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#239 - Chapter 13 Peace Talks

The thrilling battle that unfolded near Sow's Horn was given a resounding name by those who love a good story—"The Battle of the New King's Road." For in the brutal reality of war, only the ultimate victor savors the sweet taste of triumph.

The Reach army, led by Duke Mace, numbered approximately fifteen thousand seven hundred strong. More than half were direct troops from Highgarden, their fighting spirit quite formidable. However, after this fierce battle, the massive army was almost completely annihilated, with casualties nearing nine thousand, of which over seven thousand two hundred were killed in action. Ultimately, fewer than fifteen hundred managed to escape, while the rest were taken as prisoners of war.

Liu Yuan's losses were also significant, with over two thousand casualties, nearly eight hundred of whom died directly in battle. Thanks to a relatively comprehensive medical system, most of the wounded could be saved. More than fourteen thousand complete sets of weapons and equipment represented considerable value. However, the greatest value came from the ransoms of the prisoners; even for a wealthy family like the Tyrells, it would undoubtedly be a substantial blow.

It is worth mentioning that none of the knightly units that initiated the charge escaped. These knights and lords displayed tenacious combat power, but the squires became the victims of the war. In this bloody slaughter, most of those killed were squires.

Over four hundred knights and lords were captured, including notable vassals of the Tyrell family such as Ser Aegon Vywell, Lord Orton Merryweather, Lord Arthur Ambrose, Lord Tommen Cuy, and Ser Brandon Cuy. In addition, there were over one hundred knightly lords and knights with property who could fully afford their own ransoms. However, for those impoverished hedge knights, selling themselves into servitude was a viable option!

Among those captured, one person's identity was quite special—Garth Hightower, an old friend of Liu Yuan. Liu Yuan had met this friend while studying in Oldtown. Many cooperative matters between the Hightower family were accomplished through consultations with him. As time passed, when Liu Yuan grew older and began to delve into martial arts, his relationship with Garth, who was extremely obsessed with combat skills, became even closer.

At this moment, on the top floor of the municipal building, Liu Yuan was sitting face to face with Garth, with a tea table between them filled with various fine wines and liquors, all precious collectibles that Liu Yuan had gathered during his travels. Garth showed no sign of restraint, instead helping himself to the drinks that interested him.

Seeing this, Liu Yuan couldn't help but laugh and scold, "Hey, you really don't stand on ceremony! It's probably been six or seven years since we last met, right?"

Garth poured himself a drink and replied, "Indeed! It should be more than six years. The last time we met was in King's Landing when I attended Prince Tommen's name day celebration. Hmm… this wine tastes really good. Where did you get such good stuff?"

Liu Yuan glanced casually and said indifferently, "Oh, this? Someone gave it to me when I was in Qarth. I heard it comes from the distant continent of Sothoryos, carefully brewed with unique local fruits, and it seems to have some other special ingredients added. It is said that regular consumption of this wine is very beneficial to men's health."

At this moment, Leia gently placed a plate of exquisite fruit platter on the table and said softly, "My lord, someone from King's Landing has arrived. As per your instructions, I have brought the person here. It is Lord Tyrion, along with a tall female knight."

Liu Yuan nodded and ordered, "Bring a few more chairs and invite them up! Also, notify Sansa and Rickon to come here."

After Leia left to carry out his orders, Garth stood up, hesitated slightly, and said, "In that case, I should go back to the prison first! After all, 'Little Imp' has come here mostly to discuss the matter of redeeming the prisoners. It's not appropriate for me as a prisoner to stay here, is it?"

Liu Yuan waved his hand and replied nonchalantly, "What does it matter? Anyway, Duke Mace is the one who will ultimately pay." Before long, they heard a series of footsteps approaching, and Tyrion and the female knight slowly walked in, led by Leia.

As soon as Tyrion saw Liu Yuan, he smiled and greeted him warmly, "Hey, Galon, it's been a long time!"

