Nanyang 1931: From piglets to giants

Chapter 159: Courtesy first, then attack
Penang is a city with a gangster atmosphere. At this time, every chair in the city hall was occupied, and almost everyone was smoking. The exhaust fans could not exhaust the smoke, and there was a cloud of smoke everywhere.

Zheng Yi hadn't attended a municipal meeting for a long time. He was sitting in the main seat at the back, smoking a cigar, and watching others holding the meeting. It was unknown what he was thinking about.

The tone of revenge had been set at the door, and there was no rush at this point.

It is said that in Penang today, the vast majority of Teochew people are wearing white belts, and many non-Teochew people are also following suit. There are even people holding rallies carrying guns and wearing red headscarves.

As the saying goes, when a weapon is in hand, the desire to kill is born. Penang does not restrict the management of guns among the people, and even encourages it. The shooting ranges in Penang also charge discounts on bullets, and everyone has developed good marksmanship.

Naturally, everyone's tempers are getting worse and worse, and they urgently need to do something to prove that they have straightened their backs.

In recent years, Zheng Yi has been promoting the Japanese threat theory internally, saying that the Japanese are likely to attack Penang. Many people in Penang have believed it, but not many are afraid of it. Instead, they are all eager to try and are looking forward to it.

On the contrary, as the leader, Zheng Yi needs to stay calm more at this time and set the main tone of revenge.

He did not dare to express his opinion on how to take revenge or who to take revenge on.

Tan Kah Kee was still presiding over the meeting. He said, "Brother Ant has suffered. I believe everyone is as grief-stricken as I am. However, the dead cannot be resurrected. The most urgent task now is for us living people to carry on Brother Ant's legacy and resist the Japanese and save the nation. We must not stop."

"Of course, revenge must be taken, but... the incident happened suddenly, and Brother Yi died at the hands of an assassin. Who can we turn to for revenge?"

Xu Shengli snorted coldly and said, "Who else could it be? The ones who did it were either the Japanese or the Wang Puppet regime. We will naturally continue to settle accounts with them.

However, no matter what, the incident happened in Siam, and the Siamese government cannot escape blame. We will not rest until we are given an explanation!"

Chen Jianxian: "I agree to retaliate against Japan and the Wang Puppet regime. First, we must further increase our support for the Nationalist army in the fight against Japan.

Secondly, I suggest further intensifying the scale of our economic war against Japan. I think cotton alone isn't enough; it's time to target their food supply. I've heard that Japan seems to be having food problems this year."

"As for the third point, I think we in Penang should also set up our own intelligence and assassination organizations. As the saying goes, tooth for tooth, blood for blood. At least on the Wang Puppet regime side, we should also kill a few of his high-ranking officials to avenge Brother Ant!"

After saying that, everyone applauded.

Everyone actually agreed to the tooth-for-tooth, blood-for-blood approach.

To be honest, it's hard to say about the Japanese side, but it is much easier for them to arrange people to assassinate them in their own country than for the Wang Puppet regime to arrange people to assassinate them in Siam.

Yi Guangyan went to the pro-Japanese Siam. If he stayed in Penang or Rangoon, it would not be easy for the Wang Puppet regime to kill him.

But Chen Jianxian continued, "It's just that Siam... Everyone, this matter still needs to be carefully considered."

"Long-term plan?"

Even the usually gentle Li Guangqian couldn't help but ask, "People died on Siamese soil. Doesn't the Siamese government have any responsibility? Where did the explosives come from and how were they installed? Shouldn't they give us an explanation?"

Chen Jianxian: "Of course I am not saying that they have no responsibility, but the assassination, although it happened in Siam, it is not necessarily the Siamese who did it.

Mr. Yi died fighting the Japanese, and it was the Wang Puppet regime and the Japanese who did it. The Siamese government, to be frank, was simply guilty of negligence. Regardless of whether it was true or not, as long as they deny their ignorance, how can we vent our anger on them?

After hearing this, everyone felt that this matter made some sense.

Siam was definitely at fault, but at least so far, they have no evidence that the Siamese government was directly involved.

It is impossible to master it.

If we want to start a war over this, it seems a bit untenable.

At this moment, it was Zheng Yi who spoke up, saying, "We really don't have evidence to prove Siam's involvement, but some things don't require evidence."

"Siam must pay for this. Since our people from Penang went to Siam, the Siamese government has the responsibility and obligation to provide them with protection. Since something happened to them, regardless of their involvement or not, it is a diplomatic conflict and we need an explanation."

