After being away for a few days, Jason Liu returned to see that the open space in the logging yard had basically been poured with mixed concrete. Even if it snowed in the future, the ground would no longer be muddy.
Maester Qyburn followed Lord Jason's gaze and said softly, "My lord, this substance called cement that you brought is truly remarkable. It only takes two or three days for a mixture of stones, sand, and lime to harden. The paste becomes as solid as stone—it's certainly an excellent material for constructing houses and roads."
"We call this mix concrete, Maester," Jason Liu said, repeating the term before continuing. "If you're interested, you can study its uses, Maester. But for now, let's talk about those people from the Citadel."
"I didn't expect the Citadel to send Maester Adrian personally. It seems the old traditionalists in the Citadel are still alert and realize the value of the revolutionary medicine you've brought," Jason added, his tone light as the old man smiled warmly.
"Maester Qyburn, I hope you'll remain at the logging camp long-term. I need many capable people who can read, write, and calculate. After all, the villagers who are illiterate can't manage this operation. We'll be building more factories soon."
With a smile, Jason Liu looked at the scholarly man. "That assistant maester, Abel seems to respect you. Perhaps you can persuade him to join you here first."
"Abel… yes, he is a good assistant. Compared to the young ones currently following me, an assistant like Abel is far more capable and helpful."
Maester Qyburncouldn't help complaining about the young apprentices he brought with him. He also supported Jason Liu's plan to recruit more people from the Citadel. With the help of such assistants, his research would undoubtedly progress more smoothly.
"My lord, rest assured—I'll do my best to retain them. Of course, the generous compensation you offer is also a critical factor."
Jason Liu nodded. "Very well. I hope they won't be recalled by Oldtown. I'll ensure they receive the best treatment here."
"That shouldn't be a problem," Maester Qyburn replied with a chuckle. "Compared to the hardships of the Citadel, these assistant maesters and apprentices will certainly make wise choices between the Citadel and House East."
Within two days of Jason Liu returning to the castle in the Winter Market Town, the merchant from King's Landing who had ordered carriages over a month ago arrived.
Coincidentally, there were 100 large carriages and 100 small carriages ready in the warehouse.
After hearing that His Majesty Robert—currently visiting Winterfell again—was very pleased with the two carriages Jason had sent earlier, the merchant immediately purchased the entire stock.
One hundred large luxury carriages and one hundred small ones brought in a total of 170,000 gold dragons.
Along with the sale of paper, pens, soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, Jason Liu received over 13,000 additional gold dragons.
Now, the gold dragons in his possession totaled nearly 500,000—and there would be more income in the future.
The amount of money he was earning made him uneasy. He knew he had to find ways to spend it wisely. On one hand, he needed to reinvest in businesses that could generate long-term profits in modern terms—like logging.
On the other hand, he had to strengthen his own power. Currently, he commanded only 300 soldiers. Compared to the vast sum of wealth he held, this was an insecure number.
When Eddard Stark headed to King's Landing and the truth about the three Lannister children not being the king's got exposed, conflict with House Lannister would be inevitable. War would follow.
In such troubled times, having vast wealth without adequate power made one a target—a fat sheep waiting to be slaughtered.
Jason Liu realized that he needed to make future plans immediately.
Truthfully, he was probably one of the people most eager for lasting peace in Westeros. Only in a stable and peaceful society could he continue profiting from the goods he sold.
But in wartime, nobles would hardly prioritize spending on his commodities. Business would be severely impacted.
And that was something Jason Liu didn't want to see happen.
So, for now, his best course was to strengthen his forces as quickly as possible—at least enough to protect himself once chaos broke out.
As for involving himself in the game of thrones, he had considered it—but only as a thought. Without real power, it was nothing more than fantasy.
A few days later, one morning, the sound of horses' hooves echoed through the Winter Market Town again. Jason Liu quickly learned from Kent—his man stationed in Winterfell—that the king and Lord Eddard had gone hunting.
Upon hearing the news, Jason's first thought was that Jaime and Cersei, that pair of reckless lovers, were about to misbehave. These two were incredibly bold—daring to act so brazenly in someone else's castle.
Honestly, Jason Liu didn't care about what happened between Jaime and Cersei. What he was concerned about was that young Bran might end up crippled as he did in the original timeline—and possibly possessed by the Three-Eyed Raven.
After a moment of consideration, Jason Liu changed into more suitable clothes and rushed to Winterfell with four guards.
He planned to wait right at the base of the Broken Tower. He didn't believe Jaime and Cersei would dare sneak in while he was watching.
As long as they didn't enter the ruined tower, Bran should be fine.
He wasn't concerned that saving Bran would draw the attention of the Green Seer.
He knew very well that, as an outsider appearing in the North, he was already on the Green Seer's radar.
In this case, rescuing Bran made little difference. Besides, being far from the Wall, the Greenseer—already preoccupied with the Cold God and the Night King—couldn't do anything to him.
Having made up his mind, Jason Liu and his men entered Winterfell. The servants all recognized Lord East and didn't stop him.
Jason Liu halted a young servant. "I brought Master Bran a new toy. Could you help me find him?"
He then gestured for Kent to step forward and hand the boy a silver stag.
Holding the silver coin gratefully, the servant bowed and said excitedly, "Lord East, please wait a moment. I'll inform Bran right away!"
With that, the servant ran to the main keep to find Bran.
Jason Liu could only hope that Bran hadn't already gone to the Broken Tower—and that Jaime and Cersei hadn't gone there either.
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