North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 298 Divided Attack and Combined Attack
Three days later, Azu personally escorted Cardinal Evan onto the ship.

More than a thousand members of the Order of the Defenders accompanied Evan to the Vatican.

Before leaving, Azu patted Zhou Hongwen on the shoulder and said earnestly, "I know that even though half a year has passed, you are still blaming yourself for President Lincoln's death."

"Actually, you bear no responsibility for his death and have no need to blame yourself for it."

"Everyone has their own destiny, and even a president cannot escape the dictates of fate."

Zhou Hongwen, who had already been promoted to colonel, said with deep remorse, "Boss, I failed to complete the mission you assigned me to protect President Lincoln!"

"And as a friend, when the president was in danger, I was not by his side...!"

“No…!” Azu interrupted him, “You have completed the task I gave you very well. At a critical moment, the President let you leave his side. This is his own fate, and no one can control it.”

"Old Zhou, stop dwelling on the past! I'm entrusting Cardinal Evan's safety to you. You must protect him and do everything in your power to put him on the papacy!"

"This mission is even more important than protecting the president."

"So, you have a heavy burden on your shoulders. You need to pull yourself together, understand?!"

Zhou Hongwen nodded emphatically: "Boss, don't worry, I will stay by the Cardinal's side at all times and will never make any more mistakes!"

Ah Zu patted his shoulder heavily again: "I'm relieved to hear you say that!"

Then, Azu turned to Cardinal Evan and said, "Uncle Evan, I hope that the next time I see you, you will be wearing a triple crown and a platinum robe!"

Faced with an unknown fate, Evan couldn't help but feel nervous, but he still managed a smile: "Lee, if that day ever comes, I hope that you, Vivian, and Boyard will all be there at my coronation!"

"We will definitely be there in person for such a grand occasion!"

With that, Azu and Cardinal Evan gave each other a tight hug.

……

Moments later, three fast merchant ships, escorted by two frigates, cut through the waves and headed toward the Vatican.

The following day, Zuo Zongtang boarded a frigate and headed straight for Washington.

Zuo Zongtang's purpose in this trip was to negotiate with Washington and demand the release of the seized merchant ships, cotton, and crew members.

A few days later, Zuo Zongtang, who had just arrived in Washington, met with his successor, Andrew Johnson, in the Oval Office of the White House.

Zuo Zongtang was originally upright and straightforward, and in recent years, having become accustomed to dealing with white people, he spoke even more frankly.

Without much small talk, Zuo Zongtang got straight to the point: "Mr. President, I am here to request the federal government to release the Chinese American Company's merchant ships, cotton, and personnel that have been unreasonably detained."

“Our California-based Huamei Company conducts normal cotton trade with the Southern states, but has been treated unfairly by the federal government. I demand that the federal government immediately release the detained people, ships and goods.”

"Furthermore, I strongly protest this extremely unreasonable and domineering behavior by the federal government!"

Zuo Zongtang's tone was filled with anger: "Mr. President, I think you should be very clear that California has provided the federal government with all the support it could!"

"Whether it's weapons, medicine, or various supplies and equipment, California has been almost always ready to help the federal government win this war."

“Our governor has also provided maximum support to the president and your Republican Party.”

"Without Governor, the Republican Party might never have been formed, and neither you nor President Lincoln would have won the election and become president one after the other."

"It can be said that our support for the federal government played a key role in promoting the abolition of slavery and moving towards a true republic and freedom."

"However, it is outrageous and outrageous that our legitimate merchant ships have been so openly intercepted and detained by the federal government!"

From the outset, Zuo Zongtang preemptively accused others of wrongdoing, displaying an aggressive and domineering attitude, and seized the initiative in the negotiations.

President Andrew Johnson's expression was also very unpleasant: "Mr. Zuo, I admit that your California, as well as that governor, has provided considerable support and assistance to the federal government, to the Republican Party, and to the late President Lincoln and myself."

"Therefore, both the late President Lincoln, myself, and the entire Republican Party are grateful to California and the Governor."

"However, one thing at a time!"

President Andrew Johnson said solemnly, "Right now, the federal government is waging a tough war against the insurgent southern states."

"The federal government has long ago enacted laws prohibiting any trade with the rebellious southern states. Otherwise, they will be severely punished by law."

"This law has been well implemented most of the time."

"But California alone, almost openly, engaged in arms and cotton trade with the insurgent southern states."

"This not only provided the Southern states with crucial weaponry and financial support, but also kept the Union forces at a disadvantage to this day."