"I mean to ask the British Colonial Office to call the Siamese government on my behalf and lodge a solemn protest. If they want to prove that they have nothing to do with this matter, they can ask Siam to immediately expel Japanese diplomats and declare the severance of diplomatic relations with Japan."

"At the same time, we demand that Siam stop exporting rice to Japan. The rice originally sold to Japan can be sold to us. We will buy as much as we can."

"I agree with Mr. Chen. The food war against Japan begins now!"

Qian Qiwen frowned and said, "The Siamese government is pro-Japanese. I'm afraid they won't agree to these conditions."

Zheng Yi: "Of course they won't agree. I'm just trying to establish a legitimate reason for my actions. This is called using courtesy before force. Besides, I need time to prepare."

Zheng Yi took a long drag on his cigar and said, "I think this is God's will. I've been struggling with whether to arm the Kedah region to attack the Kra Isthmus. Well, now there's no need to worry about it. It's Mr. Ant, who is telling me what to do."

When everyone heard this, although most of them didn't know what Zheng Yi was worried about, they couldn't help but get excited for a moment.

"Mr. Zheng, are you saying that you intend to attack southern Siam and occupy the entire Bintang Mountains?"

Zheng Yi didn't say anything, which was considered as his agreement.

Some people at the table knew about his idea, such as the Li family and the Chen family, but most people were unaware of it because Zheng Yi rarely participated in government affairs. As a result, he was not very familiar with half of the presidents of the chamber of commerce and the directors of various departments.

After hearing what he said, those chamber of commerce presidents who were completely unaware of this couldn't help but gasp. Then, excitement and the pleasure of revenge rushed into their heads, and it was as if they had exploded, and they all cheered.

"Mr. Zheng is right. We should use courtesy before force. That's the way it should be."

"That's right. Since Mr. Ant's crime happened in Siam, and it's a pro-Japanese regime, we should respond with war, seize their territory, and completely control the Bintang Mountains to comfort Mr. Ant's soul!"

“However, if we really want southern Siam, then Kedah and even Perlis should also be included in Penang.”

“Yes, then what should we do with Kedah?”

“I think it shouldn’t just be Kedah, but also Kelantan and Terengganu, and of course, Perlis, which need to be managed directly.”

To avenge one's hatred and expand territory at the same time, this is something that is difficult for a man to refuse. After all, other people are not as worried as Zheng Yi, and they don't have to think about so many things. They don't even know what the world will be like after World War II, so naturally they are just excited.

In addition to emotional excitement, it is more about interests.

To put it bluntly, since Zheng Yi wants even southern Siam, Kedah cannot ignore it, and Penang cannot possibly want an enclave.

Penang is of course very good, but it is still too small after all.

Yangon is certainly good, but relatively speaking, it is still far away from Penang, which is not convenient. Moreover, there are too few Chinese people there. For many people, it is actually not in their comfort zone.

These Chinese in Malaya have some experience in dealing with Malays. If they had to choose, they would rather deal with Malays than Indians and Burmese.

Accomplishing great things and expanding territory are naturally good opportunities for the powerful and wealthy to make money and expand their influence.

Although Penang is still developing rapidly, it is no longer as fast as it was in previous years.

Originally, there were more than 200 construction sites operating at the same time in the city, but now there are less than 40.

Penang is not that big, and the places that can be developed have almost been developed. The welfare housing and commercial housing are almost completed, and the home ownership plan has basically been implemented. Among these chamber of commerce presidents, most of them are engaged in real estate or real estate-related industries during the large-scale construction in recent years.

When Penang was being built two years ago, people were too eager to rush things along, which resulted in an increase in the number of construction teams. In addition, in terms of building materials, except for steel, which is still in high demand, industries such as cement, sand and gravel have begun to decline.

Some have even gone bankrupt.

Simply put, there is overcapacity and an urgent need for overseas transfer and expansion.

This is also the reason why Kedah and Perak have developed significantly faster in the past one or two years.

In capitalism, industrialization and expansion needs complement each other.

If they can really conquer southern Siam, then the actual control of the Chinese in Penang on the Malay Peninsula will most likely reach seven provinces.

