Chapter 42 Zeppelins

--- 27th of December 1896 (Sunday)---

--- Emperor Siagu XVs POV ---

--- Afternoon ---

It is presently eventide, a few hours past my rendezvous with Gojong. The encounter concluded favourably, following our discourse regarding our progeny. Subsequently, we continued our conversation on sundry matters, and shortly thereafter, we adjourned to partake of luncheon in the company of my family.

Following the repast, I presently find myself ensconced within my office here at the Diliwata Estate, diligently attending to my duties as the monarch of this realm. I now await the arrival of my brother, Minister Li Hongyi, and Minister Ali Ahmadi, with the purpose of deliberating on our strategy for the future of our nation as it pertains to negotiations with the Chinese. It would be disconcerting indeed should the Chinese opt to engage in hostilities, thereby compelling us to confront two adversaries concurrently.

While I may possess a measure of confidence in facing both the Chinese and the Japanese simultaneously, my foremost concern lies with the toll such a conflict would exact upon our nation. It would not only imperil our populace, which presently numbers forty million strong, but also imperil our capacity for the production of goods and commodities. This, in turn, would grievously harm our economy, and conceivably result in the erosion of our standing within the global economic order.

It is for this very reason that I have rearranged my schedule to accommodate two meetings on this day, necessitating the postponement of other plans, to afford the due attention and gravity that this matter warrants.

*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*

A persistent knocking sound reached mine ears, rousing me from my contemplation.

"Ahem... Enter," quoth I in a composed manner.

The door did then swing ajar, revealing the visage of Senior Eunuch Isagani bedecked in his unadorned sonmin attire, garbed in pristine grey, bereft of belt or sash, with sablai to underscore their station as humble servants. This custom, held sway over all courtiers in our employ, a tradition firmly entrenched are the decline of our nation's clan era.

Senior Eunuch Isagani proceeded to step forth into the chamber, and with a gentle hand, he closed the portal behind him bowing low and announcing his intent.

"Good afternoon, Your Majesty. His Imperial Highness Sharvil, Minister Li, and Minister Ahmadi, do now await," he declared with utmost deference.

"I perceive... Bid them enter," I nodded in assent. Whereupon he once more opened the door, ushering forth my three guests for this afternoon's conclave.

In due course, the trio made ingress into the room, and Senior Eunuch Isagani dutifully secured the door after their passage. Following them came a retinue of courtly ladies, bearing with them a Lundate set and a modest assortment of refreshments. Senior Eunuch Isagani then proceeded to glide past the assembled dignitaries, taking his place beside my table and setting forth a fresh incense offering, ready to be kindled.

My brother, accompanied by the two ministers, then proceeded towards the couches and simultaneously inclined their heads in a gesture of respect towards me before speaking. "Good evening, Your Imperial Majesty."

"I beg you to be seated," I offered, a suggestion they all followed. This also signalled to the court ladies to begin serving some snacks and preparing tea for the four of us to enjoy.

"I apologize for convening this meeting on a Sunday, but it was imperative that we discuss this matter immediately," I said calmly.

"There is no need for such apologies, Your Imperial Majesty. It is our duty as loyal subjects of the empire to serve her on any day, except Saturday," Minister Li replied with a smile, a sentiment echoed by the other two.

"Ahem... I have gathered you here this afternoon to deliberate upon a matter of utmost importance — our negotiation strategy with the Chinese government in Beijing," I calmly declared, gazing at the three of them.

"I have already spoken of our plan to King Gojong himself, and he is in full agreement with our proposal. Thus, I wish for the three of us to finalize our plan with the Chinese. I do not fear confronting the Chinese in battle, but engaging in a conflict with both the Chinese and the Japanese would be a dire situation for our nation. I earnestly desire to keep the Chinese out of this matter to prevent the loss of many of our countrymen."

I paused briefly and observed the three of them nodding as they listened to my words.

"Their demise would not only diminish our military forces but would also harm our economy, as our labour force in the production of goods and commodities would inevitably decline."

"I concur with His Majesty's sentiments," Minister Ahmadi said, nodding in agreement. "The military plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our nation's security and sovereignty. A weakened military would spell the end of our country's independence," he added gravely, taking a sip of the tea prepared by the court lady.

"Indeed, that is why I am determined to establish a successful negotiation strategy with the Chinese to secure their neutrality, should we find ourselves at war with the Japanese while striving to reclaim the entire Korean peninsula from King Sonjong's rule," I declared earnestly, instructing Senior Eunuch Isagani to distribute the documents outlining my plan to ensure the Qing Empire's neutrality.

