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

The news of the Third Prince Xiao Jing's defeat and the Northern Yan delegation's safe return north spread like a cold winter wind throughout the entire northern border.

The news that Hanyuan City remained unmoved amidst the storm, and even took advantage of the situation to advance further, stirred up huge waves among the surrounding fortified villages, towns, and even some small separatist forces.

In the past, the northern border was bitterly cold, and the imperial court had no reach. Various forces struggled to survive in the cracks, either relying on a border general, secretly colluding with grassland tribes, or simply becoming bandits.

The rise of Han Yuan did not initially attract much attention; it was simply seen as another group of lucky refugees.

However, a series of events, including the "salt and iron monopoly," the "roaring waterwheels," the "military merit-based land grants," and the "work relief program," especially the direct defeat of the Yong King and the equal dialogue with the Northern Yan grasslands, forced all onlookers to re-examine this young force located on the banks of the Baishui River.

It is powerful, and it seems... to follow the rules.

Thus, after Han Yuan issued the announcement of "recruiting talents and working together to stabilize the border town," tentative contacts began.

The first to extend an olive branch was "Panshi Fortress," located 120 miles southeast of Hanyuan, guarding a mountain pass leading to the Central Plains.

The fortress lord, Shi Jian, was originally a veteran of the border army. After offending his superior, he led a group of brothers to occupy this abandoned military fortress. They made a living by collecting "protection fees" from passing caravans and cultivating a small amount of land nearby. He had about three hundred capable men under his command.

Panshibao is strategically located, but the land is barren, and people live a meager existence. Shi Jian is a man of principle who does not rob the poor, and he has a relatively good reputation in the area.

The messenger he sent was his nephew, Shi Yong, a strong and powerful young man who, with a hint of restraint and trepidation, presented Shi Jian's handwritten letter.

The letter was earnest, stating that he was willing to lead the entire Panshi Fort to submit to Prince Jingbei, asking only for a share of military pay so that his brothers and the old and young in the fort could have enough to eat, and promising to strictly abide by the prince's laws.

Xiao Chen personally received Shi Yong, inquiring in detail about the population, land, grain reserves, and military equipment of Panshi Fortress. He also tested Shi Yong's martial arts skills and knowledge, and finally asked, "Since Fortress Lord Shi is willing to submit, can you uphold the discipline of my Hanyuan Army? Will you refrain from plundering the people, cheating merchants, and strictly enforce orders?"

Shi Yong puffed out his chest and declared loudly, "Yes! My uncle always said that soldiers are paid and protecting the people is their duty! We only collected tolls before because we had no other choice. If Your Highness can give us a proper path and a stable meal, we will serve you to the death!"

"it is good."

Xiao Chen nodded. "Panshi Fortress will be renamed 'Panshi Camp,' with Shi Jian as captain and you as deputy. The able-bodied men in the original fortress who pass the assessment will be added to the Hanyuan Army's ranks with equal treatment. Those whose families wish to relocate to Hanyuan will be allocated land; those who wish to stay in the fortress can continue to cultivate the land outside the fortress, with preferential tax treatment."

The primary responsibility of the Rock Camp is to repair roads, clear the surrounding area, and ensure the safety of merchants and travelers. The necessary provisions, supplies, and armor will be provided by Cold Abyss. Can you make that decision?

Shi Yong was overjoyed, never expecting such generous terms. He immediately knelt on one knee and said, "On behalf of everyone at Panshi Fort, this humble general thanks Your Highness for your kindness! We will certainly not fail in your trust!"

The successful surrender of Panshibao set a good example.

Following that, Guo Kui, the garrison commander of "Black Mountain Town," located eighty miles west of Hanyuan and making a living by operating a small open-pit coal mine, also sent someone to make contact.

Heishan Town has a population of over a thousand, most of whom are miners and their families. The coal quality is generally poor, sales are sluggish, and people live in poverty.

Guo Kui was a shrewd middle-aged man. He did not seek a military position, but only wanted to bring the coal mine into Han Yuan's "state-run" system, so that Han Yuan could control the purchase and sales. He also hoped that Han Yuan could send craftsmen to guide and improve the mining technology to increase production.

This requirement aligns perfectly with Xiao Chen's plan to vigorously develop industry and mining.

