Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 276: Finding Allies

February 15, 1898

Beijing, Forbidden City

The grand hall of the Forbidden City was dimly lit, the flickering glow of lanterns casting elongated shadows across the ornate walls. At the center, Emperor Guangxu sat upon the Dragon Throne, his expression contemplative as he listened to the foreign envoys before him. The air was thick with the scent of incense, a subtle reminder of the weight of tradition that permeated the room.

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Across from the Emperor stood Sergei Ivanovich, the Russian ambassador, his posture respectful yet assertive. Beside him, General Alexei Mikhailov, a decorated officer of the Russian Imperial Army, exuded an air of quiet confidence.​

"Your Majesty," Sergei began, his voice smooth and measured, "the Russian Empire acknowledges the trials that have befallen the Great Empire in recent years. The encroachments by foreign powers, the humiliations suffered... We understand your desire to restore China's rightful place in the world."

Emperor Guangxu's eyes narrowed slightly, the memories of the First Sino-Japanese War still fresh. The defeat at the hands of Japan had been a bitter pill to swallow, leading to the cession of Taiwan and the Pescadores Islands.

Sensing the Emperor's unease, Sergei pressed on. "We propose an alliance, one that would see our two great empires standing shoulder to shoulder against common adversaries. Together, we can rectify past injustices."

General Mikhailov stepped forward, unrolling a detailed map of East Asia. He pointed to the Korean Peninsula. "Your Majesty, as part of our agreement, Korea would be returned to Chinese suzerainty. Furthermore, Japan, the upstart nation that has caused both our empires much grief, would be divided. The northern territories would fall under Russian influence, while the southern regions would be administered by China."

The hall fell silent, the weight of the proposition settling over the assembled courtiers and officials. The offer was tempting—a chance to reclaim lost honor and territory, to rewrite the narrative of recent history.

Empress Dowager Cixi, seated to the Emperor's right, leaned in, her voice a whisper but carrying the authority of decades. "Your Majesty, this is an opportunity we cannot dismiss lightly. The humiliation we suffered must be avenged."​

Prince Qing, a seasoned statesman, interjected cautiously. "But at what cost? Aligning with Russia may draw the ire of other foreign powers, particularly the Amerathians. We must tread carefully."​

The Emperor raised a hand, silencing the murmurs. His gaze fixed on Sergei. "And what of the Amerathians, the Japanese, and the Koreans? They have formed a coalition. Engaging in this alliance would mean war against a formidable triad."​

Sergei nodded solemnly. "Indeed, Your Majesty. But consider this: the Amerathians are stretched thin, their interests divided across continents. Japan, though ambitious, is still a fledgling power. Korea, without external support, cannot stand alone. Together, Russia and China can tip the scales."

The Emperor's mind raced. Since the defeat in 1895, China had embarked on a series of military reforms. The Self-Strengthening Movement had laid the groundwork, emphasizing the adoption of Western technologies and training methods. The establishment of the New Army had further bolstered China's military capabilities, creating divisions trained and equipped to modern standards.

Yet, despite these advancements, doubts lingered. The memories of foreign incursions, of unequal treaties and concessions, were not easily erased.​

Sensing the Emperor's hesitation, General Mikhailov spoke, his tone earnest. "Your Majesty, the world is changing. Empires rise and fall based on the alliances they forge and the actions they take. This is a moment of destiny. Together, we can reshape the future of East Asia."

The chamber remained silent, all eyes on the Emperor as he weighed the monumental decision before him. The flickering lanterns cast shifting patterns on the walls, mirroring the tumultuous thoughts racing through his mind.

Finally, Emperor Guangxu rose, his silken robes cascading around him. "We shall convene the Grand Council. This matter requires thorough deliberation. You will have our answer within the week."​

Sergei and General Mikhailov bowed deeply. "We await your decision with great anticipation, Your Majesty."

As the Russian envoys departed, the Emperor turned to his assembled advisors. "Summon the Grand Council. We have much to discuss."

February 22, 1898

Beijing, Hall of Supreme Harmony

The Grand Council convened in the majestic Hall of Supreme Harmony, its gilded columns and intricate carvings bearing witness to centuries of imperial deliberations. The atmosphere was charged, the weight of impending decisions pressing heavily upon the gathered officials.

