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Duga, the old Carthaginian capital.

Half a month later, Appis' huge fleet arrived in this beautiful bay city. During his lifetime, Caesar proposed more than once the idea of making Durga a bustling port city in the western Mediterranean, second only to Rome, but this ideal was not realized until his death.

But since the end of the First Civil War, the seaport city has been fully developed. The new, white walls are built on top of each other along the coastline. The harbor is like a large concave that greets merchant ships and warships from all over the world. Inside, there are heavily guarded towers and watchtowers. The island above the sea also stands a slender lighthouse. Guiding merchant ships at night.

The sudden arrival of Appis' fleet alarmed Dugar's defenders and officials, and the battle reports from the front had not yet reached the city. Now, the northern conquerors have arrived in the bay with a mighty army. If this was not a raid, it would mean that Agrippa's army had been defeated. If this was a surprise attack, then the defenders in the city would not be able to withstand such a vast navy.

After much deliberation, the magistrates and other officials of Duggar decided to surrender to Appis and open the passage into the city to the navy.

After all, to confront this huge fleet with the defenders of the city is undoubtedly to hit a stone with an egg.

Later, Appis received a warm welcome from the people at the port. Little Crassus walked behind him in ornate armor. Bunodius and Maximus followed closely behind Crassus Jr., foreshadowing their rank and status. And Klein, the chief centurion of the field, who made the most meritorious contributions, stood silently among the soldiers, walking beside the flag bearer. He did not like this kind of great joy and honorary appreciation. But this sense of glory and worship was what other Romans longed for. Just like the little Crassus now, his face is full of spring, smiling to meet everyone's call. For a moment, he even thought of himself as the Lisnik Lasu, the glory of his father after he had suppressed the Spartacus uprising.

And Appis also knew this vanity of his, and deliberately slowed down his pace to test this old comrade-in-arms. As a result, little Crassus was very knowledgeable and always kept a half-step distance from Appis. Still let Apis go ahead.

At the end of the trail are a series of officials such as the city councillor, the treasurer and the magistrate of the city of Duga. At this moment, all Toga, dressed in pure white, stood respectfully on the dock and waited.

"Welcome to your arrival, great liberator of Rome, His Excellency Apis Gnaeus."

The leading municipal official, Enodinus, said respectfully. Beside him, there were several officials of the same level, each with a respectful look on their faces. Although Appis didn't know what was going on in their hearts.

"Thank you for your hospitality. Appis will remember what you have done for me today, and Rome will be grateful to you, and the people of Rome will be grateful to you. ”

Appis said as he slowly stepped forward in a gorgeous red cloak. His words reveal his ambitions and desires for the republic. And Enodinus knew it. He humbly leaned over and made a gesture of please. Not far away is the administrative residence of Durga. Built next to the Colosseum, white seagulls hovered over the rooftops, croaking incessantly.

"Your Excellency Appis, Agrippa took the city's grain stock with him when he left, and now the city needs a lot of grain, especially wheat. Although there is no food yet, the price of wheat has risen to a very high level. You know, during the Civil War, trade was usually not free. ”

In the vast and empty residence of the Durga City Administrator, the city magistrate Ironus said with an embarrassed expression. Although he is telling the truth, he is actually testing Appis's attitude towards himself and these officials under the original Octavian.

"I knew about this problem before I came here, and I thought about how to solve it. It's summer, the Mediterranean breeze is not strong, and there are few storms and waves on the sea. I will have my men go to Sardinia with the news, and go there to collect some grain and grass to be shipped to Duga. Solve the current situation of grain scarcity in the city first. At the very least, don't let some unscrupulous traders take the opportunity to disrupt the market. ”

Facing a few thieves and local officials, Appis replied calmly. And then continued-

"You must be worried about whether I will raise taxes on trade and other resource mines, and I tell you clearly how this city has been run in the past, and how it is now. I would not sell this fleet from Sardinia to the citizens and traders of the country at a high price. And it's free. But I have to put the ugly words up front, guys. What I want is your support and understanding of the new law. You can continue to live in the city as you used to indulge, but you must rein in, in front of the people. ”

After Appis finished speaking, the scene fell silent. All the officials knew the meaning of what the Supreme Commander of the Northern Army said at this moment. Although it is not explicitly stated, Apis is actually hinting at them. At the moment, I can help solve all the difficulties by myself. But you must support me and stop going to Octavian's side. The most direct manifestation of my support is my support for the new Agricultural Land Law and the development of a series of new policies.

As the war progressed, everyone knows that Apis's march into Rome was actually in charge of the legions in one hand and the new Agrarian Law in the other. The Farmland Law is the essence and the sharpest sword. And the legion is the tool to maintain him.

In the administrative residence, everyone was silent. Although the Legion was not stationed in the tall and ornate mansion, Appis did not enter with any weapons. Not even a single servant was brought with him. But the three hundred Praetorian Guards outside the official residence had already made the officials of the official residence feel extremely pressure.

"Your Excellency, I take the liberty of asking a question. When did the Law come into effect? ”

The financial officer on the side asked with a smiling face.

That fat face made Appiston feel sick for a while, and he hadn't touched it yet, but looking at this oily appearance, it could be guessed that he was a very corrupt official.

But still have to answer.

"Immediately. We must make the benefits of the new law felt by the civilians of Durga. If you are willing to help me. ”

Appis shifted his words and spoke again in a semi-threatening tone. The other officials at the round table looked at each other. If they promised Appis, then immediately, they would have to offend the nobles of the city, and even the big corporations. It's a lot of work. But if you don't agree, there will still be the terrifying legion outside the mansion, and there are three hundred expressionless Praetorian Guards. Appis certainly not going to remove them from their official positions or raid their homes. But everyone understands in their hearts the truth that there is no excuse for the sin they want to add......

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