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

The Yong King's conspiracy in the northern border was completely thwarted, Liu Biao was beheaded, and his painstakingly built network of spies was uprooted.

Han Yuan not only eliminated internal threats, but also made public the irrefutable evidence that Prince Yong had colluded with bandits and wreaked havoc on the border, causing him to lose his reputation in the eyes of the court and the public.

As a result, Han Yuan's reputation and deterrent power reached a new level.

Amidst this atmosphere of solemnity and victory, a group of envoys from the grasslands arrived at Zhenbei City, treading on the melting snow of early spring.

This mission was small, with only a hundred or so people, but it was of extremely high status.

The leader was not an ordinary tribal nobleman, but the younger brother of Batu, the Khan of the Grassland Wolf Tribe, and the Left Wise King Aguda.

Among the entourage were not only respected elders and capable generals from various tribes of the grasslands, but also dozens of the best craftsmen, doctors, and musicians from the grasslands, as well as a lavish collection of gifts, including gold, fine horses, rare furs, and medicinal herbs.

More importantly, the delegation also included a member with a special status—Batu Khan's eldest son, Batel, who was only one year old.

This infant, still in swaddling clothes, is not only the hope of the Canglang tribe, but also Xiao Chen's "adopted son."

This trip is of great significance, as it not only demonstrates the unbreakable "father-son alliance" between the grasslands and the Cold Abyss, but also allows the future ruler of the grasslands to experience the power and prosperity of the Cold Abyss from a young age, thus establishing a deep emotional bond.

The ceremony for the delegation's entry into the city was grand and enthusiastic.

The wide main road in Zhenbei Town was crowded with onlookers.

They gazed at the burly, magnificent warriors of the steppe, clad in splendid furs and riding tall horses; at the camel caravans adorned with gold and silver jewels and laden with goods; and at the little prince, held in the arms of his wet nurse and closely guarded in the center of the procession. They couldn't help but marvel and discuss the sight.

"Look, that's the Left Wise King, the younger brother of the Khan of the Steppes!"

"Those horses are truly magnificent, a head taller than ours!"

"I heard that little child is the prince's adopted son!"

"The grassland people are so well-behaved now. They treat our prince with more respect than they would their own father!"

The people's discussions were filled with pride and arrogance.

Once upon a time, the steppe cavalry was the nightmare of the people of the North, burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of atrocities.

Now, however, they come to pay homage with utmost respect, offer generous gifts, and even send their heirs to "recognize their fathers."

All these changes stemmed from that young and majestic prince who sat atop the city wall.

Xiao Chen personally received Aguda and his entourage in the newly built main hall of the Zhenbei Prince's Mansion.

Although Aguda was a powerful and rugged man of the grasslands, he was extremely humble in front of Xiao Chen.

He placed his right hand on his chest, knelt on one knee, and performed a grand salute: "Aguda, the Left Wise King of the Canglang Tribe, by order of the Great Khan, pays respects to my adoptive father, the Khan, and His Highness the Prince of Jingbei of the Great Xia! May Your Highness enjoy good health, and may the Cold Abyss and the Grasslands remain forever friends, their friendship flowing as long as the White Water River!"

"Left Wise King, please rise. You have all come from afar; you must be tired."

Xiao Chen raised his hand in a gesture of support, his gaze sweeping over the delegation members before finally settling on the infant in the wet nurse's arms, whose large, dark eyes were curiously observing its surroundings. A gentle smile appeared on his face. "This is Batel?"

"Yes, Father Khan."

Aguda respectfully said, "The Great Khan said that Batel's success today is entirely due to the protection of his adoptive father, the Khan. He specially ordered the young king to bring him here to pay homage to his adoptive father, listen to his teachings, and experience the grandeur of Hanyuan. May he one day become like his adoptive father, the Khan, a mighty eagle of the grasslands, protecting the people, and forever a brother to Hanyuan!"

The wet nurse carried Batel forward. The little guy didn't seem to be afraid of strangers. Looking at Xiao Chen, he stretched out his chubby little hand and started babbling, with a toothless smile on his face.

Xiao Chen laughed and took Batel from the wet nurse's hands.

The little guy felt quite heavy when I picked him up; he was clearly being well taken care of.

He held Batel and teased him a few times, and the little guy laughed even more happily.

"Well done! What a magnificent eagle of the grasslands!"