He readily agreed, placing the Heishan Town coal mine under the management of the "Mining and Metallurgical Bureau," appointing Guo Kui as deputy manager, retaining a portion of his shares and dividends, and promising to send experienced miners and craftsmen to assist in improving ventilation, drainage, and transportation, while also raising miners' wages and building miners' dormitories and schools. The news sent cheers throughout Heishan Town.

The third to come to submit was Qinghe Town, located 150 miles northeast of Hanyuan, beside a tributary of the Baishui River.

The town's livelihood depends on fishing, hunting, and a small amount of farming along the riverbanks. The town head is an elderly scholar who has studied for a few years; his surname is Wen, and he is an upright man. Qinghe Town is located in a relatively remote area, with a population of only five or six hundred. It is the weakest town and is frequently harassed by small groups of bandits.

Mayor Wen sent his son, who spoke with extreme humility, only asking for the protection of Han Yuan and promising to abide by Han Yuan's laws and pay taxes on time.

For towns that actively seek protection, have small populations but important locations, Xiao Chen adopted a strategy of appeasement and absorption.

He promised to send a troop of soldiers to be stationed in Qinghe Town to assist in training local militia and suppressing bandits in the vicinity.

Qinghe Town's taxes were halved, but it was required to assist Hanyuan in surveying the surrounding waterways and forest resources, and to serve as an outpost for northward exploration. Mayor Wen's son was moved to tears and repeatedly kowtowed in gratitude.

Within just half a month, three border forces of different sizes and natures—Panshibao, Heishan Town, and Qinghe Town—successively submitted to Hanyuan.

Xiao Chen did not simply absorb and assimilate it, but rather adopted different strategies based on its characteristics, such as military reorganization, economic integration, and protection, to quickly incorporate it into the Han Yuan system.

The news sent shockwaves through the North.

The remaining small fortresses, villages, and towns that were still observing were becoming more active in their thinking.

Han Yuan demonstrated not only military strength, but also real governance capabilities and inclusiveness.

Following Han Yuan, it seems that there really is meat to eat and a peaceful life to live.

In the study of the city lord's mansion, Xiao Chen looked at the three newly marked points on the map and said to Han Lie and Zhao Tie: "Panshi Fort controls the mountain pass, Heishan Town has coal, and Qinghe Town can be used as an outpost."

With the surrender of these three towns, the territory of my Hanyuan has extended more than a hundred miles to the east, west, and north, initially forming a unified area.

Old Master Han immediately selected capable officials to go to the three towns to assist Mayors Shi Jian, Guo Kui, and Wen in implementing various policies, registering household registrations and land, and establishing the Baojia system.

"Zhao Tie, Night Owl's men need to follow up and ensure our control over the three towns. At the same time, using the three towns as a base, extend our intelligence network another fifty miles outward."

"yes!"

"In addition," Xiao Chen pondered, "with the surrender of the three towns, the population has increased by nearly two thousand, the number of soldiers capable of fighting has increased by more than three hundred, and there is one coal mine and one strategic pass."

But correspondingly, our burden has also increased. We need to keep up with the demand for food, supplies, and the dispatch of officials.

Especially in the coal mines of Heishan Town, the demand for high-quality coal from the blacksmith Ou is increasing, and mining operations must be improved as soon as possible.

Wang Dashan selected a team from the recruit camp to escort the craftsmen and the necessary equipment to Heishan Town.

Zhang Meng dispatched a cavalry unit to patrol the newly annexed territory, both to demonstrate military might and to deter potential troublemakers.

The group accepted the order and went about their respective tasks.

With the issuance of government orders, the vitality of Hanyuan radiated outwards even further.

Laborers began repairing the road to Panshibao; a caravan set off for Heishan Town with improved mining equipment and hopeful craftsmen; Qinghe Town welcomed its first garrison and officials to survey the waters...

The Cold Abyss, this machine running at full speed, is steadily and efficiently extending its influence and order to the wider northern lands.

Merging, integrating, and developing – every step has been taken solidly.

With new blood constantly flowing in and new lands constantly being connected, a regional power group centered on Hanyuan and radiating outwards is beginning to take shape.

And all of this is just the beginning.