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

The battle at Black Wind Stronghold went more smoothly than expected.

Han Lie's apprentice indeed became an inside agent in the village.

When Xiao Chen led his troops to surround the mountain stronghold and pretended to launch a strong attack, a fire suddenly broke out inside the stronghold, billowing thick smoke.

The bandits guarding the stronghold thought that government troops had stormed in, and chaos ensued.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Xiao Chen led his men up the mountain and encountered almost no decent resistance.

Liu Er tried to escape, but Wang Dashan shot him in the thigh with an arrow and captured him on the spot.

When clearing the battlefield, Xiao Chen reaped a rich harvest—two hundred shi of grain, more than three hundred weapons, five hundred taels of silver, and a number of copper coins.

Most importantly, they captured more than fifty warhorses—although most of them were inferior, they could be used after some training.

When he returned to Hanyuan City, the entire city lined the streets to welcome him.

Liu Er was bound hand and foot and placed at the front of the line.

This former tyrant who had terrorized the village was now ashen-faced, his crotch soaked with sweat.

"Kill this beast!"

"Avenge my daughter!"

"Kill him!"

The people were outraged; some picked up stones and threw them, while others spat.

Xiao Chen did not stop them, letting the people vent their anger.

Only after Liu Er was beaten until his head was bleeding profusely and he was on the verge of death did he give the order: "Take him to the city gate and behead him as a warning to the public."

A flash of light, and a head fell to the ground.

Another human head was hung on the city gate tower.

Keep company with Scarface Liu's head.

The people cheered and jumped for joy; some knelt down and wept, while others laughed loudly.

Xiao Chen watched this scene with mixed feelings.

Killing is not the goal, but sometimes, killing one person can save a hundred.

News of Black Wind Stronghold's destruction spread like wildfire throughout the area surrounding Cold Abyss.

The next day, villagers from nearby villages came to seek refuge with their families.

"Your Highness, please take us in! We're willing to build city walls, we're willing to farm, we just need to be fed!"

"Your Highness, our village has been ravaged by Black Wind Stronghold and we can no longer survive. Please take us in!"

"Your Highness..."

Xiao Chen stood on the city wall, looking down at the dense crowd below. He roughly estimated that there were at least five or six hundred people.

For the first time, someone has come to surrender to Hanyuan City.

"Wang Dashan," he said, "open the city gates and let them in. Register them, distribute the land, and allocate seeds according to the number of people."

"yes!"

The city gates opened, and refugees poured in.

The population of Hanyuan City increased by 20% overnight.

At the same time, spring plowing has also begun.

Xiao Chen re-divided the wasteland outside the city and distributed the land to each household.

Each household is allocated five mu of land, with seeds provided by the city lord's mansion. After the harvest, the profits are divided 20/80 – the city lord's mansion takes 20% and the farmers keep 80%.

This percentage is much lower than the "three-tenths tax" stipulated by the Great Xia Dynasty.

The people were overjoyed, and their enthusiasm for work was at an all-time high.

Coal and iron ore mines in Blackstone Mountain have also begun to be mined.

With his one-armed arm, Old Wang, along with a group of veterans and newly recruited miners, was busy working in the mountains.

Once the coal is mined, it will first be used to supply heating and cooking in the city.

Iron was smelted and forged into farm tools—plows, hoes, and sickles—which were then distributed to farmers first.

Everything is developing in a good direction.

But Xiao Chen knew that this was just the beginning.

The food problem has been solved—the seeds for spring planting have been sown, the wheat is growing well, and with the harvested grain, there should be no problem lasting until autumn.

The weapons problem has been temporarily alleviated—the captured weapons, plus those we made ourselves, are barely enough.

But the population is still too small and the military strength is still too weak.

Once spring planting is over, the grassland tribes will definitely come to test us.

That will be the real test.

Just as he was worrying about this, an unexpected message arrived.

"Your Highness! Your Highness!"

Uncle Fu rushed into the courtroom, panting, "The imperial court... the imperial entourage has arrived!"

Xiao Chen was taken aback: "A ceremonial procession?"

"Yes! The Imperial Envoy, with the Prince's full entourage, has arrived ten miles outside the city!"

Xiao Chen suddenly stood up.

The imperial retinue? When he left the capital, the Imperial Household Department gave him a dilapidated carriage and three hundred old and weak people.

Why are they sending an honor guard again now?

"Let's go take a look."

He led Wang Dashan and several personal guards, riding out of the city.

Sure enough, there was a troop ten miles outside the city.

There were about two hundred people, with banners waving and carriages and horses in perfect order.

Eight knights led the way, followed by four carriages, and then a procession of guards and servants on foot.

In the center of the procession, a large flag fluttered in the wind, bearing the four characters: Prince Jingbei.

"Truly the entourage of a prince."

Wang Dashan said in a low voice, "Your Highness, the visitors are not friendly."

Xiao Chen knew, of course, that the visitor was up to no good.

He was away from the capital for three months before the court remembered to send him a replacement ceremonial regalia.

