Augustus Road

What is even more unbearable is that Cicero, who previously labeled Eurabella, Brutus and Cassio as "murderers" and "public enemies", was also the main promoter. What should he do now? To "sit in and guide" them, and these people want me to go, that is to say, they completely regard me as a flag that can be used by the Republic. As long as I go to Ephesus, I will definitely be put under house arrest. %,

Thinking of this, Cicero walked to the study, sat in front of the dimly lit table, raised his pen and made a simple comparison on the scroll - now these three people are living in Greece and Asia Minor. , all the strength combined, only three or four legions, but as for Lepidus and Young Caesar, the number of legions in Italy alone is nearly ten. Although the younger Pompey brothers are also recruiting troops in Spain, After all, time is limited, and it will not be possible for the time being, and it is beyond our reach.

"However, they killed Decimus and brought so many legions into Rome. I'm afraid they came with bad intentions." The more Cicero thought about it, the more he felt like a mess in his heart. It was terrible. He couldn't help but think of After Caesar had just crossed the Rubicon and was driven back from the province of Cilicia by Adiana's army, he paid Caesar privately and said that as long as Caesar was willing to give him a certain province and legions, he could consider changing his political stance. , cheering for Caesar, after all, he and Caesar are fellow students at Morrow College in Rhode Island.

However, Caesar's reply was very cold. He just advised Cicero, "If you really agree with my ideals and goals, then come to my side and serve as an administrative staff; if you still hesitate, don't want to If you want to get involved in politics, then I will give you a large sum of money. You can go to Athens or Rhodes and study philosophy and rhetoric. A peerless academic master.”

In short, in Caesar's mind, he was not a qualified politician or military strategist at all. Every time he thought about this, Cicero was always full of resentment, "Then Julius, take a good look at it. I, Cicero, don't do it now." Have you become an upright inspector? My debate skills are a treasure of the Republic, and no one will destroy them. You only care about the army and money, but I want to take another path. You can reach the pinnacle of glory.”

When he thought of this, the third messenger actually appeared at the gate. He asked Taylor to deliver the third letter to Cicero, which was jointly sent by Lepidus and Lesser Caesar. With excitement and trepidation, Cicero opened the overview. It is full of passionate words: not only recognizing him as "the most honorable elder in the republic", but also giving him "an eternal laurel crown made of gold". And he immediately hoped that he would not leave the city of Rome. "You are a monument guarding the entire Apennine Italy." If Cicero becomes tired of this position after the eighteen-month "censor's inspection period" has passed, then it will be very difficult. You can choose any province at will and take up a post abroad. "Near and far Spain, Nebo Gaul, Bithynia or Carlia are all positions where you can easily earn tens of millions of sesterces in a year." The price for this is: It's just that "we need you to say a few kind words for us in the Senate or the meeting place of the people's assembly."

With some complicated emotions, Cicero put the letter away carefully. He said to old Taylor, "This can be regarded as a life-saving thing. Look at it, there are Lepidus, Caesar, Panza, and even Anthony's seal." With that said, Old Taylor listened to his master's instructions, put the letter in the closet, closed the door and locked it.

Amidst the clicking sound of keys, Cicero carefully put on his robe and said, "Go and call all the senators to gather. I want to release Antony's brother Gaius. I can't make the immediate situation too embarrassing. Since Lepidus and Lepidus If Caesar is willing to forgive him, then forgive him."

At this time, Taylor put the keys away, and then arranged the robes for his master and his "special friend" for half his life. He rarely reminded him, "What should I do if the army enters the city and is not good for you, master?"

"Then I will stop being a noisy old man and be willing to retire. I don't even want to live in Italy. Taylor, when the time comes, sell off the several manors and villas I have scattered around. Then Fabilia and I will Just take a boat to Rhode Island and live a college life." Then, Cicero stood on the porch, and several birds in the garden screamed and flew up, "Forty years ago, I went there to study. Forty years later, I was still back there, teaching rhetoric, and spending my free time traveling with Fabilia. Isn’t it great? I am particularly interested in the island of Lesbos where I live with my female disciples. I will leave the worldly affairs to that group of people, and I will retire." When Cicero said this, he couldn't help but close his eyes in intoxication, thinking. He recalled the blue seaside of Rhode Island, the buildings with red tiles and white walls, and the scene where he, his teachers and classmates used to have loud and heated debates along the winding cliff path while listening to the sound of the waves.

After he had just finished his studies and left, Caesar came by boat, and they met once. At that time, Caesar's hair was still thick, his skin was fair, his face was thin, and his eyes were full of cynicism, so his teacher Morrow Just ask this young man who escaped from Rome and is wanted by Sulla, "What are you here for?"

“I’m here to learn rhetoric and debate.”

"But I can see that your ideal in life does not lie in this."

"Yes, the purpose of doing this is to get a stepping stone to enter the political arena." Caesar replied shamelessly. Cicero, who was standing next to him at the time, felt that this kid was tarnishing the sacred academic.

But now think about it, what is the difference between what I did later and Caesar? The only difference is that Caesar is dead. People say that he is the master of the empire, the master of land and sea, a hero who surpasses the great Pompey, and an invincible commander, but who remembers the young man who jumped off the deck of the ship with a frivolous and rebellious look? Only Cicero remembers.

"Will you take the urn of the girl buried here with you?" Taylor's question interrupted his reverie.

"No." Cicero thought for a moment, then quickly denied it calmly, "Tulia grew up in Rome. She must be lonely if she leaves here?" After that, Cicero looked at his daughter's tombstone in the garden and said leisurely, "Death and disease took her and her child away together." Then he came to the tombstone tremblingly and gently placed a copper toy of a horse-drawn carriage on the small altar, "Child, grandpa is very sorry that he couldn't see what you look like, and be happy with your mother on the other side... Travelers in this world must continue on their journey." (To be continued...)