Nanyang Storm 1864

Chapter 295 Fire Attack Strategy
After returning to the Jiami Palace, King Zheng Guohui of Chu took a bath and then walked to the pavilion to sit down and enjoy the moment of tranquility.

Looking at the colorful flowers blooming in the back garden and smelling the fragrant aroma, he felt comfortable from body to mind.

It has been more than three weeks since he returned to the mainland of Chu. King Zheng Guohui of Chu has been busy traveling between various prefectures and counties and artillery forts along the coast, almost non-stop, supervising the preparations for war throughout the country.

Although the enemy has not attacked, preparations for war cannot stop.

The inspection results cannot be said to be completely satisfactory. Basically, the ratio is 70:30. Seventy percent basically meets the minimum requirements for combat readiness, and the other 30% always have problems of one kind or another. Strict orders have been issued to supervise and correct them.

Several officials from prefectures and counties were punished for this, either directly dismissed or demoted, and none of them were forgiven lightly.

Especially when He Zhizhang, the governor of Cavite, and Zheng Guohui, the King of Chu, visited the area;

It was discovered that the local prefectures and counties had not formed local militias, and had not effectively implemented the construction projects stipulated in the Ministry of Military and Political Affairs' "Guiding Opinions on Preventing Foreign Invasion and Building Integrated Urban and Rural Defense Facilities", including the construction of bunkers and the establishment of sentry posts on bridges, roads, and places that must be passed through urban and rural areas. They had not followed the pace of war preparedness work deployed by the Prime Minister's Yamen.

See this scene
King Zheng Guohui of Chu could not help but be furious. After returning to his homeland, he inspected dozens of counties and this was the first time he had seen such an outrageous situation. It was simply outrageous.

The Cavite Governor He Zhizhang was immediately held accountable, and he argued that;
"Because of my sympathy for the people, I personally believe that we should not impose too much corvee labor on the people, but rather allow them to cultivate themselves. This is a virtuous policy."

"The government should not overdraw people's resources and serve its own selfish interests."

This sophistry made King Zheng Guohui of Chu so angry that he immediately issued an order;

He was stripped of his noble title, taken away from his position as prefect, and thrown directly into the prison of the National Police Agency on the serious charge of "inciting the people to mislead, winning over the hearts of the people, and intending to rebel, which is an unforgivable crime."

Officials from the Krabi prefecture and surrounding counties were successively dismissed, stripped of their awarded noble titles and positions, and severely punished for the crime of "knowing about the incident but not reporting it, and being considered as an accomplice."

This major move directly emptied the officials of Jiami Prefecture and several surrounding counties. The case of "Jiami Prefecture buying the hearts of the people" became the most sensational official earthquake in the Chu State besides preparing for war.

Government officials at all levels were shocked and felt the same way.

There are reasons for the anger of King Zheng Guohui of Chu

Now the whole country is actively preparing for war. This is the top priority of the military and civilians across the country, and everything must give way to it.

Regardless of whether the British and French allied forces will reach the Chu mainland, preparations for war cannot stop and cannot be relaxed. This is also a profound crisis education for the military and civilians across the country and is of great significance.

This person actually dared to pretend to obey but actually disobey, and refused to implement the war preparation policy promoted by the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Military Affairs on the grounds of "sympathizing with the people's feelings." Regardless of whether it was due to his corrupt Confucian ideas, his heart is despicable and his behavior is unforgivable.

As a mere prefect, is it your turn to "sympathize with the people"?

In order to squeeze out funds to build bunkers, defense walls, and various defense facilities, the people must definitely perform labor service and everyone must work together to build them.

This was to defend our homes and to protect the lives and property of local people from the invasion of the British and French forces.

It was to implement the King of Chu's iron-blooded oath of "500 million people, 500 million soldiers", "the whole country is a soldier, no one is exempted", "when the bloody battle comes to the last soldier, I would rather die standing than live on my knees"...

Undeniable
Behind the Chu King Zheng Guohui's massive nationwide war preparation campaign, under the tremendous pressure of foreign invasion, there is the intention to consolidate the Chinese national consciousness, consolidate the sense of belonging to the kingdom, and realize crisis education for the whole nation.

This will consolidate the fragmented Chinese immigrant nation into an unshakable whole and an iron fist.

At the same time, it sent a clear signal to foreign envoys stationed in Chu that they would never surrender.

I believe that such a clear signal will be quickly conveyed back to the top leaders in the country by the diplomatic envoys of Britain, France and other European and American countries for reference in decision-making.

Even if it is impossible to scare off the Anglo-French coalition forces now, after repeated setbacks in their attacks, the top leaders of Britain and France will certainly take this into consideration when weighing the pros and cons.

If we continue to fight to the death, when will it end?

How much war expenses can Britain and France continue to invest in this war and how many casualties can they bear?

How long will the war last?

If force cannot conquer, why not try friendly means or winning them over?

the last point

This is the result that King Zheng Guohui of Chu longed for and tried his best to achieve. He would not allow anyone to interfere with this ultimate goal, even under the banner of "cultivating the people". Anyone who did so must be severely punished.

