The sun never sets in America

Chapter 279 African Development: Tang Gong

East Africa, southwest of Haizhou Island, Wanghai City——

【Toliara, Madagascar】

The sea breeze roared, whipping up a wave and hitting the stone wall that had just been repaired a few days ago.

Traces of freshly weathered cement can still be seen on the stone walls. These cements are made locally, and the machines used are second-hand machines brought from Lanfang. The reason why Portuguese ones are not used is for no other reason than the workers. Can't read foreign language.

In addition to these, this city, which is still under construction, has already established a grain station, a rice-threshing factory, a clothing factory, a soap factory, a toothpaste factory, and even a series of factories related to people's livelihood.

Of course, before this, the word "preliminary" must be added.

Because many of them seem to have the name of factory, but they are actually workshops. The most profitable local factory is the soap factory, which is very profitable for the inland indigenous people. After all, if you don’t brush your teeth or wash your face, you have to take a shower.

For some backward indigenous tribes in the southwest, exchanging a few bars of soap for a local humpback cow is no joke.

If you add the detoxification potion and heat-clearing potion poured from Lanfang, the profit will be even greater.

Relying on internal unequal trade, Wanghai City was able to accumulate development funds so quickly, and has grown to the level of 15,000 people, of which 3,000 are Chinese alone. This ratio of Chinese to barbarian is actually very high.

In other words, for a new force, it can be described as a miracle.

Of course, all this is due to the current terrible and chaotic situation in China. If it weren't for this war-torn situation, the Han Immigration Department had detained a large number of people in Lanfang, and it would have been impossible to obtain so many Chinese people at once, and It hasn't attracted attention yet. Although the recruitment is in the name of the company, if you dare to do this in peacetime or in the past few years, your origins will have been exposed long ago, instead of recruiting thousands of people like now. , is still at a level that no one cares about.

In Master Tang’s words:

"When times come, heaven and earth all work together to transport heroes without freedom."

Yes, in Master Tang’s eyes, Wanghai City has the luck of the “era”. If it were not for the peace and chaos, Lanfang would not have such a large population. Mr. Huang would not have noticed overseas, and he would not have left China alone. Lan Fang has made great achievements, not to mention making such great achievements. This is something Master Tang never dared to think about.

Although he became the lord of Wanghai City, he was called "Tang Gong", "Wanghai Gong" and even "Tang Ye" by his subordinates.

But Master Tang still went to the school field at ten o'clock every morning to "observe the troops" as usual, and gave daily "motivation" lectures.

They even often ate from the same pot of rice and drank from the same bucket of water with the soldiers.

Whenever people praised him for "loving the people like a son", Master Tang would wave his folding fan to show his "benevolence and righteousness", and his meaning was self-evident.

And for this reason, even those who have just been recruited have an "inexplicable" respect for Master Tang.

Where respect comes from, no one knows! !

But as Master Tang said:

"You treat me as normal, I regard you as my brothers and sisters!!"

Yes, they are really "siblings"! ! ——

"kill--"

"Forward stab!!"

"Exerting force, didn't you eat??"

"Stronger, push out!!"

Under the scorching sun, rows of recruits were practicing bayoneting with wooden rifle butts, and the instruction of "fighting with fists and kicks" was naturally indispensable.

In a shed covered with sunshade, Master Tang was sitting on a wicker chair, with a servant fanning him standing next to him. Haizhou Island in April was a bit hot due to its geography and even today's weather. " "I have no choice but to do it", Master Tang can only be a foolish king "for once" and enjoy his life.

Feeling the cold wind on the back of his neck, Master Tang leaned on the wicker chair. The servant next to him immediately brought a short-mouthed teapot. Master Tang took it, held the spout of the teapot, and poured it down his throat. "Gulu gulu", a process When we got down, Master Tang felt great.

Of course, according to Master Tang's habit, when he feels good, others must feel good too. Just listen:

"The weather is hot. I think we can forget it today and let the brothers go back and rest. The watermelons planted in the house are almost ripe. Pick some and send them away. Don't neglect everyone -"

[Tropical watermelons ripen faster]

As soon as he finished speaking, there was a burst of flattering voices from the surroundings, such as "benevolence and righteousness", "sympathy for subordinates", "good people", etc., and "worthless", all of which were thrown at Master Tang.

