Aztec Eternals

Following Sherot's eloquent suggestion, the temple fell silent for a while, and even the curling smoke disappeared silently.

The elder of the capital city leaned forward slightly and quietly snuffed out the divine smoke in his hand. Then he stretched out his hand to tidy up his clothes, and half of the smoke disappeared from his sleeves. Then, the elder's face twitched slightly. Immediately after the divine smoke was extinguished, the embers were still hot, and when they fell into the clothes, they felt sour and refreshing. He endured the pain and didn't say a word, just looking at the majestic high priest and the saluting Shirot, thinking secretly in his heart.

The high priest nodded in approval and looked around.

"The part about commercial taxation in the religious law has not yet been determined. Although Priest Shirott's suggestion is quite insightful, we need to discuss it one by one and improve it."

The priests and elders also nodded in response. Now that the high priest has set the tone of approval, naturally no one has publicly opposed it. Everyone arranged their postures and sat in a circle in awe, discussing one by one.

The various divisions of Central America are at war, and the states are against each other. The city-states have always been loose, without the strong control of the authoritarian government to form a unified market. The big businessmen make huge profit spreads between the ministries, so they get bigger. They often spend a lot of money, on the rich side, and even employ hundreds of samurai.

However, although the merchants are rich, they are still weak and have no influence in the ruled class, and they are the crops in the fields waiting to be harvested. The big and small nobles from all over the world are eyeing the merchants, taking whatever they want. If the time is right, some great nobles will even gang up on hired samurai and send troops to loot the caravan without leaving any survivors.

In the city-state, the big businessmen were strictly limited in the amount of land they owned and the level of clothing. The loyalty of the hired samurai is limited. The big merchants needed to pay tribute to many things in exchange for the protection of the local rulers.

The elders in the temple have all received generous gifts from the merchants, but no one spoke for them at this time. To the mighty tree of priests, merchants are just tiny worms. In the sacred hall, Shilot proposed to reform the commercial law to restrain low-ranking businessmen, and he did not encounter any resistance from the elders.

Unify market regulations, manage currency and weights and measures, manage market prices, and manage strategic materials. These four items are what they should be. There have been similar discussions in the past, but there is a lack of words and manpower, so there are few implementations.

The elders briefly discussed the exchange rate of currency, and stipulated the standard number of cocoa beans, the length of cotton cloth and the weight of golden sand. Then it was decided to send low-level priests to manage the mining of salt mines near the capital, to collect tribute from the southern city-states of Mexica for tin mines, and to collect taxes in kind from copper mine merchants. Finally, send more judges and limit the sale of weapons and equipment.

Controlling luxury hasn't caused much of a stir either. Mexica has a strict social hierarchy, advocates the restraint of few desires, and attaches great importance to agricultural warfare. The samurai and commoners should not be arrogant to their rank and make expensive and extravagant consumption. A tax on luxury goods would increase revenue, but it would only require sending in valuable people who are proficient in numbers.

When it comes to controlling Shenyan, the elder of the capital city who smoked before gave a slight gesture, and the other elder of the capital city spoke in a deep voice.

"Shenyan is a medium for communication between gods and people. It can listen to the voice of gods and treat diseases of the body. Warriors do not need to communicate with gods and can be banned. But for priests, there may be no..."

The high priest watched with a majestic gaze, with great pressure in his calm.

The elders of the capital city who spoke met their eyes, paused, and then continued: "Maybe it's not without reason."

The high priest nodded and decided directly: "There are many ways to treat diseases. The divine smoke will damage the vitality, so you must add herbs to it carefully. No matter what your private affairs are, the priests are not allowed to smoke the divine smoke in the place where everyone gathers. Violation is once. Confiscated, whipped twice, demoted three times!"

The priests and elders all stood together, bowed and saluted. Shilot pondered slightly, this statute of grandfather seems to contain deep meaning, and can be used to clear up the inflated local priesthood in the future.

"Manage foreign businessmen, cancel the right to self-government, and at the same time protect the safety of businessmen. When necessary, dispatch the army to conquer the 'bandits' along the way!"

Sherlot repeats the last suggestion again. He emphasized on "bandits".

Hearing this, the elders exchanged their gazes. After a while, a holy city elder hesitated slightly and asked aloud.

"Where will the army to conquer the bandits be mobilized?"

"Send out the Temple Guards!" Shirot said decisively.

"We need to increase the size of the Temple Guard, set up garrisons at important passage nodes, and collect business taxes to maintain it. These Temple Guards are an extension of the will and actions of the priesthood. They not only maintain the business road, fight ordinary bandits, but also Fight against all 'bandits' who dare to stop the priest's actions locally!"

