You must know that the Stark family has been the master of the North for thousands of years, while the East family is merely an outsider who arrived in the North less than half a year ago, with almost no foundation in the region.
No one could have imagined that this young Earl, Jason, would have the audacity to set his sights on the Stark family's territory.
Yes, no one would have thought he would dare to do that!
In everyone's mind, as long as the Stark family gives the word, Jason East would find enemies everywhere, and his plan to seize land would seem like a joke.
But Jason Liu simply intended to use everyone's underestimation of him to make the impossible possible. Or do you think the information he has about the future of Westeros is false?
"Considering the future development of commerce and the ease of trade with other Free Cities across the Narrow Sea, it's best to build a port and develop our own fleet."
As he spoke, Boris pointed to White Harbor City, then traced westward along the largest river in the North—White Knife River. "Since seaports are unavailable, we can only consider building an inland port along the White Knife River."
"Here—"
Boris pointed to a bend in the river. The map showed an inland area where the White Knife River passed through a lake before curving and flowing straight to White Harbor City, eventually reaching the sea.
Saylor Lake—a no-man's-land in the easternmost territory of Winterfell—had barren, rocky shores where crops could not be cultivated. As a result, there were hardly any villages nearby.
Boris looked up at Lord Jason and continued, "Since you're not concerned about poor land, then simply choose to build a trade port by Lake Saylor."
"In this way, merchants from other territories of the Seven Kingdoms—and even from across the Narrow Sea—can sail through White Harbor, follow the White Knife River, and reach Lake Saylor, which is far faster than traveling overland!"
Jason Liu rested his chin on his hand, eyes fixed on Lake Saylor on the map as Boris spoke, his thoughts spinning rapidly.
"If water transportation is so convenient, then why haven't merchant ships from White Harbor sailed west along the White Knife River to the interior before? Why did they opt to switch to carriages at White Harbor to reach Winterfell?" Jason asked, puzzled.
"Because west of Lake Saylor, the White Knife River gradually narrows. The riverbed is treacherous, full of unknown currents and reefs. Many ships were wrecked in the past, so merchants no longer dare navigate it."
Boris continued, "Also, not many merchants came to Winterfell before. The North has a small population and is a famously barren land in Westeros. With few merchants, no one bothered. Transporting by land was sufficient."
"But now that you've brought in so many best-selling goods, more merchants are coming to Winterfell. Therefore, it will be very advantageous to dredge the river channel from Saylor Lake to White Knife in White Harbor."
"Merchants from all over can go straight to Lake Saylor as long as they pass through White Harbor by boat and follow the dredged White Knife River. If you build a new Eastbourne store by the lake, it will be much more convenient for selling goods."
Boris had learned about the merchants coming and going from the Eastbourne store outside Winterfell.
He knew the biggest problem was the location—it was too remote.
Merchants had to travel over 800 kilometers from White Harbor to reach Winterfell.
The travel time was too long.
This made the flow of goods extremely slow.
There was no helping it. Westeros was backward. Most carriages were made of wood—how fast could anyone expect them to go?
Jason Liu seriously considered Boris's suggestion and realized it made perfect sense.
Water transport was far faster than land. If they built a port at Lake Saylor and moved the business there, merchants would undoubtedly arrive more quickly to make purchases.
As for dredging the river? As long as they were willing to spend money, why wouldn't it be possible?
Pop!
Jason Liu clapped his hands, his face beaming with satisfaction. "Well, Boris, your proposal is excellent. I've decided—we'll build a port at Lake Saylor, then dredge the river from Lake Saylor to White Harbor. The Eastbourne store will be relocated there!"
"What about the hospital?" Boris was more concerned about the medical clinic he managed.
Jason Liu looked at him. "Of course, it'll be moved too! We'll keep the sawmill hospital in Winterfell, but the main hospital will be moved as well. I'll give you time to build a bigger one when we relocate."
Of course, the prerequisite is that we get Winterfell's permission. After all, Lake Saylor belongs to the Stark family's domain!
Before Jason Liu could travel to Winterfell to negotiate for the lease of the Saylor Lake wasteland, his friend from the Westernlands arrived at the Eastbourne store, bringing a dozen merchants from major cities along the western border.
"Burt, it's really been a long time—" Jason Liu set the map aside and laughed as he looked at Burt Bancroft.
Seeing that everything here was under control, Boris gave Jason a slight nudge and slipped back to the hospital next door.
"Lord Jason, greetings from Burt. Thank you for remembering a small man like me—it makes me very happy to see you!" Burt bowed deeply, but his smile was a little bitter.
"But you don't really look that happy," Jason Liu teased as he noticed Burt's strained smile.
Of course Burt wasn't happy. Previously, he had enjoyed a monopoly, procuring goods from Winterfell alone and selling them at high profits back in the Westernlands.
Now, all that had changed. The big merchants of the Westernlands had been attracted by the profits, especially several traders with strong ties to the Lannister family—so Burt didn't dare to refuse them.
From now on, he would no longer be able to pocket huge profits alone!
Realizing this, Jason Liu smiled outwardly but cursed inwardly.
No wonder none of the big merchants from the Westernlands had come earlier. That greedy Burt had been trying to block all information about this place.
Just like those small-time merchants from Oldtown who had gotten a taste of profit, Burt had tried to keep it all to himself. Only by monopolizing it could he earn more.
Truly, everyone in business wants to create a monopoly!
After understanding the situation, Jason Liu didn't feel even a little sympathy for Burt. But considering that Burt had helped him gather many rare items in the past, he decided not to be too harsh.
Lena and her team were already managing the Eastbourne store skillfully, so Jason Liu didn't interfere. He headed straight to the west entrance to greet the major merchants gathering at the counter.
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