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

Three days after the Canglang tribe withdrew, astonishing news came from the grasslands.

Arughtai is dead.

He didn't die in battle; he died suddenly. It's said that on his way back to the grasslands, he suddenly foamed at the mouth and collapsed, dying instantly.

The army shaman examined the body and said it was poisoned, but who poisoned it was unknown.

When the news reached Han Yuan, Xiao Chen was discussing matters with his generals.

"Poisoning?"

Wang Dashan frowned. "Who would poison Arutai? He is the eldest prince of the Canglang tribe and the next chieftain."

Zhao Tie pondered for a moment and said, "It might be an internal power struggle. The old chieftain of the Canglang tribe has four sons. Arutai is the eldest, but the second prince, Batu, is also powerful. Arutai suffered heavy losses in his attack on Hanyuan this time, and his prestige was greatly damaged. It's not impossible that Batu took the opportunity to make a move."

"It could also be the Northern Yan."

Zhang Meng said, "Murong Han has always wanted to control the grasslands, but Alutai is too powerful and difficult to control. It would be beneficial for Northern Yan to replace him with a weaker prince."

Xiao Chen didn't speak, but just looked at the location of the grassland on the map.

Arutai's death is a good thing for Hanyuan. The Canglang tribe is in turmoil and is unable to march south in the short term.

But once the grasslands are unified, whether Batu or someone else comes to power, they will pose a threat to Hanyuan.

"Do you have any news about Night Owl's men on the grasslands?" he asked Zhao Tie.

"have."

Zhao Tie said, "After Arutai's death, the Canglang tribe was indeed in chaos. Arutai's loyalists wanted revenge, Batu wanted to seize the throne, and the other two princes were also watching. Among the various tribes on the grassland, some supported Arutai, some supported Batu, and some wanted to establish themselves independently. Now, the grassland is already in war."

fight.

This is a good opportunity to fish in troubled waters.

"Send someone to the grasslands," Xiao Chen said, "to contact Batu. Tell him that Han Yuan is willing to support him in taking power, but on several conditions."

"What are the conditions?"

"First, acknowledge the White Water River as the border and never invade its territory. Second, open border markets and ensure fair trade. Third, the Canglang tribe's warhorses will be sold to Hanyuan first. Fourth,"

Xiao Chen paused for a moment, then said, "He wants to marry a woman from Han Yuan and establish a marriage alliance."

Marriage.

This is the strongest alliance.

"Your Highness, do we have any suitable women?" Wang Dashan asked.

"Murong Xue," Xiao Chen said.

Everyone was stunned.

Murong Xue is a princess of Northern Yan. Although she is currently in Hanyuan, her status is sensitive. Is it appropriate to send her to marry into the grasslands?

"Will Miss Murong... agree?" Zhao Tie hesitated.

"She will say yes."

Xiao Chen was certain, "This is for Han Yuan, and also for herself. In Northern Yan, she was a princess who ran away from her arranged marriage; in Han Yuan, she was a healer. But by marrying Batu, she will become the queen of the grasslands. With this identity, she can do so much more."

"Will Batu agree?"

He will agree.

Xiao Chen said, "He needs outside help right now, and Han Yuan is the most suitable choice. Moreover, Murong Xue is the princess of Northern Yan. Marrying her is equivalent to gaining the tacit approval of Northern Yan. For him, it's a sure-fire deal."

"What about Northern Yan..."

"I'll go and talk to the Northern Yan side."

Xiao Chen said, "What Murong Han wants is a stable grassland and an obedient ally. Batu and Murong Xue are in his interest. He won't object."

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, but what the prince said seemed to make sense.

"Then...who should we send?"

"I'll go," Xiao Chen said.

"Your Highness, you mustn't!" Wang Dashan exclaimed urgently, "The grasslands are in chaos right now, it's too dangerous!"

"It's precisely because it's chaotic that we need to go."

Xiao Chen said, "I want to meet Batu in person and see what kind of person he is. If he's worth supporting, then I'll help him rise to power. If not, then I'll find someone else. The grasslands must be controlled by Han Yuan."

"But your safety..."

"Take a thousand Cangyun riders with you."

Xiao Chen said, "Also, have Night Owl provide backup on the grassland. Everything will be fine."

