Chapter 206 The End of the Southern Front

The breeze greened the fields and came to the rolling mountains. The tall trees stretched out their branches, covering the traces of fighting in the forest. The shrubs became more and more green under the nourishment of life. The setting sun fell on the towering stone forts, outlining a colorful and intertwined oil painting, which was brown and green bricks, black and gray fireworks, and dark red bloodstains.

By dusk, the battlefield of the fight was silent. The thrown stone bullets were scattered between the stone forts, and the broken feather arrows were deeply embedded in the soil. On the battlefield in front of the stone forts, the militiamen of the alliance and the kingdom were numb and busy with their heads down. They collected the relics of the warriors on both sides and buried the bodies of their militiamen on the spot. The ground was full of deep red marks that even rain could not wash away. Only the lush green grass could drown the cruel battlefield.

The curling smoke rose from the stone forts and faced each other in the mountains and forests. The light smoke passed over the garrisoned warriors, surrounded the flags on the watchtower, and then rose into the deep sky. The priests accompanying the army sang ancient funeral songs, praying for the arrival of the gods to take away the departed souls.

The songs drifted in the wind, and the flags fluttered in the wind. On the top of the stone forts, different flags were flying. More than two-thirds of them have been replaced by the royal flags of the Mexica Alliance, and the remaining one-third are still the eagle flags of the Kingdom of Tarasco. The stone forts with eagle flags surround the northwest of Zitacuaro, and the center is the core of the Tarasco defense line, the high point of the undulating two hundred miles of mountains, and an unbreakable high mountain fortress.

The golden sunset fell on the fortress on the top of the mountain, and the king's flag fluttered on the watchtower. The royal eagle was spreading its wings and flying to the western sky. King Suanggua stood on the top of the stone fort with an expressionless face. He stared at the royal flag passed down from generation to generation, like a stone sculpture, letting the sunset cast a long shadow. Dozens of steps away, the king's guards, wearing bronze helmets and leather armor, holding bronze axes and longbows, stood guard solemnly around.

The sky gradually dimmed, and the setting sun dyed the world red. The young king lowered his eyes and spoke slowly.

"Is the replacement royal flag ready?"

"Dear king, the imitation new flag is ready. When the night is deep, the inherited flag will be replaced." The guards behind him leaned over and answered in a low and firm voice.

"Summon the commander of the southern route, Quius. Let him come in a low profile and don't bring any followers."

The king kept his voice calm. He turned around and looked at the mountains and forests in the southeast. In the last sunlight, the royal flags of the Mexica people faced each other in the air. The blood-red sun flew on the flag, the deep blue god of war bloomed feathers, and the yellow-green gems shone brightly, stinging Suanga's eyes.

The king raised his head slightly, suppressing the moisture in his eyes. The sky is vast, the mountains are majestic, and the fortress under his feet is so indestructible. The inherited royal flag stands at the highest point of the fortress, witnessing the glory of the royal family.

From the beginning of last year's spring plowing to the spring breeze this year, it has been more than nine months of fighting. The main force of the Mexica Alliance was firmly blocked in the mountains and forests of Zitacuaro for 200 miles, and could never break through. Tens of thousands of alliance warriors stopped at the last, highest, and most solid line of defense, and they were beaten and bleeding, and could not get close.

Suanga recalled quietly, and countless days and nights of memories came to his mind. The shouts of fighting echoed in the sky, and the flowing blood drowned the earth. This long southeastern battle is about to come to an end, and it will end in a bleak way that he did not expect.

On this jagged front, the kingdom and the alliance have been fighting for many years, and have already understood each other's situation thoroughly. The Kingdom of Tarasco has successively assembled 23,000 warriors, 10,000 elite militias, and 50,000 ordinary militias. The Mexica Alliance mobilized a total of 45,000 warriors, more than 40,000 militias. The battle between the two sides involving nearly 200,000 people was an epic battle that had never been seen before!

The entire battle was roughly divided into two stages. The first stage was the contraction of the kingdom and the advancement of the alliance. From June to October last year, the Mexica launched a surprise attack during the spring ploughing season. The warriors of the alliance used longbows, slingshots, rockets, and paper fireballs, and with the addition of new weapons, they were unstoppable all the way. It was not until Suanga led the royal army to arrive and the militia and Tekos warriors from the lake area came to support that the enemy's offensive was gradually resisted. In these four months, the kingdom lost 5,000 warriors and 15,000 militiamen, and lost about half of the fortress group. The alliance also suffered casualties of 6,000 warriors and 8,000 militiamen, and had an advantage in casualties and advancement.

The second stage was a stalemate between the two sides, and the defense line was formed. From October last year to March this year, the Mexica's advancement speed became slower and slower until it stopped completely. Facing the high mountain fortresses relying on the mountains, longbows and slingshots were useless. The Mexica warriors threw ceramic balls, which made thunderous sounds and shook the hearts of the army. However, under the sacred royal flag, the courage of the guards never wavered. The bronze axe guards swung their battle axes, killing nearly a hundred noble war groups and repelling the fierce attack of the Mexica warriors.