"What the three of you are currently holding is a detailed plan of mine to secure the Qing Empire's neutrality. Open it and let me know what you all think of it," I said before calmly leaning back into my seat.

As expected, except for Sharvil, after they had opened the envelope and read the contents, a shocked expression appeared on their faces, especially Minister Li, who was known to rarely show his emotions. My brother was forcing himself not to laugh at the two ministers' reactions while they both continued reading the contents of the envelope.

It looked like it was now my time to speak once again.

"Ahem. As you can all see, the plan involves offering the island of Taiwan to the Chinese in exchange for their total neutrality if we ever engage in a war with the Japanese. And I am fairly confident that this will surely put the Chinese in their place while a war is ongoing," I calmly said while also reading the contents of the paper inside the envelope.

A minute of silence engulfed the entire room. You could almost hear the wind blowing as it entered the room through the open windows. After the silence, Minister Li managed to look at me with a somewhat calm expression.

"With all due respect, sir, it appears that you have forgotten our origins already. We are the descendants of people who migrated from the islands of Taiwan and Hainan thousands of years prior to the Qing Empire's establishment. Both islands have been considered by us, Butuanons, as our motherland, prompting us to have a goal to eventually take the islands out from the hands of our neighbours," he calmly stated before pausing a bit to take a deep breath.

"Thine forebearer, Emperor Charan I, hath managed to retake the isle of Hainan from the Qing, thus bringing us a step closer to our noble aspiration. The populace doth hope that Taiwan shall follow suit, but it seemeth we shall not witness such an eventuality this time," he uttered with lament, shaking his head in disappointment.

Minister Ahmadi seconded this sentiment with a nod, yet his countenance soon contorted with perplexity upon observing my brother's mirthful giggles and the courtiers' stoic silence in response to Minister Li's pronouncement.

"Pardon me, sir, but why doth ye not oppose this course of action? The emperor's scheme, in essence, surrendereth our birthright to the motherland. A plan that shall find no favour amongst the masses and may even brand his majesty a traitor in their eyes. This jeopardises the imperial lineage for generations to come," Minister Ahmadi queried, a hint of confusion and frustration tainting his voice as he cast an inquisitive gaze upon my brother, who was on the verge of unbridled laughter.

"Hahahahaha! Forgive me, I can't contain it any longer! Hahahaha!" My brother exclaimed, overcome by laughter as he beheld the perplexed expressions of our two ministers. I, too, struggled to maintain composure, suppressing my own laughter to preserve the dignity of our station.

"Hahahaha! My apologies... my apologies... Ahem!" My brother managed to utter between fits of laughter, attempting to regain his composure.

"Well, you see, our dear ministers, we are offering the island of Taiwan to the Chinese in exchange for their neutrality. However, there is no explicit mention of them regaining control of it after we have taken the island from the Japanese," he confidently stated before reclining on the couch upon which he sat.

"I understand. So, it's a somewhat deceptive offer. But this could potentially lead us into a war with the Qing Empire after we've already engaged with the Japanese. The Qing government is no longer passive; years of foreign intervention have left them resentful and hostile towards outsiders. They might accept our proposal regarding Taiwan's transfer in exchange for their neutrality, but they will almost certainly come knocking at our door to claim what we've promised," Minister Li said with a worried tone after a moment of contemplation.

"If we fail to uphold our end of the deal, they will undoubtedly perceive it as an affront and be compelled to act, sir. A war between our nation and theirs would become inevitable—a back-to-back war, no less," Minister Li continued solemnly.

It is indeed true that the Chinese would consider this an insult if we fail to fulfil the other part of the agreement, especially when it concerns an island that was once part of their territory but was seized by the Japanese following the conclusion of the First Sino-Japanese War just last year. A rather ironic situation, with two nations vying for control of Joseon, a country that also aspired to be independent.

Fortunately, my predecessors managed to establish a friendly relationship with the Joseon government, despite their dependence on China at that time. It was then strengthened during the Spanish colonization of the islands of Luzon and Visayas. Which continues up to this day.

My recent visit to the kingdom a few months ago to formalize an alliance through marriage is a binding force that has drawn us into this turbulent region of Asia. Although I do not regret my decision to ally with Joseon, given that the country is still in the midst of reform—a period during which they will depend on foreign support, something our nation can provide.

"The Chinese and the Japanese may have exerted influence on our nation, but they shall surely not be capable of aiding Joseon in its ascent from its current predicament. The apprehension of the Japanese, stirred by a certain German individual, regarding the potential dominance of Joseon. The delicate pride of the Qing government, stemming from its loss of control over our kingdom. Both factors have impeded the Kingdom of Joseon from successfully embarking on its path to reformation.

