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

The disastrous defeat at the Battle of Guandu, especially the terrifying scene of "heavenly thunder and earthly fire, unpredictable as gods and ghosts," swept across the Central Plains and even the world overnight like the fiercest cold wind.

The news that the three major warlords, Han Nian, Lü Qian, and Shen Fang, had been beheaded and that the main force of the allied army of more than 200,000 had been wiped out spread a hundred times faster than any proclamation or messenger. In the process of spreading fear and exaggeration, it became a terrifying myth.

"Han Lie can summon heavenly thunder! The Han Yuan Army has the assistance of ghosts and gods!"

"The ground erupted in flames, poisonous smoke filled the air, and each explosion wiped out entire areas, sending blood and flesh flying everywhere!"

"Shen Fang, Han Nian, and Lü Qian—their bodies are nowhere to be found! Of the hundreds of thousands of people, very few escaped!"

"Run! The imperial army is coming! We can't stop them, we simply can't stop them!"

Panic spread like wildfire from the heart of the Central Plains to all directions.

Those cities, fortresses, and local strongmen that had not yet been directly touched by the Han Yuan army's advance, or who had previously hesitated and observed, or even harbored wishful thinking, now saw their last shred of will to resist melt away as quickly as ice and snow under the sun.

Changyi.

After being besieged by Wang Dashan for months, Lü Qian's stronghold was already running out of food and reinforcements, and morale was low. The news of the disastrous defeat at Guandu was like the last straw that broke the camel's back.

Under pressure from his subordinates, Lü Qian's son surrendered the city.

Wang Dashan entered Changyi without bloodshed, quickly took over the defense, purged Lü Qian's cronies, and opened granaries to distribute grain, just as he had done elsewhere.

The northern part of Yanzhou was pacified by issuing a proclamation.

Shouchun.

When news of Shen Fang's death and the loss of the main force arrived, chaos instantly descended upon the city.

Shen Fang's son is too young to control the situation.

After a brief dispute, the civil and military officials of Huainan, led by Chief Secretary Jiang Ji, quickly reached a consensus.

Jiang Ji personally drafted a letter of surrender, lamenting that "Shen Fang did not understand the will of Heaven and resisted the royal army, which led to his death and the destruction of his army. He brought it upon himself." He stated that "the people of Huainan have long awaited the rule of the king and now wish to submit to the king. They only ask for the king's forgiveness and protection of their lives."

The envoy, carrying a letter of surrender, household registers, and keys to the treasury, traveled a hundred miles outside the city to meet Han Lie's army, which was marching south from the Battle of Guandu.

Han Lie accepted the surrender, treated the surrendered officials such as Jiang Ji with great respect, enforced strict military discipline, and Shouchun peacefully changed hands.

All the counties and prefectures in Huainan surrendered upon hearing the news.

Linzi.

After Han Nian's defeat and death, his younger brother Han Hao attempted to seize power and established himself in the city, where he stubbornly resisted.

However, Qingzhou was already rife with factions, and with Han Nian's death, no one could command respect.

In addition, the terrifying legend of the "heavenly thunder" at Guandu instilled fear in the garrison of Linzi.

Before Wang Dashan's detachment could even attack the city, a group of officials and powerful figures led by Wang Xiu, the Prefect, staged a mutiny, captured and killed Han Hao, and surrendered the city. Qingzhou was pacified with a proclamation.

Xuzhou, Yuzhou, Yanzhou, Qingzhou, Huainan... the vast Central Plains changed color at an astonishing speed after the Battle of Guandu.

The dark blue banners bearing the character "Xiao" were planted on the walls of city after city, almost as if they were running.

Resistance? It's practically nonexistent.

The few stubborn forces that tried to resist by relying on the strategic location of their fortified villages were crushed instantly, like paper, before the Han Yuan Army's overwhelming force, which carried the residual power of "Heavenly Thunder".

Often, even before the main army arrives, internal strife has already begun, with leaders being killed or city gates opened as people vie to pledge their loyalty to the approaching "royal army."

Submission, with everyone rushing to submit, became the dominant theme across the Central Plains.

