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

The arrival of Murong Han, the Left Wise King of Northern Yan, was more formal and grand than expected.

The group consisted of about three hundred people, led by cavalry. Their armor was bright, and their banners fluttered in the wind, bearing the large character "燕" (Yan).

In the center was Murong Han's entourage, eight pure white horses pulling a large carriage adorned with gold, silver, and fur.

Following behind were vehicles loaded with gifts, along with accompanying civil officials and guards.

This disciplined troop moved in complete silence, with only the rhythmic clatter of hooves and wheels, exuding an undeniable sense of authority, and slowly came to a stop outside the south gate of Hanyuan City.

The city gates were already wide open, and the drawbridge was laid flat.

Xiao Chen did not go out of the city to greet him, but instead waited with civil and military officials inside the city gate, following the etiquette for a prince meeting a prince.

Today he changed into a formal black dragon-patterned prince's robe, with a newly forged hundred-refined steel sword at his waist, and a jade crown on his head, exuding a dignified and composed air.

Behind him, Wang Dashan, Zhang Meng, Han Lie, Zhao Tie, and others, all dressed in official robes, stood solemnly.

The soldiers of Hanyuan Guard stood solemnly on both sides, their helmets and armor gleaming, holding halberds. Their disciplined military bearing was in no way inferior to that of the Northern Yan cavalry outside the city.

As Murong Han's carriage crossed the drawbridge, entered the shadow of the city gate, and reappeared in the sunlight of the inner city, the eyes of the two groups of people met silently in the air.

The carriage stopped, and the guards lifted the curtain.

A man in his forties, with a lean face, three long wisps of beard, wearing a golden crown and a purple robe embroidered with gold pythons, slowly stepped down from the carriage.

He was not tall, but his steps were steady, and his eyes shone with a sharp light. He looked around with an air of self-confidence. He was none other than Murong Han, the most powerful Left Wise King of Northern Yan.

His gaze immediately fell on Xiao Chen, and he quickly sized up this young prince who was famous throughout the northern border, who was only seventeen years old but had already repeatedly thwarted the Prince of Yong and made the grasslands submit.

Immediately, a perfectly timed smile appeared on his face. He stepped forward a few paces and, following the etiquette for a meeting between princes of two countries, slightly cupped his hands: "Murong Han of Northern Yan, I have long admired the illustrious name of Prince Jingbei. Meeting you today, I can say that a hero indeed emerges from among the young."

Xiao Chen stepped forward and returned the greeting with a respectful bow, neither humble nor arrogant: "The Left Wise King has come from afar and must be tired from his journey. I apologize for not greeting you properly. Please forgive me."

"You're too kind, Prince Jingbei, please."

The two walked side by side into the city gate, followed by officials and guards from both sides.

Murong Han's gaze seemingly casually swept over the clean streets, orderly pedestrians, the distant rumble of waterwheels, and the faint clanging sounds from the direction of the Works Bureau in Hanyuan City, but a subtle hint of solemnity flashed deep in his eyes.

The welcoming banquet was held in the main hall of the newly renovated city lord's mansion.

The banquet wasn't extremely luxurious, but the ingredients were plentiful, the wines were excellent, and the etiquette was impeccable.

The two sides took their seats as host and guest. In addition to several core civil and military officials, Murong Xue, who was accompanying Han Yuan's side, also attended in her dual capacity as "princess" and "royal physician".

After several rounds of drinks and the pleasantries, Murong Han put down his wine cup and finally got to the point.

"I have come here for two reasons. First, I have long admired Your Highness's demeanor and have come to pay my respects. Second, on behalf of the ruler of Northern Yan, I extend my greetings to Your Highness and congratulate you on your retreat from the northern grasslands, your efforts in governing the country, and your success in bringing prosperity to Hanyuan and peace to the northern border." Murong Han's tone was gentle, but his words carried a profound meaning.

Xiao Chen raised his cup in acknowledgment: "I deeply appreciate the kindness of the King and the Left Wise King. Han Yuan, situated on a remote border, owes its current prosperity entirely to the bravery of its soldiers and the diligence of its people. As for the grasslands, Khan Batu, a man of great understanding, has sworn brotherhood with Han Yuan, establishing friendly trade and mutual support. This is a blessing for the people of both regions and the foundation of stability in the north. Does the Left Wise King agree?"

He glossed over the matter of the grasslands, pointing out that it was "brotherly trade" rather than submission, and further linked the stability of the northern border with the relationship between the two places.

Murong Han smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and then said, "What Your Highness says is quite right. The people's well-being and the borders' peace are the right path. However…"

He changed the subject slightly, sighed, and said, "But now, within the Great Xia Dynasty, things seem to be going in the opposite direction. The war in Jiangnan has not yet ended, and the court... well, it's a time of great turmoil. I've heard that His Highness Prince Yong is quite overworked in the capital."

