Isolated town in northern border region

In late spring in the northern frontier, war seems like a thing of the past, and the five prefectures are once again teeming with life in the spring breeze.

At the Youzhou government office, Xiao Lie summoned Xiao Xiong, Chen Hu, Shen Chongyuan, Luo Daniu, Qian Wanli, and Zhou Xun to the main hall.

"Tell me about it."

Xiao Lie sat in the main seat, holding a cup of hot tea in his hand.

"The army, factories, trade markets, granaries—come one by one."

Xiao Xiong was the first to stand up and punched his chest with his right fist.

"Your Highness, the Azure Wolf Cavalry now numbers eight thousand men, all of whom have been equipped with new steel armor, steel swords, and steel spears."

"The warhorses are also armored. I have tested them, and they are invincible when charging into battle."

"Plus your saddle and horseshoes, even a novice won't need more than a few days to get the hang of it."

"But with armor on both men and horses, endurance is a major problem for both!"

"Charging back and forth a few times is no problem, but if it gets into a tough battle, I'm afraid we won't be able to hold on."

"Furthermore, its chasing ability is poor; the armor is too heavy, and it can't run fast."

Xiao Lie nodded and made a note in his notebook.

"Luo Daniu, where is the Trapped Camp?"

Luo Daniu stood up, his voice loud and clear.

"The Trapped Camp currently has five thousand men, all of whom are veterans who fought alongside the Prince from Cangwu City."

"The new equipment has all arrived, and the training intensity is in accordance with the standards set by the Prince, continuing every day without interruption."

"This humble general dares to say that wherever we charge into battle, we are invincible!"

"Hey, you simpleton can actually spout a few lines now? Don't get cocky."

Xiao Lie put down his pen.

"No matter how strong the infantry is, they are still just infantry. When I come up with some good stuff, then we will truly be invincible."

"General Shen, how is the recruit training going?"

Shen Chongyuan stood up, the empty sleeve at the severed arm swaying slightly.

"Your Highness, the new recruits currently number 150,000, stationed in various parts of the five states."

"Following the prince's training methods, they have been training for two months, and their formations, physical fitness, swordsmanship, and archery are all quite impressive."

"After another month of training, you can be assigned to various armies."

Xiao Lie nodded and looked at Qian Wanli.

"Manager Qian, how's the factory?"

Qian Wanli opened the account book and read it quickly.

"The Youzhou Industrial Park currently has three steel mills, two cement plants, and one coking plant. It has a total of 12,000 workers and produces 100,000 jin of steel and 50,000 shi of cement per month."

"In terms of the border trade, the transaction volume exceeded 500,000 taels of silver last month, and the commercial tax revenue was 80,000 taels."

"The granaries have enough grain to feed the entire army for a year and a half, and enough silver to last for two years."

Xiao Lie frowned slightly.

It's enough to last two years, which sounds like a lot, but development in northern Xinjiang requires money everywhere, and half a year will pass in the blink of an eye.

Xiao Lie put down his brush and closed his eyes to think.

"This is a good momentum, but the problem of Canglang riding horses still needs to be solved. If one person rides two horses, can that solve the problem?"

Xiao Xiong frowned, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he nodded.

"He's both frowning and nodding, is it going to work or not?"

Just as Xiao Xiong was about to speak, Shen Chongyuan stepped forward.

"Your Highness, General Xiao is always straightforward and might be afraid of saying something wrong and causing Your Highness worry. However, I do have some knowledge of the pros and cons of this matter."

"One person with two horses may seem like a solution, but that's a tactic used on the grasslands, and it's not suitable for organized military camps."

"Horses are not scarce on the grasslands, but high-quality warhorses are also treasures. Therefore, the Northern Barbarians often use two horses per person, and they often use those horses that are not good at charging to carry weapons and armor, and then change them when they are actually fighting."

"On the grasslands, changing horses is simple; you just need to let them graze. But if the Canglang Cavalry always has one rider and two horses, the fine feed in the military camp will be a huge expense."

