CHAPTER 4 (The Imperial Family)

~~~ Few hours after Siagu's tutor class with Rizal ~~~

"What a messed." The sound of my woman's irritated voice enters my ears as she continues to read the current news around the world. Currently seated right in front of me separated by a wooden circular table, signs of irritation and disappointment appear on her face as she reaches the middle part of the news she is reading.

Wearing her personalised sonmin (The national clothing of the empire), a green long-sleeved blouse with a fitted bodice made of silk that features intricate purple-coloured patterns. Her skirt is a long and flowing vibrant silk fabric that wrapped around her small waist and falls gracefully to her ankles (much like those of a Hanfu skirt). Embellished with traditional imperial motifs of an orchid pattern. Her skirt is secured by a sash made from the same fabric used in her blouse.

Wearing diamond earrings and a golden necklace which shows her position and power. To add more to her beauty and regality, she is wearing a pair of golden silk sandals embroidered with designs usually associated with nobility.

The woman in front of me is the mother of the empire, the current emperor's wife, and the next emperor's mother. My mother, Empress Alice of the Empire of Butuan.

I am currently sitting inside the pavilion located at the centre of the imperial garden near the pond, taking our afternoon break. Accompanied by my mother, siblings, and imperial courtiers stationed outside. The atmosphere never feels dull as the soft laughter of my siblings resounded throughout the pavilion.

"What is it mama that irritates you?"

I ask her while eating some biscuits. She takes her attention from what she is reading and takes a glance at me before diverting her attention to my sister.

"Nothing really, dear. Just some minor uprising." She said while wiping the food out of my sister's face while my sister is making a silly face and arguing with my brother.

"You are ugly, Ainesh. You should try being pretty like me."

My sister said proudly as she flips her hair to her back and teases our younger brother about his looks, despite not being ugly actually.

Imperial Princess Mahati Alice Shaja, age 8, my sister named after our mother and has a name which means greatness. Born on January 18, 1888, at the imperial palace, she was born 2 years after me. The only daughter of the family, she grows up receiving the attention of my mother and father. Having brown long hair and a pair of deep-black eyes, matching her cute face, no wonder she is dubbed 'the orchid of the family', she is currently trained to fit the title of the Imperial Princess. Receiving almost the same class as me and my brother, she is forced to act mature when it came to class. That is why, when we are not, she and my brother tend to act sillier and more childish.

She is currently wearing the same styled attire as my mother but is made up of the colours red and blue.

"I am not ugly, Ate1 Mahati! I am handsome same as Kuya1 Siagu and Papa!"

My brother said fuming in anger and is about to explode because of my sister's teasing.

Imperial Prince Ainesh Philip Shaja, age 7, is named after a biblical character and a name that means Sun's Glory, born on March 8, 1889, at the imperial palace. A tan-coloured prince, having a height of a normal 7-year-old child, with brown hair and black eyes. The second son of the family, he's full of energy, silliness, and a strong will. Forced to act mature in class despite being just a mere 7 years old, his silliness will always explode in times like this.

He is currently wearing a simple-looking sonmin, a white long-sleeved garment made of silk tailored for his comfortable fit which allows ease of movement. Featuring a mandarin collar embroidered intricately along the collar and the cuffs. While his pants are wrap-around his waist which is loose-fitting and reach his ankles which provided him with comfort and flexibility. Made from black-coloured silk fabric with patterns following the ethnic pattern of the empire's indigenous tribe.

I am also wearing the same style as my brother but I used a combination of colours green and gold, matching the colour of my mother's clothing.

"No, you're not!" Mai-Mai said while sticking her tongue out to Ain.

"Yes, I am! Yes, I am! Yes, I am!" my brother said while about to throw a fit. A worried expression appears on the eunuchs' and court ladies' faces while looking at my brother.

"That's enough you two. You are siblings and should not be fighting like this. Mai-Mai, you are the older one so be good to your brother."

Mom said in a calmer tone while looking at my sister. And I thought she will explode on my siblings. Hayst.

"Yes, Mother" Mai-Mai said while directing her attention to the biscuits and desserts in front of her. Sweet tooth girl.

"And you. It is unprincely of you to throw a fit like that. Learn to be patient, Ain. Understood?" Mom said while caressing Ain's face. Despite looking down at the table because of being scolded, I can see a smile appearing on my brother's face. My mother then directed her attention towards me while picking a glass of orange juice.

"So? How was your class with Doctor Rizal? I presume you have had a great time with his class today because of that smile on your face." A smile appeared on my face remembering what happened during our discussion.

