Chapter 78

Besides the large retinue they brought, there were only three people from Braavos: one was the Iron Bank's representative, with a strange name, Beisaluo Rui'an; another was the Sea King's envoy, Milai'ang Teluntisi; and the last was the Braavos Trade Guild's representative, Zantalaro Dimetis.

Welcome, honored guests." She said coldly.

Everyone performed a salute.

Sir Iron Bank representative, does Winterfell owe the Iron Bank any coins?" Mei asked Beisaluo.

His black hair was neatly combed; one could see a bit of melted snowflake water on it.

Your Highness, Winterfell owes the Iron Bank nothing." He smiled with a placating grin.

How strange—why are you here then? Could it be that in my absence the council has already summoned you all?" Mei looked at Sir Rodrik, unwilling to give these people a pleasant face.

The council has never invited anyone from Braavos." Sir Rodrik stood and said solemnly.

Your Highness, this is indeed us coming uninvited. Ah, the Iron Bank last provided funds to Winterfell during the Targaryen civil war; since then we've had no economic dealings, which is truly a pity." Beisaluo looked extremely young, yet his business dealings made him seem exceedingly worldly, utterly unaffected by Winterfell's attitude, as he smiled and said, "Your Highness Mei, this is the gift we present to you."

He clapped his hands, and several foreign attendants carried in a huge wooden box, set it down, and then pulled out its inner planks in a strange manner.

Mei eyed it coldly, expecting nothing from any gift.

He pulled open the purple silk attached to the gift.

Sir Rodrik and Sir Robb, among others, looked somewhat surprised.

These were three wolf sculptures of equal size, made respectively of gold, ruby, and Valyrian steel, each the size of a real wolf—of course, considerably smaller than the little furry dog at her side.

Setting aside the gold wolf, the ruby‑studded wolf has a somewhat ferocious, evil‑wolf feel, appearing quite mysterious, but the most lifelike is the Valyrian steel wolf; its overall smoky gray hue is nearly indistinguishable from a real wolf, and its attached fur‑color patterning is exceptionally beautiful.

The little furry dog took great interest in the three wolf sculptures, trotting down leisurely from Mei's side and walking over to them.

Suddenly seeing a huge black ice‑plain wolf dash out from the shadows, the three Braavosi were visibly startled, their mouths agape.

The furry dog had no interest in the three dimwits; it sniffed the three wolves, circled them twice, then returned to sit at Mei's feet.

Mei walked to the hall's seat, sat down calmly, and said coolly, "Welcome, honored guests from afar, please be seated." After saying that, she raised her voice and shouted at the attendant Molly standing nearby, "Quickly bring our guests some hot drinks and hot bread! Winterfell is cold, and these southern visitors can't take it!"

Having said that, Mei turned to Beisaluo and said, "Winterfell or the North has not taken out another loan, surely because your interest is too high? I recall Winterfell once specifically warned the northern lords about the Iron Bank's greed, demanding that its vassals clear their debts to the Iron Bank, and even advanced repayments on their behalf."

In my view, the North's impression of you has always been bad; indeed, nobody in Westeros thinks well of you, but their governing ability is too poor, too vain, too obsessed with luxury, leading to frequent bankruptcies.

Of course, the North is a poor backwater; compared to chasing luxury, there are far more important matters. In short, your usurious lending we cannot afford, and besides, our math isn't great, so we try to have as little dealings as possible with you clever folk.

These words left Beisaluo somewhat surprised and at a loss for words, altogether appearing a bit uneasy.

He was putting on an act.

Such a shrewd merchant of the trading city‑state will give you full face in conversation, making you mistakenly think you're smart; when you think he's a good person, he'll secretly eat your filling when you're not looking.

Honest Northfolk are no match for them. But those who kill and flay? Not necessarily.

Your Highness Mei, the Iron Bank has always posted clear terms—each installment, the number of installments, and the repayment date are fully disclosed to our clients before the loan, and the Iron Bank always puts up real gold and silver upfront to support nobles in distress, bearing great risk during that period! Last time, too, it was with our support that the North managed to get through its hardship!

It seemed as if someone were truly framing him, leaving him unable to defend himself a hundred ways; consequently, while speaking he appeared extremely despondent, on the verge of tears, all due to Mei's aggressive pressing.

Yeah, clear terms. But you don't forget to remind the other side, 'The Iron Bank does not tolerate arrears,' do you?" Mei gave no face, saying, "Lord Beisaluo, Winterfell lacks neither gold nor silver; we have no need to borrow from the Iron Bank."

