iron throne of ice and fire

Chapter 232 The King's Hand

Tyrion looked up at President Harlem and said, "Well, this is good news."

President Harlem once again assured: "Your Majesty Prime Minister, my brothers will never be careless..."

After a pause, he smiled and then said: "But, if you allow me, tell the truth..."

Tyrion's eyes moved to the wildfire jar and said casually: "Ah, please."

President Harlem smiled again and said: "Wildfire runs through our blood and exists in the heart of every pyromancer... We are in awe of its power, but ordinary soldiers... tend to be hot-headed when fighting. Go for it...but any small mistake can lead to disaster...I must say this again. My father reminded King Aerys (the Mad King) many times, and my grandfather did the same to Jaehaerys. Said the King (the Mad King’s father).”

Tyrion pinched his chin and said: "Presumably... this will be a suggestion that people accept happily. No one wants to be a plate of fragrant barbecue."

"Hey hey hey..."

Ignoring President Harling's obscene laughter, Tyrion picked up an empty can from the corner and pondered: "Are there enough materials to make these round cans?"

President Harlem nodded and said: "It's plenty. Thank you for your concern, Prime Minister."

Tyrion grinned: "In that case, you don't mind making thousands more, right?"

President Harlem asked doubtfully: "How many thousands?"

Tyrion put the empty can aside and said, "On the premise that it does not affect the process of making 'fruit', I can give you as many empty cans as you can."

He clapped his hands and continued: "Remember to keep it secret. I will ask Sir Jacelyn Bywater (Commander-in-Chief of Cash Robes) to find you."

"Yes, Prime Minister."

President Harlem nodded in agreement, paused, and said doubtfully: "But... why..."

Tyrion smiled at the Wise Man of Harlem and said, "It's really cold here. Please remind me to wear more clothes next time... My Wise Man, I've seen enough. Could you please send me out?"

"Hey, hey, it's my pleasure, Prime Minister." President Harlem held up the oil lamp to lead the way.

As he walked, he said: "Prime Minister Tyrion, it's great that you can come to visit in person. This is us...hehehe, it's a great honor. It's been a long time since a Prime Minister has visited here, and the only one above him is Lord Rossart. He himself is a member of our guild... When King Aerys was on the throne, he was always very interested in the Alchemist Guild."

Rossart was the master of the Alchemists' Guild during the time of Aerys II. He was the author of the roasting of Lord Rickard Stark (Ned's father), who was killed by Jaime Lannister during the fall of King's Landing. Killed.

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Tyrion grinned: "I believe King Joffrey will also be deeply concerned."

He added in his mind: Joffrey liked to have people fight to the death every time he dealt with petitions in the throne room, and he didn't want that kid to get the idea of ​​burning people alive.

So... we can't let them get close to my good nephew... Well, he doesn't have the courage to serve Mad King II.

President Harlem said flatteringly: "We sincerely hope that your noble Majesty can also visit our guild."

Tyrion shrugged: "I will discuss this with my sister."

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This trip to the Alchemist's Guild made his feet sore, so he awkwardly mounted the horse with the help of the little attendant.

The morning light was warm, and the tired Tyrion suddenly felt relaxed when he thought of the "surprise" he had prepared for Stannis.

He sang in a low voice: On the haystack - a woman is kissed... Hi - yea... Hi - yea...

Tyrion Lannister didn't enjoy his good mood long before the Hand's Tower steward hurriedly brought him a "surprise" about Stannis.

Stannis raided the Bitterbridge camp at the Golden Rose, and he suddenly had tens of thousands more infantry in his hands? !

Tyrion's voice contained complaints: "Very well, I am now certain that Stannis will never forgive Lannister."

Bronn on the side smiled and said: "My lord, I am not sure about others, but you will definitely not be able to escape."

Tyrion shrugged his little shoulders and said, "To be honest, I actually kind of like Stannis. He has done what I have fantasized about many times."

After pondering for a moment, Tyrion waved to the young affairs officer from the Western Territory and said, "Hey, tell my Queen Mother the good news later."

With a change of tone, he said seriously: "This is very important, so hurry up!"

Hearing this, the young affairs officer nodded solemnly and immediately rode away.

