Chapter 124

--- 3rd Person POV ---

--- 21st October 1904 ---

"With our current speed of 50km/h, we will be arriving on our destination by the 27th or 28th of this month." Minister Li Hongyi stated as he takes glances on the reports given to him and Minister Li Hongyi.

"That would be sufficient." Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar replied calmly while minding the papers in front of him.

With a nod of agreement, Minister Li seconded, "That is indeed good. The only problem we will be facing is the impression we will be giving towards the Ottomans… Imam Yahya ibn Mohammed is a rebel in the eyes of the Ottoman Turks. Making a deal with him will be an upfront spat on the face of the monarch of the Ottoman Sultanate."

Senior Eunuch Akash remains in silence for a few minutes, pondering on the remarks made by Minister Li himself. Offending the Ottomans will not really made any great impacts towards Butuan, but it is still better to have one casual friend than to have another enemy. Yet, if their mission will be a huge success, Butuan will not just get hold of a great resource but will also have a strong foothold in the middle east.

Thus, despite how challenging the mission is, since it is going to be done in secret, in fear of getting the attention of other countries. Senior Euncuh Akesh still accepted the mission under the cooperation of Minister Li Hongyi, the current Minister of Foreign Affairs in the empire.

"We will not." Senior Eunuch Akash responded after minutes of silence.

Intrigue by Senior Eunuch Akash's response, Minister Li asked, "What do you mean 'we will not'? Our tasked is to head to Imam Yahya ibn Mohammed, as per His Imperial Highness commands."

"We will be heading to Emirate of Riyadh." Senior Eunuch Akash calmly revealed, "Imam Yahya ibn Mohammed, a Yemen rebel leader, and Abdul Aziz, the current Emir of Riyadh, will be in there to meet with us."

Minister Li Hongyi raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly forward. "Riyadh? That was not part of the original plan. Why the sudden change in destination?"

Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar adjusted his seat and placed his hands calmly on the table. "It is not a change but an adjustment. The Imam and the Emir are in discussions of their own. His Imperial Highness has deemed it wise for us to meet them together, under the cover of mutual cooperation, rather than risk exposing a meeting in Yemen or elsewhere."

Minister Li frowned, his fingers drumming on the surface of the desk. "Does the Prime Minister even know this plan of His Imperial Highness?"

Senior Eunuch Akash take a glance at Minister Li meaningfully before replying, "And why should he be informed? You know the man, Minister Li. And the Imperial family have already lost its trusts and confidence towards the man. Betrayal of trust of the Imperial family is not something each member of the family can easily forgive."

Minister Li Hongyi's frown deepened as he considered Senior Eunuch Akash's pointed remark. The gravity of the situation was apparent: a mission of such significance, conducted in secrecy and with such delicate diplomatic underpinnings, would normally require the full coordination of the government. However, the strained relationship between the Imperial family and the Prime Minister clearly complicated matters.

But he cannot even defend Prime Minister Aguinaldo's action as the man has indeed been quite active in ignoring the words of the Imperial family. Scandals have also linked Prime Minister Aguinaldo to being a supporter of the United States and dreaming of being the head of states, which is a big ideocracy in Minister Li Hongyi's opinion.

With how the Imperial family views the current Prime Minister, Minister Li could already see the fate of Prime Minister Aguinaldo on next year's general election. And Minister Li could attest that it will be the end of Aguinaldo's political career in this lifetime, unless some miraculous thing will happen that will divert the people and the Imperial family's attention to other issues.

The room fell into a heavy silence as Minister Li Hongyi leaned back in his chair, his fingers now clasped in contemplation. The implications of this clandestine mission and its political context weighed heavily on him. He was aware of the simmering tensions between the Imperial family and the government, and this mission seemed to be yet another maneuver in the chessboard of Butuan's intricate political game.

"I see," Minister Li finally said, his tone measured. "If this is the will of His Imperial Highness, then we proceed. But I must ask, Senior Eunuch Akash—what guarantee do we have that meeting the Imam and the Emir together will yield the results we seek?"

