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

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

The fire in the stove was blazing, dispelling the bone-chilling cold of the twelfth lunar month, but it couldn't dispel the somber atmosphere that permeated the hall. The thick curtains were drawn, isolating all outside sounds, except for the occasional crackling of the charcoal and the rustling of paper turning over.

Xiao Chen sat upright in front of the huge sand table, on which mountains, rivers, cities and passes were displayed in exquisite detail, encompassing almost the entire northern border of the Great Xia, part of the Central Plains, and even the grasslands and the East China Sea.

On the large rosewood desk in front of him, there were two stacks of secret reports, each half a foot high, with fresh ink and the distinctive owl feather markings on the seals clearly visible.

Han Lie, Wang Dashan, and Zhou Tong sat on either side, each with several secret reports spread out in front of them, their brows furrowed and their faces solemn.

The air was filled with the scent of ink, the aroma of charcoal, and a silent, taut string sound.

Just an hour ago, several specially trained owl carrier pigeons, capable of traveling day and night, almost simultaneously passed through the tight air defense netting of Zhenbei City and landed in the pigeon loft deep inside the Prince's Mansion.

The messages they brought, after being decoded layer by layer, were finally delivered to Xiao Chen, who had just ended his honeymoon and returned to his official duties, at top speed. The content was shocking, yet also somewhat expected.

"Have you finished watching it?"

Xiao Chen's voice broke the silence, calm and undisturbed, revealing no emotion. But those who knew him well knew that beneath this calm lay molten lava capable of incinerating everything.

Han Lie put down the last secret report, which contained a detailed route and estimated gift list for the Jin King's envoy traveling north with heavy gifts.

He rubbed his temples, a hint of seriousness showing on his usually composed face: "I've finished reading it. The Prince of Qin secretly met with the deputy general of the Shence Army, intending to control the imperial city and palace gates; the Prince of Jin contacted his old subordinates in the capital garrison and sent people to the Xishan Ruijian Camp; the Crown Prince is intensifying his efforts to win over the civil officials and is trying to control the inner court through Cao Jin... The capital has become a volcano, ready to erupt at any moment."

Wang Dashan slammed a secret report on the table with a loud "bang," his eyes wide with fury. He roared, "These parasites! The emperor hasn't even breathed his last yet, and they're already in a hurry to seize power? The floods in the south have left millions of refugees, some even resorting to cannibalism!"

Can't they see? Instead of thinking about disaster relief and people's well-being, they only care about their own little corner of the world, fighting for power and profit! Such a court, such princes, ugh!

He was a pure soldier who couldn't stand these petty scheming people and hated them even more for their disregard for the lives of ordinary people.

Zhou Tong remained relatively calm, but his eyes were sharp as knives: "Not just Shenjing."

The King of Qin had secretly sent a letter to his maternal uncle's family in Jiangnan, urging them to allocate funds and grain, and had also secretly contacted salt merchants in Lianghuai, promising them salt permits.

The Prince of Jin also sent people to Governor Chen in the north, hoping to gain support from the border troops.

And it seems they haven't forgotten Your Highness.

He pointed to two of the secret reports, "The King of Qin wants to find out our secrets and has offered us great benefits; the King of Jin is even more direct, his envoy is already on his way, probably to discuss the price."

As for the Crown Prince… there's no clear indication of his intentions yet, but there's already some undercurrent of activity among the officials of the Eastern Palace. It seems some are suggesting using a righteous pretext to ask the Prince to purge the court of corrupt officials.

"Purge the court of corrupt officials?"

Xiao Chen's lips curled into a cold, mocking smile. "Which side are you purging? The Prince of Qin's faction? The Prince of Jin's faction? Or his own Crown Prince faction?"

His fingers tapped lightly on the smooth tabletop, producing a rhythmic "tap-tap" sound that seemed to resonate in everyone's heart.

"The drama in Shenjing has only just begun."

Xiao Chen stood up, walked to the sand table, and his gaze swept across the tiny model representing the capital city like a hawk's, then slowly moved away, sweeping across the vast Central Plains, finally settling on the northern area belonging to the Cold Abyss, which was specially dyed a deep blue.

"The emperor is seriously ill and in a coma; his fate is uncertain."

The Crown Prince was weak, the King of Qin was sinister, and the King of Jin was tyrannical; all of them were ambitious but lacked talent and were short-sighted.

Behind them lies a complex web of powerful families, nobles, civil officials, and military generals, each with their own hidden agendas and intertwined interests. This struggle will not be resolved in the short term.

