Nanyang Storm 1864

Chapter 460 The Mist of History
The Black Flag Army was busy building earthen walls in Donghe City. The earthen walls they were building were different from the previous rammed earth walls. They were built according to the Chu Army's methods and were more solid.

The Chu army's approach was
The clay must be made from a mixture of oil clay and thatch, and glutinous rice paste is used as the ingredient. After the clay is dried in the shade, its hardness is no less than that of stone.

Even if the axe hit it hard, it could only leave a white mark.

The earthen wall built with such mud bricks is one level stronger than rammed earth, more difficult to destroy by artillery fire, and has better defensive capabilities.

From October to November

Three earthen walls have been built on the Donghe front, but the French army still has no movement, which makes the Black Flag Army feel a little confused.

Ignore him and keep building.

By early December, the Black Flag Army did not face an attack from the French army, but instead met with French envoys who wanted to negotiate with the Black Flag Army about border demarcation and ceasefire issues.

In other words, the French stopped fighting.

The current Paris government is also in a very difficult situation. When the Black Flag Army marched south and won victory after victory, the news reached Paris, causing an uproar in French society.

The French army was once again defeated by local indigenous warlords in Indochina, with casualties reaching more than 3,300. This was simply unacceptable to the proud French, and they immediately vented their anger on the new government.

It has been just over four months since the fall of the previous Féjury cabinet, and the current government is once again in turmoil due to the defeat in Indochina. The Paris government has had enough and has decided to stop further colonial expansion to the north.

Originally, colonial expansion was an easy and enjoyable thing, not a painful one.

Paris suffered defeat again and again, with the British standing by and watching the joke, and their various sarcasm and ridicules made it lose face.

Just think about it, if you can't even tackle a tough nut like the Black Flag Army, and continue to expand and colonize northward, there's still the huge mountain of the Shenzhou court to climb, which is too difficult.

So, Paris chose to quit while it was ahead and stop fighting.

Manila, Chu Palace

At the end of 1883, King Zheng Guohui of Chu received three pieces of exciting good news:
One is that the Chu State's Colombian expeditionary force, from the north to the south, met in Medellin in late October. In the Battle of Medellin, they completely annihilated the main force of the Colombian army, more than 3 people, and then occupied Bogota 8 days later, winning the final victory in the war.

The second was the ceasefire between the Black Flag Army and France. The two sides signed a ceasefire agreement with mutual harassment based on the current Line of Control, ending the Second Vietnam War.

The third is the Manila, Cebu, and Tongzhou main ironclad ships have been built and put into service one after another, and the fourth ship "Shangri-La" has also been launched and is expected to enter service in the Royal Navy in April next year.

These four world-class main ironclad battleships were equipped in the Chu Royal Navy, representing that the Chu Royal Navy had entered the ranks of the world's naval powers. Its naval strength was second only to Germany and the United States, ranking fifth in the world.

The news of the Shangri-La's underwater habitat being launched was published in mainstream newspapers such as the British "Times", the French "Lyon Daily", and the German "Berlin Express", demonstrating its extraordinary influence.

Now that these major events have been settled, King Zheng Guohui of Chu can finally put his mind at ease.

The trajectory of history has taken a small turn here and is developing in an unknown direction.

King Zheng Guohui of Chu was not worried

Because the Chu State under his rule was becoming increasingly powerful and had a certain say on the international stage, the problems in the entire Pacific region would be difficult to solve without the participation of the Chu State.

At the end of 1883, the total population of the Chu State successfully exceeded 18 million. This was a milestone of great historical significance and the greatest achievement in nation-building in the years since the Chu State moved south.

The total population of Chu has surpassed the native populations of European powers such as Britain, France, Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire. It is half the population of Tsarist Russia and slightly less than that of the United States, but it is catching up quickly.

At the end of 1883, the total population of the United States was 5716 million, only 670 million more than that of Chu.

According to the current population growth rate of the two countries, the total population of Chu will catch up with that of the United States in about 4 to 5 years, provided that the current growth level is maintained.

