Chapter 128

--- 3rd Person POV ---

The gravity of Yuvraj Siagu's statement hung heavy in the air. Even Aguinaldo, for all his defiance, appeared pale and subdued. He can feel it, the veil that separates the power between the government and monarchy is slowly being remove. The power and position that Aguinaldo loved and take hold for is slowly being taken once again.

The decision made by Yuvraj Siagu on his own and without the approval of the cabinet speaks of the reality, the government have lost its power over the crown. And everyone present in the room can feel it and laments as the days of the parliament is now numbered and they cannot do anything but watch in horror.

But while few of the ministers present were lamenting on the possibility of them losing their power in the government, Minister Li Hongyi, Minister Ahmadi, Minister Kenji, and few others that supports the monarchy were inwardly celebrating. As they all know that the fall of the parliament will signals the start of the new chapter of Butuan's democracy, a democracy that the maharaja's power will be strengthens.

As the meeting adjourned, Senior Eunuch Radhesh worked swiftly to draft the ultimatum, and couriers prepared to deliver it to the Qing court via telegraph. Meanwhile, the streets of Sooraj continued to pulse with anger and anticipation.

The same situation is happening within the court of Siam, although far less chaotic as the situation in Butuan, but after receiving the ultimatum of Butuan to the Qing Dynasty, King Chulalongkorn instinctively echoed the same message against the Qing Dynasty. Although far less powerful compared to the Butuan Empire, King Chulalongkorn is still confident that his kingdom can dealt a fatal blow to the Qing Dynasty.

In the streets of Bangkok, people have also gathered in protest against the Qing Dynasty's action of sinking the passenger ships. Such anger was similar to the anger the people felt during the war against the British and Frech.

"This is practically surrendering our independence into their hands!" Prince Chun angrily shouted while throwing the paper that contains the demands made by the Empire of Butuan to the Qing Dynasty.

Silence descended inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony after Prince Chun angrily shouted. Nervousness was even visible in the eyes of the people present in the hall as no one wanted to offend the now powerful Prince Chun. Prince Chun on the other hand was fuming in anger not just because of the demands made by Sooraj but because of how idiotic some of his people were.

It was a common knowledge to not involve the Empire of Butuan and Kingdom of Siam in the war as it will further open another frontier for their forces to defend. But because of some idiot who thinks they are powerful just because they are leading 2 battleships on the sea while the Russian fleet nearing the West Butuan Sea, decided to sunk a passenger ship carrying Butuanon and Siamese individuals.

Now, even Tsar Nicholas II have voiced his anger and frustration to the event, which Prince Chun fully understand. What is worst is that the one who made the command in sinking the ship were nowhere to be found, adding to Prince Chun's frustration.

"And where is that idiot who gave the command of sinking that damn passenger ship?!" Inquired in full anger.

Yuan Shikai on the other hand were in complete silence, not wanting to voiced his words as the one who made the directive of sinking the passenger ship was his man. And not wanting to have him being brag into mud, Yuan Shikai have decided to dispose the man along with his entire family, making it look like they have fled the country in fear of being punished.

The tension in the Hall of Supreme Harmony was palpable, as Prince Chun's fury reverberated through the grand chamber. Ministers and officials exchanged uneasy glances, each wary of being the next target of his wrath.

"Silence! All of you!" Prince Chun commanded, his voice booming. "This is not the time for cowardice and inaction. The Empire is on the verge of a multi-front disaster, and it's because of idiocy like this!"

Yuan Shikai remained stoic, careful to mask his guilt. As Prince Chun paced the hall, his gaze darted between the officials, searching for any sign of culpability or weakness. Yuan's calculated decision to eliminate the offending officer was an attempt to save face and maintain his influence. Still, he could not entirely shake the unease gripping his chest.

One of the court's senior ministers cautiously stepped forward, bowing deeply before speaking. "Your Highness, perhaps we can mitigate this crisis with immediate diplomacy? A public declaration that the act was unauthorized and a pledge to punish those responsible might appease the Butuanons and Siamese."

"And what do you suggest we do about their demands?" Prince Chun shot back, his tone sharp and cutting. "They expect formal apology, pay reparations for the lives lost, secede our sovereignty over the regions of Kwangtung and Kwangsi, and immediately cease any naval blockades targeting neutral vessels! How do we offer that without looking weak?"

