Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!
Chapter 910 - 525: High Priest Heads East, Li’s Farewell

Chapter 910: Chapter 525: High Priest Heads East, Li’s Farewell

In the humble tent, a bonfire burned, reflecting on the faces of the grandfather and grandson, bringing with it a trace of warmth. The clear moonlight descended from the sky, landing on their rather similar brows, leaving a gentle glow.

After a moment, the High Priest composed himself, smiling as he asked.

"Xiulote, my child. With so many people gathered, is the food supply sufficient?"

Upon hearing this question, Xiulote’s expression faltered. However, in front of his grandfather, he found no need to conceal the truth. He pursed his lips and spoke honestly.

"Grandfather, the army’s food supply is indeed a bit tight. Fortunately, when conquering Water Valley City, we acquired a large amount of food. The Cholula domain is rich, and we have subsequently looted several more batches. Added to the demands from Cholula City, it should roughly support us until the autumn harvest. The Kingdom in the South is hastening the construction of twin-hulled canoes to increase waterway transport. In another two or three months, once the captives are transported back in batches and the Kingdom continuously sends food, there will be enough surplus..."

Currently, the food transported via the southern waterways barely suffices for the consumption along the route when tens of thousands of captives are being transferred. Meanwhile, the military towns along the Tarsus River are all cultivating land, and after the autumn harvest, the situation should slightly improve.

"Hmm, before I came here, I just issued a decree to send a batch of food to the Southern Army. It’s enough for twenty thousand people for a year."

Hearing this, Xiulote’s face showed joy. The High Priest smiled slightly and carefully instructed.

"Xiulote, my child. The Southern Army reaching here has completely swept through the South of Tlaxcala, fulfilling the requirements for the eastern expedition! Next, slowly accumulate grain and fodder, properly transport the population, manage Cholula City, and also be wary of the allied forces of the Mistec and the Zapotek people... do not advance recklessly northward anymore!"

"Grandfather?..."

Upon hearing this, Xiulote opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but was halted by the High Priest’s gesture.

"The King to the north has an army of eighty thousand, sufficient to fully suppress the Telascallan to the north, encircling the remaining three Snake Cities. The three Snake Cities are connected as one, occupying natural defenses, easy to defend and hard to attack. Especially the Cloud Serpent City in the mountains, which resides on hills one to two hundred meters high, is an almost impregnable fortress, even more perilous than the Ototpan Mountain City!..."

"...They are the ancestral land of the Telascallan, equivalent to the capital of the Mexica Alliance. The defending army in the city has a resolute will without retreat, and cannot be easily conquered. As for how long to besiege these three cities, and how to capture them, that is the King’s decision!"

"Cloud Serpent City, one to two hundred meters high, is more perilous than Ototpan Mountain City?!"

Hearing this, Xiulote furrowed his brows, pondering silently. He had not seen the Cloud Serpent City but had been to Ototpan Mountain City. With the siege capabilities of this era, taking such a mountain city, even with the bombardment of two-pound bronze cannons, might still be beyond reach. Perhaps, it would still rely on a prolonged siege to find an opportunity.

In fact, later Montezuma II was trapped under the formidable cities of the Telascallan for years without success. Subsequently, a premeditated rebellion erupted within the alliance’s city-states and vassals, forcing him to recall his troops to quell the rebellion, leading to a failed endeavor. From then on, his prestige plummeted to the bottom, rendering him unable to command the various legionaries of the lands, struggling even to control his direct Royal Legion. In such a situation of lost loyalty and defection of allies, he chose to welcome the Eastern fair-skinned "Feathered Serpent Divine," into the grand Lake Capital City, hoping to restore his prestige in the name of the divine...

The High Priest observed the contemplative Xiulote with a warm smile. He pondered and asked again.

"Xiulote, my child, food is the foundation of everything, always keep an eye on the army’s grain reserves... how is the acreage of farmland outside Water Valley City?"

"Grandfather, the Southern Army has always maintained a three-month grain reserve. I still have ninety thousand young and strong captives, not yet transferred. They have gathered in this area, collectively cultivating five hundred thousand mu of arable land!... It is now June, and it is too late to plant corn, but pumpkins are right on time. The army will continue to employ the captives to plant more pumpkins for sustenance. By waiting for the harvest in September and October, the Southern Army’s food supply will be greatly alleviated!"

Ninety thousand young strongmen cultivating five hundred thousand mu, averaging five or six mu per person. As labor for captives, to manage this extent is quite commendable.

The Mexica Legion’s ability to utilize captives for farming outside Water Valley City, without worrying about attacks from hostile tribes, indicates that the army’s control over this area is very stable. And Xiulote, as the Commander-in-Chief, being able to let go of the enmity with his old foes, allowing the Mexica Legion to accept the Telascallan, further showcases his kingly prestige and magnanimity!

