Chapter 191: War Discussion and Military Reorganization (Part 1)

Outside the commander's tent, the north wind from the plateau roared across the land, moving all the way southward with irresistible power. In the big tent, balsamic dal is burning quietly in the jade furnace, emitting a distant and rich aroma, making people's thoughts active and their hearts clear.

In the pleasant atmosphere, Shulot looked at Ezpin who was lying on the ground and swore an oath, and the corners of his mouth slightly raised. He smiled and held up the newly appointed Commander of the Tarasco Army, and encouraged him again.

"Ezpan, do everything I ask you to do and further prove your ability! After the victory of the Western Expedition, the land of Mikencho will be re-confessed, a vassal garrison alliance will be established, and the Colima states will be conquered and controlled. The Tekos people in the west, and you are familiar with the terrain there. By then, you will also have a place among the great nobles of the alliance! "

Hearing this, Ezpan raised his head and looked at Shulot inquiringly, his eyes slightly blank. After all, he was born as a commoner in a foreign country, and he did not have a clear understanding of the system of the Mexican Alliance, nor could he understand the meaning of His Highness's words. He just saluted again with a happy face.

"Your Highness, I will always obey your will! I am willing to defeat the Tekos barbarians for you!"

Shulot nodded slightly and said no more. He pondered for a moment and asked slowly.

"Ezpan, how much do you know about the capital of the Kingdom of Tarasco, the Land of Hummingbirds, 'Qin Cong Can City'? How is its city defense? Are there any weaknesses?"

Ezpin thought for a moment and carefully provided suggestions.

"Your Highness, the royal capital Qincongcan is majestic and spacious. At its peak, it had a population of nearly 100,000 people. It is one of the largest cities in the world! According to the new weights and measures of the alliance, the walls of the capital are about nine meters high, and the width can accommodate seven or eight people walking at a time. . The walls are all made of granite, volcanic rock and blue bricks, which are bonded with a lot of corn mortar. They are indestructible! On the city walls, there are many wooden watchtowers, which can be used to station archers to attack the majestic capital, just like climbing on the clouds. The volcano in the middle is no easy task.”

Hearing this, Shulot's brows gradually furrowed. Ezpin's description was similar to the scout's report. Reflecting each other, the image of Qin Cong Can City gradually became clearer in his mind, and it became more and more troublesome for him.

".The capital itself was built on the edge of Lake Patzcuaro. The underground water system is complex, but it is not connected to the lake. There is no special water gate. There are many deep wells in the capital, which can provide drinking water for 100,000 people. Outside the capital is the prosperous Patz The Quaro Lake area is densely populated and full of wealthy villages, towns and manors.”

Shulot thought for a moment and asked in a deep voice.

"Ezpin, tell the truth. If I asked you to dig a tunnel under Qincongcan City until under the city wall, would you be sure?"

Hearing His Highness's inquiry, Ezpin felt heavy pressure. He wanted to open his mouth several times, but swallowed the words he promised again. After a while, he shook his head solemnly.

"Your Highness, I am not sure. There are waterlogged soil and sedimentary underground water areas below the lake area. Excavation of tunnels is a real technical job! Only the most experienced old miners have some certainty, and these old miners are all in the control of Tara. In the hands of the Sco royal family. On weekdays, most senior miners gather in several semi-open-pit copper mines directly under the capital, which is a high-yield copper mining area close to Ivacio City!

Shulot raised his eyebrows lightly. He heard the news about the copper mine again, and it was right in front of him, under the front of the army! He kept the news in mind carefully and then asked again.

"Have you ever personally been to Patzquali and Ivacchio City in the south of the capital?"

Ezpan thought about it for a long time before nodding seriously.

"Yes, Your Highness. The city of Patzquali is dozens of miles east of the royal capital. It has a long history and was built for more than a hundred years. Similar to Huayamo Fortress, Patzquali in the southeast is small in area and has strong city defenses. At the same time, There are huge granaries there to supply the Kingdom’s legions going to the east or south. At this time, Sitacuaro State needs a lot of food on the southern front, and the logistics line of transportation can start from here!”

"As for the city of Ivacchio, it is a large city that prospered because of the copper trade. It is located in the southernmost part of Lake Patzquali. The city has expanded to the lakeside with convenient waterways. There is a wide market and a tall pyramid. , there are merchants from all over the world, as well as large and small copper and silver mines around it, as well as rich and gorgeous noble manors. More importantly, the rich city of Ivacio has no city walls! A fortress-like pyramid complex."

Ezpin's eyes shone with desire. A city that almost monopolizes the production and trade of copper mines, and a city that is also rich in silver, you can imagine how wealthy it is! He spoke slightly excitedly.

