Chapter 247 Insurance Before Departure

Viserys never thought that he would have to commend the famous "inflatable fish" Lord Mace Tyrell one day.

However, after the Duke of the Reach returned to the South in disgrace after his defeat, he was criticized and punished by Viserys in writing and in public. But Viserys never expected that the Duke was not discouraged and sunk, but was very enthusiastic about the construction of granaries, road repairs, and post stations in the South led by his son Willas Tyrell. He took the initiative to arrange for the tenants of the Tyrell family to participate in this large-scale construction activity after the autumn harvest that just ended.

As a result, several castles and towns under the jurisdiction of the Highgarden Tyrell family completed the tasks very efficiently and in accordance with the standards, so much so that they were only slightly slower than Oldtown and the Mead River area led by Viserys and Oberyn.

Although calling on one's own tenants to participate in the construction is cheating in a sense, Viserys did not explicitly prohibit it. Therefore, considering the Duke of Mace's response and support for the policy - or involution, Viserys still gave Mace Tyrell verbal praise in the official notice after comprehensive consideration, and interviewed the Duke of Mace in the newspaper circulated among the southern lords, exploring how he achieved the construction plan assigned to Highgarden in a short period of time.

This is undoubtedly a need for political propaganda, but Viserys still feels strange to give this commendation to the inflatable fish.

Most of the lords who returned home from the defeat in King's Landing were treated as being confined and controlled in the territory, disbanding troops, fined, fined land, and sending their children to the family designated by Viserys. However, in order to get the southern border moving as planned as soon as possible, Viserys did not cause too much unrest in the southern border, but relied on these lords to start pushing various predetermined policies.

The kings under the jurisdiction of Stormland and Dragonstone Island are also in full swing in construction.

The Citadel observed and recorded the climate and calculated that this autumn will only last for more than a year. This means that after the autumn harvest, even if many places plant again, they can only rush to plant a wave of cold-resistant crops.

According to the winter situation in previous years, the southern border and the Mander River in the Storm Land and the part south of the Royal Forest will have about half a year of warm climate after the winter, so they can rush to plant another wave of corn and potatoes.

Although Viserys's propaganda about winter and the White Walkers is no secret, it is not easy to make these southerners really believe in the cold winter.

Even if the lords believe it, the farmers who grow crops may not believe it.

As a country with an illiteracy rate of 99%, empiricism is the main theme. Without literacy, policy propaganda is one aspect, but we must not forget to let the knights lead people to urge and even force the king's plan. You know, even in modern China where Viserys's soul is, many poor areas still follow empiricism in farming.

Viserys understood this, so he had to use the next time to promote various policies in the name of the king, and at the same time reward the lords and regions with good performance to mobilize the enthusiasm of the local areas.

But even so, many people were still trying to find out the tone of Viserys and the ministers to confirm when to launch a general attack on King's Landing.

It was not until Viserys asked Oberyn to hint to the southern lords that they could secretly try to redeem their own captives captured by Lannister that they realized that Viserys really did not intend to use troops in the near future, and really believed in "White Walkers" and "Winter". So they began to prepare - but even so, some people still felt that their territory had been fully prepared for the winter in previous years, and they only needed to deal with the inspection team that was solemnly established after the king returned.

This was the case in the southern border where Viserys was in charge, not to mention the Stormlands and Dorne further south. It was the crown territory governed by Dragonstone Island that did not make him feel bad because of the reform of the affairs officer system and many affairs officers of Viserys's headquarters were in effect.

Because of this, Viserys thought of many ways to mobilize the enthusiasm of the princes, such as using the official newspaper to commend them.

In addition to the inflatable fish, the people who were commended this time were also the Earl of Brightwater City, Alister. Speaking of this earl, since he returned to Brightwater City, he has been unwavering in his support for Viserys' policies. He really regards himself as Viserys's pioneer. He supports whatever Viserys advocates. In addition, Brightwater City is already rich, so many things are done very smoothly.

After visiting Highgarden and Brightwater City in person, it must be said that although there are still some flaws in the actual promotion, Viserys still commended them.

