King Robert glanced at the discolored Cersei and was delighted.
What makes Lannister unhappy is what makes him happy.
Tywin, the king's father-in-law, had been prime minister of the kingdom since he was twenty and served in that position for twenty years. He possessed the political talent and experience to govern the entire country. However, after Robert seized the throne, he married Cersei for political reasons and did not invite his father-in-law to be prime minister. Instead, he invited his adoptive father, Jon Arryn. When his adoptive father, Jon Arryn, unfortunately passed away, he invited Eddard Stark from the North to be prime minister again. In short, he would never invite Tywin Lannister.
Why?
Robert was a king of true character. His marriage to Cersei was purely for political reasons, and it was also due to the persuasion of his adoptive father, Jon Arryn. He himself had never liked Lannister in the West.
This is evident from the fact that he referred to Jaime as ' Kingslayer ' in public without any restraint. He also showed no respect for his brother-in-law, Jaime.
Castamere and Tarbeck Hall in the Westerlands were two major families that Tywin had eliminated to establish his authority. For decades, Tywin never granted those two lands to anyone; he used them specifically to deter other dissenting nobles in the Westerlands. Once, the Faman family in the high seas also plotted a rebellion and declared independence. Tywin sent a musician to play " The Rains of Castamere, " and the Faman family immediately submitted. Castamere and Tarbeck Hall were precisely examples that Duke Tywin had deliberately erected to eliminate dissent; he intentionally left them undeveloped.
King Robert knew this perfectly well. He was delighted to bestow Castamere and Tarbeck Hall upon the Mountain in the name of the King. How Tywin and his vicious hound would fight amongst themselves, or how they would coexist in the future, was none of his concern. Besides, Castamere and Tarbeck Hall weren't Crownlands, nor were they the King's private lands. Granting someone else's property to a meritorious official was like giving someone else's money as a gift—why not?
Cersei was displeased, Jenny was surprised, and The Mountain remained unmoved.
Following protocol, the Mountain thanked the King and rose. From both a matter of honor and law, Castamere and Tarbeck Hall were already the Mountain's private property. He had the right to do whatever he wanted with Castamere and Tarbeck Hall, and whether Duke Tywin was displeased or would object was another matter entirely.
Soon, Grand Maester Pycelle will issue a royal decree bearing the king's seal to Duke Tywin of the Westerlands, informing him of the king's grant of land to the Mountain. The duke's own feelings or opinions will not affect the legitimacy or authority of the royal decree.
The Mountain remained expressionless. Cersei, the King, Littlefinger, The Spider, Grand Maester, and the others could not discern the Mountain's joy at the land, nor his pride at becoming an earl.
This made King Robert feel that the 'prank' wasn't quite perfect. He had hoped to see the Mountain's delighted expression, but there wasn't!
Grand Maester was a devoted admirer of Duke Tywin, a fact well known to the Mountain. He was a thoroughly unbalanced and morally corrupt Archmaester, living a decadent and extravagant life, and harboring a heart full of malice. While others were unaware, the Mountain knew that Jon Arryn had almost been saved by the maesters; the poison had been contained, and his condition was beginning to improve. It was Pycelle who dismissed the other maesters, taking charge of Jon's care, and then stopped the medication, watching helplessly as Jon Arryn slowly died.
Back in 2 AC 83, it was this same upright and neutral Grand Maester who persuaded Mad King Aerys Targaryen to open the city gates and let Tywin Lannister in. The loyal subject who vehemently opposed opening the gates was The Spider. Varys. It's just a pity that Mad King Iris didn't listen to The Spider, but instead listened to Grand Maester, and then the city gates opened and the slaughter began.
With that old fox around, the Mountain knew he couldn't show any joy.
A blank expression is the best way to deal with these scumbags, liars, schemers, and cunning kings.
Robert returned the longsword to Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, the fearless Barristan Selmy, and sat back down, saying, "Tell the royal kitchen that I am hosting Lady Jane and the Earl of the Mountain for a banquet today, and have them prepare."
"Yes, King!" a servant immediately bowed and said.
"Then let's go to the restaurant. I can't wait to get the Mountain drunk. Grand Maester, make the arrangements. Send the order to buy up all the milk in the city. There are plenty of nobles and wealthy people in the city, especially those big merchants from Across the Narrow Sea. Sell them fresh milk at a high price, and keep the sterilization technology a secret. As for the nobles of the Crownlands, they'll have to pay to buy it."
"I'll need Lady Jane to teach me how to make a mercury thermometer, " Grand Maester Pycelle said with a smile.
"I have brought some thermometers with me," Lady Jane said calmly. "In the Westerlands and the Riverlands, a thermometer costs one hundred gold dragons. As for hourglasses, you can figure that out yourselves; it's not difficult at all. I'll give you two royal thermometers as a gift."
Grand Maester Pycelle's smile was a little awkward. Jenny had said a lot, but hadn't mentioned teaching him how to make a thermometer. However, once he had a sample, nothing would be difficult for him. (King's Landing) Located on the banks of the Blackwater River, the mint, glass factory, and wrought iron factory were adjacent to each other, making it convenient for the production of mercury thermometers.
