Chapter 566: Drinking Tea and Discussing the Generals, the King and His Subjects Determine the Ranking

The rainy night in August was long and beautiful. The warm wind was blowing, the stone lotus blossomed and fell, and the dew fell on the grass. Birds sang happily, foxes swayed their tails, and jaguars howled until the night fell. There was no cloud or fog, only a clear song lingering, touching the heartstrings.

"The moon sets and the sun rises, the rain is sparse and the wind is strong all night; I explore the secrets until my back and waist ache; the flowers bloom and fall, making me feel refreshed and intoxicated~~"

On the morning of the second day, Xiu Luote walked slowly, stepping on the pattering raindrops, and returned to the hall to discuss matters with the long-awaited warrior leader. And Naxiu, who always stood by his side, well, she was not able to move today, so she did not show up.

"The precipitation this month is still so abundant!"

Xiuluo stood in front of the window, looking at the low-hanging clouds, recalling the wind and rain last night. A smile rose at the corner of his mouth.

"The high temperature and heavy rain in late summer are the ear growth period of corn. As long as there is enough rain, there should be a good harvest this autumn."

"Yes. God bless you! The growth of corn in the fields is very gratifying."

Bertard nodded calmly. He picked up the purple pottery kettle, brewed a cup of hibiscus tea, and handed it to the prince. Then, he looked at the tired prince and advised him tactfully.

"Your Highness, the high temperature and heavy rain will make corn grow taller, but there is a risk of excessive growth. It needs sufficient sunshine. Although the clouds and rain are good, you can't be greedy."

"Indeed! If there is a lot of rain and no sunshine, the corn stalks will grow excessively, and they will fall over, which will damage the harvest, huh?"

Xuluot took a sip of the flower tea, savoring the rich fragrance of the flowers, and nodded in agreement. Then, he saw the sharp eyes of the warrior leader, was slightly startled, and then woke up and responded with some embarrassment.

".Fighting is hard, take a break occasionally."

"Your Highness, you haven't practiced martial arts in the morning for a long time."

Bertard smiled slightly and stopped talking. He also drank a sip of flower tea and naturally changed the topic.

"As a warrior, you must always strengthen your body, gather a firm will, and nourish the essence of the liver, 'Ihotel'. Your Highness, why don't I accompany you to practice early tomorrow morning!"

"Get up early and practice martial arts?"

Hearing this, Xiu Luote's eyes flashed. Ten years of memories flooded into his heart, making him a little dazed. Since he was ten years old, he has been training as a warrior with Jaguar Olosh. And since he was thirteen years old, the sparring partner has become a loyal warrior leader until he got married at the age of nineteen last year. Unknowingly, the warrior training has been put aside for a year.

"Okay!"

The young king thought for a moment, then his expression became solemn and nodded decisively. He looked at the calm warrior leader and said with emotion.

"Bertard, in my current position, there are fewer and fewer people who can advise me. If you leave soon, who in the kingdom can replace you?"

"Your Highness, Jaguar Olosh is experienced and sharp-eyed, and can take charge of the overall situation of the kingdom. He is loyal to you. After I leave, he should be the leader among the generals."

"Yes. Jaguar Olosh is the general left to me by my father and my teacher when I was young. I have always trusted him very much. However, he has to stay in the kingdom and cannot accompany me."

Xuluot pondered for a while, took another sip of tea, and asked with a smile.

"What else?"

"Old General Etalik is resolute and steady, and has a strong style. He is a warrior from your family, has rich experience, and is loyal to your Highness. Among all the generals, he should be ranked second."

"Old General Etalik is the general left to me by my grandfather. He is old and strong, and can be entrusted with important tasks and sit in the south for me. However, although Etalik is in good health and can fight in the battlefield, he is over fifty years old."

