Chapter 23 Archaeological Team Selection (Part 2)

When the whole city of Rome was in jubilation, the Villa Prima on the outskirts was also brightly lit. The courtyards, gardens, fish ponds and study rooms were all restored to life under Lepidus' careful maintenance. Gardeners, cooks, servants, etc. were all employed. Later, Lepidus also decorated the room where Marcus was staying, adding many novelties from Egypt and Anatolia, such as potted plants, antiques, knick-knacks, and various toys. Marcus was so happy to have Duo Mujiang by his side on the bed that he didn't even think about going out all day long, so he spent his remaining years here peacefully.

Now many of the knights, rich peasants and craftsmen whom Luculas had previously sheltered came to this gate again and stayed up all night to pay their respects to the new master Lepidus. Even in the evening, a few bakers came, their hands full of the smell of oil smoke. , holding up a roll of orders, respectfully asked Lepidus, who was sitting on an armchair, to let them go.

"Of course, the joint family business of Lucullus and Lepidus must be indispensable for your role as the cornerstone." Lepidus was very polite. He not only entertained these people to drink warm wine to relieve their fatigue during the day, but also And he said some words to encourage them.

Later, when the bakers exited, Kelly, who was wearing brand new clothes, stepped forward and reported to Lepidus that there were still several gold and silver joiners outside requesting a meeting. Lepidus shook his head and said that there were more important things and People are waiting for me. Kelly, take my place and entertain them in the room over there. Remember to use good oysters and give each person a piece of fine cloth dyed and woven with Cyrene madder. Don't neglect them. Lepidus took the drink and kissed Poti's arm. Then he saw an adult man with a vulgar face and facial features that somewhat resembled Princia. Next to him was a boy about the same age as Leo and Turinus. The two people at the front were both nervous.

"Is this Horace?" Lepidus asked softly, "You are his father. Aren't you?"

Princia and the middle-aged man hurriedly said yes. Lepidus understood that Princia had accumulated a lot of wealth by running the romance business in Rome for so many years, and her brother, the father of Horace, was a freed slave. Later, he also made a fortune by acting as an auction house charlatan. so. When little Horace was young, he could even go to Athens to study. At this time, he heard that Lepidus was about to become a dictator and go to Asia Minor to "seek the origin of the Latin nation." Princia keenly felt that this was a way to save the family business or let the child Horace had the opportunity to climb up to the ranks of knights and even senators, so he took his whole family with him and also came to ask for Lepidus' protection. Princia hurriedly knelt down again and kissed Lepidus' knees and calves. Of course she understood that Horace was handed over to the opponent's hands and was almost a hostage. But in the cruel world of Rome, where rivers of blood flowed, they had to think If you want to live in glory, you must pay an unknown price.

Next, Lepidus shouted to the poets behind him, "Well, come and show your abilities. My time is limited. Everyone understands that this time is definitely a good opportunity for you to make a career. Your Excellency Caesar's The remuneration is extremely generous. As long as you participate, each person will enjoy a full talent allowance a year, and all meals and accommodation will be included. After the book is formed in the future, each person will receive a large amount of remuneration and will also be awarded Knight title - you no longer need to find another sponsor. At best, they will ask you to recite pornographic songs to entertain you at the banquet, and then give you some leftovers. "

Upon hearing this, one of the thin but funny-looking young men stood up enthusiastically and introduced himself as Piatyus, a famous street poet.

"You're a street poet, just say that you make a living by writing pornographic tunes. Then read me your masterpiece." Li Bida said straightforwardly.

"I was assigned to supervise my master's son's studies.

One night when everyone was going upstairs to bed,

I walked up to the child and told him that if he agreed to let me kiss him, I would give him a dove.

So the child pretended to sleep, and I went and kissed him, and then I indeed gave him a dove;

The next day, I said that if he agreed to let me stroke him, I would give him a cock.

The boy agreed upon hearing this, and I gave him a rooster as expected;

On the third day, I said that if he would let me enjoy myself as much as I could, I would give him a Pony of Edmonton.

The boy agreed again, but I could not get a pony for a present;

On the fourth day, I went to find the kid again. He refused to let me get close to him, and threatened me that he would tell my father about the scandal. But I worked hard and finally succeeded. Then I was tired and fell asleep. The child shook me awake and asked me if I wanted to do it again. I said I was tired from playing, but the child shook me awake again and asked me why I didn’t want to do it again.

So I got angry and yelled at him, "If you don't let me sleep peacefully, I will tell your father about this scandal"! "

Piatyus's playful poem made everyone present laugh happily. Even Lepidus clapped his hands in laughter. The poet was proud and bowed everywhere. Then Lepidus suddenly stopped laughing and said:

"You're mocking Caesar and me, aren't you?"