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#164 - Chapter 10 The Peaceful Days Are Gone

Spring in the North was still a bit chilly, but the plants had already stubbornly grown, and the land was a vibrant green.

Liu Yuan sat in the courtyard, with Rickon and Arya beside him. He was playing with two direwolf pups. Direwolves weren't rare to him; he had plenty in his spatial storage, usually used to improve Leviathan's meals. Arya was telling him how much she missed him and how unfairly her father and brothers treated her, while Rickon sat beside her, giggling foolishly.

Due to budget issues, the TV series couldn't fully depict it, but in reality, Winterfell was much larger in both population and area.

Catelyn followed behind Maester Luwin. As the lady of the house, she had many tasks to arrange.

"Lady Catelyn, hello. Maester Luwin, hello," Liu Yuan greeted them proactively.

Catelyn gave a noble's curtsy: "Ser Galon, you've returned. His Majesty the King will be arriving soon; let's welcome him together then."

"Of course, Madam. Please, continue with your work."

"Excuse me."

A melodious horn sounded from the city walls, signaling that the King's party was not far from Winterfell.

When the horn sounded for the third time, it meant the King had arrived. The King's party didn't go through the eastern King's Gate but instead detoured south through the winter town. Although the Northmen showed welcome, there wasn't much respect on their faces. First to appear were gold-armored cavalrymen holding the crowned stag banner representing the King, followed closely by Lannister heavy cavalry holding the lion banner representing the Queen.

Prince Joffrey, with an arrogant expression, rode past without even looking at the commoners. Guarding him was Sandor Clegane, wearing a dog-headed helmet. Then came a group of Kingsguard in white cloaks, protecting a lavish red carriage, with the portly King Robert riding alongside on horseback.

Joffrey was indeed handsome; from the moment he appeared, Sansa's gaze never left him. Robb, her older brother, was displeased by this, and his gaze towards Joffrey was also unfriendly.

When Robert appeared, everyone knelt on one knee to show respect. Liu Yuan only made a gesture, his knee still three inches from the ground, as he rose with the others. Unlike the other Northmen, his exquisite blue attire stood out. Cersei's gaze lingered on him for a long time. After Eddard kissed her hand, she actually extended it to Liu Yuan. "Who are you? Have we met somewhere before?"

Liu Yuan politely kissed the back of her hand: "Your Majesty, I am Galon Morningstar, a knight personally knighted by His Majesty. We met in Casterly Rock."

Robert, after greeting Eddard's children, turned to Eddard and said, "Ned, take me to your family's crypt. I want to pay my respects to your ancestors."

Cersei said discontentedly, "My dear, we've been traveling for a month. There's no need to rush to see dead people."

Robert ignored her, called out to Eddard, and headed straight for the godswood, where a path led to the underground crypt.

"Long time no see, Galon. You're getting more robust," Jaime said as he shook hands with Liu Yuan.

"Hello, Jaime. You haven't changed much. Where's Tyrion? Didn't he come with you?" Liu Yuan scanned the group, not seeing the Imp.

Cersei said to Jaime, "Where did our brother go? Find that little beast and bring him back. I want to see him at the banquet tonight."

Catelyn stepped in to break the awkwardness: "Your Majesty, I have prepared rooms. I imagine you must be tired." Seeing the women leave,

Liu Yuan said, "Your sister still dislikes Tyrion so much."

Jaime didn't want to answer that question: "Tyrion is probably in the town outside. Do you want to go together?"

Liu Yuan put his arm around him: "Alright, let's go. That kid is probably at the brothel."

Sure enough, they found Tyrion's horse in the winter town. Hearing the moans inside, there was no mistake; the kid was indeed there.

Jaime pushed the door open, and the two walked in. "Hey, do I need to explain to you what closing the door in a brothel means?" Tyrion said helplessly. The prostitute Ros didn't mind showing off her figure.

"After so many years, you're still the same!" Liu Yuan also joked, closing the door behind them.

Tyrion's eyes lit up: "Haha, Galon, my friend! It's been so long, nine years, right!" He wanted to get up and give him a hug.

Liu Yuan quickly stopped him: "Stop, stay where you are. I have no interest in hugging a naked man."

Tyrion: "You wound me, you've grown up now. Want to join?"

Liu Yuan: "No thanks, enjoy yourself."

Jaime: "I came because our dear sister misses you. The Starks are hosting a banquet tonight to welcome us, and she insists you attend."

Liu Yuan: "Alright, we won't disturb you any longer. I'll take Jaime to tour Winterfell. Remember to come early tonight."

The Winterfell banquet had the ruggedness of the Northmen. Robert still acted like he was enjoying himself with the common people, mingling with those below. He had a buxom maid in his arms, groping her and occasionally kissing her.

Catelyn was incredibly embarrassed, while Cersei had an indifferent expression. Catelyn could only make small talk. Eventually, they called Sansa over. Although they didn't know what was said, judging from Sansa's gleeful expression, it must have been something good.

Liu Yuan stopped Benjen, who was passing by, while Jaime ran off to corner Eddard. The two didn't see eye to eye; Eddard valued honor and looked down on Jaime, the Kingslayer. Jaime, in turn, thought Eddard was a hypocrite and tried to make him uncomfortable.

Seeing that Liu Yuan had something to say, Tyrion consciously took a wine jug and went outside. The two hugged, and Liu Yuan asked him, "I heard the wildlings beyond the Wall have been restless lately. How do you have time to come back?"

Benjen: "It's because we're short-handed. Lord Commander Jeor thinks I have a big reputation, and Eddard can give more support."

Liu Yuan: "The Duke is going south, do you know?"

Benjen nodded: "He told me just now. He's worried about Robert and wants to help him."

Liu Yuan: "That's a good thing. He'll also become the Hand. Naturally, it will increase support for the Night's Watch. After you return, it's best to send Yoren and them south immediately, and empty the prisons of King's Landing then."

Benjen: "Hahaha, good idea, cheers! Jon, that kid, said he wanted to join the Night's Watch just now. I temporarily brushed it off. His will seems quite firm."

Liu Yuan: "He still resents his identity. The child is grown. He should have his own choices. If the Duke doesn't object, don't stop him either. If Jon doesn't go, Bran and Rickon will grow up eventually. One of them will always go."

Late at night, the banquet had ended, and the guests had returned to rest. The royal party was housed in the main castle, while the accompanying nobles and officials rested in the guest rooms.

Liu Yuan sat on the balcony, holding a glass of golden wine. He sighed softly, "Alas~ The leisurely days are over. Nina, pack up these next two days, we should leave."

Nina's hands were massaging his shoulders. Nina, with sharp eyes, saw two figures flash below, and whispered in Liu Yuan's ear, "Master, the Hound is carrying your friend, the Imp, on his shoulder. The other one is the Prince. They seem to be going to the kennels."

Liu Yuan didn't care, picked up Nina in one fell swoop: "Serves him right, who told him to get drunk? Don't bother with him, he won't die. But you need to be taught a lesson."