Chapter 483

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Protagonist:

Lv Muzhi

Chen Cheng said: "The Military Statistics Bureau's intelligence network has discovered that the weapons and equipment used by the troops of this new state replacing the French are many of them smuggled out from within the country.

Especially the Siden submachine guns; currently only Wei Yue's arsenal can produce them!"

The old man's heart trembled: "You mean this new state is a gu raised by Lv Weiyue there?"

"The Zhongnan Yixin Society has been active for ten years; could it all be Lv Weiyue's doing?"

"If that's really the case, Lv Weiyue's behavior would implicate our Xia Guo as well, and we'd probably be condemned and sanctioned by the joint powers!"

Chen Cheng was not certain: "We can't be sure Lv Weiyue is the mastermind, only that he absolutely provided them with weapons!"

"But it's not just Lv Weiyue's family providing them weapons! The Zhongnan Yixin Society buys weapons everywhere on the black market; weapons from Yunnan and Guangxi provinces have flowed to them, and they even have Japanese and British weapons in their hands. The sources are varied; to them, Lv Weiyue seems to be just a new channel recently."

Judging solely by selling weapons, it can only be considered a somewhat shady business, and in this chaotic era, it's considered normal.

The old man pondered: "Lv Weiyue selling them weapons—is it a simple commercial act, or a long-planned operation?!

What party is in power in this so-called Zhongnan Republic? Who are the power cores? Is anyone related to Lv Weiyue? That's the key!"

Regarding the old man's questions, Chen Cheng already had the intelligence.

"It's the Unity Party, reorganized from the Zhongnan Yixin Society. Inside the Unity Party there is a Central Executive Committee; most members are military personnel, including both locals and overseas Chinese.

The identities of each executive committee member have been listed; their backgrounds have nothing to do with Lv Weiyue."

In Southeast Asia, not only the Military Statistics Bureau has an intelligence network.

In Vietnam locally, there is even the same Guomindang, of the same faction as the old man, hereinafter referred to as the 'Vietnam National Party'.

Personnel of the Vietnam National Party occasionally enter Xia Guo's territory for training and receive weapons and equipment to fight against the French colonists.

The origin of this Vietnam National Party can be summarized as: the gunshot of the Wuchang Uprising back then brought Three Principles of the People to Vietnam.

Vietnam took Xia Guo as a model and organized the Vietnam National Party.

Xia Guo even provided them with weapons and personnel training, helping them break free from French colonial rule.

Therefore, whether Lv Muzhi raised gu or not.

Anyway, the old man actually planted a gu for the French long ago.

It's just that the gu the old man planted never came to fruition, had little influence, and instead let the Yixin Society get there first.

The old man murmured: "Unity Party... Zhongnan Yixin Society... Lv Muzhi selling them weapons, is it a sudden whim to make some quick money, or was it planned long ago.

This organization's development history reaches ten years, and ultimately it secured most of the land of French Indochina.

If it's Lv Weiyue's doing, my heart is uneasy!"

Saying this, the old man shivered, worried that Lv Muzhi had planted a bomb by his side in advance.

Chen Cheng comforted him: "It should just be selling them weapons; this kind of behavior is understandable..."

"I had Dai Li carefully analyze the core personnel list of the Unity Party; they really are all locals and overseas Chinese, and their party leader is even a local born and raised.

Not one person can be connected to Lv Muzhi."

The old man shook his head: "Forget it, no matter what, first contact the leader of this new state; our supplies need to pass through their railway, we can't let them be led by the nose by the Japanese—this is what's most important now!"

Chen Cheng said: "The Zhongnan State is currently in a state of war and has no diplomatic contact methods."

The old man glared: "Won't you contact Lv Weiyue? He's right there in that Zhongnan State; he definitely has firsthand news—ask clearly! Go quickly!"

——————

In Lv Muzhi's main camp, a telegram sent by Chen Cheng arrived.

This telegram was from the Central Government entrusting Lv Muzhi to represent Xia Guo in sounding out the attitude of the Zhongnan Republic; they must absolutely not let them turn toward Japan.

Lv Muzhi was not worried about the attitude of the Zhongnan Republic.

Having personally experienced the brutality of the Japanese Army, the people of the Zhongnan Republic hated the Japanese Army intensely.

