Maoshan World: The young marshal starts!

Chapter 253 Dialogue: Bai Xiongqi, Full of Enthusiasm

"Brother, sister-in-law."

after an hour.

Guan Shaoqing then went to the place where Bai Xiongqi and Pan Yun, a married couple, lived.

Bai Xiuzhu did not come; she was resting at home.

The couple now live in a small villa arranged by Guan Shaoqing, and the living environment is no less than that of their residence in the capital.

"Meet the young marshal."

Bai Xiongqi and his wife Pan Yun also bowed in greeting.

"No need to be so polite. We're all family. Brother and sister-in-law can just call me Shaoqing. It's not a formal occasion."

"Alright, Shaoqing, let's go inside first. Have your sister-in-law make some tea, and then we can sit down and talk slowly."

Bai Xiongqi immediately agreed and, with Pan Yun, warmly invited Guan Shaoqing into the house.

After entering the house, Guan Shaoqing and Bai Xiongqi sat down on the sofa in the living room.

Pan Yun then brewed a pot of hot tea for the two of them and poured a cup for each of them.

"I wonder if you and your wife are settling in comfortably since arriving in eastern Guangdong?"

Guan Shaoqing picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and asked.

"You're too kind, Shaoqing. Although Guangdong is not as large as the capital, it is more prosperous and stable than the capital. It is thriving and the climate is pleasant. Your sister-in-law and I are living very well here, and the people are very hospitable."

"That's good. If you need anything, you can tell me anytime. If I'm not around, just tell Xiuzhu and she can help you make arrangements."

"If needed, we certainly won't hesitate to ask."

"It is said that a mountain is not sacred because of its height, but because of the immortals dwelling there; and water is not sacred because of its depth, but because of the dragons dwelling there. This saying is absolutely true. I still clearly remember when I came to the provincial capital of Guangdong a few years ago, its scale and prosperity were far less than one-tenth of that of the capital. Now, under your rule, Shaoqing, such earth-shaking changes have taken place. No wonder the people of Guangdong support you so much."

Bai Xiongqi spoke again, his heart filled with a sense of wonder. Although his words were partly flattering, they were also sincere. He was truly shocked when he saw the situation in the provincial capital of Guangdong these past few days. It was completely different from the provincial capital of Guangdong that he had imagined.

Although eastern Guangdong is still not comparable to the capital in terms of scale, it is definitely no less prosperous.

More importantly, the public security in eastern Guangdong is very good nowadays.

A place with good public security, especially one that stands out from other places, will undoubtedly have benefits and will definitely attract a large number of people.

So after these few days of observations in the provincial capital of eastern Guangdong.

Bai Xiongqi became even more determined to come to eastern Guangdong and follow Guan Shaoqing.

After all, Guan Shaoqing's original feats of leading the Guangdong navy to a great victory over the four-nation coalition and single-handedly storming the capital to take the head of the Qing regent had already demonstrated Guan Shaoqing's strong personal strength and the powerful strength of the Guan family in Guangdong.

Now, under Guan Shaoqing's rule, the entire eastern Guangdong region is undergoing rapid changes and is flourishing.
Guan Shaoqing himself was also widely supported and loved by the people of eastern Guangdong.

This undoubtedly further proves Guan Shaoqing's governance capabilities.

It is well known that conquering a country is difficult, but governing it is even more difficult. Throughout history, there have been countless examples of people who conquered a country but failed to govern it well, ultimately leading to their utter defeat.

Rulers like Guan Shaoqing, who were capable of both conquering and governing the country, were undoubtedly extremely rare.

If one were to follow such a person, the chances of achieving true hegemony in the future would undoubtedly increase significantly.

This is definitely the most ideal candidate to follow.

“Yes, these past few days, when Xiuzhu and I went to the streets, the most common thing we heard was people praising you, Shaoqing. If the Qing government had even half of your abilities, Shaoqing, our great China wouldn’t have fallen to the point where it is being bullied by foreign powers today,” Pan Yun replied.

"Hmph, since ancient times, all dynasties have perished due to their incompetence and corruption. The Qing government is corrupt and incompetent, and its demise is not far off. When that time comes, a new wise ruler will surely appear to replace it."

Bai Xiongqi continued, his gaze involuntarily turning to Guan Shaoqing, his meaning clear: the new sage ruler must be Guan Shaoqing.

Bai Xiongqi still retains the political ideas of feudal dynasties.

Guan Shaoqing did not refute this, but smiled and said.

"The fact that Guangdong is where it is today is not due to my efforts alone, but to the efforts of everyone in Guangdong. As the saying goes, water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. Public opinion is like water. The Qing government was incompetent and acted against the tide of history, so its downfall was only a matter of time."

"However, our top priority right now is to continue to work hard to improve ourselves."

