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

Chapter 651 Hans surrenders, Nanyang is also a victorious country

The middle-aged man called Phraya opened his mouth to refute, but found that most people in the teahouse nodded in agreement with the boss's words. He had no choice but to shut his mouth in disappointment and drink his tea.

An old man wearing glasses and looking like a teacher put down his newspaper and said with emotion:

"Whatever the original intention, the result is good. The people have received tangible assistance and benefits. This is better than ten thousand empty promises. It seems that this General Zhang Chi is a leader who gets things done. Being a Nanyang person... doesn't seem so bad."

His words expressed the thoughts of many ordinary Siamese people.

For the vast majority of ordinary people, grand political narratives and factional struggles are too far away.

Their criteria for judging whether a government is good or bad are simple.

Can you let us live and work in peace and contentment? Will you take care of us if something goes wrong?

In the past, they were disheartened by the indifference of the Siamese royal family and bureaucracy.

Today, the Nanyang government’s rescue and reconstruction efforts at all costs have made them feel valued like never before.

The intuitive experience of "we are a family, and we will do our best when there is a problem" is more powerful than any promotional slogan.

People were talking about it in the streets, alleys, and fields.

"Have you heard? Every family in Song En's village has received reconstruction funds!"

"The soldiers from Nanyang really fight to the death when they rescue people."

"If all my future tax payments could be used for things like this, I'd be happy with that."

A feeling of gratitude spread among ordinary people.

Even if there are still a few people like Phraya who hold grudges, or some intellectuals who remain cautious and wait-and-see, the general trend is clear.

For most Siamese people, especially the farmers and lower-class citizens who made up the majority of the population, it was now clear to them.

Being a Nanyang person really has its advantages.

If the critical moment really comes, the Nanyang government headed by Zhang Chi will really come to rescue them and will not treat them as abandoned pawns like the rulers of the past.

This is enough.

It is enough to make them psychologically equate the once unfamiliar concept of "Nanyang" with "reliance", "hope" and "future".

A natural disaster is like a touchstone, which not only tests the quality of the emergency department, but also tempers the national identity.

The floods of the Chao Phraya River will eventually recede completely, but in northern Siam, and even in the entire Siam region, a sense of identity called "Nanyang people" is growing tenaciously and vigorously on the land that was once soaked by floods, like spring seedlings after rain.

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While local Siam was still busy with disaster relief, the time came to May 8, 1946, a day destined to go down in history.

That afternoon, the rapid sounds of telegraphs and radio signals spread a piece of news that shocked the world to every corner of the United States of Southeast Asia.

Hans Third Reich surrendered unconditionally.

The war in Europe finally subsided.

"Extra, Extra, Hans officially surrenders, the European war is over."

Newsboys ran wildly on the streets of cities such as Yangon, Sin Chew, and Bangkok, waving the newly printed "Nanyang Daily" special edition that still smelled of ink.

The front page carried a striking headline in oversized bold letters: "The Allies have finally triumphed in bloodshed, and the Axis of Evil has been broken."

On the radio, the announcer reported this major news over and over again in a voice that was trembling with excitement, interspersed with clips of speeches from leaders of countries such as White Eagle, John, and Russian Bear announcing victory.

The news spread like wildfire.

At first there was a brief moment of astonishment and silence, and then huge cheers broke out from all directions.

In the newly built Independence Square in Yangon, someone started singing the national anthem of Southeast Asia first, and soon, thousands of people gathered and sang along.

People waved homemade Nanyang Golden Dragon flags and flags of allied countries, their faces filled with excitement and joy.

"We win, we win!"

"Nanyang is a victorious country, and we are also a victorious country!"

The students spontaneously organized a parade, holding banners that read "Celebrate the Victory in the European War" and "Long Live Peace" and marched through the main streets.

Businesses also hung colorful flags at their doors, and some even put up signs saying "Celebrating victory, 20% off on drinks today", which drew cheers.

People were talking excitedly in the streets, alleys, teahouses and taverns.

"Hans of Europe is finished. Now the Axis powers only have this little devil left. I don't think they'll last much longer!"

"I never thought that our Nanyang nation would become a victorious nation soon after its establishment."

"This proves that we've chosen the right side. We're following the Allies. That's right."

"Commander-in-Chief Zhang Chi is truly wise. He declared war on Hans on behalf of Nanyang very early on, and now he has this honor."

A sense of pride belonging to the "Nanyang people" quietly grew and spread in this atmosphere of universal celebration.

As an emerging country, being able to take part in such an important world victory has greatly enhanced the cohesion of the people and their sense of national identity.

Compared with the carnival among the people, the atmosphere in the central government building in the core area of ​​Yangon is much more serious.

Zhang Chi chaired an emergency cabinet meeting.

"Everyone, you all know the news of victory. This is a joint victory for the anti-fascist forces of the world, and it also includes the contribution of our soldiers and people in Nanyang."

Zhang Chi's opening remarks were calm and powerful.

"Commander-in-Chief, this is great news! We should hold a grand official celebration to show the world the glory of Nanyang as a victorious nation!" An official in charge of publicity suggested excitedly.

Zhang Chi waved his hand slightly, signaling him to stay calm.

"Celebration is justified, and we welcome spontaneous public celebrations. But I think the official tone should be low-key and pragmatic."

He glanced at the cabinet members and ministers present at the meeting:

"In terms of land area, population, and comprehensive national strength, our Nanyang still lags far behind those of the old powers such as the White Eagle, the Bear, and John.

This victory as a member of the Allied Forces is more a result of standing on the right side of history and the efforts of all soldiers and civilians."

"We must clearly realize that the most important thing for us as a victorious nation is not the empty reputation, but the tangible rights and interests and the enhancement of our international voice."

He specifically pointed out:

“First, in the subsequent handling of Hans and his vassal states, especially in terms of war reparations and the liquidation of technological assets, we must actively participate and fight for what is rightfully ours for Nanyang.

We urgently need technical information, industrial equipment, and even some neglected talents.”

Although Nanyang did not send a single soldier to Europe, it did sell a large amount of logistical supplies to the Allies. When it came time to divide the spoils after the war, it naturally could not be humble.

“Second, we must secure Nanyang’s status as a founding member of the upcoming international organization to maintain post-war peace.

This concerns our long-term international environment and national security.”