Chapter 505: Standing Behind Nanko

Chongqing doesn't care at all who rules Myanmar, and they never thought about occupying Myanmar themselves.

But from the Myanmar Campaign, the generals went to Chongqing to recount the events in person.

The Principal of Chongqing, regarding the British's series of actions—betraying personnel and falsifying intelligence—is also deeply detested!

One could say the United Kingdom truly is inhuman.

Therefore, the Principal is still willing to establish a Myanmar state built by Chinese, and this Chinese leader is also their old friend, Chen Jiageng.

Undoubtedly, after securing victory on the Myanmar battlefield, this can better restore and open the Dian-Mian Highway, ensure material supply, and transport it to the rear.

Jiang Anguo also understands why the Principal is so eager to have Du Yuming open the Dian-Mian Highway and head south to Yangon.

The domestic anti‑war effort simply lacks the necessary supplies.

This is a farming nation, or rather a country without its own industrial system—simply tragic!

Everything depends on others; even if it is hard and exhausting, at least there is Chongqing as a large rear, including Yunnan, which could mobilize the people to be self‑reliant—clearly impossible to achieve.

The people of the rear can be summed up in one word: chaos!

Inside the temporary office of the Nanko government in Mandalay, sunlight streamed through the windows, sprinkling onto the two opposite tables and chairs.

Chen Jiageng lifted a cup of clear tea, his expression solemn as he looked at Jiang Anguo opposite him, his tone earnest: "Anguo, the Nanko Democratic Federal Republic has officially been established; the situation has eased a bit, so we should sit down and discuss the construction of governmental institutions. Without a sound structure, Nanko is like a body without a skeleton, unable to stand for long."

Nanko now, besides the titular President Chen Jiageng and an Infantry Regiment, has no decent governmental institutions.

Jiang Anguo set aside the military documents in his hand, nodded slowly, and agreed in tone: "President's words are reasonable. Now Mandalay's situation is stabilizing, the Expeditionary Force's main body is moving south, and we have a chance to catch our breath. Building a complete governmental structure is indeed one of the most urgent tasks now; it can soothe the people's hearts and coordinate Nanko's development."

Chen Jiageng, hearing this, helplessly waved his hand, a gentle smile appearing on his face: "Alas, Anguo, let's not call me President in private; it feels too formal."

"Whether I'm called President or not is just a title; the reason I shoulder this burden is for Nanko's people, so that Chinese in Myanmar can have a stable home and their own support."

Chen Jiageng knows clearly how he became President, and he also understands what role he plays in Nanko.

But he has a big‑picture view; he wants to do something for the Chinese of Nanyang.

He is already sixty‑six, and little time remains for him.

Jiang Anguo's mouth twitched upward slightly, he nodded, and dropped the formalities: "Alright, I'll just call you Mr. Chen. Rest assured, Mr. Chen, as long as Nanko can stand firm and protect the Chinese people, I, Jiang Anguo, will fully cooperate."

Chen Jiageng nodded appreciatively, then shifted his tone, his expression again solemn: "Anguo, hearing you say that puts my mind at ease."

"There's one more thing; I must ask you again. You truly hold no position in the Nanko government? You are Nanko's founder; in both prestige and ability, no one is more suitable to help me manage Nanko's affairs. With you, Nanko can move more steadily."

Jiang Anguo's prestige is all earned on the battlefield.

The Japanese Army now offers a bounty of one million for Jiang Anguo's head, but evidently Jiang Anguo protects himself well.

Jiang Anguo gently shook his head, his tone firm yet helpless: "Mr. Chen, for now I still cannot take a position in Nanko."

"I still need to retain my role as commander of the National Government's st Division; this way, whether coordinating with Chongqing or dealing with provocations from the British or the Dutch, actions become more convenient."

You also know the United Kingdom has long eyed Myanmar; if they dare to attack Myanmar and covet Nanko's territory, then, having shed the National Government officer status, I could rightfully join Nanko's forces to counterattack, so don't blame me for being blunt.

Jiang Anguo still worries that the British might at this moment send troops into Myanmar and launch a surprise attack on Nanko.

That is why, when the Expeditionary Force's main body moves south, he did not head south immediately.

He fears this fragile country will be ambushed by the detestable British.

Chen Jiageng, hearing this, thought for a moment, then finally nodded: "I understand your considerations and won't force you. Rest assured, I will take the lead on building the governmental bodies; if tricky problems arise, I'll consult you again."

Considering Nanko's current national conditions, I have preliminarily drafted seven most‑needed departments. Let's finalize them together, define each department's responsibilities, and get Nanko's operation on the right track quickly."

Jiang Anguo has no experience in how to build governmental departments.

Only Chen Jiageng can speak, and he will be the reference.

Jiang Anguo slightly nodded, indicating Chen Jiageng to continue.

Chen Jiageng lifted his teacup, took a sip, and slowly began, introducing the seven drafted departments one by one; each aligns with Nanko's nascent reality and clarifies its function, role, and core value to the nation.

"The first department, the Finance Department."

Chen Jiageng's tone steady, "Nanko has just been founded; everything is in need of development. Whether it's military supply, governmental operation, or the people's livelihood, all depend on funds and material support. The Finance Department's core function is to coordinate Nanko's currency issuance, fiscal revenue and expenditure, draft budgets, and levy reasonable taxes."

The people who have migrated into Nanko are mostly farmers, though there are also some teachers and workers.

But so far these people have only eaten communal meals; there is no unified currency system, and Jiang Anguo does not know how to pay wages.

At the same time there is another problem: this country seems to lack even a basic industrial system; even for agricultural products, it will be at least two or three months before a batch of rice can be harvested.

In other words, the entire purchasing system of Nanko now rests on one person, Jiang Anguo.

The one who issues money is Jiang Anguo, and the one who sells goods is also Jiang Anguo; currently all daily necessities the people need must be exchanged by Jiang Anguo from the WarSystem.

Then, after selling to them, he takes the money back.

This creates a perfect closed loop, which makes Jiang Anguo think of a later country on the north side of a peninsula.

It seems Myanmar's neighbor Thailand does the same, except today Thailand's king is a mascot with limited power.

Later Thai kings not only wield great power but also have many industries.

Thus this discussion with Chen Jiageng about Nanko's governmental departments also conveniently finalizes that matter.

"It primarily targets the remnants of colonial forces in Myanmar and large merchants, reducing the burden on ordinary people and Chinese; it also manages the nation's material reserves, allocating food, medicine, weapons and other vital supplies rationally to avoid waste and ensure the basic needs of the military and civilians.

Its role is like Nanko's 'money bag', directly tied to the nation's stability; only with a smoothly operating Finance Department, ample funds and supplies, can Nanko develop steadily and have the confidence to face any emergencies."

Jiang Anguo nodded in agreement: "Exactly, the Finance Department is indeed paramount. Right now we have seized a lot of Japanese Army supplies and money, as well as donations from Chinese merchants; a dedicated department must manage them, plan usage rationally, and not break protocol. Especially military supply—any mistake is unacceptable."