Nanyang Storm 1864

Chapter 171 The Northern Expedition is Imminent
The envoy sent back the latest battle report. Major General Huang Shan commanded four armies to launch a dragnet sweep of the indigenous villages and towns in the heart of Cagayan, clearing out all the indigenous men and women.

In the Cagayan region
The expeditionary force did not encounter collective resistance like the indigenous tribes in Port Angeles. The reason was that there was no indigenous chief with final say and opinions varied from party to party.

The tribes were in disarray, with deep resentment and unwillingness to trust each other.

When the Chinese Expeditionary Force arrived, they only encountered sporadic resistance. After being brutally suppressed, they surrendered obediently.

The indigenous tribes in this area are obviously not as brave and tough as those in Palawan Island, and of course they die faster.

This is a common problem among the local indigenous tribes in Mindanao. While constantly accepting the integration and cultural invasion of foreign ethnic groups, they have also learned to be deceitful and are no longer pure.

Several consecutive days
A large number of indigenous captives were escorted here, and the county magistrate Mu Qing and the clerks he led immediately began the tense and arduous work of colonial construction.

The port construction in Kajiayan is a river port rather than a seaport, so the workload is much smaller and the construction speed is much faster.

Only five or six days

The wooden trestle on the river bank was formed, and then a large number of indigenous convicts were driven to build roads and bridges.

The Cagayan County Magistrate, completely disdainful of the thatched kennels of the local indigenous tribes, decided to tear them all down and rebuild. Having seen and learned so much, he had a grand blueprint in mind.

On selected urban plots, indigenous convicts began digging deep trenches along the white ash, which would later be used as sewerage facilities.

Due to the availability of manpower, more than a dozen brick kilns, lime kilns, coal kilns, and wood drying kilns were under construction simultaneously. Lumber piled high near the lumber mill, processing and producing timber day and night.

Mu Qing was an extremely talented official. After exploring the surrounding terrain, he discovered that the clay texture in a hilly area about ten kilometers away from Cagayan was very good.

This clay soil has a low sand content and fine particles, making it very suitable for firing kilns and making porcelain. He was overjoyed at this discovery.

What is the largest import into Mindanao today?
It's porcelain and pottery. These things are indispensable in daily life. They are not available locally and can only be imported from the mainland.

Because porcelain is scarce and expensive, many immigrant families still only have one bowl at home. The men eat first, and then the women eat. This situation is very common.

Mu Qing keenly sensed the huge opportunities hidden here, and immediately began to mobilize convicts. With the help of experienced Chinese craftsmen, he prepared to build 20 porcelain kilns at one time to produce a large amount of porcelain.

The most difficult part of making porcelain is digging the soil and making the blanks. The dug clay must be carefully screened and repeatedly pounded to make the blanks. The process is very tiring.

Such hard work was naturally left to the indigenous convicts.

Every strong laborer had to hand in a certain amount of mud bricks every day in order to get food, otherwise he would starve.

Mu Qing plans to select four to five hundred young indigenous women who are dexterous and have them learn pottery throwing from Chinese craftsmen. They will be able to get the hang of it after a few days of practice.

At the beginning, we did not make porcelain with complex shapes, but only produced daily necessities such as porcelain bowls, porcelain plates, porcelain cups, porcelain jars, porcelain pots, and porcelain jars to solve the current urgent shortage problem.

have to say
Mu Qing, who has rich experience as a pastoralist, has found a very accurate positioning, which meets the pain point of the current shortage of daily necessities. He has made great efforts to help the Cagayan region break away from the subsidies of the Marshal's Office as soon as possible and operate independently.

It is impossible to implement a salt monopoly in the entire Mindanao Island plus Palawan Island.

This is because most of the Chinese colonial towns are located on the seaside, making it very convenient to produce sea salt. Salt fields were also established in various places for their own use.

The salt here is very cheap and of good quality.

Even the local Chinese people know how to get some sea water, filter out impurities, and then boil it in a pot to make sea salt. One batch is enough for their family to use for half a year.

