The breeze blows through the green fields and comes to the rolling mountains. The trees stretched out their branches and buds, covering up the traces of the fight in the forest. Under the nourishment of life, the shrubs become more and more green. The setting sun sets on the towering stone castles, outlining a colorful interlaced oil painting, which is brown and blue bricks, black and gray fireworks, and dark red blood stains.
At dusk, the fighting battlefield was silent. The thrown stone bullets were scattered among the stone castles, and the broken arrows were deeply embedded in the soil. On the battlefield in front of the stone castle, the militiamen of the Alliance and the Kingdom were numb and busy with their heads down. They collected the relics of the warriors from both sides and buried the bodies of their respective militiamen on the spot. The ground is covered with deep red marks that even rain cannot wash away. Only the lush and growing grass can submerge the cruel battlefield.
The curling smoke rises from the stone castles, facing each other far away in the mountains and forests. The light smoke passed over the garrisoned warriors, surrounded the flags on the watchtower, and then rose into the deep sky. The priests accompanying the army sang simple funeral songs, praying for the arrival of the gods to pick up the departed souls.
The songs floated in the wind, and the flags rolled in the wind. At the top of the stone castle complex, different flags were flying. More than two-thirds of them have been replaced by the royal flag of the Mexican Union, but the remaining one-third is still the eagle flag of the Kingdom of Tarasco. The stone fortress of the Eagle Flag surrounds the northwest of Apatchingan, and in the center is the core of the Tarasco Line of Defense, the high point of the two hundred miles of undulating mountains, an unbreakable mountain fortress.
The golden sunset shines on the fortress on the top of the mountain, and the king's flag flutters on the watchtower. The royal eagle is spreading its wings and flying into the western sky. King Suangua stood expressionless on the top of the stone castle. He stared at the royal flag passed down from generation to generation, like a stone sculpture, letting the setting sun cast long shadows. Dozens of steps away, the king's guards, wearing bronze helmets and leather armor, holding bronze axes and long bows, stood solemnly guarding the surrounding area.
The sky gradually dimmed, and the setting sun dyed the sky and earth red. The young king lowered his eyes and spoke slowly.
"Are the replacement royal flags ready?"
"Dear King, the new imitation flag has been prepared. When the night gets darker, the inherited flag will be replaced." The guard behind him leaned forward and replied, his voice low and firm.
"Summon the commander of the southern route, Kuius. Ask him to come in a low profile and not bring any followers."
The king kept his voice calm. He turned around and looked toward the mountains and forests to the southeast. Under the last sunlight, the royal flags of the Mexicans faced each other across the sky. The blood-red sun was flying on the flag, the dark blue god of war was blooming with feathers, and the yellow-green gems were shining, which stung Suangua's eyes.
The king raised his head slightly, suppressing the moisture in his eyes. The sky is vast, the mountains are majestic, and the fortress under his feet is so impregnable. The inherited royal flag stands at the highest point of the fortress, always witnessing the glory of the royal family.
From the beginning of spring plowing last year to the arrival of the spring breeze this year, it has been more than nine months of hard work. The main force of the Mexican Alliance was firmly blocked in the two hundred miles of mountains and forests in Apatchingan and could not break through. Tens of thousands of alliance warriors stopped at the last, highest, and strongest line of defense, their heads bruised and bleeding, and they could not get closer.
Su Angua thought back quietly, and memories of countless days and nights came to mind. The cries of fighting echoed in the sky, and the flowing blood flooded the earth. This long southeastern battle was coming to an end, and it came to a dismal end in a way that he had not expected.
On this intertwined front, the Kingdom and the Alliance have been fighting for many years, and they have long understood each other's situations. The Kingdom of Tarasco has assembled 23,000 warriors, 10,000 elite militiamen, and 50,000 ordinary militiamen. The Mexican Alliance mobilized a total of 45,000 warriors and more than 40,000 militiamen. The battle involving nearly 200,000 people on both sides was a grand epic that had never been seen before in the world!
The entire battle is roughly divided into two stages. The first stage is when the kingdom shrinks and the alliance advances. From June to October last year, the Mexicans launched raids during the spring plowing season. The warriors of the alliance use longbows, slings, rockets, and paper fireballs. With the addition of new weapons, they are unstoppable along the way. It was not until Suangua arrived with the royal regiment and the militiamen and Tekos warriors from the Lake District came to support that the enemy's offensive was gradually resisted. In these four months, the kingdom lost 5,000 warriors and 15,000 militiamen, and about half of the fortress complex. The Alliance also suffered 6,000 samurai casualties and 8,000 militiamen, giving it an advantage in casualties and advancement.
The second stage is when the two sides are in a stalemate and the defense line is formed. From October last year to March this year, the Mexican advance slowed and slowed until it came to a complete halt. Facing the mountain fortress relying on the mountains, longbows and slings were useless. The Mexica warriors threw ceramic balls, which made a roaring thunder, which once shook the morale of the army. However, under the sacred royal banner, the courage of the guards never wavered. The bronze axe guards swung their battle axes, killed nearly a hundred noble warriors, and drove back the fierce attack of the Mexica warriors.
