NOVPUBThe abrupt downpour gradually ceased, leaving the earth profound and serene, with only the flowing streams merging into the Great Lake. As the clouds in the sky slowly dispersed, sunlight streamed through the gaps, piercing through the translucent holes to fall upon the Stone Hall. The pure light shone upon the ancient slabs, igniting the tales of past kingdoms in the heart of the King.
Xiulote gazed at the dust-covered Heritage Slab, silent and still. In the ancient Stone Hall, void of wind, the breaths of only a handful of people decided the paths of tens or even hundreds of millions.
The learned elder observed the contemplative young monarch, a sharp light twinkling in his eyes. And a few steps behind, the Head Warrior was silently watching him. It wasn’t until Xiulote made a gesture to continue that Jatili moved toward the rear of the hall.
"Your Highness, this fifth slab is also a set of two paired images. It was personally drawn by a sage from the Royal Family more than a hundred years ago, and it tells of the governance system of the Kingdom in its early days. In simple terms, it is a dual three-tier system!"
"The so-called dual system refers to the two governing centers of the Royal Family, which evolved from two ancient holy sites of the Lake Region at the founding of the Kingdom. Religion is a tool that commands the hearts of people and cloaks the ruler in divine authority. The Tarasco Royal Family has done a great deal in this regard. If you have the patience, there will be slabs dedicated to this later on."
Xiulote nodded in affirmation and respectfully performed a salute.
"The words of the Sage are like rain after a long drought, greatly beneficial to me. I wish to treat you with the courtesy due to a teacher, and I humbly ask that you share your wisdom without reservation!"
"It is an old man’s honor to be heeded by Your Highness, and it is the blessing of all people."
Jatili stepped aside slightly, avoiding the King’s salute, and then reciprocated with a subject’s propriety.
"Enlightened by divine wisdom, Your Highness, I dare not presume to be a teacher... I am but an old turtle in the lake, hoping only to repay the pond that nurtured me in my final years. To touch the Divine Tree with my own hands would be the highest honor!"
Hearing the Sage’s words, Xiulote reflected for a moment, understanding in his heart. The governance of the fief could not be separated from the support of the Prepetcha elites. Compared to the generals who commanded armies, officials capable of managing state affairs were even rarer and more valuable! He firmly grasped Jatili’s arm, affirming clearly.
"The great affairs of the fief involve all peoples and parts, and we cannot do without the help of the Sage. The same applies to the great matters of the future world. Sage, I desire to establish a Central Official office, set up counties and prefectures, abolish the autonomy of Nobility, and take charge of all political affairs of the fief. And you could serve as Chief Minister of Policy, participating in state affairs, responsible for the establishment of national laws, compiling historical and literary works, and overseeing the education of the populace!"
Hearing the position of Chief Minister of Policy, a flash of surprise crossed Jatili’s eyes, which then turned into a sparkling smile. He stepped back and once more prostrated himself respectfully, paying homage.
"Your Highness, the river turtle emerges from the mud pond to gaze upon the sunlight in the sky, illuminating the patterns on its shell. Your Highness is a born King, and this old minister wishes to ride on Your Highness’ wings, accompanying you to soar high!
Your Highness aims for all parts of the world, to unify mountains and rivers and all peoples. And what this old minister seeks is to sort out a lifetime of learning for you, letting uniform doctrine spread throughout the world!... I will exert my utmost effort, and I shall not fail your heavy trust!"
"The study under royal officials... the dismissal of numerous schools... The ambition of the Sage is no weaker than mine by a single bit!"
Xiulote’s thoughts raced, and with a thoughtful smile, he uttered an enigmatic sentence. From this point on, the formal relationship between monarch and minister was confirmed, and the wise elder leaped into the very core of the decision-making circle of the fief.
A short distance away, the usually stoic face of the Head Warrior showed envy for the first time. It was not the official post granted to Jatili that he envied, but his profound knowledge, deep wisdom, the ability to truly understand the complexities of governance, and to resonate with the divine-inspired monarch in thought.
The young monarch graciously accepted Jatili’s salute, then lifted the robust Sage.
"Please continue, Chief Minister."
Jatili nodded and confidently walked back in front of the fifth slab.
The first image on the slab showed two rows of Akatla Pyramids, surrounded by countless worshiping people. The first row had five pyramids, with their height declining from the center to the sides, looking very familiar; they were the House of Wind in the Capital City. The second row featured three Great Pyramids, with a separate small pyramid on each side.
"Your Majesty, the dual governance of the Tarasco Kingdom, the ancient two holy lands, is located slightly north of the Lake Region, in Qinchongcan Capital, and slightly south, in Ihuatzio City! The Predecessor Monarch established the capital in Qinchongcan, both considering its location on the Highlands, which could fend off floods, and its significance in the hearts of the people of the Lake Region."
"Your Majesty, just as the magnificent Lake Capital City of the Mexica Alliance can be divided into the political center, the main city of Tenochtitlan, and the trade center, the North City of Tlatelolco City. The political center of the Tarasco Kingdom is in the grand Qinchongcan City, while the trade center is in the prosperous Ihuatzio City.
"In the recent century, with the exploitation of southern copper mines, Ihuatzio City, with its wide-open terrain and excellent location, has become the center of copper trade in the world. The Royal Family has a large garrison of court Nobility there, firmly controlling the trade coming in and out of Ihuatzio City. And the strong control of obsidian, copper, Cotton Armor, food, and salt is another effective way to constrain local Nobility...
"Your Majesty, Ihuatzio City suffered significant damage during the westward conquest, but it is worth rebuilding for the Kingdom!"
Xiulote watched for a moment and nodded lightly. He had led his army in capturing the unwalled Ihuatzio City and had some recollection of its several pyramids. But at that time, with the great battle imminent and the march hurried, he had just vigorously collected a group of Craftsmen and miners but had not deeply inspected and understood the city.
