Chapter 57

"Baron Mei Yi," said the Count of Deep Forest Fortress, as he always did, "There are too many prisoners; we're moving too slowly. We must return to the North before Bolton lands."

We caught several hundred like catching pigs, then after screening we picked out about sixty—isn't that too many?

"Of course, so, my lords, do you have any method? First, let's agree—killing them all is not acceptable." Mei Yi leaned on her sword and looked at them; she didn't want a single prisoner, but you lot didn't kill them all on the battlefield, and now it's too late…… The prisoners of Running River City are already plenty, and their quality is also fierce; the only regret is that we have no prisoners from the South.

"Then we'll kill a portion," said Count Toha.

He is a reckless young man. Over the past two years he has shot up in height; when Mei Yi just returned from overseas, he was still wandering around the North, a foolish youth disliked by everyone. Mei Yi thought that if he had been this tall a few years earlier, he would surely have gone south with Robb and died in the south.

Now, however, after a string of victories he thinks marching and fighting is nothing special, even considers himself an excellent commander; now his words are reckless and his actions frivolous, completely unlike his former caution when he first went south.

In short, he can be chosen for a temporary vanguard assault, but to let him act independently and command his own army—Mei Yi would never dare.

"That's not funny," said Count Seffin, "You're a baron after all—killing prisoners goes against morality."

"Of course not. Ordinary soldiers are simply released; lords, knights, and renowned warriors are taken away, sent to the dungeons of Running River City, where Edmund slowly trades them with the Lion." The Count of Deep Forest Fortress cut off young Count Toha's words and replied to Mei Yi.

The Count of Deep Forest Fortress wore black clothes and a black robe, his thick black beard covering his whole face; here he is the oldest and holds the highest authority, his military conduct orderly, very much like his father Edd's traits—this is Mei Yi's guess.

In general military discussions, especially when he is present, what he says is basically the unanimous opinion of this faction of counts, and here none of her subordinate officers help her raise questions.

According to some of Edd's sayings, a leader must not casually question his subordinates' opinions, for that would dampen enthusiasm and affect the proposing of valuable suggestions.

Hong Luo Lan - Red Rose

I don't know what use there is in keeping those so-called barons and renowned warriors; they are walking gold dragons, but right now they are no different from ordinary soldiers—most are just burdens that slow the troop, rice sacks consuming grain; if we really exchanged them for gold, after calculating we might even find we've lost our principal.

Zhuang Zhu Li Le Ke Lei He

Fu Lie Meng

It seemed as if everyone was waiting for her to speak, so Mei Yi had no choice but to start speaking, asking, "If we do this, how many people will be left?"

Ya Dang Ma Er Bu Lan

Baron Lawrence looks not bad, dressing in all black like his foster father.

It's a pity, Bran is not king now, so we can't put him on the throne. Mei Yi also wouldn't infringe on Torren Square City's rights for his sake of succession. According to the kingdom's line of succession, it simply isn't his turn.

But defeating Bolton naturally comes with a suitable fief for him.

"We didn't bring out many prisoners, did we? I recall there were only sixty."

"Sixty-two." The Earl of Deepforest Castle returned, "At least I prepared food for that many people at Harren."

"So, the thirty-four ordinary soldier prisoners we brought are purely for showing off the victory, right?" Earl Seawen asked.

"You could say that; we took them because we needed enough prisoners to demonstrate the great victory." Earl Tao Ha answered.

That's really a stupid idea.

"How much faster would it be with twenty-eight people?" Mei asked.

"We could tie them all to horses, slow the horses down, and at least arrive a day earlier at Riverflow City." All the earls nodded, and Lawrence continued, "Actually, to return north more quickly, we should give up going through Riverflow City and Twin River City, and instead head straight north along the King's Road; that would save more time. The North and Winterfell City are our foundation."

"The Rivergate Highway is fine too; going through Riverflow City is mainly to offload the wounded. If we go straight north, I don't know how many wounded would die. Moreover, Twin River City still has a large group of noble knight prisoners waiting to return with us. Knight Blackfish has no troops to escort them." Sir Willis said.

There's also the bronze crown. That thing is useless, but what it represents is rich in meaning. Whether she needs to personally retrieve it depends on how much respect she wants to show for her identity as King of the North and the Young Wolf's achievements and history, and of course also on how much those around her expect of her. This is a complicated issue.

