The expeditionary force began to dominate Southeast Asia by recruiting defeated soldiers

Chapter 619 Zhang Chi: I think it’s time for Ryukyu to restore its independence

Ryukyu, this pearl string scattered across the East China Sea, has a long history of connection with China.

In the 14th century, Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, sent an envoy to issue an imperial edict, formally conferring the title of King of Zhongshan on Ryukyu. Ryukyu was thus incorporated into the Ming Dynasty's vassal system, and began a tributary exchange with Bactria that lasted for more than 500 years, deeply influencing its politics, economy, and culture.

In the 17th century, Emperor Kangxi issued another decree to confer titles on the Ryukyu Kingdom, continuing this vassal relationship. Although the Ryukyu Kingdom was far overseas, it was always regarded as an important member of the Bactrian cultural circle and tributary system.

However, the course of history was violently interrupted at the end of the 19th century.

In the 1880s, the Japanese, who had completed the Meiji Restoration and whose ambitions expanded rapidly, cast their greedy eyes on this wealthy island country.

The Meiji government brazenly dispatched military and police forces to take sudden action in Shuri Castle, the ruling center of the Ryukyu Kingdom, forcing Prince Nakijin, the then acting king of Ryukyu, to hand over power.

Afterwards, the Japanese unilaterally announced the "abolition of Ryukyu and establishment of a prefecture", changing the Ryukyu Kingdom, which had existed for more than 500 years, into the so-called "Okinawa Prefecture".

In order to completely erase the historical traces of Ryukyu as an independent country, the Japanese authorities looted and destroyed precious documents, cultural relics, seals and internal archives of the Ryukyu Kingdom between Daxia and Ryukyu, attempting to annihilate them from historical memory.

They also forcibly severed all ties between Ryukyu and the Qing Dynasty, and abducted the last king, Sho Tai, and other royal family members to mainland Japan. The Ryukyu Kingdom thus perished.

Faced with such blatant acts of aggression, the Qing government at that time, despite having undergone the Westernization Movement, was still corrupt and cowardly, busy with internal strife and dealing with the surrounding powers.

Ultimately, Japan failed to provide effective assistance to Ryukyu and watched helplessly as this loyal vassal state perished, creating a historical regret.

Since then, the Ryukyu people have become "second-class citizens" under the rule of the Neon Empire, suffering from the "assimilation" policy, and their national consciousness and cultural heritage have been systematically destroyed and suppressed.

But high-pressure rule did not extinguish the flame of resistance.

Many Ryukyu people of noble character and lofty ideals went into exile overseas, campaigning and devoting themselves to the "restoration movement."

Cai Zhang and Zhongzong Genyuanhe are representative figures among them.

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The atmosphere in the reception room was solemn.

When the staff led the dusty Cai Zhang and Zhongzong Genyuanhe into the room to prepare for a meeting with the highest power center in Nanyang, they couldn't help feeling nervous.

They had previously visited relevant persons from the White Eagle and the Republic of China, but the other party either had an ambiguous attitude or was perfunctory and regarded their requests as trouble.

They were almost treated like beggars and sent away, which made them feel humiliated and disappointed.

However, what happened next completely exceeded their expectations.

The famous and powerful Nanyang commander Zhang Chi was not sitting behind a large desk, but standing in the middle of the reception area. When he saw them come in, he took two steps forward.

"Mr. Cai, Mr. Zhong Zonggen, you have come from afar and have worked hard. Please take a seat."

Zhang Chi's voice was calm.

However, the two of them felt that the voice contained a heart-wrenching power.

Then, Zhang Chi extended his hand, and the two flattered people immediately shook hands with him enthusiastically.

This high-level courtesy made Cai Zhang and Zhongzong Genyuanhe feel a little bit overwhelmed for a moment, and they repeatedly said in not very fluent Chinese:

"How dare we? How dare we? The Commander-in-Chief is very busy with government affairs. We are already very grateful for the opportunity to meet with you."

As early as January 1946, Zhang Chi announced that the Nanyang Expeditionary Force would go north to participate in the conquest of Ryukyu.

Now that the two of them had finally arrived, his high-level reception was just like buying horse bones with a fortune.

That's right, in addition to the origins of Cai Zhang and Zhongzong, there are different opinions on promoting the idea that Ryukyu has been one with Daxia for two thousand years, or should return to Daxia, or should restore its independence.

