Chapter 36 - 36 The Diplomatic war

Words : 768 Updated : Sep 10th, 2025

Chapter 36: Chapter 36 The Diplomatic war "How do you think it'll go? Will they accept it?" "This isn't the time for negotiations. It's time to push forward," came the resolute reply.@@@@ Liu Feng's new treaty proposal sent ripples through the diplomatic world like a stone cast into a still lake. It was as if the single sheet of paper contained the answers to everything the foreign powers had been seeking. The objective was straightforward—secure a foothold within the 400 million taels' worth of goods stipulated in the agreement. "It's almost frightening how perfect it is. You've seamlessly blended everyone's desires into one comprehensive solution. Sometimes your schemes are terrifying, Fang Ming," remarked Liu Feng's aide. "Hold on, don't pin this all on me. You had a hand in crafting it too. Don't act like I'm the only villain here," Fang Ming retorted with a grin. The Allied Powers had been eager for an indemnity windfall, a so-called "reparations party." With a sum like 300 million taels, they could rally public support, stabilize their economies, and invigorate their industries. But such a move would only hasten the decline of the Qing Dynasty. The Qing couldn't collapse—at least not yet. Fang Ming needed time, and the only shield sturdy enough to buy that time was Britain. For that, the Qing would have to endure a little longer. "It's a simple principle," Fang Ming explained, "just give them what they want—economic growth, public support, and industrial expansion—all wrapped up in one tidy package." "Still, 400 million taels seems excessive," the aide replied. "That's what makes the Emperor remarkable." Britain was currently tangled in its own web of industrialization, struggling to balance the interests of laborers and capitalists. This was a shared dilemma among industrialized nations. Crack down on corporations, and the economy falters; appease them, and labor rights suffer. The solution was to inject external wealth into domestic markets, often achieved through colonial exploitation. "If they're going to spend money anyway, why not use it to make strategic purchases?" Fang Ming quipped. The Emperor's priorities were clear—military and political power. What made this proposal so enticing to the Emperor was its potential to create a royal army directly under his control. Emperor Guangxu had long distrusted Yuan Shikai, and Liu Feng's counsel had only cemented that suspicion. Once the imperial army grew large enough, the Emperor would likely move to dismantle the Beiyang Army entirely. This year's reparations were already covered. A one-year tax exemption coupled with the indemnities could be funded entirely by liquidating Empress Dowager Cixi's assets. "Are we still struggling to track down all of her holdings?" Fang Ming asked. "This is just the beginning," Liu Feng declared. "Soon, the world will converge here." "Whether this marks the start of reform or the descent into ruin remains to be seen. The ministers won't stay silent," Fang Ming cautioned. The ministers' current silence stemmed from their belief that the Emperor had yet to touch the national treasury. They were biding their time, waiting for his resources to deplete. In their eyes, the moment his funds dried up would be the moment to strike, reducing him once again to a puppet. "It's a battle of endurance," Liu Feng said. "Exactly," Fang Ming agreed. "If the Emperor prevails, many ministers will face their downfall. But if the ministers win..." "Then the Emperor will live out his days as a figurehead," Liu Feng finished grimly. The stage was set for a battle with no retreat. "For now, let's focus on our part,"Fang Ming said. They were poised to reap the benefits, navigating the chaos from a middle ground that ensured profit regardless of who emerged victorious. The Struggles of the Allied Powers Days after the second round of negotiations concluded, the Allied Powers were still deadlocked. "Qing China has agreed to lease ports to all Allied nations. Why are you blocking us?" the Russian envoy demanded, his frustration boiling over. Herbert, representing Britain, met his anger with steely resolve. "How many times must I explain this? Your empire already shares a land border with China. Why would you need a port? Transporting goods by rail is far more efficient!" You will not reach the seas. This is your last chance to gain a port peacefully, and we will ensure you fail. The Great Game was far from over. For Britain, preventing Russia from securing a foothold on the seas was a battle that could not be lost.

Chapter 36 - 36 The Diplomatic war

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