The group followed the King and Queen to the dining room. Before they even left the reception room, the door opened, and Kingslayer... Jaime Lannister entered: " Your Majesty, several mercenaries have come to City Watch to report that Lady Catelyn Tully has abducted my brother Tyrion Lannister at the Crossroads Inn in the Riverlands. Please allow me to go to the Prime Ministers Tower to inquire with Lord Eddard about the reason for this."
The king's face darkened at the mention of Eddard's name; he was furious that Eddard had refused to carry out his orders. " Kingslayer," he said, "don't cause trouble. I'll ask him about it tomorrow. Good heavens! What is Lady Catelyn doing at the Crossroads Inn in the Riverlands? What is she up to?"
" Robert, Tyrion is also your brother-in-law. Are you just going to stand by and watch the Stark people run rampant right under your nose?" Cersei said indignantly. She had never liked Tyrion, but she liked the Stark family even less. She had always believed that Jaime was more suitable to be prime minister than the Northern Stone Man.
"We don't know who's right or wrong yet, or what exactly happened, but I will handle it impartially. Woman, stop pointing fingers at me," King Robert said angrily.
" King, I heard that Lord Eddard is packing his bags to return to Winterfell," Jaime added.
"It will take him two weeks to pack his bags and head north," the King snapped impatiently. " Kingslayer, step down!"
"Yes, King!" Jaime's face flashed with a bluish tinge, and he bowed his head and stepped back.
The Mountain understood: although Robert was angry with Eddard, he still instinctively protected his old friend. After all, they had grown up together, fought side by side, and ultimately built this vast empire. Their bond was one of life and death, and they knew each other inside and out. Even the most intense arguments between them were internal conflicts between brothers, and it was virtually impossible for any outside force to intervene and exploit such a conflict.
Littlefinger glanced at the Mountain and then said, " King, I still have some official business to attend to today. Customs officials are coming to file taxes, so I won't be going to the restaurant. Please grant me permission, King."
Robert waved, and Littlefinger quickly left.
Varys immediately made an excuse to leave. The king was angry, and the queen was also in a bad mood. It was best to stay away from this drinking party!
Varys also left, followed by Grand Maester Pycelle who made an excuse to research how to make more mercury thermometers. Jenny and the Mountain also made an excuse to leave. In no time, the king's leisurely mood of hosting a banquet for his guests vanished completely.
*
The rain in the sky grew heavier and heavier, as if it could see into Eddard's frustrated heart.
He had just returned to Red Keep from Shae's brothel, accompanied by Littlefinger. Behind him were his captain of the guard, Jory Cassel, his bodyguard Will, and Haihua.
Before Eddard's eyes appeared the face of a young, innocent girl with faint freckles on either side of her nose. She was holding a newborn baby girl in her arms, with black hair and black eyes, looking just like Robert.
Another illegitimate child of Robert's. The girl had just come from the countryside and was deflowered by Robert. She was madly infatuated with Robert and swore to Eddard that she had never been intimate with any other man besides Robert.
This girl was someone Jon Arryn had visited with Stannis before his death. Eddard went to see her again before leaving King's Landing, driven by a promise he had made to ensure the girl's infant daughter wouldn't lack food or clothing; he was going to deliver money. As he parted, Eddard still hoped to find a clue about Jon Arryn's death from the girl.
But Eddard was disappointed again; he found no clues more useful than before.
The thought of Lannisters surrounding the King, ready to strike at any moment, filled Eddard with mixed emotions. He was no longer the Prime Minister, and the King had ordered him to leave the Red Keep. No matter how complicated and heartbroken he felt, he had to leave, and as soon as possible. The King had become a stranger; he could very well have given the order to behead Eddard.
The rain was getting heavier and heavier, and the cloak had become a heavy burden. Raindrops dripped from the helmet in front of his eyes like strings of sad tears.
" Why did Jon go to Shae's brothel to visit that girl before he died?" Eddard asked Littlefinger beside him.
The short, soaking wet man shrugged: "He's the Prime Minister, so Robert must have asked him to take care of him."
"It can't be just that, otherwise why would they kill him?"
Even though he had to leave King's Landing, Eddard was still worried about the cause of Jon's death, and he was also deeply concerned about the dangers surrounding Robert.
But fate was unkind, and he still couldn't find any clues. To persuade the king to deal with Lannister, protect himself, and clear Jon's name, Eddard needed evidence.
The rain intensified, stinging his eyes and crashing against the ground.
The heavy rain turned into a torrential downpour, with black, murky water cascading down the hills, flooding the ground and churning up the filthy water from the sewers onto the streets. The rain was too heavy.
Just then, Jori called out, " Lord Eddard!" His hoarse voice was filled with tension. In the blink of an eye, the crossroads ahead were filled with soldiers.
Soldiers in red cloaks stood in a row, with a giant of immense stature in the center. Beside the giant was a hesitant, freckled boy: the archer Anguy. On the other side stood a handsome general in golden armor: Jaime Lannister.
Ned's heart tightened.
