Chapter 129

--- 3rd Person POV ---

Lieutenant Colonel Bhatia, upon entering the city's center, called for the immediate establishment of order. "Post sentries at every major street. No harm will come to the people of this city. Let them see that we are not their enemies on this conquest."

Word of the Butuanon soldiers' discipline and respect for civilians quickly spread, and by evening, the once fearful citizens began emerging from their homes. Some even offered food and water to the soldiers, expressing their gratitude for the end of Qing rule.

Meanwhile, news of the fall of Zhanjiang reached the Qing court like a thunderclap. Prince Chun was visibly shaken as he received reports detailing the rapid advance of Butuanon forces. "Xuwen, Leizhou, and now Zhanjiang," he muttered, his voice tinged with despair. "At this rate, they'll reach Guangzhou before we can mount a proper defence."

Yuan Shikai, ever the pragmatist, spoke with measured calm. "Your Highness, we must negotiate before they press further. The Butuanon army's momentum is undeniable, and resistance will only deepen our losses."

But Prince Chun, his pride wounded and his judgment clouded by anger, slammed his fist onto the table. "Negotiate? With those barbarians? Never! We will fight to the last man if we must!"

Yuan Shikai remained silent, though inwardly he knew the futility of such defiance. The Qing's resources were dwindling, and their armies were no match for the modernized forces of Butuan. The time for pride, he realized, had long passed.

Back in Zhanjiang, Lieutenant Colonel Bhatia started to gather his officers and plans on their next move in the area. Being the force to be sent to capture Zhanjiang, a city near the occupied Frech area, Lieutenant Colonel Bhatia prevented himself in assaulting the French forces in the area, not wanting to start another war as of the moment.

After an hour or so of the meeting, Bhatia's officers left his temporary office while holding the message sent by his superior regarding the action to be made in the war. Instead of further pushing as of the moment, Bhatia was ordered to secure Zhanjiang and its surrounding areas while waiting for the reinforcement.

The need to push deeper might be necessary for others due to the possibility of its enemies regrouping. But for Bhatia and his colleagues within the military, the Qing forces were nothing to fear of.

A smug expression even appeared on the face of Lieutenant Colonel Bhatia remembering that out from the original 5 thousand soldiers under his command, he was only lost not more than 250 soldiers while the Qing forces of 3 thousand in Zhanjiang lost 70% of its men while the rest either surrendered or retreated out from the city.

"Such a weak nation," Lieutenant Colonel Bhatia mumbles in mockery, "No wonder you were reduced to nothing but pet by the western world."

On that same day, Siamese forces landed in Peihai with 50 thousand strong Siamese soldiers, the resistant made by the stationed Qing soldiers killed no one as a strategic bombardment of the Siamese Airforce in the coast of Peihai destroyed any soldiers stationed in the coast. On the same day, Siamese forces head to Nanning with a goal of cutting off Qing supply lines in its southern provinces.

And by the 6th of November 1905, Nanning falls under the complete control of Siamese soldiers. Capturing thousands of Qing soldiers while killing almost 2 thousand individuals, both civilians and soldiers, collateral damages during war.

Along with these attacks made by Siam and Butuan on the South of the Dynasty, Korea and Japan made a significant achievement in the Manchuria region after months of stalemate as the two countries further deepens their encroachment. Villages after villages, cities after cities falls under their control.

Since the start of war until the involvement of Butuan and Siam, the Pan-Oriental Alliance already captures not less than 10 thousand soldiers from the Qing Dynasty and Russian Empire.

As the war continues and rages the region once again, subjects under the Qing Dynasty becomes more dissatisfied and restless after news after news of their nations defeat at the hands of the Japanese, Koreans, Butuanon, and Siamese. Coupled with the mistreatment and poverty being experienced by the people, a sudden uprising happened across the entire Dynasty, particularly at the Western and Northern part of its territory.

In the vast, rugged expanse of western Qing, long-suppressed discontent erupted into open rebellion. Mongolian herders, Tibetan monks, and Yunnan labourers, all united by their shared grievances, rose against the Qing's oppressive rule. In Tibet, lamas declared the dynasty illegitimate, calling for a return to local autonomy. Mongolian tribes, inspired by whispers of foreign support, began consolidating under charismatic leaders who vowed to drive out the Han-centric Qing administration.