Of course, of course! Your Highness Mei," said the Trade Guild representative Zantalaro Dimetis, hurrying to take the floor, "We came mainly to discuss with Winterfell increasing the volume of ceramics trade between Winterfell and Braavos. We saw towering smokestacks outside the city and believe you can surely raise output. We are willing to act as agents selling all of your ceramics destined for the eastern continent.

Oh, we can even arrange regular pickups at White Harbor, sparing you the task of escorting your fleet; that would free up your navy to strike all your enemies—for example, the Iron Throne, the Boltons, the wildlings. Moreover, if you wish, Braavos can also provide you with a fleet to help you conquer your foes? To ensure the deal goes through and to witness it, we have even brought along the Sea King's envoy, Milai'ang Teluntisi.

The trade representative was wrapped in the heavy robes of the trading city‑state, purple and red interwoven, with a belt encircled by a ring of jewels, looking noble and fashionable; the robe's collar was tightly sewn with gold‑thread loops, forming buttons, mysterious and elegant, giving a far steadier impression than the Iron Bank's representative.

After speaking, he gestured to the Sea King's envoy Milai'ang Teluntisi. Milai'ang's attire was similar, but he wore black robes from head to toe, with little decoration, looking simple yet stylish, a handsome young man.

Mei found it amusing. Would Braavos have sent three comparatively handsome men just because Winterfell's spokesperson is a woman? Looking at their age distribution—middle‑aged, mid‑young, young—there's not a shortage of any.

Your Highness, I hereby pay my respects on behalf of the Sea King of Braavos," he made a respectful gesture, then rose, "Your administration of the trading city‑state and your great victory in southern Westeros have left a deep impression on our Sea King; he and the Trade Guild representative alike believe you will surely win the northern war. Therefore, we are willing to provide you with whatever assistance you need—warships, or, if you require mercenaries, we can likewise arrange contacts in all the trading city‑states for you.

Needless to say, if an ordinary lord heard such support, he'd be overjoyed; he might even forget to ask one more question: What is the price?

What is the price? She at least knows one of them—forgetting hatred.

Mei was uncertain what role these people's backers played in the affair of the Faceless Men killing her brother.

My main enemy is the northern Boltons. I'm confident that defeating him doesn't require warships or mercenaries. Have you seen the northern weather? When his southern soldiers land on northern soil, won't they cry for mom and dad? It's winter now.

Several of the seated officers laughed.

We have no doubt Your Highness can defeat the Boltons," Milai'ang said, still smiling, "but Winterfell's challenges aren't limited to the Boltons; they also include the northern wildlings! When we passed through the Narrow Sea from Braavos, we already saw many slave ships braving stormy dangers heading north.

That's strange. If those slave ships are transporting wildlings, wouldn't that be a good thing for me and the North? At least my enemies would be fewer, right?" Mei said calmly.

Maybe, maybe not. Slave traders prefer women and children. Once the wildlings have no rear‑guard worries, would they become braver and more fearless? I can't tell. Moreover, they've suffered so much that they've sent their tribe's women and children onto slave ships—this shows they face an insurmountable difficulty; perhaps they're trapped in desperation north of the Wall? With no women and children, there's no retreat. Where would those without a retreat go?

Whether enslaving the wildlings is truly a boon for her or Winterfell depends on how she defines the wildlings' identity, how she views their ethnic traits, and how she defines the North and the state.

In terms of bloodline and kinship, every wildling is a descendant of the ancients, with no distinction from the people of the North or even Winterfell; their bloodlines essentially flow from the same source.

In language, customs, lifestyle, and religious belief, they are actually closer to the northerners; religiously, they are almost completely identical.

As Mei spoke, she instantly knew the answer to the question, for she felt humiliated and flew into a reckless fury at the slave traders.

I've heard the Sea King has already ordered the seizure of a slave ship?" the trade representative Zantalaro chuckled.

The slave ship from Lys encountered a storm, suffered severe damage, and could only put in at Braavos. But our city forbids slavery, so the Sea King ordered its seizure. Their companions included two other slave ships; we don't know where the storm blew them, but they're likely to meet more misfortune than fortune." The Sea King's envoy Milai'ang gave a quick explanation.

Your Highness, therefore we believe Winterfell still faces a threat from the north! If you need warships, we can help transport your army north of the Wall to defeat the wildlings, and we can also supply you with the materiel needed for war, to launch a northern assault on the wildlings or the Boltons. In short, we can offer much assistance.

