《Reincarnated as Nikolai II》 Chapter 1 Confirmation "Ah, they''re finally going to war. I told you, even if these guys beg with snot, tears, and everything else runningte, the Western big brothers won''t forgive them. Thanks to that, I''m enjoying my oil long position nicely." ©¸Hello, I''m here on a pilgrimage. ©¸As expected of the Bear Hunter, though they talk casually, this person is the real deal. Never seen them wrong about Russia, for real. ©¸Are you Putin? National Intelligence Service, confess honestly! "National Intelligence Service my foot. I''m someone who''s already been investigated by them." Whilements flood in calling me the prophetic Bear Hunter or Putin de Nostradamus who saw the future, I can only sneer at such ult treatment. It''s Russia. That Russia. The stubborn bear-like country where the fundamentals never change even when political systems change, ideologies change, and regimes change. People can change in 10 years, yet how does a country not change in 150 years? Now even an individual like me hase to predict national directions. "I hope no one''s caught protagonist syndrome and is trying to short in this crazy natural gas graph?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The graph hasn''t even started yet. If you''re confident you won''t shake in a magnitude 9.0 natural gas earthquake, go ahead and try, if not, just wait exactly one year. It''ll crash terribly and then there''ll be another chance to go long. How do I know? Ha, because it''s Russia. They''ll definitely refuse to admit they''re struggling, hold out, then beg everyone to buy cheap, and get sulky and raise prices again." ©¸Wow, I was waiting for the short timing after reading your previous post, but good thing I didn''t. ©¸Get out of my head while you''re saying nice things. This is yourst warning. ©¸Brother, gas prices tripled fromst year''s price just one month into the war, how can I resist? If I hit even one out of five shorts, I could turn my life around. ©¸(Author) Go ahead. If you want to blow your entire fortune on the Russian earthquake. I admit it. They can say such things because they don''t understand Russian-style warfare yet. They probably think it''ll be a short war because it''s modern warfare, and with Ukraine receiving robust Western support, it feels like Russia is fighting the whole world. "But in Russia, disregard for human life is just traditional culture." I typed on myptop to write today''s blog post. "As I''ve said repeatedly, Russia''s end to the war will be the same this time too. They''ll celebrate it as victory, but in reality, they''ll be crying their eyes out behind closed doors because they''re more hurt than anyone. Huh? Why will it end like that? Because that''s the promise (nods)." ©¸Haha, already promised to end it that way haha. ©¸Who did they promise? Is there such a treaty? ©¸Promised with the Japanese Environment Minister. ©¸It''s a vic tradition passed down through generations. A victory without gain. A victory only for themselves. A victory no one else acknowledges. Usually when great powers get high on war, this country scrapes the bottom of national power through war and steals food. A blog full of mockery and sarcasticments. Though I posted it myself, the content is genuinely serious despite such inte public opinion. My rising corner of the mouth couldn''t quite turn into a smile at the usual reactions. "Sigh, I''m really frustrated. I''m really frustrated about all of this." Not being proactive and getting dragged along, then flipping the table when they don''t like itter. Diplomacy is originally like trade, a process of giving and receiving. It''s a process where mutual national interests are generated. However, Russia either recklessly gives bad debt they can''t collect or sometimes swallows something without opening their own pocket. Diplomacy that neither protects nor gains anything. That''s Russian-style diplomacy that''s continued since the 19th century. If diplomacy is like this, what about internal affairs? While every country''s history has periods of prosperity and decline, this country''s prime was the Soviet era when people could barely make a living, which says it all. "It wasn''t even a golden age. When America was painting with paint, this was a country painting with the blood of its people." It''s never been a normal country. Common sense has never existed. This country just seems to operate in its own way. Yet why hasn''t Russia copsed? Ah, historically, Russia hase close to copse many times. Right away during Napoleon''s time, and during Nazi times they almost lost their capital. Just one reason. Weight ss. They''ve made it this far purely on weight ss alone. It''s not that they did anything particrly well. They don''t have any particr strengths. Vast territory and poption. That is, weight ss. This country has survived until now on weight ss advantage. And today in modern times, they''re in the process of cutting their own flesh again. Though Iugh and mock along with blog subscribers now, it wasn''t like this from the beginning. As a humanities graduate, I majored in history pursuing what I loved and dreamed of traveling the world to uncover the past. But reality''s walls were too high, and the world was a ce that pursued the future rather than the past. So I too decided to look at the future. Through the past. Russian economy expert. Stocks, bonds, futures, anything goes. Because how Russia will react is so obvious to my eyes. What? Oil prices are going crazy? Ah, first ignore it, then btedly maximize production! Oh, problems can''t be solved through diplomacy? Then first move the military. Let''s try to find international justificationter. Thoughtless opening led to serious foreign capital exploitation... but domestic capital is all rotten too. Okay, let''s overturn everything. Beat down domestic capital, create an atmosphere of fear to drive out foreign capital. Hit the restart button! Fairness? Common sense? Those are like 160% voter turnout in that country. Since the result is already decided, the process is just a part to be fitted. It''s so obvious that I made money sitting in ce today too. Liquidated oil long position profit rate 123%. With the surprise war, Brent crude, Dubai crude, and WTI production volumes btedly surge. "I should slowly start taking new positions." If they had carefullyid out the justification for war and given the impression that ''wow, both sides had no choice but war,'' they wouldn''t be cornered like this. Even if they had turned it into a local conflict or partial war and made it seem like Ukraine voluntarily expanded the war, they wouldn''t be surrounded on all sides like this. No, from the beginning this war was just messed up. The West ignoring the power hunger of a dictator president. NATO''s reckless eastward expansion and conflict with integration policies in former Soviet regions. All of it was foreseeable. And I made money using this... made it but. "...Why can''t I smile?" The world told me to live future-oriented so I rode along with that too. So I produced results anyone would apud but why aren''t I happy? "I really feel sorry for all of this." I try to attribute my continued bad mood to feeling sorry about the current tragic situation. "I used to be happy all day just reading one history book." The past that remains only in records. When digging into events that remain only in text and a few pictures or illustrations, it felt like I was right there in that era, in that event. I think I approached history not just as records but as a means of indirect experience. Back then I was like that. I just loved humanity''s past unconditionally. I sympathized with unfortunate results and empathized with sad histories. But now I... "Thoughmenting now on where Russia''s current situation went wrong would be meaningless criticism, I still want to ramble about it. This country''s blunders have been endless from long ago, despite having potential no less than the United States. You might think 21st century Russia can''t even take Ukraine because of the Soviet Union that built an empire empty inside obsessed with ideology, but I want to trace back further. I dare say, this country went wrong from the Imperial era." "...Hmm." Having typed on the keyboard as if possessed by some grudge up to here, I paused at the sentences and writing bing too long. At this rate, it won''t gain empathy or persuasion even with 57,000 characters rather than 5,700. So after moving the mouse to select everything written on the page and deleting it, I typed on the keyboard again. Unlike before, very short and light. "If you object, your bloodline is vic." Hmm, it contains everything I wanted to say. With a click, I upload it. As always they''ll tear it apart andugh but I''m not confident I can summarize it more concisely than this. Ding. "Already got ament." ©¸You think you would have been any different in that situation? ©¸(Author) Hi Ivan. ©¸I guarantee you wouldn''t have been much different. No? Maybe even worse. ©¸(Author) Well noted, Tatar~ ©¸You''re finally crossing the line. "What line crossing. Seems like you also know Russian history is a mess." That''s why they''re getting heated while saying things like ''it couldn''t be helped'' to me. Finally, I decided to give a sharp wrap-up. ©¸(Author) If it were me, it would have been different. Unless I dropped right in the middle of a revolution and died immediately, it really would have been different. As someone who has studied Russian history countless times, this much I can say with confidence. Because as thismenter said, I''ve thought about ''what if it were me...'' hundreds, thousands of times. The guy who couldn''t refute until the end was silent for a while. Just when I thought he ran away from the logical argument, a new reply appeared. ©¸Then let''s confirm it. Suddenly saying let''s confirm, surely they''re not trying to challenge me to a strategy simtion game? Besides that, how would they confirm? "What confirmation-" Just up to there. The words I was muttering to myself were cut off against my will. And around when I felt the strength to make sound return to my mouth. Before my words, a sound hits my ears. "His Imperial Highness Tsesarevich Niki Alexandrovich Romanov, the legitimate heir and Crown Prince to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor!" "We warmly wee the distinguished guests. I am Prince Arisugawa Takehito, tasked with hospitality bymand of His Majesty the Emperor." Along with iprehensible words, the other party slightly bows their head. Though they seem older than me, since they bowed I also awkwardly responded by slightly bowing my head. Then the Asian person in front of me bes flustered. But more than that, I became more flustered at the scenery that was just now entering my eyes. "...Where is this?" Waves crashing on the sea, a harbor wharf. A massive ship visible to the side. And Asian people in uniforms with heads lowered in front of me. Russiannguage. Japanesenguage. Japanese Imperial uniforms, and an iron ship. Finally, both sides'' self-introductions remained clear in my ears. The words Crown Prince and Prince. "Ah." This is Crown Prince Nichs II''s Eastern journey. The year, in my memory... Chapter 2 Contact Incident (1) ''The proud Crown Prince of the Romanov dynasty bowing his head in greeting?'' Though he had merely nodded slightly out of courtesy toward a distinguished guest. Prince Takehito Arisugawa, despite his royal status, couldn''t hide his bewilderment. As a navy member who knew the most about the Western world including Britain among the imperial family, Takehito. He prided himself on knowing well about the man before him. A Crown Prince traveling the world to broaden his horizons on the Emperor''s orders. A grand journey starting from Vienna, meeting the Queen of Greece, passing through the Suez Canal, and even undertaking a crossing of India. Not content with crossing the Indian subcontinent, he was fulfilling the imperialmand while traveling by sea through Singapore, Dutch East Indies, Java, Bangkok, and more. Here, the Far East including the Japanese Empire was the Crown Prince''s final destination. And as far as Takehito knew, Crown Prince Nichs had never bowed his head in greeting. To begin with, the Romanovs neither introduce themselves nor greet others. The Romanovs are an arrogant bunch who consider themselves the sole heirs of Rome and the only true imperial family. So Takehito had just slightly nodded his head out of courtesy, but when the other party responded formally instead, he was momentarily lost for words. "You must be weary, let me escort you to your quarters." Not only not arrogant, but showing courtesy to Asians? Already the Tokyo newspaper articles were clear in his mind. This meeting was starting well. == The hotel that the Prince guided me to was provided entirely for myfortable rest. Thanks to this, I got enough time to think about the current situation. Tsesarevich of the Romanov dynasty. Tsesarevich simply means the next Emperor, and that''s the term describing me. In other words, this body is Nichs Alexandrovich, thest Emperor of Russia... "...Could it be because I said it went wrong from the Imperial era?" Before even asking how and why, I''m curious why specifically Nichs II. What does it mean to be thest Emperor? It means there''s no next one. In other words, it means the Russian Empire ends with me. Thinking back, that guy who was having a keyboard battle with me. When I thought he ran away midway, he left a strange reply at the end. Just seconds after reading that post was that situation earlier. "No, saying it would be different if it were me wasn''t meant to say I could fix everything in the current era!" Russia''s massive blunders had already continued for quite a while, and you want me to overturn everything at the end of the Imperial era? In this country where corruption has festered and legacies have piled up like mountains? Yes, if it had been grandfather''s era rather than now, things might have been different. The era of Alexander II, who pursued liberal and continuous reform policies, was still a time when things were stirring here and there. It was our father''s era when those seeds nted everywhere failed to germinate. "Wait, why am I saying father''s era? It''s just Alexander II''s era..." Damn, even I''m flustered that the words "father''s era" came out naturally in Russian. Anyway, our father who neither wanted to be nor intended to be Emperor was someone even those around him said ''wasn''t Emperor material.'' True to that assessment, father only loved the military. A man whose friends were soldiers and whose girlfriend was a battleship. In appearance too, he was a man who maintained 100% blood concentration machismo at all times, befitting the vic people, with a towering build over 190cm tall. Naturally, what policies did such a person implement upon ascending to the throne? "Endless oppression..." The so-called military mindset. He ruled the country with the national view that beating makes people obey and weakness is a sin. Moreover, at home his parents favored his brother, and those around him endlessly criticized father''s qualifications. A Tsar who ended up drawing lines against everyone except his own people - forced to break up with the woman he loved in his youth, his grandfather repeatedly having affairs before dying in a terrorist attack. "...No wonder he had no interest in national development." Of course, he wasn''tpletely ipetent. Domestication of artillery. Distribution of Mosin-Nagant rifles. Increase in standing army and reserves. Direct participation in the Russo-Turkish War. Increase in naval power and ship construction. Hmm, everything he touched up was just military. The economy at least is generally evaluated as not bad because he left it all to capable officials like Witte and Niki Bunge. That''s the evaluation of current Russia and its leader. However, when ites to me, the story is a bit different. Because from now on, a cliff course downhill is reserved. "No, not yet. We don''t know yet." My status is Tsesarevich, not Tsar Nichs II. The decline hasn''t started yet. "More precisely, it''s right before." Because father will pass away soon. This is a predetermined event that I can''t do anything about. Shadows of decline can be seen everywhere, but it hasn''t copsed yet. At least outwardly it''s a solid nation. "I''ll change it. I have to change to survive." The weak Nichs of absolutist traditional conservatism cannot survive. To live, whether I want to or not, I must change first. Nichs Alexandrovich. Yoo Ji-chan. No need to choose between the two, both are me. Though confusing, I mustn''t get mixed up. First, from now on I can''t just space out cluelessly like yesterday.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Knock knock. "May Ie in?" "Come in." "Yes, Your Highness. Prince George and Prince Takehito are currently waiting outside." "My cousin is quick to prepare. Very well, I''ll be out soon." "Then." Because now I have to go get hit by a sword. The policeman who suddenly drew his sword was Tsuda Sanzo, wasn''t it? == "I just learned yesterday that the current head of the Arisugawa family and my father had met before." "The Tsar met with our family head?" "Yes, he came to father''s coronation ceremony. My predecessor was in Moscow but now we''re in Japan. Isn''t this quite an interesting connection?" "Ha, haha! A connection, indeed!" Takehito Arisugawa, the next head of the Arisugawa family, one of the four hereditary imperial branch families serving the Emperor. Despite the grand title, he''s not such a precious person. If anything stands out about him, it''s that he built his career in the navy and, like me, saw the world through study abroad and travel. After just a day of conversation, it wasn''t difficult to figure out about Takehito. He''s not an outstanding diplomat or soldier, just a young man with good bloodline. Since he''s a kind person who reveres the West, I think I canfortablyy the groundwork too. "Father is somewhat ufortable with rtions with Japan, but I''m different. Rather, aren''t we meant to be partners?" "Haha... With my narrow insight, I fear saying something that might be disrespectful." "As expected, you may be cautious due to your princely status, but at times like this, upright words are needed. In fact, Russia established diplomatic rtions with Korea independently despite Qing''s opposition. Because it was right." "Very, um, your thinking is clear." "Haha! Originally our people are not the type to go back on what we''ve decided." A young Crown Prince favorable to Japan. What an immactely harmless image this is. Add to this some slightly unrealistic principled statements, and the conversation besplete enough for Takehito to change the subject. Still, I constantly shouted loud enough for those around to hear through conversations with Takehito. "Shouldn''t right and wrong take precedence over who benefits or not?" "Father is a war monarch but I''m different. War is bad! Only peace benefits the masses!" "In that sense, I have high expectations for the Japanese Empire''s role. Isn''t Asia''s peace maintained because of the Japanese Empire? Though the concession issue is regrettable, thanks to that the Qing has quieted down and peace was created, so this should definitely be apuded!" Without diplomatic rhetoric, I spewed out my thoughts directly without filtering. If the atmosphere seemed about to get strange from my absorbed ideology, I immediately turned to Prince George. "Seeing the great stream flowing into Lake Biwa here, doesn''t it remind you of the Saronic Gulf in Greece? How can there be such identical beauty in the East too?" "Indeed, brother. The shape is quite simr and the hugeke is just like the sea." "This Lake Biwa is actually Japan''srgestke. Its size is truly enormous!" Thus for two days I continuously exchanged conversations of the same feeling with Takehito. Father dislikes Japan but I don''t. Father likes war but I don''t. Father prioritizes the military, but I prioritize diplomacy. All were evidence-based statements and though my ims might be somewhat unrealistic, they were words that couldn''t hurt the Japanese side in any way. My conversations with Takehito will surely go up to those above in Japan and might even spread to newspapers. Though our people seemed ufortable and even their side seemed burdened to the point of difort, I showed excessive goodwill. All the roads we pass through are guarded by police officers standing in formation at intervals. Gradually my mouth, which had been endlessly shouting only good words and phrases, dries up and closes. ''Today''s rickshaw travel schedule ends here. There are police officers and they''re all carrying swords.'' However, I don''t know if it''s exactly the same as the original history. Our rickshaws are all single-seater, all traveling in single file and separated, and because of this the security forces are also widely deployed with many gaps. ''Rather, this is probably what made the incident possible.'' The Otsu Incident. Police officer Tsuda Sanzo''s attempted assassination of the Russian Empire''s Crown Prince. In other words, what''s about to happen to me. If there''s one problem, unlike the original history, there''s a chance I might just die. I don''t know what route he attacks from, or how Nichs survived. ''Though I''d like to just avoid it...'' The Anglo-Japanese Alliance hasn''t been formed yet, Korea isn''t anyone''s territory, and Japan''s army and navy are pathetically weak. Therefore, though it could be avoided, it shouldn''t be. Then I need to somehow make it advantageous to me and maximize the benefits. As I carefully observe my surroundings rolling my eyes, I keep meeting eyes with someone. ''Is that Tsuda?'' Though pretending not to care, I raised tension to the maximum to be able to react anytime. Sure enough, the moment I turned my head elsewhere, I heard a shout in Japanese. "Die!" Reflexively turning my head, a sword shadow falls across my face. I immediately pulled my body back but the sword grazed my forehead. The rickshaw stops right there and everyone around freezes in shock. "Y-Your Highness!" "Assassination! It''s an assassination!" Soon the rickshaw puller who was pulling my rickshaw and Prince George ran over. The widely swung sword that missed got stuck in the rickshaw wood, and Tsuda tried to pull it out to swing again, but Prince George and I were faster. George swung his cane at Tsuda''s back, and as Tsuda writhed in great pain, I grabbed his hair. While his hand still remained on the long sword. Bweok! I drove my fist into his defenseless stomach with all my might. "Keuugh..." Tsuda Sanzo falling forward like that. Perhaps from tension, my hand gripping his hair won''t open. The long sword stuck in the rickshaw. A head in my hand. And blood covering half my face. Though everyone runs over shocked at the assassination attempt, even while panting I felt an indescribable joy inside. ''Fuck... I survived.'' Is this the dopamine that bursts in your head when you seed in a huge gamble? Nevertheless, I don''t hesitate to express anger outwardly. Police officers and security forces subduing Tsuda Sanzo by pinning him down with their whole bodies. Prince George and Prince Takehito approaching me anxiously. A time to express anger rather than bewilderment. I muttered loud enough for everyone around to hear. "Fuck... Father was right." Words spat out while frowning in pain along with anger. At this, Takehito''s face turns whiter than mine. Regardless, I turned my back while holding my bleeding head. "Y-Your Highness! Are you alright! First we should treat-" "Japan is no longer safe. We''re returning to the warship!" Dangerous Japan. Or... Japan that will be dangerous. I wonder how this will be interpreted to Takehito. Chapter 3 Contact Incident (2) The Gonan Incident. Later known as the Otsu Incident, this wasn''t just a simple assassination attempt. It was an attempt by Tsuda Sanzo, a Japanese police officer, to sh and kill Russia''s future ruler who came as a state guest. In other words, this wasn''t an attack bymunist terrorists or anti-government forces. It could be inly seen as the Japanese Empire attacking the Russian Empire. To this, I added one nasty background detail. "...Is this how my grandfather also died? To such blind weapons?" "Your Highness..." "What became of the people''s will back then?" "Based on the confessions of those caught at the time, they were all exterminated." "Yes, that''s right." It was our father who carried out the revenge against those revolutionaries. Ah, what an appropriate incident to express the Tsar''s rage. Both personally and nationally, if we were to read a deration of war in Moscow tomorrow, the whole world would nod and agree, ''Indeed, these monkeys deserve to die!'' Regardless of race, that''s how the times are. Both the Japanese Empire and Russia are absolute monarchies. Except for America, all other great powers are in an era of monarchs. But they tried to kill the crown prince, and with a sword when he was unarmed, by a police officer? Even if you med Japan as being behind it, they''d have nothing to say. For just a sword mark on my forehead, I got quite a good hand. "Your Highness, the Japanese side wants to board the ship for treatment and apology-" "Tell them I''ve copsed." Immediately returning to the cruiser Memory of Azov using treatment as an excuse, I pondered the broader situation from my narrow cabin. The Russian and Japanese Empires. What exactly is the power bnce between these two countries? First, Russia. With decades of military buildup, they can instantly mobilize an army of 3 million and have the world''s thirdrgest naval force. Meanwhile, current Japan... Before the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, they haven''t received technology transfers. They''re even struggling with building their own cruisers. Of course, this is just on the surface, and considering that the Russian Empire''s military power is concentrated in Europe, war is nonsensical. Even winning wouldn''t really be winning. Instead, threats are possible. For example, harassing them over Korea or Qing matters. ''But this too would likely end up being mutually destructive.'' The antagonism between Russia and Japan in the Far East might cause miracles like those other inder friends far away wearing kimonos and dancing the Cossack dance in banquet halls. While that sight would be quite impressive, we can''t strangle the empire''s lifeline just to see it. Therefore, I have no intention of escting this incident. Nor should it be escted. But that''s just rational talk. "We must be full of emotion." It''s not just an assassination attempt but an attempt on a crown prince state guest? Moreover, the victim crown prince and Greek prince subdued him, and the attacker was a police officer? No