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

Xiao Chen locked himself in the study of the Prince's Mansion for an entire day.

On the heavy rosewood desk, there was a mountain of documents.

On the left are detailed account books submitted by Han Lie, Zhou Tong and others: the government treasury's income and expenditure, current surplus, military equipment and armor inventory, estimated needs for pensions, spring plowing progress and population statistics in various places, the production capacity and material reserves of the crafts bureau... The cold numbers outline the astonishing energy consumed and the remaining potential of Han Yuan's war machine behind its glorious victories.

On the right is a military intelligence summary of Wang Dashan, Zhao Tie, Liu Yidao and others: the actual number of combat-ready soldiers in each army, their defense situation, equipment losses, the progress of the reorganization of the reclamation battalion, the training status of new recruits, and a detailed casualty report of the Battle of Dingbeiguan. Behind each name is the joy and sorrow of a family.

Most notably, several secret reports were personally presented by the leader of the Night Owls.

With concise and precise language, they depict the undercurrents within the Northern Yan royal court: the cowardice and dependence of the new Khan Wuwei, the hidden contradictions between Regent Yuwen Hu and Left Wise King Murong Han, the resentment and lurking of the eldest prince Murong Huang and his followers, and the various tribal leaders' thoughts and wavering in the face of crushing defeats, seeking peace, and power shifts.

There were even reports from the distant Central Plains—the Great Xia court's reaction to this dramatic change in the northern border was one of surprise and suspicion, vigilance, a new round of debate in the court about the "growing power of regional military governors," and the subtle attitudes of several princes towards the "unexpected" rise of the Prince of Jingbei.

Xiao Chen's gaze slowly moved among the words and numbers.

The sky outside the window went from bright to dark and then back to bright. His guards asked him several times in a low voice if he wanted to eat, but he waved them off each time.

He simply sipped his tea, deeply engraving every report, every number, and every piece of intelligence into his mind, and repeatedly deducing, weighing, and choosing on the invisible chessboard of the North and the world in his heart.

As the first rays of dawn shone through the window, illuminating the last briefing on the fluctuations in grain prices in the Central Plains on his desk, Xiao Chen finally raised his head.

Although his eyes were bloodshot, his gaze was as sharp as ever, deep and calm, as if a night of contemplation had not exhausted his energy, but rather honed his decisiveness.

"Issue the order that all high-ranking military and political officials be present in the council hall in one hour."

The council hall of the Jingbei Prince's Mansion.

Unlike the heated debate three days ago, the atmosphere in the hall today was quiet, yet imbued with a sense of solemnity and anticipation. All eyes were focused on the figure who entered through the side door and slowly walked towards the head seat.

Xiao Chen had changed into a formal prince's robe, black with gold embroidery, which made his face look like jade and gave him an imposing presence.

"Greetings, Your Highness!"

"Please sit down."

After everyone was seated, Xiao Chen didn't exchange any pleasantries. His gaze slowly swept over every face in the hall: the pro-war Wang Dashan and Zhang Meng, the pro-peace Han Lie and Zhou Tong, the composed Liu Yidao, the solemn Zhao Tie, and the commanders of each department. He saw the eagerness, expectation, and even a hint of unease in their eyes.

"I am fully aware of what you all discussed three days ago. I have also reviewed all the data and intelligence in detail."

Xiao Chen's voice was steady and clear, echoing in the silent hall: "War has its opportunities; peace has its advantages. Both have their reasons, but a nation's decisions should be made after careful consideration of the situation, weighing the pros and cons, and acting only after thorough planning. They should not be based on momentary impulses, nor should they be based on rigid adherence to old ways."

He paused briefly, then his tone became resolute:

"Now, my mind is made up. The national policy of Hanyuan for the next few years shall be: to temporarily cease hostilities, accept peace talks, force peace through war, and prepare for war through peace."

Upon hearing the words "temporarily halt the fighting," the expressions of Wang Dashan and other pro-war generals changed slightly, a hint of resentment flashing in their eyes, but they remained silent.

Han Lie, Zhou Tong, and the others secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but their expressions remained focused.

"We will not launch a large-scale northern expedition," Xiao Chen continued, turning his gaze to generals such as Wang Dashan, "not out of fear of war, nor to condone the enemy."

Our army has just won a victory and established its prestige, but the soldiers are exhausted, the treasury is depleted, the new territories are not yet secure, and the people's hearts are in need of reassurance. This is the reality. Forcing a long expedition, even if it brings some small gains, may damage the foundation. If unforeseen circumstances arise, all previous efforts will be in vain.