"Moreover, California's actions have set a very bad example, encouraging many people to risk breaking the law and trading with the rebellious Southern states."

President Andrew Johnson continued, "The people, ships, and cargo that were intercepted and detained in California were all handled legally and in accordance with federal laws. There was no unreasonable detention as Mr. Zuo has described...!"

"Not only will these people, ships, and goods not be released, but I will also lodge the strongest protest with California, demanding that California immediately cease its arms and cotton trade with the rebel Southern states!"

"Otherwise, California merchant ships will face even more severe interception and seizure, or even... being sunk outright!"

Prior to this, the U.S. Navy had been relatively polite to merchant ships from California.

Although they were intercepted and seized, almost none of the merchant ships were sunk directly.

Everyone knows California's special status in the United States, and no one dares to offend California too much, nor its powerful governor.

But now that negotiations have just begun, both sides naturally need to show their tough stance, asking for exorbitant prices and settling for less.

In later generations, this set of negotiation techniques has a specific term: maximum pressure.

The person who mastered this technique best was also a US president!
No one understands the concept of applying maximum pressure better than him!
Zuo Zongtang raised a thick eyebrow: "When President Lincoln was alive, he signed a series of laws that granted California a high degree of autonomy."

"Therefore, the federal government's temporary trade ban is invalid for California!"

Zuo Zongtang's attitude was quite firm: "Mr. President, if I may be so bold, if the federal government continues to act so unreasonably, then California will have to reassess its relationship with the federal government!!!"

"Mr. Zuo, what... what do you mean?" Everyone in the Oval Office, including President Andrew Johnson and a group of important staff, turned pale upon hearing this.

Zuo Zongtang said, word by word, "If the federal government continues to detain our people, ships, and goods despite our protests, then California will take a series of measures!"

"Including but not limited to, transferring hundreds of millions of dollars worth of military equipment originally intended for the federal government to the southern states!"

"Cut off the supply of medicines and supplies that the federal government urgently needs!"

"We announce our full support for the Southern states and will provide them with comprehensive support!"

"Furthermore, in order to break the Federal Navy's blockade of the southern states, we will dispatch a fleet to clear all obstacles for legitimate trade...!"

……

Zuo Zongtang's words were like knives, striking President Andrew Johnson and his staff hard in the heart.

That was so cruel, it hurt so much!!!
"This...this...!" Cold sweat instantly beaded on President Andrew Johnson's forehead. "Mr. Zuo, this...this can't be, it can't be!"

"We can talk about anything, and we can have a proper discussion!"

It was only at this point that Andrew Johnson truly understood the weight of Lincoln's dying words.

Don't mess with him!!!
Thinking of this, Andrew Johnson couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Zuo, may I ask... is this your intention, or the Governor's intention?"

Zuo Zongtang replied in a deep voice, "How could such a momentous decision be made by someone as mere Governor-General of Panama? This is naturally the Governor's decision!"

Andrew Johnson felt a chill run down his spine, sensing that things were getting out of control.

“Mr. Zuo, let me confirm, if... I mean if the federal government releases the detained people, ships, and cargo, will this matter be considered closed?”

Zuo Zongtang replied, "In addition, we also demand that the Federal Navy cease its unreasonable interception and seizure of Huamei Company merchant ships!"

"This...this...!"

President Andrew Johnson and his staff exchanged silent glances.

"Mr. Zuo, we still need to discuss this matter further...!"

"Of course! However, Mr. President, you need to act quickly, otherwise, if the seized cotton gets damp, infested with insects, or moldy, the federal government will have to compensate for it!"

This is absolutely outrageous!
President Andrew Johnson almost coughed up blood!
……

After Zuo Zongtang took his leave, the atmosphere in the Oval Office became unusually solemn and quiet.

The president and several key aides smoked one cigar after another, seemingly without end.

But the anxiety and helplessness in my heart could not be relieved in the slightest.

Finally, an aide, unable to bear the increasingly tense atmosphere any longer, spoke up: "Mr. President, releasing the detained people, ships, and cargo is a small matter."

"But what's truly deadly is California's continued and ever-growing supply of weapons and funds to Southern states!"

"Without the continuous influx of weapons and funds from California, the Confederate army would never have had such a strong fighting force, allowing our army to suppress them for a long time."

President Andrew Johnson, frustrated, stubbed out his cigar: "This is common knowledge. The key question is how to resolve it?"

"Are we going to war with California? We can't even handle the Confederate army now, let alone add California to the mix."

"In that case, we can begin drafting the surrender declaration now!"

