The Dragon Awakens
Posted: Sun Jul 30, 2023 12:29 am
Forbidden Palace, Nanjing
Emperor Zheng Yi and Palace Secretariat Kong Wei are seated in a secure office with Chief Steward of War Grand General Zhong Liuxian. On the table in front of them is a map of East Asia, highlighting the borders of the Qi Empire, along with the other Chinese states.
Grand General Zhong holds his pipe in his hand, "Are you sure you want to go through with this, sir?"
Emperor Zheng frowns, "I thought you supported me in this?"
Zhong takes a deep puff, before continuing, "I do, but be warned that our actions may have consequences. If others get involved, we may be facing a fight beyond our capabilities."
"I am well aware of the risk, but I would hope that our deterrents would be enough to keep out any outside influences."
"I think they should be, but you never know in our world." Zhong pauses to look at the map. "Are we trying a diplomatic route before we act?"
"Yes, but only after the forces are in position. We need to show that we are serious."
Zhong nods silently, taking a puff from his pipe.
Palace Secretariat Kong Wei speaks up, "What kind of a discussion should I engage with?"
"Invite them to Nanjing to discuss the One China Policy, encourage them to hold a referendum on joining us. Reassure them that the referendum would be free. If they refuse, then we march."
"What if they agree, and the referendum is against us?"
"It won't be."
"But what if it is?"
"Trust me, we have enough cards in our deck to ensure that it won't be against us. Even if we have to adopt a liberal democracy, it won't be against us."
"I doubt it will come to that though, chances are as soon as we are fully mobilized they will refuse to meet anyways."
"It never hurts to try." Emperor Zheng pauses to look at both men. "Gentlemen, are you both in agreement?" At their nods, he continues. "Good. Grand General, I want you to issue the mobilization order. I want full mobilization by all of our troops. I want them in position along our borders, and the navy to take up position between Shanghai and Jeju. For now allow all vessels through unopposed, but prepare to enforce a blockade against our northern neighbours. Palace Secretariat, I want you to draft an invitation to the northerners. Send it only once our troops are in position. Any other questions?"
"What of the Ohioan's visit?"
"Grand General, I want you to set aside enough ships and men to ensure that no harm comes to our guests when they arrive. Perhaps an escort would be appropriate, but at no occasion do I want them to feel as though they are visiting a nation at war. Of course, we will inform them of the conflict, but I want their safety to be assured, and for their visit to proceed without incident."
"It will be done."
"I will ensure their visit goes unhindered by the conflict."
"Excellent! Gentlemen, I believe you have work to do. Let me know if there is anything of concern that arises at any point in the coming days. You are both dismissed."
From there, all three men stand and leave the room. A short while later the order is given for the full mobilization of the entire Qi Empire's military forces.
Emperor Zheng Yi and Palace Secretariat Kong Wei are seated in a secure office with Chief Steward of War Grand General Zhong Liuxian. On the table in front of them is a map of East Asia, highlighting the borders of the Qi Empire, along with the other Chinese states.
Grand General Zhong holds his pipe in his hand, "Are you sure you want to go through with this, sir?"
Emperor Zheng frowns, "I thought you supported me in this?"
Zhong takes a deep puff, before continuing, "I do, but be warned that our actions may have consequences. If others get involved, we may be facing a fight beyond our capabilities."
"I am well aware of the risk, but I would hope that our deterrents would be enough to keep out any outside influences."
"I think they should be, but you never know in our world." Zhong pauses to look at the map. "Are we trying a diplomatic route before we act?"
"Yes, but only after the forces are in position. We need to show that we are serious."
Zhong nods silently, taking a puff from his pipe.
Palace Secretariat Kong Wei speaks up, "What kind of a discussion should I engage with?"
"Invite them to Nanjing to discuss the One China Policy, encourage them to hold a referendum on joining us. Reassure them that the referendum would be free. If they refuse, then we march."
"What if they agree, and the referendum is against us?"
"It won't be."
"But what if it is?"
"Trust me, we have enough cards in our deck to ensure that it won't be against us. Even if we have to adopt a liberal democracy, it won't be against us."
"I doubt it will come to that though, chances are as soon as we are fully mobilized they will refuse to meet anyways."
"It never hurts to try." Emperor Zheng pauses to look at both men. "Gentlemen, are you both in agreement?" At their nods, he continues. "Good. Grand General, I want you to issue the mobilization order. I want full mobilization by all of our troops. I want them in position along our borders, and the navy to take up position between Shanghai and Jeju. For now allow all vessels through unopposed, but prepare to enforce a blockade against our northern neighbours. Palace Secretariat, I want you to draft an invitation to the northerners. Send it only once our troops are in position. Any other questions?"
"What of the Ohioan's visit?"
"Grand General, I want you to set aside enough ships and men to ensure that no harm comes to our guests when they arrive. Perhaps an escort would be appropriate, but at no occasion do I want them to feel as though they are visiting a nation at war. Of course, we will inform them of the conflict, but I want their safety to be assured, and for their visit to proceed without incident."
"It will be done."
"I will ensure their visit goes unhindered by the conflict."
"Excellent! Gentlemen, I believe you have work to do. Let me know if there is anything of concern that arises at any point in the coming days. You are both dismissed."
From there, all three men stand and leave the room. A short while later the order is given for the full mobilization of the entire Qi Empire's military forces.