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#507 - Chapter 239 The Current Situation of Pangaea

In the 5th year of the Imperial Calendar, or the 312th year of the Conquest Era, a historically significant year, King's Landing was finally rebuilt after years of effort. Queen Daenerys decided to formally move back to this once-glorious city. She deeply understood the importance of this move for the country and its people, regarding it as a new beginning. Marking the unification of Westeros, she changed the calendar to the Imperial Calendar, symbolizing the start of a new era.

The new imperial capital displayed unparalleled scale and grandeur. It had not only more than doubled in size but also removed the outer walls, making the city more open and inclusive. This magnificent city was built through the diligent efforts of over 1.3 million laborers, mostly refugees and prisoners of war. Over five long years, they forged this great city with their sweat and wisdom.

With Visenya's Hill and Rhaenys's Hill almost entirely leveled, the entire city presented a flat and open landscape. At the same time, the underground pipe network was re-laid, allowing the city's sewage to be directly discharged into the sea, significantly improving King's Landing's air quality and allowing people to enjoy a fresh and healthy living environment.

As the wars on the continent ended, people's lives gradually returned to peace, with noticeable progress each year. Daenerys's reputation among the people was at its peak, and they were filled with trust and support for her rule. Her policies and measures made the country prosperous and the people lived in peace and contentment, creating a truly strong and stable empire.

Daenerys implemented a dual management system, with both imperial officials and landed nobles sharing governance. They cooperated and supervised each other. If a landed noble wanted to serve as an imperial official, they had to entrust their territory to an official. Similarly, officials could choose to resign and acquire land after achieving meritorious service.

Following Duke Adrian's advice, Daenerys began a comprehensive reform of the empire's taxation system. She promulgated a series of laws that clearly defined tax items and brought all tax revenue under the unified management of the Imperial Tax Department. This meant that local lords could no longer arbitrarily collect taxes but had to pay the corresponding taxes to the Imperial Tax Department according to the law. At the same time, the Imperial Tax Department would distribute the revenue to the local lords according to a certain proportion, based on the actual conditions of each region.

This reform completely changed the chaotic tax system of Westeros that had existed for thousands of years, effectively protecting the rights and interests of the common people. They no longer had to face various exorbitant taxes and levies, allowing them to live and work in peace. Although the rights and interests of the local lords were somewhat diminished, they also saved a significant amount of expenditure on land infrastructure and management, only needing to wait to collect money.

However, beneath this seemingly beautiful facade, undercurrents were stirring. Some old forces were dissatisfied with Daenerys's reforms, believing that they harmed their vested interests, and they secretly tried to sabotage and hinder the country's progress. Daenerys was well aware of this, knowing that these people would not easily give up their power and wealth and would do everything possible to resist her reforms. Therefore, she decided to take further action to ensure the stability and development of the country.

Daenerys decided to establish a specialized institution—the Imperial Noble Council—to manage and confer titles on the empire's nobles. This institution was composed of long-standing, old families who would represent the emperor in managing the nobles throughout the country, conferring titles and rewards on those who performed excellently. Through this method, Daenerys hoped to weaken the influence of the conservatives while strengthening central power and promoting the country's integration.

For those conservative old fellows, Daenerys did not intend to confront them directly but chose a more subtle strategy. She placed them in the Imperial Noble Council, allowing them to torment the other nobles there, thereby diverting their attention and energy. At the same time, she officially defined the various noble ranks—Duke, Marquis, Earl, Baron, and Knight—clarifying the rights and obligations enjoyed by each title, and even specifying the division of territory.

The empire also strictly managed the religions within its borders, with laws explicitly stating that religious doctrines could not supersede imperial law. Although the empire did not establish an official state religion, it guaranteed the right of imperial citizens to freedom of belief.

To better promote commercial development, Daenerys abolished commercial transit taxes and introduced a series of preferential policies. Merchants flocked to the opportunity, and local specialty goods rapidly circulated, making the market more prosperous. With economic development, people's lives stabilized, and culture and art also ushered in significant development.