"Moreover, this method only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause. Ultimately, the armor is too heavy, and the stamina of the steppe horses is lacking."

Xiao Lie listened and nodded.

"Understood. The armor will be upgraded and will be stronger and lighter in the future."

"As for the issue of horse breeds..."

"Xiao Xiong! This is your specialty, huh? How do you plan to solve it? Tell me."

Xiao Xiong scratched his head.

"Your Highness! I do have a solution, but it might take a while."

"Didn't you send people to the southwestern Shu Kingdom to exchange grain with the local chieftains?"

"They have a type of horse over there that, although small in size, has incredible stamina; it can even traverse mountains and valleys!"

"This humble general was thinking of bringing back a few horses for breeding, but this method would take at least one or two years..."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lie picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

"Do it your way, we still can't lose the cavalry."

The meeting lasted for more than an hour. Finally, Xiao Lie stood up and walked to the map of the northern frontier hanging on the wall.

"Gentlemen, it has not been easy for the northern frontier to get to where it is today."

"We've weathered the toughest part; now it's time for us to rise to the occasion!"

He pointed to the official road on the map.

"First, starting today, all official roads in northern Xinjiang will be paved with cement."

"From Cangzhou to Youzhou, from Youzhou to Yunzhou, from Yunzhou to Shuozhou and Daizhou, all of them have been paved with cement roads."

"With roads open, people can travel easily, goods can be transported smoothly, and troops can be deployed easily."

"General Shen is in charge of this matter, Manager Qian is providing the funds, and Inspector Zhou is overseeing the progress."

Shen Chongyuan, Qian Wanli, and Zhou Xun all bowed in unison.

Xiao Lie moved his finger to the grassland on the map.

"Secondly... let's get the steam engine working!"

"Huh? What kind of chicken? Steamed?"

Xiao Xiong looked puzzled, and Luo Dali, who was standing next to him, hurriedly waved his hand.

"Your Highness! The chicken still needs to be stewed! With some wild mushrooms from the mountains, it's simply divine!"

"Steamed, it's tasteless and boring!"

Xiao Lie looked at the two simpletons in front of him, his eyelids twitching.

"Get out of here! All you care about is eating!"

"Old Qian, go down and call over a few skilled craftsmen. I want to talk to them and work together to draw up the blueprints."

"The steam engine—this thing is the lifeline of the future of Northern Xinjiang!"

"With it, mines can drain water, factories can forge hammers, and in the future, it can power ships and vehicles."

"It can be said that as long as I possess this treasure and successfully create it, I, as the ruler, can use the five northern states as a base to quell the chaos throughout the land!"

Xiao Lie spoke with great enthusiasm, but the crowd listened with a mixture of belief and skepticism.

For nearly a thousand years, wars have never ceased in the world. Countless emperors and generals of great talent and ambition have come and gone, but none of them dared to claim that they would quell the chaos in the world.

Xiao Lie now only controls five states, which is only one-fifth of the Great Chu, and even the poorest one-fifth. How dare he say he has pacified the world?

With such divine power, that chicken must be a divine chicken from heaven, right?

Xiao Lie glanced around and, seeing everyone looking at each other blankly, wasn't annoyed.

We'll know once it's made; there's no need to argue.

Then, his finger finally landed on the grassland.

The third one is the grassland.

"I intend to build a breeding center on the grasslands and divide the work among the tribes according to their respective areas."

"Horse breeders specialize in horse breeding, cattle breeders specialize in cattle breeding, sheep breeders specialize in sheep breeding, and medicinal herb growers specialize in medicinal herb growing."

"Within a year, I will make everyone on the grasslands lay down their weapons!"

"Zhou Xun, this matter is entrusted to you!"

Zhou Xun cupped his hands in greeting.

"Your subordinate obeys."

After the meeting, Xiao Lie returned to his study, leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes to rest.

Bisu brought in a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup and placed it on the table.

"Your Highness, you haven't stopped since you arrived in the Northern Frontier. Now that everything is going smoothly, why not take a day off?"

