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

The balance of the grassland was broken in less than a month.

The one who broke the balance was not Liu Jin, nor Northern Yan, but a force that no one expected—the Tiele tribe in the northern desert.

The Tiele tribe is a tribe on the western side of the grassland. They used to be subservient to the Canglang tribe, but in recent years they have quietly grown stronger by taking advantage of the internal strife within the Canglang tribe.

They now have 30,000 cavalry and 50,000 warhorses, making them no less powerful than the Canglang tribe.

The Khan of the Tiele tribe was named Temujin, and he was an ambitious man.

Seeing that the new leader of the Canglang tribe was unstable, he suddenly launched an eastward attack, claiming to "avenge Arutai," but in reality, he wanted to annex the Canglang tribe and unify the grasslands.

When the news reached Hanyuan, Batu's letter requesting help also arrived.

"The Tiele tribe's 30,000 cavalry have advanced eastward and have already defeated three of our tribes. Their advance is aimed directly at the royal court. We earnestly request King Hanyuan to send troops to assist us. If we can repel the enemy, the Canglang tribe will be our eternal vassal and pay tribute every year."

To serve as a subject forever, and to pay tribute every year.

This condition is quite demanding.

"Your Highness, should we save him or not?" Wang Dashan asked.

"save."

Xiao Chen didn't hesitate. "Batu was put to power by us. If he falls, all our plans on the grasslands will be ruined. Moreover, once the Tiele tribe absorbs the Canglang tribe, their strength will increase greatly, and their next target will be Hanyuan. We must nip them in the bud."

"But we only have four thousand soldiers, while the Tiele tribe has thirty thousand..."

"It's not about the quantity of soldiers, but their quality."

Xiao Chen said, "Moreover, we are not fighting alone. Batu still has 20,000 cavalry, plus our 4,000, that makes 24,000. Although the Tiele tribe has 30,000, they have been on a long march and are exhausted. We are well-rested and have a chance to win."

"Then...how many troops should we send?"

"two thousand."

Xiao Chen said, "I will personally lead two thousand Cangyun cavalry. Wang Dashan, you take the remaining two thousand soldiers to guard the city. Zhang Meng, you take one thousand cavalry to provide support at the border. Zhao Tie, Night Owl needs to make a move; I need to know every move of the Tiele tribe."

"Your Highness, it's too dangerous for you to go yourself!" Everyone objected in unison.

"It's precisely because it's dangerous that I'm going."

Xiao Chen said, "This battle concerns the future of Hanyuan. If we win, the grasslands will be our backyard. If we lose, Hanyuan will never have peace. I must go."

Seeing that they couldn't persuade them otherwise, the crowd had no choice but to obey.

On that day, the two thousand Cangyun cavalry were assembled.

Each person carried two horses, and plenty of dry rations, arrows, and medicine.

Xiao Chen also changed into armor, with the Cold Abyss Blade at his waist and Snowwalker as his mount, exuding a heroic aura.

"Set off!"

Two thousand riders, like a black torrent, rushed out of the cold abyss and headed north to the grasslands.

Five days later, they arrived at the royal court of the Canglang tribe.

The royal court was under martial law, with tents stretching as far as the eye could see and banners waving, but the atmosphere was tense.

Batu personally went out to greet him. When he saw that Xiao Chen had only brought two thousand men, a look of disappointment flashed in his eyes, but he did not show it.

"Your Highness has worked hard."

"How is the situation?" Xiao Chen asked as soon as he dismounted.

"The vanguard of the Tiele tribe has already reached a hundred miles away and will arrive tomorrow. The main force is behind them and will arrive in about three days."

Batu said, "I have 20,000 cavalrymen, but only 10,000 are capable of fighting. The remaining 10,000 are old, weak, sick, or disabled, and can only guard the camp."

With 10,000 against 30,000, the disadvantage is obvious.

"What's the terrain like?"

"Fifty li east of the royal court, there is a hilly area called 'Wolf Head Mountain.' The terrain is undulating, making it suitable for ambush. I have already sent men to scout it out. If we can ambush the vanguard of the Tiele tribe there and blunt their momentum, the subsequent battles will be much easier."

ambush.

Xiao Chen's eyes lit up.

"Good idea. How many forwards are there?"

"Five thousand."

"Five thousand..."

Xiao Chen pondered for a moment, "We'll put up 10,000, two against one, and we're confident. But the key is to be fast, ruthless, and kill with one blow. Once we're done, we'll retreat; don't linger."

"clear."

The two entered the tent and discussed the matter in detail.

