North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 185 Another one killed!
When only the two bigwigs remained in the conference room, Azu directly stated his compensation demands.

"I want the Panama Canal...!"

Abraham Lincoln was once again shocked by Azo's sudden demand for compensation.

Panama Canal...!

Vice President Lincoln asked in utter astonishment, "Lee, what exactly do you mean?"

Azu replied, "The distance between the east and west sides of America is so vast that transportation, whether by land or sea, is extremely inconvenient."

"This is one of the reasons why the entire western United States is sparsely populated and slow-developing."

"Moreover, the sea route from the west to Europe also requires going around Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America, where the winds and waves are high. The route is even more distant than the route across the Pacific Ocean."

"This undoubtedly further restricts the development of the west."

"And to solve all of this, the Panama Canal must be built!"

"Only when this canal is open can the American West truly develop."

"Abraham, the construction of the Panama Canal has extremely important strategic significance not only for California, but for the entire West, and even for the whole of America!"

After a moment of contemplation, Abraham Lincoln nodded in deep agreement and said, "Indeed, the Panama Canal is of decisive significance to the whole of America, and even to the whole of the Americas."

"However, Panama is now part of the Republic of New Grenada, and the decision on whether or not to build the Panama Canal is not in the hands of the United States."

"Hehe!" Azu smiled slightly: "Abraham, isn't what America is best at most achieving its strategic goals through war?"

"Little New Grenada? Isn't that a piece of cake? We can defeat it easily."

Abraham Lincoln frowned slightly: "Lee, there is no direct conflict of interest between the United States of America and the Republic of New Grenada. In fact, we once supported them in their independence movement against the Spanish colonists."

"Without sufficient reason, I cannot convince the people and parliament to declare war on the Republic of New Grenada and occupy Panama."

Azu said, "The Panama Canal is an absolutely sufficient reason! Isn't it?"

"Of course, we cannot so blatantly promote wars of aggression when dealing with foreign countries...!"

"However, we can learn from George Phillips and the Pacific Fleet...!"

Under Azu's inspiration, Lincoln seemed to realize something: "You mean, we create conflict at sea to find a reason to start a war...?"

Azu smiled and nodded: "As long as we find a pretext for war, coupled with the obvious strategic significance of building the Panama Canal, I believe that the American people and Congress will support you, Abraham, in declaring war on the Republic of New Grenada!"

Abraham Lincoln was lost in thought.

Azu continued, "As long as war is declared, California, as part of the United States, will definitely take the initiative to join the war."

“Abraham, your home fleet and landing forces, advance from the east. My National Guard and Coast Guard, advance from the west.”

"With us attacking from both sides, I believe we will soon achieve victory in the war."

"At that time, the Republic of New Grenada will definitely want to negotiate with us, the United States. And our only condition for negotiation is to gain control of tiny Panama."

“We don’t even need the territory of Panama, but rather substantial control and development rights. Of course, seizing territory would be even better…!”

"I believe that the defeated Republic of New Grenada will definitely agree to these peace terms."

Abraham Lincoln raised his thick eyebrows, and a smile slowly crept onto his face.

Clearly, he was smitten by Azu's words.

Lincoln couldn't help but ask, "Lee, but what's in it for you?"

Azu laughed and said, "We in California can take charge of the construction of the Panama Canal and related ports. And afterwards, we will be responsible for the management and operation of the Panama Canal and the ports."

“This is my claim for compensation, Abraham. I don’t think it’s unreasonable at all, is it?”

"Moreover, Abraham, if you become president, you will also urgently need a victory in a foreign war to establish your prestige and authority!"

At this point, Azu's smile widened: "The American people have always preferred a war president who brings them victory, not a sissy pacifist president!"

Lincoln nodded again in deep agreement: "Indeed...!"

Azo winked at Lincoln: "Abraham, the Freemasons in the army are so powerful! There's no better way to wipe them out than a war...!"

"What......?"

Lincoln was shocked once again: "Lee, you mean...?"

"Ahem...!" Azu coughed twice: "If we encounter fierce resistance from the New Grenada army, shouldn't the Freemasons, who claim to be infinitely loyal to America, form a separate team and lead the charge...?"

“This…!” Abraham Lincoln stared intently at Azu: “Li, you are so insidious and ruthless…!”

Azu chuckled and shook his head: "Before General Paparo King took up his post, he complained to me about his inability to effectively purge the Freemasons from the home fleet. In light of this, I only had to put my mind to it a little…!"

“It’s not just the home fleet…!” Lincoln slowly shook his head: “Completely purging the Freemasons from the military is easier said than done!”

“From the very beginning of the founding of the United States, the Freemasons have been deeply intertwined with the United States; they have long been an integral part of the United States.”

