Nanyang Storm 1864

Chapter 616 The Kingdom of Colombia
From October 9 to November 12, 1913, the Emperor of the Great Chu Empire visited New York, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Ottawa, Canada. The royal delegation signed a series of economic, trade and cultural agreements with the two countries, sparking a large-scale Oriental craze.

That's all for now.

When the highest-ranking foreign monarchs received by the United States and Canada visit the country, it draws huge crowds to major cities, who flock to witness the royal procession of the Eastern emperors and consider it an honor to have the opportunity to meet His Majesty.

The United States is a country that values ​​democracy, freedom, and justice. It is an immigrant nation built by ordinary people, which can maximize the creativity and productivity of every citizen.

It adapted to the development of the times and thus became the country with the highest total economic output in the world.

The bustling New York, the skyscrapers of Detroit, the affluent and vibrant Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., a hub of democracy and political elites, together form the magnificent panorama of America.

It is hard for anyone to imagine that deep in the hearts of the American upper class lies a strong monarchical and aristocratic complex, and that the fallen old aristocrats of England, France, Germany, and the Netherlands are enthusiastically sought after in America.

Many American millionaires and wealthy capitalists spare no expense on dowries to marry their daughters into impoverished European noble families, hoping to gain entry into European high society and bring honor to their families.

The renowned "Miss America" ​​pageant originated during this period and became a popular trend in American high society.

The fact that princes, grandsons, and nobles from powerful ancient Eastern countries were also highly sought after is an extremely interesting phenomenon, unrelated to any grudges or disputes between nations.

The fervor surrounding the Emperor of the Great Chu Empire's visit to the United States and Canada had not yet subsided when, on November 26, 1913, a piece of news shocked the American government and public, causing a huge uproar.

The two countries of Chu and Mexico jointly announced the Panama Treaty, in which Mexico agreed to transfer the island of Baja California to Chu for $2200 million. The two sides reached a series of agreements, including allowing Chu to establish a naval base in Tamaulipas, a state in the Gulf of Mexico.

The news caused an uproar in the United States.

In particular, the upper echelons of American politics realized the enormous harm the Panama Treaty posed to the United States' strategic situation, and forcefully compressed the United States' influence more than 3,000 kilometers northward, stopping only at the US-Mexico border.

This has made the situation facing the United States more severe than ever before, giving it a feeling of being stabbed in the back and forth.

Why do you say that?
Baja California is located on the southern border of California, separated from the other side by only a narrow, arid desert line that can be crossed with a simple step.

The most deadly thing is
The two countries of Mexico and Turkey reached an agreement to build a military base, establishing a naval base in Tamaulipas state.

This military base, named Zhenhai, is only about 170 kilometers from Texas, and only a 1-2 day flight from other southern states in the United States.

Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, and many other states are all within the sphere of influence of this military base.

This poses a significant challenge to the United States' strategic security environment; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the enemy is at the gates.

As if provoked, the American news media immediately went into overdrive, shifting from their previous extensive promotion of the majesty of the Chu royal family and the ancient Eastern civilization and various mysterious Bagua scripts to a complete 180-degree attack on the tyranny of the Great Chu Empire, adopting an extremely aggressive and domineering stance.

The US government was slow to react, and it wasn't until December 16th that it officially issued a response to the Panama Treaty.

This was when U.S. Secretary of State Harper formally answered a question from a Washington Post reporter in New York Harbor as he prepared to embark on a trip to five European countries; historically known as the "Harper Speech."

Harper's main points were
The United States attaches great importance to the positive impact of the Emperor of the Great Chu Empire's visit to the United States and will build a future-oriented Pacific policy foundation based on the expectations of the two heads of state.

At the same time, it is necessary to see
The United States bears a sacred and natural mission in safeguarding the core regional interests of Central and North America, and will ensure the long-term stability and peaceful development of the region.

Faced with new challenges, and based on the long-standing Monroe Doctrine of the United States, the Wilson administration will resolutely defend American interests and make tangible changes.

The hesitation and uncertainty of the US government can be seen in Hubble's remarks; this decision is very difficult to make!

On one hand, there are several major government agreements between the United States and China, which can be considered the biggest political achievement of this administration; on the other hand, there is an imminent strategic security crisis.

If you choose the former

The American business community was naturally jubilant. These major diplomatic achievements, known as the "Centennial Treaty," opened up a golden path for American products to the Western Pacific and the internal markets of the Great Chu Empire, a path with unlimited potential for profit.

Every advantage has its disadvantages, and it will inevitably face strong opposition from unprecedentedly powerful nationalists, white supremacists, and grassroots American cowboys brainwashed by the news media, resulting in the loss of a large number of votes.

