Crusader Kings: Prisoners of War

In Rome, at the Flavian mansion, Vespa was handling government affairs in the study.

Due to his old age and the large amount of government affairs, he couldn't help but feel backache, and had to stop and rest after reading for a while. At this time, his mistress Zenis would consciously come up to rub his shoulders, and gently present fruits and wine as snacks.

Although she was a mistress, the two of them had been friends for twenty years. Vespa just had never made her the queen, and Zenis didn't care about this kind of thing. She didn't understand what kind of responsibilities the queen needed to bear. For her, this kind of wealthy and comfortable life was already very satisfying. Since Vespa didn't mention it, she wouldn't shamelessly ask for more. She thought that everyone should do their part well.

Vespa smiled and thanked him, then felt a little depressed: "It would be great if Orville and Tia were also in this study. After they left with Domitia, the whole mansion was empty and there was no one. It was a waste of such a big house. It cost me a lot of money to buy it. Those guys in the Senate said they gave it to me, but in fact, I still had to pay to live in it."

Chenis did not talk about politics, but only talked about family matters: "When they grow up, they will definitely have their own lives. You, a grown man, must know this better than me. Leaving home is only a matter of time. I don't understand Domitia. You can have everything you want in Rome. It's such a good life. Why do you have to go to Gaul with your sister and brother? It's really a pity.

I see you have been writing letters to their three children. Shouldn't you suddenly feel lonely? "

Vespa waved his hand: "It's just that I have encountered some troubles recently. I have to complain a few words. Now there is no trash can to listen to my complaints, so I always feel unhappy. "

He dealt with Zenis for a few more words. The other party knew that Vespa had precious time to deal with government affairs. After chatting for a few words, he left on his own, leaving Vespa alone in the study.

Vespa now put his attention back on governing the country and continued to think about the Franks.

Even though he was mentally prepared when he talked to Orville before, he didn't expect the other party to react so strongly, as if he was ready to go to war at any time.

This was undoubtedly contrary to Vespa's strategic conception. He planned to recuperate. Vespa knew that he did not have a strong military talent and would not live long. Now the first task was to leave his heirs an empire with a well-governed internal affairs and a rich treasury. The war could be left to future generations, who would probably be better than himself.

But now, Orwell's Gallo-British plan directly led to Vespa's conception falling into danger, but he did not mean to be angry with his adopted son, because he was the first to nod his head and agree to this matter, so he naturally had to be prepared to bear the consequences.

Just as he was thinking divergently, an old man with a pale beard and hair walked in under the guidance of his servants and saluted Vespa respectfully.

"Your Majesty, do you want to see me for something?"

"Nothing serious, I just want to invite you to dinner. It's boring to stay in the mansion by myself. By the way, I want to ask you something. What do you think of the Franks?"

Pliny the Elder looked at him puzzledly, not understanding why his old friend would bring up such a thing: "You want me to lead troops to fight? Although it's not impossible, there are obviously better options, right?"

Vespa laughed out loud: "I can't hide it from you. Of course, I didn't mean to hide it. I really hope you can go on my behalf, and I There is no better choice. ”

He retorted: "Hasn't Aurelian been very popular recently? I have met him several times. Although he lacks knowledge and is not as erudite as I imagined, he is definitely much better than me in fighting. You need a general, not a scholar. That's enough. ”

Vespa just shook his head slightly. He couldn't say that he listened to his adopted son's words. He felt that Aurelian was a threat to his daughter's succession to the throne in the future, so he was secretly wary of him and didn't want to give him another chance to gain military merit. He could only pretend to let the other party stop asking questions.

Fortunately, he was the emperor, and Pliny the Elder was also very sensible and didn't continue to ask questions.

"If you don't want to talk, forget it. At my age, I don't care about your political struggles. Otherwise, it shouldn't be a big deal to talk while eating."

"It's better to solve it before the dinner table. We have more beautiful things to discuss."

"Then I asked directly, what do I want to do and what can you provide me?"

"Fifteen thousand legionnaires and supporting auxiliary soldiers, with more money, you go to support the front line of the German Legion. If those Germans dare to invade, you will immediately serve as the financial officer of the local legion to help and monitor the German Legion in combat."

Pliny the Elder is a very authoritative naturalist a thousand years later, and he is also an encyclopedic talent. Such people generally have a set of skills for everything they do. He not only wrote the 37-volume "Natural History", but also served as a cavalry officer in the German region. His experience is enough to write a book, and he wrote a book "On Cavalry Throwing Spears" to discuss various problems and precautions for cavalry using spears.

In addition, he also conducted in-depth research on the wars and history of the Germanic people and wrote "Wars in Germany". The Flavian royal family has recently read this set of books and they all felt it was refreshing and that it could be seen that he had a lot of knowledge.

Among all the military talents in the academy, Pliny the Elder is at a relatively good level. He is not very experienced, but he is definitely experienced. The key is that Vespa can trust him and he is reliable. The relationship between the two has always been good.

After weighing the pros and cons, Pliny the Elder agreed: "No problem, I can take on this task, it shouldn't be difficult. When do you leave? I can do it anytime, just give me the army when you can."

Vespa smiled: "No hurry, no hurry, let's eat first, and we'll talk about the army later. Now let's relax. My old subordinates brought a lot of rare animals from the south of Africa. Let's taste them together. I asked the chef to prepare the ingredients before, and we can have dinner in a while!"

After the official business was settled, Pliny the Elder also put these things behind him and began to talk to Vespa with his mind. The servants in the mansion were mobilized, and the mansion gradually became lively and prosperous.