To be honest, Viserys originally thought that it would be relatively easy to concentrate on promoting construction work without fighting, but only when it is really implemented will you know that doing some things that are good in the long run is not suitable for the generally short-sighted Westeros people in the contemporary era.

After the actual investigation, Viserys found that except for a few educated princes and knights, the rest of the Westeros people seemed to find it difficult to understand and implement a long-term plan lasting several years or decades.

The cultural differences across races and time and space often made Viserys feel tired of "whatever, destroy it", but after communicating with some people who agreed with his policies, he often felt a sense of expectation that "the world can still be saved".

So the various policies originally planned were promoted in this way, and although Viserys still had a lot of things in his hands that seemed to be unable to get away.

But the situation is not up to anyone. Even Viserys now has to consider the situation and act in accordance with the situation.

The day agreed with Fremi finally arrived.

As Viserys saw flames rising from the glass candle he brought with him from the Citadel one night, he knew it was a secret conversation and left Dragonstone to return to Essos to make preparations. Fremy magically delivered the Red God's message to him in Essos through the glass candles in the temple of R'hllor.

Viserys quietly informed Daenerys and Oberon, who was now half a God's Favorite, that he would take Daenerys to Sunspear in the name of inspection one day.

There are a lot of things to explain, but Viserys can handle it clearly, and he can only choose to believe that Oberon, who has discussed the situation many times, can follow his own ideas and act as a good value during his absence. Viserys' whereabouts are unknown , Oberon was used to blocking things for Viserys. Viserys's journey to Valyria is a secret among secrets, and they need to keep Viserys's secret until a certain time limit is reached.

To be honest, Viserys often regretted that only one "favorite" Oberon was not enough, but time was urgent, and Viserys really had no time to give advice and develop more "favorites".

And although Valyria is far away, at Viserys's current speed, it doesn't take long to go there and back by himself. The only problem is that this time we are truly walking with God, and the return time cannot be guaranteed, so we must prepare for the worst.

This time, we diverted to Dorne, and two young dragons, Nightfire and Flashgold, also went with us. Viserys had already tried to share some of his power with them to make them stronger, but the dragon seemed to be more receptive to the new power. Humans were much more difficult, and Viserys gave them without reservation, but they still couldn't reach Daenerys' acceptance level and couldn't summon the power of thunder. The two little dragons showed some talent in controlling the power of "wind".

Viserys wasn't sure if it was a matter of species differences, or the age and intelligence of the two young dragons.

But protecting Daenerys - or it can be said that Daenerys protects them, is obviously enough, not to mention that there are many personal guards who have been secretly arranged to wait in Sunspear a long time ago.

In order to show his sincerity, Prince Doran of Dorne even gave up the Water Gardens to serve as a temporary palace for the king and queen.

Speaking of which, although they have known each other for a long time, this "inspection" of Dorne was the first time Viserys met Prince Doran of Dorne.

Prince Doran, who was suffering from gout, wore a brand new robe today, his hair was neatly combed, and his wrinkled face had a sincere smile, making him look radiant.

"You look younger than I thought."

This was the opening statement of Prince Doran.

"You are also more resilient than I thought, Prince Doran Martell. We have been close friends for a long time, and we finally meet you." Viserys stepped forward and took the initiative to hold the hand of the prince who was obviously trying to force himself. His finger joints were swollen and red as pomegranates.

Gout is a disease of wealth. Even in modern times, it is difficult to cure. It can only be alleviated. Even the kind of gout suffered by young people in another world with beer and seafood is already very painful. However, the gout disease in the old man in front of us has developed over the years. The joints are already covered with tophi, which may have reached the level of kidney disease.

Viserys once had a relative in his family who suffered from gout. Not only did he need surgery to remove the tophi, but he also had to control his diet. However, the old man's living habits were always difficult to change. They would always say: "I am so old, even if I change, If I can live a few more years, let me do this, right?” So I continued to drink and eat whatever I needed.

Gout is often accompanied by high blood pressure, diabetes or other kidney diseases. When Viserys saw this prince, he knew that even if he traveled through time and brought "Febuxostat" or "Colchicine" with him, he would not be able to cure him. It is very likely that the prince's kidneys have become diseased, and giving him medicine is tantamount to harming him. Besides, Viserys didn't have any medicine yet.

