I'm the boss because I have a harem of anime characters.

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Moreover, in Europe, anything can have a rapid ripple effect. If Germany and Poland are in chaos, can you guarantee that other countries won't be affected? If the whole of Europe were to descend into chaos, the only country that would be truly happy right now is Britain.

Left with no other option, the United States decided to intervene and mediate. However, at that moment, Qin Shan unleashed his deadly move.

Section 18: The Gold Standard and the Rise of Laos

(This book is already almost 700,000 words long, time flies! It's time to think about the next book (~―▽―)~)

"Starting today, our country will adopt the gold standard and open up trade in manufactured goods. I believe that with the support of advanced technology and ample gold reserves, our country's development will enter a fast track."

Yes, Xinhua, the eighth-century leader of the world, began to adopt the gold standard and engage in trade in advanced industrial products.

Objectively speaking, the gold standard seems very backward and unable to rapidly expand the scale of trade, which is indeed the case. However, it must be acknowledged that the gold standard is more convincing; at least your paper can be exchanged for real goods, and it is not just an ornament.

Just like the US dollar is only valuable if it can be exchanged for oil, otherwise it is just a piece of waste paper.

As for trade in advanced industrial goods, the United States' stingy and exploitative attitude has led to the establishment of nations all over the world.

It's not just a problem in the United States; the entire Western world is like this. They leech off the world, and after entering the industrial age, they began to exploit the world, forming their own positive cycle until the entire cycle can no longer be sustained.

On the domestic historical timeline, at least in 1994, the United States and other Western countries were still quite adept at playing the game.

But now, the flow has changed.

From the moment Xinhua was able to produce 17 ships plus an aircraft carrier, along with a massive, seemingly random, naval fleet, the world order began to undergo profound changes, especially after Xinhua confronted NATO in the most direct way.

We already know you don't like euphemisms, so let's just flip the table.

(0)

Then all the NATO countries will become obedient, and the results will be amazing.

So why combine the gold standard with trade in advanced industrial goods?

Because the Xinhua of this time was not the Xinhua of the 1920s. Its industrial products were not well-known, not to mention in the world, and even within the country. The reputation of Chinese manufacturing was not that great. The rise of our manufacturing industry and the beginning of its widespread influence began after 2008.

Although the United States failed to fulfill its promises to us, the subprime mortgage crisis did force the US-led Western countries to cede a portion of their markets, which we seized upon and captured in one fell swoop. Some say we overestimated the US back then, but that's not the case. The top leadership was still rational, but many "elites" in society believed the lies told by the US and Europe. Since that's the case, let them jump in and try it out. Sometimes, without being beaten down by the enemy, people don't know how to unite.

There's no way around it; the authority of the new generation is certainly not as strong as that of the founding generation—that's common sense.

Having learned a lesson from the enemy's whip, the rest of the work became simple. Although there were still inferior people, at least most of them knew which side they should stand on and what attitude they should have towards the outside world.

So sometimes it's not that people don't know there's a pit ahead, but rather that most people insist on stepping into it to prove that they really don't have the ability to step into this pit before they learn to take a detour. Faced with this huge inertia of the times, no organization or country can do anything about it. Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; at least we know how to cook.

Once you understand these points, look at the gold standard. It was actually designed to promote the RMB. Once the RMB is in circulation, there are many more ways to manipulate things. For example, you can require the other side to only buy your industrial products or gold. Initially, it will definitely be exchanged for gold, but over time, exceptions will inevitably occur. In addition, the presence of Xinhua's aircraft carrier fleet maintains a deterrent force, which is enough to keep the US from playing dirty tricks openly. In this way, the balance of power between the two sides can be dynamically adjusted.

The first rule of international law: Those who sit at the table must have the ability to control the table.

Otherwise, even if it is served, it will be as a dish.

Isn't Ukraine, as a negative example, convincing enough?

After Xinhua announced that the RMB would be pegged to gold, major countries certainly did not react in any concrete way, but smaller countries would begin to take action.

Among these small countries, there are certainly many that were instigated by larger powers, to let them test the mettle of Xinhua and see how much gold reserves Xinhua has to consume.

Then Xinhua broadcast the process of forging the gold mine live to the whole world.

Simply put, they melted down a thousand tons of gold, arbitrarily cast it into a shape, and then displayed it in the lobby of the central bank, inviting dignitaries from various countries to witness the process.

The name "Golden Mountain" literally dazzled many people, and many American and European political figures were somewhat dazed when they left.

They're probably screaming inside: "Gold, why isn't it mine?!"

