North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 125 What are you doing? (Seeking monthly votes)

"To create a new China!"

Before this, Ah Zu had never confided his feelings to anyone.

Firstly, because we were too weak in the past, raising such slogans would only invite ridicule.

Secondly, because there is no suitable person to talk to, saying such things to the white people around him would be tantamount to making countless enemies.

Thirdly, it's unnecessary. Some people can be united by shared interests, while for others, simple interests alone cannot move their hearts.

To win over people like Zuo Zongtang and Shi Dakai, there must be something more important than material gain.

Upon hearing Ah Zu's goal, everyone at the table was shocked.

"To create a new China!"

Zuo Zongtang pondered the meaning of those words and said in a deep voice, "Mr. Li, do you really have such lofty ambitions?"

Ah Zu didn't explain much: "Everyone has come from afar, I'm sure you've all had a long and tiring journey! Today, everyone should get some rest."

"Tomorrow, I'll take you all on a tour of some of my properties!"

"After the tour, I'll describe a future for you!"

On the first day, Azu arranged for them all to rest at the Rosewood Hotel.

Early the next morning, Azu personally led the group on a tour of some of his properties.

Like other Chinese who had just set foot on this land, Zuo Zongtang, Shi Dakai, and a group of talented young people found everything here incredibly new and exciting.

In particular, the various machines that spewed black smoke and made a rumbling noise without the need for human or animal power completely exceeded their expectations.

At the smelter, they witnessed firsthand how mountains of iron ore were transformed into furnaces of molten iron weighing tens of tons, and finally into gleaming pieces of refined steel!
"Currently, my smelter produces about 15,000 tons of steel per year, and it is still under continuous expansion!"

"My arsenals, shipyards, and machinery plants are all increasing their demand for high-quality steel. I estimate that by the end of this year or early next year, our steel production will need to double to keep up with our own needs."

After witnessing the modern steelmaking technology, Zuo Zongtang was greatly shocked: "At present, the Qing Dynasty's total pig iron production is only 40 million catties, and its steel production is even less."

"Mr. Li's smelter alone produces steel that almost surpasses the entire Qing Dynasty's output! This is truly... astonishing!"

Azu replied, "Even now, the Qing Dynasty is still using primitive methods to smelt iron and steel. In terms of technology, output, and quality, it is far behind!"

"Steel is the foundation of a strong nation! Without a powerful steel industry, our great China can only be bullied by others!"

"Steel is the foundation of a strong nation...!"

For Zuo Zongtang, Shi Dakai, and others, this was the first time they had heard such a proposal, but after repeatedly pondering it, they found it increasingly reasonable.

After visiting the steel plant, the next stop was the shipyard.

Standing in front of the massive, mountain-sized clipper ship under construction, everyone felt incredibly small!
Azu explained, "These large ocean-going clipper ships, which are around a thousand tons in full load, are almost obsolete in my area."

Is it a ship that's almost obsolete?

Even such obsolete ships simply couldn't be built in the Qing Dynasty!

At this moment, Zuo Zongtang and others felt an unprecedented bitterness in their hearts!
Ah Zu continued, "These clipper boats are the last batch of wooden sailing ships. Starting next year, all the ships we build will be steam-powered iron-hulled ships!"

As he spoke, Azu led them to another dock.

Pointing to the massive black structure under construction in the dock: "This is our first batch of ocean-going iron-hulled steamships. Fully loaded, they will weigh 1,500 tons and have a speed of over 20 knots, which is about 150 li per hour!"

One hour is 150 li!
Everyone present swallowed hard!
This speed was beyond their imagination!
"Now, you are on the 'Barbara' to reach the other side of the ocean. Even with favorable winds and currents, it will take you a full two months."

"If you were traveling on one of these steam-powered iron-hulled ships, the time spent at sea could be reduced to less than a month!"

Zuo Zongtang and Shi Dakai simultaneously thought of a question: "What if this iron-hulled steamship were equipped with cannons...!"

"If we equip it with cannons...!" Azu reached out and patted the dark steel hull: "This is a powerful warship! Just a few iron-hulled steam warships would be enough to keep the entire Qing Dynasty from setting sail!"

