North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 151 A Year's Plan

After a moment's thought, Azu asked Wu Qingfeng, "How was the response to the batch of penicillin that was sent back to China more than half a year ago? Does the Wu family have the confidence to sell penicillin all over the country?"

Wu Qingfeng quickly stood up and nodded: "Boss, my father has already written to me. The effect of that batch of penicillin was truly enormous. Five hundred vials of penicillin saved at least a hundred lives!"

"Moreover, these people were all people who would have died even after treatment with both Chinese and Western medicine. Because of penicillin, the situation of our Wu family has greatly improved."

“Now, very small amounts of penicillin have also appeared in church hospitals in China.”

“My father urged me in his letter to quickly supply large quantities of penicillin to the country. But…!” Wu Qingfeng smiled bitterly, “Our company’s penicillin production is not large, and the supply cannot meet the demand. I’m really embarrassed to ask him for it…!”

Azu nodded: "Now is the perfect time. The production capacity of penicillin is still being expanded. By March next year, it will be able to reach a monthly production of one million doses. Write to Mr. Wu and ask him to provide him with 100,000 doses of penicillin every month starting next March."

"With the expansion of production capacity next year, the price of penicillin can drop significantly again, so that even ordinary people and the poor can afford it."

"As for the price for domestic customers, it will be the same as the discount given to the church."

Upon hearing this, Wu Qingfeng exclaimed excitedly, "Boss, this action will surely save countless lives of our countrymen! It's a meritorious deed!"

"Of course your Wu family can make money with penicillin, but please remember that healing and saving lives comes first, making money comes second!" Azu continued, "Only by prioritizing virtue can your Wu family enjoy lasting fortune and prosperity!"

Wu Qingfeng bowed deeply once more: "The entire Wu family will certainly remember the boss's teachings and will never become a profit-driven, unscrupulous merchant!"

Azu added, "The current market price for penicillin in California has reached fifty or sixty dollars per vial. If it's shipped to the East, it can still sell for around one hundred dollars."

“Our distributors don’t ship much penicillin locally; instead, they mostly transport it to the east to make a profit. In the past two months, they’ve made a fortune by working with our Huamei Company.”

"Hehe!" Azu laughed, "We still need these powerful figures from all over the country, so we can only turn a blind eye and let them make a fortune, let them make money so easily, and let them become addicted to our penicillin!"

"The more they earn, the more deeply they become tied to us!"

Azu gave Wu Qingfeng a deep look: "I hope the Wu family doesn't go down the same path as them!"

Ah Zu warned Wu Qingfeng again, fearing that they might turn into comprador merchants.

Azu added, “As for the payment for penicillin, let’s use domestic products such as tea, porcelain, and silk to offset it. If that’s not enough, then we can use silver. Remember, we should not use domestic grain for any of our trade with China.”

"There is already not enough food in the country. If we transport some more away, many more people will surely starve to death."

Upon hearing Azu's words, all the Chinese present deeply agreed and couldn't help but admire their boss's vision and sentiment.

Azu said, "However, we can send more grain from Japan and Southeast Asia."

"Got it, boss!"

Everyone readily agreed.

Azu continued, "Starting next year, our model village will also begin to produce a large amount of grain. The grain problem should be basically solved for us."

"But we urgently need a large amount of high-quality cotton! Whether it's textile mills, garment factories, chemical plants, or arms factories, they all need more and more cotton."

“Our model village could also grow cotton, as the climate and soil of the Central Valley are suitable for cotton cultivation.”

"But food is the most important thing! I don't plan to grow cotton on a large scale until the food problem is completely solved. So, let's try to buy from the east. Although it's more expensive, at least it doesn't take up our precious human resources."

"Besides cotton and grain, the most important tasks in the near future are to expand the production capacity of the pharmaceutical factory and the Giant Elephant Mountain mining base. Apart from these two industries, the population we need to support and the scale of the industries we invest in are too large. All the other industries combined are basically just barely enough to keep the company running normally."

"The second point is to build our own naval guns as soon as possible and arm our fleet. At sea, we can no longer be lambs to the slaughter!"

