37: Chapter 37 A New Order on the Ruins, A Tea Party with a Tycoon

The fall of the Four Great Families was like a super earthquake, collapsing the old order in Northern Myanmar and waking up countless people who were pretending to sleep.

Dawn Base (formerly Feifan Park) had now become the power center of the entire Kokang region. Every day, countless convoys moved in and out—those were the supplies arriving from the Dragon Kingdom. Every day, envoys from various factions queued at the gate, filled with awe and trepidation, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious "Master."

Zhang Cheng was not in a hurry to declare himself king or emperor. He knew very well that conquering a territory was easy, but holding it was difficult.

The Command Center had been upgraded to the "North Myanmar Joint Autonomous Region Preparatory Committee."

Li Lanzhi was working herself to the bone. She had been officially appointed as "Chief of Civil Affairs." This once delicate female white-collar worker now wore sharp professional attire, walked with purpose, and held the purse strings and grain supplies of the entire controlled area.

"Food! We need more food! There are too many refugees here; if we don't solve the hunger problem, it will lead to chaos!" Li Lanzhi shouted at the buyer on the other end of the phone, having completely abandoned her previous ladylike image.

Under her guidance, the rudimentary machinery of the regime began to mesh and operate like gears.

With Dawn Base as the core, the controlled area was divided into several administrative zones. Ruins were cleared, and roads were repaired. Engineering machinery aided by the Dragon Kingdom rumbled into the villages, building roads, bridges, and power grids. Small hydroelectric power stations began to operate, and the long-awaited electric lights illuminated the nights in the remote mountain areas.

Medical teams went deep into every village to distribute medicine and treat the sick and injured. Schools were also placed on the reconstruction agenda, and the sound of children reading aloud began to replace the sound of gunfire.

Zhang Cheng knew clearly that relying solely on violence and fear could not last long. To sit firmly in this position, he had to let the common people live a good life.

"Take half of the money confiscated from the Four Great Families and establish a 'Reconstruction Fund'," Zhang Cheng said to Li Lanzhi. "Taken from the people, used for the people. I want the people here to know that following me, Zhang Cheng, means having food to eat, clothes to wear, and dignity."

Meanwhile, the "Grim Reaper" legion led by Old K had become the military cornerstone of the new regime.

Through continuous point redemption and the absorption of surrendered personnel who had undergone strict screening and had clean backgrounds, the legion's size had stabilized at around three thousand. They were all equipped with uniform black combat uniforms, advanced gear, and strict discipline.

They were responsible not only for external defense but also for internal security and stability. Those once-rampant soldier-thugs and hooligans now scrambled to take detours whenever they saw the black military uniforms.

However, Zhang Cheng was not the only player in the chess game of Northern Myanmar.

On this day, a special guest visited Dawn Base.

The visitor arrived in a convoy flying the flag of the "Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army" (MNDAA). That was the force of Peng Deren, and also an old, formidable force in Northern Myanmar that could not be ignored.

The special envoy was named Kunsa, a middle-aged officer with dark skin and a steady gaze.

In the reception room, the tea fragrance curled in the air.

Zhang Cheng sat in the main seat, wearing a military uniform without rank, yet exuding an aura of authority that commanded respect without anger. Old K stood behind him like a shadow, his hand never leaving the grip of his gun.

Kunsa sat opposite him, his posture neither humble nor arrogant, but his eyes hid a trace of deep wariness.

"I have long admired the 'Master's' reputation. Seeing you today, you are truly a hero among the youth." Kunsa spoke in fluent Chinese with a Yunnan accent. "On behalf of Chairman Peng Deren and all the officers and soldiers of the Alliance Army, I extend my greetings to you. Congratulations on successfully eradicating the Four Great Families, that tumor."

"Chairman Peng is too polite." Zhang Cheng picked up his teacup, gently blowing away the foam, his tone indifferent. "The Four Great Families brought about their own destruction through their countless acts of injustice; I merely gave them a push. I wonder, what advice does Mr. Kunsa have for me today?"

