Chapter 503: Meddling
East Africa established a provincial government in Pontianak and, with military support, took control of all local affairs. The city quickly began to resemble a proper provincial capital. But East Africa's actions didn't go unnoticed by the Lan Fang government in Dongwanlü.
The situation was awkward. Although the Lanfang Overseas Province had been formally established, the old Lanfang Republic still technically existed. After all, East Africa had negotiated with the Dutch, not the Lanfang Republic—meaning the republic had no idea what had happened. Having their authority suddenly stripped away naturally sparked confusion and even panic within the Lanfang Company.
In Dongwanlü:
"So you're saying those Germans just waltzed in and took over?" Liu Asheng said angrily upon hearing his subordinate's report.
"Commander, it's all but certain. Our men were disarmed by the Germans. There wasn't much we could do—their guns were at our heads. I had to give in, then return to warn you," Liu Aman explained.
Hearing this made Liu Asheng feel slightly better. At least his subordinate had remained loyal. What he didn't know, however, was that Liu Aman had no idea who these Germans were. If they had been Dutch, he might have surrendered the city without a fight. If Liu Asheng knew what his cousin was really thinking, he'd probably blow a fuse.
"How did the Germans take the city so easily? You didn't even put up a fight?" Liu Asheng asked, still puzzled.
"Commander, you know the last time those Germans were here, they left a small garrison in Pontianak. This time, they linked up with reinforcements from overseas. We were completely caught off guard."
"And what about the Dutch in Pontianak? Didn't they respond at all?" Liu Asheng pressed.
As a puppet regime, the Dutch still held significant influence within the Lanfang Republic. After all, Liu Asheng had risen to power with their backing. Naturally, the Dutch cared a lot about Pontianak—the Lanfang Republic's largest city.
At the mention of the Dutch, Liu Aman became furious. "We were probably sold out. I saw the Dutch officials in Pontianak chatting happily with the Germans. They later left by ship. Clearly, this was all coordinated."
Liu Asheng was livid. "How could they do that? I've carried out every task they've given me, and this is how they repay me?"
Liu Aman gave a bitter smile. "To the Dutch, we're just dogs. And when a master wants to sell his dog, does he need the dog's permission?"
Liu Asheng was slightly embarrassed by the analogy. That was harsh—calling them dogs of the Dutch?
"Aman, I know people speak ill of me, but try to understand. I worked with the Dutch for the good of our family. Without their backing, the Liu clan wouldn't have seized control of the Lanfang Company. And if we hadn't taken control, you wouldn't be governor of Pontianak."
"I get that, cousin. But the situation's changed. It's clear the Dutch are being very polite to the Germans—either out of fear or because the Germans gave them something. Either way, we can't change the fact that the Germans are now calling the shots."
That's what worried Liu Asheng most. The Dutch had had ambitions too, but at least their relationship was cooperative. The Germans had seized Pontianak without even consulting him—utter disrespect.
"Alright. If I remember correctly, those Germans are from the so-called East African Kingdom. Another European country—probably similar to the Dutch. Send someone to Pontianak to visit their senior officials. Try to figure out their intentions. If all else fails, our top priority is to protect the Liu family's status and interests in Lanfang," Liu Asheng instructed.
If the Germans weren't going to approach him, then he'd take the initiative. If their goals were similar to the Dutch's, it wouldn't be so bad. After all, a dog is still a dog—just under a new master.
Liu Asheng's logic was clear. But East Africa knew exactly what he was thinking. That's precisely why they hadn't informed his family regime in advance.
Ernst placed great importance on the Lanfang Republic—he had already made it an overseas province, not just a colony. There was no room for entrenched family rule like Liu Asheng's.
Governor Wilte, newly installed in Pontianak, wasn't aware of the Dongwanlü regime's scheming. And even if he were, he wouldn't have cared. He was busy preparing the ground for complete East African control over the Lanfang Overseas Province.
"Governor, our investigation shows that Pontianak has 13 brothels, over 30 opium dens, and more than 40 other illegal establishments. If we try to clean things up right now, it won't be easy."
Prostitution wasn't illegal in East Africa—in fact, it was state-regulated. But Lanfang's brothels were another matter entirely.
In East Africa, brothel workers had to be foreign nationals, follow strict regulations, and operate under government oversight. In Lanfang, however, they were private businesses, poorly managed, and now that Lanfang was an overseas province, many of the workers had automatically become East African citizens. Ernst, regardless of his strange policies, viewed East African citizens as people—and didn't tolerate abuse.
As for the opium dens, Ernst hated them even more. Though he profited indirectly through Arab middlemen, opium in East Africa could only be sold to foreign visitors—never locals.
Governor Wilte, serious as ever, said, "These black-market networks are more entrenched than we thought. If we don't hit hard, we won't be able to eliminate them."
Wilte was one of the German orphans adopted by the House of Hechingen and raised in its educational system. With a clear moral compass, he had been chosen by Ernst to govern Lanfang.
"Governor, shall we move against them now?"
Wilte shook his head. "Not yet. If we act too aggressively in Pontianak, it will trigger resistance in other regions. We only control this city right now. Once the mainland military arrives and secures the province, we'll begin reforms."
Pontianak was under control, but the rest of Lanfang was still largely untouched. Wilte didn't want sweeping reforms to spark unrest. Best to wait until the army took over.
"Continue your investigations. This time, focus on regions outside Pontianak. Identify all the local factions that existed under the old Lanfang system. This will help the military in the next phase."
"Yes, Governor!"
The various factions of the former Lanfang Republic never imagined East Africa would approach things this way. To them, brothels and opium dens were completely normal—a product of their time. Only East Africa's policies were unusual. So when East African officials showed up asking about their businesses, many assumed it was for tax purposes, not realizing the real aim was to shut them down.
Not entirely shut down, of course. If they restructured according to East African law, they could reopen. Legality was whatever East Africa declared it to be. For instance, geisha were permitted—as long as they weren't East African citizens. That meant local islanders or Japanese migrant workers were perfectly acceptable alternatives.
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