Just as Westeros was developing steadily, the western part of Essos fell into turmoil. After Pentos declared independence, Braavos quickly reacted, launching a military intervention. They not only sent the Sea Lord's powerful fleet and 30,000 Braavosi legionnaires but also recruited over 30,000 mercenaries, launching a land offensive.

In March of the same year, the Sun and Moon Mercenary Company officially accepted the Pentos city-state's employment, undertaking comprehensive military protection tasks. The company's Third, Fourth, and Seventh Fleets engaged in fierce blocking battles with the world-renowned Purple Shell Fleet in the Narrow Sea. The new Sea Lord, Tormo Frega, led 800 warships to participate, with the company's three fleets plus the newly formed Pentos navy having roughly equal strength to their opponent. The two sides engaged in ten fierce naval battles in the Narrow Sea, with the battle lines extending from the coast of Pentos to the Shivering Sea, and the fierce fighting once disrupted north-south shipping in the Narrow Sea.

However, this war did not last long, as Braavos soon could not withstand the pressure. The city of Braavos is located on islands within a harbor, and all its supplies depend on external sources. Due to the prolonged war, Braavos's supply of materials was severely affected, and the city began to experience shortages and social unrest. Once trade routes were cut off, even basic food could not be guaranteed. The merchants of Braavos suffered heavy losses, and they united to protest to the Council of Governors! This forced Braavos to reconsider its strategic decisions and seek to resolve the issue through negotiations.

On the vast ground battlefield, the Dothraki cavalry withdrawn from Dorne galloped like the wind. They were hired by Pentos and joined the battle. These valiant warriors demonstrated unparalleled strength and courage in the Battle of Andals, sweeping the enemy away like an unstoppable torrent.

In the fierce battle, the Allied forces annihilated the Braavosi legion with overwhelming force, pushing the battle line all the way to the swampy areas of the Braavos coast. Their victory was not only military but also a major strategic breakthrough. More importantly, the Allied forces successfully cut off Braavos's 'Skywater Canal,' depriving the city of its precious freshwater supply.

Under heavy pressure, the Braavos Council of Governors had no choice but to send envoys to negotiate with Pentos. It was a difficult and lengthy negotiation, with both sides adhering to their positions and unwilling to compromise easily. However, as time passed, the pressure of the war gradually became apparent, and the two sides finally reached a ceasefire agreement.

The end of the war brought relief to the merchants of Braavos, who longed to restore prosperous trade. However, the war had taken a heavy toll on both city-states. Especially Braavos, whose economy suffered severe damage, and its once-glorious position as a maritime power collapsed.

At the same time, Pentos broke free from its shackles in this war and began to develop into a normal country. They were no longer subject to the control of others but gradually moved towards independence and autonomy. This war became a turning point in Pentos's history, laying a solid foundation for its future development.

In return, Pentos paid a large sum of money, and the Dothraki returned home laden with spoils. This time, Pentos showed great sincerity, not only paying a huge ransom but also giving the Dothraki a large number of gifts to show its generosity and friendliness. The Dothraki were very satisfied with this transaction, and they returned to the grasslands with great wealth and honor, continuing their nomadic life.

Meanwhile, Pentos also actively established contact with the empire. They sent envoys to King's Landing to express their respect to the emperor and their willingness to become allies. The emperor gladly accepted Pentos's proposal and sent Foreign Minister Earl Tasber to Pentos to conduct in-depth negotiations and consultations with the Council of Governors. Finally, the two sides reached an agreement, establishing friendly relations between the two countries.

After the merger of the New Three Daughters, their strength was significantly enhanced. The once-controversial region finally ushered in true peace, with people living and working in peace, redisplaying the prosperity of the past. This prosperity brought strong economic support to the three main cities, enabling them to develop and grow better.

In the face of Volantis's northward expansion, the New Three Daughters showed unprecedented confidence. They were no longer afraid of the enemy's threats but actively prepared to meet possible challenges. At the same time, they were also the second country to establish diplomatic relations with the empire, but the two sides were engaged in tense negotiations over the ownership of the 'Stepstones.' This island is of great strategic significance to both countries, so both sides hope to achieve favorable results in this negotiation.

