Augustus Road

It turns out that in any world and era, no one does not consider issues from a personal standpoint, and no one is completely hostile to subordinates who betray oneself. So no matter how Caesar claimed "I understand Labienus" and how silent he was before and after his betrayal, when he heard that the Pompeian party took the trouble to say "even Caesar's most trusted right hand betrayed him" "When making a fuss about this topic - Caesar couldn't be completely calm and dealt with the situation but not the person.

Kingulum, this small fishing village adjacent to the city of Corfinium, was originally a poor place where beautiful scenery and poor life coexisted. In recent years, it has become famous because of the emergence of a majestic man named Labienus. , Caesar's chief lieutenant, used the reward for his brave service, which amounted to tens of millions of sesterces in a few years. Almost all of this wealth was donated to his hometown, and he built the place into a marble market, baths and villas. A place for rising stars that has everything you need. But now that Caesar thought that Labienus had abandoned him, and that this man's hometown was in the hands of his army, his anger could not be contained. This is what the leading centurion said, " Caesar wants everyone to know the price and taste of betraying him." After a moment of silence, the two centurions nodded to Lepidus and gave a military salute. Then he led the soldiers back together.

By the river, insects in early spring were flying happily everywhere, and the horse hooves of the group were submerged in the long grass. On the other side of the calm river, the small town was slowly being gently enveloped by the setting sun. Lepidah saw a few children, still playing naughtily in the wheat field. Playful. Completely unaware of the terrible disaster that may occur at any time on the other side of the river. Over there, Vercingetorius, an Alvini nobleman who knew Latin. He kept smiling and saying nothing, as if no matter what the outcome was, he would always have a good time. And Sabo acted as if nothing had happened. He was skillfully copying the previous battle records on horseback. It was what Lepidus had asked him to do well, that is, the lessons learned from the previous ambush of Pompey's first legion. Of course, even without this He was so accustomed to the commander-in-chief's behavior that he became numb and indifferent to his work.

At dusk, Caesar's nephew Paedis came here on horseback, bringing his uncle's decision, "Let King Gullum provide a hundred men to join the army within five days."

The expressions of everyone present relaxed. Lepidus held the riding whip and headed in the opposite direction of the small town, saying that he was going back to the camp. A group of people followed him. Pei, who was familiar with Lepidus and Labienus in Gaul before. Dis, said behind him, "Hey, Caesar wants you to write a letter to tell Labienus about this. Maybe my uncle thinks this is a good way to do a propaganda war."...

Lepidus did not answer. He remembered what Labienus had said to him before when he said goodbye, that the drama between men is often mime.

About half a month later, Pompey continued to retreat across the board, and the entire army gathered at the port of Brindisi. At the temporary military camp tower erected between the cities, Pompeo looked at the noisy and chaotic scene with a depressed expression. The entire harbor was full of rocking ships, and there were also shouting and crowded crowds on the shore. There are families of senators, slaves who transport goods, and Jia people who are worried about the future of business. "The whole world wants to escape from here."

Under the wooden shed of the tower, Cato Jr. and several other core elders also had painful expressions on their faces and remained silent.

Pompey looked back at them, and then asked curiously, "Where is Bolus?"

"The long journey has damaged his health, and with his old age, he can no longer get up to attend meetings. He used to rely on the wine he collected to recover, but now the wine cellar and villa have fallen into Caesar's hands."

"Yeah, I didn't expect that Caesar and I are both fifty years old, but we still fight like red-eyed young men, bringing havoc to the entire country." Pompeo smiled bitterly, and then asked people from all over the country. War preparations and trends, at this time Cato told him that the elders of Masseria were willing to join our side. Pompey finally showed a happy expression and said that this is very good. As long as Sulpicius regains a foothold in Sardinia, we can firmly control the Spanish Sea and at least be able to draw two to three people from the other side. A legion to defend Brindisi and Sicily.

"However, the envoy sent by Masseria made another request, that is, he hopes that we will send a highly respected senator to lead and inspire their citizen army to defend the city from Caesar's armed forces." Cato the Younger Go on.

This was actually tantamount to asking for hostages. After Pompeo thought for a while, he said that it would be better to send the legal officer Marcus, but Cato insisted that "Although Marcus is very knowledgeable, after all, he has qualifications and reputation." If it’s not enough, I’m afraid it won’t inspire Masselia’s courage and fighting spirit—in that case, I’m willing to go to that city in his place.”

At this time, the whole scene was frozen. In fact, anyone with a little knowledge of geography could see that the city of Masseria was in the core area surrounded by Caesar's army. Cato's actions were tantamount to taking risks.

"It is precisely because I am in such a position that the more I help Masseglia to persist, the fiercer flames of Caesar will weaken a little. This is the most glorious contribution I can make to the Republic at this moment." After finishing speaking. , little Cato seemed to have made up his mind. He slowly took off his iconic sleeveless woolen toga and handed it into the hands of his personal slave. The ribs of his thin body were fully exposed. "Transfer to those still in Rome." Portia of the city, told her that if she lost her father, she should give this to Brutus, for she still had a husband.”