Mr. Tang, on the other hand, waved his hand, slapped the folding fan on his palm, wiped the tea stains left on his mouth from just drinking tea, and pretended to be displeased:

"I serve the public wholeheartedly. If I seek a private reputation, it is no different from someone who seeks fame and reputation. Don't say this again in the future, and remember not to say it 'in front of others.'"

Master Tang's words were like a deliberate reminder. From then on, anyone who showed kindness to others would be praised by some thoughtful people. As time went by, his prestige became stronger and stronger.
-

"The east wind is blowing, the north wind is strong."

"The dragon leaps over the sea and rides on the wind."

"Currently, I'm sitting in the southwest."

"No one in the world can compare with me."

Master Tang read a poem that was "nonsense", and a chorus of "good poems" immediately sounded around him, making people lament that "the world is in trouble."

"Tang Gong's poems are as good as nectar and jade liquid. Listening to them is like hearing fairy music."

A counselor named Zhou next to him praised Master Tang as "just right" after he finished reading the poem.

But Master Tang was happy in his heart, but he said:

"My poems dare not be called nectar. If they are as sweet as country brew, that would be enough."

"Mr. Tang is overly praised!!"

"With Tang Gong's talents, he can compare with Li Du at the top and surpass Bai Tang at the bottom. This is still a literary matter. If it were Yu Wu, ten Li Taibai would not be able to compare with Tang Gong!!"

Counselor Zhou seems to want to flatter him to the end.

Mr. Tang, on the other hand, "sighed", which made people very confused. I wonder why Mr. Tang, who was watching the sea and writing poems just now, became sad again at this time.

Counselor Zhou "rolled" his eyes and secretly glanced at Master Tang's expression for a few times. He had made up his mind and then asked:

"Mr. Tang is worried about the surrounding situation?"

Master Tang nodded and sighed:

"Recently, it has become more and more difficult to expand to the island. Now I heard that the northern indigenous kingdom bought a lot of guns and cannons from the French. They want to train a new army and destroy the foundation of Wanghai City. I personally am a small person. In the city The army and the people are important, if there is any mistake, I, I am sorry to Brother Wang!!"

After saying that, Master Tang began to "sorrow" in front of everyone.

Hearing Master Tang's "sorrowful" voice, people who didn't know the inside story were lamenting that Master Tang was "wholeheartedly dedicated to public service" and had a "deep affection" with Deputy Ambassador Wang, which made people moved by the "feeling" between them.

Counselor Zhou looked at Master Tang who was constantly "sobbing" in front of him, and the corners of his mouth twitched a few times. As a direct participant in that power seizure, he knew very well who this person was.

The word shameless is no longer enough to describe him. He is simply a villain among villains.

Of course, even though I was thinking this way, I was still "feeling" with everyone about the relationship between Master Tang and Deputy Ambassador Wang.

"After a few bumps," Master Tang also felt that it was a bit too much, and then he said in a solemn tone: "Now the barbarians are based in the center of the island, using French foreign firearms to form an overwhelming force on Wanghai City, what should I do? "

"Please teach me!!"

Having said that, bow down.

Suddenly there was a chorus of "Mr. Tang, no!" and "Mr. Tang's words are serious."

Finally, Counselor Zhou took the initiative and said: "Tang Gong, in my opinion, it is true that the barbarians on the island are using the power of France to fight against our Wanghai City, and it is also true to train the new army. However, because of this, the moment is right. Great opportunity.”

"Oh, now is a good opportunity??"

Master Tang "browed slightly."

Counselor Zhou continued:

"Tang Gong, at this time, except for the middle plateau, most of the island is in the hands of the indigenous country. The upper and lower ends are in the hands of some barbarian tribes. We are waiting in the southwest and relying on the seaport. We should not focus on competing with the central indigenous country. Instead, we should go to all directions to seize the land of the indigenous tribes.”

"If you take it, you can sit in the southwest from now on and watch the clouds roll and relax."

Master Tang's eyes flashed with a "cunning" look, and finally he pretended not to understand and grabbed Counselor Zhou's "hand" and shouted urgently:

"Please sir, teach me!!"

Counselor Zhou looked at Master Tang who looked at him with "sincere" eyes, and then looked at the jealous eyes around him. He knew that he might have to go to the dark side in the future, and he would not be able to change people.

In the end, I could only look back at Mr. Tang with the same "sincere" eyes, and replied in a frustrated tone: "Now the indigenous kingdom is borrowing the power of France and the firearms of France to arm itself to cut off my way to Wanghai City, so there is no way to fight at this moment. To take, as the saying goes, eliminate the weak and keep the strong, swallow the weak first, then attack the strong, and finally unify Haizhou Island..."

