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

In the fourth year of Xuanji, late autumn.

The new system of Three Departments and Six Ministries, like a sophisticated mechanism, began to be painstakingly and slowly put into operation in the imperial court of Shenjing.

The massive project of relocating the capital to Chang'an has already begun in the Guanzhong Plain, with preliminary planning and foundation clearing underway.

Another grand plan, though not as directly related to the distribution of power and the central symbol as the former two, was equally crucial to the empire's lifeline and had a far-reaching impact. It also began to quietly unfold from the simultaneous issuance of orders in Chang'an and Shenjing—the "Imperial Edict to Repair the Official Roads of the Empire and Reorganize the Postal Stations and Postal Services."

In a side hall of the Zichen Palace, in front of a huge map of the imperial territory, Xiao Chen, Han Yu, the newly appointed Minister of Works, Minister of War, Minister of Revenue, and an imperial censor who had just returned from an inspection tour of Hedong Province, were gathered together.

On the map, the main official road network during the heyday of the previous dynasty is outlined with thick lines in vermilion ink. Now, many of these lines are blurred, discontinuous, or have even disappeared in the blank spaces of remote prefectures.

"Your Majesty," said the Minister of Works, a pragmatic official known for his expertise in construction and water conservancy, pointing to a map with a long pole in hand, his tone filled with worry, "Since our dynasty was established, especially after the wars in Jiangnan and the puppet Zhao regime, memorials from all over the country reporting the need to repair roads and bridges have piled up like mountains."

At the end of the Yongchu era of the previous dynasty, the country was in chaos, and the official roads had long been in disrepair. In recent years, frequent wars, large-scale troop movements, and the transportation of provisions have further damaged many roads.

Currently, from the capital to Jiangnan, from Guanzhong to Sichuan, and from Luoyang to Youyan, many important roads are either destroyed by floods, have collapsed bridges, or have potholes, making it difficult for vehicles and horses to travel. The transportation of grain and fodder is costly and time-consuming.

Merchants and travelers were hampered, postal services were delayed, and even the delivery of imperial decrees and the reporting of local military intelligence were obstructed. This is the lifeblood of the nation; its blockage poses endless hidden dangers!

The Minister of War immediately followed up, "Exactly! Last year during the southern campaign, military reports took anywhere from ten days to over a month to arrive, all due to the poor condition of the post roads and the exhaustion of the post horses. If there were any border alarms, wouldn't such inefficiency delay important matters? Moreover, without repaired roads, if there were any changes in the region, the army would be unable to advance swiftly, wasting precious time. I implore Your Majesty to make a swift decision to repair the vital roads throughout the land and revitalize the postal system!"

The Minister of Revenue looked troubled: "Road construction is certainly a beneficial undertaking for the country and its people. However, Your Majesty, the Ministry of Revenue has just calculated that the relocation of the capital to Chang'an and the construction of palaces and city walls have already been a huge expense. Implementing the equal-field system, surveying and registering land, and resettling displaced people also require money and grain."

In the war-torn regions of Jiangnan, the Central Plains, and Guanzhong, taxes have been reduced or exempted this year. Although the national treasury is slightly better due to the confiscation of confiscated property and the reorganization of the salt and iron industries, the vast expenditures in various places have left the treasury in dire straits.

If we were to undertake large-scale road construction at this time, conscripting laborers, where would the funds come from? Could the people's strength bear the burden? I urge Your Majesty to consider this carefully.”

Xiao Chen listened in silence, his gaze following the red lines on the map that represented official roads.

These lines are the blood vessels of the empire, maintaining the connection between the central government and local authorities, the frontier and the heartland, and transporting government orders, troops, taxes, goods and information.

If blood vessels are blocked, limbs will become paralyzed, and no matter how brilliant the central government is, its decrees will be difficult to implement.

The chaos and regional separatism of the previous dynasty certainly had political and military reasons, but the obstruction of transportation and the lack of communication undoubtedly exacerbated the division.

To achieve a unified empire that he could control at will, he needed to restore and strengthen these arteries.

"What you all say is reasonable. Road construction does require a huge amount of money and will also drain the people's resources."

Xiao Chen spoke slowly, his voice steady, "However, have you all considered that if we don't repair it today, we'll waste even more tomorrow; if we don't expend this effort today, we might lose our territory tomorrow!"

He walked to the map, took the long pole from the Minister of Works, and pointed to several key points: "Look, Guanzhong and Bashu are separated by the Qinling and Bashan Mountains. The road to Shu is more difficult than ascending to heaven."