Northern Yan has a vast territory and its tribes are scattered. Even if our army wins several more battles, how difficult would it be to destroy their country? To take their land and govern their people would require the full strength of the nation, which is beyond the capacity of the current Hanyuan.

He changed the subject, raising his voice slightly.

"However, peace is not a matter of compromise or retreat! How can we easily discard the great victory won by our Hanyuan soldiers through bloody battle? This peace treaty is not for a truce, but for securing benefits! It is for building a foundation! It is for accumulating strength!"

"Issuing the Ministry of Rites and Chief Clerk Han, together with the Ministry of War, to draft the bottom-line terms for peace talks with Northern Yan." Xiao Chen issued the order clearly, word by word:

"Firstly, territory."

"Northern Yan must formally acknowledge that all land, mountains, and rivers within fifty li south of Dingbei Pass (formerly Longquan Pass) permanently belong to Han Yuan. Both sides shall immediately dispatch envoys to survey the border and erect a monument to mark it. Any violation shall be considered a breach of alliance and an act of provocation!"

"Secondly, compensation."

This war was caused by the Northern Yan's unprovoked invasion of the south. Our Hanyuan has spent a great deal of money to protect our territory and people.

The Northern Yan state must pay one million taels of silver in military expenses, or equivalent amounts of cattle, sheep, warhorses, furs, and medicinal herbs.

The payment can be made in three installments, but the initial payment must be no less than 300,000 taels of silver, and part of it must be offset by 3,000 fine horses and 10,000 cowhides.

Thirdly, trade.

Open border markets. Establish government-run border markets on our side of Dingbei Pass and in border towns designated by Northern Yan, jointly managed by both sides.

The discriminatory tariffs previously imposed by Northern Yan on our merchants and travelers will be abolished to ensure the safety of our Hanyuan merchants and travelers and their goods.

All transactions in the border market must use currency or equivalent approved by my Hanyuan.

This matter concerns the circulation of goods in Hanyuan, the livelihood of the people, and the extraction of national strength; it must not be yielded!

Fourthly, guilt and responsibility.

The Northern Yan needs to extradite war criminals.

"List the names of the high-ranking officers of Northern Yan who committed crimes such as massacre, looting, and rape against our Hanyuan civilians during this invasion of the south, and hand over at least fifty key perpetrators or their immediate family members for trial and execution in accordance with the law in Hanyuan, to comfort the souls of our fallen soldiers and civilians in heaven!"

This move is both revenge and a political blow, which will further weaken the remaining power of Murong Chui's faction.

"Fifth, a hostage. To show sincerity, Northern Yan must send a prince or a member of the royal family of high status to reside in our Zhenbei City, so as to foster good relations between the two countries."

With each point made, the eyes of the audience shone even brighter.

This is hardly a peace agreement; it's clearly a verdict by the victors against the vanquished! It's blatant exploitation!

Ceding territory, paying reparations, opening up trade, punishing the perpetrators, sending prisoners... each measure hits the nail on the head, yet they are not entirely impossible to achieve. The measures of opening up trade and extraditing war criminals, in particular, are both pragmatic and ruthless.

"These five points are the bottom line for the peace talks. If the Northern Yan delegation has any objections," Xiao Chen's tone turned cold, "they can tell Tuoba Yuan that my Hanyuan Iron Cavalry and Thunderclap are willing to go north to hunt and retrieve them personally. As for the specific details of the peace talks, the method of reparations, and the trade regulations, they will be negotiated by Chief Secretary Han, who will strive to secure the greatest practical benefits for my Hanyuan."

"Your subordinate obeys!" Han Lie's spirits lifted, and he bowed in response. With these five bottom lines in mind, he had ample confidence during the negotiations.

Having finished explaining the foreign policy strategy, Xiao Chen turned his gaze to the civil and military officials in the hall:

"With foreign affairs settled, domestic affairs must be addressed even more urgently. This peace negotiation is only for a respite of three to five years. These three to five years are not for seeking temporary peace, but for strengthening the nation! Each of you must fulfill your duties and not slacken your efforts!"