After a long silence, the aide said, “Mr. President, as far as I know, European countries such as Britain, France, the Ottoman Empire, and Austria are also quite dissatisfied with California’s large-scale supply of arms to Tsarist Russia.”

"Could we unite with the European powers to put pressure on California?"

Andrew Johnson's eyes suddenly lit up, but after a moment's thought, his face darkened again: "The European powers are locked in a fierce battle in Crimea and have no time to deal with California."

"Even if we join forces to exert pressure, it will only be diplomatic pressure and we will not be able to take any substantial threatening actions."

The aide continued, "We can unite with European countries to ban any trade with California."

"California's rapid rise has been largely due to its international trade. Whether it's pharmaceuticals like penicillin, weapons, or cotton, these are all core interests of California. Cutting them off would have a devastating impact on the state!"

“I don’t believe that California would risk having its overseas trade completely cut off by insisting on trading with the Southern states.”

Andrew Johnson pondered for a moment before saying, "That's a good idea!"

"But how can we be sure that this won't completely push California to the opposite side and force them to join the Confederate States of America?"

"In fact, that governor already has substantial control over most of the West. What if... he simply declares independence...!"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the Oval Office was startled.

Whether California joins the Confederate States of America or declares independence for the West, the blow to America will be devastating!

Although the American North had a large population and a relatively developed economy, it was absolutely unable to cope with the entire West, plus all the Southern states, which became its enemies.

In that case, America would instantly fall apart and be torn to pieces.

After much deliberation, everyone in the room seemed to have no other option but to compromise.

Andrew Johnson rubbed his throbbing temples: "Now, we only have two paths to take."

“The entire West, led by California, and the insurgent Southern states have become the two major threats to the United States.”

"To resolve the issue, we must compromise with one of the parties involved."

"If we can't just sit by and watch California continue its arms and cotton trade with the Southern states, then we must end this war as soon as possible."

"And choosing to end this war means allowing the Southern states to become an independent nation."

Andrew Johnson continued, "I believe you all understand the stakes involved and what is more important."

"In fact, we have no other choice. In order to continue this war and achieve final victory, we must compromise with California!"

"Otherwise, it won't just be a question of whether we can win this war, but a question of whether the United States can continue to exist!"

Although the staff were unwilling, they remained silent and helplessly accepted the president's choice.

……

Soon, Zuo Zongtang got the result he wanted.

When Zuo Zongtang went there, he only had one ship, but when he returned, he led a huge fleet of more than a hundred merchant ships.

He not only negotiated and got back the people, ships, and cargo that had been seized by the federal government, but he also obtained a verbal promise from the president.

From this day forward, the American fleet will no longer intercept or seize ships of the China American Company.

……

While Zuo Zongtang was personally going to Washington for negotiations, Azu was in Panama City on the other side, personally seeing off Lilith, that deadly enchantress.

During this period, the two were intimate for almost a month, and with Ah Zu's physical condition and stamina, he began to feel back pain.

If we don't send them away soon, they'll be drained dry by this deadly demon.

Lilith's journey is to the Kingdom of Hawaii to seize this strategic location in her own way.

Aside from providing her with three million dollars in funding and assigning her several female bodyguards, Azu gave her no other arrangements or instructions.

Everything should be done according to Lilith's own methods; if it succeeds, that would be wonderful.

Even if it doesn't succeed, it's not a big problem. At most, we'll just have to take it by force in the end.

However, Azu also handed over the underground intelligence network that he had already established in Hawaii to Lilith.

Before parting, Lilith nestled against Azu's chest with lingering reluctance: "My master, I really don't want to leave you!"

"This past month with you has been the happiest and most blissful month of my life!"

"I wish these days could last forever!"

Upon hearing this, Ah Zu's back started hurting again!
"Hehe!" Lilith chuckled softly, "But I also understand that this is impossible!"

"For a man like you, having you for even a month is already an immense blessing."

"I'm not a greedy woman, I'm content!"

As she spoke, Lilith looked up from Azu's arms: "But you must never forget to come to Hawaii often and keep me company, okay?"

"Is that even a question?" Azu grinned. "I've already started missing you even before you've left!"

"Pah, what a smooth-talking scumbag...!"

Lilith spat lightly and said, "I'm leaving. You should go back and spend time with your little wives...!"

With that, Lilith turned to board the ship, but halfway there, she suddenly turned back and smiled: "Next time, when you see me again, I'll make sure you kneel down and call me 'Your Majesty'!"

Ah Zu blushed. There were so many people around, what nonsense were you spouting!
A fast merchant ship carried Lilith away into the distance.