Everyone's heart froze. In the name of maintaining the business road, sending temple force to the place, the purpose is self-evident. Together they looked at the high priest.

The high priest pondered for a moment, remembering the cleanup in Texcoco not long ago. His killing intent disappeared in a flash, and then he nodded slowly with no expression on his face.

"Very good. The Lord God is omnipotent, and His majesty cannot be offended. Regardless of their status, those who disobey will be washed away with holy blood!"

The priests and elders remained silent. The elders of the Holy City first bowed to take orders. The elders of the capital hesitated for a moment, and then bowed to their promises.

The meeting that followed seemed quiet. The elders set a goal to double the number of the temple guards in the capital city to 4,000. Then he sent messengers to communicate with the king and asked the warriors directly under the royal family to help fight the bandits. Afterwards, everyone continued to agree on the details of the Shariah.

And when the sun went down, the meeting ended. The elders said goodbye and left, and in a hurry, they dispersed with important news.

The high priest Shuttle touched the boy's head again. He looked at Shen Yi's boy with relief, but said, "My child, you are too reckless. The last one should be opened by me."

Shiloh shook his head, staring firmly at his grandfather.

"The eagle wants to fly in the sky and face the wind and rain! I can't hide on the divine tree and rely on you."

The high priest smiled admiringly. Immediately, he called Bertard, doubled the juvenile's bodyguard, and was not allowed to go out alone in the future.

Two more days passed. The commercial law has not yet been fully negotiated, and even the reference map of prices has not yet been drawn. On this afternoon, a businessman came to visit, offered New Year's gifts, and asked His Holiness to see him.

There is nothing to do today, and Sherlot is practicing longbow with Bertard. Across dozens of meters, his arrows shot without futile, hitting a huge human-shaped wooden target, and the landing points were normally distributed. Beside him, the sharpshooter Bertard kept a kind smile and did not comment on the master's shooting skills.

After listening to the guard's report, the young man waved his hand. At this time, the businessman came to visit, and the purpose was unknown, but it was really well-informed. He asked the guards to come and announce.

"The high priest has not returned. If there is no important business, he will not see guests."

After a while, the guard hurried over again and replied respectfully.

"Your Highness, the businessman outside said that he is an old acquaintance with you. At the same time, he also presented many gifts. Here is the list."

Saying that, the guard handed over a wooden board full of patterns. Now papermaking has just been applied, and words are still being taught. Both paper and text are far from popular, and wood board graphics are still standard.

Shilot took the board and browsed quickly and casually. Clothes painted with feathers, bright colors of gold and silver, strange fruit and flowers, long-haired slaves who can't distinguish between genders... His gaze rests on the golden axe, the golden new bronze weapon ?

Shulot pondered slightly, with a bit of curiosity in his heart. He handed the plank and the longbow to the guard, and took Bertard to the gate to see the so-called old man.

Coming to the front yard, far away, a businessman with a peculiar shape appeared in front of him. A round fat face, a slender head, tall feathers, and hanging silver ornaments. Shulot was stunned for a moment, this Mayan businessman was indeed somewhat familiar.

Seeing Shurot approaching, the Mayan merchant carefully identified for a moment, comparing the youthful youth in his memory with the determined warrior in front of him. Then, he smiled sincerely.

"My lord! Your most loyal old friend, Tikaro, nobleman of Tutulsi, salutes you! We met at the market of Metztitlan. When you returned from hunting with the Orosh knight, I I'm also ready to invite you to taste the best divine smoke."

Shiroute recalled for a moment, and finally matched the Tikalo in front of him with the profiteer mentioned by Olosh. It was an old acquaintance!

He smiled slightly and nodded to Ticarlo. Then he asked with a smile.

"Tikalo, how come you are in Tenochtitlan? How do you know I live here?"

Tikalo had a sincere and cordial smile.

"Respected Highness, we Mayan merchants live in the wind and sleep and travel between the city-states. Delivering the goods people need to them in time, earning a meager reward for their hard work. I have been in the capital for several months, and I have heard it everywhere' The illustrious name of His Majesty's Highness.

His Royal Highness invented the giant rock beast and the giant bow and arrow, and the wisdom apocalypse. The former chief commander of the rebellion, with extraordinary bravery. Recently, he invented writing and participated in the compilation of the code. He wanted to inherit the great figures of the alliance. Who doesn't know that? Who does not admire?

