Hong Kong Island: From a small stall to a global supplier

Looking at Wang Yaotang, Zhang Qifu was completely stunned. Rent...

Tachileik was under his control, with his refineries located there and a garrison of over 2000 troops.

It was precisely because of this military strength that he was able to take the initiative in the struggle with the Burmese army and firmly control Tachileik, and that even though Siam knew that a large amount of goods would be exported from here every year, there was nothing they could do but watch helplessly.

But now that Wang Yaotang has proposed renting half of the venue, he suddenly becomes somewhat uneasy.

"What does Mr. Wang want to do?" Zhang Qifu sat up straight and looked at him intently.

"Let's do business," Wang Yaotang said casually.

“I don’t think there’s any business in Tachileik that Mr. Wang can do.”

Wang Yaotang scoffed, "Zhang Qifu, you don't really think you can raise an army, establish a country, and achieve independence by relying on 'opium,' do you?"

“Why not!” Zhang Qifu said in a deep voice.

Do you think Myanmar and Thailand will let you continue to exist like this?

"Then let them try attacking!" Zhang Qifu sneered.

Wang Yaotang's lips curled into a sneer, "You can look down on Myanmar, that's fine. I don't think the Myanmar army has any strength, but objectively speaking, it is a government recognized by the United Nations. No matter how corrupt or how backward its industry is, it is still developing little by little. In ten or twenty years, the gap between you will only get bigger and bigger."

"But aren't you underestimating Siam? Most of Siam's upper class and elites are of Chinese descent. During World War II, all of Southeast Asia became colonies, but Siam has maintained its sovereignty and integrity."

"Siam is currently preoccupied with the Annamese and doesn't have the energy to deal with you, but that doesn't mean they'll let you cause trouble here after the border conflict ends. How will you respond then?"

Although Zhang Qifu's hometown, Manxingdie, was nominally Burmese territory, it was later actually controlled by Siam and became Yezhuang District, Chiang Rai Province, Siam.

"So what if it's Siam? Tachileik and Mansingte are Burmese territory. Would Siam dare to invade them?" Zhang Qifu sneered, looking unconvinced.

Wang Yaotang pointed at Zhang Qifu and burst into laughter, "Look at you, on the one hand you violate international law by planting and selling 'opium,' and on the other hand you want to use international law to protect yourself, shouting 'Feed me peanuts!' Don't you think you're ridiculous?"

Zhang Qifu's face flushed red and then turned pale as he gritted his teeth, but this was Wang Yaotang's territory, and he didn't dare to really turn against him. He could only grumble angrily, "So what? Their crossing the border is an invasion!"

"So what if they invaded? Annam occupied Cambodia and invaded Siam too. Who cares?" Wang Yaotang mocked without giving any face.

"Fight if you want! I'm not afraid of him. Don't try to scare me with Siam!" Zhang Qifu waved his hand sharply. "I know Siam better than you do. Various warlord families control the areas. The generals of Chiang Rai and Chiang Saen won't allow anyone else to send troops into their territory. They get a lot of benefits from me every year. I have tens of thousands of men under my command. If they fight me, they will only suffer heavy losses and lose a major source of revenue. Do you think they would fight for the Siamese government?"

"Fine, whatever you want." Wang Yaotang shook his head, too lazy to argue with Zhang Qifu on political and economic matters. "Do you think your hometown will allow your 'opium' economy to exist for long?"

The mention of his hometown made Zhang Qifu jump up from his chair, his face a mixture of anger and fear. He pointed at Wang Yaotang and shouted, "Stop spouting nonsense! My men have an absolute order forbidding anyone from going even a single inch towards my hometown. My respect for my hometown is ingrained in my bones. Anyone who dares to disobey will have their entire family killed!"

Zhang Qifu shouted, "Kill his whole family!"

Not only Zhang Qifu, but Luo and Peng also looked at Wang Yaotang with surprise and doubt. How could you say such terrifying things with your 37° mouth!
The word "hometown" is truly terrifying. The "Kokang Military Academy" they attended, the "Nationalist Army" from which they rose to power, and the support they received when they were driven to the brink of despair by the Burmese army—all of these bear the stamp of "hometown."

If their hometown were to attack them, their internal structure would immediately crumble!

Especially considering that Wang Yaotang was able to produce so much standard equipment, it was truly frightening.

