North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 292 The Final Mission
"Who says daughters are inferior to sons?" Shi Dakai said, "I think they are all heroines!"

“Who can argue with that?” Feng Yunshan continued, “I will do my best to contact the leaders of the female battalions and prepare an escape route for them.”

“It’s a pity for these female soldiers! The Taiping army’s equipment was already inferior to that of the Qing army. And the equipment of the female soldiers was even worse than that of the Taiping male soldiers.”

"Therefore, whenever the women's battalion went into battle, they often suffered greater casualties than the men's battalion...!"

"The 140,000-strong women's battalion... as for how many can be rescued in the end... well, that's up to fate!"

Shi Dakai said, "If necessary, I can send out a fleet again to gather the various Taiping forces along the Yangtze River."

"In his letters to the various Taiping armies, Mr. Feng might as well have stated that they should set up camps along the Yangtze River as much as possible, as this would be the safest way to retreat in the future."

"If, as a last resort, the Taiping army can only come by land, I can also send troops to meet them."

"But the Qing army will pursue and intercept them along the way, and the Taiping army that takes the land route will surely suffer heavy casualties!"

"No matter what, the more Taiping soldiers we can rescue, the better, and we should try to minimize the number of casualties."

"Although we in Guangdong don't need hundreds of thousands of Taiping soldiers, the boss in California might be preparing for a major battle...!"

Shi Dakai then changed the subject, saying, "However, while we welcome the Taiping Army, we absolutely cannot keep people like Wei Changhui, who are wicked and ambitious!"

At this point, Shi Dakai suddenly hesitated: "As for Hong Tianwang...!"

"Hong Tianwang... he must die for his country!" Feng Yunshan immediately chimed in: "If Hong Tianwang doesn't die, California will not feel comfortable accepting the Taiping army!"

"Not only will King Hong die, but his descendants... alas, may they all perish for their country as well!"

A look of struggle appeared on Feng Yunshan's face: "As long as Hong Tianwang and his descendants are not completely wiped out, there will inevitably be people in the Taiping Army who will not give up and may come back to life at any time, using the Tianwang's name to cause trouble...!"

At this point, Feng Yunshan's tone suddenly became resolute.

"Since Hong Tianwang and his descendants have enjoyed the glory of the Heavenly Kingdom and the support of hundreds of millions of people for several years, it is only natural and worthy for them to die for their country!"

If Feng Yunshan could see the future so clearly, what could Shi Dakai possibly say?
Shi Dakai remained silent for a moment before saying, "Back then, the Great Ming Emperor Taizu rebelled against the Yuan Dynasty and recognized Han Lin'er, the Little Ming King, as the legitimate ruler."

"After Bianliang was captured by the Yuan army, Emperor Taizu sent people to welcome Han Lin'er to Jinling."

"When the boat reached Guabu, Han Lin'er, the Little Ming King, mysteriously drowned."

At this point, Shi Dakai couldn't help but chuckle: "When the boss talked about the vicious cycle of rise and fall, I didn't feel anything at all."

"This scene is so similar to what happened back then... Hong Tianwang and that Little Mingwang, everyone else can live, but he must die."

"When I read history books back then, I felt that Emperor Taizu was too ruthless and heartless."

"Now that we are in the midst of this, we suddenly realize that Emperor Taizu was not heartless and ruthless, but rather that for the sake of the world, he had no choice but to kill the Little Ming King!"

"Isn't this just another vicious cycle? History always repeats itself."

Feng Yunshan remained silent for a long time before replying, "The affairs of this world can be summed up in nothing more than the word 'human nature'! Since human nature is the same throughout history, the affairs of the world, no matter how they change, will ultimately be similar."

"Before leaving Jinling, I didn't take all the guards that the boss assigned to me. Instead, I secretly left a few in Jinling City to lay a contingency plan."

"With those people's abilities, their methods are ever-changing and impossible to defend against. On the day Nanjing falls, even if Hong Tianwang and his entire family manage to escape the Qing army's annihilation, they probably won't escape the methods of those people...!"

Shi Daxin knew perfectly well that the few people who remained were all enhanced versions of the "Hidden Knights" trained in California over the years.

The boss sent these hidden knights to Feng Yunshan's side for two reasons: first, to protect his safety, and second, of course, to eliminate certain core high-ranking officials of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom when necessary.

The two had already made their plans, and after the Lantern Festival, they would each hurry up and implement all the arrangements.

……

Let's set aside the matters in Guangdong for now and turn our attention back to California.

The Spring Festival will only be truly over after the Lantern Festival.

