Augustus Road

Two years after Lepidus' triumphal victory in Parthia, the Roman Senate became increasingly declining and humble. The only thing they feared was the lifelong tribune, the high priest, the chief consul who had been in office for ten years, and the sacred oracle. Gustave, the "Friend of God", would one day directly cancel the institution of the Senate because of his displeasure or political considerations.

However, the high priest didn't seem to have such thoughts. He just set out to improve the Executive Yuan and local institutions.

No matter what, Rome prospered again, with land and ocean waterways extending in all directions. The roads in various administrative areas began to become more intensive and improved with the country's heavy investment. Most of the funds came from the state's monopoly of materials, and a considerable amount of others. Taxes from vassals and conquests against Britain, Dacia and Germany were gradually put on the agenda. However, Lepidus gave Leo the specific responsibility for these matters. "Don't be anxious to send troops, and don't be anxious to ask for help." To win, you need war. Only in war can the people gain a sense of joy and dependence, and your power and position can be more consolidated, and only then can you demand more power from all parties. "This is what Lebida said to his son and heir. Advice, because an empire should have three to four enemies, no matter whether the enemy is real or fake, enough to cause trouble, or just superficial.

When tributes from Egypt, Pontus, Syria and other places, as well as imported goods from long voyages, continued to pour into Italy and Macedonia, the two cities of Rome and Lepidus rose rapidly. It gradually became prosperous, but even if the Romans did not admit it, the resources of the empire were still tilted towards the new capital like a lever, because the new capital was supported by taxes from the two richest regions of Asia Minor and Greece, and it also controlled a large number of sea and land areas. Road trade, and Italy has become nothing more than the most beautiful burden.

In the summer, on the outskirts of Ponticabion on the cool Uxen Sea, in a village close to the seaside, a small boat with its sails lowered was quietly leaning on the beach. In a simple college with a semi-open colonnade on the shore, a bearded man about forty years old was washing his hands in a basin of water, and then said goodbye to the young people who came one by one. "When you go to the academies of Miletus or Athens to study, you must be careful not to sail along the coast of Dacia, which is very dangerous. Instead, go via Colchis and go to Sinope first. Then take the land route."

"Yes, teacher." Several teenagers bowed and said thanks.

"By the way, Tominius, you should be interested in medicine, then you can stop directly in Sinop. It is said that Queen Eubotia has recently opened a medical school in that city, Ski The medical skills of Thailand, Persia and Greece can all be refined there. But is this really good? Tominius, your family should want you to go to the seminary, learn the seven arts, and then start an official career." The man faced Tominius. To put it very mildly.

But the young man named Tominius shook his head firmly, "In the future, I will become the most famous doctor in Ponticabion. I hope to be able to help everyone, including you and your wife."

The man laughed and patted Tominius on the shoulder to encourage him. Then he told the children to hurry up and set off in the boat, otherwise it would be too late.

"Teacher, you have always taught us two hours a day, and written two hours a day. The rest of the time you spend with your wife, helping her get healthy, and you will soon send her to the hot spring at the foot of the mountain over there. Right? Let's all help push the cart!" These children, under the leadership of Tominius. in unison.

On the path from the seaside to the foothills, the man pushed his wife in a car. The wife had scars on her hands, but her face was full of happiness and warmth. The children were also helping on both sides of the car. They were talking and laughing, "Teacher, I heard that you are writing a long history scroll, and you want to record all the life and merits and demerits of Augustus in Rome now. Is it true? Could it be that the king in Rome would not be right? Are you angry?"

After hearing this, a look of panic suddenly appeared on the man's wife's face. She silently held the man's hand. The man immediately understood and replied with a smile, "It's okay, Portia, that man won't stick to this." What's more, this work of mine is just a tree hole where I pour my heart out. It will not be published. It will be hidden in Tominius's house after my death. Also, it is said that my mother is in The City of Seven Hills is also very good. She has regained her youth and beauty. She can often attend the palace and noble dances and is very popular. "

The wife smiled again, but she held her husband's hand and never let go. She felt that this was the most secluded and beautiful place in the world, and seabirds were circling happily above their heads. She didn't have it now. There is no worry, nothing, everything is as peaceful as the sea in summer.

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In the villa of Prima in Rome, the pregnant Corinna was holding her waist and smiling, sitting on a stone chair in the garden. Her black hair was casually pulled into a bun, and some of it stuck to her beautiful forehead. , because there were some slight beads of sweat on it, watching his nephew Silanus sitting on his mother's knee opposite, pouting and struggling to rock the little wooden horse with the bells - in the living room on the other side of the steps, He The most famous poets and scholars in the country, such as Lars, Virgil, and Tyranion, were reciting poetry and debating in front of her husband Maecenas. Sometimes they would also express their opinions on the country's policies, but they were all Mainly praises, while Maecenas smiled, listened politely, and only gently corrected the comments when they went astray.