"The negotiations on Hong Kong's ownership have ended, and the forces from our hometown have begun to gradually enter Hong Kong Island. As the largest distribution center and a place for money laundering, your presence has seriously disrupted Hong Kong's social order. What do you think our hometown will do, given its consistent style?"

One sentence made the three of them break out in a sweat, and their faces, which were originally tanned by the sun all year round, turned noticeably whiter.

At this time, the Russians were still around. If Wang Yaotang stopped supplying arms, the arms supply to Annam and Taiwan would be extremely unstable and could be cut off at any time.

Once their home base launches a crackdown on drugs in Hong Kong, cutting off both funding and arms supplies, the Burmese army can wipe them out in one fell swoop.

Their existence is partly due to Myanmar's political corruption, political instability, and military chaos, but its foundation is geopolitics, serving as a buffer zone to prevent a repeat of the Vietnam War.

The countries in the Southeast Asian peninsula were scored based on four criteria: political mutual trust, economic cooperation, security collaboration, and consistency in international positions. The ranking of the countries with the closest relationship with their home countries was as follows: Laos and Cambodia were in the first tier, Siam, Singapore and Malaysia were in the second tier, and Annam and Myanmar were in the worst tier.

It's the lowest in every aspect!
"Let me tell you three this," Wang Yaotang began, trying to sound authoritative. "Of course, what I'm saying are my personal opinions, and have nothing to do with any country or power. They are entirely my personal stance."

Luo, Peng, and Zhang: We understand, it's an imperial envoy!
My hometown: We neither support nor oppose it, and we take no responsibility for it.

"First of all, I personally dislike the Burmese military government. Its approach to the Chinese community is wrong, which greatly damages mutual trust between countries. Its repeated shifts in international stance have severely damaged its credibility," Wang Yaotang said slowly and deliberately, leaning back in his chair.

Luo, Peng, and Zhang bowed slightly and nodded frequently, appearing to be listening attentively.

"Secondly, the 56 ethnic groups are one and inseparable. They have had many names throughout history, such as Baiyue, Baipu, Ailao, the Kingdom of Eight Hundred Wives, and Shan State. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, they were known as Cheli Pacification Commission, Mubang Pacification Commission, and Mengyang Pacification Commission. They have always been tributary states of China and were part of my country's tributary system. The various ethnic groups in Shan State, including the Han, Shan (also known as Dai), Kachin (also known as Jing), Wa, Lahu, Hani, Lisu, De'ang, Bulang, Miao, and Yao, are 11 ethnic groups that are all within the genealogy of the 56 ethnic groups."

Wang Yaotang gently lifted the armrest of his chair with his finger. “Overseas Chinese are not just Han Chinese living in other countries, but also include other ethnic groups. The reason why your families have been able to maintain their Tusi positions is that this tradition has been passed down from the Ming and Qing dynasties and has historical basis.”

“The people living in Shan State are all of Chinese descent, my ancestral home, cough cough. I have always cared about them and am very willing to help my fellow Chinese compatriots and work together to build a ‘Greater China Community’.”

Luo, Peng, and Zhang exchanged glances. This was the first time they had ever heard of the term "Chinese descent." They had always referred to "Han Chinese" as "Chinese descent," and the most common ethnic groups overseas, such as "Hakka" and "Teochew," were actually Han Chinese.

If Wang Yaotang's statement is true, then the 'Thai people' of Siam are also of Chinese descent.

The Dai, Thai, Shan, Lao, and Tay Nong peoples are all descendants of the ancient Baiyue people. Their languages ​​share a common origin and are highly similar, belonging to the Tai branch of the Zhuang-Dong language family within the Sino-Tibetan language family. 70% of their languages ​​are the same.

They all practice Theravada Buddhism, and their traditional festivals are the Water Festival and the Lantern Festival.

Goodness, if you calculate it this way, the majority of people in the Southeast Peninsula are of Chinese descent, which is really making things difficult for them.

No, if you calculate it this way, would Myanmar, Siam, Laos, and Annam agree?

But they could only keep these words to themselves. The man surnamed Wang was now speaking on behalf of the Heavenly Court, so there was no room for them to refute him.

Furthermore, the Indochina Peninsula is indeed part of the Chinese cultural sphere. These countries were once tributary states of China, and their chieftainships were passed down through generations. Moreover, the term "Greater China Co-Prosperity Sphere" resonates deeply with them.