country in the world would just say ''Oh dear! Fighting would do us no good, so let''s forget about it!'' and let this slide. If they did, World War I wouldn''t have happened. "Your Highness, it''s the Admiral." "Admiral Romen? Come in." As I gave permission, Romen Niki Nikevich entered. He was the leader of the six ships deployed for the world tour and the person responsible for my safety. "Your Highness, are you alright..." "Admiral, there''s nothing to worry about. Just a slight cut on my forehead." "The physician said if it had been deeper near the head, it could have been life-threatening." "But it wasn''t." "Your Highness. I heard you staggered back..." "That was just to show them I was hurt." Why would I stagger when I didn''t even lose much blood? I used the excuse of being physically and mentally weakened from shock, but I heard Prince Takehito was causing a fuss among his aides, worried I might die. That''s exactly the reaction I wanted. "I guarantee this incident won''t affect the Admiral." "My family, despite appearances, are all generals residing in the capital. Don''t worry about me." Ah, right. Being assigned to my world tour, of course he''d be from a good background. Wasn''t Admiral Romen''s father a major general? "More importantly, I have something to ask. You said you''d put me in charge of contact with the Japanese side instead of your aides..." "Ah, that." My aides. That is, the few people who stuck close to me during this trip, ying with me when bored, reading books together, and eating meals together. ''While they''re from noble or high-ranking families... well.'' The first problem with the original history''s Niki. He''s too nice. No, beyond nice, he''s a pushover. Such a pushover that he''s easily swayed by those around him, to the point of standing by when Prince George, who saved his life, was framed and expelled from Russia. I understand. Having no friends since childhood, being educated alone instead of at school, and his father nearly killing the social scene by banning parties and festivals. He must be starved for human affection. However, the hikikomori who mocked this frustrating history from his room didn''t need friends. "They''re just around my age, so it feels a bit delicate for them to get involved in such a big incident. Since this concerns my safety, it''s more appropriate for the Admiral to step in, don''t you think?" "About that, you added strange requests. Telling me to act furiously angry and like we might leave immediately..." "Exactly. I don''t want to appear magnanimous. I want to leave room for this incident to grow." "Your Highness, the Far East is currently in a very delicate situation. China and Korea are in turmoil, and we''ve only expanded to the Far East for half a century." "I know, I know well. But that''s just the realistic view." Admiral Romen spits out exactly what I was just thinking about. However, again, that''s just pure reason talking. "I am the Crown Prince of the Russian Empire. And that Crown Prince nearly died." "...Do you want war?" "Come now, surely I''m not that crazy." "Then perhaps showing magnanimity might not be bad for future rtions in Asia." "Sigh, what to do when you can''t understand." Seeing Admiral Romen''s persistent attempts to persuade me, I decided to drop the pretense of noble blood with a sigh. "Admiral Romen." "Yes, Your Highness." "I want to extort money. Understand? I want to receive massivepensation from this Japanese Empire." Getting shed and justughing it off? Even insurance fraud while lying down wouldn''t be enough, what''s this talk about being a pushover? "So, you''re telling me to go out there now as your representative and extort money from them-" "Yes. That''s right." Still, it wouldn''t look good for a crown prince to directly demand money face to face. So you, as a military man, go threaten them. While mentioning war and such. I know. I know, Admiral Romen knows, and Prince Takehito knows too. That Russia has just started basic construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway and doesn''t have the power to sendrge-scale forces to the Far East. But, but what if Russia really dered war? When rtions between Russia and Japan are already bad because of their poking around in Korea? ''And that''s where the Admirales in as representative.'' Just sit there and keep demanding four dors. They''ll apologize at first and then jump around, but I don''t think I''ll ept. Because while I might be an unremarkable, weak crown prince, my father is quite different. "...Well, can you do it?" "I, I should first inform St. Petersburg-" "Hey now, why are you like this? This happened in Otsu, why bring in the imperial capital?" "..." I don''t want to pass this up to the higher-ups, and I want to settle this here, but if it doesn''t end here, things won''t just get a little bigger, they''ll get absolutely massive. Admiral Romen, who had been staring at me for a moment without answering as if questioning my sincerity. I asked back instead. "Can you do it?" "...Yes." When speaking this directly, I immediately get the answer I want. "Now then, go intimidate that fearful country. What I want is written on the paper I gave you earlier." "Hmm..." Though Admiral Romen tilted his head slightly until the moment he left, not fully understanding, it''s fine. True to his military family background, his eyes looked quite sharp under his deeply worn hat. His appearance made him perfect for the job. And originally, the main duty of military men in this era is extortion. I had no doubt about his sess. == The day of the attempted assassination of the Russian Crown Prince. "F-Fucked! This is really... fucked!" After Tsuda Shinzo was arrested, Takehito remained at the scene, trembling uncontrobly. This wasn''t just because of the assassination attempt. Unlike his father, he had... The Crown Prince who had openly shown goodwill, saying the peace in the Far East was all thanks to Japan, including Korea, suddenly changed. His body staggering and head covered in blood... ''F-Father said he was right.'' Several interpreters at the scene approached Takehito, repeatedly confirming the Crown Prince''s final words. Who was the Crown Prince''s father, Alexander III? A war monarch known for continuously expanding the Russian Empire''s territory and a soldier to the bone. Known to be two heads taller than normal people, even in his homnd, there''s a famous story of him single-handedly lifting a train roof to save his family. It was shocking enough that the innocent Crown Prince had changed, but if this incident reached the Tsar''s ears? ''...It could lead to war.'' Though as a prince he didn''t know much about diplomacy or politics, having been in the military, he knew one thing for certain. If they fought Russia, the Japanese Empire would be split into as many pieces as there are inds.N?v(el)B\\jnn They assigned six iron ships just for the Crown Prince''s journey, but what if the European Baltic Fleet and ck Sea Fleet came? "Ah, aah..." This was beyond what a mere prince could handle. Though it had already left his hands, the problem might be unsolvable even for those in higher positions. Such an incident had urred. All because of one policeman selected from the Moriyama Police Station for security. "Uwaah, aaaah!" Though he couldn''t understand why such a bastard was recruited to wear a police uniform and swing a sword, Prince Takehito felt his head hurt more than Crown Prince Niki who had been shed. After shouting in rage and his head clearing somewhat. Seeing the sword stuck in the rickshaw, he realized this wasn''t the time to be shouting here. He needed to find the Crown Prince who had returned to his ship instead of his lodgings right after the incident. He had to meet him, whether to beg until his fingerprints wore off or to wail. ''The incident mustn''t grow bigger. If it does, I won''t be free from responsibility either!'' It should end at the Crown Prince''s level at least, it shouldn''t involve the higher-ups, meaning Alexander III. The moment he goes berserk, the incident will instantly reach Tokyo. So he had to meet the Crown Prince before anyone else. He needed to at least check if he was alright. However, when Takehito arrived at Shiga Port, who he met wasn''t the Crown Prince. "A-Admiral. Is the Crown Prince alright now?" "He copsed as soon as he reached the deck. It seems the tension released once he reached safety. The physician says the shock was not small, so we don''t know when he''ll wake up..." "Ah, aah..." "From now on, I, the Admiral leading this fleet, will endure anything to fulfill the Tsar''s protection orders." "What do you-" "Therefore. Get off the deck. This is my final warning." Clear hostility. The eyes of Admiral Romen that Takehito saw were full of determination to do anything for the Crown Prince''s safety. Crown Prince Niki who hadpletely copsed and sailors guarding the deck in full armor. Takehito wished he had been shed instead. Chapter 4 Contact Incident (3) The news of the Crown Prince being shed turned into news of him copsing through Prince Takehito who visited the ship, and by the next morning, it was distorted into rumors that the Crown Prince was in critical condition. The incident kept growing. With rumors even suggesting he might actually die, the government finally stepped in to handle the situation directly. Foreign Minister Aoki Shuzo first met with Dmitri Shevich, the Russian Ambassador to Japan, instead of dealing with the now hostile travel party. However, Ambassador Dmitri''s attitude was somewhat strange. "This incident is beyond my authority as a mere ambassador, and I cannot give any official response before receiving instructions from above." "Ambassador, let''s set aside our past ill feelings in the face of such a serious matter. Right now, the Crown Prince has copsed and we haven''t even been able to meet him. Admiral Romen is controlling all information!" "Again, I cannot give any response regarding this situation." As the Foreign Minister tried to suppress his rising anger by beating his chest, the Ambassador nced around before quietly approaching to whisper. "...That madman Romen has escted the incident. He even told me we might need to urgently evacuate Japan. This damn fool, acting on his own without even consulting me!" "W-What should we do? I''ve heard the Tsar will surely escte this incident!" "It''s best to end this as quickly as possible. War... would be good for neither country." Even the Ambassador and Foreign Minister, who had been practically mortal enemies since the start of the Trans-Siberian Railway construction, had to have a serious conversation when faced with the word ''war.'' "We can''t let Romen, that warmonger, leave for divostok. While the Tsar is a very wise man... he''s not so when ites to family." "Hah, thank you for letting me know." If Crown Prince Niki died, it would mean war, but ording to witnesses, the wound wasn''t life-threatening. ''The Crown Prince, known for being weak and gentle, must have copsed mentally and physically.'' Assuming the Crown Prince lives, let''s consider the worst case... Inevitably, territorial concessions. Russia maintains an expansionist policy, has emotional stakes, justification, and military superiority. In this situation, the worst oue would be territorial concessions. ''Transfer of rights in China and concessions? Or inds and archipgos for ports and bases?'' The situation is too perfect for Russia. No other country can intervene, and if negotiations break down, war could break out immediately. "...That can''t happen. If we back down further here, our continental advancement copses." When they haven''t even properly secured a piece ofnd on the continent yet, they might lose territory instead? That would immediately derail Japan''s grand n, and even before that, Russia could kick away the Japanese Empire''s foothold. Through Korea. ''They say Queen Min, that fox, keeps trying to contact Russia.'' Being driven out of Korea, where China, Russia, and Japan are locked in a subtle power struggle, would bring down the empire''s aspirations. While unsure how much to trust Ambassador Dmitri''s words, there was one point of agreement - the incident absolutely must not be dragged out. End it cleanly before Crown Prince Niki leaves. Sincere apology andpensation. ''We''ll have to start by applying the imperialw of l¨¨se-majest¨¦.'' Execute Tsuda Shinzo, have the imperial family apologize directly, addpensation, and send them off. This should prevent war and stop the empire from being broken. "Contact the Prime Minister immediately. This needs response beyond government level, from the imperial family itself." The highest level of apology. That would mean Emperor Meiji himself, as a fellow imperial family member, should step forward. The experienced Foreign Minister believed that if the Emperor himself stepped forward, their sincerity would reach Crown Prince Niki. == Even knowing the original history, it''s mere arrogance to think everything will go as I want. So, confined to my cabin without even going on deck, I considered contingencies. "If this drags on, should I copse again in front of everyone like a PTSD patient?" That would make it more than just an apology matter, but it might also damage my reputation and standing. I quite like the rumor that I subdued an armed assassin barehanded, so I don''t want to fall that far. "Or should we leave for divostok first and have them send what we wantter?" That might work better, but then thepensation would likely go to the Russian Empire rather than me. So that''s rejected too. "Sigh, it would be best to settle immediately without calling insurance." It''s clearly 100:0 fault ratio, why are they dragging this out? Lying in bed, I carefully examine the 1 ruble note in my hand. The palm-sized note has a ck and white drawing of what looks like a temple. The year of issue is stamped in the center of the temple, with serial numbers written on both sides - money of the Russian Empire. ''In the end, money. Russia is a country that needs money.'' Why were reforms difficult in Russia and why did its military power gradually weaken? It''s because there was no money. This country only exports agricultural products, nothing special. Conversely, while heavily dependent on imports from other countries, when others were developing, this country gradually became like a cart stuck in rasputitsa. Then do I, the Crown Prince, have a lot of money? No, I don''t. While I have various things likend, artworks, buildings, and imperial businesses, most are ambiguous as personal assets and difficult to dispose of. And I can''t sell titles or offices for money like some other country, so what to do. ''I might as well lie down like this.'' Some might misunderstand, but my forehead genuinely still stings. ''About 50 million yen would be appropriate...'' I''m not sure exactly, but I heard the current Japanese Empire''s annual budget is just under 100 million yen. It seems like a lot, but this country is still one of the few that hasn''t implemented the gold standard, and if cash is difficult, I''m willing to ept other things. ''Compared to Germany receiving 5 billion francs from France after a few months of war, I''m being so reasonable.'' If war breaks out, they wouldn''t ept even 500 million yen, let alone 50 million. Besides, they''ll beat up Qing themselves in a few years and extort 7-8 times this amount. "Your Highness, Admiral Romen says he''ll inform the Japanese side this evening that you''ve awakened." "Ooh, good." Finally, the first negotiation is opening. I''m not asking for much. Ten million yen per centimeter of forehead. If they don''t like it, they can talk to my father again. Though his means of dialogue might be a bit different. == ''Two days until I turn fifty...'' Combat experience: Lena River minefield construction, Turkish monitor bombardment. Military career: Admiral Romen, who rose from junior escort ship officer to cruiser admiral. He wondered if this was really right. Still, since it''s an order, he''ll do his best. "After two days, the Crown Prince has awakened and is now in a very, very angry state." "W-We would like to apologize directly-" "He doesn''t want to meet anyone. Only close aides, or myself at most, have seen him directly." "Ah..." "Why did you do this!" Here he paused briefly, wiping his face as if taking time to control his emotions, then continued calmly. "Why did you do this to such a gentle person. Is it really true that the Japanese government had no connection to this?" Though through an interpreter, Foreign Minister Aoki Shuzo seemed to understand everything just from the tone. ''...This is the biggest issue. The Crown Prince who was initially so friendly, even bowing in greeting, has be hostile.'' Beyond simply apologizing and being forgiven, the animosity of a future absolute monarch is quite a painful diplomatic loss. "He is, how should I say, a person of firm convictions. He doesn''t easily change what he believes is right. That''s why he chose Japan for this trip, to see the peace in the Far East with his own eyes." "...We know. We were also grateful for that." "What use is that now, it''s all over. We''re leaving in three days." Admiral Romen''s attitude, clearly more emotional than diplomatic, befitting a military officer. ''It''s rather fortunate he came out. Emotions tend to change with circumstances.'' The same goes for the Crown Prince. It''s the fourth day since the incident, and it seems they haven''t yet informed the Tsar. ''Time is running out. We need to make them stay longer using apology as an excuse, andplete perfect follow-up within that time.'' While outwardly showing maximum sympathy with Admiral Romen and unable to hide his devastated expression, Aoki gradually discovered light seeping through the needle''s eye. "Anyway, since he refuses to meet directly, I stepped forward. So then-" "His Majesty the Emperor!" "...Hmm?" "Our Emperor himself wille to Kyoto. Please don''t leave until then." "..." He yed his best card. If they refuse and leave, it would look like they''re rejecting the apology. "Sigh, Foreign Minister. Didn''t I just say that His Highness is extremely averse to meetings?" "That''s why we need the help of the Admiral and others. To be frank, saying that the Emperor ising shows our sincerity that we''re willing to ept any apology,pensation, or proposal." "...You are sincere." "The water is already spilled, we can''t just sit still." ''That''s why I''m doing this even with a mere admiral like you. Come on, speak inly.'' If this negotiation had to be done with that representative from divostok. No, even just with Ambassador Dmitri, the content would be obvious.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om They''d try to subtly put territorial issues on the table and connect them to this problem. So end it here. Without leaving future ill feelings, and without major damage. "Even if you tell me such things-" "I apologize for saying this, but with Crown Prince Niki absent, you are currently the highest authority, Admiral." "Hmm, is that so. Well then, it should be the best choice for His Highness." The Admiral, seemingly finding it difficult to think through this himself, finally brought up one thing after losing words for a moment. "The Tsar loves ships. Likewise, Crown Prince Niki loves ships the most." "Is that so." "How about funding the construction of onerge ship? It would be quite a meaningful gift for both of them, and His Highness would be pleased." "Oh, one ship. That''s really a good idea!" Several major inds, or rights in Korea or China were considered, but just one ship? Moreover, considering the meaning behind the gift, it''s certainly a deeply considered opinion worthy of a close aide. While arge iron ship would be expensive, still- "Hey, adjutant! What huge ships are currently under construction?" "Let''s see, Britain''s Majestic-ss battleship is being built in dock, and at 16,000 tons discement, it would be thergest." "Then it should be bigger than that, right?" "Shouldn''t it be? For the world''srgest ship, it should exceed 20,000 tons for a fully armed battleship... In yen... About 50 million yen? No, since we''re not Britain, direct construction would cost more. At least 60 million yen?" "Eh?" The interpreter quickly ryed in real-time to his ear, and for a moment he thought the units must be wrong, but the units and names of the continuing numbers were consistent. "Hmm, having lived my whole life on deck, I''m not sure exactly how much this is. Anyway, roughly 60 million yen in Japanese Empire currency." "..." "Well, is money important? Since His Majesty the Emperor ising, it''s the sincerity that matters." Reparations. They are clearly asking for money amounting to reparations. Now the choice returns to Aoki Shuzo. Pay reparations before fighting a war. Or pay reparations after fighting a war. He couldn''t easily answer. Chapter 5 Contact Incident (4) "This is an absurd demand!" "...I know, I know." The number those vile Russians blurted out would strip the entire national treasury clean. "Foreign Minister, you just listened to such nonsense and left?" Under Prime Minister Yamagata''s angry questioning, Aoki Shuzo tried his best to maintain rationality. ''Is money what they really want? Could an incident grow thisrge just because the Crown Prince is angry?'' Clearly, this incident wasmitted independently by one delusional patient. No firearms were used, and no other conspirators appeared. Yet Admiral Romen deliberately tries to escte the incident. ''The naive Crown Prince''s anger wasn''t the issue. That Admiral Romen and the other Russians are the real culprits.'' 50 million? 60 million? What reason could there be for so easily throwing out such outrageous numbers? "Prime Minister, this is a pretext for war." "What of it? With His Majesty the Emperor already heading to Kyoto, are you saying we should turn him back because we have no money?" "What they really want is war, I''m saying." Though he stormed out of the meeting with Admiral Romen over the unreasonable demand, thinking calmly, they must know their demand is excessive. "As soon as I mentioned His Majesty the Emperor wasing to Kyoto, he immediately named an excessive amount. In other words, they never intended to end this quietly from the start!" We were naive. While we wanted to smooth things over and conclude the incident, they were drawing a bigger picture as soon as it happened. ''Fearing the rising spirit of our Great Japanese Empire, they''re trying to crush the sprout at this opportunity.'' Or perhaps because their influence in the Far East would diminish daily until the Trans-Siberian Railway ispleted. "...Foreign Minister, do you truly think they want war?" "Ambassador Dmitri is the leading hardliner against Japan. Yet even he backed down at the word ''war.'' But now the military officers have gotten the best justification and opportunity. The young Crown Prince is angry, which is enough to convince Alexander III, and it''s another opportunity for them. Especially if they have countless armored cruisers like that." "A mere admiral like Romen had such grand thoughts? Does that make sense to you?" Until meeting the Prime Minister, he had thought about this countless times. Despite the narrowmunication channel and good justification, it seems too much for a mere admiral to have drawn such a picture. Multiple people watched Aoki Shuzo''s lips, waiting for him to speak. Among them were soldiers, politicians, and nobles. One thing they had inmon was that they all held high positions in the cab. ''Did no one notice...'' This made Aoki even more frustrated. Even with the situation havinge this far, no one was facing reality. The reason Ambassador Dmitri, who had been anxious to intervene in everything, was staying quiet. Conversely, why that admiral seemed to seize the opportunity to escte the incident. And the Crown Prince''s statements until now. Signals hade from everywhere. "It seems... our ns to form an alliance with Ennd... have leaked." "W-What?" The British Empire - the country they absolutely needed to join hands with to confront the Russian Empire. As soon as the Trans-Siberian Railway began full-scale constructionst year, Japan had subtly proposed an alliance to Britain. Though the other side was lukewarm and the Foreign Ministry hadn''t brought it up again, they hadn''t given up... Who would have thought it would reach Russian ears? ''Ambassador Dmitri here in Japan probably didn''t know. Even if they knew within the Russian Empire.'' "Do you understand? The current situation isn''t about Admiral Romen''s demanded amount or the Crown Prince''s emotions. They sincerely want war." After dering this before everyone, he thought he''d feel better, but Aoki''s vision gradually darkened. "Hah, how foolish I was running around. They never intended to end it here from the start. If we fight Russia, our chances of winning..." "None." "Yes, not now." It was really a hair''s breadth difference. What if they had let Admiral Romen leave like this? He would have returned leading numerous fleets. ''We can''t let that happen.'' There was one way to end this massive conspiracy early. ept that damned proposal they had made hoping for rejection. Though Foreign Minister Aoki Shuzo, true to his excellence, had presented both the fundamental situation and solution... ''Damn...'' From the position of the weak, there couldn''t be more bitter gall to swallow. == From the perspective of a history lover, meeting historical figures in person, whether viins or heroes, is quite thrilling. ''A bicorne and Western-style military uniform.'' My impression of Emperor Meiji in his Marshal''s uniform, supposedly Western-style... was quite underwhelming, unlike expectations. Not simply because of his smaller build than mine, but because he seemed quite timid for someone ruling over 100 million subjects. Even I''m known as a timid crown prince, but an emperor more so than me - quite amusing, isn''t it? Me, finally showing my face again for the Emperor''s official apology, eight days after the incident on May 11. Quite a lot happened in between, like over 10,000 telegrams of concern from all over Japan, and even somedymitting suicide in apology. I thought it might be the Japanese Empire''s scheme to keep us longer, but that didn''t seem to be the case as separately, Home Minister Saigo Tsugumichi, in charge of police, security, sanitation, and local autonomy, voluntarily resigned. The reason was apparently feeling moral responsibility or something. ''I don''t care about such things.'' Do I feel vengeful? No. Do I want justice? No. Do I feel greed? Yes. By that measure, the show unfolding before me now isn''t really my business either... but still, I smiled innocently. Because I received the money yesterday. ''...They say they''ll give this. Why really?'' ''Eh, 60 million