Start North America 1400: nation building

Chapter 253 [252] City in the Lake
In the night.

The fires gathered on the shore of the lake faintly reflected the outline of the big city in the lake.

It is enough to imagine the scale of "Tenochtitlan".

"This city in the lake is no smaller than the capital of Panix Kingdom... I thought it was a miracle that Sea Crow City was built on the river bank, but compared to the city in the lake, it is nothing worth mentioning."

Rava was amazed.

Mengdaya asked Keya suspiciously: "Brother Keya, where is Sea Crow City?"

"On the big river in the southeast of the hill city, the sea crow people hide in the riverbanks and swamps. Below the city is the fast-moving river flowing into the sea. It is easy to defend and difficult to attack; because of this, they don't even need to pay yearly offerings to other city-states in the valley. "

At the same time, this is another preparatory goal for the army of judgment before attacking the tower cave, but it is the tower cave that finally gets the "luck".

At this time, even Ziboche was shocked: "The Aztecs are very ambitious! How could Tezozomok allow such a city-state to rise under his nose?"

Mengdaya didn't know Sea Crow City, but he was very clear about the affairs at the core of the valley: "Of course my grandfather is not afraid, all the city-states in the valley have the blood of the ancestors, which was brought about by marriage."

"King of Sin, my cousin, Chimal Popoca, was born of the daughter of my lord's grandfather and the king of the Aztecs."

Ziboche shook his head with a smile: "The marriage is not as stable as imagined, just like the current city in the lake, in times of crisis, isn't it abandoned by Tepanix Kingdom?"

"Similarly, if Tepanix is ​​in prison, others will certainly do the same."

Mondaya blushed, and he recognized that this was a sarcasm for his grandfather, saying that Tezozomok had abandoned the Aztecs.

But she couldn't refute it, and she knew that this was the crime committed by grandpa.

Polly Poma smoothed things over with a smile and brought things back to the point: "How do we get into the city?"

"The entrance to the city must be blocked."

"Perhaps we can only sneak in at night?"

Ziboche didn't care.

But before he opened his mouth, he heard the young man who had fought with him again: "I heard that Lake City has been blocked since the punishment of God came, and it has been two and a half years."

"Although there are water diversion canals in the city and farmland has been reclaimed, the rest of the supplies still need external support."

"Tzomok ordered the closure of the city in the lake, but the 'trade route' could not be banned. How could the merchants of the city-states let go of this opportunity to blackmail the Aztecs?"

"They must be dealing secretly."

These words attracted everyone's attention, and everyone showed shocked expressions.

Kukmo was not timid, and said to himself: "What? Is there something wrong with what I said?"

Lawa hesitated to speak, looked at the eldest son, then looked at the younger son...

I wonder why the twins are so different?

Ziboche said: "You are right."

Immediately afterwards, he looked at Polypomar and Oyer: "You need to figure out how to enter the city."

"Tomorrow, you will enter the town market as merchants to see if you can find a way to enter the city."

"Mondaya." He looked at the princess again, "Give them the jewels you brought out..."

Finally, Qiboche instructed: "But remember, you have to look like merchants, but you must let people know that you are not merchants."

Oyer was a little confused: "What do you mean?"

Polipoma tasted it, and immediately understood: "How can ordinary merchants own such precious jewels? We want people to think that we went to the city for other purposes..."

"Perhaps it was the great nobles of other city-states who wanted to conspire with the Aztecs, so they managed to enter the city; or they wanted to take out their relatives in the city, so they paid so much money."

"Yes! Everything depends on you!"

Everyone took a deep breath, after getting along for a few days, they had already formed a tacit understanding, and praised together: "Praise the balance!"

The next day.

Polypoma and Oyer took Kukmo and Lava down the mountain, and the father and son pretended to be their servants, making a big splash.

When you come to the town market, there is no checkpoint for checking your identity.

It was originally a garrison for the blockade of the city in the lake, but because of the presence of sergeants, it extended the breath of life, and many merchants came to do business.

After several contacts, they found the right owner.

The leader of the garrison in a small town received them——

"Do you want to clear the way to enter the city for business?"

Polypoma nodded hastily, looking eager: "Yes, I heard that the Aztecs can earn a lot of money, so I came here because of their reputation."

The leader of the garrison didn't talk nonsense, and said directly: "Most of the goods are sold on consignment, and they will be handed over to me first, and after they are sold, they will be distributed to you and other bonuses. I will take 4% of them."

Polypoma looked even more anxious: "My lord? Can't you enter the city? We are not like consignment, but we trade with the Aztecs in person."

Before the chief of the garrison vetoed it, he stepped forward and took out a translucent gemstone: "My lord, I still need your grace and care! As long as we can enter the city, there will be great gifts afterwards."

When this scene appears.

The leader's expression suddenly became complicated, and his eyes kept circling over several people.

