Nanyang Storm 1864

Chapter 158 Port Angeles and Cagayan

Two days later

Zheng Guohui finished his work inspection in Jinsha County and led his entourage south to Yiligan County. County Magistrate Kang Ning had already left the city to greet him, and they returned to the county together.

Iligan County is a newly established county seat. The city appearance is far less clean, orderly and prosperous than Jinsha County. The entire county town has only a few streets and a population of more than 1.4.

Had a simple lunch
Zheng Guohui and his party came to the second glassware factory in the county. Relying on quartz mineral resources, Yiligan County has developed three glass factories and more than a dozen glassware workshops.

The Second Glassware Factory is the largest enterprise in the county, with more than 430 employees and a total of 7 kilns.

When Zheng Guohui and his party arrived here, only the factory director and a few leaders were there to greet them. The workers in the factory were still busy with production, working non-stop.

This is the rule set by Zheng Guohui
Regardless of any inspection or visit, it is strictly forbidden to welcome or see off guests, to eat and drink excessively, to give or ask for gifts. Only meals within the standard range can be arranged for entertainment, and everything should be based on work.

It is very necessary to conduct work-related visits and exchanges between prefectures and counties.

Especially for some initiatives with significant effects, witnessing and communicating on site will make it easier for other places to learn from their experience and thus promote it.

But to avoid forming a habit of eating and drinking, rules should be established from the beginning.

A few simple greetings

The factory manager here attentively led everyone on a tour and introduced the production and sales situation along the way, which sounded quite satisfactory.

Glassware factories mainly produce various cups and bottles needed for daily life, so practicality is the main focus. Several glass factories have their own characteristics and sales are quite hot.

In the factory yard
There were several animal-drawn carts waiting for goods. As soon as they were produced, they were immediately loaded onto the carts and shipped to department stores, where they would be sold out very quickly.

The temperature inside the factory was quite high, and the workers were busy. Zheng Guohui carefully inspected the factory, asking questions from time to time. County Magistrate Kang Ning, Cao Wenxiu, Mu Qing, and others followed closely behind.

The workers picked up a piece of soft clay that had been burned into an orange-red color from the kiln, blew out an orange-red balloon with force, and then put it into the mold with swift movements. The prototype of a bottle soon appeared, and it took only a little over a minute.

Many workers are doing similar work over and over again.

There are various kinds of bottles. Zheng Guohui picked one up and took a look. He found that there were still many flaws on the bottle, such as black spots, wrinkles and bubbles, etc., which were clearly visible on the smooth glass.

The other finished products all have some problems to varying degrees.

He asked;
"Why is there such a defective glass bottle?"

"Reporting to the commander, this is a defect caused by impurities mixed in during the earlier process. However, it does not affect the use."

"No one responded?"

"In reply to the Marshal, now that our products have arrived in stores, they're selling out quickly and no one's talking about it."

"We need to strengthen our quality requirements. This is what we mean by striving for excellence. We can't just be satisfied with production." After a pause, Zheng Guohui continued;

“We can produce some high-quality products without any defects, price them slightly higher and see how the market reacts.

Supplies are relatively scarce now and people don’t care much about it.

By the time glass factories were opened in various places and supplies became abundant, it would be too late to control quality.

It's like the porcelain cellars in mainland China: good porcelain can be sold at a higher price, and people appreciate it. Bad porcelain can only become common goods, and many of them go bankrupt."

"I have taken note of the Marshal's instructions." The factory director said flatteringly with a nod and a bow.

"Ah."

Zheng Guohui simply responded, put down the glass bottle in his hand, continued walking forward, and casually asked, "How is the output?"

"In reply to the Marshal, we have over 180 workers on the front line of our second factory, and we can produce about 15000 units a day. Basically, they are shipped away as soon as they are produced, and the factory has no inventory."

“What are the difficulties that affect production?”

"In reply to the Marshal, the supply of fine furnace materials is often insufficient, and there are too many impurities. The factory has to arrange dozens of workers to repeatedly screen them."

"Have you ever thought about adding some more varieties?"

"In reply to the Marshal, the department store needs a lot of goods urgently. We've hired over 30 more people in the past few days, most of whom are apprentices. The factory has no time to spare and must first meet the orders."

"Yeah, that's true."

Zheng Guohui came down to walk around and take a look, just to hear the real voices and real thoughts of the grassroots, so he did not make too many comments.

After finishing the inspection at this factory, Zheng Guohui visited several other factories and sauce and vinegar workshops before returning to the camp to rest.

What I saw today

It is in line with the appearance of a newly established county seat, which is in its initial stage, with a rough but vibrant scene everywhere, waiting to be further put on track.

As a typical agricultural county, Iligan County does not have many industrial projects, including glass factories, match factories, rice mills, oil presses, sauce and vinegar factories, brick kilns and timber factories.

Except for the glass factory, these other factories are basic equipment in each county. Every county has some, the only difference is the number.

