1924–1925
October 1924
A coup d'état broke out in Beijing.
The Xinhai Revolution, which began in 1911, had forced Aisin Gioro Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing dynasty, to abdicate in 1912. However, as part of the abdication agreement, the "Articles of Favorable Treatment of the Qing Emperor" were signed between the Qing government and the Republic of China, allowing Puyi to retain his title as "Emperor of the Qing" and be treated as a foreign head of state. However, the 1924 coup forced him out of the Forbidden City.
Puyi sought protection from Britain and the Netherlands, but both countries refused. He then turned to the Japanese embassy.
"Your Majesty, we are honored that you have sought our protection. His Highness the Regent has ordered us to assist you in any way we can. We have not forgotten your generosity during the Great Kanto Earthquake."
"Ambassador Yoshizawa, I am deeply grateful. This is the fate of one who once ruled all of China. Pity me."
"Nonsense, Your Majesty. This is merely a time of retreat. With your strength, you will surely rise again."
Thus, Aisin Gioro Puyi and his wives were granted protection in the Japanese concession in Tianjin.
Historical Context
In the original timeline, neither the Japanese government nor the army was particularly eager to protect Puyi, fearing it would damage relations with the Republic of China. However, by 1927, the Chinese Civil War between the Nationalists and Communists had begun. Incidents like the Assassination of Zhang Zuolin and the Liutiaohu Incident led the Kwantung Army (the Japanese Imperial Army stationed in Northeast China) to orchestrate the independence and puppet state of Manchukuo, with Puyi as its emperor.
These events were the result of the Kwantung Army and certain rogue officers acting without orders from the General Staff Office.
Takashiro Soryu's Plan
Takashiro Soryu decided to protect Puyi for the time being, waiting for the Chinese Civil War to begin. He planned to sign a Sino-Japanese Anti-Communist Agreement with the Republic of China, gaining international recognition for Japan's involvement in the civil war. In return, Japan would recognize the independence of a Manchu state.
1924
The Crown Prince Regent married.
"Takashiro, don't you think it's time you considered marriage? A handsome man like you must have plenty of matchmaking offers, no?"
The Regent teased Takashiro.
"Yes, Your Highness. There have been a few offers, but…"
Takashiro Soryu had lived to the age of 32 in his previous life and was now 23 in this one, making him mentally 55 years old. Though he looked like a young man, he felt too old to think about marriage.
"Hey, aren't you going to get married?"
Liriel asked with a mischievous smile.
"Hmm, I just don't feel like it."
"But if you get married, you can do all sorts of things~. I know all about it~"
Liriel's grin grew even more unsettling.
"You just want to watch, don't you? If it ever happens, make sure you turn off your awareness, okay?"
"What's the big deal? Besides, you sometimes use me as 'material,' don't you? I can tell! After all, we're practically one and the same!"
"Ugh… you're such a pervert. I don't mind you watching me—you've been doing it since I was born. But marriage involves someone else, and I want to respect their privacy. I don't want to make it a show for you. Are all angels like this?"
"Hehe~ Michael always scolded me for being indecent."
May 1925
The Type 85 Assault Rifle was officially adopted by the Japanese Army.
This rifle was developed under the leadership of Takashiro Ryutaro, Takashiro Soryu's father and a colonel in the army. However, the design was entirely Soryu's work, with Ryutaro overseeing its production.
The rifle used a newly designed 5.56×45mm cartridge. The 6.5mm cartridge of the Type 38 rifle had excessive energy, requiring a heavier receiver to handle the pressure. The smaller cartridge allowed for a lighter, more compact rifle suited to the Japanese physique.
The design utilized stamped metal parts for simplicity and ease of mass production. Tolerances were kept loose to prevent jamming from dirt, and the barrel was easily replaceable. It featured a 30-round detachable box magazine.
Takashiro Soryu had based the design on the AK-47, adapting it for the 5.56mm cartridge.
The safety markings were changed to:
"A" (安全): Safe
"Ta" (単発): Semi-automatic
"Re" (連射): Full-auto
The army was delighted with the lightweight, high-performance rifle and immediately began mass production.
However, soldiers in the field complained that the rifle's range was insufficient for the vast plains of Manchuria.
The Type 38 rifle had a maximum range of 4,000 meters (though its effective range was only about 500 meters). Soldiers argued that the 5.56mm cartridge couldn't effectively engage targets at such distances.
"Honestly, what kind of situation involves infantry exchanging rifle fire at over 500 meters? Deploying infantry alone on open plains is suicidal. We need to mechanize the army and revise our combat doctrine."
Takashiro Soryu hurriedly began developing light armored vehicles, 12.7mm machine guns, and portable mortars for the army.
June 1925
"Captain Takashiro, the prototype for Velcro is ready."
A non-commissioned officer, transferred from an industrial school to the Space Force, reported.
"This looks good. It's definitely practical."
In the original timeline, Velcro was patented in 1951, making it a post-war invention.
In the 21st century, Velcro is used in countless applications, including military gear like tactical vests.
Around the same time, mass production of polyester fiber began. Polyester's high absorbency, quick drying, and breathability made it ideal for military undergarments.
Previously, cotton had been the standard for undergarments, but it was poorly suited for military use. While comfortable, cotton retained moisture, causing rapid heat loss when soldiers sweated.
Polyester undergarments were first introduced to the army, where they received excellent feedback from soldiers.
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A/N: Thank you for reading Chapter 45!
This chapter summarized the events of 1924–1925.
I'll continue working hard to bring this story to its conclusion. If you found it interesting and want to read more, I'd be thrilled if you could bookmark it or leave a rating!
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