Hardy Empire 1945

How big are Penang and Malacca?

The main city of Penang is on the island, with a strait in the middle and a piece of divided land on the opposite side. The total area is 1,046 square kilometers, which is about the same size as Hong Kong. Malacca is slightly larger, with an area of ​​more than 1,700 square kilometers.

Two places are the size of a county in China.

Penang now has a population of more than 300,000, about half of which are Chinese, and the rest are Malays, Indians and so on.

In later generations, Penang mainly develops the electronics industry and is known as a small Silicon Valley. Hardy thinks it would be good to build a chip production base here in the future.

Moreover, there is also a very good terminal here. Although it is not as unique as Singapore, it can still become a world-class transshipment port and promote local development.

There are only about 200,000 people in Malacca now, 40% of them are Chinese, and some even have settled here for hundreds of years. They will stay in the Ming Dynasty. In the Ming Dynasty, it was called Mancijia. When Zheng He went to the West Build your fleet base here.

These two places are actually not big, but in comparison, they are larger than Singapore, which only covers an area of ​​more than 700 square kilometers.

Moreover, they have an advantage over Singapore, that is, they are on land and have natural water sources. Singapore is an isolated island with extremely scarce water resources. They can only be purchased from Malaya and transported to Malacca through pipelines.

The advantage of Singapore is that its geographical location is excellent, and it belongs to the world's shipping throat. Later generations only rely on the shipping industry, and Singapore has made a lot of money, becoming a developed country, with an annual per capita income of more than 60,000 US dollars, ranking eighth in the world. .

Hadi is going to Penang and Malacca, but before going, Hadi asked HD Defense Company to increase troops to the two military bases in Penang and Singapore.

At the same time, two Fletcher-class destroyers that were enough to buy last year were dispatched to Penang with full staff.

Thus,

HD Defense's base in Southeast Asia has a total of more than 3,000 people. The warships include two destroyers, two frigates, four 600-ton patrol boats, and twelve 80-ton torpedo boats.

Ha Di took the team and flew to Singapore by private jet. This time, the Governor of Singapore Mountbatten came to pick him up in person.

Baron Hardy, welcome to Singapore. Congratulations on your acquisition of two fiefdoms. Penang and Malacca are two precious lands. Mountbatten said with a smile.

Hardy spread his hands with a helpless expression.

It would be great if it was really a treasure land. In fact, at the beginning, I just wanted to buy a piece of land in Singapore and build a transshipment port. I didn't expect it to end up like this.

Mountbatten knew that Hardy spent 400 million US dollars this time, and he was shocked when he heard this value.

Your contribution to the empire will be remembered by His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister. Governor Mountbatten said with a smile.

Come on, let's go to the Governor's Mansion to chat.

Hadi was then invited to the Governor's Palace.

After the two sat down, Hardy asked: Governor Mountbatten, you were in charge of ruling Penang and Malacca before, I would like to ask you if there is any conflict between the two places now, and I don't want any trouble when I take over the fief?

Oh, there are indeed some small problems. This starts with the preparation of the formation of the 'Malayan Union' a few years ago.

Then Governor Mountbatten told Hardy about the series of British operations and what happened in the middle of re-accepting Malaya after driving away the Japanese.

In fact, Hardy already knew these situations clearly from the information provided by Henry's intelligence department.

Since India, Myanmar and other places became independent one after another, Britain did not want to give up Malaya, the last colony, and planned to implement direct rule, but the local sultan disagreed, and the Federation of Malaya, which had only been established for a few months, was dissolved.

In fact, during this period, the Chinese have not made trouble.

Later, in order to win over the Malayans, the British announced that they would grant special privileges to the Sudan and the Malayans. In fact, this management method was a conspiracy of the British for the purpose of division. They have also implemented this management method in India, Africa and other countries .

Divide the two nations and set them against each other, so that the British can rule this place with very few troops.

But in this way, the Chinese disagreed, because the privileges granted to the Malays meant that the Chinese were reduced to second-class citizens and lost a lot of benefits and rights.

Immediately afterwards, the Chinese also established many organizations, such as the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and the British Chinese Federation, to oppose the privileges of the Malays and demand the restoration of normal rights and interests.

Later, some conflicts broke out, including the arrest of people by the British police, the forced dissolution of the organization, and actions to avoid the influence of the Labor Party here.

In short, there are many threads, and the disputes have never stopped.

This is also one of the important reasons why many people think that Hadi's purchase of Penang and Malacca is a loss-making business.

Even the Governor Mountbatten in front of him is not optimistic about Hardy's investment. It is estimated that Hardy will be involved in the vortex and finally leave in despair. I am afraid that his 400 million US dollars can only leave the 50 square meters in Singapore. km port land

In fact, when Hardy and Mountbatten were talking about the Penang Malacca issue, some people were also discussing them.

