Nanyang Storm 1864

Chapter 379: People are not born equal
In early 1872, amidst the chaotic regional situation, the second cabinet government of the Chu State was born.

In this cabinet, Marquis Li Hezhang serves as Prime Minister.

Cabinet members

The Deputy Prime Minister was still Earl Zheng Shouxin, who also served as the Governor of Tongzhou, and the former Director of the General Administration of Taxation, Lu Junxi, was changed to Minister of Finance.

Viscount Ho Sin, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Transport.

Viscount Dong Huanzhang, Minister of the Interior.

Baron Zhongqiu, Minister of Commerce and Culture.

Baron Fang Weishan, Minister of Industry (Note: former manager of Nanyang Heavy Industries).

Viscount Zheng Xin, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Minister of Agriculture Fan Zhicheng (Note: former governor of Sukuro).

Viscount Wu Qingfeng, Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Minister of Public Security, Earl Zheng Guotai (Note: former Minister of Industry).

Of the ten government departments, seven were appointed by new officials, marking major changes. Three departments remained in their original positions, namely the Home Office, the Foreign Office and the Colonial Office, reflecting an overall pattern of stability with change.

Besides
Director of the Auditor-General's Office, Viscount Ho Dao-chi (Note: former Minister of Finance)
Director of the General Administration of Taxation, Viscount Wang Luming (Note: Remains in office)

Director of the Correctional Service, Viscount Jeong Sun (Note: Former Minister of Public Security)
The positions of most cabinet members in the second cabinet of the State of Chu were changed, which reflected the governing philosophy of King Zheng Guohui of Chu.

Ministers should be allowed to move around frequently to prevent them from forming their own cliques or factions and developing their own power. Even close confidants are not allowed to do so. This is also reflected in the appointment and removal of senior military generals.

The new Chief of the General Staff is Admiral Huo Haisheng of the Navy. This is the highest military position after the King who is the Commander-in-Chief of both the Army and Navy. It is held by a Navy general, thus realizing a situation where the Army and Navy take turns in being in charge.

Early September
After the Chinese New Year in 1872, the Governor of Malaya, Duke Zheng Guoliang, was ready to start making trouble.

Be quiet for a moment, that doesn't exist.

Zheng Guoliang is just 24 years old this year. He is full of passion and ambition. His idol is his second brother Zheng Guohui, who single-handedly built a huge empire and established the immortal foundation of the Chu State. He is simply like a god.

Zheng Guoliang's mind was full of the grand cause of expanding the territory of the Chu State. The Chu State and the Zheng family were equated and inseparable. Zheng Guoliang was determined to bring the entire Kalimantan Island into the kingdom.

The glory of the Chu State is the glory of the Zheng family, and the glory of the Zheng family is the glory of Zheng Guoliang. This logic is very reasonable and there is nothing wrong with it.

In order to accomplish something big, he gathered all the best and brightest officers from the Ministry of the Interior.

Only a top duke in the kingdom like Zheng Guoliang could have such dignity, and it was even more convenient for him to be in the Ministry of the Interior under the care of his brother-in-law Dong Huanzhang.

The operation is led by Colonel Han Wenqin, the senior director of the Fifth Department. Lieutenant Colonel Pan Changfu, Lieutenant Colonel Luo Xiang and a large group of action team members, who have made outstanding contributions in the war against Britain and France four years ago, are now scattered and lurking in the southern part of Dutch Borneo to cause trouble.

The group of young men who rushed out to hack people in Samarinda were led by Lieutenant Colonel Luo Xiang himself.

With the Chinese gangs in Kalimantan, they are just a bunch of ragtag gangs and are simply not capable of doing such a bloody and daring thing, nor do they dare to do it so ruthlessly, leaving no way out at all.

If they want to do something ruthless, the action team has to do it themselves.

Now it seems
The effect was so good that the Chu Kingdom's Royal Navy was mobilized, and the British Royal Navy's Ironclad Fleet was also dispatched. The situation in the entire region was also transformed. Zheng Guoliang had a passionate impulse to make history, which made him unable to stop. He said with high emotions:

"The Kingdom's millions of people are watching us, and His Majesty is watching us. We must get this done. Don't be afraid of making a big fuss. If it does, I will personally bow to the palace and apologize, and I will never let you bear the responsibility."

