~~~ 3rd of November 1896 ~~~
~~~ Imperial Crown Prince Siagu's POV ~~~
"Hayst… I said, who was assassinated?" I said
"Ah… it was the Minister of Rites, Sir. Minister Min Young-ik was assassinated." He said
"Hayts… Let's go to my private library. And call a court lady to prepare some snacks for me to consume later." I said while making my way towards the door while Radhesh is following me behind "And find someone to confirm the current situation in the country and if my father already knows about this."
"Yes, Sir." He replied as we both made our way.
A few minutes later, I am now sitting on my chair behind my working desk in my private library. Radhesh is in front of me serving me some green tea and biscuits, to which I accepted and take a small sip.
"Continue what you are saying a while ago, Radhesh." I said after placing the teacup on a tea cup mat.
"Ahem… According to the letter that Mr Faher sent a while ago, Sir. Minister Min Young-ik was assassinated while on his way to the royal court of Joseon 4 days ago. After his death, the entire royal court of Joseon instantly descended into chaos."
"And the motive?" I inquired
"It is still unknown, Sir. But there is a higher chance that the assassination is done by the Northern Faction in Joseon since they will be benefiting more from the death of Minister Min Young-ik." He replied while looking at me.
"Hmmm… They sure can benefit from Minister Min Young-ik's death. The death of the leader of the Southern Faction will surely put the entire faction into confusion and chaos, to which the Northern Faction can fish on." I calmly stated. "How about the King and his entire entourage? You said a while ago that they fled the country. Where are they now?"
"It is still unknown where the King and his entourage are by now, Sir. But in the letter Mr Faher sent, it was mentioned that the King and his entourage of people left the country by ship at the Incheon Port. But one important note is put about the Crown Prince Sunjong." Radhesh seriously said while looking at the letter from Mr Faher.
"What is it?" I calmly said. "Tell me."
"Mm-hmm… it appears to be sir that Crown Prince Sunjong is still in the country. Apparently, he never left the country along with his father, King Gojong." He said.
Something is not right here… As the next in line to the phoenix throne, his safety is of the utmost importance after his father. And currently, Joseon is not a safe place to stay after the recent development. Why would he choose to risk his life by choosing to stay in the country?
The idea of him remaining in the country because of his love for the nation and his people is not convincing, it is laughable to think of. Crown Prince Sunjong or shall I call him… puppet emperor? Anyways…
"How about the assassin's identification?" I inquired
"The identification of the assassin is still unknown. Although according to the letter, the entire Southern Faction is now demanding an investigation and bringing justice to the minister's death." He calmly replied.
"How was the other faction? Did they make a move already?" I inquired
"No, Sir." He replied "Grand Internal Prince Yi Ha-eung is still in his quarters and never make a move, that is according to the information from Mr Faher, Sir."
"And my father? Did he knows this already?" I inquired
"Yes, Sir." He said while nodding "The Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the Ambassador from Joseon, are all in His Majesty's office right now, conversing about this news sir."
In my past life, King Gojong of Joseon and his entourage fled to Imperial Russia after a series of events that led to him loosing trust on the Korean military and government in protecting him. His flight to Vladivostok resulted on a growth of Japanese influence in the Korean peninsula. It was also a major turning point in Korean history, which led to the establishment of Korean Provisional Government in exile which helped to galvanize Korean resistance to Japanese rule.
But in this world, it is different. Although Queen Min was assassinated last year, King Gojong opted not to flee the country. Trying to continue the Kabo reforms despite strong opposition from the conservatives. This action of his staying in the country put the Japanese influence in the Kingdom at bay. But the Japanese still manages to convince some ministers and influential figures to resist modernization, even King Gojong's father and his own son and heir, Crown Prince Sunjong, were coaxed by the Japanese.
My father's arrival in the Kingdom a few months ago offering an alliance and establishing formal relations while also offering to help the country modernize finally cemented the division in the royal court of Joseon. The Northern Faction and the Southern Faction, two factions that keep an eye on each other for the past month, making a facade of peace in the royal court, but this was all then turned upside down.
Minister of Rites Min Young-ik was assassinated and there is a higher chance that this was done by the Northern Faction with the help of the Japanese government. With the King and his entourage now in flee, the Japanese government can now finally start extending their influence in the peninsula.
If my Papa and Mama are really keen on keeping the entire Korean peninsula on our side. Not considering how messy their situation will be. They must take action as soon as possible before the Japanese Empire fully extends its grasp on the Kingdom.
"I see. How was Yeong and his entourage?" I said as I make my way towards the window and look outside "Did they already know about this?"
"Yes, Sir. After hearing the news, Eunuch Ji-Hwan decided to inform Prince Yeong by himself."