If you choose the latter

The votes were saved, but it will inevitably lead to the contempt of the business community. You have to know that American elections cost money. What's the point of running an election if you don't have money?
The interests of capitalists and the national interests of the United States are not always aligned, as evidenced by the significant differences that emerged regarding the Panama Treaty.

After Secretary of State Harper hastily delivered his speech, he boarded a ship bound for the other side of the Atlantic as if fleeing, and the government's ambiguous policy statements became the focus of American news reports.

"Neutrition" is also a stance, and "ambiguity policy" is also a policy.

Due to the unique constitutional system of the American democratic society, major policy changes must be submitted to Congress for a vote before they can be promoted and implemented at the government level.

U.S. Secretary of State Harper made his remarks on December 16, just nine days before Christmas.

Secretary of State Harper's trip included a detour back to his hometown in the UK for Christmas. The voyage at sea took only eight days, and his entire family traveled to Europe with him, balancing official business with personal matters.

All members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have entered their winter vacation. It will not be until March or April of next year, when the members of Congress who have traveled to various parts of the United States for vacation return to Washington, that they will be able to publicly discuss the impact of the Treaty of Panama, which was in 1914.

Fortunately, the US government came up with an emergency funding proposal, adding more than $5400 million to the military budget on top of the originally approved 1914 defense appropriations act.

This was seen as a strong signal, with various speculations, discussions, and comments flying around in American news reports, and many people agreeing that it was a precursor to a major expansion of the US military.

Bogotá, the capital of the Kingdom of Colombia

This is a beautiful highland city, known as the Athens of South America. It boasts countless classical buildings, fresh air, and stunning scenery. It is a city that has been conquered.

Chinese people can be seen everywhere in the city, speaking Mandarin and various local languages ​​from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong. Some even speak with a strong Northeastern accent. The streets and neighborhoods are full of the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life.

Many of the newly built buildings are in the style of the Han and Tang dynasties of China, including the Prime Minister's Office and various government offices. The laws and decrees in use are exactly the same as those in the empire itself.

Graduates from prestigious institutions such as the Royal University of Manila, the Royal Manila Army Academy, and the Cebu Administrative College can seamlessly enter government departments at all levels or serve in the military within the Kingdom of Colombia, just like in the other dependent kingdoms.

The luxurious Colombian National Palace

Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu Empire has been staying here for more than a month, enjoying the daily audiences and courtesies of King Chu-Zheng Su of Colombia, Crown Prince Chu-Zheng Yan, and a group of princes and grandsons. He is living a leisurely life.

Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu had already cultivated his character and abstained from women for many years, but King Chu-Zheng Su of Colombia, in order to show his filial piety, went to great lengths to find a pair of extremely beautiful young sisters and presented them to the emperor.

Even though Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu Dynasty had seen countless women, he was still amazed by their beauty. He couldn't resist and that very night he took the two beautiful sisters as his concubines, thus regaining his long-lost virility and becoming extremely pleased with himself.

In a warm and luxurious palace
Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu sat on the dragon throne at the head of the table, with King Chu-Zheng Su of Colombia and a large entourage of princes, grandsons, and accompanying ministers seated below. Upon hearing the report on the recent reactions in American society, everyone's eyes turned upwards.

Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu Dynasty remained expressionless as he sat high on the dragon throne, his eyes deep and unfathomable. He nodded slightly to indicate that he understood.

The Americans' reaction was unsurprisingly positive.

Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu, who had ruled the country for decades, would not draw a conclusion so easily. After some discussion, he said tactfully:

"American immigrants originated from Britain, France, and Germany, and established a new democratic system. They spread the rhetoric of democracy and equality everywhere, causing endless harm, which must be investigated."

The US government's response is far from finalized and requires continued observation to see what it says and does.
The Empire continued its advance at its own pace, drawing two divisions from Central America, one division from Hawaii, and two divisions from the Empire's mainland to govern Baja California through military settlement.

This area is a special military frontier zone. Instead of establishing prefectures, counties, or other government offices, it is organized into military units, divisions, regiments, and battalions, and implements a comprehensive military reclamation system for the frontier.

From now on
Baja California Island was renamed the Xinjiang Special Military Reclamation Area, abbreviated as Xinjiang, and the Xinjiang Army Corps was established.

The Xinjiang Army Corps initially consisted of five divisions, each equipped with 12000 combat soldiers and 10,000 auxiliary soldiers, totaling 110,000 forward-deployed troops. It implemented a system of combining military and civilian families in peacetime and wartime, allowing soldiers to marry and have children locally according to their organizational structure, and stationed them on the border for a long period of time.

Army, division, and regimental garrisons can be built according to urban standards, battalion-level garrisons according to village and town standards, and company-level garrisons according to village standards, with each person allocated 120 mu of land.