"Your Highness, your family has many warriors, who have followed and served for generations, and their loyalty has been tested. The high priest has gone to the kingdom of God, and the leader of the Eagle Legion is beside the king. You are the only master they are loyal to. The captain of the temple guard Elvi, the chief guard of the high priest Eckart, and the high priest's personal guard Eva can all fight for you!"

Bertard thought about it and recommended it emphatically.

"Captain of the Guard Eckart, his martial arts are not inferior to mine. Your Highness, you can call him to your side, to protect your safety, and continue to practice martial arts."

"Captain of the Guard Eckart?"

Xuluot closed his eyes and thought, and a resolute and steady figure appeared in front of him. That was also the family warrior he had known since childhood.

Eckart had guarded his grandfather for many years, and his loyalty was beyond doubt. On the night of his grandfather's death, he led the dead soldiers to set fire in the Holy City of Cholula, charging back and forth, fighting bloody battles all night and all day, creating a good opportunity for the southern army to enter the city.

"Good! Bertard, you reminded me very well! Well, do you have any other suggestions?"

The chief warrior hesitated for a while before speaking cautiously.

"Your Highness, your relatives and brothers are getting older. Maybe you can train one or two."

"Well? My relatives and brothers? You mean."

"Everything is decided by your Highness!"

Bertard bowed his head and saluted, without saying much.

Xuluot pursed his lips and thought silently. In this era where nobility and inferiority are born, and families are superior to states, the relatives of the monarch often hold great power. Even if there are some unspeakable risks, most of the time, they are the most important support for the monarch, and their loyalty must be better than that of other descendants of gods.

The elder Tlacaeler is the brother of the previous king Montezuma, and he also successively supported three grandsons of Montezuma to serve as kings of the alliance.

"If you do the math, Xiuvari is four years younger than me and is now sixteen; Xiujiage is five years younger than me and is fifteen this year. Both of them have completed basic warrior training. The eldest brother is like father, and the father takes care of the two. My brother leaves it to me, and I always hope that by this time, there won’t be any big changes in the Eastern Expedition!”

Shulot thought for a moment and then made a decision.

"Send an envoy to call the two of them from the capital of Qin Congcan to the army! Let's start with the guards of the personal guard camp. Don't give any preferential treatment."

In the Nahua language, cuauhtli means white eagle and galgo means greyhound. Well, eagle and dog are both favorite names among Mexicans. Therefore, the meanings of the names Xiuvari and Xiujiago are "Xiu White Eagle" and "Xiu Greyhound".

"I obey your will, Your Highness!"

Bertard saluted respectfully, and Thulot nodded in thought.

The family warriors from my father's ancestors and the brothers from the royal family are all loyal forces that can be relied on. Apart from them, the only ones left were the trusted generals he had cultivated with his own hands.

"Bertard, among all the generals, who can be the third?"

Hearing this question, the warrior commander looked solemn. He thought for a long time and answered carefully.

"Your Highness, Kuruka is a hereditary nobleman. He is smart, thoughtful, simple and loyal. He can win over the hearts of warriors and militiamen. He is full of respect for Your Highness. He is clear in dealing with matters and has flexible skills. Among the generals, he can be ranked third!"

"Haha, Monkey Kuruka! In the past few years, he has guarded the north for me, managed the canine flag force, and steadily suppressed the Chapala Lake area and the three states of Otomi. A commander who is truly good at fighting will not be surprised. There will be no wisdom or bravery in victory, because if everything is ready, there is no need to take risks.”

Shulot smiled, took a sip of tea, and said something meaningful.

"Monkey, if he trains for a few more years, he will be able to be a marshal! I once thought about sending him to major events in the East. However, I was worried that he was too flexible and would not be able to go too far. After all, some loyal people , don’t use time and distance to test”

Hearing this, Bertard felt a chill in his heart. He immediately fell to his knees and bowed his head to the king.

"Your Highness! The Lord God testifies that I am loyal to you!"

"Bertard."

