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

Seven days after Amu's burial, the "Heroes' Market" in the south of Hanyuan City officially opened.

This was Xiao Chen's idea, to commemorate Amu and all the heroes who died for Hanyuan, and also to open up trade routes between the north and south and promote trade.

The market covers an area of ​​100 acres and is paved with bluestone slabs. The stalls are neatly arranged and divided into five areas: "Salt and Iron Market", "Cloth Market", "Medicinal Herbs Market", "Livestock Market" and "General Goods Market".

The central government also built a stage where operas were performed regularly and storytelling was done at market days.

On the opening day, the market was packed with people.

Merchants from the grasslands drove herds of cattle, sheep, and horses, carrying furs, cheese, and mare's milk wine.

Merchants from Northern Yan brought large carts loaded with medicinal herbs, mountain products, and furs.

Merchants from the Central Plains transported silk, tea, porcelain, and grain.

There were even merchants from the Western Regions, bringing gems, spices, and carpets.

The local merchants of Hanyuan were not to be outdone, displaying snow-white refined salt, gleaming ironware, shiny black coal, and newly made farm tools, weapons, and armor.

The sounds of hawking, bargaining, and the neighing of cattle and horses blended together, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

"Your Highness, the market is a success!"

Han Lie was so excited his beard was trembling. "The city tax we collected today alone is three thousand taels! At this rate, we could collect one hundred thousand taels a month! That's equivalent to our annual income before!"

Xiao Chen stood on a high building next to the market, looking down at the bustling crowd below, feeling gratified.

Once the trade routes are open, the routes to wealth will open.

With money, we can raise more soldiers, build better weapons, and fight bigger wars.

"Tell the tax officer,"

He said, "The city tax is 1/20, but it will be halved to 1/10 for the first three months."

To attract more businesspeople.

In addition, inns, warehouses, and carriage shops were built next to the market to provide food, lodging, storage, and transportation services.

Of the profits, 30% goes to the public and 70% is distributed as dividends to the businessmen.

The goal is to make businessmen feel that doing business in the Cold Abyss is worthwhile, safe, and profitable.

"yes!"

"besides,"

Xiao Chen added, "We have established the 'Merchant Bureau' to specifically manage merchants, handle disputes, and provide guarantees."

All those who conduct business in Hanyuan will be registered and issued a "business permit".

Those who possess a merchant's permit are protected by the army within the territory of Hanyuan. If they are robbed or stolen, the government will investigate.

However, businesses must operate legally and must not engage in market manipulation, hoard goods, or sell prohibited items.

Violators will be severely punished.

"clear."

"in addition,"

Xiao Chen thought for a moment, "Send a merchant caravan to Jiangnan."

Tell Yu Qian that Han Yuan is willing to trade with Jiangnan, exchanging salt, iron, and coal from the north for grain, cloth, and tea from Jiangnan.

The price can be 10% lower than the market price.

But there's a condition—Jiangnan must recognize Hanyuan's autonomy and not interfere in the internal affairs of the North.

"Your Highness, will Yu Qian agree?"

He will agree.

Xiao Chen said, "Jiangnan has just experienced war and is in dire need of reconstruction and urgently needs supplies."

Our salt, iron, and coal are all in high demand.

Moreover, his main enemy right now is the Prince of Yong, so he won't offend us at this time.

Trade is beneficial to both sides.

"yes!"

"Also, send a caravan to the Western Regions."

I've heard that the Western Regions have fine horses, iron mines, and skilled craftsmen.

We'll trade it for salt, tea, and silk.

Especially for craftsmen, as long as they are willing to come to Hanyuan, they will be treated well, their families will be settled, and their children will be enrolled in school.

"If Hanyuan wants to develop, it cannot operate in isolation; it must attract talent from all over the world."

"yes!"

With each order issued, Han Yuan's business took flight, developing at breakneck speed.

Merchants traveling between the north and south brought goods and news.

Batu unified most of the grasslands, proclaimed himself "Khan of the Grasslands," and established his royal court on the north bank of the Baishui River, facing Hanyuan across the river.

He sent messengers with gifts—a thousand fine horses, ten thousand cattle and sheep, and a letter reaffirming the alliance and vowing to be brothers forever.

Murong Han of Northern Yan also sent an envoy with a generous gift—a thousand catties of medicinal herbs, a hundred cartloads of furs, and a secret letter.

The letter stated that as long as Han Yuan did not interfere in Hebei, Northern Yan was willing to share the world with Han Yuan.

Yu Qian from Jiangnan also replied, agreeing to trade but demanding that Han Yuan not support the Prince of Yong.

Xiao Chen replied that Han Yuan only did business and did not get involved in politics.

But if the Prince of Yong dares to offend Hanyuan, he will be executed.

The caravan from the Western Regions also returned, bringing back three hundred Ferghana horses, one hundred craftsmen, and all sorts of rare and precious treasures.

Xiao Chen was overjoyed and rewarded the caravan handsomely, incorporating the Ferghana horses into the cavalry and sending the craftsmen to the Bureau of Works.

The Cold Abyss, like a magnet, attracts resources, talent, and information from all directions.

All of this is built upon strong military power and a stable order.

Without the patrols of the Cold Abyss Guards, merchants dare not come.

Without a just rule of law, businessmen dare not stay.

Without a thriving market, businessmen dare not invest.