These people are worried about the legitimacy of their rule and the unity of multiple ethnic groups. Upon closer examination, this explanation of "Chinese descent" has reached a new level. What a great propaganda point the "Greater China Co-Prosperity Sphere" is!
If this is combined with the publicity tactics such as "running a school" that Wang Yaotang previously requested, wow, the effect would be unimaginable!

Just as Luo Xinghan was frowning and considering how to discreetly raise the banner of the "Greater China Co-Prosperity Sphere" without provoking the sensitive nerves of the Burmese military, thus playing both sides.

Just as Zhang Qifu was considering how to reduce Wang Yaotang's influence under the banner of the "Greater China Co-Prosperity Sphere",

Peng Jiasheng spoke first, saying loudly, "Mr. Wang has shown great foresight. On behalf of the Han, Dai, Wa, and Hani ethnic groups of Chinese descent, I thank Mr. Wang for his generosity and help."

Luo Xinghan's expression froze, and Zhang Qifu's brow twitched. Oh no! "They are all my compatriots in China, it is only right." Wang Yaotang smiled calmly, but his gaze lingered on Luo Xinghan and Zhang Qifu's faces.

Luo Xinghan cleared his throat and said, “Mr. Wang’s generosity is something every Chinese person living overseas should learn from. You are our role model. I, Luo Xinghan, will definitely unite around Mr. Wang and contribute my strength to the ‘Greater China Community’.”

Zhang Qifu silently scoffed, thinking that this young man was not worth discussing things with. "Mr. Wang is a man of noble character and strategic vision, pointing out a bright path for us overseas Chinese. This is something that everyone should remember."

Compared to some of the "public intellectuals" in China at that time, those overseas were quite convinced that as their homeland's national strength gradually increased, it was only a matter of time before all nations paid tribute to them.

Wang Yaotang's lips curled up slightly. The three men had different personalities, different positions, and different ideals, so the meanings they expressed were completely different. How interesting.

"It is an honor to reach a consensus with the three of you on this matter. I hope we can work together in the future to bring peace and prosperity to Shan State and the Golden Triangle region." Wang Yaotang said in an official tone, then smiled and pointed to the chair. "What I said only represents my personal opinion and has nothing to do with any other country or force."

Luo, Peng, and Zhang: We understand. It's either follow or die. There's no other way.

Seeing the three men nodding repeatedly, Wang Yaotang found it amusing. Arms represented more than just weapons; when the higher-ups agreed to sell warships, he knew it meant they tacitly approved him using their influence to do something.

This is inseparable from his unwavering and clear stance in standing on the side of his hometown.

Of course, there are many things that we want to do but can't do back home for various reasons. We really need someone like him who dares to fight and make a name for himself overseas. It's a perfect match.

Therefore, Wang Yaotang wasn't exactly fooling them.

After conveying the superior's message, Wang Yaotang brought up the matter of the 'concession' again, and Zhang Qifu forced a smile and agreed.

He had no choice but to agree. Luo and Peng would not agree, and Wang Yaotang would certainly not agree either. He didn't want to find himself in a predicament where he was surrounded by enemies.

"Haha, then thank you very much, General Zhang Qifu." Wang Yaotang smiled and extended his hand.

"Not at all, it is I who should thank Mr. Wang for his investment, which has given Shan State hope for revitalization," Zhang Qifu said with a smile.

“By the way, we need to be legal in our business dealings. Umbrella Security Company can only enter if it receives a security order from the local government of Tachileik. There are also completely legal documents on the land lease. All business cooperation must be reasonable and legal. Is that alright?” Wang Yaotang asked with a smile.

Zhang Qifu blinked. Wait, does Tachileik have a mayor and a town government?
Is it legal?
I don’t know!

Seeing Zhang Qifu's expression, Wang Yaotang's eyes widened little by little. Don't tell me there wasn't one?
Luo Xinghan's lips instantly curled into a grin, and he began to dismantle the argument without hesitation, "What government is there? Khun Sa only has a general's mansion. The land below is divided according to the planting areas. Whoever has guns manages it, and you hand over 40% of your opium to him as tax."

“Weimeng!” Zhang Qifu’s face turned ashen. He could usually call out “Kunsha” without any problem, but he felt ashamed in front of his fellow countrymen, as if he had become a barbarian.

“Tachileik will soon have a parliament and a state government.”

"I hope so. Even if you're just putting on a show for outsiders, you should at least put together a makeshift team. What the hell is this about dividing up planting areas? You look like a bandit. Who can trust you? Do you even trust yourself?" Wang Yaotang waved his hand irritably.

