"You must stop marching, Appis. Calabria and Sicily are now my land, and the people there want me to govern it. Even before I arrived, a number of merchants gathered in the port of Cyprus and demanded that I set foot on Sicilian soil. You understand what you need to do next. ”

Octavian was besieged in Ancona, where Octavia and Lilia had set out to persuade Octavian to surrender and accept the offer of peace. The situation was very favorable for Appis, seeing that a large area of Italian land and cities was about to fall into his arms, the "plague god" Antony appeared in the southern Italian city - Brindisi with a big belly. And with his legions, he made it all the way to the city of Capua. Appis and the wealthy "great general of Egypt" held talks on the outskirts of Capua.

Before the talks began, everyone knew what was going to be negotiated at today's meeting, Antony was a black bear hiding in the corner watching the beast fight, seeing the two major forces of Apis and Octavian fighting hard and exhausting their strength, at this time, he swaggered out of the dark corner, demanding that the victorious side submit and compromise with him, otherwise, he would use his overwhelming advantage to crush the other party. You must know that Appis has just used all his strength to fight a bloody battle with Octavian, both financially and militarily, which is a huge consumption and burden. At this time, Antony suddenly visited, and it was more of a threat than a peace negotiation, and he knew that Apis had no bargaining chips, and if he did not agree, Alexander's Roman army could besiege Rome, and the praying mantis caught cicadas and yellow finches behind, and Apis knew that this was the truth.

"Antony, I have no intention of arguing with you about the ownership of those regions, but I have heard that there are still garrisons of Octavian in Sicily and Calabria (the southern tip of Italy), and that these legions have sworn allegiance to Octavian. I don't know if you've gained the love and popularity of the local population, but at least I know that the legions and defenders won't be so welcoming to you. ”

Despite knowing that he had no advantage to speak of, Apis did his best to preserve the fruits of his labor. Rome can have today, relying on his own efforts step by step, little by little accumulation, how much energy has been spent in the middle, how many huge adventures, to have today's results, in any way, Apis is not willing to give up easily.

"You don't have to worry about those legions, I'll take care of it. I'm here today just to reach a consensus with you. You, now let your legions stop marching, including the Capua and Campania regions, all belong to me, to my land of Antony. As for what you want to do with that Turinus, I'm not interested, he's a usurper in the first place, and no one knows the truth about the will. ”

Sitting in front of Appis, Anthony said casually.

This is the manner of the dignified Roman general Antony, like an unlearned robber and a rogue, Apis felt disgusted in his heart, but there was nothing he could do, in the face of absolute force, any reason and elegant learning is nonsense.

…………

Capua, Apis reluctantly accepted Antony's robber-like request, and a few days later, Lilia and Octavia arrived at Ancona, the last place where Octavidinus had entrenched.

"Surrender, surrender to Appis, my dear, even if I beg you, you loved me so much, even to your children, Turinus, you will be a good husband, a good father. The children need you, and I need you, now, please let go of the obsession in your heart and compromise with Apis, we can live a peaceful and peaceful life, this is the promise that Apis gave us. ”

In the dim room, Lilia, the good wife and mother, persuaded Octavian to compromise with Appis. His conditions were so simple, as long as Octavian renounced his title of Caesar. But such a condition that is so easy to compromise with others is impossible for Octavian. The name of Caesar was his faith, the source of all his struggles, and without this name he would have nothing.

"No, I don't compromise. That's my name, it's my life! Apis wants to take my life, so let him take it. Lilia, I'm sorry...... I can't take care of you for the rest of my life, and my love for you may have to be continued in Hades, taking care of Tiberius and Julia. ”

Octavian's mood fluctuated, and when he spoke of Caesar, he was exuberant and righteous when he spoke of Caesar's name. However, when it comes to love, when it comes to his wife and two children, his eyes become soft and desolate again. He seemed to see those old days in Rome, Lilia snuggled up to him like a gentle deer, picking up a quill and reading official documents, Tiberius and Julia playing happily in the courtyard. All kinds of tastes, all kinds of emotions, almost tore him apart.

"To live is to live, Turinus, give up resistance, you know, we have no hope, and on my way here, Appis has reached an agreement with Antony to divide Italy. Antony was to march into Calabria and Sicily, and Appis was to occupy Rome and a vast area north of Rome. That's how they divided Italy. Your legions in the South, can you still count on them? Even if they are loyal to you and to Caesar, Antony's power is too great for him to eat away at and destroy them little by little. Come home with me, Turinus, Apis promised, and if you accepted his offer, he would settle us in Rome. We can go back. ”

Looking at the stubborn and arrogant Octavian, Lilia was full of tears, this was her last chance, begging Octavian to turn back, the Italian battlefield, the general situation has been decided, there are no gods, and there is no glory to speak of.

"Even if Calabria and Sicily have been encroached upon by Antony, I cannot surrender, I cannot compromise. I know best what kind of man Apis is, and he would never have been so merciful as to let us go back alive. Even in Rome, he will kill us in secret. There can be no two hegemons in one ocean. ”

Octavian almost roared back. He rarely looks like this, which is a strong contrast to his calm and calm personality. Lilia even couldn't believe that the young man in front of her was her young husband who was calm and had beautiful ideals.

"Lilia, my wife, go back, or stay here, but no matter what, don't persuade me again. I have been confused and confused, and I have been sad and painful, but when I entered this small city with the ruined Thirteenth Legion, I saw the expectant gaze of countless people, who revered Caesar, and I must live up to my father's name. This is something that no one can take away. ”

Octavian suddenly calmed down again and replied. And this may be the last time Lilia saw her husband so calm, because in a few days, Appis, who could not get an answer, might come to the city of Ancona with his huge army. A bloodbath is inevitable......

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