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

The success of "Stone Mud" is like injecting a powerful dose of fuel into the high-speed machine that is Hanyuan.

It not only means stronger fortifications and roads, but also represents the possibility of a completely new and efficient construction model.

As the winter snow gradually melts and the Baishui River begins to flood with spring water, and the earth revives, a long-planned, massive project is officially put on the agenda by Xiao Chen.

Build a new city.

It's not about repairing or expanding, but about building a brand new, larger city—Zhenbei City—in a more open and flat river bend area downstream of the existing main city of Hanyuan, to the southeast of Hanyuan.

This plan had been lingering in Xiao Chen's mind for a long time. Although Hanyuan's main city had undergone several expansions and reinforcements, it was still limited by the original terrain and planning, and its population capacity, functional zoning, and future development were gradually becoming cramped.

The massive influx of refugees further strained the old city. And in the future, as the power of the Cold Abyss expands, it will inevitably need a more symbolic core that better reflects its status and ambition.

The selection of the site for Zhenbeicheng involved multiple geomantic consultations and discussions.

The river bend area is conducive to water transport and can be used to build wharves in the future to connect the north and south; the terrain is flat and open, which is convenient for planning large urban areas and military farms; it is backed by hills, which provide natural defenses; it is about 30 miles away from the old town, which can form a strategic position and serve as a bridgehead for development to the south.

Most importantly, the area has abundant clay and limestone veins, providing an excellent source of raw materials for the large-scale application of "stone mud".

The plan caused a huge reaction among the high-ranking officials and the public in Hanyuan as soon as it was announced.

Some were thrilled, seeing it as a sign of Hanyuan's rise to power; others worried that such a massive project might deplete the financial and material resources they had just accumulated, especially given the need to resettle tens of thousands of refugees.

Xiao Chen convened a special meeting in the council hall to explain its necessity.

"Gentlemen, the construction of Zhenbei City is not for extravagance, but for necessity."

Standing before the large-scale planning sketch, Xiao Chen's expression was solemn. "Firstly, the old city is nearing saturation. The resettlement area for displaced people is ultimately a temporary measure. We need sufficient land and housing to settle the new population, allowing them to truly take root and become citizens of Hanyuan. The new city plan can accommodate 100,000 people!"

"Secondly, our Hanyuan salt, iron, mining, and commerce industries are thriving. The old city's workshops and markets are mixed together, which is not conducive to development. The new city will clearly divide the government office area, workshop area, commercial area, granary area, and military and civilian residential area, with each area performing its own duties in an orderly manner, so as to achieve long-term stability."

"Thirdly, this place is a crucial point for both land and water transportation, and will undoubtedly become a hub for trade routes between the north and south in the future. Building a city here will allow us to control traffic, collect commercial taxes, and radiate influence in all directions. The name 'Zhenbei' (镇北) not only honors the grace bestowed upon us by our father, the Emperor, by conferring upon us the title of 'King of Zhenbei' (镇北王), but also demonstrates our determination to forever guard the northern border and protect our territory!"

"Fourthly," Xiao Chen tapped the sample of "stone and mud" with his finger, "with the aid of this divine object, the speed and strength of city construction will far surpass anything before! This is a godsend opportunity; how can we miss it?"

He looked around at everyone and said, "We have tens of thousands of young and strong refugees who are in dire need of manpower. Work relief is the perfect solution! As for materials, limestone and clay can be obtained locally, and timber and stone can be felled and transported from the surrounding areas."

With grain, newly reclaimed wasteland can be sown after the spring, and with the income from trade with the grasslands and Northern Yan, as well as the grain stored in the government's granary, careful planning is sufficient to support the economy.

The necessary funds, profits from salt and iron production, commercial taxes, and even future land prices in the new city are all foreseeable. This is not an expense, but an investment!

What is built will be an invincible fortress, a treasure trove flowing with wealth, a foundation capable of supporting an army of 100,000 and a population of millions!

Xiao Chen's words were clear and logical, transforming immense pressure into actionable steps and a bright future, which greatly inspired people.

Han Lie, Wang Dashan, and other core members were eventually persuaded and decided to fully support this ambitious plan.

In the spring, when all things flourish, the "foundation laying ceremony of Zhenbei City" was solemnly held in the selected river bend area.

There wasn't much luxurious decoration, but the atmosphere was solemn and dignified.

Officials from Hanyuan, military and civilian officials, representatives of various armies, workshop artisans and leaders, representatives of the refugee resettlement area, and even merchants from the grasslands and Northern Yan who were invited to attend the ceremony, all gathered on the huge open space that had been leveled in advance.