He began to probe, steer the conversation toward the internal conflicts of the Great Xia Dynasty, especially the old grudges between Xiao Chen and the Prince of Yong.

Xiao Chen remained calm and said indifferently, "The affairs of the court are not for outsiders to presume to discuss. Since I have been appointed to guard the northern border, I only know how to protect the border and its people, and live up to the Emperor's grace. As for Jiangnan... alas, war is dangerous and perilous, and it is ultimately the common people who suffer."

He distanced himself from the issue, only discussing his duties and the people's livelihood, refusing to comment on Prince Yong and the war in Jiangnan, yet he still pointed out the suffering of the common people.

"The prince cares deeply for the people, which is admirable."

Murong Han praised it, then casually asked, "When I arrived, I saw a forest of waterwheels outside the city, turning incessantly, their sound carrying for miles. I wonder what their purpose is? I also heard a rumbling sound from inside the city, as if from a great force. Could it be that Your Highness is constructing some novel machine?"

He finally got to the key point he had observed—the activity of the waterwheel and the workshop.

Xiao Chen understood that this was one of the core purposes of Murong Han's trip.

He smiled slightly and explained, "The northern border receives little rain, making spring irrigation difficult. Those waterwheels are merely crude tools that use water power to lift water for irrigation, only to alleviate the people's urgent needs. As for the noise inside the city, it's the Bureau of Works making some farm tools and repairing weapons; it's a bit noisy, please forgive the Left Wise King."

He attributed the waterwheel to agriculture and the activities of the Industrial Bureau to daily production, a seemingly casual yet perfectly reasonable approach.

"Oh? Water pumping for irrigation? What a clever idea to benefit the people."

A look of inquiry flashed in Murong Han's eyes, clearly not entirely believing it was only for irrigation, but since Xiao Chen didn't say anything, he didn't press further. Instead, he smiled and said, "Your Highness is not only skilled in military affairs, but also in craftsmanship, truly a polymath. My Northern Yan also has excellent craftsmen; perhaps we can exchange ideas someday."

"Your Excellency is too kind. My skills are but a few minor details, not worth mentioning. If our two countries can live in harmony and exchange goods, it would naturally be a good thing to promote the skills of our craftsmen." Xiao Chen smoothly steered the conversation toward the relationship between the two countries.

Murong Han had been waiting for these words. He stroked his long beard and said solemnly, "Your Highness is a man of few words. To be honest, I have come here today with the intention of having a deep discussion with Your Highness about the future situation of our two countries... and even the future situation of the Northern Border."

The world is in turmoil, and the strong rule. Internal strife has already emerged in the Great Xia, and Yu Qian of Jiangnan is showing signs of defeat. Although Prince Yong has gained power for a time, his character and intentions... well, Your Highness must know better than I do.

The northern border appears peaceful, but to the west, the remnants of the Yuan dynasty are lurking, and to the east... well, the various forces are intertwined and complex.

"Your Highness, you possess the Cold Abyss, with well-trained troops and ample provisions, and the grasslands provide reinforcements. What are your plans for the future?"

He finally raised the core issue, which also served as the prelude to this peace talks—to probe Xiao Chen's ambitions and to seek the possibility of cooperation in the changing landscape of the Northern Territory and even the world.

The atmosphere at the banquet suddenly became subtle and heavy after Murong Han asked this question.

Xiao Chen put down his wine cup, met Murong Han's probing gaze, and slowly said, "My plan is very simple. The people of Hanyuan are all my brothers. My only wish is to ensure they have enough to eat and wear, live in peace and prosperity, and are free from the ravages of war and bandits. As for the disturbances outside..."

He paused, his tone turning cold, "I will not offend others unless they offend me. If anyone thinks Han Yuan is easy to bully, or wants to turn this northern border upside down, no matter where they come from or what they rely on, Han Yuan's blade will never be unsharp."

These words, while seemingly gentle, were firm in their message. They indicated that the primary goal was to protect the territory and its people, and not to actively expand the territory. They also clearly drew a line – don't mess with me.

Murong Han's gaze sharpened slightly, then he clapped his hands and laughed, "What a fine 'I will not offend others unless they offend me'! Your Highness's intentions are pure and loyal, truly a bulwark for the Northern Border. In that case, our two sides should join hands to protect the peace of this region. Tomorrow, I wish to have a detailed discussion with Your Highness. What are your thoughts?"

"That is indeed my wish, but I dare not ask."

Xiao Chen raised his cup. "Tomorrow, Xiao Chen will await the arrival of the Left Wise King at the manor."

"please!"

"please!"

With a light clinking of glasses, the formal peace talks scheduled for tomorrow are now set.

The banquet continued, but both sides' minds were no longer on the food and drinks.

An undercurrent concerning the future of the North is quietly brewing amidst the clinking of glasses.