The King's Western Tour: Captives Emerge, Grain Supply

A mighty mountain wind blew past, the forests of the wild hills swaying lightly, while the fresh scent of palms drifted through the air.

".Bertad, you've had it hard."

After several breaths of silence, Xolotl looked at the warrior captain apologetically. Then he decisively handed the richly flavored mixed-grain dumpling back to Pimon.

"Pimon, how many dumplings like this do the captives eat in a day?"

"Your Majesty, that depends on how fast the captives can walk."

Pimon carefully glanced at the calm Holy Eagle Captain, then answered respectfully.

"Legion Commander Ezpan decreed that the captives are not allowed to carry grain on them, and not allowed to leave the line midway to forage. The first two violations are punished by whipping, and the third by execution. There is only one warrior camp every thirty li, and food is supplied there. At each camp, the escorting warriors may eat their fill, while the captives can only draw food once."

"Mm, one camp every thirty li. That's reasonable enough."

Hearing this, Xolotl nodded. Because they lacked load-bearing vehicles, the steady marching speed of a large infantry force was between thirty and sixty li per day, varying with the load and terrain.

"But the captives are all mountain folk who are good at walking. They don't need to carry equipment or grain, and without burdens, traveling light, they can walk at least fifty li in a day."

"Exactly. His Highness is wise!"

Pimon nodded in agreement and continued.

"Legion Commander Ezpan ordered that grain is limited, and each meal only provides one mixed-grain dumpling. If the captives can march ninety li in a day, they can eat three dumplings. If they can march sixty li in a day, they can eat two dumplings. And those who cannot make sixty li get only