Roman Slave Owner

That's right, we are still too weak. Now is not the time for a full-scale conflict with them. We need to lie dormant. Time is on our side, and we are becoming stronger every day.

Then Menenius is in danger.

Serabio said.

You have to remember that no matter what happens, it is the arrangement of the true God. Religion can only grow in suffering. This is an opportunity for us. After passing this test, the Holy Church ushered in a new life.

Annius the Elder said, And we have done a lot for him. Our priests speak for him in the square every day. We have organized more than ten thousand citizens to come to support him. If he dies, the prophet will ban him. for the saints.

saint?

Serapio said with a look of shock.

Yes, this is a commendation for his assassination of Sidhigus, and he is also the only saint in my holy religion. Although he sacrificed, his spirit will inspire everyone to fight for the true God.

said old Annius.

What happens if he is found not guilty?

Serapio asked curiously.

There are no living saints in this world.

Old Annius sighed.

Serabio shook his head. If Menenius knew about this, he didn't know how to choose.

Looking at the clearly divided crowd in the square, Metellus' expression was not very good.

The mobilization ability of the Holy Cult is really strong. The number of Roman citizens who believe in the Roman Catholic Church is about five times that of them, but only about 20,000 people came to participate in the conference.

For many people, being a priest is more like a part-time job.

Just like Caesar, although he was a priest, he has been working hard to develop into politics.

Compared with treasurers, justices and consuls, his status as priest and chief priest is really nothing.

Compared with the professionalism and organization of the Holy Church, they are far behind.

It is precisely because of knowing this that Metellus is even more frightened and desperate.

It was not long before all the officials arrived, and even Menenius was brought along.

Menenius looked serene, and even had a look of determination on his face, showing no signs of tension.

Serabio stepped forward and said, Menenius, today I am your defense attorney.

Menenius said gratefully: Thank you, Consul.

Being able to let the consul act as his defense lawyer would be without regret in this life.

Serapio nodded, then stood beside him.

Silence! Silence!

Annius said loudly.

After hearing Annius' words, the square gradually became quiet.

Now I declare that the assembly of the citizens has officially begun. The tribunes of the populace have blocked the passage and forbid anyone from entering the square. This assembly of citizens is to be held for the trial of Menenius' assassination of Sidiousus.

Luculus said.

The citizens' assembly is usually presided over by the two consuls in turn, and this time it happened to be his turn.

He glanced at the cold sky, and said with a serious face: Now I declare that the auspicious sign is good.

Metellus also glanced at the sky, and then said, The sky is auspicious.

Do the other officials think otherwise?

Annius said to several elders who participated in the citizens' assembly.

They all shook their heads, even Serapio.

This made Metellus a little surprised. He thought that Serabio and the others would use the sign of the sky as an excuse to cancel the convening of the citizens' meeting.

I announce that Serabio the Consul will act as counsel for the defendant Menenius, and Metellus the chief senator and priest will be the accuser.

Luculus said.

Serabio snorted coldly, Metellus was already shirtless.

Do you admit, Menenius, that you killed Sidigus, the tribune of the populace?

Metellus asked loudly.

I admit.

Menenius said.

Why do you want to kill him?

Because he is a blasphemer, an enemy of the Faith, he insulted the Prophet.

...

Metellus and Menenius asked and answered questions that were basically asked in the Senate.

But this time Metellus didn't bite Li Wei, he knew that it didn't make any sense to do so at this time.

Serabio didn't make much of a defense, just claiming that he was defending the honor of the Holy Church, so the interrogation went very smoothly.

Dear Roman citizens, you also know what happened. Since the life of a Roman citizen is involved, the life of Menenius will be decided by you. Please cast your sacred vote.

Luculus said.

People in the Mars Square immediately took action. The Citizens' Assembly voted according to the constituencies. There are 35 constituencies in Rome.

They have already stood in their respective constituencies, and voting will begin soon.

The First Constituency Convicts Menenius of the Assassination of the Tribune Sidigus, and Sentences him to Death.

Second Constituency Convicts Menenius of Assassinating Tribune Sidigus, and Sentences him to Death.

Third Constituency Finds Menenius Not Guilty in Assassination of Tribune Sidigus and Released.

...

The results of each constituency were announced, and Menenius' mood kept changing with the results, and finally his eyes gradually dimmed.

Is it true that you are doomed?

After all the results were announced, riots erupted in the square, and grief appeared in the eyes of many believers, but a smile appeared on Metellus' face.

Now I announce that 21 electoral districts ruled that Menenius was guilty of the assassination, and 14 constituencies acquitted him of the crime. Menenius was convicted of the death penalty and will be executed immediately.

Lucullus said in a heavy tone, anyway, he is also a member of the Holy Cult on the surface.

Many people in the square wept bitterly, some cursed loudly, others cheered endlessly, and some even cursed at each other.

Several executioners led Menenius to the side of the cross, when Annius the Elder walked up to him.

Looking at the old Annius in the cardinal's uniform, Menenius looked confused, he didn't even know who this person was.

I am Cardinal Annius of the Holy Cult. The Prophet commissioned me to announce his order. He said that you killed Sidhigus the blasphemer and defended the glory of the true God. He announced that you will be the first name of the Holy Cult. Saint. You will be buried in the future Roman Cathedral, and the Holy Church will take care of your children. May the true God bless you and may we meet in heaven.

Old Annius said loudly, upon hearing this, the whole square was shocked.

saint!

He turned out to be the first saint of the Holy Cult!

Can I go to heaven?

asked Menenius.