"It will result on what we seek," Senior Eunuch Akash replied meaningfully, "Currently, the middle east is under great unrest as the Emirate of Riyadh wanted to strengthen its forces and grip in the peninsula while the rebels in Yemen seeks to be independent and fight against the Ottoman Government. With these being placed on the table, our presence alone is enough for them to pull the tide of fate on their side."

Minister Li Hongyi regarded Senior Eunuch Akash Sundar's words with a mix of curiosity and caution. "You're suggesting that our mere involvement would tilt the balance of power in their favor? That's a bold assumption, even for someone as skilled in diplomacy as you."

Senior Eunuch Akash's expression remained impassive, though his eyes reflected the depth of his strategic foresight. "Not an assumption, Minister Li—a calculation. The Emir and the Imam are both aware of Butuan's growing influence and military prowess. To have us as their silent ally, even unofficially, gives them a significant edge. They will see our presence as an endorsement of their cause, a potential shield against Ottoman retaliation, and perhaps even a long-term partner in their ambitions."

Minister Li tapped his fingers against the table, a contemplative rhythm breaking the silence. "And what of the risks? If the Ottomans catch wind of this meeting, they could interpret it as an act of hostility. Our relations with them may not be robust, but they're far from antagonistic. Are we prepared to burn that bridge?"

Senior Eunuch Akash allowed a faint smile to touch his lips. "Minister, the Ottomans are preoccupied with too many internal and external challenges to react decisively. Their hold on Yemen is tenuous, their coffers are strained, and their attention is divided between Europe, Arabia, and the Balkans. By the time they piece together the significance of our involvement, it will already be too late for them to act meaningfully."

Minister Li nodded slowly, the logic of Akesh's argument settling into place. "Very well," he said after a moment. "But I still have concerns about the Emir and the Imam themselves. These are people faithful to the Islamic faith, the very religion that killed our priest and nuns in the Dutch-Indies. Forging an agreeable agreement with them might be much harder than seeking diplomatic concession with the British."

It is no denying that the relationship between Islam and the Temple of Butuan have consistently been deteriorating for the past years, evident to the attacks happened in the Sulu archipelago. This is due to the reclassification of Islam as an unrecognize religion in the empire after the continuous attacks made by the Muslims against the temple's followers near the Sabah region. Which in return cemented Aylashanism's grip to religious dominance within the empire's boarder.

Butuan Empire has no interest even in reconciliating with the Islamic followers in the empire as their numbers continues to dwindle, basing on the recent census made by the government. This alone have made Minister Li baffled on the confidence of Senior Eunuch Akash regarding the deal to be made with the Emir and Imam of Yemen and Riyadh.

Reconciliating with the Catholic Christians might be feasible in Minister Li's opinion than forging a deal with the Islamic followers whom are considered heathens by the Butuanon people. Even the Temple of Butuan has better relationships with the Buddhist and the Taoist faith in Siam and Japan.

"That may be true in normal circumstances, but this is different." Senior Eunuch Akash commented after minutes of silence, "The Yemenis have been under Ottoman rule for years already and have suffered under their rule. Imam Yahya ibn Mohammed currently leading the revolt in hopes of gaining independence from the Ottomans, which we can provide by arm support and protection. In exchange, we wanted them to be much like the Kingdom of Hawai'i and the trade of their materials in the area."

Senior Eunuch Akash paused as he takes a stand and draw closer to Minister Li's table and placing a miniature soldier at the land controlled by the Yemenis. Another miniature soldier toy was also placed at the areas controlled by the British and the Ottomans, giving a sense that the Yemenis were surrounded and in a bad situation, making Minister Li see where it is going.

With a serious expression, Minister Li added, "With the British on its south and the Ottomans on its north, Imam Yahya ibn Mohammed is currently surrounded on vital sides of the peninsula. With no one to help, due to his background as a rebel, Imam Yahya ibn Mohammed is basically isolated in his territory."