Slaver's Bay was officially renamed Dragon's Bay, and the three main cities—Meereen, Astapor, and Yunkai—became overseas territories of the empire. Daario Naharis was appointed as the first Governor of Dragon's Bay, responsible for leading the Free Company. He will manage the three cities and twenty-five subsidiary city-states with the assistance of political officials, ensuring the stability and prosperity of these regions. In addition, he needs to handle diplomatic affairs with other forces and safeguard the empire's interests in this land. Although the sea route has been cut off, Dragon's Bay has begun to vigorously develop land trade due to its good relationship with the Dothraki. Their caravans have reached as far as the city of N'ghai in the N'ghai region, which is located on the northeastern edge of the Jogos Nhai plains and has close trade ties with Dragon's Bay.

Under the governance of Daario Naharis, the Free Company of Dragon's Bay not only maintains the region's security but also actively promotes commercial prosperity. At the same time, exchanges between Dragon's Bay and other regions have become increasingly frequent. Thanks to the existence of the Dawn Trading Company and the Sun and Moon Mercenary Company, Dragon's Bay has maintained close ties with the empire without breeding warlord factions.

To continue connecting the long-distance ocean trade of Westeros, Qarth and the city-states from further east of Asshai have taken action. Those merchants and adventurers bravely opened up a new route through Sothoryos. The ocean-going fleet will resupply at the Basilisk Isles and the Summer Isles, then bypass the Summer Sea, and finally arrive at the Arbor and enter the west coast ports such as Oldtown. The opening of this new route has enabled the continuation of trade between Dragon's Bay and Westeros, bringing more business opportunities and wealth to both sides.

King's Landing, the new imperial palace is majestic and grand, looking like a roaring dragon from a high altitude. Only a few buildings from the Red Keep era have been preserved, and the cliffs and beaches below are no longer open to the public. The new Dragonpit is built there.

In addition to Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion, three more young dragons have now been hatched by the royal family, with each of the three princes and princesses owning one. Leviathan, the largest, stayed in the dragon nest in Highgarden and refused to leave.

At the top of Dragonstone, Daenerys sat on the balcony, looking out at the distant sea, the sea breeze blowing through her long hair.

"Mother, I guessed you were here, so I brought the two little ones," Princess Lylym said, holding one child in each hand, seeing Daenerys.

"Mother, Mother," the two children shook off their sister's hands and rushed into Daenerys's arms together.

Daenerys reached out and stroked the two children's hair, her eyes full of doting. Second Prince Avalon Targaryen, Third Princess Lyllis Targaryen, the two children were a pair of twins. All three children had the signature appearance of the Valyrians, and their blood was pure. Soon after they were born, the dragon eggs hatched.

It was precisely because of these three children that no one in the empire dared to show affection to the queen. Just kidding, although Garon was gone, the team he left behind supported half of the empire.

Lylymm jumped onto the railing and also looked at the eastern sea. She said, "Mother, are you missing Father again!"

Daenerys hugged the two children and said, "Yes, he said he would definitely come back. I believe she will definitely come back!"

A hand reached over from the side, grabbed Lylymm by the collar, and pulled her off the railing. The person who came was Nina. Even in her forties, she was still so charming. She said, "Princess, how many times have I told you, don't sit in such a dangerous place. Your Majesty, you see it and don't say anything."

"Cough cough~" Daenerys turned her face to the side, pretending not to see it. Nina is currently the head of the palace's female officials, and she is also responsible for teaching the three children basic martial arts skills.

Three years ago, Daenerys held a wedding for Missandei and Grey Worm. Missandei resigned from her position as personal maid and head of female officials, only serving as chief secretary. Nina and Liu Yuan's other three maids entered the palace and served as heads of female officials.

Nina also raised her head and looked at the sea and said, "Lord Garon said he would come back, then he will definitely come back."