Augustus Road

Cicero finally left. No matter how many senators spoke for him, or how many writers and poets wrote works to lament him, he still went to the Greek area. I heard that this man was influenced by various city-states and small kingdoms there. He received a warm welcome, and there was an endless stream of people who came to greet him and ask for advice every day. The gifts were also piled up, but Cicero's whole person changed. He was unkempt, did not cut his hair, grew a beard, and treated all The visitor said, I am not an orator, just a philosopher. Oratory is the most unreliable thing in the world. At best, it is just a means of studying philosophy or establishing a reputation in the political arena.

When there were no visitors, Cicero would walk alone on the seaside, looking at the distance at the edge of the ocean and sky with melancholy eyes. That was his motherland, but now he was expelled by his mother, like a helpless person. A helpless child, he is also like a sad person who has lost his lover. "Even so, he still misses Rome." This is everyone's judgment of him.

Around the turn of winter and spring, and at the end of the most lively Saturnalia festival in Rome, Claudius and Lepidus arrived at the gate of Cato the Younger's house in a simple carriage with only two men with beams. When the servants of Cato's family saw these two people, they all fled in panic and even knocked over many potted plants. Portia, who was going home to visit her relatives, rushed out. When she saw Lepidus, she held on to the pillar in despair and paralyzed her. The look on her face: She was really conflicted. Of course she knew that the purpose of Lepidus' trip was to drive her father away from Rome just like Cicero; but she also remembered that it was Lepidus' operation before. , her husband Brutus broke away from the childish and exploited assassination plan, saving his family and even his reputation.

But Lepidus did not say anything to Portia directly. He just glanced at her and walked side by side with Claudius into the inner courtyard. There, little Cato was unmoved by the chaos and noise around him, lying on an armchair. He was quietly reading the family motto, which was a required course for him every evening. He wanted to make his actions at every moment be completed rationally under the instruction of his ancestors.

This time is no exception.

Claudius got straight to the point, but his tone was rare in politeness and humility. He just asked Cato, since the former consul Caesar has gone to the province to take up his new post, according to the collective resolution of the Senate and the People's Assembly, Cato, are you the right person? It’s time to head to the island of Cyprus too?

Seeing that Cato didn't answer anything, Claudius smiled and continued, "Actually, your Excellency, don't get me wrong. This time you are going to Cyprus as a chief executive, not in the strict sense. Your Excellency is not old yet, so you are only an inspector sent to that area. Therefore, on behalf of the Roman citizen group, I have to make it clear to you in advance that no legion or guard will be sent to you. "

At this time, Portia, who had been quietly following everyone, burst into tears. Now everyone knows the situation on the island of Cyprus. There are natives or pirates everywhere who want to kill the Romans. Even Ptolemy there also expressed his hatred for the Roman envoys or pirates. The officials were hostile. If my father didn't even have an army to protect him, how would his life be guaranteed? Isn't this just a kind of **?

"It doesn't matter. I will follow the reminder of my friend Caesar and temporarily install the mansion in Rhodes Island. Then I will try my best diplomatically to make Ptolemy of Cyprus surrender to Rome again." Young Cato still turned his back to everyone and remained calm. Speaking of.

Claudius clapped his hands, then pretended to be surprised and excited and said a lot of compliments, and then waved, a woman with heavy makeup and a hunchbacked one-eyed man walked up to Cato, "According to According to Julius's new case law, our people will implement a policy of reducing funding and attendants for officials with foreign missions, so these two are designated as your attachés. Come, let me introduce, this woman is called Ah. Sher, from Subura District, you can just call her 'Brass Solder', because no one dares to pay her less; and this ugly man was a tomb robber before, his name is Di Linmo."

Oh my god, a woman from Suburra District, a habitual thief, Portia cried louder. She didn't know whether to sympathize with her father's future experience or praise Claudius for his humor.

"That's fine, there's nothing wrong with it. By the way, what are your names?" Cato turned around in his armchair and asked kindly. This caught the two people a little off guard, and they could only do it again Report your origin. "Very well, Asher, you are responsible for the task of being the best man in the Governor's Mansion, and Di Linmo, you are the financial controller. I will entrust the cash box to you, but the silver coins in it may be very few."

At this time, it was Claudius's turn to ask for trouble. He said a few words briefly, meaning that since Cato's entourage has been arranged, please set off as soon as possible, otherwise he will not take up his duties within the specified time. He was held accountable by the people's association.

Finally, Claudius turned around his cloak and left the Cato family's house. When Lepidus left, he winked at Portia, who was holding on to the pillar. Portia immediately noticed.

After nightfall, Portia, wearing a dark cloak and escorted by maids and slaves, hurried to the villa of Lepidus' family in Apilon. She was already familiar with this place. After all, she had a good relationship with Bodie. Torches similar to those in military camps were hung on the tall courtyard walls, illuminating the surrounding forest with uncertain black and white. After announcing her name, Portia was let through by the gatekeeper and entered the inner hall directly, where Lepidus and Boddy were sitting. Under the candlelight, Bodie saw his friend arriving and hurriedly stood up to greet him.

"Lepidus, you'd better stand on your father's side in this matter, otherwise..." Portia's mood fluctuated so much that she even pushed Poty's arm away, crying. Pleading, still angry.

"Dear Portia, please sit down. This matter itself is very difficult for me. When I entertained you and Brutus, I said that in my mind, your father is the embodiment of the Republic, and I am also the return of the Republic. How can you really watch your father suffer?"

After hearing what Lepidus said, Portia took off her cloak, sat down and cried with a groan. After her emotions were released, she remembered whether Lepidus' words just now were in vain?

At this time, laughter and laughter came from the other end of the living room. Lepidus' son Leo and daughter Corinna seemed to have seen something extremely exciting, and ran out with giggles.

Then came the little pigeon and Valencia. They also covered their mouths, feeling very curious and happy. Finally, Portia saw in the darkness of the light, an object that was half human and half cat, jumping up and down. Jump out. (To be continued.)