Chapter 1311 I am also from Tang Dynasty (second update, please subscribe)
As night falls, neon lights decorate the streets of this bustling city like stars. The constant flow of traffic, the surging crowds, and the bustling city will always make people wander around, and of course it will also make people think about it.
Under the dazzling neon lights, Masco, the president of the Philippine Senate who just took office a few months ago, is walking in this bustling city.
Tall buildings stand on both sides, and the windows are filled with light. Every ray of light shows off the prosperity here, sparkling with desires and dreams. The hustle and bustle of traffic and the aroma of distant food stalls can be heard in your ears, making people slow down involuntarily.
This melody of prosperity and hustle and bustle is enviable and desirable.
Once upon a time, Masco thought that one day, Manila would look like this. At least after the war, when the Philippines officially became independent and he served as President Roxas’s secretary, he thought that Manila would be the next New York and the next Paris.
At that time, Chang'an was as unknown to the world as Nanyang. As for Zamboanga, it was just a small place in Mindanao, a local self-government authority that "split" from the Philippines on the basis of "wartime autonomy."
However, with the assistance of the United States, the work of rebuilding Manila went very quickly. Most of the damaged buildings were demolished, and buildings rose from the ruins. At that time, Manila was the most modern city in Asia. city.
But what about now?
Although the streets in Manila are equally clean and beautiful, although there are also many high-rise buildings in Manila, the nights there are also bright and lively.
But now, sixteen years later, what was once a small place has developed into an international city that is far more prosperous than Manila.
“Zamboanga is your capital!”
Masco remembers that an American once asked him this when he visited the United States.
Faced with the Americans’ inquiries, Masco’s inner emotions were complicated.
After all, Manila is the capital of the Philippines, and as for Zamboanga... it is the capital of the autonomous region.
However, for many Americans now, they know Zamboanga better. To them, Zamboanga is the Philippines.
Well, at least Americans still think this is Philippine territory!
I don’t know how long I walked from the bustling city center to a residential area. Stopping, Masco’s eyes were attracted by a house on the roadside. Through the window, I saw the people behind the window. The curtains swayed gently in the night breeze. The adults and children of that family were sitting in the living room, gathered in front of the TV, and watched TV there.
What’s on TV?
It should be the recently popular "Family".
Although this TV series is in Chinese, it is also very popular in Manila - in fact, Filipinos all watch Nanyang TV shows. The story does not have any particularly ups and downs. It is basically a story about the daily lives of ordinary people. However, the stories surrounding these two families truly reflect the kind of life in Nanyang - a social atmosphere in which the economy is booming and everyone strives to pursue a better life. .
The kind of joy that makes people feel full of hope and welcome a better life after watching it is enviable and longing for.
Countless Filipinos also long to live like them. Even if it means living like Man of Mindan!
In fact, Mindanao’s economy is far from being as prosperous as it appears on the surface. As a politician, Masco knows very well that Mindanao’s economic aggregate far exceeds that of the Philippines - as an offshore Financial center, where a large amount of money flows in every day.
In Mindanao, the main component of GDP is income from finance and trade, most of which have nothing to do with ordinary people.
But this does not mean that the quality of life of people in Medan is not good. In fact, thanks to the development of the financial industry and sufficient financial support, the industry and commerce here have also been fully developed, and people's income has also continued to increase. Last year The per capita annual income here has already reached US$390, and it will definitely be no problem to exceed US$400 this year.
In terms of per capita income, Mindanao has even become second only to Nanyang in Asia!
This is certainly enviable, but it is far from comparable to Nanyang. After all, there are less than 3 million people here.
I couldn't help but stop on the roadside and look at the people in the window through the window.
At this moment, a voice sounded in my ear, and the voice was a bit harsh:
"Sir, how can I help you?"
Turning around, what came into view were two military police officers, and two female police officers, with M1 carbines slung on their waists.
This is the characteristic of Mindanao - it is an area where all people serve. Like Surabaya in Indonesia, both men and women must perform military service, but only for Tang people.
It is said that it is for the sake of regional security. In fact, all of them are very clear that force is the fundamental prerequisite for them to maintain "factual independence."
Masco quickly said in Mandarin with a Cantonese accent:
"Sorry, officer, I was just thinking about something and got a little distracted."
"Tangren?"
The female police officer was confused, but still asked him to show his ID card.
“This is my passport.”
Masco quickly took out his passport - although Mindanao is the territory of the Philippines, Filipinos need a pass to come here. As the Speaker of the Senate, he holds an official passport and does not need a pass.
After checking the other party’s ID and confirming that it was him, the female police officer reminded:
“Sir, this is a residential area. Strangers staying for a long time may cause misunderstandings. If nothing is wrong, please leave as soon as possible. Here."
Although the police officer's words were polite, there was an unquestionable tone in his tone. He was ordering him to leave.
“Okay, let’s trouble the police officers.”
After being reminded, Masco left the residential area. When leaving, he took another look at the two A female police officer.
People here are always wary of non-Tang people. What is the source of their wariness?
Because they are outsiders, they know very well that just like their national service, it is only limited to Tang people, and its purpose is to protect themselves.
