By the time the meeting was over, it was already evening, and the impassioned senators had left the solemn hall to return home to relieve the fatigue of the day and prepare for tomorrow, leaving only the chief senator, Herodotus, still in the chamber of the senate.

In the backyard of the Senate Chamber there was also a small reception room, which was usually used to entertain foreign emissaries or some dignitaries whom Caesar wanted to introduce. However, Theodore was more accustomed to disposing of the scrolls of the Senate's agenda here—Theodore hated to bring them back to his castle, which was more secretive, but some small habits from his previous life made him very obsessed with this.

However, it was only not long after the formation of the empire that the number of scrolls here had significantly tripled, and if Theodore had continued his old habits, it would not be long before he would have been able to return to his castle.

In front of the hard oak desk, Herodotus stood cautiously in place, watching the young Caesar read the statutes submitted by the Senate without raising his head, skillfully opening and closing the scroll, almost as long as his eyes swept slightly, he could immediately complete the review, and he could take the seal from the corner of the table without even looking up.

Caesar, who had needed his own help to get the job done, and even had to complain routinely after the meeting, was now able to scrutinize the scrolls that were more than twice as large as before—Herodotus, who was already young, suddenly felt a sense of relief to see his grandson grow up, and this delusion made him panic a little, and continued to stand there without saying a word. He understood that Caesar, or His Majesty the Emperor, no longer needed a man who was still standing beside him to instruct him on how to read the scrolls, and that his only job was to help him run the affairs of the Senate. Rather than making a clever claim.

Time passed slowly, and Herodotus felt like he was about to fall asleep, and the old man naturally did not have the energy of Theodore. He was awakened by the sound of a bell, and saw two clerks of the Senate enter through the side door and remove the scrolls, bringing over a clay pot and two small cups.

"I'm sorry, my dear Herodotus, for taking up too much of your time. Theodore smiled apologetically at the old man, who was already sweating a little, and gently lifted the clay pot, filling the two cups with steaming pale green tea: "Drink some willow leaf tea, it will help to refresh you." ”

"It's nothing, honorable Caesar. Everything is my responsibility. Herodotus was not too polite, took his teacup and sat down on a chair beside him, bowing his head slightly to Theodore.

"But if you can, please tell me why you let me stay. The old man took a slight sip, and the hot hot cup of tea did make him feel a lot calmer: "I believe that it must be because of something very important." ”

"Antonio's plan for tax reform is indeed approved by many people, but I am more concerned about your ideas, Herodotus. Theodore said in a deep voice. Slightly tired, he leaned back in his chair and looked at the old man in front of him: "I saw that your face was not very ...... Is there any reason?"

"The system of tax collectors was criticized by Augustus (in this case, Octavian) as exploiting the people, and this method of collecting taxes affected the goodwill of Rome throughout the Anthropocene. Herodotus' face was a little helpless, and he sighed deeply and said, "Although such remarks are a bit too ...... Directly, but Rome in substance. Effective rule over the entire north has not yet been established, and it will take time. And the implementation of the tax package system at such a sensitive time has caused too much damage...... It's huge!"

"It sounds good to contract a certain amount of tax and then lease the tax right to somebody. In any case, Rome will receive a full amount of taxes, but the contractors will do whatever it takes to exploit the inhabitants of the land for profit!" Herodotus said with a sad face, "Do you want to see the tax collectors of Rome seen by the people as demonic beasts?!"

"What's more, how can you trust a group of merchants?!" Herodotus raised his voice sharply: "I have seen many documents that are driving down the price of the contract. While oppressing the people - these people are not worthy of your trust, they can do anything to make money!"

"I believe this, and the serious drawbacks of the tax package system are also extremely obvious. Theodor nodded with a serious face: "The right to collect taxes is the fundamental power of the empire, just like the army, it is the basis for maintaining the normal operation of the whole Rome, and it cannot be easily handed over to others." ”

"It's so gratifying that you think so. Herodotus took a dull sip of willow leaf tea, but there was no trace of "gratification" on his lips - it is impossible to easily hand it over to others, that is to say, if the price is enough, it can also be transferred, whether it can profit from it is the key, Herodotus certainly understands this.