Besides that, she also wants to find Lady Stoneheart near Barrenstone City. If the letter's content is true, dealing with her would be far more difficult than handling the bronze crown and the queen.

Can we also imprison her in Riverflow City? That's her home!

Also, the iron folk stirring in Seajang City... if we don't suppress them, the passage between Twin River City and Riverflow City will be unstable, and it won't help the Tully family stabilize their vast lands west of the Red Fork River and even south of the Neck Swamp.

As for the prisoners Sir Willis mentioned, they can return together with the northern garrison she left behind.

In short, this is a pros-and-cons decision problem.

"After we break camp tomorrow morning, release all the ordinary soldier prisoners." She felt no need to continue discussing, "Leave each person three days' food and let them fend for themselves. As for lords and knights, after breaking camp half a day later, keep two or three, release all the rest, and let them go wherever they please."

"Why release the rest only after breaking camp half a day later?" Earl Tao Ha asked.

"These knights aren't worth much money, and King's Landing doesn't have enough prisoners to trade for. As for the half day, it should be to separate them from the ordinary soldiers? If any of them had extraordinary ability, reorganizing the soldiers would be troublesome."

"Sir Lawrence is right," she said, "Indeed that's the reasoning. The question of which road to take, we'll discuss after the officers gather before breaking camp tomorrow."

It's also to increase discord among the prisoners, leave gaps; if handled well, who knows what effect it might have? Who in history has used this scheme?

"Then, which three should we keep?" Earl Seawen asked.

"We definitely have to keep Adam Marlbrand; this guy is not only the heir of Branded Castle, but also formerly the Commander of the Gold Cloaks of King's Landing." Earl Tao Ha said.

"He's indeed a big fish; I hope he can help me exchange for Harrying, which would be roughly a lord-for-lord swap. I heard he's also a good friend of Knight Jaime; since he fled back to King's Landing, he must be willing to swap him back. And what about the raven to King's Landing? Send one to Knight Jaime, so he knows his friend isn't dead!"

"And the remaining two?"

Stout Pig Li Le Krehe, Fremont, and Kenlos; the others are useless. Mei can almost decide immediately.

"Stout Pig and Kenlos." The Earl of Deepforest Castle proposed.

"Stout Pig Li Le is the second son of Earl Krehe; maybe he's somewhat useful." Sir Willis evaluated.

"Alright, he can do it. I hope he can sell for more than a pig." Mei promptly clarified, then decided on another.

"And Kenlos?"

"He's the nephew of the Earl of Kaqiao Town, and also a well-known knight in the West." Sir Willis commented.

"Passable." Mei replied, "And Fremont?"

"Fremont is the heir of Hornvale City; since he leads King's Landing's heavy cavalry, the city must value him greatly." Sir Willis evaluated again.

"Losing the heavy cavalry isn't necessarily certain!" The Earl of Deepforest Castle responded.

"However, his wife is from the Frey family; heard she bore him three kids, his loyalty surely won't be doubted. Can't let him go." Sir Willis added.

"Sir, how do you know everything?" Earl Tao Ha wondered.

"When there's nothing happening on the road, I'll chat with them."

"Alright. Let's lock these four up in the Riverflow City dungeon with the big bearded guy as company!" She decided.

"What about Red Roland?" Sir Willis asked.

"This guy surnamed Charlton is the master of Eagle's Nest Castle. Robert gave their lands to others, stripping even the baron title; now he's just a plain knight, likely his family lacks funds to ransom him, and his hometown is in the Stormlands, so far away that any trade would have to wait till next year. Release him! I hope he can survive under the Iron Throne's suspicion." After making this decision, she announced the meeting adjourned immediately, not wanting to endure the candle's stench even a moment.

When she left the tent, the sun had completely disappeared behind the distant mountains. Multiple bonfires in the camp had been lit. Everywhere the call to rest had been sounded.

She hadn't observed for long before quickly returning.

She didn't observe for long, quickly returned.

Her tent was set on a slightly higher rocky outcrop; knowing the ground beneath the fur mat wasn't muddy, she felt much more at ease.

