The Red Keep, Throne Room, Small Council.
The Throne Room was lavishly furnished; Myr carpets covered the floor, and in one corner stood a wooden screen from the Summer Isles, intricately carved with hundreds of lifelike, colorful rare birds and beasts.
The walls were adorned with exquisite tapestries from Norvos, Qohor, and Lys. On either side of the door stood a pair of Valyrian sphinx statues, their round garnet eyes gleaming brightly on their black marble faces.
At the head of the council table, the King's chair, with a golden crowned stag embroidered on its back, was empty.
Duke Jon Arryn sat to the right of the King's chair, a position symbolizing the King's Hand.
The other Masters of Coin seated around the long table were: Master of Laws Renly Baratheon, Master of Coin Petyr Baelish, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Barristan Selmy, Grand Maester Pycelle, and Master of Whisperers Varys.
Besides the King's chair at the head, the seat of Master of Ships Stannis Baratheon was also empty.
The recent travels had made Prime Minister Jon even thinner than before, his eyes sunken, his face pale, devoid of any color.
Prime Minister Jon sighed inwardly, but still asked, "Only six of us? Stannis still hasn't come?"
As Prime Minister Jon's words fell, a few seconds of stillness seemed to settle around the long table.
Petyr, dressed as neatly as a monk, his grey-green eyes shifting slightly as he scanned the expressions of those present, then spoke, "Prime Minister, you know Duke Stannis; his fleet duties are demanding, it's hard for him to get away."
Renly chuckled, his tone teasing, "Earl Petyr, your words are so convincing, I almost suspect that honest Stannis has bribed you."
Petyr smiled and shook his head, "That would be my honor, and I would never forget it."
Soft laughter broke the solemn atmosphere of the Throne Room.
Prime Minister Jon glanced at the smiling Renly.
Today, Renly was wearing a dark green velvet doublet embroidered with twelve golden stags, with a gold-threaded half-cloak fastened to one shoulder by an emerald brooch.
When Robert seized the Iron Throne, Renly was just a seven-year-old boy... Now, Renly, who strongly resembled Robert, seemed like a blast from the past, reminding him of the spirited Robert who returned victorious from the Trident River.
Prime Minister Jon stopped reminiscing; he had called the Small Council meeting today for an important matter.
Regarding the royal bloodline, although his investigation was less than halfway complete, he could now say he was almost certain that Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen were not Robert's children.
Once all the ironclad evidence was collected, he would personally report it to King Robert.
When this matter was exposed, Prime Minister Jon could already foresee the immense upheaval it would cause in the Seven Kingdoms under King Robert's fury.
This matter could not be concealed, nor should it be.
As King's Hand, if the evidence was conclusive, even a moment's delay in King Robert learning the truth would be his dereliction of duty.
Again, this matter was truly of great importance.
At that time, the only thing Prime Minister Jon could do was to persuade King Robert not to hold a public trial, but to privately dispose of Cersei Lannister and her bastards.
For example, all relevant individuals could "die of illness."
King Robert was still young and vibrant; he would marry a new queen and welcome true legitimate heirs.
This was the best countermeasure Prime Minister Jon could think of; at least it would prevent the Seven Kingdoms from being shaken, and the Seven Kingdoms might then calmly weather the impact of this event.
However, Prime Minister Jon knew King Robert's temperament very well; this was his wishful thinking. He had no confidence at all in persuading King Robert, he could only try. Perhaps King Robert would, for the sake of the Seven Kingdoms' stability, maintain rationality just this once... What Prime Minister Jon needed to do now was to prepare in advance to prevent and deal with the worst-case scenario.
He first needed to find another appropriate reason to reasonably blockade King's Landing, indirectly controlling the Lannister family members within King's Landing without arousing suspicion.
Prime Minister Jon scanned the Masters of Coin present and slowly began, "My Lords, I'm sure you've all heard about the Prime Minister's study. Ha ~ I imagine some of you even know things I myself have forgotten..."
Grand Maester Pycelle, seated at the far end of the long table, spoke, "Duke Jon, the secret passage to the Prime Minister's study is not a recent development; it is a problem left to you by the old Targaryen Dynasty, a hidden danger caused by the old Targaryen Dynasty, which also indicates that the remnants of the old Targaryen Dynasty have not given up."