yen? Did Admiral Romen ask for more?'' ''I, I was nning to negotiate and gradually reduce it...'' Four-year installment payment, 15 million yen every May. Though Foreign Minister Aoki Shuzo''s expression beyond Emperor Meiji looks concerning, they must be giving it since both sides agreed on the amount. As Emperor Meiji recites from the unfolded paper, someone quietly interprets beside me - roughly saying they''re sorry, willpensate, and hope for continued good rtions between the countries. Someone with a camera captures us talking while I nod with a pained smile. Additionally, at ater ceremony, Admiral Romen received the Order of the Rising Sun, 2nd ss. It''s the second-highest order and apparentlyes with a pension. "Is it alright for me to ept this? They red terribly even while pinning it on." "It''s made of gold, isn''t it? Sell it if you want. Ah, return the pension though. I''ll take care of you separately." Simrly, I had to give the Saint Anna Order to the rickshaw driver who helped subdue Tsuda Shinzo. However, by our standards, we had to give 1,000 yen. ''These dogs. Same ss but they give 36 yen. And ours is a lifetime pension.'' The content reported in the next day''s newspaper was quite different, saying that after I epted the apology, the Japanese government gratefully gavepensation money like magnanimous people. The long, long showes to an end. Though I don''t know how much truth will leak out, I don''t think there won''t be aftereffects. Russian-Japanese rtions seem quite deteriorated already. On the morning of departure for divostok. Leaning on the deck feeling the rising sun and sea breeze with closed eyes, memories of three weeks in Japan vividly resurface. Good memories. Painful memories. Grateful memories. ''Prince Takehito even sent my twenty-third birthday gifts while I was resting in the cabin. Pottery, swords, various things.'' I believe he sent them out of genuine joy for my 23rd birthday celebration. My forehead still stings when touched, but barely hurts if left alone. There will be a scar, but what can you do. It''s all in the past. Must forget and move on.N?v(el)B\\jnn Hoping my dear Japanese friends also learn such a positive attitude. I shed all emotions in the past. == "...Ugh, stop! Stop!" "Stop the carriage!" "Urgh!" We arrived in divostok on June 2nd. And today''s date is August 16th. "Your Highness, stopping will only cause more dys." "Ssip, I know, right. I know well. But trying to go on this barely finished road, I''ll die before arriving." "You just need to endure until today anyway. Less than three hours left, and there will be people waiting for us in St. Petersburg." "Ah, you''re getting so nagging." I thought the Admiral should stay to guard the ship, but that wasn''t the case. Admiral Romen came as my security chief from the start, so he''s justing with me to St. Petersburg. Time taken from divostok to the capital St. Petersburg bynd: 3 months. "Really a crazy country..." It took exactly 3 months and 2 weeks. I wanted to return by the shortest route, but being a Crown Prince on a world tour is quite tiring - having to attend ceremonies at the goveshchensk Arch, being urged to give speeches to immigrants in the middle of nowhere. The return journey to the capital itself was hell. I personally learned why people don''t travel in this era. "Admiral Romen, you said it would take over 3 months in winter?" "That''s if you sessfully cross. If you get injured or can''t move due to snow, it might take more than four months." "..." I can understand why Ggborers were deployed for railway construction. Connecting by unpavednd route seems crazy enough, but by rail? ''Never again. I''ll never set foot in the Far East again! At least not before that railway ispleted.'' I freshly realized why Russia lost the Russo-Japanese War. They would be nearly dead just from fighting at the opposite end of the earth, and when it''s hard to move even one body, trying to transport war supplies - the soldiers below must have wished for death instead. Still, everything has an end, and after consuming time by the month, we finally reached Europeannd. St. Petersburg, the imperial capital. "No way, no way." "Yes, we must have protocol." Ah, I was wondering why cavalry were lined up from the city entrance. This damned protocol torments me to the end. Citizens came out to watch, and somehow the carriage slowly cut through the city, seemingly intending to finish before sunset. I''m not sure how time passed after that. Being dragged here and there doing as told, night fell, and when I came to my senses again. "So, you''re back." "...Father." I was in a private audience with my father after a year. "So, how was it seeing the world after living only in the pce?" "It was vast. Much more than our empire." His voice, beyond hoarse to heavy like iron, showed clearly poor health. The giant frame I remembered. Sitting height exceeding that ofdy-in-waiting, palm gripping the chairrger than most people''s faces. Though he seems to resemble me, a giant exuding far more wild scent. Known to value family, perhaps because it''s a conversation between eldest son and father, words keep getting caught. "I heard about what happened in Asia." "Yes, that-" "You subdued an armed warrior barehanded." "Ah, yes." "The you I knew would have been busy running away screaming into an alley." For a moment, the sick man''s eyes trying to pierce through me. Emotionless, very direct gaze. I also looked at him, recalling my childhood memories of father. "...You don''t even avoid now. Come here." Moving my body stiff with tension, I approached him. Then he embraced me with his giant arms. "Wee back, son." "Ah..." A strange feeling felt inside at that moment. asionally recalls worries had on the way back to the capital. Yoo Jichan and Niki Alexandrovich. Who exactly am I? Were two people merged in a way science can''t exin, or were one person''s memories absorbed by another? Still don''t know, but seems one thing is certain. That both are undeniably me. Right now, I am indeed Niki Alexandrovich. Chapter 6 One-Eyed Parrot (1) August. During a few days of rest after returning, I thought about what hade into my hands. "Soon to be deposited: 15 million yen." Since Russia hasn''t yet reformed its currency from silver to gold, the value conversion might be slightly off, but the yen notes'' convertibility is close to the gold standard. ''1 yen approaches the value of 0.75g of pure gold.'' It getsplicated if we consider currency credibility, but with other countries including the US prohibiting gold exports, we can only calcte roughly. ''US 1 dor is about 1.7g of gold.'' Then the ieing into my hands within 4 years is... 26.5 million dors. The reason I''m calcting this headache-inducing math is... "Ho ho, I heard Your Highness received that, enormous constion money." Because of this gentleman. The aristocracy''s heretic, Leo Tolstoy. A man with outstanding imagination, bouncing thoughts, and equally peculiar actions. Everyone said not to meet him, but that cursed curiosity about historical figures finally made me allow a meeting with him. "I created a relief organization this year-" "I know. Created because a poor harvest is expected this year. No rain in spring and rivers flooded in summer, so famine is about toe." With wheat harvest due in September, this gentleman abandoned his writing and is preparing relief activities centered on the Samara region, seeing the obviousing famine. "But I thought the Count disliked the government and Orthodox Church?" "What does that matter when people are starving to death? Isn''t it all about surviving?" Good humor. No wonder they call him a heretic when he''s so brazen. I can see why he''ll be emunicated next year. Still, thanks to him, I remembered something. ''The Russian famine. It continues until next year.'' Obviously. When this year''s harvest fails, people starve until next year''s harvest. All I know is the single record that ''hundreds of thousands starved to death.'' I didn''t know the detailed circumstances. "Ho ho, I pride myself on running it more cleanly than any relief organization. nning to request external aid including from America, and even secure loan support." "Truly thorough." "How can relief work not be thorough? It''s what must be done." Actually, thergest relief efforts are being carried out in the Tsar''s name, but excluding that which feels half-mixed with government. ''Though I don''t doubt his sincerity since he''s using his private funds...'' The problem is that even with therge sum received from Japan, it would melt away like spring snow once used to feed hundreds of thousands of people. I naturally expected people would rush to me once I got arge sum. I had been thinking about various uses over the past few months, and concluded it should be used for the Far East... "Are you really having difficulties?" "No, no. Must be done. But isn''t our Count doing what the state should?" "Ho ho, someone has to do it, right?" Distrust not even hidden. No wonder he can proim this famine damage is the Tsar''s and Orthodox Church''s fault. Looking at me with clear eyes at over seventy, he''s truly one of a kind madman. Indeed, writing while facing walls seems not a job for humans. As our conversation diverged, I kept thinking. Arge sum not nned in the state budget. Moreover, thest private property I, as Crown Prince, could have. ''I can''t just throw all of this into relief activities.'' Perhaps it''s fortunate it''sing in 4-year installments. "Ah, right. If the constion moneyes over several years, you can issue appropriate bonds to pull in funds early, so don''t worry!" Damn. How much does this gentleman know? Wasn''t he half-expelled from society? ''But it''s a shame to give up on the Far East.'' The Far East is quite promisingnd. Rich in resources, vast territory, and barely pays taxes. The only drawback? It hasn''t been long since it came into our hands, so security isn''t yet guaranteed. A vastnd where free trade with America is possible through divostok port, with nomadic, Korean, and Chinese immigrants gathering rapidly. Japan''s constion money was meant as seed money to imitate a Russian version of the Western frontier development. And possible preparation for theter Russo-Japanese War. "Your Highness? Your Highness. Are you listening? About this relief work. It''s toote if you try to start after famine hits. We must sort out purchase items and select regions from now to maximize efficiency!" "Ah, yes." I don''t think this famine is on the level of a certain country''s Arduous March. If it were, the Russian Empire wouldn''t have ended with just hundreds of thousands dead. Nevertheless, this incident did crack the strong autocratic state my father championed. ''That''s why themunists start burning from exactly this time.'' If I pour money into strengthening Far Eastern military power,munist terrorism will only increase, not decrease. But if I use it all for relief work, won''t that just dy the empire''s copse by a few days? Then I mustpromise. "Count. So I was thinking." "What about migration within this year?" "...What do you mean suddenly?" "Relief activities in severely affected areas are good, but I''m saying let''s ept migrants. With a year''s support added." "Migration to where..." "To that far-off Far Easternnd." We''re already epting immigrants. Anyone who migrates to the Far East gets 3 desiatinas (about 29,752.11 square meters) ofnd and tax exemption, regardless of nationality. However, most immigrants are Asians who fled to live below, with very few actual vic immigrants. If we could move vic people there. ''The Far East would essentially be mine personally.'' Maybe it''s too ambitious. Might just spend enormous money without seeds sprouting until the Russo-Japanese War. "Hmm, Your Highness. That doesn''t match the purpose of relief work. What starving people need right now is bread, not newnd. Also, the cost would be quite-" "26.5 million dors." Right, why wait for 4-year installments. Start big from the beginning. "The money I received from the Japanese Empire." "In, in rubles-" "Roughly rounded to 35 million rubles. Considering I''ll receive part in gold, it would be more." The ruble backed by silver is weak against gold. In such circumstances, foreign currency close to gold sometimes gets valued higher within the empire. "With this much, wouldn''t the migration n be possible?" "...Did you really receive that much money?" "Haven''t received it yet. Will receive over 4 years though." At this point, I don''t think they won''t give it. "You must have felt it too, but didn''t things get quite big?" "Ce-certainly..." "Then it''s difficult to discuss everything here. Ah, please send the materials you prepared about famine regions." Yes, Count, looking at your expression, your head''s starting to hurt? My head''s about to explode too. I''ve thrown it out there, but I have no idea if pushing through will work, how effective it''ll be, or if my personal influence in the Far East will grow as I want even if it works. Nevertheless, I know someone most suitable for this task, so I should find them first. After seeing off Count Tolstoy walking out dazedly, I immediately dressed up. As a history major graduate, I''m naturally humanities-oriented. Now let''s go meet the science person who can make this happen. == Why isn''t the Russian Empire''s decline visible from the outside? Coldly speaking, my father''s domestic politics were at a terrible level. There were many extremely irrational, restrictive, and oppressive aspects, notably the Okhrana under the Ministry of Interior, symbol of political counter-reform. The Okhrana, established to crush left-wing revolutionaries immediately upon ascension. This organization, which spent years crushing urban leftists, should have disappeared afterpleting its mission... ''Instead it grew stronger even with no revolutionaries.'' Born from the Tsar''s anger upon ascending in ''81, the organization became a tool for strengthening Interior Ministry power. Now insufficient with just the left wing, the Okhrana pressures even local autonomy under the logic of crushing corruption. My grandfather, Alexander II, created regional elected governments (Zemstvos) and city council Dumas. Truly essential institutions for vast Russia. Creating these, he guaranteed press freedom to reduce corruption since monitoring numerous regions was difficult. The effect was remarkable - corruption decreased while tax revenue increased, local infrastructure construction exploded, and most importantly, primary education was properly implemented. But father castrated this press function. He crushed anti-government press using the Okhrana and arrested all who hindered national unity. Grandfather reformed, father counter-reformed. While grandfather championed autonomy and freedom, father demanded unity and obedience. Religious censorship revival, anti-Semitism promotion, non-Russian persecution, university autonomy suppression, nationalist policies, military and civil servant wage cuts, noble tax increases, luxury culture prohibition, etc. Though notpletely, I somewhat understand. Grandfather''s reforms ultimately brought his death. Still, the power strengthening and subsequent ruling stance seems excessive. While those who dare oppose the Tsar''s power have disappeared from within the empire day by day, the pressure in this giant rice cooker grows stronger. It wouldn''t be strange if it burst anywhere anytime. Returning to the beginning, why is Russia growing externally rather than declining? "Your Highness Crown Prince." The reason is simple. Because of gentlemen like this before me. "I wonder if I''m just wasting the Finance Minister''s busy time." "Your Highness, I am not the Finance Minister." "Since you''re already taking over, no need to deny it." If the neighbors have Bismarck, we have someone who ys above Bismarck''s head. The Railway Minister who will be Finance Minister next year at age forty-three, trying to wake sleeping Russia. The source of his power is solely the Tsar, not status, faction, or background. His civil service ability goes without saying, and his background in physics, mathematics, development, and invention is incredibly brilliant. To him, I exined the connection between this year''s expected poor harvest and Far East development. "Hmm..." Additionally sharing what Count Leo Tolstoy came and said, but the minister''s contemtion lengthened. "Since no immediate new budget allocation is needed, there''s no great burden. Also, it''s a one-time policy that will end within 3 years at most. What do you think, isn''t Far East development something we''ve been doing since grandfather''s time anyway?" "Your Highness, do you know what it means to fill the Far East with people?" Is there any special meaning? Just making it more like our territory, a livable ce, instead of neglecting it like now. Using even my personal money. "As Far Eastern poption grows, more army and navy must be stationed. Insufficient administrators must be dispatched and problems between ethnicities will increase. Diplomatic friction will maximize needless to say, and since the Far East barely collects taxes, the deficit will grow exponentially." "Uh..." "The empire is continuing gradual reform by somehow dividing and saving limited resources. But now you''re saying to pour more national power into the Far East? Just to listen to Count Tolstoy''s proposal? Your Highness, is it reallynd worth that much? Do we have any reason to do so?" Though momentarily flustered by Finance Minister Witte''s almost pleading questions, this wasn''t something I brought up lightly either. "Finance Minister Sergei Witte, Far East development is as important as reform." "Far East development won''t be toote after the Trans-Siberian Railway ispleted. No, rather that would be the right time." "Yes, yes, I agree. It''s inefficient to develop that vastnd without rails, so we should build internal strength and increase influence after the transcontinental railway ispleted. But..." 4 years nned for Amur River sectionpletion. Minimum 11 years for Lake Baikal southern bypass section. And about 25 years at this rate for single trackpletion.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "I cannot wait for that." "...Your Highness." The world won''t wait for us toplete those thousands of kilometers of railway. Chapter 7 One-Eyed Parrot (2) This spring, looking at the withered farnd, Sergei Witte had a premonition. ''Quite a lot of gold will flow out of the country.'' The gold standard, which was the top priority for reform, would likely be dyed several years due to this year''s famine. In the current era, the copse of a country''s gold standard means being pushed out of international trade. Then what''s most important when proceeding with internal reforms? Obviously, it''s minimizing external threats. Though Ennd is going berserk because we''re poking at the Middle East while expanding into Central Asia, this can''t be stopped since it''s been packaged as Alexander III''s achievement. And in this situation, they want to add Far Eastern expansion? ''It''s greed. Really nonsensical greed.'' True to his bloodline, Crown Prince Niki, having gotten his hands on tens of millions of rubles, showed strong determination to use funds in the Far East. "Finance Minister, I see hope in that Far East. You probably think I''m needlessly provoking China and Japan? Especially when it''s ambiguous who to join hands with after Bismarck''s fall." "If you understand well, then please-" "Witte. Do you know what''s the most important virtue for a minister of ministers, the Finance Minister?" Twenty-three. At that age, he had to give up doctoral studies due to family circumstances. He truly had to abandon academics with tears because ofck of money. "I don''t know." "It''s friendship with the Tsar. Not even funny, is it." Yet somehow, desperation seeps through every word of the Crown Prince, who should never have felt want in his life. "Now... are you telling me to prioritize friendship with Your Highness over imperial service?" "No. Teacher Ivan who taught me since childhood. You know him? The current Finance Minister." "Minister Ivan Vyshnegradsky..." "Why is Minister Ivan soon to be dismissed? Simply because he''s a liberal? Or because he couldn''t prevent this year''s famine?" Thinking back, though somewhat critical of capitalism, he truly did his best in his position. Famine worsened due to grain exports? It was inevitable while selling everything to resolve the empire''s chronic deficit. Being backstabbed while criticized by disciples he raised, isted by media and nobles? That''s unavoidable for a Finance Minister. Crown Prince Niki''s reason was very simple. "Father simply abandoned him. Didn''t give him power beyond Finance Minister. No role beyond resolving the given fiscal deficit."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om That''s why the Finance Minister, who was Crown Prince Niki''s teacher, fell so miserably. He attempted financial reform but lost the Tsar''s protection. "Sadly, Father is very ill. He''s grown weaker than before I left for travel. Perhaps that''s why people seeking me never end. Yet the reason I sought you isn''t simply because Father likes you." Now it seems the Crown Prince didn''te seeking permission or review. "I just hope you can make what I want possible." "...I''m not Your Highness''s secretary. I cannot ept such requests." "Oh my, did it sound like pressure? Don''t misunderstand. I haven''t ascended to the throne yet. So this should be seen as an equal transaction, or proposal. If you help me, I''ll help you too - that kind of meaning." Sincerity revealed between leisurely word choices. That sincerity made Witte more confused. If the Crown Prince had wants, he should have gone to Tsar instead of a mere minister like himself. That would be a more certain and quick way to achieve what he wants. Yeting to him means it''s a matter that even His Majesty can''t resolve immediately. "...What exactly did you see in the Far East?" What reason could there be for the innocent Crown Prince toe back and act so radically? After hesitating briefly, the Crown Prince answered shortly. "War." "..." At that calm answer, Witte realized. Surely the Crown Prince was mad. Though the wound on his forehead had healed, the brain inside must have festered. Because there were no signs of war in the Far East, and... ''...He looks as if he''s already experienced defeat.'' Since Crown Prince Niki was just arguing to use his private funds for Far Eastern development. War and development. Defeat in the Far East. All words that don''t matchmon sense and reason. Who would the Russian Empire lose to, and who would dare reconquer the Far East while the powers meddle in everything with eyes wide open? Yet Crown Prince Niki held groundless conviction. "The choice belongs to you who bears the burden of reform, but protecting the empire is my role." Even leaving a warning. Thus Witte''s audience with Crown Prince Niki ended. Unlike his bold visit, the Crown Prince gained nothing, but... "...War, he says." At least his delusion took root in Witte''s mind. With Wilhelm II starting his personal rule and refusing to renew the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia just recently, war in the Far East? "...It won''t happen, and mustn''t happen." The empire in the midst of reform had no capacity to endure such a major incident. So even if war broke out in the Far East, if it wasn''t the empire''s affair... The empire should not choose to intervene. == "Indeed, it didn''t work." My opinion that I would start Far Eastern development with my private funds so please put more effort into state finances and policy apparently only sounded like ''the Crown Prince''s unreasonable order'' to Witte''s ears. External imperial matters were irrelevant from the start to him who headed to the Finance Ministry solely for internal reform. It''s probably not just Minister Witte. Father who advocates peace with the West, matching steps with Bismarck''s diplomacy. The Foreign Ministry which only tried physical integration rather than modern colonization. The Finance Ministry which implements reforms only with taxes collected from imperial citizens. No one would sympathize with what I''m arguing. Nevertheless, I know. Though we too are breathless with major reforms and have no room to look outside. That the empire''s rise and fall will be decided in that Far East. "Isn''t that right? Teacher?" "Your Highness, that talk again? Do you hope the Far East is fertile like imperial ck earth, or overflowing with gold mines as rumored?" "No, Teacher should take my side." "I''m already old and want nothing. Also, from an economist''s perspective, Far Eastern development before the Trans-Siberian Railwaypletion is extremely inefficient." "I''m saying we should at least establish the foundation. Well, like stationing troops, fleets, reorganizing military districts..." "Why does everything seem to only cost money rted to military?" My childhood economics teacher and now schr helping with practical work, Teacher Niki Bunge. Even Teacher Bunge, my closest aide who only thinks of me, shows reluctance toward my Far Eastern development n. "And increasing military districts in East Siberia will hinder development there. Especially financially." "Hah..." Yes, if the empire''s top schr and former Finance Minister says so, it must be so. Honestly, I''m not confident in winning against Teacher Bunge with logic. Not just Teacher, but conversations with everyone I meet flow simrly. To move them by logically exining my argument... I''m not confident in persuading them through debate. The moment I bring up Far Eastern development and strengthening, a shower of questions pours down - Why bother? Why now? Why? What else? In the end, what''s allowed is just supporting and settling immigrants with the constion money from Japan, like a child buying snacks at a stationery store with pocket money. Even that, Count Tolstoy is making a fuss that this year''s constion money will soon run out and end next month. "So in the end, they won''t touch my private funds but it''s impossible as state policy." Perhaps because of France''s fall through royal extravagance, Romanov imperial finances and government finances are clearly separated. A certain amountes from the government, but that''s just money for maintaining the imperial household, not my personal spending money. "Yes, I thought it wouldn''t be easy." Though I went around here and there, didn''t it take me a full three months just to return from divostok to the capital? Pouring national power into such a distant ce must sound like moon development to them. But it''s too early to give up. "So I''m saying! Let''s prepare from now for the Trans-Siberian Railwaypletion!" "I-I heard Your Highness advocated increasing troops in