Augustus Road

In the Bergalon Emperor's manor, the fountains were rising and falling happily, and the corridors with exquisite murals were full of people. Most of them were centurions who had previously retired from Caesar's army, and now they were responding to Antony's words. An invitation from a cavalry commander and acting consul to "recruit the non-commissioned officers staying in Rome and the elite soldiers of the expedition to Parthia."

Anthony's plan was to win over the core backbone of the army first. For the Roman legions, centurions were this kind of role. They were warriors in battle, instructors in marching, and instructors in planning. As long as a commander can summon such people, he can form a powerful armed force at any time wherever he goes.

Anthony, who was sitting in the inner room, also had a slave who specialized in memorizing names. He stood up to greet all the applicants with sincerity and enthusiasm, and also exchanged pleasantries. The price he offered was also very high. It seemed that he was planning to sell Cole. The inheritance sent by Punia cost a lot of money.

During the interval between receptions, Anthony sat on an armchair a little tiredly, drinking the hot honey wine sent by Duomu Jiang behind him. Then he confidently asked Domu Jiang, "Lepidus" Do you still go to greet your adoptive father every day?"

"Yes, he has become suspicious of me now, so he doesn't ask me to stay by Marcos' side very often. Instead, he goes to Princia. You have to know that the woman Marcus likes the most is still the woman." Domuru knocked on Anthony's broad and strong back as if to flatter him, and said flatteringly, "So I can only come to your place?" "Then according to the reports of the spy you arranged around Lebida, he has been there recently. Are you recruiting Caesar's veterans to secretly compete with me?" Antony put the pen on his pursed lips. asked.

"He is busy supporting the confidant named Hersius from Sicily to be the treasurer of the coming year. He will be stuffed into the Senate; and he is also preparing to upgrade his adopted son-in-law, the Gaulish barbarian, to an ally of Rome. Identity. In short, he is receiving some prominent figures in the province every day, hoping to win support." Domujiang's words clearly indicate that Lebida has no intention of winning over Caesar's veterans.

Hearing this, Anthony thought that Domujiang would not deceive him about such an obvious thing. While he was talking, the slave of Si Yan came to report that someone representing the Senate wanted to see him privately.

This news had been expected by Anthony, and he proudly told Domujan not to leave, "The Senate and the people represent this country. Now that the country wants to discuss things with me, anyone can be present - by the way. , of course you can also tell Lepidus the content of today's conversation: I saved him in Africa, there is nothing to hide between us." Anthony roughly rubbed the "two ripe fruits hanging on the branches" in front of Domuka along her side and armpits. Then, under the guidance of Si Yan, Brutus arrived wearing a cloak. Antony laughed and invited the other party to sit down, "Well, it is not easy to disguise your identity from the Capitol Hill and evade the pursuit of the people. Is it okay? You never expected that before you kept saying that you were working for the country and the people, but now the people are treating you like this."

"People do sometimes become mobs, but in the long run, they will understand what I do." Brutus is now completely unfazed, and he is particularly calm.

"Looking at the long term? Twenty years, fifty years or a hundred years later? Why not pursue the happiness and glory in front of you like a real Roman! You are all reading Greek books and your brains are ruined. ." Anthony didn't forget to make a sarcasm before hearing the other party's intention.

"Then I will bring you the glory before your eyes, Antony - reach peace with the Senate and devote more energy to the welfare of the public. Of course I understand the conditions you need. The Senate will issue an edict and entrust You will serve as consul for five consecutive years and serve as dictator if necessary. You will also serve as administrator of the two provinces of Macedonia and Syria, with ownership of eight legions, that is, the legions directly connected to Caesar during his lifetime. , it can all be yours," Brutus said directly.

To be honest, Antony did not expect that the conditions offered by the Senate were so generous. His expression was obviously that of being tempted. Brutus sneered inwardly and struck while the iron was hot and said, "Put aside personal grudges, I Of course, you can tell the whole story of the Senate's thoughts. Antony, you are a descendant of the great hero Anton. Although you were born into a commoner clan, your grandfather still won the title of triumph and consul through refined eloquence and enthusiasm for the country. From then on, your family has entered the ranks of glory. Anthony, you must not forget your roots, because you swore in front of the statue of your ancestors when you were young. Because of temporary interests, you followed Marius and Caesar's party-selected fathers. It's understandable, but stop it now and return to the camp where you really should be - you will become the great fifth founding father and a hero who re-creates the republic, so why should you end up like Marius or Caesar? You have to know that their titles were obtained through shady means. You see, if they don’t have foreign guards, they will die.”

"Ask the visitors outside the door to wait for a while." Antony said to several ministers, and then he looked at Brutus, thinking for a long time, "What you mean is that you ask me to join forces with you to fight against Lepidus. Drive him out?"

"Yes, because the Senate unanimously agreed that Rome does not need a naturalized citizen of a foreign race to serve as a cavalry commander or even a consul, but you can be taken over by anyone."

"But how do I know that after you deal with Lepidus, you will not join forces to kill me?"

"It doesn't matter. You have eight legions. As long as you give up the idea of ​​becoming a king and the idea of ​​arrogantly transforming Rome when you reach the height of Caesar, you will not be in any danger. Your name will become the tallest monument in history, and your old age will be full of happiness and luxury. No one among the people and the senators will envy you. You will become the second Sulla, not the second Caesar. Think about it, Marco Antony."

"I need to explain to Caesar's veterans and staff!" Antony did not "think about it carefully". It was obvious that Brutus's conditions had satisfied him.

"Very good - it doesn't matter if Cassius and I are exiled. Caesar's policies towards veterans and the people during his lifetime will remain unchanged, but his unfinished business will be temporarily put on hold. Caesar can be deified by the Senate, his statue will be completely preserved, and April will become a jy. The Senate will not collect the money in the Holy Treasury into the national treasury for the time being, but will transfer it to your army as a special fund." Brutus saw that his goal had been achieved, and he dispelled Antony's worries in one breath.

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