Azu added, "After I officially take office as the first governor on January 1st next year, I will transform the militia into the National Guard, and do everything according to the standards of the regular army."

“With the current financial resources of the California government, it is impossible to support a strong National Guard! Therefore, this fully-fledged National Guard will need additional financial and military support from our Huamei Company.”

"In addition to the National Guard on land, we must also build a strong coast guard force as soon as possible to strengthen our maritime rights. Even if we encounter a naval fleet, our coast guard force must be able to fight!"

"Of course, California's financial resources are insufficient to support the construction of the Coast Guard. Therefore, although the Coast Guard is nominally under the state government, it actually relies entirely on Huamei Corporation for its construction and management."

"The National Guard will be consolidated from its current four militia regiments of 6,000 men into two National Guard brigades of approximately 3,000 men each."

"I personally assumed the role of commander of the National Guard Brigade, and Ellen Poe served as chief of staff."

"I plan to appoint Feng Zicai as the commander of the 1st National Guard Brigade, with Harley as the deputy commander; and Shi Dakai as the commander of the 2nd Brigade, with Ayan as the deputy commander."

"In addition, we are preparing to establish an independent artillery regiment and an independent cavalry regiment within the California National Guard!"

"Old Martinez will be appointed commander of the Independent Artillery Regiment. He's a veteran gunner and can handle the job. As for his previous position as state attorney general, he shouldn't take it anymore; you're not cut out for it!"

"Hehe...!" Old Martinez scratched his head sheepishly: "To be honest, after serving as the prosecutor's chief for so long, I've never personally handled a single case. All those laws and case files make my head spin...!"

"Let Victoria try the position of Chief Prosecutor. After all, the duties of the Prosecutor's Office and the Eighteenth Division have a lot in common, both involving investigation and surveillance."

“Victoria, give all the key members of the 18th Division a formal prosecutor’s title, so that they have formal law enforcement authority at least throughout California.”

“Okay, Boss!” Victoria smiled sweetly. “Now, our Bureau 18 can legitimately arrest people and confiscate their property, right?”

"Keep a low profile, keep a low profile!" Azu glared at her. "The most important principle of an intelligence organization is to always keep a low profile! Only by remaining hidden in the shadows can an intelligence organization play its greatest role!"

"Okay, my boss, I was just joking!"

"Hmm!" After nodding, Azu turned to another woman and said, "Youma, I want you to be the commander of the Independent Cavalry Regiment. Do you have the confidence?"

"Huh...?" Yuma, who had been keeping his head down and trying to minimize his presence, was suddenly called out and looked up in astonishment: "Me? Cavalry Commander?"

“That’s right!” Azu smiled at her and said, “I saw that you trained the women’s cavalry company very well when you were in the model village!”

Azu said, “I plan to recruit the main personnel of this independent cavalry regiment from among the Indians, especially your Blackfoot tribe!”

"Therefore, you are the only one who can serve as the commander of this independent cavalry regiment!"

Upon hearing this, Edgar Allan Poe couldn't help but interject, "Boss, if we recruit cavalry from the Native Americans, we can indeed quickly form a fighting force, and once formed, they will definitely be stronger than most cavalry in the world!"

"However, California and the entire United States are currently extremely hostile towards Native Americans. If we openly recruit Native American cavalry, will that...!"

Azu replied, “Ellen, your concerns are valid! Therefore, before recruiting Indian cavalry, we must first pass the Indian Equal Rights Act to resolve their identity and legal issues.”

“The Indian Rights Act…!” Ellen Poe asked, “To what extent does this act entail granting rights to Native Americans?”

Without hesitation, Azu replied, "Like the Foreign Workers Equal Rights Act, they have the right to vote and to be elected, and possess basic and complete civil rights!"

"California has enough land to accommodate all the whites, Chinese, and Native Americans!"

"Our campaign slogan is prosperity, stability, and equality! Without giving Native Americans equal rights, where will California's prosperity, stability, and equality come from?"

After some thought, Ellen Poe and the others agreed wholeheartedly: "Boss, you're right! Only by resolving the issue of Native American citizenship can California truly achieve prosperity, stability, and equality!"