In centralized farming, the remainder, after being handed over to the state, is distributed according to need.

It is suitable for agriculture, animal husbandry, fishing, developing factories and industries, and mining. The troops stationed in Xinjiang were ordered to give full play to their creativity and develop multiple industries in accordance with the actual conditions of the area.

First, we must meet our own needs for grain reserves, establish a grain reserve mechanism, build a fortified defense system, and have the capacity for long-term supply.

The Xinjiang Army Corps, subordinate to the Imperial Guard, was officially designated the Second Imperial Army and stationed long-term in the frontier regions. The Cabinet and the military were ordered to comply.

"Your humble servants will obey Your Majesty's decree and immediately draft and issue an edict."

"Well, let's go."

Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu Dynasty gave the order with ease, rattling off the relevant military and political arrangements as if he were extremely familiar with them, requiring no further consideration whatsoever.

This display of royal authority, executed with effortless grace, drew admiration from King Chu-Zheng Su of Colombia, who imprinted his father's every move firmly in his mind.

He admired his father, the emperor, from a young age. As the seventh prince born of the legitimate wife, and his mother was Empress Zheng Li, he held an incomparably noble status among all the princes.

Even so, the chances of witnessing one's father commanding the world are still very few.

"Seventh Brother, quite a few of your younger brothers want to come to South America to develop their careers. Of course, they're eyeing other places and want to be your neighbors. They're constantly nagging me. What do you think of that?"

Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu suddenly changed the subject, turning to look at the King of Colombia and asking.

The Royal Deputy Secretary-General Zhou Qing was all too familiar with His Majesty's style; the two topics were completely different, and he just talked about whatever came to mind.

If you lose focus even slightly, you'll fall behind.

Seeing the Colombian king's blank expression, Zhou Qing quickly went over, bent down and whispered a few words in his ear, deliberately giving him a reminder.

King Chu-Zheng Su of Colombia only realized what was going on after this reminder. He considered it seriously for a moment before replying:

"Father Emperor"

Xiao Wang knew all too well that the whole world belonged to the king, and that everyone within the realm was a subject of the king.

If two or three younger brothers want to develop their careers in South America, Ecuador or Peru would be suitable. Bolivia is a poor place, but it's also an option if you're not picky.

Xiao Wang only hopes that his father, the Emperor, will be wise enough to clarify the boundaries, ensure everyone stays in their proper place, and that the brothers will work together in harmony – this is the best course of action.

"Excellent, you've hit the nail on the head. Seventh Prince, you haven't wasted your years on the throne!" Emperor Zheng Guohui of Great Chu praised him lavishly, nodding in approval.

Although they were both vassal kingdoms under the Great Chu royal family, a hundred years later, they would each govern themselves and prioritize their own interests.

Therefore, clarifying the boundaries is of utmost importance.

Without territorial disputes, what remains is a struggle for interests, which significantly reduces the potential harm.

From the heart

King Chu-Zheng Su of Colombia did not want his other princes to come to South America to develop their careers. What kind of neighbor are they? Are they that rare?

But he couldn't say it, especially when his father asked, so he could only bite the bullet and give a stern answer.

Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu did not discuss this issue in depth, but only mentioned it briefly, so that he would at least be prepared, which was to be expected.

Taking Ecuador and Peru, two South American countries, as an example, their situation was in a terrible state after the turn of the 20th century. Their politics were corrupt and rampant with corruption, and even Chinese businessmen found it difficult to do business there.

Peru has exhausted its guano resources, which were once its source of wealth, and has failed to establish a new industrial base. As a result, the country has rapidly declined from its former prosperity, and widespread starvation has occurred in both urban and rural areas.

The rich get richer and the poor get poorer. Some powerful and wealthy people fight for limited resources, increasingly disregarding etiquette and shame, and gradually breaking through the bottom line of morality.

Their troops plundered and levied exorbitant taxes, making the domestic situation increasingly dire; it was utterly chaotic.

As for Ecuador and Bolivia, let's not even go there; they're absolutely terrible.

Only a few countries in South America are in relatively good condition: Chile, which has a predominantly white population; Argentina; and Venezuela, which generally maintains a clear and normal governmental order.

Although Chile has a repressive and authoritarian military government, it still maintains some order and is not completely devoid of right and wrong.

What exactly should be done?
Emperor Zheng Guohui of the Great Chu Empire has not yet made a decision. This trip to North and South America is to see for himself and get a closer look.

Preparing for future decisions, it was already early 1914, and only six months remained before the outbreak of the largest multinational war in human history.

In this time of global chaos, one should seize any opportunity to gain as much as possible; after all, it's free money if one doesn't take advantage of it.

(End of this chapter)