Chapter 20 Chapter 19 Tyrion

Lord Tywin Lannister, wearing a golden prime minister necklace and a deep purple velvet coat, stepped into the chamber.The Duke of Tyrell, the Lord of Redwyne and the Lord of Rowan stood up to salute. He returned the salute one by one, whispered a word to Varys, kissed the High Septon's ring and Cersei's cheek, patted the palm of Grand Master Pycelle, Finally, he sat on the seat of the first king at the long table, with his daughter and younger brother on the left and right. Tyrion had taken Pycelle's old place at the end of the long table, and the bench had been padded to compensate for his height.The banished Pycelle sat next to Cersei, which was the furthest from the dwarves except the king's seat.The grand maester was a shambling skeleton, trembling as he walked, leaning heavily on a twisted cane.The once prolific white beard on his long chicken neck is gone, and a few strands of hair have sprouted.Tyrion looked at him with some sympathy.

The others took their seats: Lord Mace Tyrell, strong and ruddy, with curly brown hair and a beard the shape of a shovel strewn with white silk; Hair; Matus Rowan, Earl of Goldenwood, well-shaven and strong; the archbishop is very thin, with a thin white beard growing on his chin.There are many new faces at the Conclave, Tyrion thought, and many new players.The game has changed when I rot in bed and no one tells me the rules. Oh, the grown-ups were all polite, but the look in their eyes annoyed him unspeakably. "Your idea of ​​the iron chain is quite high," Mace Tyrell said happily, while Earl Rowan nodded and took over, "Yes, yes, Lord Highgarden spoke out for us ,” he said lightly.

Fuck you, go tell the townspeople, Tyrion thought bitterly, go tell the damned singers, they only sing about Renly's ghost. Kevan was still kind, and kissed him on the cheek, "Tyrion, Lancel told me all about your heroic deeds, and he admires you very much." He'd better say something nice, or I'll have to expose him.He forced himself to smile, "My good cousin is too polite, is his injury healed, uncle?" Ser Kevan frowned. "It's indeterminate. The day before yesterday was better, but today...it's really worrying. Your sister often visits him at the hospital bed, cheers him up, and prays earnestly."

True, but was she praying for his life, or his death?Cersei used their cousin shamelessly, both in bed and under the bed—and now she wanted Lancel to take this little secret to her grave. With her father in charge, he was useless.So, would she have murdered him?You can never believe that the noble queen mother is so cruel just based on her appearance.She was extraordinarily charming today, talking to Lord Tyrell about Joffrey's wedding feast with a sly smile, complimenting the bravery of Lord Redwyne's twin sons, speaking softly to the staid Lord Rowan, and reciting pious words to the High Septon. words. "Shall we start arranging the wedding?" She asked hurriedly when Duke Tywin was seated.

"No hurry," their father said. "Take care of the war first. Varys." The eunuch smiled coquettishly, "My lord, I have brought you good news. Yesterday morning, our brave Lord Randyll attacked Robert Glover outside Duskendale, driving the enemy into the castle and the sea. In the ensuing battle, heavy casualties were suffered on both sides, but the king's servants were ultimately victorious. Over a thousand enemy casualties are reported, including Sir Herman Tallhart. Robert Glover packed up the defeated army and fled towards Harrenhal, never dreaming that the valiant Ser Gregor was in ambush on the road."

"Praise be to the gods!" cried Lord Paxter Redwyne. "A great victory for King Joffrey!" What did Joffrey do?Tyrion thought sourly. "Yes, and it was a grave defeat for the Northmen," commented Littlefinger, "but it was not Robb Stark, the 'Young Wolf' who still enjoys the reputation of being invincible." "Do you have any information about the movements of the Stark army?" Matus Rowan was as straightforward and blunt as ever. "He returned to Riverrun with his booty, and abandoned all the castles he captured in the West," declared Lord Tywin. "My nephew Ser Davon is reorganizing his father's remnants in Lannisport, and will soon enter the Golden Tooth. Join Ser Fowler Prest. Once the Starks have moved north, the two sergeants will make their way to Drift."

"Are you sure Lord Stark will return to the north?" Earl Rowan questioned, "Carlin Bay is in the hands of the Ironborn." Mace Tyrell said: "What is a king without a kingdom? He's a beggar! This kid will definitely abandon the riverlands, lead his army to join Roose Bolton, and attack Cailin Bay with all his strength. If I , just do it." Tyrion nearly bit his tongue at the last sentence.Robb Stark has won more battles in one year than the Lord of Highgarden has won in his twenty long years as a soldier.Tyrell's only victory was the defeat of Robert Baratheon at Poplar Beach more than ten years ago. It was mainly attributed to Earl Tarly, who commanded the vanguard. When the Duke arrived with the main force, the battle was basically over.The siege of Storm's End, commanded by Mace Tyrell himself, dragged on for a year without any results. When the decisive battle on the Trident River was decided, the Duke of Highgarden could only ask Ned Starr for help. Ke lowered the flag and surrendered.