These words were very serious. Colonel Han Wenqin gritted his teeth, stood at attention, saluted, and said:
"Your Highness, please forgive my humble behavior. If you want to cause trouble, the people in the Fifth Department have never been afraid of anyone. You dare to poke holes in the sky! As long as Your Highness can protect you, you will definitely be satisfied."

"Alright, that's what I want. Go all out and use all your might. I can handle anything. If that doesn't work out, I'll kneel outside the Purple Palace and apologize to His Majesty. If you want to punish me, punish me."

"With the Third Prince here, we in the Fifth Division can now work with full confidence."

"Hey, wait, no matter what this is, we must be right. Don't just kill people indiscriminately. If you dare to do that, I'll kill you first."

"Your Highness, please rest assured. No matter what happens, we are the victims, and we will never let the Red Indians find fault with us."

"Alright then, just go for it. Make it a big, lively event. The Prime Minister is being too cautious. I can't wait that long."

"Please rest assured, sir. The Fifth Department will take action and there will be no future troubles." Colonel Han Wenqin was not vague and made a clear and decisive guarantee. Then he saluted with a standard military salute and turned to leave.

The Fifth Department has been established for six years. With a superior to take the lead, this is the first time that we are allowed to act freely. How can we not perform well?

If you are noticed by this noble person in front of you, you will have a bright future!

Watching Colonel Han Wenqin leave, Major General Zheng Guoliang couldn't control the excitement on his face. He tilted his head back slightly and said to a lieutenant standing beside him, "Fourth Brother, do you think Third Brother is impressive?"

This young officer wearing lieutenant epaulettes is the fourth son of the Zheng family, Zheng Guoyao. He has just turned 20 and graduated from the Manila Army Advanced College just one year ago.

Because of his young age, he completely missed the Anglo-French War four years ago, so he doesn't have much war experience.

Hearing Major General Zheng Guoliang's somewhat boastful words, Zheng Guoyao's face showed a trace of worry, and he said cautiously: "Third brother, is this okay?"

"I am the Governor-General of Malaya. Why can't I make decisions?"

"Third brother, you know that's not what I meant. It's just... do you have the clear will of His Majesty?"

"You... you still need to learn more." Major General Zheng Guoliang stood up, looking disappointed. He turned to face Zheng Guoyao and said, "Your Majesty is busy with countless affairs. Every day he opens his eyes, he faces important political affairs of the kingdom, which affect the well-being of millions of people. How can we possibly ask His Majesty for instructions on every trivial matter like these? If we can't share His Majesty's worries, then aren't we just useless people?"

Zheng Guoyao's brain almost stopped working after hearing what his third brother said.

After careful consideration, I always feel that something is wrong.

But he couldn't put it into words. He scratched his head and smiled innocently at Major General Zheng Guoguang. He said, "Third brother, my brain isn't very bright. Anyway, I'll do whatever you say, as long as it doesn't cause trouble for His Majesty."

"Oh, that's right." Major General Zheng Guoguang could only show off his power in front of his younger brother. He also sincerely wanted to teach Zheng Guoyao a lesson, so he said earnestly:

"Fourth Brother, once we leave this place, you can only call me Chief, but never call me Third Brother.

There are only superiors and subordinates in the military, so don't let people think you don't know the rules.

Also

Your Majesty is entrusted with the hopes of millions of people, and every word and action must be carefully considered. How can you give clear instructions on everything?

As subjects, we must share the worries of our king.

The kingdom's colonial policy is "eastward and southward". This general direction is definitely not wrong and was formulated by His Majesty himself.

What we are doing now is to expand and firmly occupy Kalimantan and transform it into the kingdom's native islands, which is in line with the kingdom's long-term strategic colonial goals.

All obstacles on the way forward can be removed one by one.

As long as the general direction is correct, I believe Your Majesty will not be bothered by one or two minor mistakes in the specific implementation. You should use your brain more."

After hearing these earnest words, the fourth brother Zheng Guoyao looked back at Colonel Hu Jinqi, his superior, in a daze.

Colonel Hu Jinqi, standing to the side, was filled with envy. Seeing Zheng Guoyao looking at him, he quickly said with a smile, "That's right, that's right. What the commander said is all good advice. It's only right that we keep it in mind."

It can be said that he was somewhat wronged. Colonel Hu Jinqi made great contributions in instigating and occupying Lanfang Prefecture. He took on most of the trivial military command tasks and did not sleep for several days and nights during the busiest time.