That night, 12,000 cavalrymen quietly left the camp and headed straight for Wolf Head Mountain.

Wolf Head Mountain is named for its shape, which resembles a wolf's head.

The mountain is not high, but it is full of ravines and dense forests, making it suitable for ambush.

Xiao Chen and Batu divided the army into three teams: one team ambushed on both sides of the valley, one team blocked the valley entrance, and one team served as a reserve.

In the early hours of the morning, the vanguard of the Tiele tribe arrived.

Five thousand cavalrymen marched into the valley in a grand procession.

The commander of the army was named Tolui, Temujin's cousin, and was known for his bravery.

He rode on his horse, looking at the silent valley, a vague unease creeping into his heart.

"Send the order to speed up and get through the valley as quickly as possible."

But it was too late.

"Release the arrows!"

At the command, arrows flew like locusts.

Caught off guard, the Tiele people fell in droves in an instant.

"Ambush! Form ranks! Form ranks!" Tolui shouted.

However, the valley was narrow, preventing the cavalry from maneuvering effectively.

Meanwhile, the ambushing troops on both sides rained down arrows, giving them no chance to form a battle formation.

"Charge! Charge forward!"

Tolui, with his personal guards, charged forward desperately.

But the valley entrance had been blocked, and the combined forces of Han Yuan and Cang Lang stood like a wall in front of them.

"kill!"

Xiao Chen took the lead, drawing his Cold Abyss Blade, its blade gleaming like snow.

Wherever they went, men and horses fell. The Cangyun cavalry followed closely behind, like a sharp dagger piercing into the enemy ranks.

Upon seeing Xiao Chen, Tolui brandished his spear and charged into battle. The two clashed, sparks flying.

Tuolei was strong, while Xiao Chen was agile. After ten rounds of fighting, Tuolei gradually became exhausted.

"Look at the knife!"

Xiao Chen feinted with his sword, and Tuolei raised his spear to block, but then a flash of light appeared, and the blade was aimed straight for his neck.

Torei was shocked and dodged to the side, but he was a fraction of a second too slow and was stabbed in the left shoulder, blood spurting out.

"General!" The personal guards came to the rescue, but were blocked by the Cangyun cavalry.

Tolui gritted his teeth, turned his horse, and fled.

"Chase!"

Xiao Chen and his men gave chase.

But the Tiele cavalry were not to be underestimated.

Although they fell into an ambush, they quickly regained their footing and began to counterattack.

The two sides engaged in a fierce battle in the valley, their shouts of battle deafening.

This battle lasted from dawn until noon.

The battle ended when the sun was directly overhead.

The five thousand-strong vanguard of the Tiele tribe were completely annihilated. Tolui was captured alive and brought before Xiao Chen.

"Kill me or torture me, just give me a quick death!" Tore said, his neck stiff.

Xiao Chen looked at him and said calmly, "I won't kill you. Go back and tell Temujin that the people of the grasslands should handle their own affairs. If he dares to advance eastward again, the next loss won't be five thousand men, but his own head."

Tore was stunned.

"You...let me go?"

"right."

Xiao Chen said, "But leave the horses, leave the weapons, and get out."

Tolui gave Xiao Chen a deep look, then turned and left.

"Your Highness, are you really letting him go?" Batu asked, puzzled.

"put."

Xiao Chen said, "If we kill him, Temujin will surely seek revenge. If we let him go, Temujin will hesitate. Besides, Tolui owes me a life, which might be useful in the future."

Batu seemed to understand, but didn't ask any further questions.

Inventory of the results: 3,000 enemy soldiers were killed and 2,000 were captured. 8,000 warhorses, 5,000 weapons, and a large amount of grain, fodder, gold, and silver were seized.

A resounding victory.

"Your Highness is incredibly resourceful; Batu is truly impressed," Batu said sincerely.

"It was the soldiers who risked their lives."

Xiao Chen said, "But this battle is just the beginning. Temujin has suffered a loss and will not give up. He has 30,000 troops, while we only have 12,000. If we fight head-on, we will still suffer losses."

"That……"

"Use a plan."

A glint of light flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes. "Temujin has made a long march and is short of supplies. Let's cut off his supply lines and burn his provisions. Let him fall into chaos without a fight."

"How do we determine this?"

"Night raid."

Xiao Chen said, "Tonight, I'll lead two thousand men to raid their camp. You lead men to provide support from the outside. We won't engage them head-on; we'll just harass them, make sure they can't sleep or eat properly, and demoralize their troops."

"Great idea!"

That night, Xiao Chen led two thousand Cangyun cavalrymen and quietly sneaked into the Tiele tribe's camp.

