"This reform seems to be in earnest, and the atmosphere is almost suffocating when you look at the soldiers patrolling the streets every day."

"Really? Not necessarily, the more obvious the reform, the less it is really real. Don't you know what our commander in chief of the Northern Army did? What he really wants to do, he won't do it so high-profile, and the more high-profile things he announces, in fact, it's just a cover-up. ”

In the streets of Lugdurum in early autumn, heavily armed legionnaires routinely patrol by, and the air of murder fills the air. Fanatical civilians carved the name of Apis in the streets and alleys, praising the first leader since Caesar to truly care about them. The aristocrats hid their faces and stood together in twos and threes, discussing this vigorous change.

"How so? Do you see the clue to this? ”

Resario, a wealthy businessman, stood on the street, under the arcade of an ordinary apartment, and asked his colleagues curiously.

"I've heard that a few days ago, Valentus, a member of the council, had reached a cooperation with Appis. Collect taxes together from the Spanish province, the city of Córdoba. And the profit is three or seven points, Apis takes the lion's share, and Valentus takes the minus. Oh, tax reform, look at it, this is what he calls tax reform. ”

The old nobleman Scipio replied disdainfully.

"Could there be such a thing? Where did you get your news? ”

Resario was amazed at what he heard. Originally, he thought that tax reform was the benchmark project that Appis was going to implement, but now, Scipio's statement seemed to be unexpected.

"The news that Valentus's subordinates revealed, from that mansion. But in fact, without Abyss's permission, where would they dare to reveal such information. ”

"You mean Apis deliberately revealed such information to us?"

Resario continued to ask.

"Yes, with my years of experience, and what I know about Abyss, he deliberately revealed these things."

"And what is his purpose in doing this?"

"It's clear that Apis is hinting at us. Reform is actually a reshuffling of power, winning the hearts and minds of the people by administrative regulations, and then stopping the business of the tax collector, collecting the tax power into his own hands, and then redistributing it to his own henchmen, the core members of the parliament. Although the new tax system is set by the Lugdurum Administration Office, and the Lugdurum government pays for the salaries of public servants, in fact, it has not changed much. It's just that the interests that originally belonged to some people are taken back through the means of public opinion, taken into their own hands, and then redistributed. It was distributed to his henchmen and men. In fact, Abyss is trying to tell us that there is a way out by cooperating with him. Those who oppose him will only be eliminated. Indeed, with the support of the common people and the promulgation of regulations, the great families had no choice but to obediently hand over the right to collect taxes in the provinces, and in fact, Appis not only won the hearts of the people this time, but also warned his enemies in Gaul. It's really a powerful tool, and he has indeed made a lot of progress over the years. ”

Cibio leaned against the pillars and said with a look of disdain. It is true that he did not touch on the turmoil of this reform, but it does not mean that there will be nothing next, if this reform goes smoothly, then there will definitely be a second and third one next. More people will certainly be affected, including themselves.

"This is a robber!"

Ressario scolded indignantly after knowing the truth. Because things are as Scipio said, then he will undoubtedly become the next batch of Apis to deal with, either partner with him, ally, and share the benefits together, otherwise, there will always be means to bring you down. Moreover, public opinion will still support him, and the people will support him......

"A robber in the garb of justice."

Cibio smiled bitterly.

"And, if you don't cooperate with him, there will always be someone who cooperates with him, because of your position, how many people behind you are worried about it."

Cibio continued. There was a helpless expression on his face. Perhaps the era of chasing profits should have passed, and in the chaotic times, it is fortunate to be able to keep their original wealth. He remembered the massacre of Senate officials by Antony and Octavian in Rome. That's when he decided to flee Rome, and although Apis was also a robber, at least it wasn't so bloody and rough......

……

"Levius, I've done pretty much what I need to do. Next, you just have to follow this plan and Maxim will help you stabilize the law and order in Lugdunum. There are opponents, instigators, direct secret arrests. Don't worry about the exodus of the aristocracy, they can't go, their assets are here, manors, villas, mines, land, they can't take them away. There is also no need to worry about discontent, the opposition will continue for a while, but when these people are gone, there will be new nobles who will take their place. But you have to remember that this is a reform, and to the people, to promote it all the time, we are changing the world. ”

In Lugdunum Appis's private villa, before leaving, Apis was explaining the final things to his deputy, Livius. The servants were all branched out, and in the beautiful courtyard, there were only the voices of two people bowing their heads and whispering. Even Tertilla walked away with a sense of humor, though if she forced her in, Appis would let her in. But these years of ups and downs have taught Tertira some truths, for example, knowing too many things is not necessarily good......

"Livius, you are one of my most trusted brothers, and when I went south to Spain and Africa, Gaul was left alone to manage. I'm sure you can take care of the rear for me, and this time too. The rebellion in Britain should also be settled, and tomorrow I will go north with my legions to quell the rebellion in Britain. If the riots of these barbarians are not resolved before the arrival of winter, it may need to wait until next year. But it is also possible that it will only take a few weeks for the tribe to surrender. In short, no matter how long it takes, the stability of Gaul Germania is once again in your hands. ”

Apis took Livius's hand, the one that had once raised the sword, and now picked up the pen and the bookboard as the situation required it.

After explaining everything, Apis asked his personal servant to inform Tertila that he could come in, and that they would have dinner together tonight. Outside the cloister, smoke from the kitchen has risen, and you can vaguely smell the aroma of roast goose and wine.