Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 214 Lanfang's Changes
After the Crimean War, the world returned to its former tranquility. And even if the war had continued, it would have had no impact on Borneo, thousands of miles away.

However, there have been some interesting developments recently. For example, many bearded men have appeared in the towns of Pontianak and East Wanlu. Their arrival has given local shop owners more opportunities to make money, as they sell a wide variety of goods, especially noodles, which are consumed in large quantities by these men.

"Lord Liu, we are happy to provide you with support. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has always supported your rule here, and the Governor believes that only Your Excellency can lead Lanfang to maintain stability."

"In that case, thank you very much, Lord Barnes. Please give my regards to the Governor."

After seeing off the Dutch representatives, Liu Asheng, the Grand Commander of Lanfang, had to admit that clinging to powerful figures was far better than struggling on one's own.

He himself was one of those who went to Southeast Asia, and was later appointed by the Dutch government as the Grand Commander of Lanfang. In order to make money for the Dutch, and also for his own selfish purposes, he initiated a series of reforms. Even after stabilizing the local situation, he did not forget to enrich himself. He levied additional taxes on local imports and exports, claiming it was for better development, but in reality, he deposited all the money into his family's treasury.

"Father, the Dutch have already transferred the money to our account," Liu Liangguan, the son, said to Liu Asheng with great joy.

"See? As long as we choose a good backer, no one can stop us, father and son, from making money."

Liu Asheng earnestly told his son, "Don't resist the Dutch; they are invincible."

“By the way, Father, I heard some rumors in Pontianak that Luo Yuanhan plans to overthrow you.”

"Hmph, he's like a grasshopper in autumn, he won't be able to jump for many more days. If his father came, I'd be a little afraid of him, but as for him, I'm not afraid of anything."

“Father is right. If he dares to rebel, he’s just asking for death.”

Liu Asheng and his son had great confidence in themselves and the Netherlands, firstly because their opponent was weak, and secondly because they had high hopes for the Netherlands. During the war of 1854, if he hadn't signed a peace treaty at the most dangerous moment, the Netherlands would likely have annexed Lanfang long ago.

For this reason alone, the people of Lanfang should thank him. Without him, they wouldn't have the good life they have today.

But what he didn't expect was that the Chinese in Lanfang had reached their limit. The Dutch were plundering the Chinese even more ruthlessly, and they would resist, but they needed a leadership.

The two returned to their family's private manor in East Wanlu, which, after years of making money, was now a 200-acre estate with 400 servants.

"The master is back. Hurry up, everyone be quick."

Today is Liu Asheng's birthday, and all the government officials in Lanfang have come to celebrate with him. The gifts they brought could fill an entire room; it's incredibly extravagant.

Everyone was intoxicated by the peaceful atmosphere and the extravagant lifestyle. Thanks to Liu Asheng, they were able to make money together, and they divided up all the profits from the local gold mines. This was the benefit that Liu Asheng could bring them.

"Hey everyone, Lanfang's current prosperity is all thanks to the Commander-in-Chief. We should toast the Commander-in-Chief."

"Respect to the Commander-in-Chief!"

Liu Asheng raised his glass to celebrate with them, saying, "Lanfang's success today is inseparable from everyone's support. It is Lanfang's good fortune that you are here."

Everyone was laughing, as if no one in the world could stop them. But amidst the clinking of glasses, an explosion suddenly rang out outside, and the mansion's steward limped in.

"Liu Quan, what happened?"

"Master...run...there are...rebels..." Before the butler could finish speaking, he was suddenly shot in the back, and he could no longer hold on and fell down.

More than 30 bearded men with guns took control of everyone present. None of them had ever seen these men before; they only knew they came from a country called Iran. They had no grudge against Iran, so why the sudden attack?
"Heroes, what do you want? I have money. Just name your price, and I'll send someone to get it right away."

Liu Asheng thought these people were after his money, so he said that he had a lot of money in his treasure trove and he could give it all to them.

However, it was clear that the other party wanted not only money, but also their lives.

Without saying a word, they simply chopped down everyone present, regardless of age or gender, leaving no one alive.

That night was destined to be anything but peaceful in Dongwanlu. Another army had arrived at Lanfang's headquarters, accompanied by local gentry.

"Gentlemen, Liu Asheng and others have betrayed the interests of the Chinese people by giving away large amounts of land to the Dutch. We can no longer tolerate this. If we do not make changes, the Dutch will completely take over everything here."

"I, Luo, am unworthy, but my ancestors founded the Lanfang business, which is now in dire straits. Therefore, I am willing to reclaim power, and I hope you will all support me."

Luo Yuanhan's words sent a chill down the spines of the gentry, for there were many bearded men with guns standing nearby, looking quite formidable.

Jiangnan Shan, who was standing nearby, also began to speak, “As you all know, the Dutch are currently exploiting us to the extreme, and we have no choice but to resist. However, with our strength alone, the chances of defeating the Dutch are low. Therefore, we have been trying to bring in another force to help us resist the Dutch invasion. Here is some good news to tell you: we have found a force willing to help us, and that is Iran.”

When Iran is mentioned, everyone knows about this Western power in Saigon from their own networks. But can this rapidly rising nation truly become their reliance?
"Think about it, everyone. If we give up this opportunity, we will be annexed by the Netherlands. They've been watching us for a long time now. Are we really going to give up, or are all of you here just puppets of the Dutch?"

At this point, even if it's true that the Dutch were puppets, you can't say it, otherwise what will people say later?

“Since it’s an opportunity, at least let us know their terms, right?” one of them said.

"Yes, what are Iran's conditions?"

Luo Yuanhan cleared his throat and then spoke. Actually, Iran didn't ask for much; they just wanted Lanfang's foreign affairs and defense, a large amount of annual tax revenue, and obedience to the Tehran government. They would establish an army in Lanfang and send a special envoy to be stationed there permanently…

Everyone was stunned by these conditions, not because they were bad, but because they were too good. It was like being treated like a benevolent magistrate. Apart from the slightly higher taxes, there was nothing else to it. More importantly, Iran was supposed to respect local conditions, and most of the positions would be filled by local people.

"This is too good to be true. Could it be an Iranian conspiracy to take us all at once once we're rich?"

Some people raised this question because of the Red River massacre and the Manila massacre, and they simply couldn't trust it.

"Please rest assured, everyone. My Luo family can guarantee with our honor that such a thing will not happen. If it does, then let the Luo family be the first to be killed."

Since everyone had said so, the other gentry all agreed. Luo Yuanhan continued, "Since no one has any objections, then it's decided. However, considering it's rare for everyone to get together, please stay a few more days so I can fulfill my duty as host."

Seeing everyone's puzzled expressions, he explained, "To avoid any leaks, please bear with us for a few days."

With that said, everyone could relax. Luo Yuanhan and Jiang Nanshan were also relieved, because there was one more thing that hadn't been mentioned: they could be appointed to high-ranking positions, a promise made to them by Iran. Of course, to obtain these positions, they would need to do some work, and to avoid others sabotaging the plan, they decided to settle everyone here first.

(End of this chapter)