North America 1849, from Gold Rush to Warlord

Chapter 299 A Happy Event Turns into a Funeral

In just a few months, the number of California troops doubled.

In addition to intensifying the re-equipping, training, and indoctrination of the newly formed army, all former Taiping Army officers were sent to various military academies for intensive study.

The former National Guard Officers' School has been renamed the Army Officers' College.

The former Coast Guard School has been renamed the Naval Officers University.

In addition to these two comprehensive military academies, various specialized military academies have been established over the past two years, such as the Artillery Academy, Cavalry Academy, Engineering Academy, Military Logistics Academy, Military Medical Academy, Military Intelligence Academy, Military Science and Technology Academy, and non-commissioned officer schools for the Army and Navy, etc.

Only with this series of military academies can we ensure that the military moves towards modernization, standardization, and professionalization as quickly as possible.

Especially the officers and soldiers of the former Taiping Army, who grew up in the backward and closed environment of the Qing Dynasty and were brainwashed by the God-Worshipping Society.

Sending these battle-hardened veterans to the front lines is no problem. But if we don't rebuild their values ​​and worldview in terms of spirit and mindset, big problems will inevitably arise sooner or later.

The first priority was to instill modern, standardized, and professional concepts in the former Taiping Army officers.

Based on the successful experience of later generations, Azu planned to build up the organization down to the company level and implement a dual-command system for the army to completely eliminate the possibility of warlords and military leaders emerging.

This brings up another important issue.

That is the issue of establishing ZD, and this entirely new guiding ideology.

On this important point, Ah Zu was well prepared.

As a result, Azu wrote a series of works intermittently over the past few years.

The most important and systematic exposition of Azu's thought and theory is "The Direction of the Future".

This monumental work, totaling 800,000 words, systematically expounds Azu's theoretical system, the kind of society he envisions for the future, and a wealth of governance ideas and specific measures.

This book, "The Direction of the Future," was written by him whenever he had time, starting in 1850.

It wasn't until the end of 1855 that the compilation and revision were truly completed.

With this book, "The Direction of the Future," and a series of supporting philosophical works, Azu began to set up the new ZD.

Prior to this, firstly because the system was not yet perfect, and secondly because in order to avoid arousing the vigilance and suspicion of the United States, it had been secretly planned but had not been truly established.

Now that Lincoln is dead and the conflict between California and Washington has become public, Azu has no more scruples.

On January 1, 1856, the long-prepared organization was officially established and stepped onto the historical stage.

The first batch of members included all the core members of the Huamei Group.

The first batch of members included Zuo Zongtang, Edgar Allan Poe, Feng Yunshan, Shi Dakai, Feng Zicai, Vivian, Fu Shanxiang, Daisy, Victoria, Youma, Monica, Vic, Jason, Parker Parker, Ayan, Uncle Nine, Harley, and others.

It also includes Wu Qingfeng, Jones, Carnegie, Rong Hong, Zou Boqi, Robert E. Lee, The Rock, Blood Eagle, Charles Darwin, as well as Luo Dagang, Shi Xiangzhen, Li Xiucheng, Chen Yucheng, and others.

Because of its strong foundation, clear and complete program, and perfect vision for the future of the country, the "Grand Duke D" developed extremely rapidly after its establishment in California, Guangdong, Panama, Alaska, and even in the western states and the military.

The requirements for joining "Dagong D" are very strict. It is not only about systematic learning and identification with the ideology, but also about background checks and the referrer system.

Even so, in just a few months, the number of people has grown to over 100,000, and it is increasing rapidly by 20,000 to 30,000 people every month.

In the past two or three years, more than 20 higher education institutions of various kinds have been built in California, Guangdong and Panama.

For example, the University of California and Chinese American University, both located in San Francisco, are top-tier comprehensive research universities, along with their medical schools, engineering schools, industrial schools, agricultural schools, foreign language schools, teacher training schools, finance schools, law schools, and so on.

In Panama, a dedicated civil engineering college was established to support key projects such as the Panama Canal, training a large number of engineers.

In Guangdong, in addition to Guangdong University, which was established first, a series of specialized colleges were also established, just like in California.