the Amur Military District-" "Hey now, man!" "Ah, was that not true?" "...Rumors spread fast. Is it because you''re a Duma deputy representing citizens?" "I''m not a worker representative but a farmer representative so I don''t know! Then goodbye!" "That Far East is overflowing with immigrant farmers! Hey, don''t run away!" "They don''t vote!" Still, who would dare oppose the first idea of the officially recognized next emperor, the Crown Prince? "I thought deeply about why it''s vulnerable despite people gathering in the Far East, and it''s clearly due to severe qualitative decline. That''s why I need your help." "Are you sayingmercial development is sufficiently possible even without the Trans-Siberian Railway construction?" "That''s right! Resources and manpower overflow, and isn''t trade active? Is there anywhere else in our empire that actively exchanges with America like that Far East?" "Certainly trade volume with the Japanese Empire and United States has increased in that region... Your Highness." "What?" "This is the Education Ministry. Local education is the provincial Duma''s job." "..." Basically, until the Trans-Siberian Railway ispleted, there''s no choice but to strengthen the region itself. "Still only you, Witte! It''s still our country''snd, we must do the basics! Guarantee education,merce, security, and free trade! Allocate budget immediately! Later, state-developed nned cities will be trendy!" "Aaah! The Tsar won''t allow it! As I''ve said repeatedly, there''s no budget!" "That ce is halfwless! Rather than being satisfied with settlers, make immigrants unable to settle! Let''s support immigrant regiments like Jews. Weren''t Cossack regiments all from such backgrounds!" "Six years mandatory service and nine years reserve. Who will farm the Far East! And the military is a money-eating group. Absolutely not!" Now officials hug their documents tight and run away just seeing my face. Is it my imagination that the number of people I meet in corridors is gradually decreasing? "...Still only you." "Pardon?" "Romen Niki Nikevich." "Yes, Your Highness." "You said you know Baron Andrey Koff?" "He''s acquainted with my father? We also greeted himst time in divostok." "Your family alone has five living generals, andbining connections would spread throughout the army?" "That''s... not the case?" "Good, I''ll give you a mission. Go tell the Far Eastern Governor-General to increase troops in subordinate military districts. I''ll provide my personal funds." "So suddenly?" "No matter how I think about it, if nothing else, we must increase military district troops." "Your Highness, the governor''s independent troop increase could move the Interior Ministry''s Okhrana. Please stop pushing me into danger. I want to live quietly." Fuck, this won''t work, that won''t work. What exactly can a Crown Prince do in this country? Wasn''t Russia an absolute monarchy withplete centralization? Why can''t the Crown Prince do anything freely? ''Damn... If I were at least forty.'' No matter how much I shout and cry out, I can''t escape the frame of ''unreasonable n by Crown Prince without practical experience.'' But then can I stand out at weekly state council meetings? Not that either. How much could I stand out among the empire''s greatest minds? I just give my assigned railway reports during my speaking turn. Everyone is loyal to Father, not me. Naturally, the grand n of a bright young twenty-three-year-old Crown Prince who couldn''t suppress anyone with power was nothing but a mere dream. Still, my poking around everywhere from summer to fall wasn''tpletely ineffective it seems. One day while advocating about the Far East almost like a protest, Father called me. "Son, I hear you''ve been very interested in the Far Easttely." "Yes, Father." Perhaps Father would be moved by my n? After all, he''s the one who ordered the Trans-Siberian Railway n. Surely with excellent insight and foresight- "It''s not good to be too absorbed in one thing. I have something in mind for you." "For me?" "A monarch is also a soldier withmand authority. The time hase for you to serve in the military too." "...What?" Th-this isn''t right. My thoughts that were organizing to exin my n internally until just now crumble like dust. "Join the military. It''s worth experiencing once." "Ah." Indeed, the protest''s effect was tremendous. Chapter 8 One-Eyed Parrot (3) The ns I had conceived throughout the journey back to St. Petersburg afterpleting the world tour. Though with an ordinary level of intelligence, I had filled dozens of pages squeezing out all knowledge, both present andcking. Sadly, I had to discard it all with the military enlistment sentence. Strange to say, but I keenly realized that being close to power as Crown Prince meant my hands and feet weren''t free. Father, government departments, military, and everyone else all told me the same thing. Just stay quiet and don''t stick out. Just do my Railway Department work properly. That demand was so forceful that I was sent to a group where only rank and orders exist. By Father''smand to the Petersburg Military District, just half a day from the capital. I enlisted there as a junior lieutenant in an infantry regiment. Yes, enlisted is enlisted. But whymission me as a regr lieutenant? == Three monthster, promoted rapidly through two ranks to Captain. Spending winter as Captain, spring came and clothes needed changing with the season. With that, the rank insignia changed to Lieutenant Colonel. "What is this, some military rank experience program?" Rising from junior lieutenant to lieutenant colonel in a year makes me wonder what this is about... Surprisingly, this was how all imperial family members of this era built military experience. While imperial family members far from session rights might live their whole lives as soldiers, even those who weren''t would at least sample the ranks. Military education was limited to basics learned from private tutors in childhood, utterly insufficient for fieldmand or staff work. So what to do. "Hey, came the Chief Adjutant from Earth Headquarters?" "...Lieutenant Colonel Nichs, what is that manner of speaking?" "What else. A tone mixing respect and familiarity for the Colonel rank." Just umting paper experience. "Well, either you''re unprejudiced or..." "Lacking manners?" "I said nothing." "Sigh, rank is such a thug, isn''t it?" "Status is more of a thug." Anyway, even in the military, my introduction is followed by ''Tsesarevich (Crown Prince).'' Meaning there''s no hope of normal mingling or building camaraderie. Even if this life might help somehow in the future, the military of this era really doesn''t suit me. It''s messed up from the start whenmanders'' performance evaluations are filled with who can do formation drills faster. Training is experiential, and most daily routine is elerated officer education. I spend each day as an outcast in the military unit, going around various inspections and demonstrations. "So what''s the matter?" "...Lieutenant Colonel, looks like you''re getting transferred." "Again? Why?" "Why? How can you say ''why''? Didn''t the unit''s best logistics officers collectively retire?" "Ah, that job change?" "Even the soldiers all know you urged retirement behind the scenes!" But wasn''t that incident resolved with my week of disciplinary confinement? "Why hold me responsible for that now? The empire is a country with freedom of upation." "Wow, really..." "Honestly, you know too. Such talents were wasted rotting in this organization." "So you sent them all to the Far East?" "Hey! The empire guarantees freedom of movement since abolishing serfdom!" Well, just from rumors, these logistics people were all excellent folks with higher education. While my slightest finger movement is followed by dozens of eyes, that''s not the case for those people, right? So I just actively employed them. Mmm, very legal and legitimate. "Why, Colonel''s pension should be great, want to retire too?" "...What about your superiors? It''s not just once or twice you''ve wanted to clear them all out." "They seem too old to reach the Far East before reaching their graves. Abilities are just so-so too." While it''s true I recklessly stuffed fantasies about the Far East into retirees'' lungs, what I actually offered as basis was just the name value of Tsesarevich and money. Meaning there was no coercion or pressure in their process of leaving the military. Yet another transfer. How can I build friendships with such treatment? "There were talks about me too. Despite only having a few conversations with the Lieutenant Colonel, they asked if I might be leaving." "Tsk, Chief Adjutant Behren. You''re not at that level." "Such hurtful words." "Instead of bantering with royalty, should have mixed in some ttery." "Yet you get serious when I do tter." Well, not everyone who approaches someone of royal status has pure intentions. "Anyway, has it been decided where I''m going?" "This situation has reached St. Petersburg, so you''ll go quite far. I hear you''re being banished to the Vilna Military District..." "This won''t look good for public opinion." Last year, my Far Eastern activities were limited to supporting immigrants, focusing on regions where farming failed - something worthy of praise. Of course, pulling people from the military this year is quite worthy of criticism. ''Let''s see, I stopped counting after it passed a hundred...'' If they had good work ability, weren''tpletely awful in character, and had minimum higher education, I immediately recruited and sent them. Despite the Chief Adjutant''s consideration in rushing to tell me first, another group approaches from afar. "Heree the old fogies." "Please watch your words..." People whose ranks look higher than the Chief Adjutant just from their uniforms. I''m sick of seeing these so-called general officers now. They''re all either rubbing their palms hoping something will fall from me or making a fuss trying to show off their excellence. There was even one who said he''d select capable people to send to the Far East. "Ah, to think this is the reality of this country''s military. They should promote people who work well under them." "...Such words from the Lieutenant Colonel?" "My actionse from patriotism. Quite appropriate." "Wow..." With the generals now close, I had to end my conversation with the Chief Adjutant. "Your Highness, as you''ve already heard, it seems you''ll be moving units due to promotion." "Yes, I heard. To the Vilna district." Not a regr transfer but Vilna means the Lithuania region - Father just sent me to the frontline near Germany. ''With barely half a year left of this life at most, why send me to the ce farthest from the Far East.'' Taking every officer education avable with excellent grades. Lived clearly as a soldier, not Tsesarevich, with excellent conduct. But Father seems to want me to not involve myself with anything Far East-rted from the start. Perhaps he was angrier that I sang about the Far East even in the military he sent me to straighten up, rather than about pulling out talent. "Shall we go then?" "Yes, let''s. Ah right, Chief Adjutant Behren?" "Yes, Lieutenant Colonel." "Write if you''re struggling too. Though you''re slightly below standard, seems not all your experience turns to waste." "Your Highness!" "Well, shall we go." This is really thest one. I throw out bait thinking he''s not closed-minded despite rising to Colonel frommoner origins. I''ll stop now since pulling more people from the military could make things bigger. "Hah, looks like I''ll just waste time in Vilna." Broad but shallow knowledge. Non-existent experience. Andcking talent. The more this ordinary Crown Prince with these three elementsbined tries to do something, the deeper Father tries to bury me in the military. [Nicky, my beloved son. Though current life may be hard and difficult to endure, this mother always believes in her son. ... .. . I''ll just wait for the day you return safely, wanting nothing. Father would want the same.] "Tsk, even mobilizing Mother." Yes, I admit. The empire hasn''t even copsed yet, but I alone acted inappropriately, iming the future was obvious. Rather than that, wouldn''t being quiet and obedient be filial piety and proper duty? So in Vilna, I should stop such entricities and return to being the original timid Niki- "Wee! I am Colonel Kondratenko, Chief Adjutant of the Vilna Military District, assigned to guide you, Colonel!" "Yes, hello. My introduction, well you must know- Wait, what was your name?" "Colonel Roman Isidorovich Kondratenko!" "Chief Adjutant?" "Yes!" Roman Isidorovich Kondratenko... First name Roman. Middle name Isidorovich. Family name Kondratenko. "...Graduated from Nikev Engineering Academy?" "Yes!" "Current position?" "Serving as Chief Adjutant and logistics officer overseeing the district!" After seeing only brass stars for so long, even I was startled by the suddenly familiar name. Though my reaction seemed to make him stiffer, it couldn''t be as much as my surprise. While there are hundreds of great generals in imperial history, generals recorded in this era can be counted on both hands. And one of them, Roman Isidorovich Kondratenko, hero of the Russo-Japanese War. The master of defense for whom even Japan, his opponent, erected a monument out of respect for the man who killed tens of thousands of their troops. "...Roman, would you like to go to the Far East?" I couldn''t hold back. == "Hmm..." "He shows excellent talent in officer education. I felt it during the previous state council too, but he''s clearly different. Specifically in sending clear criticism and praise sharply divided on certain agenda items." "Even for mere agenda items, not implementation?" "It wasn''t decisions based on personal favor."N?v(el)B\\jnn "Did he just study every day after we sent him on world travel?" "That''s unlikely. Even Professor Bunge, his economics teacher, was surprised by his schrship." "Ho ho." Weak and insufficient Crown Prince Niki. Sending the child who couldn''t leave his mother''s embrace and lived trapped in the narrow world of the imperial family to see the world seems to have brought back more than expected. Though he''s a son loved more than life itself, Alexander knew how to evaluate his heir coldly as Tsar. ''Words my father told me in childhood. That I wasn''t emperor material.'' Yes, how far would that insufficient second son''s bloodline go? Niki grew up extremely ordinary like himself, neither exceptional nor outstanding. He can''t rule the country with conviction like his father, nor is he talented in many areas like his deceased elder brother. But what can be done, he is the beloved eldest son. "However, I didn''t want him to change this much..." Alexander looked at several papers in his hand. They were Okhrana''s summary of what the Crown Prince had been crying about while stirring up everyone from Interior Ministry police inspectors to Imperial Household vice-ministers before enlisting. Far Eastern development ns. East Siberian economic development 5-year n. Military strengthening measures. Proposal for increasing trade with America. The original Niki who felt burdened even by the small practical work given to him wouldn''t have been able to voice such opinions. "Seems it''s not just empty wind..." "However, his excessive interest in the Far East is concerning." "I agree. I was once obsessed with ships too, but this goes too far. We''ve barely escaped deficit finances and are attempting reforms." Great-grandfather tried to implement noble reforms but was assassinated after just 5 years of reign, and grandfatherpletely nullified great-grandfather''s reform attempts. The previous Tsar, father, pledged to abolish serfdom and enrich workers'' lives for the people, but was likewise assassinated by the people, and those ns almost disappeared during his reign. "...Ugh." "Are you alright?" "Huu, no. I can still endure. The ident''s aftereffects haven''t faded." I just wanted Nichs to inherit a safe empire, but somehow seeds of a reform monarch appear. Can''t keep him buried in the military like now, but what should be done as a father and as this empire''s Tsar? Even after driving Niki to the border, worries about his son won''t leave his mind. "Is Niki doing well in Vilna? Previously heard he got along well regardless of rank." "About that... They say he tried to send another colonel to the Far East as soon as he arrived in Vilna." "..." He could only hope the empire wouldn''t copse in his son''s era. Chapter 9 One-Eyed Parrot (4) When I first voiced my opinions. That is, in autumn of ''91, just before enlisting, when no one would listen to me, I had this thought. ''Does the empire really need to be rapidly stronger to survive?'' The various events that transformed the Russian Empire into the Soviet Union were all easily twistable. For example, as Finance Minister Witte said, abandoning the Far East that''s of no help to the current empire. The decisive event that brought down the empire, the Great War? By refusing to renew the alliance with France at the right time and just settling debt rtions, the possibility of war with Germany would significantly decrease. Not surviving because the empire is strong, but bing strong by surviving. It could be a bit weaker. Perhaps the empire would be less great. And as always, it would barely maintain its rank at the edge of great powers. But it wouldn''t copse. That much I could guarantee. This country that even Napoleon gave up fighting. Unless external and internal enemies strike simultaneously, it''s not easy to fall. I''d often had this thought whenever I felt frustrated with hands and feet tightly bound after enlisting. And I realized this thinking was messed upst year, when I felt the impact of history I didn''t know. [Endlessly Growing United States, Market Copses!] The directly tranted content from foreign newspapers was full of things I didn''t know, with descriptions slightly different from the America I knew. "Paper currency trust falls so everyone seeks gold bullion, real estatepletely crashes, and simultaneously stock market copses, they say." As aftermath, leftist support soars, populism runs rampant, and all industries - railways, shipping, banking - are copsing. "Hmm..." These series of events probably happened in the original history and should be considered unaffected by me. Yet the reason I was shocked was just one thing. "...I don''t know much about other countries'' histories except Russia. Just vague knowledge." Common sense usually recalls the 1929 Great Depression for American panic, never thinking there would be a panic in 1893. About the 1893 world economy, all I knew was the brief record that ''America''s economy was difficult,'' not knowing any detailed circumstances. Not just America. I''m not an archive with all people, history, events stored in my head, and only know Russia a bit better. If asked which specific event brought down the current Russian Empire, those who know history would all say the 1914 Great War. But what about the famine and epidemics before that? Revolutionary attempts and terrorism? The gap with other countries that widened during Nichs''s reign and people''s anger umted long ago? The inevitable war with Japan? I''m not a revolutionary waiting for capitalism''s demise but the Crown Prince, apex of the ruling ss living in current reality. If I stay still doing nothing like this, I''ll just be swept away by history''s flow. ''Even crushing all problems with power like Father has limits.'' I still don''t understand at all why this year''s American panic was caused by the failed Buenos Aires coup. Though I prided myself on knowing the future, it seems that''s not the key to all problems. That is, even I don''t know when and by what external event Russia will fall. Or I can''t ignore history twisting from my non-intervention. In the end, bing strong. Only by bing strong enough to not be shaken by any external changes can this country survive. In that sense. "Isn''t the sky amazing today?" "Yes." "When I saw it a few years ago, the Far Eastern sky was clearer and prettier, don''t you want to see it?" "Please stop. I have no intention of leaving the military." "No, who said leave? I said go to the Far East." Today too, I had to keep pestering our Roman Major Gen- no, Colonel Roman. ''94. Though a year and half had passed since meeting Roman, he hadn''t fallen for even the Crown Prince''s temptation. "This damn principled bastard..." "Pardon? What did you say?" "Nothing." Also, that I''m still facing Roman today means... Yes. I''m still in the military! In the world even Korean military uses about 2 years of one''s youth before sending them home, but I''ve been buried in the military for 3 years already. Clearly when Father sent me to Vilna, I thought he''d call me back to St. Petersburg in half a year. Even until my twenty-sixth birthday passed, Father didn''t pull me from the military. Though unlike before, days spent in the unit aren''t even half, but still belonging to military. Freedom doesn''t exist. "Why? A Crown Prince serving 3 years in military is unheard of? Copying British Navy? But even that''s just superficial paper experience?" "Your Highness, if you hadn''t written that strange contribution, you would''ve returned to the capital long ago." "What, Crown Prince has no freedom of speech?" The contribution that spread to newspapers wasn''t even content denouncing or criticizing anyone. "Just suggesting Far East development as solution to thend reformpensation distribution problem..." "That''s how you created battlefields across Russia. Landowners and peasants, nobles and workers, immigrants and Russians. Even colonial development issues. Didn''t you divide everyone?" Uh... Was it something everyone needed to divide and fight over? Anyway, isn''t it good that everyone became interested in the Far East at least once? "And haven''t I said repeatedly. The Far East should either be abandonedpletely or taken decisively. That ce is a mix of gold mines and minefields." "Such words! Sigh, those radical statements are why you''re still in Vilna." Radical? Well. Can this be called radical? Saying we must choose either quick cutting of losses or definite investment. "Why won''t anyone listen to me." Today too, I visited the firm-minded Roman to sprinkle a handful of Far Eastern fantasies, but returned only hearing harsh words. Still, that he gives harsh words itself means he has affection for me, so I''ll take it positively. Returning to my private quarters, various tranted newspapersy on the table. As every day without fail, while reading just titles and skimming content, one newspaper catches my eye. [Qing and Japan Engage in Armed Conflict] Though not thoroughly knowing all history, Korean history is practicallymon sense. Donghak Peasant Movement. Treaty of Tianjin.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om upation of Gyeongbokgung Pce and outbreak of Sino-Japanese War. Though not news to greatly stir society except in that neighborhood, our empire was paying attention to this incident even because of the iron silk road, the Trans-Siberian Railway. And that this ce is getting attention means. "Imperial Household official. Here to escort Your Highness." It means it''s time for me to return to St. Petersburg. == "Father." "...You''vee." A face more gaunt than before. The man who went hunting with family every year now seems ufortable moving alone. "You''ve lost weight." "Nephritis. Dr. Leiden tells me to rest." The medicine of this era cannot treat Father''s broken back and damaged organs. Knowing that fact better than anyone, I just spoke empty words endlessly. "It must be nothing. We should go hunting together next year too." I felt guilty, unable to evenin why I was buried in the military for 3 years, seeing his condition. Because the man before me is truly my biological father. Because I know well hising death would be for saving his children in a train ident. "Nicky." "...Yes, Father." "I was Tsar of absolute power. None dared challenge my power." "I know." With the Okhrana created upon ascension crushing all opposition, receiving military loyalty and nobles'' full support, who would dare look down on the Tsar''s authority. "Nevertheless, this position I felt. It''s one where you must neither make mistakes nor be wrong. Meaning you cannot act like when you were Tsesarevich." "..." Though the words seemed to scold my rash actions, Father''s eyes weren''t those of someone admonishing. "You must have heard the Far Eastern news too. War has broken out. An era hase where the empire must protect thatnd at the continent''s end before the Trans-Siberian Railwaypletion." Japan''s first imperialistic move. Even Britain abrogated all unequal treaties with Japan this year, showing their growing influence in the Far East. Russia, with territory nearby, felt this palpably. Conversation mixed withbored breathing and coughing. So I tried my best not to respond. "My son, Nicky." "Yes." "Must a Tsar be perfect." Even at this moment, pain permeated every word of Father''s. "You are not yet Tsar." So it was all the more solemn and warm. "Go to the Far East. While I''m alive." "...The current war isn''t Russia''s war. And what do you mean while alive? You''ll get up soon, so don''t say such things." War between Qing and Japan. Though Korea is caught between, our empire''s rtionship with Korea is just at the level of diplomatic rtions. "You want to go, don''t you." "I''m not that thoughtless anymore. I''ve changed much in the military." "This is yourst chance where failure is allowed. Go, and do what you wish to do in my name." Why. Until now you silenced me more than anyone at the mere mention, so why now suddenly. "...This is thest I can do as father, not Tsar." "..." In Father''s faint smile, I found that answer. His body is already dying, and he knows this fact better than anyone. ''The man most devoted to family in the Romanov dynasty.'' Not just that single historical record, but truly feeling as a son, those emotions are indescribable. "...Thank you." All I could do was bow my head in gratitude for this one-sided devotion. == Leaving Father''s bedroom, a group of Imperial Household officials waited for me in Peterhof Pce''s main building first floor. "By His Majesty the Tsar''smand, we are those who will assist Your Highness the Crown Prince henceforth." "The Imperial Household Ministry." The Emperor''s hands and feet. Vice-ministers. Though only some were dispatched, just that meant I had essentially inherited part of the Tsar''s power beyond Crown Prince. "Not just the Imperial Household Ministry." Turning at the familiar voice, there was a face I hadn''t seen in a long time. "Minister Witte." "Yes." "What exactly is the extent of authority given to me?" "Full authority regarding the Far East." Full authority, they say. Meaning no one can hold