Chapter 920
"Father, the hot water is ready. Go and take a bath first. I'll ask the servants to prepare dinner," said Andrea.
In the beginning, the establishment of the hot springs in Turín could be said to have changed the living habits of the people of Diónia. Coupled with the strong recommendation of the doctors in the Turín Hospital, the people of Diónia began to regard bathing as a way to relieve fatigue, eliminate diseases, and benefit the body and mind. This was especially true for the elderly. Most of the senators were people who practiced what they preached.
However, the hot springs on the banks of the Tino River were relatively far from the city of Turín, and it was not very convenient to go back and forth every day. Therefore, building a good bath in their own mansions became the goal of the ministers and the rich of the kingdom. Still, it was the King's Devers, who was favored by Hades, who proposed an effective method. After a period of experimentation, he successfully created a new type of family bathroom similar to the hot springs. Once again, it became the target of the people of the kingdom.
This kind of bathroom used the principle of cold and hot convection. Not only could it quickly heat the whole pool of water, but the hot air produced when boiling water could also be effectively used to heat the bathroom floor. It was convenient and comfortable. Soon, it was popularized in the kingdom.
Ever since this kind of bathroom was built at home, Vesba fell in love with it. Taking a bath became a daily habit of his before going to bed every night.
After listening to his daughter-in-law's words, Vesba nodded and looked at the bathroom on the side of the main building. Just as he was about to step in that direction, he suddenly felt that something was missing, so he asked, "Has Lyceus come home from school?"
"School ended a little early today, but he went to play with Eunice and Apox. Princess Cristoya asked him to stay for dinner, so he will come back later."
"This child has a good relationship with the royal family since he was a child! It seems that when he grows up in the future, we don't have to worry too much about him! " Vesba sighed with relief for a while. Suddenly, he turned his head and said, "I … want to resign as the rotating president of the Senate … What do you think?"
Andrea was stunned for a moment. She looked at her father-in-law and asked softly, "Father, why do you suddenly have this idea?"
"I'm getting old, and I don't have much energy left. There are too many things to handle in the kingdom, and I can't … handle them all …" Wesba sighed. Since he had already spoken his mind for a long time, he decided to continue. "I used to occupy this position because I wanted to give the Lucanians … to give my family more benefits. Later on, Lucania Municipality developed very well. Csima, Uraza, Lizaru … They all became senators, and our family also established a firm foothold in the kingdom. Bagoule and Asistes have always been valued by His Majesty. I've long since given up on this position, but I'm still here. Do you know why? "
Andrea had been with Wesba for more than ten years, so she had a rough idea of what was going on. However, she shook her head, pretending not to know anything.
"That's because of Butler!" Wesba said heavily. He then looked at Andrea and said in a serious tone, "All these years, Bagoule has been working outside, and the time he spends at home is too short. It's time for him to come back to Turií and reunite with our family! But with his current position in the kingdom, other than the rotating president of the Senate, no other position is suitable for him. But it's not that easy to become the rotating president. Only one senator from Lucania can hold this position. If I quit early, it's very likely that another senator will take the position, and Bagoule won't have a chance! "
At this point, Vesba thought of He Meng. He hesitated and said to his daughter-in-law, "You are so close to Princess Cristoya … Could you … Could you let her mention it to His Majesty when she has the chance? After I resign from the position of chairman, I can let Bagula take over. That way, I can rest assured …"
Andrea heard this and felt awkward. Under Wesba's gaze, she said tactfully, "Father, as far as I know, His Majesty has a strict order not to let his family interfere with politics. Princess Cristoya has never mentioned this in front of His Majesty … "
Andrea saw Wesba's disappointed expression and quickly said, "But I'll try my best to get the princess to help me."
"That's right. When Butler comes back, you and your wife can have a good reunion. I'm still waiting for another grandson." Wesba smiled.
… …
While the Sparta army was fighting hard in Central Greece, King Agesilaus of Sparta was living his days leisurely in the rear.
On this day, his good friend Xenophon came to visit him and was warmly welcomed.
"Xenophon, you haven't come to see me for a long time! I thought you thought I was old and useless! " Agesilaus held his arm excitedly and patted his shoulder with his other hand.
"I've been busy writing about the Greek mercenary expedition to Persia. I just finished writing yesterday, so I came to visit you," Xenophon explained.
