The Chapala Lake Region already had a high degree of autonomy; as long as they were faced with real threats, the number of troops they could send to support the core region of the Tarasco Kingdom would not be significant."
Gillim nodded in understanding and continued to explain.
"The target of this western campaign is the core region of the Tarasco Kingdom, the Patzcuaro Lake Region. This area encompasses three states—Qinchongcan, Saka, and Apachigan. These three states have a population of about 800,000 people, can mobilize 25,000 Samurai, and have several times that number in militia. Among the three states in the lake region, there are three major cities—Qinchongcan, Ihuatzio, and Patzcuari. Of these, the capital Qinchongcan City is the largest and most heavily fortified."
Aweit remained silent. The mountain and river topography of the core region of Tarasco had long been imprinted in his mind.
"If we can conquer Qinchongcan City, execute the Divine Descendant of the false gods, the Tarasco Kingdom will crumble. The various City-States of the west and south will be like wolves without a leader, henceforth without allegiance to one another, easily swayed or defeated by the Alliance. To attack Qinchongcan City, there are two routes: north and south."
The route for the Southern Army is closest to the Lake Capital City. The army would set out from the Capital, reaching the southwesternmost state of the Alliance, Raziko, in a matter of days. From there, they would head west and, as long as they crossed the buffer of mountain forests and conquered the state of Xitaqualo nestled in the mountains, after another ten or so days heading northwest, they would arrive at the prosperous and flat Patzcuaro Lake Region."
The thriving Bronze Capital, Qinchongcan City, is located by the edge of Lake Patzcuaro. Of course, before it, there is the mutual support of Patzcuari and Ihuatzio cities."
At this point, Gillim paused slightly and looked towards the King.
"I marched on this route myself several years ago. The mountain woodlands are extremely difficult to traverse, but there are several small rivers and streams that are relatively flat and easier to travel. The army’s water supply and marching would need to follow these streams."
"Reaching the state of Xitaqualo along the river, there are nearly ten stone fortresses of varying sizes, as well as dense wooden camps. The Tarasco people have used bronze tools to fortify this area over a decade, occupying each advantageous terrain, truly making it easy to defend but hard to attack. Although the southern route is shorter, to fully clear the way would still require the mobilization of a large army and a considerable effort."
Having listened carefully, Gillim gave a solemn bow.
"Your Majesty, if our Naval Forces can secure an advantage, we can split off ten thousand men to travel west along the Tarsas River, passing through the Land of Jontal, ignoring the mountainous tribe of Weytamo on the southern bank of the river, and directly land in the hinterland of the Patzcuaro Lake Region on the North Coast. That would allow us to bypass the state of Xitaqualo and deliver a fatal blow to the Tarasco people."
Aweit nodded slowly. He pondered for a moment, his thoughts forming a plan, then spoke.
"Remember to send another group of Envoys to the southernmost mountainous state of Weytamo in the Tarasco Kingdom to likewise woo the local tribal leaders and divide the Tarasco’s forces. The Weytamo region has only seventy to eighty thousand Tarasco Tribes, living mixed among the wild tribes. They do not have many Samurai, and their willingness to support the core is weak. However, the terrain here is complex, the tribes are impoverished yet brave, making conquest by force difficult, and for the moment, we can spare no troops to subjugate them."
"I recall, did Xiulote once send a caravan there to purchase copper?"
Gillim nodded respectfully and reported in detail.
"Yes, Your Majesty. His Highness indeed sent a caravan, led by a Mayan merchant who seems to have trading relations with the local Chieftain. The deputy was Kuluka. They have already opened up trade channels with locals, and just recently transported back the first copper ore shipment, with more expected to follow."
Aweit showed a hint of satisfaction and commanded in a grave voice.
"Gillim, go meet with Xiulote, then relay orders to the caravan to establish contact with the local Nobility and start subversion efforts. Tell them that whatever the Tarasco Kingdom has promised them, the Alliance can promise the same, and even bestow upon them double the amount of cotton cloth, salt, and Gold and Silver! Also, as long as they submit to the Alliance, we will fully support their local copper mining efforts, manufacturing profitable copper ware."
"And once the western campaign is over, the Alliance, at all costs, wants to directly control the copper mines here. Relying on the Tarsas River, these ores can also be quickly transported to the Lake Capital City, transformed into sturdy bronze tools and weapons!"
Upon hearing this, Gillim bowed again deeply, accepting the order with great respect. As he bowed his head, the Intelligence Officer smiled faintly, with profound implications.