My aversion to the Japanese, truth be told, is not profound. It results solely from their perceived threat to our national interests. Therefore, a resolute stance against them becomes imperative, but if presented with a preferable alternative, I shall readily embrace it. We have even offered sanctuary in the past to those who fled Japan during the Christian persecution in their homeland.

The situation with the Chinese is wholly dissimilar, especially concerning the present ruling dynasty, the Qing. Their indiscriminate and brutal conduct in the past has inflicted great suffering upon us. It is a hatred that cannot be assuaged by mere words. However, we can temporarily set it aside to entertain this proposal.

"I understand, my esteemed minister. The Chinese will likely interpret this as an affront..." I calmly remarked before drawing nearer to my desk and continuing. "We can outmanoeuvre them if we prepare ourselves adequately."

"W-what do you mean, your Majesty?" Minister Li inquired with evident confusion.

"What my brother means is that while we engage in conflict with the Japanese, we must also strengthen our forces in the northern reaches of our nation to brace for a potential confrontation with the Chinese. Instead of deploying only a modest number of troops to the island of Taiwan, we should station a substantial complement of soldiers and ships there to meet them head-on. With this strategy, we can confidently face them in battle following our victory over the Japanese," my brother affirmed with confidence, his gaze fixed upon the two ministers who were now sipping their tea.

"The Kingdom of Siam hath also promised us to assist us in a fight against the Qing Empire should they ever make the first move. With our troops and naval warships stationed in the Hainan Region, it is easy for us to quell the feeble naval forces of the Qing Empire. And ere the Western Nations make their move to quell the battle, I am confident in saying that we may even have made advances on the mainland Qing Empire by that time," he continued with a confident grin.

The two of them then pondered a bit more regarding what my brother had said when Minister Li began to speak.

"Then who shall we dispatch to the Qing Empire?" Minister Li inquired.

"I shall," my brother nonchalantly declared whilst raising his hand to show Minister Li. "I shall be the one to journey to the Qing Empire to represent the Imperial Family of Shaja. This is to demonstrate our 'sincerity' to the Qing government, especially to the aged regent, Empress Dowager Cixi."

"The Empress Dowager, eh? You must be wary of her, sir. Despite her advanced age, she has steadily been the one who controls the entire Qing Empire, effectively rendering the emperor a mere figurehead behind her back. She is a woman whom you would not wish to be at odds with unless you possess the strength to counter her," Minister Li calmly stated to my brother.

"Oh? The venerable Empress Dowager is indeed a force to be reckoned with in the Qing Empire's court, but her power shall not suffice to withstand our military might. My mission in their land is to negotiate their neutrality, not to challenge her authority," my brother replied to Minister Li's words.

"You speak true, sir, but caution is still warranted in this matter. Empress Dowager Cixi is nearly akin to the present Queen of Britannia, Queen Victoria. She wields most of the power in the Empire, and a single word from her could spell your demise in her realm," Minister Li cautioned my brother.

This caused my brother to regard Minister Li with discontent.

"Ahem... I concur with Minister Li's counsel, Sharvil. Though our enmity towards the Qing runs deep, it is prudent to avoid unnecessary strife and complications whilst our primary plan remains unexecuted," I stated calmly, endeavouring to soothe the room's atmosphere.

"Furthermore, the plan for your departure to Beijing is still slated for the next year, following the New Year's celebration. This shall afford us and the government the opportunity to further refine and consider from different perspectives how you may position yourself when confronting the Empress Dowager," I continued, a sentiment seconded by Minister Ahmadi and later by the other two.

"Anyways, Minister Ahmadi, how hath the manufacturing of those things fared? Are all proceeding according to plan?" I inquired whilst gazing upon Minister Ahmadi.

"Mh-Mmm... All things are proceeding as planned, sir. With our cooperation with the Golden Lotus Armory and Mineral Enterprises, we may indeed commence testing the early batch of those firearms by the second quarter of the ensuing year. As for the ships, tanks, artillery, and submarines, all are yet engaged in further research and are anticipated to yield a test product by the end of the next year or early in 1898," Minister Ahmadi reported with confidence.

A smile did form upon my countenance upon hearing the current progress of the production and research of our weapons.

"That is most heartening to hear. It does appear that the investments made by the government in the military art proceeding auspiciously. And, as afore, I desire that these matters remain concealed whilst we tarry in the development stage. I wouldst entreat you and our engineers to delve deeper into these matters, perchance we mayst fashion novel creations from the schematics my son hath provided thee," I declared in full satisfaction.

