The Han culture is spreading strongly in Southeast Asia

Chapter 660: We can’t sleep unless they die

Hanchuan Province, Daguan, which later became Yangon.

Well, perhaps it can be said that it was originally called Daguan, and then after the White Elephant King Yongjiya took control of this place, it was changed to Yangon, which means the end of war and the end of killing.

But don’t think that this means that Yong Ji Ya likes peace. The phrase “end the war and stop the killing” is used here. The real meaning is that Yong Ji Ya believes that he has completely defeated all opponents in Myanmar.

Once Daguang is captured, he can put his weapons into storage and let his horses go to the mountains. No one will be able to threaten him anymore.

So after Dayu took control of this place, it immediately changed the name from Yangon back to Daguan. How dare you, a mere lord of a remote borderland, boast so much?

Daguan is located in the triangle where the Irrawaddy River meets the sea, and the city is built on a high mountain at the mouth of the sea.

Compared to the surrounding swamps and wetlands with dense water networks, this place is quite dry. In this era when productivity is not yet very developed, it is a very good place to build a city.

Therefore, when Chen Tianbao sent the Zhang Tongchang, a fourth-class steam sailing warship, to take Mo Gongze and others to Daguang, even if they arrived at Daguang Port, they still needed to transfer to a small steam boat of more than 50 tons and travel about five kilometers to reach Daguang city.

It was only when he arrived here that Mo Gongze realized that the prosperity of Jiaoren Port was nothing more than the garrison economy formed around the 8,000 officers and soldiers of the Outer South China Sea Fleet.

The bright light before our eyes showed us real prosperity. Before we even reached the city center, we could see all kinds of merchant ships shuttling back and forth in the rivers, and the sounds of hawking echoed throughout the harbor.

There are pure sailing merchant ships of thousands of tons, steam merchant ships ranging from tens to hundreds of tons, and countless smaller long inland ships.

When he approached Daguang City, the rising black smoke from the north of the city aroused his interest. After asking around, he learned that it was the location of the largest steel plant in the entire Hanchuan Province, directly invested by Fuxing Company, and produced more than 9,000 tons of iron annually.

Mo Gongze widened his eyes in shock, because according to last year's statistics, the Kingdom of England produced only 75,000 tons throughout the year, and France only produced 160,000 tons.

And in Hanchuan, the steel plant in this imperial colony (which Mo Gongze thought it was) could actually produce nearly 10,000 tons of steel.

This is too exaggerated. If calculated this way, how many tons would the entire Chinese Empire produce?
Mo Gongze's data is really correct, and it is even a bit overestimated.

Because the truly detailed statistics show that the pig iron production of the Kingdom of England in 1788 was only 1825 tons. It was not until the 1839th century that it began to soar, reaching tons in and million tons in .

In 1788, France's pig iron production was about tons, which was the basis for France to sweep across the European continent later.

Because in the decade from 1785 to 1795, France's coal and iron production was approximately equal to the total of other European countries, and Britain and France accounted for nearly % of it.
And how much did Dayu have? Also in 1778, a joint investigation was conducted by the Coal and Iron Department of the Inner Court Transportation Bureau, the Coal and Iron Credit Department of the Fuxing Bank, and the Ministry of Works of the Outer Court, and the data obtained was tons.

This is very terrifying, as it shows that Dayu's annual steel output accounts for about 2.4% of the world's total, which is times the total of Britain and France. Moreover, due to the rapid popularization of side-blowing smelting method, the gap is widening further.

This is roughly the data of the later Republic.

"This is the foundation of a kingship. It's a pity that Brabant can't build one. Alas!"

Mo Gongze sighed quietly. Belgium has large coal reserves and is not short of iron, but they dare not build large steel mills.

Because it cannot be protected, if a steel plant of this scale is really built around Brussels, the day it is completed will be the day when French or English troops will come to rob it.

With a sigh, Mo Gongze abandoned his boat and rode his horse, starting to walk into the city. Along the way, he saw a large number of Han people on both sides of the road, accounting for more than 70% of the residents he saw.

The reason why Mo Gongze was sure that they were Han people was that no matter whether these pedestrians were wearing short clothes or long clothes, they all had proud postures, full of confidence and a spirit of striving for progress.

And those guys who looked like natives, although not necessarily dressed in rags, definitely could not walk with such confidence, and looked as if something was missing.

The most important thing is that all Han men, regardless of age, have a bulging leather case for a hand cannon and a sheathed long dagger hanging around their waists.

Mo Gongze knew that this was a symbol of power. In such a place, those who could not legally possess weapons were 100% ruled.

