Spending Gold Like Water

Although the gold of Casterly Rock comes and goes, some things are eventually accumulated.

Jon ordered his men to bring out all the treasures from the Lannister' repositories; according to a rough estimate, there were at least six thousand items!

For example, there was a gold crown inlaid with jewels, a scepter about a foot long, a silver outer garment adorned with jewels, exquisitely crafted swords with jewels inlaid on their blades, and breastplates that resembled works of art.

The most numerous items are gold statues made of pure gold and inlaid with gemstones.

Lions, dragons, castles, ships, and golden statues of twin babies.

Jadeite, gemstones, and pearls are countless.

It is said that when Tywin's wife gave birth to the twins Jaime and Cersei, despite the already strained relationship between Aerys and Tywin, still sent a gift of gold as large as the two children as a congratulatory present.

Thousands of treasures filled the square, leaving the crowd in awe.

Even Tyrell, whose family was quite wealthy, was extremely shocked by the sight before him.

Loras didn't consider himself a vulgar person who liked gold and treasures, but he couldn't help but take a second look at such a magnificent sight, especially under the sunlight, when the treasures in the square seemed to radiate a glow.

As for the soldiers responsible for guarding the area, needless to say, the sound of them swallowing their saliva almost never stopped.

Jon himself couldn't help but marvel at the Lannister ' vast wealth.

It's a pity that winter is coming in two years, and this winter is destined to be long. These so-called treasures can't be eaten or drunk, and because of their poor liquidity, they will become increasingly worthless.

Furthermore, Varys also sent Jon a message that members of the Queen's faction intended to seize the treasury of Casterly Rock to alleviate Stannis's financial problems.

So Jon decided to go all the way and simply get rid of all of these things.

Of course, they wouldn't sell them directly; that would be too slow, and the value of each treasure is difficult to estimate, ranging from several hundred to several thousand Gold Dragon.

Estimating the value alone would take a long time, so Jon chose to divide it directly.

The treasures were distributed to the nobles who participated in the attack on Casterly Rock, firstly as a way of thanking them for their help, and secondly as a way to exchange these treasures for their resources.

Jon knew that although he might lose a little money in the current exchange, the value of these things would depreciate "extremely quickly" when winter came two years later.

This world has experienced long, harsh winters before, but as a time traveler, he knew that this winter was not just winter, but also Long Night and wardrobes. Anything that couldn't be eaten, drunk, or used was no different from garbage.

While these things still have value in the eyes of the world, let's sell them all off.

Jon looked at Loras, Brynden, Paxter, and the others, and said, "My lords, this is all that is in the Lannister treasury. To thank you for your generosity, I have decided to distribute these things among you."

"Divide?" Paxter turned to look at Jon. He had traveled all over the country selling wine and was very knowledgeable. He could tell that more than half of these six thousand treasures were rare items!

Such a treasure is rarely seen, and its value is incalculable. He thought that either Jon was very generous, or Jon didn't know its worth, otherwise he wouldn't have made such a decision.

"Your Grace, the House Frey's military action was for the sake of our friendship, so we should leave these treasures behind," Black Walder said.

These treasures are indeed tempting, but if they were taken, the House Frey and Jon would be even.

Moreover, Black Walder believed that even if they took some, they wouldn't be able to take many items; at most, thirty to fifty treasures would be enough to balance the cost of their expedition, with a considerable surplus.

"Yes, Jon, the Westerlands aren't completely pacified yet, and money is needed everywhere, so we're not in a rush," Brynden added.

Actually, he was quite anxious. Riverlands was in ruins. Although the Twins was no longer under the Riverrun Riverrun, it would still cost a lot of money to rebuild some of the surrounding areas.

Seeing that everyone was refusing, Jon said, "My lords, we are allies. I, Jon Stark, will never keep the glory of victory to myself. If you are unwilling to take it, I will take it as your intention to part ways with me from now on."

Jon picked up a heavy, five- or six-inch-tall golden lion statue and began to speak.

Seeing that Jon seemed genuinely willing to give it, Black Walder said, "But Jon, the House Frey didn't send many troops this time, and the House Tyrell provided the supplies. The successful capture of Golden Tooth and Casterly Rock was also your doing. We really shouldn't take it!"

"Well then, Your Grace," Paxter said, "I think fifty or sixty treasures should be enough to cover the cost of my lost ships and the expenses of this fleet's deployment. You can keep the rest for yourself."