"M-hmm… Let him do it. It is his job and responsibility to inform Yeong about his parents' current situation." I replied as I face Radhesh "Tell Mr Faher to publish this news in his newspaper, immediately. I want this to appear on the front page of tomorrow's newspaper issues. The whole empire must know about this."
"Yes, Sir." He said while taking down notes
"I want the article to gather sympathy and camaraderie on the Southern Faction. Our people must be supportive of the Southern Faction's cause." I said as I convey the information.
"Understood, Sir." He said while continuing to write "Anything else, Sir?
"Yes." I said as I stare at him "Contact Dowager Viscountess Melchora of Looc and Sir Andrés Bonifacio. Invite them to a meeting with me on the 27th."
"Is that all, Sir?"
"Kindly also contact my uncle and the minister of defence to join me with my meeting with Sir Andrés Bonifacio and Dowager Viscountess Melchora." I replied. "By the way… any words coming from Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar?"
"Yes, sir… He also sent us a letter yesterday." He said before handing me the letter. "Here you go, Sir."
Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar, age 28, is one of the 4 senior courtiers that is under my personal control. And unlike other courtiers that are not allowed to leave their master's side, my 4 senior courtiers are an exception.
He is a Butuanon-Malay decent individual, who used to be a beggar in the slums of Sooraj 5 years ago along with the other senior courtiers of mine. They were all malnourished and on the verge of death by that time, and taking pity on them, I instructed a few of my guards to bring them all to the courtiers' quarters and nurse them until they recovered. And after that, the rest was history.
And since his mission to the Republic of Hawaii, this is his first letter sent to us. As I continuously read the content of the letter, I can't help but smile in satisfaction. Looks like he's progressing well in his mission at the Republic of Hawaii.
I sent Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar there to start the very first step of my plan in preventing the United States from becoming the most powerful country in the world. If preserving the independence of the Joseon Kingdom prevents the Japanese from further expanding, the preservation of Hawaii's independence will hinder the United States from further expanding to the Pacific.
The Republic of Hawaii is currently under the control of those people who are interested in joining the United States. The current government overthrow the previous monarchial government after a coup with the support of the USA.
This is why I sent Senior Eunuch Akash there 2 months ago to ignite a rebellion against the current government. A rebellion that is against the United States. If the rebellion succeeded, the natives will be able to reinstate the monarchy.
Hindering the United States from annexing the Island of Hawaii by the year 1898. The year when the Island will be annexed by the United States after it had started a war against the Spanish. If nothing unexpected will happen.
And for sure, the United States will not allow this anti-American government to continue as this will hinder their interest in expanding towards the Pacific and entering the stage of superpowers. They might even resort to forceful annexation of the Island. Which will only take up to a few days of resistance.
If our nation will not intervene, the soon-to-be new government in Hawaii will be gone in just a mere days after its establishment. That is why, it is crucial to have this report from Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar since I will be using this to convince my papa in supporting the Hawaiians in their cause and also ensure their independence by protection.
And Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar's letter contains his detailed information about his escapade for the past months in the Republic. He even shares his appreciation for the beauty of the Island and its breathtaking scenery. He even criticizes the Republican government and its current people in office. But what really caught my attention is how he met the Iron Duke of Hawaiʻi.
He stated that he has successfully managed to make contact with Robert William Wilcox 3 weeks after his arrival on the Island. He introduces himself as Akash Kai Keanu, a Butuanon-Hawaiian businessman who wanted to expand his business on the Island.
Over the days and weeks of their subsequent interaction. Wilcox finally shared his interest in overthrowing the Republican government and reinstating the monarchy to Senior Eunuch Akash.
This really shows that despite being convicted of treason and pardoned by the US President, Wilcox still aims to overthrow the government.
And since then, they have been discussing some plans in overthrowing the current government in Hawaii and reinstating the monarchy. For the past few days, they have been slowly recruiting and training some natives to fight against the government. He also noted the increase of US troops on the Island for the past few days.
The letter then concluded with the assurance that the rebellion will be successful if everything goes as he has planned. He even noted that Wilcox is considering the possibility of asking the Butuan government for some aid after he proposes the idea of asking our nation for assistance.
"Looks like he is progressing very well in his mission." I smilingly said as I place the letter on my table.
"I agree, Sir. Prior to his being given this mission to the Republic of Hawaii. Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar has been agitated and jealous towards Senior Court Lady Mei Ying after she receives the mission to the Qing Empire. He even told me once to convince you to give him a mission so that he can prove himself useful also." Radhesh laughingly said while shaking his head.
"Hahaha! Those two have been always at odds with each other. I don't really get why they are so eager to prove themselves useful in doing some dangerous mission while those other two are willing to remain here in the complex." I replied to which I was only answered with a meaningful smile from Radhesh.
"Anyways, made a copy of this letter and gave this to my papa, personally." I seriously said. "I don't want Senior Eunuch Isagani to know this. This shall only be between me, you, my papa, and the prime minister. Write also a reply to Senior Eunuch Akash to continue his work there and continue to update us about his current well-being."