"Correct," Senior Eunuch Akash seconded, "Yahya ibn Mohammed have no allies and is surrounded of countries he considered as his enemies. This is where we will be involved, providing them with support in the shadows against the Ottomans. In return, His Imperial Highness wanted us to secure Yemen as our protectorate and manages to get a piece of land in the peninsula under the direct control of the empire."

"Is His Imperial Highness planning to established a colony in the middle east?" Minister Li inquired which was answered by a nod of Senior Eunuch Akash.

Minister Li's eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned back in his chair, digesting the implications of Senior Eunuch Akash's revelation. The idea of establishing a colony in the Middle East was as audacious as it was risky. Butuan had long maintained its influence in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, but extending its reach into the Arabian Peninsula marked an entirely new frontier.

"A colony in the Middle East," Minister Li repeated thoughtfully, his fingers steepled before him. "It would send a powerful message to the world about our growing influence, no doubt. But it also exposes us to new threats—hostile neighbours, cultural tensions, and the ever-looming shadow of European powers who will not sit idly by."

Akesh remained unperturbed; his expression serene yet resolute. "Minister Li, His Imperial Highness is well aware of these risks. The choice to target Yemen and the surrounding region was not made lightly. Consider the strategic benefits: access to Red Sea trade routes, proximity to Africa and Europe, and a foothold in an oil-rich region that will only grow in importance as time progresses."

Minister Li exhaled deeply, his skepticism mingling with reluctant admiration for the ambition of the plan. "Even so, convincing the Imam to accept such terms will not be easy. Protectorate status would require him to cede a portion of his autonomy, even if it grants him the support he desperately needs. His pride may prevent him from agreeing."

Akesh's lips curved into a faint smile. "Which is why our approach must be measured. We will frame the arrangement not as a loss of sovereignty, but as a strategic partnership. He will remain the ruler of his lands, free to govern as he pleases, while benefiting from our protection and resources. In exchange, we secure trade rights, access to strategic locations, and an enduring presence in the region."

Minister Li nodded slowly, seeing the outline of the plan take shape. "And what of the Emir of Riyadh? He has his own ambitions in the Arabian Peninsula, and aligning with us may not sit well with his aspirations for dominance."

"The Emir is pragmatic," Akesh replied confidently as he places another soldier figurine at the area controlled by the Emirate of Riyadh. "He knows that the Ottomans are a greater threat to his vision than we are. By presenting ourselves as allies rather than competitors, we can convince him that our goals align. His cooperation with Imam Yahya suggests that he is already open to unconventional alliances."

Minister Li nodded in understanding as he and Senior Eunuch Akash remains in silence while anticipating the possible outcome of their meeting with the Imam and Emir of Yemen and Riyadh. Both wanted to bring good news for the empire and its subjects, wanting to receive recognition from the people whom they are serving.

But while this is happening, the war between the joint forces of the Japanese and Koreans against the Russian and the Qing continues to ravage the villages in the Jilin region. Since the start of the war a total of almost 50 thousand individuals have perished from both sides while not less than 200 thousand individuals sustained injuries, having the Qing Dynasty sustaining majority of the casualties, seconded by the Russians.

With the weaponries and support provided by the Butuan Empire and the Kingdom of Siam, the Japanese and Korean forces manage to take the upper hand of the battel with the Battle of Shaho becoming the largest battle during the war. With total of 20 thousand deaths and 50 thousand reportedly being wounded from both sides, the battle of Shaho were now dub as the bloodiest battle during the war.

Despite the failure of the Russian offense, Kuropatkin used his recapture of One-Tree Hill from the Japanese as an excuse to send a telegram to the Tsar proclaiming a Russian victory in the battle. Because of this, the now lone Tsar Nicholas II removed Yevgeni Alexeyev from command in Manchuria, and assigned full military command of Russian forces to Kuropatkin.

But despite this move and the false victory reported toward Tsar Nicholas II, the ground situation in Manchuria were vastly different from what being reported. The entire Eastern part of the region of Manchuria now falls under the complete control of the Japanese and the Koreas, with offenses now in the area were directed towards the Qing soldiers present.