Seven prefectures, engaged in construction, investment, and production. What a huge construction potential and what a considerable amount of cheap labor force!
Infrastructure alone would at least allow Penang's engineering teams to continue working, allowing them to enjoy a few more years of prosperity. Furthermore, Penang, with its oil refining operations and Malaya itself producing oil, had the advantage of cheap energy. With cheap energy, they could generate electricity, and with electricity, at least the textile industry could thrive.

At present, the textile industry in Nanyang is mainly engaged in cloth production, and has not yet produced ready-made clothes. These seven prefectures will definitely make a lot of money just by building roads, establishing factories, and making clothes.

Zheng Yi definitely wouldn't look down on these small fortunes, like the Chen, Li, Hu, and even the recently deceased Yi family. But these small chambers of commerce would look down on them.

As for power.

Although no one knows what Zheng Yi is thinking, no matter how it is arranged, these people will definitely be veterans and will definitely get power.

What's more, considering the terrain and geographical location of the Bintang Mountains, Zheng Yi wanted to seize that place in order to resist the Japanese invasion, but others obviously did not think so. Everyone's first reaction was: Mr. Zheng is finally going to make a move and swallow up the entire Malay Peninsula.

Isn’t the Bintang Mountains the Malay version of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun?
You have already taken over the Sixteen Yanyuns. Who would believe you if you said you didn’t want to dominate the world?

"Mr. Zheng, tell me how we should fight. In this battle, our Chaozhou Gang is willing to be the vanguard!"

Suddenly, Chen Jingchuan stood up again and expressed his determination.

Zheng Yi gestured for him to sit down and said, "War is a matter of life and death for a nation. We must never raise an army out of anger. Mr. Chen, I promise you now that I will avenge Mr. Yi. If Siam refuses to sever ties with Japan, I will seize its three southern continents in retaliation."

"But at the same time, I also hope you can appease the other brothers of the Chaozhou Gang and give me some time. The more we are at this moment, the more we need to remain calm. If we attack impulsively and fail, it will be our own brothers who will be killed."

"I have actually planned this a long time ago. To be honest, in this battle, we really cannot let you Teochews lead the way. Instead, we must use the Malays from Kedah to form a Malay army to fight this battle."

"You have to eat your food one bite at a time, and cook your dishes one by one. You can't eat hot tofu in a hurry. If you really want to do this, I do have a task for you to do, and it might be a little dangerous."

Chen Jingchuan quickly said, "Mr. Zheng, if you give me an order, I will definitely do my best to fulfill it as long as I can."

The Chaozhou Gang is a big gang. Apart from Yi Guangyan, there is currently no one who can really command the support of the people. Xiao Wancheng and Liao Gongpu may compete with him for the position of president of the Chaozhou Chamber of Commerce.

Of course he would be happy to have the opportunity to perform.

"If the Siamese government is unwilling to sever diplomatic ties with Japan, I intend to first arrange for Pattani to secede from Siam and gain independence, organizing a referendum for them to voluntarily join British Malaya."

"During this time, I want you to take the Chaozhou Gang, bring money and weapons, and go to Pattani to embolden that Sultan and help him build an army. As far as I know, rubber is also the economic pillar of the three southern prefectures."

"In Malaya, you might as well acquire some rubber washing and cutting production lines and actually help the local Malays. But I don't care what method you use, you must let Pattani take the lead."

"It was they who took the initiative to break away from Siam and gain independence. I, on the other hand, trained the Royal Malayan Combat Regiment in Kedah. After independence, it was the Malay soldiers in Kedah who, out of camaraderie, were the ones who marched north."

“Because of the special relationship between Penang and Kedah, if Kedah cannot win, our army can help our friends in Kedah to fight the enemy as a friend, as hired soldiers. Do you understand?”

"Yes, but what if the Sultan of Patani... doesn't have independent aspirations, or is too timid to report this to the Siamese government..."

Zheng Yi: "I said, no matter what method you use, Patani must be independent. If he doesn't want independence, you can replace the Sultan for me. Can you do it?

This is also revenge for Mr. Yi. If you can do this well, I support you in succeeding Mr. Yi as the president of the Chaozhou Chamber of Commerce."

Chen Jingchuan: "Yes! Mr. Zheng, don't worry. Since this is revenge for our leader, I will naturally do my duty."

No wonder Zheng Yi said this trip was dangerous.

To put it bluntly, Zheng Yi's plan was indeed sound. After all, if the local people took the initiative to propose independence, then they would not be invaders, but benefactors who came to help.

Fighting against Thailand and aiding Ma is one of them.

