NOVPUBIn the heavens and on earth, the Capital City’s night was filled with tranquility, only the songs from the sacrificial rites could be heard. After a while, a certain corner of the Capital City suddenly became noisy and clamorous. The vague sound carried with the night wind, prompting the impassive Chief Minister to finally speak with authority.
"Is that the encampment of the Tecos Tribe?"
"Yes, Chief Minister," the trusted aide behind him replied, bowing.
"What has happened?"
"Puat of the Huitu Clan recently dealt with the noisy Tecos Militia. Now, he’s winning over the chieftains with alcohol, women, and soothing words."
"Hmm," the Chief Minister nodded calmly, his expression serene. Then he changed the subject.
"With the news of the defeat in the north, how are the priests in the city, and what about the nobility?"
"The lower-ranking priests are holding ceremonies day and night without stop. The High Priests have held several secret meetings, without any untimely thoughts. The Elders have gathered the Temple Guards, firmly protecting the Priestly Temple beside the pyramid. The nobility have all been quiet and still, without any recent activity."
"As the Mexica wage divine war, the Elder Priests have no way out. Despite their shortsightedness, there’s no need for concern at this moment. Keep a close watch on the nobility, especially the Great Nobility with their numerous private armies! These sly wolves cannot be tamed; as soon as the Mexica offer them fiefs and titles, their loyalty will scatter like fallen leaves. If necessary, they can be dealt with decisively!"
"As you command, Chief Minister!" the trusted aide bowed and obeyed without hesitation.
Jinjinni looked towards the north. Under the brightness of the moon, the flat plains stretched up to the unknown dangers of the north.
"How many of the Chapala remnants have we gathered?" the Chief Minister’s voice was somewhat hoarse.
"Less than a thousand militia. The Mexica sent their Jaguar warriors to drive them out, and most of the disbanded legions have fled westward."
Jinjinni clenched the Divine Staff in his hand and bit his teeth fiercely.
"Damn it! The Crocodile has courage but no strategy, the Feathers are all show and no substance; they should all be sacrificed to the gods! One acted rashly while the other fled in cowardice, together they doomed the Kingdom’s north!"
Hearing the Chief Minister’s anger, the trusted aide behind him bowed his head, not daring to make a sound.
"Have the remnants made it clear what divine weapon the Mexica used? I know the strength of the Chapala Legion; an army of thirty thousand should not have fallen so easily."
The Chief Minister asked solemnly, his expression grave.
"It appears to be a wooden beast several meters long, capable of roaring and emitting smoke, unleashing thunderbolts. The Chapala Legion was suddenly confronted with such a weapon and suffered a tremendous blow to their morale. The samurai’s resolve wavered, the Mexica took advantage and charged, breaking into the central army. Then, the central army’s Feather Marshal was the first to flee, and the legion completely disintegrated."
The trusted aide explained softly, not daring to add any personal commentary.
Jinjinni frowned and pondered for a long time. The Mexica’s new weapons were emerging one after another, changing the course of the battle time and again. He had no clues and could only sigh softly.
"The Mexica prince in the north is young yet a formidable opponent!... Have the envoys to the King been dispatched?"
"Yes, Chief Minister."
"Send another envoy, warn the King to be wary of the Mexica’s new weapons. Once the Royal Army turns back, they must move with light equipment and swift speed, not lingering on the way!"
"As you command, Chief Minister!"
The Chief Minister turned his gaze toward the far southeast. Under the night’s starry sky, the rolling mountains appeared faintly visible, like silent, crouching beasts in the windswept stillness.
"Has the situation around Patzcuaro changed?"
After a while, Jinjinni asked again, his voice low and hoarse.
"Chief Minister, the samurai patrols are insufficient, and the supply transport teams are the same as before..."
The Chief Minister closed his eyes, saying nothing. After a moment, he sighed deeply.
"We’ll take it one step at a time. As long as the King withdraws in time, there is still hope. It’s a long night; let’s wait for the dawn!"
Afterward, there was no more speech, only the profound silence of the darkness. The vast night wind passed through the top of the Palace of Wind, ringing the urgent Copper Bells. The mournful and distant sound of the bells drifted in the vast night. The sad songs of the night lingered in the garden pavilions, flickering in the lights of the sacrificial fires, then disappearing into the thatched huts of the camps. The clouds in the night sky dispersed, where the stars fell was the urgent wind of the Capital City.
