Capítulo 104: The Lanfang Republic
Dong Wan Li, Lanfang Republic
July 9th, 1790
"So you're saying that this republic precedes the American Republic?" Lieutenant Jackson asked as he and two other members of the Marines walked in front of a hundred American Marines and some wagons carrying gifts for the Lanfang Republic.
"By a year, yes. The Lanfang Republic was established in 1777. Their current president, Luo Fangbo, is the founder," Kim replied, "In the Lanfang Republic, the president serves for life, but upon his death, a new president is elected. Or so from what I heard."
The American expedition took a short detour to the Chinese republic in Borneo before their trip to China, upon the insistence of the former president. When the other expedition members heard that there was a republic in a relatively unknown part of Asia, they agreed to set sail to contact the nation. The four British ships that were part of the joint expedition decided to make their way toward Canton (Guanzhou) to meet with the British representatives in China and prepare to greet the Chinese emperor. While the British were not outright hostile, it was safe to say that they were relatively wary of the Americans. The British were not pleased when the Americans were sidetracked in Dai Vet and decided to make their way toward China on their own. Kim concluded that they would most likely meet the Chinese Emperor before the American expedition but believed it was for the best. They still had plenty of time to meet with the leader of China, and if the British failed to leave an impression, then they had a chance to stir up the Chinese courts themselves.
Major Oliver Williams, an African American man from Georgia and one of the co-leaders of the expedition, frowned, "President for life? That sounds like a recipe for an authoritarian government."
"Asian cultures are much more conservative than European cultures. While Lanfang may be more "advanced" in democratic principles, they are much more used to dynastic types of governments with a single ruler serving for life. Additionally, the Lanfang Republic still adheres to Confucianism: loyalty, social hierarchy, altruism, and other values. This republic is much different than the republic back at home."
"Let us not forget that this nation is one of the few republics outside of the United States, and their founding date is similar to our nation's own founding date," Colonel Daniel White, a man from Massachusetts and the other co-leader of the expedition, mentioned, "Perhaps they will be more sympathetic to our nation due to our republicanism similarities."
"That is what I am hoping as well. Thankfully, some locals speak Cantonese, so I should be able to communicate with them somewhat. Remember, China is a very large nation. Each region has its own dialects and sub-languages. The Chinese of the Lanfang Republic mainly hail from the Guangzhou region, where Hakka Chinese and Cantonese are prevalent."
Jackson furiously scribbled into his journal while the leader of the American expedition smiled, "Think of it this way. The people in France speak... French. However, the people of Hispaniola speak French Creole, which combines French with a few other languages. Similarly, Cantonese is similar to Mandarin but is different in many regards due to geographical distance and local preferences. I am merely generalizing, but that should put the differences in the two languages into perspective."
The other expedition members understood the example quite well. By the time the group arrived at the presidential palace, they felt reasonably prepared to speak with the president of Lanfang.
"Why did you bring weaponry as gifts for the Lanfang, general?" Lieutenant Jackson inquired.
"Because the Lanfang Republic is small and surrounded by rather hostile nations on all sides. To them, weaponry will be the most satisfactory gift. I have also provided blueprints for them to work with so they can develop their own local arms and ammunition soon," Kim answered.
The officer nodded and wrote some more words down in his journal.
Just then, a Lanfang Republic official strutted up to Kim and bowed his head slightly. He spoke to the man in fluent Cantonese, "President Luo is expecting your arrival, former president of the American Republic."
"Thank you," Kim replied in accented Cantonese. He nodded towards the group, and the small group of Marine officers made their way into the presidential palace. The palace building was huge and guarded by dozens of local soldiers, all of whom intently looked at the American group. The officials escorted the group through numerous hallways and finally arrived in the "office" of the president, a large room decorated with various paintings, maps, and charts of the local kongsi (corporations). Towards the end of the room, an aging Chinese man looked out the office window.
"Your excellency," The unnamed Lanfang official declared, "The representative of the American Republic has arrived."
The president turned to look at his counterpart and smiled, "Thank you. Please bring some tea for our guests."
The former American president bowed deeply and raised his head, "I am Samuel Kim, former president of the American Republic and the current American representative to Asia."
"Kim... Your ancestors hail from Korea?"
Kim nodded and translated the Lanfang president's words to the group's other members.
President Luo waved his hand for the Americans to sit, and they readily obliged. A few moments later, an official walked in and prepared tea in front of the group. "What brings you to our humble nation, former president Kim?"
From the tone of his voice, the ex-Marine commandant could discern that the Lanfang president was merely reaffirming his previous title as the American president. With that in mind, Kim replied with an even tone, "I have heard rumors about a republic in Asia and decided to discover the truth behind the rumors."
"I can see why being a former president of another republic. Please, exchange your stories, and I will exchange mine. I am sure there are some interesting tales behind the founding of our two republics."
It took nearly two hours for the two men to completely trade the histories of their respective countries. At one point, a translator, who worked with the British in Canton, was brought in so the two sides could understand each other more fluently. By the end of the exchange, President Luo seemed impressed at the short but storied history of the United States. "And now you are here, in our small republic, after such a grand journey. From revolution to war, to the presidency, to peace."
"I feel like a good portion of my life force was drained away during those days, but they are behind me now," Kim chuckled, "The American Republic is still... unstable at times, but it is growing steadily."
"In many ways, you are like me. You founded your republic and led it in its early days." President Luo stated.
"Not without the other great men that fought and led beside me."
"I would be more than willing to work with your republic in the future. I will need to meet with the Zhong Ting, but I am sure they will be more than happy to establish trade and cooperation with our "sister" republic."
"Zhong Ting?"
"Our version of your "Congress." Though it translates something akin to the "Court" or the "Assembly."
"That sounds excellent. Additionally, we have some firearms for your nation's defense, along with some blueprints so you can produce them domestically. They are a more advanced version of the musket and should help your nation in the future," Kim said.
"Thank you. Now before you make your way to China, I must show you the state of our nation and write you my own letter to the Emperor..."
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