Maoshan World: The young marshal starts!

Chapter 255 Designated Plan
"Very good. It seems that thanks to everyone's joint efforts during this period, eastern Guangdong has taken another big step forward in its development."

After listening to everyone's reports, Guan Shaoqing nodded in satisfaction, stood up, and applauded.

“You are all talents of our time, each with your own abilities and methods. Now that we have all gathered together, as long as we work together with one heart and one mind, why should we worry about the prosperity of Guangdong or the prosperity of China?”

"Here, on behalf of myself and the people of Guangdong, I would like to thank you all. Without your hard work and dedication, Guangdong would not be where it is today."

As he spoke, Guan Shaoqing bowed to the crowd.

Everyone was flattered and quickly stood up to return the greeting.

"Young Marshal, you flatter me."

"It is our lifelong wish and honor to be able to follow the young marshal and serve for Guangdong and for China."

"We were all originally commoners, but the young marshal did not mind our poor birth and was willing to trust and give us important positions. We can only repay the young marshal's kindness by working hard and giving our lives."

"As the saying goes, a fine horse is easy to find, but a discerning eye is rare. Without the young marshal, how could we be where we are today, or how could Guangdong be where we are today?"

"It is my greatest honor to be able to follow the young marshal in this life."

"."

Guan Shaoqing also smiled and said.

"It is my great fortune to have your help. Let us work together to create a bright and prosperous world."

"We swear to follow the young marshal to the death."

Everyone cheered in unison.

"It's a rare occasion for everyone to gather together today, so I'd like to introduce a new member to everyone. This is Mr. Bai Xiongqi."

At this moment, Guan Shaoqing formally introduced Bai Xiongqi to everyone.

All eyes turned to Bai Xiongqi.

"I, Bai, have met you all. I have long heard that the young marshal has many talented people under his command, and seeing it today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved."

Bai Xiongqi immediately bowed to everyone and greeted them warmly.

"Mr. Bai, you flatter me."

"I have met Mr. Bai."

"."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately smiled and returned the greeting to Bai Xiongqi, showing great enthusiasm.

Everyone knew that Bai Xiongqi's invitation to attend this meeting by Guan Shaoqing meant he had earned Guan Shaoqing's favor and trust, and would likely become one of their own in the future. Therefore, seeing Bai Xiongqi's enthusiastic attitude, everyone else also showed great enthusiasm.

After everyone had gotten to know Bai Xiongqi and greeted each other,

Guan Shaoqing continued.

"Next, I intend to have Mr. Bai take charge of investigating information related to Southeast Asia. Master Yan, I order you to arrange for a Jingwu Guard to assist Mr. Bai."

"Yes."

Yan Zhendong responded respectfully upon hearing this.

Guan Wen and Guan Hao couldn't help but show some excitement on their faces, because they already knew Guan Shaoqing's plan. Apart from Bai Xiongqi, the others were still unaware of Guan Shaoqing's plan, so they couldn't help but look puzzled when they heard this.

"I'm sure many of you are wondering why I'm investigating information related to Southeast Asia. Since you're all here today, I'll explain it to you so you can have a better understanding."

Guan Shaoqing continued.

"Next, I intend to open up a new world in Southeast Asia and establish a nation there."

"To establish a nation in Southeast Asia?!"

Those present who were unaware of Guan Shaoqing's plans were all taken aback by his words.

Found a nation!

This is a big deal.

“That’s right. We should go to Southeast Asia to establish a nation. Everyone should know the situation in China. If we want to revitalize China, simply overthrowing the Qing government is far from enough. In fact, in my opinion, the Qing government is no longer important. The real difficulty lies with the foreign powers.”

"The great powers have been eyeing our land for quite some time now, and they certainly don't want to see a strong and unified China rise up again. Once such a trend emerges, they will do everything in their power to stop it."

"If we want to overthrow the Qing government and revitalize China to create a new world, we will not only have to face the Qing government, but also the foreign powers that are eyeing our land."

"Although the development of eastern Guangdong is not bad now, it is too difficult to overthrow the Qing Dynasty and deal with the global powers at the same time. If we are not careful, we will be crushed to pieces."

Everyone nodded in agreement upon hearing this.

Indeed, the problems facing China today are not merely the corruption and incompetence of the Qing Dynasty, but also the covetousness of global powers. In fact, the danger posed by these global powers to China is far greater than that posed by the Qing Dynasty.

Although eastern Guangdong is developing well now, if it were to truly confront the world's major powers, its fate would be far from hopeless.

Despite Guan Shaoqing's resounding victory over the four-nation coalition at the beginning of the year, including his single-handed charge into the capital and the capture of Prince Su, which shocked the world, it's important to remember that the true strength of the great powers has yet to be fully revealed. Even the four-nation coalition that Guan Shaoqing defeated at the beginning of the year was merely a small force compared to the four major powers, with each of them deploying only a little over ten thousand troops.

