Capítulo 1462: Chapter 691: Angsa Guanlong Scions!_3

Meanwhile, the “carrot” arrived on time.

In the towns that cooperated earlier and were designated as “Safe Zones,” convoys transporting supplies from Mexico were endless.

Flour, corn, cooking oil, medicine, and even fresh fruits and coffee from Mexico—these scarce resources during wartime and blockades were distributed openly and in large quantities.

Though far from abundant, they were enough to sustain basic survival, holding an irresistible appeal for many ordinary families ravaged by war.

More ruthlessly, the Mexican authorities announced the trial implementation of a simple healthcare plan in several major cities and “Model Counties.”

Medical teams composed of Mexican military doctors and recruited local cooperative doctors set up temporary clinics under the protection of Mexican soldiers, providing basic free medical services—treating wounds, administering vaccines, and distributing antibiotics and malaria medication to registered residents who cooperated in the surrender of weapons.

For many communities long deprived of medical care and medicine, this was like manna from heaven.

“They took away our guns, but gave us medicine and food.”

Such whispers began to circulate among the populace, complex and real.

For many, dignity and tradition seemed less supreme in the face of survival.

By early September, significant changes were already happening.

In Texas’s major cities, the gunfire in the streets of Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and El Paso became sporadic until it almost disappeared.

Checkpoints manned by the Mexican Army were still everywhere, with strict inspections, but the faces of the passersby and motorists gradually wore fear and replaced it with apathy and compliance. Shops began reopening, and although product varieties were limited and prices steep, there were at last signs of commercial activity.

Nightly curfews remained strict but were no longer entirely silent, with occasional sounds of Mexican soldiers’ patrol cars passing by.

On the radio, stations controlled by Brelock and the Harris family broadcast “peace and reconstruction” news ceaselessly, interspersed with cheerful Mexican folk songs and Texas country music, intentionally creating a distorted atmosphere of “harmony.”

Victor sat in the National Palace, reading the latest reports delivered by Casare, with a satisfied smile on his face.

“The grassroots control system must be strengthened, give the local heads some incentives, like prioritizing the supply of some scarce resources so that they can genuinely feel the benefits of cooperation.”

Victor instructed Casare, “Medical care and education must keep up. Tell our Texas Capital to spend money, establish some foundations, and fund the children of those who collaborate to study in Mexico City or our universities. We need to cultivate a Mexico-friendly Texan elite for the next generation.”

“Understood, boss, I’m already screening lists.” Casare nodded in agreement.

“The resistance has gone underground but has not been eradicated.” Victor tapped the table. “Especially those drug traffickers and extreme white elements, they won’t give up. Intelligence work must not slacken, pressure must be maintained until they collapse internally.”

“Yes, we have already turned a few low-level leaders and are tracing the connections.”

“Good.”

Victor stood up, walked to the window, and looked towards the North.

“The stage prepared for Little Bush is almost ready. When he arrives, I want him to see a calm Texas, a recovering Texas, to make him understand that all resistance is futile, that sitting down to negotiate and accepting reality is his only option.”

“There’s only one sun in Latin America.”

…