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

Before the new houses in the district were even finished, new migrants arrived.

This is not a natural disaster, but a man-made one.

"Your Highness, news has come from Dingbei Pass that Cao Bin... has escaped."

Zhao Tie's face was grim. "He took five hundred personal guards and left the pass overnight, heading south. Before leaving, he also absconded with three months' worth of military pay from Dingbei Pass, about ten thousand taels of silver."

Xiao Chen's eyes turned cold.

Cao Bin ran away, which was within his expectations.

With the fall of Prince Yong, Cao Bin, Prince Yong's lackey, will surely flee.

But to abscond with military pay is a capital offense.

Who is guarding Dingbei Pass now?

"It was the former deputy general, named Li Yong, who was Cao Bin's confidant. But after Cao Bin fled, Li Yong opened the city gates to welcome our people into the city. Now Dingbei Pass is under our control."

This was an unexpected delight.

"Li Yong..."

Xiao Chen remembered this person; he was an old soldier, not very capable, but not a bad person either.

"Let him temporarily act as the garrison commander until the court officially appoints him. Also, reimburse the troops stationed at Dingbei Pass from our own accounts. Tell the soldiers that following me will not mistreat them."

"Yes."

"And another thing," Xiao Chen thought for a moment, "Cao Bin ran away, but what about his private soldiers?"

"They've dispersed. Cao Bin only brought five hundred personal guards; the remaining two thousand or so have either gone home or... come this way."

Again.

Xiao Chen rubbed his temples.

The Hanyuan region now has 25,000 people, and the food supply is already under great pressure.

If another two thousand or so people come, it will be even more difficult.

"Your Highness," Han Lie said cautiously, "our grain reserves are only enough for three months. Moreover, the expansion of the salt fields and the coal mines both require grain. If we recruit more people, we really won't have enough grain."

"Then we won't accept it," Xiao Chen said.

"You won't accept it?" Everyone was stunned.

Didn't Your Highness always advocate taking in refugees? Why did you suddenly change your mind?

"It's not that we won't accept it, it's that we're providing work relief instead."

Xiao Chen explained, "All refugees who come to Hanyuan must register first."

Then, work was assigned according to labor strength. Those who mined went to coal mines.

Those who boil salt go to the salt fields. Those who farm go to reclaim wasteland.

Those who want to work go to the workshop. If you don't work, you don't eat. If you work well, you eat more and earn work points to exchange for goods.

Work relief instead of work relief.

This is the first time everyone has heard this term, but they all understand the underlying principle.

We do not support idlers or lazy people.

If you want to eat, you have to work.

"But..." Han Lie hesitated, "Some people are old, weak, sick, or disabled and can't work..."

If you can't do heavy work, then do light work.

Xiao Chen said, "The elderly watch the warehouse and the children. The women spin thread, weave cloth, and cook. The children... the children go to school and learn a trade. In short, as long as you are willing to work, you will have food to eat. Those who are unwilling to work deserve to starve to death."

That's a cold statement, but it's also very true.

The Cold Abyss is not a charity, but a place for survival. To live, one must work.

"Understood." Han Lie nodded. "Then... how are the work points calculated?"

Distribution according to work.

Xiao Chen said, "One day of mining earns one work point. One day of boiling salt earns one work point. One acre of wasteland earns five work points. One knife earns three work points. One work point can be exchanged for one pound of grain, or half a pound of salt, or one pound of coal. Work points can be saved and exchanged for better things—cloth, ironware, or even a house."

"The price of grain..."

"market price."

Xiao Chen said, "One jin of grain costs ten wen. But we'll exchange it using work points, one work point for one jin. This way, we can control the flow of grain and also incentivize the people to work."

"Good idea."

Wang Dashan praised, "In this way, the people have hope for the future, and we can rest easy."

"In addition," Xiao Chen added, "we will build a 'labor market' in the new district. All workshops, mines, and farms that need manpower can recruit there. Wages will be settled in work points. This way, people can choose what they want to do, and we can save on manpower allocation."

"yes!"

The order was issued, and the new policy was implemented.

