Game of Thrones: The Bronze and Fire Lord.

Chapter 279 The Reform of the Imperial Council

Conference hall.

The heroes who had helped quell the rebellion returned, and as usual, a meeting was held before the emperor.

"Your Majesty, these are new herbs."

Orville, with a sincere expression, whispered in the king's ear.

Viserys tilted his head to listen, examining the ointment contained in the ceramic jar.

It was dark and had a strong, bitter grassy smell.

"Really useful?"

Viserys looked suspicious.

After a moment's thought, Orville gave his assurance: "This is an improvement on the ointment by Grand Secretary Melos, and I believe it will be effective."

For some reason, the ointment left by the former Grand Secretary was quite ordinary.

The recipes in the school city are all old-fashioned and outdated.

Of course, it's not necessarily bad.

However, the king's cut had been prolonged and had become a chronic ailment, rendering ordinary, mild ointments ineffective.

He added several potent herbs to this formula.

"Okay, I'll go back and try it. You apply the medicine."

Viserys was skeptical.

After years of ineffective treatment, he has given up hope for Xuecheng.

The duties assigned to Orville were only described as clerical.

"Severe cases require strong medicine."

Orville was not good with words, but he uttered a profound truth.

Viserys was taken aback by what he heard and looked at him with new respect.

It's been so many years since anyone has given him a lecture.

Young man, you have caught my attention.

Boom boom boom!
Several ministers entered the room one after another.

"His Majesty."

The familiar voice startled Viserys, whose mind was focused on the ointment.

Two servants were carrying a chair.

Otto looked sickly and sat slumped in his chair.

"How did you come?"

Viserys was so shocked he almost stood up.

Otto, panting, smiled wryly and said, "As a minister of the court, I cannot stay away from the palace for long."

Viserys was speechless and let him go.

Soon, Alison strode in, wearing a long green dress with embroidery.

A look of surprise flashed in his eyes when he saw Otto.

He then regained his composure and sat down next to Viserys.

When opinions differ, silence is best.

"Alison~"

Otto's eyes were filled with complex emotions; he realized he had truly lost power.

He originally intended to use his grandchildren's marriages to continuously expand the family's power.

By a twist of fate, the older brother, Hobert, passed away unexpectedly.

Despite objections, Mondstadt's nephew went to war against Tyrell, the Lord of Highgarden.

He had been pressing the brakes until then.

However, Aegon's participation in the war and the serious injury of Duke Garland pushed the Hightower family's advantage to its peak.

Everyone, including him, believed that the Hightoar family would win the war.

From behind the scenes to the forefront.

Man proposes, God disposes; Imond intervened and reversed the tide of the battle.

The Hightower family lost.

It was not a loss to Tyrell of Highgarden, nor to the Rhowan and Tarly families.

They lost to themselves.

The Green Party’s internal split led to the humiliating exit of the old town of Hightall.

By the time Otto realized this, it was too late to remedy the situation.

"The assessment of strength was wrong, so the loss was not unjust."

Sighed softly.

Suddenly, the sound of gongs and drums rang out outside.

A Kingsguard stepped forward, his face solemn, and proclaimed in a loud voice: "Welcome, Aemon, 'Born of Bronze and Fire' of the Targaryens, Dragonslayer, Regent Prince, Prince of the Vale, Lord of Myr, King of the Stepstone Isles and the Fjords, Breaker of Chains, Creator of Ash..."

Everyone in the conference hall looked up at the empty corridor outside the door.

The Imperial Guards' announcement was not directed at them, but rather at the princes and ministers who were waiting inside the Meige Tower to welcome the princes and princesses.

After reciting a long list of titles and honors, Aemon walked upstairs from downstairs.

As the last title was uttered, Sir Steve of the Kingsguard cleared his dry throat and glanced to the side to see His Highness the Prince walking to his side.

Amon: "You speak a little slowly, I'll try harder next time."

"..."

Sir Steve: "Yes, Your Highness."

It's all because His Highness the Prince has too many titles; he's almost as many people as there are at a banquet.

One title and one person, and the conference hall is overflowing with seats.

"Welcome back, hero of the kingdom."

Viserys stood up as an example, smiling and clapping.

clap clap clap!
Even the sea snakes stood up and clapped in agreement.

Allison was the happiest, her exquisite attire and bright smile making her seem to have returned to her teenage years when she loved watching the excitement.

Imon gestured with his hand, indicating that there was no need to go to such lengths.

I glanced casually at Otto, the only one who hadn't stood up.

Everyone else is standing but you aren't; everyone else is clapping but you aren't.

Do you have a problem with me?
This person must not be allowed to live.

He noticed Imon's unfriendly gaze.

Otto glanced at his right leg, which was in a cast, and then at his left arm, which was in a sling.

Who hit him?
answer me!
"Imon, did the trip go smoothly?"

Viserys asked with concern.

"Fortunately, the credit belongs to Thaddeus and Earl Donald."

Imon was used to it.

Just then, three figures emerged from behind.

Aegon, Helena, and Aymond stood in a row and strode in his footsteps.