The minister hesitated. "Your Highness, we must consider the alternative—war on another front. The Imperial Treasury is strained, and our armies are already stretched thin against the Japanese and Koreans. Perhaps strategic concession—"

"No!" Prince Chun loudly declares, "We cannot accept any of these demands. Not to mention that these will only make us nothing but laughable in the eyes of others… Leave the demands made by Sooraj in silence and mobilize another set of soldiers and have them ready to fight against the Butuanons and Siamese."

Murmurs of complains revibrated in the entire hall as Yuan Shikai and other ministers knew that another mobilization of soldiers will further stretch their budget and will surely result in another thousands of lives being lost.

"Your Imperial Highness!" Yuan Shikai shouted in frustration, "Another mobilization will not just further stretch our finances but will only anger the populace! This will instead result in a rebellion that we cannot afford!"

Hums of agreement and nods revibrated in the entire hall as ministers voices their support to the words of Yuan Shikai. Even those that once stand on the side of Prince Chun were now standing in support to Yuan Shikai's words as they know that another set of mobilization will only bring disaster to the Dynasty.

The sudden unanimous support to Yuan Shikai's words suddenly made Yuan Shikai harbours the idea of replacing Prince Chun on being the regent of the Dynasty. The position of just being one of the ministers and even general do not satisfied the thirst that he is feeling, the power that he now seeks is the dragon throne, and gaining the support of his fellow ministers gave Yuan Shikai the courage on further intimidating Prince Chun.

Prince Chun on the other hand, having been trained by Empress Dowager Cixi already saw the act that Yuan Shikai is planning to do. But without proper evidence, this will only lead into his own downfall. Thus, Prince Chun decided to observe further on the move that Yuan Shikai's going to do.

But the Prince Chun's decision is already final, thus, without minding the reaction of the ministers, Prince Chun raised his hand to silence the room. His voice, though steady, carried an edge of finality that brooked no argument. "Enough," he said coldly, his eyes narrowing as he regarded Yuan Shikai and the other ministers. "The Qing Dynasty will not bow to threats, nor will it crumble under the weight of fear. Mobilize the soldiers. We will prepare for war."

The Hall of Supreme Harmony fell into a tense, uncomfortable silence. The murmurs of dissent ceased, replaced by the weight of unspoken tension. Yuan Shikai clenched his fists, his mind racing as he considered his next move. Prince Chun's resolve had shaken his confidence, but it also deepened his resolve to act decisively.

But without tangible support, Yuan Shikai retreated and have instead accepted the words of Prince Chun. Besides, if a rebellion will happen, he can just defect and become the leader of the rebels, overrunning Peking and seizing power from the emperor.

With the Qing Dynasty finally made their decision, a letter of command was passed to each military officers, commanding them to further mobilize their forces as the possibility of Butuan Empire and Kingdom of Siam's retaliation is imminent.

Having not accepted the ultimatum and instead responded with nothing but complete silence, the populace of Butuan and Siam were infuriated by the act made by the Qing Dynasty. But in the covers of the walls of the Palace of Sella, Yuvraj Siagu can be seen smiling meaningfully after receiving the news of the refusal made by the Butuan and Siam against the Qing, which Yuvraj Siagu actually hopes for.

The ultimatum is nothing but just list of demands that are designed for the Qing government to refuse, the same tactic applied during the beginning of World War I. This is what actually Yuvraj Siagu wanted, the refusal of the Qing government signals Butuan and Siam's involvement in war, the signal that he is waiting for.

Thus, by the 25rd of October 1905, after days of closed-door discussion with his cabinet members and back-and-fort messages with the Siamese government, a conclusion has been made. The Empire of Butuan and the Kingdom of Siam shall start mobilizing its forces after the announcement of war declaration shall be made.

With Yuvraj Siagu chairing the meeting, Prime Minister Aguinaldo became nothing but a mere figure present to represent the now crumbling government. With the Minister of Defence Ahmadi becoming the one to discuss the preparations and plans to be done during the war. The Minister of Finance have also signalled that the government's finances are enough to support the war efforts, especially its economy.

Which was a go of news for Yuvraj Siagu as the war would be a complete failure if the populace will starve to death due to the government budgets merely poured at the military.

By the morning of 26th of October 1905, as the rest of the world rise from their bed while others heading to their sleeps like any other days. With some of them taking their breakfast while the others tucking themselves on their bed, a different scenario completely unfolds in the lands controlled by the Butuan Empire and the Kingdom of Siam.

