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

The autumn sun, carrying its last warmth, generously shone down on the spacious council hall of the Jingbei Prince's Mansion.

Inside the hall, a report concerning the future foundation of Hanyuan was underway, the atmosphere solemn yet filled with barely concealed excitement.

Chen Wen, the head of the Household Department, a civil official in his forties with a lean face and exceptionally sharp eyes, was holding a thick dossier. His voice trembled slightly with excitement as he reported a set of figures that would make any ruler's heart race to Xiao Chen, the Prince of Jingbei, who sat on the throne, as well as Wang Dashan, Han Lie, Zhou Tong and other important civil and military officials on either side.

"...In summary, as of the 15th of this month, the total number of registered households in the entire territory under the jurisdiction of Hanyuan, including Zhenbei City, Panshi Fort, Dingbei Pass, the seven cities and seventeen villages of Xinfu, as well as all garrison and nomadic territories, has reached 37,641."

Chen Wen took a deep breath, trying to make his words clearer, "The total registered population is 153,876. This number does not include the approximately 1,000 scattered refugees who have been taken in recently but whose final registration has not yet been completed."

"153,876 people!"

This number struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer. A collective gasp, though barely suppressed, filled the hall. Even the usually composed Han Lie's fingertips trembled slightly. Wang Dashan's eyes widened in disbelief.

Once upon a time, when Hanyuan was first established and Zhenbei City was first built, the people under its jurisdiction were only tens of thousands of refugees and remnants of border troops who had gathered with great difficulty from the borders of Beiyan and Daxia. At most, there were only a little over 50,000 people.

At that time, the land was vast and sparsely populated, the city walls were thin, and powerful enemies surrounded us. Every step was like walking on thin ice.

In just over two years, the population has more than tripled, from 50,000 to 150,000! This is not just a numerical increase, but an explosive expansion of strength, potential, and vitality!

This means more soldiers, more labor, more taxes, more wisdom and creativity, and that Hanyuan, this former frontier "enclave," has truly gained a solid foundation to become a powerful region!

A flicker of emotion crossed Xiao Chen's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by deeper contemplation. He slightly raised his hand, signaling Chen Wen to continue.

Chen Wen steadied himself, turned to another page of the file, and explained in detail the sources of this surge of 100,000 people: "There are three main reasons for this population surge."

"Firstly, we incorporated the surrendered troops."

Since the great victory at Dingbeiguan, the forced surrender of Helian's troops, and the subsequent capture of seven cities in the northern border, our army has incorporated and absorbed surrendered soldiers, tribal soldiers, and former border garrison troops from the Northern Yan. After weeding out the weak and retaining the strong, and relocating them to different camps, we have accumulated about 18,000 able-bodied men and about 22,000 family members and dependents.

This group, totaling approximately 40,000 men, has become a significant source of manpower for our Hanyuan military settlements, border garrisons, and reserves.

This population was the most direct "dividend" of the war; they brought soldiers and labor, but also challenges in management and integration.

"Secondly, it absorbed refugees."

Chen Wen's tone carried a hint of emotion, "Since I established my prefecture in Hanyuan, I have implemented policies such as military farming, tax reduction, suppression of bandits, and protection of merchants and travelers. The northern border has gradually become peaceful, and my reputation has spread far and wide."

Last year, several regions in the Central Plains suffered severe droughts, leading to widespread displacement of people. After news of the great victory at Dingbei Pass, the surrender of the Helian tribe, the sue for peace during the internal strife in Northern Yan, and the successive surrender of seven cities spread, the rumor that "there is a paradise in the north where Prince Jing can rely on" quickly spread among the displaced people.

In the past six months, refugees have been flocking to my Hanyuan, traveling south and north, crossing borders, and seeking refuge in my land.

Those registered and accommodated at various checkpoints and settlements, and properly resettled in the newly reclaimed areas and various towns and villages, have totaled over 45,000 people. Moreover, this trend continues to this day, with dozens to hundreds of refugees still entering the country daily.

This reflects the will of the people, and is a powerful attraction brought about by Hanyuan's new policies and strong capabilities. The continuous influx of migrants represents potential, a burden, and, most importantly, hope for the future.

"Thirdly, there is natural growth and the attraction of merchants and travelers."