"I'm going to write to Robb Stark to protest," said Littlefinger. "It's embarrassing for Lord Bolton to keep his goats in my hall." Ser Kevan Lannister cleared his throat. "Starks aside... Balon Greyjoy, self-proclaimed King of the Isles and of the North, wrote recently asking for an alliance." "He should submit," Cersei said dismissively. "Why should he call himself king?" "By the Conqueror's Right," said Lord Tywin, "King Balon holds the Neck, that is, Robb Stark's throat. The Ironborn killed Stark's heir, captured Winterfell, Occupying Kalin Bay, Deepwood Castle and most of the Stony Coast has greatly eased our pressure. On the contrary, since King Balon's fleet controls the Sea of ​​​​Sunset, if we do not appease, Lannisport, Fairy Island and even High families will be threatened."

"In that case, you can only form an alliance with him?" said Count Matus Rowan, "What conditions does he offer?" "For us to recognize him as king and give him the north of the Neck." Lord Redwyne grinned and said, "A lunatic only cares about the land north of the Neck! If Greyjoy is willing to exchange soldiers and fleets for rocks and snow, I say it's a good deal, very cost-effective!" "That's right," Mace Tyrell agreed. "Lord Redwyne has spoken my heart. Let Balon hold the northerners while our army concentrates on Stannis."

Duke Tywin remained calm, "We still have to deal with the issue of Lysa Arryn. She is the widow of Jon Arryn, daughter of Hoster Tully, sister of Catelyn Stark... already There is definite evidence that her husband conspired with Stannis Baratheon before his death." "Oh," Mace Tyrell's tone was still brisk, "women don't fight wars. Let her be, it doesn't matter, I suppose." "I agree," said Redwyne. "Lady Lysa has never sent troops, nor committed treason." Tyrion couldn't sit still. "She imprisoned me in the sky prison, tried her hard, and almost killed me!" He pointed out bitterly, "Besides, she never obeyed the order to come to King's Landing to show her loyalty to Xiao Qiao. My lords, please give me the army I'll drive this Lysa Arryn out of the mountains for you!" He didn't know of anything that would please him more than strangling Cersei.To this day, he still often dreams of the prison in the Eagle's Nest City, and wakes up in a cold sweat.

Mace Tyrell smiled, but Tyrion could see the scorn in it. "Perhaps you should leave the war to the soldiers," said the Duke of Highgarden. "There are countless capable generals who have suffered defeats in front of the Bright Moon Mountains or the Blood Gate, let alone you? Ah, we know your situation very well." Value, my lord, please stay calm and don't get bored." Tyrion pushed the cushion away and wanted to stand up, but his father made a statement before he got angry: "Tyrion, I have other plans. As for the Eagle's Nest City, I believe Lord Petyr has a solution." "Oh, yes," said Littlefinger, "the solution is between my legs." A mischievous look flashed in his gray-green eyes, "My lords, as long as you agree, I plan to go to the valley to win the favor of Lady Lysa Tully. When I marry her, we shall have the Vale of Arryn without blood." Earl Rowan was a little skeptical, "Will Lady Lysa accept you?" "Oh, she has accepted me many times, Lord Matus, you don't have to worry about that." "Going to bed," Cersei said, "is not marriage. Even Lysa Arryn, the cow, knows the difference." "Yes, it is impossible for the daughter of Riverrun to marry a lowly nobleman," Littlefinger spread his hands, "but now...it is not so unthinkable for the Lady of the Eyrie to marry the Duke of Harrenhal, Are you right?" Tyrion didn't miss the look exchanged between Paxter Redwyne and Mace Tyrell. "You can try it," said Earl Rowan, "but you must ensure that this woman submits to His Majesty's rule." "My lords," the archbishop asserted, "autumn is approaching, and the faithful men and women of the world are weary of war. It would be the gods' pleasure if Lord Baelish could return the valley to the king's rule without a single soldier. The best strategy." "Can it be so smooth?" Earl Redwyne asked back, "The current Duke of Eyrie is Jon Arryn's son, Robert Arryn." "He's just a bastard," said Littlefinger. "I'll train him well and make him King Joffrey's greatest