If there is a wave of immigration from Europe to the United States, it will take another one or two years for China to catch up with and surpass the total population of the United States.

"Your Majesty, the British envoy, Mr. Henry, has arrived, accompanied by the Foreign Minister, Lord Zheng Xin, and is waiting in the side hall to see Your Majesty."

"Oh, sorry to keep you waiting. I'll be right there."

"The minister obeys the order."

Royal Secretary General Li Jinghui responded, respectfully stepped back a few steps, turned around and left to arrange for a meeting with the British envoy.

King Zheng Guohui of Chu stood up and said, "Come here, help me change my clothes."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

A group of palace maids then came with clothes and royal supplies for washing hands and faces. They lined up in order and considerately helped King Zheng Guohui of Chu change his clothes.

King Zheng Guohui of Chu attached great importance to Sir Henry, the Prime Minister's special envoy from London, and the secret telegram from London had already revealed everything.

London was not unaware of Chu's actions over the past six months, and there was some criticism within the Granston Cabinet. This was the reason why the special envoy, Sir Henry, came.

Private communication between heads of government is very important, especially with a regional power like Chu. Britain needs to ask clearly what role Chu wants to play.
During the military expedition to Colombia, the Chu Royal Navy's ironclad ships "Zhendong" and "Zhennan" traveled to Central America and joined forces with the ironclad ships "Zhenwei" and "Zhenyuan" to blockade and attack the coastal ports of Colombia.

After the war
The ironclad ships "Zhenwei" and "Zhenyuan" led four ironclad cruisers and have returned to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. As the deterrent maritime force of the Pacific Fleet, they are rarely used in daily life.

The ironclad ships "Zhendong" and "Zhennan" were docked in the port of Panama and were officially assigned the numbers of the 2nd Squadron of the Pacific Fleet. It seems that they will not leave.

The British have to ask:

Now that the war is over, what are the considerations for Costa Rica's future status?

Should it continue to remain an independent country or be annexed?

How did the Chu State treat Colombia after the war?
Is it a long-term military occupation or a planned withdrawal?
If we withdraw our troops, when will we do so?
If the former, what role does Chu plan to play in South America?
This is different from the tacit understanding between the two countries before the war. How does the Chu State explain it?
……

Whether it is the issues of Central America, South America, Indochina or the East Indies, the British have a lot of questions in their minds, and this is the purpose of the visit of British envoy Sir Henry.

Since the Liberal Party Gladstone Cabinet came to power in Britain in 1880, the spring of Chu State's overseas colonial expansion has arrived, and these days have been very comfortable.

This does not mean that the Granston Cabinet will allow the Chu State to stir up trouble. When it can no longer tolerate it, it will still step in to give it a warning.

Look, here comes the British envoy Sir Henry.

"Welcome, Mr. Henry. Your arrival will surely push the in-depth development of bilateral relations between Chu and Britain to a higher level. I am looking forward to it." King Zheng Guohui of Chu strode into the side hall and spoke gently to the British envoy.

The British envoy, Mr. Henry, performed an elegant chest-touching salute and said, "I have brought a letter from Her Majesty the Queen, which shows that Her Majesty is very concerned about the importance of Chu in regional cooperation."

"Please take a seat, Mr. Henry. You are a distinguished guest who has come from afar. I welcome you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

British envoy Sir Henry first presented Queen Victoria's handwritten letter. King Zheng Guohui of Chu took it with a smile and handed it to the royal secretary-general Zheng Jinghui.

He would not read the letter in such a public place, as that would be disrespectful to Her Majesty the Queen.

British court etiquette is extremely strict, with every word and action being governed by rules, and even the smallest details being crucial. Since Queen Victoria had written a personal letter, it was only natural that King Zheng Guohui of Chu should have formally replied. This was part of the interaction between the two royal families and a part of high-level diplomacy.