The sound of hurried horse hooves could be heard, and pedestrians on both sides looked at the distance in surprise. Not long after, a cavalry team carrying the king's flag came over, led by a red-robed official.

Governor-General of Hanchuan and Arakan, Commander-in-Chief of Military Affairs, Food and Penalties, and Governor-General of the State of Arakan

'The Imperial Order holds the Imperial Grace and supports the restoration of the country, assisting the people in their mission and promoting sincerity and strength, and serving as a military official, Huating Earl Chen'

Mo Gongze muttered softly, realizing that it was Hanchuan Governor Chen Qiuze who had arrived.

This person was a military hero who took the initiative to come south from Jiangnan. He made great contributions in the battle to capture Hangzhou. He was also a descendant of Chen Zilong, a loyal minister of the late Ming Dynasty. He had a very high status in the Dayu Dynasty. No one expected that he would come to greet him in person.

However, when he got closer, Mo Gongze realized that he was overthinking.

Because it was only Chen Qiuze's ceremonial guard that came, the red-robed official was not Chen Qiuze, but Hanchuan Censor Wang Yong, who came to greet him on behalf of Chen Qiuze.

After a few polite greetings, Provincial Surveillance Commissioner Wang Yong whispered, "It's not that the Governor is unwilling to welcome the Crown Prince, but due to urgent military matters, he left Daguang City two days ago and headed north to the White Temple."

Well, he didn't even show up and just gave a perfunctory response.

Mo Gongze was helpless. He felt that the officials of his fatherland seemed to always have a sense of alienation and even contempt for mixed-race people like him.

However, Mo Gongze was helpless and couldn't expose the truth, so he could only nod his head in understanding, "Taiwan Governor Chen is very busy with official duties, so he should focus on state affairs."

After saying that, Mo Gongze still felt a little uncomfortable, so he couldn't help but ask again.

"I've come all this way and seen nothing but prosperous trade and peaceful people. I haven't seen any fighting. I wonder what's going on?"

Mo Gongze originally wanted to give the other party a small reminder that this excuse was too lame, but he did not expect the censor to look serious, take two steps closer to Mo Gongze, and whisper:
"Hanchuan has been under the rule of the state for only a little over ten years. Our vassal, the Burmese King Meng Yun, has always been obedient to orders but not to decrees. There seem to be signs of instability, so the governor rushed there overnight to take control of the army."

The White Temple was originally called Pyin U Mwin, located in the middle reaches of the Irrawaddy River. This crappy name means "despicable and absurd" in Chinese, and the meaning is really outrageous.

So there happened to be a temple with white walls in this city, so it was simply changed to the White Temple.

Mo Gongze didn't expect that something really happened, and he really didn't understand the situation in Hanchuan, but as a member of the Mo family, Mo Gongze was still very concerned.

Then he pointed to the knights following behind him and said, "He is truly audacious. It just so happens that I have four hundred elite Xiongnu cavalry with me. If I can use them, please let Wang Neitai give me instructions."

Wang Anchashi's eyes lit up. These Huns (Hungarians) may not be good at other things, but their forte is cavalry.

Moreover, the governor has been planning for a long time and is just short of someone to act as a witness. Isn't the Prince of Lu the most suitable candidate?

"Your Highness's sincere heart for serving the country is something I admire!" Wang Anchashi first flattered him, then continued:

"I shouldn't have troubled Your Highness, but the situation today is indeed urgent, so I won't hesitate."

Mo Gongze secretly clenched his fists. He had been waiting for a long time. He wanted to prove that he had returned home in glory and not to beg for food.

He had to show off well this time, so that the officials along the way wouldn't continue to treat him as a bastard who came back to beg for food.

"Raise the banner of Lu Fan, summon all officers and soldiers of the three guards, and prepare to quell the rebellion!" Mo Gongze shouted in French.

Most of the soldiers from the Three Guards of King Lu that he brought this time were Huns, a small number were Chinese, and a certain number were Germans. When they heard the prince's order, they immediately took action.

Not long after, a large flag with a red sun and moon on a white background, symbolizing the Dayu royal family, was raised, and exclamations were immediately heard around.

In Dayu, the blue flag with a golden sun and moon belongs to the navy.

The large flag with a red background and a golden sun and moon was used by the army, and was sometimes used by the emperor as well.

The large flag with a red sun and moon on a white background is used by members of the royal family and sometimes represents the crown prince.

Looking at the big flag fluttering in the wind, the crowd gathered around naturally.

Mo Gongze saw on horseback that the men equipped with hand guns and long daggers began to run around and tell each other, and the men and women who were obviously natives immediately knelt down and stuck their heads to the ground.

"Long live the empire. May I ask which royal family member has arrived in Daguang?"