"If you want to plan for the future, you must first sweep away the indigenous tribes below and enrich yourself with their flesh and blood."

"After swallowing up all the southwest, and then building up the army and property, it won't take seven years to go north to destroy the country and become hegemonic!!"

Counselor Zhou was talking eloquently, and the people around him nodded from time to time.

Master Tang was obviously very dissatisfied with this answer. After all, he couldn't think of such a method, so he continued to ask:

"What if I can't wait seven years?"

Counselor Zhou met Master Tang's "full of deep meaning" eyes, and finally he could only answer:

"If you want to speed up the process, there is only one way, which is to increase immigration and develop industries. Only in this way can success be achieved. Otherwise, it will be like an illusion."

“How to increase immigration??”

Master Tang continued to ask. "Invite people into the gang!!"

After Counselor Zhou finished speaking, he closed his mouth.

When Master Tang heard this, his brows "twitched", and he opened and closed the folding fan in his hand. "Benevolence and righteousness" kept appearing and disappearing in his hand.

Master Tang glanced at Counselor Zhou one last time, and then announced:

"Inform the treasury envoys, grain envoys, financial envoys, and military and horse envoys. In seven days, we will mobilize a large force to attack the barbarians and wipe away the bad smell."

"I want to see the flag flying."

After that, Master Tang waved his folding fan and walked down the tower, leaving behind those who were still saying "yes".

Counselor Zhou who was at the rear looked at Master Tang's back and "shaked his head." He knew that this guy probably wouldn't listen, and even if he did, he would have to change his mind.

In fact, this was indeed the case. Master Tang kept "pacing" in the yard when he returned to his mansion.

You can see the "fluctuation" in his heart from his footsteps, but his appearance is very dull, even duller than usual.

Master Tang stood under the "Fuze Tree" and looked up at the fallen, "bare" trunk. Looking at the buds that had just grown on it, Master Tang murmured to himself:

"Old tree, new tree, what's the difference, as long as I think, even if it is new, you have to bow!"

At this moment, Master Tang finally made up his mind.

For the sake of Wanghai City and even his personal future, it was time to recruit some new "partners".

The first people he targeted were pirates from China, Nanyang and other places.

After all, these guys haven't read any "books"! !

.............................................

bang bang bang...

A burst of gunfire rang out. After these few months of prosperity, the entire Wanghai Navy could be said to have "replaced a shotgun with a cannon." The entire military was issued with the Lightning II rifles from two years ago.

It can be said that he is becoming more and more courageous and diligent! !

On the opposite side, another row of Huangman natives holding simple weapons and a few native guns fell to the ground.

In another place, seven or eight second-hand storm artillery pieces bought from Lanfang exerted their "god of war" nature.

For a while, the two sounds of "bang" and "bang" never stopped.

On the top of the hill, Master Tang, who was wearing a blue military uniform and gold ribbons on his shoulders, looked at the bloody battlefield opposite with joyful eyes. When he saw the excitement, he even shouted:

"Niang Xipi!!"

When the smoke filled the air and made it difficult to see clearly, Mr. Tang wrote a short poem:

"Smoke and flesh combine, leaving a lonely soul without a hundred grasses."

After the war ended, Master Tang stood in front, looking at the soldiers in uniform with "black" faces, and shouted:

"But the Flying General of Dragon City is here!!"

"Don't teach Huma how to cross the Yin Mountain!!"

After reciting, Master Tang’s face turned red and he said:

"You are all loyal and brave men. I, Tang Lin, hope that with all my virtues and abilities, I can be the leader of all you!!"

"I just saw soldiers being killed by the natives above. My heart hurts. Why does it hurt? Because you are all my family!!"

"Come on, lift it up!!"

Master Tang shed "tears" and raised the wine bowl that had been prepared long ago.

Following the order, "swish", there was a sound of raising the bowl.

"I, Tang Lin, hope that I can live with you all in this life. It is a blessing that I have cultivated for three lifetimes!!"

"From now on, I will live and die with you all, and I will never break my promise!!"

Master Tang raised the wine bowl and poured it into his mouth. After drinking, there was a "pop" sound and pieces appeared on the ground.

Not long after, the sound of "pop" was heard on the battlefield where the smoke had just dispersed.

