168: Chapter 168 Change of Control of the Presidential Palace, Enraging the White House

"Take photos and issue a notice," Zhang Cheng said. "Inform the whole world: Min Aung Hlaing's regime has been overthrown, and Myanmar has entered a new era. At the same time, announce a ceasefire within three hours. As long as any Myanmar Army units lay down their weapons, their personal safety will be guaranteed. For those who resist, the consequences will be on their own heads."

The orders were quickly relayed. Drones equipped with loudspeakers circled over the city, repeatedly broadcasting the ceasefire notice and surrender conditions in Burmese. News was released simultaneously through television, radio, the internet, and all other channels.

The effect was immediate.

The Myanmar Army units still putting up sporadic resistance completely lost their will to fight upon hearing that their commander had been captured and the Presidential Palace had changed hands. Entire units emerged from their hiding places, laid down their arms, and lined up to be processed.

By 10:00 AM, the gunfire in Naypyidaw had basically ceased.

Zhang Cheng sat in the office that originally belonged to Min Aung Hlaing, with a pile of documents awaiting processing in front of him. The first was a battle report—

"The Battle of Naypyidaw has ended. Our casualties: 387 killed in action, over 1,200 wounded. Captured 52,000 Myanmar Army officers and soldiers, seized 42 tanks, over 200 artillery pieces, and countless small arms. Civilian casualties are estimated between 500 and 800; full medical efforts are underway."

The cost was smaller than expected. This was thanks to the precise decapitation strikes by 'Shadow Blade' and the surrender tactics of the frontline troops, which avoided a brutal urban street war.

The second document was a briefing on international reactions—

"Dragon Country: A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stated they are 'closely monitoring the development of the situation in Myanmar and hope all parties exercise restraint to restore peace and stability as soon as possible.' However, privately, Zhao Gang sent a congratulatory telegram."

"USA: The White House issued a statement condemning the 'illegal overthrow of a democratically elected government by force,' announced sanctions against Zhang Cheng and the North Myanmar Joint Autonomous Region, and called for United Nations intervention."

"Russia: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated they 'respect the choice of the Myanmar people' and are willing to 'develop friendly relations' with the new regime."

"United Nations: In an emergency UN Security Council meeting, the USA submitted a draft resolution for sanctions, but Dragon Country and Russia expressed opposition, leading to a stalemate."

A typical international reaction. Zhang Cheng smiled and continued reading.

The third document was the most important—a summary of Min Aung Hlaing's interrogation.

Night Owl had personally conducted the interrogation, using some 'special methods' to dig up a lot of explosive information: Min Aung Hlaing had over three billion US dollars in secret overseas assets; he was in collusion with multiple transnational criminal groups; and there were even records of benefit transfers with certain politicians in the USA...

"Organize this information well," Zhang Cheng said to Old K. "Release what should be public, and keep what should be used as leverage. Especially regarding the USA—next time their Leader insults me on Twitter, I'll post them one by one."

"Understood."

After handling these matters, Zhang Cheng walked to the window. From here, he could overlook most of Naypyidaw. The city was still smoking, and armored vehicles were still patrolling the streets, but order was being restored. Civilians cautiously stepped out of their homes; seeing the new flag flying, some were curious, some were fearful, and some... vaguely carried a sense of expectation.

For twenty years, Min Aung Hlaing's corrupt rule had left this country riddled with holes. Now that a new master had arrived, would it be better? No one knew.

But Zhang Cheng knew that he at least had to let these people see hope.

"Notify the senior officers of all departments that there will be a meeting at 2:00 PM. We need to discuss three things: first, the reorganization of the captured troops to form a new Defense Forces; second, the restoration of basic livelihoods in Naypyidaw, including food, water, and medical care; and third..."

He paused: "Prepare to head south. Yangon still has remnants of Min Aung Hlaing's forces, and the southern provinces have not yet submitted. The war of unification is only half complete."

"What about the threat from the USA?" Zhao Yuxun asked.

"They need time to mobilize troops, at least a week." Zhang Cheng turned around, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. "And within this week, we must take Yangon, control the south, and achieve de facto unification. By then, with a hundred thousand troops in hand and a complete state machine running, the USA will have to think twice if they want to intervene."

It was a race.

A race between unification and division, a race between birth and strangulation.

Zhang Cheng walked to his desk and pressed the internal communication button: "Have Li Lanzhi come see me. Also, bring Min Aung Hlaing up—I want to personally meet this former 'Senior General'."

Five minutes later, Min Aung Hlaing, in handcuffs and shackles, was brought in. Overnight, he seemed to have aged twenty years; his hair was completely white, and his back was hunched.

"Sit." Zhang Cheng pointed to the chair opposite him.

Min Aung Hlaing didn't sit; he just stared fixedly at Zhang Cheng. "Retribution will come for you. The USA won't let you off, the international community won't recognize you, and the people of this country... will overthrow you sooner or later."

"Perhaps," Zhang Cheng said calmly. "But at least for now, I've won and you've lost. Furthermore, I will use your money—that three billion dollars—to rebuild this country. I will use the evidence of your collusion with criminal groups to clean up corruption. I'll use you as a negative example to tell everyone: the old era is over."

Min Aung Hlaing trembled all over but was speechless.

"Take him away and keep a close watch on him," Zhang Cheng waved his hand. "In the future, there will be a public trial, and he will admit his crimes in front of the people of the whole country."

The guards led Min Aung Hlaing away. Quiet returned to the office.

Zhang Cheng sat back in his chair and closed his eyes. From an electronics factory worker to the de facto controller of Myanmar, this path had taken less than a year. With the system's help, the loyalty of the Death Soldiers, and technological suppression, every step had still been paved with blood and fire.

And now, the even more difficult challenge had only just begun.

Governing a country is ten times harder than fighting a war.

But at least at this moment, he could take a short breather.

The sunlight outside the window was pleasant, and the new flag fluttered in the wind.

One era had ended, and another had begun.

Washington, 10:00 AM (10:00 PM Myanmar time), the White House Situation Room.

The atmosphere was so heavy it felt like it could drip water. Seven or eight people sat around the oval table: Leader Jin, Secretary of Defense Esper, Secretary of State Pompeo, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Milley, CIA Director Haspell, National Security Advisor O'Brien, and Lieutenant General Miller, who had just flown back from Thailand.

In front of everyone lay a freshly printed briefing with a glaring headline: "Naypyidaw Falls, Min Aung Hlaing Captured, Zhang Cheng Controls Myanmar Capital".

"So—" Leader Jin broke the silence, his voice sounding like sandpaper rubbing against metal, "our 'steadfast ally' Min Aung Hlaing didn't even last three days. And our great USA military, after being beaten into a pathetic state at Meiktila, is now huddled in Thailand, afraid to move. Is this the 'maintenance of regional stability' you all guaranteed me? Hmm?"

No one dared to respond.

Lieutenant General Miller lowered his head, his shoulders trembling slightly. The defeat at Meiktila was a stain on his military career that might never be washed away.