chapter 103 part 2
Petyr Baelish shrugged his shoulders and leaned back in his chair, but he began to be wary of the seemingly harmless Pycelle.
Petyr Baelish had already decided to buy off the few young handmaidens around Pycelle. He would grasp his every move.
The meticulous Petyr Baelish already had a legitimate excuse. He would find a suitable opportunity to approach Pycelle in the name of communication. Only by confirming some things with his own eyes could he be sure.
Therefore, the Small Council members never spoke idle words without reason during Small Council meetings, except for Renly Baratheon.
...
Jon Arryn had not forgotten today's purpose. He paused and continued, "After this matter occurred, it always made me restless. I am old, but a problem has arisen during my tenure as Hand of the King. I do not want to leave it for the next Hand of the King."
At this moment, everyone's gaze was almost simultaneously focused on Jon Arryn.
Facing everyone's gaze, Jon Arryn said, "One month, at most three months. I want to seal off the entire King's Landing and thoroughly investigate all the secret passages in King's Landing left by the Targaryen dynasty. All those related to the secret passages must all be arrested."
Jon Arryn's words made the Throne Room fall silent.
Renly Baratheon said in astonishment, "Lord Jon Arryn, did I hear correctly? Seal off King's Landing for three months?"
Petyr Baelish, frowning slightly, said coldly, "Lord Renly, Hand of the King meant at most three months."
Everyone knew that Petyr Baelish was Jon Arryn's hand-picked protégé. They were his own people.
Petyr Baelish's consistent actions allowed him to represent Hand Jon Arryn in many situations, even without Jon Arryn's authorization, without arousing anyone's suspicion.
This was one of Petyr Baelish's stratagems in the game of thrones.
...
Renly Baratheon spread his hands, his tone, however, did not seem heavy. "Lord Jon Arryn, won't the commotion be too great? If one is not careful, it will cause riots. King's Landing has over five hundred thousand people."
Jon Arryn's gaze became sharp. His gaze passed over the people present and said, "I need the support of you Lords!"
Varys stood up from his seat and bowed without hesitation, saying first, "Lord Jon Arryn, I support your decision. It is my great honor to be able to serve you. This is also my duty."
Seeing that the first person to stand up and express support was Varys, many people in their hearts could not help but doubt.
Regarding the secret passages of the Hand's Solar, everyone was already suspicious of Master of Whisperers Varys, who was responsible for collecting information for the Small Council during the Targaryen dynasty. Of course, this included Jon Arryn himself.
Although Jon Arryn still harbored suspicion of Varys in his heart, he would not deliberately make things difficult for Varys without evidence. This was the pride Jon Arryn had always upheld throughout his life.
At this time, Varys's action not only directly dispelled Jon Arryn's wariness but also increased his trust in him.
Petyr Baelish looked at the sincere Varys, and a mocking curve appeared on the corner of his lips.
As Varys sat down, he seemed to feel Petyr Baelish's gaze and nodded slightly towards Petyr Baelish.
Petyr Baelish smiled faintly, but the amusement did not reach his eyes.
After more than ten years as the Hand of the King, those around Jon Arryn had long understood Jon Arryn's temperament, let alone Varys, who was the Master of Whisperers.
...
The Kingsguard Commander, Barristan Selmy, who had been sitting upright like a statue throughout, suddenly spoke. "Lord Hand, the sealing of the city requires His Majesty the King's personal approval."
Kingsguard Commander Barristan, like other members of the Kingsguard, wore silver chainmail and white cloaks.
The sixty-year-old Barristan was tall and strong, with a pair of blue eyes radiating sadness beneath his white hair. Although aged, he still looked strong and elegant.
Barristan Selmy was known as "Fearless Barristan." He was the eldest son of Lord Lyonel Selmy of Harvest Hall in the Stormlands.
When he was ten years old, Barristan, with armor obtained through others' help, became a mystery knight and participated in the tourney held at Blackhaven, challenging Prince Duncan, whom no one dared to challenge. After this, he earned the title of "Fearless Barristan."
During the War of the Ninepenny Kings, Barristan plunged alone into the ranks of the Golden Company and successfully killed Maelys the Monstrous, the last of the Blackfyre pretenders, in single combat, ending the rebellion of the Blackfyre claimant to the throne, earning him an immortal name. From then on, his name spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms.
At the age of twenty-three, Barristan gave up his family inheritance. Under the recommendation of the then Kingsguard Commander, Gerold Hightower, he took the white cloak.
After the War of the Usurper ended, although Barristan fought bravely for the Targaryen royal family, King Robert still pardoned him and appointed him Commander of the Kingsguard.
Although Barristan had made moral reservations about serving King Robert, he still faithfully fulfilled his duties.
...
Jon Arryn looked at Barristan, his voice carrying a hint of imperceptible fatigue. "Ser Barristan, I will first obtain His Majesty Robert's approval."
Barristan bowed. "At that time, I will fulfill my duty."
Renly Baratheon spread his hands and said with a smile, "Lord Jon Arryn, remember to inform me beforehand about sealing the city. Unless Robert orders it, I do not intend to be confined here. I will go hunting in the Kingswood. When you are done, I will return."
Jon Arryn's pale lips moved slightly, but he did not speak, only nodding.
Petyr Baelish addressed Hand Jon Arryn, saying, "Hand of the King, we need to consider the food problem. There are hundreds of thousands of mouths in King's Landing."
Jon Arryn already had a corresponding plan. "I will not restrict food from entering King's Landing. Petyr Baelish, I hand this matter over to you to be responsible for."
Petyr Baelish elegantly placed his hand on his chest. "As you wish, Hand of the King!"
Pycelle looked at Petyr Baelish and said, "Lord Baelish, this is no small sum. Can the Royal Treasury afford this amount of gold dragons?"
Petyr Baelish curled his lips and looked at Pycelle, his voice laced with sarcasm. "You speak of the Royal Treasury? Grand Maester Pycelle, please stop pretending not to know. You and I both know very well that the kingdom's treasury has been empty for many years. Even rats would disdain that place now."
After replying to Pycelle, Petyr Baelish turned to Hand Jon Arryn and said, "Hand of the King, I think the High Septon will be very pleased to help us at this time. I will contact him in advance."
Jon Arryn subtly let out a sigh, saying, "Petyr Baelish, we still need the High Septon to assist us in stabilizing the hearts of the people in King's Landing."
By this time, his plan had already passed through the Small Council meeting.
Everything went smoothly... Jon Arryn subtly let out a sigh of relief, and at the same time, fatigue suddenly surged through him, forcing him to lean back in his chair.
Petyr Baelish, with a worried expression, was about to speak, but was interrupted by a sudden commotion.
The assembled members of the Small Council simultaneously heard the loud cry of "The Queen arrives!"
(end of chapter)