And why did they choose this exact moment, when Han Yuan had just gained a foothold?

"Go meet them." He spurred his horse forward.

The two sides met on the official road.

The procession stopped, and a middle-aged official stepped down from the most luxurious carriage.

He was in his forties, with a fair complexion and no beard, wearing a scarlet official robe and a jade belt, exuding an extraordinary air.

"I am Li Chun, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, here by imperial decree to offer my condolences to the Prince of Jingbei." The official bowed, a professional smile on his face.

Xiao Chen dismounted and returned the greeting: "Lord Li, you have come from afar, you must be tired."

"It's not hard work, it's not hard work."

Li Chun sized up Xiao Chen, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes—this young man before him was dressed in coarse linen clothes, his face weathered, and his hands calloused. He didn't look like a pampered prince at all; he looked more like a peasant.

But he quickly covered it up and said with a smile, "His Highness the Prince has been enfeoffed for three months, and His Majesty has been very concerned about him. He specially ordered me to send the Prince's full ceremonial regalia and some rewards to comfort him for his hard work."

He clapped his hands, and the people behind him carried up several boxes.

Inside, there were gold and silver utensils, silks and satins, and several boxes of books.

"Furthermore," Li Chun took out a roll of yellow silk from his sleeve, "His Majesty has decreed that the Prince of the County be promoted to the Prince of Jingbei, with an additional 3,000 households in his fief and an annual stipend of 5,000 shi."

King?

Xiao Chen's heart skipped a beat.

For a prince to be granted the title of king, he usually had to be of age, have political achievements, or be favored by the emperor.

He was an unfavored prince who had only been enfeoffed for three months. What right did he have to be granted the title of king?

"Lord Li," he took the imperial edict but didn't look at it, only asking, "Father... does he have any other decrees?"

Li Chun's smile remained unchanged: "His Majesty also said that the northern border is bitterly cold. If Your Highness finds it difficult, you may submit a memorial to resign and return to the capital to recuperate."

really.

Xiao Chen understood.

The bestowal of the title of king was a pretense; the real purpose was to test him.

The Emperor panicked when he saw that the man hadn't died on the road and had even gained a foothold.

So they sent an imperial envoy, offered a sweet treat, and then gave him a warning—if you know what's good for you, you'd better obediently return to the capital.

If you don't know what's good for you, I'll give you the title of king, but don't expect to have a good life from now on.

"Thank you for your kindness, Father Emperor."

Xiao Chen handed the imperial edict to Uncle Fu, saying, "Lord Li, you must be tired from your journey. Please come into the city and rest."

"No rush."

Li Chun replied, "This humble official is ordered to inspect the defenses of Hanyuan City and review military affairs. Please lead the way, Your Highness."

coming.

Xiao Chen sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm: "Lord Li, please."

The group entered the city.

Li Chun walked in front, with Xiao Chen beside him.

The Ministry of Rites' entourage and guards followed behind, forming a grand procession that attracted a crowd of onlookers.

"Is that a high-ranking official from the imperial court?"

"His Highness the Prince has been granted the title of King? That's wonderful!"

"Looks impressive, much better than Scarface Liu..."

Li Chun listened to the discussion, a slight smile playing on his lips.

His visit this time was not just to deliver an imperial decree.

He was a man of the Fourth Prince, Xiao Jing.

Before his departure, the Fourth Prince specifically instructed him: "The Seventh Prince is causing trouble in the Northern Border, and Father is worried about him. Go and see what he's up to. If he really gains power... you know what to do."

So he wants to see it.

Look at the city walls, the military strength, and the people's morale.

The city wall was newly built; although simple, it was neat and sturdy.

Soldiers patrolled the city walls; though poorly equipped, they were in high spirits.

The streets were clean, and although the houses were dilapidated, at least people lived there and there was smoke rising from their chimneys.

What shocked Li Chun the most was the look in the eyes of the people—no longer numb and desperate, but full of life and hope.

This seventh brother is really quite capable.

"Your Highness," Li Chun suddenly spoke, "I heard that you've only been in Hanyuan for three months, yet you've already repaired the city walls and wiped out the Black Wind Stronghold bandits?"

"With the people united and the soldiers fighting bravely, I dare not take credit," Xiao Chen said calmly.

"Your Highness is too modest."

Li Chun changed the subject, "However, I've also heard that Your Highness killed Liu Hong, the former head of Hanyuan City, and publicly beheaded more than thirty people, whose heads were hung on the city wall?"

coming.

Xiao Chen sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly composed: "Liu Hong was corrupt and lawless, colluding with bandits; according to the law, he should be executed. As for those heads, they all deserved their fate. If Lord Li does not believe me, you can check the case files."

"The case files must be checked, of course."

Li Chun paused for a moment, then said, "However, Your Highness, you have only just arrived and you have already begun to kill indiscriminately. I'm afraid... it will damage your reputation for benevolence."

"Benevolence is for the common people, not for the wicked."

Xiao Chen retorted sharply, "The people of Hanyuan have been oppressed for three years, and countless have frozen and starved to death. I killed a few tyrants precisely to restore benevolence to the people."