The mystery of the matter is that
If King Zheng Guohui of Chu and the Chu government cannot proactively propose a policy of "friendly reconciliation," their momentum will be weakened, and their side will be discouraged, which is absolutely unfeasible.

Instead, we must make the two world powers, Britain and France, realize that through national preparations for war and bloody struggle;
Conquering this tiny Southeast Asian country may come at an unbearable price.

Thus, changing the condescending bullying attitude.

Instead, they should lower their stance and take the initiative to negotiate with the State of Chu. Only in this way could they put the rights and interests won in the war into practice and ultimately achieve peace.

If through such a war

If the Chinese under the rule of the Chu State could be recognized by the two powers of Britain and France, could be given proper respect, could receive fair and just citizen treatment in British and French colonies around the world, could have their personal safety and property protected by consulates, and could stand up and do business with confidence, then any sacrifice would be worth it.

Dignity is priceless. If you want to be respected by the two major powers of Britain and France and the Europeans, you must first be strong enough.

In the original history
The most simple and unpretentious proof of this is that the Fuso Kingdom defeated the seemingly powerful armored fleet of the Northern Shenzhou in the Battle of the Yellow Sea. Its strength was unanimously recognized by the Western powers, and it thus joined the ranks of the world's powers.

The great powers are also divided into different levels. Although Fuso's strength is recognized, it is still at the bottom of the great powers.

After the Battle of the Yellow Sea

There were still concessions of Britain, France, the United States and the Netherlands in places like Nagasaki, and the unequal treaties imposed on Fuso still existed. Fuso was just a younger brother of the world powers. This situation was not completely changed until after the Russo-Japanese War.

Historical experience has shown that only through war can the world powers recognize the strength of Chu and win its respect. This is a transformation of blood and fire.

Every world power has experienced rebirth through war. After conquering one opponent after another, Britain used them as stepping stones to sit on the throne at the top of the world.

This throne is made of guns and cannons, and underneath is the bones of conquered colonies and countless countries. The glory of every conquest has been transformed into a medal of the British Empire, forging the glory of dominating the seven seas of the world today.

So if I want to get promoted, I have to follow this path.

King Zheng Guohui of Chu now feels like he is walking on a tightrope. Although he appears calm on the outside, the pressure on him is not light.

He admired the blooming flowers in the countryside for a while, then walked along the gravel path to the study in the palace.

A thick stack of memorials lay on the desk in the palace's study. The new chief of staff, Wu Qingfeng, stood respectfully at his side, his hands drooping. He was the former governor of Angeles. After completing his two-year term and receiving top-notch evaluations, he was recalled to the royal household and promoted to chief of staff, a well-deserved promotion.

The post of Angeles governor was taken over by former deputy chief of staff Zheng Shouxu, who took office half a month ago.

This was the usual method used by King Zheng Guohui of Chu to train his subordinates. He would train them around him to broaden their horizons, and then send them to the prefectures and counties below to experience practical work, hone their work experience, and accumulate experience in grassroots government affairs.

The real promising talents will continue to be recalled to take on important responsibilities. The Chief of Staff is known as the "Little Cabinet Elder" and is the cradle for cultivating ministers and future prime ministers. Its importance can be seen from this.

"See Your Majesty."

"No need to be polite. Is there anything important going on today?"

After King Zheng Guohui of Chu came in, he went straight to the desk to handle government affairs, and asked as he walked.

Chief of Staff Wu Qingfeng bowed with both hands and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, there are three important matters."

"Well, tell me about it." King Zheng Guohui of Chu sat down behind the desk. Instead of reaching out to take the memorial, he picked up the teacup and took a sip.

Chief of Staff Wu Qingfeng replied;

“To reply to your Majesty;

The first was a new development coming from Singapore. The British were actively active in the Malay Peninsula across the Johor Strait, forcing a large number of Malay laborers to cut down forests, open up storage yards, and transport supplies to pile them up into mountains.

The Singapore Expeditionary Force intended to send small boats across the sea at night to burn supplies, but the British side was very vigilant and two attempts ended in failure, resulting in the loss of more than 20 warriors.

The Singapore Expeditionary Force estimates

The British will use this place as a springboard to transport supplies to Singapore through the Johor Strait, which is less than a kilometer wide, and launch a large-scale landing, repeating the route our expeditionary force took to capture Singapore.

Therefore, the strategy of "burning the British army" was decided..."

"Oh... where is it?" King Zheng Guohui of Chu immediately became interested and asked, putting down the teacup in his hand.

Chief of Staff Wu Qingfeng stepped forward, took a copy from the top of the thick memorial with both hands, and respectfully presented it, saying, "Your Majesty, please review it."

King Zheng Guohui of Chu did not respond, but took the memorial directly, opened it and read it carefully. As he read, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"Brilliant! This is a brilliant plan. In my opinion, we can expand it a bit. Wait until the majority of the Anglo-French forces have landed, and then launch a resolute counterattack. This will surely inflict a heavy loss on these proud Europeans. I think it's feasible."