"Anything else, Sir?" He inquired after taking notes on what I have said.
"Nothing else. You can now leave." I nonchalantly said before he bows his head and exits the room.
Now being left alone inside my room, I started to think about my chances of survival in this world with the current events unfolding. And I have concluded that a slim chance of me and my family surviving this messy world if I won't do anything. The reforms that I have planned to do for the Imperial Household will just be for nothing if our nation won't be able to defend our own territory.
And the materials needed for those advanced weaponry are still not yet available both domestically and overseas since they haven't invented it yet. If I plan to wait for them, it would take me 10-20 years to have a complete set of those materials, and by that time, we are already far behind other nations.
That is why, I have decided that I can't wait any longer.
The longer I wait for those damn Western scientists to pioneer and patent their inventions and wait until I became the emperor, the higher the risk of our nation being swallowed by other countries.
Although my power as the Imperial Crown Prince only extends until the gates of the Imperial Complex, this is already enough to influence others. Aside from the government itself, only my Papa can fluence their decisions.
For years and months, I have allowed the time to progress smoothly and historically accurately. Heck! I have only even done minimal actions for the past years since I am scared of making this world too unfamiliar for me, eradicating my advantage. The biggest action that I have taken is helping Doctor Rizal in medicine, influencing Vajiravudh in taking the course on his country's modernization, and if successful, reinstating the monarchy on the Island of Hawaii, nothing more nor less.
But the world is now progressing in a much different way, a little unfamiliar for me actually. And the more I spend my time watching, the more I risk my entire family's demise, the family that I loved since the day I was born in this world.
Why can't I? A loving and caring parent, a sweet little sister and brother, and a supportive household. Who can even resist loving and caring for them in return? A heartless individual maybe.
Besides, some changes have happened already that weren't supposed to have happened. King Gojong should have fled to Russia last February, but instead, he did not leave the country. Now, if this has changed already, who can guarantee in telling me that WW1 will still happen in 1914? Or WW2 will occur after?
I would rather take some action now in improving our nation's technology rather than wait for the West to invent it, which is quite risky, since the possibility of them not inventing it also arises.
What is the use of being the 3rd largest economy in the world if we won't make that as our stepping stone in technological advancement? Only a fool and a pacifist who prefers watching and only wanted to party and have sex will not take this opportunity to make a world according to their own choice.
The world is a chaotic place and war inspires advancement which requires human sacrifices, but that doesn't mean that it should be me and my family. Others have to die for the advancement in technology and society, and I will make sure that it will not be my family or the people that I love.
Currently, our economy is progressing fine and can support any project the nation undergoes, but the military? We are still far behind the top 3.
But despite our strong economy, our military strength is not that favourable. Out of the top 10 countries we only came in number 5, behind the UK, Russia, France, and Germany, while being head of the US, Japan, Italy, Austria-Hungary, and the Qing Empire. But our strength is still not enough, especially since the US military is growing rapidly.
And if I won't do anything, the US military will soon surpass our military strength and then the rest of Europe. If I remember correctly, the United States will be releasing their submarine next year, signalling their advancement in the military.
This has happened in my past life, by the end of WW1, the USA became the dominant country in the entire world. The one colony of the British Crown became a global superpower after its rise from the ashes of war. Their rise in power signals the end of Imperialism, pressuring other countries to decolonize.
But they are hypocrites demanding other countries to decolonize, but they themselves never decolonize the Native American lands, Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, and many more.
The US is already the number one economy in the world, which I plan to overthrow soon. Allowing them to become the number one country also in the military power is not a good idea. I already saw a US-dominated world, and it was not great.
Especially since they view themselves in the 21st Century as the 'bringer of democracy', 'saviour of the world', 'the voice of justice', and 'the advocate for equality'. Heck! But in reality, they are just full of arrogance, hypocrisy, and loves, to stick their nose in other people's business. They are the disease of the world, and allowing them to be dominant in this world also will only have future generations to experience and see the disease called the USA.
That is why, I have decided to change this world. I am tired of seeing the world centred around the West. Now, I will make sure that Asia will be able to stand on its own and oppose the Western countries' involvement. They have already exploited our lands and resources far too long; it has to stop.
And I will do that by making this country self-sustaining and strong enough to defend and assert our own dominance in the entire continent and the world will be next.
I am planning to make that plan materialize during my meeting next week. And I hope it would be a successful meeting or else I would really have to wait for another time before I could start my plan. And by the time I start introducing those technologies from my previous world, the US has long surpassed us.
The scenario that I am not fond of.
Besides, the world is just too small for a lot of independent nations to exist like in my past world, right?
The world is a giant juggle both tame and untamed by humans. As the rules of the juggle dictate…
Survival… survival of the fittest.