Her tent was pitched on a slightly higher rocky hill; knowing the fur mat underneath wasn't mud, she felt much more at ease.

The large tent was mostly filled with makeshift battle tables and stools—so called because they were built entirely from branches and laid straight in the tent's center. Her simple bed was tucked in a corner, and a tattered sheepskin separated the meeting area from the resting area.

The large tent was mostly occupied by makeshift tables and chairs for battle; the so-called makeshift, because they were all made of wooden branches, laid directly in the center of the tent; her simple bed was tucked in a corner of the tent, a tattered piece of sheepskin separating the meeting area from the resting area.

Among the Seven Kingdoms, this is believed to be the most primitive main tent.

Among the seven great nations, I believe there is no more shabby headquarters than this.

On the second day, at first light, the horn's call rang out across the wild.

On the second day, as dawn just broke, the sound of horns wailing penetrated the wilderness.

The camp was dark; last night's bonfire had gone out completely, and white frost coated the posts outside the tent.

The camp was dim; last night's bonfire had completely extinguished; on the pillars outside the tent, white frost had condensed.

A heavy aura of lethal intent.

A thick aura of killing intent.

Before long, the lords and chief officers rushed into her large tent to continue discussing the route. This time, her personal officers Credó and Ronald, among others, joined them.

Soon the various counts and chief officers arrived at her large tent to continue discussing the route issue; this time, Cedric and Ronald, among her direct subordinates, were also present.

"Our southward march has taken far longer than expected, the north is in dire straits, and I cannot linger in the south. Besides, southern affairs are tangled, with the Brotherhood Without Banners and other matters still needing attention. Thus, I propose the following arrangements for your discussion."

"Going south took far longer than expected; the north is in peril, I cannot linger in the south. However, southern affairs are complicated, and there remain miscellaneous matters such as the Brotherhood Without Banners that need handling; therefore, I propose the following arrangements, please discuss."

She looked around; the lords before her appeared composed, but lacked any spirit.

She glanced around; the faces of the various dignitaries before her were composed, yet lacking any spirit.

She pointed to the already-laid-out map.

She pointed to the already laid-out map.

"I plan to split the forces into four routes."

"I plan to divide the forces into four routes."

The lords were surprised but did not object; Mei could only express gratitude.

Although the counts were surprised, they did not object; Mei could only express gratitude.

"The first route will be led mainly by Lord Wris Mandel and his party, including Sir Trebek Mandel, Sir Venton Stout, Pervin Filton, and Andrew Molmon, with the Red Warriors escorting you lightly along the King's Road to quickly return to White Harbor." They are all prisoners rescued from Harrenhal.

"The first route mainly consists of Sir Willis Mandel and others, including Sir Tibec Mandel, Sir Venton Staurt, Bowen Filton, Andrew Molmon, etc., protected by the Red Warriors escorting you lightly along the King's Road to swiftly return to White Harbor." They are all prisoners rescued from Herenburgh.

She paused, looking at Lord Wris Mandel, and said, "Lord, though it's awkward to say, the Starks need the Mandel family's help more than ever. I hope you still remember your past oaths."

She paused slightly, looking at Sir Willis Mandel: "Sir, though it's awkward to say, Stark now needs the Mandel family's help more than ever. I hope you still remember the past oath."

"Lord, your southward force lacks a mermaid banner, which shames me greatly. I assure you this will never happen again. I believe your father, Lord Mandel, still remembers the ancient oath, and also recalls that the wedding's blood debt must be paid in blood."

"Sir, your southern contingent lacks a single mermaid banner, which fills me with shame. I assure you this will never happen again. I believe your father, Lord Mandel, still remembers the ancient oath, and also remembers that the blood debt from the wedding still requires blood payment."

Marandel Mandel also nodded solemnly beside her.

Marion Mandel also nodded solemnly beside.

"Only one raven remains in the party to return to White Harbor; make good use of it." Mei pointed to Marlak, who, lacking a maester, would take charge of the raven. "Don't mistake the raven. I hope Lord Mandel of the Vale can escort you and the others back to White Harbor before reaching Crackclaw Point."

"There's only one raven left in the contingent to return to White Harbor; make good use of it." Mei pointed to Marlock, since there is no scholar, he will manage the ravens: "Don't mistake the ravens. I hope Count Mandel can escort you and others back to White Harbor before reaching Kalin Bay."

