Game of Thrones: Joffrey the Chosen

After traveling for several more days, the Trident River finally appeared before them.

Along with that, the endless expanse of tents came into view.

Joffrey reined in his horse, squinted, and looked ahead, carefully discerning the two distinctly different camps.

The camp on the east bank was set up neatly, with tents arranged in a square formation, smoke rising from fixed positions, and even the hitching posts for horses were lined up in a straight line.

The camp was patrolled by sentries, and a roaring lion flag was planted at intervals.

Even just looking at it from afar, you can feel a silent sense of oppression.

The military camps on the west bank were also very well-organized and several times stronger than the army led by King Joffrey.

But compared to the ones next to it, it still looks quite loose.

Heraldry was also incredibly diverse.

The Frey family's twin towers, the Mouton family's red salmon, the River family's black bats... a dozen or so flags fluttered throughout the camp.

Although the Tully family's silver trout were hung higher, they couldn't suppress the overwhelming presence of this colorful display.

"The Western Frontier Army and the Riverlands Army." Renly rode up to Joffrey's side. "See? That's the difference between having Tywin and not having Tywin."

Joffrey simply gave the reins a shake.

"Let's go, my father is getting impatient."

Although Stormlands is south of the royal domain, Renly's marching speed is ultimately much faster than Joffrey's.

Three days before the crossroads, his striker caught up from behind.

This third uncle was quite at ease, leaving the main army behind and catching up with a group of followers himself.

After finding Joffrey and making fun of the King, he did not return.

I decided to travel with him instead.

"However..." Renly turned his head to look at the soldiers around him and winked.

"If old Barristan really didn't interfere much, then you've got some tricks up your sleeve."

"How did you do that? Tell your uncle."

"Just a combination of kindness and severity," Joffrey glanced at him sideways.

"What, you even need to inquire about your nephew's things?"

"Just asking." Lan Li shrugged, his smile widening.

"I know exactly what kind of people these are."

"To be honest, I don't have the ability to make them so obedient."

"And that old man, Giles, is he looking for you every day? Has he coughed himself to death on the street yet?"

After settling the troops in place, Joffrey and Renly crossed the checkpoint set up in front of the bridge and headed towards the deepest part of the camp.

The king's tent was pitched in the very center of the camp, three times larger than the surrounding tents.

Two rows of fully armed guards stood outside the tent, and when they saw them arrive, they all straightened their backs.

A servant on the side announced loudly.

"Crown Prince Joffrey, leading ten thousand royal soldiers, has come to join us!"

Upon entering, it was exactly as expected.

These people are still drinking.

The feudal lords sitting inside all looked up.

Robert lay sprawled in the main seat, his large face even rounder than when he was at King's Palace, but he seemed much more energetic.

He was shirtless, revealing two thick arms, and was holding a wine glass, chatting and laughing with a red-haired young man.

This is probably Edmure Tully.

"Joe!" Robert called out, "You've finally come."

He glanced deliberately at Tywin beside him and beckoned to Joffrey.

He then told a joke from long ago.

"We've been waiting with bated breath."

Tywin didn't react at all; his expression remained calm, as if he hadn't heard the words at all.

Some of the surrounding feudal lords didn't quite understand, and even those who did didn't dare to laugh.

But Robert continued to enjoy it.

"Come on, everyone, let me introduce you."

He pulled Joffrey to his side again.

"This is our King's commander, Joffrey Baratheon."

The feudal lords of Hejian and the feudal lords under the king's command all raised their cups in greeting.

Joffrey nodded in response to each of them.

"As for these gentlemen..." Robert blinked, "you should introduce yourselves."

He probably couldn't remember their names.

Such social engagements are like visiting relatives during the Lunar New Year; they are simply unavoidable.

Edmure was the first to greet them.

After downing a few drinks, his attempt at composure eventually betrayed his true nature.

"Your Highness is so young to be a commander." He had a fawning smile on his face.

"The news of your arrival with your large army has spread throughout the surrounding area."

"That's truly..."

"That's right!" Robert's voice trailed off as he patted Joffrey on the shoulder. "But you're really slow."

"We've been waiting here for days."

He took a big gulp of wine, wiped his mouth, and said, "If you hadn't come soon, I was planning to leave you here and start fighting."

"Your Majesty, you can't do this." Renly squeezed out from behind Joffrey and grinned as he approached Robert.

"I also came with a large army, why didn't you even ask me about it?"

Robert glanced at him and scoffed, "You?"

"You arrived quickly, but where is the army?"

"Where are the people from Stormland?"

"It's still to come." Lanley sat down next to him without any hesitation, poured himself a glass of wine, and said, "Twilight Star is leading the way slowly."

"I was afraid you'd be lonely here, so I came to keep you company with a drink."

"Slippery," Robert chuckled, but still raised his glass and clinked it against his.

After another round of toasts and celebrations, Joffrey finally finished his rounds among the feudal lords.

When he could finally catch his breath, he saw Barristan lean close to Robert's ear and whisper a few words.

There were too many people, and it was impossible to hear what they were plotting.

"Stop with all that nonsense, we'll talk about it later." Robert just waved his hand impatiently. "Just tell me the result."

Barristan nodded, then shook his head, his lips moving slightly.

Robert's expression shifted several times before he finally nodded slowly.

"Okay, okay, I understand."

Then he stood up, drawing everyone's attention.

"The Stark cubs are still on their way; it will take at least another ten days for them to arrive."

"Let's not wait for him."

"We will set off tomorrow, heading straight for Blood Gate."

A cacophony of responses emanated from inside the tent.

Robert turned to Joffrey.

"You're late, and I'm too lazy to repeat the entire operational meeting to you."

"Have the scribe give you a copy later. If you don't understand anything, just ask Edmund."

Joffrey paused, startled: "Father, that king leads the army..."

Robert waved his hand, interrupting him.

"You'll still be in charge."

He spoke casually, as if he thought it was the most ordinary thing in the world.

"You've brought them all this way, you can't just replace them with someone else, can you?"

Joffrey paused for a moment, then nodded.

"Yes."

All sorts of gazes were cast from all directions.

Curiosity, scrutiny, thoughtfulness.

From King's Landing to the Trident River, from a rabble to a barely respectable force.

From being questioned in secret without being explicitly stated, to being personally acknowledged by Robert.

Along the way, Joffrey learned a lot and did a lot.

However, as he stepped out of the tent and looked towards the valley to the east, a sudden unease arose in his heart.

The Blood Gate is not afraid of blood and fire, and it has never been breached by external armies.

Robert vowed to be the first in history.

That's exactly what Joffrey fears most.