In the center of the open space, there was a high platform. On the platform stood a huge, unpolished blue base stone.

Xiao Chen stood in front of the stage, dressed in a simple black outfit with light armor on top and a steel sword at his waist.

Behind him were Wang Dashan, Zhang Meng, Han Lie, Murong Xue, Ou Tiejian, Shi San, and other civil and military officials, as well as those who had rendered meritorious service.

The auspicious hour has arrived, and the bugle sounds.

Xiao Chen stepped forward, took a pickaxe tied with red silk from the attendant, raised it high, and proclaimed loudly: "Heaven and Earth bear witness to this! Today, I, Xiao Chen, by the Emperor's decree, guard the northern frontier. To protect the borders and ensure the safety of the people, and to establish a foundation for our dynasty, I lay the foundation for this city on the banks of the White River, and name it—Zhenbei!"

"This city will be the place where our northern people and soldiers can settle down and make a living! It will be a place where merchants gather and all trades flourish! It will be a strong city to resist foreign aggression and protect our territory! It will also be the starting point for our Hanyuan to reach a wider world!"

"All who serve my Cold Abyss, regardless of their origin or background, can earn their fortune in this city through their own hard work and win glory through their merits! This city belongs to everyone who has shed sweat and blood for it!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he swung his pickaxe and struck the blue base stone heavily, producing a crisp clanging sound.

"Foundation laying!"

"Victory! Victory! Victory!" Below the stage, thousands of young and strong refugees selected as the first builders, along with some soldiers from the Cold Abyss Army, raised their tools and roared like a tsunami. The sound waves surged and soared into the sky.

After the simple ceremony, a real construction frenzy instantly swept across this sleeping land.

Tens of thousands of young men, organized into "construction corps" according to prior divisions, began to operate like precise gears under the command of Hanyuan officials and foremen.

The crowds were bustling with activity: digging foundations, excavating quarries, firing "stone mud" and bricks, felling and transporting timber, building temporary sheds and roads... The sounds of people were deafening, the shouts were deafening, and dust was flying everywhere.

A massive wooden crane was erected to lift heavy stones and "stone mud" prefabricated components into place.

The "stone mud," whose formula was initially determined and whose mass production began, was transported to the construction site by truckload. It was mixed with river sand and gravel and poured into huge wooden molds. At an astonishing speed, it constructed the foundation of the city walls, the roadbed of the main road, and the foundation of the first batch of public buildings.

The planned city wall is five zhang high and four zhang thick at the base. The core is entirely made of "stone mud" concrete, and the outer layer is covered with large stone blocks. It has complete ramparts, corner towers, barbicans, and hidden troop tunnels.

The city's roads are straight and wide, with the main street wide enough for eight horse-drawn carriages to travel side by side, and underground drainage channels are pre-installed.

The workshop area is close to the water source and mines, the commercial area extends along the main street and the planned wharf, and the residential area is divided into neighborhoods, equipped with wells, public toilets and fire-resistant open spaces.

The entire construction plan is divided into three phases. The first phase aims to complete the construction of the core inner city, part of the city walls, main roads, and the first batch of military and civilian residences before winter, ensuring that it can accommodate 30,000 to 50,000 people for the winter and to initially possess defense and production capabilities.

Xiao Chen would visit the construction site almost every day to check on the progress, solve problems, and express his appreciation to the craftsmen.

He saw those refugees who were once emaciated and had numb eyes, now, under the "work relief" policy, relying on the food they earned from their daily labor and the promise of settling down in the new city in the future, their eyes were rekindled with hope, and they worked with all their might.

He saw the officers and clerks of Hanyuan rapidly learn and grow in the face of new challenges, and their organizational and coordination abilities improved dramatically.

He also observed that the latest achievements of the Institute of Geology, such as the water-powered saw and the improved material transport cart, began to be applied in actual engineering projects, improving efficiency.

The prototype of a city is rising from nothing at a visible speed.

The thunderous sound of mixing "stone and mud," the clanging of hammering, the loud shouts, and the busy figures of countless people together composed a "song of city building" full of ambition and power.

In the distance, the outline of the old town appears serene under the spring sunshine.

Nearby, the framework of the new city is growing rapidly.

The north and south echo each other, and the old and new alternate, symbolizing that the young force of Hanyuan is breaking free from old constraints and taking a firm step towards a grander and more solid future.

The foundation of Zhenbei City is not only buried beneath the soil along the Baishui River, but also in the hearts of every Hanyuan person who participated in its construction.

A new era has begun with the laying of the foundation stone of this city.