CHAPTER 301: CHAPTER 155: WHO APPROVES? WHO OPPOSES? (DOUBLE-LENGTH)

"The next step must be to develop medicine to solve Rome’s lead poisoning problem."

"At the very least, we must stop using lead products on a large scale."

Duncan has now annexed most of the Frankish territories. He has stationed heavy troops on Île-de-France and then led an elite cavalry unit to the Champagne region.

Anya’s expression was excited, she whispered, "Aetius has been assassinated."

"The Emperor of the Empire and the Senate are bound to fight over military power. Should we find an excuse to deploy troops now? Or wait for a more opportune moment?"

If we deploy troops now,

The Emperor Valentinian III is still in power, and the banner Duncan raises will undoubtedly be to ’clean the royal side.’

Then there is a problem.

Should Duncan kill Valentinian III? Or force Valentinian III to abdicate?

Waiting for the right time also has its risks.

If the Imperial Senate acts, they might immediately propose a new emperor, and the justification would be in their hands. They could possibly bring in the Eastern Roman Empire or the Vandals to counter Duncan.

Severus said in a deep voice at this moment, "We can position an elite cavalry at the Burgundy border, in case there’s a change in the Italian peninsula."

"We can instantly dispatch troops to Rome to control the situation."

At his side, Balton’s expression was rather complex. Aetius was his old superior, and although they were not particularly close, hearing of the Protector of the Realm’s tragic death filled him with rage. He knelt on one knee and said, "Governor."

"I still have some colleagues in the imperial army. If the army enters Italy, I can persuade them to surrender."

At this time of persuasion,

Balton was at least seventy percent confident that the commanders in those armies were already disheartened and unlikely to submit to the Emperor or the Senate.

It’s time to propose a new emperor for the Empire.

As long as the command of the imperial army is consolidated, Duncan ascending to become the emperor of the Empire will be just a matter of words.

Inside the council hall,

Duncan pondered for a long time and slowly asked, "What news comes from Quintus?"

Duncan remained entirely non-committal about Valentinian III’s solicitations and marriage proposals. He couldn’t use his accumulated prestige to shield the Emperor from this disaster. If he fully supported him, it could certainly stabilize the Emperor’s position.

Why would he do that?

Such a brutal assassination is certainly a massive stain in history.

Anya whispered, "The current trends are unclear."

"But the Imperial Senate has always acted ruthlessly, those guys are arrogant. There’s a high probability they’ll deal with Valentinian III through assassination."

"It’s just unclear when they’ll make a move."

At this, Anya paused for a moment and then continued slowly, "But we’ve already heavily bribed the attendants around the Emperor, and if anything happens, they will immediately send out the news."

The Emperor’s side has already been infiltrated like a sieve.

Upon hearing this, Duncan said in a deep voice, "They are less likely to make a move inside the palace, because after murdering Aetius, Valentinian III now controls the Imperial Guard in the palace."

"If they make a move, it will probably be when the Emperor is traveling."

The others in the room exchanged glances and agreed, "The military camp?!"

During this period,

Valentinian III went to the military camp most frequently, apart from staying in the palace. Even the usual lavish court banquets were no more, as he was determined to restore his reputation. He personally began handling state affairs, appearing as a virtuous yet inept monarch, and frequently rewarded the palace guards.

But nothing changed significantly.

Anya continued, "Quintus mentioned he’s a bit short on manpower and hopes we can send an elite force to assist him."

"In case something happens,"

"He can find a way to bring out the Empress and the princesses. Whoever has them will have legitimate claim."

Valentinian III has no sons, only two daughters.

Whether it’s the Empress or the two princesses, they’re his heritage. If they fall into the hands of the Senate, they would most likely be quickly claimed. In both Eastern and Western Empires, taking in the Empress, consorts, or princesses from the previous dynasty is a means to stabilize the regime.

Moreover, Empress Lysiniya Eudoxia was born a princess of the Eastern Roman Empire.

In the original history, Maximus seized the Empress and forced her into marriage to gain support from the Eastern Roman Empire, even divorcing his previous wife for this.

Upon hearing this, Duncan immediately ordered, "Let Kulin lead the Gaul Oath Warriors and set out, and pick thirty veterans from the Roman legions in Britain."

"If they plan to act, they shouldn’t wait too long."

You assassinated him.

Duncan doesn’t want to take any blame. After secretly dispatching the Gaul Oath Warriors, he immediately proceeded to consolidate the Frankish territories.

This backlash from assassinating Aetius will target whoever stands up.

Duncan remains non-committal.

Of course, the Emperor and the Senate have become the targets of disdain, while he has completely distanced himself from this mess, actively recovering the Gaul Province and reclaiming the Rhine defense line, forcing back the Western Goth army as the Governor of Britain.

Duncan instantly became the positive example and gained the praise and support of the Roman populace.

Inevitably, comparing one against another,

The Roman people also loathed dirty politics, and the tradition of the Empire revered heroes with outstanding military achievements. People are now openly comparing Duncan to the great Caesar of the past.