When the longbowmen of the kingdom concentrated their shooting, the exploding ceramic caltrops would never have a chance to be thrown into the castle. The craftsmen of the capital worked day and night, and in half a year, they successively delivered 5,000 imitation longbows to the front line. Thousands of longbowmen were scattered in the fortresses on the front line, which made the Mexica warriors unable to raise their heads. The alliance lost the advantage of bows and arrows, and the defense line of the kingdom became extremely solid again. The stone fortresses occupied the terrain and were difficult to conquer. The warriors of both sides fell in groups between the fortresses, and then retreated cautiously, and the focus of consumption gradually shifted to the fragile militia. The stones and arrows covered the sky, alternating with each other, and knocked down the militia mercilessly.

In the past six months, the kingdom has suffered casualties of 5,000 warriors, 5,000 elite militiamen, and 13,000 Lake District militiamen. The Tarascans firmly held the last third of the fortress group, and four thousand warriors who died were Tecos reinforcements. The alliance suffered casualties of 7,000 Mexica warriors and 12,000 militiamen. Losses on both sides began to even out, and the Alliance offensive was exhausted.

For nine months, the mountains and forests of Citacuaro devoured nearly 80,000 warriors and militiamen from both sides. Whether they were noble nobles, fierce warriors, or ordinary militiamen, they were all turned into cold remains and buried in the mounds of the mountains. The only trace they left behind was that insignificant number in the heart of the Supreme Commander. This tragic casualty made the nobles on both sides feel uneasy, and it was difficult for the warriors to continue the attack. In the past month, the Mexicans have completely stopped large-scale warrior sieges, and are only carrying out raids with militia as the main force to maintain pressure on the front line.

"There are still 40,000 warriors left in the kingdom, half of which are skilled warriors and elite militia. The alliance has about 50,000 people, of which 30,000 are warriors. Sitacuaro's battle line has been stabilized, both sides are evenly matched, and everyone has reached their limit. . The Mexicans can't bear any more samurai casualties, so I'll hold on to this place!"

The young king looked at the dim sky and shouted silently. He is on the dangerous front line, but he never fails to live up to the glory of the royal family and proves his ability to his ancestors!

Envoys from various countries brought favorable news. The holy city of Cholula accepted the conversion treaty and became neutral. The Tlaxcala chiefs in the east were married to the royal family and had gathered tens of thousands of warriors to invade the borders of the Mexica Union. The Mixtec and Zapotec people in the south have shown a close attitude. These "people of the clouds" interrupted their New Year tribute to the alliance and formed a secret alliance with the kingdom, promising to lend a helping hand when the situation changed. The northern Otomi people were embroiled in controversy and divided into two groups with different opinions. The Huastec people in the northeast were dissatisfied with the heavy tribute oppression and were also ready to take action. Only the Totonac people further east did not respond because the journey was too far.

"The general trend is about to change. As long as we hold on for another six months, the situation of this war will completely change!"

Suan Gua closed her red eyes and shed tears silently. He stepped into the shadow of the watchtower, reached out to touch the flag of his ancestors, and then quietly wiped his face with his sleeve. Then, the young king turned around, looked at the royal capital in the northwest, and let out a long sigh and an angry shout.

"Stupid Russian. Cowardly Pengguali Mexica's 'Death' Shulot!"

The young king whispered the three names, his feelings of resentment decreasing in turn, his unwilling desire rising, and darkness swallowed his soul. However, no matter how much resentment there is, no matter how unwilling there is, the outcome of this battle cannot be changed. The reinforcements were all defeated, the food route was almost interrupted, and the capital city was under the enemy's front! Before him, there was only the destined third stage, a rapid retreat.

Suangua looked to the west, watching the sunset slowly set, watching the shadows eroding the sky and earth. It wasn't until the trusted guards lit the bonfire that the commander of the South Road, Kuius, came in a hurry wearing a battle suit.

"Dear King, I have just returned from the fortress on the front line, please forgive me for being late!"

Kuius knelt down on one knee and saluted solemnly. The commander-in-chief of the South Road is about forty years old and has a resolute face. His eyes showed the vicissitudes of life, his appearance showed the majesty of a royal family, and his body was filled with the killing intent of the battlefield.

"Uncle Kuius, there is no need to be polite. You are the eagle of the royal family, with the blood of the ancestors of Taliguri. You are also the marshal of the South Route Army who I trust the most!"

Suangua stepped forward and lifted Kuius's body. Then, he held the opponent's arm and stared into the eyes of the South Road Commander.

"Uncle, do you still remember the glory of your ancestors?"

