Wind Rises in North America 1625

Chapter 600: Move
April 2, 1644, Parita Bay, Asuero Peninsula.

Although the humid rainy season has not yet fully arrived, the air already carries the unique scent of the tropical rainforest, a mixture of humus and salty sea breeze.

Two "Tong"-class transport ships, "Tongyun-2" and "Tongyun-3", belonging to the Navy of the Republic of China in Xinzhou, are quietly anchored in the turquoise waters.

Their tall masts pierced the gray sky, and their once billowing sails were now neatly furled, a stark contrast to their fierce appearance during the Battle of the Gulf of Panama.

Beside them was a bustling yet primitive scene.

Dozens of canoes of varying sizes moved nimbly between the transport ships and the shore, like water striders.

The bronze-skinned Guaymiye warriors and laborers, bare-chested, with only simple linen or animal hides wrapped around their lower bodies, revealed their strong bodies covered with old wounds and markings.

They chanted deep, rhythmic work songs as they caught the heavy loads lowered from the boat by slings, securing them securely to the canoe, and then rowed vigorously toward the nearby beach.

On the beach, even more people waited, like ants carrying food, using oxen and horses to drag the spoils to the camp deep in the jungle.

The captain of the "Tongyun-2", Lieutenant Lin Anwen, stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the ship's railing, silently watching everything.

"Good heavens, they've made a fortune!" A slightly wistful voice rang out beside him.

The speaker was Chen Shunliang, the first officer of the "Tongyun-2" and a naval lieutenant.

He was about the same age as Lin Anwen, but had a more outgoing personality. At that moment, he was carefully examining the supplies that had been brought ashore through binoculars.

"Look, they even pried off the carved door frames and stained glass windows from that Spanish gentleman's mansion. Hey, there are also church benches and cast iron candlesticks over there... tsk tsk, if those Spaniards who fled to the inland areas saw this, they'd probably be heartbroken and vomit blood!"

Lin Anwen's lips twitched slightly, revealing a complex expression that was hard to describe.

"For them, these are the very foundation. What may seem like worthless junk to us is essential for the development of their tribal alliance over the next few years."

His gaze swept over the supplies. A heavy Spanish-style six-pound bronze cannon, hoisted from the "Tongyun-2," was carefully placed on a specially made, widened and reinforced dugout canoe, drawing a cheer of awe from the surrounding Guaymiya people.

Next came bundles of carved furniture that originally belonged to the mansions of wealthy merchants in Panama City. Although damaged by war and relocation, their former exquisiteness was still evident.

There were also large bundles of beams and rafters, and even stone blocks and bricks dismantled from the city walls and streets.

“It’s not just the foundation, Captain.” Chen Shunliang put down his binoculars and pointed to the crowds working on the beach. “Look at the way they’re carrying bricks and stones, their eyes, their energy, it’s full of… a sacred devotion.”

“I feel that they are not simply collecting spoils, but rather preparing for some sacred cause… well, preparing to build the ‘royal city’ they envision.”

As Chen Shunliang said, the Guaymiya people almost emptied Panama City.

Aside from the gold and silver currency, important military equipment, and some scarce resources that were prioritized for transport by the Xinhua Army, almost everything that could be moved within the city became their target.

From the town hall's filing cabinets to the heavy bronze bells and icons in the church, from the blacksmith's anvil and bellows to the pots, pans, needles, thread, and farm tools in the houses... everything is included, almost recreating all the elements of the daily operation of a colonial town.

These products from Old World and colonial workshops were undoubtedly a huge wealth for the Guaymiya tribal alliance, whose productivity was relatively backward. They were enough to support the development and needs of their tribal alliance of more than 30,000 people for the next few years.

“Speaking of which, these Guaymiers have really made quite a splash over the past ten years,” Chen Shunliang continued, his tone tinged with scrutiny and感慨. “They unified the Asuero Peninsula, annexed dozens of surrounding tribes, swelled their population to 30,000, and withstood multiple Spanish raids without falling.”

"Without the muskets, ammunition, and large quantities of swords and spears provided by Xinhua, as well as a dozen or so tactical instructors, they probably wouldn't have achieved what they have today," Lin Anwen said, pursing his lips.

Chen Shunliang nodded in agreement, his gaze falling on the lush, seemingly endless jungle of the peninsula.

That place is a natural barrier for the Guaymiya people, and also their homeland.

“Times create heroes. The harsher the oppression by the Spanish, the stronger the resistance naturally becomes. We were merely…giving them a push.” He paused, lowering his voice slightly, “Moreover, their geographical location is too crucial. They control the southern end of the Isthmus of Panama, facing the Pacific Ocean. Once they establish a foothold here, they will be like a nail, firmly driven into the Spanish backyard.”