After the fall, everyone, even those soldiers who had just experienced a bloody battle, looked with fanatical eyes at the man on the opposite side, Tang Gong, who had led them to this point and divided them up with land and slaves.

Before Master Tang could speak, he was overwhelmed by a burst of "Long live Mr. Tang".

Master Tang looked at the scene in front of him, his nose felt sour, and "worthless" tears flowed down his face, and finally he shouted:

"You are the real long live!!"

After the battle, the army continued downwards and wiped out more than a dozen indigenous tribes, hundreds of kilometers deep, killing more than tens of thousands of people.

Master Tang sat on a piece of bluestone, looking at the smoke around him and the "screams" of women from time to time. His eyes were a little "sad", and finally he said to the people around him:

"Everyone, I'm afraid this move will harm Tianhe!!"

"The sage said: Soldiers are deadly weapons, and a gentleman should not use them!!"

Master Tang "made nonsense" of a sage's quotation that he adapted. At the end, he kept "sighing" with a sad face, which seemed to be introspective and uneasy.

Those who don't know think that the things around him have nothing to do with him.

The people around him naturally understood what Master Tang wanted to hear, such as "Mr. Tang has no worries", "Common things happen", "Mr. Tang is benevolent and righteous", etc., and they kept saying it, like "notes".

At the end, Master Tang asked again:

"It's so outrageous, will God punish me?"

Counselor Zhou was the first to respond:

"Tang Gong, since ancient times, heroes have accomplished great things regardless of trivial matters. Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty once tried to tell his father's words, Li Shimin also killed his brothers and imprisoned his father, and Zhu Yuanzhang also killed his heroes. But they are all wise kings, and they have passed through the ages. One Emperor!!"

"Tang Gong's benevolence and righteousness can be compared to Liu Xuande's when viewed at Xiaguan. What he lacks is Guanzhang. However, Liu Xuande's subsequent death was precisely due to benevolence and righteousness. If Tang Gong wants to achieve great things, he must not be benevolent as a woman!!"

Counselor Zhou told a historical allusion, which essentially told Master Tang, OK, everyone understands that you want to "pretend to be a grandson". Now that you have finished pretending, I have all praised you as "Liu Bei".

It’s time to stop! !

People around him also echoed this, and persuaded Master Tang not to be too attached to "benevolence and righteousness."

Unexpectedly, Master Tang waved the folding fan in his hand, and the two familiar thin gold characters flashed out, and finally sighed: "The princes advised me to act like a hero, but I have been taught by Confucius and Mencius since I was a child, and I really can't act like a thief." ."

"If it works, I'm afraid it will insult the virtues of our ancestors!!"

Then, he "cryed" again.

Counselor Zhou's face twitched, as if he really didn't expect that someone was really so shameless and would really follow through with "Liu Bei's" trick. However, Liu Peng was concerned about Zhuge Liang, did you? ?

Don't talk about this, a royal status is much higher than a civil servant.

I cursed in my heart, but still agreed with my face:

"Mr. Tang is benevolent and righteous, but it is inappropriate for us to persuade Mr. Tang to do unjust things with dirty thoughts."

"In the future, if something happens, I will take the responsibility and Tang Gong will do what Yao and Shun did!!"

The others looked at each other a few times and shouted: "We are willing to bear the responsibility for Mr. Tang!!"

When Master Tang saw this, his eyes were "joyful", and then he said with emotion:

"Young gentlemen are helping me like this. How can Tang be so virtuous? That's all. Since you gentlemen are like this, I can only accept it. From now on, gentlemen and Tang are not servants of the master, but family members!!"

"As the saying goes, if one family does not speak the same language as the other, Tang will definitely be rewarded generously in the future!!"

After finishing speaking, Master Tang ordered that all the gains along the way be "seized", half of which should be shared with everyone, and the remaining half should be put into the treasury.

After this, coupled with several subsequent "speeches", the navy's morale was so high that it swept across the entire southwest in just ten days.

Master Tang also took advantage of the situation and announced that he would establish the Haizhou Governor's Palace and consider himself the governor.

From then on, among the many titles of Master Tang, the title of "Tang Du" was added.

By the time the Haizhou Governor's Mansion was established, the entire Haizhou had occupied the entire southwestern half, with a crowd of fifty thousand, making it one of the most powerful cities in East Africa.

Even the British in Cape Town know the name of Mr. Tang! !

　The monthly ticket is still short of a lot.

　　

　

(End of this chapter)