Chapter 240: Rumors

A rumor spread rapidly.

Yesterday, Viserys had briefly introduced the identity of young Aegon at the family banquet, but somehow this news had leaked out.

The next day, it began to circulate within a small range in the city of Pentos. However, the spread was very slow and did not cause much of a stir.

After all, the people of Pentos were still somewhat unfamiliar with Viserys, and they were even more baffled about a nephew who suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

However, by the time this matter truly fermented, it was already a month later.

...

Another month passed.

Since the 'Night of Blood', Viserys had been in Pentos for two months.

Pentos gradually emerged from the shadow of the bloody night two months ago, slowly beginning to restore normal order. People seemed to have forgotten that they had a new ruler.

At this time, the rumors about young Aegon that had gradually fermented finally began to spread widely and reached Viserys's ears.

These rumors were roughly divided into several versions. Some said that the suddenly found young Aegon was Jon Connington's illegitimate son.

Others said he was a Valyrian survivor that Illyrio had found somewhere.

After all, in Volantis, Lys, and other places, there were still a large number of silver-haired and purple-eyed people. These were the people who survived the Valyrian Doom.

The last version was that young Aegon was Illyrio's illegitimate son. After all, it was he who handed young Aegon over to Jon Connington. As for where he found young Aegon, that was unknown.

When these rumors reached Viserys's ears, he ordered a thorough investigation into the source of the rumors. However, although a few 'rats' who were spreading rumors were arrested, too much time had passed, and it was impossible to trace the source.

Jon Connington also heard that Viserys was investigating this matter and hurriedly came to the palace on top of the Nine Towers to explain to Viserys in person.

"This must be a plot by the usurper!"

"Your Majesty!"

...

Jon explained to Viserys in a flustered manner.

However, this rumor continued to ferment and crossed the sea to King's Landing on the other side of the Narrow Sea, landing on King Robert's desk.

This information was provided by the Master of Whisperers, Varys. However, the rotund bald man was inwardly cursing.

Many of those present had personally experienced the events of many years ago.

The Hand of the King, Jon Arryn, frequently turned his head to look at Varys, his eyes clearly filled with suspicion.

Prince Rhaegar's eldest son, Aegon Targaryen, was killed by the Mountain, who also raped and murdered Elia Martell. Many people in the Seven Kingdoms knew about this.

However, while Princess Elia could not be replaced, a baby could easily be switched.

And Ser Gregor Clegane didn't know young Aegon. He just rushed in, grabbed the child from the woman's arms, and threw him against the wall to kill him.

Afterwards, Lord Tywin was the first to arrive. Although he had seen young Aegon with his own eyes, he couldn't identify the body of a baby whose head had been smashed.

Then Tywin wrapped the bodies of Elia and her child in his golden-red cloak and presented them to Robert Baratheon, who had just entered the city.

From then on, everyone accepted the fact that Elia and her child were dead.

The only remnants of the Targary

ens, apart from Aemon Targaryen who was serving at the Wall and had been forgotten by the world, were Queen Rhaella who had fled with Viserys, the second prince. Viserys had pulled Rhaenys onto the carriage before he fled, effectively saving the girl's life from a terrible fate.

This matter had been a long-buried past.

Apart from Tywin and Varys, who had personally experienced this event, everyone, including Robert and Jon Arryn, believed that the matter had been settled long ago.

No one expected a sudden reversal at this time.

However, Aegon's sudden 'resurrection' didn't actually change anything for the current situation of the Iron Throne.

Because the pillar supporting House Targaryen at the moment was Viserys.

This former second prince of the Targaryen dynasty had raised a large banner on the continent of Essos, conquering a vast territory through his campaigns.

The generals and soldiers under him were not attracted by the Targaryen banner, but by Viserys's personal influence and strength.

Therefore, Aegon's appearance only served as a reassurance to his subordinates before Viserys had any offspring.

Once Viserys had offspring, Aegon would continue to be marginalized, becoming a person who could be present or not.

This matter couldn't be said to be a good thing for the Iron Throne, but it couldn't be said to be a bad thing either.

Everyone knew that Aegon, who had not come out early or late, suddenly jumped out now because he wanted a piece of the pie.

However, Viserys, who knew the ins and outs of this matter, adopted a more tactful approach.

Even if he didn't consider Jon's face, he had to consider Rhaenys's feelings and his brother Rhaegar. He couldn't just cut Aegon down as soon as he appeared.

He couldn't prove that Aegon was really Aegon, but there was no evidence to directly deny it. What if he was real?

Moreover, he wasn't just anyone who jumped out and claimed to be Aegon. Behind him were Jon Connington, Illyrio, Varys, and others. Viserys had to keep him at least.

In any era, bearing the title of 'kinslayer' was no more honorable than Jaime Lannister's 'kingslayer'.

If he really found an excuse to kill Aegon, and then was propagandized by Varys or the Iron Throne or other intelligence forces of the Free Cities who held a grudge, Viserys's reputation would be completely ruined, becoming infamous.

Therefore, the sudden emergence of this matter was a direct test for Viserys. Fortunately, he handled it quite well and eventually regained the initiative.

The forces behind young Aegon that were fanning the flames were troubled by the rumors and were easily marginalized by Viserys.

...

While Pentos and King's Landing were buzzing because of certain rumors.

On the far side of the Dothraki Sea.

In Vaes Dothrak, the only city of the Dothraki people, located at the foot of the Mother of Mountains and next to the Womb of the World lake, also known as the 'City of the Horse Lords'.

This vast city, like Andalos, also had no walls for defense, was filled with slaves plundered by the Dothraki from various places, and the entire city was managed by the Dosh Khaleen, the wives of the deceased Khals.

At this moment.

On the Godsway, which ran through the entire city of Vaes Dothrak.

A khalasar of robust warhorses was passing through, with relics of various gods looted by the Dothraki from all over the world displayed on both sides of the road.

The leading Khal, a tall man riding a warhorse, had a man in a pitiful state tied behind his horse, stumbling along and eating dust.