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

Zhenbei City, Jingbei Prince's Mansion, Baihu Hall.

This place is not often used for handling ordinary government affairs; it is mostly where Xiao Chen secretly discusses important military and national matters with his trusted ministers, or where he receives special envoys.

Today, the atmosphere inside the hall was slightly different from usual. There were no fully armed military officers standing solemnly; only Han Lie and Zhou Tong were there to keep them company.

Xiao Chen was not dressed in royal robes, but only in a moon-white casual robe with a dark cloak over it. He sat upright in the main seat, his expression calm, but his eyes were as deep as an ancient well, looking at the envoy who stood respectfully below, holding a gold-leafed gift list aloft with both hands.

The envoy was about forty years old, with a fair complexion and a light beard. He wore a blue heron-patterned robe in the style of a fifth-rank civil official of the Great Xia Dynasty, but it was washed so much that it had turned a little white. His brows showed the weariness of a long journey, as well as a hint of tension and respect that he could not hide.

He was not sent by the Great Xia Dynasty, but came from the south—southeast of Jiangzhou, bordering the state of "Wuxinghou".

Strictly speaking, the "Wuxing Marquis" state was not an independent vassal state officially enfeoffed by the Great Xia Dynasty. Rather, it was a hereditary title and a small autonomous territory granted to the leader of a southern tribe who submitted to the Great Xia Dynasty more than a hundred years ago.

Nominally subordinate to the Great Xia, paying tribute to the court and acknowledging its vassal status, the Marquis of Wuxing controlled all taxes, laws, and military affairs within its territory, making it a state within a state.

Its territory comprised no more than three counties, with a population of no more than 100,000 and an army of no more than several thousand. Caught between the two major powers of Jiangzhou and Yuezhou, it has always been cautious and adept at navigating between the two sides, maintaining its fragile independence through tribute and marriage alliances.

The once-in-a-century floods in the south caused relatively minor damage to the Marquisate of Wuxing due to its hilly terrain. However, the weakness and incompetence of its suzerain state, the Great Xia Dynasty, and the inadequate relief efforts, as well as the benevolent actions and efficient organization of Prince Jingbei Xiao Chen's relief team in northern Jiangzhou, especially the news of their "exchange of goods" with local powerful families like the Lin family, reached Marquis Chen Jingrong of Wuxing through various channels. This news stirred up a great deal of turmoil in the heart of this small marquis who was always good at assessing the situation.

The imperial court is clearly unreliable.

The Prince of Jingbei in the north rose like a comet, not only possessing formidable military strength capable of defeating Northern Yan head-on, but also seemingly adept at governance and knowing how to win over the hearts of the people.

More importantly, this prince seemed to disregard "rules," daring to negotiate peace with Northern Yan and demand huge reparations, as well as daring to bypass the imperial court to directly provide relief to the disaster victims in Jinan and to trade with local powerful families.

This is a powerful, unconventional potential backer.

Therefore, after repeated deliberations and several days of secret discussions with his confidants, Marquis Chen Jingrong of Wuxing made a bold decision: to send his trusted retainer and chief clerk Feng You northward to Zhenbei City with heavy gifts, ostensibly to congratulate His Highness Prince Jingbei on his great victory over Northern Yan and to enhance the prestige of our nation. In reality, it was a test.

To test Xiao Chen's attitude, to test Han Yuan's strength, and also to test... whether it was possible to shift from relying on the weakened Great Xia Dynasty to relying on this emerging powerful northern vassal state, or even to gain some form of recognition or "protection" in order to maintain or even expand their pitiful independent status.

At this moment, the gift list in Feng You's hands was Wu Xinghou's "sincerity": ten bushels of pearls from the South China Sea, one hundred catties of top-grade Yuezhou Longjing tea, fifty bolts of Suzhou embroidery brocade, a set of exquisite purple clay teapots, and five hundred taels of gold.

For a minor vassal state like the Marquis of Wuxing, this was already a rather substantial "gift".

"Lord Wu Xing is too kind."

Xiao Chen's voice was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger. He slightly raised his hand, "Registration Officer Feng has come a long way and must be tired. Please have a seat and some tea."

"Thank you for your great favor, Your Highness!"

Feng You breathed a sigh of relief and carefully sat on one side of the brocade stool next to him. The eunuch served him fragrant tea, but he did not dare to pick it up immediately.

Han Lie took the gift list, glanced at it briefly, and then presented it to Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen glanced at it, remained noncommittal, and gently placed the gift list on the table to the side.

"I have heard of the Marquis of Wuxing's generations of guarding the southern frontier, protecting the borders and ensuring the safety of the people."