A day ago, an envoy from the Zhongnan Republic came to Lv Muzhi's main camp, conveying goodwill from their leader, asking the Youth Army not to rush to leave, and agreeing to meet together this afternoon.

The territory currently claimed by the Zhongnan Republic is Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia under French Indochina.

But a considerable part of the western territory was taken by the Thais amid the chaos.

Also, Saigon in the south is now occupied by remnants of the Japanese Fifth Division; they're clinging to the seaside and refusing to leave.

The Youth Army previously routed the Japanese Fifth Division stationed in Northern Vietnam, and the local people have a good impression of the Youth Army.

Northern Vietnam, as the base of the Zhongnan Republic, has recently been pacified.

Local residents often come to the railway to barter, exchanging canned food, medicine, and other items with the Youth Army.

Lv Muzhi was in the headquarters reviewing telegrams sent recently.

Regarding the situation of the Zhongnan Republic breaking away from French independence, various forces sent him telegrams asking for the specific reasons.

Such as Li Zongren of the Guangxi clique, Long Yun of the Yunnan clique—his own neighbors had such a big thing happen, so he had to ask clearly.

Due to the war, the Zhongnan Republic had not yet established a formal foreign affairs department, and Lv Muzhi's Youth Army was almost becoming the foreign affairs department of the Zhongnan Republic for the time being.

The United Kingdom issued a stern protest to the Zhongnan Republic, but the other side read it and didn't reply; the telegram was then sent to Lv Muzhi, asking him to relay it on their behalf.

There were also American politicians and businessmen entrusting Lv Muzhi to inquire on their behalf about the Zhongnan Republic's attitude toward opening foreign trade.

Lv Muzhi was drafting replies one by one, preparing to respond.

Sun Liren walked in at this time: "Commander Lv, it's time to enter the city; the meeting with the Zhongnan side is starting."

Lv Muzhi nodded and put down his fountain pen.

Under the escort of a company of guards, Lv Muzhi rode in a car into Hanoi City.

Hanoi City at this time had already changed into a new world.

There were no longer any French markers on the street; instead, there were blue flags everywhere.

Seven white five-pointed stars were embroidered on the flag surface, connected to form the North Star, with red outlines around the edges of the five-pointed stars.

The former colonial Governor's Palace had now become the seat of the Zhongnan State's Executive Yuan.

Prime Minister Fan Jing of Zhongnan State had long been waiting outside, with a row of soldiers standing behind him.

Lv Muzhi did not know a single one of these people.

But they were indeed the power core of the current Zhongnan State, especially the soldiers in the back row.

Lv Muzhi stepped forward and shook hands with everyone one by one; the atmosphere was very harmonious.

Through the accompanying translator, Lv Muzhi learned the meaning of the Zhongnan State flag.

The national flag used a blue background plus seven red-bordered white stars.

The blue background indicated that this country was an ocean country, and the seven stars represented the unity of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, Malaysia, and Indonesia, seven places.

"General Lu, guess what the red outline of these seven stars means?" a soldier asked.

Without hesitation, Lv Muzhi said: "It represents the blood you shed for it."

Prime Minister Fan Jing smiled and nodded: "Hit the nail on the head, General Lu is right, exactly so!"

Lv Muzhi asked again: "You now only have Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, why draw seven stars on the flag, what if it ultimately cannot be realized?"

That soldier continued: "Dreams should still be had, what if they are realized?"

Lv Muzhi laughed heartily and followed everyone into the Executive Yuan.

Sitting down in the reception hall, Zhongnan Prime Minister Fan Jing introduced the attendees one by one.

"This is Commander of the Northern Vietnam Military Region Ruan Wen."

Lv Muzhi looked at him; he was exactly the soldier who had asked him a question just now.

"So young, how come he feels not even thirty years old?"

"Don't look at his youth; he can already command thirty thousand troops, he is our strongest reliance at present!"

The rest were the commanders of the Southern Vietnam Military Region, Laos Military Region, and Cambodia Military Region respectively.

The thirty thousand troops of the Northern Vietnam Military Region were the largest and strongest force currently in Zhongnan State, guarding the basic foundation of Northern Vietnam.

In Lv Muzhi's view, the number was really too few.