"Your Highness, the city of Ivacio is not protected by city walls! In front of the powerful army of the Alliance, this prosperous city is like a weak and beautiful girl. It will not be able to make any resistance and can only be ravaged!"

Hearing Ezpin's unfinished intention, Shulot nodded slightly, without comment. Although Ivacchio City is rich, it has no substantial impact on the strategic trend and is not a priority target.

In fact, Lake Patzquali is not connected to Lake Quetseo in the north, and the Alliance fleet cannot sail in. The lake is always firmly controlled by the Tarascans. The city of Ivacchio by the lake is sheltered behind the two fortified cities of Qinconcan and Patzcuari, making it difficult to reach for a while.

The young commander's eyes once again fell on the map in the big tent, on the mark of Patzquali City.

He looked at the southern front, where the main armies of both sides were fighting. An army of 100,000 people fought for months. In the tragic places, warriors fell like rain and nobles withered like flowers! More importantly, Zitaquaro State is located in a mountainous forest area. Although it is steep and easy to defend, it is not rich and relies entirely on the food route in the rear. At this moment, the food transport route from Patzquari City is the lifeline of the enemy in the south!

Xuluot pondered for a moment, many thoughts flickered vaguely, but he couldn't figure it out and it was difficult to make a decision. He shook his head gently, looked at the respectful and obedient Ezepan, and waved his hand.

"Ezepan, you go down first. Train the Tarasco surrendered soldiers and form a second spear legion!"

The big tent opened and closed, and the clear wind penetrated into the tent, which made people feel refreshed. Then, the young commander called several guards beside him and ordered.

"Call the commander of the Holy City Legion, Olosh, the monkey Kuluka, the veteran Etalik, the black wolf Toltec, the deputy commander of the royal legion, Barda, and the commander of the God-blessed Legion, Natalie. Just tell them that I am going to hold a small military meeting and ask them to come in a low-key manner!"

The order of these natural calls represents the subconscious ranking of the young commander's confidants.

The guards hurriedly took the order. Xuluot turned around and looked at the red sandalwood burning silently. Unknowingly, a stick of incense was about to burn out, just like the precarious Tarasco Kingdom and the exhausted Mexica Northern Army.

After a while, teacher Olosh arrived first. He first looked in the tent and saw that there was no one else. Then he gave Xuluot a hug and said softly.

"Xuluot, you don't look good recently. Don't think too much and rest on time! Otherwise, I'll find two close maids for you to take good care of you."

In front of the teacher who had been with him since childhood, Xuluot looked much more relaxed. He sighed slightly, removed the majesty of the commander, shook his head and smiled.

"Teacher, it is not easy to command an army and conquer a place! I am like walking on the edge of a steep cliff, feeling uneasy in my heart, looking around from time to time, fearing that I will miss a step. I am also like the Monkey King carrying a mountain on his back, with endless pressure on his shoulders, and I can't sleep for a moment. And every day there are so many things to do, and there is no moment of rest.

My father has controlled the retreat for me, guarded the fortress, and maintained contact with the rear alliance. He also helped me manage the allocation of food and grass, the pensions for casualties, and the rewards for military merits. However, there are some things that cannot be relied on by others. I always have to deal with generals from all sides and review the situation of the army one by one. The situation of the enemy is unclear, and it needs to be speculated from time to time. It is really a headache to be cautious!"

Hearing the complaints of the young commander, Olosh's concerned face showed a relieved smile. Soon, he put away his smile and praised solemnly.

"Your Highness, this is how you command an army! In the battles and victories of the past six months, you have grown into an excellent marshal! After this training, you will be able to manage your fiefdom in the future with ease! Xuluot, no matter what, your father and I will always stand by your side!"

When he said the last sentence, the majestic Jaguar warrior knelt on one knee for the first time and put the young commander's hand on his head.

Xuluot was stunned and skillfully grasped Olosh's hair. Then, he bowed hurriedly and lifted Teacher Olosh from the ground.

"Teacher"

"Your Highness, the generals are not far behind, and you must maintain your dignity during the military meeting."

Hearing this, Xuluot was silent for a moment and nodded. He regained his calm face and asked in a deep voice.

"Olosh, what is the current situation of the Holy City Legion?"

"The Holy City Legion currently has 3,500 warriors, all of whom are loyal to you!"

The young commander nodded slightly, this is the absolute core of the direct lineage.

Then, "Monkey" Kuluka arrived second, and he bowed respectfully as soon as he entered the tent. He was wearing formal combat uniform, his expression became firm and calm, only his eyes still flashed with a lively light.

"Respected Lord, congratulations on your victory again! I am willing to die for you at any time!"

Xuluot smiled gently and said kindly.