If Cagayan wants to develop, it must find a unique way. Utilizing local clay resources and firing porcelain is a simple and easy method.

January 8st

The first batch of Chinese immigrants arrived in Cagayan. These were immigrants transferred from Angel Island. The local area was seriously overloaded with the continuous resettlement of a large number of Chinese immigrants.

It just so happened that they had conquered a large area like Cagayan, and hundreds of indigenous villages were uninhabited and were all cleared out.

The Cagayan region at this time was like a long-dry land that finally received a downpour of rain.

In just two days, 5722 Chinese immigrants were efficiently resettled, and each Chinese immigrant was given an Aboriginal woman on credit.

On the map of Cagayan County

Immediately, there were more than twenty Chinese immigrant villages, 5722 Chinese families, and more than 6 acres of land allocated for cultivation, and the entire immigration and reclamation boom was set off.

Cagayan Port

Also arriving in Cagayan were more than 1400 officers and soldiers of the nd Division's "Xin" Regiment. They had completed the clearing and conquest battle in Angeles Port and arrived in Cagayan by ship to join the Huangshan Expeditionary Detachment to prepare for a new journey.

The military order from the Marshal's Office has been issued. The Huangshan Expeditionary Detachment, led by Major General Huangshan, will be composed of the "Y" Regiment of the First Expeditionary Division and the "Xin" Regiment of the Second Expeditionary Division. It will be reinforced with two artillery teams with a total of about 400 people, including a total of 12 American-made M1857 12-pound field artillery pieces. The total number of officers and soldiers is about 2700.

Another 2,000 sword and shield soldiers who were sent on the expedition to Cagayan will also join the army in the expedition to Cebu Island in the north.

The local security in Cagayan was taken over by the Chinese immigrants who arrived one after another. After being equipped with knives and guns, there would not be any major chaos.

"My Lord, we have been sending you thousands of miles away, but we will eventually have to say goodbye! Please take care of yourself, as we have a long way to go." Major General Huangshan raised his hand and saluted cheerfully, feeling very satisfied with his strong army.

Including the hundreds of recruited indigenous laborers, his army exceeded 5,000 people, which was indeed a powerful armed force.

I am full of confidence about the expedition to Cebu Island.

Just a few days
Mu Qing was obviously darker and thinner, with a few bloodshot eyes, which was a sign of lack of sleep.

He bowed respectfully and said;

"General, you have braved the wrath of the enemy and led your troops into battle, repeatedly making great contributions and opening up overseas territories for our Chinese people. I am deeply grateful for your kindness.

The general's contribution to the pacification of Cagayan is invaluable.

On this farewell occasion
I have nothing to offer, so I can only say "take care" and hope to drink and chat with you on the day of my triumphant return."

"Thank you, Your Excellency, for your parting words. Now, let us make a pact. On the day of our triumphant return, we will drink and chat, and not return until we are drunk!"

"Okay, it's a deal."

The two men looked at each other and laughed, with respect in their eyes. After saluting again, Major General Huangshan turned around and left with his men, laughing, and stepped onto the wooden trestle bridge.

County Magistrate Mu Qing stood on the river bank with everyone, waved goodbye solemnly, and then turned and left.

They have a lot of trivial matters to deal with, and they have to work all night tonight. Several groups of clerks have to go to the countryside to measure the fields and demarcate the locations of villages in preparation for receiving the next batch of Chinese immigrants.

Since you are all busy, just take care of yourself.

It's evening now

A row of large sailing ships were anchored in the river, and small sampans were constantly coming and going, carrying soldiers onto the ships.

Some of the soldiers, who had eaten and drunk their fill, walked along the unfinished wooden pier and boarded the sailing ship with their weapons and equipment. They were preparing to expedition to the Cebu Islands.

After a nap on the boat, we will arrive at Cebu Island tomorrow morning, and it will probably be dark by then.

The war machine of the Great Chu was in full swing, baring its ferocious fangs, ready to take over the Luzon Islands and Cebu Islands in the north in one fell swoop.

The victories in consecutive battles gave Marshal Zheng Guohui stronger confidence.