Chen Wen continued, "In recent years, there has been little war in our territory. Last year was a good year. In addition, the prince promoted policies to encourage childbirth and provide relief to widows and orphans. As a result, the number of newborns has increased compared to previous years, by about 5,000 people."

Furthermore, due to the benefits of trade, trade routes gradually opened up, and merchants from various places brought their families to settle in towns such as Zhenbei and Dingbei, with nearly three thousand people.

In addition, several thousand scattered small tribes and herders who were originally affiliated with Helian and other tribes, seeing our lenient policies, voluntarily requested to be incorporated into the household register.

The accounts are clear, and the sources are distinct. War captives, policy incentives, and peaceful development—three main pathways—have collectively contributed to this astonishing population leap.

Han Lie stroked his beard and sighed, "150,000 people... At this time last year, the Ministry of Revenue was still worried about the shortage of manpower for spring plowing and the abundance of wasteland. Now, I'm afraid we'll have to worry about whether there will be enough land to distribute." His words drew a burst of laughter, filled with pride and satisfaction.

Wang Dashan grinned: "More people is better! It's more lively! There's also more room for selection when training troops! Those several thousand newly surrendered Northern Yan soldiers have been mixed and trained for several months, and they're already quite formidable. Given time, they'll be top-notch troops!"

Liu Yidao, however, focused more on the details: "Chief Chen, what is the ratio of able-bodied men to the population of these 150,000 people? How many are elderly, weak, women, and children? Are there any breakdowns of their specific numbers distributed across the various towns, villages, and settlements? Also, with such a sudden increase in population, have the provisions for food, housing, and firewood for this winter and next spring been made adequate? Especially the newly arrived refugees, most of whom have nothing of value; how will they survive the winter?"

Chen Wen was clearly prepared and calmly replied, "Lieutenant Liu's concerns are very valid. According to preliminary statistics, able-bodied men account for about 40%, nearly 61,000 people; the elderly and weak account for about 35%, about 54,000 people; and the rest are women and children. The detailed distribution is in this book."

He gestured to the file in his hand. "As for the winter arrangements, Chief Clerk Han and Registrar Zhou have already made plans. The harvest from the military farms last year and this year, plus the cattle, sheep, and furs from the first batch of indemnities from the peace treaty with Northern Yan, as well as the grain and winter supplies in the government granary, can, through overall planning and allocation, ensure that all registered people can meet their basic needs for the winter."

The newly arrived refugees have been assigned to various locations for the construction of city walls, roads, and water conservancy projects under the work-for-relief policy. They are provided with food, rations, and coarse cloth to help them settle down. The various settlements are also accelerating the construction of simple dugouts and row houses. However,…

He then changed the subject, his face showing concern, "If the influx of migrants continues, the pressure will remain enormous, and there will also be a significant shortage of seeds and farming tools next spring."

Zhou Tong continued, "Your Highness, esteemed officials. The surge in population is a cause for great joy, but also a heavy burden. There are three urgent matters: First, resettlement. The refugees and families of surrendered soldiers must be settled as quickly as possible, with land allocated to each household or labor provided to prevent unrest. Second, food. The needs of 150,000 people are no small matter; we must expand the military farms, cultivate them intensively, and simultaneously broaden trade routes to import provisions. Third, governance. The newly arrived people come from diverse backgrounds and have varied habits; we must strengthen household registration, explain the laws, and educate and guide them to gradually become a thriving populace. All three require money, manpower, and time."

Xiao Chen listened quietly to everyone's reports and discussions, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.

The population of 150,000 certainly exceeded his initial expectations, especially the speed at which the influx of migrants was occurring.

This is both clear evidence of the rise of the Cold Abyss and a sign that the difficulty of governing it is increasing exponentially.

But these are the troubles of growing up, a sweet burden.

"Chen, the chief clerk; Han, the chief secretary; and Zhou, the registrar, have many and complicated matters to attend to, and they are very busy."

Xiao Chen spoke, his voice steady, setting the tone: "Population is the foundation of a nation and the basis of its prosperity. The arrival of 150,000 people is a vote of confidence cast by the people for Han Yuan, and it is the result of the dedication of all civil and military officials and the sacrifices of soldiers. This is a great event and deserves congratulations."