Azu said, "Ellen, you will remain the Speaker of the Senate, and Mr. Zuo will become the Speaker of the House. You two discuss the specific terms of this bill. Once we officially take office, we will pass it as soon as possible."

“No problem!” Ellen Po and Zuo Zongtang nodded in unison, agreeing.

Azu turned back to Youma and said, "My little sister Youma, how is it? All the obstacles have been cleared for you. Are you confident about becoming the commander of the Independent Cavalry Regiment?" "I...I am...!"

Yu Ma blushed and nodded emphatically!

"Hehe, that's good!" Azu said, "Then after we officially take office, you should return to the Blackfoot tribe and other friendly tribes to recruit at least a thousand cavalrymen!"

“The California National Guard is responsible for the safety of any Indian tribe whose members have joined the Independent Cavalry Regiment.”

“Various Native American tribes can also migrate to the fertile Central Valley, where I have already purchased a lot of land. I will set aside a large area to settle the Blackfoot tribe or other friendly Native Americans.”

“I treat every Indian who joins the Independent Cavalry Regiment the same! They will enjoy the same treatment as white soldiers and Chinese soldiers.”

"I have offered such favorable terms that the Indians joining the Independent Cavalry will not only be the bravest and most skilled warriors, but also bring the finest warhorses."

"In addition, all Indian cavalrymen must unconditionally obey the training and operational commands of the California National Guard. I absolutely do not want those troublemakers or those who are not of one mind!"

Yuma blushed, biting her lip as she listened and nodded diligently. Only after Azu finished speaking did Yuma say, "Boss, I've memorized everything! I can't speak for other tribes, but for our Blackfoot tribe, there's absolutely no problem!"

"Our ancestral home is in the Central Valley. Returning to our ancestral home is the common wish of all our people!"

"For this, we are willing to pay any price!"

When it came to serious matters, Yuma suddenly became completely fearless and shy!
“Very good! But the Independent Cavalry Regiment will not be entirely composed of Native Americans. I will recruit some young and brave Chinese to join them.”

"Okay, BOSS!"

Chinese people look so similar to Native Americans, and there is no discrimination or hatred between them, so there are no major problems in a military unit.

However, if Native Americans and white people were in the same army, the situation would be hard to predict!
Azu continued, "After the Independent Cavalry Regiment was established, it was stationed and trained in the Central Valley, responsible for protecting the Model Village, the Giant Elephant Mountain mining base, and the safety of various Indian tribes."

"Ah... then...?"

Upon hearing this, Youma immediately became anxious, hesitated to speak, and her little face turned red with worry.

"What? You don't want to?" Azu smiled and said, "Don't worry, I will visit you often!"

Youma finally breathed a sigh of relief. Vivian understood her feelings and couldn't help but put her arm around her shoulder and giggle.

Vivian's smile made Youma's pretty face droop even lower!
After arranging matters concerning the Independent Cavalry Regiment, Azu continued, "As for the Coast Guard, I think only Captain Vic can serve as its commander! Others either don't understand the ocean or lack the qualifications."

"Me...the Coast Guard Commander?" Captain Vic couldn't help but be taken aback.

"Yes! Although you are now the mayor of San Francisco, this is not actually your area of ​​expertise!"

"How about you issue an appointment, appointing Mr. Zuo Zongtang as Assistant Mayor, entrusting him with all practical affairs, while you focus your main efforts on the construction and management of the Coast Guard?"

Vic rubbed his hands together and stood up, extremely excited. "This is wonderful! I've been away from the sea for too long, and sitting in the mayor's office has made me feel so uncomfortable!"

"Like old Martinez, I'm not really cut out for office work!"

"But don't worry, Boss! I will definitely build and manage the Coast Guard well, and make it a powerful fleet that is no less than the Navy!"

“Very good!” Azu nodded to him: “Huamei Company will fully support the construction of the Coast Guard. The first batch of five 500-ton-class armored steam patrol vessels for coastal and inland waterways will be launched soon.”

