Chapter 7: Salt Farming and the Honey Plan

The people of the North's West Coast, whether it be the Ryswell family of the Rills, the Mormont family of Bear Island, the Glover family of Deepwood Motte, the Flint family of Flint's Finger, or the Wull family in the mountains near the Bay of Ice, have all suffered greatly from the ravages of Ironborn Pirates, and these lords harbor a deep hatred for them.

However, when it comes to them spending money to build arrow towers to defend against the Ironborn, these lords all appear very passive.

"To protect the safety of the West Coast, arrow towers must be built," Eddard urged his Vassals.

Lord Ryswell said, "Lord Eddard, the coastline is long; building arrow towers and stationing troops is a huge expense, and the future maintenance costs will also be a significant burden."

Lady Maege Mormont echoed, "The Wall is a perfect example, isn't it the largest defensive fortification in the world? Back then, Brandon the Builder constructed so many castles, yet now most are abandoned, with only Eastwatch, the Shadow Tower, and Castle Black barely holding on."

Other nobles nodded in agreement. Eddard said, "I have already thought through the maintenance costs of the arrow towers and the expenses for the soldiers. Each arrow tower will be garrisoned by twenty soldiers, and these soldiers can work in addition to their daily training. Beside each arrow tower, we will develop salt pans to refine sea salt. Like military colonies, I call this 'Salt Farming Plan'."

Lady Barbrey widened her eyes, Galbart Glover fell into deep thought, and Herman Tallhart looked confused; clearly, these people did not quite understand what Eddard was talking about.

Eddard had no choice but to explain patiently.

"My lords, in the North, salt is basically self-sufficient during the summer, but when winter comes, the sunlight is insufficient, and our sea salt collection yield drops sharply. In many places, salt pans stop production during the long winter. At this time, we can only rely on purchasing salt from across the Narrow Sea and from the southern regions."

"Every winter, we spend a large amount of Gold Dragons and Silver Stags to purchase table salt. We have long coastlines on both the east and west sides of the North; why not take advantage of the summer to vigorously develop salt pans by the sea? When winter comes, we can store a large amount of salt, and in the future, we might even be able to export it to other places to make money."

The First Men were not a seafaring people. On the lands of the North, the Northmen have faced invasions from all kinds of pirates, including Andal pirates, Ironborn Pirates, Wildling Raiders, Sistermen pirates, and pirates from the Stepstones. Salt pans in coastal areas were frequently destroyed by pirates, and over time, the number of salt pans in the North plummeted. By winter, table salt became so expensive that commoners dared not even dream of it. Eddard was determined to change this.

The Vassals of Winterfell gradually understood. Lady Barbrey said, "Does Lord Eddard mean to use the profits from the salt pans to pay for the soldiers and the maintenance of the arrow towers? This idea seems good. But the problem is, what if the sea salt produced cannot be sold out?"

Eddard said, "Winterfell will purchase it at market price. You only need to be responsible for the safety of the arrow towers and salt pans. Table salt is not worth much to the Ironborn, so you don't need to worry about the Ironborn attacking the salt pans."

Originally, the West Coast Vassals were complaining about the costs of arrow towers and soldiers, but once they realized that the accompanying salt pans could also make money, they immediately perked up, all agreeing to Eddard's plan with beaming smiles.

Seeing that the West Coast Vassals had arrow towers and could also make money from salt pans, the East Coast Vassals also became interested.

Roose Bolton's eyes, like dirty ice, flashed with light, "Lord Eddard, in fact, some pirates come to my lands from time to time as well. I could also build arrow towers and start salt pans there, I just don't know if Winterfell is willing to purchase them at market price."

Rickard Karstark stroked his beard, "Lord Eddard, as a cadet branch of House Stark, since you have proposed the Salt Farming Plan, how could I fall behind? My family's lands have plenty of sunshine, so the quality of the sea salt will surely be good. Don't forget, my family sigil is the white sunburst."

"Everyone knows that many Wildling Raiders row boats, bypass Eastwatch, cross the Bay of Ice, and land in my territory; this is a major threat to the North. I believe that by developing salt pans, building arrow towers, and stationing soldiers on the coast of my peninsula, those wildlings will never be able to endanger the kingdom again!"

Lord Locke of Oldcastle and Lyanne Flint of Widow's Watch also requested to build arrow towers and salt pans in their territories, and in the end, even Wyman Manderly joined in.

"White Harbor has plenty of beaches, and we originally had some salt pans. As long as Lord Eddard needs it, I can build arrow towers and salt pans to join the Salt Farming Plan. The arrow towers can enhance the city's defense and even scare off those smugglers!"

In truth, Lord Wyman did not care for the profits of arrow towers and salt pans; after all, White Harbor had considerable tariff revenue coming in every day. What Lord Wyman valued was the clause that "Winterfell will purchase at market price." As long as he joined this plan, there would be no worry about selling the salt from White Harbor.

Eddard nodded in agreement, "White Harbor can join, but you must be clear: Winterfell only purchases salt produced by the North's arrow tower salt pans at market price. Do not let salt from the Free Cities or the South get mixed in."

Lord Wyman rubbed his fat fingers happily, "Lord Eddard, you can rest assured! How would I dare to deceive you?"

The nobles by the sea had all joined the Salt Farming Plan, while some lords without coastal fiefs could only look on with envy. Among these people, many were leaders of the Wolfswood Clans and mountain clans, as well as nobles like Lord Cerwyn and Lord Hornwood.

Eddard saw what was on their minds, "Those nobles who have not joined the Salt Farming Plan, do not worry; I have prepared another business for you."

The lords immediately focused their attention. Eddard said, "We in the North have vast forests, mountains, and farmland suitable for beekeeping. I want to promote beekeeping technology. You will establish apiaries in your respective territories, design beehives according to the blueprints I provide, and feed the bees according to the recipes I give you. I will assign experienced beekeepers to you."

"Believe me, as long as you do as I say, the bees will make money for you. You will have no need to worry about the sales channels for the honey you brew; just like with the salt, Winterfell will purchase it at market price."

The hearts of the lords felt as sweet as if they had eaten honey. The North had always been a harsh place; these lords worried about their lands and people every day, shivering in the shadow of the long winter. Now, Duke Eddard's plan was like a lighthouse, illuminating their hope.

Greatjon Umber said, "Lord Eddard, I am a rough man and I don't understand these things, but I worry that if you keep purchasing this honey, salt, and such at market price, won't it be a waste if you can't finish it all? Don't lose money."

Eddard smiled, "Greatjon, rest assured, I will not lose money. I have my own uses for the honey and salt I purchase. I also need everyone's help with one more thing: if there are skilled craftsmen in your territories—I don't care if they are a Smith, tailor, stonemason, or veterinarian—as long as they have genuine skills, they can be sent to Winterfell."

Eddard waved his hand to signal the end of the meeting, and Lord Hornwood immediately took the lead in taking the lords away one after another.

"Lord Wyman, you stay."

(End of chapter)