Jon's Strategy for Governing the Realm

House Tully is probably the weakest of the ducal families in the entire Seven Kingdoms.

Even before Robert was gored to death by the boar, the Tully would not have been able to command the entire Riverlands.

Take the House Frey, for example. Although they were also lords of the Riverlands, Old Walder called himself a marquis, which clearly showed that he didn't respect the Tully.

However, it seems they're going to fight together again now.

As Edmure gazed at the twin towers of the Twins, a peculiar feeling welled up within him.

The black three-headed dragon flag that was trampled underfoot back then has actually started flying again.

Edmure, imitating Jon's actions at Casterly Rock, also brought out a flagpole.

The Targaryen's three-headed dragon banner was naturally hung at the highest point, while the Riverrun's blue sturgeon banner was placed slightly lower on either side.

On the other side hung the House Frey's twin tower banner.

This time, Rhaegar Frey and Black Walder led the troops again, but Steve Frey was also present.

After all, this is an extremely important alliance meeting, House Frey needs to show a certain degree of sincerity.

After Rhaegar Frey returned, he told Old Walder about his conversation with Jon.

Old Walder Jon Snow's side almost without hesitation, paying no heed to his grandsons, great-grandsons, or great-great-grandsons who were still serving in King's Landing's Landing.

They were just grandsons; Old Walder wasn't really familiar with them.

Because he has so many sons and grandsons, Old Walder probably doesn't even know who they are, let alone whether he's familiar with them or not. He might not even know he has such a grandson.

Not every lord spoils his children like Mace does.

Old Walder's decisive decision was not only due to the promising future Jon had painted, but mainly because Jon had indeed proven himself capable, bringing them considerable benefits whether they were attacking the Westerlands or the Iron Islands.

After the battle, when the accounts were tallied, they found that they had not only not lost money, but had actually made a huge profit.

This made Old Walder, who always claimed to be helping Jon, feel a little embarrassed.

Needless to say, the previous attack on the Westerlands and the capture of Casterly Rock, as well as the spoils that the Iron Islands recently received, have already made up for or completely covered their losses and costs.

Both of their campaigns brought them a fortune.

Judging from the current situation in Westeros, Jon still holds a considerable advantage.

Stannis was merely occupying the Iron Throne in vain; he lacked a sufficient number of direct troops and had no legitimacy whatsoever, making his defeat a foregone conclusion.

Moreover, he had received confirmation that Jon's son had silver hair and purple eyes, a typical Targaryen appearance.

Old Walder was no less intelligent than the others; he too deduced from Jon's somewhat irrational actions that Jon was very likely Rhaegar and Lyanna's child.

Furthermore, after correcting the bug that Jon was Eddard's bastard son, some logical issues seem to make more sense.

In other words, the House Frey now has the opportunity to merge their bloodline into the Dragon King's veins!

What are we waiting for!

Old Walder emptied his coffers, leaving only about a hundred guards in the Twins, and dispatched an army of three thousand men to Riverrun.

These three thousand men brought their own weapons, and they also brought their own food.

Old Walder even played a little trick, which was to have Roslin bring Rhaegar Frey along as well.

According to reports, after Margaery became pregnant, Jon spent most of his time fighting outside, and unlike Robb, he did not have any illegitimate children.

This shows that he has been holding back all along, and if that's the case, then now is the right time.

Let Roslin serve Jon, and if she can conceive another child.

Old Walder swore that he would cherish this grandson or granddaughter dearly.

If they also have silver hair and purple eyes, then cherish them even more.

Thus, the three thousand men of the Twins, along with the twelve thousand men of Riverrun and the lords of the Riverlands, a total of fifteen thousand men had gathered in Riverrun, awaiting Jon's arrival.

Soon, they spotted a cavalry unit slowly approaching in the distance.

Although they have already revealed their identity and reverted to using the Targaryen banner.

However, Jon did not abandon his black and White Wolf Banner; instead, he handed it over to his Heavy Armor Battalion as their Heavy Armor Battalion flag.

His Heavy Armor Battalion has now been expanded again, now numbering three thousand.

Eight hundred of them were heavy cavalry, and more than two thousand were heavy infantry, all of whom were capable of drawing a bow and arrow.

Of course, the Heavy Armor Battalion also had very high benefits. The most attractive aspect was that once they passed their physical peak, such as when they were thirty or thirty-five years old, they would be assigned to other units as officers managing one hundred men.

Upon retirement, they receive twice the amount of retirement land as ordinary soldiers, and this retirement land is not included in the land granted to them.

