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

The bandits of Black Wind Stronghold numbered a total of 537.

After trial, all 123 people who were guilty of heinous crimes and had murdered were beheaded, and their heads were displayed on the city gate.

The remaining 414 people, who had no murders on their hands but had participated in robberies, were assigned to "labor camps" and sent to mines and build roads to atone for their crimes.

But most of these people were young and strong; killing them would be a waste, but releasing them risked they would return to their old ways. Xiao Chen came up with a compromise: to recruit them.

"Those who are willing to join the army, step forward." Xiao Chen stood on the drill ground, looking at the dark mass of prisoners below.

The prisoners looked at each other, none of them daring to move.

"I know you used to be bandits and did bad things."

Xiao Chen said, "But the past can be forgiven. As long as you are willing to join the army, serve Han Yuan, and make contributions, you can still get promoted, make money, get married, have children, and live a good life."

Those who refused would continue mining in the labor camps for three years; those who performed well could be released.

After a moment of silence, a young man stepped forward.

"Your Highness, I...I'm willing to join the army!"

With one person taking the lead, others followed suit.

In the end, three hundred people were willing to join the army.

The remaining 114 men were either too old, had injuries, or were simply too lazy to serve in the military and preferred to work in the mines.

"it is good."

Xiao Chen said to Wang Dashan, "These three hundred men are yours. Disperse them into different teams, and have veterans lead them for rigorous training. Remember, teach them the rules first, then the skills. Anyone who dares to violate military discipline will be severely punished."

"yes!"

"Furthermore," Xiao Chen thought for a moment, "we will implement a 'point system' in the military. Diligent training and adherence to discipline will earn points. Bravery in combat and meritorious service will also earn points. Points can be exchanged for money, rations, leave, and even rank. Those who perform exceptionally well can be promoted to full-fledged soldiers ahead of schedule."

Points system.

This is something Xiao Chen learned from modern management, and it's perfect for this situation.

"yes!"

Wang Dashan led three hundred new recruits to training, while Xiao Chen went to the labor camp.

The labor camp was located in the coal mine west of the city. More than 500 prisoners, plus local ruffians and criminals captured from various places, totaled more than 1,000 people. They were forced to mine coal, build roads, and construct the city.

The man in charge of the labor camp was an old soldier named Liu Laoshi. As his name suggested, he was honest and simple, but also meticulous and resourceful.

He created a file for each prisoner, recording their daily work performance, rewarding good performance and punishing bad performance.

They also implemented a "competitive recruitment" system, where those who performed well could become team leaders, manage others, and receive double the work points.

"Your Highness, what brings you here?" Liu Laoshi bowed quickly upon seeing Xiao Chen.

"Let's take a look," Xiao Chen said. "How are these people?"

"good."

Liu said honestly, "When we first arrived, there were some troublemakers. We killed a few of them, and they behaved themselves."

Now everyone works properly, and those who earn more work points can exchange them for wine and meat. Life is better than when they were bandits.

Several of them performed well, so I promoted them to squad leaders, and they've managed them quite well.

"Did anyone try to escape?"

"Yes, three escaped, two were caught and killed on the spot. The last one fell into the mountains and died. After that, no one dared to run away."

Using both kindness and severity is the only way to manage prisoners of war.

"Well done."

Xiao Chen nodded, "But that's not enough. We need to give them hope, let them know that if they work hard, there's a way out."

For example, if someone performs well after three years of service, they can be released, given land and housing, and allowed to marry and have children.

Those with skills can enter workshops and become craftsmen.

Those who can read and write can become clerks or teachers. In short, everyone should have a future to strive for.

"Yes, I understand."

"In addition," Xiao Chen said, "we should also set up a literacy class in the labor camp, teaching them to read, do arithmetic, and learn etiquette in the evenings. Tell them that the prince said that as long as they are willing to learn and work hard, they will have a place in Hanyuan."

"yes!"

After leaving the labor camp, Xiao Chen went to the recruit training ground.

Three hundred new recruits are practicing drills under the guidance of veteran soldiers.

Although their movements were clumsy, they were very earnest. Because they knew this was their chance to change their destiny.

Xiao Chen watched for a while and then said to Wang Dashan, "They've trained well. But just practicing formations isn't enough; they also need to train their courage. In a few days, take them to suppress bandits and let them see blood. Soldiers who haven't seen blood can't go to the battlefield."

"Suppress bandits? Where to suppress them?"

"Aren't there a few small gangs of bandits nearby?"

Xiao Chen said, "A few dozen or a hundred people. Take them there and let them practice."

Remember, it's about experienced soldiers mentoring new recruits; one veteran should mentor three new recruits.

Let the veterans charge ahead, and the new recruits bring up the rear. After a few battles, their courage will be built.

"yes!"

"Furthermore," Xiao Chen added, "half of the spoils of war will go to the government, and the other half will be distributed among the soldiers. New recruits will also receive a share, but less. This is to let them know that fighting is not only for the Prince and for Han Yuan, but also for themselves."