They certainly wouldn't dare to rob. Look at Xinhua's super carrier battle group, the army that is undergoing equipment upgrades, and the air force that has already been fully upgraded. Recently, Xinhua has been issuing warnings to any aircraft that intrude into its airspace, and destroying them the second time. A certain heroic pilot surnamed Wang has already shot down seven US reconnaissance aircraft, and all the US pilots were killed without exception. Among them was an EP-3, of which he shot down three.

The US didn't dare utter a single word, only weakly stating that Xinhua's pilots were incompetent and constantly threatened us with missiles. However, they asked the American people to trust in the strength of the great United States, saying that Xinhua would absolutely not dare to take action, and that our plane crashed accidentally—yes, accidentally, caused by a typhoon!

What? You're saying there was no typhoon that day, and the wind was even calm?

What the hell are you yelling about? Do you know more about typhoons than I do? This is the correct analysis result from the professional analysis agency, Meimu. You reporters shouldn't just believe everything you hear. You're just making things up every day. You'll have to take responsibility in the future, you know that?

As for the American pilots who died, it was an accident caused by nature, not considered a death in action, and therefore there was no compensation.

The US government's inhuman behavior makes other US soldiers understand what it means. They can't afford to mess with Xinhua's new planes and missiles, and the Panda's temper is clearly getting more and more volatile. So why should we risk our lives? We only make a few dollars a month. We can just stay out there and do our job. We can follow orders from above flexibly. When generals are in the field, they may disobey the emperor's orders. If you're not satisfied, you gentlemen sitting in Congress can fly your own planes!

From that day on, US carrier strike groups moved further and further away from Xinhua's waters.

The latest news is that they are preparing to withdraw from the Ryukyu base because Xinhua's aircraft carrier group and aircraft are patrolling around it every day. In particular, that boxy-looking electronic warfare ship with a displacement of over 50,000 tons has been causing local military electronic equipment to malfunction since it appeared.

Everyone knows now that the main reason the US military is staying in Asia is to maintain its military presence there.

Once the Anglo-Saxons lost their military power, they didn't know what to do. So even though their soldiers were trembling with fear and morale was low—a complete collapse in the game—the US government still stubbornly insisted on dying standing up.

Let them do what they want. Xinhua has plenty of time and resources to waste on them anyway.

"It seems everyone still likes gold. Look, our guests have arrived."

The guest Qin Shan mentioned was actually a poor Laotian.

Those who are often poor know that the poorer the place, the more chaotic it is, especially when poverty threatens survival, the locals are capable of anything.

You know the Golden Triangle, right? It's located in Laos and is also a special economic zone.

Hmm, a special economic zone with unique products, doesn't that sound amazing? The drug-addicted superpower, America, is ecstatic.

But here's an interesting little-known fact: In Laos, if a man accepts a woman's cigarette, it means their relationship can develop further. As for how it can develop, well, you know what I mean.

Even in 1994, Xinhua was like a modern-day Rome to Southeast Asian countries.

There's an international joke that goes like this: Rome in Europe is in history textbooks, while those in Asia who disagree with Rome are in their graves.

Many people believe that the United States attracts talent from around the world. However, in reality, a country like the United States is like a carnivore in nature, generally feeding on omnivores or obtaining energy from the flesh of other animals. So, where do the talents of countries that are essentially herbivores or even microorganisms in international relations go?

Distance is a very strange thing (meaningful).

Talent is never lacking for a major country; it is only relatively scarce. For example, there may be a lack in a certain field, or even if there are talents in a certain field, the equipment cannot be manufactured. In that case, there is really nothing that can be done. This is something that needs to be tackled. This was also one of the reasons why some Chinese scientists who were abroad did not return to China in the past. There was really no scientific research equipment in China to support their research projects.

Of course, those who returned and worked hard to change careers for the sake of the motherland deserve our admiration. But it is going too far to push others who have no ill intentions to the opposite side because of this. Who are our friends and who are our enemies? That is the meaning of the united front. Where in the world is there so much loyalty that is not absolute or absolutely not loyal? Do you think you are playing Warhammer? Besides, loyalty in Warhammer is also based on interests. Talking about ideals without considering interests, what is the difference between you and those scumbag bosses?

So, are the Laotians coming to Xinhua to beg for food?

Yes, it's harsh to say, but it's true.

Despite Laos's designation of the Golden Triangle as an economic special zone, the reality is that insightful people within Laos cannot accept its existence. The harmfulness of the Golden Triangle is obvious to everyone, but the impoverished country has no choice. Their poverty is so extreme that they cannot even achieve basic centralization of government authority. The government in Myanmar's capital is merely a figurehead; the real power lies with various local families, military leaders, and other chaotic tribal organizations.

