novelAbuy Chapter 1397 - 952: Teacher and Student, the Final Lesson About Power
Chapter 1397 - 952: Teacher and Student, the Final Lesson About Power
"Sun City, Salt Lake City, High Mountain City... three Royal Legions, twenty-four thousand Samurai... stationed in the Southern Three States, ostensibly to deter the unfaithful Mistek Tribes..."The map of the Talas River spread out on the table. Xiulote pressed his lips together, gazing at the three Royal Legions, those who could head south at any moment, cutting off the critical positions along the Long River. He was silent for a long time, suddenly turning to Ecatl, asking sternly.
"Ecatl, where are the Royal Legions of the Alliance currently stationed? I need the latest information!"
"Family Head, the Alliance has more than fifty thousand Samurai under direct command. Among them, there are six standing legions of eight thousand Samurai each, including one Copper Armor Battle Group and one Longbow Battle Group. A Noble Battle Group of over two thousand, composed of the glorious Jaguars and Eagle Warriors. A Tonsured Guard of four thousand, drawn from the elite of various City-States and defectors, newly established for less than two years. Lastly, a Temple Legion of four thousand, primarily formed by the most elite Elder Guards and Temple Guards, commanded by the God of War Priest..."
Guard Commander Ecatl looked grave. He took out nine Jade Talismans, placing them one by one on the Alliance’s map as representations of the nine Royal Legions.
"After the New Year Grand Sacrifice, three Royal Legions moved south, including the Copper Armor and Longbow Battle Groups, stationed in the Southern Three States. One Royal Legion went west, stationed in Tzompantli City in the west, also controlling the upstream passage of the Lerma River. One Royal Legion moved north, suppressing Strait Gold City, overseeing the division and migration of the Strait Gold Clan, ’persuading’ the last stubborn nobles. Another Royal Legion is stationed at Oak Tree City in the Tlaxcala Land in the East, maintaining the Alliance’s important route to Four Snake City, and ensuring the crucial transport and supply of food... In summary, there is one standing legion stationed in the East, North, and West each, and three in the South, marking the positions of the six standing legions!"
"As for the Noble Battle Group, Tonsured Guard, and Temple Legion, these over ten thousand elite veteran warriors of the Alliance, they constantly guard the Lake Capital City. Unless faced with special circumstances or if the King personally leads an expedition, they generally will not leave the Capital City."
"The six standing corps stationed outside, three elite guarding the Capital City, such an arrangement..."
The Jade Talismans filled the map of the Alliance, representing the most powerful force in Central America. After two years of reorganization and reform, this vast military force was once again ready for deployment. And with Aweit’s ambitions, he would certainly not delay the conquering steps of the world!
"Ecatl, has the City-State Army of the Northern Four States been mobilized?"
"Family Head! No such news has been received... Since the Divine King’s centralization reforms, the Four States’ armies have been disbanded. The Strait Gold Clan Leader has just died, and the transferral and reform of the nobles of each state are still vigorously advancing, not yet completely finished..."
"As the Chief Divine witnesses! So this is it... Your current primary goal remains the centralization reform, particularly the reform and transfer of the Southern Three States’ great nobles..."
Looking at the map of the world, observing the disposition of each Royal Legion, Xiulote pondered for a moment, quickly understanding Aweit’s plan. Being a student personally trained by Aweit, he clearly saw his teacher’s ambitions and strategies.
"Among the real power great nobles of the Northern Four States, Gold Mountain City, Tzompantli City, Strait Gold City—three states have already changed City Lords, dividing the Glory family’s power. The last Reed Clan Chief Xintle of Reed Marsh City has always been the most compliant, actively cooperating with the central government’s reforms... The centralization of the Northern Four States is basically complete! As for the Southern Three States, it’s time for the decisive reform..."
"The Legion Commanders of the Southern Three States are all in the East Expedition army, under my command. At this moment, the nobles and warriors without a mainstay cannot resist the power of the Royal central government. Once the Three States are controlled, the three City-State armies will naturally comply and accept the reform obediently..."
Thinking of this, Xiulote lowered his eyes, filled with emotion. The southward movement of three legions to the Three States was indeed an exceptionally shrewd move, fully grasping the human heart!
To the nobles of the Three States, the Kingdom sacrificed the Strait Gold Clan Leader and remained united with the Alliance. The Kingdom’s East Expedition army was presently holding three City-State armies, making it impossible for them to show any resistance. And for the Kingdom of the Lake, these three City-State armies were the Alliance’s hidden hands. For when faced with the choice between the Kingdom and the Alliance, they would inevitably side with the stronger, more legitimate, and Three States-controlling Alliance in the end.
"If I show any signs... these three main legions can immediately compromise with the City-State nobles, recruiting the City-State armies, heading south to cut off the Long River, and even launching attacks along the river east and west!... Whereas if I obediently return to the Lake Capital City, these three Royal Legions can, after completing the centralization reform, become the vanguard of the Southern Expedition against the Mistek people!..."
"In short, all six Royal Legions are oppressing various states. Aweit’s current foremost task remains the centralization reform! His second objective is, just as I once mentioned, to launch an expedition against the unfaithful southern Mistek people!... However, he is also prepared to compromise with the local great nobles at any time. Should I not go to the Capital City, the great target of the centralization reform—both the Royal central government and the local great nobles would make me their target! ...at this moment, when my forces are the most scattered, my position the most dangerous..."
Xiulote contemplated for a long time, a slight wry smile appearing on his face, along with a faint sadness. He sighed deeply, murmuring softly.
"Aweit, my father-in-law, my teacher... centralization and the pacification of all states were initially my suggestion to you, along with the plans of my grandfather! You asked whether I support it or not? Of course, I support it...After all, concentrating the Alliance’s power is also my political pursuit!"
"But given this arrangement at present, the four legions of the Southern Three States and Oak Tree City... do you not trust my promise to you? To be so wary of me, worrying that I might retreat along the Long River back to the Kingdom? ... But how could I do such a thing? At this critical moment, when the great enterprise is unaccomplished, and change is imminent!..."
"Indeed, power changes everything... In the contest of power, there is only absolute balance, only foresighted planning... Whether you trust me or not, you will block all other choices for me, leaving me only this arranged path..."
"And this plan of yours likely began taking shape when you handed me the East Expedition, besieging the two Snake Cities... yet separately dividing the military authority of Oak Tree City in Weisoqinke territory!..."
Remembering the last farewell with Aweit two years ago, Xiulote closed his eyes, remaining silent for a long time before suddenly opening them wide. At this moment, in his deep eyes, there was no hesitation, no sadness, no reluctance, only resolute courage!
"My teacher, thank you for teaching me the final lesson on the struggle for power... Then let us meet in the Capital City! I will still be your best student, and you will always need me, as the Chief Divine witnesses!..."