In Szechuwan, Sinkiang, and Kantzu, where the peasantry had long suffered under crushing taxes and famine, mobs stormed government storehouses and commandeered arsenals. And before anyone knows about this, the rebellion became known as the 'White Lotus Rebellion' due to the group wearing a headband with white lotus on it.

Across the north, whispers of revolution spread like wildfire, as Russian defections and defeats demoralized Qing troops stationed in Manchuria. The Qing's alliance with Russia, once seen as a stabilizing force, now appeared to be a liability, dragging both nations into shared ruin.

By the 14th of November 1905, the once fully intact Qing Dynasty were now nothing but a remnant of its past. With Peihai, Chinchou, and Nanning all falling under the control of the Siamese forces while the entirety of Kwangtung Province became part of the Butuan Empire's control. With key cities like Shenzhen and Zhanjiang becoming the centre of activities.

In Sooraj, as news spreads on the success made by the Butuanon Imperial forces made within its campaign in the Qing Dynasty, people celebrated with glee. Streets will always be filled with praises directed towards Minister Ahmadi and the Butuanon Imperial soldiers. Letters were even sent to the office of Minister Ahmadi and few high-ranking generals of the army, sending congratulatory and wishes for good tidings.

But no one feels more satisfied with the course of events rolling than Yuvraj Siagu himself. Inside the throne room of the Imperial Palace of Sella, Yuvraj Siagu is pleasantly watching the massive floor map of the entire world slowly being chiselled on the stone floor of the hall. With every hammer of the artisan to craft the world, a smile appears on Yuvraj Siagu's face.

"Your Imperial Highness," Senior Eunuch Radhesh called catching the attention of Yuvraj Siagu.

"What is it?" Yuvraj Siagu uninterestedly inquired focus on the nearly complete map of the globe on the flood.

Radhesh hearing his master's words despite the uninterested tone replied calmly and respectfully, "The defence minister and foreign minister are here for a meeting."

Silence is what Senior Eunuch Radhesh receives for a couple of seconds, only being able to see the broad back of Yuvraj Siagu. Yuvraj Siagu on the other hand stares at the artisan chiselling the Hainan Island, seeing the artisan about to make some mistake, Yuvraj Siagu decided to intervened.

"That is quite far from the shoreline," Yuvraj Siagu remarked, his voice cutting through the silence of the grand hall like a blade. He pointed at the spot where the artisan was working, his keen eyes noting the slight deviation from accuracy. "The curve must follow the natural coast more closely, or it won't align with our maps."

The artisan froze for a moment, then bowed deeply. "My apologies, Your Imperial Highness. I will correct it immediately."

Yuvraj Siagu gave a small nod of approval before finally turning his attention to Senior Eunuch Radhesh. His piercing gaze softened only slightly as he spoke. "Very well. Let them in."

Moments later, the towering doors of the throne room creaked open, and the defence minister, General Ahmadi, and Foreign Minister, Li Hongyi, entered the chamber. Both men bowed low, their expressions a mix of pride and urgency.

"Your Imperial Highness," General Ahmadi began, "we bring… Uhm…" General Ahmadi suddenly paused and stared at the working artisans on the floor, not wanting to reveal his words while others were present.

Even Foreign Minister Li Hongyi also shows an expression of discomfort seeing that outsiders were present and will be hearing their reports, risking the possibility of the information being leaked to the public. Not to mention that these artisans might be spies planted by their enemies to spy their nation.

Over the years, General Ahmadi and Minister Li have caught a handful of spies being present within the smaller position of the government. Some have escaped while majority were caught, and as irritating as it is in the eyes of Ahmadi and Li, those spies have not even whistled much information.

Sensing his ministers sudden paused, Yuvraj Siagu decided to throw a glance at General Ahmadi and Minister Li whom are staring at the working artisans. Understanding their look, Yuvraj Siagu then spoke, "Leave the room and return later."

Hearing Yuvraj Siagu's words, all of the artisans present horridly left the room, providing security and privacy for the three to have their conversation. A sigh of relief was also audible from Ahmadi and Li's area.

"Continue." Yuvraj Siagu stated while still having his back turn from his ministers.

General Ahmadi straightened his posture, the brief moment of discomfort fading from his expression. "Your Imperial Highness, I am pleased to report that our campaign in Kwangtung Province has been a resounding success. Zhanjiang and Shenzhen have been fully secured, and the surrounding areas are under complete control. The morale of the Butuanon Imperial Army is at its peak, and the reinforcement units are arriving on schedule."

