The Australian Revolution of 1828

Naval battles are like this: either both sides are evenly matched, resulting in a Pyrrhic victory, with the losing side suffering total annihilation and the winning side incurring heavy casualties.

Either the game ends in a complete victory, with the losing side annihilated and the winning side suffering only minor casualties; it was rare for anyone to escape unscathed, especially in the 19th-century era of sailing warships.

Furthermore, the Xia Kingdom, having anticipated the attack, launched a perfect ambush, destroying most of the military forces in Batavia's naval territory in one battle.

As for the remaining small number of merchant ships, they could only choose to lie low and wait for the war to end as soon as possible.

The Xia Kingdom's merchant ships were different. Without the threat of Batavia's warships, they were generally not afraid of merchant ships from other countries. Their only concern was British India, which might step in to support Batavia.

However, British India had just ended the First Anglo-Burmese War, with substantial financial expenditures and severe troop losses, so it was unlikely that it could spare any troops for support.

Singapore had just been incorporated into the Straits Settlements, and its development was still incomplete, with no permanent naval fleet. In terms of strength, it lacked any capability for naval warfare.

The only force capable of harming the Xia Kingdom is the British Indian fleet.

Having figured out these aspects, Meng Xiong made a decision with a focus: to strike at the Batavian colonial government while taking defensive measures against Britain.

Not only did he send fast ships to Lanfang to inform them of the naval victory and to keep a close watch on any threats from the Singapore direction, but he also secretly ordered merchant ships to keep a close watch, saying, "Notify merchant ships that if British warships appear in Singapore, they must report to all trading posts."

If British naval vessels appear in Singapore, vigilance must be heightened to prevent a sudden British attack that could cause excessive casualties to the navy.

The order was relayed via fast boat, and Meng Xiong, carrying the captured ships, headed towards Xunyang County. They replenished the ships lost in the naval battle and repaired them, making preparations for the upcoming war.

Upon hearing the news, Li Guochen, who was in charge of land warfare, arrived and was very pleased with the results of the naval battle. He said, "Grand Commander, after this battle, the balance of power has shifted, and the situation in Lanfang is now settled."

The Dutch garrison in Lanfang lacked munitions and supplies, and was unable to escort merchant ships, so the war effort could not keep up with demand, leaving the garrison adrift and rootless.

If things proceed according to this script, Lanfang's situation is indeed set in stone.

However, the entire Southeast Asia region not only had Lanfang, but also British people in Singapore and Brunei, Spanish people in Manila, French people in Annam, and Portuguese people in Timor.

With so many forces, it can be said that the power dynamics in Southeast Asia are extremely complex.

While some powers were still just trading posts, their influence was not necessarily small, especially the British in Brunei in northern Borneo and the French in Da Nang, Annam.

From a military perspective, there are indeed forces in the South China Sea region that could affect the safety of the Xia Kingdom's naval vessels.

Therefore, Meng Xiong had some reservations, but he didn't show them, saying, "I hope so. The rest is up to your army!"

Speaking of the army, Li Guochen also had his own strategy, saying, "The matter of supporting Java Island is already underway, and the prince of Yogyakarta has been in Xunyang for several days."

"It's just that the terms haven't been agreed upon yet, which has delayed things until now."

"With this naval victory, I believe the other side will make concessions."

Regarding the provision of military equipment to Tibonigoro, the Kingdom of Yogyakarta, this was decided by Han Qingyun, and Li Guochen is currently responsible for its implementation.

However, difficulties arose during the execution. The Yogyakarta Kingdom could not provide much gold, silver, or other valuables, and the Xia Kingdom could not provide assistance without compensation, so the situation remained deadlocked.

Therefore, Li Guochen proposed to introduce eligible female laborers from Yogyakarta to offset the debts incurred in the aid.

However, Prince Tibonigoro of the Yogyakarta Kingdom controls a very limited area and lacks a suitable port, so things have been delayed until now.

The military equipment and supplies were all ready, but Meng Xiong was annoyed that these people were so short-sighted. He said, "Without a port, even military supplies can't be transported over!"

"Minister, is this prince perhaps trying to get our navy to provide support?"

Meng Xiong had indeed guessed correctly. Li Guochen was somewhat impressed and said, "Grand Commander, you must say, this man's shamelessness is truly unparalleled. There was this requirement in the relevant negotiations."

"However, this request was too much, and I refused!"

"Now that our naval forces have won the battle, the Dutch are like a toothless tiger without warships. If Prince Thibonicolo is still unwilling to open up a port, there's no need to provide this support."

That makes sense. Although there are many gold mines in the Xia Kingdom, it is not actually wealthy due to a lack of labor.

Prince Tibonicolò could use gold and silver to purchase weapons, making this the best form of cooperation. If he lacked such resources, the debt could be offset by employing working women of marriageable age.

This is a win-win cooperation, and there is no question of anyone gaining an advantage or suffering a loss.

As for the ports used for exporting military equipment, only Prince Tibonicoro can figure that out; Xia Kingdom has no obligation to help.

Considering that Tibonigoro could serve as a check on things, Meng Xiong made a decision and said, "Alright, let's meet with this prince together later and get His Majesty's orders done as soon as possible."

"If the other party doesn't have the ability, giving up is also an option."

Li Guochen also agreed to this arrangement. The main reason was that negotiations had been going on for many days without progress, and Li Guochen was losing patience. He said, "Fine, if they're not sincere, deport them as soon as possible."

"Some things, you still have to rely on yourself."

"The navy has just won a victory. Without Tiborinigoro, I don't believe the Dutch can turn the tables in Lanfang!"

The two reached an agreement and quickly arranged a meeting.

Tibonicolò, with his usual pride, reiterated his idea at the meeting, saying, "Sir, I still hold the same opinion as last time: I hope your navy can step in and secure a port for our trade."

Meng Xiong had never seen such a shameless person before, and he directly refused, saying, "Prince Thibonicoro, we are here to discuss cooperation, not to discuss unconditional aid."

"If you can negotiate, take your men and capture a port for the trade. We'll transport the supplies there, and you'll pay and settle the account. If you can't negotiate, then turn left and go back to your Java Island."

Originally, Tibonicoeur thought they had a common enemy and was hoping to get help from the Xia Kingdom, but unexpectedly, someone stepped forward and rejected the proposal once again.

As a prince of the kingdom, Tibonicol had never been treated this way. Even the Dutch were always very polite.

Suddenly expelled by Meng Xiong, Prince Tibonegoro could no longer contain himself and said, "Sir, you are extremely rude. Your country should help us expel the Dutch."

Han Qingyun never thought about all nations paying tribute, nor did he intend to accept these vassal states. Naturally, he would cooperate if it was beneficial and disperse if it was not.

Li Guochen and Meng Xiong were both influenced by this idea.

Realizing there was no point in continuing the talks, Li Guochen also gave the order to leave, saying, "We hope for a win-win cooperation since your esteemed envoy has come."

"Since you have no sincerity, please leave!"

He came all this way to take advantage of others, but instead of getting anything, he was driven away. Prince Tibonegoro was furious. But being in Xunyang County, he had no one to vent his anger on, so he could only leave dejectedly.