When Polypoma saw it, he had mixed feelings in his heart, and recalled what Ziboche had told him last night.

If you really show yourself as a merchant, it is impossible to get the opportunity to enter the city.

It would be better to "pretend to be a merchant", but reveal the intention of coming, which has a better chance of winning.

There was a brief silence, and the back of Polypomar was faintly sweating.

Finally, the leader laughed loudly, and walked aside with his arms around Polypoma, with an attitude of "I have seen through everything": "You are not merchants, are you? But there are relatives in that city?"

Hearing this, Polypomar knew that the matter was over, but he still put on a show: "My lord, don't talk nonsense, we are just doing business."

"Okay, I understand! I understand! You can enter the city tonight, but I still need five yuan for such a gem!"

"As for returning from the city, every three days there will be boats passing through the gates of the water channel. Except for those who enter the city, I will ask for five gems for one person from the city!"

"This is not what I want to collect. Since you have found it, you should have inquired about the market. These goods will eventually fall into the hands of those real big men."

"Of course, I see that you spend a lot of money. Let me show you the truth. We will not keep records of the people you bring into the city. If you are willing to let them stay and bring people out of the city, I will not stop them."

"If you've made up your mind, before sunset today, come and find me... go."

The parties agreed to end it soon.

The four of Polypomar left the town market in a hurry, made several detours, and returned to their hiding place after confirming that no one was following them.

Then you will be notified of the situation.

Oyer said: "My lord, is there any fraud in this? Our trip was really smooth!"

"If it's so easy to get out of the city, what's the point of this blockade?"

"And he also suggested for us that we can swap the people who enter the city with those who leave the city, so as to save extra costs? How could that person be so kind?"

Clues were revealed everywhere, and even Mengdaya frowned.

However, Qiboche smiled sassyly: "Is it easy to get out of the city? How many people can really afford so much wealth and jewels?"

"What's more, they are deliberately relaxing their guard."

"Deliberately let your guard down?"

Everyone was bewildered.

But Ku Kemo snorted coldly: "These dignitaries are all polluted by sin! Just like you cheated me and my father back then."

"Obviously we have brought you information about Hill City, but you still sold me and my father into slaves."

"What good intentions can this garrison general have?"

"The Aztecs who fled from the city must be great nobles. If they become fugitives, they must carry more treasures!"

"As long as we take people out of the city, they will catch us all, take all the treasures, and then send the Aztecs to their superiors to claim credit."

"This is a cage for catching birds. The delicious grains in the cage are fatal to the birds. However, when the cage is covered, the birds that have just eaten become food for the hunters."

As soon as the words came out.

Everyone gasped.

Indeed, if the blockade had been so lax, the Aztecs would have fled far and wide.

But in fact?The Aztecs have never been heard of in the valley!
On the contrary, the fleeing nobleman brought a large amount of property and fell into the hands of the sergeant, and became a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.

Everyone looked at Qi Boche in embarrassment.

However, Qiboche didn't take it seriously. He had already recognized his sins, and instead praised Kukemo: "When you enter the kingdom of God and be educated, you will definitely become a great wise man."

"As Cucomo said, we are the bird food, and their real purpose is to capture the escaped Aztecs and their treasure."

"So, don't worry about entering the city."

"It's just that they couldn't think of it. After we entered the city, they didn't think of it!"

"Everyone, pack up and prepare to enter the city."

Ziboche's magnanimity made the boy's tit-for-tat turn into nothing.

Kukmo calmed down, sighed, and silently recited the holy name of Balance.

He also knew that Qi Boche was able to escape because of Qi Boche, but the young man's temper caused him to suddenly lose control of his emotions.

in the afternoon.

A group of seven people walked into the town market frankly.

But he didn't even pretend to be a merchant, and he didn't carry any goods.

Because even if they want to bring the goods, they have nowhere to search.

When I met the leader of the garrison again, the other party saw that they were empty, and he was convinced that the purpose of the few people was to enter the city to pick up relatives in the city.

As long as they come out as agreed, the garrison leader can earn a lot of money.

Everything went extremely well.

But the mental struggle involved is only known to each other.

By dusk.

Two small boats floated on the lake.

The entrance bridge to the city in the lake has long been blocked, and even the garrison cannot approach it at will.

The boat will pass through the sluice gate behind the city, which was originally the place where the Aztecs introduced water from the lake to irrigate the farmland in the city.

Mondaya was also disguised as a slave.

Fortunately, her figure has not developed, and she has not aroused suspicion.

before sunset.

Two small boats got into the narrow channel.

There were a few people in luxurious clothes on the shore to meet them, but there was no negotiation between the two sides.

The people on the shore snorted coldly at the driver, then looked at Qi Boche and the others: "Who are you looking for?"

Apparently, this is not the first time such exchanges have taken place.

Even if the Aztecs hated these garrisons who sold supplies at high prices, they had to continue to maintain trade relations.

