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

Construction was in full swing at the Iron City construction site in the White Water Valley, and tax reform in Cold Abyss City was also put on the agenda.

On this day, Xiao Chen summoned all the ward chiefs, village heads, and stewards at the city lord's mansion.

The courtroom was packed, and everyone was a little nervous—the prince wanted to discuss taxes, which was a big deal.

Xiao Chen didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point: "I called everyone here today to talk about only one thing: taxes."

The people below immediately perked up their ears.

"Everyone knows how heavy the taxes were in Han Yuan when Scarface Liu was around."

Xiao Chen's voice was calm, but every word struck a chord in people's hearts: "Head tax, land tax, city gate tax, bridge toll tax, and even a 'breathing tax.' If a commoner grows an acre of land, half of the harvest has to be paid in taxes, and the other half is exploited at every level. In the end, what they get isn't even enough to feed themselves."

A low sigh rose from below. These were all hardships they had personally experienced.

"From today onwards, all these exorbitant taxes and levies are abolished."

wow——

A commotion broke out in the crowd.

Everything's been scrapped? What will happen to the imperial taxes? What about the city's expenses?

"Your Highness," an old workshop manager stood up shakily, "everything is ruined. What are we going to eat? The soldiers, officials, and craftsmen in the city all need to eat."

"There's a new tax." Xiao Chen raised his hand to silence the discussion. "There's only one type of tax: land tax. It's one-tenth of the harvest."

One-tenth of the tax?

Everyone was stunned.

The land tax in the Great Xia Dynasty was nominally one-thirtieth, but in reality, it was increased at each level, so by the time it reached the common people, it was often three or four out of ten. The prince only wanted one-tenth?

"Your Highness, this...this is too little," another headman said. "One-tenth of the tax isn't enough to cover expenses, is it?"

"That's enough." Xiao Chen said confidently. "Hanyuan now has coal mines, iron mines, salt transport teams, and merchant caravans. These industries are all profitable. Land taxes are just a supplement. Moreover—"

He paused, then raised his voice: "Newly reclaimed land will be tax-free for three years. Immigrants to Hanyuan will be tax-free for the first year. Military households, artisans, and miners will have their land tax halved because they do not farm full-time."

Another uproar ensued.

Newly reclaimed land is exempt from tax for three years! Immigrants are exempt from tax for the first year! Military households and artisans receive half-price tax!

This is like a windfall!

"Your Highness," Uncle Chen's voice trembled with excitement, "you...you're telling the truth?"

"Really." Xiao Chen nodded. "Starting from this autumn harvest, we'll follow this procedure. Tax grain will be delivered to the public granary and managed by the Civil Affairs Department for military pay, salaries, and relief. The accounts will be published monthly and everyone can see them."

"Then... what about the taxes owed before?" someone asked in a low voice.

"Past events will be forgiven." Xiao Chen waved his hand. "The taxes owed during Scarface Liu's time are wiped clean. From today onwards, let's start from scratch."

"Long live the Prince!"

"Your Highness is wise!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, and some people immediately knelt down and kowtowed.

After they calmed down, Xiao Chen continued, "The taxes are lighter, but the rules must be followed. Land ownership must be declared truthfully, and harvests must be reported accurately. Anyone who dares to conceal information will have their land confiscated and their entire family sentenced to hard labor. Do you understand?"

"clear!"

"Alright, go back and tell everyone this news. From today onwards, the people of Hanyuan can farm in peace and live their lives in peace."

The crowd dispersed, expressing their deepest gratitude.

When the news spread, the whole city rejoiced.

"One-tenth tax! Three years of tax exemption for newly reclaimed land! Your Highness is truly a living bodhisattva!"

"My family has five mu of land. We used to have to pay two shi of grain, but now we only have to pay five dou! That's a saving of one and a half shi, enough to eat for three months!"

"I want to clear land! Ten acres, no taxes for three years, it's all mine!"

"I want to open one too! Let's get started as soon as spring begins!"

The enthusiasm of the people erupted like a volcano.

But Xiao Chen knew that enthusiasm alone was not enough; he also needed tools, seeds, and technology.

"Uncle Chen," he called Uncle Chen over, "you're in charge of reclaiming the land. Get any tools you need from the Construction Bureau. Get seeds from the public granary. Organize the villagers to help each other if you need manpower. One work point will be awarded for every acre of land reclaimed."

"yes!"

"Also," Xiao Chen added, "you must teach everyone the cultivation techniques for frost wheat. How to select seeds, how to fertilize, how to protect against frost—you must teach them all. We in Hanyuan cannot rely solely on the weather; we must rely on technology."

"I understand!"

Uncle Chen went with great enthusiasm.

Xiao Chen then summoned Han Lie.

"Old Master Han, the Bureau of Works must speed up the production of farm tools. Plows, hoes, sickles, harrows—the more the better. As soon as the iron ore from Iron City arrives, we must focus all our efforts on making farm tools. I want to see five thousand farm tools before spring."

"Five thousand pieces?" Han Lie gasped. "Your Highness, is...is that enough time?"