The young king raised his eyes and stared at the kneeling warrior captain. Then, he stretched out his hands and personally lifted the other person up.

"Between you and me, although we are kings and ministers, we are actually teachers and students. I trust you as I trust my own brothers and sisters. I will entrust you with all matters regarding the Eastern Islands. If the land of the Taíno people in the East is suitable, You can make the land king”

"Your Highness! Please stop talking."

The warrior chief had sweat on his forehead, and his calm face showed panic.

"You are the revered sun, more powerful than anything else in the world!"

"Um."

Shulot smiled and said nothing more. He changed the topic and asked gently.

"I heard that you are planning to marry your niece to the black wolf Toltec?"

"Yes, Your Highness! My niece, 'Pearl' Acitlalin, is sixteen years old and has reached the age of marriage. Toltec is the descendant I have always valued."

Bertard's expression was still a little nervous.

"Your Highness, if you feel it is inappropriate, you can cancel the engagement."

"No, this engagement is very good."

Shulot smiled and nodded. He had no dissatisfaction with the marriage between his trusted generals.

"Among the generals, right after the monkey, is the black wolf Toltec. He is extremely brave, unparalleled in sharpness, has great military exploits, and is very courageous in his actions. Although he has some small problems of being aggressive and murderous, but his own His character is actually straightforward and simple, even a little simple. You are right in entrusting your niece to him!"

Having said this, Shulot paused and raised the corners of his mouth.

"Bertard, you, on the other hand, are over forty. You are neither married nor have any children. I have already ordered Naxiu to send you two girls from Tlaxcala tonight. While there is still time, leave descendants in the kingdom before heading to the east!”

"Your Highness! This. me."

Bertard looked awkward, hesitated to speak, and even turned red in a rare sight.

Shulot's smile faded and he gave serious instructions.

"Bertard, this is a royal order given to you, you must obey it!"

"No, Your Highness, I already have an heir."

"What? What did you say?"

Bertard gritted his teeth, lowered his voice, and whispered back.

"It's a girl, just two years old. She's with Anatri, the leader of the alliance navy. According to the custom of Anna's family, the girl will belong to her."

"Huh?! You and Annatri have a two-year-old girl?"

Shulot's eyes widened and he looked up and down at the warrior commander who was bowing his head in embarrassment. He was really impressed. This matter was done secretly, and there was no news in the Lake Kingdom.

"Bertard, why don't you take the girl and bring her up with you? Or, I will send an envoy to propose marriage to King Avite for you."

"Your Highness, no need."

Hearing this, Bertard shook his head, calmly and firmly.

"The alliance's naval families are inherited independently and do not lean towards any side of the royal family. If Anatli marries me, she will not be able to continue to lead the navy. She does not want to leave."

"As for the child, if she is trained in the navy family, it is very likely that she will succeed the name of the Lake Mother 'Anatri' and become the next navy captain. And I am beside His Highness, shouldering the important responsibility, I don’t have time to teach my children.”

"."

Xuluot looked at the silent warrior leader for a long time before he sighed.

"Bertard, thank you for your hard work."

"Your Highness."

The king and his minister were silent for a while, and raised their cups to drink tea at the same time. After a long while, the low voice of conversation sounded again in the hall.

"After the Black Wolf, how will the generals be ranked?"

"The honorable noble Ezpan is in awe of you. He guards the southwest, has a ruthless style, is decisive, and is as persevering as a wolf. After the Black Wolf, he can be the fifth."

"Then what?"

"The Eagle Warrior Barda is loyal to the royal family and respects you. He has a rich experience and is a general of the Royal Guards. He is calm and steady. Although he is not famous for his extraordinary strategies, he will not make any mistakes. Among the generals, he is the sixth."

"Well, continue."