"That's why the higher-ups promised to support their nation-building," Lin Anwen nodded and said. "To completely break free from Spanish enslavement and establish a Guaymiya kingdom... this is an irresistible temptation for them. We've made a pretty big promise, so they have no choice but to stick tightly to our Xinhua war machine."

"Is it reliable to build a kingdom of Guaymiya people?" Chen Shunliang showed a hint of doubt: "Even if we negotiate peace with the Spanish in the future and give up the direct occupation of Panama, can supporting such a... well, 'kingdom' really, as we wish, effectively and in the long term, restrain the Spanish?"

Lin Anwen remained silent for a moment.

This question had lingered in his mind for a long time.

He had witnessed firsthand the bravery of the Guaymiya warriors and was familiar with their guerrilla tactics, which allowed them to move stealthily in the jungle environment.

But nation-building... is not just about fighting wars.

This involves more complex political structures, economic foundations, diplomatic maneuvering, and even the integration of different tribal factions within the country.

“Perhaps a more accurate description is that of a chess piece,” Lin Anwen said slowly, his gaze still fixed on the busy figures. “A chess piece that has been thrown into this grand game of the New World, which is quite important, but also requires careful manipulation.”

"As for how much effect it will ultimately have, whether it will become a brilliant move, a useless move, or even... backfire on us, it depends on how the situation evolves and our own ability to control it."

"But at least with them around, it won't be so easy for the Spanish to regain absolute control of the Isthmus of Panama. After we leave, there needs to be a voice here that can continuously create threats and trouble."

This is why, after capturing Panama City, the Xinhua Army so generously gave away almost all of the captured Spanish-made weapons—from matchlock guns and spears to heavy cannons—without reservation.

This was not merely a reward for fulfilling a promise, but also a way to further arm this pawn, giving it greater leverage and enabling it to hold the Spanish back for a longer period. However, the subsequent actions of the Guaymíyés surprised and somewhat worried some Xinhua officers, including Lin Anwen and Chen Shunliang.

They not only emptied the city of supplies, but also, with the tacit approval or even somewhat helpless gaze of the Xinhua Army, began to organize prisoners (including Spanish soldiers, colonists, and some captured Indian servants) to systematically dismantle Panama City's fortifications, including those sturdy bastions, city walls, and the towers of Fort San Felipe.

Huge stone blocks were broken down with crowbars and hammers, and neat wall bricks were removed one by one. They were then transported to the Asuero Peninsula by boat and manpower, like a trickle flowing into the sea.

They declared that they would use these materials, imbued with the Spanish people's hard work, to build a truly Guaymía "royal city" in the heart of the peninsula, a city that would never fall.

“To be honest, I still think that their insistence on building this city was a terrible mistake.” Chen Shunliang shook his head and pointed to the huge stones being hoisted down. “Their greatest advantage in dealing with the Spanish so far is their swift mobility and familiarity with the jungle, and that they never engage in the kind of frontal fortress warfare that the Spanish are good at.”

"After fighting guerrilla warfare for so many years, how come after achieving a phased victory, you suddenly become so pessimistic that you want to build a fortress, go inside, and wait for the Spanish to mobilize a large force to surround and kill you one day?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Anwen also showed a hint of helplessness.

“Who says otherwise?” He let out a long breath. “I heard that Commander-in-Chief Mo once advised them that a castle might not be a guarantee of safety in the face of the Spanish regular army with its powerful artillery and engineering technology. Instead, it might become a cage that ties their hands and feet and a target to draw their fire.”

"Once the castle is surrounded by the Spanish army, during the long siege, any problem in any link of the supply chain, such as water, food, ammunition, or sanitation and epidemic prevention, could lead to catastrophic consequences. At that time, our Xinhua will be thousands of miles away, and our fleet will be subject to wind and ocean currents, making it impossible for us to come to their rescue in time."

"What did the Guaymiye people say?" Chen Shunliang asked curiously.

“The Guaymiya chieftain, Katari, said…” Lin Anwen thought for a moment and then said, “He said that the Guaymiya people cannot hide in the jungle like wild beasts forever. They need a city as great as Panama City to prove to everyone that they are a powerful and united tribal alliance, a great tribe that can build its own country.”

He also emphasized that the royal city will be a symbol of unity among all the Guaymiya people and the surrounding tribes that have submitted to it, and a sacred cornerstone of their soon-to-be-born monarchy.

"It will attract more tribes that are still hesitant to join them, and it will also give their descendants a 'root' that can be passed down through generations and belong to them forever."

"Roots" are a symbol of tribal glory and the sacred cornerstone of royal power.

