xymnovel Chapter 105 Rebirth
Chapter 105 Rebirth
Chapter 105 Rebirth
In the dim light of dawn, on the open ground in front of the stone house, Pang Li was bending over, marveling at the object in Qian Biao's hand, his mouth wide open, laughter escaping from his throat.
Qian Biao held the object with both hands, carefully handling it as if afraid of breaking something, and the two of them deliberately lowered their voices when they spoke.
"This thing is called a bicycle? It only has two wheels, how can it stand still?"
Pang Li reached out to touch it, his fingertips almost touching the frame, but he quickly pulled his hand back, afraid that he would clumsily mess it up.
Qian Biao nodded, his tone carrying a hint of undisguised pride: "I specially ordered someone to buy this from Manila at a high price. I just don't know how to ride it. I always feel like I'll fall flat on my face as soon as I get on it."
The two were fretting over the bicycle when Peter, who was standing nearby, couldn't contain himself any longer.
He stepped forward, took the handlebars from Qian Biao, put his left foot on the pedal, straddled the bicycle with his right leg, and gently pressed down on his body, and the bicycle began to move steadily.
"good!"
Seeing this, Chen Feng strode forward, his eyes gleaming, and asked loudly with a laugh, "Peter, can you replicate this?"
Peter patted the sturdy frame and replied in increasingly fluent Mandarin, “Don’t worry, General! The craftsmanship is not complicated! The frame is forged from wrought iron, and the simple parts like the handlebars and pedals can be mastered by my apprentices after a few days of practice.”
However, we are still missing two crucial items: precision machine tools for manufacturing bearings and rubber for making tires. We can't currently produce either of these at the camp.
"I'm trying to procure these, and they should be delivered to the camp within a week!"
Chen Feng interrupted him directly, asking, "I need to produce 500 bicycles by the end of the month. Can you do that?"
Peter frowned and pondered for a moment before slowly saying, "In the past month, I've trained seven or eight apprentices. The core components can be replicated: handlebars and pedals aren't difficult. If all else fails, we can use wood as a substitute. Anyone with hands and feet can do that... Give me fifty workers, and I'm sure I can complete the task!"
"Alright!"
Chen Feng nodded immediately, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Once the immigrants arrive, we'll prioritize assigning staff to your side!"
Among the immigrants were blacksmiths, carpenters, and weavers, all skilled workers who had worked year-round and possessed exceptional manual dexterity. They would certainly learn new skills very quickly, which would be perfect for filling the labor shortage.
Although this order was obtained from the US military through Connor's connections, the quality must not be taken lightly.
Chen Feng doesn't want people to associate the products of the Chinese Free Army with "shoddy workmanship" in the future!
He immediately added, "Make the tires as wide and thick as possible to increase wear resistance; wrap the handlebars with several layers of burlap to improve grip comfort!"
In addition, a quality inspection position must be added before the vehicle leaves the factory, and the inspector's number must be etched on the frame. If any quality problems occur, the responsible person will be held directly accountable!
"Understood, boss!" Peter nodded vigorously and hurriedly pushed his bicycle toward the ordnance repair workshop.
Today, the Free Army camp is no longer the simple outpost it once was; it has expanded to cover thousands of acres and continues to extend southward.
Extending westward.
Three kilometers west along the mountain road lies the sea. The newly planned bicycle factory is located near the coast, which facilitates the use of seawater to transport machinery, rubber, and other materials. In the future, finished products can be directly loaded onto ships and sold to Manila and even the entire Southeast Asia.
South of the camp, the terrain gradually flattens out, and beyond a few mountain ridges lies an open plain, dotted with numerous Chinese and indigenous villages. The main force of the Free Army was recruited from these Chinese villages.
These indigenous people are different from the mountain tribes wiped out last night. They are immigrants who migrated from the northern mountains over several decades during the Spanish colonial period. They have long since moved away from the primitive state of slash-and-burn agriculture and have learned farming and handicrafts. They can be considered a semi-civilized ethnic group.
Further northeast from the plains lies Malolos City, the core stronghold of the Philippine Independence Army.
Chen Feng's gaze fell on the intelligence report on his desk, and a playful smile appeared on his lips.
Yesterday, Aquinado was seriously injured and unable to attend the launch of the Declaration of Independence.
This declaration, which embodies the Philippines' dream of independence, was finally read aloud by Luna.
Unlike historical records which only mention Liu Heng as the sole Chinese signature, the current declaration prominently features the name Shi Lingxi!
After Chen Feng's rampage in Malolos, coupled with Liu Heng's military power and the Shi family's wealth, the status of Chinese in the Independent Army has changed dramatically; they are no longer a marginalized group that can be disregarded.
More importantly, Luna, in his capacity as deputy commander-in-chief, issued a letter of appointment, appointing Liu Heng as the commander-in-chief of the southern front of the Independent Army, granting him the rank of brigadier general, and giving him full command authority over the southern front!
"This Luna is quite a shrewd man who knows when to yield," Chen Feng chuckled, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, his gaze deep and unfathomable.
The U.S. Army will land on the Bataan Peninsula at the end of the month.