Among them, Guangdong Normal College, the second institution of higher learning established after Guangdong University, plays an important role in training a large number of teachers, popularizing national education, and enlightening the people.

The group of talented individuals who graduated at the same time as Rong Hong and Zou Boqi, with the exception of a few, have all returned to Guangdong and become the backbone and key personnel in various universities, governments at all levels, and factories.

In the first half of 1856, both California and Guangdong were busy integrating internally and accumulating strength.

By this time, the world was already in complete chaos!
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Besides the ongoing American Civil War and the Crimean War in Europe, the sudden death of Pope Pius IX sparked a series of open and covert struggles surrounding the supreme throne.

As Azu predicted, the most formidable contender for the papacy was none other than Antonelli, the Secretary of State of the Papal States.

As the undisputed second most powerful figure in the world's churches, Cardinal Antonelli is not only young and energetic, in charge of the affairs of the Papal States, but also enjoys a good reputation and is extremely popular within the Vatican.

If it weren't for the unexpected rise of Cardinal Evan of America, the question of who would become the next pope would have been entirely unanswered.

Since the passing of Pius IX, cardinals scattered around the world have rushed back to the Vatican.

In this era, transportation was backward, and communication was even more backward.

Many cardinals only received the news more than a month after Pius IX's death.

By the time they returned to the Vatican, it was already 1856.

The election of the next pope was scheduled for April 1, 1856.

The coronation ceremony for the next pope was scheduled for June 1, 1856.

The power struggles between Cardinals Antonelli and Evan are well-documented and need no further elaboration.

The final result was unexpected!
Cardinal Evan of America emerged as the ultimate winner.

Although the Vatican has not released the vote count, according to inside sources, Evan received a full thirty-one votes, while Antonelli only received ten.

With an overwhelming majority, Evan became the 256th pope in the history of the Papacy!
After receiving the news, Azu timed it perfectly and soon embarked on his journey to the Vatican.

……

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, lies Honolulu, the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Compared to royal palaces around the world, the Hawaiian Royal Palace, which appears quite simple, is also hosting an exceptionally joyous celebration.

King Kamehameha IV of Hawaii, only 22 years old, is marrying his queen.

And this queen was none other than the exceptionally beautiful and dignified Miss Lilith Campbell!

A few months ago, when Lily arrived in Hawaii with several personal "maids," this young, wealthy widow quickly caused a sensation in the small town of Hawaii because of her unparalleled beauty, elegant demeanor, outstanding appearance, and generous spending.

Almost every prominent figure, whether Hawaiian native or American businessman, considered it an honor to catch a glimpse of Miss Lilith's beauty and flocked to her.

At the luxurious estate that Lilith bought for $20,000, nestled against the mountains and facing the sea with stunning scenery, suitors flocked to her, some even proposing marriage.

The tiny kingdom of Hawaii has a total population of only seventy to eighty thousand.

Almost every prominent figure has visited this mansion, which Lilith named "Mar-a-Lago."

With Lilith's methods, she navigated her many suitors with ease, winning over countless men while never letting any of them experience even the slightest bit of infidelity.

Lilith's name soon reached the ears of the young Kamehameha IV.

This young king was not yet married.

Upon seeing Lilith, the king was immediately captivated and refused to marry anyone but this woman who was more than ten years his senior!
Under the young king's fervent pursuit, Lilith, a wealthy widow, hesitated for a long time before finally agreeing to his marriage proposal.

May 10, 1856, was the day the king married his new queen.

The king's wedding was simple yet grand, full of tropical island charm.

A Hawaiian native girl with a wheatish complexion and a good figure dances a lively hula.

Then came the burly Hawaiian native warriors, who performed a fierce war dance.

King Kamehameha IV, seated high on his throne, and Queen Lilith watched with great interest the exciting performances at the wedding.

“My dearest Queen…!”

King Kamehameha IV couldn't help but take Lilith's smooth little hand in his: "Are you satisfied with today's wedding?"

Lilith smiled and nodded slightly: "Of course I'm satisfied, Your Majesty!"

"My dearest Queen, you are the most precious gift God has given me!"