"If such ships sail up the Pearl River, the Yangtze River and other rivers, straight into the heart of the Qing Dynasty, what will the Manchu Eight Banners and Green Standard Army soldiers, who are still using bows and arrows and spears, use to defend themselves?"

Azu’s casual words sent chills down the spines of Zuo Zongtang, Shi Dakai, and others, making them shudder with fear.

Next, Azu took them on a tour of the machinery factory.

On the production line for manufacturing compound impulse steam turbines, Azu explained, "This type of steam engine only needs to burn coal or firewood to boil water, and the steam drives the machinery to do work. This is the root of the rapid progress of Western industry over the past hundred years!"

"Boiling water turns it into steam, which then drives machinery to do work...?"

Seeing everyone's puzzled expressions, Ah Zu explained simply, "It's just like boiling water in a teapot. Doesn't the steam make the teapot lid jump around? Simply put, it's the same principle!"

Upon hearing what Azu said, the people present seemed to understand.

"It was the gradual replacement of human and animal power with steam power that made it possible for a few people to do things that used to require a hundred or a thousand people!"

"It is precisely because of steam power that things that were impossible to do by human power in the past can now be done entirely by machinery! Just like the steam-powered iron-hulled ships you see!"

"Besides steamships, there are steam trains, steam pumps, steam saws, steam machine tools, steam mining machines... This is a rapidly changing new era, while the Qing Dynasty has fallen far behind!"

Finally, Azu led them to the militia's training ground.

Here, they witnessed firsthand the training of thousands of militiamen, especially the HM49 rifles in their hands, which still possessed sufficient accuracy and lethality at a distance of one kilometer!

This deeply shocked Zuo Zongtang, Shi Dakai, and others!
After they personally test-fired this advanced rifle, they felt even more deeply how powerful this weapon was!

That wasn't all. Azu also had the militiamen demonstrate the power of the Maxim machine gun and mortar!

"This...this...this...!"

They already thought rifles were deadly weapons, but after witnessing machine guns and mortars firsthand, Zuo Zongtang, Shi Dakai, and others truly understood what despair meant!
"Mr. Li... has the West become so powerful now?"

Looking at the machine guns and mortars still emitting smoke, Shi Dakai said, "With just a few dozen people operating these guns and cannons, even if the enemy has thousands of troops, they will be completely vulnerable!"

“Yes!” Azu nodded and said, “The nobles of the Great Qing Dynasty always boast about their vast territory and abundant resources, and with their 400 million subjects, they are still immersed in the dream of attending court in the Heavenly Kingdom.”

"Little did they know that the present era is a great change unseen in a thousand years, and simply relying on a large population and vast territory is no longer enough to gain a foothold in the world."

After spending the whole day showing them around some of his properties, Ah Zu returned to the same dining table as yesterday.

Azu said in a deep voice, "Everyone, I believe you have witnessed with your own eyes today that this place is a completely different new world from the Qing Dynasty!"

"I once mentioned to Lord Lin Zexu in a letter that the strength of the West lies in its open-mindedness, advanced science, and developed industry!"

"Since you have left your homes and traveled across the ocean to come here, I will naturally arrange the best learning environment for you, so that you can study the enlightened ideas, advanced science, and how to develop industry in the West with peace of mind!"

Looking at the thirty-three promising young talents, Azu said, “I will first send you to a preparatory school to build a solid foundation and learn foreign languages. Then I will arrange for you to enter the best universities in America, where you can study Western thought, science, and industry in a comprehensive manner according to your own interests and strengths.”

"This arrangement is excellent!"

After the banquet ended, Azu arranged for the other talented men to rest, but he kept Zuo Zongtang and Shi Dakai behind.

"Brother Zuo, Brother Shi, you are different from them!"

Azu held their hands and said, "I regard you two as extraordinary talents of our time, which is why I have invited you here repeatedly. You are here to learn through practice and learn while doing!"

"If you two don't mind, Brother Zuo can stay in my secretariat to familiarize himself with general affairs and learn English and Western ways."

