~~~ Imperial Crown Prince Siagu's POV ~~~
"Don't tell me that a war between our nation and the Japanese will happen?" my uncle curiously inquired while Luna was now looking at me a bit dumbfounded.
"Yes." I replied calmly "The first war our country will experience after our defeat from the Euro-Sea War of 1883."
And like a bomb dropped in a crowd of raging people, the 3 individuals at the table became quiet while being in full contemplation and shock. I know they have already felt it. By the time King Gojong and his entire entourage choose our nation over Russia on being its country to flee to, the Empire of Butuan is already being dragged into this mess, with or without the alliance.
Papa and our country will have no choice but to assist King Gojong in retaking his throne. If we refuse, then forget about the cooperation in the military and trade.
Joseon will not be able to retain its independence forever allowing the Japanese to expand towards mainland Asia.
"Not just that… Senior Court Lady Mei Ying." I said as she came closer while I saw my uncle whispering towards MG Luna as they both looked at Senior Court Lady Mei Ying. "Tell them what you have discovered while you are in the Qing Empire last month."
"Yes, Sir." She plainly said before continuing. "As I per instruction by His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Siagu. I was sent to the Qing Empire's capital, Peking City. To find any suspicious activity that might threaten our nation. And I indeed found something. I was able to discover that the Qing and the Russian Empire had signed a secret alliance to counter the Japanese expansion in the region."
Once again, the entire table became silent after hearing Mei Ying's sentence while she retreats.
It is really a good idea to send Senior Court Lady Mei Ying to Peking City to confirm if the Sino-Russian Alliance has finally been signed. The Sino-Russian alliance was a huge factor in countering the Japanese influence in the region back in my past world. However, it did not really help at that time since the Japanese were still able to conquer Manchuria.
With the entire Korean peninsula now under the control of a puppet King, King Sunjong, installed by the Japanese General to Joseon, General Makabe, both the Qing and Russia are now feeling the threat of the Japanese Empire's expansion.
Although I wanted the Japanese Empire to be our ally in protecting Asian monarchial interests from the West, the chances of that happening this time are not that clear yet. They are still eyeing to conquer Joseon, which my papa wanted to make our ally. If they just wanted to conquer the Qing Empire, there might be still a chance for them to be our ally.
This is why, a war between our nation and the Japanese must happen in the near future. If we manage to defeat the Japanese Imperial Army, we can forcefully make them subservient towards us. Allowing easy cooperation between our nation and the Japanese. The only hindrance will be Joseon if we further allow the Japanese to take control of the entire Joseon Kingdom.
"The European continent is not just on the brink of war, everyone." I paused a bit to drink my tea. "Our region is now about to be chaotic. And despite our very effort in maintaining our peace policy, our nation will still be dragged in this coming mess."
"If my papa and the Prime Minister wanted to secure the alliance with King Gojong. Offending the Japanese and retaking the entire Joseon Kingdom back from the hands of 'King' Sunjong, is what they needed to do." I calmly stated "The marriage between my sister and Yeong will not be enough anymore. King Gojong will cancel the betrothal if he can't see our nation helping him in retaking his rightful throne."
"But I still don't get it, sir." MG Luna confusedly said "Aren't we much more powerful compared to the Japanese? We can just squash them if war will really occur between our respective nations over Joseon's control." He innocently said.
Which is correct. We can just defeat the Japanese with no problem in a war, especially in a naval battle. But some countries will not just sit by and just watch while we wage war over Joseon. One particular country is…
"The Qing… am I right, Sir?" Minister Ali Ahmadi seriously said while looking at me.
"Bingo!" I smilingly said towards him while nodding. "Can someone tell me why? Hehehe."
"They will not sit by and watch our nation and the Japanese battle over Joseon's sovereignty. The Qing feared the further expansion of the Japanese in the peninsula because they knew that they would not win over them despite their numbers, especially after the first Sino-Japanese War over Joseon and how the Japanese installed King Sunjong as puppet King." My uncle seriously said "They will join the battle against us and the Japanese. They will do their best to retake their position as overlord of Joseon. Especially after the recent naval standoff at the Qiongzhou Strait."
Hearing my uncle's response made me remember how humiliating it was for the Qing Empire to lose against the Japanese Empire during the first Sino-Japanese War (25 July 1894 – 17 April 1895). They did not just lose over the rising Japanese Empire but they also lost their control over Taiwan and Joseon. A very humiliating defeat.
If my papa wanted to remove the Qing from the picture, he must do something that could make the Qing sit while the war was ongoing.
"Huh… So, is this the reason why they are building their forces on the other side of the Qiongzhou Strait?" MG Luna curiously inquired. "They have predicted a war between our country and the Japanese, and they will take that opportunity to attack us in surprise?"
"No, Luna. That is not the reason why they are building their forces on Xuwen County." My uncle said calmly "The Qing Empire has been eyeing to retake the Hainan Island back from us since we took control. And they wanted to take it back, specifically, the southern warlords of the empire. With or without the possible war with the Japanese, the Qing Empire will still forcefully take the Island from us."