"Yes……"

Once the order was given, the entire Cold Abyss sprang into action.

The thousand Cangyun cavalry were elite troops personally trained by Zhang Meng. Each soldier was equipped with a Cold Abyss Blade, a sturdy bow, leather armor, and a small round shield. Their horses were fine steeds from the grasslands, tall and magnificent. They had ample provisions, water, and medicine.

Murong Xue was also ready.

She did not object; she simply accepted the arrangement calmly.

"Your Highness, I have only one request," she said.

"explain."

"After I marry into that family, I want to build a clinic and a school on the grasslands, teach the people there medicine, and teach the children to read. I want to make the grasslands no longer a barbaric land."

"Okay." Xiao Chen nodded. "This is a good thing, I support it."

Three days later, the team set off.

A thousand cavalrymen escorted Xiao Chen and Murong Xue northward to the grasslands.

The roads on the grasslands are difficult to travel.

The vast wilderness stretched as far as the eye could see; the grass had turned yellow, and the wind had picked up.

Occasionally, you can see herds of wild horses and wild sheep, as well as sneaky wolves.

In the distance, black plumes of smoke rose—that was the sound of grassland tribes fighting.

"Your Highness, the royal court of the Canglang tribe is just ahead," the guide pointed ahead.

On the horizon, a cluster of white tents appeared, like mushrooms. Around the tents were herds of cattle and sheep, and patrolling cavalry.

"Go and announce that King Hanyuan, Xiao Chen, requests an audience with Prince Batu."

"yes!"

The scout rode off on horseback and returned quickly.

"Your Highness, Prince Batu requests that you enter the tent."

The procession continued forward and arrived outside the royal court.

Batu was already waiting outside the tent with his men. He was in his thirties and resembled Arughtai somewhat, but was thinner and had a more shrewd look in his eyes. Upon seeing Xiao Chen, he quickly stepped forward, his right hand on his chest.

"Batu greets King Hanyuan. Your Highness has traveled a long way and must be tired. Please come into the tent and speak with me."

Xiao Chen dismounted and returned the greeting: "Prince Batu, you're too kind. Please."

The two entered the tent and took their seats as host and guest. Murong Xue sat to Xiao Chen's left, her face veiled, but her bearing was extraordinary.

Batu glanced at her, a look of amazement flashing in his eyes, but he didn't ask any further questions.

"What brings Your Highness here?" Batu asked bluntly.

Two things.

Xiao Chen said, "First, to offer condolences to Prince Arutai. Although he once invaded Hanyuan, death is a serious matter, and I have come here to pay my respects."

Batu's face darkened: "My elder brother... died under mysterious circumstances. I will definitely find out the truth and avenge him."

"Secondly," Xiao Chen continued, "I wish to discuss a business deal with the prince."

"What kind of business?"

"I will assist you in ascending to the position of clan leader. You will form a brotherhood with Han Yuan, never to invade each other's territory, and to exchange goods. Furthermore,"

Xiao Chen pointed to Murong Xue, "This is my sworn sister, the Third Princess of Northern Yan, Murong Xue. I wish to betroth her to the prince, thus establishing a marriage alliance. What does the prince think?"

Batu was stunned.

Help him rise to power, form alliances, and even give him a princess?

Where in the world is there such a good thing?

"Your Highness...is this true?"

"Really?" Xiao Chen said, "but there are a few conditions."

"Please speak, Your Highness."

"First, the White Water River will be the boundary, and we will never invade each other's territory. Second, we will open the border markets and ensure fair trade. Third, the warhorses of the Canglang tribe will be sold to Hanyuan first. Fourth, after the prince ascends the throne, he must build clinics and schools on the grasslands to teach the people medicine and children to read. Princess Murong will assist you in these matters."

Batu pondered for a moment.

These conditions aren't too harsh. The White Water River is the current boundary. Trade is beneficial to the grasslands. Warhorses should be sold to Han Yuan first, and the price is negotiable. Building clinics and schools is even better.

As for marrying Murong Xue...

Batu looked at Murong Xue. Although her face was veiled, her eyes were clear and bright, and she possessed a noble air.

Princess of Northern Yan, the adopted sister of King Hanyuan, this identity greatly helped him ascend to the throne.