Even if one side manages to win by sheer luck, it will be a Pyrrhic victory, severely weakening them, and moreover…

He paused, then said with unwavering resolve, "After this upheaval, the central government's authority will be completely undermined, and its control over local areas will plummet to rock bottom."

Han Lie's eyes lit up, and he interjected, "Does Your Highness mean that the imperial court is powerless and too busy to look north? Perhaps even the Central Plains will be destabilized by their internal strife?"

"good."

Xiao Chen nodded emphatically, his finger tracing a heavy line across the territory of the Cold Abyss on the sand table. "This is an unprecedented golden window of opportunity for us! A perfect chance to cast aside all our concerns, fully integrate our internal forces, expand our strength, and lay the groundwork for our dominance!"

He turned around, his gaze fixed intently on his three trusted ministers. An invisible, inspiring aura emanated from him, instantly dispelling the oppressive atmosphere in the Hall of Ceremonies caused by the chaos in the capital.

"In the past, we always had to consider the court's reaction, the greater good, and the opinions of the aristocratic families of the Central Plains when doing things, which made us very constrained. Now..."

Xiao Chen's voice suddenly rose, carrying an undeniable determination, "These shackles can be temporarily discarded!"

At least until the court decides the victor or the new emperor regains control, we call the shots in the north!

The chaos in the Central Plains will not be a threat to us; on the contrary, it will become a shield and cover for our development!

Wang Dashan suddenly stood up, his face flushed with excitement: "Your Highness is right! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! It's time for Hanyuan to roll up its sleeves and get to work!"

Zhou Tong took a deep breath, his eyes gleaming: "That's absolutely right. Many things we dared not do, could not do, or were slow to do in the past can now be done freely and at full speed!"

Han Lie, though the most composed, was now breathing slightly rapidly. He quickly gathered his thoughts: "Your Highness, the most urgent task is to immediately adjust our strategy and accelerate everything!"

"Exactly!"

Xiao Chen walked back to the main seat and sat down, tapping his finger on the table. "Chief Secretary Han, draft the order immediately."

First, the military industry.

All military workshops have cancelled all rest days and holidays, working in three shifts, day and night, to produce at full capacity!

Hundred-refined steel swords and spears, Frost Abyss armor, powerful bows and crossbows, arrows, shields, siege weapons... whatever the army needs, go all out!

At the Academy of Sciences' Military Industry Department, all research and development of new equipment has been given the highest priority. I want to see results and put the application of gunpowder and special equipment into trial production as soon as possible!

Double the current inventory!

"Second, the new military reform."

The military reforms, originally scheduled to be completed in two years, have been accelerated and must be completed within one year!

The standing army of 20,000 professional soldiers must be fully staffed, equipped, and trained to meet standards!

All branches of the armed forces coordinate and conduct tactical drills, with a major test every month. Those who fail will have their officers dismissed and their soldiers eliminated!

The expansion plan of the Military Academy has been brought forward, and the first batch of accelerated training students will be sent to various battalions to serve as company commanders and platoon leaders within six months!

The selection and training of the Xuanjia Guards must be accelerated, at any cost. I want them to become combat-ready in the shortest possible time!

Third, strategic materials.

We will increase our efforts to purchase and stockpile all strategic materials, including grain, cloth, medicinal herbs, iron ore, coal, saltpeter, and sulfur.

Spend the money in the treasury when it's needed!

Trade with the East Sea Merchant Alliance, the Canglang Tribe, and even the Western Regions shifted its focus to these goods.

If necessary, we can purchase at a premium, but we must ensure that in the event of trouble, our Han Yuan granary has grain and weapons, so we will not panic!

Fourth, intelligence.

Night Owl immediately shifted his focus to the Central Plains! I need to know everything about the detailed movements, troop deployments, personnel exchanges, weaknesses, and vulnerabilities of the three princes of Shenjing and their cronies!

We must also ascertain the attitudes, stances, and strengths of the governors, commanders, and powerful families in the various prefectures and counties of the Central Plains as soon as possible!

The movements of the southern refugee army and the situation of local uprisings were all brought under surveillance!

"Money, manpower, and channels—give Night Owl your full support! I need intelligence from the Central Plains to flood my desk like snowflakes!"

Fifth, diplomacy.

Accelerate the partnership with the East China Sea Business Alliance. The agreements we discussed last time, such as joint escort, joint shipyard construction, and grain-for-arms exchange, should be implemented immediately. The terms can be further reduced by 10%, but the process must be swift!

