Crusader Kings: Prisoners of War

The route in the eastern Mediterranean was already very mature. Apart from the somewhat dramatic pirate attack, they encountered no other problems. The group finally arrived in Ephesus from Egypt smoothly as planned.

The two of them had plans for these days. Cleopatra would first visit some local celebrities. The Ptolemaic family had always had some kind of connection with these big figures in the Greek world. She wanted to learn from these people by the way. Winning some support, and then getting some sponsorship back.

She is also preparing to give a speech locally to win over some people. Orwell is pessimistic about the effects of these actions, but Cleopatra herself regards these actions as part of her "royal duties", so there is nothing to say. Yes, that’s understandable.

Orville directly conducted a surprise inspection of his property in Ephesus - the feedback was pretty good, the accounts were clear, and the personnel composition was not unclear. There were definitely minor problems with funds, but they were acceptable. Will let these people go this time.

His property in the Panhellenic region was taken care of by his former comrade-in-arms Capua Valerianus. Due to some kind of admiration for Orville, Valerian naturally chose to return to Orwell later. In order to accept the recruitment, working with Orville at this time, the loyalty is somewhat guaranteed.

As a descendant of a merchant family, he is impeccable in his work and can do well with a little guidance and familiarity. The industry in the Panhellenic region has been expanding steadily and slowly under his hands, and now it has reached some scale.

Of course, Orville did not put all his hopes in self-consciousness. He modeled on the models of some later countries or companies and established a highly mobile and random inspection team that was directly owned by him to monitor and eliminate various hidden dangers in his industry. and borers.

This can also be regarded as a way to accumulate experience for future preparations. First, try out experiments with commercial organizations, and then do similar things in politics. He needs to know the scale and specific methods.

Domitian (Domitian), who is still growing up, would have done similar things in history, establishing a prosecutorial agency and promoting the practice of informing, in order to control the Senate.

It’s just that it’s obvious that he went too far, and this kind of prosecution and reporting is mainly based on civilians, which will inevitably lead to chaos and loss of control later on. More importantly, this kind of strict monitoring seriously violates the interests of the elders, so he is very unpopular with them. The Senate liked it.

After his death, he was sentenced to memory erasure. The leaders of these intellectuals reduced Domitian to a debauched and unscrupulous tyrant, and most of his achievements were erased. In fact, current views basically believe that Domitian was not guilty of this. , he is considered a somewhat capable monarch, even if he is not as good as his father and brother, he should still be above the level.

People judge gains and losses. Orville learned from Domitian's experience. Of course, he should not make the same mistakes. He should be more confident and more meticulous in doing things. Since he doesn't know how to do it, he should slowly accumulate experience and make trial and error. .

After completing the inspection work, he was also going to discuss trade issues with local wealthy businessmen and dignitaries - after the iron and paper on his side are finished, there must be buyers. Although there is definitely no shortage of buyers for this strategic resource, but in advance It would be safer to find them well, not to mention that he also has needed supplies and needs to exchange supplies with other regions.

——

While Orville was busy handling various business affairs, a carriage stopped at the door of a beach house on the outskirts of Ephesus. Cleopatra got out of the carriage, led by her servants.

Under the door of the villa, Cleopatra's sister Arsinoe stood there, wearing a relaxed silk uniform, looking at her sister with a smile.

She said in a jumpy tone: "I thought we sisters would never see each other again in this life, but I didn't expect that there is still some residual affection between us."

Cleopatra looked at her helplessly: "I have always regarded you as a sister, but it's hard for me to say what you think of me. As for meeting, actually I don't really want to see you now. Maybe it would be better to give both of us some time to calm down.

It is Orville's wish to come to see you, so from this point of view, maybe you still have a chance. Maybe he will suddenly start to commit the common problem of those men, being conceited and then start to think that he is a hero and show mercy to you, and then he may be merciful and take you back to his hometown of Egypt. "

Arsinoe said resolutely: "This is impossible, my sister, you have been with that person for much longer than me, how can you still not know what kind of character he is? I have only been with him for a couple of days. It was obvious within a few hours. If you compare celebrities with him, he is definitely not a figure like Hercules or Jason. If anything, he must have the character of a Persian. He is cautious and dislikes Carry out heroic but reckless actions and like to use strange techniques to solve problems."

Cleopatra was noncommittal: "Maybe that's the case. My main purpose is to visit you. How are you doing here? Are there any problems that I or Orville can help solve?"

Arsinoe waved his hand and refused generously: "Very good, His Royal Highness the Prince has given me enough freedom, and also provided me with a good pocket money. I can be a rich man here with peace of mind, which is not bad."

As the two talked, they entered the villa. Arsinoe showed Cleopatra various things with great interest, including silk fabrics and wool carpets she bought from Parthia, mosaics she bought from Rome, and elephant ivory statues she bought from Africa.

It seemed that she had acquired many new hobbies after being under house arrest, which made Cleopatra feel a little more comfortable. After all, they were sisters with blood thicker than water. She was not contaminated by too many family habits, and did not have the habit of killing her brothers, sisters and children. Seeing her relatives live better was always reassuring.

Although Arsinoe was a loser in the political struggle, she did not seem to be resentful. Instead, she was very happy about the arrival of her sister. She prepared a very rich welcoming banquet for Cleopatra. It was not the kind of zoo that served rare species. It can be seen that Arsinoe really put a lot of thought into the taste matching.

Sitting casually on the chair, Arsinoe said to his sister, "Don't worry about me poisoning you. I never wanted to kill you from the beginning. I treated this place as my own palace. Killing you will not do me any good. I'm afraid that with the character of His Royal Highness, he will not let it go. I am not indispensable."