Having heard the situation and the fall of the soldiers sent by Yuan Shikai to Manchuria, Empress Dowager Cixi exploded in anger and demoted Yuan Shikai from his current position, replacing him with Prince Chun, which infuriated Yuan Shikai the most. Prince Chun and his allies on the other hand were in full delight and mockingly stares at the now lone Yuan Shikai, further fuelling the anger on Yuan Shikai's heart.

With Prince Chun now taking the command, he summons his soldiers and allies and rally them towards the region of Manchuria, with an aim of retaking the entire region from the Japanese and the Koreans. Empress Dowager Cixi on the other hand continues to lock the Guangxu Emperor and his wife to their respective quarters, banning them in attending palace meetings as she continues to hold power.

But as Empress Dowager Cixi and his people continue to focus their attention towards the battle in Manchuria. Growing dissatisfied Han Chinese individuals were brewing on the South of the Qing Dynasty, with strong backing from the counties of Xuwen and Leizhou. But while this is brewing at the Southern part of the Dynasty, Empress Dowager Cixi continues to focus her and the Forbidden City's attention towards the war in Manchuria.

On France and Britain, both parliaments have raised their concerns on the growing war once again in the East Asian Region. It hasn't been 10 years since the war against the Japanese and Butuanon happened but the region is now again ablaze. But unlike the past war, this war has been by far the bloodiest war of all. Not because of the countries involved but because of the weaponries used by participating nations.

After the advancement made in military weaponries, this is the first time the newly invented weaponries were used against each other. From the weaponries brought and manufactured by the Russian Empire to the weaponries made by the Koreans and the Japanese with the help of Butuan. The new age of warfare unfolds in the eyes of the British and French politicians.

Thus, in fear of having the battle further escalates to a level that will drag them also. The British and the French both releases a statement, asserting their neutrality in the war, even the United States and the German Empire did the same. But despite this, the French Indochina Governor-General Jean Baptiste Paul Beau reinforces its forces on its border with the Kingdom of Siam and the Butuan Empire, further intensifying the situation in the area.

With just few days after the reinforcement of French Indochinese soldiers on its borders with the Butuan Empire and the Kingdom of Siam, clashes were already made by both sides. Putting pressure on its residence to flee the area in fear of being declared as casualties. But despite this minor skirmishes, Butuan Empire and the Kingdom of Siam declares no ill will towards the happening in its border with the French Indochinese government.

The British Malaya Governor-General on the other hand alerted the British parliament on the brewing trouble on their end as the relationship between the Dutch East Indies and the Butuan Empire continues to soar their relationship on an alarming rate. With standoffs and skirmishes happening almost every day with their borders.

For the past days, thousands upon thousands of Imperial Butuanon Army flooded the Sabah Region to support the soldiers stationed in its borders with the Dutch East Indies, under the command of Minister Ahmadi, Butuan Empire's Minister of Defence.

The British Empire called for peace as two countries continues to battle with each other over the deaths of Aylashanism priest and nuns in the Sultanate of Bulungan, which is under Dutch Protectorate. Governor-General Johannes van Heutsz called the act of Minister Ahmadi barbaric for threatening the soldiers of the Dutch East Indies with numbers.

The United States on the other hand got involved and calls for de-escalation in the area as trade were slowly been disrupted due to this standoff. With the United States being involved, Prime Minister Aguinaldo, with the support of half of the ministers, suddenly announces Butuan's retreat from the border of Sabah and the Sultanate of Bulungan, a move that causes an uproar in the capital.

Tabloids and news agencies in the Butuan Empire flooded the minds of the people with speculations on where does Prime Minister Aguinaldo's loyalty lies. Some speculated that the prime minister got weak and decided to back down, others thought that it is a strategic move by Prime Minister Aguinaldo. But out of these speculations Prime Minister Aguinaldo and those ministers who supported the retreat were branded as American puppets.