"I am now the Assistant Governor of California, in charge of all the affairs of the state. In the future, this position will undoubtedly belong to Brother Zuo!"

"Prime Minister's General Affairs...!"

Zuo Zongtang felt a blissful dizziness, but at the same time, he felt a heavy burden on his shoulders.

Zuo Zongtang served as the headmaster of an academy and as a staff member. He was not a bookworm who only studied books, but was also quite familiar with general affairs.

Once Zuo Zongtang becomes familiar with Huamei Industrial's industries and the Western system, with his talent, he could easily become not only an assistant governor but also the prime minister of a country!

After arranging things for Zuo Zongtang, Azu then said to Shi Dakai, "Brother Shi, you are exceptionally gifted in military strategy! Today you have also seen the four militia regiments under my command. Can you say they are strong and well-equipped?"

"It's more than just strong and well-equipped! Although they are militia, they are enough to sweep away thousands of troops!" Shi Dakai exclaimed sincerely.

"A thousand soldiers are easy to find, but a good general is hard to come by!" Azu said. "I intend to appoint Brother Shi as the general to lead the troops, but he still needs to practice his marksmanship diligently and learn English and Western tactics and strategies!" "Therefore, I will first let Brother Shi lead a battalion of soldiers. After Brother Shi has completed his studies, he will be given an important position!"

Back in his hometown in Guangxi, Shi Dakai had also organized villagers and local tyrants to fight against the government, which is why he was wanted by the government.

Although he lacked formal experience in commanding troops, given Shi Dakai's talent and a period of growth, he would soon be able to stand on his own.

Faced with Azu's generous treatment, Shi Dakai said with embarrassment, "Mr. Li, I am just a humble laborer who has just arrived. How can I possibly shoulder such a great responsibility?"

"No, no, no!" Azu laughed heartily, patting Shi Dakai's broad back and strong waist, "Brother Shi, don't underestimate yourself. In my opinion, it won't be long before you command thousands of troops!"

"This... I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint Mr. Li's high expectations!"

"Haha!" Ah Zu laughed, "Trust me, I'm never wrong about people!"

"I have a man under my command named Feng Zicai, who is highly skilled in martial arts and exceptionally courageous. He arrived several months earlier than Brother Shi and is now not only the commander of a regiment but also in charge of the overall security of the area."

"Brother Shi, when you have time, you should exchange ideas with Feng Zicai. You will definitely benefit greatly!"

"I couldn't ask for more...!"

After arranging everything, Zuo Zongtang and Shi Dakai went to rest.

The hidden side door of the study opened silently, and Victoria walked in carrying a stack of intelligence reports.

"Hi BOSS!"

Victoria still wore her yellow deerskin knee-high boots and refused to wear the high heels that Ah Zu had designed for her.

Victoria placed the intelligence report in front of Azu, plopped down on the armrest of her chair, and whispered in Azu's ear, "That Burnett sent some intelligence today!"

Azu asked curiously, "Oh? He just became one of my men, and he's already so eager? What information did he send you?"

Victoria replied, "The U.S. Army Southwest Command is moving to California! And Brigadier General George Phillips is preparing to redeploy some Army units from New Mexico and Arizona to California!"

"This plan has been approved by the U.S. Army Department. Soon, we will be directly facing the U.S. Army Southwest Command, as well as three infantry regiments, five cavalry battalions, and two artillery battalions, totaling more than five thousand regular troops!"

“Five thousand soldiers…!” Azu raised an eyebrow: “Heh, who’s suppressing whom?”

Azu calmly said, "Based on the information passed on to us by that staff officer, plus Burnett's intelligence, it seems that it is indeed true!"

Azu knew far more about the U.S. Army’s actions earlier and in greater detail than Burnett.

That informant at the Southwest Command of the U.S. Army was far more professional than Burnett, and his intelligence sources were definitely broader and more direct.

Victoria whispered in Azu's ear, "So, my boss, what are you going to do?"

Azu shrugged: "We'll deal with whatever comes our way! But we can't completely turn against the American regular army unless absolutely necessary."