admirer and our most loyal friend." Tyrion looked at the small man with the pointed beard and grinning gray-green eyes.Duke of Harrenhal is just an empty title?Forget it, father, he hasn't entered the city yet, and he's already using his title to bluff.Sly guy! "We already have quite a few enemies," said Ser Kevan Lannister. "It would be a great fortune if the Eagle's Nest City can be brought under the banner. In my opinion, Lord Raupetyr might as well go to work." Ser Kevan had always led the way for his brother, and Tyrion knew that, and what he said was usually Lord Tywin's idea.Father made up his mind, Tyrion thought, and the Council was only a rubber stamp. The sheep at the meeting bleated and agreed, unaware of the invisible hand behind them, and Tyrion had to play the role of opponent. "If our Lord Petyr is going to leave, what will the royal family's treasury do? As we all know, he is the master who makes money out of thin air, so he is indispensable." Littlefinger laughed, "My short friend is too polite. As King Robert said, my job is to count coppers. Any smart merchant can do it... let alone someone with the golden light of Casterly Rock." Lannister? Much better than me, no doubt." "Lannister?" Tyrion wondered. Duke Tywin's golden pupils met his son's eyes of different sizes, "I believe that you can bear this omission." "No problem!" said Ser Kevan enthusiastically. "You will keep your finances in order, Tyrion." Duke Tywin looked back at Littlefinger, "As long as Lady Lysa is willing to marry you and return to the kingdom, I will return the position of Guardian of the East to Lord Robert. When do you plan to leave?" "If the wind is favorable, I will leave tomorrow. There is a Braavosi ship 'Mermaid King' in the harbor. It is currently loading cargo in a small boat and is ready to go. I will talk to the captain later." "Then you will miss His Majesty's wedding," said Mace Tyrell. Petyr Baelish shrugged. "Tides and girls wait for no one, my lord. If there is an autumn storm, the journey will be dangerous. I will not be a good bridegroom when I am drowned." "May the gods bless your ship," said the Archbishop, "and all King's Landing pray for your success." Lord Redwyne rubbed his nose, "How about we talk about the alliance with Greyjoy in depth? In my opinion, this move is profitable. Once Greyjoy's longship joins our fleet on Arbor Island, then To attack Dragonstone across the sea, the rebellion of Stannis Baratheon turned out to be very easy." "King Balon's longship is stuck at the moment," said Lord Tywin, "and we have other urgent matters to attend to. Well, he asked for half the kingdom, why? Let him do it for us and the Starks." Right? That's his own war, why should we pay for a free lunch? So, the best policy for the King of Pykes is to do nothing, say nothing, keep silent, etc. Make a choice after the situation is clarified—my lords, I can assure you that there is no need to give up half the kingdom.” Tyrion studied his father carefully.He had something to hide from these adults. He remembered that when he was arguing about the succession of Casterly Rock City last time, his father had several important letters to write.What did he say then?Some victories are won with sword and spear, others with pen and paper and crows.Tyrion couldn't help wondering what that so-called "choice" was?What price did father offer for this? "Let's start talking about the wedding," Ser Kevan said. So the Archbishop talked about the preparations for the Cathedral of Baelor, and Cersei emphasized the arrangements for the wedding banquet one by one.It was decided that there would be a banquet for a thousand in the throne room, and more seats in the courtyard for those who could not enter the hall.Silk tents will be erected in both the inner and outer courts, and tables will be set with food and barrels of wine. "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager," said the Imperial Master Pai Sear, "in order to add joy to the wedding...we have already sent invitations to Sunspear City. At this moment, more than three hundred distinguished guests are rushing to the capital day and night, and we hope that we can meet the deadline." "What?" snapped Mace Tyrell. "The Dornishmen trying to cross