The Australian Revolution of 1828

The first economic conference of 1828 lasted for two full days. The conference determined the roles of Zhaoyang County and Xunyang County, and also finalized the economic development plan for the Xia Kingdom for the next two to three years.

The main focus is on developing economic industries based on immigrants, including but not limited to housing, marriage, farmland, cattle, farm tools, clothing, etc.

This ensures population growth while simultaneously boosting the Xia Kingdom's economy and completing its internal economic cycle.

This is a major strategy that requires close cooperation among various departments to improve the scale of Xia Kingdom's economic development.

Through this economic conference, agricultural tax, commercial tax, customs duties, and other taxes were officially implemented and will be collected starting January 1, 1829, completing the transition from private companies to the state.

After the meeting, while Wei Guochang and Zhang Zhenghe were still at their posts, Han Qingyun organized a military conference.

This meeting involves the national defense and security of the Xia Kingdom. Xunyang County and Zhaoyang County are part of it. It is necessary to make the two of them understand that the economy is the economy and the military is the military.

While economic development is the goal, military development cannot be neglected.

Few people attended the military conference; only Luo Bingzhong, the chief minister of the Civil Affairs Council, Li Guochen, the Minister of Military Affairs, Meng Xiong of the Grand Military Commission, Zhang Zhenghe, the magistrate of Xunyang County, and Wei Guochang, the magistrate of Zhaoyang County.

Han Qingyun instructed his servants to pull back the curtain covering the map, pointed to the map of Mingzhou and Nanyang on the wall, and said, "Everyone, take a look and see what you can see from the map."

With the establishment of the Xia Kingdom, Han Qingyun's authority grew stronger day by day.

This is reflected not only in decision-making, but also in other aspects.

Just like at this meeting, Han Qingyun didn't explicitly state any issues, but those involved in the military meeting were already trying to figure out what Han Qingyun was thinking and what he was trying to express.

A complete map of the Mingzhou continent, marking the power dynamics in the Sydney region and the complex power symbols in the Southeast Asia region.

Clearly, Han Qingyun was still worried about the safety of the Xia Kingdom.

Although the economic conference repeatedly emphasized stability as the top priority, it did not forget that Xia was surrounded by wolves, with a large pack of jackals around it.

As the Grand Commander, Meng Xiong noticed something amiss and said, "Your Majesty, are you worried about these foreigners?"

Sitting upright, Han Qingyun did not give a definite answer. Instead, he looked at the others and said, "The Grand Commander has already expressed his thoughts; what are yours now?"

Li Guochen, the Minister of Military Affairs, had been in charge of military affairs and was aware of the threat posed by foreign powers. He said, "Ever since Britain established the Straits Settlements, it has had plans to expand eastward."

"The situation is stable at present, but we are worried that our escape route may be cut off because we have not yet fully controlled the Malay Peninsula."

"Once the Malay Peninsula is under control, eastward expansion will be inevitable, and the target will most likely be the Qing Dynasty."

"Although we are on the periphery, we cannot guarantee that Britain will turn a blind eye."

Li Guochen's viewpoint was incisive and directly hit the nail on the head regarding Britain's intentions.

The Malay Peninsula has always been unstable, with occasional disturbances. No one can predict when it might provoke the British troops stationed in Singapore.

Before fully penetrating the Malay Peninsula, Britain will temporarily restrain itself and will not advance eastward.

Once the infiltration is complete and influences the military of the Malay Peninsula is established, that will be the time for Britain to move eastward.

Han Qingyun understood this point, and in addition to actively developing the national economy and promoting the rapid development of immigration affairs, he also strengthened the defense of the Mingzhou continent.

The immigration set the overall direction, and the next step was to prepare for war in order to gain an advantage in future wars, which led to this military conference.

Han Qingyun affirmed Li Guochen's idea, saying, "Guochen is right, that's exactly what I was worried about."

"You are all pillars of the nation, so stop holding back and speak up!"

After Li Guochen's words, everyone had a clue. Luo Bingzhong, the chief minister of the Civil Affairs Bureau, said, "Your Majesty, if Britain wants to advance eastward, it will inevitably have to go through Zhaoyang."

"At that time, Zhaoyang will inevitably be in danger, and a war between Xia and Ying will likely be unavoidable!"

Subsequently, Han Qingyun listened to the ideas of Zhang Zhenghe and Wei Guochang, which were basically the same.

After considering all the opinions, Han Qingyun said with certainty, "A war between Xia and Ying is inevitable, it's a foregone conclusion, so there's no need to be so worried."

"With the Sydney Governor's Office in place, Mingzhou will definitely have to decide its ownership. Besides, Britain can't just stand by and watch us occupy the entire Mingzhou continent."

"What we should be anxious about is how to win this war and prevent the Xia Kingdom from being destroyed."

On this point, everyone was of one mind: to defend the existence of the Xia Kingdom to the death and defeat the invading enemy.

Han Qingyun had carefully considered this anticipated war.

Britain's strengths lie in its large number of battleships, colonies, financial resources, soldiers, and artillery.

However, the British transoceanic expeditions also had a drawback: the logistical lines were long and heavily reliant on transport routes.

As long as Britain's supply lines are disrupted, the expedition will be no threat.

There were two key points on the British expeditionary route to Xia Kingdom: one was Singapore, and the other was Bengkuren in southern Sumatra.

Singapore had been incorporated into the Straits Settlements and was firmly controlled by Britain.

The Bengcouren region was originally a British colony, but in 1824, the Anglo-Dutch Treaty was reached, and the Bengcouren region was returned to Dutch control.

Both regions were essential stops on British expeditions and important pivots on shipping routes.

As long as Britain dares to launch an expedition to Hanyang, the Xia Kingdom can send armed merchant ships to cut off these two key points, which will surely dampen Britain's determination to launch the expedition.

To achieve this, a comprehensive defense strategy needs to be developed.

Han Qingyun intends to create an island chain defense circle, consisting of Zhaoyang Island, Xunyang Island, Laiyang County (Pidamara), Darwin and other regions.

Darwin is not yet under control. Han Qingyun is preparing to send troops to occupy the area and establish Yunzhong County, which will be developed into an important military port in northern Mingzhou.

As long as the defense perimeters in these areas are completed and not breached, the British expedition will become nothing more than a reflection in the water.

He explained his well-developed strategy to everyone, which garnered their support.

Wei Guochang had just attended an economic conference and finalized the economic positioning of Zhaoyang County. He was a little confused and asked his question, "Your Majesty, if military facilities are built in Zhaoyang, it will inevitably arouse the vigilance of foreigners."

Zhaoyang County's location was indeed special; it was difficult to make a choice between defending itself well and avoiding provoking the foreigners.

However, Han Qingyun had his own method, saying, "Guochang, Zhaoyang's positioning is correct; it's meant to make the foreigners lower their guard."

"However, the island's development can be largely considered in the context of war."

"While Zhaoyang may lack offensive capabilities, it must possess defensive capabilities."

Within the overall defensive island chain, Zhaoyang Island holds the most crucial position: it must possess strong defensive capabilities and must not be rendered useless by a few British ships.

Only by securing Zhaoyang Island could Britain guard against a counterattack from there during its expeditions.

From an overall strategic perspective, this can be considered as forming a pincer movement.