Soon after they entered Hook Alley, they encountered a red-cloaked cavalryman who had come to deliver the Lord Hand's order.
"Lord Tyrion, Duke Tywin wishes to see you."
Hand of the King Tywin would not have dinner or drinks with his Dwarf son, and he knew today was not a good time to discuss matters.
But he had no reason to refuse, nor could he resist, so... the obedient son had no choice but to dutifully go to the Prime Ministers Tower to see his amiable father.
Prime Ministers study.
"Hand of the King Tywin."
Hearing Tyrion's voice, Duke Tywin, seated at his desk, looked up at him.
He saw that his father looked quite well, and couldn't help but feel a little relieved. It seemed the Dwarf son had a good chance of not becoming the Old Lion's 'prey'.
Duke Tywin's voice rang out, "Tyrion, have you prepared a gift for your nephew's wedding?"
According to Riverlands tradition, guests attending a wedding present gifts to the bride and groom separately on the morning before the wedding. The day after the wedding, another gift is given, but that is for the couple together.
Tyrion climbed onto a chair and said, "I've prepared 'The Four Kings' personally copied by Grand Maester Kars. This is a book every King should read."
'The Four Kings' was written by Grand Maester Kars, narrating the deeds of four Kings: Daeron the Young Dragon, Baelor the Blessed, Aegon the Unworthy, and Daeron the Good.
Duke Tywin nodded slightly, "Very good. Joffrey also needs to be taught a good lesson."
Tyrion forced a smile. He himself had been taught a good lesson by his father when he was thirteen. Now he felt somewhat sorry for his good nephew, but truthfully... Joffrey indeed needed to be taught a lesson, and he hoped the Old Lion would be even stricter.
Duke Tywin put down his quill, leaned back in his chair, and said, "Tyrion, how are the inspections going?"
"I went to Dung Gate yesterday and Kings Gate today; both are in ruins."
Tyrion spread his hands and continued, "There are still many dead people and dead horses unburied. I've told the Gold Cloaks to deal with them as soon as possible."
"Before reopening the port, the Blackwater River must be dredged, as it's full of sunken ships. In addition, three-quarters of the docks urgently need repair, and many parts must be completely torn down and rebuilt."
"The entire fish market is completely destroyed, and River Gate and Kings Gate were damaged by Stannis's siege engines and need to be replaced... The total cost of these is enormous."
Father, don't you defecate gold? Hurry up and find a place to relieve yourself.
Tyrion wanted to say this, but he wisely kept his mouth shut.
Duke Tywin said coldly, "Finding money is the Master of Coin's duty, Tyrion."
Tyrion said incredulously, "Honorable Lord Hand, where do I find it? Everyone knows the royal treasury has long been empty. In fact, we haven't even settled the accounts with the alchemists and blacksmiths, and Cersei still wants me to raise seven hundred and seventy thousand gold dragons for Joffrey's wedding."
He spread his hands, "Hand of the King Tywin, think about it: those seventy-seven damned feasts, a thousand guests, singers, musicians, theatrical troupes, and Joffrey's special request..."
Duke Tywin had no patience to listen to Tyrion's complaints, "Extravagance has its uses. This is a good opportunity to display the Lannister's wealth and power to the Seven Kingdoms."
Tyrion shrugged, "Then the costs should all be charged to the Lannister's account."
Duke Tywin gazed at Tyrion for a moment and said, "I've reviewed the ledgers left by the previous Master of Coin. Under his management, the royal income increased tenfold compared to Aerys's era."
"Haven't you checked how many times the expenses have increased? Robert I squandered money as generously as he squandered his'seeds'!"
After a pause, Tyrion reminded him, "Furthermore, most of Petyr's money was borrowed. You should be very clear about this; he borrowed the most from the Lannister."
He sighed, "True, we have to admit his ability to make money, but unfortunately, the increased wealth was offset by loan interest."
He grinned, "Hand of the King Tywin, are you willing to write off the royal debts owed to the Lannister?"
Duke Tywin stared at Tyrion and said, "Of course not."
Tyrion leaned forward, "Hand of the King Tywin, in my opinion, seven feasts are entirely sufficient, and the number of guests can be reduced to three hundred. In fact, a satisfactory wedding can be held without too many extravaganzas."
Duke Tywin thought for a moment, then shook his head slightly, saying, "In that case, the House Tyrell would consider the Lannister stingy. My resolve remains unchanged; the wedding arrangements and the reconstruction of King's Landing must be carried out. This is your duty, Tyrion."
Tyrion leaned back in his chair with a tired expression and said, "Fortunately, I borrowed a sum of money for the royal treasury from Greene this morning. Otherwise, I would likely become the shortest-serving Master of Coin."
Duke Tywin's gaze narrowed slightly, "Greene Crabb?"
Tyrion grinned, "Duke Green."
Duke Tywin's eyes were deep, and his calm face showed no emotion.
Tyrion smiled slightly, "I should also prepare a gift for my sister Cersei, to celebrate her gaining the right to choose her own marriage partner."
A vein on Duke Tywin's forehead pulsed, and he said, "Tyrion, you have your cleverness, but the problem is you can't control your tongue."
He frowned tightly, "Stop being glib in front of me. I don't fall for that, and I have no obligation to satisfy your curiosity."
He looked directly at Tyrion, "Tell me, what power do you want from me?"
His scheme seen through by the Old Lion, Tyrion was slightly embarrassed. He shrugged and said, "Lord Hand, I want to add a new tax for 'rich people'."
Duke Tywin asked, "Rich people?"
Tyrion smiled slightly, "I'm referring to that group of people who, besides being full, can still think about having fun."
After gazing at Tyrion for a moment, Duke Tywin nodded slightly and said, "You may, but don't cause trouble, or I will use you to quell the chaos."
His father's ruthlessness made Tyrion smile, his expression slightly stiff. He placed a hand on his chest and said, "Lord Hand, thank you for your support. King's Landing needs repairs, and the King's wedding, I will resolve them as soon as possible."
Duke Tywin's response was still cold, "Let me see your results as soon as possible. You don't have much time, Tyrion."
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