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#242 - Chapter 16: Red Wedding (Part 2)

Outside the West Keep of the Twins, a dense array of tents sprawled, ice-wolf banners fluttering atop, signaling Robb's arrival.

Ianis Frey and Hosteen Frey rode out to greet them, their hearts lifting at the sight of Lord Bolton's sizable force. But as they drew closer, they made out Liu Yuan and the cavalry he led.

Doubt and surprise filled every gaze, as if witnessing something unbelievable. Hosteen Frey eyed Roose Bolton with suspicion, seeking explanation, but Roose Bolton merely shook his head, expressionless.

Instantly, a warm smile spread across Hosteen Frey's face as he boomed, "Welcome, welcome! The Frey family is deeply honored by your presence at the Twins. Lord Galon, Lady Sansa, and young Rickon, it's been since King Robert's return to King’s Landing." After all, they were the ones who welcomed the royal motorcade on the Kingsroad, so they were no strangers to Liu Yuan and the Stark family members, who were objects of particular attention.

Seeing this, Liu Yuan responded with a smile, "Ser Hosteen, long time no see. I trust you've been well." With that, his gaze swept over the assembled crowd, finally settling on Ianis Frey, the corner of his mouth tilting upward, "Hmm, it seems you've made ample preparations."

Ianis Frey hastily replied, "Indeed, everything has been meticulously arranged according to King Robb's wishes. To be united with the King in the North is a great honor for House Frey, one that warrants grand celebration."

Hosteen Frey said apologetically, "I am ashamed that I did not know of Lord Galon's arrival in advance, and therefore did not prepare a campsite for you. I will take care of it immediately..."

Liu Yuan waved his hand, "No need for such trouble. Just lend us a patch of land, and my soldiers will see to it themselves." He pointed to a clearing not far upstream, a slightly elevated area near the riverbank backed by trees, clearly an excellent place to set up camp. He continued, "We'll set up camp there!"

The two Freys exchanged a look, smiles spreading across their faces as they nodded in agreement.

At that moment, Roose Bolton interjected, "Very well, then. Everyone, rest for a moment and await King Robb's summons." With that, he led his forces directly into the Northern army's encampment.

Liu Yuan calmly directed his cavalry northward, ordering them to pitch their tents there. He turned to Sansa and Rickon, "You should enter the castle first! It's been two years; your mother must be eager to see you. Sandor, Brienne, guard them closely. Gregor, you go with them as well. Ser Hosteen, if you would be so kind as to escort them, I will join you as soon as I can."

Hearing Liu Yuan's instructions, the Hound snorted dismissively, but acknowledged the task. Brienne, however, nodded solemnly, "Rest assured, my lord. I will do everything in my power to protect Lady Sansa and young Rickon."

Subsequently, Liu Yuan led his cavalry away, leaving the area. During the march, he remained vigilant, carefully observing his surroundings. He noticed that the Frey and Bolton forces seemed to be intentionally surrounding the Stark forces. With his keen insight, Liu Yuan immediately realized that something was amiss. "It seems those two old men have colluded..." he mused.

He frowned, struggling to understand the reason. Robb had not reneged on the marriage agreement; he was still willingly marrying a Frey daughter to be his queen. Furthermore, Edmure was involved, giving House Frey another duke son-in-law. In both the North and the Riverlands, House Frey was becoming an influential noble family, their prosperity likely to continue for a long time.

So, the question was, what means had Tywin used to win over these greedy weasels? Harrenhal and Riverrun alone were clearly not enough.

The wedding was set for the following evening, giving Liu Yuan ample time to uncover the truth. Before long, the cavalry's camp was quickly erected. Once all defensive measures were in place, he rode into the Twins.

Although Robb was also a guest, his status as liege lord was undeniable. Walder had ordered all Frey family members living in the castle to move to the East Keep, freeing up a large number of rooms for Robb and his entourage. Liu Yuan saw this as a mere pretext for the old man to relocate the Frey family’s women, children and elderly to a safer location.

Inside the tower, Robb sat at the table, discussing important matters with Edmure; Roose Bolton was also present. Suddenly, a slight noise caught their attention, the door was gently pushed open, and Liu Yuan stepped in.

Seeing the newcomer, Robb's face lit up with joy. He quickly rose to greet Liu Yuan. "Teacher Galon, you've finally arrived! Was your journey smooth?"

Liu Yuan nodded, indicating that all was well. Then, he turned his gaze to Edmure, a smile playing on his lips. "Duke Edmure, how have you been?" Edmure returned the smile and politely replied, "It has indeed been a long time, Lord Galon."

After the pleasantries, Robb brought up the subject of his family's situation. "Mother and Sansa haven't seen each other in a long time, and they are chatting in the room. You know how women are, I really can't disturb them." He smiled helplessly.

Liu Yuan: "Understood. You know about Arya, right?"

Robb: "We didn't find her with the Brotherhood Without Banners, we must have missed her. I've ordered people to return to Riverrun and search carefully, and there should be news soon."

Hearing this, Liu Yuan nodded and said, "That's good." Then, he turned his gaze to Robb and asked, "What do you think about this wedding? What demands did the Frey family make? Old fox Walder isn't so easily persuaded."

Robb's brow furrowed slightly, seeming troubled by the question. He pondered for a moment before replying, "Walder did make some harsh demands. He wants Harrenhal and the surrounding lands as dowry. But after consideration, I agreed to his request. After all, marrying into the Frey family is of great significance to us. We need the Frey army."