Chapter 71 Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung

--- 5th of April 1897 ---

--- 3rd Person POV ---

--- Changdeokgung Palace ---

A few days have passed since the battle on Formosa Island, and news of the Butuan Empire officially declaring war on the Japanese Empire has reached countries worldwide. Despite only a short time since the initial attack by the Butuan Empire in Formosa, progress has been made.

Under the leadership of Brigadier General Mingde Zhu, the forces managed to conquer 79% of the territory of Tainan-Ken, excluding areas under barbarian control. Unlike their initial invasion, where Brigadier General Zhu easily claimed over 50% of the land in Tainan-Ken, progress is now much more challenging. Strong resistance from remaining Japanese soldiers in the prefecture has hindered Brigadier General Zhu's team, particularly given the terrain favors the Japanese.

Brigadier General Yong Li's forces have made significant progress, expanding further south compared to Brigadier General Mingde Zhu's team, which achieved only limited success. Brigadier General Yong Li and his entire team have now conquered the entirety of the southern part of Taichū-Ken, bordering the village of Dabyo in Tainan-Ken, currently under the control of the Butuanon Imperial Army. With Brigadier General Yong Li's campaign, he now controls 60% of the area, excluding regions not yet under the Japanese Empire's control or those still held by barbarians.

On the other hand, Vice Admiral Chen Yi and Major General Antonio Luna's forces have managed to conquer only 40% of the prefecture's lands, primarily concentrated in the southwest and northwest. This is due to the larger number of soldiers present in the prefecture compared to the other two areas.

The reinforcement of Japanese soldiers successfully arrived in the village of Chosokei on April 3, 1897. Upon their arrival, Governor-General Nogi and Major General Sato were already present, warmly welcoming them. They were greeted with enthusiasm by the governor-general himself. Accompanying the 6 thousand soldiers sent by Japan to Formosa was the previous governor-general, Viscount Katsura Tarō.

This came as a surprise to Governor-General Nogi and Major General Sato, as they did not expect the former governor-general to join the fight. Nonetheless, they welcomed him with enthusiasm and jubilation, though Viscount Katsura displayed indifference. A brief celebration was held to welcome the troops, but three important individuals—Governor-General Nogi, Major General Sato, and Viscount Katsura—were not seen during the event.

That night, Viscount Katsura reprimanded and scrutinized Governor-General Nogi and Major General Sato for their ideological shortcomings and incompetence in defending the entire island against the Butuan Empire. He also criticized them for their perceived cowardice; instead of defending the city of Taihoku with determination, they fled like startled foxes. Viscount Katsura Tarō's anger and disappointment prompted him to take command and lead the operation against the Butuan Empire, underscoring the dismay and weakness that Governor-General Nogi and Major General Sato had displayed.

Upon assuming control of the remaining and reinforced Japanese forces, a stalemate ensued between the two sides. The Japanese held a strategic advantage with heavy fortifications and favorable terrain across the entire district of Bunsan, encompassing present-day Xindian, Shenkeng, Wenshan, Shiding District, Pinglin, and Wulai District. Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Chen Yi and Major General Antonio Luna seized the opportunity to expand on the other side of the island, temporarily leaving the Bunsan District under Japanese control.

Despite this decision, only 40% of the prefecture fell under their control. Vice Admiral Chen Yi and Major General Antonio Luna still needed to deploy soldiers to guard the border of Bunsan District, defending it against Japanese attempts to reconquer the lands now under the control of the Butuan Empire.

This unrest extended to the island of Taiwan (Formosa), contributing to global instability. In Europe, the uprising that began in Crete last January, where Greeks rebelled against the Ottomans, shows no signs of abating. This conflict has drawn the involvement of other major powers in the region. Warships from Austria-Hungary, France, the German Empire, Italy, the Russian Empire, and the United Kingdom formed a squadron operating in Cretan waters as of February 1897.

The secret negotiations between Dowager Empress Cixi and Minister Weijun have concluded. Minister Weijun, representing the Empire of Butuan, signed the documents, while Dowager Empress Cixi signed on behalf of the emperor. An agreement was reached for the handover of Xuwen County and Leizhou County from the Qing Dynasty to the Butuan Empire within a year and a half. This timeframe allows for the preparation of government officials in these counties, a decision personally endorsed by Minister Weijun.