On the Western Liang side, we can appropriately reveal some of the chaos in the capital, emphasizing that the internal strife in Northern Yan is the result of our joint efforts to suppress it, reaffirming the alliance, and striving for deeper military cooperation, such as joint exercises and intelligence sharing.

Goryeo, increase trade with us, using our refined salt, porcelain, and ironware to exchange for their grain, medicine, and sailors. We can even hint that we can provide protection in the future in dealing with Japanese harassment.

In short, we must make as many friends as possible and minimize potential enemies. At the very least, before we advance south, we must have no worries about our rear in the north and east!

Xiao Chen spoke very quickly and clearly, and his orders poured out like a flowing stream, clearly indicating that he had thought them through carefully.

Han Lie wrote with lightning speed, almost too fast to keep up with, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, but his eyes grew brighter and brighter.

"In addition," Xiao Chen added, his gaze sweeping over Wang Dashan and Zhou Tong, "the army's mobilization status is raised by one level. Border checkpoints are heightened with increased vigilance; entry is permitted but exit is not, and strict checks are conducted on all travelers, especially those coming from the south."

The security of the territory is jointly the responsibility of the city defense army and the police, who will strictly investigate spies, stabilize prices, and prevent anyone from taking the opportunity to spread rumors and cause trouble.

Tell the people that the sky won't fall, and the abyss is as stable as Mount Tai!

"Yes!" Wang Dashan and Zhou Tong responded with a resounding roar, their voices echoing across the rooftops.

"Finally," Xiao Chen's gaze fell on the mountain of secret reports from the capital, his eyes cold and sharp, "tell Night Owl to give those envoys sent by the princes, as well as those lobbyists who secretly contacted them and offered them great benefits, a proper welcome."

After the King of Qin's men ascertained their background and intentions, they were politely escorted out of the country, but a subtle hint was given that the King of Jin intended to harm me. As for the King of Jin's men…”

The cold smile on his lips reappeared. "Why not make contact and hear what price they're willing to offer? Then, find a way to leak their terms and the list of envoys to the Crown Prince and the King of Qin's people. As for the Crown Prince... let's ignore him for now and let him continue to live in fear."

Han Lie paused, instantly understanding Xiao Chen's intention—to add fuel to the fire, making them fight even fiercer and cause even more chaos!

The more chaotic the Central Plains become, the longer the window of opportunity for accelerated development will be for the Cold Abyss.

"Your Highness's plan is brilliant!"

Zhou Tong clapped his hands in admiration, "Let them fight like dogs, while we quietly make a fortune—no, we quietly forge a sharp sword!"

Xiao Chen stood up, walked to the window, and opened it.

A biting wind suddenly rushed in, making his robes flutter and dissipating the overly heated atmosphere inside the hall.

He gazed at the gloomy sky outside and the military flagpole standing tall in the cold wind in the distance, and slowly said:

"The dragon lies hidden in the abyss, not in hibernation, but in gathering its strength. Now the winds of change are blowing, and thunder is imminent. What we must do is seize this fleeting opportunity to sharpen our claws, strengthen our bones, and thicken our scales!"

He whirled around, his gaze sharp as lightning, sweeping over his three trusted confidants: "Let them continue their farce in the capital. We, however, will stage a true drama—the Rise of a Dragon from the Abyss—on this northern land!"

"I will obey the king's command!"

Han Lie, Wang Dashan, and Zhou Tong bowed in unison, their voices firm, their eyes burning with fierce determination.

It wasn't fear of the chaos in the capital, but rather excitement and determination to seize opportunities and usher in a new era.

As the meeting concluded, a series of urgent orders, bearing the seals of the Prince of Jingbei and various departments such as the Privy Council, the Chief Secretary's Office, the Revenue Department, and the Military Department, spun rapidly from the Prince's residence to every corner of Zhenbei City, to the northern prefectures and counties, to the border military camps, and to distant allies...

The entire Cold Abyss system, like a sophisticated and massive war machine, quietly increased its operating speed under Xiao Chen's will, emitting a deep and powerful roar.

Steel roared in the furnace, craftsmen sweated in the workshops, soldiers drilled in the cold wind, provisions piled up in the warehouses, messengers galloped along the post roads, and spies operated in the shadows...

Beneath the seemingly peaceful winter surface of the northern lands, a powerful force is rapidly accumulating at an unprecedented pace.

The hidden dragon has already opened its cold eyes, accumulating earth-shattering power, waiting for the opportune moment to soar into the heavens.

The hustle and bustle of the southern capital is merely an insignificant prelude in this grand epic.