Aegon swaggered around, while Aemond stood ramrod straight.

Helena walked between two brothers like a timid quail.

The king's children, heroes who quelled the rebellion.

Attending the imperial council to commend merits is not considered an act of usurpation.

Viserys stared blankly at his three children, momentarily lost in thought.

The three siblings walked behind Imon, their positioning excellent, one in front and one behind.

Suddenly, he seemed to resemble the three conquerors.

"The three princes and princesses are truly dashing."

Collis is talking without understanding the situation.

Viserys didn't have time for him.

At this moment, he felt a little more favorably disposed toward the voting rights of the "Dragon Clan Council".

I couldn't help but recall my nephew's idea of ​​a "Dragon Knights Order".

"Ancient Valyria has been destroyed."

Viserys's eyes darkened, and he dismissed the idea of ​​being unworthy.

"Everyone, take a seat."

At a signal, everyone took their seats in turn.

Eamon naturally sat down next to Renilla and nodded to Alison across the table.

"This chair suits me perfectly."

Aegon plopped down in the seat next to Aemon, revealing his showy nature.

Corliss glanced at him, then looked away.

Aemond sat down next to Aegon, first noticing the difference in the chair, then suppressing his upturned lips by using Aegon as a negative example.

Don't laugh; try to appear natural.

Otto looked intently at this good grandson who had betrayed the Hightoar family.

Imond felt a sudden unease, like a child caught in the act by an adult.

This scene was witnessed by Viserys, who was observing his son.

The dissatisfaction was buried deep in my heart.

"Pour wine for the ministers, Helena."

Allison assigns tasks to her daughter.

Helena paused for a moment, then took over the task of serving wine.

Viserys felt a pang of guilt, but he held back.

Aside from placing Rhaenyla on the Iron Throne, he was not one to deviate from the norm.

On the contrary, he is very conservative.

In raising their children, they inevitably followed the grandfather's preference for sons over daughters.

Even knowing that his youngest daughter was a dream walker, he didn't pay much attention to it.

But Helena surprised him time and time again.

He tamed Dreamfire, the mother dragon that had remained untamed in his family for decades, and participated in the suppression of rebellions in Myr and the Reach.

Although there was a greater element of collusion and paddling, the king's daughter's contribution, however small, was of immense importance.

Helena deserves more nurturing.

Viserys pondered for a moment and then said, "Helena is fine. She can work as a sommelier from now on, taking over her sister's job."

"I?"

Helena was pouring wine for Tyran when she looked up blankly.

Wow!
The wine spilled from the glass, soaking Tailan's pants.

"Hey! Hey!"

Tyran shuffled back in his chair, looking rather helpless, but forced a smile and said, "Be careful pouring the wine, Princess."

"I'm sorry, my lord."

Helena, holding the wine jug, quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe it clean.

Tyran dared not use her, and took out his own handkerchief, repeatedly indicating that he did not need it. "We should give more opportunities to young people, Lord Tyran."

Viserys chuckled.

Tailan smiled too.

She's just had a tough life.

……

Aemon has been back in King's Landing for half a month.

He attended no fewer than seven or eight imperial meetings.

They were either inquiring about the situation in the Reach or discussing Aegon's marriage prospects.

Not a single important matter was discussed.

However, he also learned an important piece of news.

The Dornish Messenger Group.

Others may not know, but Aemon does.

The Dornish are making moves at Prince's Pass, clearly intending to spy on the Seven Kingdoms.

Coollen even sent an envoy.

One thing in front of your face and another behind your back.

They are despicable.

Aemon intended to tell his uncle Viserys to be wary of the Dornish taking advantage of any weakness.

However, Viserys' mind was not on that.

He valued the suppression of the Reach more, and his two sons, Aegon and Aemond, were granted fiefs, which led to a joyous feast.

That's right.

Viserys learned that Aegon had been imprisoned by Aemon in the Tower of Oldtown.

At first, he was angry, pointing at Eamon's nose, gritting his teeth in fury.

After accepting reality, I also accepted the present.

Viserys was no ordinary man; he had always harbored a deep-seated fear of the old town of Hightoar.

After all, Allison's children all have half-Hightar blood.

After his death, his children, instigated by the Hightower family, could easily cause trouble.

The nephew granted Aegon and Aymond their fiefdoms ahead of time, to the most prosperous Reach.

Although it may seem like acting first and informing later, it is essentially just a reversal of the order of events.

After Ranila ascended to the throne, she had to take care of her younger siblings.

Being granted a prosperous territory to continue one's bloodline is already a very good outcome.

In some aristocratic families, the younger sons who were close in age to the eldest son were often driven out of the house.

Even more extreme, in order to avoid threatening the eldest son's right to inherit.

He forced his second and youngest sons to go to the Wall to become members of the Night's Watch, or to the Citadel to become maesters.

Cut off the opportunity for competition at the source.

In comparison, Aemon is a kind and honest person.

but!

Viserys understood, but he was genuinely angry.

He threw his own banquet and ignored his nephew.

This is how they express their dissatisfaction.

Imon remained silent.