With its advanced weaponry and well-trained troops, the U.S. military will undoubtedly advance rapidly and conquer all the major cities in northern Luzon in one fell swoop.
The Spanish colonial government was already on its last legs, and the church had long been secretly colluding with Connor, perhaps discussing surrender terms in a secret room right now.
Before long, Spain's more than 300 years of colonial rule in Luzon will collapse!
The stage now belongs to the US military and the Philippine independence army.
Sooner or later, these two sides will turn against each other due to conflicting interests, and the Chinese Free Army can take advantage of this chaotic world to make a fortune in silence and quietly accumulate strength!
Just as I was pondering this, there was a gentle knock on the door of the stone house, the rhythm crisp and clear, completely different from the languidness of the previous night.
"Come in."
The door was pushed open, and Marilyn walked in.
Today, she shed her silk pajamas from last night and put on a custom-made Free Army women's military uniform.
Her dazzling golden hair was tied high in a ponytail, which made her neck look long and straight. Her face, which originally had a touch of femininity, now had a touch of heroism. Her blue eyes were clear and bright, and she looked very dashing.
"Boss, this is urgent intelligence that just came in!"
As Marilyn handed over the folder, she quickly said, "The church has already started to take action, and is working with the opposition forces of the colonial authorities to push for the removal of the Governor-General of Luzon, Basilio!"
The publicly stated reason was the defeat in the Battle of Manila Bay, which led to the complete annihilation of the Spanish fleet. However, it was clear to everyone that the disparity in strength between the two sides was too great, and the loss was entirely not due to a lack of combat skill. The true reasons behind this are still under investigation.
"Oh ho, you even know about non-war crimes?" Chen Feng took the folder, quickly scanned it, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and then chuckled.
Based on existing clues, it is likely that Basilio's refusal to compromise and surrender to the US military blocked the path of the church and the pro-American faction, which is why Archbishop Larra took the opportunity to impeach him and wanted to replace him with a more compliant governor to lead the surrender process.
Marilyn seemed to have anticipated his reaction, a faint smile playing on her lips as she pulled a book from her bosom, its cover bearing the words "Records of the Grand Historian".
A deep meaning flashed in her blue eyes as she said sincerely, "Boss, since I came to Luzon, I've met a lot of Chinese people and I'm particularly interested in your history and culture."
This book is simply too profound; many of the allusions and passages are only partially understood by Wu Dequan. You, who can write a work like *The Rise of Great Powers*, must be extremely knowledgeable. If I encounter anything I don't understand in the future, could I ask you for help?
These words were extremely appropriate, both praising Chen Feng and being reasonable, leaving no room for criticism.
But when these words reached Wang Muning's ears outside the stone house, she clenched her fists instantly and bit her lower lip tightly with her teeth.
She had come to report that the immigrants had arrived at the camp, and had just reached the door when she heard Marilyn's words.
Looking at the two people standing opposite each other in the room, and thinking of Marilyn's late-night visit last night, and hearing her now taking the initiative to ask her senior brother for advice on history books, Wang Muning felt a surge of anger and subconsciously stopped in her tracks.
Chen Feng put down the folder, his gaze falling on the *Records of the Grand Historian* in Marilyn's hands. He chuckled, "Chinese historical records, what's so profound about them? The whole thing just boils down to the two words 'cannibalism.'"
A hint of surprise and smugness flashed in Marilyn's eyes. She pulled over a wooden chair from the table, sat down, and tilted her head back to ask, "Eat people? What do you mean by that, boss?"
"The literal meaning."
Chen Feng leaned back in his chair, his tone calm yet tinged with a heavy tone, "Dynastic changes are the devouring of power; wars and conflicts are the trampling of life; even many acts of benevolence and morality are concealed behind the crushing of interests."
This book, *Records of the Grand Historian*, details the merits and demerits of heroes and heroines, but it is also filled with the blood and tears of ordinary people. Ultimately, it is nothing more than a history of the survival of the fittest, of treachery and deceit.
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the window to the bustling camp in the distance, his tone growing heavier: "If you want to learn, I can teach you. But I must tell you, when reading Chinese history books, don't just look at the great achievements of emperors and generals, but also at the ordinary people swept up by the times, and how they struggled to survive in chaotic times."
Only by understanding them can you truly understand China and the weight of the word "survival."
Marilyn stared at him blankly, the Records of the Grand Historian in her hands suddenly feeling incredibly heavy.
She had only intended to use the pretext of asking about history books to get closer to Chen Feng, but she never expected him to say something like that.
It not only overturned her understanding of history books, but also allowed her to vaguely touch something deep within this man's heart: a clear understanding of history and a profound insight into his current situation.
Upon hearing these words, Wang Muning, who was standing outside the stone house, gradually loosened her clenched teeth.
The anger in my heart slowly dissipated, replaced by an indescribable sense of respect.
My senior brother is indeed no ordinary person; even when reading history books, he can have such unique and profound insights.
Just then, Wang Muning took a deep breath, raised her hand and knocked on the door, her voice crisp and clear: "Senior brother, the immigrants have arrived at the camp. Would you like to go out and take a look?"