The formal meeting with the British envoy was held in a side hall. Sir Henry and his entourage were accompanied by other members of the British delegation, Foreign Minister Zheng Xin and senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Culture. The reception was of the highest standard.

This was the first time that King Zheng Guohui of Chu met with a British envoy. The two sides did not discuss sensitive topics. Envoy Henry expressed the British side's hope to strengthen regional cooperation and further enhance bilateral relations, especially to jointly promote the process of open trade in the Asia-Pacific region.

This aspect
This has always been the core demand of the British Liberal Party's Granston Cabinet. Britain and Chu have worked closely together to put pressure on Fuso, the Kingdom of Korea, the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, the United States, Mexico and South American countries on the issue of open trade, and jointly promote further opening of trade policies in Pacific countries.

King Zheng Guohui of Chu readily agreed to this. With a amiable expression, he recalled the close cooperation with Britain over the years, greatly praised Queen Victoria's wisdom and the open trade policy of the Gladstone Cabinet, and expressed his willingness to cooperate closely.

On this issue that the British were most concerned about, the State of Chu was extremely cooperative, which made Henry's special envoy and the members of the delegation exchange glances and feel very satisfied.

Then the following topic will be much easier.

This was only the first official audience with the King by the British envoys. There will be many more contacts in the future, including private exchanges of views on some sensitive issues.
The atmosphere during the formal meeting was relaxed and harmonious. It was suggested that Henry and his delegation travel around the country to experience the unique customs that were different from those of the European continent and see the economic achievements of the Chu State.

The Chu State was at the forefront of the world in terms of urban and infrastructure construction. Its well-connected roads, bridges, railways and trams covered cities and villages, and the industries that the government focused on developing were relatively complete and of a very high standard.

This is unique among the southern countries (note, divided by the equator), and it is also the only southern country in the world that has achieved full industrialization.

The Chu rulers and ministers were quite proud of the brilliant achievements in this field of industrial development.

Always

The State of Chu adopted a strategy of "closely following" in the field of science and technology. New technologies and inventions from the European continent were quickly applied and promoted in the State of Chu, and were highly valued by both the government and the business community.

For example, the emerging trams have gradually become the main form of public transportation in cities large and small in the Chu State. They have been widely used and have greatly alleviated urban traffic pressure.

After a large number of public horse-drawn carriages were eliminated, the urban environment and sanitation were significantly improved.

After the meeting

Envoy Henry and his entourage politely said goodbye. Tomorrow evening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chu will hold a grand welcome banquet, inviting envoys from various countries and their wives, as well as high-ranking nobles of the kingdom and their wives to attend. This is also one of the contents of the high-level reception.

King Zheng Guohui of Chu agreed to attend. Diplomatic balls are a good opportunity for private meetings, and the topics that can be discussed are more extensive and in-depth.

After the meeting, King Zheng Guohui of Chu returned to the imperial kitchen where he handled daily government affairs, and the smile on his face gradually disappeared.

He did not even go into the room where a large map was hung on one side, and looked at the map thoughtfully, especially the part of Central and South America.

As expected, what is coming will come.
In a formal meeting
Henry's special envoy deliberately mentioned the Central American issue several times and congratulated the Chu State on its military victory, which was obviously a subtle move.

King Zheng Guohui of Chu had no intention of saying more about this kind of topic in public, so he naturally changed the subject.

Henry and his team were obviously unwilling to accept that they did not get the answers they wanted.

King Zheng Guohui of Chu is now using the tactic of "delaying". By next year, the South African issue will once again attract London's high attention, and the Central American issue will naturally fade away.

As for Colombia, Chu is now seeking long-term military occupation. The specific time has not been determined and will be decided based on the international situation.

Generally speaking, you should delay as long as you can.

The most vivid example is that even though the Paraguayan War has ended for more than ten years, Brazil and Argentina are still implementing military occupation and enslavement of Paraguay.

The same was true for the State of Chu, which was concentrating its efforts on immigration to Costa Rica and Colombia, and had stopped immigration to Costa Rica in South America and Nicaragua in Central America.

