In Mithridates' large tent decorated with gold and silver, the people present began to quarrel again, "There is no need to launch a strong attack on the Acropolis" This is Adiana's opinion, "Since the Romans were allowed to light the chariot array and use the smoke as a cover to escape into the Acropolis, then the siege of the Acropolis garrisoned by four brigades of Roman soldiers will not be worth the loss." Now that Ponticabion has fallen into our hands, it is imperative to restore order and taxation to the land, expand the army, build a larger fleet, contact more barbarians, and prepare for a decisive battle with Pompey after the snow melts. As for the Acropolis, as long as a long perimeter was erected, they would naturally surrender due to hunger after a maximum of two months. ”

"As long as we can have a capable and powerful fleet, we can win a decent peace." Adiana Zuihou summed it up.

"Achilles, how much is there in your current fleet." Mithridates sat down in his seat and asked his naval commander-in-chief.

"Just formed in Colchis, plus the restoration of old Haode ships, about six three-deck rowing ships, twenty double-decker rowing ships, twelve Phoenician single-deck rowing speedboats, and dozens of shallow-water auxiliary vessels." Achilles replied, "I think there is a greater lack of good sailors than ships." ”

"That is to say, we are in dire need of fine wood, rivets, bronze, and equally good sailors." ”

"Yes, my king, the dockyard is ready-made in Ponticabion, strong and complete, and large, and if it can be started, the strength of the fleet can be doubled in the spring." Achilles was so confident that he added (as Adiana had previously instructed Haode) that he could spend some more gold and silver to recruit the Sarmatian tribes, who were more skilled than the Scythians, to serve as auxiliary cavalry, and that there were also rumored to be large pirates in the area. Because he was in the Youkexing Sea, he was not exterminated by Pompey. The leader was called Macmillan and nicknamed "Purple Sails". You can also contact him to fight against the Romans.

"How much money would it cost to do all this?" Mithridates asked, narrowing her eyes.

"About three thousand Tallents, my king."

At this time, Stratonis whispered a few words to the king of Pontus, and Adiana stared at the two of them with wary eyes, while Menander, Pasius, and Philip of the Bronze Shield all winked at each other, "Too much, my friend Achilles." We don't have a stable source of money yet, but rest assured that once I have settled the tax collectors in Ponticabion and Colchis, I will have your requests and proposals met at most before next year's festival of Jacintos (July-August). Mithridates said apologetically and with a smile.

Achilles and Archillus, the nominal commander of the new Model Army, looked at each other at the same time, and said with a look of regret, "We will follow your requirements in everything we do, but just to remind you that loyalty is not the only criterion for evaluating an army. The real king will not be blinded by this and have a more long-term vision. These words were obviously directed at the bronze shield army, which was most trusted by the emperor of Pontus, and the two veterans saluted and took their leave. Adiana also stepped forward and kissed her father's ring before stepping back.

This time, Adiana didn't make a big noise, which surprised everyone.

Seeing the princess depart, the beloved concubine of the king of Pontus knelt down and took Mithridatis' hand, "Just now a messenger came to the camp and told me the request of your son Marcha, who wishes to return to you. ”

"What do you say, Stratonis?"

"Marcha is now your only heir after all, even if he is only a concubine, but your throne needs to be inherited after all, and this is for the Pontus Empire." Stratonis cautiously spoke for Marcha.

Mithridates looked at Stratonis, then at her two younger brothers, and suddenly there was a strange glint in her eyes, "I know my body very well, and I'm afraid that I won't have children in the future - do you think I'm betrothing Adiana to Marcha?" Or do you want to marry Adiana to one of your younger brothers to inherit the Pontic Empire? Poor Pasius and Philip, who were still recruiting mercenaries for me in the Alminia region when Obisius died tragically. ”

Before Patheus and Philip could reply, Stratonis bowed down in fear and kissed Mithridates on the toes, "The Emperor has already given us enough glory to our family, and we can't add more, how dare we be so arrogant!" It's just that it is difficult to satisfy the majesty of the king in this barracks, and Bixia has already moved to the palace of Ponti Kabiang. ”

This attitude obviously pleased Mithridates, and he kindly lifted his concubine up, telling her not to be afraid of his own inquiry.

"Bixia, since you are willing to forgive Marcha, then you must take the Acropolis - because these Roman dogs were recruited by Marcha, kill them all, and also warn and suppress Marcha's ambitions." Menander and Pasius stepped forward to suggest.

"I am very relieved of the ability and loyalty of your Bronze Shield Army." Mithridates waved his hand, "You can try it, build siege engines, and try to take the Acropolis as soon as possible - you don't have to take some strange ideas of my good girl." ”

At this time, the corner of Philip's eye, who had been standing behind and had not spoken, swept the sunlight leaking from the gap in the tent, he subconsciously turned his head to look, and saw Adeina's beautiful chestnut pupils in the sunshine, looking at him with a trace of resentment, Philip's heart tightened, but Adena lowered her eyebrows and left, leaving only the empty sunlight, still spreading in place.

In the camp at sunset, Adiana stood between two giant siege towers known as the "Mithridates Monster", in a hidden alley, with her head bowed and her white and slender back of her neck, fiddling with the enamel gold pendant on her chest, Philip quietly approached from behind, took Adina's hand, and pulled her to her chest, Adiana looked up with her beautiful face, continued to use dark eyes, slightly open her lips, and stared at Philip.

She gagged Philip with a gold pendant, "It's poisonous. ”

"Is it the same as your lips?" Philip said with a cynical smile.

Adiana lowered her eyes, pushed Philip back hard, and then turned and said, "I have heard my father's words. ”

"You don't have to marry that old, ugly, lowly Bosphorus governor, your cousin Marcha." Philip turned Adiana's shoulders again, took her hands and said, "But I'm afraid, afraid that you, cunning and beautiful, will deceive and trick me." (To be continued......)