Furthermore, the 30 soldiers have now arrived in Peking and were warmly received by Dowager Empress Cixi. Subsequently, preparations were initiated by the Dowager Empress and her associates to select suitable candidates for training under the Butuan soldiers. Minister Weijun emphasized the importance of training Dowager Empress's soldiers to enhance their capabilities, though he cautioned against exceeding the proficiency of the soldiers from the Butuanon Imperial Military. This sentiment was echoed by the soldiers, who expressed reservations about training soldiers who were recently their adversaries.

In the Butuan Empire, the lives of its people carry on as usual amidst ongoing news about the war. While some citizens support the conflict, certain business owners and members of the Liberal Party have voiced concerns regarding its impact on the nation's economy. However, their voices have not been heard by the parliament or the emperor, who remain focused on war-related discussions.

Significant developments are underway within the empire. The newly established Air Force is making progress in constructing airplanes, which are expected to be completed soon. Additionally, both the Golden Lotus Armory and Mineral Enterprises have seen notable advancements, particularly following the success of the Karter 98B firearm in battlefield trials and test shots.

The major cities of the empire are bustling with activity, as residents engage in commerce, exploration, and their daily routines amidst the urban landscape.

On the contrary, the Imperial Family of Butuan remained within the confines of the Imperial City ever since Prime Minister Aguinaldo declared war. This decision led Imperial Princess Mahati and Imperial Prince Ainesh to express their discontent, as they both desired to visit Prince Yeong. However, their father, His Imperial Majesty Siagu XV, firmly prohibited them from leaving the Imperial City, citing the potential for attack. Reluctantly, the young prince and princess acquiesced to their father's directive, albeit with reminders from their mother and a near scolding from their father due to their persistence.

Despite the restriction on entry into the Imperial City, Prince Yeong and the family of King Gojong were among the select individuals permitted by the Imperial Family to enter. This brought some solace to Imperial Princess Mahati and Imperial Prince Ainesh, as they could enjoy their time playing with Prince Yeong. Despite the ongoing war in the north of Butuan against the Japanese, daily life in the Empire of Butuan continued as usual.

In Joseon, situated at the Changdeokgung Palace in Hanseong, two individuals sat facing each other. One wore a serious expression while the other displayed carefreeness and indifference towards the conversation. The speaker, an old man in his late 70s, was clad in a hanbok befitting his status as a member of the royal family.

His face bore an expression of uncertainty and urgency, making him appear older than his years. One could not fault the old man for his urgency, given his concerns about his position in the palace, particularly amidst the ongoing war between his benefactor, the Japanese Empire, and his enemy, the Butuan Empire. The old man in question was the father of the deposed King of Joseon and grandfather of the current King of Joseon, Grand Internal Prince Yi Ha-eung, also known as Heungseon Daewongun.

Opposite him sits an elderly lady in her late 70s, clad in her hanbok, a garment befitting her status as a member of the royal family. Unlike Heungseon Daewongun, who displayed urgency and worry, the old woman exudes indifference and carefreeness, a stark contrast to her husband's demeanor. The woman in question is the wife of the father of the deposed King of Joseon and the grandmother of the current King of Joseon: Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung.

The two individuals engage in their daily conversation within the Changdeokgung Palace, while their respective servants stand nearby, awaiting further instructions. The morning breeze gently caresses their faces, enhancing the beauty of their surroundings as they listen to the trees sway and sing in the wind. However, despite the palace's picturesque setting, one cannot experience complete happiness when the palace serves as their prison.

After King Sunjong ascended to power and crowned himself, supported by Heungseon Daewongun, husband of Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung, he sought backing from his family. This included his uncle and the relatives of his grandmother. King Sunjong managed to secure the support of other members of the Yi Clan, including his uncle Prince Yi Jae-myeon. However, he failed to garner the support of key figures within the Jeonju Yi clan, most notably his own grandmother, Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung, and his aunt, Lady Yi of the Jeonju Yi clan.

Their refusal wasn't solely due to King Sunjong usurping his own father from the throne; it was also because both King Sunjong and Heungseon Daewongun collaborated with the Japanese, compromising the sovereignty of their nation. Recognition of King Sunjong might have been more forthcoming had he rebelled without aligning himself with the Japanese.

In response to this betrayal, King Sunjong decided to place all members of the royal family of Yi, who didn't support him, under house arrest at Changdeokgung Palace. They were prohibited from having visitors and communication outside the palace. Even Heungseon Daewongun, whose wife was among those unwilling to recognize the current king, reluctantly agreed to their house arrest. He didn't hesitate to convey to his wife and others supporting the Butuan Empire that aligning with the Japanese Empire would prove more advantageous than aligning with the Butuan Empire.