Without unobstructed plank roads and official roads, how could the wealth of Sichuan and Chongqing be generated? How could the central government control the southwest? The Central Plains and Jiangnan are crisscrossed by the Yangtze and Huai River systems, but land routes are also crucial.

The grain transport is subject to seasonal limitations and the risk of river siltation. Without parallel, flat official roads, where would the capital's grain supply come from if the grain transport were to be obstructed? And how could the army arrive quickly if there were any changes in the south?

The northern border stretches for thousands of miles. Without swift passages between the various military towns and passes, how can they support each other? And how can military intelligence be reported quickly when the barbarians invade from the south?

The long pole swept across the map, pointing out key points at each spot.

"These vital routes are not merely for the convenience of merchants and travelers; they are the lifeblood of the nation, the military, and the government! With unobstructed roads, government orders can be issued in the morning and delivered in the evening, armies can be mobilized within ten days, merchants can trade throughout the land, and the people's sentiments can reach the emperor. This is the cornerstone of long-term stability and control over all directions; its benefits will last for centuries, far exceeding any short-term expense!"

He put down his long pole and looked at the Minister of Revenue: "As for money and grain, I know the Ministry of Revenue is facing difficulties. However, we can prioritize and diversify our resources, and raise funds through multiple channels."

Firstly, the national treasury will be the primary source of funding, with priority given to the construction of several main roads and military routes.

Secondly, we can follow the example of the previous dynasty and implement "work relief instead of economic relief". There are still many refugees and poor households in Jiangnan, Central Plains, Guanzhong and other places. Rather than letting them suffer, it is better to recruit them as laborers to build roads and give them food and wages.

In this way, the road was repaired and the displaced people were resettled, achieving two goals at once.

Third, local donations and merchant assistance were encouraged.

Smooth roads facilitate commerce and local prosperity. Local gentry and wealthy merchants may be permitted to donate funds for road repairs or undertake the construction of sections of roads. The imperial court may reward them with honors such as plaques, exemption from some commercial taxes, and preferential treatment for their children's education or official careers.

Fourth, after the road is completed, checkpoints can be set up at important passes and ferry crossings to collect a reasonable toll for the daily maintenance of the road. However, strict regulations must be established to prevent excessive collection that could harm people's livelihoods.

The Minister of Works' eyes lit up: "Your Majesty is wise! Prioritizing urgent matters and using multiple channels is an excellent method! We can first designate a few main roads, concentrate our efforts, and complete their construction within a specified timeframe."

For example: the Shenjing-Luoyang-Chang'an line is the future passage between the two capitals and is key to the relocation of the capital; the Chang'an-Hanzhong-Chengdu line connects Guanzhong and Bashu; the Luoyang-Bianliang-Xuzhou-Yangzhou line connects the Central Plains, Jianghuai, and Jiangnan; and the Youzhou-Yunzhou-Shuofang line consolidates the defense of the northern frontier.

These main roads must be wide and flat, allowing four horse-drawn carriages to travel abreast. Tunnels must be dug through mountains, and bridges built over rivers. They must be sturdy!

The Minister of War added: "The postal relay system should be developed in parallel with road construction, or even prioritized. We can first reorganize and repair the existing post stations, replenish the post horses and soldiers, and establish strict time limits and handover procedures for document delivery."

Along newly constructed roads, post stations also need to be pre-planned. These stations not only facilitate the transmission of official documents and military intelligence, but also provide supplies and lodging for officials traveling to and from work and for troops being mobilized.

A "Relay Order" needs to be formulated to clearly define the transmission levels and time limits for official documents at all levels, as well as the penalties for delays, damage, and unauthorized opening.

Han Yu pondered for a moment and said, "This matter involves a wide range of issues. The Ministry of Works is in charge of road construction, the Ministry of War is in charge of post stations and mail, the Ministry of Revenue is in charge of money and grain, and local prefectures and counties need to conscript laborers, provide materials, and maintain public order. We need a high-ranking official to oversee the matter and coordinate all parties, or we need to set up a temporary government office to take charge of this responsibility."

Xiao Chen nodded: "What Prime Minister Han said is absolutely right. This matter will be overseen by Prime Minister Han, with the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Revenue providing assistance."

An "Envoy for the Supervision of Road and Post Station Repairs Across the Land" could be appointed, concurrently held by the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, stationed in Chang'an to oversee planning, inspection, and supervision.

Governors, provincial treasurers, prefects, and county magistrates in various regions are all responsible for repairing roads and ensuring the safety of post stations within their jurisdictions. This responsibility is included in performance evaluations; those who excel are promoted, and those who perform poorly are severely punished!

