The journey of film and television world is endless
#123 - Chapter 10 Return to King's Landing
In April of the 290th year of Aegon's Conquest, an ordinary three-masted sailing ship entered the Blackwater River port outside King's Landing's River Gate.
Liu Yuan surveyed the port from the bow of the ship. Compared to a few years ago, it hadn't changed much, but instead appeared more dilapidated. It was evident that there was little investment in the port, and the new dynasty didn't prioritize maritime trade. The ship slowly docked at the pier, and a portly port tax official hurried over.
Liu Yuan led the guard off the ship. This time, they had come to King's Landing openly, and the guards displayed the family banner—a Han Dynasty dragon flag with black and red intermingled, which looked strikingly similar to the Targaryen three-headed dragon banner. The guards wore tabards with the family crest embroidered over their armor.
The tax official's face immediately fell upon seeing this. This wasn't a merchant ship, so he couldn't collect taxes. Moreover, they were nobles, and with so many guards, they were clearly not ordinary nobles. He could only collect port management and docking fees, without even getting any kickbacks. Seeing the young noble beckoning him, he had no choice but to obediently run over.
He respectfully said, "Good morrow, my lord. How may I assist you? Pippen is at your service."
Seeing that unloading the cargo, especially the warhorses, would take some time, Liu Yuan decided to chat with the port official. "Your name is Pippen. I haven't been to King's Landing in a long time. Can you tell me about the current situation?"
Pippen: "My lord, rest assured, I've lived in King's Landing for over 30 years. There's nothing in the city that I don't know about."
Liu Yuan chatted with Pippen for a while and gained a preliminary understanding of the situation in the city. Since the Sack of King's Landing during Robert's Rebellion, when Duke Tywin Lannister personally tricked the city gates open, the Lannister army had extensively looted King's Landing, leaving the city desolate for two years.
However, it was still the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. A large number of people who had lost their land due to the war poured into the city, causing King's Landing's population to surge. It even exceeded the population during the Targaryen dynasty. Currently, the population of King's Landing has already exceeded 500,000. Faced with such a huge market, countless merchants have flocked here again, and in just three or four years, King's Landing has quickly regained its prosperity.
The royal family's finances are somewhat strained, and the Gold Cloaks are unable to manage effectively. Queen Cersei borrowed five hundred soldiers from House Lannister to help maintain order in the city, only able to maintain security in the wealthy districts and main commercial areas. As for slums like Flea Bottom, they hardly set foot there, as it is managed by gangs of all sizes.
Various forces are mixed in King's Landing, and many industries cannot avoid these gangs, as they control the supply and transportation of raw materials. The large gangs all have the backing of noble forces, and even the city watch can't do much about them.
The newly appointed port master is extremely dissatisfied with the chaotic state of the port and has negotiated with the gang leaders many times. However, those leaders rely on the backing behind them and don't take the port master seriously.
After the establishment of the new dynasty, the lives of ordinary people have not improved. They still have to accept exploitation by nobles and gang members. The Gold Cloaks are even more unreliable, and the so-called protectors and abusers are only a thought away. However, Robert is very popular among the people, who believe he is a good king. They believe that their lives have not improved due to the incompetence of the Hand of the King and the small council.
Seeing that the guards were ready, Liu Yuan tossed a gold dragon as a reward, interrupting the chattering fat man. "Alright, Pippen, you're an interesting fellow. Do you know my father's manor?"
Pippen said ingratiatingly, "There aren't many manors in the city, so I should know it. May I ask who your father is, my lord?"
Liu Yuan: "Earl Arturian Celtigar, he mentioned in his last letter that he is serving as the Master of Coin in King's Landing."
Pippen: "............" How could he not know? That was the superior of his superior.
In the early Targaryen dynasty, the Celtigar family was also prominent, and they always had a residence in King's Landing. However, in the past hundred years, the successive heads of the family have retreated to Claw Isle, and the mansion in King's Landing has long been abandoned, so the last time they came to King's Landing, they could only stay in an inn.
After Earl Arturian came to King's Landing to take office, he renovated the mansion, making it look quite luxurious. Baelor also brought his pregnant wife, mother, and sister to King's Landing. Baelor was also appointed as the port master, the one who was despised by the gang leaders.
Outside the city, a section of the city wall near the city gate had collapsed and scaffolding had been erected. When Liu Yuan entered the city, the Gold Cloaks guarding the city didn't make things difficult for him. Many nobles didn't bring retinues, and since he had a few more guards, he only paid one silver stag per person as an entry fee.
Entering through the River Gate and following an upward road, they arrived at Hook Street. This was a hillside extending from the Hill of Aegon, where many nobles and wealthy merchants built their residences. The Iron Bank's King's Landing office was also located here. From the Fishmonger's Square gate, it only took twenty minutes to walk to a large manor.
From the crest on the gate and the fluttering banner, this was indeed the Celtigar residence. The family's guards, many of whom had participated in last year's campaign, naturally recognized Ser Jialong. They opened the gate and welcomed them in, and a guard had already run inside to inform the Countess.
The former steward, Roy, had proven his loyalty with one right hand and the price of disfigurement. He was now the chief steward in King's Landing, responsible for managing the mansion and local properties. He bowed to Liu Yuan, placing a fist over his chest. "Young Master Jialong, welcome home."
"Steward Roy, it's a pleasure to see you again. It's been eight years since we last met, hasn't it!"
"Since you left Claw Isle to study in Oldtown, or rather, it's been nine years. Now you are a noble knight, personally knighted by His Majesty the King. I am sincerely proud of you!"
"Jialong, Brother!" A girl threw herself into his arms, and Liu Yuan lifted her up, spinning her around in the air a couple of times. "Giggle..." The girl giggled crisply.
"Jialong, Brother, I miss you so much!"
"Lianna, come down. You're a big girl now. What do you think you're doing?" A female voice came. Liu Yuan looked over and saw the Countess. Beside her was a noblewoman in her early twenties, not very beautiful but pleasing to the eye. Her figure was slightly plump after giving birth, and she was holding a baby in her arms.
Liu Yuan put Lianna down and stepped forward. "Greetings, Madam. It's been a while, and your grace remains undiminished. This must be my sister-in-law! And this little one must be Victor."
Lady Mia: "You child, you're still so formal. Never mind, do as you please! Your father originally planned to pick you up at the port, but he didn't know exactly when you would arrive. This morning he was called to the Red Keep to accompany the King and the Hand to the Great Sept of Baelor."
"Greetings, Ser Jialong." Qiaoli'er held the child and performed a lady's curtsy.
"Bring it up!" Liu Yuan beckoned to the guards and rubbed Lianna's head. "I brought gifts for everyone. Once we get inside, you can pick your own."
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