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

Spring has arrived.

Although spring comes late in the North, the snow is finally starting to melt.

The ice on the Baishui River outside the city has thinned, and cracks have appeared on the surface, revealing the rushing water underneath.

On the sunny hillside, the snow melts, revealing dark brown soil and scattered patches of tender green—that's frost wheat, a cold-resistant crop unique to Hanyuan, which can survive the winter under snow and sprouts as soon as the snow melts.

Xiao Chen stood on the city wall, gazing at this land that was gradually showing signs of life.

It's been three months.

It has been three months since he arrived in Hanyuan.

So much has happened in these three months.

Scarface Liu is dead, the bandits of Black Wind Village have disappeared, and the Grassland Wolf Tribe has retreated.

Like a withered tree, Hanyuan City survived the harsh winter and finally sprouted new buds.

The city wall was repaired. Although it was still an earthen wall, it was raised to 25 feet high and doubled in thickness.

Arrow towers and watchtowers were built on the city walls; although simple, they were fully functional.

Inside the city, abandoned houses were demolished, and the materials were used to build new houses.

Although it was just a mud-brick house, at least it could keep out the wind and rain.

The streets have been cleaned up, the garbage has been removed, and several new wells have been dug—although the water is still murky, at least it's drinkable.

The most important thing is people.

The number of people in the city increased from just over two thousand initially to more than two thousand five hundred—some of whom had fled from surrounding villages after hearing that meals were provided.

Some were former fugitives who secretly returned.

With more people, there are more things to do.

Spring plowing needs to be prepared, land needs to be divided, and seeds need to be distributed.

Mining requires preparation, tool development, and personnel training.

The militia needs to be trained, the city walls need to be reinforced, and defenses need to be deployed.

Xiao Chen was so busy he barely had time to breathe.

But he enjoys being busy.

Busy means the city is coming alive.

"Your Highness, Elder Wang requests your presence at the military camp," Uncle Fu's voice came from behind.

Xiao Chen turned around: "What is it?"

"It seems like we have some guests."

guest?

Xiao Chen was puzzled.

Where would guests come from in a place like Hanyuan?

He followed Uncle Fu to the military camp—the old abandoned military camp, which had now been transformed into barracks and training grounds.

Old Wang, who had lost an arm, lived here with more than 30 veterans and was responsible for training the militia.

Before I even entered, I could hear hearty laughter coming from inside.

The laughter sounded familiar.

Xiao Chen pushed open the door and went in, and saw an old man standing in the courtyard.

His hair was gray, his back was straight, and he carried an iron bow on his back.

Han Lie.

"Old Master Han?" Xiao Chen was taken aback.

Han Lie turned around, saw Xiao Chen, and smiled: "Your Highness, how have you been?"

Xiao Chen quickly stepped forward: "What brings you here?"

"What, not welcome?" Han Lie joked.

"Welcome, of course you're welcome!"

Xiao Chen was genuinely happy, "but I never expected..."

"I never imagined that my old bones would end up in this harsh, cold place."

Han Lie patted the bow on his back, "I couldn't stay at home. I heard you were doing well here, so I came to check it out."

Xiao Chen invited Han Lie into the house—it was warmer inside than outside, with a fire burning in it.

"How did Old Man Han know I was here?" Xiao Chen asked.

"It's spread all over the grasslands."

Han Lie took the hot water that Uncle Fu handed him, took a sip, and said, "They say a young prince has come to the Great Xia, single-handedly taking on Black Wind Stronghold, killing Scarface Liu, and even scaring away the young chieftain of the Canglang tribe. When I heard that, I thought, who else could it be but you?"

Xiao Chen smiled wryly: "The rumors are too exaggerated. I didn't take on Black Wind Stronghold alone, and Scarface Liu didn't kill him single-handedly either."

"But you were the one who killed the people, and you were the one who defended the city."

Han Lie looked at him, his eyes full of admiration, "Three months to bring a dead city back to life, that's not easy."

Xiao Chen shook his head: "It's still far from enough. The city walls are repaired, but we don't have enough food, weapons, or manpower. The grassland tribes will definitely come again after spring, and then..."

"That's why I'm here to help you."

Han Lie put down his water glass. "I've spent forty years in the North. I know the ins and outs of the grasslands."

Xiao Chen's eyes lit up: "You'd like to stay?"

"Otherwise, why would I have come here?"

Han Lie laughed, "But let's make this clear first, I won't be an officer or receive military pay. Give me food and a place to stay, and I'll help you train soldiers and give you some advice."

"That won't do!"

Xiao Chen immediately said, "How could someone as accomplished as you..."

"Why not?"

Han Lie waved his hand, "I'm too old to fight anymore. But I can still teach the young people."

He paused, his expression turning serious: "And, I've come to see you about something important."

"What is it?"

Han Lie took out a roll of sheepskin from his pocket and spread it on the table.

It's a map, much more detailed than Xiao Chen's.