the Reach without my permission?" The duke's thick neck swelled dark red.No wonder, Dorne and Highgarden were feuds. For centuries, the two had fought over the borders, between the mountains and the frontier, and there was never peace.Although since Dorne was merged into the Seven Kingdoms, the old hatred has been slightly reduced... However, in recent years, the Prince of Dorne "The Red Viper" disabled the young heir of Highgarden in a tourney, and the resentment has revived.It was a dilemma, the dwarf thought, and wondered how his father would handle it. "Prince Doran is here at the invitation of my son," Duke Tywin said calmly, "not only to attend the ceremony, but also to take over the seat of important ministers in the imperial council, and to recover the justice that was not obtained from King Robert's predecessor. His sister Elia and her children took revenge." Tyrion looked at Duke Tyrell, Lord Redwyne, and Lord Rowan, and wondered if any of these three dared to ask bluntly: "But, Lord Tywin, wrap the children's corpses in Lannis Don't you have the special red cloak for Robert?" No one said it, but the look knew it.He saw that Lord Redwyne opened his mouth wide, and that Lord Rowan seemed to choke. "Just wait for His Majesty to marry your Margaery, and then marry Princess Myrcella to Prince Trystane, and the three of us will become one big family," Ser Kevan reminded Mace Tyrell, "In my opinion, the old Let the disputes go, we have to face the future, what do you think, my lord?" "Yes, but this is my daughter—" "—and my grandson's wedding," said Lord Tywin calmly, "don't allow those old disputes to continue, will you?" "There is no dispute between me and Doran Martell," Lord Tyrell announced grudgingly. "It's just that . They would not cross the lands of Highgarden, Tyrion knew, and Prince Doran would climb the Boneway, turning east near Summerhall, and then up the Kingsroad. "Three hundred benefactors are a small matter," Cersei said. "The soldiers will entertain in the courtyard, and a few stools will be added in the throne room for the lord and knight. As for Prince Doran, of course he must sit on the high platform." Don't sit next to me, said Mace Tyrell's eyes, but he didn't answer, just nodded briefly. "Let's talk about pleasant topics next," Duke Tywin said, "The fruits of victory are waiting to be shared." "Oh, what could be more beautiful than this?" Littlefinger asked with a smile.He has eaten his share of the bounty, Harrenhal. Every grown-up has a claim: castles, villages, lands, rivers, forests, and custody of the heirs of lesser nobles.Fortunately, the fruits of this war were very rich, and everyone was divided into castles and orphans.According to Varys' statistics, forty-seven lords and six hundred and nineteen knights died in the battle for Stannis' Lord of Light and the Flaming Red Banner, and thousands of ordinary soldiers. killed.Declared traitors, their heirs were disinherited, and lands and castles awaited distribution to the king's loyal servants. The richest part went to Highgarden, and Tyrion thought, looking at Mace Tyrell's big belly, what a greedy man he was.Tyrell claims all the lands and castles of his vassal Alister Florent - a man who miscalculated and unfortunately followed first Renly and then Stannis.Duke Tywin readily agreed to this request.As a result, the land and taxes of Brightwater City were transferred to the brave Garland, the second son of the Duke of Tyrell, making him the number one nobleman in the country in the blink of an eye.And his elder brother is naturally the heir of Gaoting. The rest of the land was given to Earl Rowan, Earl Tully, Countess of Oakheart, Earl Hightower and other heroes who were not present.The Earl of Redwyne only asked Littlefinger's wine agent to be exempted from the 30-year customs duty on the Arbor Isle's fine wine. After getting approval, he happily announced that he would immediately offer the special golden wine of the Arbor Isle to King Joffrey and Salute to the loving and wise Prime Minister.Listening to his chatter, Cersei lost patience. "Little Jo wants an army, not a tribute," she cried. "The kingdom is full of traitors and hypocrites!" "They won't last, Her Majesty," Varys added sweetly. "There are