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

Spring, March.

The ice and snow in Shenjing have melted, the moat has thawed, and the willow branches have sprouted tender green buds, exuding vitality.

However, the somber and bustling atmosphere inside the Regent's Palace was completely out of place with the springtime scenery.

The afterglow of the victory in the Central Plains was still lingering, but Han Lie, Murong Xue and others had already rushed to Luoyang to devote themselves to the more arduous task of postwar reconstruction and consolidation of order.

The civil and military officials of the Prince's Palace came and went in a constant stream, sending out orders to all directions and compiling and submitting reports from various places.

On the map of the world, the black area has occupied the absolute majority, with only Jiangdong in the southeast, Bashu and Lingnan in the southwest, and Liaodong in the northeast stubbornly retaining other colors, like a few isolated islands surrounded by a black ocean.

Just as the general trend of the world was becoming clearer and Xiao Chen was focusing more on the south and internal integration, a group of envoys, travel-worn and dressed very differently from those in the Central Plains, traversed the long and desolate Hexi Corridor, passed through Yumen Pass, Dunhuang, Zhangye, and Wuwei, and finally arrived at the gates of the capital.

This envoy group consisted of no more than a hundred people, yet they led a huge camel caravan, laden with jade, fine horses, furs, spices, gold and silver utensils from the Western Regions, and a letter of state with extremely respectful and humble wording.

Their leader was a Western Liang nobleman in his forties, with a face roughened by wind and sand, but with shrewd and piercing eyes, named Tufa Wugu.

He was not a direct descendant of the Western Liang royal family, but he was known for his eloquence and familiarity with the affairs of the Central Plains. This time, he was entrusted with an important task by King Juqu Mengxun of Western Liang and came to the capital.

Their arrival did not cause much of a stir.

Compared to the envoys of the feudal lords who submitted to the Central Plains and the envoys of the southern vassal states who were probing for them, the Western Liang, a remote border regime in the Hexi Corridor and the Western Regions that sometimes submitted and sometimes held sway, seemed to carry little weight in the eyes of many.

However, after they presented their credentials and explained their purpose, the news quickly spread to the top echelons of Shenjing.

The Western Liang sent envoys to acknowledge their submission and pay tribute.

At the court assembly, Xiao Chen sat upright on the Regent's throne, looking down calmly at the bald-haired Wu Gu, the Western Liang envoy who was prostrating himself in the hall.

The civil and military officials stood on both sides, their gazes varying—some curious, some disdainful, and some deep in thought.

Bald Wugu performed the most standard Han Chinese etiquette, kneeling and kowtowing three times, his voice loud and clear, carrying a heavy Hexi accent:

"Your humble servant, Juqu Mengxun, the junior king of Xiliang, bows twice and respectfully presents this letter to His Highness the Regent of the Great Jin Dynasty:"

I am but a humble man from the remote borderlands, deeply indebted to the nation for my service in guarding the western frontier. I originally intended to be loyal to the court and protect the royal family. However, the previous dynasty lost its rule, the world is in turmoil, roads are blocked, and communication is impossible. I am left alone on the frontier, like an orphan without a father, filled with anxiety and fear day and night.

Fortunately, Your Highness has bestowed divine might, emulating the might of Your Majesty, drawing your sword to cleanse the world, sweeping away all villains, pacifying the Central Plains, and extending your might throughout the land, your virtue benefiting all people. Though I am in a remote region, I have heard of Your Highness's benevolence and virtue, and I long for rain as if in a drought.

We hereby dispatch our special envoy, Tuoba Wugu, to present this letter of state, wishing to submit our entire nation to our rule and become our eternal vassal.

From this day forward, we will pay tribute annually without fail. We respectfully present one hundred fine horses from the Western Regions, ten cartloads of Hetian jade, a pair of luminous jade discs from the Qin Dynasty, and countless felt carpets and spices, as a token of our sincere submission. We humbly request Your Highness's acceptance.

Although Xiliang is remote, it controls the Silk Road and connects to the Western Regions. I am willing to guard this western gate for Your Highness, eliminating the threat of the Qiang and Hu tribes and ensuring the smooth flow of trade. Your subject Mengxun, along with all those in Xiliang, will forever uphold our loyalty. If we harbor any disloyalty, may Heaven and Man punish us!

