North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 120 Even veterans die! (6,000 words)
"Mr. Interim Governor, seeing them, do I need to say anything more?"

Azu coldly said, "Captain Sean of the fishing boat can testify to how you conspired with a staff officer from the U.S. Army Command!"

"The chieftain of the Krami tribe, Wolf Claw, can prove how you colluded, and he can also prove how his people disguised themselves as outsiders!"

"The presidents and editors-in-chief of these newspapers can testify to how you allowed them to spread fake news and incite the public!"

"And these few are survivors of the Quincy massacre. They can testify that the Krami Indians were disguised as outsiders!"

Azu continued, "Mr. Brosnan, this forms a complete chain of evidence, sufficient to convict you...!"

"Colonel, don't listen to him...!" Captain Sean of the fishing boat suddenly began to struggle desperately: "I didn't say anything, I didn't tell them anything...!"

"Shut up!" Brosnan glared at Captain Sean, his loyal yet foolish bodyguard, a flash of murderous intent crossing his eyes.

"Heh!" Azu sneered, "It seems that Colonel Brosnan and Captain Sean have quite a close relationship!"

"Otherwise, how could the captain of a dilapidated fishing boat know the high and mighty interim governor?"

A hint of murderous intent flashed across Azu's face: "Interim Governor, what else do you have to say? If you still want to argue, then you can confront me face to face now!"

"I...I...sigh!"

Brosnan let out a long sigh!
He knew that he had lost this round again, and lost badly!
Before this, although he had lost one after another, at least he hadn't gotten himself into trouble.

But this time, he has to personally get involved in the situation to have any chance of success.

But if they fail, they will be doomed!
"Speechless now?" Azu patted his bottom and stood up. "Then accept your fate!"

"Guards, arrest everyone in this room immediately!"

As soon as Azu spoke, large groups of militiamen and San Francisco police officers rushed in from outside the office!
The enormous governor's office immediately seemed extremely crowded!
"etc……!"

Just as the militiamen and police brandished their shackles and ropes, Brosnan quickly stood up and said, "Lee, I think we can still talk!"

"Talk? Talk about what?"

"Even if you arrest us and put us all in jail, you will not be able to quell the overwhelming public opinion!"

With many people's lives at stake, Brosnan had no choice but to make one last desperate gamble: "All the white people in California now see outsiders as enemies! Outsiders are now like rats in the street, all cowering in Chinatown, not daring to show their faces at all."

"I think this is definitely a situation you don't want to see, right?"

"At this critical moment, you, an outsider, have arrested the interim governor and most of the high-ranking officials and legislators. How do you think the people of California will view you? How will they view outsiders like you?"

"Oh?" Azu looked at him with interest, then sat back down in the chair: "Mr. Interim Governor, you mean...?"

When Brosnan saw Azu sit down again, he couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief: "At a time like this, all the people of California will only think that you launched a coup! They will only hate and despise you and all outsiders even more."

"That's interesting, continue!" Azu said calmly.

Brosnan took a deep breath and humbled himself: "Lee, let us off this time. We will personally step in, clarify everything, and quell this riot!"

"Oh? How do you plan to clarify this?"

"The Quincy massacre was entirely the work of Native Americans; it had absolutely nothing to do with outsiders!"

Brosnan continued, "As the interim governor, I will personally clarify this, along with the state government and the state legislature, and will do everything we can to clarify everything!"

"And the newspapers, they will do everything they can to clarify everything!"

"Then, all the Clammy Indians who participated in the Quincy massacre will be publicly tried and hanged!"

"Our state government will provide reasonable compensation for all losses suffered in this riot."

Brosnan added, "I think this is the only way to quell the riots and give all outsiders their due recognition!"

"Li, what do you think?"

Before Azu could speak, old Charlie, redneck Mike, pub owner Austin, and other survivors of the Quincy massacre, enraged, pounced on him.

"You damn governor, you shameless villain, you killed everyone...!"

"I'm going to kill you, Brosnan, you vicious old dog! I'll definitely slaughter you...!"

The militiamen quickly restrained them.

Ah Zu glanced back and said, "Take them all away first!"

After the militia had taken away all the angry survivors, a frightened Brosnan wiped the sweat from his forehead with a clean white handkerchief.

"Li, I think they can't be allowed to stay, otherwise...!"

