Terracotta jars, oh, wonderful terracotta jars. Pen % fun % Pavilion www.biquge.info

When this game of the modern lottery industry spread and spread in the city of New Carthage, its popularity even exceeded that of Apis. Originally, it was thought that asking people to pay for the pottery ear jars with the prize money would make everyone think that it was a trick of scammers, but since the first citizen to win the prize shouted excitedly in the square, more and more people began to believe in the game released by the city magistrate.

They were like avid gamblers, from the elderly to children, all of whom were eager to try their luck, and for spending a Sestyr, they could get a prize of five hundred dinars, and the ratio of investment and reward was too high to have a huge attraction for the average Roman citizen.

However, within a few days, the killing of those citizens who won the award has become another thorny social problem. For this reason, Appis temporarily changed the rules of the game, and in order to cash out the prize, he must wear a mask and cloak to go to the designated place to cash out. And the cash-out points are different every day to prevent thugs from looting and stealing those exorbitant prizes.

A week after the launch of the game, Appis and Crassus Jr. have already made a lot of money. And now, it's time to negotiate with the pirates.

At dusk, Apis stood at the highest point of the city's villa, looking at the incomparably large and stunning city below the sunset, and for a moment, Apis really wanted to be here, to transform the city, to use the proceeds from the lottery industry to renovate the city's infrastructure, to renovate the dilapidated arenas, bathhouses, and theaters, to put marble slabs on the ground of its entrance, and to clean the dirt that had accumulated on the stone pillars for a long time. Let these great buildings of ancient Rome reflect the dazzling light in the sunset. Apis even wanted to replan the city's new town and build it into a prosperous capital on the western shore of the Mediterranean, however, at the moment these funds were not enough to do so much, and even if he had sufficient funds, if he wanted to become a governor of a province, he would have to serve as a member of the Senate first, run for consul, and then become a provincial magistrate, which was still a long way off for Apis.

"The pirates won't cooperate with us, Appis. They felt that the risk was too high, and Pompey's fleet had blockaded all the ports in Africa, strictly forbidding the flow of wheat, grain, and other necessities into Rome. The pirates feared that smuggling these items would cause them endless trouble. ”

The temporary headquarters of the Legion in New Carthage, Crassus Jr. frowned and talked to Apis about the outcome of the negotiations with the pirates. Appis, however, disagreed. You know, the reason why pirates become pirates is not because they want to be bandits and outlaws, but because they are too poor, have desires, and want to accumulate wealth by plundering. Essentially, these people are money-loving people who are not afraid of losing their lives, and they do not agree to the business, no doubt because the remuneration is not enough, and the wealth they have obtained is not worth the risk. As a result, the negotiations broke down.

"Next time, I'll go with you to talk to them. I think we need to be prepared with enough sincerity. ”

Appis sat in a soft chair and said with a serious expression. Perhaps, in order to buy grain from Africa, all the money obtained from the issuance of terracotta jars will be spent on these smuggled goods.

……

Two days later, the pirate leader with a group of men, again with the officers of the Roman legions, sat in their pirate ship. It was a dilapidated houseboat, but the pirates were reluctant to go ashore at the place of the negotiation, fearing that the likes of Appis and Crassus Jr. would hold them hostage from shore.

As far as the eye can see, this dilapidated houseboat is crammed with all sorts of exotic goods, even all kinds of crafts and fine silks from the East. This means that the pirates are not in fact incapable of smuggling goods, as long as the reward is sufficient.

"You are Pompey's enemies, and we don't need to die for this business, Roman generals."

Phillips hung his hair down, his eyes hidden behind the long strands of hair, revealing an eerie, grim gesture. But compared to the Romans, the attire of these people would only be identified as a barbarian characteristic. In Rome, nobles and knights usually wore short haircuts for a long time, and long hair was only seen by the Romans as a symbol of barbarianism. But pirates don't think about it that much, they don't spend most of their time in Rome, robbers who don't have citizenship.

"Listen, friend. I know that your invitation to come here today is not insincere, in fact, every time you act, you risk your lives to rob the ships of trade, and even if we do not have the request, you will face the encirclement and threat of the Roman navy at every turn. But you still did that, for what? I don't think I'll say it, you all know it in your hearts. Phillips, we are all businessmen, businessmen always pursue interests, I don't believe that businessmen have such lofty ideals, for what republic. For glory? For the sake of those, we're not going to sit here today and discuss these dark and shoddy deals, are we? Say, friend, what's your asking price? ”

Appis stared at the pirate leader and said with a calm expression. This dialogue surprised the pirate leader. The commander of the Roman legion in front of him was perhaps the most unashamed one he had ever seen. When he talks about business and cooperation, he goes straight to the point, leaving behind all the glory and identity that the Romans valued. He's like a complete profiteer with only one goal, to make the deal quick and easy.

"General. Caesar's General. You are the most sincere Roman general I have ever met. You don't wear a mask and pretend to be on top. But even if I like you, I know you won't be able to meet my asking price. ”

The pirate leader leaned his half-lying body forward, propped his hands on the table with his elbows, and said slowly. His gaze was on Apis like a greedy vampire staring at his prey.

"Say it. Friend. ”

"One hundred thousand dinars."

Phillips raised his voice and shouted loudly. So much so that the entire cabin could clearly hear the terrible asking price. They seemed to want to watch the surprised expressions of these Roman officers for the next second.

"You ......"

Little Crassus was on the verge of jumping out of his chair to end the negotiation. Or rather, this negotiation is no longer a negotiation in his opinion, but the group of pirates who are laughing and fooling themselves when they take advantage of their danger. The Romans could not accept such conditions!

"Deal."

But Appis used his left hand in time to stop the impulsive behavior of little Crassus.

Now, it's the pirates' turn to be dumbfounded. 100,000 dinars can completely renovate all the public facilities in the entire city, and if this price is sold, it is equivalent to the next group of pirates can enjoy the service of slaves, delicious food, and abundant supplies. You can even buy a citizenship in the city of Rome and go to the most prosperous metropolis in the Mediterranean to live the rest of your life in comfort. And don't do anything else.

"Are you crazy? Roman generals? ”

Phillips' eyes widened, in fact, not only did he widen his eyes with a look of surprise, but even the pirates behind him all looked at Apis in amazement. They could not understand how the Roman general had managed to raise so much money in such a short period of time after capturing the city. It stands to reason that Caesar could not have provided so much money to his generals. The Roman legions needed to loot to gain wealth, and the Roman army apparently did not plunder the city, nor did they slaughter it, they even had to feed the entire city's civilians. All kinds of signs made the pirate leader start to wonder if what Apis said was true?

"No, I'm not crazy, one hundred thousand dinars, not a lot. Two weeks later, you bring the grain to the dock, pay for it with one hand, and deliver it with the other. The treasurer inspects the goods and gives you coins on the spot. ”

Faced with the pirates' surprised expressions, Apis continued to speak generously. (To be continued.) )