"So, that recent standoff at the Qiongzhou Strait would have been the start of a huge disaster if Admiral Zheng Chenggong, of the North Butuan Sea, did not calm the situation by negotiating with the Imperial Chinese Navy Vice Admiral?" MG Luna inquired which was answered with a nod from my uncle and Minister Ali Ahmadi.
"So… what do you plan to do, nephew? Those things won't be available for the next few more years, and I can feel that it won't be ready when the Qing finally declares war on us." My uncle said while being seconded by a nod from Minister Ali Ahmadi and MG Luna.
"True. That is why we really need to secure the alliance between Joseon and Siam. Formalizing our alliance between the two nations will give us some additional forces to counter the Japanese and the Qing. You need to convince my papa and the Prime Minister regarding the urgency of this alliance." I said towards them "Although we have been an ally to the Kingdom of Siam, we never really formalize it, and by formalizing the alliance, we can further our cooperation with them."
"I agree. It is about time that we formalize our alliance with them. But I am concerned that the West might view this as an aggression against them." My uncle responded which was seconded by MG Luna.
"That might be the case, Sir. According to what Prime Minister Aguilando have said to me before, the government will not publicize the alliance with Joseon and Siam." Minister Ali Ahmadi said while looking at my uncle in a calm and serious tone.
"How? The public and foreign ambassadors have now been thinking about this for the past months, and was further given attention when King Gojong sought to flee here in Sooraj instead of other neighbouring nations." My uncle responded in confusion. "It would be quite hard to deny this, Minister."
"Yes, and he is aware of that, sir. Even His Majesty is also aware of that challenge. But the discussion of the alliance will remain closed doors and the only information that the public will know is about the help that our country will give to King Gojong." Minister Ali Ahmadi calmly stated before continuing. "This is the only way that the Prime Minister has in his mind to cover up the alliance with Joseon and Siam."
Minister Ali Ahmadi silences the entire place as we all ponder on the change of plan that the government wanted to follow.
Which is correct. Despite my father wanting to assert the dominance of our country's standing in the region. He is also keen on not offending the Western World. Especially since the British are currently the strongest naval nation in the world, but not for long.
"Oh!" I exclaimed after realizing something. Making the 3 of them look at me in curiosity "Before I forgot… here." While passing to my uncle a compilation of military aeroplanes and its detailed information. Those aeroplanes range from late WW1 until the 21st century aeroplanes.
It would be quite unfair for the secretive Imperial Air Force to lag behind the other branches of the military in technological advancement. Dominance over the sky is still our top priority.
After handing the papers, my uncle instantly turns into a celebrating maniac while heavily tapping MG Luna's shoulder out of delight and excitement. He then started asking some questions about the aeroplanes that I had given him, which I answered happily.
Minister Ali Ahmadi was also delighted and overjoyed to see another set of aeroplanes that the government will be producing soon after they have finished their current aeroplane projects. This was also the time I was informed about their development of the engine that would be making the first batch of aeroplanes fly. I was so delighted by the news that I almost lost my composure.
I then told my uncle to start constructing and experimenting with new aeroplanes so that we could dominate the sky even after other nations started developing their own version of aeroplanes. To which, my uncle and Minister Ali Ahmadi agreed.
We then further discuss the details of the contract that will be signed by the government and the 2 companies. I specifically told Minister Ali Ahmadi that the selling of the weapons shall be prohibited to civilians and it shall only be available to the market for other allied countries to buy after asking for the emperor's approval.
It would be ludicrous to arm our enemies with our own produced weapons but neglect our allies whom we share common interests and goals with. Only an idiot will ever allow their enemies to have the same calibre of weapons that they possess.
Our meeting then ends with wishes of best towards the alliance and the advancement of our nation. Minister Ali Ahmadi even promises to secure another budget increase for the Military in the next budget discussion at both houses.
My uncle and Minister Ali Ahmadi then promised me that in no time, I could see my aeroplanes soar through the sky of the motherland and its Pacific territories. Replacing the current zeppelins that dominate the skies of the empire.
To which I welcome with a nodding smile. My uncle then reminded me to take some rest since later this evening will be our private dinner with the royal family of Siam and Joseon.
I then proceeded to return back to my private room and take some rest before our dinner royal dinner with the Siamese and Joseon royal family. I badly needed to take some rest since I have been quite busy for the past few days, especially on how I can convince Dowager Melchora and Sir Bonifacio to agree on my proposal. But it looks like my position as the Imperial Crown Prince and my uncle's presence have made it easier.
This really made me realize how blessed I am to be born as a prince. Much more in a country where the concept of royalty is deeply engraved in its tradition and culture, opposite to what the Western monarchies were. Pretty much like the Japanese Imperial family, who were still viewed as descendants of divine beings.