Azu gave a cold laugh: "Otherwise, your shameful deeds will be exposed to the public sooner or later, won't they?"

“This…!” Brosnan’s forehead was covered in cold sweat, and he kept wiping it with a handkerchief.

Azu asked old Martinez, "Old Martinez, what sentence should be given for such a serious crime as the interim governor?"

“As the mastermind, Brosnan’s crimes were extremely heinous and the consequences extremely serious!” Old Martinez had learned the rhetoric from his assistant: “Hanging, without a doubt!”

“What about the other officials and members of parliament? And the newspaper's president and editor-in-chief? They may not be the masterminds, but they are definitely accomplices!” Azu continued to ask.

“Well, depending on their level of involvement, sentences ranging from five years to life imprisonment are possible!” Old Martinez continued in his reply.

“Understood!” Azu stared at Brosnan and said, “Mr. Interim Governor, although I am very interested in your proposal, it is far from enough to atone for your grave crimes!”

Brosnan replied, "Mr. Li, please speak frankly, what else would you like?"

As an opponent, Brosnan understood Azu's character very well!

This young Chinese man would never do anything without personal gain.

Azu pointed to the bill on Brosnan's table and said coldly, "Since the interim governor has prepared a bill, wouldn't it be very impolite of me not to prepare one?"

As he spoke, Edgar Allan Poe, standing behind him, handed him a bill of law.

Azu took it and placed it in front of Brosnan.

Brosnan stared intently, his face instantly changing color, his eyes widening to their maximum: "The Foreign Workers Affirmative Action Act?"

"Yes! Our California has far too small a population. A mere hundred thousand citizens are the biggest obstacle preventing California from achieving prosperity!"

Azu said, "Therefore, expanding the California citizen population as much as possible is the most urgent task at hand!"

Brosnan opened the Foreign Workers Affirmative Action Act in front of him and began to read it carefully, line by line.

"Article 1: All foreign workers who have resided in the territory of California for 180 days or more are protected by this Act."

Article 2: Foreign workers shall enjoy all rights to vote and to be elected.

Article 3: Foreign workers have the right to hold any public office in California.

Article 4: Foreign workers and California citizens enjoy equal socioeconomic rights.

Article 5: Foreign workers and California citizens enjoy equal personal and dignity rights.

Article 6: Foreign workers and California citizens enjoy equal socio-cultural rights.

……

As Brosnan read through these points one by one, his expression grew increasingly grim.

After he finished reading, Brosnan's face darkened completely, and he said angrily, "If foreign workers are granted so many rights, what's the difference between them and California citizens?"

“There shouldn’t be any difference in the first place!” Azu replied. “Don’t forget, most of the so-called California citizens now are recent immigrants. Everyone is new here, so why should foreign workers be treated differently?”

“Impossible!” Brosnan growled in a low voice. “If foreign workers are given the same rights, the whole of California will become your territory in a few years!”

"I'd rather be hanged than sign this piece of shit, the Foreign Workers' Equal Rights Act!"

With that, an enraged Brosnan tore the bill on the table to shreds.

"Snap...!" Azu snapped his fingers, then pointed at Brosnan: "So there's no room for negotiation? Arrest them!"

A large group of militiamen and police immediately brandished shackles and ropes, ready to arrest the interim governor, along with a host of high-ranking officials and members of parliament.

"No, no, no...!" Some members of parliament and officials trembled with fear: "Mr. Li, there is room for discussion, there is room for discussion...!"

"Governor, you can't get us into this mess!"

"It's just a bill! We agree, we all agree...!"

Members of parliament and officials spoke up, each choosing their own side and distancing themselves from Brosnan.

“Governor, if you insist on not agreeing, then our state legislature will not hesitate to impeach you! In any case, you have already committed the serious crime of ‘inciting riots’ and are simply not suitable to sit in the position of interim governor!”

The members of parliament in this office, along with Azu's own people in the legislature, already constitute a majority in the state legislature.

With these people on our side, not only can we pass the Foreign Workers' Equal Rights Act, but removing the interim governor is also a piece of cake. Azu sneered, "Well? Mr. Interim Governor, I think no one else has your backbone!"

"You, you all...!" Brosnan's eyes were bloodshot as he glared at everyone in the office with hatred.

"Pfft...!" Interim Governor Brosnan spat out a mouthful of blood!

Monica thoughtfully took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the blood and foam off Azu's face.