In the battle plan of the Marshal's Mansion
This Huangshan detachment was responsible for attacking the Cebu Islands as a detachment, which was mainly Cebu Island, one of the main strongholds of the Spanish colonists.

Of the hundreds of islands surrounding Cebu Island, most are uninhabited, with only a few inhabited by local indigenous tribes, and white colonists rarely set foot there.

Cebu Island was the first area to be visited by Spanish colonists. Its colonial history spans over three hundred years, which is longer than that of Manila, and its architecture has a stronger Spanish flavor.

There are more than 475 local people of Spanish white descent and soldiers stationed there. It is a city with very Spanish architectural features.

The Cebu Island garrison is divided into 6 companies, each with less than 80 officers and soldiers, and the smallest company has only 61 people.

"General Huang, have you said goodbye to your colleagues?"

Major General Robert held a pipe in his mouth, took a deep breath and exhaled, letting the thick smoke wrap around himself, then asked casually.

After boarding the ship, Major General Huang Shan nodded calmly and responded, "This county magistrate is a man of action. In just a week, this desolate land has been transformed. There's a surge of enthusiasm everywhere!"

"Oh...it seems the general thinks highly of him."

"That's right. I judge a person not by what he says, but by what he does. The efforts made by the prefectural governor make me believe that Cagayan will have a bright future."

"That's true. I just wonder where our respected Marshal found such talent. I've been to several counties, and everything I've seen is astonishing."

"General Robert, this isn't the achievement of any one person. It's the collective sweat and tears of over 200,000 Chinese immigrants. They toiled to build their homes and cultivate the land, just to make this island a better place."

"Oh my God! I almost believed you, dear General Huang. Don't you think we are invaders?"

"Invaders, like the Yankees driving out the Indians?"

"Maybe. This is indeed an objective fact. The white people took away the Indians' cattle and land, and even skinned them to make some creepy little things."

"We are not that barbaric, General Robert. At least my army will not skin the natives. I personally don't like such barbaric things."

"Well, I have no moral qualms about conquering this native people. If the Spanish can do it, then the Orientals can do it too. I will work for whoever pays me, and I will do it well."

"Well said, General Robert, this is exactly what we all expect." Major General Huang Shan couldn't help but laugh.

His American counterparts are very straightforward, unlike the Chinese bureaucrats who speak in an obscure and vague way, giving people the feeling that they are very clear-headed.

It was easy and pleasant to be with Major General Robert, and that was enough. The two sides, one navy and one army, were not on the same page.

Standing by the side of the boat

Looking at the sunset glow filling the sky, the coconut trees swaying gently, the cool sea breeze blowing on the face, and the soldiers rushing to the team like ants moving, a passion for conquest arises in people's hearts.

In this exotic Southeast Asia, every time I think of the heroic spirit of leading an army to expand territory and establish an unprecedented achievement, I feel a thrill of excitement all over my body, and a tingling sensation of ultimate enjoyment.

After a long time, it is inevitable that you will become addicted to it.

In the past few months, Major General Huang Shan has read some translated books and British and French newspapers in his spare time, which has broadened his horizons.

Could he understand why the Spaniards, Portuguese, Dutch, British and French had been obsessed with expanding colonies since the Age of Discovery?

Major General Huangshan is now a fanatical follower of the Marshal. Only by following the footsteps of the hero can one see more beautiful scenery.

The long bell rang, interrupting Major General Huang Shan's thoughts.

This was the order to weigh anchor and set sail. On the deck of the sailing ship, seven or eight sailors worked together to turn the huge capstan, and accompanied by the labor song of "Hey-ya hey-ya", they winched up the heavy anchor.

As soon as the anchor left the water, the captain gave the order to "drop the sails". The rigging hand on the mast quickly untied the ropes, and the huge mainsail, jib, sidesail, and foresail were all spread out, filling the sea breeze and generating a powerful dragging force.

The large sailing ships sailed along the river, followed by one after another, forming a large fleet of 25 sailing ships, which quickly sailed out of the estuary and into the bay.