Soldiers can sleep when they are tired, but commanders cannot do that.

From logistics to front-line reconnaissance, enemy situation assessment to combat plan review, every link must be kept under close watch, and no slackness is allowed.

If anything goes wrong, Colonel Hu Jinqi's small shoulders cannot bear the heavy responsibility.

As a result, the mission was completed perfectly. The superior General Staff Headquarters promoted Colonel Zheng Guoliang to the rank of Army Major General, appointed him to the important position of Governor of Malaya, awarded him the National Order of Glory with Diamonds and Double Flowers, and gave him a beautiful woman in his mansion.

When he came to Hu Jinqi's place, he was only awarded the Double Flower Medal of Honor, which was much lower in rank than Colonel Zheng Guoliang. He was also given a mansion and four beauties.

Then there is no more then.

As a veteran general with rich combat experience, Colonel Hu Jinqi has received many rewards. He has no shortage of Lan Fang's mansion or beauties. What he lacks is the promotion to the rank of Army Major General?
I thought about the rank of major general day and night, and my eyes turned red from thinking about it, but I still couldn't get it.

During a meeting in Manila, Colonel Hu Jinqi couldn't help but complain to his old boss, Lieutenant General Qian Jiang. As a result, he was scolded like a ghost and left in disgrace with his tail between his legs.

Lieutenant General Qian Jiang's original words were:

"You are really good, boy! You actually dare to compete with the Duke. Just look at your bad character. Being promoted to a baron is a blessing you have earned in eight lifetimes.

You still want to be promoted to major general, why don’t you go to heaven?

The Lan Fang War is as simple as eating and drinking water. I can send any regimental commander out from the army, and he will do no worse than you.

With this little bit of merit, he has been promoted to Army Major General. How many more do you want?
Do you think Army Major General is a cabbage?
There are many officers with greater achievements and better qualifications than you.

The Singapore Expeditionary Force fought a life-and-death battle for more than eight months, but seven regimental commanders in the army were not promoted to major generals, and 8 deputy regimental-level officers were not promoted to colonels. What was wrong with their military achievements?

He has earned his achievements by risking his life countless times and rolling out from a pile of corpses. Isn’t his military achievement less solid than yours?
What did they say again?

Everyone wants to get promoted. I'm giving you the position of Army General. Can you hold on to it?

If you don't want to do this, just say so. There is no promotion order. If you want to retire, I will satisfy you in a minute and arrange for you to be a rancher in South America.

"If you can acquire 1 hectares of land and become an emperor behind closed doors, it all depends on whether your Hu family has the luck of a dragon and a phoenix. Don't die suddenly on the spot. Otherwise, I'll discuss this with the Duke and promote you to Major General this time."

Why... don't you dare?

Not feeling wronged anymore?

No more?
You know your own worth and why don't you get out of here? You are just a cheap bastard. You should know your own worth at all times. When you go back, be a loyal and dedicated slave to me.

Even if the Duke comes to your house for a visit, he must wash your wife and present her to you, make the bed, and stand outside as a loyal guard.

I'm a little clever and can help push a few times when needed.

If you can't do it, then just take off this skin and become a rich man, so that I don't have to worry about you when I'm old.

No need to kneel, get out of here immediately.

Finally, out of friendship with my old boss, and because you've been with me for so long, I'll tell you something from the bottom of my heart:

This sky belongs to the Zheng family, and this country belongs to the Zheng family. We must always be in awe, no matter what position we are in.

Since His Majesty has given it to me, I will accept it respectfully and serve diligently in the future, even if it means going through mountains of swords and seas of fire.

If Your Majesty didn't give it to me, it must be because I haven't done enough and am not worthy of that reward. I still need to work harder.

His Highness the Third Prince can take a shortcut because of his noble bloodline as the son of a dragon and the grandson of a phoenix. Some people are born to be masters, and that is nothing to envy.

Okay, get out of here."

The thunderous scolding of his old superior echoed in his ears, but Colonel Hu Jinqi had a better understanding and cherished the love and care of his old superior even more. Every word was like a pearl of wisdom!

If I don’t treat you like a son or nephew, who would care if you commit suicide?

Perhaps a report, a failed loyalty check by the Ministry of the Interior, or a casual complaint could ruin a military career of many years of life and death and a bright future.