"Mercenary expedition to Persia?! You're talking about how you were hired by young Cyrus 20 years ago to help him fight against Artaxerxes, right? I wonder if I have the chance to read it? "Agesilaus asked with a smile.
"King Agesilaus, you've been fighting in Asia Minor for many years and have a deep understanding of the Persia army. I'd like you to read it and help me point out any mistakes," Xenophon said seriously as he took out a book made of papyrus.
"It's fine if you want us Sparta warriors to teach you how to lead an army to war, but isn't it a joke if you want us to teach you how to write?" Agesilaus teased. He laughed as he took the book and flipped through a few pages. Gradually, he was attracted by the words in the book and began to read attentively.
Seeing this, Xenophon was more confident in the book he wrote. He sat quietly at the side and waited.
After nearly half an hour, Agesilaus raised his head and rubbed his tired eyes. He looked at Xenophon and praised, "Very well written! Very interesting! If you weren't here, I would really want to finish reading it in one go. "
"In that case, I can leave now." Xenophon pretended to be serious as he stood up.
The two of them laughed.
"You've told me about young Cyrus in the past and that you hold him in high regard. But in my opinion, at least in terms of military affairs, he's still relatively inexperienced. Otherwise, he wouldn't have risked his life and put the entire army in danger when he had the upper hand. "Agesilaus patted the book on the table and expressed his opinion.
Xenophon nodded and did not say anything.
"I've roughly flipped through it and realized that in this book, you've described more about the Devers than the others, and there are also many signs and prophecies about him …" Agesilaus said slowly as he touched the book.
Xenophon said honestly, "That's true! In fact, the Devers played an important role in the mercenaries breaking out of the siege of Persia's army and finally returning to Greece. Even Charlesthorpes did not contribute as much as he did. This is an undeniable fact. But to me, I believe that the Devers have indeed received the blessing of Hades. Otherwise, it's hard to believe that a recruit from a village in Thessaly, who has never received any education and almost never participated in a war, suddenly became a smart, flexible, and calm general when our mercenaries were in a desperate situation. This should be God's blessing for our mercenaries, our fortune! "
"Yes, it used to be the fortune of the mercenaries, but now it has become the biggest headache for Sparta!" Agesilaus sighed.
Xenophon did not say anything. He suddenly recalled the scene when he first met the Devers. The seemingly ordinary young man talked non-stop about the shortcomings of the regime in Athens and Sparta, and it really amazed him. He still remembered that when he could not help but ask, "Where is the best regime in the world today?", the young man merely smiled and did not answer. Could it be that the Kingdom of Diónia today was the answer he gave?
"I've heard some news recently. The people who escaped from the other side of the Adriatic Sea to Peloponnesus more than ten years ago are gathering an army and preparing to cross the sea to reclaim the territory they once lost. It is said that they have the support of Sparta. Although Diónia is currently at war, I don't think this is a very wise move for Sparta," Xenophon reminded tactfully.
"I also raised an objection in the Elder Council, but they did not listen … Sigh, you know my current situation …" Agesilaus said helplessly, looking a little down.
Xenophon knew what he was referring to.
A few months ago, Agesilaus defended Sfordelas (the general of the Sparta garrison in Thespia, who had plotted to attack the port of Piraeus in Athens, but failed), allowing Sfordelas to not receive any punishment. In the end, the angry people of Athens formed an alliance with the Thebes and declared war on Sparta. This made it difficult for the Sparta allies to fight in Central Greece. The people of Sparta regretted it. They began to blame Agesilaus, believing that it was his protection that allowed the foolish Sfordelas to not be punished, resulting in the terrible situation today.
Although the people of Sparta did not have as much influence on the government as other democratic city-states, their dissatisfaction still affected the Elder Council and the Censor. The Censor talked to Agesilaus and Sfordelas several times, wanting to investigate whether there had been any bribery between them. The Elder Council made a decision, claiming that Agesilaus, the king of Sparta, had served in the army for 40 years. The citizens of his generation had long since retired from the battlefield, but he still continued to fight for Sparta. This was truly admirable and a role model for the citizens. However, he was already in poor health, and now that he was getting old, for the sake of his health, the Elder Council decided not to let the honorable Agesilaus lead the army into battle anymore …
The Elder Council said that it was for Agesilaus's good, but the current political system of Sparta had developed so much that the king did not have much power left. As the commander of Sparta, leading the army into battle was their greatest power, and also their greatest source of prestige. Without it, Agesilaus was equivalent to being idle.
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