"However, since you and I are so aware of the drawbacks of the tax system, I think Antonio, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, is also very aware of it. Theodore whispered, "What, then, does he have to bring up for him?"

"This ...... Naturally, it was because ............ Herodotus was stunned, and he could probably guess something, but he didn't dare to say, because he knew who was standing behind them.

In a series of previous wars, Rome paid a very heavy price. It wasn't just Theodore who gave the order, the whole of Rome poured most of its resources into the war, and even hurt many people in order to maintain prices - it has to be said that the Romans were indeed very commendable in uniting themselves in the face of difficulties. But now that the war was over for the time being, it was time for the Roman nobility to make up for their interests.

Theodore could even guess that when Antonio proposed the tax system the next day, there would have been people who would say something like the system was seriously flawed, and then propose that some "prestigious" senators should be responsible for the tax collectors, and then unanimously passed by a show of hands.

This was also Antonio's cleverness - if he wanted his proposal to be accepted by the majority, it was best to satisfy their interests, and at the end of the day, even Theodore himself could not say anything - on the one hand, he needed to establish a solid rule, and the rule was fundamentally military power and taxation power, and on the other hand, the Roman aristocracy had fully supported their war against the orcs for the past few years, including a series of expansion measures, and it seemed natural that they wanted to receive some reward for the opportunity.

Faced with such a situation, Theodore himself could not stop it - because after all, he was still the Caesar of Rome. The Senate, the Roman citizens, the Roman legions, these are the foundations of his power!

"Tax package system...... I'll approve it, but it won't be long. Theodore smiled and said, "This kind of tax system can only be a temporary way, and eventually it will return to normal." ”

"Your wisdom is incomparable, my Caesar. Herodotus didn't say much: "Ladies and gentlemen, I will help you to quell the opposition." ”

Now that Caesar has made concessions, all that remains is Herodotus' job – to maintain the relationship between Caesar and the Senate and to let the Roman nobles know where the bottom line is. After all, Rome, which is now facing the entire Anthropocene realm, needs to remain united and show a close relationship with Caesar.

"Also, there is a list of people who will be elected to the Senate next year, which I have just done. Theodore pulled out a scroll and handed it to Herodotus, smiling, and said, "As the chief senator, you are more qualified than anyone else to have a say in this matter. ”

"This ......" Herodotus slowly pulled open the scroll, trying to get closer and see the names on it, the familiar surnames just swept away. But he soon discovered something different.

"On this list, it seems to ...... There are a lot of unfamiliar names......" The old man tried to suppress the shock in his heart, and raised his head to look at the smiling Theodore: "Thorlock Rosa...... It seems to be the name of one, a member of the Haringos Council, if I'm not mistaken. ”

"He showed enough ability at the time of Helena's assassination, decisive and calm. Such a talented person should become a patriarch. Theodore said calmly, "Also, I think there should be a place in the Senate for those noble men who were loyal to Rome at the Battle of the Croyn River." ”

Herodotus did not say a word, but looked at Theodore, then stood up and bowed respectfully to Theodore: "I will definitely choose carefully for you, Caesar." ”

"You know very well why I'm doing this, so don't say anything more. Theodore smiled, leaned his whole body back in his chair, and relaxed completely: "This time, I will only add a hundred seats in the Senate, and I also hope that all the senators of high moral character and prestige will understand and fully accept this matter. After all, Rome is no longer the same Rome it used to be, and I would like to see more new faces here, not always the same people – that's not Rome now, definitely not. ”

"But I think they must have been shocked when they heard my offer, and they started arguing violently. Theodore continued: "And after a heated quarrel, they will agree with me. What do you say, Herodotus?"

"............" The silent old man, his throat twitched, and then he took a long deep breath, and his face finally returned to calm: "Of course, my Caesar." ”

(Sister Cat's reward is still powerful!!! (To be continued......)