I then turned my attention to my brother, who currently helmeth the newly founded Butuanon Imperial Air Force.

"And what tidings dost thou bring, Sharvil? What are the present updates from the Air Force on this afternoon?" I inquired.

"Heh... We prosper, Kuya. Of late, we hath achieved a breakthrough by finally crafting the engines for the aeroplanes. We are presently engaged in trials whilst concurrently fabricating the remaining components of the aeroplanes," Sharvil confidently stated. "But beyond this, we hath managed to breathe life into my nephew's concepts," he proclaimed with pride.

His words did seize the attention of we three in the chamber, whilst our courtiers were about their own affairs.

"What hast thou wrought?" I inquired.

"Well, thou seest... one of our engineers hath contrived a device that may serve us for a moment to dominate the heavens, the Zeppelins. A vastly more efficient and improved iteration of those airships, worthy to be employed in the art of war," he replied with an air of arrogance.

This revelation did leave me and the ministers rather aghast, for we had not hitherto contemplated the application of Zeppelins in warfare. In our realm, Zeppelins are a common mode of conveyance, chosen to evade the vexations of maritime travel. Yet, Zeppelins are highly susceptible to conflagration and appear ill-suited for martial purposes in my estimation.

"Couldst thou expound upon this matter, good sir?" inquired Minister Ahmadi with enthusiasm. He was indeed a connoisseur of weaponry, most befitting his station as the minister of defence of our nation.

"Of course! We are cognizant that contemporary Zeppelins employ hydrogen gas for buoyancy, a substance notably combustible, correct?" he inquired, to which we all nodded in assent.

"Well, our engineer hath chanced upon a gas discovered by Pierre Janssen and Joseph Norman Lockyer in the year of our Lord 1868, known as helium. 'Tis a non-flammable and noxious gas that also hath the capacity to lift these airships. Although it is a more costly endeavour, chiefly on account of the exigent procedures for its extraction, it represents an investment that may propel our nation to aerial supremacy with alacrity. We can arm the Zeppelins with munitions and cannons, thereby enabling them to assail foes upon the terrestrial realm whilst soaring through the heavens," Sharvil declared, his countenance animated as he gesticulated toward an imagined explosion.

The words of my brother did indeed elicit fervor within us three, as we began to fathom the potentialities of this airborne conveyance.

"We hath already conducted an experiment with a solitary Zeppelin. We have rendered it aloft through the utilization of helium, and we have substituted its engine with one of greater efficiency. The airship hath been laden with bombs and other requisites for a complement of soldiers to employ whilst embarked upon these Zeppelins," Sharvil continued in a composed manner.

"And the endeavour did prove successful. Although the Zeppelin can accommodate but a limited number of souls, it is sufficient to house a crew of 12 to 13 individuals to operate the vessel and fulfil other necessary roles. Alas, it remains vulnerable to the vagaries of the weather. Inclement conditions could undoubtedly imperil the Zeppelin, or, in the direst of circumstances, lead to a calamitous descent to terra firma," he concluded, casting his gaze upon the three of us.

The weather proves a troublesome matter, one we presently cannot overcome, an understandable circumstance given that this vessel remains in its nascent stages. Additional investigations are requisite to enhance this vessel further, so it may rival those advanced flying machines my son has sketched for our contemplation.

"This is splendid, indeed. Though I am not an ardent admirer of these armaments, we must acknowledge their necessity in upholding our sovereignty and influence, all the while maintaining prudent diplomacy. Sharvil, I beseech the air force to direct its attention to this endeavour, alongside the continued development of aeroplanes. I yearn to witness these zeppelins formally ascend as the foremost aerial vessels, poised to dominate the skies of our empire. Do you comprehend?" I spoke with a cheerful countenance to my brother, who responded with a knowing smile.

"This is truly remarkable! Hahahaha! A novel aerial craft fashioned after the zeppelin design? Hahaha! What audacity to conceive such an idea!" Minister Ahmadi exclaimed with great enthusiasm and mirth. "Your engineer is unquestionably deserving of promotion and reward for this feat, sir. This represents yet another triumph for our empire! Hahahaha!"

"I concur... For once, we find ourselves leading other nations," Minister Li remarked, adopting a more composed tone compared to Minister Ahmadi.

"Hahaha! Your commendations are sincerely appreciated, dear ministers. Rest assured, your words of praise shall reach the ears of our esteemed engineer," my brother affirmed with a nod, addressing both of them.