Tabloids from every news agency, radio stations, and the sole company with television channels; Lobestar Tribune, unanimously releases information on the on-going development within the government. Some have continued to advocate for the declaration of war against the Qing and Russians, emphasizing avenging the death of their people.

And at exactly 9 in the morning, the usual programs in radio and television all throughout the empire of Butuan suddenly came into a halt. While the sirens strategically scattered all throughout the empire suddenly emitted a sound, signalling that a message will be given to the public.

People from all walks of life suddenly came into a halt to their respective activities, to the point that the word paused would not be an exaggeration to describe the people's situation. With a long beep, a voice of an individual whom people know as the defence minister Ahmadi came through the airwaves, clear and solemn, cutting through the eerie silence that had blanketed the land. His voice, steady but heavy with the weight of his words, began the address.

"Citizens of the Butuan Empire," he started, "it is with a grave heart that I speak to you today. Our nation has endured an unprovoked and heinous attack on innocent lives—twice, ten days ago. Hundreds of our people, including women, children, and the elderly, were senselessly murdered by the Qing Imperial Navy. Leaving nothing for each of their family members to mourn but just their memories. These are acts of barbarity that no civilized nation can tolerate."

Across the empire, people stood frozen in place—market vendors clutching their wares, children gazing at radios in their classrooms, and farmers pausing mid-swing of their tools. In homes, in streets, in offices, the words of the Minister of Defence echoed, carrying the collective weight of a nation's grief and anger.

Ahmadi continued, his voice growing firmer, more resolute. "We have sought peace. We have sought justice through diplomacy. Sending demands that shall compensate to the lives that that was taken, as per commanded by our Yuvraj. But our warnings have been met with disregard and barbaric attitude that has no place in this day of age. The Qing Dynasty has shown no remorse for its actions, no respect for the lives it has destroyed, and no intention to honour the rights of neutral nations. Sending us nothing but silence on their end, expecting us to accept our brothers and sisters' death."

A brief pause followed as the Minister of Defence allowed his words to sink in. Then, with a tone that left no room for doubt, he delivered the message that many had both feared and anticipated.

"By the decree of Yuvraj Siagu, with the full support from the Cabinet and the blessings of the Maharaja, the Butuan Empire hereby declares war against the vile forces of the Qing Dynasty, effective immediately."

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowds across the empire, but the Minister of Defence pressed on.

"This is not a decision made lightly. Butuan has never wavered in its commitment to protect its people, uphold justice, and defend its honour. To our brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen, I say this: You fight not for conquest, but for justice. You fight for the lives lost and for the future we vow to protect."

As his voice faded, the national anthem of Butuan Empire began to play across every radio station and television channel, stirring both pride and sorrow in the hearts of its people. Many began to chant along, their voices rising as one. The mood in the streets was electric—grief giving way to determination, sorrow hardening into resolve.

In the Hainan and the Island of Luzon, the Butuanon Imperial Army began its mobilization, with columns of soldiers marching to the cheers of onlookers. At the harbours, naval vessels were prepared for deployment, flags flying high. Across the empire, factories shifted gears to produce wartime supplies, and recruitment centres saw long lines of volunteers ready to defend their homeland.

In Bangkok, a similar scene played out as the Kingdom of Siam declared its own state of emergency, aligning itself with Butuan. The two nations, united in grief and determination, prepared to confront the Qing Dynasty together.

As the day unfolded, telegrams flew across the world. Allied nations expressed sympathy for Butuan and Siam, while neutral nations watched with bated breath. In Russia, Tsar Nicholas II, already fraught with his own internal strife, braced for the implications of this new warfront. In the Qing court, chaos erupted as Prince Chun struggled to maintain order amidst a flurry of accusations and fear.

For the Butuan Empire, the 26th of October 1905, became a day that would be etched in history—a day when a peaceful nation, pushed to the brink, took up arms to defend its honour and its people.

This day also marks in the heart of the people that something changes within the structure of the government. The usual announcement of declaration that should have been given by the Prime Minister was instead delivered by the Minister of Defence, signalling to the people that the prime minister has fallen from the grace of the imperial family.

For the ministers in the house of commons, house of lords, and the intellects of the empire of Butuan, the announcement have also carried one important information that provides the political climate of the empire. The government has finally fallen, these are the words that hangs on the minds of those who fully understood what is happening in the shadows, the independence within the government has finally been broken.