The labor market was built in the center of the new district; it was a row of simple wooden sheds.

Every morning, the foreman who needed manpower would come with a sign that said how many people were needed, what kind of work they would do, and how many work points they would be paid.

"Coal mine is hiring! One work point per day, two meals provided!"

"Saltworkers needed! One work point per day, three meals provided!"

"The Manufacturing Company is recruiting apprentices! Room and board provided, you'll learn a trade, and after completing your apprenticeship, you'll receive ten work points per month!"

"Our farm is hiring to clear land! Five work points for every acre cleared!"

The migrants lined up, choosing the jobs they preferred.

Those with strength went to coal mines and salt fields. Those with skills went to factories and workshops.

If you want to farm, go to a farm.

Elderly women also have light jobs to do—spinning thread, weaving cloth, cooking. Although they earn few work points, they can still make a living.

The effects were evident on the very first day of the new policy's implementation.

The lazybones who used to lie on the street waiting for handouts were forced to find work.

If you don't go, you won't get any food.

Those with skills and strength earn more work points, which they can exchange for more things, and are therefore more motivated.

Han Yuan, like a machine fully fueled, is running even faster.

Coal production increased from 5,000 truckloads per day to 8,000 truckloads per day.

The salt field's output increased from 20,000 jin per day to 30,000 jin per day.

The craftsmanship department doubled the speed at which it manufactured weapons.

The speed of farm reclamation has also increased by 30%.

However, food consumption actually decreased.

Because of the work-for-relief program, the people ate what they earned themselves, so there was no waste.

Moreover, those who do the work have a large appetite, but they produce even more.

A cartload of coal can be exchanged for ten kilograms of grain.

Boil a pot of salt, and you can exchange it for five catties of grain. Cultivate one acre of wasteland, and you can produce three hundred catties of grain in the future.

No matter how you look at it, it's a good deal.

"Your Highness, this method is miraculous!"

Holding the ledger, Han Lie's hands trembled with excitement. "In just ten days since the new policy was implemented, grain consumption has decreased by 30%, while production has increased by 50%! At this rate, we will not only have no shortage of grain, but we will also have surplus grain to sell to other regions!"

Xiao Chen nodded, but wasn't particularly happy.

He knew this was only temporary.

The Cold Abyss is now productive because it has coal, salt, and iron.

But these resources are finite and will eventually run out.

To achieve long-term development, we must find new sources of economic growth.

"Old Han, how's the caravan doing?"

"I was just about to report to the Prince."

Han Lie said, "The caravan has returned from Jiangnan, bringing back many fine things: silk, tea, porcelain, and... grain. A total of one hundred carts, half of which is grain, about five thousand shi (a unit of dry measure). In addition, the caravan also learned some news in Jiangnan."

"explain."

"Liu Jin, the King of Jiangnan, is buying up large quantities of grain and stockpiling it in several large granaries. It is said that he has already hoarded 500,000 shi (a unit of dry measure). It seems that he is really about to rebel."

Five hundred thousand shi of grain is enough to feed an army of one hundred thousand for a year.

Liu Jin is determined to rebel.

"Furthermore," Han Lie lowered his voice, "the caravan members said that Liu Jin is levying exorbitant taxes in Jiangnan, and the people are suffering terribly. Many people want to escape, but they are stopped by Liu Jin's soldiers and not allowed to leave the city. Jiangnan is now a living hell."

Hell on earth.

A cold glint flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes.

Liu Jin, you deserve to die.

"Your Highness, should we..." Han Lie made a cutting gesture.

"No rush." ​​Xiao Chen shook his head. "If Liu Jin wants to rebel, let him rebel. Once he rebels, the court will definitely send troops to suppress him. Then we can take action, which will be justified. Taking action now will only give others grounds for criticism."

"That……"

"Continue stockpiling grain and training troops," Xiao Chen said. "Also, have the caravans make more trips to Jiangnan, using our salt, iron, and coal to exchange for Jiangnan's grain, cloth, and medicine. Especially grain, exchange as much as you can. Liu Jin is stockpiling grain, isn't he? Let him stockpile, let's see who can stockpile more."