As 1855 approached, various important events were put on the agenda one by one.

The exploration and design work for the Panama Canal has come to an end after several years of effort.

The preliminary preparations will be completed within this year, and the construction phase will begin.

The Panama Railway is also expected to be completed and enter the trial operation phase this year.

Once the railway is completed, it will not only further solidify Panama's position as a transshipment hub for goods and people, but also facilitate the construction of the Panama Canal.

Meanwhile, the development of the Caracas iron ore mine in Brazil is also coming to an end.

Although the railway from the Carajás region directly to Port Louis is still in the early stages of surveying and design, as Azu had anticipated, the Tocantins River will also be able to handle the important tasks of transporting personnel, materials and equipment to the mining area, as well as transporting iron ore outwards.

After more than a year of development, the Tocantins River channel is now navigable.

The Karagas mining area has total reserves of high-grade iron ore exceeding 200 billion tons, more than half of which can be mined directly in open pits.

Moreover, the iron ore grade in the Carajás mining area averages over 66%, making it an extremely rare and high-grade iron ore resource worldwide.

Once the iron ore in the Carajás region can be mined and transported out, the problem of California's iron ore scarcity will be completely solved.

Given California's current annual demand of millions of tons of iron ore, the Carajás mine is fully capable of meeting that demand for the foreseeable future.

If all goes well, California will be fully self-sufficient in iron ore by the end of this year.

Besides iron ore, another crucial resource is coal.

Cheap energy is the most fundamental basis for industrialization. Without abundant and cheap energy, industrialization is simply impossible.

One of the fundamental reasons why England was the first to initiate the Industrial Revolution and achieve industrialization was that it possessed relatively abundant coal and iron resources.

There are two main approaches to solving the coal supply problem.

The short-term solution is Alaskan coal mines.

By 1855, the coal mines in Alaska had been completed, and a steady stream of coal was being transported to California by sea.

However, conditions in Alaska are so harsh that the amount of coal mined is destined to be limited.

Therefore, Alaskan coal mines have only alleviated the supply and demand imbalance in California.

The only way to completely solve the coal source problem is to build the California-Wyoming railway to transport high-quality coal from the Powder River Basin to California.

This crucial railway, after more than a year of construction, has completed half of its roadbed laying.

The most challenging part of this railway was the tunnel construction that cut through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

With the aid of high explosives and heavy engineering machinery, the tunnel project in the Sierra Nevada Mountains was completed no later than the beginning of 1856.

This railway was to be completed by the end of 1856 at the latest.

By the end of 1856, California would have completely solved the problems of iron ore and coal mining, the two major obstacles hindering the state's development.

At that time, no problem will be able to stop California's rapid progress.

……

After 1855, both the American Civil War and the Crimean War in Europe gradually progressed and reached their climax.

After more than a year of probing and bloody battles, all sides in the war have gone all out, and the scale and intensity of the war have continued to expand.

In their pursuit of victory in the war, all sides have disregarded all consequences.

After the start of the year, Azu also welcomed the last envoy from each of the warring parties.

Representative of the United States Federal Government!

And this representative was also an acquaintance of Azu!
It was Buchanan, the assistant who had always been by President Abraham Lincoln's side.

This former assistant of Lincoln's naturally rose in status after Lincoln became president.

Buchanan is now the White House Chief of Staff!
Despite its seemingly low position, it is nonetheless the White House Chief of Staff.

Everything that happens in the White House, big or small, has to go through Director Buchanan.

As a close confidant of President Lincoln, it was not surprising that Azu sent Buchanan this time.

"Long time no see, dear Mr. Buchanan...!"

After taking their seats, Azu greeted them warmly.

Buchanan was quite respectful, bowing slightly before sitting down opposite Azu.

"Governor, I'm very sorry, but the President is simply too busy!"

Buchanan said apologetically, "Due to the war, the President is unable to leave Washington, so he can only send me as his personal representative this time..."

"Private representative?"

These four simple words are worth pondering.

He was not an official representative of the United States, but merely a personal representative of President Abraham Lincoln!

The differences within are quite significant.

A private representative, naturally, will discuss private matters.

Ah Zu couldn't think of any important private matter that he and the president needed to discuss recently.

After a moment's thought, Azu had a lot of ideas and already had a clear idea in his mind.

"Mr. Buchanan, may I ask what brings you here on behalf of the President?"

"Ahem...!" Buchanan cleared his throat before saying, "Governor, you should know very well that for America right now, the only thing that matters is winning the war!"