"After that, it is the poet commander Balamo, who guards the northern wilderness. He is good at winning people's hearts, has a meticulous mind, is not afraid of hardships, and does not have too many ambitions. Nekali, the director of the Mining Department, is responsible for the copper and iron ore area. He has been in battle for a long time, is decisive, diligent and strict, and has a devout faith. Tupa, the commander of the artillery battalion, is keen and studious, and loyally obeys the generals of the kingdom. As long as Your Highness is in power for one day, they will have no second thoughts and be loyal and reliable!"

Xuluot nodded with satisfaction. At this moment, the generals who were mentioned by the monarch and the minister were all generals who held real power in the kingdom and commanded more than a thousand people.

"Very good! Are there any more?"

"In addition to the senior generals of the kingdom, there are also the surrendered Tarasco generals, and the warlike dog generals. Red frog Coca, tenacious and brave. Red monkey Ozoma, flexible and intelligent. Red deer Masat, good at running. Red newt Arnold, good at commanding the army"

"Dog generals."

Xiu Luote's eyes flashed, and he thought carefully. The dog generals have flexible beliefs, simple dialectical thinking, and accept new things quickly. Such characteristics are very suitable for dealing with the upcoming European colonists.

"Bertard, if you choose one of the four dog generals to go to sea with you, who do you want?"

"Ah?"

Bertard was surprised. He looked at the serious expression of His Highness, thought for a while, and gave an affirmative answer.

"Your Highness, I want Red Newt Arnold."

Xiu Luote looked at the calm warrior leader with interest.

"Why?"

"Because the Red Axolot Chieftain Ashulott is dead, and there is only Arnold in the kingdom."

Bertard smiled and explained in detail.

"Arnold used to hide his identity and farm in the village. Compared with the other chieftains, he does not have too many ambitions. The Eastern Islands are thousands of miles away. If the generals have too many ambitions, it will become a hidden danger to the kingdom."

".Yes."

Xuluot pondered for a long time, looked at the sincere warrior leader, and nodded heavily.

The family generals left by their ancestors, the relatives and brothers trained by the royal family, the trusted commanders of civilian origin, and the generals of various tribes who surrendered from the war. They all control the military power of the Kingdom of the Lake, and they cooperate with each other and also restrain each other. And the one who brings them together is the only supreme king in the kingdom!

"No, there is also a water force. Although this force is still small at present, it has a future with infinite possibilities!"

The young king's eyes flashed, and his thoughts fluctuated. After a few breaths, he straightened his spine, looked to the west, and spoke in a deep voice.

"Where is the kingdom's exploration fleet now, and how long has it been resting?"

"Your Highness, the kingdom's exploration fleet has returned for half a year. Now, the two leading captains are resting in Zicao City, the base of the kingdom's southern navy."

"Half a year of rest is enough!"

Xuluot raised his lips and announced the king's order, which could not be refused.

"Send an envoy to let the two exploration captains drive the longboat along the Talzas River upstream to the east! Within a month, they will arrive at the Shuigu City camp and wait for new dispatches."

"Your Highness, the middle section of the upper reaches of the Talzas River is extremely steep and difficult to pass by boats."

"It rains a lot in summer, and the water level of some tributaries rises, so small boats can pass. Well, send some local fishermen to guide. In addition, arrange Tlaxcala civilians along the upper reaches. If it is really difficult to pass, mobilize thousands of people to tow across on land!"

"This is sailing on land?"

Hearing this, Bertard looked surprised. He thought about it carefully for a while and nodded again.

"Indeed, although the longboat is long, it is not heavy. As long as there are enough manpower, it is feasible to tow it. At present, there are many captives in the southern army, and the last thing they lack is manpower."

"Haha!"

Xuluot laughed loudly and made a decision. He looked at the statue of the Lord God, with the determination and will of a king, and prayed loudly.

"Lord God bless! Sailing on dry land, we must naturally make great plans and go to the vast East! I'm here, waiting for them to arrive!"

Maomao has been farming recently and has a black cat head. (_) I will catch up later this month.