This action made Victoria glare at her fiercely.

Sensing the murderous intent in Victoria's eyes, Monica responded with a charming smile.

Ah Zu continued, "Mr. Interim Governor, you have to sign this 'Foreign Workers' Equal Rights Act' whether you like it or not!"

"The only difference is that if you sign honestly, I can spare your life and won't expose your serious crimes of secretly orchestrating the Quincy massacre and inciting riots."

"If you don't behave and insist on forcing me, not only will it not affect the passage of the Foreign Workers Equal Rights Act, but you will also be disgraced and publicly hanged in front of everyone!"

"In all of California, and even in the entire United States, there has never been a governor who has been publicly hanged!"

"Mr. Brosnan, do you really want to be the first person to be infamous for all time?"

"you you……!"

Brosnan's lips were still stained with blood, his trembling fingers pointed angrily at Azu, but he couldn't utter a single word.

"Enough with the nonsense, sign this 'Foreign Workers' Equal Rights Act' or not!" Azu's voice became even colder.

"I...I...I...I'll sign!"

As soon as he said those words, it was as if all the bones in Brosnan's body had been pulled out, and all his energy and spirit had been drained, making him look ten years older in an instant!

"very good!"

Azu stood up and said to Ellen Poe, "Mr. Senate President, I think we should convene the state legislature immediately to discuss and pass this 'Foreign Workers' Affirmative Action Act.' What do you think?"

Edgar Allan Poe smiled slightly: "Of course!"

Under the escort of militia and police, the California Assembly and Senate passed the Alien Workers Affirmative Action Act at lightning speed, and it was signed by the interim governor, becoming a legally binding bill!

Having achieved his main objective, Azu then said to Brosnan, "Mr. Interim Governor, I'm giving you a week. If you cannot thoroughly clarify the Quincy massacre, clear the names of all outsiders, and quell the anger of the people of California, you and your colleagues will still not escape the severe punishment of the law!"

After signing the papers, Brosnan looked exceptionally old and weak: "Lee, you've achieved your goal, so why torture me like this?"

"Whoever wants to be the interim governor can take the position!" Brosnan, completely drained of his energy, said, "I voluntarily resign from my position as interim governor. Lee, you still won't let me go?"

"Heh!" Azu sneered, "Since you orchestrated the Quincy massacre and the subsequent riots, it's only right that you personally quell them!"

"As for where you, the interim governor, will go after this turmoil has completely subsided, that is your prerogative."

Brosnan stared into Azu's eyes: "Lee, you never intended for me to continue living, did you?"

"Don't say that!" Azu said expressionlessly, "Mr. Acting Governor, we have an old Chinese saying: 'Those who reap what they sow will not live.'"

"Whether you live or die is entirely your own doing, not something given to you by others!"

"Ultimately, Mr. Interim Governor, you are responsible for the Quincy massacre and all those who were injured or killed in the riots!"

"For the sake of the authority and credibility of the California government and legislature, perhaps I can choose not to disclose the whole truth of the matter."

"But, Mr. Interim Governor, you will ultimately not escape the judgment of your conscience!"

"This conscience, whether it's your own or someone else's!!!"

"Hahaha!" Brosnan laughed bitterly, "My conscience? It was completely worn away during my decades-long military career! Lee, so many people died at your hands, ask yourself, do you still have any conscience left?"

"My heart and actions are as clear as a mirror, and everything I do is just!!!" Azu said calmly.

"What do you mean?" Brosnan asked, puzzled.

Ah Zu offered a rare explanation: "It means that everything I've done is done with a clear conscience! Even if I use the darkest and most shameless means, it's all for the sake of achieving a higher goal!"

"Heh heh!" Brosnan laughed bitterly, "And what about me? I'm just like that. It's just that I lost!"

That's right! You lost!

Azu picked up the Foreign Workers' Equal Rights Act he had signed and led a group of people toward the governor's office.

“Lee…!” Brosnan suddenly called out to him from behind: “Lee, as you wish, I will quell this storm as soon as possible! But, after that, please spare my family!”

Azu stopped, but didn't turn around. After a brief silence, he said, "Okay...!"
-
Overnight, the tide turned completely with interim governor Brosnan, state government officials, state legislators, and the newspapers that had previously fueled the storm!