Like his father, Kamehameha III, Kamehameha IV was also a devout Christian, and had a kind of fanaticism for newly converted Christians.

As he spoke, Kamehameha IV was about to take Lilith's little hand and kiss it.

Lilith subtly withdrew her hand and chuckled softly, "Your Majesty, shouldn't we return to our own little world?"

King Kamehameha IV was overjoyed upon hearing this and couldn't contain his excitement. He immediately clapped his hands and said, "The wedding is over. You may all go and rest!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

In the blink of an eye, everyone in the room had left.

Kamehameha IV took Lilith's hand, who was wearing a crown, and led her into the inner chamber.

The wonders of the wedding night are self-evident!
...But only a short time later, Queen Lilith's panicked screams came from inside the room.

"Help! Help! His Majesty! His Majesty...!"

Upon hearing this, a group of palace guards rushed into the bedroom reserved for the king and queen.

There lay Kamehameha IV, completely naked, with unfocused eyes, lying quietly on his couch, spread-eagled.

The queen, trembling all over, clung tightly to the thin bed sheet and hid in a corner of the bedroom.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty...!"

No matter how hard the palace guards tried, they could not wake the young king who had already died.

"Your Majesty, what has happened?"

The queen, still shaken, managed to explain everything, albeit haltingly.

In short, the young king suffered a stroke!
Soon after, the diagnosis by the arriving indigenous witch doctor and American Western doctor confirmed the queen's statement.

The young king did indeed die suddenly from a heart attack during his wedding night due to excessive excitement and strenuous activity.

In the blink of an eye, the joyous occasion turned into a tragedy!

After the young king was buried according to Christian custom, the succession to the throne became a major issue.

Kamehameha IV had just married and had no descendants.

His Majesty the King's only brother, who was also his twin brother, died shortly after birth.

Currently, only the King's elder sister, Princess Ruth, and his younger sister, Princess Victoria, are still alive.

In other words, all the male members of the royal family have died out.

The successor to the king is either the newly crowned queen or one of the two princesses.

The native Hawaiians did not harbor any resentment towards female rulers. In the kingdom's relatively short history, there have been several queens and female regents.

According to the constitution of the Kingdom of Hawaii and the traditions of the indigenous people, the Queen's right to succession should theoretically be higher than that of the two princesses.

But the problem is that Lilith only served as queen for one day.

And, more importantly, she is white!
This greatly displeased many Native American government officials, who felt that a white woman had become their queen.

However, this was not a difficult task for Lilith, who was already well-versed in power struggles.

Those officials who opposed him were either bribed with high-ranking positions and generous salaries or directly bribed to buy their loyalty.

They dealt with those die-hards, the secret agents of the 18th Bureau, and their "maids."

In a short time, Lilith brought order to the small court of the Kingdom of Hawaii and won the support of most people.

June 1, 1856, was also the day Lilith ascended the throne and was crowned Queen.

Although Azu did not personally attend the coronation ceremony, he sent a California delegation headed by Edgar Allan Poe to congratulate Lilith on her coronation as Queen and to discuss deepening cooperation between Hawaii and California.

Following the coronation ceremony, Lilith and Edgar Allan Poe held negotiations in person.

The outcome of the negotiations was that California, under the pretext of protecting Pearl Harbor, would station a brigade of Marines and a detachment in Hawaii.

For Hawaii, a country with only tens of thousands of people, a Marine brigade of six thousand men represents an unshakeable and absolute force.

Lilith even dismissed the kingdom's guards and entrusted the safety of the palace to the Californian army.

Meanwhile, California sent an advisory group to provide reference and assistance in governing the Kingdom of Hawaii.

In fact, this advisory group quickly became the backbone of the kingdom.

The Kingdom of Hawaii has almost completely copied all of California's policies.

Even an organization that has only been established for six months has expanded to Hawaii.

Lilith became the first member of the entire Kingdom of Hawaii and strongly supported the expansion on the islands.

Although many people were dissatisfied with the policy, including the two indigenous princesses.

However, soon, all the opponents, including the two princesses, mysteriously disappeared one after another.

After consolidating her power base, Lilith declared that all Hawaiian land would be made public, and then the right to cultivate it would be distributed equally among the citizens.