There are many such things in the army, especially after His Majesty the King reduced the army. Officers fought among themselves, told tales, and even many things between close friends after drinking were exposed.

When officers from the Ministry of the Interior come to conduct a loyalty check, you have no idea what they know and they just ask you to tell the truth, and slowly things start to go awry.

Colonel Hu Jinqi was in the infantry battalion led by Lieutenant General Qian Jiang when he was in class. That was during the Tongzhou militia period. More than ten years have passed, and he has always been a direct subordinate of his old commander.

During the breakout battle against the Taiping rebels in Nanjing City, Colonel Hu Jinqi (note, at that time he was still a squad leader of the infantry) once used a shield to block a fatal arrow for the commander-in-chief Qian Jiang, and since then they had a deep military friendship.

Thinking back on what the old boss said, it was true!

There is no equality in this world. Some are born rich and some are born poor. It is all determined by heaven.

Major General Zheng Jiahui, the commander of the 6th Division stationed in Tanjong Kap, is pretty awesome, right? Colonel Fang Shiwei, who has made many contributions, has quite a lot of experience, right?
But the Sixth Division has been around for four years and hasn't made much of a splash. Are these people incompetent?
the answer is negative.

This is because of the strict military laws in the Chu army. Any military action involving more than 30 soldiers must have clear authorization from superiors, except in critical situations.

That is
As long as it is not a critical situation involving himself, even if Major General Zheng Jiahui mobilizes more than 30 soldiers (note: excluding daily routine military training and exercises), he needs the authorization of the General Staff Headquarters, otherwise he will be acting in violation of orders.

Even with his honorable status as an Army Major General, he could not bear the heavy responsibility of "interfering with military secrets without authorization."

Among the entire Chu army, there were definitely no more than three officers who were able to coordinate and mobilize thousands of troops to implement the "Lan Fang Operation".

The veteran General Qian Jiang is one of them, but the possibility of him mobilizing troops is the smallest, almost infinitely equal to zero. This old guy is very good at protecting himself and will never do anything without the order of His Majesty.

The other is Lieutenant General He Ruolin, the former commander of the Devil's Second Division and the current Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Army. He has resigned from his military post in the Second Division, but he still has a group of old brothers who are willing to go through fire and water at his command.

The last one is Major General Zheng Guoliang, Duke of Mindoro, who acts without scruples.

Major General Qian Jiang relied on his lofty prestige and authority in the army, Lieutenant General He Ruolin relied on the brotherhood of brothers in the army who shared life and death, and Major General Zheng Guoliang relied on the royal power behind him, as well as his noble birth, bloodline and status.

The commander of the Sixth Division, Zheng Jiahui, had nothing to do with it. Even if he had the intention, he couldn't make much noise without clear military orders from his superiors.

Unfortunately, it is said that Lieutenant General Ho Ruolin will soon be transferred to the position of President of the Manila Army Advanced Military Academy, which has been upgraded to a very high standard and will become the highest institution of the Royal Army.

It is estimated that its biggest function is to accommodate some rotating senior generals, such as lieutenant generals, major generals or colonels, which are difficult to accommodate in general military units.

This move was obviously intended to cool down Lieutenant General He Ruolin.

Don’t you have high prestige?
Don’t you want your subordinates to follow you through life and death?
Don’t you just stand on the top and make a call, and followers will come like clouds?

Fine, let’s cool it down first and see in a few years if we can still have so many followers that the old brothers will follow us through thick and thin.
If this is the case, then Lieutenant General He Ruolin is in danger.

In this Chinese kingdom, there is only one, and there must be only one, supreme military commander for whom everyone is willing to die, and that is King Zheng Guohui of Chu. There can't be a second one.

If so, then he is guilty of a capital crime.

Seven regimental commanders of the Devil's Second Division were not promoted to major general, and five of them eventually retired in disgrace. Many of them were because of their overly passionate words during the war, which was really unfair.

However, for the stability of the kingdom and the army, this is a choice that must be made to prevent the emergence of uncontrollable warlords. Reality is so cruel.

In the entire Chu State
Only His Majesty the King of Chu can change the rules, and all appointments of senior military officers above the rank of major general can only come from His Majesty the King of Chu.