Holding Batel, Xiao Chen addressed Aguda and the others, "Since you have recognized me as your godfather, you are now my son, Xiao Chen's son. As long as Han Yuan lives, he will ensure the peace of the grasslands and help the Canglang tribe prosper! This child will surely achieve great things!"

Everyone in the hall, whether civil or military officials from Han Yuan, or envoys from the grasslands, all offered their congratulations in unison: "Your Highness is wise! The young prince is blessed with boundless good fortune!"

The atmosphere at the welcome banquet was warm and harmonious.

On behalf of Batu, Aguda reiterated the alliance between the Canglang tribe and Hanyuan, and expressed his willingness to further deepen cooperation between the two sides in trade, military affairs, culture and other aspects.

He witnessed firsthand the grandeur of Zhenbei City, the might of the Hanyuan Army, and the prosperity and order within Hanyuan. His awe and admiration for Xiao Chen grew even stronger.

Over the next few days, accompanied by Han Lie and others, Aguda and his party visited the city walls, workshops, markets, schools, and clinics of Zhenbei City, and were even allowed to observe some non-core military training exercises.

The grassland envoys were deeply impressed by Han Yuan's advanced technology, meticulous organization, and affluent lifestyle.

The new farm tools, sturdy armor, sharp steel knives, and the "Crow" heavy crossbow that was being tested were especially enviable to them, and strengthened their determination to follow Han Yuan closely.

Xiao Chen also took this opportunity to have several in-depth private talks with Aguda.

The two sides reached several important agreements:

I. Deepening of military alliances.

The Canglang tribe promised to assist Hanyuan in monitoring the northern grassland tribes and western forces, and to provide cavalry support if necessary.

Han Yuan promised to provide the Canglang tribe with a certain number of high-quality weapons and to send instructors to help train the Canglang cavalry and improve their tactical skills.

II. Economic and trade expansion.

Hanyuan will increase its supply of salt, iron, cloth, tea, and medicinal herbs to the grasslands, and will purchase cattle, sheep, horses, furs, and cheese from the grasslands at preferential prices.

Both sides will establish several new, smaller "border markets" deep in the grasslands, based on the existing Baishui market, to facilitate trade among remote tribes.

III. Technological and Cultural Exchange.

Han Yuan will send a small number of craftsmen, healers, and farmers to the grasslands to help the Canglang tribe improve their tools, treat diseases, and refine their animal husbandry methods.

The Grass Kingdom allows caravans and exploration teams from the Cold Abyss to enter its controlled areas in search of mineral and herbal resources, and sends noble children to study at the Cold Abyss Academy and Martial Arts Hall.

IV. Regarding Battier's future.

Both parties agreed that when Batel turns five years old, he will be formally sent to Hanyuan, where Xiao Chen will personally teach him and he will receive education at Hanyuan Academy until he reaches adulthood.

This move will bind the future fate of the Canglang tribe more closely to Hanyuan.

The delegation stayed in Zhenbei City for half a month, carrying generous gifts from Xiao Chen in return, and more importantly—confidence and promises for the future—before embarking on their journey home.

As he saw off the delegation, Xiao Chen stood on the city wall, watching the departing camel caravan, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

The alliance with the grasslands not only provided Hanyuan with a stable and reliable northern barrier and an important strategic resource area, but also allowed Hanyuan's influence to radiate to the more distant Western Regions and the northern deserts through the grasslands.

Batel's existence further solidified this relationship, bound by blood ties and kinship.

As long as Batu and his successor do not break their alliance, the northern border of Hanyuan will enjoy lasting peace and stability.

"Your Highness, are the grassland people really trustworthy?" Wang Dashan asked with some concern.

After all, the people of the grasslands are known for their fickleness.

Trust is built on a foundation of strength.

Xiao Chen said calmly, "As long as we are strong enough that they cannot even entertain the thought of betrayal, and the price of betrayal is unbearable for them, then they will be our most loyal allies. Besides..."

He glanced at the small wolf-shaped jade pendant carved from grassland white jade in his arms, and a slight smile appeared on his lips: "With this child here, at least for Batu's generation, we are safe. As for the next generation... by the time he grows up, the grassland may already be an inseparable part of Hanyuan."

Wang Dashan felt a chill run down his spine, realizing the prince's deeper meaning. The prince's vision had already transcended the current alliance, turning towards a more distant and grander future.

The arrival of the Azure Wolf envoy not only brought peace and friendship, but also acted like a strong north wind, stirring the sails of the ship vying for supremacy in the Cold Abyss, making its course clearer and its momentum more powerful.