In a Chinese-style courtyard in Penang, seven or eight Chinese people are sitting together talking about Hadi. They don’t know whether it is good or bad for the British to suddenly grant Penang to Hadi as a fief, and they are discussing together.

I heard that Baron Hardy was originally an American. What kind of rules do you think he will set for Penang and Malacca?

Someone said: Didn't the newspaper say that this will be an autonomous territory from now on, and that Governor Hadi will be fully in charge. From now on, he will be equivalent to the emperor.

Someone next to him said: I don't know if he is willing to give us Chinese citizenship rights. In fact, as long as we let us live a good life, who wants to make trouble?

Some people are too radical. There are only a few of us. We don't have independent strength and soil. It is the best result to fight for equal rights.

Can you contact us in advance and tell us what we want?

I remember that there seems to be a business relationship between Hongmen and the other party. Can you contact me?

Try it.

By the way, contact with Malacca and Singapore, it will be more powerful.

After chatting with the Governor of Singapore Mountbatten, Hardy took a day off. The next day he did not go directly to Malacca and Penang to take over the site, but flew to Hong Kong by private jet.

When getting off the plane, Hardy did not leave in a low-key manner, but accepted the reporter's interview, and the reporter asked many questions.

One of the reporters asked: First of all, congratulations to Baron Hardy for being promoted to viscount and obtaining the fiefs of Penang and Malacca in Malaya. May I ask Mr. Hardy, how do you plan to build those two fiefs?

Hardy smiled, The geographical location there is no worse than that of Hong Kong. I hope they can develop like Hong Kong in the future and achieve achievements in finance, manufacturing, processing, shipping, etc.

Hardy was interviewed,

In fact, it is a signal to the outside world.

I am in Hong Kong

Hong Kong mid-level mansion.

Hardy holds his eight-month-old son.

The little guy was chubby, with shiny black eyes and thick hair. He was looking at Hardy curiously, and kept yelling.

Han Yizhen next to him said with a smile: Born may have eaten it, he is very strong, and he can already crawl.

Hardy played with the little guy for a long time, and the little guy became familiar with Hardy. After all, he was connected by blood, and the little guy seemed to know that this was his father, and he would rely on him in the future, and became very close to Hardy.

the next day.

Victor and the presidents of HSBC and Wells Fargo came over one after another to report to Hardy on the development during this period.

Although the embargo has had a certain impact on Hong Kong, it is a business opportunity for the Hardy Group. During this period, the Hardy Group’s profitability has far exceeded that before, because there is Hardy as a middleman, and the overall impact on Hong Kong is not great. .

The most influential ones are those foreign firms in the UK.

night.

John Wick came to the Banshan Villa and reported to Hardy: Boss, I have been in contact with the organization in Malaya before. They sent someone to contact me just now. Their person in charge hopes to see you.

Hardy said,

You are waiting.

Just one? Hardy asked.

A total of three people, including representatives of Chinese organizations in Penang, Malacca and Singapore. Wick said.

Where are they?

Already in Hong Kong.

Hardy thought for a while, Let them come to the manor to meet me tomorrow afternoon.

When several representatives received the notice that Hardy was willing to meet them, they were a little excited and gathered in a room to discuss for half the night.

The next day they packed up early and were going to meet Hardy. When the car came to the manor, the three got out of the car and found a young man standing in the yard with a child in his arms, looking at the Victoria Bay in the distance.

The three of them had read Hardy's report, and at a glance they recognized the well-known Baron Jon Hardy, the new Governor of Penang and Malacca.

Hardy turned to look at the three of them, nodded slightly, and came over with the child in his arms. The child in Hardy's arms was yelling.

Are you from Penang, Malacca and Singapore? Hadi walked up to the three and said in Mandarin.

The three of them were slightly taken aback, they didn't expect Hardy to speak Mandarin so well.

It's a great honor to meet you, Mr. Hardy. I am Pan Xingchen from Penang, this is Tong Jiayuan from Malacca, and this is Xu Shaoxiong from Singapore.

Hardy nodded.

At this moment, Han Yizhen came out of the room and said with a smile: You have guests, give me the child.

Han Yejin also speaks Mandarin.

The three of Pan Xingchen looked at Han Yizhen, nodded and smiled, and they knew before they came that Hardy had a wife here, who was Chinese-American, and it was through Han Yizhen that Hardy first got in touch.

Hardy smiled and handed the child over. The little guy was still unwilling to leave, and his little hands grabbed Hardy's clothes.

Play with mom first, and then accompany you after dad finishes talking about things. Hardy persuaded with a smile.

I don't know if I really understood, but the little guy really let go of his hand and got into his mother's arms.

Hardy brought the three of them to the study, and the servant left after serving tea. Pan Xingchen said, Your Excellency Hardy, what is the purpose of our visit this time?

Before Pan Xingchen finished speaking, Hardy raised his hand to interrupt them.