He saw the Clegane soldiers opposite him wearing leather jackets over ring armor, iron gloves, and knee pads, with steel helmets and rain-soaked cloaks clinging to their bodies. The soldiers were lined up in two rows, blocking the way on foot, the front row carrying longswords and the back row carrying iron spears.
"Behind us!" he heard Will shout. He turned his horse and saw a commotion of footsteps behind him. Four Clegane Knights of the Mountain, along with more men, had cut off their retreat. The four knights were on horseback, while the rest of the infantry were all armed with lances.
Jori's sword rang out with a clang. "Those who block my way shall die!"
Jaime rode up slowly on his horse, rain dripping from his golden helmet, but Jaime seemed to be taking a stroll in a garden.
"The wolves are howling, but unfortunately, it's just a small pack of wolves."
Littlefinger rode forward: " Ser Jaime, what do you mean by this? Eddard is the Prime Minister."
"Former prime minister," Jaime said dismissively, "As for now, who does he think he is?"
" Jaime, I urge you to calm down?" Littlefinger said. "Let us through quickly, we should return to the city. This is King's Landing. If the king has ordered the arrest of Lord Eddard, please show us your warrant."
" Littlefinger, get out of here if you don't want to die!" Jaime said contemptuously. "If Littlefinger says another word, I'll kill him."
"Yes, Ser Jaime!" The Mountain's words boomed like a giant bell, drowning out the sound of the pouring rain.
Littlefinger's face immediately turned pale.
"I'll go find the capital's guard right away," Littlefinger assured Eddard, turning back. He spurred his horse forward, and the Clegane soldiers parted to make way, then formed ranks and surrounded Eddard and his party of four.
" Eddard, my brother is in Catelyn Tully's hands. He's a man who can't protect himself. I want to know what gave her the audacity to kidnap my brother knowing you're in King's Landing. Eddard, do you think you'll live to see this?"
" Kingslayer, you killed me, and your brother will not escape death either."
Jaime laughed heartily: "You're right, Lord Eddard, but I think someone should pass a message to your wife: the Lannister Family always pays its debts. Is she stupid or just ignorant from a young age? Hasn't she heard of the Lannister Family's saying, Count Mountain!"
"Yes, Ser Jaime."
"Spare Lord Eddard's life, but kill his three lackeys!" Jaime leisurely gave the order, then reined in his horse and rode away.
Clang clang clang!
Eddard drew his longsword, as did Weil and Haihua.
The Mountain slowly drew his greatsword. He stepped forward and looked at Eddard's solemn and tense expression. He said calmly, " Lord Eddard, Winter is coming. I warned you!" He then stepped back and shouted, " Clegane's brothers, kill three of Lord Eddard's guards!"
"No!" Eddard roared.
However, Clegane soldiers quickly surrounded him from both the front and rear. Eddard charged forward, brandishing his longsword. His warhorse leaped high, its steel horseshoes striking a soldier squarely in the face, the sound of bones shattering sending shivers down his spine. His longsword flashed like lightning, slicing through several thrusting spears, but more spears came at him, daring not to pierce Eddard's body, but able to strike his horse.
In an instant, Eddard's warhorse was shot several times in the neck and abdomen.
Eddard roared, and with a flash of cold light, his longsword struck a soldier's helmet, splitting the steel helmet in two. Blood splattered all over the soldier's face, and he staggered to his knees. At the same time, Eddard's horse's leg was also severed by a single sword strike.
The warhorse crashed to the ground, and Eddard landed on his feet, splashing water everywhere.
Anguy, mounted on his horse, hesitated. His longbow was already nocked, but he had always liked Lord Eddard. He knew that once this arrow was shot, he would be complicit in the corruption and there would be no turning back.
Eddard tumbled off his horse and before he could even stand up, he saw Will being pulled off by many hands. His warhorse was pierced by many spears, and countless short swords fell on Will's body. Swords rose and fell, fell and rose, and in the blink of an eye, Will was covered in blood.
Haihua rode to rescue Weir, his longsword flashing as he felled two Clegane soldiers. Suddenly, a spear pierced his abdomen, and Haihua's body jerked violently as several more spears pierced his body... Haihua's sword fell to the ground, and he collapsed with a thud... Water splashed up from the street...
Eddard was terrified, while the Mountain, Anguy Clegane, and the other two knights remained seated motionless on their horses.
Eddard rose, and Jori, having already fought his way through, saw Lord Eddard and immediately reined in his horse. Raising his longsword, he slashed at several spears, his warhorse's forelegs raised high, its horseshoes forged of fine steel, kicking fiercely at the enemy's head. However, the Clegane soldiers rolled away, dodging the horse, and several longswords slashed horizontally along the ground, severing the horse's legs. Jori fell from his horse, and before he could even get up, several longswords and spears pierced his body… Jori screamed in agony… Bright red blood gushed from the puddle on the ground…
Eddard roared and charged at the soldiers surrounding Jori, sword raised high. Suddenly, the sound of hooves thundered behind him, and a powerful force slammed into his back. He was thrown into the air like a straw, leaping over the carcasses of horses, severed limbs, human corpses, wounded soldiers, blood, and puddles on the ground, and crashing down in front of the warhorses of four Clegane knights...