"However, I trust all of you are well aware that according to our military law, if you wish for a woman to be with you, it cannot be through coercion but must be voluntary. In fact, I will be publicizing your heroic deeds throughout the army to set an example, which will certainly draw the attention of many women in the military. That alone is already a significant help to you; the rest depends on your own efforts."
Maximus said seriously, "Actually, you don’t need to focus solely on the nurses in the medical team. Broaden your view—there are many excellent single women in the kitchen and warehouse. Courting them might be more likely to succeed."
"The leader is right!"
The soldiers expressed their gratitude to Maximus eagerly, evidently taking his advice to heart. In their eyes, although their leader was young, his ability to lead them in repeatedly conquering cities, ensuring they were fed and clothed, and caring for their lives while bonding with them truly earned their respect and admiration.
Maximus looked at everyone with a benevolent expression but suddenly appeared slightly startled. He whispered to Bubius, "I remember sending a hundred of you to infiltrate here. Last night’s battle caused injuries to twelve of you, and it seems now that even the injured brothers are here. But after counting carefully, there are only ninety-eight people. What’s going on?"
"Report, leader." Bubius’s eyes showed sadness as he responded solemnly, "Of the injured brothers, two of them didn’t make it; they had passed away before we arrived..."
Maximus’s face grew solemn. In a deep voice, he said, "I’ve already sent people to urge the medical team to arrive quickly so the other injured brothers can receive better treatment. I believe there will be no further deaths among the wounded brothers!"
Raising his voice, he asked, "Torrelugo, when will the bodies of these two deceased warriors be cremated?"
Tony Rugo replied with rare seriousness, "When I came, I happened to discuss with Flanitnus. We plan to wait until tomorrow, when the bodies of the brothers who died in the siege of Canosa arrive, and conduct the cremation together. At that time, as before, we’ll gather the entire army to mourn and pray for them!"
Cremating fallen soldiers with the collective mourning and prayers of the army was a new practice Maximus had implemented in his forces after occupying Pompeii City. Its purpose was to strengthen their sense of belonging to the army, foster their pride as soldiers, and cultivate courage in facing death. Thus far, it had only been carried out twice.
"Understood." Maximus refrained from criticizing Flanitnus in front of the ordinary soldiers for failing to notify him of such an important matter promptly. With solemn dignity, he declared loudly, "At that time, I will bid them farewell with the finest eulogies, ensuring that the gods hear of their heroic deeds so their souls can rest in peace!
I will also have Capito carefully preserve their ashes. One day, when we have a true homeland of our own, I will order the construction of a grand temple—one dedicated to honoring these warriors who died in battle. It will allow the living to remember them, and our descendants will forever honor their heroic deeds!..."
The soldiers listened, their eyes gradually lighting up with a glowing fervor filled with longing...
After sending off Torrelugo and the others, Maximus’s smile faded. The request made earlier by the soldiers caused him to sink into deep thought: they wanted women. This was likely the shared desire of most soldiers. Perhaps the saying was true: "When fed and warm, desires arise." Or maybe the lenient discipline in other troops in the past had led to indulgent behavior, subtly influencing these lowly born men, awakening intense physical needs...
From another perspective, perhaps this was a good thing. If these soldiers, who owned nothing, could marry and have wives, establishing families would give them something to care about. They would likely fight more bravely to protect their women. More importantly, one day, when the army escapes Italy and is no longer pursued by the Roman Army, would these soldiers—having wives and possibly even children—easily leave the ranks?...
Thinking of this, Maximus turned and said, "Akegu, go to the wealthy district and find Volenus. Ask him how many women are in our army, how many are without husbands, and what their ages are... Get detailed information and report back."
"Also, tell him, no female slave in this city is to be spared. They must all be integrated into our army!"
.....................
Xie Pangbo, a house-born slave of a noble family in Sarabia, had received some basic education since childhood. Being skilled in arithmetic and fairly clever, he became responsible for purchasing goods for his master’s mansion after reaching adulthood. This gave him relative freedom of movement and the opportunity to skim profits, making his life quite comfortable. However, all of this changed when the rebel army captured Sarabia City.
His master was killed, and the mistress and young masters were driven out of the city. Despite the soldiers wielding blood-dripping short swords constantly reassuring them that "Free Italy fights for slaves and the poor...," Xie Pangbo and the other slaves remained fearful, worrying that a single misstep would cost them their heads.
But in reality, this fierce-looking army kept its word, refraining from wholesale slaughter. Shortly afterward, plainclothes individuals arrived, gathered them together, asked about their origins, documented the information, and then announced that they had joined the Free Italy army.