"Yes, my lord." Marlak nodded.

"Yes, sir." Marlock nodded.

"Credó, after parting with Lord Mandel, lead the cavalry back to Winterfell, replenish your guides and local northerners, then swiftly march north to garrison the Waterwatch Tower, send out scouts along Long Lake and the Lonely Mountain to monitor Bolton's movements in both places, and promptly report the information to Winterfell."

"Cedric, after parting with Sir Mandel, lead the cavalry back to Winterfell, replenish guides and local northerners, then swiftly march north, garrison at the Water Tower, send out scouts along Long Lake and Lonely Mountain to monitor Bolton's movements in both places, and promptly report to Winterfell."

"Understood." The Red Warriors are usually quiet; calling him the Silent Warrior would be more fitting.

"As you command." The Red Warrior's words are usually few; calling him the Silent Warrior might be more fitting.

"Sir Wris, if you can persuade Lord Mandel, I hope he can send naval aid to garrison and patrol the White Knife River, firmly preventing Bolton's forces from crossing."

"Sir Willis, if you can convince Count Mandel, I hope he can dispatch naval aid to garrison and patrol along the White Blade River, strictly preventing Bolton's troops from crossing."

"Exactly so!" Wris replied solemnly.

"Exactly so!" Willis responded solemnly.

"The second route, led by Ronald with the house cavalry, free riders, and Winterfell's sworn knights, will travel along the Riverlands Road back to Riverrun, meet with Wil and Charles, release the prisoners, then transport the seized goods to Twinriver City, join with its garrison, and attempt to move our supplies from Twinriver City back north. Remember to bring back the bronze crown. The Riverlands are full of outlaws and bandits; utmost caution is required."

"The second route, led by Ronald, will take the headquarters cavalry, free knights, and Winterfell's attendant knights along the Riverlands Highway back to Riverrun, meet with Wil and Charles etc., after releasing the prisoners, then transport the seized goods to Twin Rivers City, join with the garrison there, then attempt to move our supplies in Twin Rivers City back to the North. Remember to bring back the bronze crown. The Riverlands are full of rebel soldiers and bandits; must be cautious."

"Understood." Ronald laughed, imitating Credó's style, "After meeting with Wil and Charles, may I take command of them?"

"As you command." Ronald laughed, imitating Cedric's style: "After meeting Wil and Charles, may I command them?"

Mei glanced at him, nodded, and said, "Of course."

Mei glanced at him, nodded, and said, "Of course."

He gave a nervous chuckle, and Mei ignored him.

He hehe laughed; Mei ignored him further.

"The third route, led by Lord Glover, will proceed slowly with the lords' retinues, tending to the wounded. You may pass through Riverrun, or if necessary cross the Red Fork River at places like the Kneeling Spur, heading to Gulltown, Seagard, etc., as you see fit, but you must ensure these wounded heroes return alive to the North."

"The third route, led by Count Glover, will have the various counts' retinues proceed slowly, tending to the wounded; you may go via Riverrun, or if necessary cross the Red Fork River at places like Kneeling Keep, heading to Crow's Tree City, Sea Border City, etc., all up to you; must ensure these heroic wounded return alive to the North."

"Are you assigning me only to tend the wounded?" boomed the Lord of Deepwood Motte.

"Is the task you've assigned me merely to tend the wounded?" the Deepwood Fort Count said in a rough voice.

"Of course not. The Riverlands situation is complex; only you, my lord, can handle it. Moreover, most of the wounded are your own men's retainers; I truly cannot trust others to take charge."

"Of course not. The Riverlands situation is complex; only you, Count, can handle it. Moreover, most of the wounded are your own retinues; I truly cannot trust others to take over."

Wouldn't it be better to stay quiet? Be sensible.

"Wouldn't it be better to stay quiet? Know your place."

"Wait until you finish explaining the fourth route, then we'll discuss!" the Lord of Deepwood Motte snapped, glaring at her.

"Wait until you finish the fourth route, then I'll discuss it with you!" the Deepwood Fort Count glared at her.

"There's nothing to say about the fourth path; it's just me and it." She held the treasure sword in one hand, smiling.