Aztec Civilization: Destiny to Conquer America!-Chapter 551 - 269 Decision

The morning sun began to glow faintly, revealing itself from the distant East, illuminating the bright and winding path ahead. Soon, dense cooking smoke rose before my eyes, and the mining area once again filled with the clamor of human voices.

Xiulote stood on high ground, watching the busy mining area below, much like observing sprouting seedlings from the soil, imagining the appearance of a towering tree. After a long time, the king heaved a deep sigh.

Even though he possessed a vision that spanned eras, capable of drafting a technological tree of Divine Revelation and proposing grand blueprints for planning one hundred, or even two hundred years ahead. But at this moment, he still had to return to the reality that was bereft of scientific theory and lacked professional talent, starting from scratch with next to nothing.

The progress of technology required various foundational elements. Education required a decade to cultivate talent for each generation; technology needed decades of continuous accumulation of experience; society needed a century’s development to foster the soil for new revolutions. All these required a lengthy passage of time.

Xiulote’s expression remained calm as he once again glanced at the fiery morning sun before dispatching his trusted aide to summon Ezpan.

With the discovery of coal, the importance of the Qinganbate mining area had once again increased. For the present, coal could replace wood for burning, and coke could replace charcoal in metallurgy, thereby further freeing up manpower and increasing metallurgical efficiency. Moreover, the extraction of coal was far easier than that of copper ore, which warranted the immediate allocation of workforce.

Considering these factors, Xiulote decided to expand the numbers of miners and Samurai once again, to establish a mining town here, and to add bronze and gunpowder workshops. Qinganbate would serve as the Kingdom’s first industrial zone, targeted for focused planning and development. In such a prospect, as the responsible person for the region, Necali, though loyal and diligent, still seemed somewhat lacking in experience, coming from an elite Scout background,

during these days of crude coking, Ezpan had been directly involved in production, performing rather well. He had mining experience, a deep understanding of the mining industry, agile thoughts, and a very flexible stance on mythological beliefs... In the heart of the king, this looked like a more suitable candidate.

As Xiulote was pondering, Ezpan, with a bright smile, approached briskly. He was still dressed as a Mexica legion commander, wearing the Chief God’s Amulet of the Sun Hummingbird on his chest, and knelt respectfully four or five meters away to pay homage.

"Exalted Highness, your loyal Guard pays respects to the incarnation of the sun! The dawn is like your glory!"

Xiulote showed a faint smile on his face, but his heart was quite relieved. He waved his hand, signaling the loyal Guard to rise.

"Ezpan, you have been very efficient assisting me with coke production these past two days... Is there any reward you desire?"

"Your Highness, these past days, I have been filled with the joy of serving the divine spirits! To be able to dedicate myself to you is the greatest reward!"

Ezpan bowed his head again in respect. He had now risen to hereditary Nobility and also held the role of commanding ten thousand men as the Tarasco Legion Commander. With both status and power, wealth and beauties naturally did not elude him. At this moment, before His Highness, indeed, there wasn’t much for him to ask for.

"Hmm. Ezpan, what do you think of this mining area?"

"The mining area?"

Ezpan was slightly startled, as troubled memories of his youth surged in his heart. However, he quickly composed himself, observing His Highness’s demeanor, and considered his response carefully.

"Guided by the Divine Revelation given by Your Highness, the mining area is blessed by the spirits. Naturally, it will contribute to the Kingdom’s prosperity with an unending stream of strength!"

"Very good!"

Xiulote nodded with a smile and then spoke in an offhanded manner.

"Ezpan, you have spent many years in the mining area and are very familiar with it. I value this place highly and am preparing to expand the mining area... Would you like to take charge of it all?"

The calm words exploded like thunder in Ezpan’s heart. In an instant, he was struck with great alarm and fell to his knees, raising his left hand with only four fingers, as he earnestly swore an oath to the divine spirits.

"Your Highness! As witnessed by the Chief Divine, my loyalty to you has long since infused into my blood! I am willing to wield weapons and spill my last drop of blood for you; I am ready to hold a shield and defend your majesty with my life... Your Highness, I have no second thoughts!"

Xiulote was expressionless, with a torrent of thoughts rushing through his mind.

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Although Ezpan originated from a miner’s background, he seemed to have a great aversion to this place. Miners were always seen as the lowest social stratum, while Samurai were the backbone of society. No matter how much the king valued it, in people’s hearts, the overall leader of the mining area was not considered a prestigious noble position, whereas the powerful legion commander was an enviable social apex. Ezpan was now the legion commander of a Fief, as well as a leading example of those from Prepetcha who had sworn allegiance early. If he were moved from the legion to manage the industrial and mining area, it would seem no different from a demotion in the eyes of many.

What’s more important is that the industrial zone determines the Kingdom’s future! On such a wild foundation, to develop the industrial and mining sectors, the overall leader must be willing and wholeheartedly invested. He needed to possess the strongest, most proactive execution power! Xiulote could not entrust this position to someone who did not value the industrial zone.

"This could be the industrial minister for the Empire’s future..."

The king shook his head inwardly, silently watching Ezpan for a moment before speaking with a smile.

"Well then... Ezpan, I am well aware of your loyalty. I am at ease with the legion in your hands! You have followed me for many years, and it’s about time you settled down. In the Holy City, there remain unwed Mexica noblewomen; I’ve already made inquiries. Prepare yourself, and before the year ends, you will take one of them as your lawful wife..."

At these words, Ezpan felt a sense of relief. But soon after, the king’s casual words came again, sending him into a cold sweat, trembling from head to toe.