"Indeed. I had fun with my class today. You could ask Radhesh to confirm it." I said while pointing at Radhesh standing at the entrance of the pavilion with the other imperial courtiers.

She nods and continues to inquire more "No need for that. I presume the same thing happened to your classes this morning, Mai-Mai and Ain?"

My siblings just nod their heads while eating some sweets.

"By the way, Mom. Where is Papa? How come he isn't here with us?"

"He is currently on his way to Joseon. To strengthen our relationship with the kingdom."

The Kingdom of Joseon, a kingdom that was once under the rule Ming Dynasty then passed to the Qing Dynasty. Its history is as bloody as our empire's history. The current King is King Gojong, which late known as Emperor Gojong. How am so sure? The King's action in reforms and establishing the constitution after his return to the kingdom and the growing interest of the Japanese Empire in the Joseon peninsula pointed out that it would be declaring itself as an empire.

If I am not mistaken, he should be declaring the kingdom an empire by the 13th of October 1897, exactly one year from now. By strengthening the relationship between our two nations, the possibility of us entering an alliance is not out of the question, which might result in our country being dragged into the culmination of the Sino-Japanese war. Tensions between the Qing and the Japanese Empire are still not good. Especially since the war will be fought on the Joseon peninsula, with armies from Japan and China having Western weapons, Joseon will not stand a chance on this one.

Currently in Southeast and East Asia, only the Kingdom of Siam, the Japanese Empire, the Qing Dynasty, and our Empire, have access to Western technology, excluding those occupied nations in the region.

Unless the Kingdom of Joseon wanted to enter an alliance with countries equipped with modern weapons, its survival and independence in the upcoming war is not visible.

"Is Papa planning to enter an alliance with the Kingdom of Joseon?"

An alliance, despite being forced to adopt the constitutional monarchy type of governmental system after our defeat by Britain and France, the government back then, under the leadership of the then Prime Minister Manvik, a staunch royalist, managed to return some powers to the Imperial Family after bypassing some loopholes. Making the empire a semi-constitutional monarchy type of government.

An example of this power being returned to our family is the ability to forge alliances and declare war on any nation. That is why because of this, my father, Emperor Siagu XV is on his way to the Kingdom of Joseon. This would be a long trip since air travel is still not yet commercialized.

"Yes, if possible. It would be beneficial for us to cement our standing as the powerhouse in the region of Southeast Asia. Although our relationship with Siam today is as prosperous as a trading town, support from another ancient nation would be a better addition for us." Mom said while continuing to read the newspaper.

"But why Joseon and not Japan? Surely we can gain more benefit from the Japanese Empire than the Kingdom of Joseon." I asked in confusion because, in my viewpoint, it is more beneficial for us to seek diplomatic ties with the Japanese than Joseon.

"The Japanese Empire is a threat to us, the same as the Qing Dynasty. Our three-nation is much like three wounded tigers waiting for an opportunity to devour the others. By securing the independence of Joseon. We can contain the Japanese in the east while focusing our resources to improve our nation into a better position, being known as the 3rd most powerful economy isn't enough. Although our advancements are already visible." She said as she looks at me in the eye

"The Euro-Sea War made huge damage to our economy and reputation, forced us to pay war damages and secede some territory. Our once mighty empire almost crumbled to ashes, we are just fortunate that the then king, your grandfather, and Prime Minister manages to contain the damage done by the war by funding some institutions using his own money."

"Joseon's independence and our good relationship with that kingdom is our key in ensuring our status and influence in the eastern region. Yes, we will be dragged to war once again if the Japanese attack the Joseon Kingdom or the Qing, but we are on the advantageous side on this one, my child. We adopted Western technology much earlier than any other nation in both Southeastern and Eastern regions."

"I hope you get what I mean, my child." Mom said as she come closer to me and caressed my hair. "Soon you will be the emperor, you might still be a child by now, but soon you will understand what I mean."

I nod to her acknowledging her words. Yes, I get it, Mama. National interest before own interest. Just like how the United States in my previous world scattered its troops in key important locations around the globe. Ensuring that American interests shall be ensured and put in place. One example of that kind of action is the stationing of its troops in Japan and S. Korea, to contain N. Korea and China. An action that benefited the USA the most.

"Now, change of subject. I have a piece of good news for you my dear son." She said while smiling at me continuing her caressing to my head. "I have found you a future wife, befitting for your standing as the soon-to-be emperor of our nation."

"HAAAA?!!"

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Hello everyone, author here!

Thank you once again for reading my novel. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

1- Ate/Kuya is a Filipino word which means older brother/sister in English.