a few last things, my lords," Sir Kevan sorted out the documents. "Sir Adam found the fragments of the Archbishop's crystal crown. It is clear that some thieves stole a lot of crystals and melted the gold." "The Father is omniscient and their sins cannot escape judgment," said the archbishop reverently. "There is no doubt about this," Lord Tywin said, "but first, you must wear a crown at the king's wedding ceremony. Cersei, summon the royal goldsmiths to make one for our lord High Bishop." Without waiting for an answer , he turned to Varys. "What new report do you have?" The eunuch pulled a parchment from his sleeve. "Kraken sightings near the Five Fingers," he giggled. "Not Greyjoy, mind you, but the real thing. It sank an Ibben whaling ship. The Stepstones are at war, Mainly the Tyroshi and Lysians fighting each other, both sides are trying to win the support of the Myr. Merchants who returned from the Jade Sea announced that a three-headed dragon was born in Qohor City, and the whole city-" "I don't care about dragons or sea monsters, it doesn't matter how many heads it has," said Lord Tywin, "doesn't your eyeliner have a clue about my nephew?" "Alas, our beloved Tyrek has disappeared without a trace, such a brave and poor boy." Varys was on the verge of tears. "Tywin," Ser Kevan said before his brother showed displeasure, "many of the gold cloaks who fled in battle are now back in the barracks, intending to rejoin the army. Ser Adam asked for instructions on what to do with them." "They were cowardly and incompetent, and almost endangered Little Jo's life," Cersei immediately said, "They should all be beheaded." Varys sighed: "If you run away, you should die. Your Majesty, there is nothing wrong with that. However, there is a shortage of manpower at the moment. Maybe they can be sent to guard the Great Wall. We just received a report, wildlings..." "Savages, sea monsters, and giant dragons." Mace Tyrell chuckled, "What a meeting of weird spirits!" Lord Tywin ignored his taunt: "The purpose of deserters is to warn future generations. Knock off their knees with a hammer so that they can no longer run away, and they cannot go begging in the street." He glanced at the people around the table, and no one objected. Tyrion remembered his visit to the Wall, the crab feast he shared with old Mormont and the officials, and the old bear's worries. "In my opinion, it's enough to knock off the knees of a few leaders, especially those who killed Ser Jacelyn. The rest will be dispatched to the Neck, and they will go north on their own. The Night's Watch is not strong enough. If the Great Wall has a accident……" "...the wildlings will come straight to the north," Father pointed out, "to make new troubles for the Starks and Greyjoy. Why should we aid them when they have no allegiance to the Iron Throne?" Robb and Barbara Longdu calls himself the King of the North, so he should protect his home and land, if not, then Mance Rayder may be the ally we should look for." Duke Tywin looked at his younger brother, "And Is it an issue?" Ser Kevan shook his head. "No. My lords, Your Majesty King Joffrey thanks you for your wise advice and faithful service." "I have something to talk to the children alone," Lord Tywin said after everyone stood up, "You stay too, Kevan." The ministers bid farewell obediently.Varys went out first, followed by Tyrell and Redwyne.When there were only four Lannisters left in the chamber, Ser Kevan closed the door. "Minister of the Exchequer?" said Tyrion affectedly. "Hey, who's got the idea?" "Lord Petyr's own idea," said the father, "I just followed the trend. The national treasury should have been in the hands of our Lannisters long ago. Why, don't you want me to arrange important positions for you? Are you qualified?" "Certainly," said Tyrion. "I'm afraid there may be deception in it. Littlefinger is cunning and ambitious. I don't trust him, and you don't trust him." "He won us the support of Highgarden..." Cersei began. "... and sold Ned Stark to you. Yes, I know what he's doing, and he would have sold us just as quickly if there was a profit. Neither money nor sword should go into the hands of such a man .” Uncle Kevan didn't take it seriously, "We Lannisters are not Starks. You