me ountable for my actions. This is no longer the Crown Prince''s entricity but the Tsar''s imperialmand. "Officials have many concerns. There''s much talk about Your Highness being away while the Tsar is resting." "What about you? Still think that Far East is and overflowing with peace?" Everyone here must know. That the Tsar''s health is severely deteriorating, and thus my position has changed. If Minister Witte opposes until the end, I might have to give up persuading. Though his reforms were great, they were insufficient to save the empire. "I... still don''t know. How the aftermath of this war will be. Whether Japan will really sh with Russia in the future." He still seemed to have no confidence at all. "But I know one thing. As Your Highness said three years ago, the situation beyond Siberia is different from then. Korea, Qing, Japan. And our empire too. Everything is changing. I now think we can put some strength into the Far East once." "Good, that''s enough." I don''t think everyone here gathered because they agree with my intentions or trust me. Just need to think that now someone will listen when I speak out and I have hands and feet I can freely wield. I don''t know how much time Father has given me. More precisely, don''t know how long he can endure. ''He''s grown gaunt even from just three months ago.'' Isn''t that why he gave me even the Imperial Household Ministry like this. First, before heading to the Far East like this. "The Imperial Household manages orders too?" "Yes." "Prepare just one order." "Which one should it be?" "Since he''s a colonel... Order of St. dimir, 4th ss. Reason:mendation for merit in basic military training reform." "Understood." Must take care of those who need taking care of. Chapter 10 Balance (1) If someone asks "Which country holds the hegemony of East Asia?" Throughout history, a hundred out of a hundred would answer Qing Dynasty, which holds China. The Ming Dynasty that achieved the highest civilization renaissance before Qing. The numerous Chinese maind countries before that golden age. Those countries were all ones that reigned alone over Asia. Today, a new challenger appears to this empire that for thousands of years despised all but themselves as barbarians. Moreover, a challenger with ck hair and ck eyes, not the white-skinned blue-eyed ones from the West. A fight between a civilization that has reigned as the world''srgest continental empire and an emerging civilization that barely escaped colonial status to pursue Westernization. The main struggle between the two countries takes ce on a small penins jutting out at the continent''s edge - Korea. "When the respected General Saigo Takamori advocated Seikanron, I stood up to oppose... Yet now I''m advocating Seikanron." "Prime Minister, do you regret that decision then?" "I don''t know. Just thought we only needed to ovee Qing then, but turns out an even bigger mountain existed behind." Would Asia''s hegemony really fall into their hands if they just overthrow Qing? If they clear Qing''s clouds from Korea, can the homnd, merely an ind nation, advance to the continent? ''...Even overthrowing Qing won''t make us Far East''s hegemon immediately.'' Ito Hirobumi recalled his time serving as President of the House of Peers. The incident three years ago when Imperial Household, Cab, and House of Peers all had to bow their heads with eyes red from fear. Though constion payments end this year, the aftermath still remains. For the past 4 years, the cab had to tighten its belt due to constion payments, military dissatisfaction nearly exploded over budget cuts, and taxes on subjects increased. Nevertheless, those recalling that time all say the same thing. That they overcame the crisis very wisely. How servile to pat their chests in relief after giving half a year''s budget to a country that might be an enemy anytime. What a cowardly appearance of the weak. Though there''s just one point of agreement - that the incident was cleanly resolved. After Crown Prince Niki returned to divostok, the Russian Empire spent 3 years like a quietke. Thanks to that, the homnd doesn''t hesitate to face Qing, so though shameful, the decision not to escte the incident then was right in result. "Never. Never again must such a thing happen." This is not a war to gain Korea, but a war to protect Japan. Before that fallen, panting Qing regains consciousness to harm the homnd. The homnd just moved one step faster before those Russians build a railway longer than the Great Wall toe to Asia. "With the pce and king secured, Korea can''t move, and the Colonial Affairs Minister. What happened to that old man?" "As soon as Legation Minister Sugimura Fukashi in Seoul guaranteed not to demand any Korean territory, he entered the pce right away." "Funny to see that Daewongun character acting like a fox guarding a lion." "What shall we do with him?" "Use him as a puppet appropriately then discard him. Though he chose pro-Japanese due to circumstances, he''s essentially anti-Japanese to the bone." Though situations flowed quite urgently, the results aren''t bad. Just 3 days after Li Hongzhang dispatched troops to Korea, the Imperial General Headquarters was established and marched to Seoul. When those Qing fellows without pride brought up negotiations, we immediately sent a severance letter to escte the situation, while simultaneously signing the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Commerce and Navigation with Britain to secure support. Perhaps we could be bold whenever choices and decisions were required because we''ve waited for this moment for decades. "Seems preparations areplete now."N?v(el)B\\jnn "Then..." "Tell the Imperial Headquarters immediately. Annihte the Qing forces in Asan and sink the Qing fleet in the sea." With this, he bes a great man who seeded in continental advancement that even unification hero Toyotomi Hideyoshi couldn''t achieve. "Ah, and... Have that old fox killed." "Ah, understood." Already all the empire''s glory seemed to shine on Ito himself. == After the Crimean War, Grandfather as Tsar attempted military control in quite a different way than now. Though the military didn''t particrly have sparks of rebellion then, befitting someone who valued reform and liberalism, he adopted a new method. That was orders of merit. Though orders existed before, they were just for merit, reward, and honor, nothing more. Grandfather divided and detailed such monotonous order system into various levels. And those detailed orders soon had tremendous influence on military promotions. Even noble-born soldiers found it difficult to get stars without orders, naturally focusing military attention on the Imperial Household Ministry managing decorations. ''Father didn''t care since he himself became the empire''s military itself.'' Anyway, this truly fair order system that became basis for promotion. "...Isn''t it corruption?" "No." "Seems like it is." "I said no." Colonel Roman Isidorovich Kondratenko who received an order and entered promotion route by my direct order. Separate from my order, Roman reformed basic military training of the imperial army while in staff position and proved its effectiveness by applying it to the 20th Infantry Regiment. "Receiving the Order of St. dimir 4th ss under nobilityw grants hereditary noble rights. And military officers with hereditary noble status..." "Can be governors too. Like Baron Korf, the previous Far Eastern governor." Roman Kondratenko, whom I finally dragged along on this journey, true to his innate nature, wasn''t simply pleased with the order. "I... didn''t want this. None of my family did." "Then wanted to rot in infantry regiment ying humble? Roman, I need you. Some may curse that you got promoted through the Crown Prince''s unfair favoritism, but I need you enough not to care about such things." "Why me specifically? I''m just a colonel." "Loyalty, military ability, professional knowledge and promising talent. Reasons are various." He doesn''t seem very satisfied with the abstract answer, but anyway we''ve been having this tiresome conversation for a month already. Though I vowed never toe directly again just 3 years ago, I ended uping. By my own will at that. The journeyposed like quite arge delegation with excessive guard forces, aides following me, Imperial Household officials, and administrators from various departments, despite its size, quickly arrived at Khabarovsk, center of the Amur region. "...Indeed coulde early." Covered the distance that took three and half months in just two months by hurrying maximally. Thoughrgely influenced by implementing central continental railway section operation. ''But why is the atmosphere like this?'' Khabarovsk was located slightly north ind from divostok port. Meaning Qing border if you walk a bit left, and Korean territory appears if you walk down for two days. As such, the Amur Military District Governor-General''s Office and various Far Eastern administrative agencies were here. And naturally given the location, the Governor-General''s Office atmosphere that I expected would be sensitive to this incident was quite different from my expectations. "Governor-General Sergei, is this all the troops?" "Though we could increase forces by mobilizing security maintenance troops and reserves with conscription orders, regr army strength doesn''t reach 10,000 even including the entire vicinity." "...The Far Eastern Navy is under yourmand too?" "Simrly, Far Eastern naval power alone cannot threaten the Japanese Empire." "I understand why the atmosphere is defensive from the start." "However, if you mobilize troops from the neighboring Irkutsk Military District too, the numbers would growrger." "Still..." The first thing I checked immediately upon arrival was military strength. Though gradually built up from before, it was difficult to expectrge forces from this region that''s mostly wastnd and undeveloped. ''Should I gather more even if it takes time?'' Persuasive power when talking with warring partieses from military power. To intervene, must raise military strength to raise voice. In this era before even the Primorsky mercenary corps appears. Seems hard to intervene in others'' war with just border troops. This is just when Japan has begun showing its teeth. The three Siberian corps defending the Far East haven''t even been created yet. Even considering this has three times higher troops per poption than the Warsaw Military District over in Europe, I can see previous governors through current Governor Sergei must have worked quite hard to strengthen forces. "For now, Governor Sergei gather all troops you can within a month. Would like at least 30,000." "...I''ll try." Still, Governor Sergei''s following exnation was very cool-headed, though he may not have closed eyes and ears to the neighboring countries'' war just to defend home. "Japanese army movements over the past 3 months have been relentless. Gyeongbokgung Pce upation, Korean neutralization, Pyongyang upation, Battle of Yellow Sea. They''re reaching unstoppably toward the continent." "The exact battle with Qing?" "Pyongyang fell mid-September with minimum 15,000 troops. However, seeing the battle didn''t evenst three days... They must have epted one of three results - annihtion, capture, or escape." "More unstoppable than expected." Naval battles can be like that with clear power differences. Need ships to fight in the first ce, right? The Beiyang Fleet that Qing, unable to make even one domestic iron ship, built with money? Besides size, the ships all don''t even reach second-ss battleship level of the powers. ''Maybe if ships were properly loaded with shells.'' But that''s naval battles, and it''s quite surprising news they were swept away like insects innd battles too. "If they were swept away even in defensive position at a fortress, it means the firepower difference was nonsensical from the start... Japan brought that level of firepower to Korean penins in short time?" "Not only that. Advancement began right from the day after Pyongyang fell. The First Army forming the enemy''srgest scale crossed the Yalu River toward South Manchuria and the Second Army headed toward Liaodong Penins." "...So Japanese forces are right below here in Khabarovsk." "Yes." How many Japanese troops are in Korean penins? Probably didn''t exceed 200,000 whenpiling various information. Meanwhile Qing should be able to immediately mobilize at least triple that but is losing. ''There must be qualitative difference too... Japan is hurrying.'' Refusing negotiations and elerating war. Though seems like they want to end it, Russia is right above where they''re fighting and Britain, America, Germany, France are closely watching current situation. As if ready to step in anytime. "...Current Japan is scary." "With this momentum they could reach Beijing, what''s scary?" "Not Qing but us. More precisely, the numerous eyes watching them." The moment they show any sign of falling behind, the powers judging Japan''s limits revealed will intervene. Perhaps with just one defeat, the war would end regardless of the belligerents'' will. ''Even if they win, high chance of intervention.'' This era''s Qing is the powers'' feast and piggy bank. No country would like a new yer barging in aggressively. "This incident is one where we can neither fight on Qing''s side, nor support Japan who''s caused friction with us." Participation and observation. Intervention and ignorance. Originally Russia would probably have lurked around looking for leftovers after everything ended, having no troops to participate. "Here''s my thought. Those inders probably have no interest in Qing territory. Though acting crazy advancing, they know in their hearts. That this isnd they can''t take no matter how much blood they shed." "Then..." "What else, it''s all for Korea." Can Japan advance into Qing andpete with the powers to take a piece of the pie? ''No. Even Britain who agreed to cooperate would turn their back.'' Then why exactly is Japan elerating the war like this? The answer can only be Korea. Even if they can''t make Koreapletely Japan''s in this war, they can at least knock away other countries'' spoons. However, I acknowledge they''re pretending to seriously advance into Manchuria and looking ready to take the Yellow Sea and penins. Even I who knows history thought for a moment ''Ssip, did history twist because of the constion money?'' But clearly Japan still struggles to drive out the powers even from Korea, let alone Manchuria. Because they''re just upstart pseudo-powers that have just emerged trying to show presence, not yet recognized by any country that Korea is Japanese Empire territory. "...Then seems plenty of room for persuasion." "Your Highness, Japan won''t listen to us." "No, not there." Again, telling those who are winning to stop would just make us look bad. "Must persuade the losing one." Rather than them, I think Qing who''s being beaten badly while being ignored will lend ear to my words. Chapter 11 Balance (2) As November approached, news came through the Imperial Communications Department that Father''s health was critical. ''...Even if I can''t attend his final moments, thinking of the funeral, I must move now.'' Even until bedridden, Father helped prevent my return from the Far East, saying it was ''the Tsar''smand.'' However, when Father passes, I can no longer act as Crown Prince receiving imperialmands. Because then I must be Tsar. Indeed, the worst case would be returning empty-handed after Father''s death without aplishing anything. Naturally pressed for time, unlike the powers watching with folded arms to see how far things go, we boldly attempted contact with Qing. "Today, they said?" "Though they shoulde quickly since railway facilities are good... anything could happen." As November begins, Dalian at the tip of the Liaodong Penins is about to fall. No matter how well they hold out, that huge penins looks set to fall into Japanese hands within the year. Though btedly gathering Qing forces spread across the country to send to Manchuria, though I''m not sure, this too is just a matter of time until they fall. Such war situation is probably best known by those directly being hit rather than outsiders like me. The loss and fear Qing currently feels must not have been small, as they immediately replied wanting to meet to my proposal sent to Beijing. With blood sshing right below, the meeting took ce in Harbin, much further north than Khabarovsk. A giant height matching Father''s. And a familiar face I seem to have seen before. "Must have taken five days toe, but arriving today means departing right after receiving the proposal..." "With wolves charging up and tigers opening their mouths on the side, couldn''t just sit still." Never imagined Li Hongzhang himself woulde leading his aged body. ''Must be shocking for mighty Qing to have all borders stripped in a month by barbarians they ignored.'' Through his old and shabby appearance, his sparkling eyes seem to show what he''s thinking. Probably thinking about using enemies against each other, enemies of enemies being friends, and such.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Whatever it takes, Li Hongzhang would kneel if he could get Russia involved to reim the penins taken by Japan. However, I said I would help, not fight for them. "As I said, I''m someone who might have to return to St. Petersburg even tomorrow, so I won''t speak long. Let''s stop the war." "...We''ve proposed stopping several times already. They just wouldn''t ept." Well that''s because you stubbornly insisted ''L-let''s call it a draw?'' after having arms and legs broken. "Don''t even look at Korea for a while." "...But giving it to Japan would cause another war." "That''s forter. Let''s focus on just one thing now. Getting back Qing''s original territory." He who has represented Qing dealing with powers for decades must know. That nothing is free in this world. Nevertheless, in this era when everyone is obsessed withnd to the point where territory could be called everything. I know. Right now Li Hongzhang''s head must be bursting with dopamine finding hope amid endless gloomy circumstances. "Though you''ll have to pay the price differently, I''ll ensure not one step of the border changes, on my name Niki. Additionally, preventing Korea falling into Japanese hands." "So... how exactly?" "Well, if they have sense they won''t fight our empire, and above all though Russia alone is difficult, it won''t be hard if we bring in our ally France and neighbor Germany." Not difficult to bring in Germany whose dissatisfaction peaks at Japan''s Manchurian advance while owning Qingdao. Simrly, France holds weekly mass praying for Russia to advance to Far East and create friction with Germany, so they should take our side here at least. The old minister''s loosened eyes were already half won over by the fact that nond need be given up when confirmed unable to defend the country anymore. "...The price?" "Well, in my heart I''d like to demand Manchuriannd instead, but that would just prove we''re no different from Japan..." From the start there was just one thing to demand from him. "How much gold is currently in Qing''s treasury?" Money. Our empire needs money, notnd. == Though Britain alone does shadow boxing like some champion title match calling it the Great Game, Russian diplomacy in this era was somewhat sessful. The absolute diplomatic principle continued for the past 15 years. That is ''avoiding friction with the powers.'' Maintaining good trade rtions with Germany and building alliance with France 2 years ago. Quite an achievement considering France and Germany''s diplomatic rtions. Western Europe calls Alexander III ''Peacemaker'', so Russia in this era clearly didn''t make enemies. Those series of processese together to shine in the Far East. "...Heavens, the Crown Prince himself came, truly?" "Ambassador, the Tsar sent Crown Prince to the Far East. Said to end the Far East war quickly. Japanese forces might rush in here as early as next month, noter than early next year. We must move one step faster." Though actually sent after 3 years of persistence despite the Tsar''s opposition, the Russian ambassador didn''t mention this. "If Russia takes the lead, what reason would Germany have to refuse?" Germany, already quiet having no influence in Asia, immediately followed as Russia took the lead. "Finally! Is Russia finally advancing into Manchuria!" "...Though uncertain, Russia''s southward advance is definite. As homnd says, Russian-German collision in Far East is expected." "Yes! Yes! Yes!" France, dissatisfied with Far East staying quiet even after alliance, jumped for joy that Russia finally stepped forward. And Crown Prince Niki. "Ssip, Li Hongzhang. Indeed your diplomatic experience is no joke." "Over 200 million taels, more than 300 million yen to split with Japan as you see fit. Meaning the more we cut Japan''s share, the more bes ours." "Not just money, but if this fact bes knownter, Russian-Japanese rtions will get quite interesting." Conditions adding correspondingly as the Crown Prince demands higher amounts. Li Hongzhang who initially acted like he absolutely couldn''t give even 100 million taels, with even the Beiyang Fleet totally destroyed now,pletely gave up on the amount and approached negotiations differently. ''Could there be a surer preventive measure? Russian-Japanese antagonism.'' Calcting that if bnce is maintained between two powers, Qing won''t be eaten by either side. Though Niki saw this as just a 10-year insurance, still Li Hongzhang tried to buy Far Eastern bnce with money. "Contact with Japan?" "Delivered through Minister Weber staying in Korea." "Then answer shoulde soon." Though Governor-General Sergei gathered as much as possible, this too isn''t enough to physically stop Japanese army''s advance. Nevertheless, Niki was somehow confident. ''You overdid it.'' Though advancing exaggeratedly as if wanting more due to overdoing it, actually wanting just Korea alone. Not evenplete annexation, just driving out other countries. Can you really sweep away even Russia from Far East as your momentum suggests? While other countries are amazed at Japan''s hidden military power, Niki sneered. If Japan truly had such power. "Your Highness, reply came. Says they''ll agree to meet." They would have just ignored all such contact and devoured all of Manchuria from the start. Havarovsk being fine is proof of that. "Now then, how much will satisfy them." For some reason Niki felt the previous constion money might have been too much. == Early July, Minister Otori issued ultimatum iming suzerainty over Korea but was rejected. 2 weeks to seize Korean capital and leadership and establish pro-Japanese government putting forward Kim Hong-jip and Heungseon Daewongun. Mid-September ground forces under Imperial General Headquarters'' directmand upied all Korean territory. Late October First Army crossed Yalu River stepping on Manchurian soil. Complete upation of Liaodong Penins on November 11. And. Heard mediation proposal from Russian Minister Weber staying in Korea again on November 12. "Fuck, why the hell is the Crown Prince still in the Far East!" Though Prime Minister Ito prided himself on having samurai spirit and bushido, anger poured with vulgar curses from his mouth, but no one sitting at the long table answered. They too grabbed their necks as soon as they heard the news sent by Minister Weber. Surely the crazy Crown Prince Niki hadn''t been in divostok from ''91 until now, clearly must have gone back and forth... "How on earth is that country constantly sending their Crown Prince to the opposite side of the continent! And why to the Far East when their capital is in Europe!" "Perhaps the possibility of disguise-" "General Oyama who upied Liaodong already confirmed. Said the Crown Prince was right above them." "If it''s Oyama Iwao it must be certain..." Situation changes when the Crown Prince pops out from a country that was quiet without particr movement for years. Everyone in this ce - Ito Cab and Imperial General Headquarters military officers - clearly remember that incident then. ''Shamefully the Emperor himself boarded the ship to apologize...'' ''Really thought war might break out.'' Though outwardly victim, Crown Prince Niki Alexandrovich was closer to perpetrator for homnd in result. His nightmare resurfaces in their minds once again. Moreover, unlike then, this time openly using ''mediation'' as excuse. "...I rushed from Tokyo to Hiroshima where my headquarters is as soon as I heard this news. Current situation is no longer just Qing''s problem." Ito, swallowing rising anger with each word end, finally continued productive conversation. "I want to ask the staff of the highest organ withmand authority. If we... fight the Russian Empire, do we have chances?" "...Six months." "Six months?" "We can hold out exactly 6 months." "Means we''ll be pushed back when their main armyes." Though Ito himself expected it, hearing Imperial General Headquarters'' opinion still chokes his breath. Six months. Conversely means must be driven from Korea after half year. ''Were we too hasty? No, this was a chance that won''te again. First time Korea voluntarily requested help!'' Why did the Crown Princee? Just like now, what he wanted to say could have been sufficient through diplomats like Minister Weber. The reason Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi''s head could think of was indeed one. That is, someone with true full authority was sent. Meaning, someone who can enable war. ''...Even so, sending Crown Prince to war zone. Is that country''s Tsar truly mad?'' Though the Crown Prince who actually came is also absurd, no use thinking more about this problem. Empire possessing world''srgest army in name and reality. Country that even Napoleon who built great empire, Britain ruling five seas couldn''t win stepping on both feet. "...One thing is certain now. Collision between Russia and Great Japanese Empire has be inevitable." "What exactly was the proposal?" "Said to carefully consider Qing''s new negotiation proposal. Main contents are first, recognizing Korea aspletely independent sovereign state. Second, war reparations of 150 million yen." "..." "..." The proposal... isn''t bad? Such thought briefly crossed minds of all at Imperial General Headquarters. First treaty''s true meaning is effectively denying historical rtions bypletely denying Korea''s tributes and precedents to Qing, meaning Qing voluntarilypletely withdraws from Korea. Second reparation amount slightly less than Japanese government''s 2-year tax revenue was truly enormous. However, all staff members carefully watched Ito''s reaction without showing it. "If you thought conditions good, don''t even speak it out. You should know what our original goal was." Though couldn''t make Koreaplete dependent