"But now, the out-of-control Freemasonry has become a cancer in America. Completely eradicating it is extremely difficult…!"

At this point, Lincoln changed the subject: "However, Lee, your method is worth trying. Through war, we can legitimately purge the Freemasons, especially those mid- and low-ranking officers...!"

Azu said, "So, Abraham, you agree to my plan?"

After a long pause, Abraham Lincoln replied, "Lee, I will seriously consider your suggestion! But all of this is contingent on me becoming president."

"If I do become president, I will discuss the details of this plan with you further."

Azu said, "Abraham, you will definitely become president, it's just a matter of time...!"

“You can take your time to consider this plan.” Azu then changed the subject: “What about the new political party I mentioned to you the day before yesterday? What have you thought about it?”

After a moment's thought, Lincoln said, "After careful consideration, I agree with your proposal to form the Republican Party!"

"When I return to Washington, I will immediately set about forming the Republican Party!"

Upon hearing this, Azu breathed a slight sigh of relief: "Very good! Abraham, we have reached a complete agreement on another matter!"

“I will provide you with all the support you need, including funding, through the California office in Washington.”

“You took a huge risk and made this trip to California yourself, so of course I can’t let you go back empty-handed.”

"To support you in establishing the Republican Party as soon as possible, here's the initial funding... 1.5 million US dollars. Is that enough?"

“One and a half million…!” Lincoln swallowed hard, utterly shocked. “Lee, isn’t this too much?”

"Not much, not much...!" Azu waved his hand dismissively: "As long as it can get you to the presidency, it's worth spending any amount of money."

"Besides, this amount of money is nothing to me!"

Upon hearing this, Abraham Lincoln once again had a completely different understanding of this young Chinese man.

This young ally possessed wealth that far exceeded Lincoln's imagination!

"Li, even if you're not the richest person in all of America right now, you're definitely one of them!"

Lincoln exclaimed, "I would much rather you lower the price of penicillin than receive your political donations!"

"Currently, in the East, a single dose of penicillin still costs around fifty dollars, which is still too expensive."

"In a situation where penicillin is urgently needed to save a life, an ordinary person might be able to afford it if they grit their teeth."

"But for the poor, even fifty dollars is a difficult amount to come up with."

"If the price of penicillin can be further reduced so that even the poor can afford it, then penicillin can truly demonstrate its value!"

“Abraham, your wish is also my goal!” Azu nodded and said, “We have been working hard to expand penicillin production capacity. Every few months, penicillin production can be increased to a higher level.”

"Now, my pharmaceutical factory can produce about a million vials of penicillin every month."

"The current ex-factory price of penicillin remains at thirty US dollars. I am preparing to further reduce the ex-factory price at the appropriate time so that most people can afford it."

Lincoln said with relief, "That's great! Lee, I knew I hadn't misjudged you."

"This mission to California is basically complete!" Lincoln continued, "Lee, I'm ready to set off immediately and return to Washington as soon as possible." Azu replied, "Abraham, you will definitely encounter more dangers along the way! That completely out-of-control organization will absolutely not want to see you return to Washington like this."

Therefore, your safety on your way back is even more important!

“Hmm…!” Azu thought for a moment: “I will have Brigade Commander Shi Dakai lead the Guards and the California National Guard to personally protect you and ensure your safe return to Washington.”

At this point, Abraham Lincoln frowned: "Lee, this can't go on! Even if I return to Washington safely, I'll still be facing that insane organization at any time...!"

"Hehe...!" Azu smiled slightly: "Abraham, have you forgotten the backup plan I made in advance?"

"Once my backup plan is activated, that completely out-of-control, crazed organization will probably not have the time to assassinate you anymore...!"

“Li…!” Abraham Lincoln, increasingly curious, couldn’t help but want to ask again, but saw Azu wave his hand mysteriously at him.

Lincoln finally suppressed his curiosity and shut his mouth.
-
Just a few hours later, Vice President Abraham Lincoln, under the close protection of Shi Dakai and surrounded by a powerful security force of up to two hundred men from the Guards and the National Guard, finally boarded the armored frigate "Zhiyuan" and embarked on his return journey.

Accompanying him back to Washington were dozens of low- to mid-ranking Freemason naval officers, led by Andrew Webber.

Meanwhile, Colonel Walton, who had come from Monterey, led the Army officers of the Southwest Command to temporarily take over the San Diego Naval Base and the Pacific Fleet.

Azu found an opportunity to meet with Walton alone.

"Colonel, the clue you provided us last time played a crucial role...!"

Upon hearing Azu's words, Chief of Staff Walton asked in surprise, "Governor, what clue are you referring to...?"