The Prophet told me to tell you, yes.

said old Annius.

A relieved smile appeared on Menenius' face, and he could finally go to heaven.

Where the rivers flow with milk and honey, where there is inexhaustible food, he will be with the true God.

The executioners looked at each other, then crucified him, and began to whip him. Menenius couldn't help crying out in pain.

At this moment, the sound of hymns resounded throughout the square.

Both Old Annius and Serabio joined in, and the hymn seemed sad and sad, echoing over the entire square, and tears flowed from many people's eyes.

God, I praise you.

Your righteousness is like a high mountain.

Your faithfulness reaches to the firmament.

Your judgment is like an abyss.

God, I praise you.

For you are more beautiful than all things.

With you, everything is possible.

On earth as in heaven.

...

The whip kept hitting Menenius, causing a painful smile to appear on his face.

I have no regrets in this life to join the holy religion.

cried Menenius.

Old Annius showed a look of relief on his face, he did not disappoint everything the Holy Cult has done for you.

Metellus' face changed drastically. He felt that the Holy Cult was not only not hit, but it was like being baptized and became more united.

He walked up to Serabio and whispered, Please tell Levi that I think there needs to be peace between the two religions.

Hearing this, a trace of anger appeared on Serabio's face.

The old man is so cunning that Menenius is dead to say such things.

Moreover, the justices are about to be re-elected, and those justices owe Li Wei more or less favors, which is really a good plan.

I will convey it truthfully.

Serabio said.

A smile appeared on Metellus' face, and it would be nice to be disgusted by Li Wei.

Menenius' eyes gradually lost their luster, and finally became motionless.

Old Annius greeted him, and several strong priests came over and carried his body onto the hearse.

The hearse is full of all kinds of gold ornaments. Elder Annius and Serabio and other senators follow behind the hearse. The musicians in front play mournful music. Tens of thousands of believers follow closely behind. They will surround the city of Rome A week later, he held his own state funeral.

The canonization of Menenius shocked the whole of Rome, and with the spread of the Roman Journal, a large number of monarchs of eastern countries ordered dramas and poems to praise his actions.

Metellus and Sidhigus have completely become villains, of course, these are things to come.

***

***

Winter goes to spring, outside the city of Tuli.

A large number of slaves lined up neatly for drills, and after a winter of training, they had become a real army.

Spartacus intensified what he had learned from Levi on these slaves, and the results were surprisingly good.

He felt that his army had reached at least 70% or 80% of the combat effectiveness of the Roman army, not to mention 100%.

Of course, all the looted money was spent, and he had to think about food for the army, otherwise his 70,000 troops would starve.

At this moment, a gladiator ran over.

Boss, several elders in Turi City have come to see you for something important.

Did they say something happened?

Spartacus asked.

No.

said the gladiator.

Let them come over.

Spartacus said.

Not long after, several elders from Turi City came over.

There was some fear in their eyes, and a veteran in his forties said: Spartacus, we have received news that two consuls are about to lead the army south.

Yeah?

Spartacus said that he was not much surprised by this, it was a matter of time.

I hope you can leave here as soon as possible. Once they find out that we trade with you, we will definitely be punished.

The old man said.

Okay, we'll be leaving in a while, you just have to rest assured.

Spartacus said with a smile.

It's also good to keep them, so that you have a channel for secret transactions.

It's really nice.

The old man said.

The elders left here. After Spartacus pondered for a while, he called all the leaders to come to discuss the matter, including Kress who left with 30,000 horses.

After listening to Spartacus' words, everyone didn't panic much.

Repeated victories have given them confidence, and they believe that they will be able to defeat the Roman army again.

If you want me to say, we should go directly to Rome, and we will be consuls ourselves.

Kress said.

I think it makes sense, let Spartacus and you be the first consul.

Ganix said with a laugh.

Hearing this, Kress laughed triumphantly.

Spartacus looked at them with a frown. Could it be that they looked down on the Roman army so much?

Guys, we can't underestimate the Roman army. Now they've got us in the face, and if we're not careful, we'll probably lose this war. I think it's better to lead the army north, through the Alps, and then return to their respective homes .”

Spartacus said.

Come on, Spartacus, you are not afraid of Rome. Do you know how many slaves there are in Rome? There are at least several million! They are all our soldiers, and we will become stronger as we fight, just like Same as last year.

Kress said.

At the beginning, Curius and I followed Li Wei on the expedition to the East. At that time, we encountered an army of 300,000 Bendu, and then we easily defeated them.

Spartacus said with a complex expression.

His feelings for Li Wei are very complicated. On the one hand, he can be proud of participating in that epic battle, and on the other hand, he hates Li Wei very much, because he pushed himself to this point.

What kind of bullshit is the number one man in Rome? Isn't he being forced to hide in Dragon City by the Romans now? Let me tell you, let's kill Dragon City directly. If you kill him, you don't have to be afraid.

Kress said.

In fact, Spartacus was also very moved, but soon he shook his head.

Dragon City has a large number of guards, and it is not so easy to win with Capua. The most important thing for us is how to deal with the four legions of Rome, not Dragon City.

Spartacus said.

I still stand by my opinion.

Kress said.

Seeing that Kress was so persistent, Spartacus was very helpless.

Then everyone is free to choose. Those who are willing to follow me, we will go to the Alps, and I will take everyone home.

Spartacus said.

go home?

Hearing this word, many people fell into endless thoughts.

What a beautiful word this is, but unfortunately it is a luxury for them.

I would like to follow you.

Ixion was the first to speak.

I would too.

Onomamus said.