Hearing his uncle's name and looking into the king's eyes, Quaius paused slightly. Then, he nodded solemnly and answered loudly.

"Under the flag of the eagle, I will shed blood until death!"

The king stared silently for a moment. Then, he let go of his hand, took two steps back, and disappeared into the shadow of the watchtower.

"Uncle, the Mexicans have defeated Penguali's reinforcements. They are about to surround the capital and cut off the food routes of Patzcuaro."

Quaius was startled. He opened his eyes wide and asked angrily in a low voice.

"The thirty thousand Chapala army is so vulnerable?! Your Majesty the King, is this news confirmed?"

Suangua nodded slowly. A quiet voice came, but his changing face could not be seen clearly.

"It's a secret message from Chief Zinzini. There are no reinforcements outside the capital. Sitacuaro's food can last for more than a month. The news of the food shortage cannot be kept secret for too long. This line of defense can no longer be defended."

Kuius stood speechless. He showed an expression of disbelief, then suddenly turned back and looked to the west. At this moment, the sunset has completely set, the wilderness is covered with shadows, and there is deep darkness wherever you look.

"This line of defense can no longer be defended." The commander of the South Road repeated unconsciously. Then, with a sudden start, he looked up at the king.

"Your Majesty, why did you summon me?"

Su Angua was silent for a moment before speaking calmly.

"The royal capital is in crisis, and I must return quickly to preserve the last hope. The Tlaxcalans have already sent troops. As long as the capital remains, the glory of our ancestors can continue. Uncle, you are the eagle of the royal family, and also me. The most trustworthy person! Only you can take charge of the overall situation of Southeast!"

Queues looked past the king and at the flag on the watchtower. The eagle of Tarasco flew in the wind, even in the darkness. After a while, he knelt on one knee again and saluted the king deeply.

"Under the eagle's flag, I will bleed until I die."

Suangu walked out of the shadows. He looked serious and lifted up his respected uncle.

"Uncle, I will leave before dawn tomorrow, taking away two thousand guards, three thousand spear militias, and five thousand warriors of the kingdom. The road back to the capital is more than four hundred miles. In order to guard against the harassment of the Mexica, the marching speed cannot be too fast. I need you to stay here and hold on for another fifteen days!"

Queues nodded silently. He closed his eyes, thought for a moment, and then whispered a suggestion.

"Your Majesty, you can bring more troops to keep more vitality for the kingdom. I can hold on here!"

Suangu shook his head calmly. He had already thought it through completely, and he did not hesitate at this time.

"I have taken away all the disciplined, loyal and capable warriors. Two thousand foreign mercenaries are given to you to suppress the six thousand Tekos warriors. These vassal warriors are scattered in the fortresses on the front line. Once they retreat, the Mexica will know. They are not suitable to be brought into the capital. As for the remaining 22,000 militiamen, they cannot act at night and cannot keep secrets. I will give them all to you, and give you another 2,000 longbows!"

"The capital is in danger. Although the chief minister has great prestige, it is difficult for him to unify the nobles and high priests. If the situation is critical, I am afraid that something will happen. This time when I return to the army, I will put the royal flag back on the 'Palace of Wind' to stabilize the morale of the army in the capital. The retreat must be quick! I can only take 10,000 elites. And as long as these 10,000 people can return to Qincongcan, the capital will be as stable as the sacred mountain in the west!"

At this point, the king looked at Quiyus, and there seemed to be a burning flame in his eyes. He opened his arms and gave his uncle a farewell hug.

"Uncle Quius! For the continuation of the kingdom and the glory of the royal family, I leave this to you! Fifteen days, you just have to hold on for fifteen days! After that, whether to retreat to the hinterland or surrender to the Mexica, it's up to you to decide!!"

The commander of the southern route nodded slowly, like a sculpture frozen in the wind. He swore again in a deep voice.

"Under the banner of the eagle, I will bleed"

Hearing the familiar oath, the young king finally smiled. He lowered his head and saluted his uncle solemnly for the first time, then walked into the fortress silently. There were a lot of things to do with the withdrawal, and he had to make his own decisions and arrange them secretly. The king's guards lined up in two rows, holding bronze axes and bows, and followed with a solemn look on their faces.

On the empty fortress, only Quius was left alone. He quietly watched the flying royal flag and recalled the glory of his ancestors. The glorious past events floated to his mind one by one, turning into a smile on his lips. Until the night deepened, a team of guards came hurriedly, replaced the inherited royal flag, and raised the new flag. The southern commander lost his strength. He staggered, took two steps forward, and fell under the flag. The towering fortress was silent again, with only the funeral songs of the priests, mourning the impending fate.

His fate was already doomed, and along with the tens of thousands of troops under his command, they would fall into endless darkness. The old royal flag fell silently, and the new flag slowly rose, just like the overthrow of this kingdom, foreshadowing the elegy in the night.