However, fate did not favor Heungseon Daewongun and King Sunjong, who had staked their futures on the Japanese Empire. Upon learning of the attack in Formosa and the declaration of war between the Japanese Empire and the Butuan Empire, no favorable news emerged regarding Japan's struggle against the Butuanon. This absence of positive developments deeply troubled both Heungseon Daewongun and King Sunjong about their future, especially considering that the likelihood of King Gojong reclaiming the throne of Joseon appeared much greater than King Sunjong retaining power.

Heungseon Daewongun, in particular, was consumed by worry and uncertainty about his future. He understood his son, King Gojong, well enough to know that he would not easily forgive those who had betrayed him. Heungseon Daewongun was convinced that King Gojong would seek revenge on him, King Sunjong; his own son, and those affiliated with the Northern Faction that supported the Japanese Empire. With these concerns weighing heavily on his mind, Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung could only stare nonchalantly at her husband.

"You need to talk to your son and ask him to cease this behavior." Daewongun stated calmly, concealing his emotions completely. The abrupt remark from Daewongun caught the attention of Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung, prompting her to engage in a conversation with her husband.

"Hmmm… Which son are you referring to? I have two sons: one who has passed away, and the other who is alive but in exile in a distant land." Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung responded calmly.

"You know whom I meant: your bastard son who betrayed his nation and fled to the chaotic empire of Butuan. He could have chosen to remain in our nation and accept his son's rule. Tsss. And what do you mean by 'one is dead'? Jae-myon is still alive," Daewongun replied in disgust as he recalled the day Emperor Siagu XV of Butuan visited Joseon and renewed diplomatic relations between Joseon and Butuan.

For Daewongun, despite the vastness of the Butuan Empire, its people and practices were unacceptable in his eyes. They were seen as abominable and repugnant. This sentiment was one of the reasons why Daewongun opposed the idea of his grandson, Prince Yeong, being betrothed to a princess from that nation. It was this opposition that eventually led to his ousting, as he was unable to accept his son's decision.

Daewongun did not regret his decision at the time, even after learning that his son had fled to Sooraj. He believed that Butuan would not support his son and would still recognize him as the king of Joseon. However, this is where Daewongun failed to consider the possibility of Butuan supporting his son.

"I see you mean Gojong, then. Hahaha. And why would I tell him to stop? He is the king, not me," Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung replied with laughter, pausing briefly before continuing, "Jae-myon? Hahaha, that bastard of a son of mine ceased to exist the moment he sided with you and that bastard grandson of yours." Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung continued with a tone of disgust while referring to her second oldest son, Prince Jar-myon.

"Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung! He is your son, and the King is your grandson! He should cease this foolishness immediately, as this conflict will only harm our kingdom," Daewongun retorted in anger, slamming his hand onto the floor.

"So, you suddenly care about the nation now, huh? And why should he stop? He is merely claiming what is rightfully his," Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung replied with a smile.

"All of this is Gojong's fault. He should have accepted my proposal to ally with the Japanese instead of those scoundrels from Butuan. He is an idiot and an embarrassment for making that choice," Daewongun stated with resentment, angrily stuffing his mouth with food.

"Hmm. How is it his fault, then? As the monarch, the future of the Kingdom lies with him, and he chooses to ally with the Butuanons, who are much stronger compared to the Japanese, both economically and militarily. Thinking about the future of Joseon," remarked Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung as she ate her food. Her words drew a bit of annoyance from her husband, Daewongun, who looked at her for still defending their son's actions.

"He is indeed the monarch, but he failed to see and consider that the future of the kingdom rests on him. It is better for us to ally with those nearby rather than those who are distant. The Japanese are much more similar to us compared to those tanned people in the western-south," replied Daewongun, his gaze fixed in annoyance on the now-indifferent Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung.

"*Pfff*… Hahaha, forgive me, but aligning with the Japanese? Those who are close to us and much like us? Hahaha." Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung mockingly replied to Daewongun's words. This not only angered Daewongun but also intensified his frustration.

Daewongun is aware that in recent days, the Japanese Military in Formosa has consistently been on the losing side. He also knows for a fact that the Japanese forces are much smaller compared to the Butuanons. What adds to his frustration is the reality that his own choice might lead to his downfall.

