Chapter 408: The Collision of Warships, Fighter Jets, and Natives
****
---
**Sultan's Forces**
The Sultan of Johor's forces numbered just over two thousand—more akin to a military police than a traditional army. Malaya, being a British colony, had its military under British jurisdiction, and large native armed forces were prohibited to prevent rebellion. Johor's military lacked a navy or air force, consisting solely of infantry and a few mechanized trucks.
---
**Operation Begins**
At this moment, a 'Fletcher-class' destroyer and a 'Ladero-class' destroyer had taken positions on either side of the strait, controlling it with unwavering authority. Johor Bahru, located on the strait's shore, had residents who could clearly see the gun barrels of the battleships but assumed them to be British.
"Om~~!"
Several planes flew over Johor Bahru City, drawing the gaze of curious citizens.
"Woo~!"
Dozens of trucks roared into Johor Bahru from the direction of Malacca, speeding towards the prison and Sultan's Palace.
As a bomber flew over the Johor military camp, its belly door opened, releasing dozens of bombs.
"Boom boom boom~~~!"
"Boom boom boom boom~~~!"
Before the soldiers had a chance to react, the aerial bombs exploded, setting the barracks ablaze and causing numerous casualties. Chaos ensued as people scrambled to escape.
---
**Sultan Ismail's Reaction**
In the palace, Sultan Ismail was perusing some documents, preparing to seize the assets of Chinese families like the Huang family to increase his wealth. The sudden explosion jolted him, and he recognized the sound of bomb blasts from his past experiences with war. His butler informed him that the explosions came from the direction of a military camp and that planes were overhead.
Ismail looked up to see planes in the sky.
"What's happening? Is there another war?" he asked.
The butler promised to find out, but before he could, trucks smashed through the palace gates, sending iron fragments flying.
"Bang~!"
Guards rushed out but were met with a hail of bullets from the trucks.
"DaDaDaDaDaDa~!"
Ismail, witnessing the scene from his villa, realized the gravity of the situation. Dozens of trucks arrived, and before he could flee, black-clad figures stormed in and gunned him down.
---
**Johor State Prison Raid**
The Johor State Prison, heavily guarded with strong iron gates, was breached by trucks that rammed into the entrance. The assailants, clad in black and armed with submachine guns, took out the prison guards and forced their way into the control room, opening the doors.
Inside the cells, Huang Xinnian held his son's hand, deeply troubled by his condition. The sudden loud noises and gunfire startled them. The prison gates opened, and a group of masked men with guns stormed in.
"Yellow Crane Year~!"
The leader, speaking broken Chinese and then English, announced their intent to rescue him.
Huang Xinnian, recognizing the American soldiers' uniforms, speculated if they were from HD Security. The leader confirmed they were there to rescue them and assured Huang Xinnian that they would also save the directors.
Medical personnel administered treatment to Huang Linghui, who was suffering from a high fever. After a quick infusion of penicillin, the group fled the prison and returned to Malacca.
---
**Aftermath**
The Johor Palace was engulfed in flames, and the Sultan's family perished. The entire rescue operation was executed in under half an hour, and the damage was secondary to the mission's success. The warships withdrew, and the trucks drove towards Malacca.
Back in Malacca, the Huang family was overjoyed to see their rescued members. Huang Henian was grateful and relieved, despite the loss of their properties.
Huang New Year revealed that the rescue fee was $200,000, which was covered by the Hardy Group. The sale of the Huang family's properties to the Sultan was regrettable, but they still retained 40% of their assets, protected by Hardy's influence.
The news of Johor's upheaval spread rapidly, and the Sultan's downfall became the talk of Malaya. The powerful rescue operation for just $200,000 left Huang Henian in awe and filled him with a sense of vindication.
---
**Huang Henian's Reflection**
Huang Henian reflected on the dramatic turn of events. Despite the heavy cost and loss, the rescue operation and the retribution against the Sultan brought him a profound sense of satisfaction. His laughter and relief echoed from Huang's residence in Malacca, signaling a new chapter for the family.