But this was normal in Southeast Asia too.

The French army's colonial forces in the local area totaled only fifty thousand.

Thailand's entire national army also had only sixty thousand.

A single major military region of Zhongnan State had thirty thousand, which could be considered a local overlord!

It could not compare to Xia Guo's armies of over one hundred thousand or several hundred thousand at the drop of a hat.

Lv Muzhi looked at the people before him and understood in his heart that compared to that Prime Minister sitting in the main seat whom he had never even heard of...

These military region commanders present were the ones who truly held the right to speak.

Especially that Northern Vietnam Military Region Commander Ruan Wen, under thirty years old, holding thirty thousand troops in his hand.

To speak seriously, the actual right to speak absolutely surpassed that Prime Minister.

Lv Muzhi asked Prime Minister Fan Jing through the translator: "Your country still allows Xia Guo to use the Yunnan-Vietnam and Guangxi-Vietnam Railways; I express my gratitude for this."

"May I ask, regarding the Japanese side, have they conducted negotiations with your country, demanding you close these two railways and stop transporting supplies to my army?"

Prime Minister Fan Jing answered:

"The Japanese army side indeed conducted negotiations with us, demanding we close the two railways leading to Xia Guo."

"However... we are not like the French; we will not be frightened by the Japanese army. This is our greatest difference from the colonial government."

"The Japanese army is barbaric and tyrannical, occupying our southern key city Saigon, plus their various previous atrocities; we will not collude with them."

Lv Muzhi nodded: "Thank you for refusing the Japanese demands; I represent Xia Guo in thanking you."

"General Lu, don't rush to thank us." Northern Vietnam Military Region Commander Ruan Wen spoke.

"I refused the Japanese demands; this benefits Xia Guo."

"The Japanese may retaliate against my country at any time; once we fall, it will also be very unfavorable for Xia Guo."

Lv Muzhi approved of his words: "Completely agree; our two countries both have deep hatred and grudges against the Japanese army."

Ruan Wen stood up; this young general looked back at his Prime Minister and said: "We should launch all-around cooperation, specifically cooperation with the Youth Army represented by General Lu."

"The Japanese army wants to borrow passage or even directly occupy Zhongnan State, to facilitate their invasion of Xia Guo's Yunnan and Guangxi from the south. To prevent this situation from happening, we need to conduct military cooperation."

"Zhongnan State was founded not long ago; a hundred undertakings await revival."

"Military construction and economic development both need money; therefore we need to conduct economic cooperation."

"But now no country is willing to recognize us, and no one is willing to spend money to invest. We know General Lu has abundant financial resources and extensive connections, and the Youth Army has strong military strength. We don't know if you have the willingness to cooperate?"

Upon hearing this, Lv Muzhi realized they had come to find him as a partner.

A few days ago, the weapons and equipment sold to them—brand new Siden submachine guns, secondhand rifles, machine guns—had not yet been paid for!

This Zhongnan State was actually his second-largest investment in his life.

But the people present obviously did not know that it was his investment, plus their efforts, that had led to today's preliminarily established Zhongnan State.

They only knew that it was the mentor Lin Shirong who led the Yixin Society to where it is now.

Lv Muzhi did not mind these things; he only cared that his one million dollars in annual funding had been poured in, and now there were finally preliminary results, and it was time to recoup some capital.

For this ultra-long-term investment, Lv Muzhi's original intention was to deliberately cause trouble for the Japanese occupying Southeast Asia.

To make it so that even if the Japanese occupied Southeast Asia, they could not fully plunder the resources here, forcing the Japanese army to lose this war early.

But now it seemed they had actually gained an unexpected harvest?

They had founded their own country!

"Cooperation is naturally acceptable, but your debt issue... shouldn't it also be resolved?"

Ruan Wen looked embarrassed; he did not know that Lv Muzhi was the angel investor of both the Yixin Society and Zhongnan State.

Apart from Yixin Society President Lin Shirong and a very few of the One Heart Society founders, no one knew Lv Muzhi's identity.

In their eyes, Lv Muzhi was more like an arms dealer selling weapons to his own military, an arms dealer who also hated the Japanese.

"General Lu, our national treasury really has no money; on the contrary, we need more weapons to defend this country! The Japanese have occupied Saigon to the south, the Thais are nibbling away at our land to the west, please General Lu help us!"