"Xiulote, you are a natural general, and an outstanding king."

The High Priest’s face showed genuine comfort. He extended his withered hand and, after many years, once again patted his eldest grandson’s head.

At this moment, he looked at the valiant young man, with many emotions surging in his heart, wanting to pour out many heartfelt words... but the words reached the tip of his tongue, he paused for a long moment, leaving only a few earnest exhortations, his eyes filled with tenderness.

"...My child, your path is still far and long. Walk steadily, do not rush, for rushing leads to detours... I know there’s an unknown mission hidden in your heart. But you are still young, with plenty of time to achieve it. Do not bear too much alone, there will always be people to share the burden and willing to give for you... in the future, you must go on well, go on well..."

The High Priest’s voice gradually lowered, almost becoming inaudible. In the end, he just kindly rubbed his eldest grandson’s head, as he often did when the grandson was young.

Feeling the grandfather’s touch, Xiulote lingered for a long time, a softness rising in his heart.

He vaguely remembered the last time his grandfather patted his head was before the westward expedition to Tarasco. And before that, at the Great Sacrifice in the Lake Capital City, he was released by the elders, and his grandfather hurried over from the Holy City, Teotihuacan. Going further back, upon returning with Olosh from capturing captives, he had sat by his grandfather’s side, listening to his hopes and plans alongside his father...

Time flowed like water, turning youth into maturity, and maturity into old age. The middle-aged priest who had once joyously lifted the infant at his birth and named him, had now become old. His hair white, his back slightly hunched, he used his frail hand to caress, while an aged face showed a smile...

He’s old... Only those eyes remain as deep as ever, filled with profound love and heart-wrenching longing.

Xiulote stared blankly at his grandfather, an inexplicable shadow rising in his heart. Unknowingly, his eyes became moist, and he called out softly with some fear.

"Grandfather?... You... will always be here, right?"

"Mm. My child, I will be by your side... always."

Having said this, the High Priest slightly bowed his head and turned his body. His face fell into the shadow of the campfire, making it unclear.

"Xiulote, after such a long journey, I’m a bit tired... Let me sleep in your tent."

"Okay, okay!"

Xiulote nodded repeatedly. He pressed his lips together and said softly.

"Grandfather, I’ll sleep with you..."

"No need. You’re grown now, a commander of an army, you must always maintain your dignity."

The High Priest raised his head, his eyes shining, his face already with a gentle smile.

"Besides, I need to think about how to negotiate with the priests of Cholula tomorrow."

"...Alright."

Xiulote hesitated for a moment, seeing that his grandfather’s smile showed no signs of unusualness, he nodded. He stood up, glanced at his grandfather again, and then turned to leave the tent.

The campfire inside the tent had never been extinguished, casting the shadow of a hunched figure on the thick fabric of the tent. The figure sat alone facing the fire for a long time, and no one knew what he was thinking.

Xiulote returned to the side tent and slept for a while, but thinking of his grandfather’s eyes, he couldn’t fall asleep. Finally, he simply got up again and went to the main tent. The campfire within still burned, but that shadow had already lain down to sleep.

"Mm, grandfather has grown old. Probably it’s because he’s afraid to sleep alone in the dark."

Through the fabric of the tent, Xiulote gazed at the campfire, seeing approximately where his grandfather lay. Then, he went to the other side outside the tent, and just lying down with his clothes on, he remained there outside the tent. The late spring night wasn’t cold, and the clear moonlight fell on his face like a guiding light, or another world’s projection.

Separated from his grandfather by a layer of tent fabric, Xiulote faintly heard his grandfather’s breathing. Only then did he feel at ease and, under the gentle moonlight, quickly fell into a deep sleep. That night, he slept peacefully, without any dreams. Because, his grandfather was right there beside him, at arm’s length...

The next morning, the High Priest was already dressed neatly, divine staff in hand, stepping onto the path to Cholula.

"High Priest, the Southern Army, fifty thousand troops, are right outside Cholula City!"

Xiulote straightened his back, confident and high-spirited. He stood in front of his grandfather, holding his aged hand, and said with concern.

"...Rest assured and talk with them! Cholula City has no choice. And with me here, they would not dare to offend you!"

Hearing his grandson’s words, the High Priest’s eyes arched into a smile, his face showing genuine joy.

"Good!"

"...Grandfather, go swiftly and return soon, come back early..."

"...Alright!"

The High Priest nodded slowly, as if making a vow to his ancestors. Then, he looked deeply at his grandson, before turning with a smile to leave. And beside him, several dozen Temple Warriors guarded closely, like his shadow.