"You want to abolish all taxes on the conquered Germanic lands?"

After another tribal victory, Apis introduced the concept of exemption from taxation for the first time in an attempt to spread it to the conquered Germanic regions. Pen, fun, pavilion www. biquge。 But this decision was unanimously opposed by the generals. The Romans attached great importance to the right to rule over the conquered territories, and the way to assert this right was undoubtedly through taxation and slavery. Apis' declaration that he could not be humiliated at will, and that the enslavement of the Germanic people had already aroused public opinion. And now, to directly abolish the tax, this is undoubtedly a rare measure against foreign races in the history of Rome, and when this voice first came out, Crassus Jr. and Livy and others vigorously opposed it.

"Yes, this will cause financial strain in a short time, but it will be conducive to our long-term rule, and after the material civilization of Rome penetrates these barbarian tribes, and then we can introduce Roman ideas and culture, then we can control these Germanic barbarians well."

In the face of criticism, Apis insisted on his position and argued with reason. In fact, this kind of thinking is to first bind foreign countries with material infiltration, and then wait until the other party comfortably enjoys the material civilization of advanced countries, and then impose spiritual civilization and culture on them. When the Germanic people were inseparable from Rome's various supplies and gradually accepted Roman civilization, they were taxed and religiously infiltrated. This would take at least five years, but it would have been beneficial to Roman rule in Germania, otherwise the cultural differences would have been so great that hundreds of tribes, large and small, would have rebelled from time to time.

"Appis, your plan is good, but it's too idealistic. Even if we agree to accept your view, the people and nobles of Rome will not agree and accept this view. This would be seen as a sign of cowardice, a sign of Rome's inability to control the barbarians, and even though we know your hard work, public opinion will make you very passive, Apis, have you figured this out? ”

Levius sat in the circle chair, his face melancholy and solemn expressing his opinion. This is not child's play, and whether this matter is done properly or not will directly affect the whole situation. If Apis had carried out his actions strongly, without regard for the power of public opinion, he might even have lost his support in Rome, and years of hard work would have been in vain. Once public opinion turned against him, Octavian had ample reasons to conquer Gaul. As Appis himself said, the current situation is like walking on the edge of a knife, and if you are not careful, you will be crushed and bloody.

"Reformation came at a cost, and every Roman advance was the result of the practice of brave explorers. The Germanic people are two very different races from us, and their beliefs and ideas are completely different from ours. These barbarians regard paying taxes as a shameful act, and they will continue to resist until they win their freedom. And what we have to do is to give them this sense of freedom, and boil the frogs in warm water and slowly eat away at them. Alas, of course, I have thought of the resistance you are talking about, but there is no better way to avoid this obstruction of public opinion and traditional forces, but even so, I want to try. I will select from among these twenty-five tribes the three Germanic tribes who have taken refuge in me, cancel their taxes, and test the reaction of public opinion and the voice of the people. If the resistance is not great and acceptable, then I will continue to push forward this reform, for the Germans were valiant warriors, and it would be of great benefit to Rome if they could be used instead of being enemies of them. ”

In the midst of the silence of the crowd, Apis continued to hold on to his opinion......

……

In September, when the summer heat was fading, the Egyptian queen's fleet sailed into Damascus' port in Beirut. The white sails symbolize pure friendship, and the lavish queen is dressed in a pure gold sedan chair, carried by thirty-two servants, and slowly sets foot on the ancient land of Syria. She held the armrest of the pure gold sedan chair in one hand, and the ivory scepter inlaid with gems in the other, her body wrapped in silk was like graceful and sexual, and her soft skin was looming.

And Mark Antony, who hadn't seen the queen for three years, couldn't help but sit on his circle chair and feel uneasy. He made ten thousand preparations, but when they met, he was once again attracted and bewitched by the beauty and elegance of Cleopatra. Although she is over thirty years old, Queen Cleopatra's figure is not out of shape, with a high nose bridge and a delicate face, which still exudes the charming atmosphere of the royal family.

"Cleopatra, the noble commander of the Roman legions, the great General Mark Antony, heir to the Ptolemaic dynasty, now extends to you the kindest greetings and the most sincere gifts of me and my people."

Although the moment they met, the eyes of both parties contained the fire between men and women, Cleopatra maintained good etiquette and reserve in full view. She ordered her servants to present the fifty chests full of gold and silver utensils and coins as a token of friendship and alliance with Rome.

Anthony knows that everything is a matter of interest, and he and the queen have come together for their own interests and purposes. Egypt could provide a steady stream of food and financial support for Antony's legions, and Queen Cleopatra also maintained her throne through an alliance with Antony, allowing Egypt to continue to exist as an independent kingdom. It's like two merchants who do dirty trades, but they are clothed in gold.

"Will Anthony be seduced by this witch?"

On stage, a gorgeous ceremony is underway. In the audience, Fabius, a former colleague of the party, whispered sullenly to his colleagues.

"Not necessarily, but it seems that our great General Anthony has been attracted to this bewitching woman."

One of Caesar's chief centurions replied sullenly. attracted Fabius's approving gaze, but it was helpless. Antony, who had lived a hard life a few months ago, vowing to conquer Parthia and complete Caesar's unfinished business, is now a beast controlled by yin desires.

"The Legion will not accept the leadership of a general who has been assimilated by an alien race."

Then the centurion continued to speak indignantly. There was resentment in his eyes, and in his eyes, the last spirit and tradition of the republic were slowly being eaten away by this foreign witch, and the image of Antony was crumbling, like a white statue that symbolized the glory of Rome.