"Mama, after I give birth, I will take the child to live in Mama Yulia's Manor of Ofilenu for half a year. Now it is my turn to accompany her. When Papa went on a cruise to Spain last time, he I lived there for two months, and I'm afraid that Mama Yulia will be lonely now because of it." As Corinna was talking, a postman appeared at the garden gate, with an expression of a big event on his face, and he hurriedly put the writing board in his hand. He handed it to Poti's outstretched hand, and then bowed one by one, hoping to send this information to the man in the main hall as soon as possible. "There are also two other copies, which are being sent to the hands of His Excellency Leo and the High Priest."

"Brother is in the Executive Yuan, but didn't Papa just go on a tour in Greece and Asia with Habaruka?"

At this time, Bodie looked at the writing board and suddenly felt lost. She looked at Corinna for a while, and then whispered, "It's an urgent message from Fonteyus on the island of Malta."

Corinna's heart sank slightly, she had nothing to do with him anymore. But recalling the past, I still couldn't help but blurt out, "Is it Turinus?"

Bodie nodded, and then spoke in a sad tone. "Tulinus is dead."

According to the letter, Turinus's death came suddenly. One day, as usual, the soldiers under Fonteus escorted him to the town to have a drink. Turinus was in a good mood that day. He drank some wine, and then went to the town bathhouse to take a bath, but when he came back he suddenly had a fever, which could not be stopped by taking herbs, massaging and bleeding. It is said that before his death, Turinus only said: He said, "The pantomime has finally come to an end, Corinne..."

After hearing this description, Corinna turned her face sideways, with tears in her eyes. Then she said to her mother, "I want to organize Turinus's relics, including letters, poems and articles, and then entrust Horace and others to sort them and store them."

"Wait until after delivery. Maecenas and your Papa won't object, but I'm just worried that it's not appropriate for you to come into contact with these things at this time. Those thoughts of poor Turinus will make you feel sad." Dee suggested, touching her daughter's knee, before she lowered her head. He nodded his chin, then handed the writing board to the slave's hand, and whispered, "Send it inside."

A market day later. In a large bathhouse in the city of Athens (it was built as a sign of Latinization after the surrender of Athens at the request of the high priest, with the inscription on it saying 'Given to the heirs of Minerva'), with In the bath with a statue of a jet, a soldier was discharged. The veteran covered in scars and tattoos complained that the mud on his body was too stubborn, but he couldn't afford to hire a boy to clean it with a scraper. "So, what kind of country is this! Even if there is mud on his body, I can't even get clean after entering the bath, so there must be something wrong with the country." The veteran's words became more and more outrageous, and he kept spitting on the floor outside the bath.

Just when everyone else could not avoid it, another bather came over and said to everyone, "This is how you will do it from now on!" Then he raised the bath towel in his hand and pressed it directly on the veteran's back, like a He started digging like a carpenter. Everyone was dumbfounded, but they saw that the veteran was trembling with joy. The dirt on his body first formed into strips, and then became spheres, and the pieces were neatly pushed off by the bather. , until the soldier's back was completely rosy, the bather straightened the bath towel, patted it several times on the masonry tower beside the bath, and said to the soldier, "It's fine now. Soak in it.”

The veteran nodded, sank down into the hot water of the bath, and immediately groaned, as if every pore was relaxed, "This country is so beautiful."

The bather laughed, and then said to the others, from now on, you can do this to each other, and the waiters in the bathroom can also provide services in this way. The others cheered and applauded. It seemed that the problem that had been bothering them for many years was suddenly solved. Solved by this clever bather, Athens' academics will be at the forefront of the world.

Then another bather swam over with admiration and said that he was willing to rub himself for the smart bather. The other bather didn't say a word, nodded happily, and then turned his back - at this time, the bather who swam over Only then did he suddenly see the healed scar on the other person's left ear, grape tattoos on his body, his iconic black smooth hair, and a special ring on his finger. The man who swam over was originally a businessman. , who had seen the world, was immediately frightened, holding the bath towel and not daring to move.

"Why, haven't you fully understood it yet? Then, Habaruka, come and help me. Thank you." The bather continued to laugh.

After the cold bath, the bather shouted that he felt refreshed, put on his traveling cloak, and walked to the front yard with Habaruka. After paying the boy who was looking after the horse to add fodder, he went with the others. The retinue, mostly black men, mounted on mules, horses or donkeys and left quietly and quietly.

Slowly, they left the city of Athens and walked to the outskirts. "Habaruka, I've been stuck in the memories and nostalgia of older people recently. Look at the scenery along this side. Do you think of the times we used to be together?" What happened when you went to Sardinia to find your mistress Julia?"

"The scenery here is far worse than in Sardinia."

"But your state of mind at that time was far worse than now. Your mistress was heavily in debt and almost sold you. The scenery must match your state of mind."

The group of people chatted and laughed. After arriving at the port of Piraeus, the high priest and his followers in civilian clothes immediately transferred to the ship. Heading to Nicomedia Palace, the parade along the way made him feel very relieved - the bandits and pirates had disappeared, and the streets were full of citizens traveling for a short trip, villagers farming, merchants, messengers and envoys.