state, should have made it protectorate. Now that 150 million yen seems much, but if advanced across Yellow Sea not just Liaodong, could have extracted double that. Probably could have easily gained most favored nation treatment and stood equal with other powers. Finally most regrettable part was just getting blocked here when it was time to handle Qing without fleet. Not regret but anger. Ito was furious at having to overturn situation just because one Crown Prince appeared. "All powers except Britain took Crown Prince''s side. After staying quiet all along, now saying they''ll intervene." "...Then Prime Minister. What do you n to do?" "...Negotiation. Yes, must negotiate. But in form of gaining more than now." Though not sure exactly what Russia received for representing Qing, what else can be gained separately from Korea. Whether Russia intends to actively interveneing down to Korean penins. Must meet to find out anything. "First stop the advance. Huu, I''ll go personally." "Prime Minister personally?" "Li Hongzhang, that old monster would want that too so put Crown Prince forward." The longer it drags, more chances for picking at territorial damage, civilian damage. Though don''t know how Li Hongzhang pulled in Crown Prince Niki, can''t easily end an already won war. Ito Hirobumi boarded ship next day. Prepared to do anything. Chapter 12 Balance (3) A strange battlefield in Liaodong Penins where not a single bullet exchanges despite Qing forces gathering to reim territory and Japanese forces refusing to retreat. Oyama Iwao, Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese Second Army, felt his heart sink the moment he heard Russian forces were gathering above them. ''C-crazy bastards gathering forces at the border without a word?'' Though their territory is close, the very first principle in this war was ''don''t touch Russia.'' Naturally, Oyama thoroughly separated foreign merchants and religious people from the battlefield while advancing, even helping evacuate them to Pyongyang if needed. All to not give powers the slightest pretext to intervene. Yet who would have thought Russian forces would gather rapidly right above them. With just that news couldn''t advance a step north after upying Dalian, and then one more piece of news adds. The appearance of Crown Prince Niki. With the Tsar''s powerful special orders at that. While Russian officers including Roman and Sergei trembled just from the Crown Prince being at the border, the Japanese side viewed the current situation like this: Alexander III''s strong will to intervene. And readiness for war. The Russian Crown Prince isn''t suffering from safety insensitivity. Looking at it any way, this shows the Tsar''s firm will to intervene in the Far East. "Damn bastard! Could tell when that so-called Emperor ordered railway construction!" "Is Li Hongzhang sane, bringing them in again after losing national territory to Russia just 6 years ago?" "If even a hair on Crown Prince Niki is harmed... They probably won''t end with Korea." Though Alexander III was Peacemaker in Europe, to the Far East, especially Qing, Korea, and Japan, Russia was nothing but a thug. Whether taking 300km2 ofnd iming they invaded Amur region and suffered damage, or learning something strange and pushing iron ships to make all sorts of trade treaties when they couldn''t even reach the sea before. This time too, just Russia being Russia. But unlike before, pushing even the Crown Prince forward saying ''Ah, if you''re annoyed, let''s war.'' Openly representing Qing and backed by France and Germany. Truly a cruel intention to trip running Japan. Grinding his teeth, Ito Hirobumi traveling by sea arrived at Jinzhou City, located further inside than Dalian. Japanese Empire upying Liaodong. Qing gathered to reim that Liaodong. France, Germany, Russia ending half year''s observation. ''All just wolves trying to eat away.'' When Ito and Foreign Minister Mutsu Munemitsu arrived, everyone''s appearances seemed to have matched stories already. "Imperial Special Envoy Li Jingfang." So even a mere imperial envoy who came knocking at the home ind asking for armistice had leisure to greet first. ''Let''s see. France wants Taiwan and Germany wants to protect their interests. Must have brought in Russia for bnce among European countries.'' A state where they won''t hesitate even passive intervention though not active. Meaning they mutually don''t oppose Russia''s advance. Meanwhile what Li Hongzhang and Li Jingfang want is indeed Liaodong''s return. Additionally must have naturally calcted they''ll definitely lose continuing war after losing entire navy. Then now what Russia wants bes most important... "Haha, aren''t you tired to talk business right after meeting? Let''s catch our breath a bit first." The problem was Ito couldn''t know what orders that clear-minded Crown Prince received from his father. Though clearly in victor''s advantage and position to gain something, Ito couldn''t take even one word lightly from that young Crown Prince without children. When everyone kept their seats despite suggestion to rest a while, the Crown Prince rose first. Then approached Ito and. "Do you perhaps have cigarettes? Japanese ones would be nice..." Wiggled empty fingers while smiling. == 40,000 won expensive water pipe, pinnacle of technology e-cigarette, cigarettes keeping tradition, and cigars that you can''t even inhale deeply wondering why smoke them. Though with this body just asionally having pipe, not particrly living without, still cigarettes have advantages in this era. Like now, there''s no better excuse for separate conversation. And as far as I know, Ito is a known heavy smoker. "Asahi cigarettes, first time." "Not expensive but deep taste. Everyone enjoys regardless of ss." "Your English is skillful." "Natural since I studied abroad in Ennd." Clearly shows using polite and educated English. "Huu... First time seeing me alone?" "Heard much in rumors. About the previous incident too." "Haha, all past things I don''t even remember." For a moment Ito turned his head pretending to look far away. Seems because they sent final constion money this year. Wariness and hostility. How to loosen this person''s thoroughly hardened mind. Anyway the main characters of the talks are him and me. The rest are just extras. ''...Well sorry but can''t help it.'' That which worked well before. The ''all father''s will'' strategy. "Two months to Khabarovsk. And another 10 days here. Quite an ordealing such long way personally." "Tsar''smand, what could be done." "Right, even I can''t oppose Tsar''s orders. But can''t do anything about my true feelings, right?" Ito waiting to see where this goes though not believing. I continued speaking. "If... This is really if, if Imperial forces had gone just a bit deeper into Liaodong, I wouldn''t be here. Instead Governor-General Sergei and that friend standing behind earlier. Friend called Roman would be here instead. Of course not alone, but leading forces from all our empire''s military districts." "..." Not wrong words. If Qing was pushed to capital, surely all powers would rush to drive out Japan. However, wrapped this obvious fact as ''Tsar''s augustmand.'' Yes, letting them know me being here now. Forces gathering above their heads. France and Germany joining here. All our father''s will iming Far Eastern expansion. "But I''m different. Don''t know how much you know about me, but I don''t view war very favorably." "This war is to punish Qing trying to oppress Korea and return sovereignty-" "Yes yes, well must be detailed circumstances and interests. Though I don''t know well." Cutting off Ito''s words as he tried to exin like teaching, he got quiet again. Telling me to talk more. "Huu, what''s thatnd mass worth. Ah, making people die and live." Looking down on the incident while leisurely leaning on wall smoking, can feel Ito''s eyes rolling. ''Yes, Li Hongzhang didn''t bring me in, see? This is all war monarch our Alexander III Tsar His Majesty trying to eat up Far Eastpletely! Though I''m a bit different.'' One thing I want to say calling Ito alone. "In my eyes. Like this results are obvious." "What results?" "War between our Russia and Japanese Empire." My perspective on series of situations. "Liaodongnd? Korea? Never particrly interested but just think whatever. Power country''s expansion historically natural development and inter-country war something even our Russia has done many times." At my words Ito''s eyelids slightly shake. "However like this. In my eyes not distant future. So probably high chance huge war predicted between Russia I rule and you all. So I chose mediation though different from father''s desired direction." Ito must know this part well too. Probably unlike me realized continental advance means war with Russia while watching our three countries intervene. "...Strange Crown Prince sent to Far East when thoughts differ from Tsar. Truly strange." "Because father is in seriously ill condition. I''m the person who''ll be next Tsar." "..." From today I''ll get official unfilial sonbel directly opposing father, but think it''s worth it if can dy Russo-Japanese War even just 1 year. "I don''t want war with Japan. No, any country. Nevertheless won''t hesitate if war to protect. So this is neither persuasion nor enforcement but question I truly want to ask. Does Japan want war with Russia?" "Ah, keep talking idealistic things so don''t know what tune to match." "Haha, really? Then let''s change question. Do you think Japan can win fighting our Russia now?" I asked question cutting pride to Prime Minister Ito trying to keep avoiding. "That''s unknowable, no?" "No, you''ll know. Probably know better than any military officer. Must know well if don''t want to lose even Korea." Not justing innocently immersed in ideals from continent''s end to end. Know reality better than anyone, but just pursuing ideals. "Cooperating with Qing forces this chance we could even eat Korea? At least could swallow all Manchuriannd as price for driving you out. Even though father wants that and no official would dare oppose. Why has our empire still not directly intervened? Though collision with Japan inly visible even to mere Crown Prince''s eyes." Well that''s because no war funds and reforms ongoing plus railwaypletion far so projecting influence to Far East is crazy with current empire''s strength... but. Still acknowledge point that thanks to my noble will and wise thinking too. "Anyway since Russia and Japan fighting would be good for no one. If that happens only Britain behind you would be happy, would be good for no one." "That''s all thanks to Crown Prince? Treating me too naively-" Bang! "Your Highness!" "Roman? Don''t you see conversation ongoing?" "The Tsar... has passed away." "...What?" "News just delivered through Communications Department. Urgent report His Majesty passed away this morning while resting in Livadia. Must return to St. Petersburg right now!" "...Fuck." Of all times father passing now. Dropping cigarette in mouth as about to leave, I turned to Ito still in conversation and left final words. "Previous words should be seen not as mere Crown Prince''s empty talk, but will of Russian Empire''s monarch Tsar. Hope you agree with me." "..."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "If still can''t believe then just leave. I yielded enough too." Said all I wanted to say to Prime Minister Ito. Whether he epts my sincerity or not, this talks'' results won''t change much but future rtions and direction of both countries will change. "I have no time, let''s resume talks immediately." Entering room I immediately sat and shouted. Anyway main contents all delivered in advance and now just push and pull negotiate then sign to end. All must have heard news as gazes looking at me changed in just an hour. Regardless, talks already started must see end and I have no time. If rejected here I''ll leave right tonight and someone else will appear at negotiation table instead of me. Probably danger contents will change a bit ordingly too. Now decision power passed to Prime Minister Ito who started war. Whether satisfy here and shake hands to end. Or see end with Russia ording to our father''s will after funeral. I was ready to kick chair and leave for father''s funeral anytime and. scribble scribble scratch* Knowing that well, getting Ito''s signature didn''t take long. Chapter 13 Balance (4) On the way back after quickly wrapping up the talks. ''Father has passed away.'' Before I could fully ept this reality, my mind became increasinglyplex. Sadness? While my heart feels empty as if pierced with a hole, my tired eyes remain dry without a hint of moisture. "Your Highness." "What?" "The Tsar''s final order through themunications department." "Speak." "The Crown Prince shouldplete all given tasks before returning. That is all." "..." Yes, that''s the kind of person he was. Someone who tried to do what he could as a father until his dying moment. Gratitude, and regret. That''s probably the type of emotions I''m feeling right now. Actually, I knew from the beginning. ording to the original history, father passes away as soon as November arrives. And I came to the Far East knowing this fact. But now that I think about it... ''Father must have known too.'' That''s why he must have held on longer than his originally given time before finally passing away. Father tried to support my back until his final moment. "Your Highness, shall we return immediately?" "One week. Let''s dy it for one week." "But in St. Petersburg, they''re waiting for your return-" "It was father''s final order, wasn''t it?" The Orthodox funeral service must already be ongoing at the cathedral in the capital, with father''s coffin. Everyone must be opening the coffin one by one to say their final farewells and sending him off. Although I should be there more than anyone else... Even if I rush there btedly now, it would only be kicking away father''s final arrangement. All I can do now is be grateful. Only then did my heart start to feel warm again. I cannot waste the final time father has given me. "Roman, I''ll teach you quickly from now on, so learn well without missing anything." "Pardon?" From now on, we must move without rest. == "Do you know which region has shown the fastest industrial development in the empire since Sergei Witte became Finance Minister?" "Well, given the rapid increase in trade volume, wouldn''t it be the port cities?" "No. It''s the Dsk coal basin." After returning to Khabarovsk, I began educating Roman, making him realize that he was destined to bury his bones in the Far East. "Coal is like oxygen for industry. Without it, industrial development is impossible from the start. And the Far East is and filled with coal." Primorye region. Called Yeonhaeju in Korea, there are currently 7 operating coal mines here. However, 21 mines have been discovered. ''This means we can extract as much as we want just by putting in miners. The deposits are immeasurable even for the future.'' In fact, just around divostok alone, not even the entire Far East, it''s a mining area that shows no signs of depletion even if we transport 20 million tons annually. "Though your words weren''t entirely wrong. Dsk is developing rapidly through its ports along the ck Sea." "Just like this ce." "Coal, ports, andstly, one more thing. Railways." A ce connecting ind and sea. A ce where exchanges frequently ur due to abundant resources. These are themonalities between Primorye and Dsk. "But wasn''t Dsk famous for its salt mines even before the empire managed it? It''s quite different from here." "Yes, that''s why we need your role." Dsk, which breaks industrial records every year, was already a developed region through numerous countries including the Ottoman Empire. It''s now a region that grows on its own with industrialists already settled there. On the other hand, the Far East... ''There''s nothing here. Except for those who fled from their countries.'' They call it the frozen earth, but really, there are areas that truly seem like ''deadnd'' without even traces of human presence. "Dsk didn''t develop because the imperial government did anything particrly well. It just grew on its own as long as we kept it from being upied." "Then should I just ensure this ce doesn''t get upied-" "But it''s different here. Here, the state needs to step in for development. More precisely, the Governor-General''s Office needs to take action." Although it seems very awkward in this era, I''m thinking of attempting what''s called state-led development,monly known as economic nning. Of course, how efficient and great can it be when the Governor-General''s Office takes the lead? Rather, it would be fortunate if immigrants who fled from their countries don''t run away again due to the coercive Governor-General''s Office. "You just need to draw up policies and the big picture here. The rest, those fellows will handle on their own." Another group watching us discuss over the map. They are the veterans who came to thisnd before me. "Um... soldiers bing industrialists overnight. No matter how I think about it, this seems bound to fail." "It won''t fail. Because when money flows in this region, it can''t help but develop." "That''s exactly what I mean. The money from Japan ends this year, and the imperial government won''t pour unlimited funds either." "No, that''s not the only money avable." For a moment, they tilted their heads wondering ''Is there really a gold mine in this wastnd?'' but we actually have enormous funds at our disposal. "... Don''t tell me." "Yes, that money." "Your Highness, did youe to the Far East personally from the beginning for this-" "Think what you will of that." 120 million yang allocated as our share after the final negotiations. About 180 million yen in Japanese currency. "Witte will probably throw a fit saying it''s funds for reforms, but it''s fine. It won''t be sent to the capital." "...I will use the provided funds quietly." "What do you mean?" Well, is he worried about a protruding nail getting hammered down? Or is he concerned that Finance Minister Witte might get a stomach ache? "It''s the opposite. There''s plenty of money here. We received what amounts to two years of the Japanese Empire''s budget from our country. So we should shout for everyone toe and grab this blind money." "Wouldn''t that only attract predators?" "Those predators are industrialists." Anyway, this Far East is a region that operates under a governor system from its administration. It''s not much different from a colonial structure. There are nows, but also no regtions. There are no cities, but also nopetitors. But, there is money. Money that flows like an endless spring. If one can''t see the potential here, that''s what really disqualifies them as an industrialist. "Forget about that Russia in Europe. This ce will bepletely different." That''s how the New Deal was, and that''s how the Republic of Korea did it. Every state-led economic development I''ve seen was like this. When the ''state,''rger than any private enterprise, opens its purse directly. Perhaps that''s the core of ''state-led development.'' There''s no need to thinkplexly about trickle-down effects. The frame I want to capture is just one thing. The Far East, and where money flows. ''Tsk, this might make the Governor-General''s Office feel like the Oriental Development Company that was a Japanese public corporation...'' Well, in the end, didn''t Japan''s Oriental Development Company seed while making tremendous profits? "Now let''s get into specific work talk. Your very first task." "Yes, what is it?" He did bring up one of my tasks, though we won''t be building dams here like Hoover. "Minister Li Hongzhang said this. He''ll give us the right to build the South Manchurian Railway if we can connect it with their line." Finally, it seems we''ll have workers to tax in the Far East, where there were only tax-evading farmers. == Polotsk Military School, Engineering Academy, Staff Officer School, and even the Nikev Engineering Institute. Roman, who studied at all these institutions in Russia with full schrships, clearly showed an exceptional speed in epting my instructions. Although his economic knowledge wasn''t outstanding, that could be supplemented by assigning assistants. As a soldier, he just needs to firmly grasp the direction I''ve indicated. It''s still difficult, but Roman will eventually rise to the position of Governor-General. For that, there''s someone we need to meet first. "You could have obtained most of the Manchurian territory." "It''s still unripend. Don''t worry, it will naturally roll into our hands soon anyway." The owner of Manchuria is still the Qing Dynasty. The tide is rising on that sandcastle called the Qing Dynasty. Probably when the tide recedes again, we Russians will naturally be the ones nting our g. "Governor Sergei, five years at most. If you watch over that fellow, I''ll call you to the capital." "In fact, Your Highness is now the Tsar. I will follow whatever youmand." I feel somewhat sorry for Sergei, but I only heard his name for the first time when I came to the Far East. With the guaranteed capability of Roman, the stakes we''ve ced here are too high to employ him instead. As a military man, he didn''t seem particrly dissatisfied with my personnel decision, but I still changed the subject. "How is Beren doing? I heard he''s quite capable at his work,ing from logistics." "Many of those Your Highness sent initially struggled to adapt as if they''d fallen from the sky, but that fellow is different. He even said this ce is the only ce in the world wherebor costs less than in the military." "...He was that kind of person in his serving unit too." Even after leaving the military, he ended up doing work rted to the military, where he had been a logistics officer. Though he''s only doing small tasks now like supplying food and delivering materials for newly constructed units, at this rate, he shows potential for considerable growth. "That''s how this Far East is. And abandoned by the empire. A ce given only responsibilities without any investment." "I still don''t understand what potential Your Highness saw in thisnd. While there will be no expectations, support, or ns from the maind, you tell me to build up the military." Troops busily moving outside catch my eye. They must be engineers moving to build new barracks. "This too is a kind of policy. Military units are groups focused solely on consumption, making them the best consumers."N?v(el)B\\jnn "That''s not all there is to it, is it?" I have to return in three days. When will I be able toe back to the Far East and see thisnd with my own eyes again? "Governor Sergei." "Yes." "Even though we''ve signed a treaty, the scent of war lingering in my nose hasn''t faded." Not now, probably. Maybe not even in five years. If we''re really lucky, we might even avoid the Russo-Japanese War from the original history. But eventually, imperialism sweeping through this Far East will arrive. The old minister Li Hongzhang tried to solve this problem by creating a three-power bnce like Sam-jok-ho. Though it would require massive peace maintenance costs, he thought that if Russia and Japan maintained appropriate friction in the Far East, it would be difficult to touch Qing. A truly Chinese continent-style approach. In contrast, I, who has lived as the Crown Prince of a great power all my life, think differently. ''With such self-centered thinking in diplomacy, you won''tst long.'' Even our Russia drew in our awkward neighbor Germany and distant friend France to pressure Japan, but Li Hongzhang is trying to create bnce too easily. "After I leave, spread the news to other countries about obtaining railway construction rights from Qing." "Pardon?" The old minister Li Hongzhang probably knew in his heart. That Russia would eventually gain effective control over this Manchuriannd, and that it would naturally connect with the Trans-Siberian Railway even without his request. That''s why he''s trying to officially draw us in and connect the railway to Chinesend using Russianbor, technology, and capital. After all, the reason Qing is holding on now is because of its size that prevents one country from monopolizing it, not because Qing has the ability to protect itself. ''That old man is quite something too. Protecting the country by drawing in more outsiders.'' One slight misstep could lead to being called a traitor at best, and his entire life''s work could be negated, yet Li Hongzhang still set up such a grand n behind the railway construction. And I... I''m not as ambitious as he thinks. "Every nation with most-favored-nation treatment will rush in. They''ll probably do anything to connect railways in front of their concessions, just like we have construction rights in Manchuria." "The countries that couldn''t join that most-favored-nation treatment would probably be..." "Are there any besides Japan? The Sino-Japanese Treaty of Peace and Friendship, over 20 years old, was abolished along with this war." Just off the top of my head, there''s Britain, America, Germany, France, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. More might be added here, or some might be disqualified, but either way, isn''t there an opportunity for the powers to drool over and step in deeply? If Japan starts a war in the near future despite all this... ''Then I''ll acknowledge it.'' I''ll cleanly hand over Korea. But do they have such confidence? It wasn''t long ago that Prime Minister Ito took money and left just on my word as the new Tsar. Yet would the Japanese Empire, which had only been watching carefully, antagonize all the powers just to stretch toward the continent? "Well, I saw reason still remaining in Prime Minister Ito''s eyes." It might be possible if they erase all that reason and leave only the predatory instinct of imperialism... But that would require a lot of opium. Perhaps even more opium than China. Chapter 14 Colorless King (1) Development and reform, except for policy aspects, ur entirely in the private sector. Whether it''s technology or development, ultimately someone in the private sector achieved it, and it somehow connects to the state. That''s how the great powers have developed until now. Truly an era of barbaric liberalism. Freedom to do anything, and responsibility for whatever one does. Well, while other great powers have grown this way, could Russia do the same? "Is it not possible?" "Roman, how could it be? If it were, Beren, who was a chief adjutant like you, wouldn''t be doing military supply work here." "Hmm, but I heard Beren seems to have found his calling ratherte..." "Though Beren retired, he''s notpletely civilian, is he?" This country is basically sorge that domestic markets aren''t connected to each other, and imports and exports are absolutely conducted under state leadership. Imports