The prince smiled at Viserys and shook his hand back: "Your Majesty Viserys, Queen Daenerys, please forgive me for not getting up."

"It's okay, why don't you take us for a walk in the garden?" Viserys replied.

So, led by the prince and his guard captain Heta, everyone began to walk in the garden.

Suddenly, the prince mentioned: "In a few days, Arianne will be engaged to Cletus of the Yronwood family. I wonder if His Majesty the King and the Queen will be free to witness it?"

Although they were walking and playing, after all, one was the king and the other was the prince of Dorne, so they could not help but talk about some political matters.

Daenerys had a big belly and had just arrived on a dragon. She really needed to rest, so she had already arranged to go to the hotel to rest. Captain Heta dispersed the crowd in front, leaving a clean area for them to talk.

At their level, family affairs are basically a part of politics. Viserys nodded: "Of course, there is still time in these few days. Congratulations, Yronwood is a good choice. Princess Arianne's rule over Dorne will be even better." stable."

Normally, for a top-tier noble like Martell, the marriage partner should also be a top-tier noble. Like Arianne, the first-tier choice is actually Willas Tyrell. Otherwise, He could also be the heir of a powerful governor of the Free Trade City.

But Oberyn was appointed as the Warden of the West. The Martell family already had one Lord of Dorne and one Lord of the West. They were already in a state of great turmoil. In addition, they had already arranged a marriage with the heir to the country. If one knows a little bit about the principle that water will overflow when it is full and the moon will wane when it is full, one should know that one should be more restrained.

Although many of Prince Doran's schemes in the original world line were not successful in actual implementation, and he was known as "Doran's clever schemes brought peace to the world, but he lost his brothers and his son", there is no doubt that this prince has enough political sense and long-term vision. However, he cannot do it himself. It is also a matter of time and luck. Every step of the chess execution process went wrong and could not be achieved as expected.

Now the power of the Martell family is in full swing under the rule of Targaryen, and it is unparalleled at the moment. At this time, Prince Doran must come up with a sufficiently stable plan.

He undoubtedly thought that the Martell family was not suitable to continue to expand its influence at this time, but should restrain its edge. This marriage with Yronwood is a clear proof. Yronwood is one of the most powerful families in Dorne after the Martell family. This marriage can bridge the internal conflicts between Martell and Yronwood for many years and consolidate the rule of Dorne Martell. Secondly, it is also in the heart of An Viserys. After all, the power of the Martell family today can be said to be unprecedented in Westeros since the Targaryen dynasty.

Viserys certainly understood the implicit meaning of Prince Doran, so as a king, he gave a respectful and satisfactory answer. This is Doran's little thought, but it undoubtedly hits Viserys' heart.

Moreover, putting aside the identity of the king, Viserys would have a strange feeling.

Because as far as he knows, Cletus is also a very dissolute noble son. Why say "also"?

Viserys thought secretly, I just hope that the child used by Arianne and Cletus for marriage is indeed their own.

After getting Viserys' answer, Prince Doran mentioned something else: "Your Majesty, the Aegon in the North. I think we can talk about him face to face now?"

Doran seemed to cherish this opportunity for a secret talk. Viserys couldn't help but look at him and found that his face was still calm and cautious, but there was still a fine sweat on his forehead.

Viserys realized that the prince was enduring the pain and trying his best to restrain himself to stay awake. His body was probably much worse than it looked. Talking to Viserys felt like he was exhausted. The prince thought that he had few opportunities to talk to Viserys alone. He didn't know if it was after Tywin's death that the string in his heart that had been stretched loosened, causing him to think that he didn't have much time left. Viserys probably knew that although Doran looked calm and kind, in the original world line, he was a ruthless man who planned to destroy the Lannister family.

Since Prince Doran mentioned it, Viserys did not spoil the fun and replied, "Speaking of Aegon."

——

"Aegon, this is a letter for you, a letter from your uncle Viserys."

When Master Aemon said this, "Aegon" was admiring the huge black raven in the crow's nest. It was the first time he saw such a big raven. It would not eat corn or meat. Its eyes were fixed on Aegon, and its big black eyes moved with his movements, as if it was on guard against him and ready to fly away at any time.

