Rise of a Lonely City: From Exiled Prince to Ruler of the Nine Provinces

Prince Yong Xiao Jing's "stay" in Hanyuan came to an end in a rather embarrassing manner.

The morning after receiving the "release" notice, Xiao Jing and his entourage were "politely escorted" out of the city.

There was no grand send-off ceremony, only a team of Cold Abyss Guards "escorting" them.

The carriages and entourage that Xiao Jing brought with him were still there, but the arrogance and scheming he displayed when he arrived had completely vanished.

His face was ashen as he sat in the carriage, ignoring Han Lie and the others who had come to "see him off," and he did not even meet Xiao Chen's gaze.

Cao Yong and his men were disheveled, most of their weapons were confiscated, and they could only follow on horseback, their eyes filled with resentment and bitterness.

The procession silently drove out of the South Gate, onto the official road heading south, and gradually disappeared into the morning mist and dust.

On the city wall, Xiao Chen stood with his hands behind his back, watching the team depart into the distance, his gaze deep and calm.

He knew this was not the end, but the beginning of another long battle.

Having suffered such a great loss, Xiao Jing will certainly not let it go, and his influence in the court will retaliate.

However, given the emperor's secret decree and the current political situation, Xiao Jing is unlikely to directly attack Han Yuan in the short term.

This bought Han Yuan valuable time to develop.

"Gone?" Murong Han had also climbed the city wall at some point and stood not far from Xiao Chen, looking south and speaking softly.

He remained calm and composed, as if the dramatic confrontation of the past few days had never happened.

"I'm gone."

Xiao Chen withdrew his gaze and looked at the unfathomable Left Wise King of Northern Yan. "Left Wise King, have you been well these past few days? Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."

"Your Highness is too kind. The inn is quiet, which is perfect for me to clear my mind."

Murong Han smiled, but then changed the subject, "After this incident, Your Highness's prestige in court will likely rise even higher. Prince Yong has truly lost both his wife and his army this time."

Xiao Chen remained noncommittal: "It is all thanks to Father Emperor's discerning judgment and the court's impartial decision. Xiao Chen only knows to fulfill his duty and guard the northern border."

"What a fine example of keeping to one's duty."

Murong Han gave Xiao Chen a meaningful look. "Now that Prince Yong has left, and I have troubled you for many days, it is time for me to take my leave. I wonder what Your Highness's thoughts are on the previously mentioned matters of trade between our two countries, the opening of border markets, especially the trade in salt, iron, and medicinal herbs?"

Now for the main event.

With Xiao Jing, the troublemaker, gone, Murong Han is finally about to reveal his true price for this trip.

"What the Left Wise King proposed is naturally beneficial to the border people of both countries."

Xiao Chen was prepared and calmly said, "Salt, iron and medicinal materials are essential for people's livelihood and military needs. Trade can be opened, but regulations must be established. Salt and iron shall be monopolized by my Hanyuan Salt and Iron Bureau. Northern Yan can designate officials and merchants to purchase them with permits. The quantity, price and delivery location must be negotiated in detail, and they must not be resold to other parties. In particular... they must not flow into other regions of Great Xia, and they must not be used to aid the enemy."

He specifically emphasized the last point, both to prevent Bei Yan from reselling it for profit and to guard against them using the iron from Han Yuan against him in the future.

A glint flashed in Murong Han's eyes, and he pondered for a moment before saying, "Your Highness's considerations are thorough. Appropriate."

"The trade in medicinal herbs can be more liberalized, allowing for mutual exchange of goods. However, the trade in warhorses, furs, and ores must be conducted on an equal footing with fair pricing."

Xiao Chen continued, "Furthermore, I propose that a new market called 'Yan Market' be established on the banks of the White Water River, next to the original grassland market. It will be dedicated to trade between Northern Yan, Han Yuan, and the grasslands. The three parties will jointly appoint personnel to manage it, and the profits will be shared to prevent disputes and ensure the safety of merchants."

Establishing a dedicated, tripartite-managed border market is undoubtedly a good way to deepen economic ties and promote stability, and it can also more firmly bind the grasslands to our own chariot.

After a moment's thought, Murong Han understood the benefits involved and nodded, saying, "Your Highness's proposal is excellent. Let's discuss the details further."

On the city wall bathed in the morning light, the two talked back and forth, and initially finalized the economic and trade cooperation framework among Hanyuan, Beiyan, and the grassland for the foreseeable future.

Although the details still require repeated deliberation by the staff, the general direction has been determined.

Murong Han gained relatively stable supply channels for salt, iron, and medicinal materials, as well as border markets, while Xiao Chen obtained a superficial promise of neutrality from Northern Yan and economic benefits, further consolidating his alliance with the grasslands.

"That's good."

Murong Han clapped his hands and smiled, "After returning to my country, I will immediately inform the King and send an envoy to finalize the details with Your Highness. May the border markets prosper and the two countries be at peace from now on."

May the border city prosper and its people live in peace and health.

Xiao Chen looked up at the vast plains to the north, where there were grasslands, and further away, the Northern Yan.

A temporary balance has been achieved, but the road ahead is still long.

That afternoon, Murong Han also led the Northern Yan delegation, bid farewell to Xiao Chen, and returned north.

Hanyuan City seemed to have become much quieter all of a sudden, but everyone knew that beneath this tranquility lay a brief period of calm after the accumulation of power.