Zheng Guohui sat in his study, tapping documents with his fingers. He was thinking about making Iligan County's glass industry bigger and stronger.

It won’t work with just a few glass factories. We need at least dozens of them.

This is related to one of his major strategies, which is to take advantage of local resources to produce canned fruit that can be exported in exchange for silver.

Whether in North America, China, India or the Middle East, there is a certain market demand for canned tropical fruits. It is a good export product that can be exchanged for money in the long run.

What needs to be solved now is the glass bottle caps and food preservation technology. There are some ready-made preservation technologies available, but the glass bottle caps are a difficult point.

People have used saltpeter to preserve meat since ancient times. During the Napoleonic era, the French added salicylic acid to food to make canned food last longer.

There are many more methods like this.

Just this glass bottle cap?

Zheng Guohui frowned and thought for a while, and felt that with Mindanao's own capabilities, it would take at least half a year before it could produce qualified glass bottle caps.

This thing first needs to be made from thin iron plates, and this problem alone stumped him.

Think about it
Zheng Guohui decided to include a certain amount of thin iron plates and rolling machines for processing bottle caps in Joe Smith's third batch of orders.

This rolling machine is quite simple. It mainly involves placing small round iron sheets on a mold and then using a punch to roll out one bottle cap at a time. Producing tens of thousands of bottle caps a day is like a piece of cake.

"Report to the Marshal, Mr. Cao and Mr. Mu request to see you."

This voice interrupted Zheng Guohui's thoughts. He came back to his senses and said, "Please, prepare tea for the guests."

"I obey my orders."

Cao Yuxiu and Mu Qing came together. They had no official appointments at the moment and were still guests, so they were very respectful to the commander-in-chief.

Since this time
The two of them always followed Zheng Guohui around, which greatly broadened their horizons and increased their knowledge. They felt that they had learned more than in many years before, and their practical ability was greatly enhanced.

The host and the guest sit down

Zheng Guohui smiled and exchanged pleasantries with the two for a while, then Mu Qing straightened his clothes, stood up solemnly, bowed, and began to speak;
"General, please accept my student's greeting.

Since we came south, I have benefited greatly from what I have seen and heard by following the Marshal, and I have deep respect for him. Earlier, Brother Zhicheng and others took up their posts, and now there are rumors that Brother Yuxiu plans to go to Angel Port. I am itching to do something about it, and I really can't help it.

So I dared to ask Brother Wenxiu for help from the Marshal.

Although Qing is not talented, he has a basic understanding of the Three Strategies and Five Strategies, and after reading the Li Zi Ji, he also has a desire to make a big splash and is willing to contribute a little to the colonization of Southeast Asia.

What the Marshal has done will create a new situation for our Chinese people that has not been seen in thousands of years.

Take this opportunity
Qing boldly recommends himself and earnestly asks the Marshal to give him a chance to serve. The student vows to serve diligently.

Don't be afraid of any difficulties or obstacles.

If I violate this vow, I will willingly accept punishment by sword and axe, without complaint."

These words revealed Mu Qing's fiery thoughts. This man became famous at a young age. When he was over 20 years old, he passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi. He was sent to Lu Province as the seventh-rank magistrate of Pingyi County.

During his four-year term, he was rated as excellent every year.

The imperial court issued an edict, promoting Mu Qing to the rank of 6th-rank official in the Ministry of Works. After receiving the official seal, he was to return to Beijing to take up his post.
that time

Appreciated by his superiors and promoted by the court, Mu Qing was in high spirits and became the most popular person at the time.

Unfortunately, disaster also struck at this time. The Taiping rebel army marched north, and the mighty army happened to pass through Pingyi County and was blocked on the road to the north.

The result is self-evident. Although Mu Qing gathered the soldiers and militia of the county to resist with all his might, it was like a mayfly trying to shake a tree. In the end, the city was destroyed and people died.

Originally, Mu Qing was so passionate that he was ready to live and die with the city, but he was knocked unconscious by the old housekeeper with a stick and was carried out of the city during the chaos, thus finally escaping the disaster.

But the responsibility for losing land cannot be avoided.

This is the disadvantage of having no one above you. If those descendants of the Manchu clan could just move to another place and continue to be officials, what a big deal would that be.
Mu Qing was not so lucky. He was punished by the court, stripped of his hat and feather, and was never employed again. His official career was over from then on.

A few years passed quickly, and the once high-spirited young man had reached middle age, but still had accomplished nothing.

From this, it can be seen that Mu Qing's inner ambitions could not be realized and were suppressed to the extreme.

It has to be admitted that Li Hongzhang, the Governor-General of Liangjiang, had a very sharp eye for people. He picked out only good talents, and there was not a single inferior one.

After listening to his request, Zheng Guohui turned to look at Cao Yuxiu.