"If I were you, my dear husband, I would start planning my own funeral. Your and your grandson's plot to dethrone my son will not be overlooked. You both, along with those idiotic ministers from the north, will be facing your own demise. Hehehe," Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung continues to mock her husband, who is now about to explode in anger. Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung's words have also silenced the servants present, who do not want to be included in the conversation.

"Hmp! The people will not allow their king or the king's father to be put to death. Furthermore, those northern ministers you refer to as rats play a vital role in maintaining order in the kingdom," Daewongun retaliated with a scoff, pausing his meal and diverting his attention to his still indifferent wife.

"The people? Hahahaha! Who among the people of Joseon will fight for you and your illegitimate grandson? Have you forgotten what you and your grandson did during the early part of his reign, and the involvement of those barbaric northern ministers?" Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung replied, laughing, and paused to observe her husband's reaction, which only made her laugh even more.

"The massacre of the peasants in Hanseong, the purging of those who support the Southern Faction, the death of the previous Minister of Rites, Minister Min Young-ik, the preferential treatment of Japanese soldiers, and lastly, granting the Japanese government a voice in the affairs of our nation... Do I need to elaborate further?" Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung continued confidently, casting a glance at her husband with disdain and mockery—a gaze she had never before directed at him since their union.

"Those actions were necessary to ensure the stability of the kingdom. They all displayed weakness and leniency toward the Butuanons, seeking to appease them at every turn," Daewongun replied firmly to his wife's ridicule.

"Stability? Hahaha! It's laughable that you harbor such a mindset. Necessary? How can you justify your actions as necessary? Were the killings of the peasants and the favoritism towards the Japanese truly necessary? Have you ever walked the streets of the capital? Explored the provinces in the north, let alone the south? Have you witnessed their plight? Let me assure you, despite being confined here by your worthless grandson, I know for a fact that they are far from content.

Not only have you failed as a father to our son by betraying him, but you've also neglected your duty to protect our nation's interests. You and your grandson didn't just allow the Japanese to rampage through Hanseong; you turned a blind eye to the atrocities they committed.

It wasn't my son's decision to side with the Butuanons that you thought would lead to the downfall of our nation. No, it wasn't his decision. Instead, it was your adherence to outdated traditions that ultimately brought about our nation's downfall.

The king lacks the affection of his people. The ministers have failed to enact laws and reforms that would benefit the populace. Moreover, there was a failure in protecting the entire diplomatic team of Butuan within this kingdom. Not to mention, a sizable armed rebel group, aiming to reinstate my deposed son back to the throne, has surged in numbers in both the south and north just a day ago. These are but a few outcomes resulting from your and your incompetent grandson's mismanagement of this kingdom," Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung stated with seriousness and annoyance.

"He is still your grandson," Daewongon began to interject, attempting to remind his wife, but he was swiftly interrupted.

"I implore you to cease with that notion. That grandson of yours ceased to be mine the moment he placed me and his entire family under house arrest," Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung replied in annoyance, completely deflating the atmosphere in the room.

Now disinterested in continuing their meal for the day, Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung persisted in mocking her husband out of spite and anger for feeling like a prisoner due to his refusal to support their plot to dethrone their own son. Daewongun, in turn, lost his appetite, worn down by his wife's relentless pressure.

Unable to respond to his wife's remarks, Daewongun resolved to take a stand and departed the palace with his attendants, who assisted him as he walked away. What began as a routine daily meal and conversation between a couple turned into an unpleasant ordeal for Daewongun. Just as he and his attendants were about to leave, Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung, his wife, delivered her final statement to her departing husband.

"I know you harbored resentment toward me the moment I converted to Catholicism, Daewongun. But let me make one thing clear, as this will be the final time I entertain any visits from you," Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung asserted, causing Daewongun to pause mid-stride. Silence enveloped the room momentarily before Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung resumed speaking.

"I had a vision years before Emperor Siagu XV of Butuan visited Hanseong. The only person I confided in was my son, Gojong. I foresaw a child emerging from the Southeastern part of the continent, destined to ascend to power. This child wouldn't merely lead the continent to greatness but would also embody the beacon of hope for the future of monarchy in Joseon and the world. He would not only serve as its protector but also as the arbiter of its destiny," Grand Internal Princess Consort Yeoheung solemnly recounted her vision. However, instead of receiving earnest consideration from her husband, Daewongun, she was met with a scoff of derision.

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a/n: Sorry for the late update everyone. I was so busy for the past days.