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

The bloody stench of the "Tax Card Incident" had not yet completely dissipated in the Hanyuan officialdom when the prestige and benevolence of "Prince Jingbei, the Upright Official" swept across the land like a spring breeze.

However, an unexpected and merciless test from nature arrived. It was not about weapons or power struggles, but about life and the human heart.

On the grasslands, the Canglang tribe, which was allied with Hanyuan, and several surrounding small tribes that had submitted to them, suddenly suffered from "horse plague".

This is not an ordinary livestock disease, but a highly virulent plague that can be transmitted between humans and animals.

Herds of infected cattle and sheep died, and herders suffered from high fever, coughing up blood, and developing black spots on their bodies, resulting in an extremely high mortality rate.

The epidemic spread rapidly like wildfire on the grasslands. In just ten days, thousands of livestock had died, hundreds of herders had fallen ill, and dozens had died.

When the news reached Batu, the leader of the Canglang tribe, this man, as majestic as an eagle on the grasslands, showed despair for the first time in his eyes.

The grasslands lacked medical resources, and traditional shamanic rituals and herbal fumigation were completely ineffective in the face of this unprecedented and devastating disease.

The tribe's shaman trembled as he said, "This is the punishment of the Eternal Heaven."

"Chief, Han Yuan... King Jingbei of Han Yuan, doesn't he have a 'Benefit the People Medical Hall'? Can they cure the plague?" A young Na Yan asked with his last glimmer of hope.

Batu looked out at the desolate camp, the air thick with the stench of death from the carcasses of livestock and the groans of the sick.

He recalled his alliance with Xiao Chen, the exquisite ironware, the snow-white salt, and the prince's methods and demeanor in horse racing and business warfare.

"Send men! On horseback to Zhenbei City! Request an audience with Prince Jingbei! Tell them... tell them that the Canglang tribe begs Your Highness for assistance! I, Batu, swear by the Eternal Heaven that I will never forget this kindness!" Batu ordered hoarsely.

Two fast horses from the Canglang tribe, carrying two messengers with chapped lips and bloodshot eyes, arrived at the gates of Zhenbei City at dusk on the third day.

They practically tumbled off their horses, holding aloft Batu's wolf-headed golden edict and a blood-written plea for help.

"Urgent report! A plague has broken out on the grasslands! We request an audience with the Prince!" The messenger's voice was so hoarse it was almost inaudible.

The news was immediately reported to the Prince's residence.

"Your Highness, a messenger from the Canglang tribe has arrived, reporting a sudden outbreak of black spot plague on the grasslands, infecting both humans and livestock, resulting in numerous deaths. They implore Your Highness for assistance!"

Han Lie hurriedly reported, his face grave.

If a plague were to spread across the grasslands, not only would our allies suffer, but the borders of the Frost Abyss could also be affected!

"Black Spot Plague?"

Xiao Chen frowned, "Murong Xue!"

"Your Highness, I'm here."

Murong Xue rushed over upon hearing the news. She was already the head of Huimin Medical Clinic, and her medical skills had improved significantly. She had also studied a great deal of epidemic prevention knowledge "reminded" by Xiao Chen.

"Are you aware of this epidemic?"

"According to the messenger's description, it seems to be something like 'pneumonia' or 'anthrax' as described in ancient books. It comes on fiercely and is highly contagious. Large quantities of heat-clearing and detoxifying medicines such as Coptis chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, Lonicera japonica, and Isatis indigotica are needed, as well as lime and strong liquor for prevention."

Murong Xue quickly replied, "My clinic has enough medicine to support a thousand people, but if the epidemic worsens, it may not be enough. And the transportation of medicine..."

"Medicinal herbs are not a problem."

Xiao Chen interrupted her, "I have ordered the 'Official Pharmacy' to maintain a year-round stockpile of these epidemic prevention herbs. The problem is, how to deliver the herbs to the grasslands in the shortest possible time!"

"It usually takes at least seven days for a caravan to travel from Zhenbei City to the royal court of the Canglang tribe."

Wang Dashan said in a deep voice, "But the epidemic waits for no one. If we delay even a day, we don't know how many people will die."

"Seven days?"

Xiao Chen shook his head. "Too slow."

His gaze fell on the "Hanyuan Post Station Network Map" on the wall, which had just been drawn and was marked with countless red dots.

"Our relay station system has been built for so long precisely to deal with this kind of 'what if' situation, right?"

"Issue my decree!"

Xiao Chen's voice was resolute: "Activate the 800-mile express dispatch plan!"

"Han Lie, immediately coordinate with the official pharmacy to prepare enough medicine for 30,000 people, according to Murong Xue's needs. Pack it into lightweight parcels and transport it to the Zhenbei City post station within one hour!"

"Murong Xue, immediately select five of your best epidemic prevention medical officers, equipped with basic medical instruments and an 'epidemic prevention manual,' and set off with the medicine!"

"Liu Yidao!"

"Your subordinate is here!"

"Select your fifty most elite riders, the ones best suited for long-distance raids, all equipped with two horses, lightly armed and simply, to escort the medical officer and the first batch of emergency medicines!"

"Remember, your mission is not to fight a war, but to race! Race against death! Race against the plague!"

"This subordinate understands! I will not fail in my mission!" Liu Yidao solemnly accepted the order.

"Send word to the relay station commander!"

Xiao Chen concluded, "Starting from Zhenbei City, via the western official road to Yehu Ridge, then turning onto the grassland post road, we will reach the Canglang Tribe's royal court. All post stations along the way will be put into urgent operation!"

"Prepare the best horses, provide food and water, and clear the roads!"

"Riders change horses but not riders; documents are handed over without dismounting!"

"I need this batch of life-saving medicine delivered to Agula before sunset tomorrow!"

"yes!"

Within the Prince's mansion, a series of resounding responses echoed, and immediately, the entire mansion, and indeed the entire Zhenbei City, sprang into action like a perfectly coordinated machine!