"Of course I understand, and I will fully support the federal government in winning the war."

"Ahem... I hope so!" A conflicted expression appeared on Buchanan's face: "However, Governor, California's actions overtly and covertly over the past year or so are probably different from what you've said!"

Sure enough!

This is also a case of demanding an explanation!
"Oh?" A look of surprise appeared on Azu's face: "Mr. Buchanan, why do you say that?"

“Governor, this wasn’t me, it was…the President himself!”

Buchanan said, "Everything I say next is the President's own opinion; I am merely relaying his original words."

"All ears!"

Buchanan gathered his thoughts before continuing, "Governor, you single-handedly placed the President on that supreme throne."

"At the same time, you also created the Republican Party and won a majority of seats in both the House and Senate, making it the largest party in the United States and the rightful ruling party."

"Furthermore, the current war has also progressed to this point according to the course you designed, Governor."

"The President considers you his staunchest ally and closest friend!" "However, some of California's actions since the outbreak of war have disappointed... Mr. President."

"Why is that?" Azu asked curiously.

Buchanan dared not look Azu in the eye, but kept his head down and relayed Lincoln's meaning: "The Union Navy had already cut off the cotton trade of the Southern states, cutting off the Southern states' most important source of funding."

"However, California's high-speed merchant ships repeatedly broke through the federal navy's blockade, transporting cotton on a massive scale, and thus making huge profits in the European market."

"The President doesn't mind, and even strongly supports, the Governor making money... However, the massive transportation of cotton undoubtedly provides funds to the Southern states and financial support to the Confederate army!"

"What the President means is that he absolutely does not want to see this happen."

"Besides the cotton trade, what's even more serious is that California was also supplying large quantities of weapons and ammunition to the Confederate army."

"This is not what the President wants to see either...!"

Buchanan continued, head bowed, "California's cotton and arms trade with the Southern states is a semi-open form of support for the insurgent Southern states."

“Governor, you and the President are the closest of friends and allies, but these two things have dealt a serious blow to your friendship.”

"Mr. President, you are extremely, extremely, extremely disappointed and angry!"

"When the president heard and confirmed all of this, he locked himself in his room for a whole day and night, refusing to see or hear anyone or anything...!"

As he spoke, Buchanan looked up, met Azu's eyes, and said, "Governor, do you know that I have been following the President for many years!"

"But I have never seen any disappointment, anger, or even fear and anxiety in the President...!"

"Whether it's the President's personal wish or my own, I hope you can continue to maintain this precious friendship and not be blinded by immediate interests...!"

"Before I left Washington, the president privately told me that as long as California stopped the cotton and arms trade, he could completely forget about all this, and you would still be his staunchest ally and closest friend...!"

Ah Zu remained silent, simply listening quietly.

Only after Buchanan finished speaking did Azu calmly and without changing his expression ask, "Mr. Buchanan, may I ask the President, how do you prove that my California is engaged in cotton and arms trade with the Southern states?"

“This…!” Buchanan stammered, “It’s practically an open secret; it’s common knowledge within Washington’s inner circle of power.”

“Governor, you should know that there are also federal government spies in the rebel-held southern states.”

"Such a large-scale trade in cotton and weapons could not possibly be kept secret from anyone."

Ah Zu replied in a deep voice, "Just because everyone knows it doesn't mean it's true!"

"More likely, this is a Southern state trying to sow discord between California and the federal government."

“That’s right! Representatives from the Southern State have approached me repeatedly, wanting to start trade in cotton and weapons.”

"However, I have already rejected them all without hesitation and with firm words!"

"So please tell the President that I have never engaged in any cotton or arms trade with the Southern states."

"Even if there are isolated cases, they are only malicious attempts to sow discord between California and the federal government."

“This…!” Buchanan’s face showed a struggle: “Governor, is everything you’re saying true? Can we still trust you?”

"Absolutely true! Absolutely trustworthy!"

"Alright! I will relay your words to the President verbatim. Whether he chooses to believe me is beyond my control!"

……

After the brief meeting, Buchanan immediately began his journey home.

After Buchanan left, Azu stayed alone in the study for a long time.

He was weighing his options and hesitating, wondering if it was time to activate the measures he had prepared years ago.

Azu knew, of course, that the large-scale cotton and arms trade with the Southern states could not be kept secret from Washington or Abraham Lincoln for long.

Sooner or later, his deal in the Southern State will be exposed to the world.

This was bound to happen.

Ah Zu had been preparing for this day for a very, very long time.

Now he is President Lincoln's personal representative, which means that the president is not yet willing to publicly break ties or publicly sever ties.