Prefects, magistrates, powerful clans, fortified village lords... officials at all levels and local forces, as if by prior arrangement, dispatched envoys carrying surrender documents, household registers, maps, and official seals to the nearest Han Yuan army camp, or simply went directly to Luoyang and Shenjing.

The words on the surrender petitions were increasingly respectful and humble, overflowing with remorse, and the verses praising Xiao Chen and supporting the court were almost piled up like a mountain.

"Your subject, so-and-so, bows his head and weeps blood, and begs the Emperor's ears: I am foolish and dull-witted, misled by treacherous people, and led astray. I resisted the Heavenly Army and deserve to die ten thousand times."

Now, hearing of the mighty imperial army, we are like parched lands longing for rain. Looking up at the celestial phenomena and down at the hearts of the people, we know that Heaven's mandate rests on Xiao; those who obey will prosper, and those who defy will perish.

Your subject is filled with fear and has nowhere to turn. I wish to surrender my entire clan, offer up our land as a sign of loyalty, and submit to your command for the disposal of our troops, horses, money, and provisions.

"I humbly beg Your Highness for Your Majesty's boundless grace to pardon my past sins, so that I may serve you like a dog or a horse to atone for even a fraction of my crimes..."

Chen Dao, Wang Dashan, and the various generals who divided their troops to seize territory strictly followed Xiao Chen's established strategy: those who surrendered were treated well, the stubborn were annihilated, the ringleaders were punished, those who were coerced were not questioned, and the peace and security of the people were the top priority.

Those who voluntarily surrendered were given honorary titles after being found to have committed no major crimes. They were then transferred from their homeland to the capital for care or employment. Their family property was mostly preserved, and those who "contributed to the land" were even given certain rewards.

Most local officials were retained to maintain administrative operations.

For surrendered soldiers, the best were selected to be incorporated into various armies, while the rest were given travel expenses and dismissed, or organized to cultivate land.

Meanwhile, as the military advanced, efforts to provide relief to disaster victims, bury the dead, clear the ruins, recruit refugees, and restore production were rapidly rolled out.

Large quantities of grain, medicinal herbs, seeds, and farm tools were continuously transported into the Central Plains from Guanzhong, Jingzhou, Sili, and other places through the reopened water and land routes.

The civil officials, doctors, and artisans dispatched by the Hanyuan Army followed closely behind the main force and began to rebuild the most basic order on this war-torn land.

Despite the dire situation and the continued hardship, for the people of the Central Plains who had struggled for too long in the midst of war, no longer having to worry about the ever-present threat of war, no longer having to resort to cannibalism, being able to receive life-saving food, and being able to begin clearing the ruins and trying to cultivate the land, was already a life of paradise.

In particular, the newly arrived "royal army," though disciplined and intimidating, truly refrained from looting and indiscriminate killing, and even helped the people. This was a world apart from the previous warlord armies.

"The royal army...it really is the royal army..."

More and more people are beginning to genuinely acknowledge and even appreciate this.

While they may not have been treated to a life of simple food and drink, a heartfelt submission, an acceptance of the new order, and an anticipation of life under the banner of "Xiao" began to sprout tenaciously in the ashes of war across the Central Plains, like spring grass.

Luoyang, this ancient capital with a history spanning thousands of years, has welcomed a new master.

General Han Lie, the Grand General Who Conquers the East, led a victorious army of 100,000 men, escorting the coffins of deceased feudal lords such as Lü Qian, Shen Fang, and Han Nian, along with a large number of prisoners, captured ceremonial regalia, and treasures, into the city through the east gate under the complex gazes of countless gentry and commoners of Luoyang.

The streets, though dilapidated, were beginning to be cleared, and crowds thronged the sides.

The Han Yuan Army, clad in gleaming black armor and with impeccably disciplined ranks, silently displayed their unparalleled martial prowess and discipline.

The legendary "Heavenly Thunder" weapon was not displayed, but its reputation was enough to silence everyone.

Han Lie did not stay in Luoyang for long. On the one hand, he sent messengers on horseback to report the victory to the capital. On the other hand, in the name of Xiao Chen, he issued a proclamation to reassure the people, announced a general amnesty, reduced taxes for three years in various prefectures in the Central Plains, encouraged refugees to return to their hometowns, distributed unclaimed wasteland, and provided seeds and oxen for plowing.