At this time in Ryukyu, there were people like Chitaro Nagaoka who promoted the theory of the common origin of Ryukyu and Neon, and acknowledged that the Ryukyu people were a branch of the Yamato people.

Zhang Chi doesn’t actually care about the specific truth, as he is not an archaeologist.

As a pragmatist, he knew very well that the proposals of the two people in front of him were obviously more in line with the strategic interests of Southeast Asia.

An independent Ryukyu with close ties to Nanyang, or even under the protection of Nanyang, will become an ideal strategic fulcrum for projecting influence in Nanyang, restraining the Japanese, and stabilizing the situation in the Western Pacific after the war.

After the host and the guest are seated, waiters will serve tea.

After the two sides exchanged pleasantries, Cai Zhang spoke excitedly, "Your Excellency, the Great Commander, please understand that the Ryukyu Kingdom, which has existed for five hundred years, has been destroyed in an instant, and millions of our compatriots are suffering, all because of the greed and violence of the Japanese pirates."

Zhang Chi nodded.

These two people actually spoke Chinese quite well, but it was very literary, so he had no choice but to do so.

He pretended to be serious and said with empathy:

"The Qing government was incompetent at the time and watched its vassal states perish without saving them. This is truly a regret for China.

However, the past is gone, and the present is about the future. Although our Nanyang is newly established, we are all of the same bloodline. How can we sit idly by and watch our brothers suffer? Our army's determination to march north to Ryukyu will never waver.

Zhongzong Genyuanhe straightened his back suddenly when he heard this, and a fiery light flashed in the eyes of this weathered man:

"If your army marches north to relieve the suffering of our Ryukyu, our Ryukyu warriors will welcome your army with food and drink. We are willing to serve as the vanguard, even if it means death."

Zhang Chi raised his hand to signal him to calm down:

"Mr. Genwa, please take a seat. Recovering our homeland is the first step. Post-war reconstruction is the most important step to ensure long-term peace and stability in the Ryukyu Islands, preventing them from being bullied by foreign enemies."

He changed the subject slightly and touched upon the core point:

"I know there are different opinions within Ryukyu regarding its future. Some, like the two of you, advocate for the restoration of independence and the continuation of Ryukyu's cultural heritage; others, willingly advocating for the Japanese pirates, promote the absurd idea that 'the Japanese and Ryukyu share the same ancestry.'"

Zhang Chi's tone turned cold and serious:

"Whether history is true or false will be determined by the public. However, as we navigate this momentous landscape, we must adopt a pragmatic approach. I support the path that best serves the well-being of the Ryukyu people and promotes long-term peace in East Asia."

He looked at the two of them with burning eyes:

"In my opinion, a Ryukyu that breaks free from the shackles of Japanese pirates, becomes independent and strong, and coexists peacefully with Southeast Asia and neighboring friendly countries is the right path.

Nanyang is willing to do its utmost to help Ryukyu restore its nation, rebuild its homeland, restore its culture, and develop its economy. Nanyang is willing to be Ryukyu's most steadfast friend and supporter.

As soon as these words were spoken, the pent-up depression in Cai Zhang and Zhongzong's hearts was instantly swept away, and their ecstasy was beyond words.

There is a world of difference between the indifference of the White Eagle and the powerlessness of the Republic of China and Zhang Chi's clear and firm commitment at this moment.

Cai Zhang suppressed his excitement and asked cautiously:

"We are deeply impressed by the great generosity of the Commander-in-Chief. However, we wonder...what instructions does the Commander-in-Chief have for the future form of government in Ryukyu?"

Zhang Chi smiled slightly, knowing what he meant:

"The question of political system should be decided by the Ryukyu people themselves. Nanyang respects all choices that are in line with the fundamental interests of the Ryukyu Islands.

Whether it is to continue the royal lineage or establish a republic, as long as its government is committed to the prosperity of Ryukyu, the improvement of people's livelihood, and regional peace, Nanyang is willing to recognize it and provide all necessary assistance.

This includes economic reconstruction, technical support, and, crucially, security.”

He specifically emphasized the word "security and guarantee".

Cai Zhang and Zhongzong's origins and an instant understanding of the deep meaning.

An independent Ryukyu needed a powerful ally, and Nanyang was willing to provide such protection.

This is a close relationship based on common strategic interests.