Zhang Qifu's face flushed red, and he pursed his lips, remaining silent.

If you can endure being humiliated in front of outsiders, then you're not ashamed to be alive.

But she couldn't stand a disdainful look from her family back home, and her defenses crumbled instantly.

"We need to quickly set up the framework, including the border customs system. I'm someone who always believes in obeying the law."

Luo, Peng, and Zhang looked at Wang Yaotang with strange expressions. "Pah! Your obedience to the law means dropping bombs on other people's heads, huh?"
Wang Yaotang: Just tell me, is this the truth?

“In February 56, the ‘Instructions on Promoting Putonghua’ were issued. Last year, Article 2 of the Constitution clearly stipulated the promotion of Putonghua as the common language throughout the country. Language recognition is the most important step in identity recognition. Even the Burmese army knows about promoting Burmese. I’ve already talked to Brother Luo about establishing schools. General Zhang and General Peng, is that alright?” Wang Yaotang changed the subject.

The two nodded. "No problem."

"Okay, I'll send over a batch of elementary school textbooks when I get back. Don't think this is a waste of time and energy. Rather than letting those children and teenagers run all over the village, it's better to let them listen to the lessons properly. If you can't read, no one will want you to be a screw maker in a factory."

"Understood." The three nodded.

They didn't do it before because they didn't have the energy. Lacking the support of major powers, they had to be wary of the threat from the Burmese army at all times. They had no interest in spending their energy on something that wouldn't yield results for several years.

Things are different now; a special envoy from our hometown has arrived…

The special envoy has arrived, and Goose City is at peace!
With the arrival of the special envoy, justice will prevail!
"Do you know what a loudspeaker looks like?" Wang Yaotang gestured. "It's a big pole with two big loudspeakers tied to it. When it's on, the whole village can hear it. I'll get you a radio station later. It will broadcast for a few hours every day, playing some Mandarin songs. Everyone likes to listen, and they'll gradually learn Mandarin. We can also teach Mandarin for half an hour every day on the radio. Later, we can also broadcast storytelling."

"Enrich the spiritual world of the masses! All you do is farm hemp all day, living a miserable life. Who would want to work with you? You're just copying the Kuomintang's methods. If their methods worked, they wouldn't have been driven to the Indochina Peninsula!"

The three of them were criticized like elementary school students, and could only laugh awkwardly, unable to retort.

They were trained at the Nationalist Army military academy, and their respective subordinates are still all from the Nationalist Army.

“Play more of Teresa Teng’s songs, she’s the Queen of Asian Pop.” Wang Yaotang laughed as he mentioned this. “Teresa Teng, my woman. Our baby is almost a month old. We’ll be having a banquet in Hong Kong then. I’ll send you invitations. Come visit sometime.”

"Wow, Ms. Teresa Teng is actually Mrs. Wang! Mr. Wang, you are truly blessed with good fortune!"

"Yes, I will definitely attend the young master's full moon celebration."

"I've been wanting to visit Hong Kong for a while now. I'll have to trouble Mr. Wang to treat me then."

“No problem, don’t worry about safety. I’ll arrange for someone to meet you. You can fly directly to Pattaya and then take a yacht to Hong Kong. Of course, you can fly there yourself if you want.” Wang Yaotang laughed. “Be sure to call Madam Wang and the eldest son. She loves hearing that.”

These words made the three of them instantly understand. So, according to the information they had received before, Wang Yaotang was not married at all. How come he suddenly held a full-month celebration for his son?

When the topic of family came up, the somewhat heavy atmosphere from before quickly shifted to women.

What happened to the warlords?
Men usually talk about women or politics, and it's clear now is not the time to talk about politics.

The three men did enjoy supreme power while ruling Shan State, but the conditions there were harsh. Not only were there very few beautiful women, but those who were were important members of their respective factions and would not come to satisfy their desires.

After all, in a gambling den like this, where you can't get enough to eat or wear, and are exposed to the wind, sun, and rain, where would you find beautiful women?
Compared to the miserable situation of those three local tyrants who could barely find any beautiful women around them, Wang Yaotang was no longer satisfied with mere good looks and began to pursue the accompanying fame...

Money, money can't compare.

Fame, fame can't compare!

In terms of beauty, none can compare!

Damn it, you deserve to die! (End of Chapter)