Logically speaking

The promotion from colonel to major general is a big hurdle. One needs to have an outstanding record of meritorious service in military units, be under 45 years old, possess noble qualities of loyalty, integrity and trustworthiness, and have served in the General Staff Headquarters for no less than two years and in a senior military academy for no less than two years. Those who have performed well in the evaluations over the years will be promoted on the basis of merit.

That is
Only after a satisfactory review of the military, academy, and headquarters resume is completed and outstanding performance is achieved among all candidates can one be promoted to the rank of major general and presented to His Majesty after review.

If this requirement is not met, even the basic conditions for passing the review cannot be met, let alone being presented to His Majesty.

But there are exceptions

When Singapore was facing a heavy siege by 10 British and French troops, His Majesty the King of Chu directly issued an imperial decree, promoting all Singaporean officers by one rank, and the commander, Major General He Ruolin, was promoted to Lieutenant General and awarded the title of Earl.

Such an honor already implies a deep meaning.

So when the King of Chu's decree was announced at a gathering of all officers above the colonel level in the Singapore Expeditionary Force, Major General He Ruolin was visibly stunned, then his face showed sorrow, and he saluted respectfully to accept the title.

After being conferred the title of Army Lieutenant General, Lieutenant General He Rulin passionately raised his arms and shouted to all the officers above the rank of colonel present:

“Even though a person dies, he may be remembered for eternity or be cursed.

Men like me should be furious and vow to kill the enemy chief on horseback. We should serve the kingdom diligently and be loyal to Your Majesty, so as to live up to our life as heroes.

We, the Singapore Expeditionary Force, now take this oath
We swear to live and die with Singapore. All soldiers will remain on the battlefield and fight the foreigners to the end.

A battalion was wiped out, and the lieutenant colonel battalion commander took over.

A regiment was wiped out, and the colonel took over.

If you are all killed, I will bring the guard troops and all the logistics soldiers with me. We will be loyal to Your Majesty and shed our last drop of blood for the kingdom. We will fight to the end. Brothers, we will meet at the Martyrs' Shrine.

It just so happens that there are many of us, so it will be more lively if we walk together.

The Singapore Expeditionary Force has 3 soldiers, but even if one man survives, we will never allow this position to be lost. This is the solemn oath of our army.

With me, I am invincible, I treat death as life..."

"With me, we are invincible. We regard death as life..." More than one hundred officers above the rank of colonel stood up, raised their arms and shouted with red eyes, and the waves of excitement continued for a long time.

Such a heroic scene will always remain in the hearts of every officer of the Devil Division. It is the most profound memory in life and the most precious collection of serving in the Devil Division.

Looking back on the past, Colonel Hu Jinqi deeply realized that people are born different and this must be acknowledged.

Major General Zheng Guoliang dared to let go and do big things, but Major General Zheng Jiahui of the Sixth Division dared not do anything. He trained obediently every day and waited for military orders from his superiors.

At this moment

Major General Zheng Guoliang suddenly slapped his chair, bringing Colonel Hu Jinqi back to reality. He was stunned for a moment before immediately leaning forward and asking, "What's wrong, sir?"

"I just remembered something. Where are the long-distance telegraph lines now? Why hasn't anyone come to report? They've delayed my important task. This Governor-General will tie up all the people working at the Nanyang Telegraph Bureau and punish them for neglecting military affairs."

"Don't worry, sir. Let me check the specific situation first, so as not to make a false statement." Colonel Hu Jinqi looked a little embarrassed and quickly changed the subject.

The Royal Nanyang Telegraph Office was also a very powerful department. Although it was just a telegraph sending department, it had the word "Royal" on its head, so ordinary people would be three points shorter when they went in to do business.

Even someone of Colonel Hu Jinqi's status would not dare to cause trouble in such a place.

But Major General Zheng Guoliang, Duke of Mindoro, was not afraid. He ordered the Royal Nanyang Telegraph Bureau to open a long-distance cable line from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, to Pontianak within half a month. If it was not opened within the deadline, he would be severely punished for neglecting military affairs.

This is really awesome, meeting an awesome great-grandfather...it's awesome to the extreme.

But the Royal Nanyang Telegraph Office just fell for it and didn't dare to say a word. It mobilized people to work day and night, working overtime to build a long-distance cable line from Kuching to Pontianak.

There is no way, I can’t afford to offend this Third Master!

(End of this chapter)