"You want me to give this report to my father?" Rhaenyra immediately understood Redd's intention.
"Not in the form of this formal report." Redd shook his head, "That would be too deliberate and could easily make people suspect that we framed it.
You should have 'accidentally' heard this 'disturbing rumor' from a businessman from the East, or a well-informed noble lady,
Then out of concern for the safety of the kingdom, privately remind your father to pay more attention.
Remember, your tone should be one of concern and uncertainty, not accusation.
Let your father investigate and doubt for himself."
Rhaenyra remained silent, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the rough edges of the report.
She knew that once this seed was planted in her father's heart, with his suspicious character (especially during the sensitive period of throne succession) and his dependence on the Hai Tarth family,
It will inevitably lead to serious suspicion of House Velaryon.
This could completely destroy the already fractured relationship between Targaryen and Velaryon over inheritance issues.
"Is this... not too harsh? House Velaryon is, after all, the backbone of the kingdom and an important ally family..." Rhaenyra hesitated.
Although she was disappointed and even angry that Corlys and Rhaenys did not support her, she was not to the point of completely destroying them.
"Hard?" Redd sneered, "Rhaenyra, when they choose not to support you, and may even side with Daemon or the future prince, they are already your enemies.
To be kind to your enemies is to be cruel to yourself.
If you don't shake their foundation now, are you going to wait for them to unite and completely exclude you from the succession?"
He stood up, walked to Rhaenyra, and looked down at her. "This is not to ask you to make up lies, but to tell the king you should be loyal to about a possible risk.
As for the truth, let your father and his Hand of the King (Otto·海 Tarth) judge.
If they were really innocent, they wouldn't be afraid of investigation.
But what if... it really happened?
Shouldn't we be wary of a naval minister who colludes with pirates and may threaten the security of the royal capital?
You are doing this for the stability of the kingdom and your father's safety."
Redd's words are highly inflammatory and seemingly justified.
Rhaenyra was struggling fiercely in his heart.
On the one hand, she felt that doing so was a bit unscrupulous, like stabbing her in the back;
On the other hand, what Redd said seems reasonable. If House Velaryon's power is out of control or used by opponents, it may indeed be a huge threat.
Moreover, if they firmly oppose themselves and weaken them, they are clearing obstacles for themselves.
In the end, the desire for Iron Throne, dissatisfaction with the status quo, and fear of possible marginalization in the future overwhelmed the traces of blood family ties and moral concerns.
Her eyes gradually became firm.
"... I understand." Rhaenyra took a deep breath, "I know what to do."
"Very good." Redd patted her shoulder and softened his tone, "Remember, be natural, as if you really just overheard and felt worried.
The rest is left to 'coincidence' and the human heart to ferment."
Rhaenyra nodded, put away the brief report, turned and left the room.
Her steps were much firmer than before, but there was also a hint of heavy determination.
Redd watched her back disappear, with a cold arc at the corner of her mouth. Plan A (accidental elimination) failed, but plan B (stoking dissension) was officially launched.
It would be much safer and more efficient to let King's Landing's suspicion contain and weaken the Valery family than to do it himself.
At the same time, this can further tie Rhaenyra to her own chariot, forcing her to rely more on his strategies and... less honorable methods on the road to Iron Throne.
And Mysaria has already arranged for the "Oriental businessman" or "noble lady" who "accidentally" heard the rumor and informed Rhaenyra.
A psychological warfare and credibility attack against the "Varyrian" family is about to begin quietly in the shadow of Red Keep.
Tormund's intervention gave him a more concealed and deadly weapon - the seeds of doubt. Once planted, they would grow crazily in the fertile soil of power.
After Princess Rhaenyra hurriedly walked out of Redd's study, she quickly headed to where King Viserys was like an arrow from a string.
As the king's daughter, it was easy for her to see her father, and almost no one dared to stop her.
Even those Kingsguards who are specifically responsible for protecting the king's safety did not dare to show any slightest intention of neglect or obstruction when facing this noble princess.
However, Princess Rhaenyra is not the kind of extremely smart person.
But it is worth mentioning that although Viserys, who was able to ascend the throne, cannot be said to be extremely sophisticated or scheming, his political wisdom is undoubtedly quite superb.
He was really shocked when he learned that Corlys secretly colluded with the pirate Tormund.
However, what shocked him even more was that he actually learned about such a crucial and highly confidential matter from his own daughter!
At this moment, King Viserys had mixed feelings in his heart, and his thoughts were in a mess.
Obviously, his beloved daughter has not completely given up fighting for the supreme Iron Throne.
Instead, he has been quietly accumulating strength, and has even successfully obtained such top-secret information.
Finally, after a brief and slightly awkward conversation, King Viserys managed to squeeze out a few words to express his care for his daughter and gave some encouragement and encouragement.
Then, he waved his hand to signal Princess Rhaenyra to leave. As his daughter drifted away and disappeared, King Viserys felt increasingly heavy.
After all, as the king of a country, even the ministers in charge of naval affairs are colluding with pirates, so how much loyalty will House Velaryon remain to him?
It was really difficult for him to make an accurate judgment on this issue, and he couldn't help but feel uneasy.
After Rhaenyra left, the throne room fell into a long silence.
Viserys didn't summon anyone immediately, nor did he go to the balcony to get some fresh air as usual.
He just sat alone on the cold Iron Throne, his fingers unconsciously tapping the raised sword blade on the armrest, making a small and dull sound.
He chewed over and over again the news brought by his daughter, every word piercing his heart like a needle.
Corlys Velaryon..."Sea Snake"...
His cousin, the naval commander he once relied on, Emma's cousin... will he collude with pirates?
Reason told him that this may not be true.