When talking about Cao Yuxiu's appointment as the chief of Angel Port, Zheng Guohui explained it to him in detail and also mentioned the arrangements for Mu Qing. Was it not leaked?
Cao Yuxiu understood at a glance and shook her head slightly.

Meaning
How could I, Cao Yuxiu, dare to tell anyone about the Marshal's instructions? I didn't mention a single word to anyone else, including my best friend Mu Qing.

Zheng Guohui saw Cao Yuxiu's eyes and immediately understood.

He admired these tight-lipped officials very much. The "Three Sages of the Cao Family" were no exaggeration. Each of them was very capable, handled things smoothly and meticulously, and was flawless in both big and small matters.

Just look at Jinling Prefect Cao Yucheng and you will know that he is truly a slippery old official. He was able to hold such an important position as Jinling Prefect without any connections. This was all thanks to his ability to seize opportunities and make friends everywhere.

The Governor Elong thought this person was good, and the Censor Wu Weicheng also thought this person was good, and his reputation has always been good.

What's even more strange is
He is very close to Zheng Guohui, and now he has placed all his two younger brothers' bets on him, which is considered a token of his loyalty.

If he doesn't step forward like this powerful character, who will?
Ahem, let’s get back to the topic.

Zheng Guohui smiled and stood up, extended his hand to support him and said, "Mr. Mu, please don't be so polite. When our Great Chu needs people, how can we abandon unpolished jade and use stubborn stones?

Regarding your appointment, I have already considered it."

"Are you serious?" Mu Qing blurted out excitedly, then realized that he had said something wrong and immediately bowed his head to apologize.

Zheng Guohui smiled and waved his hand, asking him to sit down. He sat down himself and then explained slowly;
“I have long heard of your talents.

After spending these past few months with him day and night and observing from the sidelines, I finally realized that what people say is true.

Our Great Chu is in an era of bravery and progress, and we will never stop expanding our territory.

It has always been my responsibility to educate the barbarians in Southeast Asia and promote the brilliant civilization of China. I will therefore invite talented people to work together for this great cause.

I'm sure you already know where Mr. Cao went.

When we went to the South Pacific, we sailed along the coastline of Palawan Island for two days and one night. Located in the central area is Port Angeles.

The following is a top secret military secret and must not be leaked. Otherwise, you will be subject to military law."

Zheng Guohui's expression grew serious. Cao and Mu, moved by their lord's trust and respect, stood up silently, bowed, and said, "General, if even a single word of this is leaked, I beg your death."

"Very good." Zheng Guohui did not let the two sit down, but continued;

"In early August, I intend to withdraw a detachment of troops to bypass the Zamboanga Peninsula and march north to suppress the indigenous tribes in Angeles Port, Palawan, and bring them under the rule of our Great Chu.

The island is remote and shaped like a long stick.

According to the accurate maps of Westerners, it is about 434 kilometers long from north to south and only 34 kilometers wide at its widest point. It separates the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea and is located on the western edge of the Luzon Islands.

Angel Port is located in the waist of the country. I intend to establish a government here and order Mr. Cao to lead the people to cultivate the island and develop it into a new paradise for the Chinese.

Initially, it was just a county seat.”

Having said this
Zheng Guohui turned his head to Mu Qing and said again;

"Mr. Mu, your task is more important.

On the island of Mindanao, there are two provinces and six counties, Zamboanga and Davao, in the south, but the north is blank.

At the right time
This commander intends to lead a small force to conquer Cagayan to the north and develop a Chinese colony in the north with this place as the core.

If Cagayan develops well in the future, it can be upgraded to a provincial capital and enjoy the same priority development rights as Port Angeles.

I have chosen Mr. Mu as the person to lead the development of Cagayan. The road ahead is full of thorns and the task is long and arduous.

These words moved Mu Qing beyond measure, his eyes reddened, and he bowed deeply and said:
"General, please accept my student's greeting.

Mu Qing only regretted that he had no place to display his abilities. If there was such a big stage, he would dare to sign a military order.

I swear to work hard and never be inferior to others."

"Very good. Have you both memorized the Great Chu's colonial policy?"

"Memorize it by heart and execute it resolutely."

"Well, I am not here to lead the army to conquer Southeast Asia to do good deeds." Zheng Guohui's domineering aura was revealed at this moment, and a hint of ferocity flashed between his brows. He said in a low voice;
"Those who are not of our race must have different hearts. We must divide and deal with them. We must unconditionally implement the policy of "emptying the cage and replacing the bird." On this point, I will not allow anyone to pretend to obey or disobey, or misinterpret the will of the superiors. This is a red line."

"We will strictly follow the commander's orders and will not make any mistakes." Cao Yuxiu and Mu Qing answered firmly with their fists clasped.

"Ah."

Zheng Guohui snorted, thinking he had passed, and then picked up the teacup.

The two of them tactfully said goodbye and left. Looking at their brisk steps, one could tell that they must be filled with joy.

(End of this chapter)