Pycelle had a benevolent face, with a few strands of white hair hanging on either side of his already bald forehead, and a long white beard flowing down to his chest. His maester's chain, strung with twenty-four different metal links, hung from his throat to his chest.
[The Kings Pycelle had served included: Aegon V, Jaehaerys II, Aerys II (the Mad King), Robert I]
Petyr showed no outward reaction, but inwardly he greatly disdained the obsequious Pycelle.
Any normal person could hear that Prime Minister Jon was merely sighing, yet Pycelle was impatiently trying to excuse Prime Minister Jon.
The incident of the Prime Minister's study's hidden compartment didn't even need special excuses; everyone knew it was one of the legacies of the Targaryen Dynasty. The Baratheons were Usurpers, so it was natural for them to miss something when inheriting legacies.
Upon closer examination, King Robert should bear greater responsibility, as he was the master of the Red Keep.
Now, after Pycelle's words, Petyr felt that Pycelle's remarks, while seemingly flattering Prime Minister Jon, had "unintentionally" placed all the responsibility on Prime Minister Jon.
Petyr's eyes flickered. Was Pycelle senile, or did he have an ulterior motive?
Petyr's gaze met that of the always silent Varys for a moment, and they each withdrew their eyes.
Petyr curled his lips; he intended to test the seemingly frail Grand Maester Pycelle.
"Grand Maester Pycelle, are the remnants of the old Targaryen Dynasty still active? When I hear that, why do I feel like... you're trying to say that Prime Minister Jon and Master Varys have always been derelict in their duties?"
Petyr's gaze fixed on Pycelle as he continued, "I think that's a joke. Of course, I'm also joking."
Pycelle rose shakily, his maester's chain clinking.
Pycelle, facing Prime Minister Jon, bowed his head and placed a hand on his chest, saying, "Duke Jon, I absolutely did not mean that. Master Petyr has misunderstood my meaning; I was merely acting out of public duty!"
Prime Minister Jon waved his hand, signaling Pycelle to sit, then glanced at Petyr, who had a helpless expression, and said, "Grand Maester Pycelle, I have never misunderstood you. I have always trusted you."
Pycelle, now seated, nodded his thanks, completely ignoring Petyr, the instigator, from beginning to end.
Petyr found no immediate flaw; Pycelle's demeanor was no different from usual, seemingly afraid of offending Prime Minister Jon and losing his position on the Small Council.
Petyr shrugged, leaning back in his chair, but began to be wary of the seemingly harmless Pycelle.
Petyr had already decided in his heart to bribe the young maidservants around Pycelle to keep track of his every move.
Petyr, always thinking three steps ahead, now had a legitimate excuse. He would find a suitable opportunity to personally contact Pycelle under the guise of an apology; some things were only reliable when confirmed firsthand.
Therefore, the Masters of Coin never spoke idly in the Small Council, except for Renly... Prime Minister Jon had not forgotten his purpose for today. He paused, then continued, "After this incident, it has always kept me restless. I am old, but I do not want to leave problems that arose during my tenure as King's Hand to the next King's Hand."
Immediately, everyone's eyes focused on Prime Minister Jon almost simultaneously.
Meeting their gazes, Prime Minister Jon said, "One month, three months at most. I will blockade all of King's Landing and thoroughly investigate all the secret passages left by the Targaryen Dynasty within King's Landing. Anyone connected to these secret passages will be arrested."
Prime Minister Jon's words brought an abrupt silence to the Throne Room.
Renly said in surprise, "Duke Jon, did I hear that correctly? Blockade King's Landing for three months?"
Petyr, his brow slightly furrowed, said coldly, "Duke Renly, the Prime Minister means three months at most."
Everyone knew Petyr was Prime Minister Jon's trusted subordinate from the Vale, whom Prime Minister Jon had personally promoted; they were on the same side.
Petyr also constantly made it clear that in the Small Council, he was always Prime Minister Jon's man.
Petyr's consistent actions allowed him, in many situations, to represent Prime Minister Jon even without his direct instruction, and without arousing anyone's suspicion.
This was one of Petyr's tactics in the game of power... Renly shrugged, his tone not heavy, "Duke Jon, won't that cause too much commotion? One wrong move could lead to riots; King's Landing has over half a million people."
Prime Minister Jon's gaze sharpened as he swept his eyes over everyone present and said, "I need the support of all of you, my Lords!"