After seeing off the two "great gods," Xiao Chen immediately devoted all his energy back to the internal construction and development of Han Yuan.

He convened the first plenary military and political meeting since the Yongwang incident.

The location is the newly completed "Yizheng Hall" in the new urban area.

This is a spacious and sturdy brick building, large enough to accommodate hundreds of people for meetings.

Inside the hall, civil and military officials were gathered together.

Wang Dashan, Zhang Meng, Zhao Tie, Han Lie, Chen Bo, Ou Tiejian, Murong Xue, the newly appointed heads of various departments, the commanders of various armies, and even representatives of workshops and markets were all prominently featured.

Everyone's face carried a sense of composure and high spirits that came from weathering storms.

Xiao Chen sat upright in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over every face below, and slowly spoke, his voice clear and powerful:

"Gentlemen, the storm has temporarily subsided, and our formidable enemy has temporarily retreated. But this is by no means a time to be complacent; rather, it is an opportunity for Han Yuan to strive harder and solidify its foundation!"

"Through this experience, we should understand even more clearly the meaning of four words—'perseverance and continuous self-improvement'!"

"Why did the Prince of Yong dare to come? Why does Northern Yan take this so seriously? It's all because my Han Yuan is not strong enough! If my military might were unparalleled in the North, my granaries full enough to last ten years, the hearts of my people unyielding, and my skills unmatched in the world... who would dare to humiliate me? Who would dare to covet me?"

"Therefore, from this day forward, the entire Hanyuan region should take the eight-character principle of 'strengthening the military, enriching the people, promoting culture, and developing heavy industry' as its guiding principle and forge ahead with all our might!"

He outlined his future plans point by point:

"Strengthen the army: expand the army to 20,000, including 8,000 cavalry, 10,000 infantry, and 2,000 archers and engineers."

The training of the new army was overseen by Wang Dashan and Zhang Meng, with the aim of creating a formidable force capable of field operations, assaults, and city defense.

The Ordnance Department was headed by Ironworker Ou, and the water-powered blast furnace was running at full capacity, with Bailian Steel being given priority for supplying ordnance.

"The production and quality of crossbows, steel swords, steel armor, and gunpowder must be improved to a new level!"

"Enriching the people: Work-for-relief programs continued, and land reclamation and development expanded. Waterwheels were extended to all suitable river sections, and new agricultural tools were sold to farmers at low prices by workshops."

Half of the profits from the salt and iron monopolies were used to support people's livelihoods, including road and bridge construction, water conservancy projects, and subsidies for schools and clinics.

Trade routes with the grasslands and Northern Yan must be kept open, and commercial taxes should be reduced or exempted as appropriate to attract merchants from all directions.

"Xingwen: Hanyuan Academy will continue to expand its enrollment. By next spring, the total number of students in elementary, middle and high schools will need to exceed two thousand!"

The "Academy of Gewu" was established to specialize in the research of practical sciences such as craftsmanship, agriculture, and medicine.

We must collect classic texts and encourage writing. The children of Hanyuan must not only be literate and understand principles, but also possess a skill!

Heavy Industry: Manufacturing Bureau, Ordnance Bureau, Ironworks, Saltworks, Coal Mines, and various craft workshops are the backbone of the Cold Abyss. Improve processes, encourage innovation, and reward those who make contributions.

The power of waterwheels should not only be used for lifting water and blowing air, but also for spinning, grinding flour, sawing wood... Wherever human or animal power is needed, water and wind power can be considered as substitutes! This is a plan for the long term!

Each item, each line, is clear and concise, displaying a grand and ambitious spirit.

The audience below was deeply moved, as if they were witnessing an unprecedented, vibrant, and powerful force rising in this once desolate frontier.

"Gentlemen!"

Xiao Chen stood up, his voice suddenly rising, filled with an undeniable determination and infectious power: "The road ahead may be thorny, and powerful enemies may return. But now that Han Yuan has taken up residence here, we must always remember—our destiny is not in the hands of others, but beneath our own feet! It lies in the swords, plowshares, pens, and hammers in our own hands!"

"We obey Your Highness's command!" Led by Wang Dashan and Han Lie, everyone stood up in unison, their voices resounding and echoing across the rooftops. In each person's eyes burned an infinite hope for the future and an unwavering belief.

The meeting ended, and everyone dispersed with high morale and clear tasks.

Xiao Chen walked out of the council hall alone and climbed the tallest clock tower in the inner city.

Looking into the distance, the entire city of Hanyuan can be seen.

In the distance, the Baishui River meanders like a silver ribbon, with waterwheels turning slowly; closer, the houses of the new urban area stretch out in neat rows, the faint sound of reading drifts from the school, and chimneys in the workshop area emit wisps of smoke representing vitality; further away, the shouts of soldiers drilling echo from the military camp, and horses gallop across the horse farm…

The cold wind was biting, but it couldn't chill the passion in my heart.

The Prince of Yong's conspiracy, the Northern Yan's schemes, the flames of war in Jiangnan, the undercurrents in the capital... all of these were temporarily kept outside this increasingly fortified city.

This is the Cold Abyss.

This is a new beginning.

Xiao Chen gripped the railing tightly, gazing at the churning clouds on the southern horizon, where an even greater storm was brewing, foreshadowing a wider world.

"Just wait and see," he muttered to himself, a sharp, knife-like smile curving his lips.

The tolling of bells echoed above the cold abyss, as if announcing the beginning of a new era.