"Of course, disarmament is not achieved overnight, we need time, and the resettlement of veterans also takes time, and all at once a large number of soldiers will lose their jobs, which will inevitably cause social unrest and unrest. I plan to complete this work gradually over a period of two years. ”

Apis took a sip of water and continued—

"As for the legions to be disbanded, I think this issue is also of primary concern to you. Specifically, the Fourth, Sixth, Eighth, Twelfth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth, and Sixteenth Legions...... These were legions of recruits, originally formed to fight Antony and the Germans, and most of them are now useless. Don't worry, after the disbandment of the legion, the disbanded legion commander still has the official position and special treatment of Rome. But the absence of the army does not prevent you from living comfortably in Rome. ”

Appis spoke so directly that the generals and legion commanders present looked at each other. With the advent of an era of peace, disarmament efforts must go hand in hand. Otherwise, it is against the Empire......

"The legions that have not been abolished will be responsible for garrisoning the provinces and territories, repairing roads, and building them. Yes, we need a lot of work to improve the infrastructure throughout the Roman province. Bringing the provinces closer together with the capital, Rome. All roads lead to Rome, and I hope that in a few years, from the capital, Rome will be able to reach all parts of the world. In addition, the 10th Legion and the Viper Legion (2nd Legion) will remain in the capital of Rome to participate in the construction of the Colosseum and the construction of the Aqueduct of Labinus. ”

In the solemn and solemn Great Hall, Apis said solemnly. The elevated drinking bridge that runs through the old and new parts of Rome and the name of Rabinus show Appis' respect and nostalgia for Rabinus.

"Appis, I have listened carefully to your plan, and I have a request. Can you bring it up now? ”

After announcing the specific tasks of the legion and the next government work, Maximus, who had been silent on the sidelines, suddenly spoke out, attracting the attention of the audience.

"Yes, say it, General Maximus."

Despite their close friendship in private, Apis was courteous on such a solemn occasion. It makes the atmosphere look serious and formal.

"Apis, if I'm not mistaken, the legions that I just disbanded do not include the three legions under my jurisdiction. The mission of the Thirteenth Army is in the east, so I intend to take the remaining two legions to the north and garrison the Upper Germanic Line, that is, the Elbe Line. ”

As soon as Maximus's words fell, the audience was a little impatient. The Germanic provinces were divided into Upper and Lower Germania, Lower Germania was close to Gaul, with a little agricultural and trade development, and Upper Germania was in the northernmost part of the empire, where it was almost still a primeval forest, all scattered tribes were inhabited, and it was very difficult to manage, and the local governor not only lived a hard life, but also had no oil and water, which can be said to be a thankless position. But Maximus offered to go there, which is really puzzling.

Of course, such a request could not be refused by Appis.

"Yes. Maximus, I will take your opinion into account. So, tell me, why did you ask to go to Germany? ”

Appis stared at his general with strange eyes.

"Rome, look around, the real enemy is only the barbarians of the Germanic north, the legion will decline without the enemy, in order to ensure the security of the Roman border, to ensure the combat effectiveness of the Roman legion, as a Roman citizen, it is obliged to complete this mission."

Maximus said impassionedly at the venue. But Appis knew that that was by no means what Maximus really thought.

…………

"Wait, brother."

After the meeting ended, Levius quickly found Maximus in the crowd, walked beside him, and "chatted".

"Levius, why did you say that to me?"

Walking down the white marble steps, Maximus looked back at the crowd that had dispersed, then turned to Levius with a smile.

"Yes, you know what I'm going to ask you?"

Levius' mouth opened wide, looking surprised.

"Could there be any other questions? I saw the strange look at the officers and officers present at the meeting just now, when I said that I was going to garrison the Upper Germanic region. ”

Maximus replied with a smile.

"Can you tell me, then, why? I also intend to marry my daughter to your son. They seemed to be in love with each other, and my daughter Aegina had mentioned this to me many times. ”

Levius wondered. He stared at Maximus, expressing his confusion at the general's decision.

"Brother, you and I are friends in trouble, absolutely loyal friends and brothers, aren't we?"

Maximus's expression suddenly became serious. His dark brown eyes had never been so deep.

"Yes, I swear in the name of Jupiter and in the name of my family, that your relationship with me is like a rock on the Palatine Hill, unbreakable."

"Okay, let's take a step and talk."

With that, Maximus pulled Levius into a carriage and headed to his villa outside the city.

……

"Brother, you've always wanted to ask me why I left Rome for the Germanic garrison. It was the land of bitter cold, the domain of the barbarians. Now, when there's no one around, I'll tell you the truth. ”

Under the shade of the trees, bathed in the warm sunshine of early summer, Maximus held his wine glass and said slowly.

"Brother, the reason is simple. I want to leave Rome, the land of right and wrong. Since Apis came to power, we have followed him through more than twenty years of bloody battles, conquering the sea and land, conquering Octavian and Antony, and conquering Germania and Parthia. And, in order to consolidate his power, Apis also successfully became emperor. However, Rome in times of peace was not actually peaceful. A vast empire without enemies will begin to strife within. And the places with the most intense internal friction are all the imperial capital Rome. This is an invisible war, I am personally not good at this kind of political struggle, with such a high status and power, one day I will be targeted, I will be crushed from power. To avoid this, I chose to leave Rome. Here's why. ”

Facing his best friend for many years, Maxim said frankly. After speaking, a smile of vicissitudes appeared on his face. From the defeat of Lepida to the fact that he became a subordinate of Appis, Maximus never imagined that he would get to where he is today. He didn't want to face the open and secret battles in the city of Rome, and with a simple personality, he chose to leave Rome and live in other provinces.

"Well, it is. During these years, Apis was on a foreign campaign, and I felt a deep pressure when I handled all kinds of internal affairs for him in Rome. If you don't do it well, there will be countless pairs of eyes staring, as you said, how many people want to take your place. ”

After Maximus finished speaking, Levius, who was sitting opposite, sighed.