He paused briefly, then his tone turned serious: "However, as you all have said, the real test lies in how to settle them, how to feed them, how to educate them, so that they may live and work in peace and be of use to us. The primary task in dealing with new population growth is to settle them down."

The officials in charge of household affairs and public works shall, starting immediately, conduct a detailed inspection and planning of all arable wasteland, idle houses, and water conservancy facilities in the entire territory.

For displaced people and those who have surrendered, the focus should be on land reclamation and labor service, ensuring that they have employment opportunities, food to eat, and a place to live.

"Chief Secretary Han, you are in charge of all civil affairs. This matter needs to be expedited. Consider sending more capable officials to the newly annexed cities, fortresses, and settlements."

"Secondly, there is the matter of food. Military farming is fundamental and requires increased investment, improvement of agricultural tools, construction of water conservancy projects, and promotion of improved varieties. The Bureau of Crafts and the Academy of Natural Sciences need to focus their efforts on this. At the same time, the benefits of trade should not be overlooked."

He ordered the Ministry of Commerce to actively establish trade routes with the Central Plains, the Western Regions, and even further afield, importing our scarce grains, cloth, and ironware, and exporting our furs, medicinal herbs, salt, and iron. This trade was intended to supplement the deficiencies of agriculture.

This winter and next spring, all government treasuries must be strictly audited and allocated resources in a coordinated manner. It is better for the government to be tighter than for the people to suffer from cold and hunger.

"Furthermore, it lies in education and control. The newly compiled household register must be detailed and accurate."

The dissemination of laws and regulations must reach deep into the villages and towns. The education system in all settlements and newly attached cities and fortresses must be maintained consistently. They should not only be taught farming and combat skills, but also be made aware of the laws and regulations of Hanyuan and the benevolent policies of Hanyuan.

The night owl must cooperate, monitor the local area, and nip problems in the bud. The reorganization of the army needs to be accelerated, ensuring that military power is firmly held.

Xiao Chen's gaze slowly swept over the crowd: "150,000 people, 150,000 mouths to feed, 150,000 hands to work, and 150,000 hearts to unite. If used well, they are the wings that allow my Cold Abyss to soar; if used poorly, they will become a threat to its downfall. You all bear a heavy responsibility."

"We will obey Your Majesty's command! We will do our utmost to settle the new people and strengthen our Hanyuan!" The ministers solemnly agreed.

Stepping out of the council chamber, the autumn sun shone brightly.

The streets of Zhenbeicheng were noticeably more crowded than in previous years.

A mix of accents from all over the country mingled as people dressed in various costumes moved about. There were laborers pushing wheelbarrows to transport building materials, herdsmen leading cattle and sheep to the newly opened market, merchants inquiring about land prices in their regional accents, and soldiers who had just finished their drills and were marching past in formation.

The city walls are being raised, new markets are being opened, the sound of children reading aloud can be heard from the schools, and the rhythmic tapping sounds can be faintly heard from the direction of the craftsmen's workshops...

A vibrant scene, mixed with noise, yet brimming with life.

150,000.

This number is no longer just a cold ink mark on the household registration records, but has transformed into the lively atmosphere of the streets and alleys, into the sweat stains on the bricks of the city walls, into the new green of the fields, and into the shouts in the military camp.

A surge in population means more taxes, more soldiers, more artisans, and more possibilities.

It also means more complex governance, a heavier burden, more intense competition for resources, and hidden contradictions that require constant vigilance.

But for Xiao Chen, who aspires to rule the world, and for this emerging force called "Han Yuan," this is undoubtedly the most solid and vibrant cornerstone on the road to rise.

How to smooth out this foundation stone and build it into a towering structure that rises ever higher into the abyss will be a more complex and delicate test than conquering battlefields.

Standing atop the high steps of the Prince's mansion, Xiao Chen gazed down upon the increasingly prosperous and densely populated city, his eyes fixed on the distance.

150,000 is just the beginning.

He knew that when the reputation of Cold Abyss as a true paradise and land of hope in the North spread far and wide, and when a wider world unfolded before their eyes, even more people would flock here.

What he needs to do is to make this city and this power able to accommodate, assimilate, and ultimately make these influxes of people become the fresh blood flowing endlessly in the bloodline of Han Yuan, jointly supporting that more glorious future.