"Monkey, stand up, no need to be polite. What is the current situation of the Long Spear Corps?"

"The Long Spear Corps has 8,000 people, and they have been resting all the way, just participating in the siege and blockade. The soldiers often ask for orders, and have long been looking forward to killing the enemy and making meritorious deeds!"

Xuluot nodded again. The carefully trained Long Spear Corps will test its actual combat effectiveness in the field battle, and this is also the direct line of the confidant. Thinking of this, he whispered to comfort.

"Don't worry, the opportunity to go into battle will come soon!"

Soon after, the veteran Etalik walked into the big tent with a fierce look and knelt down to salute.

"Your Highness, your brilliance shines on us like the sun rising in the sky! Your wisdom guides us like a sparkling emerald! I am your blue brick, paving the way for you!"

Xuluot smiled gently. He asked.

"Etalik, you have always done things properly, and you have handled many matters of the estuary fortress well! How many troops are left in the temple guards?"

"The temple guards still have 1,500 warriors, including 500 crossbowmen. They can go to battle at any time!"

Xuluot smiled with satisfaction. In several sieges, the elite temple guards performed very well. The crossbowmen have a very long range and can effectively suppress the city. The temple warriors fought bravely and broke into the estuary fortress first. These fanatical religious warriors are good at brave attacks, often sacrificing their lives, and their own losses will also be considerable.

Then, the young commander pondered for a moment and asked slowly.

"How is the Chichimec dog race?"

Veteran Etalik's expression remained unchanged, but his tone was much softer.

"Your Highness, the Chichimec canine descendants have attacked the city twice and ascended several times. They were at the forefront of the attack every time, using explosive caltrops with unpredictable power. Now, only one of the four thousand canine descendants is left. The morale of the 1,500-strong tribe was extremely low. Even though they tried their best to appease them and provided food, drinks, and priestly medicines, the lower-level tribal warriors suffered heavy casualties and were also unable to suppress them. The canine descendants could no longer be used in the difficult battle. can only serve as the defender of the fortress!"

Hearing this, Shulot nodded slowly. Even if the dog descendants are not afraid of death and fear the gods, they are just ordinary tribal warriors. Faced with this kind of casualty situation, it is indeed unfit to be used again. He thought for a moment and gave the order loudly.

"Then let the canine warriors be stationed on the spot to help defend the Huayamo Fortress! Etalik, if you work harder, continue to win over the leaders of various ministries and appease the hearts of the canine warriors."

Etalik nodded respectfully and immediately stood on the left and right.

Shulot was lost in thought. He calculated the garrison status of several fortresses. After the capture of the river mouth fortress, the wooden fortress on the north bank of the Leman River became insignificant and no longer a must-pass point for the grain route. So, he remobilized the royal warriors who were stationed for rest and took away all the new weapons. He then handed over these wooden castles, together with the land on the north bank of the Leman River, to the Otopan warriors led by Giovar.

After many battles, Otopan's three thousand warriors were reduced to only fifteen hundred, which was also unusable. The northern wooden fort was handed over to Giowa to appease the Otomi people. The land on the north coast has nothing to do with the overall situation and is temporarily returned to the city-state of Otopan to stabilize the alliance between the two parties. The superficial concessions of these alliances can also help Giowa establish its prestige in the city-state.

Now, the river mouth fortress has become the new core stronghold and the storage center for all food. Shulot once again asked his father to come forward and let him guard here and command the western city-state army, as well as the royal warriors led by Tepopolo.

The western city-states have sent five thousand city-state warriors successively, and there are currently about four thousand left. The aristocratic private soldiers of these various states cannot be relied upon for large-scale field battles or city sieges, but they are more than adequate for defending cities, and they are even better at looting. The city-state warriors were stationed at the river mouth fortress, and from time to time they plundered the hinterland of Akambalo State in the east and wiped out the noble estates everywhere. They maintain constant pressure on the remnants of Tarasco in the north and are looking for weaknesses in the opponent. They are always ready to cooperate with the main force of Huayamo to defeat the opponent in one fell swoop!

In the Battle of Lake Eureria, three thousand royal warriors led by Tepopolo were placed on the front line of the battle and suffered the heaviest casualties. Even after the rest and treatment in the wooden castle, there are only 1,500 warriors left in this legion. The young commander continued to place him in the river mouth fortress as one of the garrison troops.

Shulot thought as he lit new red sandalwood. The mellow aroma penetrated his nose, bringing different levels of feelings, just like his changing mood. In the heart of the young commander, each unit has a clear judgment. Loyalty, proximity, combat power, equipment, combat style characteristics, and even how to position and use them all are all very clear!

Let’s sort it out again, organize the situation of each army, and deduce the next battle situation.