Victoria continued, "Burnnett also said that the Freemasons are interested in pushing the U.S. government to build a railroad and cable telegraph line from California to the East!"

"Railways and cable telegraph?"

After a moment's thought, Azu said, "Building a railroad that spans the entire United States is not that easy! It's simply not realistic within three to five years."

"As for wired telegraph, well, it also has to cross such vast wildernesses in the east and west! The wired telegraph lines are too fragile, too easily destroyed by outlaws such as Native Americans and bandits!"

“However…!” Azu continued, “Judging from the Freemasons’ movements, they are indeed preparing to strengthen their control over California!”

"The gold and penicillin here are too attractive to them, and they can't help but be tempted."

Azu thought of his ally in Washington and asked, "Has there been any news from Mr. Lincoln lately?"

Victoria shook her head: "No! The last letter he sent was more than a month ago. At that time, he said in the letter that he was preparing to launch five newspapers and was also in talks with the Vice President."

"I believe in Mr. Lincoln's abilities and personal charisma, so there shouldn't be any major problems."

At that moment, the distinctive "click-clack-clack" sound of footsteps echoed from outside the door.

Upon hearing this voice, Victoria's eyebrows furrowed slightly involuntarily.

"That slut is here again!"

"Squeak!"

Monica, wearing unique high heels and a short, bodycon skirt that swayed her perfectly plump hips, entered the study with a charming smile.

"Hi, my master!"

Without saying a word, Monica plopped down in Azu's lap.

"snort……!"

Not to be outdone, Monica plopped down on Azu's lap as well.

"What are you doing?" Azu said, his arms around the two women's slender waists. "Get up, both of you! Your legs are numb from sitting!"

"Giggle...!"

"snort……!"

Neither of them would get up; instead, they both started wiggling their hips.

"My master, another batch of Chinese laborers has been settled in the Central Valley. Now, we have built eight model villages and settled more than 8,000 people!"

Monica began reporting internal information: "In these eight model villages, in addition to the eight thousand Chinese laborers, there are also more than two hundred Native American women from the Blackfoot tribe. These women have been given priority to the village chiefs and community leaders of each village."

"Many couples who have taken a liking to each other have already gotten married and settled down."

Azu was very pleased: "Although there are not many Blackfoot women, as long as they can live a good life, more Native American women and Chinese laborers will soon marry each other."

"Pass on my message: these Native American women must be treated well, and they must not be allowed to be bullied!"

"Yes, my master!"

"Squeak...!"

The door was pushed open again, and Vivian, carrying a stack of documents, walked into the study.

"rub!"

Upon seeing Vivian, Victoria and Monica stood up almost simultaneously, one on each side, standing quite dignifiedly beside Azu.

"Oh, you're all here!"

Upon seeing the three people in the room, Vivian asked with slight surprise, "What are you doing?"

"Nothing!"

Azu smiled and said, "My little Vivian, what is it now?"

"Hi, Zu!" Vivian walked to the desk, put down a stack of documents, and said, "Aren't all the industries under our Huamei Industrial Group expanding their production capacity? We've recruited more than four thousand Chinese workers, and they're currently training and assigning them to jobs!"

"This is the newly recruited roster, Zu, take a look!"

As Azu was reviewing the roster, Vivian continued, "With the newly recruited batch, plus the existing workers, Huamei Industrial now employs more than 13,000 people, of which 11,000 are Chinese workers."

"This doesn't even include the militia members who have been demobilized!"

Under Azu's command, there were four infantry regiments with a total of 6,000 men, including 4,000 non-professional militiamen and 2,000 full-time militiamen who served as the core backbone.

The full-time militia members are all top performers in various training programs. In peacetime, they serve as a security force, responsible for the safety and protection of Huamei Industrial's various industries and key personnel.

During wartime, these full-time militiamen were officers and key non-commissioned officers at all levels of the four militia regiments.

While listening to Vivian's report, he flipped through the thick roster.

Suddenly, his hand stopped.

On the roster, Azu suddenly saw a name that was extremely unexpected yet strangely familiar!
(End of this chapter)