Your proposals are quite attractive, but I have a few unclear points." Mei rose and stepped down from the dais.

At that moment Molly had already entered with the other attendants, carrying fresh‑baked bread and a wine pot warming on a small brazier. Mei watched as Molly poured drinks for the three guests and served the bread.

As far as I know, the Iron Bank once lent vast amounts of gold to the Iron Throne—millions of gold dragons?

Yes, Your Highness," replied the Iron Bank representative Beisaluo Rui'an, "King Robert once used funds borrowed from the Iron Bank to pay the tourney's prizes and to buy various luxuries offered by the merchant guilds; we in Braavos are all grateful for Robert's generosity and support. By the way, Your Highness, the prize money you received when you won the tourney was also provided by the Iron Bank. The then Iron Bank manager was also invited to watch; after seeing the match, he couldn't praise you enough.

King Robert was indeed generous—I have no objection. But as for his children and queen, I can't say." Mei walked to the table and smirked, "Since the Iron Bank can lend money to the Iron Throne, why would it also lend to the Throne's enemy, namely Winterfell?"

If you really dare to give me funds and a fleet, then I must suspect whether you likewise provided money and ships to the Boltons—he marched out from the Riverlands with an army of nearly ten thousand; how many warships did you contribute, how much supplies? Theoretically he is still my vassal. Of course, the Iron Throne and he himself have another story.

So, my lords, can you clear up my confusion?

Where did the enemies' money to hire the Faceless Men come from?

Your Highness Mei. Please believe, we have ample reason to support you." Beisaluo sighed, "Ah, let me be frank: the false regent of King's Landing refuses to repay the debts left by King Robert; to us, that is the Iron Throne's breach of contract first, so aiding the Throne's enemies is wholly in line with morality—in fact, we have no choice.

Mei understood: this means that if she now accepts a loan from the Iron Bank, then later, when she seizes the Iron Throne, the Iron Bank will have leverage over her. The same principle applies to any other force rebelling against the Iron Throne.

You should go look for Stannis; he would be happy to repay the loan for the Iron Throne. After all, he believes he is Robert's heir. By the way, Stannis's envoy is still in Winterfell; perhaps you could meet him.

Your Highness, the Iron Bank has already been in contact with Stannis. According to what we've heard, his appetite is large, and the promised terms are generous, but we must admit we have little confidence in him. We might be willing to provide him funds, but the amount certainly won't be more than Winterfell, nor more than Your Highness.

Mei Yi didn't care about these things, so she paced back and forth below the stage, waiting for the few people to slowly eat their bread and braised beef.

Your Excellency, you haven't answered my question yet. After Bes Saruo finished a mouthful of bread, Mei Yi stated.

Your Highness, what question? Bes Saruo asked.

Did you likewise provide funds and a fleet to my vassal Bolton to deal with Winterfell? Mei Yi stared into Bes Saruo's eyes, unwilling to miss any change.

This? He avoided Mei Yi's gaze, glanced cautiously at the other two, then sighed, "Ah, Your Highness, indeed a few months ago we did give Bolton money. But at that time we were still serving the Iron Throne. Please forgive us."

Forgive? Let's see, what did Bolton do with that money? Mei Yi's hand had already touched passion. The ruby on the sword hilt began to sparkle again with her breath.

Your Highness, please forgive us, we must keep client confidentiality. Moreover, we only handle the initial issuance of deposit slips and signing of documents; the clients' payment and transfer have nothing to do with the Iron Bank!

Mei Yi remained noncommittal. The bank can certainly see the clients' spending direction from the cash flow. Mei Yi didn't believe Bolton would withdraw gold dragons and then spend them, for that would be too wasteful of transaction fees.

If you really want to know the answer, you have to peel the skin.

Lord Zantaro, he is the representative of the Merchants' Guild, Mei Yi was fortunate that after such a long time she could still remember his name clearly, "Winter has come, the North needs many supplies, but generally speaking, just clothing and food. Of course, my brother doesn't understand the mountain people's needs, and there, using my name, he has promised many weapons and armor, which I also need. Can the Braavosi Merchants' Guild provide these?"

Of course, Your Highness Mei Yi. This winter we have waited a long time. Our warehouses' fur coats are piled up like mountains, countless, and our stored grain fills every storable warehouse, enough to feed every person in the North. Our armor and swords, well, this, we can ask the Sea Lord's envoy Mileon to answer. Zantaro replied enthusiastically.

