I am the son of the traveler

Chapter 69 Building Roads
After walking around the surrendered Salo tribe, Antigonus was dumbfounded by the changes he brought to the merchants. He had never thought of using Pella's products to influence those barbarian tribes. He thought of the economic aggression often mentioned in later generations. Although this has a different meaning from the economic aggression in later generations, he still immediately thought of this term.

The goods from Pella have subtly affected the Salois, and when they find that they can no longer do without these goods, they will become more loyal to the Macedonians (because even if they go to the other extreme and want to grab them, they can’t beat them Macedonian army), from frugality to extravagance is easy, from extravagance to frugality is difficult, let them no longer use these convenient things and return to the previous barbaric life, they will definitely not be able to bear it.

Antigonus thought of a new method. He could select some scholars from the city of Pella and send them to various barbarian tribes to spread Greek culture, change the living habits of the barbarians, and assimilate them culturally. Let them spurn the barbarian life they once lived, and they will unconsciously draw closer to the Greeks, if possible, it is best to make them proud of being Greeks, and directly interrupt their roots.

Of course, these words are easy to say, but it requires a lot of execution power to actually implement them, and freezing three feet does not happen in a day, and it will take several years to have any effect.

……

A few days later, Antigonus returned to Thermopylae. On the small plain where the war once broke out outside Thermopylae, there is still a monument built with the booty after their victory. Not far from the monument, a large number of slaves are under the supervision of soldiers. From the pass of Wenquanguan, the road is paved outside, which is a lively and lively scene.

Seeing Antigonus looking at this scene in confusion, Hephaestion, the chief clerical officer beside him, quickly reminded: "Your Majesty, I ordered this to be built before departure, since you have decided to expand the country beyond the customs , the construction of the road connecting the customs and the immigration stronghold became necessary, so I ordered the construction to start. I wanted to tell you about this when I saw you, but after arriving in Arcelos, there were so many Many things, I will forget."

"Good job." After Antigonus heard his explanation, the puzzlement on his face disappeared. He praised Hephaestion lightly, and he didn't get offended because he concealed his order to start the work. Angry, anyway, even if Hephaestion didn't order the construction to start in advance, he would organize it after he came back. Hephaestion directly helped him solve this matter, and he couldn't wish for it.

However, after complimenting him, he reminded: "Remember to report to me next time you encounter such a thing."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Well, although Antigon appreciates his subordinate's ability, the habit of doing things behind his back is unacceptable. He must warn him to let the other party remember.

……

The news of Antigonus' return quickly spread throughout the Hot Springs Pass. The garrison and civilians in the pass spontaneously gathered to welcome the young king who led the army to victory at the gate of the pass. Although the king's actual command ability may be It's not that good, but his status and reputation in people's hearts is already very high. His existence is more of a symbolic meaning. As long as he shows up, he can boost the morale of all Greeks.

The young king obviously did not expect so many people to come to greet him. He was riding on horseback and looked at the crowds that almost filled the street. His heart fluttered. He couldn't help but raised his right hand and smiled towards the crowd. He waved his hands, and his move caused the crowd to burst into cheers. The cheers were chaotic at first, but in the end, in the waves of sound that rushed towards Antigon one after another, they all turned into "Antigon Long live Ke".

This may be the power of the human heart.Thinking of this, Antigonus didn't stop the movement of his hands. The cavalry behind him unconsciously raised their heads and chests up, accepting the review of the enthusiastic crowd. Each of them turned red with excitement, obviously the first Experienced this scene once.

Although it was the first time for Antigonus to experience this kind of scene like them, he was also a person who had inspected the Macedonian army, so he was somewhat immune to this kind of scene.

The group quickly passed through the welcoming crowd. Antigonus sent the cavalry directly to the Thermopylae Barracks, while he himself took the clerk and guards to the Governor's Mansion, wanting to learn more about the period in his absence. What happened here in time.

At the gate of the Governor's Mansion, the deputy who handled the government affairs on behalf of Hephaestion and several clerks had already stood outside to welcome Antigonus and his party. As soon as Antigonus appeared, the leading Greeks rushed forward With a respectful smile on his face, he said: "Your Majesty, your illustrious military exploits have spread throughout the entire Macedonian Kingdom. I believe that when you return to Pella City, the welcome you will receive will be even greater than today's scale."

"I hope that the soldiers who accompanied me on the expedition can also enjoy the welcome of the people with me." Antigonus smiled. Then he waved his hand and took the lead into the governor's palace, asking at the same time: "Petong, we are not here How is the situation here during this period?"

"Everything is in order, Your Majesty." said the official named Potong. "With the help of Pella, we gathered five thousand slaves to build the paved road. However, because of the excessive materials required, we could not do it for a while. Everything has been deployed, so we can only use the existing materials to start construction first. Once all the materials are in place, we estimate that we can lay the paved road to the Tantonon stronghold in mid-August."

"That has been renamed Arcelus." Hephaistion reminded.

"Ah? Yes, I will immediately modify Tantonon's name in the record." Petong said quickly.

Seeing him calling the scribe to make changes, Antigonus touched his smooth chin and said: "Petong, the Maliki Plain is also occupied by our army. After repairing to Acelos, you still need to continue working south. "

"Understood." Potong agreed simply.

Seeing this, Antigonus nodded and said, "In this case, Potong, you are responsible for road construction. If you need any supplies, just ask Hephaestion, and he will satisfy you as much as possible."

"I obey, Your Majesty." Potong, who was suddenly entrusted with a heavy responsibility, agreed with some excitement. He could fully imagine how much fame he would gain after completing this important project.

(End of this chapter)