"Although we have made some progress in eastern Guangdong, we still cannot relax. We must remember that compared with the Western powers that have already fully entered the industrial age, we still need to work hard to catch up."

"The young marshal's profound wisdom and foresight are a blessing to Guangdong and to all of China."

Bai Xiongqi also expressed his admiration upon hearing this.

"At present, Guangdong is also in dire need of talent. I would like to sincerely invite you to join the Guangdong government and work together for the development of Guangdong. What do you think?" Guan Shaoqing formally extended an invitation to Bai Xiongqi.

"I am honored by your high regard, Junior Minister. I will do my utmost and follow you to the death."

Upon hearing this, Bai Xiongqi was instantly energized and quickly stood up to formally bow.

"Bai Xiongqi greets the Young Marshal!"

"Haha, with your help, I'm like a tiger with wings!"

Guan Shaoqing immediately stood up and said happily.

In this way, Bai Xiongqi was officially considered to have joined Guan Shaoqing's ranks.

"So, if I were to start working here, what position would you be interested in?"

Guan Shaoqing asked again.

"This..." Bai Xiongqi pondered for a moment upon hearing this. If he were to join the company, his first priority would definitely be a high position, and secondly, a position that suited him. However, as for the specific arrangements, Bai Xiongqi felt that as a subordinate, he shouldn't have his own demands, so after thinking for a moment, he said, "This matter is entirely up to the young marshal to arrange."

"Alright, in that case, I'll give you two options for now. One is to arrange for you to serve as the mayor of the provincial capital, in charge of all the government affairs of the entire provincial capital in eastern Guangdong."

Mayor of a city in eastern Guangdong!

Upon hearing this, Bai Xiongqi was immediately delighted. This official position held great power and authority, directly governing the provincial capital of eastern Guangdong, and it was exactly the kind of political position that Bai Xiongqi desired.

However, Bai Xiongqi did not immediately express his opinion, wanting to hear Guan Shaoqing's second arrangement for him.

"My second request is that you, brother, lead a team to conduct a thorough investigation of the South Seas, especially the Star Island and the Kra Peninsula where it is located," Guan Shaoqing continued.

"Southeast Asia?" Bai Xiongqi was startled upon hearing this, feeling that he had guessed Guan Shaoqing's intentions, but he was not sure. He couldn't help but ask, "Young Marshal, what do you want?"

Pan Yun, who was standing nearby, wisely got up to leave.

"Sister-in-law, there's no need to avoid me. Do you think I wouldn't trust my own family?"

Seeing this, Guan Shaoqing smiled and called out to Pan Yun, then looked at Bai Xiongqi and said.

"To be honest with you, brother and sister-in-law, I plan to conquer Nanyang Xing Island and the Kela Peninsula where it is located, and establish a country there."

Sing Tao also has another name in later generations - Singapore.

The Kra Peninsula also has two other names – the Malacca Peninsula and the Malay Peninsula.

This was also the location Guan Shaoqing had chosen for the founding of the nation.

Because this location is too good, guarding the vital transportation route of the Strait of Malacca.

In particular, the location of Sing Tao is right at the entrance to the Strait of Malacca, making it a natural world transportation hub. As long as this location can be secured, there will be little to worry about regarding development after the founding of the nation.

However, a single island is too small, and freshwater resources are scarce, which would lead to shortages if the population grew too large. This is one of the main reasons why Singapore initially wanted to join Malaysia. Therefore, Guan Shaoqing also planned to take over the Kela Peninsula.

Guan Shaoqing's requirements were not high; he only wanted to take over Xingdao Island and the Malay Peninsula region that Malaysia occupied in later generations.

Upon hearing Guan Shaoqing's words, Bai Xiongqi's expression instantly became excited.

Founding a nation.

Even if it's about establishing a nation in Southeast Asia, as long as it succeeds, it will still be a complete and independent country. For China, it will be considered territorial expansion, and it will surely go down in history.

Guan Shaoqing continued.

"The domestic situation is currently turbulent. Not only is the Qing government corrupt and incompetent, but also foreign powers are eyeing us covetously. They would never want to see a completely unified and powerful China emerge. Therefore, I intend to seek another way out, establish myself in eastern Guangdong, and open up Southeast Asia."

"As long as the Nanyang nation is established, we will have a truly independent and autonomous rear base. At that time, we will be able to attack or defend at will, and will be naturally invincible."

After listening, Bai Xiongqi immediately understood Guan Shaoqing's specific thoughts and spoke up as well.

"I choose the second option: to help the young marshal investigate information about Southeast Asia."

After all, if they were to successfully establish a nation in Southeast Asia...

The task that Guan Shaoqing has arranged for us now is a great achievement.

"Alright, then I'll leave this to you. I'll arrange the manpower for you to command."

"Don't worry, young marshal."

Bai Xiongqi responded with great enthusiasm.

(End of this chapter)