The truth behind the Quincy massacre has been revealed: the Krami Indians, disguised as outsiders, were responsible for this horrific tragedy.

A large number of Krami people who participated in the Quincy massacre, including Krami chief Wolfclaw, were captured alive by the militia!

In addition to the murderers who were captured alive, there were also a large number of tools used in the crimes, as well as testimonies provided by survivors who were found one after another.

The truth is undeniable!
Following the conviction of the Krami, the interim California government announced a compensation plan for outsiders who suffered losses during the riots.

The interim governor of California, the speaker of the legislature, and the presidents and editors of those newspapers personally issued apologies.

Furthermore, the interim governor, on behalf of the entire California government, stated that all rioters involved in this unrest will be severely punished, especially those who continued to cause trouble after the truth was revealed.

A riot that had stirred up a massive upheaval quickly subsided after this series of actions.

Following this, the California interim government and legislature enacted the Alien Workers Affirmative Action Act, granting foreign workers and California citizens almost complete equal rights.

Compared to the Quincy massacre and riots, the attention and minor disturbances caused by the Foreign Workers Equal Rights Act seem insignificant.

After all that was over, another big news broke: interim governor Mr. Brosnan resigned from all public office!
Having resigned from his public office, Mr. Brosnan shed all the power and pressure, moved out of the luxurious governor's mansion, and returned to his own cozy little home.

“Pearson, I advised you long ago that after you retired from the army, we should have enjoyed our retirement in peace. Why did you have to wade into the murky waters of politics!”

Mrs. Brosnan expressed her full understanding and support for her husband's decision to resign from all public office, but she couldn't help but grumble about it.

After returning to her own home, Mrs. Brosnan thoughtfully made her husband his favorite apple pie! It was both a comfort and a celebration.

"Pop...!" Brosnan embraced his wife's no longer slender waist from behind, and then left a deep kiss on her face.

"Thank you for your hard work, my Alice! Things will get better!"

Brosnan held his wife tenderly, not letting go for a long time.

"Why are you suddenly being so gentle today, you old man?" Alice, the wife, turned to look at her husband in confusion.

"Hehe, it's nothing! It's just that we haven't been this relaxed together in a long time."

"Oh...! Get out of the way and don't disturb my cooking!"

"Yes, dear Mrs. Brosnan!"

Brosnan watched his wife's back as she busied herself in the kitchen, a relieved smile appearing on his lips.

In just a few days, Brosnan's gray hair had turned completely white.

But from this moment on, he no longer needed to scheme against others, nor did he need to guard against others' schemes!
Having put everything aside, Brosnan walked easily to the backyard and sat on his favorite recliner.

Looking at the lush lawn and tall old oak tree in his backyard, old Brosnan's relieved smile deepened.

From his pocket, old Brosnan pulled out the most precious and hard-won "Congressional Medal of Honor" from his decades-long military career!
Old Brosnan pinned the mesmerizing blue medal to his left breast and stroked it tenderly for a moment.

Then, old Brosnan pulled out his most beloved ivory-inlaid gold Colt revolver from his other trouser pocket...!
"boom……!"

A sharp gunshot startled Mrs. Brosnan in the kitchen, causing her hands to tremble violently!
The freshly made, steaming hot apple pie fell to the ground with a "thud!"
Bright red tomato sauce was sprayed onto the kitchen floor!

"Ah... Pearson... my dear Pearson...!"

Moments later, Mrs. Brosnan's heart-wrenching cries echoed from the backyard!
The next day, early in the morning, in the shipyard study, Azu slowly put down the newspaper "The Flag" in his hand.

"It is with great regret that our Mr. Brosnan ended his life in the manner of a soldier!"

Azu said in a deep voice, "Mr. Brosnan has chosen to end his own life!"

"For the sake of his family and his reputation, this may be the best outcome!"

Azu said with regret, "Mr. Brosnan was actually a very wise elder! If he hadn't been so determined to stand against us, perhaps he wouldn't have ended up like this!"

As Speaker of the State Legislature, Edgar Allan Poe undoubtedly had the most contact with interim Governor Brosnan.

Edgar Allan Poe said, "Yes, Mr. Brosnan is indeed a qualified candidate for governor! However, he must also pay the price for his actions!"

"An old soldier died by his own gun!"

Azu then changed the subject: "Now that the position of interim governor is vacant, who should take this crucial position?"

(End of this chapter)