Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!

October of harvest passed in the fragrance of corn. From the Kingdom of the Lake in the west to the central Mexica Alliance, the faces of millions of commoners showed joyful smiles. After a year of toil, they finally could relax a bit, not an easy feat!

Meanwhile, in the lands of Tlaxcala to the east, on the wild, grassy fields, the Warriors of the Alliance and Kingdom also showed excitement. They were eager, preparing for the coming battle, with hearts full of anticipation for the rewards after victory.

The mobilization for the eastward campaign had spread throughout the army. The horn of war arrived on schedule, and the wind of November was filled with the breath of slaughter as a new campaign was about to begin!

A flurry of activity buzzed around the encampment outside Tree Snake City, with all kinds of supplies prepared. The envoy from Black Wolf Torc had also visited several times to inquire about His Highness's marching arrangements.

In fact, according to Xiulote's original plan, they were to march eastward after reaping the new grain in mid-October. But three incidents delayed his plans. The first was Nashu's delayed childbirth, two weeks later than expected. The second was the arrival of a new batch of gunpowder at the end of October. As for the third...

"The decree from King Aweit has finally arrived!"

Xiulote opened a scroll and immediately saw the royal seal of Aweit. He then carefully read the content of the decree, pondering silently.

The centralization reforms of the Mexica Alliance were still underway, and the legal system was as crude as that of the grassland tribes. This nominal decree was more like a letter from Aweit, very short, with only two important sentences.

"The incarnation of the Sun God, Avit God King, grants Prince Xiulote's request to march east against the rebellious Totonac!"

"In the name of the Divine King! After quelling the rebels, the Totonac land will be granted as the fief of Prince Xiu Hua. Before the prince reaches the age of fifteen, the royal central authority will manage it..."

These two mandates, one agreeing to troops being sent and one promising enfeoffment, were all within Xiulote's expectations. Given the current situation, Aweit could not refuse his request to campaign east. The so-called Royal Central Authority management of the fief was actually an agreement secretly reached between Xiulote's side and Aweit's side. Several coastal ports belonged to the Kingdom of the Lake, retaining the sea route to the Eastern Sea. The vast majority of the inland areas belonged to the central Alliance, reappointed to the great nobility of the Alliance and members of the royal family.

"Only... the cold tone of this decree? Avit God King... Prince Xiulote?"

Xiulote fell into contemplation, silent. He thought for a while, then took out the first letter Aweit wrote to him after returning to the capital following a military siege last year. The opening of the letter was...

"Xiulote, I very much agree with your idea of centralizing the Alliance as the supreme King! The King should appear distinctly noble and gradually reclaim the powers of their territories from the leaders of the nations!"

Xiulote pursed his lips, read the reply again, feeling Aweit's ambition and zeal at that time. Then, he silently searched for a while and found the letter written nearly three years ago by Aweit urging him to come to the capital to marry Alisa.

"Haha! Xiulote, my student, my son-in-law! Hurry here and prepare for the grand ceremony. Alisa's wedding must dazzle the nations!"

After reading all three letters, Xiulote silently put them away, bowing his head in silent thought.

After ascending as the Divine King, King Aweit's emotions became increasingly restrained, and his intentions more inscrutable. Even as his once-closest and most understanding student, it became difficult to grasp the King's thoughts...

"King Aweit is slightly displeased with my request for a grant this time."

After contemplating for a long time, Xiulote finally raised his head and spoke calmly. His expression remained composed, but he felt a heaviness in his heart. Aweit was furthering centralization reforms, strengthening divine power and royal power, establishing the highest authority and majesty of the Divine King. Meanwhile, he continued his conquests, expanding the Kingdom's power, enhancing his own prestige... This conflict between King and King, though still reconcilable through various means and old goodwill, gradually became apparent and difficult to conceal.

Like this time, he had an unavoidable reason to request the coastal passage for Xiu Hua. But in King Aweit's eyes, and in the eyes of the great nobility of the Alliance, whether intentional or not, such actions signify a challenge to supreme royal power...

Xiulote lowered his gaze, pondered for a long time, and then lifted his head. He then looked at Guard Commander Ecatl and inquired.

"Has the Kingdom's Secret Guard in the Lake Capital City any news about the King?"

"Family Head, in the past two years, Chief Intelligence Officer Gillim has reformed the palace guard. Many commoners, foreigners, and even warriors from different tribes have been promoted, gradually replacing the great nobility and royal-born palace guards... Our Holy City's branch no longer guards within the palace. News of the King in the capital has also become increasingly scarce..."

Guard Commander Ecatl looked troubled. He thought for a moment and cautiously spoke, mentioning another matter.

"Although there's no news of the King, rumors have increased in the Lake Capital City. Seemingly, there are also some songs spreading among the nations of the Alliance..."

"Hmm, rumors?"

Hearing this, Xiulote's brows furrowed, his expression becoming serious.

"What kind of rumors? Speak in detail."

Guard Commander Ecatl nodded, took out two new letters from his pocket, and recited without missing a word.

"The rumor in the capital is that after receiving your request for a grant, the King was furious within the palace, even reportedly throwing down the inherited Divine Staff!"

"..."

Xiulote's brows knitted, he pondered for a while, then shook his head.

"Unbelievable! Even if Aweit were displeased, he would not throw down the inherited Divine Staff... The Divine Staff represents royal power, and he aims to establish supreme royal authority, making such a degrading act unthinkable!"

Hearing this, Guard Commander Ecatl nodded in agreement. Then he mentioned the rumors spreading among the nations of the Alliance.

"The rumor among the nations actually spread in the capital at first. But the Chief Intelligence Officer in the capital acted sternly, executed quite a few people, and suppressed the rumor..."

"Hmm, what was it?"

"...It's a song, much like a prophecy left by priests after communicating with the Divine."

"Recite it to me!"

Guard Commander Ecatl, with caution, glanced at the solemn His Highness, and then softly sang in the priestly manner.

"The night falls, the Morning Star falls. The immortal Sun sets, the high Sun rises! Citizens of the Chief Divine, raise your heads! Two Suns in the sky! Which one is brighter? Which one sets first? Two suns in the sky at the same time!..."

"Pa!"

A sudden slap echoed in the tent. Ecatl looked silently to see Xiulote had slapped the table forcefully, eyes full of murderous intent, face flushed pale.