He thought for a moment and then said;
"This king has approved it. Order the expeditionary force to act according to the plan. By the way... during the counterattack, you must not pursue the enemy too far to prevent the British warships cruising in the strait from covering you with artillery fire and causing unnecessary losses.

We must make it clear to all commanders that pursuits must not come closer than one thousand meters from the coastline, and that they should stop when necessary."

"I will obey your Majesty's order and immediately inform Singapore." Chief of Staff Wu Qingfeng replied with a bow.

The shock caused by the "Bloody Saigon Battle" was very obvious. An American Pacific Telegraph Company, which appeared out of nowhere, acquired the Royal Nanyang Telegraph Company's telegraph business rights in Indochina.

After negotiations with Hong Kong and Saigon, the telegraph office originally taken over by the British and French colonial authorities was taken over by the American Pacific Telegraph Company, which continued to carry out telegraph business in Indochina.

The long-distance telegraph lines from Manila to Hong Kong, from Hong Kong to Saigon, from Saigon to Bangkok, and the lesser-known one from Bangkok to Singapore have been reopened to the public to take over the telegraph business.

Inside

The most obvious change was that the British colonial authorities in Hong Kong took the initiative to hand over the station facilities that had originally belonged to the Chu State Royal Nanyang Telegraph Bureau when the American Pacific Telegraph Company did not go to negotiate, behaving extremely cunningly.

The British Hong Kong colonial authorities were well aware that they were now a piece of fat meat in the mouths of the Chu military.

You can eat it whenever you want.

Singapore and Saigon fell one after another, which were ten or even a hundred times more difficult than attacking Hong Kong. Why could Hong Kong remain unscathed?
Therefore, the British colonial authorities in Hong Kong were the first to make changes, issuing a series of local bills such as the "Guidelines for Employment and Business of Hong Kong Residents", the "Equal Commercial Taxation Law", and the "Land Ownership Guidance Policy", which clarified the personal and property safety of overseas Chinese, and their rights to engage in business, own property, and have their property inviolable.

Obviously, these British guys know what the Chu people want?
The changes made by the British Hong Kong colonial authorities were very good signs and naturally received recognition from the Chu government.

In the latest issue of Manila World Weekly, an authoritative editorial was published on this matter, commenting on the relevant local laws of the British colonial authorities in Hong Kong, and believing that they were "important measures to promote regional prosperity, civilization and equal development" and "the beginning of a peaceful and prosperous situation!"

I believe the British will be very sensitive to the signals sent by Manila World Weekly, and this is also a useful channel.

"Your Majesty, the second item is a letter of negotiation from Lan Fang President Liu Ah Sheng, stating that our East Malaya Expeditionary Force has frequently penetrated deep into Lan Fang territory, causing great distress. Requesting that this improper and transgressive behavior cease."

"Lan Fang Liu Asheng, humph... a mere withered bone in a tomb, a guard dog." After hearing this, King Zheng Guohui of Chu raised his mouth with disdain, and after a moment's consideration, he gave the order.

"Order General Huang to continue to exert pressure on Liu Ahsheng. Let him understand: if they unite, wealth and honor will continue to pass down to the family, and he will be indispensable to the Earldom. If they separate, they will die without a burial place. Where to go next... is up to him to decide. There is no third way."

"Your humble servant will obey the Majesty's order and draft an edict to be issued immediately." Chief of staff Wu Qingfeng searched through the pile of memorials and took out the handwritten letter from Lan Fang President Liu Asheng. There was no need to present it to King Chu for his review.

He then continued;

"The third item is the funding for the Cebu Copper Plant project. As we face war preparations, the Ministry of the Interior recommends suspending the project until the situation becomes clearer.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs was worried that the factory buildings and equipment would be damaged due to the war, causing unnecessary and significant losses.

The Cebu local government strongly opposes the project, believing that it is a flagship project for local industrial development. If it is slow in one step, all steps will be slow, which will have a significant impact on the region's economy.

I request Your Majesty's explicit instructions before this can be implemented."

"Let them build it. This is a decision that has already been made. Don't change it. The Ministry of Internal Affairs said it was my will. What's there to be afraid of in a war? If it's damaged, just keep rebuilding. The copper factory is the goose that lays golden eggs. We can't stop it."

"I will obey the Majesty's command and draft the decree to be issued. I will take my leave." Chief of Staff Wu Qingfeng bowed respectfully, took two steps back, and then quietly turned around and left.

The three important matters that needed to be reported today have been reported.

The remaining memorials will be reviewed by His Majesty personally, who will approve the imperial edict.

As the chief of staff serving His Majesty, there is no need to hang around in front of His Majesty at this time. Knowing when to appear and when to hide is an essential skill for the chief of staff.

If we wait until Your Majesty speaks out to drive them away, it would be a serious dereliction of duty.

(End of this chapter)