can rest assured that you will take over the position of minister, the gold of Casterly Rock..." "...Even though there are many, they are all dug out from the ground. Littlefinger's money seems to be born out of thin air, with just a pinch of your finger." "Yes, my dear brother, he is much better than you," said Cersei, with bitter sweetness. "Littlefinger is a liar—" "—same as you. Crows still hate starlings." Lord Tywin slammed his palm on the table. "That's enough! Don't you two feel ashamed to argue endlessly? We're both from the Lannister family. Show me some grace!" Ser Kevan cleared his throat. "Letting Petyr Baelish rule the Eyrie is better than Lady Lysa's other suitors. Jon Royce, Lynn Corbray, Holden Redford... which one is not ambitious , proud and hard to tame? Littlefinger is certainly cunning, but he comes from a humble background and is not skilled in martial arts. Think about it, the princes of the valley will never accept him as the lord, isn't there a fight between open and secret right in front of us?" He looked at his brother, and after Duke Tywin nodded, Then he continued, "And--Lord Petyr's loyalty must be rewarded. Yesterday, he just told the Tyrells that they planned to lure Sansa Stark to go to Highgarden for a 'visit', and then Lord Mace inform us of his plans to marry Vilas, the eldest son of the "Littlefinger tipped off the news?" Tyrion leaned forward. "Our chief intelligence officer didn't know? Interesting, interesting." Cersei said lightly, "Sansa is my hostage, and she can't go anywhere without my permission." "If Lord Tyrell asks, you can't stop it," his father pointed out. "To refuse is to distrust, and to distrust is to offend." "Offend if you offend, what's the matter?" What a pig's head, Tyrion thought. "Dear sister," he explained patiently, "offending Tyrell is tantamount to offending Redwyne, Tarly, Rowan, and Hightower. Perhaps they will begin to wonder whether Robb Stark will Is it more to your liking?" "Rose wants to sleep with a direwolf, and there's no door," Lord Tywin announced. "We have to strike first." "How?" Cersei asked. "Through marriage. Starting with you." The words came so suddenly that Cersei was stunned for a moment, and then her face flushed as if she had been slapped. "No, I don't want to remarry, no...no." "Your Majesty," Sir Kevan said politely, "you are still young, still beautiful, and fertile. You can't spend the rest of your life alone, can you? Besides, once you remarry, you will be able to put an end to those shameless abuses of incest." Word." "An extra day you're a widow is an extra day for Stannis to slander," Lord Tywin told his daughter. "You'll have a new husband and a new child." "Three children are enough. I am the Queen Mother of the Seven Kingdoms, not a mare who specializes in giving birth! The regent should make his own decisions!" "You are my daughter and you must do as I tell you." She stood up. "I'm not going to sit here and listen to—" "Of course you must, if you still want to have a say in your husband's choice," said Lord Tywin calmly. She hesitated for a moment, then sat down again, "I will never remarry!" Despite his sister's clamor, Tyrion knew she had lost. "You must remarry, and you must have children, and every child you have is a slap in the face of Stannis." The father's eyes seemed to pin his daughter to the chair. "Mace Tyrell, Paxter Redwin, and Doran Martell have all married young girls, and will not be able to get in for a while, but Balon Greyjoy's wife is old and weak. Through Marriage can win the support of the Iron Islands, but I am still hesitating whether such a combination is wise." "No," stammered Cersei's pale lips, "no, no, no..." Tyrion couldn't hide his ecstasy at the thought of his sister being sent to Pyke Island, where birds don't lay eggs.Praise the gods, they heard my prayers after all. Duke Tywin continued indifferently, "Oberyn Martell could have considered it, but it would offend Tyrell again. So, after all the calculations, you have to keep your eyes on the junior, you don't care about marrying To the young men?" "I'm not going to marry any man—" "I've considered the Redwyne twins, Theon Greyjoy, Quentin Martell, and a dozen other candidates. But fundamentally, it's the