The expedition to Colombia ended, former President Vares died in the war, and the new puppet government supported by the Chu State is still in preparation and has not been officially introduced.

According to the current slow progress, we will have to wait until March or April next year.

If there is not much pressure from the international community, then it will be delayed until April or May or July or August next year. There is no certainty.

Colombia is now under martial law, which is very helpful in blocking the spread of information, making it difficult for the outside world to accurately understand the latest situation in Colombia and provide support.

After completely occupying Colombia, the expeditionary force continued its sweep, and a large number of local Colombian white women were continuously transported out and entered the Hawaiian and even Chu domestic markets. The number has now reached more than 100,000.

In the future, at least hundreds of thousands of Colombian white women will be transported out. The military is very motivated in this business and has formed search teams to conduct extensive searches in cities and the countryside.

at the same time
Colombia's resistance forces were brutally and ruthlessly suppressed. The reported number of people suppressed was as high as 23, but the actual number is difficult to calculate.

Although they were called resistance forces, the vast majority of them were just unarmed Colombian civilians who suffered innocent harm in this war and ended up with a tragic death.

The country is in turmoil and the mountains and rivers are broken, which refers to the current situation in Colombia.

Colombia is a South American country with a total population of more than 330 million. After this catastrophe, it is estimated that the population will be reduced by about half, and the young male population is the hardest hit by casualties.

With the arrival of a large number of Chinese male immigrants, they were divided into houses and women in Colombia, which was bound to have a strong impact on the local population structure and have far-reaching consequences.

all these
All of these further strengthened the necessity for Chu State to carry out long-term military occupation, and the Central American issue was bound to become a frequent excuse for European powers to criticize Chu State. This is easy to imagine.

King Zheng Guohui of Chu didn't care. This is called making a fortune in silence.

Let them blame and criticize, it is impossible to withdraw troops in the short term anyway, and they can always find reasons to delay.

The State of Chu promised to maintain the status quo and did not seek to divide the territory of Colombia, but wanted to take over the whole thing!
Around June next year
King Zheng Guohui of Chu will sign an important decree, ordering the Chu expeditionary force to disband on the spot. All officers of the expeditionary force will become managers of cities across Colombia in the future, or serve in the military, police, and government departments.

Soldiers who have made great contributions will be rewarded on the spot and will receive a large amount of land and women, becoming part of the landlord class.

More than 30,000 officers and soldiers are more than 30,000 landlords, plantation owners and ranchers of all sizes. They have become the masters of this land and monopolize important administrative institutions such as local government and parliament.

After the expeditionary force was sent out, King Zheng Guohui of Chu had no intention of calling it back.

It would be a waste if we send it from such a long distance and then take it back.
As long as a small number of officer frameworks of the Royal 9th ​​Division are retained, a Royal th ​​Division can be re-armed at any time. This is not a problem at all.

King Zheng Guohui of Chu had carefully calculated the population of Colombia and concluded that if the war had resulted in nearly half of the population being killed or wounded, then the continuous influx of Chinese immigrants would have been able to alleviate this huge manpower gap to a large extent.

For example, if 5 Chinese immigrants are imported each month, then that would be more than 60 in a year. These 60 Chinese immigrants, combined with local white women, would form more than 60 Chinese families.

After two or three years of military occupation, Colombia's population may have increased rather than decreased, but the actual situation is very different and the overall social structure has undergone tremendous changes.

The Chu State could use its powerful resources to confuse the international community. The so-called burning, killing and looting by the Chu State occupying forces were all rumors and smears. The fact that Colombia's population did not decrease significantly was the most powerful evidence.

Apart from the casualties in the war, the expeditionary force did not cause any harm and was truly a benevolent army.

Anyway, history is written by the victors, and if you say it so often, even you will believe it.

Many historians would say that historical facts are shrouded in layers of mystery. This actually means that they disagree with the implicit statements in official history. There are too many similar situations.

In this regard, the State of Chu is already very experienced.

(End of this chapter)