"What?" Aegon was unbelievable when he reacted, "Master Aemon. No, Aemon's great-great-grandfather, you mean, I can call you my great-great-grandfather?" He jumped up excitedly. The raven was startled and left the nest, circling the crow's nest.

Sam, who was working next to him, looked at him and seemed to be able to feel that joy, with a smile on his face. This "Prince Aegon" has made many friends on the Great Wall these days. After almost two months of getting along, this "prince" treats people well, making people feel like spring breeze. He gets along well with the nobles, and when he gets along with the brothers of commoner origin, he is not as high-handed and arrogant as the great nobles. He can get along well with most people. When the brothers of the Night's Watch communicate privately, they all think he is a good person.

This is due to Aegon's experience of hiding his identity and running a ship on the Rhoyne River. When running a business on the Rhoyne River, he has to contact all kinds of people. He even knows the jargon used by the bandits on the Rhoyne River - the analogy is "the king covers the earth and the tiger, the pagoda suppresses the river monster" and other underworld secrets - and these experiences make him patient. Staying with Master Aemon for more than two months allows him to understand his own character, and he can also get along well in a place like the Great Wall where there are all kinds of people.

Aegon took the letter. But he didn't read it immediately. He was so excited that he even had tears in his eyes and said to Master Aemon: "Great-great-grandfather, can I hug you as your great-great-grandson?"

Master Aemon smiled kindly on his old face: "Of course, good boy."

Sometimes, not knowing the truth is a kind of happiness. Master Aemon is 102 years old and has experienced too much in life. Today, he is a little excited to have a grandson.

The Targaryen family is declining. Now in Master Aemon's eyes, even if he recognizes Aegon, there are only four people. Daenerys is pregnant, and the number will soon become five.

With such a decline in the family, how could Master Aemon not have thousands of thoughts in his mind?

Master Aemon has experienced too much and knows a lot of truths. He has seen many families rise and fall, and many influential figures become the dust of history. For example, the once prosperous Velaryon, after the Dance of the Dragons, his bloodline was actually cut off - the current Velaryon is actually a descendant of Alyn, and is no longer the pure-blooded he once was.

Aegon is undoubtedly of Targaryen blood, and he is a Targaryen who identifies himself as "Son of Rhaegar". He is a good boy. Putting him in the North is beneficial to ruling the North. Whether it is political considerations or blood connection, Aemon believes that even a cruel "Duke of Bloodraven" would agree to recognize him.

Master Aemon and Aegon hugged each other tightly. This was not a casual act, but a true expression of true feelings.

More than a decade later, Aemon once thought that he was the only one left in the Targaryen bloodline, and the Dragon Family would become a historical dust. It is true that he is a maester who swore to abandon his surname, but blood is thicker than water, and people are not plants. How could someone like Master Aemon, who could abandon the throne for his family, not care about the Targaryen family?

"Good boy, be good in the future." Master Aemon warned, "Listen to your uncle, your uncle is a real king, head of the family, you must remember that blood ties are more important than anything else."

"I will keep it in mind." Aegon answered seriously, "I will do my best to assist the king uncle, rebuild the glory of Targaryen, repel the white walkers, and defeat the darkness. I will never let you and uncle down!"

"Okay." Master Aemon wiped his eyes, "Take the letter and go back to your room to read it yourself, understand?"

The letter brought by the big raven has three copies inside and outside. The most conspicuous one is for Master Aemon, and the other two are for Aegon. Viserys specifically instructed Aegon to read the letter secretly.

"Well, great-great-grandfather, then, I'll go back and read the letter?"

"Don't bother calling me so much in the future, just call me Grandfather Aemon." Aemon smiled, "Go ahead."

"Hey."

Aegon turned back and nodded to Clydas in the Crow's Nest, and handed the task of feeding the crows to Sam, and then strode out of the Crow's Nest.

It was impossible not to be excited. After all, he had waited so long at the Wall just for this day when his identity would be confirmed, but he still controlled his temper, and walked back to the guard tower where he was staying temporarily with every step as steady as possible.

At this moment, even the cold wind of the Wall became warm.