This is also a microcosm of the vast majority of countries in the world. On the surface, they are independent countries sitting in the United Nations, but in reality, their governing ability is not as good as that of the feudal states during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.

Don't be fooled by the fact that we drove out the Kuomintang (KMT). They were a force to be reckoned with in Southeast Asian countries. And that was the KMT army that was crushed by our own troops. This is the overwhelming power of a major power over its neighboring smaller countries.

Laos is a completely landlocked country with no ports. It is right next to Vietnam and further down is the even poorer Cambodia. For a time, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand were forced to band together for mutual support because of Vietnam. As for Vietnam, it is just a disgusting ingrate to us. If we really fought, we could easily crush it.

With the world situation reshaped, and Xinhua suddenly seeming to be experiencing a period of great upheaval reminiscent of the Han and Tang dynasties, how do you think Southeast Asian countries feel about this?

For an ambitious country like Vietnam, this is quite difficult, but for a country like Laos, it's much easier. After all, they're both clinging to a powerful figure and begging for food anyway. A reliable big brother is safer. At least being Xinhua's little brother is safer than being America's dog.

Driven by this sentiment, Laos became the first to take the plunge.

Xinhua warmly received the Lao delegation, signaling the beginning of a new era for Laos.

That's right. Qin Shan has arranged nearly 50,000 players in Laos. It's time to give this country a new lease on life, to make it a model, and to let the world see how powerful the reborn Laos is.

Any country that is willing to return to the sphere of Greater China's civilization can prosper and flourish.

As for the turmoil that occurred during this process, it is just a minor issue in the course of history, and the Lao people in the new era will be grateful for the decisions made by their new government.

On December 7, 1994, in southern Laos, a warlord conflict broke out. The local armed forces seemed to have been given a cheat code, easily crushing the resistance of other tribes and families and wiping out the local landlords and families.

Soon, the Bounxay family in Laos seemed to have undergone a complete transformation (which it was indeed), and began to carry out a thorough land revolution and national reform throughout Laos. They also ruthlessly purged the vested interests of the old era and strengthened central authority. In this process, players fully intervened in Lao government departments, forming a comprehensive administrative system from the grassroots to the central government, ensuring that the newly established Lao government's orders were effectively implemented.

Because the whole process took only a week, by the time the US received the news, everything was over. Their vested interests in Laos had been completely purged, and before the Bounxay family could take action, the players had already transferred Lao capital to the US through various channels. By the time the US discovered the problem, the situation was already 0-7.

Mei Lianzong was bewildered. He simply couldn't imagine how Laos had suddenly become so powerful. After much thought, he firmly believed that this was a conspiracy by Xinhua.

Xinhua, however, responded nonchalantly, asking, "Where's the evidence? Where is the evidence?"

In Laos, the Boun Oum family, which had been replaced by players, also protested to the United States on behalf of the Myanmar government.

The grounds for our protest are very valid. We have arrested so many American spies and NGO members who are engaged in subversive activities against our country and have colluded with many people in secret. The evidence we have collected could fill a truck. The US government must provide an explanation, or Laos will sever diplomatic relations with you!

Just as 1995 was approaching, Laos suddenly jumped up and gave the United States a piece of its mind, shocking the world and leaving everyone saying that this was a truly dramatic turn of events.

After a brief silence, the US government erupted in fury.

Section 19: This is the joy of the strong.

If a person is bitten by a tiger, he certainly won't fight back. But if he's startled by a mouse, he definitely won't.

I have to crush him, otherwise my thoughts won't be clear.

Laos told the US that it was that rat, a particularly inconspicuous rat.

Honestly, the fact that small countries bordering a large country can be bought off is largely due to the influence of that large country.

A very hurtful fact is that the reason the United States is so concerned about Asia is because there is a Xinhua here, and a thriving Xinhua at that. If you replace it with India, they won't be worried. They might even be happy to sell you weapons, as many as you want, since India can't manufacture them anyway.

So when Laos publicly slapped the US in the face, Milianzong was so angry that he smashed a cup in his office.

To him, what right did a small, impoverished Asian country, with its yellow-skinned people, have to speak loudly with the United States?

Punishment is necessary; it must be severe!

Thus, benefiting the US government, the US carrier strike group began to advance towards Southeast Asia, and only after carefully avoiding Xinhua's South China Sea did it cautiously approach Cambodia.

Wait a minute, Cambodia?

