Lion or Deer

Would Robert want Tywin Lannister as Prime Minister?

Looking at that fat face, Joffrey fell into deep thought.

He never believed that Robert was as rugged as he appeared.

Back then, as soon as the war of usurpers ended, he stabilized the entire kingdom with astonishing speed.

Arrangements, alliances, and even showing mercy to former adversaries.

Despite having Jon Arryn's guidance, his methods were remarkably clean and efficient.

That is why half of the people in this imperial council are former officials of the previous dynasty.

Joffrey glanced discreetly across both sides of the long table, beginning to carefully discern who had given the suggestion.

Grand Secretary Paisel's chest was still rising and falling slightly, as if he had just rushed over and hadn't even caught his breath.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Petyr gently stroked his chin, his gaze briefly meeting Joffrey's before sliding away.

The chief intelligence officer, Varys, stood with his hands clasped together, his purple robes shimmering in the candlelight, his expression as serene as a deep pool.

Justice Secretary Renly Baratheon, seemingly oblivious to the situation, was intently trimming his nails.

Ser Barristan Selmy, captain of the Kingsguard, sat upright like a statue, his white armor gleaming, and he seemed to be thinking of nothing at all.

The seat of the First Lord of the Sea was left empty, as Stannis Baratheon had left too quickly, returning to Dragonstone just as the Prime Minister fell ill, without even attending the funeral.

After glancing over the group of idiots and sycophants, Joffrey already had his answer.

So he shook his head.

"Lord Tywin is not suitable."

As soon as he finished speaking, several gazes immediately focused on him.

"Oh?" Robert leaned forward, his burly frame pressing against the wall. "Then tell me."

"There are three reasons," Joffrey stated clearly.

"First, Lord Tywin's governing style is too harsh. What the kingdom needs now is peace and stability, not the ruthless methods he prefers."

The eunuch Varys nodded slightly.

"Secondly, Lord Tywin Lannister's decision to sack King's Landing still resents some people to this day."

"If he were to take up residence in the Red Keep, it would likely tarnish my father's honor."

At this point, Joffrey glanced at Littlefinger, and his ever-present faint smile froze almost imperceptibly for a moment.

Grand Maester Paisell wiped the sweat from his brow: "Your Highness, that's all ancient history. Lord Tywin is now..."

"Let him finish first." Robert leaned forward with interest, interrupting Paisell.

"Third," Joffrey continued, "Lord Tywin is the Warden of the West, the Duke of Casterly Rock."

"If the Lannisters were to become Hand of the King again, their power in King's Landing would be far too great."

"Finance, the military, and the imperial council will all be in the hands of the maternal relatives, which will directly disrupt the balance of the court."

"Therefore, Lord Tywin must never become Prime Minister."

A brief silence fell over the council chamber.

Robert then threw his head back and burst into a loud laugh.

"Hahaha, good lad, you see things clearly." He pointed a finger at the crowd in front of him, "You guys are usually so cunning."

"Why is it that even my son understands this principle, yet no one points it out to me?"

The eunuch was the first to raise his head, his gentle voice as smooth as silk: "Your Highness is intelligent and precocious, and thoughtful."

"But... if not Lord Tywin, does His Majesty have someone else in mind?"

Robert snorted through his nose, "What do you think?"

Lan Li also put down his nail file and stretched his head vigorously.

Joffrey had planned this all along and spoke up at the opportune moment.

"Edward Stark".

"The Duke of Winterfell, Warden of the North, and one of the Kingdom's most loyal vassals."

The voice was clear and firm.

"Why him! Stark has only been to the South once in his life," Renly exclaimed.

Before Joffrey could retort, Littlefinger took over the conversation.

"That is why the Stark family has never had any conflicts of interest with the royal family, and thus does not arouse suspicion from other families."

"Furthermore, Lord Ed is renowned for his honor and impartiality." He turned to Joffrey. "Your Highness, am I correct?"

Joffrey nodded.

This guy was probably misled by Joffrey last night and recommended Tywin along with Paisell.

Now that they've found someone more advantageous to them, they immediately switch sides.

Robert seemed to be still considering it, or perhaps he was just pretending to.

Joffrey pressed his advantage, saying, "Father, more importantly, you trust Lord Ed."

"It's like trusting your own brother."

Upon hearing that last sentence, a sharp glint flashed in the king's eyes.

Then a near-ecstatic smile spread across his face, and he slammed his large hand heavily on the table.

"Good! Well said!"

"That really hit the nail on the head!"

At this moment, the two smiling tigers and the black shark also seized the opportunity to chime in, "Yes, yes, that's right."

Lan Liben wanted to argue further, but in the end he slumped back down, saying dejectedly, "Fine."

But she immediately reverted to her usual cheerful self.

"But nephew, you flatter your uncle too much. Judging from his appearance, ten of me couldn't compare to him."

Immediately, others also made up a bunch of things to praise Joffrey.

He accepted it without hesitation, displaying a very arrogant but pleased expression.

Because, from this moment on, history, after undergoing a tremendous change, was reversed by him.

Although he may have been used as a pawn by Robert, Joffrey was also trying out the role he was required to play.

[Heavenly Will Value +3]

Added a little too little.

I wonder how much pride is required for this so-called unyielding spirit.

Joffrey secretly plotted in his mind.

However, he certainly did not want Tywin to become prime minister.

Although in the short term, it would be more beneficial to his survival.

But given this guy's methods, it will take Joffrey at least eight or ten years to make a name for himself; he simply can't wait that long.

Eddard Stark was different.

Because in this world, some people believe in everything, while others believe in nothing.

Some people only believe the first one, while others only trust the last one.

The Stark family is clearly the former.

Ed is an honest and kind man, and he's also very proud.

With a little guidance from Joffrey, he can naturally be led to investigate where he wants.

After a brief discussion, Robert asked a question from the side.

"Do you have any further objections?" The voice carried an undeniable decisiveness.

"Then it's settled."

"Petty, arrange the itinerary. After the tournament is over, I will personally go to Winterfell to invite him."

Upon hearing this, Joffrey's eyelids twitched.

Do we need to hold a martial arts tournament first?

The death of the former prime minister, thanks to Joffrey's efforts, had been brought forward to before his name day.

So he wanted to know if his flapping wings could shake this predetermined trajectory.

If we delay for another two months, everything will just go back to the way it was.

Joffrey immediately said, "Father, why don't we head north first?"

"When Lord Ed travels all the way south with us, you will surely host a banquet to welcome him."

"In my opinion, wouldn't it be better to postpone my nameday celebrations a little longer, and then combine the two banquets upon my return to King's Landing, creating a grand event that will attract the attention of all seven kingdoms? Wouldn't that be even better?"

Robert stroked his chin and muttered something under his breath.

"A joint event? How big would that be? It'd be much more fun to just have a lively event and play for a few months straight..."

He glanced at Joffrey and waved his hand: "Forget it, it's your holiday, you decide. As long as you don't mind, we'll celebrate together."

Joffrey immediately nodded in agreement.

In his opinion, it would be best not to hold any events at all!

He'll use the royal treasury and borrow his grandfather's golden dragon; these will all become his capital!

After all, the old prime minister was dead, and no one could restrain Robert's extravagant desires.

These spendthrift men usually squander money like water. After holding two more events in a row, it would take at least tens of thousands of gold coins to fill this hole.

After that, Joffrey figured he had nothing more to do, so he got up and took his leave.

He wanted to go back and test the drug's effectiveness.

"What's the rush? Sit down here first." Robert's eyes were full of amusement.

"Stay with me until the end of the meeting!"