"The army," he said, looking at generals Wang Dashan, Zhao Tie, Liu Yidao, and others, "must rest in batches, but must maintain combat readiness at all times. Use this break to train a new army with all our might, especially strengthening the cavalry and engineers. Summarize the experience of the Battle of Dingbeiguan, improve tactics, and refine the use of the 'Sky-Shattering Thunder' and other firearms. The reclamation battalions should intensify their training, and those who excel should be added to the regular army as appropriate. Eliminate the old and weak, and replenish the strong and capable, ensuring that our Hanyuan Army is even more powerful than before!"

"Your humble servant obeys!" the generals roared in response, their eyes blazing with renewed fire. The prince wasn't averse to war; rather, he was preparing for an even larger and stronger one!

"For internal affairs," Xiao Chen looked at Han Lie, Zhou Tong, and officials such as the Revenue and Public Works Bureau, "reduce or exempt the people in the newly occupied areas and areas affected by this war from taxes for one year to help them resume production."

The policy of military colonization was vigorously promoted, recruiting refugees from all directions to populate the border areas, and providing them with land, seeds, and farming instruction.

Accelerate the northward extension of the planned trade route to connect with Dingbei Pass, encourage trade and travel, and boost market activity. Conduct a thorough investigation of farmland, rectify official corruption, and ensure smooth implementation of government orders and social stability.

"Technology," Xiao Chen finally looked at the heads of the Craftsmanship Bureau and the Institute of Natural Resources, "the funding for the Institute of Natural Resources will be increased by another 30%. Gunpowder formulas, projectile weapons, metallurgical forging, agricultural tool improvement, medical and epidemic prevention... any technology that benefits the strengthening of the army, the enrichment of the people, and the peace of the people can be approved for research. Those who make contributions will be richly rewarded! The necessary materials and manpower will be given priority. I want to see tangible results, I want to see my Hanyuan swords become sharper, my armor stronger, my fields more fertile, and my people healthier!"

The directives were clear and specific, covering all key areas of Hanyuan's future development, from military affairs to domestic politics, from people's livelihood to technology.

This is no longer a simple choice between war and peace, but a complete national strategy that is backed by strong military power, uses peace negotiations to buy time, and focuses on developing and accumulating national strength.

Xiao Chen stood up, walked to the front of the hall, turned his back to everyone, and looked at the sun, moon, and stars flag outside the door, symbolizing the Cold Abyss. His voice was steady and powerful, reaching everyone's ears:

"Our victory today is the result of our soldiers' valiant efforts, superior weaponry, and sound strategy. However, you must understand that a nation's prosperity lies in full granaries, well-equipped soldiers, a united populace, and effective laws. A temporary victory is easy, but a lasting one is difficult. Rather than exhausting our national strength with a distant expedition, we should seize this opportunity to forge an unbreakable foundation for our nation. When our army is well-trained and our provisions plentiful, our nation prosperous and strong, our administration efficient and efficient, and all industries flourish—"

He turned around, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over the civil and military officials standing solemnly below:

"Whether we fight or make peace, where in the world can we not go? What enemy cannot we defeat? What cause cannot we accomplish?!"

The final three questions, like the resounding toll of a great bell, struck the hearts of everyone.

The regret that the pro-war generals had not been able to achieve complete success has now been replaced by a grander blueprint.

They understood that what the prince wanted was not temporary expansion, but an incredibly solid foundation that could support Hanyuan's journey into the future.

The pro-peace civil officials were even more excited. The prince's decision not only adopted their prudent views, but also endowed this "peace" with a positive and enterprising connotation - to prepare for war with peace, and to strengthen the country with peace!

"We obey the king's command! We will forge an unbreakable foundation for our Cold Abyss!" The civil and military officials in the hall, regardless of faction, responded in unison, their voices resounding through the roof. At this moment, all differences converged under a higher goal.

The war machine of Hanyuan, which had just achieved a glorious victory, did not overheat or idle under the will of the supreme commander, nor did it become complacent because of the victory.

It began to cool down, inspect, refuel, and upgrade in an orderly manner.

The army is resting and preparing for war, domestic affairs are flourishing under the guidance of pacification, and technology is advancing rapidly under the encouragement of the government.

The upcoming peace talks with Northern Yan will become another battle without gunfire.

Han Yuan's goal is to transform the military victories won through blood and fire into a continuous source of national strength to support future rise through this soon-to-be-concluded, inherently unequal but "decent" peace treaty.

Xiao Chen's national policy has been set: to employ both civil and military talents in order to strengthen the country.

After a brief period of glory, the gears of the Cold Abyss began to turn faster once again, in a different way.

This silent yet unwavering strength will unsettle its enemies even more than the shouts on the battlefield.