"The Sun and Moon flags summon us, but where are the rebels? I am willing to serve my country!"

"It must be the Burmese King. This bastard has never been honest. Kill him!"

"Behead him, behead him! I've been waiting for this day for a long time." "Let's go together! Let's go together! This time we must chop off Meng Yun's head. He doesn't know what's good for him!"

Mo Gongze was shocked. No one had ever told him that waving this big flag with a white background and a red sun and moon would have such an effect!
Many armed men around began to introduce themselves, and some were even coming from a distance.

Censor Wang also secretly cried out in dismay, forgetting that the Prince of Lu had returned from Europe and did not know the true meaning of the flag.

In Dayu, a total of four large flags with a white background and a red sun and moon were given to symbolize the royal family.

One is in the hands of the Prime Minister of Japan, the retired emperor Mo Tianci.

One rod is with Li Xianwen, the Prime Minister of Northwest China and Prince of Ningxia.

The third pole was mobile. When the emperor was in Beijing, he would give it to Mo Zihuang or Mo Zitang who stayed in Nanjing. When the emperor was in Nanjing, he would give it to those who stayed in Beijing. And whenever the emperor went to a place, he would take back the given flag.

The fourth and final stroke was naturally given to Prince Mo Zirong of Lu.

The meaning of this flag is extraordinary. It is equivalent to the highest-level imperial decree, as if I am personally present to control the power of local civil and military officials.

And they are usually not used. If they are really used, it means that the empire is facing a threat and it is necessary to recruit warriors from local countries to join the war.

"Your Highness, I am Wang Yong, the Censor of Hanchuan. I am here to see you!" At this point, Censor Wang could only bow and ask the prince, who was holding a white flag with a red sun and moon, to give his orders.

I grass!

Beads of sweat the size of beans dripped down from Mo Gongze's head. Being quite smart, he immediately realized that this flag must have a lot of knowledge and should not be displayed so quickly.

In an instant, Mo Gongze thought a lot, and even imagined the scene of being called into the palace by the emperor's fifth uncle and slapped in the face because of this matter.

Now, damn it, the provincial censor has knelt in front of the horse. I wonder how this will be spread later.

The seventeen-year-old boy couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

Fortunately, he was smart and quickly reacted. He personally held the flag and went to the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner Wang Yong and whispered:

"This prince is young and uneducated. Please ask Wang Nietai to take me to meet Chen Zhitai to discuss the great task of suppressing rebellion!"

Wang Yong finally breathed a sigh of relief. It was such a misunderstanding, but luckily the Prince of Lu was not a fool.

However, although this incident caused a misunderstanding, the effect was surprisingly good. Why was this because of the last chaotic battle in Yaqiping.

When suppressing the rebellion in Aceh, Dong Jinfeng failed to control the soldiers who were crazy about killing, causing a big chaos, and the war that could have been settled in a year and a half lasted for four years.

In addition to Dong Jinfeng's misfortune, the Prime Minister of Nanyang, the emperor's brother-in-law, Duke Cheng Guo Zheng Miao, was also recalled to Beijing and scolded, so much so that he is still working as a wooden Buddha in Nanyang with his tail between his legs.

But Hanchuan just needs someone to make the decision right now. This is a nice way to put it. To put it bluntly, it urgently needs a big head to take the blame, but Zheng Miao has quit, which has led to the matter of Burmese King Meng Yun being delayed again and again.

Now, well, just right!
The head of this Prince of Lu, Mo Zirong, is definitely as big as that of Prince of Ningxia, Li Xianwen. The achievements he has made over the years are enough to earn him the title of two princes.

If they had not given up at the last moment, the Hun cavalry (Hungary) would now be able to support the imperial army on the Black Sea coast, and their contribution would be even greater.

Therefore, it is most appropriate to let the Prince of Lu take the blame. If things go well, the credit will belong to everyone, but if not, it will be the Prince of Lu's meddling.

However, the Prince of Lu did not seem stupid. Censor Wang thought for a moment and decided to tell a story that was 80% true and 20% false to see if the Prince was interested.

So he stood up and ordered his standard bearers to go out and recruit people with the royal flag, first organizing an 800-man Chinese volunteer army. Then he pulled Mo Gongze aside and whispered:

"Now that things have come to this, please come with me to the White Temple."

Mo Gongze had calmed down by then. He had a premonition that he might be blamed for something, so he quickly asked, "Wang Neitai, is it true that King Meng Yun of Burma is rebelling?"

Wang Anchashi coughed and said, "Meng Yun is indeed unwilling, but he probably has the will but not the courage, and has been living in fear for many years.

