The Philippines has a very strong family political tradition.

And they all have distinct regional characteristics.

Their leader is called "Da Du".

During the Spanish and American colonial rule, in order to better control the Philippines, these local chiefs were used to serve as local chief executives, gradually forming a family political tradition.

In Sumalaga, there is also such a family:

The Alatro family!

This family has existed since Spanish colonial times.

Whether it was the Spaniards before or the Americans later, the Alatro family always maintained good relations with them and gained deep trust.

The successive chief executives of Sumalaga were also appointed by this family.

When the Japanese army invaded the Philippines, the Aratero family spared no effort to provide full support to the US military.

But what they didn't expect was that the Americans actually lost.

After the fall of the Philippines, the Japanese army then occupied Sumalaga.

The fate of the Aratero family changed dramatically overnight.

Because of their actions during the war, they were severely persecuted by the Japanese army.

Two grandsons of this generation of his family were even ordered to move to Manila to facilitate Japanese surveillance and control.

However, because of the profound background and historical heritage of the Aratero family, the Japanese did not dare to kill them all.

However, the Japanese then supported the Elada family, which had been suppressed by the Alatro family for hundreds of years, and prepared to take their place.

In addition to its own heritage, a big reason why this kind of family can grow strong is the support from the colonists.

Once this support was lost, in just over a year, the Alatro family declined rapidly.

Okay.

Meng Shaoyuan thought in his heart.

Despite the miserable fate of the Aratero family now, as long as they can persevere and survive until the Americans come again, they will soon become stronger again.

As for the Elada family?

After the Japanese fail, their fate will probably be the same as the Japanese.

It is not unusual for Takasago Makoto to have an Alatro family brooch in his hand.

Those Japanese people have gained so much benefit from this family.

After sending away the old man and the translator, Meng Shaoyuan thought for a while, then dialed Mizushima Yukihei's phone number, and "accidentally" mentioned the Aratero family.

Mizushima Yukihei was originally bent on pleasing Meng Shaoyuan. When he heard that "Shibu Taniguchi" was interested in this family, he volunteered to take him to see it.

As soon as Mizushima Yukihei arrived, he said: "I have just sent someone there. Today, we will have dinner at Alatro's house."

"Okay." Meng Shaoyuan smiled and said, "I have to trouble Mizushima-kun again."

…

In the large courtyard of the Aratero family, you can see the glory that this family once had, and you can also see the current ruin.

The large house where the family once lived together has been split into two.

The people living next door were Japanese soldiers.

The Alatro family was already waiting there.

Everyone was respectful, for fear of offending the Japanese.

The "chief governor" of this family, named Kiddy, looks to be sixty or seventy years old.

With the support of his eldest son, Fausto, he was trembling and seemed to be unable to stand.

"Taniguchi-kun, please."

Mizushima Yukihira walked in as if there was no one else around, completely ignoring the Aratero family.

A banquet table has been prepared.

It's totally incomparable to what we eat in Napu.

It seems that even preparing such a table of food is enough for the Aratero family.

"Taniguchi-kun, please."

Mizushima Yukihei raised his glass, toasted Meng Shaoyuan, put down his glass and said, "If you are interested in anything, you can ask now."

They were eating and drinking there, while the Aratero family stood opposite, like a group of prisoners awaiting trial.

Meng Shaoyuan was also interested in the history of these families and asked some questions about their family history.

Kiddy also answered honestly.

This type of family politics in the Philippines is rooted in the barangay social model of the pre-colonial era.

Balangay is a kind of "boat". Malays immigrated to the Philippines on this boat and established a community or tribe based on family blood ties. It feels a bit like the earth building in southern Fujian, called barangay.

.

The size of a barangay is generally between 30 and 100 households, with a population of no more than 1,000. Some large ones such as Cebu and Manila have more than 2,000 residents. The leader is called Dadu, who is similar to a chief.

Those who are related by blood shall assume and inherit.

This gradually formed local forces.

The Philippine family's rapid growth in power was still based on the support of the colonists.

Meng Shaoyuan got a rough idea and suddenly asked: "There is a Japanese named Takasago Makoto, do you know him?"

Mizushima Yukihei was startled.

Makoto Takasago?

"know."

The person who answered this time was Fausto, Kidi’s eldest son: “Master Takasago has been here before and visited.”

"Then what?"

"No more." Fausto shook his head: "Then he left and never came again."

"Did he take any souvenirs?" Meng Shaoyuan refused to give up and continued to ask: "For example, some kind of brooch with your family's logo?"

"No." Foss thought for a while and said with certainty: "There is no such thing in my memory."

Meng Shaoyuan said "Oh".

Mizushima Yukihei finally couldn't bear it anymore and asked in a low voice: "Taniguchi-kun, do you think Takasago Makoto has something to do with them?"

"No, I'm just curious." Meng Shaoyuan replied calmly: "I went to see Takasago Makoto today, and he denied having anything to do with the gold theft."

Mizushima Yukihei was a little disdainful.

If you ask a thief if he stole your wallet, will he admit it?

These nobles with royal backgrounds live so comfortably and have never experienced the storms outside.

"Of course he won't admit it." Mizushima Yukihei cheered up: "But what I can confirm is that he is the biggest suspect."

Meng Shaoyuan said "hmm" and then said: "I also met the man named Bim today. Do you know him well?"

"Like other Filipinos, he is nothing more than a dog beside Makoto Takasago." Mizushima Yukihei said disdainfully: "I was concerned about Takasago Makoto's special mission, so I tolerated him in everything.

When the tunnel is built, Mizushima-kun, I don’t want to hide it from you, I will be the first to operate on Bhim.”

That time, Bhim was arrested by mistake, and Takasago Makoto made a fuss with the military police and picked him up in public.

This incident caused Mizushima Yukihira to lose face, and he still holds a grudge to this day.
Chapter completed!