On the parade ground, Jon Snow was training new soldiers and young soldiers taken from the wildlings in the city outside the city; on the city wall, the Night's Watch brothers were patrolling non-stop. The members of the Golden Company were bored and ran horses, and occasionally participated in judging the training on the parade ground.

A horn sounded, which meant that the rangers who went out this time had returned. It was unknown whether they had found any traces of the White Walkers this time, and whether the rangers were chased by the wights and fled desperately.

However, there was no special drum, and I am afraid that the trap outside the city did not work this time.

Aegon mourned for Barristan and the Night's Watch, wondering when they could catch a living White Walker.

By the way, Aegon remembered that he would have to send someone to invite Barristan and his friends, and then let Sir Jon Clinton arrange a small banquet to officially announce the affirmation of Aemon's grandfather and the king's uncle, and recognize his ancestors.

With many thoughts in mind, Aegon returned to the bedroom. He asked Haldon to take people to guard the door. Only then did he carefully and excitedly open the two letters from the king's uncle to him.

One was written on a piece of letter paper.

The letter acknowledged his identity, encouraged him, and expressed his expectation for his intention to make a difference in the North.

Finally, Viserys also analyzed the situation in the North for Aegon.

The North is now headed by Roose Bolton, the Warden of the North appointed by King's Landing. Roose Bolton is not a simple person, but the rule of the Bolton family does not rely entirely on the northern hostages of the Frey family and the Bolton's own military strength.

There are two major families in the North that Roose Bolton relies on, one is the Dustin family of Barrowton, and the other is the Lacewell family of the Streamland. These two families have old grudges with the Stark family and are not in harmony with the Stark family. When Robb went south, they only provided a symbolic amount of troops and horses, and their strength in the North was strong. In comparison, the Karstark family had to stand on the Bolton side because of the disagreement with the Stark family, and they were not so relied on by Bolton.

Roose Bolton's last wife was the daughter of Rodrik Ryswell of the Ryswell family. It was because of this relationship that Ryswell would stand on Roose Bolton's side. The Dustin family of Barrowton was actually extinct, and now it is ruled by the widow of the former head of the family, Countess Barbara Ryswell. In fact, Dustin and Ryswell are one.

But this relationship is obviously not reliable, because Roose Bolton has no descendants of Ryswell's blood.

Now Bolton-Dustin-Ryswell in the North is one, and Karstark is drinking soup with it, so if you want to plan the North, you must pay attention to the alliance of these three families.

Of course, the purpose of not being in the North is not to eliminate Roose Bolton, but to deal with the crisis of the Wall.

Therefore, Viserys gave suggestions: First, put forward the slogan of unifying the anti-white walker front in the North, and try to make the Bolton family retreat actively, make way, put aside disputes, and solve the crisis in the North.

This first suggestion seems to make sense, but it is actually impossible to do.

Second, if the Boltons refuse to give in, then try to contact the Ironmen of Deepwood Motte. Those Ironmen are now under the leadership of Asha Greyjoy. They don't know that the Iron Islands are now empty, and Euron and Victarion have lost in the South and are now missing in the Sunset Sea. So you can use this as a condition to make a move on the western frontier of the North, such as Bear Island, Deepwood Motte, and the Stone Coast. Try to unite with Asha Greyjoy, follow the old path of Victarion, and open up the Bay of Cailin for Arya Stark in the south by water. As for the Greyjoy and Stark, don't try to make the decision, just provide them with the opportunity to negotiate as an intermediary.

Third, the Umber family, the Manderly family, etc. are all targets that can be won, but the premise is that they can have the endorsement of Stark

Fourth, Viserys can give him a start-up fund and provide him with supplies through the supply line of Braavos.

At the end, Viserys did not forget to say that the situation in the North was complicated, with the Ironborn, the Northern Guardians of King's Landing, the threat of the White Walkers, and the Starks. If he felt that he was not capable enough, he might as well take a boat from Eastwatch to the south. Viserys could arrange other things for him in the south.

In addition, there was a copy of the "Neon Genesis Evangelion Manual", which was a set of magic practice methods summarized by Viserys after in-depth study in the Citadel. This was real magic and power. Viserys asked him to practice diligently every day and not to waste it.