Liu Yuan pointed at his face, "Tyrion, you've become uglier. Are you here for the prisoners of war?"

Tyrion chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Is it? I suffered a little injury on the battlefield. My father hopes to maintain peace with you, and another purpose is to determine which nobles are in your hands. Of course, the ransom will not be stingy; the Tyrell family is very rich."

Liu Yuan looked at the female knight next to him, "And this is?"

Tyrion introduced, "This is not my guard; she is Brienne of Tarth, sent by Lady Catelyn to find her daughters."

"So, you are the daughter of Lord Selwyn Tarth. I have heard of you. Please sit down!" Liu Yuan greeted Brienne with a smile and invited them to sit down. He looked at Tyrion, "Since Duke Tywin sent you, he agrees to my requests. This one doesn't need me to introduce him, right?"

Tyrion frowned, "Garth, what are you doing here?"

Garth shrugged, "I'm a prisoner! War is always full of surprises."

Liu Yuan also said with a smile, "He is a friend of mine, just like you. However, wanting to leave here is not impossible, but you must pay a ransom. So, if one day you are unfortunately captured, you will enjoy the same treatment as him."

Tyrion's lips slightly curved upward, and he sneered, "Heh~ Thank you very much! What a loyal and good friend. (≖_≖ )" Just then, Nina led Sansa and Rickon into the room. Brienne immediately stood up upon seeing them, her eyes revealing unconcealed eagerness. Liu Yuan naturally understood what she was thinking, so he introduced, "You've come at the right time. This is Lady Brienne, sent by Lady Catelyn to find you."

Without saying a word, Brienne untied a package from behind, carefully uncovering the cloth covering it, revealing the gleaming "Ice" sword inside. Immediately afterward, she knelt on one knee, saying solemnly, "May the Old Gods and the New protect you. I have finally found you. Your mother, Lady Catelyn, commands me to bring you safely back to her side."

Time flies; it's been two years since they left King's Landing. Rickon was still young at that time, and his memory of many things has become vague. However, Sansa was different. She had personally witnessed her beloved father being cruelly executed—beheaded in public. That terrible experience became a nightmare she could never erase, deeply imprinted in her heart. She reached out and stroked 'Ice,' tears streaming down her face involuntarily. She murmured, "Father…."

Liu Yuan's lips curved slightly, and he said softly, "Let's not disturb them. Let's sit down and talk about the ransom." With that, he reached out and took the document from Nina's hand, then gracefully handed it over to Tyrion.

Tyrion nodded slightly in response. He carefully examined the document in his hand, his eyes falling on the list of prisoners and their corresponding prices. After a moment of silence, he looked up at Liu Yuan and said, "Well, I will pass this document to the Small Council. However, the royal family may find it difficult to bear this huge ransom at the moment. In the end, Duke Mace will probably have to solve it. The conditions you have proposed, we have already complied with, but I wonder…"

"Lord Tyrion, we believe…" Nina then took over the conversation, and the two immediately engaged in a fierce bargaining session regarding the truce agreement. After a heated exchange, the two sides finally reached a consensus.

Tyrion slowly stood up, saying firmly, "Galon, your secretary is amazing! I will arrange the truce as soon as possible, hoping that we will still have opportunities for cooperation in the future." Seeing that the other party was so straightforward, a satisfied smile appeared on Liu Yuan's face. He warmly saw them off, while also silently calculating the generous profits that this transaction would bring him.

Garth: "The wine was good, I'm going back to the prison."

After Tyrion and Garth left, Liu Yuan turned to face Sansa and Rickon, and he gently instructed, "Pack your bags, and tomorrow come with me to the Twins."

Sansa was full of suspicion and couldn't help but ask, "What are we going to the Twins for?" Her beautiful eyes were full of incomprehension.

Liu Yuan's lips curved slightly, "To attend a wedding. In four days, Robb and Roslin Frey's daughter will be married."

Rickon said excitedly, "I like weddings!"