And nothing they can do but watch as these unfolds in the future as the Imperial family are far more popular than any other government officials in the empire. Even the Imperial Judicial Council that should have been the balancing force within the government have remain in silence. Silence that speaks on the gravity of the influence the Imperial family once again wielded within the government.

But despite some who opposes this idea, a majority of ministers and government officials have welcomed the situation with open heart. It was not that they did not like the idea of democracy, but the fact that it was forcefully given to them made the word democracy nothing but chained with the oppressors.

Even the idea of the maharaja being a human still remains nothing but pure hoax in the heart of the people, the same situation lingers in Siam, Japan, and Korea, countries that have devotedly believe that their monarch is a descendant or chosen by their deity to rule them.

In Europe, the involvement of Butuan and Siam in the battle once again brought concern within the halls of every nation within the continent. Particularly with the British, French, and the Dutch, countries that have consistently been under at odds with Butuan and Siam. The Dutch in particular have increase its soldier's presence at its border with Butuan in fear of a surprise attack from the Butuanons.

Particularly with Mary of Teck who is now busy building her forces in the shadows to counter their inevitable fight against the Butuan Empire. Her stance on maintaining the status quo were shattered after realizing that her enemy were not keen on doing so. Thus, after her return to the 

And by the 31st of October, the first batch of Butuanon Imperial Army landed in Xuwen county, with almost no resistance at all, Xuwen county became under Butuan Empire's control within a day. People gather near the port of Xuwen carrying with them flowers and leaves, welcoming the arrival of Butuanon soldiers in their county.

"Welcome! Liberators!", "Heroes!", "Welcome!" civilians who are gathering near the port of Xuwen shouted with great strength and vigour while emotionally waving their flowers in the air, celebrating the arrival of the Butuanon forces in the area.

This come as a surprise to the Butuanon soldiers as they have expected to be welcome by enemy forces or either angry mob of civilians not wanting to be conquered, they are already prepared to engage in battle. But seeing the warmth welcome made by the civilians in Xuwen, this provided a sense of pride to the heart of the soldiers.

The civilians in Xuwen county's reaction were not a surprise to the inhabitants of Xuwen. As the closest county near the controlled Hainan Island of the Butuan Empire, civilians of the Xuwen county have always dreamed of migrating in Hainan, seeing how comfortable people are in the area.

Jealousy was what the people in Xuwen county is feeling towards the inhabitants of Hainan while hatred and resentment were what they were feeling towards the Qing Government. Not to mention that the sudden decree of mobilization further adds to the peoples anger towards the government. Thus, the arrival of Butuanon forces provided hope for the future in the eyes of the citizens.

Having their entire force of 30 thousand completely landed while a coming 50 thousand more were sailing from Luzon. Under the leadership of a veteran lieutenant general, the 30 thousand Butuanon soldiers made their way deeper into the area, fully securing the entire Xuwen and Leizhou county with in a day.

Their first battle since joining the war happened during the siege of Zhanjiang having the city being fortified by poorly-equipped Qing Imperial soldiers. Armed with outdated musket riffles and old artillery, the Qing fervently defended the city.

Having been stalled for 2 days already, Lieutenant Colonel Bhatia decided to make a full and final push on the 3rd day of the siege to the now crumbling Qing forces in the city.

As dawn arises, Butuanon soldiers numbering around 5 thousand made their charges toward the heavily defended gates of Zhanjiang. The morning fog, coupled with the deafening roar of artillery fire, created an atmosphere of chaos and tension.

Despite the Qing soldiers' desperation, their outdated weaponry and lack of reinforcements began to show. The Butuanon forces, armed with modern rifles and supported by mobile artillery, methodically dismantled the city's defenses.

Lieutenant Colonel Bhatia, standing atop a ridge overlooking the battlefield, barked commands with precision. "Signal the flanking units to advance! We'll breach their lines before noon!"

Butuanon soldiers moved like clockwork. Their discipline and cohesion were evident as they executed maneuvers that surrounded the Qing defenders. The Qing soldiers fought valiantly, but it was clear their morale had already crumbled under the overwhelming firepower and strategic precision of the Butuanon forces.

By mid-morning, the gates of Zhanjiang fell, and Butuanon soldiers poured into the city. Civilians peered cautiously from behind shuttered windows and barricaded doors, their faces etched with fear and uncertainty.

However, as the Butuanon troops maintained strict discipline—refraining from looting or harming civilians—an air of cautious optimism began to spread among the residents. 3rd of November 1905, Zhanjiang fell at the hands of Butuanon forces.