Wait until the high priest comes to the palace. It was as if Adiana saw a pink bird flying into her bedroom with beautiful branches and leaves in its mouth. She woke up from the light dream again, wearing a vermilion Persian dress, casually Her long chestnut hair was scattered, and the nasolabial folds at the corners of her mouth only added to her charm and maturity. She walked smoothly through the gardens and colonnades, and climbed onto the terrace facing the sea.

There, the shadows intersect with the blue sea and white clouds. The high priest was sitting on an armchair with his back to her. She called out "Calabis" softly, but there was no response. The high priest was still sitting quietly amidst the roar of the waves. Adiana stayed where she was. She fell on the ground and put her hand on her chest. She was a little scared. She was afraid that Calabis was deceiving her about her previous oath, so she hurried over in small steps. She pressed his shoulders and touched his cheeks, mouth and nose.

"Are you afraid that I will die?" The high priest held her hand.

"I'm just afraid you'll break the contract, cunning amphora."

After saying this, the high priest laughed twice. Holding the tablet in his hand, with the news of Turinus' death engraved on it, he stood up from his armchair,

"Fortune plays a stick game with man,

Or play the game of blowing chestnuts with others,

All of you know it.

Destiny is the hunter, and man is the skylark. "

After saying that, the high priest sighed and looked at the ships coming and going on the sea. In front of the terrace, there was the guillemot again, against the wind, struggling to spread its wings, but it was still blocked in place, unable to advance or retreat. , then he turned around and saw Adiana with tears in her eyes, and then he held her in his arms, "Don't be stupid, thank you for taking in a wandering person, I will write a letter for Nicole and Uage right away Letter, let them come from their respective territories to have a reunion.”

"Then it's better to wait for two more months, two months that only belong to us. I am the hostess here, and I order you not to be alone, and not to leave this world casually. You need a skylark that only flies with you. Amphora." Adiana held Lepidus' hand behind her back, put it around her waist, raised her other slender hand, pinched his ear, and spoke softly.

They are still in love with each other.

(Complete book)

To all readers of The Road to Augustus:

To be honest, at 10:25 this morning, Sura typed the last keystrokes on the story of Calabis and Calabiia on his notebook. It took about 20 months to write the book (Sura didn’t even expect that he could write 2.5 million words. ), it is also considered the end.

Sulla had very few manuscripts of this book. In the first 10 months, there were about 10,000 words of manuscripts. Later, there were only one or two chapters. However, Sulla was gratified that during the serialization of this book, Although sometimes the update is only 2,000 words per chapter a day, it has never been updated. This is where Sulla thinks he is most worthy of the readers. Because when he first wrote "The Road to Augustus", about 60,000 words long, Sulla had an impulse, the kind of woman who suddenly becomes pregnant and can't wait to give this "silent surprise" to her. The urge to narrate the story led to the embarrassing situation of being in a hurry. Fortunately, with the support of all the dear readers of "The Road to Augustus", Sulla successfully published this novel without any hindrance. The book on an unpopular theme is finished - this child who was born may not be so perfect, but he is full of love and care from the author and readers, and he is the best blessing.

Feelings of emotion, pride and gratitude are filling my chest at this moment.

This is also the true joy of writing a book, which is difficult to obtain in other jobs.

Since the beginning of writing, "The Road to Augustus" has received a lot of criticism and censure. Some of them are well-intentioned, but most of them are suspicious and gloating about misfortunes, abuse of the master, cuckoldry, and greetings to Sulla's family. Waiting for the hats to come one after another, it seems that writing like this is treason and heresy, as if someone is sneering coldly, "Waiting for you to be a eunuch."

But with the support of many readers who really love this book, and the support of Sulla's shameless spirit of "read it if you like it, don't leave it", Sulla ended this book. I can say to everyone now,

"I love all readers, because I have finished the book, which is the best reward for you; I despise all the black people, and because I have finished the book, this is the best counterattack to you."

At the same time, I would like to thank the editor Canglang who submitted this book for signing, and the editor Huya who has been following up on this book. Since I have no contact or chat with Canglang after signing, I have been writing this book for such a long time, mainly communicating with Huya. But I am sorry that many times I am more concerned than the editor - many times, it is Huya who takes the initiative to contact me, telling me that the recommendation position has been finalized, and caring about the subject of my next book. I am really ashamed. It is a blessing for a writer to meet such an editor.

Now there are also many readers who are very concerned about the issue of my next book. To be honest, the subject of the next book has not been determined yet. Sura once had the impulse of a certain subject, and collected all the information and wrote the outline of the first two volumes, but because this subject suddenly encountered an irresistible problem, Sura's heart suddenly cooled down and lost the enthusiasm for creation. This also shows that any creator should consider your every move when carrying out your activities, and how great the impact on readers and fans is! In the future, when Sura is an author again, he must always think of this truth.

Therefore, the next book can only be put on hold for the time being, and Sulla has to think about other topics. But please rest assured that if the conditions are ripe, Sulla will start a new book as soon as possible, maybe in a month, maybe in three months... Please keep an eye on Sulla's topics in the Qidian Book Review Area or the Augustus Road Post Bar.

In short, I?will?be?back!

Sulla? Felix

2015.7.24(~^~)