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

Chapter 595 Singh: I can also talk, I can also love Nanyang

Zhang Chi remained calm and nodded slightly. "Thank you, two Nizams (local kings) for your generous gifts. Please take a seat."

He gestured for the other party to sit down and the waiter served hot tea.

After a few pleasantries, Singer began to cautiously probe:

"Your Excellency, the rise of Nanyang is astonishing. You swept through Southeast Asia with lightning speed against the Japanese invaders, demonstrating unparalleled military strength and political wisdom. Now, the future of Sindhu is shrouded in great uncertainty... The Johns... they seem intent on withdrawing, but their approach makes us deeply concerned."

Zhang Chi picked up the teacup and thought, is this young man being polite?

He happened to be practicing Tai Chi, so he blew away the foam gently and said calmly:

"John's people now possess an army of five million. Although their focus is on Europe, they will likely not easily relinquish Sindhu, the 'crown jewel of the empire.' Ali Khan's concerns may be... premature."

He was pretending to be confused on purpose, firmly holding the initiative.

The two sides drank tea for more than five minutes. Seeing that Zhang Chi was not taking the bait, Singh's smile froze a little. He took a deep breath, decided to show his hand, and asked for help:

"Your Excellency, we have received some reliable information from Delhi. The current Governor of Sindhu, His Excellency Lord Mountbatten, is actively promoting a plan.

He intended to divide the entire John-controlled Sindhu into two independent countries based on ethnicity and religious beliefs.

One is mainly composed of Xingyue followers, and the other is mainly composed of Shendu followers."

He stared closely at Zhang Chi's eyes, trying to catch a trace of fluctuation in them:

"This means that the state of Hyderabad, a state ruled by the Nizams for generations, with its own unique laws and traditions, a state ruled by the Star and Crescent but with a majority of Sindhus...

He would be forced to choose between the two new states, and either choice would mean a serious threat to the Nizam's rule and the possibility of a terrible religious conflict."

Zhang Chi put down the teacup, an elusive smile appeared on his face, and he did not respond.

Now the other party needs his help, needs Nanyang, so he just needs to be polite.

Singh's heart sank.

He understood that the young commander in front of him was no easy opponent.

The other party obviously understood the plight of the Hyderabad State and also understood the Nizam’s real demand - not to join any new country, but to maintain the independent status of the Hyderabad State.

"Your Excellency..." Singh's voice was earnest. He had to be the first to put forward his bargaining chips, which made him lose the upper hand in the negotiation. "We are well aware of the strength and justice of Nanyang. The Nizam himself has no intention of getting involved in future internal disputes in Sindhu. His only wish is to protect the peace and tranquility of millions of subjects in Hyderabad and preserve our unique culture and traditions.

We have noticed that Nanyang has good cooperative relations in Chittagong and the Northeast region of Sindhu (the five northeastern states).”

Singh's words couldn't be clearer - we know that you support other princely states in northeastern Sindhu for independence/autonomy.

We in Hyderabad can also talk, we in Hyderabad can also love Nanyang!

Zhang Chi was thinking about the gains and losses.

It now seems that his previous move to establish Chittagong and the five northeastern states of Sindhu was the right one.

Didn’t the State of Hyderabad come to us on its own initiative?

As the saying goes, those who lag behind will be beaten. Now that Nanyang has developed, it is natural for it to interfere in the affairs of its neighbor Sindhu.

But Hyderabad is located deep in the heart of Sindhu, 18,000 miles away from the South China Sea, and has no access to the sea.

Zhang Chi doesn’t really care whether it can be independent or not.

However, if such a state, which is huge, has sharp internal conflicts, and intends to break away from the control of the future Delhi center, continues to cause trouble for the future Sindhu Republic, distracting its energy and consuming its resources...

That would be an extremely cost-effective strategic investment for Nanyang.

"Mr. Singer." Zhang Chi finally spoke. Singer's heart was in turmoil, as if he was a prisoner waiting for the judge's verdict.

"Maintaining peace and stability in a region requires strength, especially the strength to protect itself from interference from powerful powers. When the Johns leave, who will take over their huge colonial army and arsenal? Undoubtedly, it will be the new officials in Delhi, whether it is one or two."

He leaned forward slightly, staring at Singer with a hint of intimidation:

"Without guns, your 'unique culture and traditions' will be vulnerable to the powerful will of Delhi. If the Nizam wants to protect his state, his only reliance is an army that is loyal to him, capable of fighting, and has sufficient firepower."

Singh's face changed slightly. This was the Nizam's deepest fear.

"Nanyang and I personally." Zhang Chi leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed, as if discussing a business deal. "Out of concern for regional stability and appreciation for the Nizam's willingness to maintain peace, we can provide some... um... help within our capacity."

Zhang Chi did not make big promises like "the strongest arm" or "military protection".

When Nanyang was first established, diplomacy emphasized the importance of keeping one’s word and fulfilling one’s promises, so as to establish diplomatic credibility.

Unlike the five northeastern states which are located on the border of Pegu, Hyderabad is surrounded on all sides. If Nanyang directly sends troops to intervene, it will probably cause trouble.

But Nanyang cannot provide anything other than practical help.

Therefore, Zhang Chi decided to only provide arms, but never take part in the battle himself.

"We have a lot of captured John Enfield rifles and Bren light machine guns in good condition, and even some John's 25-pounder guns (87.6mm) and the Japanese 75mm and 105mm field guns. Oh, and there are also some old but still flying fighters and bombers, as well as some obsolete White Eagle light tanks and armored vehicles."

"We can also train officers, soldiers, and pilots for Hyderabad, and teach them modern military organization and tactics. Of course, all of this requires... an equivalent exchange. Hyderabad's fertile land is rich in high-quality cotton, tobacco, and minerals... Also, your state's financial reserves are said to be quite substantial."

Singh's eyes lit up, and he said eagerly, "No problem! As long as Nanyang is willing to support us, food, cotton, minerals, funds... everything can be discussed!"

"It's not just Hyderabad," Zhang Chi said, revealing his true intentions. "It's also Junagadh. There are also...those states in the Northeast who also cherish their traditions. You're in a similar situation. Why not unite and form a 'confederation' or at least an offensive and defensive alliance?"

Zhang Chi made a very tempting yet dangerous proposal:

“Once the Johns formally recognize Sindhu’s independence, you will immediately jointly declare that you refuse to accept Delhi’s rule and establish an independent sovereign state based on traditional rights and the treaty with John.

We in Nanyang will be your most steadfast friend in the cause of independence and your most reliable supplier of arms."