"clear."

Upon returning from training, Xiao Chen received an urgent letter.

It was brought back from Jiangnan by a night owl.

"Liu Jin inflicted a major defeat on the imperial army in Yangzhou, beheading 30,000 and capturing 50,000."

Prince Yong retreated to Jinling, holding out for reinforcements. The court was shaken, and the emperor issued an edict to send northern border troops south to quell the rebellion.

However, most of the northern border troops were under the control of Prince Yong, and while they outwardly complied, they inwardly resisted and remained inactive. The situation in Jiangnan was extremely precarious.

Liu Jin won a great victory, and the Prince of Yong retreated.

This was beyond Xiao Chen's expectations.

He thought Liu Jin and the court would be locked in a stalemate for a while, but he didn't expect the outcome to be decided so quickly.

"Your Highness, should we..." Zhao Tie made a gesture.

"No rush."

Xiao Chen shook his head. "Although Liu Jin won, he also suffered considerable losses. Moreover, the imperial court will not let him get away with taking Yangzhou."

Next, the imperial court will either mobilize a large army to launch a full-scale counterattack.

Either Liu Jin presses his advantage and heads straight for Nanjing.

Either way, there's going to be a good show. Let's wait and see before we make a move.

"Yes."

"In addition," Xiao Chen thought for a moment, "have Night Owl spread the word in Jiangnan that Liu Jin massacred 100,000 people in Yangzhou."

We must make the people of Jiangnan hate and fear Liu Jin. Then, when we march south, it will be a justified act of punishing the guilty and mourning the people.

"clear."

Zhao Tie withdrew, and Xiao Chen looked at the map alone.

Jiangnan, Liu Jin, Prince Yong, the imperial court.

These four sides are now locked in a bloody battle.

Han Yuan is the fifth party.

But it's not time to make a move yet.

We have to wait, wait until they are both severely injured, and wait until Han Yuan is fully prepared.

"Your Highness," Han Lie hurried in, "Prince Batu has sent a messenger from the grasslands."

"What did you say?"

"He said that Temujin has come again. This time he brought 50,000 cavalry, claiming to be 100,000, to avenge his brother Tolui. Batu asked the prince to send troops to help, and was willing to cede 300 li of grassland north of the Baishui River as a reward."

Three hundred li north of Baishui River.

That was the most fertile pasture on the grassland, with abundant water and grass, and herds of cattle and sheep.

Batu has really gone all out this time.

"Temujin... fifty thousand cavalry..." Xiao Chen pondered.

Han Yuan currently has 5,000 soldiers, and even with the soldiers from Dongshan Town and Xishan Fort, it doesn't amount to more than 7,000.

Even if they sent out their entire force, they would still be no match for 50,000 cavalry.

But the grasslands cannot be left unsaved.

Batu was Han Yuan's ally on the grasslands. With his downfall, the grasslands fell into Temujin's hands.

At that time, the northern border of the Cold Abyss will never have peace.

"Tell Batu that Hanyuan will send troops. But he doesn't want his grasslands, he only wants him to agree to one thing."

"What is it?"

"After defeating Temujin, the various tribes of the steppe must be unified. Batu must become the Khan of the steppe, establish a royal court, set laws, collect taxes, and train elite troops. The steppe can no longer be a disorganized mess."

"yes!"

"Furthermore," Xiao Chen said, "have Zhang Meng lead a thousand cavalrymen to set off first to support Batu. I will lead the main force and arrive shortly after. This time, I will fight Temujin to the death."

"Your Highness, we only have five thousand soldiers, while Temujin has fifty thousand..."

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

A cold glint flashed in Xiao Chen's eyes. "Moreover, this time we don't need to fight alone."

Send Night Owl to Northern Yan and tell Murong Han that if Temujin unifies the grasslands, Northern Yan will be next.

Ask him whether to stand idly by or join forces to fight the enemy.

Will Northern Yan send troops?

"meeting."

Xiao Chen was certain, "Murong Han isn't stupid; he understands the principle of 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold.' Moreover, he's long wanted to get involved in the grasslands, and this is a good opportunity. Tell him that if he defeats Temujin, we'll split the grasslands' wealth equally."

"yes!"

"Also," Xiao Chen added, "have Wang Dashan intensify his training of the new recruits. In half a month, I will lead them to the battlefield. This battle is a battle of life and death, and also a battle to establish our authority. If we win, the grasslands will be ours. If we lose, Han Yuan will be finished."

"yes!"

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

Training troops, manufacturing weapons, stockpiling grain, and preparing for war.

Everyone knew that this battle was a matter of life and death for Han Yuan.

We can only win, we can't afford to lose.

Half a month later, Xiao Chen led an army of 5,000 north to the grasslands.

Meanwhile, Liu Jin in Jiangnan finally launched a full-scale attack on Nanjing.

The world is in turmoil.

Han Yuan will ride the waves and break through the storm.