Seeing his uncle's extravagant lifestyle, he decided to find someone to help him monitor the frontiers of Dorne.

That way, we won't suffer a loss if the Dornes call one day.

however,
Someone else came to him even before he did.

sea ​​snake!

……

At noon, the sun was shining warmly.

Parliament Hall.

Helena, dressed in an elegant green dress, poured wine into each glass.

Compared to the previous day's imperial council meeting, there are two more seats today.

Lord Chancellor and Treasurer Linman returned to King's Landing after a long journey.

And, the new “Guardian of the South”, Lord Thaddeus Rowan.

"Lord Thaddeus has been loyal to his lord and has rendered great service in this civil war. The kingdom will remember your contributions."

Viserys made polite remarks.

Thaddeus was overjoyed and kept being humble and thanking him.

Aemon: "I believe Lord Thaddeus deserves a seat before the King."

As soon as he finished speaking, the ministers present couldn't help but change their expressions.

Viserys hesitated for a moment before saying, "The Council of Kings is full. If new seats are to be arranged, they will have to be filled by other members."

This is also what all the ministers wanted to say.

Especially Tailan and Linman, one old and one young, were the most worrying.

One of them has a less experienced resume and the other is older; their positions are precarious.

At this point, Corliss stepped forward: "I believe the Council of Kings can be appropriately adjusted to better facilitate the execution of government affairs."

"Oh?"

Viserys narrowed his eyes slightly.

Thaddeus was to be offered a seat before the king, a fact Aemon had discussed with him beforehand.

The Luo family was a prominent noble family.

He also had merit in suppressing the rebellion and was appointed as the new "Guardian of the Southern Border".

The terms agreed upon by both sides were not excessive.

But something's not right about Imon and the sea serpent singing in unison.

"Father, what do you think?"

Renilla took Eamon's hand and made her stance clear to her father.

Viserys' eyelids twitched wildly.

They married my daughter, and then turned against me.

Good job, lad!
Viserys took a deep breath and said rationally, "Lord Thaddeus deserves a seat in the royal court, so let's take your opinions into consideration and make some adjustments."

Corliss immediately spoke up: "Lord Linman is getting on in years and is no longer able to manage the accounts."

They immediately targeted the most important thing: the purse strings.

"you!"

Lin Man suddenly stood up, her face flushed with anger.

I'm old! ?

Do you want to know how old you are?
I'm three years younger than you.

"Be careful not to strain your back, Lady Linman."

Corliss stood up straight, his thick arms resting on the table.

He gripped the wine glass in his palm, the muscles in his arm taut, their outlines visible beneath the loose sleeves.

Being old is not a problem; we have plenty of strength and resources.

"The Uncrowned Queen" Rénis has used it and everyone says it's great.

"you you you……"

Lin Man pointed at him, too anxious to speak.

Isn't this bullying the honest person?

"Please sit down, Lady Linman."

Viserys, unable to stand by and watch, spoke up in defense of his old minister.

Lin Man may be old, but he is loyal!

Never made a mistake.

As a vassal of Haitar, he never sat on the wrong side.

Viserys knew, and everyone else knew.

Imon said, "Lord Linman has devoted most of his life to the country, and I'm afraid he will find it difficult to adapt to retirement now."

"Prince."

Lin Man was so moved that tears streamed down her face.

"Please don't be in a hurry, Lady Linman."

Fearing he might get agitated, Imon compromised, saying, "Lord Linman will still hold the keys to the treasury, but the position of Finance Minister will be relinquished and handed over to a replacement."

Lin Man suppressed her emotions and stood there stunned, at a loss for what to do.

Having served as finance minister for so many years, he had become accustomed to this life of managing the purse strings and taking advantage of his position to make a little extra money.

Some are happy and some are sad.

Thaddeus was overjoyed to hear that Lin Man was going to step down.

Greetings, Chancellor of the Exchequer!

He loves...and is best at managing money.

Viseris, recalling Melos's departure and considering that Linman was indeed somewhat lacking in energy, agreed to the proposal.

"Then Lord Linman will take control of the treasury keys, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be replaced and remain in King's Landing to continue his duties."

Upon hearing this, Lin Man sat down, looking dejected.

After today, he will probably have to semi-retire.

Those who were previously unwilling to attend the imperial council meetings may find themselves attending one less time to attend.

"His Majesty……"

Thaddeus straightened his clothes, full of anticipation.

Imon and Viserys exchanged a glance.

The latter nodded slightly, looked at the apprehensive Tylan, and said solemnly, "Lord Tylan, you are stepping down as Foreign Minister and becoming the new Finance Minister."

"me?"

Tailan's eyes widened.

It's like a pie falling from the sky; you heard right, didn't you?

"Yes, it's you."

Viserys affirmed, "Your hard work over the years has been witnessed by me and everyone here. You are capable of shouldering this responsibility."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Tailan immediately stood up and bowed deeply with excitement.

"The finance minister has made arrangements, but what about Lord Thaddeus?"

Collis suddenly spoke.

Immon turned his head and stared at the taciturn Otto.

"Old fox, it's time to teach you a lesson."

(End of this chapter)