Red Keep, Throne Room, Small Council.
The furnishings of Throne Room are extremely gorgeous. The floor is covered with Myrish Carpet. In the corner of the room is a wooden screen from Summer Isles, which is carved with hundreds of lifelike and colorful rare birds and animals.
The walls are covered with exquisite brocades produced by Norvos, Qohor and Lys. On both sides of the door are a pair of sphinx statues from Valyrian. The round rhodolite eyes look bright on the black marble face.
At the head of the conference table, the king chair with the golden Crowned Stag pattern on the backrest is empty.
Jon·Arryn The Duke sits on the right side of the king's chair. This position symbolizes the king Right Hand.
The other imperial ministers sitting around the long table are: Master of Laws Renly·Baratheon, Master of Coin Petyr·Baelish, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Barristan·Selmi, Grand Maester Pycelle, Master of Whisperers Varys.
Except for the king chair at the top, the seats of Master of Ships Stannis·Baratheon are also empty.
The recent travel has made Hand Jon Arryn even thinner than before, with sunken eyes and a pale complexion, with no trace of blood on his face.
Hand Jon Arryn sighed secretly, but still asked, "There are only six of us, Stannis still hasn't come?"
After Hand Jon Arryn finished speaking, the area around the long table seemed to freeze for a few seconds.
Petyr was dressed neatly, like a monk. His gray-green eyes moved slightly. After scanning the expressions of everyone present, he said, "Lord Hand, you know Lord Stannis. His fleet is busy with affairs and it is difficult to get away."
Renly laughed and said in a teasing tone, "Lord Petyr, your words are so convincing. I even doubt that the upright Stannis bribed you."
Petyr smiled and shook his head, "That would be my honor, and I will never forget it for the rest of my life."
Everyone chuckled, breaking Throne Room's solemnity.
Hand Jon Arryn glanced at Renly who was smiling.
Renly today is wearing a dark green velvet tights embroidered with twelve golden heads Stag, with a gold-woven half cape fixed by an emerald brooch hanging from one shoulder.
When Robert captured Iron Throne, Renly was just a seven-year-old boy... Now Renly, who looks exactly like Robert, seemed to have gone back in time, allowing him to see the heroic Robert who had returned from Trident's victory.
Hand Jon Arryn stopped recalling. He summoned Small Council today for an important matter.
Regarding the issue of Royal Bloodline, although his investigation progress is less than half, he can now be said to have almost confirmed that Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen are not the bloodline of Robert.
After collecting all the irrefutable evidence, he will personally report it to King Robert.
After this matter was revealed, Hand Jon Arryn could already predict how much shock the kingdom would cause under the wrath of King Robert.
This matter cannot be concealed, nor can it be concealed from each other.
Lord Jon As Hand of the King, if the evidence is conclusive, King Robert would be derelict in his duty even if he was delayed even for a moment in learning the truth.
Again, this matter is really of great importance.
At that time, the only thing Hand Jon Arryn can do is to persuade King Robert not to have a public trial, but to deal with Cersei·Lannister and her bastards privately.
For example, all the people involved died of illness.
King Robert is still young and full of energy. He will marry a new Queen and usher in a true legitimate heir.
This is the best countermeasure that Hand Jon Arryn can think of. In this way, at least Seven Kingdoms will not be shocked, and the kingdom will be able to smoothly survive the impact of this incident.
However, Hand Jon Arryn knew the temper of King Robert very well. This was his extravagant hope. He had no confidence in persuading King Robert. He could only give it a try. Maybe King Robert would be able to remain rational for the sake of the stability of the kingdom.
Hand Jon Arryn What we need to do now is to prepare in advance to prevent and respond to the worst situation.
He first needs to find another appropriate reason to block King's Landing reasonably, and indirectly control the Lannister people in King's Landing without arousing suspicion from others.
Hand Jon Arryn glanced at the imperial ministers present and said slowly, "My lords, I believe you have all heard about Hand's Study. Ha~ I think some people have even mastered things that even I have forgotten..."
Pycelle sitting at the end of the long table Grand Maester said, "Lord Jon, the secret passage leading to Hand's Study did not appear in recent years. It is a trouble left to you by Old Dragon. This is a hidden danger caused by Old Dragon. This also shows that the remnants of Old Dragon have not given up."