If grain could still fill every storable warehouse now, then Braavos would be a demon.

I don't know how much your brother promised the mountain people—ten thousand sets of armor with matching swords, bows, and crossbows? I believe that if Your Highness Mei Yi is willing to increase our porcelain trade volume, the Sea Lord will certainly be happy to provide you with all weapons.

Gentlemen, rarity breeds value. If porcelain is produced too much, it won't fetch much price.

Afterwards, the matters became more administrative; they continually discussed the prices of food, fur clothing, and other supplies, as well as Mei Yi's porcelain quota and shipping locations.

Only then did Mei Yi deeply feel that capable people were scarce around her; aside from scholars and stewards, hardly anyone could handle such matters.

Moli, please summon the scholar. She ordered.

Sir Mei Yi, are you really not considering using the Iron Bank's funds? After completing the transaction, the Merchants' Guild representative Zantaro asked with a chuckle.

Among the three, perhaps only the Iron Bank would leave empty-handed.

Bes Saruo gave an embarrassed smile, "Gentlemen, even if the Iron Bank doesn't put up funds, it still provides clearing services for the Merchants' Guild and the Sea Lord!" He turned to Mei Yi, "How about it, Your Highness Mei Yi, perhaps Winterfell could also engage the Iron Bank for trade settlement? I guarantee we are both swift and accurate."

Lord Mandel of White Harbor intends to establish a bank in the North, and I have already agreed. Mei Yi did not want to get involved with the Iron Bank.

I see, the Iron Bank knows banking business best; therefore, could this northern bank also allow the Iron Bank to take a stake? The preliminary preparations for a bank can be quite complex, and I believe with the Iron Bank's help the process would go much more smoothly, Your Highness.

Setting up a bank's financing is not just a matter of having money; it truly requires professional talent. Regarding his request, Mei Yi remained noncommittal.

I need to consult with Lord Mandel.

When the sky had completely darkened, and several lords had accompanied the three Braavosi in drinking several pots of hot wine, the Merchants' Guild representative Zantaro once again became respectful, and cautiously said to Mei Yi:

Your Highness, our business here is concluded; we will return to Braavos early tomorrow to procure supplies for you. With departure imminent, there is something we must mention.

Please speak, my lord. Mei Yi replied.

The three of them glanced at each other, and then Zantaro whispered softly, "Before setting out for the North, we were entrusted by the Temple, and it is said they are willing to ransom the captives taken by Winterfell with gold weighing ten times the captives' total body weight."

After saying that, he even gestured with his fingers to indicate ten times.

Mei Yi only felt like laughing to the heavens, mocking the House of Black and White for overreaching.

Lord Rodric and the others also glared at him.

At least they hadn't placed their hands on their swords; for tonight they were still guests.

Gentlemen, have you got it wrong? I have no captives here. Only criminals.

Your Highness Mei Yi, this, please forgive us, we learned this from the Temple priests; if it isn't some misunderstanding, please excuse us. He lowered his attitude to the utmost.

This is not something that can be summed up by the word 'misunderstanding'.

There are no captives at all in Winterfell. She had to repeat it again, with no desire to continue discussing this unspeakable matter.

Oh dear, how could that be? Zantaro looked at the other two with a hesitant expression, "The Temple priests said a girl dreamed that believers were captured and hung upside down beneath Winterfell's heart tree! How could the Temple's dreams be false?"

Mei Yi was uncertain. She absurdly felt that the true purpose of these three coming to Winterfell was actually to rescue the 'captives,' and the previously agreed transactions were merely an afterthought.

On what basis do you claim that the girl you speak of dreamed of Winterfell? Lord Rodric loudly questioned.

Mei Yi felt as if she had been struck heavily.

The Dreamwalker Daenerys can predict Valyria's destruction; that girl must surely have a similar ability. Zantaro said.

What exactly are you saying? Lord Rodric pressed.

This, we believe, Dreamwalker Daenerys herself is a Valyrian, so she knows what happened was Valyria. Could it be that the girl in the Temple also knows Winterfell?

"Absurd, when will a girl from the Eastern Continent come to Winter City? As far as I know, there are no carvings on the heart tree of Winter City either!" Sir Luo Delike continued to question.

"This, what is that girl's name?" Zantuoluo asked the two people beside him.

"We heard that the girl used the alias Kate (Little Cat) in the temple, with brown hair?" Besaluo said hesitantly.

"Grey eyes?" Milaiang added.

Meiyi closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

She felt like she just wanted to draw her sword and chop them into minced meat.