Yuvraj Siagu nodded slightly but remained silent, prompting Ahmadi to continue.

"The Qing forces in the region are in disarray. Intelligence reports suggest significant desertions and a lack of coherent leadership among their ranks. The population, as we've observed in Zhanjiang and Shenzhen, largely views our forces as liberators rather than occupiers. However, securing stability in the region will require immediate logistical efforts to rebuild infrastructure and maintain order."

Which Yuvraj Siagu have already anticipated and he is expecting that the cost of these rebuilding will be immense, not because of the damages their soldiers have made in Kwangtung but because of how vastly inferior the infrastructure in Kwangtung is than any other provinces of Butuan. But Siagu believes that this rebuilding is necessary not just to ensure the populace support to Butuan but also ensuring that rebellion will less likely to occur.

"I have already informed the Minister of Finance regarding the amount of aid we will be pouring on these lands upon annexation. You can talk to him after the war ended." Yuvraj Siagu voiced with authority after facing General Ahmadi and Minister Li.

A smile then appears on General Ahmadi's face knowing that Yuvraj Siagu have already planned everything a head, "Thank you so much, Your Imperial Highness."

General Ahmadi respectfully stated as he bowed in front of Yuvraj Siagu, disregarding his status as the general of the Butuanon Imperial Military. For in General Ahmadi's heart, there is no one more worthy of his respect other than God but the Imperial family that he willingly serves. Born in a family of military veterans and Imperialist, General Ahmadi grew up learning about the Imperial family and the empire in the eyes of his grandparents.

Loyalty and respect, these the core that was instilled in the heart and mind of General Ahmadi, shaping his character and ideologies revolving around loyalty and respect for the Imperial family and the nation that the family represents. Even during his education in the United States, his respect and loyalty to the Imperial family never waver.

Thus, despite the unpopularity of Prime Minister Aguinaldo, General Ahmadi have no thought of supporting the prime minister as it is the well-being of the imperial family that General Ahmadi prioritizes after his faith and family.

Yuvraj Siagu nodded in response to General Ahmadi's words before continuing, "How about the campaign made by the Siamese? I have had just gotten out from the phone with my brother-in-law and it appears to be that a minor issue has arises on their front?"

"Yes, it appears it indeed happened, Your Imperial Highness." General Ahmadi calmly replied, "It was days ago that the newly mobilize army of the Qing Dynasty arrived in Kwangsi, aiming to liberate the city of Nanning from the Siamese forces. The battle lasted for 3 days before the reinforcement of our army arrived and drove the Qing Army to retreat.

A total of 18 thousand Qing soldiers were killed on the battle while we only sustained 1 thousand casualties and another 2 thousand from the Siamese. Since the start of our offensive, reports have estimated that a total of 60 thousand Qing soldiers and civilians were killed, majority of which were done by the indiscriminate bombardment we have made to cut Qing support.

While we have also incurred to a total of 7 thousand lost soldiers already and another 15 thousand were wounded."

Yuvraj Siagu nodded in recognition to General Ahmadi's report. If this was in his past world, he would be in disgusted and outrage on the sheer number of deaths that occurred during this war. But after years of being the heir to the throne of Butuan, trained and joined the Imperial Household Guards and intern at the Military for months, Yuvraj Siagu grew to understand the reality of war.

Yes, these are people dead during war but one cannot win a war for dominance and power without sheading a single drop of blood. Sacrifices and collateral deaths are part of war, even generals of the past understood this, how much more for him who is soon to lead an ever-expanding nation. The world is a cruel and gruelling place to live but with right card to play, your survival will be top notch.

"Recover the bodies of our fallen soldiers and either have them cremated there and had their ashes ship back home for the families to grieve or have their bodies be shipped back in here, either of those will do. Offer also the benefits they will be receiving as reward for the heroic act made by our fallen soldiers. Let their family knows that the nation is with them in their time of grievances." Yuvraj Siagu commanded before walking towards the incomplete map of the world, looking at the wide area occupied by the Qing Dynasty.

Minister Li and General Ahmadi were moved by the sudden declaration of Yuvraj Siagu. Showing the care their Yuvraj have over their soldiers will not just boost their soldiers' morale but will surely boost the military's support for the imperial family.