It not only shows mountains and rivers, but also the distribution of tribes, water sources and grasslands, and even marks the relationships between the tribes.

"These are the paintings I've done over the years."

Han Lie pointed to the map, "The three major tribes of the grasslands are: the Azure Wolf tribe is the strongest, with 20,000 archers; the White Deer tribe is second, with about 15,000; and the Black Bear tribe is the weakest, with about 10,000."

"The Canglang tribe and the Bailu tribe have a long-standing feud. Last year, they fought a battle over grasslands. The Bailu tribe was defeated and suffered many deaths, including their chieftain's son. That's why Batel hates the Canglang tribe so much."

Xiao Chen nodded—he knew about it. Batel had mentioned it when he gave him the fur coat last time.

"But recently," Han Lie's finger moved to a spot on the map, "the Canglang tribe has been embroiled in internal strife."

"Internal strife?"

"Um."

Han Lie said, "The old clan chief is seriously ill, and his three sons are vying for the throne. The eldest son, Harbala, is the one who led troops to Hanyuan. He advocates war and wants to plunder southwards. The second son, Batu, advocates peace and wants to do business with Daxia. The third son is young and does not pose a threat yet."

Xiao Chen's eyes lit up: "So, the Canglang Tribe is currently preoccupied with its own problems?"

"At least this spring, they don't have the energy to go south."

Han Lie said, "But it's hard to say in the fall. On the grasslands, whoever becomes the chieftain must establish his authority. The best way to establish authority is through war."

"So we have a springtime period."

"right."

Han Lie nodded. "You have three things to do this spring."

Which three items?

First, spring plowing.

The land in Hanyuan is barren, but the frost-resistant wheat can withstand the cold. If properly cared for, a single season's harvest can feed the entire city for half a year.

Second, mining.

The coal and iron in Black Stone Mountain are the foundation of your livelihood.

With iron, we can forge weapons and agricultural tools.

With coal, we can smelt iron and provide heating.

Third, train troops.

Han Lie looked at Xiao Chen and said, "You have too few soldiers. Three hundred men are barely enough to defend the city, but you need at least a thousand to gain a foothold."

"one thousand?"

Xiao Chen smiled wryly, "Where are we going to find so many people?"

"There are plenty of people."

Han Lie pointed to the map, "There are many villages scattered around Hanyuan. Over the years, they have been ravaged by Scarface Liu, bandits, and grassland people. They couldn't survive and all fled to the mountains. If you can give them hope, they will come."

Xiao Chen pondered for a moment: "Then we need to show them that Han Yuan can protect them."

"right."

Han Lie laughed. "So, you have to fight a battle."

"Who are you going to hit?"

Han Lie's finger moved across the map, finally stopping at a point.

"Black Wind Stronghold".

Xiao Chen was taken aback: "Black Wind Stronghold? Didn't they disperse after Scarface Liu died?"

"It's scattered, but not completely scattered."

Han Lie said, "Scarface Liu's younger brother, Liu Er, has led more than a hundred men and retaken Black Wind Stronghold. They dare not come to Hanyuan, so they plunder the surrounding villages. If you can destroy Black Wind Stronghold, the surrounding villages will naturally submit to you."

Xiao Chen understood.

This is to establish authority.

Although Scarface Liu is dead, his remnants still exist.

Destroying Black Wind Stronghold would not only eliminate future troubles and deter villains, but also win over the hearts of the people.

Three birds with one stone.

"But Black Wind Stronghold is easy to defend and difficult to attack."

Xiao Chen frowned. "I heard that place is surrounded by cliffs on three sides, and there's only one road leading up to it."

That's why we need to outsmart them.

A sly glint flashed in Han Lie's eyes. "I have a friend on the grasslands who's a falconer. He keeps a few falcons that can deliver messages. I also have spies in Black Wind Village."

Xiao Chen's eyes lit up: "You mean...?"

"Working together from within and without."

Han Lie said, "You first lead your troops to surround the stronghold and create a great impression. My men in the stronghold will take the opportunity to set fires and create chaos. Then you can take advantage of the chaos to attack and take it down in one fell swoop."

Xiao Chen thought for a moment, then shook his head: "Too risky. What if your people are discovered..."

"It won't be discovered."

Han Lie was very confident, "That man has been in Black Wind Stronghold for three years and has earned Liu Er's deep trust. Moreover, he is my apprentice."

apprentice?

Looking at Han Lie, Xiao Chen suddenly felt that this old man was hiding too many secrets.

"Old Han," he couldn't help but ask, "who exactly are you?"

Han Lie laughed, a laugh tinged with the weariness of time: "Me? I'm just an old soldier. I served in the border army for forty years, rising from a common soldier to a guerrilla general. Later, I got old, retired, wandered around, and finally settled in Han Family Village."

He paused, a complex look flashing in his eyes: "In my life, I've defended seven cities, fought thirty-eight battles, and killed so many people I can't even remember them all. Now that I'm old, I don't want to kill anymore. I just want to find a place to live out the rest of my life in peace."

