Marcus Aurelius's sudden question startled Pennis.

When he joined the Taiping Sect, it was a secret initiation ceremony personally presided over by Zhang Bao.

He never mentioned this to anyone, not even his wife and children, and he couldn't understand how Marcus Aurelius knew about it.

"Your Majesty, what do you mean by that? I have always worshipped the great Olympian god, and that has never changed!"

Despite the turmoil raging within him, Penis maintained a composed demeanor and denied it.

He was betting that Marcus Aurelius had no idea he had joined the Church of the Peace, and that his question was a ruse.

As long as you stubbornly deny it, you'll be fine.

Marcus Aurelius also stared intently at Pennis's expression, and only after confirming that he found no problems did he let out a soft breath.

"Alas, the power of the Taiping Cult is too strong now. Nearly ten of my fifteen legions have officers who are their people. I am truly worried!"

Marcus Aurelius sighed softly and looked at Penes with a worried expression.

"Your Majesty, as far as I know, the Taiping Sect is solely dedicated to propagating its doctrines and has no other intentions. Those who join the Taiping Sect, apart from occasionally gathering to discuss its doctrines, have never uttered any other words..."

Marcus Aurelius raised an eyebrow: "That may be the case now, but who can be sure they won't cause trouble in the future?"

"Father, do you mean to restrict the Taiping Cult?" Commodus asked, puzzled.

"That's right, at the very least, there can't be any of their people in the army anymore!"

Marcus Aurelius nodded and then instructed, "However, this matter cannot be rushed. You must wait until you are firmly on the throne before proceeding slowly and carefully. You must also impose legal restrictions on the Taiping Church to prevent their gods from oppressing the imperial power."

"Yes, I've got it!"

Commodus nodded emphatically, taking Marcus Aurelius's instructions to heart.

Marcus Aurelius then instructed Commodus: "Rome is in your hands. From now on, in all your actions, listen to the good advice of others before making a decision, and never act rashly or impulsively!"

"Yes, Father!"

Kang Maode agreed respectfully, his eyes slightly reddening.

Marcus Aurelius then looked at Pennis and said, "My son is still young. You will have to take good care of him and do your best to assist him in the future!"

"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to assist you."

Marcus Aurelius nodded and looked at Pennis with a sincere expression: "I am about to die, and I have some words of advice to share with you!"

Penis asked, "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"

Marcus Aurelius said slowly, "You have followed me for fifteen years, your loyalty is commendable and your abilities are extraordinary. I only hope that you can sincerely assist my son. If anything changes in the future, I only hope that you can remember our past relationship and spare my son's life!"

Upon hearing this, Penis was so shocked that he broke out in a cold sweat, his legs went weak, and he knelt down on the ground.

"Your Majesty, my loyalty to you and Your Highness is unwavering until death. I would never dare to have any disloyalty. If I have uttered even the slightest lie, I am willing to accept the divine punishment of the Thunder God!"

As he spoke, Pennis kept banging his head on the ground, and after a few times, blood began to trickle from his forehead.

Seeing Pennis in such a state, Marcus Aurelius nodded in relief, then gestured to Commodus.

Seeing this, Commodus quickly stepped forward and helped Pennis up.

As Penis stood up, he also sensed that the murderous intent hidden in the side hall had vanished without a trace.

Marcus Aurelius then took a tally from under his pillow and handed it to Penes.

"You shall immediately mobilize four legions into the city, surround the Senate and the residences of the various nobles, and immediately impose military control over Rome, forbidding anyone from moving about at will."

And tomorrow, upon my ascension, I will invite all the nobles in the city to attend my son's coronation ceremony!

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

After receiving the military tally, Penis immediately stood up and walked quickly out of the palace.

“My son, you must remember that after you ascend the throne, your greatest enemies, apart from the Senate, will be the governors of the provinces. You must find a way to divide them, preferably by making them fight each other. Only in this way will you have a chance to control the whole of Rome.”

Commodus's expression changed: "But Father, this will inevitably plunge Rome into civil war, and the whole of Rome will be in turmoil!"

Marcus Aurelius shook his head: "No destruction, no construction. In the past, Rome only relied on force to bind the various provinces together. In the long run, it will eventually fall into division."

If Rome were to become an empire like the Han Dynasty, it would have to go through such a conflict.

Fortunately, the barbarians to the north of Rome and the Parthians to the east have been suppressed by your father, and you have enough time to resolve all of this.

"If you achieve final victory, then our family will be able to hold the throne in our hands for generations, just like the Han royal family!"

"Yes, Father, I will certainly live up to your expectations and build Rome into a country like the Han Dynasty!"

Upon hearing Marcus Aurelius's words, Commodus agreed without hesitation.

"Now I can rest assured!"

When Commodus agreed, Marcus Aurelius nodded as well.

In fact, this final instruction was the last thing he wanted to hear.

Because, regardless of whether Commodus ultimately wins or loses, Rome's national strength will suffer unimaginable damage.

Moreover, if Rome were to fall into conflict, it would be uncertain who would ultimately win.

If Commodus succeeds, all will be well; but if he fails, Rome will immediately fall apart.

This was a risky move, a move that could plunge Rome into utter ruin.

But the allure of imperial power led Marcus Aurelius to take this step.

Having been influenced by Confucianism and gained a deeper understanding of imperial power, Marcus Aurelius believed that Rome could only truly be Rome if it became his own; otherwise, Rome would lose its meaning.

Since my descendants cannot inherit my throne, what is the point of having this country?

There was nothing he could do. He knew that Commodus's abilities and prestige were limited, and it was impossible for him to gradually reclaim the power from the Senate and the various provinces like he had done.

Therefore, the only way to ensure Commodity's success is through force, forcibly reclaiming all rights.

"Alas, what a pity, Heaven did not grant me long life. If only I had two more years!"

With a soft sigh, Marcus Aurelius slowly closed his eyes, and his breathing ceased.

"Father……!!"

Commodus's cries echoed through the palace.

All the servants in the palace knelt down and began to wail loudly.