At the same time, with swift and decisive measures, the government treasury was investigated, official corruption was rectified, and bandits and powerful figures who took advantage of the chaos to plunder were cracked down on, quickly stabilizing the order in Luoyang and its surrounding areas.

Then, he dispatched his generals to radiate outwards from Luoyang, clearing out the last few remaining outlying areas within the Central Plains that had not yet submitted.

Chen Dao was stationed in Qiao County, overseeing Yu and Xu provinces, pacifying the local areas while simultaneously intimidating the south.

Wang Dashan then led his victorious army without stopping, heading northeast towards the border of Youzhou and Jizhou—where there were still some small forces that had previously relied on the Yuan family but later took advantage of the chaos to establish themselves, as well as spies from the Liaodong Gongsun family who were still suspicious after the Battle of Guandu.

Shenjing, the Regent's Palace.

The cold wind of December could not dispel the fervent atmosphere inside the Prince's Mansion.

Good news arrived like snowflakes, each one signifying the submission of vast tracts of land, the registration of large numbers of people, the confiscation of enormous wealth, and... the further consolidation of that supreme authority.

Xiao Chen remained calm, but the sharpness between his brows and the aura of complete control he exuded grew even deeper.

He stood before a huge map of the world, holding a vermilion brush, and colored Yanzhou, Yuzhou, Xuzhou, Qingzhou, Huainan and other places with black, symbolizing his own side.

The once colorful "Central Plains" region is now almost entirely covered in black, connecting with Guanzhong, Sili, Liangzhou, Bingzhou, and Jingxiang to form an extremely large, colossal entity that spans east to west and runs north to south.

"Your Highness, General Han Lie has delivered a report of victory. Luoyang has been pacified, and eight or nine out of ten prefectures and counties in the Central Plains have been pacified by imperial decree. General Wang Dashan's army has reached the border of Ji Province, causing shockwaves in You Province and Liaodong. General Chen Dao is stationed in Yu and Xu Provinces, and refugees are gradually returning home, making spring planting a promising prospect." Murong Xue's voice was filled with barely suppressed excitement as she held the latest summary report.

Xiao Chen put down his vermilion brush, stood with his hands behind his back, and slowly scanned the map with his gaze.

His gaze swept across the Central Plains, which had just been painted black, and turned south—Jiangdong, Bashu, Lingnan, and further south to Jiaozhou, as well as Liaodong in the northeast and the grasslands in the north.

"The world is divided into three," Xiao Chen said slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable resolve. "I have already claimed two of them."

On the map, the black area occupies most of the entire country.

Guanzhong, Liangzhou, and Bingzhou are the foundation, Jingxiang is the gateway, and the Central Plains is the heartland.

Regardless of population, wealth, resources, or strategic depth, Xiao Chen Group now possesses an overwhelming advantage.

Han Lie, Murong Xue, and the civil and military officials standing at attention under their heads were all deeply moved.

In just a few short years, from being confined to a corner of Xiliang to now ruling over most of the world, what an unparalleled achievement! And all of this was accomplished under the leadership of this young regent.

"However," Xiao Chen's tone shifted, his gaze sharpening like a knife, "the Central Plains have just been pacified, and everything is in ruins, with the people's hearts not yet settled. Jingzhou and the Central Plains have suffered from war, resulting in a halving of the population, abandoned fields, unresolved banditry, and deeply entrenched powerful clans. This is an internal problem."

"Xiao Rui of Jiangdong has long held sway over the region, possessing a powerful navy and the natural barrier of the Yangtze River. Xiao Zhang of Bashu controls a land surrounded by four strategic passes, rich but remote. Liu Tan and Chen Xian of Lingnan, though situated in the remote southern frontier, harbor rebellious intentions. Gongsun of Liaodong dominates the border, commanding a fierce and valiant cavalry. These are the external threats."

"Even a centipede with a hundred legs will not fall down when it dies. Now that the Central Plains have been pacified, how can they sit idly by and wait for their doom? They will surely intensify their collusion, prepare their armies for war, rely on their geographical advantage, and stubbornly resist."