As for when the aid is gone and they really become independent, their troops will stay, isn't that also to protect them?

It is hard to say whether the war will be easier to fight, but at least it will be very convenient to rule in the future.

There is only one problem: they don’t know the attitude of Pattani.

No one has ever come into contact with it before.

Although they were all Malays, who knew whether they really wanted to be incorporated into British Malaya, or whether they were willing to fight against Siam for this?
Even if the people want it, will the ruler also want it? What if he is not an ambitious person?
Zheng Yi clearly told him that if the Sultan really disagreed, he should find a way to stage a coup in Pattani.

This is really a life-threatening situation.

Besides, if Pattani secretly reported his affairs to Siam, he might be killed.

It felt really strange that a group of Chinese people were fighting for the national unity of the Malays. Killing him, at least from the perspective of Siam, was not wrong at all and was reasonable and logical.

This is what it means to seek wealth and honor through risk.

Of course, Zheng Yi felt that this could be done and that Chen Jingchuan had a high probability of succeeding.

To the east of the Bintang Mountains is actually the Kra Isthmus, but in later generations, it has a more famous name: the Three Southern Provinces of Thailand.

In modern times, if you have ever traveled to Thailand on your own, you must have been advised by the local tour guide: Don’t go to the three southern provinces of Thailand.

That place is the cradle of terrorists in modern times, with more than 1,800 people dying every year due to violent movements. It is also the only region in Southeast Asia with a strong Wahhabi culture.

These three prefectures in southern Thailand look like the Nanyang version of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun between Thailand and Malaya. Their military and geographical location are extremely important, serving as the gateway to the two countries. Although they fell into the hands of Thailand, the people living there are Malays.

After World War II, Siam was renamed Thailand, which means "the country of the Thai people". In fact, it implemented a nationalist Nazi policy, which was a blatant oppression of ethnic minorities in the country. Even the Chinese in Thailand had to change their surnames to Thai.

However, in the final analysis, the ethnic conflict between Thais and Chinese is not sharp. The conflict mainly lies in the class conflict that the Chinese are too rich.
Moreover, the Thai people are actually no different from the Dai people in China. They have lived in peace for hundreds of years. The Chinese do not have any religious beliefs and are not opposed to Buddhism.

But it is different for the Malays. They even have different beliefs. You can say that the Chinese in Thailand are excluded or discriminated against, but at least they are rich and have been controlling the country's economic lifeline for decades.

These Malays in southern Thailand really have nothing.

They are indeed suppressed by Thailand's Pan-Thai nationalism. They have no political power and their economic life is very difficult. Various intentional and unintentional suppressions are constantly emerging.

The gap between the rich and the poor in Thailand as a whole is already large enough, but the gap between the rich and the poor in the three southern provinces is much larger than in other parts of Thailand.

For decades, I have been living a miserable life.

But in fact, such terrible days began long before World War II.

The lives of the people in the three southern provinces of Thailand are no different from those of the Indian piglets before Malaya or the Chinese piglets in the 19th century.

Therefore, since the end of World War II and the founding of Malaysia, until Zheng Yi traveled through time, the three southern provinces of Thailand have always been separatist forces within Thailand, and have always advocated merging with Malaysia.

Malaysia itself is not very enterprising, and they don’t really have such a strong national narrative.

During the Northern Song Dynasty, every Song citizen dreamed of taking back the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun, but Malaysians never seemed to have considered taking back the three southern prefectures of Thailand.

They were even afraid that this group of fellow ethnic groups would affect the good relations between them and Thailand, so they built a high wall on the border to block contact with these Thai Malays.

To be honest, the Northern Song Dynasty did fight, but failed to win, so it reluctantly admitted that Yanyun belonged to Liao, and until its demise, it never gave up the idea of ​​taking it back. Malaysia... he was too lazy to even fight a war to try.

Malaysia didn’t want it, but now he wants it.

Although we don’t know who this Sultan is, it doesn’t matter who he is. Under the rule of Siam, the Sultan was not a person with real power.

The Greater Thai nationalism promoted by Siam since the coup was the fuel that ignited the public's anger.

To put it bluntly, this Great Thai nationalism is nothing but pure Nazism.

He is also pro-Japanese and pro-Italian.

Sometimes Zheng Yi wondered how Thailand managed to become a victorious country in World War II. Didn’t Britain, France and the United States deal with it?
(End of this chapter)