Xiao Lie picked up the lotus seed soup and looked at Bi Su.

"We dare not rest! Although the northern frontier is on the right track, Kyoto might stab us in the back at any time."

We have to be careful.

Bisu pouted and wrapped her arms around Xiao Lie's arm.

"Your Highness, didn't you promise Bisu that you would take her sightseeing properly once the Northern Frontier was pacified?"

"You are a great hero in the eyes of the people, you can't go back on your word."

Xiao Lie was speechless, and could only shake his head and smile bitterly.

"Alright! A promise is a promise, I'll spend the day with you!"

Bisu was so happy she almost jumped for joy.

"Great! Let's go!"

Xiao Lie thought for a moment.

"Change your clothes, don't be too flashy."

Xiao Lie changed into civilian clothes, took Bi Su with him, and slipped out through the back gate of the prefectural government.

The changes in Youzhou City surprised even him.

A year ago, this place was still an occupied area by the northern barbarians, the streets were deserted and there were ruins everywhere.

Today, the streets have been renovated, lined with shops on both sides, and bustling with pedestrians.

The shouts of vendors selling cloth, grain, groceries, and food rose and fell in a continuous stream.

Several children were playing shuttlecock at the alley entrance, while elderly people sat in a circle chatting about everyday matters, creating a peaceful and harmonious scene.

Bisu, holding Xiao Lie's arm, looked around excitedly.

"Your Highness, look, there's such a long queue at that steamed bun shop!"

Xiao Lie glanced at it and smiled.

"That's run by Old Zhou's apprentice. They use waste heat from the steel mill to steam the buns. It's fast, good, and saves on firewood."

Bisu's eyes widened.

"Can a steel mill steam buns?"

"able."

"Waste heat is a waste if it is not used. I have someone build a shed at the factory gate to provide hot water and hot meals to the workers and people free of charge."

"If it can boil water and cook rice, it can naturally steam buns too."

Bisu nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.

The two strolled around for most of the hour, and when they reached the city gate, Xiao Lie suddenly stopped.

Outside the city gate, a young man dressed in brocade robes was being questioned by the soldiers guarding the city.

The man had an arrogant expression and even looked down on the travel permit handed back by the soldiers.

More importantly, Xiao Lie recognized that face.

Xiao Yu!

The eldest prince, Xiao Yu, has really arrived.

He was a man, without guards, attendants, or even a porter to carry his luggage.

Xiao Lie stood inside the city gate and watched as Xiao Yu was questioned by the soldiers for a long time before being allowed in.

Bisu recognized him too.

"Your Highness, is he here to cause trouble again?"

"Hmph! Now it's my turn to cause him trouble!"

Xiao Lie's lips slowly curved into a smile.

Xiao Yu entered the city and was looking around, trying to find directions and ask people for directions.

He thought Xiao Lie would send someone to pick him up, or at least give him a hard time.

But he didn't expect that Xiao Lie didn't take him seriously at all.

"Xiao Yu".

A familiar voice came from behind.

Xiao Yu turned around abruptly and saw Xiao Lie dressed in casual clothes, standing on the side of the street with only a maidservant beside him.

Xiao Yu's pupils contracted slightly.

He instinctively straightened his back and cleared his throat.

"Prince Ning..."

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Lie kicked him in the stomach.

Xiao Yu kicked him in the back and landed on his butt.

"you!"

The second kick landed on his butt.

The third kick landed on the back of the knee.

Xiao Yu was kicked so hard that he curled up on the ground.

Passersby turned to look, and some recognized Xiao Lie, whispering among themselves.

"Isn't that the prince? Who is the prince hitting?"

"A prince? Heh! It really is a prince!"

"What's it to you? Anyway, the person the prince hammered is definitely not a good person!"

Xiao Yu's face turned a deep purplish-red.

He wanted to stand up and resist, but Xiao Lie didn't give him the chance at all.

A foot stepped on his shoulder, rendering him unable to move.

"Xiao Yu, I've tolerated you for a long time."