Xiao Chen understood this principle well, so he strengthened the army, enriched the people, and promoted trade.

With these three measures combined, it would be difficult for Han Yuan not to become stronger.

"Your Highness,"

Zhao Tie hurried over, his face grave. "Night Owl has sent word from the capital that Prince Yong... is about to make a move against the Crown Prince."

"What specific plan?"

"It was still poisoning, but in a different way."

Zhao Tie said, "The Crown Prince had to go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to worship every day. Prince Yong bribed the guards at the Imperial Ancestral Temple to poison the Crown Prince's offerings. It was a slow-acting poison that took effect in seven days and was incurable."

Seven days.

Xiao Chen calculated the time; today was already the third day.

"Can the night owl stop it?"

"Yes, but it requires Your Highness's decision."

Zhao Tie said, "If we stop it, Prince Yong will know we have people in the capital and access to the Crown Prince's food. He'll be more careful in the future. If we don't stop it, the Crown Prince..."

Xiao Chen pondered.

The crown prince cannot die.

Not at least not now.

With the crown prince alive, the Prince of Yong would not dare to openly usurp the throne.

As long as the imperial court still has a shred of righteousness, there is still a glimmer of hope for the world.

Moreover, the crown prince was Yu Qian's student.

If the Crown Prince dies, Yu Qian will surely rebel, and Jiangnan will surely descend into chaos.

At that time, Prince Yong will be able to use the pretext of "suppressing the rebellion" to mobilize a large army and march south to Jiangnan.

After dealing with Yu Qian, the next target will be Han Yuan.

"Prevent."

Xiao Chen said, "But don't alert them."

Let the crown prince "fall ill," but don't let him die.

Then, let the crown prince discover for himself that it was Prince Yong who poisoned him.

In this way, the Crown Prince and Prince Yong will completely turn against each other, and the court will be divided.

Then we'll have a chance.

"yes!"

Zhao Tie accepted the order and left.

Xiao Chen stood alone on the high building, gazing at the southern sky.

The capital city, Prince Yong, Crown Prince, Yu Qian.

These four sides are now locked in a bloody battle.

Han Yuan is the fifth party.

But now is not the time to make a move.

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

"Your Highness," Wang Dashan hurried over, "the recruits' training is complete, please inspect them."

"it is good."

Xiao Chen went downstairs to the training ground.

On the drill ground, five thousand new recruits stood in neat rows.

Although still somewhat inexperienced, his eyes were firm and his aura was overwhelming.

They were recruited after military merits were awarded land, and most of them were refugees or farmers who joined the Hanyuan Army for land and a way to survive.

After three months of training, I have been completely transformed.

"Soldiers!"

Xiao Chen stood on the reviewing stand, "You have trained hard and performed excellently. I am very satisfied."

From today onwards, you are officially members of the Cold Abyss Army.

But remember, joining the army isn't about getting food or pay; it's about protecting your country and ensuring your family can live a better life.

The swords of the Hanyuan Army are not pointed at innocent civilians, but only at invading enemies.

The arrows of the Cold Abyss Army are not aimed at the weak, women and children, but only at the brutal jackals. Do you understand?

"clear!"

"Alright, now, present the sword!"

Brand new Cold Abyss Blades were handed out to the new recruits.

The knife was newly forged by the craftsman; it is lighter, tougher, and sharper than the original.

Two characters are engraved on the blade: Han Yuan.

"As long as the sword remains, so shall we; if the sword falls, so shall we. From this day forward, you are the sword of Han Yuan, the shield of Han Yuan. The safety of Han Yuan rests on your shoulders. Can you do it?"

"Yes! Yes! Yes!"

The roar was deafening, and the momentum was overwhelming.

After the inspection, Xiao Chen said to Wang Dashan, "They've trained well. But training alone isn't enough; they need real combat experience. In a few days, take them to suppress bandits and let them see some blood. Aren't there a few bandit groups nearby? Dozens or even hundreds of them. Take them there and let them practice."

"yes!"

"Furthermore," Xiao Chen added, "the cavalry battalion needs to be expanded to five thousand men. Zhang Meng, this is your responsibility. Horses will be purchased from the grasslands. Men will be selected from the new recruits. In three months, I want to see a five-thousand-strong cavalry force capable of traveling three hundred li a day, fighting in the field, conducting raids, and attacking cities."

"yes!"

"Zhao Tie, Night Owl needs to expand. It should not only operate in the North, Jiangnan, and the capital, but also infiltrate the grasslands, Northern Yan, the Western Regions, and even overseas. I need to know the general situation of the world and the enemy's every move."

"yes!"

"Old Master Han, the Ministry of Works must continue to improve weaponry. Crossbows need to be lighter, more accurate, and faster. Gunpowder needs to be more stable and more powerful. We also need to research new things—catapults, siege engines, and even… artillery."

"yes!"

As orders were issued, Han Yuan continued to operate at high speed, like a sophisticated machine.

Training troops, manufacturing weapons, stockpiling grain, promoting trade, and educating people.

Everything is proceeding in an orderly manner.

Xiao Chen stood on the city wall, gazing into the distance.

Jiangnan, Yu Qian.

The capital city, Prince Yong.

Northern Yan, Murong Han.

Batu, the grassland.

The Western Regions, various kingdoms.

The world is getting more and more lively.

And he was ready.