"I... agree."

Batu rose, placing his right hand on his chest. "From this day forward, the Canglang tribe and Hanyuan will be brothers forever. The Canglang tribe's sword will never be pointed at the people of Hanyuan. The Canglang tribe's horses will forever gallop for the friends of Hanyuan."

"Alright!" Xiao Chen also stood up. "A gentleman's word is his bond."

"What's done is done!"

The two made a vow by high-fiving.

That day, Batu hosted a banquet. Roasted whole lamb, mare's milk wine, and singing and dancing were served.

Xiao Chen and Batu had a very pleasant conversation and agreed to jointly send troops to quell the internal strife on the grasslands.

After the banquet, Xiao Chen met with Murong Xue alone.

"I'm sorry to have troubled you," he said.

"I'm not wronged."

Murong Xue shook her head. "This is my own choice. Your Highness, rest assured, I will be a good queen and make the grasslands the most reliable ally of Han Yuan."

"I trust you."

Xiao Chen looked at her, "But you must also protect yourself. The grasslands are not like the Cold Abyss; they are more savage and dangerous here. If anything happens, have Night Owl send me a message. The Cold Abyss will always be your support."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

The next day, Xiao Chen led a thousand Cangyun cavalry back to Hanyuan.

Batu and Murong Xue saw them off ten miles away.

"Take care, Your Highness."

"Take care, Your Highness."

The group headed south and disappeared into the depths of the grassland.

Batu gazed at the receding dust and asked Murong Xue beside him, "Princess, what kind of person is King Hanyuan?"

Murong Xue was silent for a moment, then said softly, "He is the most talented and loyal person I have ever met. Following him will not be a mistake."

Batu nodded, having made up his mind.

Upon returning to Hanyuan, Xiao Chen immediately summoned his generals.

"The matter of the grasslands has been temporarily resolved. Batu's rise to power will at least guarantee three years of peace. These three years are the golden period for Hanyuan's development. We must seize the time to expand our army, prepare for war, and stockpile grain."

"yes!"

"Furthermore," Xiao Chen said, "we can't let our guard down in Jiangnan either. Liu Jin is currently at odds with the court and can't attend to us for the time being. But once he unifies Jiangnan, his next target will be the northern border. We must grow strong enough to deter him from taking action before he has a chance to do so."

"Your Highness, we now have 25,000 men, including 4,000 soldiers, and our city is well-fortified with ample provisions. Even if Liu Jin unifies Jiangnan, he might not dare to attack us," Wang Dashan said.

"not enough."

Xiao Chen shook his head. "What I need is not self-preservation, but advancement. Three years from now, I want Han Yuan to have 50,000 soldiers, a million shi of grain, 10,000 cavalry, and 5,000 naval troops. At that time, whether we march south to Jiangnan or west into the Central Plains, we will have the confidence to do so."

Fifty thousand soldiers, one million bushels of grain, ten thousand cavalry, and five thousand naval troops.

This goal ignited everyone's passion.

"Your Highness, the navy...we have no water," Zhang Meng said.

"It will happen."

Xiao Chen said, "Once we take Jiangnan, we'll have it. But now, we need to start preparing. Recruit soldiers who are good at swimming, build warship models, and study naval warfare tactics. Only by being prepared can we remain invincible."

"yes!"

As orders were issued one after another, Han Yuan operated at high speed like a sophisticated machine.

Training troops, manufacturing weapons, stockpiling grain, and expanding trade.

Every day, Han Yuan grows stronger.

Meanwhile, on the grasslands, Batu, with the help of Murong Xue, began to integrate the various tribes.

They built clinics, established schools, promoted agriculture, and restricted looting.

Despite the great resistance, with Han Yuan's support, they gradually gained a foothold.

On the Northern Yan side, seeing that the grasslands were stable, Murong Han tacitly accepted Batu's ascension to the throne.

They even sent an envoy to offer congratulations and presented a generous gift.

The three forces have reached a delicate balance.

But how long can this balance be maintained?

Xiao Chen didn't know.

But he knew that Han Yuan had to seize this opportunity to develop rapidly.

Because the storm was bound to come sooner or later.

When the storm comes, only the strong survive.