Chapter 601: Huadu (2)

Chen Jiageng, as an elder of Singapore, naturally needs to consider the opinions of those around him; the voices he hears are all Singapore's voices.

He has never considered this aspect.

First, Thailand is, after all, a sovereign nation.

Second, Singapore's main population is Chinese.

From any angle, it is clear that Singapore is more suitable as the capital.

But now Chen Jiageng sees ambition in the eyes of the young people before him.

"Jiang Anguo, be honest with me—after we take Thailand, will it ever be returned?" Chen Jiageng asked seriously.

Jiang Anguo wore a faint smile, "Our Nanko soldiers paid a bloody price to eliminate Thailand's Luan Piwen·Songkan regime; there is no way we would give it back. This is also why I see establishing the capital at Huadu as meaningful— even if the international community opposes, sorry, their opposition is ineffective!"

Jiang Anguo never, from start to finish, thought about returning the conquered lands.

Perhaps Chen Jiageng still feels a moral hurdle.

But this is reality!

Jiang Anguo had long been transporting people toward Thailand; he even went to Thailand himself, placing 1.3 million Chinese in Manggu and the southern region.

The Nanko population radiated outward rapidly.

Jiang Anguo is clear on one point: for Nanko to take root, the interests of the Chinese populace are always paramount.

Chen Jiageng listened intently; the doubt on his face gradually faded, though his brows remained slightly furrowed, and his tone carried some concern: "I understand Huadu's advantages; indeed it is more suitable than Singapore for long‑term development."

"But I still can't rest easy; Huadu has only just come under our control. Though renamed Huadu, implying a capital of the Chinese, there are still many indigenous peoples, and the stability of public sentiment can never match Singapore's."

"Moreover, Singapore gathers most of Nanko's Chinese elite; if it is not designated as the capital, it may hurt everyone's feelings and cause discontent."

Jiang Anguo had long anticipated his concerns, gently patting Chen Jiageng's shoulder, his tone warm and earnest: "Mr. Jiageng, I have indeed considered this worry of yours."

"The public sentiment in Huadu does need to be cultivated slowly, but as long as we sincerely develop the economy here and improve livelihoods for the locals..."

"Whether Chinese or indigenous, they will be able to live good lives and receive benefits; public sentiment will naturally gravitate toward us. As for Singapore's Chinese elite, I have proper arrangements and will never let them be disheartened."

Regarding population issues, Jiang Anguo has no need to worry; the indigenous, sorry, will eventually be relocated.

When attacking Manggu, it was indiscriminate bombing; most of Manggu was destroyed.

Jiang Anguo's tone softened, with a hint of compromise and sincerity, continuing: "I know Singapore holds extraordinary meaning for everyone, and it has been your constant concern."

"Therefore, I wish to reach a compromise with you."

"We will not make Singapore the capital, but designate it as Nanko's companion capital."

"In this way, we preserve Singapore's important status, soothe the local Chinese elite, let it continue leveraging its trade and shipping advantages, while curbing excessive power expansion and achieving a balance of forces across Nanko—a win‑win."

"Companion capital?" a spark of light flashed in Chen Jiageng's eyes.

Chen Jiageng's body quivered slightly, his tone tinged with surprise and urgency: "You mean Huadu, as the capital, would coordinate national administration and military, overseeing Nanko's overall development.

"And Singapore, as the companion capital, would focus on trade, shipping, and external exchange, continuing to serve as Nanko's outward window?"

"Exactly, that's the idea." Jiang Anguo nodded heavily, his tone firm and earnest.

"Designating Huadu as the capital serves Nanko's long‑term development, laying a solid foundation for our emerging nation, coordinating the whole and radiating outward; naming Singapore as the companion capital is to continue exploiting its unique advantages, making it Nanko's outward liaison card and driving national trade development."

"Thus, each fulfills its role and cooperates, compensating for each other's shortcomings and propelling Nanko steadily forward— the most prudent and long‑term choice."

Singapore's geographic location is certainly there.

Moreover, in the future Singapore will become an important economic city of Nanko; bluntly put, it is Nanko's fiscal lifeline.

Singapore is Nanko's money bag!

Jiang Anguo even broke a sweat; this companion capital idea was inspired by his reference to Chongqing.

Chen Jiageng pondered for a long time; the concern on his face vanished, revealing a relieved smile, his tone full of agreement: "Good! Anguo, I agree with your decision!"

"You have thought far more comprehensively than I have; establishing Huadu as the capital and setting Singapore as the companion city balances reality and long‑term vision—it truly is the best solution."

"I will personally appease and explain to Singapore's Chinese elite, making everyone understand your sincere intentions, and we will unite to fully support Nanko's development."

Jiang Anguo felt the weight in his heart finally settle; he grasped Chen Jiageng's hand tightly, his tone full of gratitude and hope: "Thank you, Mr. Jiageng, for your understanding and support!"

"Huadu, as the capital, bears the future of Nanko; next, we must concentrate manpower and resources to build Huadu into a prosperous, stable, livable metropolis. Singapore, as the companion capital, also requires your extra care to continue leveraging its advantages, making it a striking outward‑facing card for Nanko's external exchanges."

Jiang Anguo's actions may seem superfluous; he possesses the WarSystem and the strength to confront the whole world.

But he will inevitably age; he has always feared death, fearing it too early.

Yet Jiang Anguo knows clearly that everyone will face death.

Jiang Anguo will also eventually die.

And the future, fraught with uncertainty, the ethnic issue remains a thorny problem even in later Southeast Asia.

Some matters of Nanko are better resolved in this era.

In fact, designating Huadu as the capital carries deeper significance.

It is not only a choice of geography and development conditions, but also Jiang Anguo's strategic layout to consolidate Chinese rule and integrate Southeast Asian forces.

Huadu sits in the Meinanhe sanzhou, facilitating radiation to surrounding areas and further expanding Nanko's influence.

At the same time, the flat terrain and abundant resources can support Nanko's industrial and agricultural development, allowing Nanko to truly become a nation with foundation and strength.

And Singapore, as the companion capital, both retains its important status and prevents the expansion of a single power, achieving a balance of forces across Nanko.

Jiang Anguo's choice balances emotion and reality, and lays a solid foundation for Nanko's long‑term development.

Soon after, Chen Jiageng officially announced in Mandalay that Huadu (formerly Manggu) would be the capital and Singapore the companion capital, the two cities each fulfilling their duties to jointly propel Nanko toward prosperity.