When the kingdom's longbowmen concentrated their fire, the exploding caltrops had no chance of being thrown into the castle. The craftsmen in the royal capital worked day and night, and within half a year, they successively delivered 5,000 imitation longbows to the front line. Thousands of longbowmen were scattered among the fortresses on the front line, and the overwhelming Mexica warriors could not lift their heads. The alliance lost the advantage of bows and arrows, and the kingdom's defenses became extremely strong again. The stone castle group occupies a favorable location and is difficult to conquer. The warriors on both sides fell in pieces between the fortresses, and then cautiously shrank, and the focus of consumption gradually turned to the fragile militia. The rain of stones and arrows covered the sky, alternating with each other, knocking down the militiamen mercilessly.
In the past six months, the kingdom has suffered casualties of 5,000 warriors, 5,000 elite militiamen, and 13,000 Lake District militiamen. The Tarascans firmly held the last third of the fortress group, and 4,000 warriors who died were Tecos reinforcements. The alliance suffered casualties of 7,000 Mexica warriors and 12,000 militiamen. Losses on both sides began to even out, and the Alliance offensive was exhausted.
In nine months, the mountains and forests of Apatchingan devoured nearly 80,000 warriors and militiamen from both sides. Whether they were noble nobles, fierce warriors, or ordinary militiamen, they were all turned into cold remains and buried in the mounds of the mountains. The only trace they left behind was that insignificant number in the heart of the Supreme Commander. This tragic casualty made the nobles on both sides feel uneasy and made it difficult for the warriors to continue the attack. In the past month, the Mexicans have completely stopped large-scale warrior sieges, and are only carrying out raids with militia as the main force to maintain pressure on the front line.
"There are still 40,000 warriors left in the kingdom, half of which are skilled warriors and elite militia. The alliance has about 50,000 people, of which 30,000 are warriors. The Apatchingan battle line has been stabilized, both sides are evenly matched, and everyone has reached their limit. .The Mexica people cannot bear more samurai casualties...So, I defended this place!"
The young king looked at the dim sky and shouted silently. He is on the dangerous front line, but he never fails to live up to the glory of the royal family and proves his ability to his ancestors!
Envoys from various countries brought favorable news. The holy city of Cholula accepted the conversion treaty and became neutral. The Tlaxcala chiefs in the east were married to the royal family and had gathered tens of thousands of warriors to invade the borders of the Mexica Alliance. The Mixtec and Zapotec people in the south have shown a close attitude. These "Cloud People" interrupted their New Year tribute to the alliance and formed a secret alliance with the kingdom, promising to lend a helping hand when the situation changed. The northern Otomi people were embroiled in controversy and divided into two groups with different opinions. The Huastec people in the northeast were dissatisfied with the heavy tribute oppression and were also ready to take action. Only the Totonac people further east did not respond because the journey was too far.
"The general trend is about to change. As long as we hold on for another six months, the situation of this war will completely change!"
Suan Gua closed her red eyes and shed tears silently. He stepped into the shadow of the watchtower, reached out to touch the flag of his ancestors, and then quietly wiped his face with his sleeve. Then, the young king turned around, looked at the royal capital in the northwest, and let out a long sigh and an angry shout.
"Stupid Oriental...cowardly Pengguari...Mexica's God of Death, Shulot!"
The young king whispered the three names, his feelings of resentment decreasing in turn, his unwilling desire rising, and darkness swallowed his soul. However, no matter how much resentment there is, no matter how unwilling there is, the outcome of this battle cannot be changed. The reinforcements were all defeated, the food route was almost interrupted, and the capital city was under the enemy's front! Before him, there was only the destined third stage, a rapid retreat.
Suangua looked to the west, watching the sunset slowly set, watching the shadows eroding the sky and earth. It wasn't until the trusted guards lit the bonfire that the commander of the South Road, Kuius, came in a hurry wearing a battle suit.
"Dear King, I have just returned from the fortress on the front line, please forgive me for being late!"
Kuius knelt down on one knee and saluted solemnly. The commander-in-chief of the South Road is about forty years old and has a resolute face. His eyes showed the vicissitudes of life, his appearance showed the majesty of a royal family, and his body was filled with the killing intent of the battlefield.
"Uncle Kuius, there is no need to be polite. You are the eagle of the royal family, with the blood of the ancestors of Taliguri. You are also the marshal of the South Route Army who deserves my trust the most!"
Suangua stepped forward and lifted Kuyus's body. Then, he held the opponent's arm and stared into the eyes of the South Road Commander.
"Uncle, do you still remember the glory of your ancestors?"
Hearing his uncle's name and looking into the king's eyes, Quaius paused slightly. Then, he nodded solemnly and answered loudly.
