Clint was obviously used to such a situation. He did not even look anywhere else. After bringing Zhang Heng in, he stepped aside. "I have received Fabino's evaluation report.
"I have received Fabino's evaluation report. You did a very good job in the southeast city. Although there are a lot of foreigners in that place, they are also the people of the empire, and they deserve the empire's protection. When my father was still in power, I suggested to him to govern the southeast city, but at that time, the nobles in the Senate strongly opposed this matter. They said that that place has always been like this, and no one can change it. But now, you have proved them wrong with your actions. Very good. The empire has been following the rules for too long. We need a little fresh blood to do the things that others say are impossible."
Commodus spoke with great enthusiasm. The anger and depression brought about by the betrayal of the Senate seemed to have been swept away. He did not know why, but every time he saw Zhang Heng, he would feel better. It was probably because the few times the two met happened to be when Commodus was in low spirits.
"In view of your outstanding performance, I want to appoint you as my consultant. You will be able to give me advice and suggestions. I wonder if you are willing to accept this job?" Commodus said while looking at Zhang Heng with bright eyes.
And the easterner in front of him did not disappoint him. He bowed and said, "If you need me, of course, I hope to contribute to you. However, I am just a foreigner. Just more than two months ago, I was just a gladiator in the arena. I don't have a noble background."
"To hell with your background." Commodus walked over and patted Zhang Heng on the shoulder. "Don't worry about this kind of thing. Look around you. Clint and Altrus are not from famous families. Although they have some royal blood in them, they are my distant cousins." Clint, on the other side, also chimed in, "Yes, our family has long fallen.
Clint, on the other side, also chimed in, "Yes, our family has been in decline for a long time. Our generation is no different from civilians. We all grew up in the city, eating and dressing like ordinary children. If it weren't for His Majesty, we would probably still be at the border or doing manual labor in exchange for a meager income. But it is also because of our background that we know better what the world at the bottom of society is like. This world is not something the stubborn elders in the Senate can see."
"Did you hear that? I am not the kind of emperor who will discriminate against anyone's background, and I don't care what others think of you. So, you don't have to take this kind of thing to heart," Commodus said. "What's more, didn't someone say that you are a noble in your country?"
"That's just a rumor, Your Majesty," Zhang Heng said.
"You can say whatever you want, but it's hard to fake a person's demeanor and upbringing. After interacting with you, I believe those rumors even more." Commodus returned to the table, signed his name on a piece of parchment that had been drafted a long time ago, and tossed the parchment to Zhang Heng. "This is your appointment letter. Welcome to join us. From this moment on, you will be my adviser. You will be responsible for assisting me in handling various government affairs and giving me advice. I believe you are qualified for this job."
"Congratulations, brother. You just got the most tiring job in the world. Believe me, when you get busy, you will miss those leisurely times." Clint, on the other side, also smiled and congratulated Zhang Heng. However, he secretly clenched his fists behind him.
At this moment, Commodus did not look like the emperor who had experienced his sister's assassination. His temperament had changed drastically, and he had completely abandoned his responsibilities. Not long after Aurelius's death, Commodus still performed his duties conscientiously under the influence of inertia.
After appointing Zhang Heng, he quickly turned the topic back to the main topic and began to discuss the next work with Clint. At the same time, he did not avoid Zhang Heng. Apparently, he had already regarded Zhang Heng as his adviser.
"I don't know if you have heard about it, but we were set up by the Senate. When every emperor ascends the throne, they need to give a gift to the army to get the soldiers' support. Not to mention, our soldiers have just returned home after fighting for many years. I can't let them down. However, the Senate told me that we don't need to worry about this matter. After all, I just succeeded the throne, and I have a lot of things to do. The Senate said that they are willing to help me in choosing the gift."
"Yes, I saw those notices on the road just now. It said that the gift came from the Senate, but it did not mention your name, Your Majesty," Clint said.
"Damn it, those guys deceived me. Now all my soldiers will think that their emperor doesn't care about them. It's as if only the Senate cares about them." Commodus looked a little angry.
"Did Senator Dior do this?" Fortunately, Clint, the adviser, was still calm.
"I will go to the Senate in the afternoon to question him personally," Commodus said. "But in any case, the impact has already been felt. We need to fight back."
"This is a battle for public opinion," Clint said. "We need to let the people and the army know who the ruler of this country is."
"Altrus said the same thing," Commodus nodded. Commodus nodded and said, "The matter of dealing with the Senate can be postponed, but the matter of competing for public opinion cannot be delayed. Holding a gladiatorial show is just the beginning. It is far from enough. How is the casting of the new copper coin going?"
"It's going well. The first batch of copper coins should be put into use next month. Your portrait will be printed on them."
"Very good. This matter is of utmost importance. You will be in charge of it. Make sure that nothing goes wrong. You'd better live nearby and keep an eye on the craftsmen." Commodus paused and looked at Zhang Heng on the other side. "As for you, my eastern friend, I have another job for you. I have asked someone to cast a batch of bronze statues for me, and I am going to send them to various cities. However, I heard that the construction progress is far from what I expected. Can you go there on my behalf and help me solve this problem?"
"Of course, I will make sure those bronze statues are delivered on time," Zhang Heng nodded.
"Great," Commodus said. "Now that you have joined us, it stands to reason that I should hold a banquet to welcome you. But now is a special time. It seems that I can only hold a welcome banquet for you after this matter is over. When the time comes, I will call all the consultants and introduce you to them. From now on, you will be colleagues. If you have any problems, you can communicate and help each other," Commodus said. "That's right.
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