Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!

Chapter 198 - 112 Mexica Folk Industry: Jade Carvers, Goldsmiths, Stonemasons, and Potters_2

Xiulote repeatedly examined the circle, but he could not find any flaws on the golden mask. Thus, he nodded slightly and returned the mask to the elder goldsmith, who clearly sighed in relief.

The young man chuckled softly, followed immediately by a surge of joy. The lost wax process could be used to create fine gold articles, as well as cast exquisite bronze and iron artifacts, including all finely machined components. More importantly, this clay mold casting method could be used to manufacture the trigger mechanisms for matchlock guns, the copper cannon of this era, and even future iron cannons!

Xiulote continued to examine the other gold artifacts. From the delicate earrings the size of a flintlock gun trigger to the sturdy golden staff as long as a matchlock gun, and to the single-cast idol the size of a small copper cannon, the young man grew more and more satisfied. As long as the craftsmanship level of the craftsmen was adequate, the casting costs were not an issue at all for the wealthy and powerful Alliance.

Then, the young man reflected for a moment, recalling the proportions for making gunpowder, and

Xiulote fell into thought. These master stonemasons should be able to help him produce glass.

Glass was a low-cost yet highly profitable trade good, beloved by all tribes in America. Historically, colonizers often used shiny glass beads to deceive the indigenous people of America and Africa, exchanging them for goods hundreds of times more valuable and even invaluable land.

Producing glass could earn substantial returns while indirectly weakening future colonizers. Regrettably, the young man did not know the specific technique, only the basic principles. To truly manufacture it, he had to rely on the craftsmen’s repeated experiments.

Xiulote pondered, first nodding, then shaking his head, followed by a light sigh. Then, amid the similarly fluctuating emotions of the lead stonemason, he picked up the stone mirror, earplugs, cup, and lens.

The stonemason leader finally burst into a joyful, radiant smile. He gleamed at the young Priest.

"Respected Priest, that will be two bags of gold dust. Each bag should weigh at least more than that standard stone,"

he said, pointing at a simple wooden balance scale with a squared-off stone sitting on one end of it.

Xiulote’s smile faltered. He patted himself down but found he had brought nothing. He then looked towards Bertade, the impoverished Chief of the Personal Guards, who only managed to pull out two tokens and a few sour-sweet cocoa beans intended as snacks.