"Apis, you know, Cicero is not on my cleanup list, he is the one Anthony wants to kill. Pen %Fun %Cabinet www.biquge.info and I, just going back to Rome to carry out this plan. But Appis, you and I have been friends for many years, so I have to tell you that, in fact, Anthony is not my absolute ally. I know that Cicero is very important to you, that he is your mentor and friend, and that I want to protect him for you. ”

Octavian sat down and spoke gently. The pale face revealed the brilliance of wisdom. Appis sensed that a conspiracy seemed to be brewing in Octavian's mind, or rather had been hatched, waiting for his prey to take the bait.

"But you definitely have the conditions to ......"

Appistan Cheng returned.

"Yes, I would like to ally with you and protect Cicero more than Anthony, so I want you to marry my sister Octavia. Through marriage, we will strengthen our alliance. ”

"Octavian, I can agree to any other condition, but I can't agree to this condition. This is betrayal, I can't betray my family. ”

As soon as Octavian's words fell, he was rejected by Appis. Appis remembered the distant years, indeed, when Octavia gave himself tenderness and affection, and even once saved his own life. But that was in the past, and now Tertila is his wife.

"Apils, you must be calm, Brutus has been stubbornly resisting in Greece for a whole year, the people of Rome hate this demon who assassinated Caesar, and your wife Tertila is Brutus's own sister, this relationship must be considered. At this time, everything you do will alert the people, you want to protect Cicero, however, in this, public opinion can make a big fuss. You have to think about what's at stake. My friend. Put aside your so-called bottom line and principles, in Rome, it is too common to marry for the sake of a power alliance, this is not a betrayal, after marriage, you can still have a relationship with Tertilla, this is just a formality. ”

In the face of Appis's rage, Octavian sat down in the circle chair as calmly as he could and spoke slowly. His analysis sounded plausible, but Apis knew that such an analysis was more or less threatening. But Apis was not afraid of this threat.

"Octavian Turinus, thank you for your long-standing trust and support in me, and I do not wish to affect our friendship because of this. Octavia is a good woman, she's had enough of being hurt because of politics, and I don't want to get myself involved with her anymore, let alone hurt Tertila. I have to say that marriage is a good means and method, but it is not applicable to me. ”

Appis stood up and replied to Octavian in a serious tone. Then, I saw Octavian's indifferent expression.

"In that case, I will have to have Cicero killed. My friend, this is not a threat, this is politics. ”

Octavian returned with a blank and cold face.

Perhaps a person is born to do something special, and Appis suddenly remembered what Adia had said, which was an evaluation of Octavian, and it seemed that this was indeed the case. So young, but so rational and calm in dealing with all kinds of affairs, Octavian always had maturity and wisdom beyond his years.

……

After the breakdown of negotiations with Octavian, Cicero's situation became a bit of a problem. Not allied with Octavian meant that Cicero would face the horrific assassination forces alone, as Apis did not return to Rome with his army and could not openly protect Cicero.

"I must flee this city!"

Appis told Cicero of the outcome of the negotiations, and the aged Cicero panicked, and for the senate officials who had not experienced a bloody battlefield, they were undoubtedly horrified when they heard of the bloody disaster. Especially for a wealthy class like Cicero, who had lived in the comfort of Rome all their lives.

"No, you can't escape, Octavian's assassins will follow you all the way, wherever you hide, they will find you, and then assassinate you in some dark corner."

Faced with Cicero's frightened performance, Apis calmly analyzed and returned.

"So what should I do? Do you open your chest to their sharp blades and bayonets? ”

Frightened, Cicero was in a state of flux. Pacing back and forth.

"Calm down, my teacher. Maybe you should stay in Rome. The most dangerous place is the safest place. ”

"Are you crazy? Appis, do you want me to stay in Rome? I can guarantee that at the rate at which Octavian's executioners are now dealing with the nobility, I guarantee that I will not survive more than three days! ”

"Listen to what I'm saying. Calm down. ”

With that, Appis got up, pressed his old friend Cicero's shoulder, and asked him to calm down.

"My old friend, Cicero, we are now at the most dangerous moment and we must work together to get through this difficult time. I have a plan now to save you from the bloody sword of the Octavian assassins, but you must do exactly what I say. Do not be stingy with your possessions and money. Can you do it? ”

Appis said, grimacing. Apparently, it was an extremely serious conversation that decided the life and death of Cicero, the central figure of the Senate.

"Life is more important than possessions, and of course I can do that."

Cicero hurried back.

"Now, then, go to the Civic Square, gather the citizens, give a speech, and tell the populace of Rome that in two weeks you will have a grand gladiatorial race and a horse race in your personal name. In this way, during these two weeks, Octavian will not be able to attack you, because he cannot offend the vast number of Roman civilians. Of course, you have to bear the cost of holding a large gladiatorial tournament, so don't be stingy, hold it as large as possible, attract as many civilians as possible, and then you can openly host the tournament in the arena, so that you can appear in front of the public as a public figure during the competition. Octavian would not have been stupid enough to assassinate you at this time. In that case, he would offend the civilians of Rome. Because you are a generous and selfless representative. ”

Appis stood up and walked back and forth in front of Cicero, his mind clearly telling Cicero what he was going to do next.

"But capturing the public eye and getting praise for gladiatorial matches is not a long-term solution, and one day, all my money will be squandered."

Cicero asked.

"Yes, so in connection with this plan, you have to appear in public more frequently to discuss and propose reforms to protect the interests of the common people, of course, we all know that in the current environment, all the proposals for reform are delusional and illusory, unrealistic, but it is an expectation of the common people, and the common people of Rome have not heard this voice for a long time since the death of Caesar. Spreading this voice after a big gladiatorial tournament will continue to attract public expectations and attention, and then Octavian and Antony will not be able to attack you. Of course, during this period, Cicero will lead public opinion and make all voices work in your favor. I'm sure you're a good at that. ”

Appis finished speaking, and stopped, staring at the old Cicero. A few gray hairs had climbed above Cicero's slightly bare head, but a new glimmer of glory shone over his old face.