Bab 296: Chapter 297: The Water Project
A group of heavily armed cavalry rode slowly along a country road north of Storm's End.
The riders, tall and stoic, rode in pairs, their polished iron plate armor emblazoned with the sigil of a double-headed eagle.
Above them, the white dragon circled in the sky, prompting farmers working in the fields to kneel and bow in reverence.
Samwell rode at the front of the column, waving to the farmers while listening to the steward, Gavin Mander, report:
> "...In your direct lands in the Stormlands, there are over 300,000 subjects, 186 sworn knights, and an active standing army of about 3,600 men. However, most of them are still in Dorne.
> The granaries are well-stocked. The former bastard Edric Storm amassed large reserves of flour, oats, and soybeans to hold Storm's End at all costs. So for now, food isn't an issue.
> The primary income from the territory comes from animal hides and timber, particularly the renowned ancient hardwoods from the Kingswood, which fetch a high price. Together with taxes from vassals, annual revenue is expected to reach around 7,000 golden dragons.
> Additionally, I've brought winemaking equipment and a team of skilled workers from the Eagle's Nest. We plan to establish a brandy production base here. The land is also suitable for growing grapes, which could become a new source of income for the territory in the future."
"Grape cultivation is fine, but don't overdo it," Samwell replied. "What's more important is food. The Stormlands have never been known for abundant crops, have they?"
"That's true, Your Grace. The Stormlands cannot achieve self-sufficiency in grain and often rely on imports from the Reach."
Samwell frowned.
"The climate here is mild, and the land isn't particularly barren. Do the people prefer hunting and logging over farming?"
"No, Your Grace," Gavin explained. "Many of the peasants are landless laborers. Even if they wanted to farm, they have no land to work. The Stormlands don't lack arable land, and the climate is favorable, but the problem lies in water.
> Aside from the Wendwater, which runs through the Kingswood, the other rivers and streams are too small to sustain large-scale farming."
Samwell immediately understood.
In this era of primitive agriculture, irrigation relied heavily on natural rivers. The breadbaskets of Westeros, like the Riverlands and the Reach, thrived because of the Trident and the Mander River systems, which provided ample water for cultivation.
Although the Stormlands had fertile soil and a suitable climate, the Wendwater, its only significant river, was confined to the Kingswood.
This lack of irrigation infrastructure severely limited agricultural expansion.
But Samwell quickly thought of a solution—waterworks.
He knew, however, that implementing such a project would be fraught with challenges.
Small-scale irrigation systems wouldn't make much difference, while large-scale projects would require significant time and resources. Even in centralized states like ancient China, such endeavors often sparked public discontent, let alone in the feudal structure of Westeros.
Still, the benefits were undeniable.
A comprehensive irrigation system would significantly boost grain production in the Stormlands.
In a medieval society, increased agricultural output meant greater war potential.
Samwell thought of the Zhengguo Canal, which helped Qin conquer the other Warring States in ancient China. Originally intended as a ploy to weaken Qin, the canal inadvertently strengthened its agricultural base, enabling its eventual dominance.
To establish himself as a contender for the Iron Throne, Samwell knew he needed a strong foundation—and the Stormlands, as they were, weren't enough.
The region lacked the military and economic strength to rival the great powers of Westeros. While Samwell could currently rely on the Reach's forces, past betrayals had taught him that borrowed power was unreliable.
True strength had to come from within.
Although the Stormlords had sworn loyalty to him, Samwell knew their devotion would be tested in times of adversity. If he faced setbacks, these vassals might hesitate to risk everything for him.
The root of the problem lay in his insufficient prestige.
True loyalty required time to build, and time was a luxury Samwell couldn't afford.
Even the peasants who knelt and hailed him as "Your Grace" likely didn't hold the name Caesar in as high regard as Baratheon. They were more familiar with the crowned stag banner than the double-headed eagle.
What he needed was a monumental project—a lasting achievement that would etch his name into the hearts of the Stormlanders.
A large-scale irrigation project could achieve just that, improving the lives of millions and cementing his legacy as a benevolent ruler. The people who benefited would fight for his banner without hesitation.
After careful consideration, Samwell made up his mind.
"Gavin, once we return, gather all the scholars and craftsmen in the Stormlands with knowledge of irrigation and waterworks."
"Yes, Your Grace," Gavin replied instinctively, though his brow furrowed in concern. "How large a project are we planning?"
Samwell pointed to the distant Red Mountains, then gestured toward the northern horizon.
"I want to build an artificial canal stretching across the northern and central Stormlands."
"A canal across the Stormlands?" Gavin's eyes widened.
"Exactly. The Stormlands don't lack water. The storms blowing in from the Narrow Sea bring abundant rainfall, which is trapped by the Red Mountains and flows into streams and underground reserves.
> We can build large reservoirs at the foot of the mountains to collect rainwater. From there, we'll construct canals extending northward to connect with the Wendwater.
> Along the way, we can build smaller reservoirs as hubs, with branch canals radiating out to irrigate farmlands.
"Once completed, this system will create millions of acres of fertile land. Gavin, millions of acres!
"Do you know what that means?"
Gavin, struck by the audacity of the plan, took a moment to respond. "Your Grace, it's an incredible idea, but such a massive project… how much will it cost?"
"Great deeds require great effort," Samwell replied. "Three years ago, would you have believed we could carve out a stronghold like Eagle's Nest from the Red Mountains?"
Gavin shook his head. "That was a miracle."
"It was," Samwell agreed. "And it was a miracle we created together. In the future, we'll achieve even greater miracles."
Moved by Samwell's conviction, Gavin finally relented.
"But we'll need a massive labor force."
"That won't be an issue," Samwell said. "Soon, we'll have a large pool of laborers. And don't forget the labor-credit system—it's far more effective than the whip."
"But also much more expensive," Gavin noted.
Samwell acknowledged the point.
In Eagle's Nest, the labor-credit system had incentivized workers, but it had also drained resources. While some laborers had accepted land or housing as payment, others demanded coins, creating financial strain.
Still, Samwell saw it as a necessary cost. Forced labor might be cheaper, but it would tarnish his reputation—Samwell isn't planning on becoming the next "black-hearted" Harren.
He knew that the work point system was actually an act of overdrawing the future, but as a businessman in his previous life, he had no mental burden about this.
Reasonable debt is actually the best way to development.
"Additionally, we can bring young string workers from Eagle Nest to Storm's End," Samwell added. "Coordinate with Selwyn Tarth to arrange ships for the transfer."
"Yes, Your Grace," Gavin replied, though his expression remained apprehensive. "If we're building a canal across the northern Stormlands, we'll need the cooperation of the local lords…"
"I'll make them agree," Samwell said confidently.
At that moment, a rider approached, handing Samwell a sealed letter.
After scanning its contents, Samwell turned to Gavin.
"The Martells have delivered the Stormlands army to the Boneway. I must oversee the exchange. In the meantime, gather all the experts on waterworks you can find."
"As you command, Your Grace."
(End of Chapter)
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