The sea breeze in the bay became stronger, and the sailboat cut through the waves and sped towards the northeast.

Davao Port

Now the riverside port has been occupied by dense transport fleets, and the sailing fleet and armored fleet of the Great Chu Navy have all sailed into the anchorage in the bay and dropped anchor.

The docks were freed up for transport fleets and troop transport fleets to load large quantities of supplies and personnel.

First came the transport ships loaded with various supplies. After loading, they sailed away one by one and headed for the anchorage in the bay to anchor.

The following ones are loaded, and so on.

The scale of this Northern Expedition was grand, and both the sailing fleet and the Fujian fleet were mobilized. The Fujian ships transported supplies, while the sailing ships transported troops, with each clearly separated.

The remaining troops of the 2nd Expeditionary Division from Zamboanga Province arrived at noon and were arranged to stay at the nearest naval base for a short rest.

On the occasion of the expedition
The large kitchen at the naval base slaughtered dozens of pigs to improve the meals for the officers and soldiers of the Second Expeditionary Division. The rare braised pork appeared, and each soldier could get a small bowl.

Add stewed radish with meat scraps and flatbread, and you can add more after finishing the last two. It is so delicious that your mouth is full of oil and you will feel very satisfied.

Even in the Chu army, where meat was often available, if one wanted to eat a portion of braised pork, with each person having a small bowl, they could only do so occasionally throughout the year, an occasion that was even more grand than the Chinese New Year.

Today in Davao Province, there is a strong atmosphere of support for the Northern Expedition from top to bottom.

Many villages and towns drove carts and delivered whole carts of vegetables, fruits, grains and other items. These were spontaneous donations from the people in addition to paying taxes.

Only in the more mature counties, towns and villages around Davao Province, where local Chinese immigrants have stable lives and surplus food at home, can they make generous contributions.

Those newly established county governments, villages and towns are still relying on subsidized food, so there is nothing they can do even if they want to do more.

Many inspiring slogans were written in lime on the walls of cities and villages.

These inspiring slogans greatly boosted the people's enthusiasm to support the Expeditionary Force, solidified the Chinese nation's self-confidence, and consolidated the Chinese nation's sense of identity, and will surely have a far-reaching impact.

In the Marshal's Mansion
Zheng Guohui had just finished attending a high-level military meeting, deployed fleet combat and transportation plans, and coordinated the steps of the army and navy, and hurried to the governor's office on the side.

Governor Zheng Shouxin has been in charge of the civil affairs of Mindanao. He has worked diligently in the past two years and has greatly promoted the influx of immigrants into cities and urban and rural development. He has indeed put in a lot of hard work.

He was thinner than he was two years ago. He stood at the gate of the Governor's Mansion with his men, and greeted the Marshal who was striding over. He clasped his fists and saluted, saying:
"Your subordinates respectfully welcome the Marshal. May the Marshal be blessed with good health."

"No need to be so polite. Let's go in and discuss it together." Zheng Guohui made a gesture of invitation and strode past Zheng Shouxin, heading straight into the Governor's Mansion.

Zheng Shouxin hurriedly trotted to catch up, always keeping half a body length behind the Marshal. Other officials followed him, forming a typical goose-step formation.

Thousands of years of influence from officialdom culture have inadvertently caused this new force far away in Southeast Asia to pick up some old customs and practices. There is nothing that can be done about it.

How can the Chinese political system, which is composed of Chinese blood, lack Chinese characteristics?

Entering the Governor's Palace Hall

Zheng Guohui didn't waste any words and sat directly at the top seat. Zheng Shouxin and other officials sat down in tacit understanding, without any disorder according to their official rank.

After sitting down
Zheng Guohui spoke directly;
"Well, time is limited, so I won't go into details.

I have convened this high-level administrative meeting with only two topics in mind. All officials must pay close attention to them and implement them with great vigor and determination.

The first was that during the Northern Expedition, the entire island of Mindanao was under martial law, and all urban and rural armed militias were on the road, setting up checkpoints, conducting checks at every level, and patrolling day and night.

