#282 - Chapter 16: The Royal Wedding (Part 2)
#282 - Chapter 16: The Royal Wedding (Part 2)
Lyanna curtsied, "Lord Hand, I'll take my leave." Cersei stepped forward, accompanying her as she led the two children towards a group of performing jugglers.
Liu Yuan stood there, watching Tywin with interest, wondering what he wanted to say.
Tywin sized Liu Yuan up and down before saying, "Lord Garon, it's been over a decade since we last met, hasn't it?"
Liu Yuan: "Indeed, it has been thirteen years. Our last meeting was at the Tourney at Lannisport."
Tywin: "When I saw you back then, you were just a young man. Even then, I knew you were destined for great achievements. I've always wanted you to join House Lannister, but unfortunately, I haven't been able to fulfill that wish."
Liu Yuan laughed: "Haha, I appreciate Lord Tywin's high regard. I've always been grateful for Lord Tywin's generosity, a full 300,000 gold dragons! I built my fortune on that money."
Tywin's old face darkened. Back then, House Lannister was at its peak; who knew they would fall into such a state. He said sincerely, "In reality, we have no real grievances with each other and shouldn't be hostile. The previous conflicts were just troubles caused by misunderstandings! Fortunately, I have shown my sincerity, and you, Lord, have accepted it. Your presence at this wedding shows your desire to ease relations. I think our relationship can be even closer. What do you think, Lord?"
Seeing the other party's statement, Liu Yuan's mouth slightly raised into a smile, and he responded, "Lord Tywin, I must say, your idea is indeed tempting. Unfortunately, I still have doubts about His Majesty and find it difficult to trust him. After all, he once threatened to hang my head on a spear for all to see."
Tywin quickly explained, "Regarding this matter, I have always believed there must have been some misunderstanding. In the beginning, the conflict between us was ultimately caused by that Stark boy. Now that King Joffrey has reached a reconciliation agreement with the North, there are naturally no conflicts between us. How about this, I have a good suggestion; how about a marriage between our houses? Of course, this is just a suggestion, and I sincerely hope you will consider it carefully. If we can truly work together, we will surely usher in a more glorious future!"
Liu Yuan's mouth rose, looking at Lord Tywin with a smile that was not a smile, and slowly said, "Lord Tywin, do you think there are any women of suitable age in our family?"
Tywin's eyes flickered, and he replied firmly, "My daughter Cersei is currently single. She is only in her thirties and was once the most famous beauty in the Seven Kingdoms. With her position as the Queen Mother, you can jointly step into national politics after your marriage. And I am old, and you will surely take over as Hand in the future."
Hearing this, the corners of Liu Yuan's mouth twitched, and he muttered to himself: Why does everyone want to be my father-in-law? Not to mention that Cersei is already thirty-six years old, her notorious reputation is well known. Is this Tywin's so-called sincerity for alliance? He's clearly here to make enemies!
However, Tywin did not notice Liu Yuan's dissatisfaction, and he continued, "Lord Garon, I have always valued talent very much. If you can marry Cersei, you will surely reach the pinnacle of power in the future and enjoy wealth and glory."
Liu Yuan glanced at Cersei not far away, with a faint smile on his face, and responded softly, "Thank you for the Prime Minister's kindness, but as for the matter between me and the Queen Mother, let's forget about it! I really can't muster any interest in widows. But please rest assured, as long as you don't launch an attack on Highgarden first, we will never take the initiative to be enemies with the Iron Throne." After speaking, Liu Yuan politely took his leave.
Tywin cursed Garon for being shameless, saying he had no interest in widows when his affair with Catelyn Tully had already spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms. But he was also a little helpless; Liu Yuan was not someone he could easily control.
At the banquet venue, Margaery held Joffrey's hand and said, "My dear, it's time to announce it."
"Alright, you can get lost! Everyone, please be quiet, the Queen has something to say." Already impatient, Joffrey immediately took out a handful of coins and threw them to the musicians playing.
Amidst the applause, Margaery stood up, raised her wine glass, and said, "We are so fortunate to enjoy such exquisite food, but many more people are not so lucky. Thank the gods, the wars in the kingdom are gradually subsiding, and King Joffrey has decided that the remaining food from this banquet will be given to the poorest people in the city."
As soon as she finished speaking, thunderous applause rang out again. Then, it was finally time for the long-awaited gift-giving ceremony, and the guests presented their carefully prepared wedding gifts.
Lord Tywin presented a glittering golden armor, its shape resembling the mighty lion armor that Liu Yuan had sold him before; Tyrion presented a precious 'Biography of Kings', which detailed the achievements of the Targaryen kings. In addition, Duke Mace also presented......
Each person's gift was very particular and seemed very decent. As a guest, Liu Yuan would naturally not be rude. However, he was the last to give a gift, and he generously presented a lifelike dragon statue. This statue was not only exquisitely crafted, but also made of rare Valyrian steel, with unique water ripples shimmering in the sunlight. Perhaps worried that the young king would not recognize the value, Maester Pycelle kindly introduced it to him.
Joffrey liked the gift given by Liu Yuan very much, but he hated the person who gave it. So, he began to provoke intentionally, "Lord Garon, I heard that you are a knight personally conferred by my father, yet you dare to attack the Kingsguard who conveyed my orders. Don't you think you should give me an explanation?"
Liu Yuan didn't indulge the brat: "Are you talking about that trash named Preston Greenfield? He asked me to kill him, and of course I had to fulfill his little wish. The Lannister knights can testify."
Joffrey: "I am the king. Daring to disobey my orders is treason."
Two members of the Kingsguard stepped forward, their hands already on their sword hilts.
Liu Yuan sneered, stepped forward two steps, supported himself on the table with both hands, stared at Joffrey, and said, "Didn't Tywin teach you? A crown doesn't represent power. You must respect the strong. What gave you the courage to yell at me, those two wastes behind you? Finally, let me state that my king is Robert, as for you...hehe!" After speaking, he got up and walked back.
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