Augustus Road

In fact, Brutus and Portia are both people who are passionate about justice and morality. Since they returned from the small banquet in Apilon, they have discussed this matter with Cato on various occasions. Cato the Younger was already very tired from his endless speeches in the Temple of Concord, but the people on Caesar's side were also very tenacious. These people gave up using the Senate as a battlefield and began to agitate the people in squares and streets to demand Fighting him to the end, news that frightened him even more came - Claudius, the plebeian tribune with the Temple of Virtue as his headquarters, was recently not very interested in Cicero who was blocking the extension of his term. Starting to clearly point the finger at himself, and to pass several brand-new legislation to his disadvantage, it seems that Caesar's sacrifice of his wife's virginity last year to win over this street villain fighter was worth it.

Therefore, in response to the chatter of his daughter and son-in-law, Cato could only sit in the atrium in distress without saying a word, thinking about the stakes: yes, he did hate Pompey and any ambition that put personal honor above the republic. Family and vanity, but now he is struggling just to fight against the newly rising guy Caesar. Maybe I have reached the stage where I need a temporary ally? The glory of my family has doubled my strength, but I am still too young, only less than forty years old. Now that I think about it, Pompey can really be used for myself - he is at a low ebb in his life, and he has always been with Caesar and Crow. Di can't deal with it, and now he's asking for help from me. He's just a guy raised by the Senate.

"Yes, Pompey is indeed vain, but I think once he becomes your son-in-law, he and his veterans will be tied to the carriage of your virtue, which can play a good role in guiding the Roman state. "In addition, I think Portia's two sisters are also yearning for this marriage. If you don't believe it, you can listen to the sobbing in the boudoir." Brutus stood and said emotionally. Little Cato asked him just now, isn't he the closest person to Caesar? Wasn't his mother Caesar's favorite mistress? People in Rome regard you as Caesar's son. You don't know that once I agree to Pompey's marriage request, this will be the greatest disadvantage to Caesar. Brutus's answer to this was, I love Caesar but I love the Republic more. I just believe that under the leadership of your uncle, the Republic will always enjoy the simplicity and tranquility of the ancient times; and under the leadership of Caesar, it will become more and more peaceful. The more we move towards the dangerous abyss of radicalization and overturning. All this is because my last name is Brutus, the founder of the Republic.

At this moment, the sobs of Cato's wife and daughter came again from the inner room. They cried endlessly day and night, as if they were blackmailing their father into agreeing to marry one of them as soon as possible, marry the most glorious war hero in Rome, and become the most famous war hero in Rome. The leader of the social circle of ladies was willing to do so, which made Cato even more angry and conflicted. After hearing what Brutus said, he pointed to the inner room and shouted: "Women are all vain creatures. They can only corrupt them." All the things, when my great-grandfather gave a speech in the Forum and objected to the noble women of Rome wearing gold jewelry that exceeded the prescribed weight, they were insulted and resisted by groups of them - and today, I have forgotten my wife He and his daughter are also among this group of people." After complaining, little Cato patted his thigh and panted and said to Brutus: "I can talk to General Gnaeus Pompey about this matter. I saw you, you are so anxious to facilitate this matter, you must have already contacted Pompeo?"

"Yes, I have a good friend who has a deep friendship with General Pompey's most trusted personal slave. He has made arrangements with the other party and is willing to receive you in a newly built luxurious mansion at the foot of the Palatine Mountain. Talk to General Pompey personally about this matter. This is the invitation." After saying that, Brutus smiled and handed the invitation to his uncle as if he had been prepared.

"I know that villa. It was gifted to that slave by Pompey. I have always hated this kind of behavior. If Rome is like this, how can we distinguish masters and slaves?" Although Cato said this, he still handed over the invitation. He accepted it and immediately agreed with Brutus on a time to visit.

Little Cato has never liked to worry too much about anything. That's what his surname is. In his mind, since Pompey wants to marry my daughter and is eager to form an alliance with me, he will definitely be there. The villa is waiting for me, and the words from my nephew should be correct.

The kind-hearted Brutus didn't know yet that he had fallen into Lepidus's trap, because just before he and his uncle went to the villa at the foot of the Palatine Mountain on the agreed day, Lepidus, who got the news, offered him twenty thousand dollars. With the price of Sestius, he bought a Pompeian slave who was in charge of the villa. Two hours before Cato the Younger left, this slave suddenly pretended to be in an emergency and ran to the villa to give orders - said the master Demi Tellius is coming soon. This is his first time in this house. He is also the most trusted friend of General Pompey. Everyone must be ready to welcome him!

In fact, Demetrius is still in the Brindisi area at this moment, dealing with the veterans' demands for resettlement land. How can he find the time to move into this villa?

But everyone in the villa was deceived by the Pompeian slaves who spread false news. The cooks, servants, musicians, gardeners, and best groomsmen all hurriedly ran around, hanging garlands on the pillars and doorways, and carefully trimmed potted flowers. , prepared delicious food and wine, lined up seats and musical instruments in the front hall, and waited excitedly for the arrival of Demetrius, the owner of the house.

Finally, Cato the Younger, Brutus and their group of friends walked along the street towards the villa. Of course, Lepidus was not among them. He had already slipped away on the pretext of going to pay a visit to Pius and the former mistress. Because Cato the Younger recognized him, he did not want to show his face.

It was Cato the Younger's habit that when he was with his friends, he would walk in front in an elegant robe, and let his friends ride mules or donkeys behind him. They would discuss some philosophical topics while walking, which was very comfortable and relaxed. This time was no exception. A group of people talked and laughed leisurely and came to the gate of the luxurious villa under the name of Demetrius. When his friends praised how magnificent the building was, Cato the Younger smiled disapprovingly, but still tucked his robe in out of courtesy and walked towards the gate.

Music suddenly sounded, and a group of people rushed out of the gate to welcome him, which surprised and annoyed Cato. The team was divided into two rows at the door, holding wreaths and laurel branches. The left side was full of pretentious young men from Greece, and the right side was full of painted children. They shouted welcome slogans in unison, which made Cato very angry. (To be continued.)