Everyone noticed Littlefinger.
Petyr Baelish. He possessed nothing more than a small, unknown family that had drifted over from across the Narrow Sea.
His rapid ascent in the court over those years surprised and displeased many.
Through a special relationship with Lady Lysa, the humble Littlefinger had deceived Hand of the King Jon Arryn into trusting and heavily relying on him. He also constantly flattered His Majesty Robert, displaying tricks and petty cleverness, and actually climbed all the way to the position of Master of Coin!
Him?
What virtue and ability did Littlefinger possess?!
Fortunately, his true face was quickly exposed.
Using his power as Master of Coin, Littlefinger manipulated commerce, profiting from the fluctuations in prices, and issuing loans to earn high interest, while the common people and merchants suffered terribly.
How could such a greedy person not target the rich Royal Treasury?
Under Littlefinger's management, others had no way of knowing the specific income and expenditure of the Royal Treasury. The only thing known was that King Robert's extravagance was satisfied, and he even intended to appoint Littlefinger to manage the Royal Treasury.
How many Gold Dragons were left in the Royal Treasury? Only Littlefinger knew the true answer.
Some lords even knew that Littlefinger was not a miser, cherishing every gold coin that came into his possession and refusing to spend it.
In fact, most of Littlefinger's Gold Dragons were probably used to recruit Minions.
In the Red Keep, King's Landing, and the Seven Kingdoms, besides the Spider's Little Birds, the Eyes Littlefinger bought with money were also a big problem, annoying people.
Unfortunately, King Robert and Hand of the King Jon Arryn failed to see through him and still trusted him greatly.
This continued for so many years.
Littlefinger and the Spider colluded, and the court was corrupted by low-born sycophants.
Honest and good people were all heartbroken by this.
Finally, such a wicked villain received the punishment he deserved.
On his return journey, King Robert signed a secret decree ordering the arrest of Littlefinger and Varys. The two villains fell together.
Countless people cheered.
Although the gruesome punishment of being crippled was frightening, the atmosphere of the court could finally improve. People thought optimistically.
However, things changed rapidly.
Before King Robert could even see King's Landing again, his Life was taken by a Lizard-Lion that inexplicably emerged from The Neck. It was said that Lord Bloodraven, hidden Beyond the Wall, had used Witchcraft to strike the fatal blow.
"Bloodraven" Brynden Rivers? He wasn't dead yet? Was Witchcraft actually real?
Prince Joffrey ascended the throne as the new King and confirmed Bloodraven's existence during the Throne Room trial, which made the crimes of Littlefinger and the Spider slightly excusable, thus allowing them to be spared their lives.
Was that truly the case?
The reappearance of the Children of the Forest became the strongest evidence, which no one could question.
Indeed, it was so.
Afterward, the world became even more magical.
King Joffrey displayed a Miracle during his coronation and bestowed divine power upon his subordinates, creating an unimaginable communication network.
Littlefinger thus gained a new Life within the Light Screen.
Many people heard his voice and saw his name again.
But this time, Littlefinger's identity was no longer the high and mighty Master of Coin, but just a temporary, inconspicuous clerk.
Most people were happy with this. Seeing Littlefinger in this state finally made people feel pleased.
But now.
Littlefinger actually appeared alive before everyone again, with all his limbs intact.
Lord Vance of Wayfarer's Rest said lightly, "Petyr, now that even the 'Littlefinger' title from the Fingers has been stripped due to your crimes, what should we call you?"
Everyone looked at Littlefinger.
It was one thing for the King to spare him, but what was he sent here to do? More importantly, after losing the titles of minister and Lord, what was his status to participate in the talks, and what right did he have to ask questions?
Littlefinger sighed softly.
"Lord Vance, just like back in Riverrun, just call me 'Little Petyr'."
"After you tried to attach yourself to Lady Catelyn and dueled Brandon?" Lord Vance snorted, "Forget the past and start anew."
"No," Littlefinger's eyes were sorrowful, "I can't forget, and I don't want to forget."
Lord Clement Piper of Pinkmaiden chuckled coldly, "What a sincere expression, truly touching. Spare us, Littlefinger. Who doesn't know what kind of person you are?"
Littlefinger blinked, his eyes returning to calmness, "Lord Piper, on this matter alone, I will not lie."
Someone else wanted to argue, but the "Blackfish" finally spoke, "I have a different opinion."
Everyone immediately stared at the "Blackfish".
Brynden Tully glanced at Littlefinger. No one noticed, only Littlefinger himself knew that the "Blackfish" still held some old affection.
"We have an absolute advantage."
Brynden Tully said, "Forgiveness and victory can be reaped together. There's no need to use cannons or launch a night raid. We can go straight for the enemy camp and subdue the rebel army with the least cost and fewest deaths, then bring them under our command."
The Blackfish looked at Jaime Lannister, "I trust Ser Jaime is prepared."
"Divine Grace is complete," Jaime replied.
Lord Refley Rykker of Duskendale asked the Blackfish, "Shouldn't we send an emissary first to demand their surrender? Wouldn't it be better if they agreed?"
Everyone was furious internally and cast dissatisfied glances at him.
Wasn't the whole point of painstakingly coming to Rising Stone Town to fight to win victory and gain glory? To make them surrender without a single sword or spear being used? Who would get the credit?
Fortunately, the Blackfish was not swayed: "We shouldn't alert the rebel army beforehand and make them wary. Instead of risking negotiations, it's better to just act. If things go smoothly, it might all be over before tomorrow morning."
Master of War Jaime Lannister looked around, "Does anyone else have a different opinion?"
No one responded.
Jaime looked at his Uncle Kevan, "Lord Kevan, what do you think?"
Kevan Lannister had remained silent the entire time, and now he merely nodded steadily, giving his nephew ample trust and support.
Clearly, the two generals appointed by the King had already established who was in charge.
"Then let's do it that way."
Jaime clenched his fist, "We'll implement plan number two and execute the night raid."
Everyone knew the general outline of this plan.
"I volunteer to be the vanguard!" Ser Adam Marbrand was the first to request the assignment, his voice impassioned, looking like he couldn't hold back.
Littlefinger watched quietly.
Adam Marbrand, with his dark bronze-colored long hair, continued speaking, promising to complete the mission beautifully.
Littlefinger knew him. Adam Marbrand, heir to Ashemark in the Westerlands, a highly trusted cavalry general under Lord Tywin.
It was worth noting.
Adam Marbrand had served as a page in Casterly Rock when he was a child and had been a close friend of Jaime Lannister for many years.
Seeing that Jaime Lannister was about to agree, the young men couldn't sit still any longer.
"Lord Jaime, please send me to fight!"
Karyl Vance, the heir to Wayfarer's Rest, spoke first.
"If I lead the vanguard, I will capture Ser Jon Fossoway alive!" Malkor Piper, the heir to Pinkmaiden, followed closely, aiming directly at the rebel army's main general.
"My lord, I..."
Jaime laughed heartily, sighing inwardly. The people from the Vale and the Riverlands were blinded by the glory of victory.
Now, the Blackfish couldn't escape.
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