"Then why are you helping me?"

Xiao Chen asked, "Helping me means getting involved in all this trouble."

Han Lie looked out the window.

Outside the window, several veterans were training the militia. Although their movements were clumsy, they were very serious.

"Because I don't want to see the North, which I've guarded my whole life, destroyed in the hands of these bastards."

Han Lie said softly, "Scum like Scarface Liu doesn't deserve to live. Those wolf cubs on the grassland don't deserve to run wild on this land either."

He turned to look at Xiao Chen: "You're different. I can see that you genuinely want to do something for the people. So, I'll help you."

Xiao Chen stood up and bowed deeply to Han Lie.

"This junior thanks Elder Han."

"Don't thank me."

Han Lie helped him up. "If you want to thank someone, thank yourself. It's because you're determined that others are willing to help you."

He patted Xiao Chen on the shoulder: "Get ready. We'll attack Black Wind Stronghold in three days."

"So fast?"

"Speed ​​is of the essence in war."

Han Lie said, "Liu Er has just taken over, and the people in the village are not at peace. This is the easiest time to succeed in attacking."

"Okay." Xiao Chen nodded. "In three days."

Xiao Chen was filled with excitement as he left the military camp.

Han Lie's arrival was like sending charcoal in snowy weather.

They not only brought intelligence about the grasslands, but also a plan to break through Black Wind Stronghold.

More importantly, Han Lie himself is a symbol.

The fact that a veteran who had served in the border army for forty years was willing to stay in Hanyuan and help him was a huge encouragement to the veterans and the people of the city.

Upon returning to the city lord's mansion, Xiao Chen immediately summoned Wang Dashan, Zhao Tie, and the one-armed old Wang for a meeting.

Upon hearing about the attack on Black Wind Stronghold, Wang Dashan was the first to agree: "It should have been done a long time ago! Those bastards have ravaged so many villages!"

Zhao Tie, however, was somewhat worried: "Your Highness, we don't have enough troops. At most, we only have a little over three hundred who are capable of fighting. Black Wind Stronghold is easy to defend and difficult to attack; a direct assault would result in heavy losses."

"No forceful attack." Xiao Chen explained Han Lie's plan.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tie's eyes lit up: "An inside-outside attack? That's a great idea!"

The one-armed old Wang stroked his beard: "I've heard of Brother Han. Back in the border army, he was famous for his wisdom and strategy. With his help, we can win this battle."

"Then it's settled."

Xiao Chen made the decision: "Wang Dashan, you choose 150 elite men to accompany me on the expedition in three days. Zhao Tie, your leg injury hasn't healed, so stay in the city and be responsible for defending it. Old Wang, you take the rest of the men and get on with training the militia."

"yes!"

The three men accepted the order and left.

Xiao Chen remained alone in the courtroom, deep in thought as he stared at the map.

Black Wind Stronghold is located thirty miles west of Cold Abyss City, built against the mountain in a strategically important location.

The village has a well and stored grain, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack.

Although Liu Er was not as ruthless as his brother, he was not stupid either, and he must have strengthened his defenses.

This battle will not be easy.

But we have to fight.

If we don't fight, people from the surrounding villages won't dare to come and seek refuge.

If he doesn't fight, the grassland tribes will think he's weak and easy to bully.

If we don't fight, Cold Abyss City will forever be confined to a corner of the world.

Therefore, we must fight.

And we must win.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

The weather was fine on the day we set off.

The sun was shining brightly, the snow had melted, and the roads were muddy.

But Xiao Chen was in a better mood.

One hundred and fifty soldiers lined up in front of the city lord's mansion.

Although their equipment was rudimentary—their leather armor was incomplete and their weapons were scarce—their morale was high.

Among these people were veterans who had followed him from the capital, Scarface Liu's men who had surrendered, newly trained militiamen, and old soldiers brought by One-Armed Old Wang.

Now, they are all soldiers of Han Yuan.

Xiao Chen rode on the snow-covered horse, his gaze sweeping over every face.

"Today, we're going to attack Black Wind Stronghold."

His voice wasn't loud, but everyone could hear him clearly. "Some people might ask, why fight? Black Wind Stronghold hasn't bothered us."

He paused, then raised his voice: "As long as Black Wind Stronghold exists, the surrounding villages will never have peace. The stolen grain, the killed villagers, the kidnapped women—they are all watching us!"

"We need to tell them that Cold Abyss City can protect them!"

"We must tell those wolf cubs on the grasslands that Cold Abyss City is not a place they can come and go as they please!"

"We want to tell the world that this city is alive!"

As soon as the word "alive" was uttered, all 150 people roared in unison:

"War! War! War!"

The sound was deafening.

Xiao Chen drew his sword and pointed it westward.

"Set off!"

One hundred and fifty people, like an arrow, shot towards Black Wind Village.

And the fate of Hanyuan City will begin with this arrow, shooting towards the unknown distance.