Emperor Guangxu sat at the head of the assembly, flanked by Empress Dowager Cixi and Prince Qing. The council members, a blend of seasoned mandarins and military generals, awaited the Emperor's words.

"We have heard the proposal from the Russian Empire," the Emperor began, his voice steady. "The offer to reclaim Korea and divide Japan is enticing. Yet, it is fraught with peril. We stand at a crossroads, and the path we choose will define the future of our empire."

General Yuan Shikai, a prominent military reformer and commander of the New Army, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, our forces have undergone significant modernization. The New Army stands ready, trained in Western tactics and equipped with advanced weaponry. We have learned from past humiliations and are prepared to restore China's honor."​

Zhang Zhidong, Viceroy of Liangjiang and another key figure in China's modernization efforts, nodded in agreement.

"The Self-Strengthening Movement has borne fruit. Our industries have been revitalized, our arsenals replenished. We are better prepared now than ever before."

However, Li Hongzhang, a veteran diplomat and proponent of cautious engagement, voiced his concerns. "Your Majesty, while our military has improved, we must consider the broader geopolitical landscape. Aligning with Russia may isolate us from other potential allies and draw the combined wrath of the Amerathians, Japanese, and Koreans. Diplomacy must not be cast aside lightly."​

Empress Dowager Cixi's eyes flashed with determination. "We have suffered indignities at the hands of foreign powers for too long. This alliance offers a chance to reclaim our rightful place and avenge past wrongs. We must act decisively."

The chamber buzzed with debate, voices rising and falling as arguments were presented and countered. The weight of history, the desire for redemption.

The debate carried on for hours, each voice representing the fears and ambitions of a rising empire.

General Yuan Shikai, still standing near the center of the chamber, added, "If we stand idly by, we risk becoming irrelevant once more. Japan and Korea grow bolder by the day, and the Amerathians—though stretched—are still capable of enforcing their will upon weaker nations. If we want to avoid another century of humiliation, we must act while our strength still counts for something."

Emperor Guangxu leaned forward slightly, his fingers tapping the armrest of the Dragon Throne. His eyes scanned the faces before him—generals hardened by reform, ministers still scarred by memories of past defeats, and elders wary of disturbing the fragile peace China had managed to maintain.

"Do not mistake my caution for cowardice," Guangxu said calmly. "We have endured wounds, yes. But we have also survived. We have rebuilt. I do not take war lightly. Yet I understand…" He paused, glancing at Cixi, who gave a subtle, approving nod. "…that there comes a time when survival demands strength. And strength, in these times, requires alliances."

Prince Qing stepped forward once more. "If we are to commit, Your Majesty, we must secure assurances. Not just promises of territory—but guarantees of postwar respect. China must not be seen as a subordinate to Russia, but as its equal."

The Emperor turned to the imperial scribe. "Record this," he instructed. "Our response to the Russian proposal will contain three conditions."

He raised one finger. "First, Korea shall be placed under Chinese suzerainty, not occupation. It will remain a sovereign nation under our protection, with its institutions preserved."

A second finger rose. "Second, the division of Japan must be made clear. The southern islands, including Kyushu and Shikoku, will be administered by China, while Russia may take Hokkaido and the northern reaches. Honshu shall be divided east and west, with a demilitarized zone to prevent future conflict."

Finally, he raised a third finger. "And third, China shall be recognized as a co-equal power in this alliance. No decision regarding East Asia shall be made without Chinese consultation."

There were murmurs of approval. The court knew what this meant. It was not merely an alliance—it was a declaration of China's return to the world stage.

General Yuan Shikai saluted with a fist over his chest. "Then let us raise our banners, Your Majesty. Let the world know that China is no longer the sick man of Asia."

Emperor Guangxu slowly rose to his feet, his robes trailing along the golden steps of the throne.

"Prepare the dispatch to St. Petersburg," he commanded. "Tell them… China accepts the alliance."

Gasps and applause filled the hall. Some shouted in triumph, others bowed their heads in solemn anticipation.

But all understood what had just occurred.

After decades of humiliation, China had made its choice—not as a victim, but as a force.

War was now certain.

And the storm to come would be like none the East had ever seen.