"yes!"

"Also," Xiao Chen thought for a moment, "have Night Owl spread the word in Jiangnan that the imperial court is going to raise taxes and conscript soldiers. Let the people of Jiangnan flee if they can, flee north to Hanyuan, where there is food and work."

"Your Highness, this..." Han Lie hesitated, "There are too many people, we can't afford to support them."

"We can afford to support them," Xiao Chen said confidently. "The people of Jiangnan are skilled and educated; they are invaluable talents. If they come, they can not only work but also bring technology, such as textiles, porcelain making, and tea cultivation. These are all things Hanyuan needs. Moreover, many hands make light work. If Liu Jin wants to rebel, he has to rely on the people. If the people all flee, what's the point of his rebellion?"

Han Lie suddenly realized.

Your Highness is trying to undermine our foundation.

"Understood, I will take care of it right away."

Han Lie withdrew, and Xiao Chen stood alone on the city wall, gazing south.

Liu Jin, you just wait.

Once Han Yuan is ready, he will head south to Jiangnan to act on behalf of Heaven.

When the time comes, the people of Jiangnan will show you what it means to have the will of the people.

"Your Highness," Murong Xue walked over, holding an account book in her hand, "Please take a look at the clinic's expenses for this month."

Xiao Chen took it and glanced at it.

The clinic has treated over three hundred patients this month, mostly displaced people suffering from acclimatization problems or overwork. The consumption of medicinal herbs is high, but fortunately, a considerable amount was obtained from Jiangnan, which is sufficient for the time being.

"Thanks for your hard work."

"It's not hard work," Murong Xue said. "Your Highness, I have an idea."

"explain."

"I want to open a 'medical class' at the clinic, teaching some basic medical skills, such as bandaging wounds, treating fevers, and delivering babies. That way, people won't have to rush to the clinic for every minor illness or injury. Moreover, we can train a group of doctors who will be useful in future battles."

"Good idea." Xiao Chen nodded. "Go and do it. Tell Uncle Fu what you need."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Murong Xue withdrew, and Xiao Chen continued to look at the account books.

Clinic, school, workshop, mine, salt field, farm.

All departments within Hanyuan were operating smoothly and efficiently.

The new policy of replacing work with relief increased the efficiency of the entire Hanyuan more than double.

At this rate, in three months, Han Yuan will have an elite force of ten thousand men, a grain reserve of one hundred thousand shi, and... popular support.

By then, traveling south to Jiangnan will no longer be a dream.

"Your Highness," Zhao Tie hurried over, "Night Owl sent word from Jiangnan that Liu Jin... has made his move."

"Oh?"

"Three days ago, Liu Jin announced in Hangzhou that he would 'purge the court of corrupt officials,' raised an army of 50,000, and marched straight for the capital. The court has already dispatched troops to suppress him, but the troops are led by former subordinates of the Prince of Yong, who will likely deliberately delay until Liu Jin gains more power."

The former subordinates of Prince Yong.

It seems that although Prince Yong has fallen, his followers are still around.

"Furthermore," Zhao Tie continued, "Liu Jin sent someone to contact Northern Yan, wanting to form an alliance with Northern Yan to attack the court from both the north and south. But the Left Wise King of Northern Yan did not agree, saying he needed to consider it."

"Consider?" Xiao Chen sneered. "Murong Han is observing, waiting to see who wins before helping him. Tell him that Han Yuan is heading south in three months, and let him think it through carefully whether he helps Liu Jin or me."

"yes!"

"Furthermore," Xiao Chen's eyes flashed with a cold light, "have Night Owl spread the word in Jiangnan that Liu Jin colluded with Japanese pirates and betrayed the country for personal gain. Let the people of Jiangnan see his true colors."

"clear!"

Zhao Tie accepted the order and left.

Xiao Chen gazed southward, his fighting spirit rising within him.

Liu Jin, you've finally made your move.

Then let me see just how much you're worth, you King of Jiangnan.

Han Yuan's blade is now sharpened.

They're just waiting to drink the blood.