The Laos Zongdui Commander also said: "Yes! Xia Guo has an ancient saying: 'A drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring.'"

"You are now sending charcoal in the snow; in the future our country will surely repay you double!"

This was exactly the effect Lv Muzhi needed.

Not that he came on his own initiative, but that they invited him to come!

Zhongnan State is now a multi-ethnic nation encompassing Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, cobbled together by violent means, far inferior to uniting them under one idea, fermented over ten years, so that they unite themselves.

The Yixin Society, an organization operating for ten years, will unite the elite who identify with the unification of the Indochina Peninsula, using the Unity Party as a handle to jointly govern this country.

There is no need for Lv Muzhi to personally take action; his own identity and energy do not allow him to operate such matters.

What Lv Muzhi needs to do now is to enter at the right time with the right means, producing enormous energy and influence on this country behind the scenes; that is enough.

In the future, he can also find a way out for his brothers under his command.

"Can't pay the money? That's fine, you need weapons? I can sell to you without money."

Everyone was very excited, feeling that Lv Muzhi was doing charity.

Ruan Wen heard Lv Muzhi say the word "sell" and asked: "Then what is the price?"

Lv Muzhi spread his hands: "No money, but you have coal mines, iron mines, tin mines, rubber, grain; you can use these to exchange for weapons."

As for the economic cooperation you want, the operating rights of Hongji Mei Kuang for the next ninety-nine years can be transferred to me, and I can also invest in plantations and mines.

In terms of military cooperation, we can sign a Common Defense Agreement for the Yunnan-Guangxi Railway; if external forces pose a subversive threat to your country, I will take action to support you, how about it?"

Upon these words, the military and officials of Zhongnan State discussed heatedly.

Prime Minister Fan Jing gave an embarrassed laugh, turned and whispered to his commanders: "This won't do, ninety-nine years, isn't that like a concession? It looks like selling out the country!"

The Southern Vietnam Military Region Commander retorted: "Prime Minister, your words are too harsh. Regarding the ninety-nine-year operating rights of Hongji Mei Kuang, it can be further discussed; it is far from reaching the degree of selling out the country."

"But if we directly refuse Lv Muzhi, I fear that in a moment we will be destroyed by the Thais and the Japanese!"

"We have no other friends, only General Lu Muzhi and the Youth Army."

The Cambodia Military Region Commander said: "The Thais have an air force and a navy; we are no match for them! There are still Japanese in Saigon, who may attack us at any time."

Northern Vietnam Military Region Commander Ruan Wen thought for a moment, recalling the instructions Yixin Society President Lin Shirong had given him: Lv Muzhi and the Youth Army were the only allies Zhongnan State could rely on.

Ruan Wen sighed; Lin Shirong was the backbone of everyone, but he was not present at this time and was still working behind the scenes.

Although Zhongnan State had been founded on the basis of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, Lin Shirong was still busy planning and leading Yixin Society armed uprisings in Burma, Malaya, Indonesia, Thailand, and other places, expanding the territory of Zhongnan State.

The position of Prime Minister representing the Head of State was then given to Fan Jing, who held no real power.

Ruan Wen ignored Fan Jing's words and settled the matter with one blow: "Resources for weapons, we agree."

"We also agree to the Common Defense Agreement for the railway."

"It's just that the ninety-nine-year operating rights of Hongji Mei Kuang still need to be discussed."

Lv Muzhi shook his head, thinking: the French have left, there are so many mines in Southeast Asia, can you mine them yourselves and sell them?

"I just didn't express myself clearly; I will send people to operate and mine Hongji Mei Kuang, the coal produced will be supplied to Zhongnan State first, the profits will be split between me and Zhongnan State, for a period of ninety-nine years; later when you have money, you can also redeem the operating rights. I have always been reasonable."

"In addition, I will also invest in plantations and iron mines; of course, I want a share of the profits."

"You also need to establish an effective financial system... I can send people over to help you avoid many detours."

"Also don't think I'm ruthless; as a weak newborn regime, who can guarantee you will survive until tomorrow? And no one thinks you can last beyond ninety-nine years."

"Only I am willing to invest in you~"

"Only I am willing to protect you~"