He walked to the imperial desk, picked up his brush, and quickly wrote down a few key points:

"First, establish a plan: The Ministry of Works and the Ministry of War shall, within one month, survey and determine the main and branch lines of the official roads throughout the country, indicating the order of priority, construction standards, required working hours, and approximate amounts of money and provisions. The establishment of post stations, staffing, and postal regulations shall also be drafted."

"Second, raising funds and provisions: The Ministry of Revenue shall, in accordance with the plan, formulate detailed rules for the raising and allocation of funds and provisions. The regulations for work relief shall be detailed to ensure the food and clothing of the laborers and strictly prohibit any deductions."

"Third, establish regulations: formulate the 'Road Construction Regulations' and the 'Post Station Postal Orders' to clarify the responsibilities of each level, engineering standards, acceptance procedures, postal delivery time limits, and reward and punishment regulations."

Fourth, pilot projects first: There is no need to wait for the entire plan to be completed. We can choose the section from Shenjing to Luoyang or the section from Chang'an to Tongguan to start construction first, explore experience, and establish a model.

"Fifth, strict supervision: The Censorate, the Provincial Surveillance Commission, and even the Embroidered Uniform Guard must dispatch personnel to patrol and strictly prevent embezzlement of project funds, mistreatment of laborers, shoddy workmanship, and delays in construction. Anyone found guilty of fraud, regardless of official rank, will be severely punished!"

He put down his pen and glanced at his ministers: "This is not something that can be accomplished overnight; it may take five, ten, or even longer. However, everything is difficult at the beginning. If we decide on the plan today and begin construction tomorrow, then day by day, we will accumulate strength and eventually achieve great things. This is a project that benefits the present and future generations. My ministers, strive on!"

"Your Majesty, we obey the decree! We will certainly do our utmost to pave a smooth path for all generations!"

In the winter of the fourth year of Xuanji, the "Imperial Edict to Repair the Official Roads and Reorganize the Post Stations and Postal Services" was promulgated throughout the land.

Unlike the widespread social discussion caused by the Equal Land Distribution Edict and the Imperial Examination Edict, this edict had a relatively small direct impact on the common people, but it triggered a huge administrative mobilization in the imperial court and local governments.

Surveying officials from the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of War, accompanied by guides and guards, braved the bitter cold and began trekking through rugged mountain roads, muddy plains, and barren river valleys to remeasure and redraw road maps.

The Ministry of Revenue was calculating the potential costs of each section of the road and planning the source and allocation of funds and provisions.

One command after another was issued from the capital and sent to various provinces, prefectures, counties, and districts.

The first system to be activated was the post station system.

The Ministry of War issued documents to various regions to take stock of existing post stations, post horses, and post soldiers, to fill vacancies, repair buildings, and establish strict document delivery procedures and time limits.

On the post road that had been silent for many years, the figures of fast horses began to appear more frequently, and the sound of hooves broke the winter tranquility.

Then, under the call for "work relief" and the organization of the government, the first group of ragged but hopeful refugees and poor people carried simple tools and headed to the designated section of road.

Under the direction of officials and foremen, they will clear the roadbed, compact the road surface, quarry rocks, and build wooden bridges.

Although life was tough, the daily rations and meager wages were a rare means of survival for them.

In some places, gentry and merchants, persuaded by officials and lured by imperial rewards, began to contribute their own money, either by donating funds or by contracting to build sections of roads.

Along the official road from Shenjing to Luoyang, the first sounds to ring out were the clanging of chisels and the chanting of workers ramming earth.

Despite the biting cold, frozen ground, and slow progress, this marked a solid first step in the massive project to unblock the empire's blood vessels.

Xiao Chen knew that rebuilding the national official roads and establishing an efficient post station network was a systematic project that required more patience, tested organizational skills, and demonstrated the country's mobilization capabilities than building a palace or holding an imperial examination.

It requires continuous investment and overcoming countless natural and man-made difficulties, and may encounter corruption, delays, and public resentment.

But he knew even more that this was an indispensable cornerstone for consolidating unity, strengthening central authority, promoting economic prosperity, and safeguarding national defense.

When the empire's decrees can be disseminated at unprecedented speeds, the army can move swiftly along smooth roads, merchants' goods can circulate smoothly, and local sentiments can be promptly reported, this vast empire will truly become a unified whole, functioning as one with perfect coordination.

Standing atop the city wall of the capital, he could almost hear the faint sounds of labor coming from the distant roads, and see new arteries stubbornly extending from the heart of the empire to every part of his body.

This road will lead to Chang'an, to Jiangnan, to Sichuan, to the edge of the grasslands, and ultimately, to tightly connect the entire empire.