"Your Highness, I humbly beg you to grant me a title and permit trade, for this would be a great blessing for Western Liang and the border regions. I am deeply humbled and await your command!"

After the letter was read, Bald Wugu bowed his head deeply once again, adopting an extremely humble posture.

His entourage presented some of the precious tributes they had brought—including several exceptionally fine Akhal-Teke horses, several boxes of crystal-clear Hetian jade, and other rare treasures—on the spot. The dazzling array of items drew a low gasp of amazement from the audience.

However, Xiao Chen, seated atop the throne, remained expressionless, his gaze deep and unfathomable, like an ancient, cold well, silently watching the Western Liang envoys below, who were respectfully almost humbled. The hall fell silent for a moment, broken only by heavy breathing and the occasional soft clinking of the offerings.

Xiao Chen was no stranger to the name Juqu Mengxun.

The Juqu clan of Western Liang was originally a branch of the Lushui Hu. Taking advantage of the chaos in the Central Plains at the end of the Former Jin Dynasty, they rose up in Hexi, annexed surrounding tribes, occupied Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Zhangye and other places, controlled the Silk Road, and sometimes submitted to the former dynasty and sometimes became independent. Their relationship with the Qiang, Di, Xianbei and other tribes and the Western Regions was complicated.

The local people are known for their fierce and valiant nature, with many cavalrymen skilled in archery and horsemanship. Geographically, it is far from the heart of the Central Plains and has the desert and Gobi as natural barriers, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack.

During the years that Xiao Chen pacified Guanzhong and managed the Central Plains, Juqu Mengxun always adopted a wait-and-see and self-preservation strategy. He had occasional friction with Xiao Chen's old subordinates in Liangzhou, but he maintained a superficial peace and even carried out some limited trade.

Now that the Central Plains have just been pacified, the world is in turmoil. Juqu Mengxun hastily sent envoys to pledge allegiance, and his intentions are self-evident.

After a moment of silence, Xiao Chen spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable air of authority: "King of Xiliang, you are very thoughtful."

He did not immediately accept the offer, nor did he express delight at the generous tribute. Instead, he asked, "I have heard that the Qiang, Di, and Xiongnu tribes live together in the Western Liang region. Have they caused any disturbances to the border in recent years? Is the Silk Road trade still going smoothly?"

Bald Wugu felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that this was the Regent King giving him a warning, and also testing the "value" and "problems" of Xiliang.

He hurriedly replied, "Your Highness, thanks to Your Majesty's divine authority, all the tribes within the Western Liang territory have remained law-abiding in recent years, daring not to make the slightest move. My lord... oh no, my king, has always diligently guarded the borders and disciplined his people, ensuring there has been absolutely no disturbance of the frontier. As for the Silk Road..."

He paused, his face displaying just the right amount of respect and pride, "From Dunhuang to the Pamir Mountains, merchants travel back and forth in an endless stream, all thanks to my lord's dispatch of troops for escort, suppression of bandits, and establishment of post stations, ensuring unimpeded passage. My lord is willing to hand over the taxes collected along this route to the imperial court every year for the national treasury."

He cleverly misrepresented the "protection fee" as "commercial tax" and attributed the smooth operation of the Silk Road to the "management" of Xiliang.

Xiao Chen remained noncommittal, his gaze sweeping over the tributes, lingering for a moment on the several magnificent Akhal-Teke horses.

He had long heard of the fierceness of the Xiliang cavalry, and their warhorses were among the finest in the land.

More importantly, the Silk Road, this golden trade route connecting East and West, brought wealth, intelligence, technology, and far-reaching influence that no ambitious ruler could ignore.

"Xiliang is remote, yet it is good that it can uphold its duty as a subject."

Xiao Chen spoke again, his tone slightly gentler, "However, since we have become your subjects and paid tribute, we should observe the proper etiquette of a subject."

The King of Xiliang's request for a title and permission to engage in trade is hereby granted.

Effective immediately, Juqu Mengxun is hereby conferred the title of Marquis of Guiyi, appointed as the Governor-General of Xiliang, and will remain stationed in Dunhuang, overseeing all military affairs in Hexi and pacifying the Qiang and Hu tribes.