Pycelle has a kind face, a few bunches of white hair hanging on both sides of his already bald forehead, a long snow-white beard flowing to his chest, and his bachelor's necklace made of twenty-four kinds of metal pieces hanging from his throat to his chest.
[The kings that Pycelle has served include: Aegon V, Jaehaerys II, Aerys II (Mad King), Robert I]
Petyr doesn't show it on the surface, but in his heart he really looks down on Pycelle, who only knows how to flatter.
Normal people can hear that Hand Jon Arryn is just sighing, while Pycelle is eager to excuse Hand Jon Arryn.
There is no need to specifically excuse the Hand's Study mezzanine incident. Everyone knows very well that this is one of the legacies left by the Targaryen Dynasty. Baratheon's identity is the seizer, so it is normal for some omissions to be inherited.
After further investigation, King Robert should bear greater responsibility, because he is the master of Red Keep.
Now that Pycelle said this, Petyr felt that Pycelle's words seemed to be trying to please Hand Jon Arryn, but he "unintentionally" let Hand Jon Arryn take all the responsibilities.
Petyr's eyes moved slightly. Is Paixian an old fool, or does he have other motives?
Petyr's eyes touched those of Varys, who had been silent, and they both withdrew their gazes.
Petyr raised the corners of his lips, and he deliberately looked at the old Pycelle Grand Maester.
"Are the remnants of Pycelle Grand Maester, Old Dragon still active? This sentence sounds like, why do I feel... Do you want to express that Hand Jon Arryn and Varys have been derelict in their duties?"
Petyr stared at Pycelle and continued, "I think this is a joke. Of course, I am also joking."
Pycelle stood up tremblingly, the bachelor's necklace making a sound.
Pycelle faced the direction of Hand Jon Arryn, nodded and said, "Lord Jon, I never meant this. Mr. Petyr misunderstood my meaning. I was just out of public interest!"
Hand Jon Arryn waved his hand and motioned Pycelle to sit down. He glanced at Petyr who had a helpless expression on his face and said, "Pycelle Grand Maester, I have never misunderstood you. I have always trusted you."
Pycelle, who was sitting down, nodded in thanks and ignored the instigator Petyr from beginning to end.
Petyr has not found any flaws for the time being. Pycelle's behavior is no different from usual. He is deeply afraid of offending Hand Jon Arryn and losing his position in Small Council.
Petyr shrugged and leaned on the back of the chair, but became wary of the seemingly harmless Pycelle.
Petyr has decided in his heart to bribe the young maids around Pycelle and control his every move.
Petyr, who has calculated three steps in three steps, already has a legitimate excuse. He will find a suitable opportunity to personally contact Pycelle in the name of apologizing. Some things can only be confirmed with his own eyes.
Therefore, the imperial minister never talks nonsense for no reason in Small Council, except for Renly.
Hand Jon Arryn did not forget the purpose of today. He paused and continued, "After this incident happened, I always had trouble sleeping and eating. I am already old, but I don't want to leave the problems that occurred when I was working as Hand of the King to the next Hand of the King."
Suddenly, everyone's eyes focused on Hand Jon Arryn almost at the same time.
Facing everyone's gaze, Hand Jon Arryn said, "One month, three months at most. I will seal off the entire King's Landing, thoroughly investigate all the secret passages left by Targaryen in King's Landing, and arrest all those who are related to the secret passages."
Hand Jon Arryn's words made Throne Room feel suddenly silent.
Renly said in surprise, "Lord Jon, did I hear wrongly? Block King's Landing for three months?"
Petyr, who frowned slightly, said coldly, "Lord Renly, Lord Hand means up to three months."
Everyone knows that Petyr is Vale's confidant who was single-handedly promoted by Hand Jon Arryn. They are one of our own.
Petyr also shows at all times that in Small Council, he will always be Hand Jon Arryn's person.
Petyr's consistent actions allow him to represent Hand Jon Arryn on many occasions even without Hand Jon Arryn's instructions, without arousing anyone's suspicion.
This is one of Petyr's methods in the Game of Thrones.
Renly spread his hands, but his tone was not heavy. "Lord Jon, will there be too much noise? If you are not careful, it will cause a riot. King's Landing has more than 500,000 people."
Hand Jon Arryn's eyes became sharp, and he scanned everyone present and said, "I need your support, adults!"
