Chapter 178: 178

As the negotiations drew to a close, a historic decision loomed over the dimly lit chambers where the fate of China was being discussed. The empress dowager, sensing the necessity for transformative change, made a surprising announcement to the gathered leaders. She expressed her willingness to step away from the political arena, heralding the end of the Sun Dynasty's direct rule. However, instead of abolishing the monarchy altogether, the Oriental Empire proposed the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.

In this proposed constitutional monarchy, the monarchy would remain as a symbolic and ceremonial institution, with limited powers defined by a constitution. The empress dowager would no longer hold executive authority, and governance would be carried out by an elected parliament and prime minister. The move was revolutionary – a departure from centuries of imperial rule towards a more modern and participatory form of government.