Chapter 17: Resettlement (Part 2)

"To a certain extent, we are all allies of the Republic. Since the time of Marius, we have undergone the same training as regular legions and undertaken the same tactics, although the final rewards may not be the same - there are retirement pay and We can only obtain the citizenship rights of the republic by settling the land, but this kind of thing is still worth fighting for. I personally firmly believe that in the country of Rome, only thirty-five villages enjoyed the rights of citizens, and later it was expanded to The whole of Italy, and now even Gaul, Africa and Spain have joined the imperial family, because Caesar believes that the territory of Rome lies not only in rivers and mountains, but also in the concept of civilization, the concept of embracing all rivers. Since we have made sacrifices, it is justified. Because other citizens stand on the same side, this is the dream of being labeled with Roman characteristics." Lepidus then continued to narrate smoothly, "When I trekked from the Seris Empire to Asia, I briefly lost my freedom. This is nothing special. Gods will not give all their luck to someone forever. Now that I have risen, I also think that everyone present can be equal to me. Now that I have given up all utility and retired, I also hope that All of you here, like me, have been obsessed with pastoral life, having children, and sowing new happiness for future generations. So I want to say to you, the word "dismissal" does not exist in books and words. It sounds good, but believe me, I have laid the foundation for everything in your future life in the cities of Cyrene, Lepidus, Sardinia and Sarona. You only need to put down your tents, weapons and armor. Leave your service resume to your respective financial officer for safekeeping, and then take your baggage full of rewards and the salary you have accumulated in your daily life. Wash away the dust and fatigue, and go to the resettlement place to settle down and find a local woman to get married! Happy!" Next, Lepidus announced the resettlement locations, "The Thirteen Legions, the 'Twin Stars' legions that Caesar personally ordered to be recruited in the province of Gaul, were divided into ten areas such as Salona in Illyria. A colonial regiment. Led by retired tribunes and centurions appointed by me, you are responsible for protecting the colony from local barbarians and pirates. Your lion flag will be kept in the local temple of Patina. "

After finishing speaking, all the soldiers of the Thirteenth Legion took off their helmets and collectively bowed to Lebida.

"The Fifteenth Legion is my backbone and foundation. It was created by me in Egypt. It has followed me through half the ocean and the desert. Although it is mainly foreign warriors, you are extremely loyal to my cause and Caesar's. I will arrange for you to be divided into fifteen colonial regiments in the new city of Cyrene. You will be responsible for reclaiming the area and protecting the city from nomadic bandits and horse bandits. Your Amun sheep skull flag will be placed there. In the Temple of the Goddess of Hunting.”

After finishing speaking, all the Nubian sergeants of the fifteenth legion and the Aesio light infantry put down their bows and arrows. Kneel down and put your hands on your forehead. Pay homage to the former Cavalry Commander. "I'm afraid that if our legion is relocated there, Caesar won't have to use force against those two areas at all, because the enemy has already been frightened by the 'Cyrenaic' legion!" Chief Centurion Cletus said proudly In response, everyone in the Sixteenth Legion raised their swords and cheered, and then shouted "Long live the Cyrenaic Legion" and "Imperato, Lepidus", and then started crying again.

Tears flashed in the corners of Lepidah's eyes, and then he faced the Twenty-Eighth Legion, "You are the youngest legion under my command. You are mainly composed of the liberated slaves of Salona and the local Agrian people. You are more qualified than many seniors." It is a regular legion that has experienced great battles and fierce battles, and has not committed any acts of defeat and escape that tarnish the honor of service. Therefore, I will still pay for your settlement expenses and go to Fort Lepidus with the Sixteenth Legion! Your one-eyed sea serpent flag will be Keep it in the city's armory."

The 28th legion also shouted "Imperato" in unison, and the Gauls and Germans among them beat their shields and sang hymns. Then Lepidus finally said goodbye to the soldiers of all legions, "From now on, you will fight in your respective If you encounter any difficulties or troubles, you can come to Rome and seek my help. I was once your ruler and will always be your father. Remember, my name is Lepidus and I live in Rome. There is a Temple of War in the City of Seven Hills in the suburbs of Prema Villa. According to legend, whenever a war comes, its priests will open its door. For almost a hundred years, the door of this temple has hardly been closed. , but now for all of you, the door of the Temple of War has been closed. Go back and pick up your plows and use your own grain to brew beautiful wine. Don’t forget that you and I have the right to enjoy such a life. In the glorious past, we have defeated Archelaus, David Anget, the Spanish rebels, the elite Bronze Shield Army, and the great Pompey. Now we can retire with success, Leave some merit for the jealous to chew on."

After saying that, Lepidus slowly walked off the platform without any nostalgia, still wearing the same casual clothes, like a hermit or philosopher walking comfortably in the market.

And the four legions, with a total of about 20,000 soldiers, collectively sang a military song:

“We were originally farmers and herdsmen as ordinary as thyme,

Now for the glory of Lepidus,

He said come on! Give up the strongest men among you,

I will forge them into iron blocks and weapons.

New recruits join the army, flags fly,

I have eaten all the sticks and learned all the drills.

Then,

I will easily kill you with my sword,

Cut off your heads,

Drink all your blood,

Then I will urinate on your corpses,

Say this is the fate of the weak, this is the fate of the weak! ”

The song echoed over the parade ground for a long time, lingering.