It is certainly not the first case to come to pick up someone.

Hence the question.

Qi Boche said: "Let's talk about it when we enter the city."

Those people didn't ask any more questions, picked them up ashore, sent two small boats away, and closed the sluice.

By this time.

Everyone's faces were full of joy.

But the Aztec who saw their joy shook his head slightly: "I don't know who you are, but I hope that the one who comes to pick up your relatives out of the city must be a friend of the Aztec..."

"But if we really leave City in the Lake, what kind of life can the Aztecs live?"

"The soil for our survival has long since disappeared outside! But there are still an endless stream of people who want to escape."

The people in the city also know that after fleeing, their fate was ill-fated.

But the fact is that Feng Jue will also die in this city.

Therefore, they have nothing to stop someone from fleeing, they only have expectations...

The fugitive could leave a spark for the Aztecs.

This is the tolerance and understanding of the same clansmen when they are really facing disasters.

At this time, Mengdaya was already planning to reveal her identity and purpose of coming, but Qiboche had already noticed it, and secretly suppressed her hand, telling her to be calm.

For those who can communicate with the outside world, who knows if there are other countries' secret work?

If Mondaya's identity was leaked out, and Tepanix put pressure on the Aztecs to hand it over, they could only do so.

Therefore, the only way to do it is to meet Naizkoatel.

Mondaya took a deep breath and finally suppressed his eagerness.

And those few people saw that they were unwilling to speak, and they were too lazy to say more.

When he came to the city, he said, "Since you have relatives in the city, we won't welcome you. You have one meal a day in the city, and your relatives will arrange for you."

"The boat outside comes every three days, which is also today's time. You wait here in advance when the time comes, and we will come to open the sluice gate for you."

After all, a few people left.

At this time, the group of people really breathed a sigh of relief——

"What should we do now?"

Everyone looked at each other in blank dismay, and then at Qiboche.

Qiboche pondered for a moment and said: "If you put on the identity of Mondaya, you will definitely be able to see Izkoatel at the first time, but the identity of the princess will also be exposed."

"So, we can only find a way to meet him as ordinary people."

"Find a place to live first, find out the situation in the city, and then make plans."

Several people marched towards the inner city, seemingly aimlessly.

And soon, the scene in the city left them speechless in shock.

The legendary "water garden" is no longer green, and the flowers and plants in the houses, pavilions, and courtyards are mostly scribbled and withered and yellow.

Most of the people in the city looked hungry and emaciated. Some looked like walking corpses, while others looked like rotten meat sitting on the side of the road with dull eyes.

"I thought that I would be able to get enough food when I entered the city, but now...the city residents only have one meal a day, which is far worse than me waiting outside and hunting!" Keya exclaimed.

Cook said: "But at least we don't have to worry about chasing soldiers!"

"What's more, this is the balanced guidance of our Lord. Since He gave the guidance, it must have deep meaning!"

The confidence in the hearts of several people all comes from Balance.

to the inner city gate.

There is no blockage.

The entire city order can be said to have collapsed, and it has become so rotten that no management is necessary.

Compared with the outer city, there are city dwellers everywhere.

The inner city seemed even more lonely, empty, and full of lifelessness.

After all, a large amount of farmland is by the lake outside the city, and food is the most precious thing now.

And this big city building that once made countless Aztecs proud has become a useless decoration.

"That's the palace, I've been there..."

Mengdaya pointed to the distance, "Should we summon him directly and try to see if we can see Izkoatl? After all, this city has already become like this!"

However, it is not waiting for everyone to answer.

I saw a group of figures suddenly appearing at the corner of the street in the distance, walking towards them.

Polypoma said: "Looking at the clothes, they are all nobles. Although the order in the city has collapsed, the nobles are not easy to mess with... let's avoid it for now."

Several people wanted to get out of the way.

But at this moment, Qi Boche squeezed his eyes and stared into the distance with difficulty.

When the person who came was getting closer and closer, he suddenly took out the "magic-revealed object" for comparison, and then exclaimed——

"The prophecy, the prophecy has come true!!"

"Mondaya, Mondaya..."

"Look quickly, isn't it Izkoatel who is coming?!"

The words fall.

The seven people immediately gathered together.

Head down, head up, head down, head up again.

Their faces turned red.

And the person who came also walked in, stopped, looked at them suspiciously, and the leading middle-aged man called out:
"Why are you in this inner city? It's almost time for meals, shouldn't you go to the barn and wait to receive today's meals?"

"You have come here several times to make trouble, and you should know that there is already insufficient food in the city, and we have nothing left!"

Trembling with excitement, Qiboche walked over quickly, but was stopped by the guards.

So, he waved the divine object in his hand: "We just entered the city from the water channel..."

"I have brought a balanced prophecy and guidance!"

"It is He, the only true God in the world, who ordered me to come and meet you!"

(End of this chapter)