The capital cities of Shenjing, Luoyang, Chang'an, Liangzhou, and Xiliang were permitted to establish trade relations. The Silk Road trade tax was to be split 30/70, with Xiliang retaining 30% and Xiliang paying 70%.

The Western Liang state must send a prince to the capital to serve as a palace guard. All troops within its territory must be registered and reported to the Ministry of War; no action may be taken without imperial decree.

All tribes within the territory must strictly guard the borders and must not encroach upon the former territories of Liangzhou and the Western Regions Protectorate. Is this possible?

Bald Wu Gu quickly calculated in his mind.

The title of "Marquis of Guiyi" is not high, but the actual position of "Governor of Xiliang" is still stationed in Dunhuang, which means that he retains a considerable degree of autonomy.

The establishment of trade routes was a long-awaited goal. Although paying 70% of the trade tax was somewhat painful, the price was acceptable compared to the enormous benefits brought by the Silk Road and the threat posed by Xiao Chen's army. Sending hostages was an essential part of the arrangement.

The registration of troops signifies restraint, but as long as there is no open rebellion, Xiao Chen will not actually come to Hexi to muster troops for the time being.

Most importantly, with Xiao Chen's formal recognition and investiture, the Western Liang regime was able to continue legally, and it gained enormous benefits such as legitimate trade with the Central Plains and even the ability to consolidate its position in Hexi and the Western Regions by leveraging Xiao Chen's power.

"Yes! It's definitely possible!"

Without hesitation, Tuoba Wugu kowtowed again, his tone impassioned, "Your subject, Lord Mengxun, and all of Western Liang, will surely obey the king's orders, uphold our loyalty, and forever serve as a bulwark, with absolutely no disloyalty! The hostage will be dispatched soon, and the military registers and household registers will be compiled and submitted immediately! Silk Road taxes will be paid on time and in full! If there is any mishap, your subject, Tuoba Wugu, is willing to guarantee it with his own head!"

Xiao Chen nodded slightly and said no more.

Conferring titles, paying tribute, trading, sending hostages, registering soldiers... a standard process for controlling, winning over, and managing.

At present, his strategic focus is on consolidating domestic affairs and the south, and it is not advisable to launch a major military campaign in the distant Hexi region.

The Western Liang's voluntary submission saved them the trouble of sending troops, money, and supplies to fight, as well as the uncertain risks. They also gained fine horses and wealth, stabilized the western front, and even laid the groundwork for future conquest of the Western Regions.

As long as Juqu Mengxun is sensible, Xiao Chen wouldn't mind giving him the empty title and real benefits of "Marquis of Guiyi".

"In that case, your request is granted. The Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of War shall make proper arrangements for all matters." Xiao Chen made the final decision.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your grace! May Your Highness live a thousand years!" Bald Wugu was overjoyed and kowtowed repeatedly.

The civil and military officials in the hall also bowed, saying, "Your Highness is wise!"

A single court assembly determined the fate of Western Liang.

The news caused a great deal of discussion in the capital city.

Some believe that the Western Liang region was remote, barren, and impoverished, and that its submission was more symbolic than practical.

But some people see it more deeply: the submission of Xiliang means that Xiao Chen's sphere of influence has officially extended to the gateway to the Western Regions, the former territory of Emperor Wu of Han.

More importantly, it sends a strong political signal: the global trend is irreversible.

Even the Western Liang, which was far away in Hexi and had always been unruly, chose to submit immediately after the Central Plains were settled. So how long could the Jiangdong, Bashu, and Lingnan regions, which were still stubbornly resisting, hold out?

Bald Wugu received a grand welcome in the capital, with Xiao Chen even personally hosting a banquet for him.

During the banquet, Tuoba Wugu went to great lengths to describe the customs and culture of Xiliang, the prosperity of the Silk Road, and the situation of the Western Regions. He also subtly indicated that Xiliang was willing to serve Xiao Chen's "Celestial Empire" to spread its prestige to the far west.

Soon after, Xiao Chen's imperial edict of investiture, rewards, and trade details were carried back to Xiliang by an imperial envoy, along with Tuoba Wugu.

Hexi, Dunhuang.

