He hoped Jason Liu could provide them with some material support for the sake of the Night's Watch guarding the Great Wall and defending against wildling attacks in the North.
Even Benjen had a clear idea in his mind. He knew that Jason Liu, a foreigner, didn't have many people available and couldn't offer much in the way of weapons. So, he could only place his hopes on money and materials.
Money was useless on the Great Wall. Even if you had it, you'd have to come south to purchase supplies. It was better to receive materials directly than money.
Thinking of building a good relationship with the Stark family—and since Jason Liu also had some thoughts regarding the Night's Watch—he quickly agreed to Benjen's request.
"I'll support you and the Night's Watch with 20 carriages of wheat and 1,000 sets of cotton-padded coats. Consider this my way of showing respect to both the Stark family and the Night's Watch," Jason declared.
Jason specifically emphasized that his willingness to donate materials to the Night's Watch was largely due to the Stark family.
The purpose of this donation was to strengthen ties with the Starks.
Presumably, the smart Benjen understood what he meant.
Benjen understood, but he didn't mind. He was already a brother of the Night's Watch, bound to serve them for life. If using his Stark surname could secure aid, then he had no qualms about using it temporarily.
"Thank you for your support, Lord Jason! I will visit you before I leave Winterfell. For now, please allow me to take my leave," Benjen said. Having gotten what he wanted, he was eager to stir up his older brothers again, hoping to get more support from the king.
It was a rare opportunity to see His Majesty Robert, and he wasn't willing to walk away without fighting for something for the Night's Watch.
Jason Liu watched Benjen's retreating figure with a smile. Presumably, once Eddard Stark heard that he was willing to help the Night's Watch, he would be even more favorable toward him.
The banquet was still lively, but Jason Liu had lost interest. He greeted Lady Catelyn and left early with his four guards.
The rooms at Winterfell were all full, but no one dared to force Jason Liu to stay, so Lady Catelyn couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when she heard he was returning to his castle in Winter Market Town.
The king's visit to Winterfell brought hundreds of guards and knights from noble families in the southern territories, making Winter Town more bustling than ever.
Most of these soldiers were drunk, and they all shared the same bad habits—either fighting or causing trouble. The tavern owners in Winter Market Town were overwhelmed.
But unlike the troubled tavern owners, business at the women's clinic was booming.
Especially due to the young master of the Lannister family, who was generous and bold—his presence drove the girls in Winter Market Town wild with excitement.
The little imp's reputation soon spread throughout the town.
Although Tyrion was short and ugly, he was incredibly wealthy!
With just a few golden dragons tossed about, he was immediately surrounded by flattery and praise.
Jason Liu heard all this from the chatter of Lena and the others in his shop.
However, he didn't take the initiative to meet Tyrion. Since the Stark and Lannister families were destined to clash in the future, Jason Liu—who was now based in the North—chose to keep his distance and avoid stirring suspicion from the Starks.
Jason Liu was busy now anyway, as the people he had been waiting for had finally arrived.
It was rare for Maester Luwin of Winterfell to take time out of his busy schedule to personally bring the people sent by the Citadel to the East Hospital.
Maester Luwin first introduced Jason Liu to a gray-haired, somber-looking man among the newcomers. "This is Maester Adrian, my old friend from the Citadel. He has a deep understanding of medicine."
"He's one of the few people with outstanding medical skills even after completing his studies."
"Lord Jason East…" the elderly Maester bowed slightly in greeting.
"Welcome, Maester Adrian!" Jason Liu returned the gesture and looked over the more than 20 people the Citadel had sent. He was quite pleased.
It seemed the Citadel's influence was indeed strong. Previously, he had asked merchants and Maesters from Oldtown to spread the word that he was recruiting Maesters and apprentices, but no one had come.
Now, with just one order from the Citadel, more than 20 people had arrived. It was impressive.
"This is Maester Abel, Maester Adrian's disciple and assistant. He's very gifted in medicine," Maester Luwin said, pointing to a young man.
The young Maester wore a chain made of three different metals around his neck, symbolizing his recognized expertise in three areas of study.
Compared to Boris—who was in his thirties and hadn't even earned a chain—this young Maester was indeed impressive.
Jason Liu greeted Maester Abel with a smile. Though the young man was polite, Jason could sense a trace of arrogance.
And rightly so—being so knowledgeable at such a young age was something to be proud of.
Boris looked at the younger Maester with envy. The kid had three links on his chain and a full head of hair. It just wasn't fair!
Boris stared at Maester Abel with a sour expression, feeling like he'd just swallowed a mouthful of lemons.
However, upon learning that Boris was merely an assistant Maester in his thirties, Abel quickly lost interest in him.
This time, the Citadel had sent Maester Adrian and Maester Abel to lead over 20 assistant Maesters and apprentices. Their main goal was to learn advanced medicine and study magical remedies from foreign lands.
Additionally, Maester Adrian would be evaluating Boris to determine if he truly met the qualifications for becoming a certified Maester of Medicine.
After introductions, Jason Liu invited them all to lunch.
Maester Luwin did not stay, as he needed to return to entertain King Robert in Winterfell.
But before leaving, he told Jason Liu that the king had personally sent a raven from Winterfell to King's Landing the day before. Soon, the nobles of all Seven Kingdoms would receive a royal decree from His Majesty Robert officially recognizing Jason's title as Earl of Starfire City.
Jason Liu was pleasantly surprised. It seemed King Robert had one good trait—he got things done after receiving gifts. Efficient indeed.
After seeing Maester Luwin off, Jason Liu focused on entertaining Maester Adrian and his party.
At the dining table, they discussed dividing the assistant Maesters and apprentices into two groups: one to remain at East Hospital in Winter Market Town, and the other to be sent to the hospital near the logging camp.
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