Varys stood up from the chair, nodded, and spoke out without any hesitation, "Lord Jon, I support your decision. It is my great honor to serve you, and this is also my responsibility."
Everyone looked at Varys, who was the first to stand up and express his support, and many people couldn't help but wonder.
Regarding the secret passage incident involving Hand's Study, everyone is suspecting Master of Whisperers Varys who was responsible for intelligence collection during the Targaryen period, which naturally includes Hand Jon Arryn himself.
Although Hand Jon Arryn still doubts that Varys is an insider, he will not deliberately embarrass Varys before getting evidence. This is the honor that Lord Jon has insisted on throughout his life.
At this moment, Varys's actions not only directly dispelled Lord Jon's precautions, but also increased his trust in him.
Petyr looked at the sincere face of Varys, with a mocking arc at the corner of his lips.
When Varys sat down, he seemed to feel the gaze from Petyr, and nodded slightly towards Petyr.
Petyr smiled slightly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.
After more than ten years of Hand of the King's career, people around him have already figured out Lord Jon's temperament, let alone Varys who is Master of Whisperers.
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Barristan Selmy, who had always been sitting like a statue, suddenly said, "Mr. Hand of the King, blocking King's Landing requires an order personally signed by His Majesty the King."
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Barristan, like other members of Kingsguard, wears silver armor and white cloaks.
Barristan, who is 60 years old, is tall and has a pair of sad blue eyes under his white hair. Although he is old, he still looks strong and elegant.
Barristan·Selmy is known as "Barristan the Bold", he is the eldest son of Stormlands Harvest Hall Leonor·Selmy Earl.
When he was ten years old, Barristan relied on the armor donated by others to become a mysterious knight. He participated in the Tournament held by Blackhaven, and challenged the prince Duncan who no one dared to challenge. Since then, he has the title of Barristan the Bold.
Barristan In War of the Ninepenny Kings, he rushed into the Golden Company members alone and successfully killed the last Blackfyre member one-on-one. The violent Maelys ended the rebellion of the Blackfyre pretender to the throne and won himself an immortal name. Since then, his name has spread throughout Seven Kingdoms.
At the age of twenty-three, Barristan gave up his family inheritance rights and put on a white robe under the recommendation of Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Jero·House Hightower
After War of the Usurper ended, even though Barristan fought heroically for the Targaryen royal family, King Robert still pardoned him and appointed him Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
Although Barristan had moral reservations about serving King Robert, he still faithfully fulfilled his responsibilities.
Hand Jon Arryn looked at Barristan, with a hint of unnoticeable tiredness in his voice. "Ser Barristan Selmy, I will get King Robert's approval first."
Barristan nodded and said, "When the time comes, I will fulfill my duties."
Renly spread his hands and said with a smile, "Lord Jon, remember to inform me in advance before closing the city. Unless Robert orders it, I do not intend to be locked up here. I will go to Kingswood Hunt and I will come back after you finish your work."
Hand Jon Arryn's white lips moved slightly, but he didn't say anything, he just nodded.
Petyr said to Hand Jon Arryn, "Lord Hand, we have to consider the food problem. There are hundreds of thousands of mouths in King's Landing."
Hand Jon Arryn has already made a corresponding plan. "I will not restrict the entry of grain King's Landing. Petyr. I will leave this matter to you."
Petyr stroked her chest gracefully. "As you wish, Lord Hand!"
Pycelle looked at Petyr and said, "Sir Petyr, this is not a small amount. Can the kingdom's treasury come up with this amount Gold Dragon?"
Petyr raised the corners of his lips, looked at Pycelle, and said with a mocking tone, "You mean the kingdom's treasury? Pycelle Grand Maester Please stop pretending. You and I know very well that the treasury has been empty for many years, and even rats will despise that place now."
After answering Pycelle, Petyr turned to Hand Jon Arryn and said, "Lord Hand, at this time I think Mr. High Septon will be happy to help us, and I will contact him in advance."
Hand Jon Arryn sighed secretly and said, "Petyr, we still need High Septon to help us stabilize the hearts of King's Landing."
By this time, his plan had been approved Small Council.
Everything went well...Hand Jon Arryn secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and at the same time, fatigue suddenly appeared on his body, forcing him to lean on the back of the chair.
Petyr, who looked worried, was about to speak, but was interrupted by sudden movement.
Everyone in Small Council heard the loud voice of "Queen is here!"