"And make it sure that proper sanitary and hygiene shall be applied on our camps. I do not want to hear thousands of our soldiers dying not from battle but from diseases and infected wound." Yuvraj Siagu continues after seconds of observing the map of the Qing Dynasty before having his attention turned to the eastern front of the war.

"Minister Li," Yuvraj Siagu called, catching the attention of Minister Li, "How was the situation in the Russian front? Have the Japanese and Koreans sent some words already? It has been almost a year since this war started and they haven't made any progress with their move in the Manchurian region after a stalemate in Liaoning.

Have our aeroplanes no use for them or are they just calibrating their pilots? If I am not mistaken, both nations have already lost 2 of their aeroplanes, which is not a good thing as building those models are not cheap."

Li Hongyi bowed slightly before responding. "Yes, Your Imperial Highness. Both nations have already expressed their gratitude for Butuan and Siam on joining the war while also sending their condolences for the loss of civilians from the sinking. Currently, Korea have gained control on small parts of the Primorsky province and the Northern and Eastern Manchuria.

The Japanese also have already controlled most of Liaoning and have made significant progress on the Russian side of the war. And basing on the words of my counterpart in Japan and Korea, an offensive attack shall be made few days from now after the arrival of the reinforcement."

Minister Li then paused for a bit wanting to observe the expression of Yuvraj Siagu, whom have remains in complete silence wanting to listen to Minister Li's words. Sensing that Yuvraj Siagu have no words to tell, Minister Li continues his report.

"… On the matter of the destroyed aeroplanes, the Empire of Korea and Japan have stated that it was a pilot error and have nothing to do with the aerial encounter with the Russian Airforce. Although the loss of the aeroplanes is a huge setback for the Japanese and Koreans, they have assured us that their advancement in their front will still be enough to stretch the Qing and Russian army."

Yuvraj Siagu's lips curled into a faint smile. "That is good to hear… Currently, how many soldiers have we and our allies have deployed in this war?"

General Ahmadi made his turn to answer Yuvraj Siagu's question, "Currently, we have already deployed a total of 130 thousand soldiers in battle while we have accepted 10 thousand volunteers on the war and an additional 200 thousand of our army is on the way to make their land on key areas in the mainland.

On the Siamese side, they have already deployed 50 thousand and I was told that another 100 thousand is on the way to support their forces in Kwangsi. While in Korea, General Luna have reported that a total of 700 thousand Korean Imperial Army was already deployed since the start of the war and is currently preparing another 200 thousand to support their forces.

The Japanese on the other hand have already deployed almost 1.3 million of their soldiers since the start of the war and is expected to send more to counter the reinforcement sent by the Qing and the Russians."

Silence embraces the entire hall as the numbers of soldiers deployed by the members of the Pan-Oriental alliance have already reached a staggering of nearing 4 million soldiers. A number that surpasses the army deployed by the Germany Empire during the first outbreak of the war.

With their nation deploying 130 thousand soldiers, a significant gain shall be made to inflict further damage for the Qing Dynasty. Not to mention that the Qing Army is currently in complete disarray as it faces 3 separate fronts with the additional from the rebellion within its borders. A situation that highly favours Yuvraj Siagu and his allies.

"How about the Russians and the Qing?" Yuvraj Siagu inquired.

"Currently, the Tsardom of Russia have already deployed a total 1.5 million soldiers, and we are hearing that Tsar Nicholas II have already once again gathering soldiers to be sent in the Eastern front to counter the Koreans and Japanese offensive while the other soldiers will be sent to assist the Qing Dynasty on their war against their rebels and our forces.

On the other hand, the Qing Dynasty have already a total of 3.2 million soldiers since the start of the war. But this number were nothing really as their soldiers were poorly equipped and have little to no provisions as famine have struck the Dynasty for the past months." General Ahmadi confidently stated while giving a meaningful smile to Yuvraj Siagu and a nod to Minister Li.

A smile that Yuvraj Siagu fully understood. Numbers might really be a huge factor in wars but Yuvraj Siagu also believes that poorly equipped soldiers will still be nothing but a mere practice targets as morale will surely be low. Not to mention that death might even come to these Qing soldiers even before they can make a significant gain due to lack of resources.

Coupled with the current White Lotus Rebellion within its borders, these Qing soldiers were further stretched to their core. And basing on the reports, some have already deserted their post after days of not receiving logistics. Some civilians have also migrated in Kwangsi and Kwangtung over the past days after hearing that provisions were given to the civilians in Kwangsi and Kwangtung.