Chapter 238: The Courage to Face the Long Winter
Snow was falling in King's Landing, with fine flakes dancing in the air.
Everyone hated this bitter weather, but there was no better way to deal with it.
The climate of Westeros was typically chaotic.
Long summers or winters could usually last for several years, with extreme climates where long summers lasted even ten years.
A winter of at least three years could certainly be called a harsh winter.
Snowflakes fell upon the Red Keep.
Rhaegar picked up a wooden shovel and built a snowman with two little boys with silver hair and purple eyes.
Together, they sculpted the image of a flying dragon, and the children were overjoyed.
The three-headed dragon roaring at the sky, the symbol of House Targaryen.
Snowflakes landed on Rhaegar's palm, then quickly evaporated and vanished.
"That is enough, Aegon, Duncan! Let the Attendants play with you; your brother has other things to do!" Rhaegar's mother, Princess Rhaella, walked over and called out.
"Is it because Brother has become an adult?" Prince Aegon asked, his eyes widening.
"Yes, Brother is an adult. He is going to conquer the world and master dragons," Prince Duncan replied.
The two Princes resembled Rhaegar in appearance. Although they were quite handsome, they could ultimately not surpass their elder brother.
They had grown up under the shadow of their brother's aura.
Both children still had some baby fat and were chubby; setting aside their status as Princes, they were nothing more than ordinary children.
"Brother, when will we be able to have our own dragons?" Aegon asked.
"You will have them." Rhaegar patted his little forehead and fluffy silver hair.
Children's eyes are always clear; they would remember these things themselves.
"Why haven't the other dragon eggs hatched yet?" Rhaegar had also considered this question: why had the rest of the dragon eggs not hatched?
The magic tide had returned, but it had not reached the critical point.
Perhaps only after reaching the critical point could the dragons awaken.
Only by killing the Night King, or those who hindered the return of magic, would the dragons be born one by one.
This could not be accomplished by simple blood sacrifice alone.
It was like the main timeline; only Daenerys had awakened dragons, but the dragon eggs and those with dragon blood should all have possessed at least a trace of the potential, even if not at the same concentration as Daenerys.
To put it plainly, the conditions had not been met, and the critical peak of magic had not been reached.
The court steward had also arrived, inviting Rhaegar to attend the Small Council meeting.
Rhaegar said goodbye to his mother and two younger brothers, then headed to the council chamber.
Princess Rhaella watched her eldest son, Rhaegar, leave, and she suddenly realized he was no longer an ordinary child; he was now both a Prince and a general.
Rhaegar seemed like someone untouched by the erosion of time, shining brilliantly as he climbed ever higher.
He was born to conquer the world.
Unlike his father and grandfather, he was like Aegon the Conqueror, a ruler and an arbiter.
Such a person had perhaps only been born into her arms to become a King, rather than simply being her son.
"In all things, you must obey your eldest brother; he is not only your brother but also the future master of the realm," Princess Rhaella instructed the two little Princes.
Talent was not the key; the key was that they learned to obey and accept the fate of second sons.
In the future, if Rhaegar had his own wife, the place of these two children in the line of succession would only continue to move farther back.
If they could not adapt to that reality, it would bring them great suffering.
Rhaegar thought of Duncan and Aegon. They were both his younger brothers, and both children had gentle temperaments.
According to the previous situation, House Targaryen possessed titles but almost no landed holdings. Summerhall had once filled that role, but it had been destroyed.
These two children would likely continue living in King's Landing.
However, Rhaegar had conquered vast territories, and there would always be one or two distant lands to grant to his brothers.
If that proved impossible, there would always be positions at the future University of King's Landing or in the distant protectorates across the Narrow Sea for his two younger brothers.
In the Red Keep, inside the council chamber, an emergency Small Council meeting was being held.
The Long Winter was approaching, and preparations had to begin early.
"Grand Maester Pycelle, please briefly explain the current situation to everyone," King Jaehaerys II said.
Although the King looked sickly, he was in an excellent mood.
The return of Dark Sister was heaven's will.
The King proudly displayed Dark Sister, which Rhaegar had recovered. Without Blackfyre, the King temporarily wore this sword, much to Tywin's envy.
The return of dragons and the return of the ancestral sword swept away the gloom left by Summerhall. The royal authority of House Targaryen had regained its vitality and was moving in a favorable direction.
As for whether Bloodraven was dead or alive, nothing could be done. Fortunately, no body had ever been found.
It had been so many years; perhaps he had already become nothing more than a pile of dry bones.