At this point, the federal government cannot afford the cost of openly breaking ties and severing relations with California.

……

In Azu’s plan, Abraham Lincoln would be put on the presidential throne, thereby pushing the Civil War to start earlier than planned.

This plan has already been implemented, which means that Abraham Lincoln's usefulness has essentially come to an end.

California now has the power to openly break with the federal government.

The next step, besides profiting from the Civil War, is to seize the easy prey that's been handed to them.

As the Civil War progressed, both sides were like gamblers who had lost everything, betting everything without regard for the consequences.

No one can stop this war; it will fight to the bitter end.

In that case, it's time for that president to end his mission ahead of schedule!
……

Knowing that taking that president offline in time is the best option right now.

But Ah Zu hesitated for a long time alone in the study.

I've never before let my personal feelings cloud my judgment!
It must be said that I have had an extremely pleasant relationship with Abraham Lincoln over the years, and we both regard each other as friends and confidants.

But the more difficult it is for Azu to make the final decision, the harder it becomes.

……

Night had fallen, and when Ah Zu stepped out of the study, he had already made his decision.

Entering Victoria's room, Ah Zu sat on the edge of the bed for a long time in the darkness before finally waking the sleeping Victoria.

“My dear, please pass on a message to Miss Hongzhong.”

"What did you say?" Victoria, still half asleep, asked, confused.

"It's time for Miss Red to complete the third mission...!"

Victoria, who was still half asleep, was instantly wide awake.

"Grandpa, are you sure?"

"Yes... I'm absolutely certain!"

"Okay then, I'll arrange it right away!"

……

A moment later, several carrier pigeons, carrying a few short messages, flew into the night sky, flapping their wings and quickly disappearing into the darkness.

Just a few days later, Lilith, who was far away in Philadelphia, received this crucial message.

……

Philadelphia, a small and exquisite three-story house on the outskirts of the city.

After that massive explosion, almost half of the Freemasons' top brass were killed.

As a result, the large number of high-ranking positions left behind led to Lilith's natural promotion last year to one of the Thirteen Round Table Masters, in charge of the most secretive and powerful Freemasonry organization—Solomon's Temple.

In other words, including the thirteen "Hidden Knights," they are now all under Lilith's command.

Several years have passed, and Lilith, now in her thirties, shows no signs of aging.

She was still the same as when we first met, like a girl in her early twenties, radiant, charming, alluring and seductive!
Sitting before the roaring fireplace, Lilith, dressed in a magnificent blood-red silk robe, stared silently at the note in her hand containing only a few words.

Then, without realizing it, a bewitching smile appeared on his lips.

"The final mission... Is it finally time?"

With that, Lilith threw the note into the fireplace, where it instantly turned into a small cloud of ashes.

Lilith stared at the raging flames, her smile growing even brighter: "Man, you've kept me waiting far too long...!"

"Now, finally, can I be free...?"

After a long period of contemplation, Lilith slowly reached out and pulled on an inconspicuous yellow silk tassel beside the fireplace.

Soon, a black figure suddenly appeared behind Lilith.

"Master Lilith...!"

The shadow's voice was cold and stiff, as if it hadn't spoken to anyone in a long time.

Lilith didn't turn around, continuing to stare at the warm flames in the fireplace: "Gabriel... execute the ultimate plan!"

The cold shadow did not answer. After a long while, it finally uttered a single word: "Yes...!"

Just like its sudden arrival, that cold shadow vanished without a trace.

Lilith was left alone in the room again.

After a long while, Lilith, who had been sitting still, suddenly got up and went into the bedroom.

In the bedroom, Lilith gently pressed a button in an inconspicuous place on the exquisite dressing table.

"Click-click-click...!" After a soft click of the mechanism, the dressing table slowly moved, revealing a hidden door in the wall.

Lilith pushed the door open and entered, but a moment later, she pushed the door open and left.

However, Lilith had changed into a black trench coat, a black hat, black suede gloves, and black ankle boots, and was carrying a small black briefcase.

Lilith's steps were exceptionally light. As she pushed open the door, she couldn't help but glance back at her luxuriously decorated room.

"I've only lived here for less than a year, and I'm already really going to miss this place...!"

Then, Lilith took the burning candle from the doorway and threw it onto the thick, luxurious handmade wool carpet.

"call……!"

The carpet was set ablaze, and the fierce fire quickly spread throughout the entire three-story building.

Illuminated by the blazing firelight, Lilith's graceful figure quickly disappeared into the vast night!

(End of this chapter)