This is another side of Mindanao!
“Are many Filipinos still eager to be like them and get a pink ID card like those people?”
Going to Mindanao and getting a pink ID card is the dream of many Filipinos ! This is because ID cards in Mindanao come in three colors: yellow, pink and light green; the three colors represent different classes, distinguishing between Tang people, indigenous Catholics and indigenous Tianfang believers.
But in fact, this is a kind of inequality. This inequality is also reflected in the economy. The people with the highest income here must be the Tang people!
"Tang people..."
Masco muttered this word and frowned. He is also of Tang descent, and his mother is half of Tang descent. In this way, he spoke fluent Cantonese.
But on the other hand, as a politician, Masco is very aware that the Philippines is being "tangified" bit by bit.
"People from the Tang Dynasty, maybe one day, Filipinos will become Tang people like those with pink ID cards..."
Can people with pink ID cards become Tang people?
Masco didn’t know, but he had been to the apartments where those people lived, where those Filipinos who came here from Luzon and other places to make a living, they lived like Tang people, they said Speaking "Mandarin", watching Mandarin TV programs, eating Chinese food, even eating with chopsticks.
Can they become Tang people?
Change the pink ID card into a yellow ID card?
On the streets of Manila, Masco had no answer in his heart, and no one knew what the answer to this question was.
Masco doesn’t even know why this problem arises.
“I am also from the Tang Dynasty...”
In fact, Masco’s purpose of coming here is very simple. He hopes to get the support of Mindanao. After all, he has Tang descent. He will run for president in the future.
If we can win the support of Mindanao, we will get twice the result with half the effort!
"In the future, it is not impossible to join the Datong Party..."
Thinking in his heart, Masco nodded slightly and resolutely made a decision in his heart - in order to gain the support of Mindanao , you can take your mother's surname, thus showing your Tang identity.
Actually, this is instinct. The reason why Masco decided to flaunt his Tang descent is entirely because Nanyang is developed enough. Even Mindanao has left the Philippines far behind in all aspects such as economy. behind.
After making this decision in his heart, Masco hesitated again.
After all, the Philippines has not yet become Tang Chinese. If you change your mother's surname and flaunt your Tang ancestry, will there be resistance from some Filipinos?
When thinking about this issue, Masco couldn't help but worry about gains and losses. After all, as a politician, interests always come first.
Ten minutes later, Masco returned to the hotel. As soon as he entered the room, he saw the lady who was trying on shoes in the mirror.
He was a beauty pageant champion and had "Tucker" Imelda of "Roses de Loban" loves shoes the most, and of course, there are all kinds of jewelry. The latter can't be bought yet. Now, she has just realized the freedom to buy shoes.
"Dear, do you think my shoes are beautiful?"
Imelda emphasized specifically:
"It only cost a few dozen dollars, much cheaper than in Manila, and it's the latest model..."
Imelda, who was showing off her new shoes to her husband, saw a look on Masco's face. With a hint of sadness, he asked:
"What's wrong? Are you worried?"
"It's still the same thing. You know, five years ago, the Datong Party entered Manila and Mindanao. The influence on Philippine politics continues to deepen..."
Although it is a political matter, Masco is willing to listen to his wife's opinions. In fact, in many cases, Imelda is his Half political consultant.
"...So, now, this question bothers me. Should I show favor to Zhao Chenggang and the others in this way?"
"Change the name?"
Imelda asked:
"Is this necessary now? When it comes to blood, I also have Tang descent. I can also speak Mandarin. However, there is no need to show goodwill in this way now. You are the Speaker. There are ways to show goodwill. Many, for example, require schools to offer Chinese courses”
“Offer Chinese courses?”
Masco was stunned by his wife's words and asked in confusion:
"Why?"
Imelda rolled her eyes and said:
"Because Filipinos Learning English is completely meaningless, and they cannot go to the United States to work. Why should English be taught in schools? But they can apply for labor certificates and work as laborers in Mindanao or Nanyang. They can make money by learning Chinese. , instead of letting them go to various training classes, it is better to open classes directly in schools. In this way, your proposal can not only win the praise of the people and win their support, but also can also attract Zhao Chenggang and the people of Mindanao. Showing your kindness, isn’t this better than changing your name?”
His wife’s analysis made Masco’s eyes light up, and he praised him repeatedly:
"Haha, dear, you are really my female Zhuge. This method is simply great. By the way, when the time comes, we can also add Chinese to the official language. In this way, I will definitely win over them. Support! ”
With the support of Mindanao, what can we achieve?
Money!
Mindanao is rich!
While feeling excited, Masco looked at Imelda and said:
"Without further ado, we will return to Manila tomorrow. Such a good idea cannot be snatched away by others."
Taking a look at the new shoes on his wife's feet, Masco was afraid that his wife would be unhappy. Specifically added:
"When I return to Manila, I will buy you a new piece of jewelry. Next time, next time we come to Zamboanga, we will spend more time."
Facing the candy thrown by her husband, Imelda felt a little regretful, but she also knew what was more important now, so she nodded and said:
"Okay, let's go back to Manila first..."< br>
(End of this chapter)