I can guess the reason for your visit. I don't care about the affairs of Singapore. Now Penang and Malacca are my fiefdoms. I agree to see you today because I want to convey my opinion through you.

Hardy's words are very domineering.

But he is the governor,

Now Penang and Malacca belong to him, and he must also be the leader. When the other party sees him, he just wants to fight for his rights.

They may want some rights, even independence.

Hardy does not plan to negotiate with them, but prepares what I say and what you listen to. I am the master of my territory. As for differences, you can overcome them yourself.

Pan Xingchen and the others looked terrified, thinking that this Mr. Hardy might have a hard time talking, and the result of this meeting might not be very good.

Seeing that the three of them shut up and looked at him, Hardy continued:

In the future, Penang and Malacca will not be independent, but will only be my fiefdoms, the British Dominions.

In a few days, I will go to take over Penang and Malacca. The Governor's Mansion will be located in Penang. From now on, the policy of my fiefdom will be

Hearing this sentence, all three of them looked at Hardy intently, because the next words of the Governor-General will determine the future of the Chinese.

First, the autonomous territory adheres to the principle of equality for all. No one is superior to others, and everyone will receive territorial citizenship rights.

Second, freedom of religious belief.

Third, language and writing are free. English is the official language, but learning Chinese and other languages ​​is not prohibited. Schools opened can have bilingual or even trilingual teaching.

Fourth, you can keep your own ethnic habits.

Fifth, protect private property and implement the British legal system.

Sixth, the political constitution of the Dominion of Penang and Malacca is the governor-general responsibility system. The governor-general represents the queen and is appointed by the queen. He has the rights to internal affairs, foreign affairs, defense, public security and public services.

Seventh, the Dominion will establish a parliament. Anyone has the right to participate in and discuss state affairs. The appointment of officials at all levels will also seek the opinions of the Parliament. The Parliament has certain powers over the economic construction and administrative management of the Dominion.

Eighth, the judiciary of the Dominion, the Governor-General is responsible for appointing the Chief of Police, the Attorney-General, and the Chancellor.

Ninth, the right to self-government is entirely under the responsibility of the governor, and the parliament has no jurisdiction.

The three of them were actually very happy after hearing what Hardy said, because they came here to seek equal rights.

As for thinking about independence.

They knew that the possibility was unlikely, and the conditions given by Hadi were already very reasonable, and they also agreed to establish a parliament, and the members had some rights.

Hardy didn't mean to discuss with them, but just informed that people's desires are endless, no matter how good the conditions Hardy gave, some people would be dissatisfied.

He can't please everyone.

Then just listen to me.

If you are convinced, just live here.

Unconvinced, he moved away by himself.

The three of them didn't stay too long. After saying goodbye to Hadi, they returned to Malaya without much delay. On the way, Tong Jiayuan from Malacca said, I think the conditions offered by the new governor are acceptable. The British are much stronger.

Pan Xingchen from Penang said: The conspiracy of the British is actually not difficult to guess. They divide us from the Malays and divide and rule. The living environment is enough, not to mention that we have lived like this for hundreds of years, it's just that the British are deceiving others too much.

Speaking of which, Governor Hadi's conditions are indeed within the acceptable range we discussed before we came.

Xu Shaoxiong from Singapore frowned and said: To be honest, if this Governor Hadi also gives Singapore such a condition, we can accept it, but he doesn't want to talk about Singapore's affairs, and the future of Singapore is still uncertain.

In fact, Hardy finally gave up Singapore, and he had his own plans.

There are always some people who want to achieve certain ideal pursuits, and it is better to block them than to block them. As for where to divert them, it is natural to divert them to Singapore, and Singapore is also the seat of the British governor.

After Penang and Malacca become self-governing territories, it is estimated that those who are troubled will gradually lose their living soil and popular base, because after continuous wars, the people's hearts are settled, and people don't want to make trouble anymore.

If Hardy accepts all three places, there will definitely be some people who disagree, and it will turn into Hardy facing the diehards.

to be honest,

It is impossible for Hadi to slaughter them and simply abandon Singapore and make Singapore a depression.

The three returned to the local area and explained the situation to the chambers of commerce and organizations to which they belonged.

People in Penang and Malacca, when they heard about Hadi's conditions, many people thought it was okay. After all, they lived like that before and could be equal to the Malays. They are completely acceptable, and they also heard that this Hadi The governor's wife is a Chinese and has a child. I think he will not treat the Chinese too badly.

As for what the Malays think, they don't care.

a few days later,

Hardy was notified,

The two warships have successfully arrived in Penang and Singapore, and the reinforcements have been completed. The intelligence department has also conducted intelligence collection on Penang and Malacca.

After the representatives who met with Hadi returned to the local area and talked about the policies that Hadi was going to implement, most of the people felt that they were willing to accept it, and the mood of the people was stable.

But Singapore is different.

They obtained information that Singapore was preparing to organize a general strike, the number of which might exceed tens of thousands.