Xiao Chen's voice echoed in the silent hall, "Furthermore, although our army is strong, years of continuous warfare have exhausted our soldiers and consumed a great deal of food and provisions. The Central Plains may not be able to provide a large number of tax revenues and soldiers within a few years, and we will need to provide substantial relief and pacification. This balance of power must be carefully considered."

He turned around, his gaze sweeping over the crowd: "Therefore, although the Central Plains have been pacified, this is by no means a time to rest easy. The next step should be to consolidate the Central Plains, digest the spoils of war, restore production, and accumulate strength. As for the southern vassal states, the focus should be on deterrence, division, and exhaustion, while postponing large-scale campaigns."

"Han Lie," Xiao Chen called out.

"Your subject is here!" Han Lie stepped forward and bowed.

"You are hereby appointed as the supreme military commander of the Central Plains, stationed in Luoyang. You shall reorganize the surrendered soldiers, dismiss the old and weak, select the elite, and train a new army. Investigate the land, register the households, and recruit displaced people to cultivate the land. Repair the city walls, dredge the canals, and establish numerous post stations. Anyone who disobeys or rebels, regardless of who they are or where they are, shall be resolutely suppressed, and their entire family exterminated! I want the Central Plains, within a year, to be a place where no one picks up lost items on the road, doors are left unlocked at night, granaries are full, and it will serve as the foundation for our eastern and western campaigns!"

"Your subject obeys!" Han Lie replied in a deep voice, feeling the heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

"Murong Xue."

"Your subject is here."

"You are hereby appointed to oversee the civil administration of the Central Plains and assist General Han. Select capable officials, inspect prefectures and counties, punish corruption, and redress wrongful convictions. Promote new rice varieties, develop water conservancy projects, and encourage industry and commerce. Establish orphanages and almshouses to house orphans and care for the elderly. Establish numerous schools to educate the people."

Xiao Chen paused, his tone chilling, "Pay special attention to those remnants of the previous dynasty and local powerful families. Those who submit may be granted official positions to appease them. Those who are stubborn, oppress the villagers, or embezzle land, will be investigated and punished with an iron fist, their property confiscated, as a warning to others!"

Remember, what I want is a stable Central Plains that can provide taxes, soldiers, and provisions, not a Central Plains filled with powerful clans and warlords!

"Your subject understands!" Murong Xue replied solemnly.

"Order Chen Dao to consolidate the defenses of Jingxiang and southern Henan, train the navy, build warships, and maintain a high-pressure deterrent against Jiangdong. At the same time, send spies to spread rumors, bribe them with large sums of money, and divide their internal forces."

Order Wang Dashan to deploy troops in You and Ji provinces to intimidate Gongsun of Liaodong and pacify the border tribes, promising them the benefits of trade to prevent them from becoming a threat to the border.

"Conduct thorough investigations into Sichuan and Lingnan. When their envoys arrive, treat them well to ascertain their true strength and weaknesses."

The orders, issued clearly and precisely by Xiao Chen, covered all aspects of military, political, economic, social, and diplomatic affairs, demonstrating that he was not only a conqueror but also a builder with far-sighted plans.

What he wanted was not a scorched earth ravaged by war and devastated by all industries, but a stable rear that could support him in completing the final unification.

"Gentlemen," Xiao Chen said, turning his gaze to his civil and military officials, his voice steady and powerful, "the Central Plains are now secure, and the tide has turned in our hands. However, the journey of a hundred miles is only half complete at ninety. We must cultivate internal governance, deter external rebellions, accumulate national strength, and await our opportune moment. When the Central Plains are stable, the treasury is full, and our troops are well-trained and well-supplied, then our warships will sail east, our iron cavalry will point south, and we will unify the world!"

"I obey the king's command! To unify the world!"

The civil and military officials in the hall were filled with fervor, shouting in unison, their voices shaking the roof tiles.

The cold wind of December is still biting.

But within the Regent's Palace in Shenjing, the flames of sweeping across the land and unifying the nine provinces had already risen.

As the smoke of war gradually dissipated in the Central Plains, a new order was painstakingly rebuilt on the ruins.

The remaining feudal lords trembled in fear under the shadow of the enormous black beast in the north, some intensifying their alliances, others living in constant anxiety.