ones who will help us defeat Stannis and keep the throne. , was an alliance with the Tyrells, and it should be strengthened. Now that Ser Loras is in white, and Ser Garland is married to the Fossoways, there is only one option left, which is that they plan to marry Son of Sansa Stark." Willas Tyrell.From Cersei's helpless rage, Tyrion felt a wicked glee. "This guy is a cripple," he pointed out. His father shut him up with a cold look. "Vilas is the heir of Highgarden. According to various information, he is a gentle and polite young man who likes reading and stargazing. In addition, he is interested in breeding animals. He has raised the best hunting dogs and hunting dogs in the Seven Kingdoms. Eagles and steeds." What a perfect match, Tyrion thought gleefully, and Cersei was interested in the "breeding" side, too.Poor Vilas Tyrell, I wonder whether he should cry or laugh when he sees my sister. "Combining various factors, King Balon and Tyrell's heir are two major goals," Duke Tywin concluded, "If it were me, I would choose the latter." "It is very kind of you, Father," said Cersei with icy courtesy. "What a difficult choice. The one who wants to sleep with me is either an old squid or a crippled son of a bitch? Okay, okay, please give me a few days to think about it. Can I go?" You are the queen, fool, Tyrion wanted to tell her, he should come to you for advice. "Come on," said the father, "we'll talk when you've calmed down. Remember your responsibilities." Cersei left the room quickly, her anger palpable.She can't help her father.This had been proven before in his marriage to Robert.But James is a danger.When Cersei first married, her brother was still young, but now she will never easily accept the fact that her sister remarried.The unfortunate Vilas Tyrell is likely to face death threats, and the alliance between Highgarden and Casterly Rock will collapse and the sword will meet.uh, should i say something?I'm sorry, father, but it's actually my elder brother that my elder sister wants to marry? "Tyrion." He smiled resignedly, "The master of ceremonies has announced my appearance?" "Loving whores is your biggest weakness," Duke Tywin said unabashedly, "I am also responsible for this. Because you are like a child, I don't treat you as an adult man, and don't consider your sexuality." Need, it's my fault. In general, you grow up and it's time to get married." I was married, have you forgotten?Tyrion twisted his lips, and his rotten nose made a grin, half snarl. "The mention of marriage makes you so excited?" "Oh, I was just thinking, what a handsome bridegroom is going to be born." In fact, he does need a wife, with her lands and castle, he can stay away from Joffrey's court... away from Cersei and father. But on the other hand, it was a shame for Shae.No matter how much she swears that she only wants to be my "whore," I know she's upset. Of course, the camp whore was lighter than a feather to his father, so Tyrion squirmed upwards and said, "You want me to marry Sansa Stark to defuse the Tyrell threat, don't you?" ?” "Lord Tyrell won't ask about Stark girls until after Joffrey's wedding, there's a time lag. If Sansa married before that, no offense, because we don't know His 'intent'." "Exactly," Ser Kevan said, "and then we suggested that Cersei marry Vilas as a consolation." Tyrion rubbed his rotten itchy nose. "Since the death of Sansa's father, our noble Majesty Pustule has treated her very badly. Today she just got rid of Xiao Qiao, and you want her to marry me. This is so cruel, even you will not feel disturbed huh, father?" "Why, you plan to abuse her?" The father's tone was more curious, "Honestly speaking, her happiness is not in my consideration at all, so you don't have to think about it. Right now, our alliance with the southern border is like Casterly Rock City Just as strong and solid, but the rebellion in the north is still alive, and the solution lies with Sansa Stark." "She's just a child." "Your sister assures me that she has come. Properly speaking, she is a woman and can go to bed. You, you must obtain her virginity immediately, so as not to have long dreams. After that, snub her for a year, two years, or even ten years , are your rights as a husband." All I want