Xiao Chen spoke slowly, his tone casual, as if in a chat, "In the recent floods in the south, are the people in Marquis Wuxing's territory still safe and sound?"

Feng You's heart skipped a beat, knowing that the main topic had arrived. He quickly bowed and replied, "Your Highness, thanks to Your Highness's great fortune, our country is mostly mountainous, so the flood did not affect us too deeply, and the people are still able to live in peace. However... however, the neighboring prefectures are suffering terribly, with refugees everywhere. Our country is weak and can only close its borders and defend itself. I am ashamed, I am ashamed."

He never mentioned the imperial court, only "the prince's great fortune," and portrayed the Marquisate of Wuxing as a pitiful entity struggling to protect itself in a chaotic world.

"Oh? Closing the borders and guarding the territory is also a prudent move."

Xiao Chen nodded, seemingly in agreement, then changed the subject, "However, in this world, it's not easy to remain unscathed. The imperial court... well, with the floods in the south, the imperial court has its own difficulties."

Feng You's heart stirred again. The subtle pauses and tone in Xiao Chen's voice when he mentioned the imperial court made him sense something unusual.

He carefully chose his words, cautiously probing, "Your Highness is wise. The court... alas, it has its own difficulties. It is only the common people who suffer. Fortunately, Your Highness is benevolent, your kindness extends to both north and south, and you have sent envoys to provide relief, saving countless lives."

Now, the people of Jiangzhou and Yuezhou are all grateful for the Prince's kindness. Even I, your humble servant, am deeply impressed by your righteous deeds, and often say: A true man should be like this.

Therefore, I have specially dispatched this humble official to pay my respects, firstly to congratulate Your Highness on your victory over the northern barbarians and the enhancement of our national prestige; secondly, also to express my humble lord's...admiration and concern for Your Highness.

He emphasized the word "admire" a little more.

Xiao Chen smiled slightly, not responding to the "admiration" remark, but instead asked, "Marquis of Wuxing, you are very kind. I have heard that your territory is rich in tea and bamboo ware, and also has exquisite craftsmen?"

Feng You's spirits lifted, and he quickly replied, "Exactly! Although our country is small, its climate is mild and humid, which is quite suitable for tea trees. Although the Wuxing Yunwu tea produced here is not as famous as Yuezhou Longjing tea, it has its own unique flavor."

Bamboo and lacquerware are also quite well-known. As for craftsmen, I have even kept a few of them, who make some exquisite items for my own amusement.

He knew that when the other party started asking about local products, it meant they were interested in continuing the conversation, which was much more substantial than empty flattery.

"Hmm," Xiao Chen picked up his teacup, gently skimming off the foam, and said casually, "The North is bitterly cold and its produce is scarce. However, there are some furs, felt, and medicinal herbs that might be exchanged with goods from the South. Some time ago, I sent people to do some business with the local gentry in the Shangzhou area, which was quite convenient for both sides."

Feng You was overjoyed; Xiao Chen had extended an olive branch! He suppressed his excitement and spoke even more respectfully: "Your Highness is absolutely right! The products of the North and South each have their own strengths and weaknesses. If they can be exchanged, it will truly be a blessing for the people of both regions. Although I live in a remote corner, I am willing to do my part for Your Highness."

Our country is willing to present 300 catties of top-quality Wuxing Yunwu tea, along with a quantity of bamboo and lacquerware, annually, only hoping... only hoping to maintain regular contact with Your Highness's territory and receive Your Highness's... favor.

He ultimately did not use words like "dependent on" or "tribute" directly, but the meanings of "offering" and "taking care of" were already quite clear.

Xiao Chen put down his teacup and looked calmly at Feng You. His gaze was not sharp, but it seemed to penetrate people's hearts, causing Feng You to involuntarily lower his head.

The hall was quiet for a moment, with only the occasional crackling of charcoal in the copper basin.

"I appreciate the kindness of Marquis Wuxing."

Xiao Chen finally spoke, his voice still steady, "The opening of trade routes between the North and South will benefit the people, and I am delighted to see it succeed. Your Excellency has traveled a long way and must be well rested at the inn. Chief Secretary Han,"

He turned to Han Lie and said, "I will accept the gifts from Marquis Wuxing and return them with a hundred sable pelts, ten fine horses, and thirty fine iron swords from the north. Also, Registrar Feng can stay in Zhenbei City for a few more days to see the sights and scenery of the north before returning."

"Thank you for your generous gift, Your Highness!"

Feng You immediately rose from his seat and bowed deeply in respect.