Tyrion looked at the direction where the steward was leaving and grinned: "Sister and brother have fun together. I am such a good brother. I am proud of me on behalf of my sister."

After laughing for a while, Tyrion said: "Let's go, it seems that our actions will be accelerated."

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Junlin, Linhe Gate (Mud Gate).

Tyrion found Ser Jacelyn on the wall, watching hundreds of gold-coated recruits in action in the square below.

Tyrion waved casually towards the golden-robed commander-in-chief who was saluting him, and said, "How are they? My sergeant."

As he spoke, he looked down.

Ser Jacelyn spoke, "They join for a piece of bread and a bed of straw, Hand Tyrion."

There are only 6000 gold robes in King's Landing, which is not even enough to defend the city wall. Tyrion has to expand his soldiers as much as possible despite the shortage of food and grass.

When the war begins, Tyrion has no illusions about how powerful these newly recruited "refugees" will be.

But... now it can at least help him stabilize the hearts and minds of King's Landing.

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Tyrion withdrew his gaze from below and said, "Sir, I know time is very tight, so I will not make excessive demands of you."

Ser Jacelyn turned to Tyrion, he hesitated, and said: "Prime Minister Tyrion, they are greener than spring grass, but no one wants to be a coward in the eyes of others. So when the war started, when the trumpet shook the sky, When the flag is flying, they will fight bravely...but if the momentum goes wrong, they will collapse and flee. When one man throws down his spear, a thousand others will follow his example."

Tyrion's eyes trembled slightly... Tywin Lannister... His kind father often taught that guards are not soldiers, and the golden robes do the job of guards.

Now, Tyrion hoped that another of the old Lion's adages would be borne out: in a fortified city, one is worth ten.

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Seeing Tyrion's silence, Sir Jacelin said again: "Your Majesty Prime Minister, I will fight to the end."

Tyrion immediately retracted his thoughts of almost running away. He reached out and patted Sir Jacelin's strong thigh and said: "Military merit is a good thing. When the time comes, I will get you an earl."

Ser Jacelyn bowed solemnly, stroking his chest.

Tyrion stretched, paused, and said: "I have two things to do here today. The first thing is that you go to the Alchemist Guild as soon as possible and bring some round clay pots, and then you use those round pots Come to train the soldiers to operate the crossbow. Fill the round can with green paint and practice the loading and firing of the soldiers. Anyone who spills the paint will be removed. When the soldiers become familiar with the paint can, they will modify the lamp oil. Ask them to light the fuel tank first, and then launch it. Once they can use it freely without hurting themselves... they can use the wildfire of the Alchemist Guild in battle." "Wildfire? That is a dangerous thing, and your training method is very clever. "

Sir Jacelyn scratched his cheek with his iron hand and continued: "However, I have no fondness for the alchemist's excrement."

Tyrion put his hands behind his back and said: "But this shit can strengthen the defense of King's Landing, and maybe it can also bring you honor, my knight."

"Yes, I will arrange it according to your instructions, my Lord Prime Minister."

Tyrion nodded with satisfaction and said: "The second thing... you come with me."

Tyrion walked to the other side of the city wall and called Bronn over, who was standing not far away.

The other side of the city wall was in the direction of the dock. Tyrion stretched out his neck and looked at the buildings under the city wall. They were close to the city wall, like shells attached to the hull of a ship. Among them were bait warehouses, canteens, warehouses, shops, taverns, and Cheap women's hospital.

He pointed down and said, "See? With these things, I think Stannis won't even have to worry about building a ladder."

Tyrion retracted his neck and looked at Bronn, a former mercenary. Sir Jacelyn's character was not suitable for what was to come, but he could restrain the lawless mercenary.

He said: "My guard captain will organize a hundred people tomorrow to burn everything from the river to the city wall."

He waved his stubby fingers: "Nothing is allowed to stand within the field of vision. My request is to be clean and tidy, do you understand?"

Bronn looked at the buildings below for a while and said: "My lord, the people living inside will not be happy."

Tyrion said solemnly: "They can't be happy now. It just gives them a new reason to curse their little devil prime minister."

Bronn asked again: "There will be people who resist, and they won't be obedient."

Tyrion pointed to Ser Jacelyn standing aside and said: "Ser Ironhand will ensure that they fail."

