Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 361 The tragedy of Japan

After dinner, Lin Yan put Xiao Qi to sleep and then strolled into the study alone.

Only a desk lamp was lit in the room, casting a dim, yellowish glow on the desk. The huge world map on the wall lay silently in the shadows. His gaze slowly swept across it, finally settling on the region of islands in Southeast Asia—Indonesia, East Malaysia, Brunei… like a loose chain fastened on the sea.

After watching for a while, a thought began to stir in his mind.

"Wang Qin".

No more than two breaths after he finished speaking, Wang Qin was already standing in front of him with his hands at his sides.

Lin Yan's gaze fell on the map. "Go to the sect and find a few people skilled in soul cultivation techniques."

"Yes, young master."

Wang Qin's figure vanished like smoke. About two minutes later, Lin Yan received a message in his mind. With a thought, six figures appeared in the study.

Wang Qin led the way, followed by five others, all of whom maintained a calm demeanor and composed gazes. However, a chilling aura, unique to those who had long practiced the secret arts of the soul, lingered around them, a mark that caused a slight unease in the heart.

Lin Yan didn't beat around the bush; he raised his hand and pointed to the archipelago on the map.

"Wang Qin, take them here." His finger slowly traced the outline of Indonesia, then pointed to East Malaysia and Brunei. "No matter what method you use—hypnosis, guidance, or anything else... In short, I want to see the Muslims on this land either move away or lose their faith within five years."

"It's not just people, but also all the regimes, factions, and armed groups in this region—everywhere that can issue orders—must be under our control. Understand?"

Wang Qin remained expressionless, only bowing deeply: "Understood, young master."

The five cultivators behind him also bowed at the same time.

The study returned to silence, leaving only Lin Yan, who stared at the region on the map that was about to undergo dramatic changes, his gaze deep and unfathomable, lost in thought.

Alexander

"Young master, what are your orders?"

Lin Yan chuckled and touched his chin.

"I remember the deployment of military equipment in the waters off Japan is about to expire. What has the US been up to these past five years? What is the current state of Japan?"

Alexander immediately put down his cigar, sat up straight, and replied respectfully with his spiritual sense: "Young Master, the situation is basically within our initial expectations, but the investment from the United States and the dire situation in Japan are still somewhat beyond our expectations."

"Be more specific."

"Yes. Let's talk about the US's actions first. The core of it all boils down to one word: transport. They're using transport planes in the Pacific like taxis. Our monitoring data shows that at peak times, strategic airlifts taking off from Kadena Air Base in Okinawa and Andersen Air Force Base in Guam saw a fully loaded C-141 or C-5 landing in Japan almost every ten minutes. Internally, they call this 'Operation Long Bridge.'"

Lin Yan asked curiously, "What were you transporting in?"

"The first two years were mainly about life-saving supplies. Thousands of tons of compressed biscuits, flour, medical kits, and vaccines. Fuel was strictly rationed, prioritizing aircraft and basic power generation. Later, some coal for power generation was shipped, along with basic raw materials like steel ingots and cement needed to rebuild the minimum number of factories. High-end equipment and technical data were also provided, but in small quantities, and all were secondhand goods that the United States had rigorously screened to ensure that Japan would not regain capabilities it 'shouldn't have.'"

"If we relied solely on luck, society would have been in chaos long ago."

"That's right."

"Therefore, the United States quickly established a de facto military control system. An organization called the 'US-Japan Joint Distribution Committee' controlled all the distribution of supplies, and all distribution stations, from Tokyo to the countryside, were guarded by the US military. Key positions in Japanese ports, railways, power plants, and telephone exchanges were filled by Americans. The original government officials were basically left with only the functions of running errands and appeasing the public."

"How is things in Japan right now?"

Alexander paused. "It's very bad. Although the starvation was contained by the powerful airlift from the United States, the widespread chronic malnutrition and rising mortality rates from common diseases due to drug shortages were unavoidable. Society regressed to a rationing system, black market prices were outrageously high, but the crackdown was extremely severe. In order to achieve 'food self-sufficiency,' places like Ueno Park in Tokyo and Osaka Castle Park were turned into vegetable gardens. The memories of a generation of young people growing up are of queuing for rations and military control; national sentiment... is very complex; they both hate and cannot live without the United States."

Lin Yan asked with a smile, "What about the US itself? With all this financial support, is there no voice domestically?"

Alexander's tone carried a hint of mockery: "How could there not be?"

"In the past five years, to maintain this 'air lifeline,' direct US military spending has skyrocketed. Domestic media estimates suggest that the money spent is enough to wage another medium-sized war. Congress is constantly embroiled in arguments, and taxpayer protest letters are flooding the White House. 'Why should our children go hungry to feed the Japanese?' 'Has Japan become a burden we can't shake off?' These kinds of arguments are very popular. In last year's midterm elections, several members of Congress who strongly supported continued aid to Japan lost their seats. The White House and the Pentagon are under immense pressure."

Lin Yan paused for a moment: "The Soviet Union and the surrounding areas haven't made any moves?"

"The Soviet Union certainly wouldn't let this opportunity pass. Their propaganda machine constantly denounced the United States for turning Japan into a 'colony.' They also tried to use special small aircraft or submarines to approach the edge of Japan, hoping to drop leaflets or establish contact, but these attempts were indiscriminately blocked by the US military and never succeeded. Neighboring countries... were mainly on guard and observing."

Lin Yan slowly opened his eyes and looked at the Hong Kong night view outside the window: "In other words, the United States spent a lot of money to save a Japan that was half dead, completely obedient, but full of resentment and also caused great damage to the United States itself."

"Yes, young master. That's how it can be summarized. Japan is now a body whose soul has been drained and is being sustained by external means."

Lin Yan tapped his fingers on the armrest: "Once the formation is dispelled and the sea route reopens, the first thing this body will do is to eat like crazy. The first thing the United States will do is to quickly stuff this expensive bill back into Japan's hands, while tightening the reins around its neck even more."

"Logically, this is the case. Japan needs to import everything, but its ability to pay is built on decades of tax revenue and sovereign mortgages. The US needs to consolidate its control while simultaneously proving to its domestic audience that this investment is 'worth it.'"

Lin Yan's lips twitched slightly: "Alright. Then let's integrate this 'feeding' process even more closely with our 'Lin family' business. Alexander, you can start preparing. The day the sea route opens will be the day our fleet and trade agreements arrive. Also, continue to lobby Wall Street and Washington, emphasizing the 'huge risks' and 'bottomless costs' of Japan's reconstruction, making the US eager to get rid of the burden... even more eager."

Alexander's spirits lifted: "Understood, young master. I'll make the arrangements immediately."