Feeling somewhat uneasy, Xiao Chen accepted the gifts and agreed to "exchange favors." He even reciprocated with mink fur, warhorses, and swords that exuded a more rugged and martial aura. This was both a gesture of goodwill and a display of strength.

However, Xiao Chen remained silent on the issue of "status," which was of utmost concern to Marquis Wuxing. He neither explicitly accepted the "tribute" nor made any political promises, but simply said that he was "happy to see it happen" and that "we will maintain regular contact."

This attitude, seemingly mild, is actually reserved and restrained.

He neither rejected Wu Xinghou's advances nor readily granted him any formal title.

Like a game of chess between masters, when the opponent handed over a piece, Xiao Chen simply accepted it with a smile, but did not rush to place it.

After Feng You left, only Xiao Chen, Han Lie, and Zhou Tong remained in the hall.

"Your Highness, the Marquis of Wuxing's intentions are quite clear. He sees the court in decline and the power of Hanyuan rising, and wants to find a new master to rely on in order to protect himself, or even to raise his status and expand his power."

Han Lie pondered for a moment and said, "What they seek is probably more than just trade."

Zhou Tong also said, "That's right. These minor lords are the most fickle. Today they may betray Xia and submit to me, but if I lose power tomorrow, or if the court becomes more responsive, they may turn against me. Their so-called tribute is nothing more than a test of the annual tribute. Your Highness's return gift of warhorses and swords to show your power is quite appropriate. However, it is also prudent to remain vague in your response to their request for titles and honors."

Xiao Chen stood up, walked to the huge map hanging in the sky, and his gaze fell on the small mark in the south that represented the Marquisate of Wuxing. He said indifferently, "Chen Jingrong is nothing more than a dog guarding a gate, opportunistic and fickle. His territory is tiny, with a population of no more than 100,000 and an army of no more than a few thousand. He is insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The significance of his sending envoys to court lies not in the envoys themselves, but in the signal they send."

He turned around, his gaze sweeping over Han Lie and Zhou Tong: "This signal is that many observing forces in the southern states, and even within the Great Xia territory, have begun to turn their attention to the north, to Han Yuan. They have seen the weakness of the imperial court, and they have seen the strength and... unconventionality of Han Yuan."

Marquis Wuxing is the first, but he will certainly not be the last. In the future, there may be more Marquises Wuxing, or even some more influential forces, who will test us, try to get close to us, or... use us in various ways.

"Does Your Highness mean that we should neither readily accept these minor vassal states and grant them official titles, so as not to provoke the court too early and get them involved in the southern conflicts, nor completely reject them, but maintain contact to observe and observe, and thereby obtain information about southern resources and intelligence?" Han Lie asked thoughtfully.

"Exactly."

Xiao Chen nodded. "Trade is permissible, as is trade and intelligence exchange. In fact, if they encounter difficulties, it would be acceptable to provide some covert support when I have the capacity and it is in my favor. However, formal recognition, alliances, and military aid are not to be granted at this stage."

Han Yuan's top priority now is to consolidate control of the northern border and build up strength. As for the affairs of the south and the court, let them deal with their own problems first.

What we need to do is let everyone see that Hanyuan is a thriving, reliable tree, but we won't let anyone lean on it easily, nor will we expose it to the wind and rain prematurely for a few insignificant leaves.

"We want Wu Xinghou's tea and bamboo utensils. We accept his so-called admiration. But let him wait for the protection and recognition he desires. Wait until our tree grows tall and strong enough, until the winds and rains of the south are fierce enough, until those who are watching are willing to pay a greater price to seek shelter..."

Xiao Chen's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable determination: "That will be the time for us to set our terms."

"As for now," Xiao Chen's lips curled into a faint smile, "let them continue to 'admire' and test the waters. Let Feng You take a good look around Zhenbei City, see our military camps, our workshops, our markets, and the prosperity of our trade with Beiyan. Then, take what he sees back to his master and tell everyone who is secretly watching."

Han Lie and Zhou Tong exchanged a glance, both seeing understanding and admiration in each other's eyes.

The prince intends to "use stillness to control movement, and use reality to appear illusory."

Do not make promises lightly, do not get involved easily, just develop quietly, flex your muscles, and let those forces in the south with ulterior motives figure it out, worry about it, and raise the price for them to pledge allegiance.

The tribute mission of the Marquis of Wuxing was like a small pebble thrown into the deep, cold pool.

Xiao Chen didn't stir up any waves; he simply let the ripples spread slowly, causing more fish hiding in the shadows to stir and begin to quietly peer into this seemingly calm but actually incredibly deep body of water.

Meanwhile, Han Yuan continued to steadily accumulate strength during this period of observation and testing, waiting for the right opportunity to truly come its way.