This small army was far from being considered a large force by the major powers.

If a full-scale war were to break out, it would not be difficult for the major powers to mobilize an army of more than 100,000. If multiple countries joined forces, the army would number in the hundreds of thousands. At that time, could Guangdong, with its current strength, withstand such an attack?
It's obviously very difficult.

An army of tens of thousands is naturally not on the same level as an army of hundreds of thousands.

"Therefore, I plan to first go to Southeast Asia to open up a new world and establish a country as our main rear base in eastern Guangdong. Once we succeed, we will use Southeast Asia as our main rear base and eastern Guangdong as our outpost. We can advance or retreat as needed. In this way, no matter what happens in the future, we and our compatriots will have a safe rear base and a second home as our refuge."

"As far as I know, there is a place in Southeast Asia called Sing Tao and the Kra Peninsula, also known as the Malacca Peninsula. It guards the Strait of Malacca, and Sing Tao is located at the entrance to the strait. The Strait of Malacca is a vital shipping route between Europe and Asia, and ships traveling between Europe and Asia must pass through it. If we can take over this place, with such a superior geographical location, I can guarantee that its development will definitely not be a problem in the future."

Guan Shaoqing continued speaking, and at this point, he directly took out the world map that he had prepared in advance.

As early as the Ming Dynasty, world maps had already been drawn.

Today, world maps have become extremely accurate. Except for Antarctica and Australia, which are not clearly understood, Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa have all been accurately depicted on world maps.

"Right here. If my information is correct, there is a huge strait here, a vital sea route connecting Europe and Asia. Star Island and the Kra Peninsula are located here."

After taking out the world map.

Guan Shaoqing also pointed out the locations of Star Island and the Klara Peninsula to everyone.

This world map is not much different from later versions, especially in Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa, where there are basically no differences, only the geographical information is not as detailed.

For example, the Strait of Malacca is not yet marked on this world map.

However, even if it is not marked.

Guan Shaoqing could also pinpoint the exact location using his memories from later generations.

“We are from eastern Guangdong and the provincial capital here.”

Guan Shaoqing then marked the locations of their Guangdong East region and the provincial capital for everyone.

Everyone's eyes followed Guan Shaoqing's finger and looked at the map.

Upon seeing the locations of Star Island and the Kela Peninsula as Guan Shaoqing pointed out, Lu Wenyuan, Bai Xiongqi, and Yacha Su, who were knowledgeable and understood the geographical advantages, couldn't help but brighten up.

"If, as the young marshal says, there is indeed a huge strait connecting Eurasia, then the Star Island and the Kra Peninsula mentioned by the young marshal are definitely natural geographical paradises. By guarding this strait's transportation route, any ship that travels between Eurasia in the future will have to obtain our permission."

"In that case, we can build a port and set up a checkpoint here. We can make a lot of money just by relying on the port's customs duties."

Ren Fa's eyes lit up as well. Although he was not as knowledgeable about geography as the three of them, he knew business and how to make money. So when he saw the location of the Strait of Malacca, he immediately realized the huge business opportunities there.

"If we could even control this strait, then the whole world would probably have to pay taxes to us in the future."

The Strait of Malacca is so strategically located that it has been called the crossroads of the East.

The reason why the Japanese attacked Singapore immediately after the outbreak of World War II was to control the Strait of Malacca.

"I support the young marshal's plan."

"I support it too."

"me too."

"."

Immediately, Lu Wenyuan, Yacha Su, and Bai Xiongqi, who were the first to realize the value of the Strait of Malacca, also raised their hands in support.

"Such a transportation hub, once the nation is established, it will have a natural geographical advantage and be uniquely favored. No wonder the young marshal set his sights on this place. I also support it."

Ren Fa echoed.

After a few people expressed their opinions, others, including Yan Zhendong, who was not very educated and somewhat confused, also followed suit. Although they didn't quite understand, they just needed to know that the place was good.

If there are benefits, then there's naturally no reason to refute it.

The plan was quickly approved unanimously.

"Uncle, please pay more attention to collecting information about Southeast Asia when you are working with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Nanyang Trade."

Guan Shaoqing then addressed Ren Fadao.

Today, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce has also opened up trade channels in Southeast Asia and is becoming increasingly close to trade with Southeast Asia. Therefore, using the trade channels of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to explore information about Southeast Asia is undoubtedly a shortcut.

"Don't worry, young marshal."

"In that case, I will go to Southeast Asia as part of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce delegation to investigate."

Bai Xiongqi echoed this sentiment.

“This method is feasible. I will have the Chinese Chamber of Commerce fully assist Mr. Bai. Mr. Bai can also mobilize the staff of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Southeast Asia at any time.”

Ren Fa followed up.

(End of this chapter)