Varys rose from his chair and bowed, speaking first without any hesitation, "Duke Jon, I support your decision. It is a great honor to serve you, and it is my duty."
Everyone looked at Varys, who was the first to openly declare his support, and many felt a sense of doubt.
Regarding the secret passage incident in the Prime Minister's study, everyone suspected Varys, the Master of Whisperers, who had been responsible for intelligence gathering during the Targaryen era. This naturally included Prime Minister Jon himself.
Although Prime Minister Jon suspected Varys was privy to the information, he would not intentionally make things difficult for Varys without evidence; this was the honor Prime Minister Jon had upheld throughout his life.
At this moment, Varys's actions not only directly dispelled Duke Jon's wariness but also deepened his trust.
Petyr looked at the sincere Varys, a hint of mockery curving his lips.
As Varys sat down, he seemed to sense Petyr's gaze and nodded slightly towards him.
Petyr offered a slight smile, though the warmth did not reach his eyes.
After more than a decade as King's Hand, those around Duke Jon had long understood his temperament, let alone Varys, the Master of Whisperers... Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Barristan Selmy, who had been sitting as still as a statue, suddenly spoke, "Prime Minister, blockading King's Landing requires a direct order signed by King."
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Barristan, like other members of the Kingsguard, wore silver armor and a white cloak.
The 60-year-old Barristan was tall, with sad blue eyes beneath his white hair. Despite his age, he still looked strong and elegant.
Barristan Selmy was known as "Barristan the Bold." He was the eldest son of Earl Lyonel Selmy of Harvest Hall in the Stormlands.
At the age of ten, Barristan, wearing donated armor, became a mystery knight and participated in the tourney at Blackhaven, challenging Prince Duncan, whom no one dared to challenge. He has been known as Barristan the Bold ever since.
In the War of the Ninepenny Kings, Barristan single-handedly charged into the Golden Company and successfully killed Maelys the Monstrous, the last Blackfyre, in single combat, ending the Blackfyre pretender's rebellion and earning himself an immortal name. From then on, his name spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms.
At the age of twenty-three, Barristan renounced his family inheritance and donned the white cloak, introduced by Ser Gerold Hightower, who was then Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
After the Usurper's War, despite Barristan's valiant fight for the Targaryen royal family, King Robert pardoned him and appointed him Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
Although Barristan had moral reservations about serving King Robert, he still loyally performed his duties... Prime Minister Jon looked at Barristan, his voice carrying a subtle trace of weariness, "Ser Barristan, I will first obtain King Robert's approval."
Barristan nodded, "At that time, I will fulfill my duties."
Renly shrugged and said with a smile, "Duke Jon, remember to notify me in advance before you blockade the Seven Kingdoms. Unless Robert orders it, I don't intend to be cooped up here. I'll go Kingswood Hunting and return after you've finished your business."
Prime Minister Jon's pale lips moved slightly, but he said nothing, only nodded.
Petyr addressed Prime Minister Jon, "Prime Minister, we must consider the food supply. There are hundreds of thousands of mouths in King's Landing."
Prime Minister Jon already had a plan: "I will not restrict food from entering King's Landing. Petyr, I'm putting you in charge of this matter."
Petyr elegantly placed a hand on his chest, "As you wish, Prime Minister!"
Pycelle looked at Petyr and said, "Master Petyr, this is no small sum. Can the royal treasury afford this many gold dragons?"
Petyr curled his lips, looked at Pycelle, and said with a mocking tone, "You said the royal treasury? Grand Maester Pycelle, please stop pretending. You and I both know the treasury has been empty for many years; even rats would avoid that place now."
After answering Pycelle, Petyr again addressed Prime Minister Jon, "Prime Minister, at this time, I believe His Grace the Archbishop would be very willing to help us. I will contact him in advance."
Prime Minister Jon sighed inwardly and said, "Petyr, we also need the Archbishop's assistance in stabilizing the morale of King's Landing's people."
By this point, his plan had already been approved by the Small Council.
Everything went smoothly... Prime Minister Jon secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and at the same time, a sudden wave of exhaustion washed over him, forcing him to lean back in his chair.
Petyr, with a worried expression, was about to speak but was interrupted by a sudden commotion.
Everyone in the Small Council simultaneously heard the loud announcement, "The Queen arrives!"
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