Bronn spread his hands and said: "My lord, the last question is, how do you plan to arrange the residents here."

Tyrion looked at the crowd below and said: "Give them enough time to move their property, and then clear them all away. My guard captain, try not to see blood, they are not enemies."

"As you command, my lord."

After a few more instructions, Tyrion was ready to leave. He had to summon the blacksmiths of King's Landing in the Prime Tower today.

At this time, Sir Jacelin suddenly said: "Prime Minister Tyrion, more than a dozen captains of the requisitioned ships come to me to protest every day."

Tyrion paused and wondered: "Why are they looking for you? Don't they know where the Prime Minister's Tower is?"

Bronn answered the question with a smile: "The king has an order that if the 'mob' approaches the Red Keep, they will be shot directly."

"Ha, my nephew, the king, has a unique way of gaining love."

Tyrion looked at Sir Jacelyn and continued: "I promised them compensation for the war. Obviously they are not at ease."

Sir Jacelyn said directly: "Those captains are worried that we will be defeated."

Tyrion grinned: "Then I can just hand over the compensation matter to their King Stannis."

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Tyrion returned to the Prime Minister's Tower without stopping, and first changed his clothes in the dormitory: a black velvet coat, a crimson silk gold-rimmed cloak, and a golden Prime Minister's necklace.

After drinking a glass of wine, Tyrion moved toward the drawing room surrounded by stewards and guards.

The door was pushed open and the waiter chanted: "Welcome Lord Tyrion Lannister, Lord Chancellor!"

Everyone in the hall knelt down one after another, and Tyrion walked slowly past with his chin slightly raised. He... had to admit that he had long liked this feeling, it was fascinating.

Tyrion climbed up to the high seat under the golden round window, first motioned for them to get up, and then said: "Everyone, I know you are busy with your affairs, so I won't talk too much."

He gestured to the little attendant: "Pod, please."

Podrick nodded. He unzipped the drawstring and emptied the contents of the canvas bag. The metal clattered onto the blanket with a vague clang.

Tyrion glanced at the blacksmiths and said, "I ordered the blacksmiths of the Red Keep to make this. I want a thousand more similar things."

After he finished speaking, a blacksmith bent over and carefully inspected three thick steel chains that were twisted together and said, "A very stiff iron chain."

Tyrion spread his hands and said: "Hardness is tough, but it's a pity that it's as short as me. The finished product I want is much longer than this."

He looked at the first blacksmith who stood up and asked, "What's your name?"

The blacksmith was wearing ordinary wool and leather clothes. He was short and very stout, with arms as thick as an ox's neck.

The blacksmith replied: "Dear Prime Minister, everyone calls me Iron Belly."

Tyrion nodded slightly, glanced at everyone, and said: "I want every iron shop in King's Landing to start making this kind of iron chain and then string it together. Put aside all other work, and I want everyone who knows how to make iron to devote themselves to this. thing, apprenticeship or not, apprenticeship or not. When I ride through Steel Street, I expect to hear the hammer hammering day and night."

"I also need someone, a capable person, to be responsible for supervising this matter..."

Tyrion looked at the Iron Belly Blacksmith again and continued: "Iron Belly, do you think you are such a person?"

"Sir, even if I am willing..."

After a pause, Tiedu continued: "But what about the armor and swords that the Queen Mother wants?"

Another blacksmith also said: "The Queen Mother ordered us to step up the production of armor, swords and axes. There are huge quantities. It is said that they will be used by the new recruits of the Golden Robe, sir."

Another blacksmith also stood up. He said nervously: "Sir, please forgive me. The Queen Mother ordered that anyone's hands be smashed if they fail to complete the work as scheduled."

Tyrion wants to hold his forehead, and Cersei's way of gaining love is also very unique. She and Joffrey are indeed mother and son.

Tyrion solemnly said: "First make the iron chain. What you are worried about will not happen. I assure you, this is the promise of the Prime Minister, witnessed by the gods."

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The Long Table Hall, The Reach.

Green Kleb caressed his chest and said, "I'm so happy to see that you are safe and sound, Margaery..."

As he spoke, Green blinked. He seemed to be troubled by the last name.

Margaery Tyrell's fingers flexed, and she smiled like a flower: "Earl Green, I like you to call me Miss Margaery."

(End of this chapter)