Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Chapter 1160 A New Era is Coming

On the surface of Victoria Harbor, the warships of the Third Fleet of the North Sea were lined up in an orderly manner, and the huge steel ships shone coldly in the sun. On the shore, the armored convoy of the Seventh Mechanized Division from the Southern District was patrolling in an orderly manner, with brand new uniforms and strict formations, showing the style of a modern army.

The existence of this force is not only a protection for the upcoming return of the port city, but also a warning to certain people with ulterior motives.

In a top-floor conference room of a luxurious office building in Hong Kong's Central district, a dozen English businessmen in suits and ties were gathered together, most of them with serious expressions on their faces.

"Look at those warships and armored vehicles outside," sighed an elderly businessman. "It's incredible that China has become so powerful in just a few years."

"Isn't it," another businessman said, "I remember a few years ago, they could only watch the Fuso warships run rampant in this sea area. Now..."

"Now they have made the English Empire voluntarily return the port city," a middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses sneered, "What a irony."

"Everyone," the president of the Chamber of Commerce, who was sitting in the main seat, knocked on the table, "Now is not the time to sigh. We have to think of a solution. After the return of Hong Kong City, how can our interests be protected?"

&34;I heard that China promised to maintain the free trade status of the port city,&34; someone said.

"Do you believe their promise?" the man with gold-rimmed glasses snorted coldly.

"No," the president shook his head, "I believe in their strength. Look at those warships and armored vehicles outside. A country with such strength can definitely take back the port city in a tougher way. But they didn't do that, instead they promised to maintain the status quo. What does this mean?"

There was silence in the conference room.

"This shows that they are confident," the president continued, "that they can manage Hong Kong in a more civilized and open way. This is more convincing than any promise."

&34;Then we...&34;

"We have to adapt to the new situation," the president said firmly, "China is no longer the country that was at the mercy of others. Instead of complaining here, we should think about how to find new opportunities in the new era."

Outside the window, the sun was setting, and the silhouettes of Chinese warships stood out against the golden sea. The existence of this fleet silently heralded the arrival of a new era.

In an antique building in Tsim Sha Tsui East District, the air was filled with the smell of sandalwood and tea smoke. Dozens of gang leaders dressed in Tang suits sat around a mahogany round table, creating a solemn atmosphere.

&34；诸位，&34；坐在主位的白发老者——人称&34；东叔&34；的帮派元老开口道，&34；想必大家都看到了华国新任港城长官的公告。这次，怕是真的要变天了。&34；

"Uncle Dong," a middle-aged man with a scar on his face said disdainfully, "It's just a change of master. In the past, the British turned a blind eye, now can't we just take care of the Chinese officials?"

"What a pipe dream!" Uncle Dong slammed the table heavily, "Do you think China is still the same China that was bribed by others? The new chief is a confidant sent by President Su himself. It is said that he has arrested several people who wanted to bribe!"

The venue was in an uproar.

"What should we do then?" a fat, big-eared man said anxiously, "The opium business alone brings in tens of thousands of profits every month. If this is cut off..."

"It's not just opium," another thin old man interrupted, "Salt smuggling, smuggling, forget about these businesses. China has said that it wants to build Hong Kong into the 'Pearl of the Orient' and will not allow any illegal transactions."

"Humph," the scarred man sneered, "Do they have the ability to do that?"

Before he finished speaking, a whistle suddenly sounded in the distance. Everyone walked to the window and saw the warships of the North Sea Fleet lined up in the Victoria Harbor, and fully armed soldiers patrolling on the shore.

"This is their ability," Uncle Dong sighed, "Look at those warships and soldiers outside. How can this be the weak China of the past? The China of today has the strength to clear the port city."

&34;Then we...&34;

"Change your career," Uncle Dong said firmly, "either switch to a legitimate business or quit as soon as possible. This new era is not something we can contend with."

"Uncle Dong is right," the Qing Gang leader who had been silent all this time finally spoke up, "I have already started to let my brothers learn the craft. Instead of fighting like a trapped beast here, we should think about how to transform."

Outside the window, the searchlights of the Chinese warships swept across the sea, illuminating the entire Victoria Harbor. Those forces that once grew in the darkness will eventually dissipate in the dawn of this new era.

At this moment, everyone understood: the old era was really over. The port city that had allowed them to run rampant was about to have a brand new beginning.

Early in the morning, at the Hong Kong Military Airport, a brand new Fokker F-32 transport plane slowly landed, with the Chinese Air Force logo on the fuselage shining brightly in the sun.

Soldiers from the 7th Mechanized Division were on high alert around the airport, with a guard every three steps and a sentry every five steps. Armored vehicles were lined up in neat rows, surrounding the entire airport.

The cabin door opened and the spiral staircase was lowered. Su Zhengyang, dressed in casual clothes, walked down the plane slowly, holding Yang Qiyue's hand. Yang Qiyue held little Hongan in her arms, and the little guy looked around curiously, full of interest in this unfamiliar environment.

"Hello, President! Hello, Madam!" Cheng Hu stepped forward quickly and saluted. This new top officer of Gangcheng was once Su Zhengyang's old subordinate and one of his most trusted confidants.

"Old Cheng," Su Zhengyang smiled and patted his shoulder, "Thank you for your hard work during this period."

"As you should," Cheng Hu turned to Yang Qiyue, "Hello, Madam. This is the young master, right? So cute."

Little Hongan shrank timidly into his mother's arms, causing everyone to laugh.

"Mr. President, Madam," Cheng Hu gestured for him to come in, "I have prepared a place to stay halfway up the mountain. It has a quiet environment and the most stringent security."

"Okay," Su Zhengyang nodded, "Tell me about the situation in Hong Kong on the way."

The group got into the black car that had been waiting for them. The convoy slowly left the airport under the escort of armored vehicles.

"Mr. President," Cheng Hu reported, "According to your instructions, we have begun to clean up those illegal transactions. In recent days, we have arrested many gangs selling opium and also closed down several arms dens."

"Yes," Su Zhengyang nodded with satisfaction, "We need to let everyone know that under the governance of China, Hong Kong will be a true pearl of the East, not a place where filth and dirt are hidden."

Yang Qiyue looked at the scenery passing by outside the window. This city that was about to return to was filled with a wonderful fusion of East and West.

"We're here," Cheng Hu pointed to a villa built on the mountain in front of him, "This is your temporary residence."

Su Zhengyang looked at this British-style building and whispered to Yang Qiyue: "How is it? Do you like it?"

"Yeah," Yang Qiyue nodded, "very beautiful."

"Dad," Xiao Hongan suddenly pointed at the Victoria Harbour in the distance, "Big ships!"

"Yes," Su Zhengyang held his son in his arms, "That's our Chinese warship, it's here to protect the port city."

Looking at her husband and son, Yang Qiyue felt a warm current in her heart. This city is about to usher in a new life, and their family will also leave their own memories here.