Xiao Lie's voice wasn't loud, but every word was squeezed out through gritted teeth.

"Damn it! You think you're so tough?"

"That guy's always been arrogant and cocky since he was little, always trying to trip me up whenever he gets the chance!"

"I tolerated it before for the sake of the bigger picture!"

"Today we'll settle all our old scores and new ones!"

Xiao Yu opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but when she met Xiao Lie's eyes, she swallowed the words that were on the tip of her tongue.

Xiao Lie had never felt so exhilarated, not even when he repelled the Tartars in the northern frontier.

Previously, in order to promote the development of northern Xinjiang, we had to think three steps ahead before taking any action, worrying about this and that.

Now that the shackles are gone, I can finally vent all my anger!

"You wait, I'm not finished yet."

Xiao Lie grabbed Xiao Yu by the collar, pulled him up from the ground, and dragged him toward the prefectural government.

Xiao Yu struggled a few times, but couldn't break free at all.

Xiao Lie's grueling training over the past six months has made him far stronger than him.

Bisu followed behind, her face beaming with joy.

In the back hall of the prefectural government, as soon as the door closed, Xiao Lie threw Xiao Yu to the ground.

"Stand up."

Xiao Yu gritted her teeth and stood up.

"Take off your outer robe."

Xiao Yu was taken aback.

"Take it off!"

"They're dressed all high and mighty, but it's not fun to fight them."

"So you don't blame me for bullying you if you lose later!"

Xiao Yu's face turned pale and then flushed.

He thought Xiao Lie would discuss terms, cooperation, and profit sharing with him.

He had prepared a whole host of arguments and considered countless possibilities.

But he didn't expect that Xiao Lie was only interested in beating him up.

"Xiao Lie, you..."

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Lie punched him in the face.

Xiao Yu's lip was cut, and blood was flowing down her chin.

"How badly did you bully me back in Beijing?"

"You think you've gotten yourself into this mess?! Huh!"

The second punch landed on his shoulder.

"Damn it! People have turned into beasts for that damn throne!"

"We share the same ancestry. Back when the late emperor was in power, I called you 'cousin' for seven years!"

The third punch landed on his chest.

Xiao Yu was forced to retreat repeatedly, crashing into a pillar.

"That's enough!"

He threw a punch back, hitting Xiao Lie on the shoulder. Xiao Lie didn't dodge, took the punch head-on, and laughed.

"Come on! Fight back! Let me see if you, the eldest prince, have any backbone left!"

The two men wrestled in the back room.

There were no moves, no routines; it was like two thugs fighting, throwing punches and kicks, pulling hair, tearing clothes, and rolling around on the ground together.

Xiao Lie fought with great satisfaction.

Since arriving in the northern frontier, every day from the moment he opened his eyes, he had to be calm, collected, and calculating, forcibly transforming a sixteen-year-old boy into a qualified leader.

But today, he doesn't have to pretend anymore.

He was not the Prince of Ning, nor the ruler of the Northern Frontier; he was just a young man who had been bullied for over a decade and finally seized the opportunity to take revenge.

Xiao Yu's eyes also turned red with rage.

But he wasn't angry; instead, the more he hit him, the more aggrieved he felt, and the more his nose stung with tears.

When exactly did all that remained between them was the cold throne?

Xiao Yu was reminded of her childhood.

At that time, the late emperor was still alive.

He and Xiao Lie were close in age and were inseparable every day.

On one occasion, the two chased each other across half of the Imperial Garden over a piece of pastry, and were eventually punished by the late emperor by kneeling for an hour.

But when it was time for him to kneel as punishment, Xiao Lie took out some pastries from his sleeve and broke one in half for him.

"This is a jade-flavored cake from the Jing Kingdom. You'll have to return it to me if you ever have anything good to eat!"

Xiao Yu's eyes reddened.

His fist slowed down and finally stopped in mid-air.

Xiao Lie also stopped.

The two lay on the ground, covered in dirt, their faces bruised and swollen, panting heavily.

The back room remained quiet for a long time.