This is because Prime Minister Aguinaldo and the others got only involve the moment the United States calls for peace within the area. This causes Minister Ahmadi and the other ministers to be outrage on what Prime Minister Aguinaldo did as it basically tells to the world that Butuan Empire has become weak and willingly bowed to foreign powers.

But Prime Minister Aguinaldo did not listen to the complains and decided to stick to his decision, pulling the reinforcement sent to Sabah while only stationing the original soldiers in the area. This did not just bold the soldiers of the Dutch East Indies but have also made them realize on how the current prime minister of Butuan would willingly bow to a foreigner.

Afraid of further damaging the prestige and pride of the empire, Minister Ahmadi and the other ministers still loyal to the empire and the imperial family, decided to ask Yuvraj Siagu and Maharaja Siagu XV to intervene and revoke the decision made by Prime Minister Aguinaldo himself.

Which Yuvraj Siagu accepted and just two days after Prime Minister Aguinaldo made his directive of pulling the military out from the border, Yuvraj Siagu release a command under his father's name to restation the military at the border for the areas defence.

"Tyranny and overreach!" Prime Minister Aguinaldo thundered during an emergency session of the parliament. His face was flushed with a mixture of anger and disbelief as he slammed his hand on the lectern. "This is not an absolute monarchical country where the whims of one man—or his son—override the decisions of the duly elected ministers! This action is a blatant affront to our democratic process!"

The chamber buzzed with murmurs, some in agreement, others in outrage. Prime Minister Aguinaldo's supporters echoed his sentiment, casting the intervention by Yuvraj Siagu as an unprecedented and dangerous precedent. This further divided the parliament as the once distinct separation of the liberals and conservatives were now replaced by another set of separation.

Prime Minister Aguinaldo along with his conservative supporters who usually is sitting on the right side of the chamber were now seated on its left side along with the liberals whom have consistently been against having a monarch as the head of state. Now, with just one situation, the loyalty of ministers of the Butuan finally cemented. With Prime Minister Aguinaldo and his allies now part of the liberals.

"Outrageous!" Minister Kenji, seated firmly on the right side of the chamber, stood abruptly, his voice cutting through the cacophony. "Your actions, Prime Minister, are what constitute an affront—not only to the monarchy but to the very foundation of this empire! It is you who betrayed our principles, bowing to foreign powers and weakening our sovereignty!"

The room erupted into chaos. Ministers from both sides of the chamber began hurling accusations, their voices overlapping in a cacophony of discord.

Minister Ahmadi then takes his stand and seconded Minister Kenji's words. "This is not about democracy, Prime Minister," Minister Ahmadi retorted sharply. "This is about the sovereignty and security of our empire. Your decision to yield to foreign pressure has emboldened our enemies and humiliated our people. It is our duty to correct your grievous error."

The heated parliamentary session reflected the growing chasm within Butuan's political landscape. The chamber, once divided along predictable ideological lines of liberals and conservatives, had fractured further into new alliances driven by loyalty—or opposition—to the crown.

Prime Minister Aguinaldo, now aligned with the liberals, stood as the leader of a coalition advocating for diminished royal influence and increased parliamentary authority. Their rhetoric painted Yuvraj Siagu's intervention as a dangerous erosion of democratic norms.

Across the aisle, conservatives like Minister Kenji and Minister Ahmadi defended the monarchy as the empire's unifying force. To them, the crown's actions represented a necessary safeguard against weak governance and external manipulation.

As the chamber continued its chaotic exchange, Minister Ahmadi took control of the floor, his voice commanding respect. "Prime Minister Aguinaldo," he began, his tone measured yet firm, "the issue at hand is not your governance, but your abandonment of duty. The Sabah border is not just a line on a map—it is a testament to our empire's strength and resolve. Withdrawing troops sends a message to the Dutch and the world that we are weak. Is that the legacy you wish to leave?"

Aguinaldo glared at Ahmadi; his fists clenched. "And your solution? To turn us into a warmongering state that defies reason? The United States, Britain, and other nations are already scrutinizing us, Minister Ahmadi. Your actions risk isolating us from the global community!"