The law should not be passed on lightly.

Viserys warned Aegon that he could only practice it by himself, and remember to burn the manual after memorizing it, so as not to let it fall into the hands of outsiders.

After reading this long letter, Aegon took a deep breath and felt the heavy responsibility on his shoulders. He thought to himself that the king uncle was indeed a good king who cared about the world and valued family affection. His uncle valued him so much, arranged such an important task for himself, and gave him such a heavy burden. How could he give up?

In fact, no matter what Viserys thought in his heart, what he gave was really a sugar-coated bullet full of family love and care for Aegon. Even if Jon Connington saw it, he would be confused and think that the king was deliberately cultivating Aegon to make great achievements in the North.

Judging from deeds rather than intentions, even if historians were to write and record, it would be difficult to find fault with Viserys' support for Aegon.

Aegon was still young after all, and Viserys' letter immediately aroused his lofty ambitions. After reading the letter, the young boy was full of emotions and was already making bold plans for the map of the North in his heart.

After opening the window and blowing the cold wind for a long time, Aegon opened the "Handbook" to look at the secret method given to him by Viserys.

After seeing it, Aegon fell into it.

These days, rumors about magic are endless, especially after seeing those men under Stannis who can create flames on their swords out of thin air, the whole Wall was shocked. And Stannis's glowing sword makes it impossible to doubt that he has magic.

So after Commander Jeor Mormont was brought back by Sam but was seriously injured and unable to perform the command, Stannis was elected as the acting commander and took over the command of the Wall after the Night's Watch meeting, where all the rulers and officials of Eastwatch, Shadow Tower, and Castle Black gathered, was held not long ago.

Although privately, Eastwatch and Shadow Tower still left room, hoping that after Commander Jeor Mormont recovered, he might be able to become the representative of the original garrison and confront the powerful Stannis. There is no way, the Seven Gods believers under Stannis are okay, but the Red God believers are too radical and strong at the Wall. Everyone is worried that the Wall will sooner or later become a situation where the Red God believers dominate. Although the Red God has shown strength, the strong doctrine and sense of invasion are still unacceptable to many people.

Now, after reading the "Handbook". Aegon realized that the reason why his uncle the king was not afraid of the followers of the Red God with magic was because the king also had enough power and knowledge to let ordinary people learn magic and become powerful wizards or "practitioners".

Seeing that he could have the "power of wind and thunder" after learning, and his speed and strength would grow significantly, Aegon couldn't help but imagine that one day in the future, he would be surrounded by his fans like Stannis now-called a "hero".

Aegon felt that Viserys had opened up a smooth road for him, and he was even more grateful and excited. He secretly vowed: "Uncle Viserys, I will never let you down and make a career for you in the North!"

Just like that, seeing that it was still early, Aegon silently memorized the contents of the "Manual", and tried to use the meditation method in the manual to practice his mental strength and strange pronunciation. He had a good memory and the ability to remember everything he saw-in the original world line, he also showed off to Tyrion, so he quickly memorized the contents, threw the "Manual" into the furnace, and burned it.

The time was about right. Jon Connington's men who had been observing the terrain in the newly added area returned to the Wall. Aegon asked the guards to gather the few people he trusted most to announce this great news to them.

Their wait was not in vain. Aegon looked at the southern plains and then at the sky on the Wall. He was heroic.

——

Sunspear City, Water Gardens.

He realized that he had a connection with Aegon in mysticism, and only with Aegon, and felt that the "Handbook" that was specially added with ingredients and could be peeped through mental power with a glass candle was burned.

Viserys nodded with satisfaction.

At least this Prince Aegon, who had the approval of the red dragon, did not pretend to obey him. This was a good start. Viserys thought secretly: I hope I didn't choose the wrong person, otherwise, in order to cover up his mistakes, he could only use the power of believers that he had accumulated with great difficulty to call on the power of song and punish him remotely.

Although there are still many things to do in Westeros, time waits for no one, and Viserys looked east. The water garden can see the sea, where the sun is shining, seabirds fly high, and the wind is gentle, but who knows how many undercurrents and dangers are hidden under the calm sea?

His eyes gradually became distant, and he sighed: Everything depends on human efforts!