Edmure nodded; he had no intention of hiding it: "Uncle, it was indeed Tyrion Lannister's suggestion."
He looked left and right, then leaned closer to Ser Brynden and lowered his voice, "Lannister promised me that if the marriage alliance succeeded, Robb would still be King of the North.
And…"
He glanced around again, lowering his voice even further: "Lannister even promised that the Tully could wear the crown of the King of the Trident."
Ser Brynden's pupils constricted.
Edmure continued, "This is a Lannister plot to sow discord between the Tully Family and the Stark Family, and I saw through it long ago."
He pouted, "Robb is my nephew; how could I betray my own family?
Lannister really wants to provoke us."
Ser Brynden directly reminded him, "Edmure, the Lannister are not to be trusted; you should not believe their tongues."
Edmure's blue eyes were as clear as lake water, and he said in surprise, "A plot is a plot, but how could the Lannister lie about Cersei Lannister's marriage, Uncle?
Besides, Duke Tywin's eldest son is in our hands; the Lannister would never dare to break their promise."
Ser Brynden's eyes were deep: "What if… the condition for the marriage alliance is that the Lannister envoy first takes the Kingslayer away?
Could you still trust the Lannister as you do now?"
Edmure stared at Ser Brynden for a moment and said, "We can first sign the agreed-upon promise in the presence of the gods."
Ser Brynden sighed and said, "My child, if those words were useful, the Targaryen would not have lost their Iron Throne.
Think about the great war sixteen years ago."
Edmure did not understand Ser Brynden's hint: "Wasn't that great war because of a mistaken spring?
Didn't Prince Rhaegar first violate honor and insult the Stark Family and the Baratheon?
And Aerys II (Mad King) killed Ned's father and brother… the Tully Family and the Stark Family were righteous."
Ser Brynden stared at his nephew, who couldn't grasp the main point, for a moment, then said, "Edmure, my dear nephew, please recall what the Lannister did at that time, and how they did it."
He paused, then added, "I haven't forgotten why we raised an army to conquer the Targaryen."
His voice held a trace of anger: "We are talking about the Lannister."
Edmure's gaze still held confusion.
Ser Brynden took a deep breath before slowly saying, "Duke Tywin entered Aerys II's King's Landing in the name of loyalty, in the name of protecting the Targaryen's Iron Throne.
Do you want me to elaborate on what he did after entering the city?"
Edmure thought his uncle was discussing the legitimacy of the Iron Throne with him… He scratched his head like he used to as a child, smiled awkwardly, and said, "I understand, thank you, Uncle.
I will be vigilant; I will not easily believe the Lannister's promises."
"Not just the Lannister."
Ser Brynden reached out and patted his nephew's arm, continuing, "What I truly want to tell you is… this is war.
During times of conflict, to defeat an opponent, anyone might resort to unscrupulous means.
In chaotic situations, many people will choose… victory over honor."
Edmure nodded solemnly.
After a pause, Ser Brynden added, "Edmure, come with me to see the King.
Such matters should first receive his permission; you must ask for the King's forgiveness."
The two began to walk, and Edmure shrugged, saying, "I will, I was… I will ask for forgiveness."
Ser Brynden's face was weathered, time having stolen his reddish-brown hair, leaving only a head full of gray.
As he walked, he worriedly instructed, "Edmure, my child, though Robb is your nephew, you must remember that he is first and foremost your King."
Edmure promised, "Understood, I will definitely support him."
Ser Brynden nodded and spoke again, "A King is not the same as a liege lord.
Robb, at a young age, has taken on the heavy crown.
At such a time… he is easily displeased by things that offend the King's dignity.
As his uncle, I hope you not only support him but also understand his difficulties."
As the uncle and nephew stepped out of the gate, the urgent sound of hooves reached them.
Following the sound, they saw Ser Reynald riding towards them.
Upon reaching them, Ser Reynald dismounted and bowed, "Lord Brynden, Edmure, Your Grace is going to try Rickard Karstark, the killer of prisoners.
He has ordered everyone to the Great Hall."
Ser Brynden frowned.
After a moment, he said, "Ser, thank you for your trouble; we will be there shortly."
Edmure watched Ser Reynald's retreating figure, a rare look of solemnity on his face.
Ser Brynden asked in confusion, "What's wrong, Edmure?"
Edmure hesitated, then looked at Ser Brynden: "Uncle, let me say this beforehand, I am not jealous of the Westerling siblings."
Seeing Ser Brynden nod, he continued, "You see, Jeyne Westerling is Robb's future Queen, Reynald Westerling is Robb's guard captain, and Loram Westerling is Robb's personal page."
He spread his hands: "Westerling, Westerling, I feel like Robb is almost surrounded by the Westerling.
For some reason, whenever I think of this, my heart feels a little uneasy."
He shrugged, "I can't quite explain this feeling."
Ser Brynden seemed pleased: "I'm glad you can consider these things, Edmure."
He stopped in front of a horse, reaching out to stroke its neck, and said, "Our young King needs some time to grow.
He can only learn how to be a good King on his own, and during this period… the Tully Family is the King's most reliable protector."
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