The natives reacted relatively well, but the American businessmen who owned 80 percent of the land were in an uproar!
American businessmen organized protests, but to no avail.

Then they organized a rebellion, which was easily suppressed.

Finally, they organized an assassination attempt on the Queen herself, but it failed miserably...!
Lilith, having reached her limit of tolerance, finally announced the arrest and expulsion of all American merchants, forbidding them from ever setting foot on the kingdom's soil again.

In the blink of an eye, the United States’ forces in the Kingdom of Hawaii were wiped out.

Hawaii's two main economic pillars are the sugar industry and whaling.

Originally, American merchants owned more than 80 percent of the kingdom's land, most of which was used to grow sugarcane and produce sugar, almost all of which was supplied to the United States.

Because American merchants were expelled, sugar needed to find new markets.

This is not difficult at all!
The market of millions of people in the western United States, the market of more than 20 million people in Guangdong, and the market of 30 million people in Japan after its opening to the world are all sufficient to replace the United States, and there is no problem with the sales market.

On the contrary, after the land was distributed to the people, their enthusiasm for planting increased, and the production of white sugar rose steadily as a result.

As for the whaling industry, it was not greatly affected by this wave of revolution.

Hundreds of whaling ships, based in Hawaii, hunted the mountain-sized behemoths across the vast Pacific Ocean year-round.

Since Lilith seized power in the kingdom, large numbers of Chinese people have been immigrated to the Hawaiian Islands.

With a population of only tens of thousands in Hawaii, the Chinese quickly replaced the natives and became the dominant ethnic group in the island.

Chinese immigrants were treated exactly the same as the local indigenous people, receiving the same land and farmland.

Compared to the indigenous people, the Chinese were more hardworking, intelligent, united, and civilized. This led to a surge in sugar and whaling production in Hawaii, a land already blessed with fertile soil, abundant sunshine and rainfall, resulting in a major economic leap.

Under Lilith and her advisory group, Hawaii quickly achieved social stability, economic boom, and social enlightenment.

The pearl of the Pacific Ocean has finally lived up to its name!

It's not just Hawaii; in addition to California, Panama and Alaska have also begun large-scale immigration programs.

Alaska originally had only a very small number of indigenous people, such as the Inuit.

Therefore, even if only tens of thousands of people immigrate to Alaska, they immediately become the dominant ethnic group.

Although Alaska is cold and barren, and farming can only be done during the short summer, it is extremely rich in resources.

Even without farming, mining, gold panning, or logging... simply by hunting for a living, the fur trade can easily support a large family.

This is so much easier than being exploited and squeezed at every level back home!
Of course, most of the immigrants to Alaska were involved in the mining industry, whether it was coal or gold.

Under the leadership of Wu Qingfeng and the organization of the Alaska Development Corporation, almost all new immigrants became part of the settlement policy.

As for Panama, its original population was around 100,000, but due to the development of the Panama Canal, 500,000 laborers and supporting staff poured in, causing the population to swell five or six times instantly.

The salaries of these hundreds of thousands of workers are not low; food, drink, and daily necessities all cost money!

This naturally led to a period of rapid development and prosperity for Panama.

Compared to the frigid climate of Alaska, immigrants from Guangdong, accustomed to a hot and humid climate, were undoubtedly more suited to Panama.

Of the 500,000 laborers, half were Chinese.

Moreover, many of them, because it's easy and quick to make money here, simply settled down in Panama and brought their entire families over.

The men work on the construction site, while the women do small businesses around the site. Even if they push a cart selling fish balls from their hometown or help the laborers wash and mend clothes, they earn far more than they would back home.

As for their children, they were sent to free public schools.

The number of Chinese immigrants in California has reached over three million. The total population of California exceeds four million.

The entire western region only has about six million people.

In other words, California alone accounts for two-thirds of the total population of the entire western region.

With a population of over four million, California is far from reaching its resource carrying capacity, but some immigrants have already spontaneously moved to neighboring states in search of better opportunities to make money.

Azu naturally welcomes the natural flow of people!

If Chinese people make up the majority in the western states, the upcoming operation will undoubtedly face less resistance.

(End of this chapter)