and exports aren''t particrlyplicated. Remove all the misceneous items and there''s ultimately one export product. Food. "Half of the world''s rye, 25% of grain, and 20% of wheat are produced within the empire. Even these shares are steadily increasing." Naturally, agriculture has thergest share in domestic industry, and society, economy, and culture are all aligned with this agriculture. In this state, leaving the empire''s development to the ''private sector''? "We''re neither America nor Ennd. We''re not a country where the private sector takes care of things if we just sit back." The people of this country are still more ustomed to cursingndowners than capitalists. "That''s not to say I''m dismissing agriculture, which is the foundation of our industry. Even now we have high market share, and if it increases further, the day mighte when the empire controls world food prices at will. But I''ll say again, in the Far East, you can''t even cover military expenses if you collect taxes from agriculture." Then what should be done with this primitive Far East that has nothing but money? Since there wasn''t time to wait for Roman to carefullye up with an answer, I immediately gave an example. "1883. The Meiji government gatheredmoners, kazoku (Japanese nobility), the Emperor, banks including Mitsubishi, and established a joint venture called Japan Railway. With cooperation from the military and police, and transfer of telegraph and postal business rights, a national policypany was born with massive vested interests concentrated in it." What was the situation in Japan at that time? It was a period when they had to pursue reforms while struggling with poverty and farnd iparably smaller than present-day Russia. Following the technology dropped by the great powers, they picked up pieces one by one, and until the 1880s, there remained fear that Japan might fall into bing a colony. "Though I don''t particrly like Imperial Japan, this part was truly impressive. A national policypany that operates like a private enterprise with state backing. It was truly a timely choice." This form wasn''t limited to railways alone. If necessary, the state would select privatepanies and almost forcefully make them participate in national projects, and even in massive construction projects like roads and ports, the Japanese government mixed private sector participation in appropriate ratios to create new enterprises. The government sows the seeds, the private sector nurtures them, and the government takes the fruits. The advantage of this method is that groups with purpose suited for specific situations fit together exactly like cogwheels. "Your Highness, wouldn''t this approach lead to too manypeting opinions making management difficult? State responsibility would increase, inefficiency would grow, and things would be sluggish. Issues of ie and distribution are problems for allpanies." "Oh? Have you read Pareto''s efficiency theory? You''ve done some studying, I see." Yes, this is themon conclusion from the minds of the empire''s elite who received the best education. The state is inefficient. State responsibility only increases. The state ultimately cannot take on the role of management. However, I dere this thinking is wrong.N?v(el)B\\jnn What if the state isn''t seeking the best but rather the second-best option? What if it''s pursuing public benefit and the interests of the whole group rather than private interests? Ah, then the story changes. Even if there''s a deficit, that''s fine, and even if there''s a surplus, they don''t get particrly fixated on money. Though this concept might be very awkward for him, it''s very familiar to me. Because apany that pursues public good more than any otherpany. In the future, this was called a public corporation. "Let''s take our case as an example. When that Manchurian railway ispleted, how should it be operated? Should we select operators by region and allocate sections like Britain? Or should we do it like America, taking responsibility from construction to operation?" "We... shouldn''t the Governor-General''s Office operate it directly? Though it would need quite a lot of management, wouldn''t that be the best option?" "The best railway expert I know, Finance Minister Sergei Witte, would say this: Give them massive money and point a gun at their head." The disadvantage of public corporations. They typically conduct monopolistic businesses and easily stagnate like still water. So here, I want to look at Japan''s case again. How could the South Manchuria Railway Company, which once handled 25% of the Japanese Empire''s revenue as a singlepany, maintain its size while extending into almost every aspect of Manchuria including not just railways but also ports, oil refining, mining, distribution, manufacturing, publishing, education, healthcare, and agricultural products? The answer was simpler than expected. "Delegated management." In the long term, having the Governor-General''s Office employ tens of thousands, manage them, and furthermore be responsible for the entire industrial infrastructure? Moreover, from a Governor-General''s Office mostly filled with military personnel? Though administrative hiring has increased yearly since Witte became Finance Minister, they''ll probably still suffer from personnel shortages even after 10 years. "You''re a soldier. Not a capitalist or industrialist. Just make sure the gun barrel doesn''t shake. Just keep your trigger finger well-ced." This is the form of public corporation suited to this era. "Even without exining it like this to you, there are probably those who already sense it. Beren, who was chief adjutant? He probably knows. That if he isn''t selected as the Governor-General''s Office''s optimal choice, he''ll ultimately be discarded." Nevertheless, Beren said he was happying to the Far East. Because his pocket situation becamefortable enough to erase such anxiety. "That''s about it for theoretical education. Any questions?" "I''ve always wondered... How do you know all this, Your Highness?" Ah, did I get too excited and pretend to know everything? Roman, whose gaze had moved beyond student admiration to the stage of doubt, opened his eyes halfway suspiciously. After hesitating briefly with my answer, I called out one name. "Ah, Bunge. Didn''t I learn from Professor Bunge? You know he was driven from the Finance Minister position because of his state-directed policies?" "Hmm, certainly if it''s the empire''s top economics professor..." "So this method can only be used in the Far East. It''s something only you can do in the empire, right?" I forgot briefly, but though my status was high, I''m still just a 27-year-old youth born in ''68. Bunge''s name carries more credibility than mine. Using his name, I instilled confidence in Roman as if this were the predetermined answer. "This is, you know, a method that already seeded in Germany?" "So it''s the best method when conditions are met." "Yes, the state view and economic theory that Bismarck proved and Bunge acknowledged! You''ll be implementing it with your own hands in the Far East!" "I see." Though pushed out of politics, Niki Bunge is someone even Witte can''t match in schrship. "Ah, this method has already been proven by Bunge, who is an Imperial Doctor of Political Science and member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences-" "ording to Chairman Bunge of the Committee of Ministers who oversees the ministers-" Well, what can I do? I''ll just have to use Professor Bunge''s name. Thus, the week passed instantly despite its dense content. After teaching while staying close every day, the minimum direction I wanted to instill in Roman seemed somewhat established. ''If anything''scking, I can contact him through themunications department even if it''ste.'' Since thismunications department itself is the department receiving the most budget from the imperial government except for that railway project, it was more developed than I expected. Though long-distance wirelessmunication hasn''t been introduced yet, befitting such arge empire, the obsession with ''speed of delivering news'' has long exceeded imagination. During father''s time, themunications department grew for purposes of suppressing rebellions in upied territories and defending excessively wide borders. That''s also why we received the news of his death as quickly as possible. Now it''s really time to return. When I return, I probably won''t be able to pay detailed attention to the Far East for a while. "Roman, I''ll trust you and head back. Sigh, just thinking about holding the coronation ceremony is already giving me a headache." "Coronation ceremony? Don''t you have other matters before that?" "Other matters? Did something happen in the capital?" "To be head of the imperial family, shouldn''t you get married first?" "Ah." Marriage,e to think of it, after living in military units for the past few years anding straight to the Far East, it was an aspect I hadn''t paid any attention to. Marriage, really. This is a serious matter. Because. ''I don''t have anyone to marry.'' How can I talk about marriage when I haven''t even dated? == After Crown Prince Niki left Khabarovsk with a dumbfounded face. Roman, feeling his shoulders crushed by the massive task given, tried to shake off needless anxiety. ''I can do it. The fate of the Far East lies in my hands.'' The sess and confidence that His Highness directly showed would guarantee a brilliant future. As a servant and soldier, he just needed to follow the orders given. While reassuring himself with such thoughts, a handnded firmly on Roman''s shoulder. "Whew, he''s finally gone." "Hm? Admiral Romen, isn''t it? Come to think of it, where have you been? I didn''t see you even in divostok." "I just briefly showed my face when he first arrived, then stayed hidden as much as possible." Stayed hidden? While His Highness is giving his all to develop the Far East, how can a servant so boldly speak of avoiding his duties? Seeing Roman''s contemptuous gaze, Admiral Romen smiled wryly and said. "Looking at how full of dreams you are, I can tell exactly. Let''s see, did His Highness the Crown Prince talk about this Far East like it''s and full of dreams and hopes?" "..." "He probably gave you massive freedom and said he''d remove term limits. Support? Oh my, he must have promised plenty of funding. Right?" "...That''s correct." That was exactly how a sergeant looks at a newly enlisted private. Right now, Romen''s eyes and mouth were full of mockery andposure, as if he knew everything. "You poor fellow. You still don''t know your fate. I came here 3 years ago. Our Highness''s instructions were so precise, it seemed like everything would work out exactly as he said!" "You seem to be saying it''s not so." "Tsk, since it''s toote for you to run away like me, I''ll tell you the reality. Saying they''ll give lots of money means there will be lots of expenses. When handlingrge sums, your hands tremble, but make one mistake? Oh my, you''ll be dragged away as a corrupt officer for daring to disobey the imperial order." Romen''s exaggerated gesture showed the illusion of handcuffs being ced on his wrists. "Is that all? This Far East has no educated talent. The absence of educated people means you have to do everything. Subordinates resent you, His Highness up there is scary, and you can''t even go to another region now. Do you understand why I was hiding around?" "I''ll be diff-" "Different? Hey, with my military experience and life seniority being 10 years more than yours, how could I not know? Well, you''ll understand when you experience it." With each exchange of words, as Roman''s confidence was drastically shaved away, anxiety mixed into his eyes like impurities. Only then, seeing Roman who had somewhat realized reality, Admiral Romenughed heartily. But that was brief. Turning serious and returning to his sharp military bearing, he extended his hand to Roman who was staring at the ground. "Wee to hell,rade." "Ah..." Now he realized Admiral Romen wasn''t mocking or dismissing him. He was sincerely pitying Roman. Watching Roman, stunned by the terror he hadn''t yet felt, Romen quietly muttered. "It''s no good if you break down already. You still have a long way to go." It was truly words that only someone who had experienced hell could say. Chapter 15 Colorless King (2) What''s biggest disadvantage of absolute monarchy? Ah, obviously inefficiency watching superiors since power concentrates in one person... probably many such things. Return journey taking over 6 weeks despite forced march running continuously except sleeping time in Far East, even with help from sectionally opened trains. Though thought would be quite busy returning then meeting Father, marrying, and holding coronation ceremony, actually that wasn''t big problem. First problem arising when absolutist monarch Tsar with absolute power dies. Country stops for two months. Moreover Father passed at forty-nine. I hadn''t even received sessor education. Returning to St. Petersburg, see faces of many waiting just for my return. Approaching them slowly, I spoke solemnly. "Huu, Witte. Yes, Father cherished you-" "No time for this now. Escort His Highness to Livadia Cross Church!" "Huh?" Trying to meet Father right after return, headed straight to church regardless of my will. ce where Father''s funeral held. "Does legitimate Tsesarevich, Niki Nikevich Romanov swear before church and witnesses to be loyal to throne and be true ruler continuing will of previous Tsar Alexander III?" "Yes." "With this oath ceremony ends. Take him." "What are you doing, quickly escort His Highness! Next!" Within hour of returning to St. Petersburg, dragged to church and immediately took oath and. "Does Grand Duke Tsesarevich Niki Alexandrovich Romanov ept session as Tsar epassing all Russia, Grand Duke of Find, King of Pnd, Protector of Orthodox Church?" "Yes." "Will bestow Tsar''s crown." "God protect Emperor! Strong and majestic Tsar, reign over glory!" "Reign and terrorize enemies, Orthodox Emperor!" Changing clothes and immediately dragged to Winter Pce for Orthodox Tsar ession ceremony. Era overflowing with formality and ritual, two major events in one day. Running around busily everywhere with body not mine, finally caught breath around sunset. "...Surely nothing more today?" "Today ends here due to tight schedule." "The coronation." "Though schedule not yet set, seems will take at least year." "Huu, that one fortunate." Beyond amusing seeing hundreds rushing around for new emperor''s establishment, just my body can''t handle. Finally returning to room like copsing when sun already staining sky red, quietly observed officials from Imperial Household, Finance Ministry and others still not leaving. "What else?" "Your Majesty, administrative meeting tomorrow. Organized urgent matters requiring immediate decision." "Here list currently stopped without Tsar''s approval. Many things we dare not judge, must review soon." Piles of documents mounting on desk. Roughly scanning just few on top. ''Orthodox archbishop working as regent in Pnd''s Warbitsmitted corruption and murder.'' However content was difficult to handle as so many archbishops represent him. Another document had dozens of names unable to inherit titles or houses as grand duke and noble title appointment ceremony not passed. This too happened while no Tsar. "Hah, yes I''ll check and give answer tomorrow." "..." "Just speak freely?" "Your Majesty, all here deeply loyal to imperial family."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "All loyal to imperial family, are there some not? What wanting to say?" Quite burdensome these busy people dragging around all day then suddenly gathering in this narrow room staring intently at just me. Of course Imperial Household Minister opened mouth as representative. "Your Majesty, perhaps thinking of marrying Princess Alix?" "What? Princess Alix? Mean Alicky?" "Person previous Tsar stood as godparent for, absolutely notcking. However asking this to set and prepare wedding date." "Wait, I only met her once?" Only met briefly once at Uncle Sergei Grand Duke''s wedding and exchanged greetings once or twice at most, yet marriage? ''Ah,e to think of it...'' In original history did Niki meet Empress Alexandra there and date and marry? But then I was buried in military so seems didn''t pay attention to her being momentarily happy just leaving unit for official event. "Your Majesty, can''t have empty Empress position. Wedding preparation will take half year so must decide even now." "Must decide wedding quickly to proceed with coronation. No history of coronation proceeding without Empress!" No these things, must date to marry. My recent 4 years were Far East-military-Far East, what expecting? "Ugh, tired so let''s talk next time." "Your Majesty, must bring in Empress quickly!" "Not issue that can drag time!" "Everyone out!" "Your Majesty!" Chasing out all shouting officials, leaned on door sliding down to floor. "Fuck, never dated in all my lives." Really what did until now. Clearly seems lived earnestly but. After sitting like that briefly, shook off dust and stood. "No? Not particrly hungry for love? I''m performing grave duty responsible for Russia''s future, not living this earnestly to y with woman''s skirts?" Feel somewhat better even just talking alone earnestly. Not that can''t date but didn''t date. Yes, this is truth. Must be that... == Two weeks passed. Unfortunately luxurious words like leisure or idleness not added to my life just because some time passed. Of course even mobilizing Mother to press about who and when to marry today, but actually no time itself to meet women. Emperor who hadn''t received sessor education originally nned for around age thirty. Only showed political inclination regarding Far East and no one knows my inclinations or ns. ''More urate to say had no chance to show.'' Many think of young emperor holding all power like nk paper. No, majority think so and all rush to put even one more word in my ear while trying to prevent hearing even one word from others. ''Would be good if could use close blood rtives at times like this, but that''s difficult too. Fatherpletely blocked all Grand Dukes approaching power.'' Original history Niki has quote well showing my current situation. Though seems how innocent and ipetent nonsense, might be phrase rolling in my mouth at this rate. Say zemstvos (local assemblies) and Dumas (noble assemblies) across country stirring since my return to capital. By their logic argue current Tsar not receiving education from previous oppressive Tsar Tsar - therefore current Tsar pro-liberal but don''t understand. In same situation traditional nobles think I''m their side. Previous Tsar disliked Duma and zemstvo and liked nobles - son current Tsar surely same. Truly artistic how they attach interpretations favorable to themselves. How about state of officials to actually lead empire facing me? They too trembling in their own confusion and fear. ''Sh-should have listened when Your Majesty said war would happen in Far East...'' ''Will Your Majesty understand if I submit this report?'' ''Can mention money received from Qing? M-might anger?'' Beyond not matching hands and feet yet, just level ofpletely not knowing about me. Ah, of course not all officials like that and. "Your Majesty! Send me! Will burn end of life in Far East!" "Professor Bunge..." "State nationalist development! Policy making industrial foundation with government stepping forward! All what I''ve advocated lifelong! This Bunge, though failed once from nobles'' opposition, will prove again!" "Stand up. You age now strange not dying on road going to Far East." "Will see results even if die! Can''t die even wanting to from regret like this!" "Said understand so stand up from ground this sir." Even seventy-plus old man visiting days throwing tantrum like child after hearing Far East news. Father all power, all decisions, all legition and punishment too. Led country grabbing everything in one hand forcing his way on everyone. Those knowing Father''s inclinations made judgments Father would likely make and those actually not couldn''t even maintain positions. Meanwhile I. How should I do. Imperial Household, Foreign Affairs, War, Navy, Finance, Interior, Communications, Justice, Education, and Agriculture and State Assets. Must lead country just maintaining these ten ministries increasing work capability? "Or shouldpletely overturn andy my own board." Justice Ministry still not properly using power appeals alone for strengthening official and Orthodox Church punishment. ''Certainly empire''s justice mess. Though all equal beforew below Tsar, implementation not proper.'' Can''t just leave alone as zemstvo and Duma oppression also steady over long period. Beyond local autonomy mess, nobles in Father''s era stagnated recognizing ''anything possible just not opposing Tsar''s will.'' Nobles. That is thousands of nobles more rotten than oil in empire''s countryside including twenty-one grand noble families. Can''t leave these alone either but difficult for me to handle one by one. Originally one of my support bases too. Writing one by one on paper holding head, truly endless problems pour out. Why does church not government handle this country''s welfare? Why differentiate military and official promotions by ss? How are these called Education Ministry people considering making people stupid with cheap cost? Should at least work well after taking education authority from Duma. No end, no end. "...Expected but can''t even grasp where to start." See these damn problems first timeugh emptily, second time anger, from third time just give up. "Your Majesty! Four thousand workers during strike at Yarovl Great Industrialplex killed thirteen soldiers two days ago!" "Killed?" "No! Just idental during resistance process of forceful disbandment execution!" "ident?" "Kill them all! Must aim gun barrels not clubs! This is treason!" "Treason?" "Inhumane treatment causing worker punishment beyond fine, wage cut was cause! If more soldiers deployed here empire''s linen export finished!" "Finished?" "Like this mes will spread to all Moscow, dimir, Yarovl provinces!" "Your Majesty, please though implementing ringleader punishment, this situation must not be opportunity for additionalbor oppression! Please!" "Think of unjustly killed soldiers!" "Think of workers groaning from hard work!" "Ah." Can killing Tsar-loyal soldiers be justified? Never even if dead and resurrected. Isbor state at problematic Yarovl industrialplex normal? How can ce running additional 6 hours each night two shifts on top of basic 12 hours daytimebor be normal. To them appealing, I''m colorless Tsar without standards or ideology. But this wrong. "Both soldiers and workers died, but soldiers first. Arrest ringleaders including Fedorov and Shchapov, fine factory owner. Fines used for Yarovl workers. Additionally, submitw prohibitingbor over 12 hours daily." "Your Majesty!" "Tsar!" "Enough." Though they don''t know, my standard not this era''s workers or soldiers but distant future. And seeing numerous bastards desperatelying appealing including this strike incident, I can''t wisely resolve all incidents. Yarovl strike incident just fragment. Various problems entangled long ago, both sides at fault, loss to factory owners, workers, empire all. Though work capability not excellently increased just doing few weeks, means at least recognized minimum practical problems. So solution to endless various problems constantly mounting on my desk. "Revise Imperial Basic Law (simr to constitution). Proim new system implementing immediately after this year''s harvest ends. Duma will elect about 200 elected representatives who will form lower house. Following Peter the Great''s example listening to minority opinions, prepare seats for ck clergy (monks), white clergy (secr), Science Academy, Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Committee too. Local governments without zemstvo cannot be exception in representative election." "... That means-" "Yeah, make parliament now." Problem urs - run to Tsar appeal to own taste - somehow make neww - dissatisfied side runs to Tsar asks changew - changew - now opposite side runs asks changew... This damn hell cycle. Maybe if emperor could cast ''everyone shut up'' like Father but I''m not one to just close ears and reign. Originally definitely copses if leave hands off staying still, whether prosper or ruin must try change right? First to grasp point of my order and question was naturally Witte. "Then what about upper house?" "Will follow Peter the Great''s era as is. Representatives I appoint and various departments will share. Overflowing with those to enter like high courts, audit office investigation office, universities." Though exined just to here, those not yet catching on overflowed but Witte''s sparkling eyes seemed alreadypleted situation grasp. Parliament and upper lower houses. This system once existing in past and now reviving still has one position not yet mentioned. Prime Minister position. Father didn''t create positions themselves where power might concentrate besides himself but this nonsense for ruling vast empire. How control and govern without powermonsensically. ''Witte, fighting arena created.'' ''...Your Majesty.'' Even empire''sws not changing unless Tsar decides legite. Will open arena fighting betting that mighty authority. Now, fight each other. Stop tormenting me. Chapter 16 Colorless King (3) What can I possibly do now that I''ve be an absolute monarch overnight from being a crown prince? Weapon development, which everyonemonly thinks about? Hmm, while I could vaguely suggest direction, I can''t personally lead the design-production-manufacturing process. I can only push for funding when there''s budget flexibilityter. Since the empire needs money, how about rapid economic growth? The most risk-free and efficient method would be to simply increase agricultural production, but I don''t even know how fertilizers are made. The value of products from our empire''snd is only one-third of Germany''s. While raising this alone would be tremendous, it''s not a fundamental solution. Then how about establishing ''efficient administration'' in the empire like President Woodrow Wilson, known as the father of public administration? ''Again, I haven''t even fully grasped the existing imperial system.'' So what exactly should I do in my current position with only blind power? After experiencing it firsthand these past few days, the answer to this concern is simpler than expected. All I have is power, and everyone in the empire is watching me. More precisely, they''re watching this power in my hands. This was the starting point of the n to establish parliament. Parliament is ultimately a device that allows legal use of the power held in the emperor''s