Princess Daenerys truly gained a lot from her trip to King's Landing; not only did she learn some secret history of Ancient Valyria, but she also gained a more comprehensive understanding of the ascension history of the previous kings of the Targaryen Family.
In particular, she established a deep great-granddaughter-Great-grandfather relationship with King Jaehaerys. His wisdom and magnanimity could not help but earn Princess Daenerys's respect. And Princess Daenerys's intelligence and quick wit also brought joy to Jaehaerys in his old age.
Princess Daenerys felt that the reason her great-grandmother, Queen Alysanne, left behind so many good reputations was not only due to her own excellent qualities but also inextricably linked to having such a wise and enlightened husband.
Although Princess Daenerys did not find out this time whether the destruction of Ancient Valyria was closely related to the Targaryen Family, she at least confirmed that the Targaryen Family knew about it in advance and was fully prepared.
Moreover, their relationship with the other Dragonlord Family was not very friendly.
Or, from a positive perspective, they were very hostile to slavery, which, to some extent, could be considered the kindness of a family!
Princess Daenerys speculated that perhaps it was precisely because the Targaryen Family possessed this quality that the other Dragonlord Families were more resistant to them. And those liberated Free Trade Cities did not choose to continue attacking them?!
Of course, this was just Princess Daenerys's own feeling, and there was no substantial evidence. However, from historical and family records, there have indeed been many'saintly' characters in the history of the Targaryen Family.
Of course, it is also possible that the Targaryen Family knew that the destruction of Valyria was closely related to the rebellion of the slaves, and therefore showed a firm opposition to slavery.
Including Aegon the Conqueror, he even refused the olive branch thrown by Volantis, which should have had a closer relationship with the Targaryen Family, to conquer the Three Daughters' Kingdoms together.
Instead, he rode Balerion and, in conjunction with the Three Daughters' Kingdoms and the Free Trade Cities, crippled Volantis.
This truly did not conform to the mainstream values of the world, where everything is driven by self-interest. From the information Princess Daenerys currently possessed, the Tankrian Family must have been wary of something, most likely the various divine agents represented by the Faceless Men of Braavos.
Princess Daenerys had been in King's Landing for three days, and she felt that these three days were the most fulfilling days she had lived since being born into this world.
Although Princess Daenerys had long been very clear about what her true pursuit in this world was. That is why she used all the resources she could get her hands on to gradually strengthen herself.
But in this process, she was still fighting alone. Unlike this time, with the guidance of such a wise elder, she could save a lot of effort and avoid many detours.
In her previous life, Princess Daenerys was not an exceptionally intelligent person. If it weren't for her stronger physical condition and brain in this life, she would truly doubt whether she could have achieved what she has today, even if she possessed some advanced knowledge and an understanding of the historical trajectory of this world.
And Jaehaerys also received great comfort in Princess Daenerys's company. After all, even if the serving girls were eloquent and intelligent, they could not provide the kind of family happiness that Princess Daenerys brought him.
Although Jaehaerys and Princess Daenerys were vastly different in age, they had great resonance on a spiritual level. This finally stirred the King Jaehaerys's heart, which had been as still as a deep pool for decades.
Therefore, Jaehaerys wanted to give Princess Daenerys everything he possibly could. It was as if by doing so, he was not only doting on Princess Daenerys but also making up for his past neglect of his lovely daughters.
Therefore, no matter how capable a king is, if he rules for a long time, especially when he reaches an age of decline and decay, once he meets someone who pleases him, he can easily become a muddle-headed ruler!
For example, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Taizong of Tang, and Emperor Kangxi all seemed to be like this.
So, it seems that Jaehaerys, whose political ability was a whole level lower, being so partial to Princess Daenerys, was not considered muddle-headed!
On the fourth day, after Princess Daenerys had breakfast with King Jaehaerys, she was unexpectedly brought directly to the Small Council as a cupbearer.
At this time, only the Hand of the King Otto Hightower, Grand Academician Lunetel, Minister of Finance Lyman Beesbury, and Kingsguard Captain Ser Ryan Redwyne were present in the Small Council.
The Minister of Ships, Sea Snake Corlys Velaryon, had angrily resigned because King Jaehaerys had not passed the crown to his wife.
And the Minister of Law position had been vacant ever since King Jaehaerys's second son, Aemon Targaryen, passed away.
The Master of Whisperers position was never even established during King Jaehaerys I's reign.
Princess Daenerys, attending the Small Council for the first time, was quite excited. Although she wasn't nervous, she was somewhat apprehensive.
So, after everyone greeted each other, she quickly poured a glass of fine wine for every minister attending the meeting. Then she stood quietly beside King Jaehaerys.
Otto, as the presiding officer of the Small Council, took a sip of the fine wine Princess Daenerys had poured for him, then cleared his throat, subtly glanced at Princess Daenerys, and spoke,
"Your Majesty, I just received news that a group of thieves from Volantis snuck onto the beach where Balerion the Glutton is restrained four nights ago, intending to steal the dragon."
"Now those thieves have been imprisoned by Princess Daenerys. I think they should be escorted to King's Landing to be tried by the Small Council?"
"After all, we must find out whether this was their personal act or a provocation from Volantis. This concerns diplomatic relations, and there is no room for carelessness."
"Hmm! I already knew about this matter. Princess Daenerys came to King's Landing this time specifically to report this to me. She handled it very well, so the Small Council doesn't need to worry about it."
King Jaehaerys had clearly already understood Otto's intention, so he did not intend to take up his topic.
"But Your Majesty, Princess Daenerys is, after all, young. Moreover, this matter can be either big or small. If any oversight occurs and Volantis is angered, it would be bad."
Before King Jaehaerys could say anything, Princess Daenerys spoke directly and impolitely,
"Lord Otto, they say you were well-read in Oldtown, but have you not thoroughly read the laws of the Seven Kingdoms?!"
"Dragonstone is my territory, so all theft incidents that occur there are to be handled by me with full authority. This is my inviolable right granted by the laws of the Seven Kingdoms."
"I truly don't know on what principle Lord Otto can arbitrarily interfere in this matter?"
"It seems that the saying is true: no matter how many books you read, if you don't know how to use them, it's all in vain!"
Otto brazenly replied,
"The primary duty of the Small Council is to maintain the peace and stability of the Seven Kingdoms, and anything that might jeopardize this, the Small Council has the right and obligation to inquire about."
"Great-grandfather, it seems the Minister of Law for the Small Council should be appointed as soon as possible, otherwise your Small Council won't even have someone who understands the law, and the actions taken will inevitably invite ridicule from the lords of the Seven Kingdoms."
Princess Daenerys first respectfully said to King Jaehaerys, then immediately changed her tone and sarcastically said to Otto,
"Lord Otto, as the head of the Small Council, shouldn't the first thing you do upon taking office be to fill the vacant seats of the Small Council?"
"A sound institution is the guarantee for its normal and effective operation, isn't it?"
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