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

In the third year of Xuanji, in the height of summer.

When the news of Zhao Hui's execution and the surrender of the remaining troops, along with the head carefully preserved in lime and the tightly guarded Zhao Pan, were delivered to the capital by express courier and presented to the emperor's desk in the Zichen Hall, the entire Great Xia court, and indeed the entire world, seemed to feel a historical tremor of the dust settling.

The smoke of war in Jiangnan had completely dissipated by last winter.

Han Lie, stationed in Yingcheng, ruthlessly purged the rebels and appeased the people with a policy of appeasement. At the same time, he vigorously promoted the new policies of the court, surveyed the land, reduced taxes, and built water conservancy projects. Although the Jiangnan region had suffered the wounds of war, it began to recover with difficulty and determination under the governance of this iron-blooded general.

The brothers Xiao Rong and Xiao Min were escorted to the capital in prison, and their key followers were either executed or exiled to the frontier. The power of the Chu King's faction, along with their dream of restoring the kingdom, was completely uprooted.

In Wuzhou in the southeast, Xiao Rui "requested" to go to the capital for "honorable retirement," which was in reality a form of house arrest.

The case of "his heir apparent colluding with the rebels" was tried by the three judicial departments. The evidence was conclusive, and he was stripped of his imperial lineage and sentenced to immediate execution, to be carried out in the autumn.

The military and political affairs of Wuzhou were successfully taken over by officials dispatched by the imperial court, and a potential internal strife was averted.

The once powerful and wealthy Wu royal family withdrew from the core of power and became an ordinary ducal family in the capital city that had to rely on imperial favor to survive.

In the southern border region, with the downfall of Zhao Hui, the last embers of the pseudo-Zhao regime were extinguished.

Chen Dao's army firmly guarded key passes such as Lingqu, while the newly formed "Mountain Demon Camp" patrolled the edge of the Five Ridges like ghosts, deterring any Yue tribes that might have ill intentions.

The imperial envoys, carrying imperial edicts, seals, salt, iron, and cloth, began to cautiously approach the various Yue tribes deep in the Nanling Mountains, either bestowing official titles and ranks or engaging in trade, employing both appeasement and leniency.

Although everyone knows that there is still a long way to go before this vast, tribalized southern frontier can be fully brought under effective governance, at least large-scale, organized military resistance no longer exists.

Since being severely damaged by the combined forces of Han Lie, Gao Shun, and Wang Zhenyue last year, the Northern Liang and the Tatar tribes have been greatly weakened, and internal strife has resurfaced, leaving them with no strength to invade the south for the foreseeable future.

With the reopening of border markets, merchants and travelers returned to their posts, border troops were able to rest and recuperate, and the Great Wall region welcomed a long-awaited period of peace.

After witnessing the thunderous might of the Xia army in destroying Xiliang and pacifying Jiangnan, and seeing the swift quelling of the internal strife within the Great Xia, the envoys from the Western Regions paid tribute more frequently and spoke with greater deference.

The sound of camel bells along the Silk Road was more melodious and frequent than ever before.

From the chaos and the rise of various lords at the end of the Yongchu era to the present three years of Xuanji, only a few short years have passed.

The Great Xia Dynasty, which was once confined to the north and surrounded by powerful enemies, accomplished an almost impossible feat at a dazzling speed under the young emperor Xiao Chen.

It swallowed up the powerful Qin, destroyed the Western Liang, swept across the Jiangnan region, subdued the grasslands, and threatened the Western Regions... The once fragmented territory is now entirely stained with the black Xia flag.

From the frozen snowfields of the North to the scorching jungles of the South, from the vast deserts of the West to the boundless shores of the East China Sea, government decrees once again originated from the same central authority—the Zichen Palace in the capital.

The world is unified.

This goal, which countless heroes and valiant men had dreamed of but could not achieve since the later years of Emperor Yongchu, has finally become a reality at this moment, forged in blood and fire, and through the sacrifices and struggles of countless people.

The news spread, and the capital was in an uproar.

Spontaneous celebrations spread from the city walls to the outer city, with people decorating the streets with lanterns and colorful decorations, cheering and jumping for joy.

In restaurants and teahouses, storytellers vividly recounted the emperor's divine prowess and the soldiers' bravery; in theaters and entertainment venues, newly composed operas praised the great cause of unification and the preciousness of peace.

Merchants breathed a sigh of relief, their goods now flowing freely throughout the land, free from barriers and obstacles; scholars were filled with excitement, dreaming of making great strides in the new dynasty; farmers hoped that the stability brought by unification would prevent their harvests from being robbed by war.

In the imperial court, all the officials, regardless of their factional affiliations, were filled with turbulent emotions and countless feelings.

They personally experienced the turbulent years and witnessed how this young emperor rose step by step from internal and external troubles, sweeping away all obstacles from within and without with an iron fist.

There was relief, awe, pride, and perhaps a touch of indescribable awe.

The Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th of August.

In the newly renovated and even more magnificent Zichen Palace, Xiao Chen held a grand court assembly, received the congratulations of all the officials, and officially promulgated the "Decree of Unification to the World" to the world.

On that day, the sky was clear and the breeze was gentle.

Inside and outside the capital city, banners fluttered and armor gleamed.

From the main gate of the imperial city to the front of the Zichen Hall, civil and military officials stood solemnly according to their rank, while envoys from various countries and chieftains from all directions, dressed in their finest attire, waited with bated breath.

When the auspicious hour arrives, bells and drums ring out in unison, and traditional music begins to play.