If there is any doubt or mistake, we will not let them go.

A historic juncture
I don’t want to see any accidents happen, I don’t want to see any turmoil on the island, and I don’t want to see anything that makes people unhappy.

If this happens, the crime will be even more serious and must be dealt with strictly, quickly and severely to eliminate any signs of it.

During martial law

Any large-scale gatherings are strictly prohibited, temple fairs and gatherings of people are strictly prohibited, the flow of population in townships and towns must be strictly controlled, suspicious persons must be strictly investigated, and all kinds of bad trends must be strictly guarded against.

During martial law

All Western merchant ships entering the ports of the island will be temporarily detained. The attitude towards British merchant ships should be better so as not to cause strong backlash.

If you go and negotiate in person, we can provide appropriate compensation for the losses.

As for merchant ships from the mainland, France, the Netherlands, the United States or other nationalities, just handle them in a fair and just manner, they can't cause much trouble.

Whoever makes a mistake must take responsibility and bear the serious consequences.

Second, take stock of your assets and see how many single immigrants are still on Mindanao?

When returning from the Northern Expedition, I will arrange for the return ship to carry some indigenous women, bring them back to Mindanao, and give them to the Chinese immigrants to marry.

They are all good young men. If they have women, they can have children, which will strengthen the strength of our Chinese immigrants and consolidate the foundation of our Great Chu.

This matter needs to be done as soon as possible and a plan should be submitted.

There is no shortage of indigenous women in the Luzon Islands. This is a good opportunity to make up for the shortcomings and it must not be missed.

After the successful Northern Expedition

My focus will be shifted to the Manila and Cebu Islands. Martial law will be issued based on the current situation. You will all execute it together. There is no need to speculate on right or wrong."

Zheng Guohui said this, turned to look at Zheng Shouxin who was sitting in the first seat below him, and said in a much gentler tone; "I will leave this old secret to the governor."

"Please rest assured, Marshal. As long as I, Zheng Shouxin, am still alive, I will do my utmost to take care of Mindanao. I dare not distract you from other matters, otherwise I will commit the greatest sin."

"With you guys guarding here, I feel at ease. Thank you for your help."

"We are unable to offer any assistance. We can only perform our duties faithfully and look forward to the Marshal's swift and victorious return to complete the great cause of unifying the Luzon Islands."

"Well, you two can discuss the specifics. I have something important to attend to, so I'll leave first."

"We, the subordinates, respectfully bid farewell to the Marshal and wish him a safe journey! May we expand our territory and achieve immediate success!"

"Um……"

Zheng Guohui nodded, then stood up and strode away. He was really overwhelmed.

at this time

He missed Li Hezhang especially. If Li Hezhang, the chief steward, had gone to Southeast Asia earlier and taken over most of the trivial government affairs, why would he have to work so hard?

The problem is that
Jiangnan Province also cannot do without Li Hezhang, the general manager. The two can only reunite after the Northern Expedition is successful.

After respectfully seeing off the Marshal, Governor Zheng Shouxin's face darkened and he said to everyone in a solemn voice:
"Given the gravity of the matter, martial law has been extended to all prefectures and counties. There is no room for negligence or laxity. Detailed regulations must be drawn up and those responsible must be held accountable.

If the village does not take action and does not take it seriously, the village chief will be held responsible if something goes wrong.

If the town fails to take action and does not pay attention, the mayor will be held accountable.

The same is true in the county and the prefecture. The Governor's Office has prepared dinner today, and I invite all colleagues to have dinner. We will discuss it in detail and make sure to reach a specific proposal.

Dear gentlemen, please speak freely, nip problems in the bud, and work together to implement comprehensive martial law. No mistakes or omissions are allowed.

As for the matter of counting bachelors, an order should be immediately issued to the Governor-General, ordering all prefectures, counties, and towns to promptly compile and report the figures without error."

"What the Governor said is correct. We have no objection." A group of officials responded.

At such an important moment, no blind person jumped out to oppose, which shows that they are all smart people.

(End of this chapter)