"Since Redwyne is only taking fifty or sixty items, then I'll take twenty," Brynden said.

He didn't necessarily want it that much, but he wanted to make the first move so that others could follow suit.

When the items were divided among everyone, they only received a few dozen pieces, less than a fraction of what was left. Jon, of course, would not allow this.

"How about this, we'll divide it according to the number of troops they send. The House Tyrell have sent 30,000 troops, more than all of us combined, and they've also provided military supplies. Ser Loras, you can take half!" Jon waved his hand, dividing half of the treasures in the plaza to the House Tyrell.

The others remained silent, simply observing the Tyrell brothers' reactions.

Garlan was still thinking when Loras had already refused.

"That won't do. Only ten thousand of Tyrell's army participated in the battle; the rest were engaged in harassment in the south. That's unfair to the others. Besides, taking half the treasure directly is too much. House Frey was right, Jon, your strategy was the biggest reason for our victory." Loras looked at Jon and said earnestly.

The others agreed after hearing this.

Upon hearing this, Jon casually tossed the golden statue in his hand to the ground, creating a small white crater.

"Since you all agree that I have made the greatest contribution, then I shall distribute these treasures," Jon said, stepping forward to the group. "These treasures vary in value, and it would be too troublesome to tally them all. My suggestion is that you don't pick and choose; just take them in order. What do you think?"

Everyone agreed with Jon's statement; if all the treasures were to be distributed, then everyone would at least receive a good share.

Moreover, these are all prominent feudal lords; it would be beneath them to be picky here.

Seeing that everyone had agreed, Jon said, "Ser Garlan, Ser Loras, no matter what, the House Tyrell has contributed 30,000 troops to this battle, along with a large amount of military supplies and a thousand treasures. We can't give less!"

"Seven hundred pieces!" Loras countered, not wanting Jon to look down on the Loras family, because a thousand pieces was still too many.

"Nine hundred pieces! It's settled!" Jon said firmly.

Once he married Margaery, Tyrell would be his staunch ally. He planned to tell Tyrell when the time was right not to let these treasures gather dust in his own vault, but to sell them to the Free Cities or the Iron Bank.

"Sir Brynden, Riverrun also dispatched four thousand soldiers when we were at Golden Tooth. Although they didn't manage to invade the Westerlands, their contribution cannot be overlooked. They brought one hundred and fifty treasures, plus Rickard's, making a total of three hundred. Please take these back to him."

"Your Grace, this is still too much," Brynden said repeatedly, but Jon insisted.

"Furthermore, Riverlands is currently in ruins, so I've decided to lend you another two hundred items," Jon said generously, waving his hand.

Jon knew that given the current situation in the Riverlands, they certainly wouldn't let these treasures gather dust in their vaults; they would definitely find a way to sell them, so there was no need to remind them.

Moreover, this is a huge favor to do for others. With so many people watching, if Tully keeps refusing to repay it, he'll be completely out of a job.

Besides, Jon said it was a loan and they would have to pay it back later.

It doesn't matter whether it's repaid with grain or gold, as long as the final amount won't be too outrageous.

After all, Westeros has been ruled by these families for thousands of years, and they all have their pride; they wouldn't take advantage of Jon in such a matter.

"Thank you, Your Grace!" Brynden bowed deeply, feeling that Jon was incredibly kind to be so forgiving.

"Sir Walder."

When Jon called his name, Black Walder licked his lips impatiently. Although he was trying his best, the expression on his face betrayed him.

Five hundred pieces!

"Your Grace, the House Frey only sent two thousand people. This is too many," Black Walder said repeatedly. He had thought that around two hundred items would be quite good.

"No, no, no, it's not much. I still need the Twins to help me transport the tribespeople from the Vale, and you promised to send me a batch of shipbuilders from the Twins. Consider the extra as payment. Also, I'd like some grain. Please discuss it with Duke Walder when you get back; consider it a purchase." Jon said, walking up to him. He then picked up a crown from the ground and said, "This treasure doesn't count as one of the five hundred; consider it a personal gift to Duke Walder."

Then he added softly, "Pick out a few pieces of jewelry for Miss Roslin as well, as a token of my appreciation."

Ultimately, under Jon's passionate pursuit, Black Walder accepted the number.

Jon and Old Walder began plotting against each other the moment they met, so telling him that the devaluation of the treasures was not Jon's responsibility was not his duty.

He should even thank himself for the crown.