We sent envoys to Ava several times to provoke him, and even had an envoy sit on his throne in front of him, but he endured it all."

Well, the strongest secret technique - Han Shi has been used several times, but Meng Yun couldn't help but not take action. He is really a coward.

"Then why is he rebelling now?" Mo Gongze asked immediately.

"The imperial court has recently been engaged in a war with the Luosha people in the north, and is also trying to recover the Hui people and march west to Hezhong. So the governor took advantage of their situation.

They claim that the imperial army suffered heavy casualties at the hands of the Russians, who are still massively increasing their forces. His Majesty has even personally traveled to Lanzhou to oversee the situation, predicting a larger-scale decisive battle is imminent.

After saying that, Censor Wang took out a court report. Mo Gongze took it and looked at it. He said, "Wow, you guys even dared to forge this court report. You really want to risk your lives for the credit!"
"Since Meng Yun can be so patient, he must be no fool. Will he believe this?" Mo Gongze asked again.

"He's doubtful," Wang Ancha replied, then looked directly at Mo Gongze, "but if His Highness is willing to help, he will definitely believe it."

"I'm sure he'll believe it?" Mo Gongze muttered hesitantly, and suddenly he understood. He looked at Wang Anchashi and shouted:

"You intend to go under the banner of the Lu Clan, making Meng Yun think that you are a member of the imperial family coming from the capital, and making it appear that the empire needs to eliminate internal hidden dangers before it can fight the Luosha people.

Let the rumors and false impressions add up and force the Burmese King Meng Yun to rebel."

"Your Highness is indeed wise, that's exactly it!" Wang Yong praised loudly. This Prince of Lu is really smart!

"Is it worth it to force a feudal lord to rebel?" Mo Gongze was even more puzzled. "Wang Neitai, I need a reason."

"Then please come with me to the White Temple. What I see along the way will surely help you resolve your doubts."

Mo Gongze thought about it, then nodded. On the third day, he led his 400 Xiongnu cavalry and more than a thousand Chinese volunteers recruited by Wang Yong with the white flag with a red sun and moon, as well as more than a thousand governor's standard-bearers, and headed north along the Yiluo River (Irrawaddy River).

Then Mo Gongze finally understood. When they followed the Yiluo River all the way north, they saw the delta where it met the sea filled with busy figures of Han people and serfs controlled by the Han people.

They are transforming the swampy wetlands, where hog snakes and pythons are rampant and mosquitoes gather, into fertile fields for growing rice. Various water conservancy projects are also being built everywhere.

Wherever they passed, a large number of Han people cheered and rejoiced. Many young men and women did not ask for anything, but just took their weapons and started to join the army.

These people are so enthusiastic because, with the help of the Hanchuan Governor's Office, this place is becoming a land of fish and rice comparable to the south of the Yangtze River.

Moreover, every Han household had at least two to three hundred mu of fertile land and at least one Burmese, Mon, or other ethnic serf.

However, these serfs were not very obedient because they still had one hope, and that was the Burmese King Meng Yun.

Therefore, whether it is to protect their property or to make serfs more useful, Han immigrants need to solve the hidden danger of Meng Yun.

In addition to the support of these Han Chinese settlers who were similar to the government soldiers, there were also a large number of steam water wheels, rice mills, hardware factories, coal factories, etc. along the river.

"Your Highness, the Yiluo River is the golden waterway for Hanchuan and Shangchuan provinces, and Hanchuan, where Daguang and other places are mainly populated by Chinese, is located downstream and has lost its geographical advantage.

If anything happens, the Burmese in the middle and upper reaches will rush down the river and reach Daguang City in three to five days. If we relax even a little, we will not be able to react in time.

Today, there are 110,000 Han people in Daguang City, and the annual import and export trade volume exceeds 4 million silver dollars. It is about to become the center of Outer Southeast Asia.

But we have never dared to station our fleet here, and we have stationed soldiers everywhere along the river, and we are even afraid to continue developing it, just to be on guard against the Burmese."

As he spoke, the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner Wang Yong, a native of Licheng, Shandong, who had always been willing to serve as an official in Southeast Asia and was truly a new-school Confucian scholar with ambitions to serve the country and the people, said something that made Mo Gongze feel extremely complicated.

"We can't sleep until they die!"

Mo Gongze shuddered slightly, and with just a few simple words, it was as if a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood were right before his eyes.

No wonder Hanchuan Governor Chen Qiuze and the Censor Wang Yong in front of him were so bold. It turned out that the situation in Hanchuan had reached a point where action was necessary.

"Alright, I'll take the blame for this. Even if my uncle breaks my legs, I'll accept it!"

(End of this chapter)