The correct response is: Local rulers maintained their local rule but had to provide tribute.
The Aztecs utilized a system in which local rulers, often from conquered territories, were allowed to maintain some degree of autonomy in their governance. In exchange for this local authority, these rulers were required to pay tribute to the Aztec Empire, which typically included goods such as food, textiles, and precious materials. This system helped the Aztecs expand their influence and control over a large area without directly administering every region, thereby integrating conquered peoples into their empire more efficiently.