Xiao Chen, dressed in a black robe with twelve embroidered patterns and a crown with twelve tassels, slowly ascended the steps of the palace and sat on the throne, guided by eunuchs and guarded by imperial guards.

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating his young and serene face. His crown tassels swayed slightly, and beneath them, his gaze, deep as the sea, swept over the assembled officials and envoys in the hall, exuding an imposing aura without anger.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The thunderous cheers and shouts of congratulations echoed throughout the palace and soared into the sky.

The Minister of Rites stepped forward, unfurled the imperial edict—embroidered with gold thread and mounted on a jade scroll—and, in a deep and solemn voice, read it aloud:

"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I, in my humble position, have succeeded to the throne and have worked diligently day and night, fearing only that I may not be able to live up to the task. Alas, since the end of the Yongchu era, the imperial authority has been lost, the country has fallen into disarray, warlords have vied for power, and the people have suffered greatly."

I, having received the Mandate of Heaven and followed the will of the people, have carried forward the legacy of my ancestors and relied on the valiant efforts of my soldiers. With civil and military officials working together in harmony, we have united all under heaven. We have pacified the false Liang in the west, secured Jiangnan in the east, subdued Minyue in the south, and quelled the border troubles in the north.

Now, all the rebellious forces have been eliminated, the land has been restored to unity, and the written language and customs have been reconciled, with Chinese and barbarians sharing the same language.

This is not due to my own ability, but truly the result of the blessings of Heaven and Earth, our ancestors, the combined strength of our civil and military officials, and the hopes of countless ordinary people!

The imperial edict reviewed the course of suppressing rebellions and stabilizing the country over the past few years, commended meritorious soldiers, comforted the fallen heroes, announced a general amnesty, reduced taxes, and allowed the people to start anew. It also proclaimed that, effective immediately, the era name would be changed to "Tianshou" to demonstrate that the mandate of heaven had been bestowed upon the people and that the land would be restored.

"From the first year of the Tian Shou reign, I have reformed and innovated, ushering in a new era for the world. My focus is on ensuring the people's well-being and prosperity, promoting education and moral guidance, refining the legal system, and rectifying official corruption. I aim to ensure that all within the four seas, near and far, are bathed in my holy influence, each finding peace in their occupation and fulfilling their proper place. I hereby decree that all under heaven may fully understand my will!"

After the imperial edict was read aloud, thunderous shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" resounded once again in the hall.

Envoys from various countries stepped forward one after another, presenting congratulatory messages and tributes, their words extremely respectful.

The grand ceremony lasted for a full day.

At night, the curfew in the capital was lifted, and outside the imperial city, the city was brightly lit as if it were daytime. People spontaneously held lantern festivals and folk performances to celebrate the long-awaited peace and unification.

Fireworks illuminated the night sky of the capital, and also the faces of every citizen who looked up and laughed.

However, in this moment of universal celebration, the Imperial Study deep within the Zichen Palace was a scene of tranquility, completely different from the jubilation outside.

Xiao Chen had changed out of his heavy imperial robes and was now dressed in ordinary clothes. He stood alone in front of the huge Kunyu Quantu map, which depicted the new territory of the Great Xia Dynasty.

On the map, from north to south and from west to east, everything is black, with no other colors.

His fingers gently brushed across Jiangnan, across the Nanling Mountains, across the long northern border, and across the names of the Western Regions.

His gaze was calm, devoid of much elation, only a deep, relieved weariness, and an even heavier sense of responsibility.

"Your Majesty," Han Yu entered quietly at some point, bowing and presenting a secret memorial, "Han Lie of Jiangnan and Chen Dao of Nanjiang have both submitted reports. The investigation of traitorous property, the measurement of land, and the pacification of the tribes in Nanjiang are all progressing. However, the gentry of Jiangnan have many complaints about the new policies; and the Yue tribes of Nanling cannot be won over overnight. Domestic affairs and border matters are numerous and complex."

Xiao Chen took the report but did not immediately read it; his gaze remained fixed on the map.

"I know."

His voice was calm. "The war is over, but the real challenges may have just begun. Conquering the world is difficult, but governing it may be even more difficult."

He turned around and looked out the window at the dazzling lights and the faint sounds of celebration.

"But at least now, this world belongs to me, to the Great Xia Dynasty. I have enough time, and I have enough patience."

"Issue the decree," Xiao Chen's voice rang out in the spacious imperial study, clear and firm, "a three-day grand feast to celebrate with the people. However, all prefectures, counties, and border towns must not slacken their vigilance."

The Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue shall immediately prepare for the special imperial examination of the first year of the Tian Shou reign, and widely recruit talented individuals.

The Privy Council and the Ministry of War discussed and agreed on the new military system and border defense lines. Matters concerning Jiangnan and the southern frontier were steadily implemented according to the established strategy.

Tell Han Lie and Chen Dao, what I want is not a conquered, fragmented territory, but a truly lasting, impregnable empire.

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Han Yu bowed deeply and left the imperial study.

Outside the window, fireworks were in full bloom, illuminating half the sky.

Inside the imperial study, the young emperor's figure was elongated by the lamplight, reflected on the enormous map that symbolized supreme power and responsibility.

The world is unified, and the great cause has been accomplished.

But this is not the end, but a brand new and even more magnificent beginning.

The shattered land has been rebuilt, but how to govern this vast empire, ensure its peace and prosperity, and achieve a true "divinely granted" golden age, will be a question that Xiao Chen and his ministers will need to answer with their entire lives.

After a brief period of celebration and rest, the wheels of history will rumble forward once more, heading toward an unknown and challenging future.