"Hehe!" Ah Zu laughed, "Have you forgotten? That peach flavor you mentioned last time...!"

"Oh...!" Chief of Staff Walton slapped his forehead. "Such a tiny clue, even I forgot about it. Could it be that you uncovered a Freemason assassin based on this clue? Impossible!"

"Isn't that a coincidence? That's just how it is!"

Azu patted Chief of Staff Walton on the shoulder with satisfaction: "Giving you that one percent of the pharmaceutical plant shares was definitely worth it!"

"The peach-scented clue you provided saved us from disaster once again."

“Governor, don’t be so happy yet…!” Chief of Staff Walton said in a deep voice, “A few days ago, another guy named Klaus found me in Monterey…!”

“Klaus…?” Azu frowned, remembering the list provided by Miss Hongzhong.

One of the Hidden Knights of the Solomon Temple was named Klaus.

“This Klaus is also a hidden knight!” Azu frowned. “Their cover-up has long been removed. What does he want with you?”

“But Klaus hasn’t given up!” Chief of Staff Walton continued, “He came to me hoping to stay by my side and wait for an opportunity to assassinate you.”

“I feel that keeping him by my side at least keeps him under our sight.”

"If we let him run wild, he might cause some trouble...!"

"Where is he now?" Azu asked directly.

"They're right here in my officer corps...!"

Azu's eyes darted around, and he whispered something in Walton's ear, which Walton nodded repeatedly in agreement.

……

Shortly after, Walton left Azu’s temporary office and returned to his corps of officers.

After disguising himself, Klaus immediately sought out Chief of Staff Walton.

"Colonel, how's it going? Are you sure that damned Chinese guy is inside the base right now?"

Walton cautiously walked to the door, looked around to make sure no one was watching, then closed the door and lowered his voice, saying, "Are you sure you really want to go after that Chinese guy?"

Klaus nodded without hesitation: "As long as that Chinese guy is alive, my mission is not yet complete...!"

Walton replied, "In that case, there is indeed an opportunity now."

Upon hearing this, Klaus's eyes lit up slightly.

Walton continued, "Now, that Chinese guy is in General Andrew Webber's former office, I've personally confirmed that."

"Moreover, he wasn't accompanied by those two National Guard brigade commanders...!"

Upon hearing this, Klaus's eyes lit up even more.

Walton added, "But his office is still heavily guarded, and getting close to him is still very difficult...!"

Klaus gave a dismissive sneer: "Once I pinpoint his location, no matter how tight the security is, I'll find an opportunity."

"Snap...!" With that, Klaus snapped to attention and saluted Walton: "Colonel, wait for my good news...!"

With that, Klaus turned and disappeared out the door.

……

More than an hour later, Klaus, disguised once again, transformed into a National Guard corporal.

We proceeded with integrity and honesty, steadily approaching our goal.

Finally, he found an opportunity, and in a flash, rushed into Ah Zu's temporary office.

But as soon as Klaus rushed into the office, holding a gun in one hand and a syringe of poison in the other, he found that the office was empty!
"What's going on...where are they?"

"Oh no...we've been tricked...that damned colonel...!"

"boom……!"

Just then, a deafening explosion suddenly erupted in Azu's temporary office!

Several kilograms of high explosives buried in the office exploded with a loud bang.

The powerful shockwave not only instantly reduced everything inside the office to dust, but also caused the surrounding rooms to collapse in the massive explosion!

"What the fuck...!"

"What happened...?"

The loud explosion caused another wave of commotion throughout the naval base.

Moments later, Azu personally led the guards and National Guard soldiers to surround the ruins of the former office site.

"Find that guy's...!"

Azu pointed to a large area of ​​ruins: "I want to see them alive or dead!"

"These guys are all like cockroaches that can't be killed!"

"I refuse to believe it! This can't even kill you...!"

Two or three hundred soldiers surrounded the ruins and began digging up bodies from under them.

After a long while, a cheer finally broke out from among the soldiers.

"Found it, found it...!"

As they were talking, several soldiers pulled out a severely mangled corpse from the deep ruins.

Ah Zu walked closer, looked at the mangled corpse with its face completely disfigured and its limbs blown off, squatted down himself, and wiped the corpse's face a few times.

Sure enough, a thin mask was peeled off the corpse's face.

"Phew...!" Azu let out a soft breath: "Finally, another one dead...!"

"These hidden knights of Solomon's Temple are all incredibly troublesome...!"

"Fortunately... I'll soon have my own Shadow Knight too!"

Ah Zu recalled the group of people he had arranged to undergo intensive training on a top-secret island.

"I really want to see the expressions on the faces of those key figures in that organization as they die one by one at the hands of the Hidden Knights...!"

(End of this chapter)