestige in conquest and behave very respectfully.”

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 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 the kingdom's elders, and convince the local nobles. How to respond to the Wetamo state in the mountainous area south of the Talsas River? They are very close to the southern front, and five thousand warriors can quickly join the battlefield. "

Zinzini hesitated for a moment, then confessed frankly.

"Your Majesty, Huetamo State has 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 is accompanied by a low thump, just like the king's troubled mind.

"Damn the southern city-states. When this war is over, I will hold these tribes in the palm of my hand again!"

The king made a low oath. Immediately, he looked at the chief minister with a serious face.

"Zinzinni, 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 clothing, 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?"

Zinzini 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 have maintained a tacit agreement with us not to interfere with each other, they are not willing to send troops at this time. The Huastec people seem to be severely exploited and are quite complaining. They were suppressed by the northern commander of the Mexica and did not dare to resist for the time being. "

At this point, the chief minister saluted solemnly.

"The only hope now is the Tlaxcala people 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 to talk about sending troops. It's just the pseudo-holy city of Cholu. The priests of Ra stopped it, saying that this was a divine war against the pagans unless we converted to false gods.”

Suangua frowned. The belief in the three main gods, the Sun God, the Earth Mother Goddess, and the Moon Goddess, has been rooted in the land of Mikancho for a long time. Although the priests were suppressed by the royal family and accepted the king's appointment, it was 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 A vast alliance in the valley.

Select from the royal family and send noble divine messengers. Just say that I am willing to be brothers with the leaders of the four states of Tlaxcala, treat 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 Mexicans are coming with great force, and they have mobilized their entire country, and they have many new weapons. In my opinion, the kingdom may be in danger of extinction! At this time, what does the grievances of the princesses mean? As for the current queen, I will naturally explain it to 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 to 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.

Sincere thanks to the book friend "Qingteng Yun" for the reward! I wish you all a Happy New Year!