A hint of anger flashed in Marilyn's eyes. She nodded slightly to Wang Muning, picked up the Records of the Grand Historian, and said softly, "Thank you for your guidance, boss. I've learned a lot today. I'll come back to ask you for advice another day."
After saying that, she turned and left swiftly.
Chen Feng watched her figure disappear outside the door, then turned to Wang Muning who pushed the door open and entered. The solemnity on his face dissipated, and he laughed heartily, "You've come at the right time. I was just thinking of going to see our new family."
The two walked out of the stone house side by side, their steps light as they headed towards the camp gate.
The morning light was perfect, and the golden rays shone on the stone path of the campsite, illuminating two figures walking side by side, looking exceptionally harmonious.
Before even reaching the camp gate, they could hear whispers coming from outside, tinged with unfamiliarity and trepidation.
Upon closer inspection, a long line of immigrants stretched for hundreds of meters along the road outside the camp, seemingly endless. Men, women, and children were all there, their faces showing the weariness of a long journey, but their eyes gleaming with anticipation for a new life.
Chen Feng glanced around and saw only fifty or sixty children, fifty or sixty women, and less than a hundred elderly people.
very good!
These people no longer have those unsightly long braids at the back of their heads!
Wang Liang was indeed thorough in his work and considered everything very carefully!
He strode to the front of the line, raised his hand to stop the guard who was about to salute, and his gaze fell on a young man who was registering to receive supplies not far away.
The young man was about twenty years old, thin, and although he wore patched clothes, he was clean and tidy. He had a scholarly air about him, which was quite different from ordinary laborers.
Chen Feng stepped forward and asked in a friendly tone, "Brother, what's your name? Did your family come with you?"
Qin Yuzhou raised his head and saw that the person in front of him was imposing and sharp-sighted, exuding an aura of authority without anger. He quickly bowed and replied, "Brother, my name is Qin Yuzhou."
My hometown was flooded, and my parents and siblings didn't survive. Now I'm all alone. I only have myself to feed, so I dared to risk coming to this unfamiliar place, Luzon, to try and make a living.
His voice was somewhat hoarse, and when he mentioned his family, a trace of undisguised sorrow flashed in his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it, revealing a tenacious spirit that refused to give up.
Looking at the pain and resilience in his eyes, Chen Feng sighed inwardly and asked, "You speak so eloquently, it's like you've been to school?"
When the topic of reading came up, Qin Yuzhou's face showed a complicated expression. He smiled bitterly and said, "I can't say I'm well-read. I just studied with a teacher for a few years and took the imperial examination for a few years, but unfortunately, I was unlucky and failed the exam one after another."
He paused, raised his head, and said with a determined look in his eyes: "Now that I'm in Luzon, I don't ask for anything else, I just want to have a job, to earn a living with my own strength and brains, and to no longer live a life of wandering."
Chen Feng, seeing the tenacity in his eyes, felt a sense of goodwill and nodded, saying, "Alright! Since you're educated, you can start by doing some clerical work for me!"
Qin Yuzhou was stunned upon hearing this, his eyes filled with disbelief. He quickly realized what was happening, his voice trembling slightly: "You...you are General Chen, the one who led the Free Army to victory after victory, and who also established factories and sheltered Chinese people?"
His cry of "General Chen" was like a pebble thrown into a lake, instantly creating ripples throughout the immigrant procession.
The villagers, who had been whispering and curiously observing, all suddenly stopped what they were doing and turned to look in Chen Feng's direction. The fatigue and restraint on their faces were instantly replaced by unbelievable excitement, and their eyes were filled with reverence and ecstasy.
"What? He's General Chen?"
"Is that really General Chen who protected us Chinese? He looks so young!"
"No wonder they dared to build a camp in Luzon. To have such courage at such a young age, truly a hero among the young!"
"With a general like this, we'll never be bullied again!"
The discussions were lively, but there was not a trace of disrespect; they were filled with heartfelt amazement and reverence.
Standing at the front of the crowd, Qin Yuzhou looked at the excited expressions of his fellow villagers and felt a surge of pride.
To be appreciated by such a legendary general and to be able to work by his side was an opportunity I never dared to dream of.
Chen Feng raised his hand and pressed down, and the noisy crowd instantly quieted down.
He shouted loudly: "Fellow villagers! I know that you all left your homes and came to Luzon in order to make a living! In the past, under the rule of the Qing government, you suffered all kinds of oppression and were not treated as human beings."
But from this day forward, with me, Chen Feng, and the Free Army here, we will never let anyone suffer the slightest injustice again! Here, everyone has work, everyone has food, and everyone has dignity!
Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by thunderous cheers!
"General Chen is wise!"
"Follow the general!"
"We have a home! We're saved!"
Chen Feng nodded slightly. Seeing that the villagers no longer felt lost about leaving their homeland, he strolled back to the camp. Just as he was about to pick up his pen to continue writing the chapter on the rise of a great power, the Netherlands, he heard hurried footsteps outside the door, accompanied by a soldier's shout: "General, we've captured a spy!"