Upon receiving the news delivered by Tuoba Wugu on horseback and Xiao Chen's imperial edict, Juqu Mengxun, the King of Xiliang, now known as "Marquis of Guiyi and Governor of Xiliang," breathed a long sigh of relief, followed by a complex mix of humiliation and relief.

He dismissed his attendants and climbed alone to the top of the Dunhuang city wall, gazing eastward. That was the direction of the Central Plains, the direction where Xiao Chen was. The wind and sand swept across his wrinkled face, carrying the dryness and roughness unique to the Western Regions.

"Is the Central Plains truly unified? No, not yet, but... the tide has turned." Juqu Mengxun muttered to himself.

He had never underestimated Xiao Chen, but from a powerful figure in Liangzhou to a regent, and now to a hegemon who has almost unified the north, the speed at which Xiao Chen rose to power and the strength he has shown far exceeded his expectations.

The rumors of the "heavenly thunder" that defeated the enemy at Guandu sent chills down his spine. Such power was not something that the bravery of cavalry or the desert could withstand.

"Marquis of Guiyi... Governor of Xiliang..." He chewed on his new title, a bitter smile on his face.

Their power was weakened; they had to pay most of the commercial taxes, send hostages, and be subject to restrictions... But at least, Xiliang was preserved, the Juqu clan was preserved, and their status in Hexi was even more "legitimate" due to Xiao Chen's investiture.

Moreover, once the border trade is opened, the benefits that Xiliang can gain from trade between the East and the West will probably far exceed the 70% commercial tax.

As for the future… He looked at the imperial edict in his hand, bearing the powerful and elegant seal of “Xiao Chen,” his gaze deep and thoughtful. First, survive; only by surviving can there be a future.

"Pass down the order," Juqu Mengxun turned to his trusted ministers waiting behind him, "Prepare generous gifts and escort Prince Anzhou to the capital. From this day forward, all of Western Liang shall strictly obey His Highness the Regent's orders. Silk Road taxes shall be strictly paid according to regulations. All military units shall be re-registered. Anyone who dares to speak of advancing eastward or disrespecting the court again shall be executed!"

"yes!"

The submission of Xiliang was like the final piece of a puzzle, adding a northwestern corner to Xiao Chen's vast territory.

Shenjing, the Regent's Palace.

As Xiao Chen listened to the Ministry of Rites' report on the return of the Western Liang envoys, the placement of hostages, and the regulations for trade, his gaze once again fell upon the enormous map of the world.

The land of Xiliang has been lightly painted with a layer of black, though the color is slightly lighter, as a sign of restraint.

"With Xiliang secured, the western front is secure."

Xiao Chen's finger slowly traced across the map, moving from Hexi in the northwest to Jiangdong in the southeast, Bashu in the southwest, and Lingnan in the south. "Next, it's their turn."

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes, like a sword being drawn from its sheath.

"Order Chen Dao to intensify the training of the Jingxiang navy, and ensure that the new warships are ready for combat before the summer flood season."

"Order Han Lie to establish military settlements, train troops, and eliminate bandits in the Central Plains. I want to see results before the autumn harvest."

"Issue an order to investigate and eliminate spies and merchants from Jiangdong, Bashu, and Lingnan in the capital and the Central Plains. Arrest those who should be arrested and use those who should be used."

"Furthermore," Xiao Chen paused, "the Ministry of Rites should, on the grounds of congratulating Xiliang on its submission and the impending pacification of the realm, send official letters to Xiao Rui of Jiangdong, Xiao Zhang of Bashu, Liu Tan and Chen Xian of Lingnan, and the Gongsun family of Liaodong, inviting them to send envoys to the capital to 'discuss the grand plan for the realm.'"

"yes!"

Letters of state, carrying Xiao Chen's will, were sent from the capital and flew to the southeast, southwest, south, and northeast.

This is no longer a declaration of conquest, but a death warrant, and an ultimatum.

It was asking those warlords who were still fighting for their own interests: to fight, to make peace, or to surrender?

The path to unifying the world has reached its midpoint, and the most crucial and difficult step is about to arrive.

The submission of Xiliang cleared away the last concern on the flank of this road.

Now, Xiao Chen's gaze can be directed without any worries toward the final, inevitable destination.