Li Chun was momentarily speechless, then chuckled dryly twice: "Your Highness is right."

As they spoke, they arrived at the city lord's mansion.

Although it is called a prince's mansion, it is actually the original prefectural governor's mansion, which has been slightly renovated.

Compared to the princely mansions in the capital, it was incredibly shabby.

Li Chun entered the main hall and saw a plaque hanging there with four large characters: "The people are the foundation of the state."

The characters were written by Xiao Chen himself. Although his brushstrokes were immature, they exuded a sense of strength.

"Your Highness has excellent calligraphy," Li Chun praised.

"You flatter me, Lord Li."

Xiao Chen invited him to take a seat, saying, "Hanyuan is remote and there's nothing much to offer, just simple food and drink. Please forgive me, sir."

"No, no."

Li Chun sat down and took the tea that Uncle Fu handed him—it was made from the lowest grade of tea stems, and it tasted bitter and astringent when brewed.

He took a sip, his brow furrowing slightly, but quickly relaxed: "Your Highness must have had a tough time in the Cold Abyss."

"We dare not complain about the hardships of guarding the border for our country."

The two exchanged pleasantries and chatted for half an hour.

Li Chun asked a question, and Xiao Chen answered it perfectly, without missing a single detail.

If you ask about the city wall, just say that it was built spontaneously by the people.

When asked about troop strength, he said that the local militia were temporarily recruited for self-defense.

When asked about finances, they said it came from the government's salary and the taxes paid by the people.

In short, everything was done according to the rules, and there were no mistakes.

Li Chun became increasingly alarmed as he asked more questions.

This seventh brother not only didn't die in the Northern Territory, but he also managed to govern the Cold Abyss very well.

Although poor and dilapidated, the people are united and the city is well-defended. Given time, it will surely become a great threat.

No, we must find a way to stop it.

"Your Highness," Li Chun put down his teacup, "besides delivering the imperial decree, I have another matter to discuss with you."

"Please speak, Lord Li."

"His Majesty heard that the northern border was unstable, and specially ordered me to bring five hundred elite soldiers to help the Prince defend the city."

Li Chun clapped his hands. "Bring him up."

The sound of orderly footsteps could be heard outside.

Five hundred soldiers, their helmets and armor gleaming, their swords and spears flashing, stood in formation in front of the mansion.

They were all burly and had sharp eyes; they were clearly elites.

Xiao Chen's pupils contracted.

Five hundred elite soldiers? To help him defend the city?

That sounds nice, but they're clearly here to monitor and control him!

"Your Highness," Li Chun said with a beaming smile, "these soldiers will be under your command from now on. The commander is Zhang Meng, a captain of the Imperial Guards, who was also recommended by the Fourth Prince."

Zhang Meng stepped forward, clasped his hands in a salute, and said, "This humble general, Zhang Meng, greets Your Highness!"

His voice was loud and his presence imposing.

Xiao Chen looked at him, then at the five hundred elite soldiers, and sneered inwardly.

What a clever fourth brother, he really stretches his reach far.

But a look of joy appeared on his face: "I am deeply grateful for Father's consideration and Fourth Brother's concern. Captain Zhang, I entrust the defense of Hanyuan City to you from now on."

Zhang Meng was stunned—he had thought Xiao Chen would refuse or resist, but he didn't expect him to accept so readily.

"This subordinate obeys!" He suppressed his doubts and answered loudly.

Li Chun was also surprised.

His prepared excuses—such as "we are defending the border and our troops are insufficient" and "His Majesty is concerned and has specially allocated troops"—were all useless.

What exactly is this seventh brother up to?

"Lord Li, you must be tired from your journey. Please rest at the inn." Xiao Chen rose to see the guest off. "Tomorrow, I will host a banquet to welcome you back."

Li Chun left, full of suspicion.

After he left, Wang Dashan immediately approached: "Your Highness, these five hundred soldiers..."

"They're here to monitor us," Xiao Chen said calmly.

"Then you still..."

"Why won't you accept it?"

Xiao Chen laughed, "Why not accept soldiers who are given away for free?"

He walked to the door and looked at the five hundred elite soldiers.

These soldiers were indeed elite.

Well-equipped and highly trained.

With them, Hanyuan's defenses can be upgraded to a higher level.

As for Zhang Meng...

A cold glint flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes.

"Give the order," he said, "that the five hundred brothers brought by Captain Zhang be given a separate camp and treated well. From today onwards, they are soldiers of Hanyuan, and will be treated the same as our veterans."

"yes!"

"Also," Xiao Chen added, "tell Zhao Tie to have his men keep a close eye on Jin Meng. His every move must be reported to me."

"yes!"

Wang Dashan accepted the order and left.

Xiao Chen stood at the door, watching the departing ceremonial guard, the five hundred elite soldiers, and the city that was just beginning to show signs of life.

The rain is coming and the wind is all over the building.

But he wasn't afraid.

there is always a solution to a problem.

Now that he's here, no one can take Hanyuan City away from him.