Chapter 599: Suppressing the Unrest

Jiang Anguo's methods of controlling Patam Island have always been swift, precise, and ruthless; he never shows mercy toward anyone who tries to disrupt stability or incite conflict.

The Dutch colonists originally detained on the island by the Japanese Army took advantage of Patam Island's liberation by Nanko and the still‑unstable order.

The Dutch, seeing a massive influx of Chinese immigrants, felt deep resentment and apprehension.

They covertly coordinated, stirring up trouble among the Indonesian populace by spreading rumors.

"Chinese are here to seize your land! They will drive you out and take your food!" a Dutch colonist shouted from an open space in the village, inciting the gathered Indonesian villagers.

"We are the true masters here; join me in resisting and drive the Chinese off Patam Island!"

Many misled Indonesians showed hesitation and anger on their faces, and the situation briefly descended into chaos.

After a moment's thought, Jiang Anguo realized that among the Indonesians were the enlightened; the Dutch had promised them certain rights, and that is the allure of authority.

This scene was quickly spotted by the patrol soldiers Jiang Anguo stationed on Patam Island, and the news was immediately reported back to Singapore.

Jiang Anguo's face darkened as he barked, "Suppress immediately! No mercy—any Dutch who participated in incitement, seize them all, no leniency!"

Upon receiving the order, Nanko soldiers on Patam Island moved at once, rifles loaded with live ammunition arriving on the scene and decisively opening fire on the agitators.

Gunfire rang, the chaos was instantly quelled, the Dutch troublemakers were subdued on the spot, and the rebels were shot dead on the spot.

The bloody suppression terrified all the watching Indonesians; no one dared to stir again.

Jiang Anguo knew clearly that such situations would arise again.

But this land only needs one voice; if you are truly honest, Jiang Anguo wouldn't have to be ruthless.

But if you step out, then it's a different story.

Jiang Anguo has ten thousand reasons to deal with these monkeys.

After the suppression ended, Jiang Anguo's soldiers immediately dealt with the Dutch agitators, ordering the confiscation of all their property.

But after searching, the soldiers found the Dutch homes already empty.

After the Japanese Army occupied Patam Island, the first targets were the island's wealthy, and the Dutch colonists were naturally not spared.

Food and money were looted clean, and the most valuable gold was entirely handed over, continuously shipped to Japan proper.

"You can't do this! I'm Dutch; this is my house, my property, you have no right to confiscate it!" a Dutch noble shouted while struggling, his face pale yet still arrogant.

Another Dutch man screamed wildly, "Bastard, let me go! What you're doing violates international law!"

But Nanko soldiers ignored their shouting, coldly dragging them out of the house with rough motions.

"From now on, this island belongs to Nanko; all houses and land are Nanko's, and you are merely prisoners beneath the stairs," the soldier said coldly.

Subsequently, the subdued Dutch were forced to the Patam Island shore and marched onto a transport ship that had been waiting there.

Jiang Anguo had already ordered that all the Dutch be sent to Moulmein and conscripted into the construction of the railway from Manggu to Yangon, using their labor to pave Nanko's development until they exhausted the last ounce of strength.

At the same time, Jiang Anguo made another important decision—to rename Manggu.

In his view, the name Manggu was not grand enough, did not fit Nanko's positioning, and, more importantly,

He planned to make Manggu the future capital of Nanko, so he immediately ordered Manggu to be renamed Huadu, meaning 'Capital of the Chinese', showcasing Nanko's sovereignty and foundation.

Mandalay is an inland city, too close to the north; even with the Shanbang Plateau blocking, its development potential remains severely limited.

Yangon, while decent and able to berth some trade vessels, is too difficult for warships to dock.

In fact, there are few Myanmar coastal ports that can accommodate warships; the only place suitable for battleships and aircraft carriers is a location called 'Jiaopiao' at Myanmar's southwest corner.

Manggu, i. e., Huadu, is different.

The nearest Linchaban is only 50 km from Huadu, capable of berthing warships, aircraft carriers, and large transport vessels.

Crucially, Huadu sits in the middle of the Southeast Asian peninsula.

It can not only radiate influence to Myanmar, but also reach Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

This location is truly ideal as a nation's capital.

After Huadu was established, Jiang Anguo immediately began planning railway construction; the primary task was to build a line crossing Myanmar and Thailand (Nanko's controlled area), named the Huayang Railway.

The core purpose of this railway is to connect Huadu (formerly Manggu) and Yangon, opening a major transport corridor between the two cities, facilitating material movement and troop deployment, and consolidating Nanko's rule in Southeast Asia.

In fact, this railway had already begun construction when Japan advanced into Myanmar.

Especially after the Myanmar Campaign ended, the Japanese captured the British-Myanmar Forces led by Yalishanda and threw all those prisoners onto this railway.

In addition, Jiang Anguo proposed another idea: to open a new railway from Huadu to Xinshan, further perfecting Nanko's transport network and strengthening Huadu's link to the Malaya Peninsula.

He believed this would enhance the connection of all Nanko cities.

Only by linking all cities can they gain recognition.

But this proposal was quickly unanimously rejected by his staff and generals.

"Commander, the region from Huadu to Xinshan is too elongated, with many mountains and swamps along the way; the terrain is complex and development difficulty is enormous,"

Staff officer Song Yu stood up and said, "Moreover, our manpower and material resources are limited; prioritizing the Huayang Railway is paramount. Forcing the Huaxin Railway would consume massive resources and could delay the Huayang Railway's schedule, making it unprofitable."

Jiang Anguo was silent for a moment, then after careful thought nodded, "You make a valid point; I was short‑sighted. We'll temporarily shelve the Huadu–Xinshan railway plan, concentrate all forces, and fully build the Huayang Railway, ensuring this vital transport artery is opened as soon as possible."

By now, Patam Island's order had solidified, the Dutch agitators were completely eliminated, and Chinese immigrants settled peacefully.

The renaming of Huadu progressed smoothly, and the Huayang Railway entered the schedule; Jiang Anguo's step‑by‑step planning steadily reinforced Nanko's influence in Southeast Asia, advancing toward a Southeast Asian map belonging to the Chinese.

At the same time, many cities were renamed, for example Linchaban became 'Nanko Port'.

Taiguo wan, i. e., the Thai sea area, was directly renamed 'Nanko Bay'.

Pattaya remained unchanged.

As for the provinces of Chonburi, where Pattaya and Nanko Port lie, and Luoyong, they were merged directly into 'Nanzhou'.

One governor was appointed as the highest local administrator.

"Huadu", as the capital, has the surrounding area designated as 'Zhongzhou'.