After Rome became powerful, they began to address the threat from the north. They repeatedly sent troops to advance towards the Po River Plain, successively eliminating the largest Gaul Tribes, such as the Insulbrians and Senones, and drove the Boyi people to Pannonia, subjugating the Veneti and Ligurians... Meanwhile, they also began immigrating in large numbers to the Po River Plain, not only Romans but also Ladimans, Umbrians... and even Great Greeks from the south.
After a hundred years of governance, this area has completely submitted to Roman rule. Even during the Roman Alliance War more than twenty years ago, when the Italian political situation was turbulent, the Northern Italy Province still maintained stable order and did not participate in the war.
Even in recent years, when land annexation and large farm plantations became increasingly rampant in Italy, it rarely affected the Northern Italy Province, which has become the most stable and affluent region on the peninsula.
This worked to the advantage of the Maximus Army, as fields stretched endlessly everywhere, filled with herds of cattle and sheep. Being midsummer now, the wheat crops were almost ripe, and the rebel soldiers directly harvested wheat from the fields or rode horses to catch cattle and sheep, making wheat cakes, porridge, or stew, essentially without needing to consume the stored grain of the Supply Camp.
However, Maximus had ordered: Do not harm the citizens of the Northern Italy Province unless necessary, or face Military Law punishment!
Many soldiers did not understand this, but Military Law is ruthless, so they could only comply.
The Po River Plain is crisscrossed with rivers and numerous swamps. Even though the terrain is flat, it is not very favorable for military marches. However, due to the presence of the Romans, many roads and bridges have been built over the past century, greatly facilitating the rebel army.
Five days later, the Maximus Army arrived in Bologna (Bononia).
"Maximus, why did you call me here?" Torquato rode up to Maximus, speaking with an unfriendly tone.
After all, yesterday Torquato had just had an argument with Maximus because his soldiers violated Maximus’s military orders, killing two farmers while looting supplies. They were caught by Military Judge Sidonius and were about to be punished by Military Law, which led him to cause a big scene after rushing over.
Maximus’s expression was calm, as if yesterday’s events had never happened, and he said softly, "Torquato, I regret to tell you that we have to part ways here."
"What do you mean?" Torquato stared wide-eyed and asked.
"Exactly what I said," Maximus replied unhurriedly, "my people will no longer take this route to cross the river to Piacenza and then to the mountain pass north of Milan to cross the Alps. They will go here—"
Maximus pointed to another road running through Bologna City in front of them, "turning northeast, crossing the Po River... so we will not be taking the same path, and we have to part again."
Torquato was stunned, "Weren’t you leading the troops to leave Italy and then go to Gaul? Are you now changing the marching direction because you’re still mad at me?"
Maximus laughed heartily, "Torquato, both you and I are leaders of men, bearing heavy responsibilities. How could we recklessly change plans because of a trivial fight, treating the lives of all the soldiers as a joke! In fact, before the army set off from Rimini, we already planned that we would leave Italy but not through the Milan Pass to Gaul."
"Where are you planning to go?" Torquato asked subconsciously.
Maximus smiled and said, "To ensure the safety of the journey and prevent accidents, even my soldiers don’t know our destination yet, so I won’t tell you either. All you need to know is that no one will bother you anymore, and no one will quarrel with you. You can lead your troops forward easily, isn’t that a good thing!"
Leading troops forward easily? ... Torquato looked at Maximus’s false smile and really wanted to punch him in the face.
Under Torquato’s command, there were only over 2,000 soldiers, most of whom were former troops of Cross. They were unwilling to join Maximus’s army and instead followed the loyal Kotorkwado under Cross’s orders, leading them back to Gaul.
However, with just over 2,000 men planning to march independently for thousands of kilometers and then cross the Alps, how is that so easy! Not to mention, the logistics and camp management are not simple matters. Despite some conflicts with Maximus’s army recently, Torquato clearly understood that he had gained a lot because Maximus’s army was extremely well-organized, with all departments functioning well, thoroughly considering every aspect of the march, including their troops. This was the first time he had enjoyed such an easy march!
Furthermore, this is the Northern Italy Province, where a regular Roman Army is stationed to guard against northern Gauls. They have never been weak in combat power. The Northern Italy Province army that fought fiercely with them in the battle on Sarabian Way is proof. Without relying on Maximus’s army of more than ten thousand soldiers, could he lead over two thousand men past the Roman Army’s blockade, cross the river, and return to Gaul alone? ... Torquato had no confidence in this.