Kunsa's expression turned serious, and he set down his teacup: "I wouldn't dare offer advice. We have noticed that after you, 'Master,' took control of Kokang, you did not engage in extortion like other warlords. On the contrary, you have dedicated yourself to restoring order and soothing the public, especially with your zero-tolerance attitude toward cyber-scamming and drugs. This coincides with the long-standing philosophy of our Alliance Army in many ways."

He paused, observed Zhang Cheng's expression, and continued: "Today, the situation in Northern Myanmar remains complex. Those people in Naypyidaw may not dare to move for now, but that is because they were hurt. Once they recover, they will definitely counterattack. External forces, especially the Americans, are also eyeing us covetously. Our Chairman Peng believes that rather than fighting separately or even harboring mutual suspicion, it is better to join hands and cooperate."

"Cooperate?" Zhang Cheng raised his eyebrows slightly, a playful smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "How exactly do you propose we cooperate?"

"We can start with intelligence sharing." Kunsa was clearly prepared and threw out some solid bargaining chips. "We have been operating in Northern Myanmar for many years and possess a deep intelligence network, especially in border areas and ethnic minority regions, where we have many informants. We can provide you with top-secret intelligence regarding the remaining cyber-scam forces, other disobedient local armed groups, and... the movements of certain foreign forces."

"And in return?" Zhang Cheng asked directly, not liking to beat around the bush.

"We hope that you will recognize the Alliance Army's legitimate presence and scope of activity outside the First Special Region (Kokang). And..." Kunsa glanced at Zhang Cheng and said with some hesitation, "We have heard that you possess a batch of... very sophisticated equipment. If possible, we hope to have some... limited exchanges of weapons and ammunition."

Zhang Cheng understood perfectly. Peng Deren had his eye on his equipment and also wanted to borrow his influence to consolidate his own territory.

He was silent for a moment, his fingers tapping gently on the table.

Cooperating with the Alliance Army had more pros than cons. It could reduce a potential opponent and leverage their intelligence network to clear out remnants and stabilize the rear more quickly.

"That is acceptable." Zhang Cheng finally nodded. "Intelligence sharing and mutual recognition of spheres of influence are all things we can discuss. As for weapons and equipment..."

He watched the joy flash in Kunsa's eyes, his tone suddenly becoming serious: "I can support you with a batch of weapons and can even help you train your troops. But I have one prerequisite."

"Please, go ahead." Kunsa sat up straight.

"Within my controlled area, no form of drug production, trafficking, or cyber-scamming is allowed. This is an iron law!" Zhang Cheng's gaze was like a blade, piercing Kunsa. "Likewise, if we are to cooperate, I also hope to see the same changes within the Alliance Army's controlled area. I do not want my allies to be holding my guns while secretly engaging in activities that harm the people."

Kunsa's expression turned solemn, and he nodded emphatically. "On this point, please rest assured, Master. We in the Alliance Army are irreconcilable with drugs and are also deeply disgusted by cyber-scamming. Our goal is to build a clear and peaceful Northern Myanmar, not a criminal paradise."

"Very good." Zhang Cheng stood up and extended his hand. "Then I wish us... a happy cooperation."

"Happy cooperation!"

The two hands gripped each other tightly.

After sending Kunsa away, Zhang Cheng walked to the map, looking at the trend of the Alliance Army's controlled area gradually connecting with his own, his eyes flashing with the light of ambition.

"Old K."

"Yes."

"It seems we have added another piece to our puzzle." Zhang Cheng pointed to the area further south on the map—Wa State. "The next target should be that self-righteous Bao Youxiang."

"Also," Zhang Cheng turned and looked north, "tell the Dragon Kingdom side that we can start talking... about the specific matters of security cooperation for the 'China-Myanmar Economic Corridor'. I think they will be interested in this proposal."