Chapter 457: Nanko Democratic Federation (II)

Chen Jiageng thought of the short‑lived Lanfang Republic, but in the end it was invaded by the Dutch during the Sino‑French War.

Chen Jiageng let out a light sigh, his tone heavy, "These years, I have also tried to organize Chinese armed forces, but the strength is too scattered, lacking coordination among each other; when facing the Japanese Army's encirclement, we are often unable to stand a fight. Even with the support of your Expeditionary Force, we want to resist the British and the Dutch, to fight for survival space, yet it remains as hard as climbing to heaven."

Jiang Anguo looked at Chen Jiageng's despondent demeanor and understood in his heart.

He knew that Chen Jiageng's concerns were not without reason; the plight of the Nanyang Chinese had long existed and could not be solved by a single word "resistance."

He slowly walked to Chen Jiageng's side, gently patted his shoulder, his tone softened a bit yet remained firm: "Uncle, I understand your concerns. The Dutch and the British are indeed cunning, and Chinese armed groups are indeed scattered, but these are not unsolvable problems."

"If you are willing to take the lead, contact the Nanyang Chinese leaders across the region, integrate the scattered Chinese armed forces, I can provide you with weapons and equipment, offer military training, and give you a force capable of fighting and protecting themselves."

Jiang Anguo's gaze returned to the map, his tone resolute, "As for the British and the Dutch, they can barely protect themselves now; after the Japanese Army is driven out, the situation in the Nanyang will be reshuffled."

"Then, we can leverage the momentum of the anti‑Japanese victory, unite the Nanyang's indigenous peoples, jointly resist the colonial rulers, and fight for legitimate status for the Chinese, securing a survival space of our own."

Now their only enemy is the Japanese; as for Southeast Asia, the British, French, and Dutch colonies, the United States will not agree to continue Europe's colonial model, after all the American colonies are very few—just the Philippines.

"The Nanyang Chinese are diligent and resilient; over the years abroad they have built prosperous enterprises and amassed sufficient strength, yet they lack an opportunity, lack a leader, lack a belief that can unite everyone," Jiang Anguo continued.

At the same time, he was also instilling in Chen Jiageng a very dangerous idea.

Jiang Anguo looked at Chen Jiageng, his eyes full of expectation, "Uncle, you are that leader. If you are willing to step forward and lead the Nanyang Chinese to rise in resistance, I guarantee the Expeditionary Force will always be your strongest backing; we will fight side by side with you, so that the Nanyang Chinese no longer have to survive in a crevice, and can have a true foothold on this land."

Chen Jiageng lifted his head, gazing at Jiang Anguo, a glimmer of light flashing again in his eyes, but this time it was not a fleeting excitement, rather tinged with hesitation and hope.

He remained silent for a long while, Jiang Anguo's words echoing in his mind, and scenes of the Nanyang Chinese's persecution repeatedly surfacing.

The compatriots slain by the Japanese Army, the displaced children, the homes looted clean… he knew Jiang Anguo's words might be the Nanyang Chinese's only way out.

"Let me think more…" Chen Jiageng said slowly, his tone bearing some hesitation yet a hint of looseness, "This matter is of great importance, concerning the lives and future of millions of Nanyang Chinese; I cannot decide rashly. I need to contact the Nanyang Chinese leaders across the region, discuss with them, before I can give you an answer."

Jiang Anguo heard this, a trace of pleased smile appearing on his face, and nodded, "Very well, I will give you time. Whatever decision you make, I will respect your choice."

"But I hope you understand, passive waiting only leads to ruin; only resistance can bring hope. The future of the Nanyang Chinese is in your own hands, and I will always stand by you, supporting you."

Chen Jiageng said nothing, only slowly raised his head, looking toward the Mandalay ruins outside the window.

The sunlight was just right; atop the ruins, soldiers were busily rebuilding homes, and in the distant airport, fighter jets were taking off and landing, a scene full of vitality.

He silently resolved in his heart that, no matter how arduous the road ahead, for the future of millions of Nanyang Chinese, he must summon courage and take the first step of resistance.

The atmosphere inside grew increasingly solemn and resolute; a decision concerning the Nanyang Chinese's future was quietly brewing.

July 7, 1942, Myanmar.

Chen Jiageng and his party arrived at Mandalay Central Square; by then the ruins of Mandalay had largely been cleared.

The sky rained again, though this time the rain was light.

Since the Japanese invaders launched the July 7 Incident, it is now the Quinary year of the anti‑Japanese war.

Chen Jiageng's gaze was exceedingly complex; he knew clearly that over the years the Nanyang Chinese diaspora's contributions to the motherland were ultimately for one purpose—to see the nation become strong, so that we Nanyang Chinese would be safer.

But the words Jiang Anguo said to him yesterday stirred something within him.

Waiting, rather than doing.

Doing, better to do it right now.

He spent the night sleepless, pondering whether to undertake this.

This morning Chen Jiageng met Jiang Anguo and agreed to the matter.

Jiang Anguo had long prepared a podium, surrounding it with countless high‑power radios, so that the world could hear this voice.

Chen Jiageng stepped onto the high platform step by step, moving slowly; he looked around as the crowd grew, unable to understand why a ruined city would host so many people, all of whom clearly had Chinese features.

'Squeak!'

Chen Jiageng touched the microphone, producing a sound.

Chen Jiageng solemnly declared, "We Nanyang Chinese overseas stand at a critical juncture of life and death; the Japanese invaders rampage, the mountains and rivers shattered. Millions of Nanyang Chinese, though far from home, keep their hearts tied to the motherland; whenever we think of compatriots' suffering and the loss of our land, we are deeply pained. Observing the world's currents, the momentum of democracy and freedom is unstoppable; for the future of the Nanyang, without unity we cannot repel insult, without democracy we cannot build a nation. Thus I issue this proclamation to make our resolve clear."

"Nanko Democratic Federation Republic, established!"

Chen Jiageng's words rang out with weight, each syllable resonant and powerful, piercing the silence of the venue and echoing through the heavens and earth.

When the ten words "Nanko Democratic Federation Republic, established!" fell, the

previously quiet venue was instantly drowned by a surge of cheers; the long‑suppressed grief, grievance, and hope erupted fully, turning into the most fervent, sincere applause, resonating in all directions.

The Chinese civilians at the front row reacted first, their shocked expressions instantly replaced by ecstatic joy.

Someone clenched their fist tightly, raised it high above their head, shouting a hoarse yet powerful cheer with all their might, tears of excitement flashing in their eyes.

Others trembled with excitement, cheering while clapping forcefully, their palms reddened, unaware, as if to release years of suffering and grievance through applause and cheers.

Several young Chinese lads, excitedly embraced each other, patting each other's backs; some even leapt up, repeatedly shouting, "It's established! Our country is established! No longer will we be bullied!"

Their faces brimmed with youthful vigor, eyes ablaze with the flame of hope, yearning for a future free from oppression and slaughter.

Chen Jiageng also hadn't expected that the once lifeless Mandalay, even after the war had ended for several days, still carried the scent of gunpowder and blood in the air; now it suddenly burst with a clamor of voices, leaving him feeling a bit dazed.