His contributions had been immense, but so had the stain upon his reputation, leaving the royal family uncertain how he should ultimately be remembered.
"According to the most optimistic estimates from the Citadel, this winter will last for at least three or four years," Grand Maester Pycelle said after clearing his throat.
The old man knew very well when to advance and when to retreat. Rhaegar had never deliberately tried to bribe him, yet Pycelle had already begun leaning toward Rhaegar like a weather vane, even passing along confidential information from the Citadel while collecting benefits from both sides.
After all, Prince Rhaegar possessed military strength, wealth, and political ability.
"The gods sent this man to bring glory to the realm. He is energetic and capable of anything. Prince Rhaegar is kind toward the Citadel and greatly values my opinions."
The final sentence was clearly intended to be repeated to the Citadel. In truth, Rhaegar wished he could overturn both the Citadel and House Hightower to discover just how many secrets they concealed.
No one spoke. The news was sobering.
Winter meant cold, hardship, and famine.
"It has always been like this. We simply have to endure it," Aerys shrugged.
"My Lords, winter is coming. For a harsh winter lasting at least three years, we need to make full preparations!" King Jaehaerys II already sensed the chill and cold.
"Prince Rhaegar has returned from the North, having been to Winterfell and The Wall. He can tell us about the specific situation in the North!" King Jaehaerys II called on Rhaegar again.
"The situation is worse than we thought. I have returned from the North, my Lords," Rhaegar said.
"It is snowing in Winterfell, and the people of the North will face famine and cold. What is terrible is not just these, but also the wave of large-scale Free Folk invasions!"
"What is terrible is not just the cold, but also war!" King Jaehaerys II looked around. War was always like this, yet it was unavoidable.
"If the Free Folk from Beyond the Wall come south to seize food, then the mountain clans of the Mountains of the Moon may also do the same! We must even consider the Ironborn!" The blond-haired, blue-eyed Tywin cleared his throat, looking confident.
His wife had just given birth to a healthy son, Tyrion Lannister.
"Everyone, I believe the kingdom's primary task is stability, ensuring everything remains peaceful and allowing the people to live and work in contentment. Our strategy for enduring winter is to maintain peace and ensure the common people have food.
"Of course, especially the common people of King's Landing. I do not want to see the poor of King's Landing become starving beasts once again," King Jaehaerys II said.
The poor of King's Landing were notorious. Once they became desperate, they could quickly turn into a violent mob.
"Days of famine may also become days of chaos. Thugs, bandits, and crime will all increase. We need food in one hand and weapons in the other. Only then will the situation remain stable and the realm secure," Lord Ormund said.
"What is the financial situation of the Iron Throne?" King Jaehaerys II asked Tywin.
"Currently, it is generally healthy. Tariffs, taxes, and contributions from the various Lords have steadily improved the royal treasury. It is sufficient to endure approximately three years according to my estimates. If the winter lasts longer than that, it will become difficult to say," Tywin answered calmly.
"Lord Tywin, you should also consider another point—our necessary assistance to the North," Rhaegar reminded him.
"During winter, House Stark is always burdened by shortages. There is truly no other choice."
"How is the transportation situation?" King Jaehaerys II asked Rhaegar and Aerys.
"The Royal Fleet is in excellent condition and can transport grain over long distances by sea," Aerys answered.
"We now control the fleets of the Narrow Sea, and our transport capacity has greatly increased. Our allies across the Narrow Sea can also provide food when necessary.
"On land, however, the Kingsroad must continue to be repaired before it can fully function. Until then, transporting supplies by sea to White Harbor will be more efficient," Rhaegar said confidently.
"Good!
"We must also reduce unnecessary expenditures, simplify everything possible, and save money so the people may eat. I do not wish to see starving refugees flooding into King's Landing.
"Ensuring that the Seven Kingdoms have sufficient food will be the highest priority of our Small Council.
"Prepare grain, widen the roads, and produce winter clothing," King Jaehaerys II said after a moment of thought.
"If absolutely necessary, we may even have to impose prohibition on alcohol."
"I agree with Your Grace's reasoning. However, wine is one of the greatest comforts enjoyed by both the common people and the Lords. Such a measure would surely provoke considerable resentment," Grand Maester Pycelle said with a frown.
Nothing was more important than survival.
"For the welfare of the overwhelming majority of the people, I believe we must restrain our love of wine."
"What about public security?" King Jaehaerys II continued.
"During a national crisis, maintaining order in King's Landing and preserving security throughout the realm are our greatest priorities."
"Rhaegar, explain the possible wars and unrest," King Jaehaerys II instructed.
"Famine is the greatest cause of Free Folk invasions. House Stark should be able to withstand them under ordinary circumstances, but if too many Free Folk descend, we must provide assistance.
"There are also the Ironborn. The Old Kraken is growing old, and I have heard that his heir is devoted entirely to the Old Way. Whether Lord Greyjoy can still restrain him remains uncertain.
"Across the Narrow Sea, the Rhoyne River Alliance has altered the balance of power. If they take advantage of our famine, we cannot predict whether Braavos will adopt a more hostile stance. Our current position is extremely delicate," Rhaegar analyzed.
He deliberately omitted two other enemies—the Night King, who sounded too unbelievable, and Qarth, which was too distant to be an immediate concern.
"Send word to House Tyrell to strengthen the coastal defenses, prepare food imports and relief supplies, and remain vigilant against the Ironborn.
"Lord Tywin, you should make the same preparations.
"As for the North, House Stark and the Night's Watch have extensive experience dealing with the Free Folk. Under normal circumstances, they should be sufficient," King Jaehaerys II said decisively.
"As for the lands across the Narrow Sea, Prince Rhaegar has always overseen those affairs. He shall continue commanding our eastern strategy, whether dealing with the Sealord of Braavos or the Khals."
"As you command!"
"As you command!"
"Now let us discuss the situation in King's Landing.
"Our standing force remains the three thousand Gold Cloaks, but that number is becoming insufficient," Lord Ormund said.
Everyone understood the actual combat effectiveness of the Gold Cloaks.
"Fortunately, we also have the Prince's Silver Dragon Legion, so suppressing any unrest should not prove too difficult."
"We must stabilize King's Landing and prevent riots among the populace.
"We need someone to take overall command.
"In times like these, crime will also increase dramatically, meaning the Master of Laws must shoulder a heavier burden," King Jaehaerys II said as he looked around the chamber.
Everyone understood that this was a thankless position, and no one wished to volunteer.
"Governing the city and suppressing riots would be best entrusted to the Master of Laws," Rhaegar said, pointing toward Simon Staunton.
Among Aerys's three favorite flatterers, Larys Velaryon had already been won over. There was no need to continue tolerating someone like Simon.
Because of his Crownlands background and his friendship with Aerys, Simon had climbed to a very high office.
Rhaegar intended to use this blade to cut away the filth before eventually sacrificing the blade itself.
Whether Simon ultimately died at the hands of the mob or by other means made little difference.
"Me? Me?" Simon looked genuinely shocked.
This assignment was not an honor but a burden.
Although coordinating both the Gold Cloaks and the Silver Dragon Legion appeared prestigious, would he truly possess any authority?
He was not a member of House Targaryen.
If King's Landing descended into chaos, either the mob or the great Lords would likely make him their first scapegoat.
"An excellent suggestion," Simon said stiffly while glancing toward Aerys.
The Crown Prince continued applauding enthusiastically.
"You are not afraid, are you, Lord Simon?" King Jaehaerys II asked.
"I am willing to devote myself to the safety of the realm," Simon, the Master of Laws, answered without daring to refuse.
"Then it is settled.
"Simon, you shall serve as the temporary chief security officer of King's Landing," King Jaehaerys II declared.
"If you encounter matters beyond your ability to judge, consult Prince Rhaegar. He is responsible for King's Landing's municipal works and transportation."
"Yes, Your Grace."
The Master of Laws felt utterly miserable.
He had climbed to high office by flattering Aerys, not by wishing to shoulder such exhausting responsibilities.
Winter had arrived, yet everyone believed the King had everything under control.
The gentle approach consisted of grain and money, managed by the Small Council.
The hard approach consisted of soldiers and force, with Simon standing at the front—but everyone knew the true power ultimately rested with Prince Rhaegar and his army.
"Everyone, I have one more proposal," Rhaegar said.
"During the famine, we can exchange wages for labor.
"Labor costs will decline during winter, making this the ideal opportunity to accelerate construction of the Kingsroad."
"Using labor instead of direct relief is indeed an excellent proposal."
Everyone listened attentively.
The more they discussed, the more energetic they became. Before the arrival of the Long Winter, every preparation and every major plan had already been set in motion.
Rhaegar walked out of the council chamber.
The snow was falling even more heavily.
But it did not matter.
He had the courage to face the Long Winter.
After the Long Winter passed... would an eternal summer finally arrive?
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