Augustus Road

"The Romans should not treat any good person badly, whether he is a commoner or a noble. The difference in status should not be the basis for us to judge the facts. The fact is that Lucula's war made indispensable contributions to Rome's interests in Asia Minor. With his indelible contribution, he is qualified to enjoy any level of triumphal ceremony!" After Cato finished speaking, many nobles stood up and applauded.

Then, the two groups began to sarcastically and curse each other from a distance, "That's enough, let's reach a resolution as soon as possible. We can count whether the number of people present has reached the legal number of expressions. Everyone, let us reach an agreement before dusk sets." ” The rotating chairman of the Senate reminded everyone.

Finally, the resolution was carried out according to three options, "unqualified", "small triumph" and "big triumph". As soon as this voting proposal was put forward, Cato said to the people next to him: "I am for myself." Friend Tuna had a small triumph, which wasn’t such a bad ending.”

Before sunset, the Senate decided to announce that Luculas's small triumphal ceremony would be held on the first market day after the Wolf-Chasing Festival.

A few days later, Luculas left his villa in Campania and arrived in Rome. Kelly knocked on the door of Calabis' apartment that day and said to him: "Get dressed smartly now." , Go to the Temple of Apollo, where we will hold the ceremony." Calabis did not dare to neglect, he covered the half-old cloak that Luculas gave him, and came to the God of Apollo in an open space. In front of the temple, hundreds of slaves and free people belonging to Luculas were busy: wiping the captured armor and weapons, riding restless horses, and inlaying shiny gems on the chariot. The working people, whether they had their own workshops or stores, but upon hearing the patron's call, they all put aside what they were doing and came on time.

When six hundred veterans of the Mithridatic War walked to the open space in front of the temple, Kelly carried out a map frame with a mosaic of the triumphal route - Calabis winked at the map Blinking his eyes, he memorized the directions of the seven hills of Rome, as well as many places such as the vegetable market and the cattle market. His memory was amazing.

In the end, Kelly's instructions to everyone were full of loopholes. Karabis on the side couldn't help it, raised his hand and said, "Let me do it." Then, Karabis walked to the map and cleared his throat. , accompanied by gestures and in very clear and concise language, told everyone where to start, what buildings to use as reference points along the way, what General Lukulas should do, and what we should do.

"You can be a military tribune, but it's a pity that Uteris is dead, and Calabis you are not qualified. Sometimes I am afraid that there will be no successor." When the soldiers listening to the route nodded frequently, Lu Kuras appeared behind him and said with a slightly sentimental smile. Behind him stood a man with an unnatural smile. Although he was almost forty years old, he was hiding behind Luculas a little shyly. "This is my brother, Marcus. Oh, And here is the lawyer who once became famous for accusing my brother, the current city magistrate, His Excellency Julius Caesar." Luculas raised his other hand, and Caesar's charming smile appeared. , he hugged Marcus and joked: "Every Roman youth has been debauched. I still remember when I went to the hospital for the first time when I was thirteen years old, I happened to meet my mother when I came out. She said - Hey, Son, you have finally done what a Roman man should do. I accused Marcus of the same thing back then, because I wanted to make a name for myself in this city. Now, Marcus and I are close friends, and at the same time. It is also my honor to preside over your triumphal ceremony.”

After the triumphant general appeared on the stage, all the free people and soldiers present saluted him. Luculas was also in a rare good mood. He stood on the steps of the temple and shouted: "In front of Apollo, the god of our family, everyone! Work hard, and I declare that the soldiers participating in my triumphal ceremony will receive six hundred drachmas each, slaves and free men each will receive three hundred drachmas, and the settlement will be that day, all of them are real guys with engraved owls."

When everyone heard that the reward was so generous, they couldn't help but praise the patron's generosity and wealth loudly. Calabis secretly calculated, good guy, three hundred silver "owls", plus what I had before - immediately After my job at Vesta Temple stabilized, I moved my family to a spacious apartment with hot water.

Amid the cheers, Caesar was also very happy and asked Luculas whether he would retreat after the triumphal ceremony and no longer participate in the open and secret fights of the "ivory armchairs" (referring to the senators). Luculas replied with some disappointment that my achievements will disappear after the triumphal ceremony. When Pompey conquers Pontus, he will be a rising political star, and he will soon enjoy the second time in his life. This is the second great triumph, and I will eventually spend my life in inaction.

"People of our generation should be old at gardening. Only Crassus still doesn't admit that it's already sunset." Luculas concluded with a smile.

"I think Crassus is right. When I entered the political arena, I had already completely buried the weakness and tears of young people. I could only accept the cheers of thousands of people, or a lonely death, one of the two." Caesar's eyes seemed to be filled with fire, "Compared with Pompey, I am too far behind. I need to go to a higher level. Luculas, do you hate Pompey who took away your military power? Then you should be more careful about money." support me."

Luculas then asked: "How much debt do you have?"

"One hundred talents."

"You can use this money to organize an army and go to the East or Spain to plunder wealth."

"I am unlucky. If I were like you, Lucullus, with the command of three legions, I could conquer the East and Spain together and make everyone rich."

"I can help you repay this money, but I have to warn you that your political path is radical and dangerous. You completely rely on bribery to kidnap public opinion. In the end, the cave of greed will become larger and larger until it swallows you up."

"In Rome, is there any other political path to choose?" Caesar smiled slightly.

"Also, I heard that you seduced Pompey's wife during your single period. Is this a new path?"

"..."

After a market day, Luculus's small triumphal procession finally began. In the Flaminius Racing Arena under the Palatine Hill, rows of weapons captured by Luculus in the Pontic War were displayed. Many children of Roman civilians rushed in shouting, looking at the generals' armor decorated with gorgeous feathers and gems, as well as the siege towers and catapults that looked like giant beasts. "Are these used by Mithridates?" Several children from noble families pointed to the largest siege tower that was 100 cubits high and asked.

"Yes, the evil King of Pontus used this giant beast to attack the city of Sizicus in Bithynia. This behemoth was designed by Nicknaide, an engineer under the King of Pontus." Carabis, standing at the door with a smile, explained to the children. The little pigeon Paluma tightly held the corner of his adoptive father's clothes and looked around as his father explained.

"What is this ship?" A noble child pointed at a small ship on display and asked in doubt.

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