He angrily denounced Maximus as the ’pseudo emperor’, a parasite of the empire. The Senate not only murdered the empire’s meritorious Aetius but also assassinated Emperor Valentinian III, directly usurping the throne.
Maximus was also conspiring with other noble senators, seemingly trying to firmly pin the label of ’rebel’ on Duncan.
Who exactly is the pseudo emperor? Or the rebel?
The Roman citizens had their own opinions, judging by the rapidly deteriorating security on the Italian Peninsula recently, it was clear the underlings identified more with the ’pseudo emperor’ viewpoint.
To this day, Duncan has not claimed kingship or emperorship. Though he is essentially the King of Britain, his title is merely the Governor of the Province of Britannia.
As for Maximus, he couldn’t wait to claim emperorship soon after murdering the emperor.
He had no chance if he didn’t claim emperorship.
With this comparison, the truth is clear.
If Maximus hadn’t given up the benefits of the Gaul Province and leveraged the Western Goth Kingdom to restrain Duncan’s expansion, his army might have already invaded the Italian Peninsula.
Paris, Governor’s residence.
Quintus hurriedly came, dressed in a gorgeous noble robe, having been granted the title of Count, equivalent to the legion commander of the empire. Today he appeared quite spirited, approaching the entrance surrounded by attendants. The servant beside intended to hand money to the guards, but the solemn guards didn’t even glance at it.
Quintus’s expression instantly changed, raising his hand to slap the servant.
"Fool!"
In the imperial palace, you can bribe guards, but here, doing so privately is asking for death?
The servant was unaware, merely following past masters.
Quintus had changed significantly upon switching masters, no longer needing to act recklessly to please the emperor, thus appearing more decent, dressing more seriously, and even studying law lately. He finally gained the long-desired noble status, naturally adopting some noble demeanor.
Being originally a slave owner, upon learning of Duncan liberating slaves, Quintus immediately freed most of the manor’s slaves, turning them into tenant farmers, with only a fifty percent land rent. (At this time, taking half is already quite generous; some can take sixty to seventy percent, only the Province of Britannia takes forty percent, and it might lower to thirty percent in the future.)
Submitted to thoughts.
He could also be very patriotic and resist the rampant slavery, these matters are negotiable trivialities.
No need to talk specifically, Quintus handled it himself the day after being titled Count.
Reduce slaves, increase tenant farmers.
This is Duncan’s basic national policy, marking the beginning of transforming towards feudal times. A direct leap is impossible, starting by reducing sacrificial practices and slowly transforming the overall social structure. At this time, there’s no population boom, many lands remain undeveloped, freeing labor would liberate productivity.
"Governor."
"The Italian Peninsula has started to stir."
Quintus’s expression was quite excited at this moment, seemingly taking credit as he said, "Riots have broken out in Capua and Rome, and there are officers willing to raise mutinies in secret."
Maximus’s greatest issue is still being unable to fully control the army.
In comparison, the empire’s army leaned more towards supporting Duncan, who has achieved remarkable battlefield victories, after losing Aetius.
Many elites fought in the battle of Sharon; they trusted Duncan more.
Upon entering, Quintus caught sight of the hurriedly departing Empress Lysiniya, leaving only a captivating silhouette, Quintus pretended not to see, obediently waiting outside.
Shortly, Duncan emerged, casually saying, "Very good."
"Coordinate the uprising times to draw Western Goth Kingdom’s attention."
Duncan prepared to play a trick of leading the snake out of the hole.
Once the imperial legion on the Italian Peninsula revolts, the Frankish army will immediately advance toward Rome. However, he wouldn’t personally go but instead lead the elite forces in ambush.
The Western Goth Kingdom would certainly take action.
For Duncan, Maximus is just a skeleton in the cemetery, pacifying Italy isn’t much of a difficulty, but defeating the now overwhelmingly powerful Western Gothic cavalry in Europe is quite challenging. If he could severely damage the Western Goth Kingdom once, he would immediately be able to clean up the chaos in Italy.
First weaken the Western Goth Kingdom, then tidy up the empire’s messes, without severely damaging Torismund’s army, Duncan always felt uneasiness.
At this point, rashly occupying Italy, the Western Goth Kingdom might cut off the retreat.
If they fully occupy the Frankish land, their national power will explosively increase.
.........