"The first batch of three 1,500-ton armored steam frigates will also be completed and launched within six months."

"These eight ships are all new steamships with a speed of over 28 knots. They form the foundation of the Coast Guard, and there will be more and more ships like them in the future!"

"Our problem now is that we don't lack ships, but we lack guns, personnel, and naval tactical training."

"Naval guns will not be gradually installed on ships until March or April next year. Before then, Commander Vic, you must prepare enough captains and sailors to familiarize them with the operation, maintenance, and upkeep of our brand-new fast steamships."

“No problem, don’t worry, Boss!” Vic said excitedly. “Then can I choose captains and sailors from the existing shipping companies?”

“Sure!” Azu nodded in agreement: “The shipping company has over a hundred captains and thousands of sailors; you can choose the best one.”

"That's great!" Vic clapped his hands excitedly. "Boss, with skilled captains and sailors, our coast guard will be fully operational in less than three months. We're just waiting for the cannons and brand-new warships!"

Azu replied, "My fleet commander, let's not be too optimistic! Even if we have ships, cannons, and men, do you understand naval tactics? Are you familiar with naval artillery warfare? Are you confident in your ability to command a fleet?"

"Well... Boss, we'll learn as we go!" Vic finally showed a serious expression.

Azu said, "General Paparo King said something very good! The navy is a technical branch of the military, requiring long-term accumulation and learning, and even more so, a lot of investment and training. A navy that lasts a century, even if we have ships, cannons, and men, we are still far from being a powerful navy!"

"I understand, Boss! But as long as we keep working hard, we'll definitely achieve it, right?"

"Hehehe, my fleet commander, that's the right attitude!" Azu nodded approvingly.

Azu concluded, "Only with a strong National Guard and Coast Guard can we truly have control of California and be unafraid of any enemy!"

"Besides the National Guard and the Coast Guard, we are now facing more and more, stronger and stronger, internal and external enemies!"

"Shi Dakai and I have been targeted by the Freemasons in assassination attempts three times. If it weren't for Shi Dakai's exceptional skills, they would have succeeded."

Azu said in a deep voice, "Everyone here today is a core member of our Huamei. Each of you bears important responsibilities. Losing any one of you would be a huge loss to our cause."

"Therefore, every one of us here inevitably faces the possibility of being assassinated or murdered."

"Therefore, we must establish an elite internal security force to protect the safety of everyone."

Azu said solemnly, "This internal security force is called the Imperial Guard Division, and Feng Zicai and Shi Dakai will serve as its joint directors."

"Feng Zicai, Shi Dakai...!"

"exist……!"

The two of them stood up at the same time, standing ramrod straight.

“You two will personally select three hundred of the most courageous, fearless, skilled in martial arts and marksmanship, alert and perceptive, and with the cleanest and most reliable backgrounds from the National Guard, and train them to be your personal bodyguards.”

"After completing their training, each core member of Huamei will be assigned three to ten personal bodyguards, depending on their rank."

"Jason, as the state police chief, you also need to take some responsibility for security!"

"Boss, whatever you say, I'll do!"

Azu nodded and said, "The state police department should also select some of the most reliable and alert officers to be responsible for the core members of Huamei and the external security of Huamei's various assets!"

“You should also select three hundred state police officers to form an internal security unit and hand them over to Feng Zicai and Shi Dakai for unified training. After the training is completed, in addition to their normal salary, our Huamei Company will be responsible for giving them a special allowance of forty US dollars per month.”

"This internal security unit, composed of 300 state police officers, is responsible for the residences and offices of the core members of East West Bank, as well as their perimeter security when they go out. In addition, the internal security unit will also set up 24-hour sentry posts at important properties such as East West Bank headquarters and East West Bank Bank."

"This concerns the safety of Chinese Americans and their businesses. It's a crucial mission. Jason, can you handle it?"

"Don't worry!" Old Jason stood up, a cigarette dangling from his lips, and patted his chest as he assured, "I will personally select each of these three hundred elite police officers from the Internal Security Department. I absolutely guarantee there won't be any problems!"

(End of this chapter)