Lin Anwen understood this sentiment, but from a purely military perspective, it was undoubtedly risky.

"It seems that Commander Mo couldn't dissuade this ambitious chieftain," Chen Shunliang shrugged. "After all, we are allies, not their overlords. Excessive interference in their internal decisions, especially those concerning the future of their nation, can easily arouse their suspicion and resentment."

"So, in the end, the headquarters had no choice but to compromise." Lin Anwen nodded in confirmation. "Besides the necessary reminders, all we could do was send a few experienced engineers and officers skilled in fortification to 'guide' them in surveying, site selection, and planning. We hoped they could at least build the city more scientifically and solidly, and set up a more reasonable defense system, so it wouldn't really become a leaky, easily attacked but difficult to defend sieve. That would be our last effort as allies."

"That's all we can do," Chen Shunliang sighed. "We've done our duty to remind and assist them, but ultimately, they have to bear the choice and the consequences themselves."

The two fell silent for a moment, listening only to the cacophony of sounds from the bay: the powerful chants of the Guaymiya people, the sound of dugout canoes cutting through the waves, the creaking of the ropes on the boats, and the faint calls of unknown birds and beasts from the distant jungle.

The air was filled with the salty smell of the sea, the fresh scent of wood, and the humid, hot wind that drifted from the depths of the peninsula, carrying the aroma of decaying plants and earth.

“The rainy season is coming soon.” Chen Shunliang broke the silence, looking up at the increasingly gloomy and oppressive sky. “I estimate that in about ten days, around mid to late April, the endless rain will arrive. At that time, the wind and waves in this bay, the miasma in the forest… could be deadly.”

“Yes.” Lin Anwen also looked up at the sky. “The orders from the Expeditionary Force Headquarters have been issued. Once this batch of supplies is transported, our two ships, along with the main force of the fleet, will gradually withdraw from Panama and return to the northern base for rest and replenishment. The war in the Isthmus of Panama has come to a temporary end.”

The months-long transoceanic expedition, high-intensity combat, looting of supplies, and the subsequent time-consuming and laborious dismantling and transportation of cities have taken a toll on the mental and physical strength of the personnel, as well as the wear and tear on the ships and equipment. They urgently need a period of rest and recuperation.

Moreover, from a broader strategic perspective, the national strength and military power of the New Continent Chinese Republic are indeed at a stage where it needs to digest the spoils, consolidate existing occupied territories (especially along the Mexican coast), and recover its strength to support such a long-distance and multi-directional overseas campaign.

“It’s good to go back and rest.” Chen Shunliang stretched his neck and shoulders, which were stiff from standing for a long time. “Let the Guayimiye people take on this… well, this burden full of hope yet fraught with risks. We’ve done what we could. Now, whether they rise to the heavens or… well, that depends on their own luck and destiny.”

Just then, a large dugout canoe, decorated with colorful feathers and carvings and clearly of chieftain rank, sailed toward the "Tongyun-2" under the escort of a group of soldiers.

Standing at the bow of the ship was a burly man wearing a feathered crown and a cloak made of the fur of some unknown wild animal. He was none other than Qatari, the leader of the Guaymiya people.

He looked up, waved to Lin Anwen, Chen Shunliang and other Xinhua Navy officers and soldiers on the ship's side, and gave them a bright and confident smile.

Lin Anguo and Chen Shunliang exchanged a glance, quickly straightened their military uniforms, and solemnly saluted each other.

"Judging from his expression, he seems full of confidence in the future," Chen Shunliang said softly.

Lin Anwen did not respond. Looking at the ambitious face of the Guayimiye leader, and then at the bricks, stones and timber being transported deep into the jungle, he sighed almost imperceptibly.

In that dense rainforest, a city belonging to the Guaymiya people will rise from the ground, embodying the hopes and pride of a nation.

It remains to be seen whether, in the foreseeable future, this "royal city" built with spoils of war and dreams will ultimately become the eternal cornerstone of the Guaymiya people's glory, or a heavy burden that drags them into despair.
The course of history took a turn here because of Xinhua's intervention.

A once oppressed and marginalized Native American tribe is attempting to establish its own kingdom on this ancient land with the help of external forces and its own bravery.

The future is bright, but the road ahead is bound to be full of thorns.

Because the proud Kingdom of Spain would never sit idly by and allow a thorn in its side to rise on its most important transportation route.

"The wind is picking up," Lin Anwen said softly, feeling the slight, damp coolness brushing against his cheek.

The wind in the bay seems to be subtly changing direction.

The rainy season is drawing ever closer.
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Note: Location of the Asuero Peninsula

(End of this chapter)