"Under the flag of the eagle, I will shed blood until death!"
The king stared silently for a moment. Then, he let go of his hand, took two steps back, and disappeared into the shadow of the watchtower.
"Uncle, the Mexicans have defeated Penguali's reinforcements. They are about to surround the capital and cut off the food route to Patzcuaro."
Quaius was startled. He opened his eyes wide and asked angrily in a low voice.
"The thirty thousand Chapala army is so vulnerable?! Your Majesty the King, is this news confirmed?"
Suangua nodded slowly. A quiet voice came, but his changing face could not be seen clearly.
"It's a secret message from Chief Zinzini. There are no reinforcements outside the capital. Appachingan's food can last for more than a month. The news of food shortage cannot be kept secret for too long... This line of defense can no longer be defended. ”
Quaius stood speechless. He showed an expression of disbelief, then suddenly turned back and looked to the west. At this moment, the sunset has completely set, the wilderness is covered with shadows, and there is deep darkness wherever you look.
"This line of defense can no longer be defended..." the commander of the South Road repeated unconsciously. Then, with a sudden start, he looked up at the king.
"Your Majesty, why did you summon me?..."
Su Angua was silent for a moment before speaking calmly.
"The royal capital is in crisis. I must return quickly to preserve the last hope. The Tlaxcalans have already sent troops. As long as the capital does not fall, the glory of our ancestors can continue...Uncle, you are the eagle of the royal family. You are also the person I trust the most! Only you can take on the overall situation of Southeast!"
Quaius looked past the king to the flags in the watchtower. Tarasco's eagle flies in the wind, even when shrouded in darkness. After a while, he knelt down on one knee again and bowed deeply to the king.
"Under the banner of the eagle, I will shed my blood until death."
Suangua stepped out of the shadows. With a serious look on his face, he lifted up his respected uncle.
"Uncle, I will leave before dawn tomorrow, taking with me 2,000 guards, 3,000 spear militiamen, and 5,000 warriors from the kingdom. The road back to the capital is more than 400 miles. In order to guard against the Mexica raids, The march cannot be too fast. I need you here to hold on for another fifteen days!"
Kuius nodded silently. He closed his eyes and thought for a moment before whispering his suggestion.
"Your Majesty, you can bring more troops to preserve more vitality for the kingdom. I can hold it here!"
Su Angua shook his head calmly. He had already thought it through completely and did not hesitate at this time.
"I have taken away all the well-disciplined, loyal and capable warriors. Two thousand foreign mercenaries are handed over to you to suppress the six thousand Tekos warriors. These vassal warriors are scattered in the fortresses on the front line. Once they retreat, they will be destroyed by the Mexicans. The Sika people know it. They are not suitable to be brought into the capital. As for the remaining 22,000 militiamen who cannot move at night and cannot keep secrets, I will leave them all to you and give you two thousand longbows!"
"The royal capital is in crisis. Although the chief minister has great prestige, it is difficult to unite the large and small nobles and high-ranking priests. If the situation is critical, I am afraid something will happen. This time when I return to the army, I will put the royal flag back on the 'Palace of Winds' to stabilize the situation. The morale of the army in the capital. The retreat must be quick! I can only take away 10,000 elites. And as long as these 10,000 people can return to Qin Congcan, the capital will be as stable as the sacred mountain in the west!"
Having said this, the king looked at Kuius with a burning fire in his eyes. He opened his arms and gave his uncle a farewell hug.
"Uncle Cuius! For the continuation of the kingdom and the glory of the royal family, this place is entrusted to you! You only have to hold on for fifteen days! Next, you can retreat to the hinterland or surrender to the Mexica people. , it’s all up to you to decide!!”
The commander-in-chief of South Road nodded slowly, like a sculpture frozen in the wind. He solemnly swore again.
"Under the banner of the eagle, I will shed blood..."
Hearing the familiar oath, the young king finally smiled. He lowered his head, saluted his uncle solemnly for the first time, and then silently walked into the fortress. There were so many complicated matters regarding troop withdrawal that he had to make personal decisions and make secret arrangements. The king's guards lined up in two rows, holding bronze axes and big bows, and followed him with solemn expressions.
On the empty fortress, only Cuius was left alone. He quietly stared at the flying royal flag and recalled the glory of his ancestors. Glorious past events came to mind one by one, turning into a smile on his lips. Until the night fell, a group of guards came in a hurry, replaced the inherited royal flag, and raised the new flag. The commander of the southern route lost his strength. He staggered, took two steps forward, and fell under the flag. The towering fortress was silent again, with only the funeral songs of the priests mourning the coming fate.
His fate has been doomed, and the tens of thousands of troops in his hands will fall into the boundless darkness. The old royal flag fell silently, and the new flag slowly rose, just like the overthrow of the kingdom, the omen of the night's elegy.
You are a genius, remember in one second: Red Oasis:
