On the 20th day of September in the 50th year of the Conquest, Jaehaerys Targaryen finally celebrated his sixteenth name day and was proclaimed a man.

According to the laws of the Seven Kingdoms, he could henceforth govern in person, and there was no longer a need for a regent.

As for his future performance, the nobles and commoners of Westeros are waiting to see what he will do.

King Jaehaerys I Targaryen rode back to King's Landing alone on the dragon Vormisor, and five Kingsguard arrived three days early, ready to take over.

Queen Alyssanne did not return with him, and in view of the uncertainty of their marriage, as well as the uncertain relationship between the King and his mother and the royal courtiers, it was prudent to remain on Dragonstone with the two remaining Kingsguards.

The weather was not auspicious, the sky was gray, and it rained for half the morning.

Benifel and other important officials waited for the king in the rain in the inner courtyard of the Red Keep, wrapped in cloaks and hoods, while the knights, squires, horse boys, washerwomen, and other servants of the castle were still busy with their own work, but stopped from time to time to look up at the sky.

After a long time, the flapping of leather wings was finally heard, and one of the guards on the eastern wall caught a glimpse of the bronze scales of Vormisor, and the cheers rang out in increasing volume, and soon rolled over the high walls of the Red Keep, down the high hills of Aegon, and spread throughout the city, and even through the countryside.

Jaehaerys did not land immediately.

He flew over the capital three times, each time flying lower and lower, so that the men, women, and children of King's Landing had a chance to wave and shout at him, and be amazed by his heroism.

Finally, he had Vormisol land in the courtyard in front of the Meg Tower, where he met with his long-awaited vassals.

"He's changed a lot from the last time I saw him," Bennyfell's national teacher sighed as he looked at Jaehaerys on the saddle, "The young man who flew to Dragonstone was unrecognizable, replaced by a mature young man.

He had grown several inches taller, and the muscles in his chest and arms had become fuller. His hair was draped over his shoulders, and his cheeks and chin, which had been cleanly shaved, were now covered with delicate golden velvet.

He was dressed like a king at all, dressed in a salted, hunting and riding leather coat, with a studded waistcoat but a 'black fire' hanging from the belt of his sword...... It was his grandfather's sword, the sword of kings.

Even though it's in the sheath, no one can be mistaken. At the sight of that sword, a shudder of fear suddenly swept through my body.

Is this a warning? ”

Benifel pondered as he watched the dragon land, smoke rising from between its teeth.

"I fled to Pantos before Maegor died, fearing that my successor would be against me, and was summoned back to Westeros by the Duke of Storm's End, following the army to the royal city. At this moment, I am a little glad that I made a wise choice in the drizzle, and the investment has been very rewarding. ”

The Young King—Jaehaerys, who was no longer the Young King—quickly made a calm gesture. He glides down Vormisol gracefully, always smiling.

Everyone bowed to him, many even knelt down, and the city immediately rang with celebratory bells.

Jaehaerys took off his gloves, tucked them into the belt of his sword, and said, "My lords, let's get started." ”

There was one important person who did not greet the king in the courtyard: the king's mother, Alesha.

Jaehaerys personally went to Megaru to meet the reclusive Queen Mother, this was the first time the two had met since the confrontation on Longshi, outsiders had no way of knowing the content of the conversation, and it was not long before the Queen Mother appeared in front of everyone with the king's arm, her face red and swollen with crying.

The Empress Dowager, who had stepped down as regent, attended the welcome banquet that night, and then participated in various court activities on time, but no longer attended the imperial council.

The reign of the young king began with the reorganization of the Imperial Council, in which he left some people behind and removed the incompetent.

He began by affirming Count Daemon Valerian, the Hand of the King appointed by his mother, and also retained his position as captain of the garrison of the capital of Count Kobri.

He was succeeded by Albin Marseille, Earl of Stonedance, one of the first lords to visit Jaehaerys on Dragonstone. Three years ago, Marseille was still working hard to build a bachelor's necklace at the school, but a fever took the lives of his two brothers and his father.

Because his spine is not straight, he can only limp, but as his famous quote says, "I am not lame in reading, and I am not lame in writing." ”

Admiral and Admiral of the Sea were conferred by the King on Manfrey Redwin, Earl of Qingting Island, and the Earl brought his three young sons, Robert, Rickard, and Ryan, who served as chamberlains, and it is worth noting that this was the first time that the Admiral had been left outside the Valerian family.

When Jaehaerys announced the dismissal of Edwell Setiga as Chancellor of the Exchequer, there was jubilation in King's Landing.

It is said that the king tactfully appeased the Earl of Setiga and even praised the two daughters of the other for their faithful service to Queen Alexandre on Dragonstone, calling them "two treasures".

However, while the two girls were allowed to remain with the queen, the Count of Setiga was to return to the island immediately, and with him the tax policy he had instituted—the young king had abolished all newly raised or increased taxes within three days of his reign.

However, finding Edwell's successor was not easy.

Many urged King Jaehaerys to appoint Lynman Lannister, the richest lord in all of Westeros, but Jaehaerys was unimpressed.

"Unless Duke Limman can dig for gold under the Red Keep, he's not the answer I'm looking for." The king said.

He hesitated whether to recruit one of Donald Hightower's cousins or uncles, as the Old Town's wealth was derived from increased trade rather than natural gifts, but Donal's behavior toward the Moon Friar made him wonder about the Hightowers' loyalty.

Eventually, Jaehaerys made the bold decision to hire a talented man from across the Narrow Sea: Rigo Draz.

Rigo Draz was not a lord, not a knight, not even a local governor, but a peddler, a businessman, and a money changer, who rose from nobody to become the richest man in Pantos, but was ostracized by high society and could not even sit on the governor's council because of his humble origins.

Draz had enough of the contempt of his countrymen, and he gladly accepted the king's invitation to come to Westeros with family, friends, and a large fortune.

In order to put him on an equal footing with other important ministers, the young king gave him the title of count, but although he had the name of an earl, he had no territory, no knights, and no castle, and some people in the Red Keep jokingly called him "Count of the Air", but the Pantos accepted it, "I would rather have the ability to collect money from the air, that is worthy of the name".

Jaehaerys also dismissed Bishop Mateus, the fat monk who had a violent objection to the king's blood marriage. At the same time, he is also the godfather of Rollin.

The fat bishop was so angry about his dismissal that he openly declared: "A king who does not have the counsel of the monks cannot gain the trust of the Church." ”

Jaehaerys had already figured out the answer: "We have no shortage of monks. Brother Osgak and Sister Isabel will remain in the court, and a young man from the High Court, named Bass, will be in charge of the library of the Red Keep. ”

The fat bishop disdained the king's rhetoric, saying that Osgak was an old fool who could not walk steadily, that Isabel was a woman, and that he knew nothing about the Friars Bath.

To this last point, Jaehaerys responded: "Isn't that your norm? ”

Bishop Mateus, who had returned to the Old Town four days after his dismissal, was too fat to ride a horse, so he sat in a gilded chariot, escorted by sixty guards and a few hundred servants.

Legend has it that when he crossed the Mandeb River from the Bitter Bridge, he happened to meet the oncoming monk Bath. Buzz was alone and rode a donkey.

The Young King's personnel were not limited to the Imperial Council, he also completely replaced dozens of other junior officials, including the Four Spoon Governor, the Grand Master of the Red Keep and its subordinates, the Harbour Master of King's Landing, the head of the Royal Mint, the Imperial Magistrate, the Sect Head, the Master of Animal Tamers, the Master of the Stables, and even the rat catchers in the castle.

Once the business was arranged and the newly appointed officials were in place, Jaehaerys ordered Scholar Bennyfell to send a raven to Storm's End, summoning Duke Roga Baratheon back to King's Landing.

The king's letter sets the Duke of Roga and his brothers apart.

Sir Boris, who has always been regarded as the most aggressive and unwitting member of the Baratheon family, was the calmest this time. "You are lucky enough for this crime, and most likely you will be beheaded by that kid to show the public."

The other two younger brothers, Garon and Lonnar, persuaded the elder brother to disobey, claiming that the Storm's End was impregnable, and that if Jae-Erys wanted to cut off his brother's head, he would take it himself.

Duke Roga laughed. "Imsolidated?" He asked rhetorically, "Isn't that true of Harrenhal?" No, I'm going to see Jaehaerys and make it clear to my face. ”

The next morning, he was escorted to King's Landing by six veteran knights who had been with him since childhood.

He was received by the king on a crown and on an iron throne, with all the dignitaries present, and the Iron Guard of the Kings stood at the bottom of the throne, dressed in white robes and enamel scales, but there was no one else in the hall.

It took Duke Roga a long time to walk from the door of the hall to the throne, and the sound of footsteps echoed in the hall.

Jaehaerys was well aware of the duke's pride and did not want to force him to submit in front of the Manchu civil and military forces, which would hurt him even more.

And Jaehaerys's respect for Roga ushered in Roga's submission.

The Duke of Storm's End fell to one knee, bowed his head, and placed his sword at the base of the Iron Throne.

"Your Majesty," he began, "I have come at your disposal at your disposal. All I ask you is to spare my brothers and the Baratheons. Everything I do, it's for—"

"—the country you have in mind." Jaehaerys raised a hand and interrupted Duke Roga, "I know what you did, what you said, and what you planned.

I believe you are sincere in assuring me and my queen that we will not be harmed......

You're right, I do have the potential to be a great scholar, but I would rather be a good king.

Some people say we're enemies, but I think we're more like friends who don't agree with each other.

When my mother sought refuge in you, you took the risk to take us in.

You could have shackled us and dedicated us to my uncle, but you swore to fight for me and rallied your vassals for it.

I will never forget these kindnesses. ”

"Words are like the wind, Your Excellency...... My dear friend...... You have rebellious remarks, but you have not put them into practice;

You tried to break up my marriage, but it didn't happen. ”

"Treason will be punished severely, but foolish words will not. If you really want to defend the Wall, I won't stop you, and the Night's Watch will value a strong man like you as much as I do, but I prefer you to stay and serve me.

As you all know, I sat on the Iron Throne because of you, and I still need you now, and the kingdom still needs you. When the 'Dragon King' died, my father ascended to the throne for the first time, and the self-established king and the unscrupulous princes surrounded the four directions.

Now I'm going to face the same challenge, and for similar reasons, Rollin is in the river...... My determination, will, and strength will be put to the test.

My mother thought that once my marriage was announced, the whole country would be revealed. Perhaps.

In order to face this time of trial, I need good people who are willing to fight for me and my queen......

Even at the expense of their own fighters. Are you such a person? ”

Duke Roga was stunned by the king's words, looked up and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty. His voice was mixed.

"Then I forgive you for your previous offense," said Jaehaerys, "but conditionally. ”

When he said his request, the king's voice became stern.

"You must no longer speak against me and my queen, and from this day forward you will be her staunchest supporter, and no one will be allowed to slander her as long as you are present.

In addition, I do not accept and do not allow my mother to suffer misfortune, she will return to the castle of Storm's Rest with you, and reunite with you, and in the future, you must respect her in everything you say and do.

Would you like the above? ”

"It's an honor." The Duke of Roga replied, and he asked the king if he needed hostages to ensure his loyalty thereafter.

He pointed out that his three younger brothers had sons under their knees and could be sent to the court.

King Jaehaerys did not answer directly, he stepped down from the Iron Throne and motioned for Duke Roga to follow.

He led the Duke out of the hall to the inner courtyard where Vormisol was kept.

A slaughtered bull was the dragon's breakfast, and now the blackened and smoking corpse lay on the stony floor—the dragon loved to eat cooked meat—for Vormisor to eat, and he tore off chunks of beef with every bite.

When the king appeared with Duke Roga, the dragon raised its head and looked at them with copper-melting pond-like eyes.

"It's growing every day." Jaehaerys scratched the chin of the giant beast and said, "I don't need your nephews and nieces, Your Excellency, what are they for?" I have your assurances to me. ”

Duke Roga understood what Jaehaerys meant: When I rode the dragon, the men, women, and children of the Stormlands were hostages.

The reconciliation between the young king and the former prime minister was formalized by a banquet in the hall that night.

The Duke of Roga sat down next to Queen Alesha to show their reconciliation, and he took the lead in toasting Queen Alysanne's health, expressing his love and loyalty to her in the presence of the lords and ladies present.

Four days later, the Duke of Roga and Queen Alesha returned to Storm's End, where Ser "Wooden Stick" Pate led a hundred soldiers to escort them through the Imperial Forest.

In King's Landing, the long reign of Jaehaerys I Targaryen had only just begun.

When the Young King took over the power of the Seven Kingdoms, he faced a series of problems, two of which were more severe than the rest:

First, the treasury is empty, and the royal family is increasingly indebted;

Second, Lorraine Sacred Dragon, a Targaryen offshoot, is expanding its power wildly in the Riverlands.

Duke Tully also resigned from the position of Imperial Minister because of the oppression of his family, but the funny thing is that a few days after Duke Tully returned to the family land, the news came out that Tully bowed his knees to the Holy Dragon, and Lorraine has been the uncrowned king of the river since then.

The Holy Dragon family has a lot of industries to make money, Luo Lin has established a kind of thing called the 'Joint-Stock Chamber of Commerce', which binds the princes of the River Land together, and it is not difficult for businessmen outside the Holy Dragon Chamber of Commerce to move in the River, Westeros' economy is divided into two by this Chamber of Commerce, and only by joining the Holy Dragon Chamber of Commerce can the Three Forks River artery be passed.

Within half a year, the Holy Dragon family was very rich, and the repair of Harrenhal Castle and the construction of Wastestone City were carried out almost simultaneously.

Luo Lin, who has the support of three dragons, is domineering and unscrupulous economically, and this soft knife cuts the flesh of the Seven Kingdoms, but he can't say what he suffers.

For Jaehaerys, the first problem was already dealt with for him.

The new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rigo Draz, satisfied the king's desperate need for gold, and he secured three large loans from the Braavos Iron Vault and its rivals in Telosi and Mill.

Taking advantage of the hostile relationship between the three banks, the "Earl of Air" was able to obtain the best possible conditions, and the guarantee of the loan alone had an immediate positive effect: construction of the Dragon's Lair was restarted, and a large number of builders and stonemasons once again ascended the Rhaenys Hills.

Faced with the second question, Jaehaerys cautiously summoned his ministers to consult in the Imperial Hall.

"First of all, we can cut off Luo Lin's financial route first, because of the grudge between Qianmian Island and Luo Lin in the north, Stark can block the road in Ze Neck, and then the royal territory will block the trade road in the river land, without money support, the money kingdom of the Holy Dragon Chamber of Commerce will be self-defeating." Bennyfair said his way.

Jaehaerys nodded, indicating that it was a good idea.

But the 'Count of Air' Rigaut objected, "This will also cut off our financial resources, do you know how much business tax the Holy Dragon Chamber of Commerce pays?" Don't you have to pay off the arrears of the iron vault next year? ”

Benifel was dumbfounded for a while, and the kingdom was now facing a financial crisis, which was tantamount to losing both.

"Guan Jian is Luo Lin has three dragons, which is the fundamental reason why he is arrogant." Count Valerian, the Hand of the King, said in a deep voice, "If Rollin lifts the table and starts a dragon battle..."

"The royal realm will be defeated." The Earl of Qingting Island answered.

"Nope." Jaehaerys stood up and said loudly, "We will win!" ”

The ministers did not know for a moment how the king came to confidence, how did the three dragons win against the two dragons?

Seeing that they were waiting for the following, Jaehaerys did not sell it, and said: "In the year I have lived on Dragonstone Island, I have found that there are still many royal dragon species on Dragonstone Island. ”

"Dragonseed?" The Minister of Justice, Count Shi Wucheng, wondered.

"The illegitimate son of the House of Targaryen...", Bennyfeller whispered in the earl of Stonedance.