Not long after she left, Azu also embarked on his journey back to San Francisco.

I spent a few days on the ship to rest and recharge, and then made up for the deficit I had this month.

After returning to San Francisco, he became energetic and full of vitality again.

As Azu returned, Taiping soldiers, who had been transported from Guangdong, began to arrive in California in batches.

The first to be affected were generals such as Luo Dagang, Shi Xiangzhen, Li Xiucheng, and Chen Yucheng, who had just graduated from military academy.

At the same time, the first batch of 50,000 Taiping soldiers arrived.

To Azu's surprise, the majority of these Taiping soldiers were women, totaling 30,000.

These female soldiers were led by two heroines, Su Sanniang and Zhou Xiuying.

Ah Zu personally went to the dock to welcome this group of newly arrived Taiping soldiers.

The generals finally met the legendary "boss," and while they were amazed by his youth, handsome appearance, and vigorous demeanor, they were also impressed by his approachable nature, which made them feel like they were bathed in a spring breeze.

As before, all newly recruited Taiping generals and officers were sent to the California Military Academy for further study. Only after they received their diplomas were they officially assigned military positions.

Of the 50,000 elite soldiers of Taiping, 20,000 were assigned to Huamei Company or to model villages to reclaim wasteland and cultivate land after rigorous selection.

The remaining 30,000 men were dispersed and mixed with the existing California military units to form three new divisions.

Once they arrived in California, the female soldiers were no longer needed to charge into battle.

Therefore, all of the more than 10,000 female soldiers who entered the army were retrained into technical branches such as medical soldiers, communications soldiers, and logistics soldiers.

In response to the rapid expansion of the California military, Azu also implemented a non-commissioned officer system.

Ordinary soldiers are classified into privates, privates, and privates according to their age of service.

From private first class onwards, there is an opportunity to become a non-commissioned officer.

Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) range from Corporal, Sergeant, Staff Sergeant, to Sergeant Major, and from First Class, Second Class, Third Class, all the way up to Sergeant Major of Grade 8.

Once you become a non-commissioned officer, you can start a family and have children. You will receive at least $500 a year in salary, which is more than enough to support your family.

If one were to rise to the highest rank of Sergeant Major, their compensation would be comparable to that of a division commander, and their benefits would be extremely high.

Ordinary soldiers receive allowances, which, when combined, range from one hundred to one hundred and eighty dollars per year, from the most basic private to the private first class.

In addition to serving as squad leaders, deputy squad leaders, platoon leaders, deputy platoon leaders, machine gunners, artillerymen, and other grassroots key positions, non-commissioned officers can also serve in various technical branches of the armed forces.

The non-commissioned officer system, in addition to providing all soldiers with a smooth promotion path, also effectively reduces the cost of maintaining troops and alleviates the financial burden.

……

Starting in late September 1855, more Taiping soldiers arrived in California one after another.

By the end of 1855, the number of Taiping rebels who had reached California had reached more than 200,000.

Ultimately, through selection, 100,000 became workers and farmers, while a total of 180,000 joined the California Army.

With the addition of the existing 100,000-plus California troops, the total number of troops has reached a staggering 360,000.

In addition to the 80,000-strong Restoration Army in Guangdong and a garrison division stationed in Panama, California now has more than 260,000 troops available for use.

Therefore, Azu reorganized the army's structure.

In addition to the existing First Army, Second Army, Independent Cavalry Division, Independent Artillery Division, Independent Engineer Division, and Panama Garrison Division, the Third Army, Fourth Army, and Fifth Army were added all at once.

Luo Dagang, Shi Xiangzhen, and Li Xiucheng were appointed as the commanders of these three armies, respectively.

In addition to these five armies, five independent artillery brigades, five independent cavalry brigades, five independent engineer brigades, and three marine brigades were established.

At a young age, Chen Yucheng became the commander of one of the cavalry brigades.

To command this massive army, Azu established five service commands: the Army Command, the Navy Command, the Cavalry Command, the Artillery Command, and the Engineer Command.

These five service command headquarters are only responsible for service building, recruitment, and training; they do not have command authority.

Above the service command are the General Staff, the General Political Department, the General Logistics Department, and the Defense Science, Technology and Industry Commission.

These four headquarters are directly under the command of the General Headquarters, and all command authority rests with the General Headquarters.

Azu personally assumed the role of Commander-in-Chief.

The framework of this army has been established, and after at least six months of training and integration, it is about to unleash tremendous power!
(End of this chapter)