Yes, don't forget, Laos is a completely landlocked country. Its maritime trade relies on other countries' ports, which is why we have the current situation. After all, US aircraft carriers can't sail on land, let alone fly, so they can only threaten Cambodia to prevent Laos from using their ports.

As for Vietnam, due to historical reasons, American soldiers are not very willing to provoke this country, even though in reality, Xinhua, the country behind Vietnam, is wrestling with them. That land is indeed a place of sorrow for American soldiers.

Moreover, strictly speaking, Vietnam is not an enemy of the United States, especially after this ingrate was taught a lesson by Xinhua.

Xinhua's current assistance to Laos is seen as a threat to Vietnam, which is why their policies are starting to waver.

It's not surprising. For small countries, switching sides is a necessity for their survival. As long as you do it well, Xinhua won't mind such a small matter. But if you switch wrong and insist on proving that you are more powerful, or even collude with Xinhua's enemies and clearly take sides, then don't blame Xinhua for telling you who is the boss here.

Qin Shan will abide by the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, but the players will not, especially those with Han chauvinistic tendencies; some even want to build a Jingguan (a mound of corpses).

Yes, Han supremacist ideology is extremely incorrect in modern times, but it must be admitted that such players are very useful. Let them wreak havoc on other countries. These players have almost no psychological burden. When needed, all you have to do is carry out a symbolic reckoning with these players. After all, everyone is a law-abiding citizen in their home country. Their dissatisfaction and anger are vented on enemies in other worlds, which can be considered as promoting social harmony.

The current president of Vietnam is Le Duc Anh, the fifth president of Vietnam, who passed away in 2019.

Qin Shan had no particular opinion about this person, because his achievements and fame were mediocre, and he was merely known as "a former president of Vietnam." However, regarding the South China Sea issue, he firmly supported the legitimacy of the islands and reefs controlled by his country. At that time, due to the issue of national strength, my country did not engage in a full-scale conflict with Vietnam.

But things are different now. Qin Shan will send players to the countries that have occupied the islands and reefs in the South China Sea one by one, turning these places into chaotic zones. Even if the United States wants to control these countries, it will have to pay a huge price. In this way, the surrounding situation can gradually move closer to Xinhua amidst the chaos.

As for Vietnam's attitude, that was never important from the beginning.

"What's the point of us being here? Laos doesn't have a port."

"This is what those old men in Congress want; we must show America's presence here."

"The problem is that Laos doesn't care about us at all, and Cambodia lets us do whatever we want."

"According to the latest news, Xinhua has opened their Hainan port to Laos."

"So we're just a bunch of idiots here."

The American second-class people are very dissatisfied with the current situation. For them, fighting Xinhua is not worthwhile because Xinhua is the type of organization that will rush in and fight to the death if someone dies. American soldiers prefer to bully the weak or to acquire $90,000 worth of nuts by cultivating enemies to enhance their own power, rather than actually fighting to the death.

Do you think it's glorious to die fighting? The US government doesn't care at all. Many American soldiers die without receiving compensation. People should cherish their lives.

Moreover, the US doesn't even dare to go to the South China Sea now; isn't that a clear and unambiguous signal?

If you really want to intimidate Xinhua, go block their ports, especially the Hainan Port which is open to Laos. What's the point of letting it circulate in Cambodia? Do you want the American people to think that America is still very powerful?

Oh, Xinhua doesn't think the United States is very powerful, because the United States really can't afford to mess with Xinhua.

The value of "Yes, Prime Minister" is still increasing.

The US government and the US Navy are frantically promoting their freedom of navigation victory domestically. As for the fact that the freedom of navigation completely bypassed the area defined by Xinhua and carefully went to Cambodia, there is no need to explain it to the American people. Anyway, given the American model of happy education, there are plenty of people who point at the US and say Australia. Expecting these people to know where Laos is, it would be good enough if they could correctly identify where Asia is.

Anyway, America won, won big, won to the point of exhaustion. It's enough for the public to know this; knowing too much might actually make them unhappy.

My great America has been promoting happy education for so many years, do you think it's been easy for me?

Of course, the United States did try; they sent fighter jets to Laos, and one of them collided with a Lao fifth-generation fighter jet.

It's actually a J-20; the Xinhua pilots just changed their skin and became local Laotians.

They're local Lao pilots, so what's the problem? The Lao government acknowledges it!

Not only the aircraft, but also the radar station and anti-aircraft missiles, were staffed by Lao soldiers disguised as PLA soldiers, all with complete identification. As for why they were speaking in Chinese, that's another story.

That's something your US military should worry about.