Temujin's main camp was set up thirty miles away, stretching for ten miles, and was brightly lit.

However, their vigilance was lax, and they clearly did not expect that the enemy, who had just suffered a defeat, would still dare to raid their camp.

"Divide into three teams: one to burn the supplies, one to kill the horses, and one to create chaos. Once you've succeeded, retreat; don't linger in battle."

"yes!"

Three teams of men, like three sharp knives, plunged into the enemy camp.

The grain stacks were set ablaze, flames shooting into the sky. Warhorses were startled and ran wildly in all directions. Soldiers were awakened from their sleep and thrown into chaos.

"Enemy attack! Enemy attack!"

Temujin rushed out of the main tent and saw the sky ablaze with fire, which enraged him.

"Chase them! Chase them!"

But Xiao Chen had already led his men and disappeared into the night.

That night, the Tiele tribe's camp was engulfed in flames, with countless dead and wounded. Most of their provisions were burned, and half of their warhorses fled. Morale plummeted, and the army's spirit crumbled.

The next day, Temujin withdrew his troops.

We have no choice but to retreat. We're running out of supplies and morale is low. If we continue fighting, we'll collapse before the enemy even has to lift a finger.

"We won! We won!"

The royal court of the Canglang tribe erupted in cheers.

Batu hosted a banquet to celebrate the victory and entertain Xiao Chen and the soldiers of Hanyuan.

"Your Highness, we owe you a great debt this time. From this day forward, the Canglang tribe will be Han Yuan's most loyal ally. Whatever Your Highness commands, the Canglang tribe will go through fire and water without hesitation."

"Your Highness is too kind," Xiao Chen said, raising his glass. "We're brothers, inseparable. Cheers!"

"Dry!"

The banquet was lively, but Xiao Chen knew in his heart that this victory was only temporary.

Although Temujin has retired, his strength remains. He will make a comeback sooner or later.

Meanwhile, Liu Jin in Jiangnan, Prince Yong in the capital, and Murong Han of Northern Yan were all eyeing the situation covetously.

The Cold Abyss remains at the eye of the storm.

But this battle not only demonstrated Han Yuan's prowess but also boosted Han Yuan's confidence.

Turns out, we can win too.

It turns out we are very strong.

"Your Highness," Batu said in a low voice, "Temujin has retreated, but the grasslands are not yet unified. I want to take this opportunity to unify the grasslands. At that time, the 100,000 iron cavalry of the grasslands will be at Your Highness's command."

Unify the grasslands.

Xiao Chen's heart stirred.

If Batu can truly unify the grasslands, then Han Yuan will have a powerful ally. He will have the confidence to march south to Jiangnan and west into the Central Plains.

"Okay, I support you."

Xiao Chen said, "Ask us for money, grain, and weapons. But remember, after the grasslands are unified, they must be Sinicized. Build cities, cultivate crops, establish schools, and open trade routes. We must ensure that the people of the grasslands live a good life."

"I see."

Batu solemnly said, "Princess Murong has already told me. The grasslands can no longer rely on plundering for survival as before. We need to build cities, cultivate the land, and engage in trade. Only in this way can the grasslands endure."

Xiao Chen nodded.

It seems that Murong Xue is doing well on the grasslands.

The banquet lasted until late at night.

Xiao Chen returned to the tent, where Zhao Tie was already waiting for him.

"Your Highness, Night Owl has sent word from Jiangnan that Liu Jin... has captured Yangzhou."

Yangzhou, a major city in Jiangnan, is the granary of the nation.

Liu Jin captured Yangzhou, greatly increasing his power.

"What about the imperial court?"

"The imperial court has dispatched an army of 200,000 men, led by Prince Yong, who is marching south. However, Prince Yong is moving slowly, only covering thirty li a day. It seems he intends to wait until Liu Jin and the imperial court are both weakened before making his move."

"An old trick."

Xiao Chen sneered, "However, he may have miscalculated this time. Liu Jin is not stupid; he won't fight the imperial court head-on. He will definitely try to win us over, or Northern Yan."

"Then let's..."

"Sitting on the mountain and watching the tigers fight."

Xiao Chen said, "Let them fight, the harder the better. Once they're both exhausted, we'll step in and clean up the mess."

"Yes."

Zhao Tie withdrew, and Xiao Chen sat alone under the lamp.

Jiangnan, Liu Jin, Prince Yong.

Grassland, Batu, Temujin.

Northern Yan, Murong Han.

This game is getting more and more interesting.

And he had already made his first move.

Next, we'll move on to the second step.