is Shae, he thought, and Sansa is a naive little girl, old bastard. "Why don't you send her back, since you don't want the Tyrells to have her? That way, there might be a reconciliation with Robb Stark." Lord Tywin looked contemptuous, "Send her back to Riverrun, and her mother will marry her to Blackwood, Mallister, or someone else to ensure his son has a firm foothold in the Three Rivers Valley; send her back to Riverrun." In the north, it would benefit the Manderlys or the Umbers; her union with the Tyrells would be less of a threat than that. So we Lannisters must act now." "Whoever marries Sansa Stark will get the inheritance of Winterfell," Uncle Kevan explained, "Aren't you tempted?" "If you really don't want to, we'll have to give her to your cousins," said the father. "Kevon, in your opinion, will Lancel be physically strong?" Sir Kevan hesitated for a while, "If he wants to sleep with this girl, he can only do some foreplay... Coitus, that's not enough... My twins are quite suitable, but they are currently imprisoned by Stark, Gina My son Tin is also having this problem." Tyrion let his father and uncle sing together, he knew it well, and said it for a long time to impress him.Sansa Stark, he thought, the Sansa who spoke softly and smiled sweetly, who loved fine clothes and sweet songs and heroic deeds and handsome knights.The thought of marrying her made him seem to be back on the bridge again, the deck creaking under his feet. "You want me to reward you for your performance in the war," Duke Tywin reminded him deliberately, "this is the prize, Tyrion, the best chance of your life." Father's fingers tapped the table impatiently, "Once upon a time, I planned to let your brother marry Lysa Tully as his wife, but Aerys took Jaime as Iron Guard before I did. I proposed to Duke Hoster to use you instead, and his answer was that the daughter of the Tully family wanted Be a perfect man, not a half man." So he married her to Jon Arryn - old enough to be her grandfather!想到莱莎·艾林如今的样子，提利昂不由得忘了恼怒，只想谢天谢地。 “我还拿你向多恩提亲，却被对方当成侮辱，”泰温公爵续道，“以后数年间，约恩·罗伊斯和雷顿·海塔尔也都拒绝了我的提议。见你实在娶不了人，我只好降低标准，向佛罗伦家讨要那个劳勃在他弟弟婚床上玷污过的女人，但他父亲宁可将她送给麾下诺科斯家的骑士，也不愿要你。” “今次，你若当真拒绝这个史塔克女孩，我也会为你找个老婆。七大王国地域广大，乐意与凯岩城结交的小贵族比比皆是。例如，坦妲伯爵夫人正式提出以洛丽丝……” 提利昂慌忙否定：“她？她若过来，我把她大卸八块，喂山羊吃。” “既然你不傻，就给我面对现实！这史塔克女孩年轻、漂亮、温顺，不仅出身高贵，还是个真真正正的处女。条件这么好，你还犹豫什么？” 我在犹豫什么？“请原谅，就个人而言，我更想要个乐意跟我上床的老婆。” “你以为那些跟你上床的婊子都心甘情愿吗？不可救药的大傻瓜！”泰温公爵说，“你太让我失望了，提利昂。我本认为这个提议会让你满意。” “是啊，咱俩都清楚您有多在乎我的感受。算了，说说实质问题，你说解决北方的关键在于珊莎·史塔克？但眼下北方的主人是葛雷乔伊，他家也有个女儿，为何要我娶珊莎·史塔克，而不是她？”他望进父亲的眼睛，那对闪烁着明亮金光的冰冷绿眸。 泰温公爵十指交叉，顶着下巴。“巴隆·葛雷乔伊满脑子想的都是劫掠，根本不懂统治之道。就让他享受一秋的王冠，然后经历北境的寒冬吧，你瞧好，北方人很快会起来造反，等春天一到，海怪们就得被扔出去。到那时候，你护送艾德·史塔克的孙子荣归故里，接受贵族与平民的朝拜，你的孩子将坐上古老的王座——我希望，你有生孩子的能力吧？” “我相信我能，”他生硬地说，“虽然得承认，我还没证明过。你瞧，我可是试了又试，把我小小的种子播在……” “阴沟和粪坑里，”泰温公爵替他说完，“在那种地方，也只可能留下麻烦的杂种。你该负起责任来，清理后花园了。”他站起身，“我说过，决不会把凯岩城传给你，但是，我可以给你珊莎·史塔克，给你临冬城。” 临冬城摄政提利昂·兰尼斯特。想到这儿，他不禁奇怪地浑身颤抖。“很公平，父亲，”他缓缓地说，“但在你整个计划里面，有个极大的障碍：罗柏·史塔克的生产能力想必不在我之下，而他又和素有丰饶之名的佛雷家族订了亲，如此一来，只要少狼主生出个小崽儿，那珊莎的孩子就什么也继承不了了。” 泰温公爵不为所动，“我跟你保证，罗柏·史塔克和丰饶的佛雷家族之间没有关系。有个小新闻我没在御前会议上讲，但这些大人们很快就会知道：少狼主已和加文·维斯特林的长女成了亲。” 片刻之间，提利昂简直不相信自己的耳朵。“背弃自己的誓言？”他怀疑地反问，“背弃佛雷家族？就为……”真不知该怎么形容。 “就为一个名叫简妮的十六岁少女，”凯冯爵士道，“从前，加文大人拿她向我的威廉和马丁提过亲，我拒绝了，理由很简单，加文本身是个好人，可他娶希蓓儿·斯派瑟为妻，她算什么东西？维斯特林家就有这个传统：对荣誉太刻板，搞得脑子不清醒。实际上，希蓓儿夫人的祖父是个卖藏红花和胡椒粉的贩子，出生比史坦尼斯手下那走私贩还低，而她祖母更是东方来的神秘人物——身躯老朽不堪，却有一股怕人气势，人唤作'巫魔女'，其真名无法发音。当年，兰尼斯港里一多半人跑到她那儿去购买还魂药、春情丹之类的东西。”叔叔耸耸肩，“好在她早死了，简妮我倒见过一次，是个甜美的好孩子，虽然血统嘛……” 提利昂和妓女结过婚，因此叔叔认为十恶不赦的血统，他并不太在意。如此说来……甜美的好孩子，毒药往往以糖为衣，这其中有蹊跷……维斯特林家族系古老，更以此为傲。要高贵的加文·维斯特林大人与希蓓儿夫人成亲，想必有钱财的关系。他去过峭岩城，那里的矿藏早已采尽，土地纷纷出卖抵押，城堡本身也年久失修，不过是一座孤立在海边峭壁上的浪漫废墟罢了。“很意外，”提利昂承认，“我以为罗柏·史塔克挺会谋划，” “他是个十六岁的小子，”泰温公爵说，“谋划不属于这个年纪，它让位于时髦的荣誉、爱情和淫欲。” “他背弃自己的誓言，羞辱治下的封臣，致神圣的婚约于不顾，还谈得上什么荣誉？” 凯冯爵士给予解答：“他把那女孩的荣誉放在自己的荣誉之上。他开了她的苞，便看得比天还高。” “他若真为她好，不如让她留着一个私生子和对他的想念而去。”提利昂坦率地说。与他成亲，维斯特林家族就彻底完了，土地、城堡和成员将被统统消灭。兰尼斯特有债必还。 “你要记住，简妮·维斯特林是她母亲的女儿，”泰温公爵宣布，“而罗柏·史塔克是他父亲的儿子。” 提利昂很好奇，为何维斯特林的背叛竟没激怒父亲。父亲最受不了手下封臣三心二意，早在少年时代，便亲自将卡斯特梅城高傲的雷耶斯家和塔贝克厅古老的塔贝克家斩草除根，为此，歌手们谱了一首阴沉的曲谣。多年以后，当仙女城的法曼大人不服管制时，泰温公爵没有多说，只送去一名竖琴手。城堡大厅里响起“卡特特梅的雨季”，法曼从此俯首归顺。对那些敢于蔑视凯岩城威严的人而言，雷耶斯家和塔贝克家无言的废墟是永久的警示。“峭岩城离卡斯特梅和塔贝克厅不远，”提利昂指出，“所以你认为维斯特林家迟早会想起教训。” “他们会的，”泰温公爵道，“我向你保证，他们记得卡斯特梅城的下场。” “那要是维斯特林和斯派瑟们蠢到认定狼能战胜狮子呢？” 在很长一段时间里，泰温·兰尼斯特公爵看起来都想笑，虽然到最后他并没有笑，但显然没将提利昂的疑问放在心上。“最蠢的人通常也比嘲笑他们的家伙聪明，”他总结，“你必须与珊莎·史塔克结婚，提利昂，而且要快。”