"There's still time," Xiao Chen said. "The blast furnace in Tiecheng will be lit next month. With iron and coal, we can make farm tools quickly. If we don't have enough manpower, we can recruit from Xinmin Enterprise and pay them higher work points."

"yes!"

After making these arrangements, Xiao Chen went to the new private enterprise.

The new private village is no longer "new." Rows of mud-brick houses stand neatly, simple yet clean and tidy. On the streets, children play, women spin thread, and the elderly bask in the sun. Upon seeing Xiao Chen, they all bow and greet him with sincere smiles.

"Your Highness!"

"Greetings, Your Highness!"

"Has Your Highness eaten?"

Xiao Chen responded to each of them and walked to Murong Xue's ten acres of land.

The ground had already been turned over; although it was frozen solid, the signs of tilling were visible. Murong Xue was holding a hoe, clumsily but earnestly tapping away the clods of earth.

"Your Highness." She stopped what she was doing and wiped her sweat when she saw Xiao Chen.

"How is it?"

"Tired," Murong Xue said honestly, "but it's worth it. This land, once turned over and left to freeze again, will be easy to plant in the spring. Uncle Chen said that frost-covered wheat needs to overwinter under snow, so now is the perfect time to plant it."

"You learn quickly."

"If you don't understand, just ask." Murong Xue smiled. "Uncle Chen is a good man; he teaches you everything. Your Highness, once I grow the grain, I'll invite you to eat first."

"it is good."

Xiao Chen looked at this land, and at this former princess who now resembled a real peasant woman, and felt a pang of emotion.

Land can truly change people.

"Your Highness," Murong Xue suddenly said, "there is something I would like to tell you."

"explain."

"There's news from Northern Yan."

Xiao Chen's eyes narrowed.

"The Left Wise King replied, agreeing to peace talks. But he had one condition."

"What are the conditions?"

"He wants you to go to the Northern Yan royal court in person." Murong Xue's voice was very low. "He said he wants to see what kind of person the Prince of Hanyuan really is."

To the Northern Yan royal court?

Xiao Chen remained silent for a moment.

"When?"

"After spring, the snow will melt and the roads will be open," Murong Xue said. "He said he would host a banquet at the royal court to entertain the prince. As long as the prince dares to go, the peace talks can be concluded."

This is a test, and also a trial.

If you don't dare to go, it means you're feeling guilty, and that Han Yuan lacks confidence. If you dare to go, then there's room for negotiation.

"Tell him I'm going," Xiao Chen said.

"Your Highness!" Murong Xue cried out anxiously, "It's too dangerous! The Northern Yan royal court is a den of dragons and tigers! What if..."

"There's no 'what if'," Xiao Chen interrupted her. "He wants to see my courage, so I'll let him. Besides, I also want to see what Northern Yan is really like."

Murong Xue looked at Xiao Chen, a complex expression flashing in her eyes.

"Your Highness, if... if my father were to kill you, I would..."

What would you do?

"I will help you escape," Murong Xue said, enunciating each word clearly, "even if it means betraying the country, even if it means death."

Xiao Chen smiled.

"No need. Just focus on being your Alia and tending your land. I'll take care of the rest."

Murong Xue's eyes reddened, and she lowered her head without saying a word.

After leaving the new private camp, Xiao Chen returned to the city lord's mansion.

Zhao Tie was already waiting for him.

"Your Highness, there's been some activity from Prince Yong's side."

"explain."

"Prince Yong has submitted a memorial to the court, accusing Your Highness of 'privately developing mines, gathering troops, colluding with foreign enemies, and plotting rebellion' in the northern border." Zhao Tie's expression was grave. "The memorial has already been submitted, and His Majesty is furious, ordering a thorough investigation. The imperial envoy is already on his way; he is Zhou Zheng, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, and a man of Prince Yong."

finally come.

Xiao Chen had anticipated this.

"When will you arrive?"

"At the fastest, half a month."

"Alright." Xiao Chen nodded. "Have our men prepare to welcome the imperial envoy."

"Your Highness, what are the preparations?"

"Prepare what needs to be prepared, and hide what needs to be hidden," Xiao Chen said. "The coal mines, iron mines, and arsenals are all operating normally. The army is training as usual. The accounts are clear, and the people are living in peace and contentment. Let him investigate, and see what he can find out."

"But Zhou is one of Prince Yong's men, he'll definitely cause trouble..."

"Let him search." Xiao Chen sneered. "Han Yuan can withstand investigation now. I want to see what tricks this Vice Minister Zhou can pull."

Zhao Tie accepted the order and left.

Xiao Chen sat alone in the courtroom, looking at the map on the wall.

Northern Yan wants peace talks, while Prince Yong wants to investigate.

This game has reached its most crucial moment.

One wrong step and the whole game is lost.

But he wasn't afraid.

Because he had soldiers, provisions, and the support of the people.

And this land, and these four thousand people.

"Come on," he said softly, "let me see what tricks the sky in the North can pull."

Outside the window, the setting sun casts its blood-red glow.

But in Hanyuan City, smoke curled from chimneys, and the atmosphere was peaceful.