In addition, they even provide marriage services; such treatment is unparalleled across the entire Seven Kingdoms.

Unparalleled treatment naturally breeds unparalleled loyalty.

Of course, three thousand men is the limit, and Jon can't afford to support more soldiers like that for the time being.

However, it's excellent for making a show of things.

This legion, clad in uniform, gleaming armor, resembled a long sword drawn from its sheath. When they came into view, everyone instinctively slowed their breathing.

Especially as that imposing longsword drew closer and closer, everyone felt an urge to retreat back into the castle, as if only then could they find some sense of security.

When reason prevails, and in that situation, this army is not meant to attack them.

However, Edmure was troubled by another question at this moment – how should he address Jon?

On the surface, they are both dukes, but Jon has already adopted the Targaryen name; should I address him as His Majesty?

While Edmure was still hesitating, Rhaegar Frey and Steve Frey, supported by others, quickly approached Jon, knelt on one knee, and addressed him as "Your Majesty."

"Rise, gentlemen," Jon said calmly.

Before Edmure could make up his mind, Sandor's gaze had already swept over him.

Under immense pressure, Edmure stepped forward and knelt on one knee, saying, "Your Majesty, the army of Riverrun pledges its allegiance to you."

"Rise, Duke Edmure," Jon said, essentially acknowledging his status.

Edmure slowly rose to his feet, while the other Riverlands lords who had also led their troops knelt on one knee before Jon, swearing allegiance.

Many familiar faces were among them, such as Lyman Darry, who had grown much taller in just over a year. Of course, Monde was also there.

When Lyman and Monde were told that Jon was actually Targaryen, they were just as excited as Martin.

It must be a special kind of fate, otherwise why would the House Darry have chosen to follow Jon when he was still a bastard?

It seems the House Darry was born to be loyal to the Dragon King.

This bond of fate made Lyman, who was gradually becoming more and more immature, believe it without a doubt.

Therefore, when it came to pledging allegiance, he was the one who shouted the loudest.

Jon looked at the Riverlands lords, most of whom had stood against the Targaryen during Robert's War of the Usurper, and many of them felt uneasy.

Jon knew he had to calm their uneasy hearts first.

Jon cleared his throat and said, "Gentlemen, it is somewhat impolite of you to address me as Your Majesty, for I have not yet been crowned King."

Upon hearing Jon's words, the group exchanged somewhat bewildered glances. After all, if they waited until Jon became king before addressing him as "Your Majesty," wouldn't that seem disloyal?

Jon continued, "I was a son, and now I am a father. I am still a subject, but I am on the path to becoming a king. What exactly is the relationship between father and son, and between ruler and subject?"

I believe that only when a father acts like a father will a son act like a son, and only when a king possesses the virtues of a king will a subject fulfill his duty as a subject. My uncle and foster father was undoubtedly an upright man; he sacrificed his most precious honor to protect me. He showed me what a father should be like, so I followed his will, slaying the Usurper King Joffrey, installing Stannis as king, persuading Robb to relinquish his crown, and attacking Balon, the usurper of the Iron Islands. My grandfather Aerys alienated his family and befriended treacherous officials; he did not act like a king and was therefore overthrown. In truth, I had no intention of becoming king. If Stannis was willing to prioritize the safety of the Seven Kingdoms Seven Kingdoms lead their people through the coming Long Night, then he would be a worthy ruler. My opposition to him would be treason. Unfortunately, he did not heed my advice and instead demanded that I send my newborn son to King's Landing as a hostage. If I sent my son away, I would not be a worthy father, so I chose to come here.

Jon directly used the "ruler-subject, father-son" theory he had before his transmigration to legitimize his actions.

After all, he had just persuaded Robb to give up the throne a little over a year ago, and now, not long after, he himself was about to become king.

If I were a true Targaryen, that would be understandable, but unfortunately, apart from my son looking like Targaryen, I have nothing else.

There was no Blackfyre of the Targaryen, nor the crown of Aegon the Conqueror, and even Aemon did not immediately acknowledge his identity.

Of course, Jon could understand Aemon's actions.

The war hasn't really started yet, and in his view, there might still be a possibility of peace between him and Stannis.

However, Jon believed that once the war began, Aemon would immediately vindicate himself.

Sure enough, everyone found a way to benefit themselves within Jon's simple and easy-to-understand ethical system.

First of all, it's good that Jon doesn't intend to pursue the responsibility of Reach Riverlands lords during the War of the Usurper.

Secondly, this Targaryen with Stark blood appears very calm, with the blood of ice and fire perfectly fused within him, which should make things much more comfortable for everyone in the future.