With the New Year approaching, our Mayan business group got together and specially prepared gifts for the great His Royal Highness. When everyone talked about His Highness's life, I realized that I was fortunate enough to be an old acquaintance of His Highness. The business group asked me to be a representative and took the liberty to visit and dedicate the congratulations to you! Please also don't dislike the gift Weibo and accept our admiration. "

Seirot looked at Ticaro's bright smile, and at the bundles of feathered clothing in the front yard, boxes of gold, silver and precious stones, hundreds of fragrant fruits and flowers, and dozens of graceful female slaves bowing their heads. He pondered in his heart.

"For such a generous gift, the request will never be small, and it must be related to commercial law. But commercial law is related to state affairs, and there is not much room for discussion."

Shiloh looked at the last wooden basket again, and Tikalo confidently lifted the curtain to reveal dozens of golden bronze battle axes. The boy watched for a long time, and this was the gift that really moved him.

"This is a cunning big businessman, and it will be beneficial to my great cause. If Avette is here, what will he do." Sherlot thought of Avite, and of "Monkey" Kuluka. With a move in his heart, he made a decision.

Seirot then smiled slightly, and with the eyes of a great noble, he looked at Tikaro, who was also smiling. The latter is sincere and respectful, with a superficial humility and a businessman's calculation.

"Your Highness, this is a bronze battle axe made by the Tarrasco people two months ago. It is extremely sharp, extremely strong, and can easily cut through leather armor!" Noticing the boy's attention, Ticarlo first introduced.

Shulot remained calm and nodded slightly.

"Your Highness, this is the female slave that the business group brought in to you, the Vastek witch with dancing rhythm, the Tlaxcala girl who has always been hostile, the delicate and gentle Mistec girl, and the wild and difficult girl. The tame Chichimek dogs and girls. They are all beautiful in appearance, carefully selected, and each has an exotic style. If His Highness likes, you can also make special requests to the business group."

Tikalo's face was like a spring breeze. According to his experience, in dealing with such a young and proud nobleman, the effect of gold and silver clothing is usually not great, and the joy of singing can often achieve miraculous results, and it has been tried and tested.

Shiroute breathed slightly. He felt the breath of the beautiful opposite sex, and there was a hint of instinctive desire. Immediately, the girl in white emerged from his heart, a pure smile flowed like a clear spring, his mood calmed down, and his face was slightly embarrassed. The teenager gritted his teeth, glanced at Tikalo, and no longer hesitated about the next plan.

Tikalo observed the boy's expression, looked at the boy's clear eyes and reddish face. He was a little puzzled and continued to introduce.

"Your Highness, this is the cherished flower and fruit in the southern rain forest. This is the huge white king lotus, this is the purple bell begonia, this is the alluring red-lipped flower, this is the passion flower of the plateau, and this is the There are torch **** flowers that symbolize the **** of fire... They are all precious and rare herbs, and they are no less than the royal garden!"

Xiuluo nodded, these flowers are indeed strange and beautiful, they are treasures even in later generations, and they are rarely seen.

"Your Highness, this is the fruit that I went deep into the wild and picked for you personally. These are fresh cactus fruit, yellow unicorn fruit, sweet and sour pineapple, plump mame fruit, sweet and white custard apple... .It is a gift from the gods, by my hand, dedicated to the venerable who the gods love!"

Shulot smiled slightly. he asked thoughtfully.

"Tikalo, these are the fruits that are favored by the gods, and are you picking them yourself?"

The Mayan businessman gently moved his elegant head and answered with a confident and kind smile.

"No lie! I will pick it myself, just to present it to you."

"Good! Since it is loved by the gods..."

Shulot calmly took two steps back, came to the guards' warriors, and then gave an order with indifferent majesty.

"Take him down for me! I will sacrifice these fruits and the people who pick them to the gods!"

The armored warriors clung to their promises and strode forward. They took out their battle sticks, easily knocked down the merchant's guards, and subdued the docile servants. Then the majestic warrior stepped forward, grabbed the Mayan merchant who was terrified and trembling, and dragged him ruthlessly to the altar of sacrifice.

Shilot turned around and turned his back to the businessman who was being dragged away. He listened to Tikaro's eager shouting and begging for mercy, and couldn't help but smile softly.

If you want to convince the sophisticated and cunning businessmen, why use the businessman's way to intrigue with them. Use the king's advantages, use the samurai's rules, and take the best!

"Those who submit will survive, and those who don't will die. You shouldn't make me embarrassed."

The young man put away his smile and sighed.

"The old man is still the same, but I am different after all."