Today's meeting made me fully understand what it means to have power over others. The feeling that despite their age, they still needed to pay some respect and follow my orders. No wonder many tyrants have risen because of how addicting it is to have power over others.
But this is scary. I needed to control myself and not be hungry for power or else the entire nation will go against me over one simple mistake.
Benito Mussolini, Nicolae Ceaușescu, Muammar Gaddafi, and Adolf Hitler, are some of those who succumbed to power and became a tyrant. No one ended up in a good place. Which I am not aiming for.
I am for a united, stronger, bigger, and more advanced, country that even the West will feel pity for themselves. A country where the Imperial Family, our family, will be respected and loved, unlike the British monarchy.
But today's meeting was really a success. Not only I was able to secure their cooperation, but I was also able to warn my uncle about some future events that I think might happen. Introducing those weapons to them will be enough for now.
Being over-dependent on my knowledge will only hinder our nation's intellects from developing on their own. This informations might even ignite them to develop much more technologically advanced weapons and things compared to my past life's technology.
I am also considering the idea of introducing to them the information about nuclear weapons and its other uses, but the empire and its people are still not ready to receive this new type of technology.
The idea of weapons that can cause mass destruction is still foreign to them and besides, those weapons that I have introduced to them are enough for the meantime.
Without even noticing it, I fell asleep. I was only then woken up by a light tap from Radhesh, who is now in my room with my courtiers. Apparently, it is time for me to prepare for dinner. The junior court ladies then prepared me my sonmin in blue and gold.
While I was being dressed and taken care of by the court ladies, Radhesh then started mentioning the guests that would be joining the dinner tonight and the purpose of tonight's dinner. This dinner is to strengthen our nation's connection with Siam and Joseon, since soon, our nation will be bound by an alliance through marriage.
The private dinner went by pretty smoothly. It started with an announcement from my Papa, informing us that, he, Prince Damrong, and King Gojong, had decided to scrap the current alliance plan between our respective countries, and instead opted to form a secret tri-nation alliance. The announcement was well received by the attendees of the dinner party, especially my father's cabinet members, Siamese diplomats, and Korean diplomats.
But along with the joyous event were the serious gazes coming from my uncle and Minister Ali Ahmadi, to which I only answered with a smile. After the announcement, my Papa, Prince Damrong, and King Gojong make a toast to celebrate the new era our nations will experience with this cooperation.
One thing that also caught my attention is how Crown Prince Vajuravudh and my cousin, Lady Kaahini of Siargao, interact with each other. Vajiravudh would always stay on my cousin's side everywhere she went. Heck! He even accompanied her even though she just went to take a look at the pond.
This reminded me of how my cousin, the young Viscount Daksh of Siargao has been bothering me, asking personal and general questions about Vajiravudh. He always reasons that it was for someone else, and it looks like that was for his sister. Looks like a spark has been brewing between the two of them.
My sister and Prince Yeong have also been close with each other during the entire duration of the private dinner. At one point, Prince Yeong will feed my sister with some food and she will happily accept it. Sometimes, it was my sister doing this towards Prince Yeong. These gestures of the two children caught the attention of my mama and Prince Yeong's mother, Royal Noble Consort Sunheon.
Seeing the two children's actions towards each other, my mama and RNC Sunhae will laugh at each other while talking about how prosperous the union between the two children will be in the future. But this also made RNC Sunhae worry about the possibility of Prince Yeong insisting that he will not marry anyone other than my sister.
But my mama dismisses this thought of RNC Sunhae assuring her that my sister will not intervene or allow Prince Yeong to not marry other noble ladies. Which earns the expected smile of RNC Sunhae.
My mama is not keen on bringing our culture and practices to other nations and forcing them to adopt our own traditions, especially in marriage. That is why, she has been teaching my sister about respecting other cultures and traditions and explaining to her the difference between our imperial court and the royal court of Joseon.
My younger brother, Ain, has also caught my attention. Instead of interacting with the other guests and with the daughters and sons of King Gojong. He chooses to be left alone and will only talk if you talk to him first. This has been a concern for our parents and me since he has been distant from others for the past few days.
My sweet little brother who used to be jolly and approachable to other people is now choosing to be alone and will only interact with me and our family members. Our parents have done anything to inquire and understand his current actions, but none has been known.
But despite these happenings, the private dinner ended with joy and excitement from every attendee. It was a dinner full of life and entertainment.
The dinner witnessed the rise of Asian power.
The power that will preserve the monarchy.
The power that will challenge Western Ideologies.
The power that will shape the course of the continent of Asia.
The power that will turn the world order upside down.
And it will because of one individual…
…Me…
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Hi everyone!
Thank you so much for the constant support. Hope you like this chapter.
I have made some changes regarding the alliance to further move the story. Hope you like it.
Also, regarding the historical characters, I will not be using their real pictures to avoid offending other individuals. I will be generating their pictures via AI to supplement it. Thank you for understanding.