hands. Even though it won''t match even Germany''s parliament, let alone Ennd''s, this alone can be called a tremendous reform. Because this country hasn''t allowed anyone except the emperor to hold power for decades. ''Clearly, various powers exist within the empire, but their scarcity was immense.'' The nobles merely picked up the power the emperor dropped. So why don''t the nobles covet the emperor''s power? The answer is not that they don''t covet it, but that they can''t. For decades, grandfather and father have trained them to be satisfied with the scarcity of power, and to not dare challenge greater power. The Romanov family would never allow power to fall into the hands of nobles who executed Pavel I. Nevertheless, the current inefficient power structure is nothing but an obstacle to the empire. "Your Majesty, everyone is confused by such sudden changes. Shouldn''t you give more detailed instructions?" "Witte, sit down and listen first. My past few days have been truly fascinating." Right after announcing the parliamentary system, the empire''s only three archbishops rushed in, pushing their doctrines and iming their ''sacred domain.'' The nobles subtly show their umted dissatisfaction since thend reform, asking to take their side quickly. Daily protests by workers, farmers dissatisfied with falling grain prices apanying currency reform, and tenant farmers still unable to escape serfdom without an inch of their ownnd. Regardless, it''s a very good sign that all sectors are moving. Though everyone is confused, they hope their ims will be realized through this new channel called parliament. "Do you know howrge our empire''s poption is?" "...We haven''t yet urately determined the empire''s poption." "It''s 120 million." "How did you..." Based on reverse calctions from the empire''s first census to be conducted in ''97, two years from now, this year''s imperial poption should be around that number. Naturally, everyone rushes to me since the power to rule those 120 million is concentrated in me. "From now on, the archbishops will have to go to parliament first, not me, to speak up. City workers will want to lower food prices and cost of living, but rural farmers will oppose this. Provincial nobles and major city nobles will sh, and bureaucrats like you and legal officers will be busy watching each other." "Rtions between administrative and judicial officials are already at their worst." "Well, it''ll get worse than now. The revival of parliament means the judiciary that died with it will also be revived." Originally, judicial administration was handled outside the government''s administrative power, but during father''s and grandfather''s time, it was gradually reimed. And if this aspectes back to life. ''Nobles, bureaucrats, parliament, Duma. Everyone will hate it.'' Witte''s worries remainedplex. Whether this was managing his expression or concern about the current confusion, even I couldn''t know his true feelings. There''s only one reason I''m having this conversation with Witte alone in my study. "Witte, I''m giving you special treatment right now." "Special treatment... you say?" "Well, even though you''ll eventually be driven from your position if you turn your back on the nobles and Duma and focus only on reforms, you still know one thing, don''t you?" While it is reform, it''s institutional reform whose purpose hasn''t yet clearly emerged. So while everyone is being careful while scrambling to prepare for that confusion, our minister already half knows. Where my true intentions are heading. My will that I revealed to him just once in the past. "...War. Are you certain that the spark in the Far East hasn''t been extinguished?" "Indeed, there''s a reason why father cherished you." This must be why historically, perceptive servants received imperial favor. Nothing could be more convenient. "Now, if you understand, please go. I have afternoon mathematics ss." "...I shall take my leave." Again, I haven''t shown my political colors or taken sides. Because I''m still just a youth who knows nothing. == As Witte left his private audience with Niki, he felt he had glimpsed a bit of the truth behind the emperor''s strong push for establishing parliament. "The Orthodox Church, nobles, those farmers and workers. None were His Majesty''s real concern..." With this parliament too, the liberals and intellectuals iming to represent workers are cheering and counting down to autumn. Meanwhile, most nobles view parliament as just another means of control, pointing out their somewhat guaranteed positions and that still all parliamentary opinions can be nullified by one word from the Tsar. However, they must all seemughable in Niki''s eyes. Because the Tsar wearing that innocent mask saying ''I''m still in a position of knowing nothing'' actually wasn''t taking anyone''s side. And the same goes for Witte. Leaving the pce, Witte recalled his conversation with Niki during his crown prince days. During his time as Minister of Railways. "It was about the former Finance Minister''s downfall. The story of how a reformer without the Tsar''s protection meets his end being torn apart by everyone." The gold standard to be introduced as early as next year or within two years at thetest faces opposition from the entire empire. Fear of foreign capital inflow, humans'' instinctive attachment to holding gold, and resistance to an unknown future. The causes are varied but everyone shouts opposition to the gold standard, attaching various reasons. Only His Majesty Niki pretends not to know and pushes it through, citing permission from the previous Tsar. Simrly, while excessive budget is going into railway construction, this too receives various help while pretending to ignore it. Then herees an even deeper doubt. ''What on earth are you doing all this for?'' Just war? Because of a war that might happen in the Far East? Did he turn everyone''s attention to parliament so he could handle the Far East as he wished? ''That seems... too much. And there''s no reason for it.'' Everyone in the government already knows about His Majesty Niki''s advocacy for Far East development since his crown prince days, and no one would directly oppose an emperor who traveled alone to the Far East and achieved tremendous results. His Majesty Niki clearly used even the word ''special treatment'' to say that Witte himself was closer than anyone to understanding his true intentions. ''Yet even I don''t understand...'' At this point, it''s not that the Tsar''s political views are unestablished as ignorant people im, but rather intentionally hidden. Why, why does the Tsar hide the future he aims for? No matter how carefully Witte traced back through everything, he could make no further progress here. "Opposition. It must be because of opposition. But from whom? At least it can''t be worry about rebellion..." Having returned to his workce, the Ministry of Finance, without finding any satisfactory answers to his continuing questions, Witte was met by his aide. "Minister, you''re back? Duke Georgy Lvov visited while you were away. Probably about the party membership proposal-" "Sigh, just a moment, Kokovtsov. I don''t have the energy to think about that right now." "Your sigh is deep. Do you have something troubling you?" His aide dimir Kokovtsov carefully approached to check on his condition. Having served as Deputy State Counselor and Chairman of the Economic Committee, Kokovtsov was called an aide but was really arade leading reforms together with him. "Even if it''s beyond my level to advise, couldn''t we at least share the worry together?" After hesitating briefly, Witte slowly began to speak.N?v(el)B\\jnn "...Actually." Though he couldn''t share the contents of the private audience, Witte sincerely sought Kokovtsov''s insight. The current chaos in parliament and newly forming parties. The young emperor''s unknown intentions and political views. And his excessive obsession with the Far East. "I just don''t understand. While always speaking of his own inadequacies before officials, why rush parliamentary reform like this." "Certainly, forming a new parliament within half a year... won''t be easy." Is he trying to check the noble families who have been local leaders for generations? But barely any ces would be overturned by just one election. "Then is it a Duma for the workers? But that''s not it either." "Given that votes in major cities including Moscow are allocated ording to taxes paid, it won''t be easy for things to go workers'' way." That''s right. At this rate, a parliament where no one can win will be established. Of course, no one will immediately turn their anger toward the Tsar just because things don''t go their way. Their designated battleground is parliament, not the Tsar''s study. They will obviously struggle within it to gain more votes and more power. Although the Russian Empire has been called stagnant, it''s not that there were no reforms. Rather, most Tsars attempted major reforms at least once in their lifetime. Peter the Great''s absolutist reforms. Catherine the Great''s Enlightenment reforms. Nichs I''s militaristic reforms. Up to Alexander II''s ss reforms. While there have been cases of Tsars leading to overturn the country, this time is different. "You don''t know. The way he alone watches everyone falling into confusion as if it''s someone else''s business." The Tsar neither antagonizes anyone nor takes anyone''s side. He just enjoys the situation he created. "But it''s not mysticism avoiding dialogue or exposure either. Rather the opposite, he leaves room to actively intervene." How was the Warsaw Archbishop incident handled? The Tsar hasn''t imposed any judicial sanctions yet. However, newspaperpanies that were essentially just for promotion in the empire began covering the Warsaw Archbishop incident in detail. Ironically, this forced the Holy Synod to dispatch a prosecutor to Warsaw. Who can the archbishops and Orthodox Church me after watching a knife being stuck into their own group? The Tsar who is the protector of the Orthodox Church struggling to keep up with bted sessor education? Or the people''s press that dared criticize the Orthodox Church? In the end, not a drop of filth sshed on His Majesty Niki, which seemed unnatural to Witte. "He is certainly very different from the previous Tsar. In his time, it would have been impossible for newspapers themselves to criticize the church." "He''s definitely a reforming monarch, that much I''m certain of." "Hmm..." A reforming monarch who doesn''t get even a drop of filth or blood on his clothes. Looking just at past Tsars, such a thing couldn''t exist. "Minister, I think the Far East best shows His Majesty Niki''s intentions. After all, it''snd he went to personally." "That''s true but... Is there anything special about the Far East? Right now the Far East is justnd of escaped farmers, nothing more nothing less." "Because there''s nothing there, it''s perfect to start anything. From what I heartely, the number of workers is growing more than farmers. Quite dynamicpared to here where 90% of imperial citizens were farmers until recently." "Is this Chairman Bunge''s assessment?" "Yes. Anyway, ording to the former Finance Minister''s expression, the current Far East is overturning everything." Well of course they''re spending money freely after getting hundreds of years worth of typical local city Duma budgets. "So the Far East is His Majesty Niki''s ultimate goal? Far East development?" "No, not that... Well, perhaps like the Far East, His Majesty actually wants to overturn the entire empire now, I thought." "..." His Majesty said changes in the trans-Eastern Siberian region were only assumed because of war. But there won''t be war spreading across the empire, and it seems unnecessary to overturn the empire like the Far East... But Witte couldn''t find a single w in Kokovtsov''s argument. What happens when parliament, not a local city Duma but this national Duma called parliament, is created? "...His Majesty can choose parties to his taste when he wants." Though it''s nominally closer to a constitutional monarchy, parliament is essentially an iplete organization that can''t do anything on its own without the emperor''s power. In other words, it''s more certain to dominate parliament through the Tsar''s protection rather than through votes. "Kokovtsov, you said Duke Lvov came with a party membership proposal earlier?" "Yes, he seemed to be gathering initial members for the Constitutional Democratic Party ahead of elections." "From now on, ignore any proposals to join together, whether from parties or any other groups. Understand?" "Oh, understood." Being so focused on His Majesty''s objectives, he almost forgot a very basicmon sense. His Majesty hasn''t yet let anyone into his domain. So Witte too must not belong anywhere. Whether or not a national Duma is created, what''s important for him during reforms is ultimately the Tsar''s protection. Chapter 17 Colorless King (4) Tsar''s tutor, honorary member of the Academy, various ministerial and chairmanship positions, reformer, free trade supporter, professor and chancellor of St. dimir Imperial University. Though many such titles preceded Niki Bunge''s name, he knew. Ultimately, a failure. His life was a failure. Failed attempt to develop credit transactions through private banks via the Kiev Mutual Credit Association. Failed to nurture talent as chancellor of St. dimir University due to educational restrictions. Failed and was driven out as Finance Minister with iplete national reforms. Failed to gain anyone''s support after advocating for both private property protection and free enterprise while also calling forbor rights guarantees. Though everyone praised his great learning and called him a great schr, when Bunge himself looked back on his life, it was that of a dropout marked entirely by failure. He hadn''t properly achieved a single thing. Though he received nine medals, none of his awards actually changed the empire. He was just... no different from a street intellectual boasting about what he thought was right. As a schr, thinker, politician, professor - in no position did he manage to produce results that could prove his words until the end. That was how Bunge himself viewed his life in hister years. A failure. If there was anything consoling, it was perhaps the central bank''s policy of umting gold for over 10 years since ''84. ''Thanks to that, I might live to see Minister Witte implement the gold standard.'' Well, that''s something at least. Though only superficial honors remained, it was better than having his entire life negated. In truth, he knew. That he was eating away at himself with excessive standards. Nevertheless, he couldn''t lower his standards now after falling from the empire''s peak to rock bottom overnight. So Bunge decided to remain a loser. The Crown Prince''s practical affairs manager. A teacher conducting asional education. Just that level of position. Last year, he began to sense that even that was bing difficult. His body increasingly disobeyed him and his speech and thinking slowed. Now was the time for this life too toe to a halt. So he resigned from his vice-chairmanship and was quietly waiting for death when one day... "The Crown Prince extracted 100 million rubles without shedding a drop of blood with his brilliant eloquence!" "When His Highness Niki arrived, the war immediately stopped and everyone came to love peace!" It sounded like Okhrana manipting public opinion, but at the time the mood was solemn with Alexander III''s passing. Even though such third-rate maniption should have been found and punished, the Interior Ministry just watched idly. But that was it. Bunge thought that news had nothing to do with an old man waiting to die, regardless of how much truth it contained. At least until the true nature of the treaty the Crown Prince secured in the Far East was revealed. "It''s exactly 95 million rubles, and that money will be used entirely by the Amur Governor-General''s Office. Everyone here wasn''t expecting results anyway and was skeptical about the Far East, right?" "T-that''s-" "Tsk, if we''d moved a bit earlier we could have gotten more. Such a shame. If only someone had helped me then." To spend all that enormous money in the Far East. When Bunge himself became Finance Minister and reduced redemption payments for peasant welfare, causing 12 million rubles to be lost from the treasury, how much criticism did he receive? But now eight times that budget would be rolling around in a barren field. There was a scent. A scent so familiar and intimate. The old man''s slowing heart began to beat faster bit by bit. The day after the coronation, Bunge immediately headed to the Winter Pce. And after hearing exactly what would happen in the Far East through the Crown Prince, Bunge realized. That he couldn''t die like this. And that he had to go to that Far East. "Send me! Please send me!" "No, how can someone who resigned as vice-chairman due to poor health be like this." "Your Majesty! Please send me to the Far East, even if just for the sake of our old rtionship as tutor!" Absolute nationalist policies. And where anything could be done and order could be established from scratch since there were no precedents. He vividly remembered the attacks that came at him from all directions whenever he tried to do anything in the past. When he advocated abolishing vige mutual responsibility, even the State Council that should have supported him turned its back, and when he proposed childbor restriction bills, the right wing rushed in to tear him apart. A puppet Finance Minister attacked for changing even one taxw orborw. An ipetent politician who couldn''t do anything freely except tasks assigned by the Tsar. Bunge now wanted to break free from all that past and those shackles. No, furthermore, he wanted to deny all his failures. He wanted to shout that he had been right. That all of you who opposed me were wrong. Through that Far East. He couldn''t die like this. No matter what humiliation he suffered or how much he struggled, he had to go to the Far East. Otherwise, this old body had no meaning in living on. After throwing away even his dignity and lying prostrate, the Tsar finally permitted him to leave. ''The previous Tsar wished for me to stay and assist His Majesty Niki... but I''m sorry, I cannot.'' Those who once led national reforms with him. Schrs who advocated state-led growth. Those tired of both the corrupt right wing and the left wing that only looked at illusions. Bunge gathered people indiscriminately and departed for the Far East without a n. Though the journey was rough and harsh on an old man, it was never boring. For he was no longer a failure waiting to die, but a reformer who would overturn his entire past at the end of his life. When they arrived in the Far East after such hardships... "When are you going to pay the construction costs! We need money upfront to buy equipment, hire workers, and break ground!" "You think it''s easy to set budgets, execute them, supervise, and report afterwards every time? Just wait!" "If you''re going to be like this, why didn''t the Governor-General''s Office just do it directly instead of calling us? We only came because we heard rumors about money overflowing, sheesh!" Indeed, there seems to be overflowing work. "Well, we''ll need to establish a bank under the Governor-General first." Bunge''s eyes were gleaming. == Looking back at father''s rule while handling daily practical affairs, the good and bad deeds be clearly visible. Various policies and orders that clearly reveal the choices between failure and sess, private interest and national interest. If I had to pick what I''m most grateful to father for among them, I would choose this. "Okhrana, he left me quite a necessary department." While it would take years if I were to establish and grow a direct department to use as my hands and feet now, Okhrana has already been established for 30 years. Starting as a small cases department under the St. Petersburg mayor in ''66, itter changed to a secret investigation department and in ''81, father officially expanded it into the Department of Public Safety and Order. A secret police under the Interior Ministry,pletely independent unlike before when it was just a police department. Father gave them two main duties. One was the function of a political investigation center. Investigating and observing various politicians and organizations within the empire, and directly intervening if necessary. The second was controllingbor movements. Establishing pro-government unions to conduct operations, nting informants to dig up internal information, or manipting from behind. ''Actually, most of the massive protests in 1905 were protests manipted by Okhrana from behind to lower public pressure. Since it was done so secretly, the military, not knowing this, carried out bloody suppression.'' Though the bureaucrats might not know, Okhrana already knew about the previous Yarovl industrialplex strike and had nted sufficient informants internally. In other words, punishment of the leaders could have been easily achieved without soldiers and workers having to kill each other. Annual budget allocation is 3.5 million rubles. ording to their duties, the first department is located in St. Petersburg and the second in Moscow, with numerous branch offices under them. "Okhrana''s ranks are equivalent to the military and they report only to the Interior Ministry and Imperial Household. Essentially directly under me. Is that right, Colonel Sekherinsky?" "Though my rank is colonel, we usually use titles." "Then I''ll call you Director Sekherinsky too." Let''s see, surprisingly there are many who hold concurrent positions in Okhrana though they seem to work only in the shadows. Mostly military police or security. "Do you also nt informants in the military?" "Not informants... just cooperation with military police." "Well, the military wouldn''t stand still if we did." But they don''t live harboring politics and ideology like political soldiers. "It seems the military police, security forces, and security bureau somewhat ovep in duties. With over a thousand Okhrana personnel, the budget is neither insufficient nor excessive." The only regrettable thing is theyck the secrecy and covertness of just the security bureau. Compared to the future KGB that went beyond development, search and arrest to asionally engage inbat, the current Okhrana is thoroughly ording to father''s taste. Cleaning up leftists and restricting left-wing activities. Counterintelligence or espionage activities beyond that still seem difficult, and the only good thing is their extensive experience with informants? "Do you know why I called you?" "I''m sorry, I don''t know." "Right, so Okhrana''s eyes and ears can''t prate inside the Imperial Household." "That''s only natural." I don''t n to use Okhrana only for left-wing activities. That would be a tremendous waste of talent. "I''ve seen the Director''s background. From a military family, worked in military police for over 20 years, with good achievements in Okhrana activities."N?v(el)B\\jnn "Thank you." "The empire is noisytely with the establishment of parliament. Everyone''s saying I hastily dug up a relic of the past. So I want to make some preparations." I understand. With orders to implement unconditionally this autumn, the atmosphere is unsettled and everyone''s busy digging through old documents for everything from voting to preparing the State Duma. "If we establish the State Duma and stay still, they''ll be the new power ss and rot just the same." No matter how armed with sense of mission and ideology, once they step into this political arena, they''ll inevitably be tainted bit by bit under the word promise''. And grandfather''s solution to this was the press. "I n to guarantee freedom of the press. What do you think?" "In my limited view, I worry that press will be a new power ss." "Precisely. Just because they hold a pen, they''ll quickly be drunk with power." This is unavoidable even in the 21st century. Because the press is a group guaranteed power just by its existence, even without making profit. "This is where Okhrana, you guardians, are needed." So I want to add another shackle here. If Okhrana directly investigates and arrests politicians, it will fade the meaning of parliament and draw resentful eyes to me. But what if Okhrana controls the press that can criticize politicians? ''Just one step removed, but no cause for resentment.'' The press should already be grateful just for being revived. "Are you saying you''ll expand Okhrana?" "Yes, hurry to establish local branches and recruit personnel. Select people to nt informants in the soon-to-be-revived press, enabling investigation, arrest, and punishment if needed." When parliament is created, press revives, and the State Duma and local city Dumas be active, Okhrana will also be busy. "Your Majesty, exactly how far are you nning?" "For now, to the level where we can easily crush press agencies that vite reporting restrictions within this year. It will probably berger than you imagine." The press of this era often involves the literate ss, so there will likely be plenty to catch ideologically as well. ''It would be nice if they just yed within the area I permit... but how could they?'' Sometimes there are those who need to take visible beatings to learn ''Ah, you get hit if you cross the line.'' "Director Pyotr Vasilyevich Sekherinsky." "Yes, Your Majesty." "I''ll give you budget and authority, so grow the guardian agency." "Understood, Your Majesty." This is my first preparation for establishing parliament. Chapter 18 Colorless King (5) The time when barley briefly piles up in warehouses before leaving, and wheat takes its ce. The Duma voting began, not by revolution from below but by orders from above. Meanwhile, Niki diligently received sessor education, but even with elerated learning, he couldn''t be seen as a mature monarch overnight when sessor education typically takes 8 to 15 years. Rather, many believed this was why parliament was established. They thought the Tsar recognized his own inadequacies and created parliament as a substitute. Parliament, the State Duma, formed by local city Dumas gathering to create its head. Parliament can propose new bills, essentially policies. If the Tsar approves them. Though the Prime Minister system hasn''t been implemented yet, parliament can demand minister recements. If the Tsar permits it. Parliament can demand administrative audits from judicial institutions. If the Tsar agrees. Parliament can even amend fundamentalws with two-thirds majority approval. If the Tsar doesn''t oppose. Of course, they must pass the Senate before reaching the Tsar. Regardless of their party''s foundational ideology, all pledge loyalty to the Tsar. They all appeal to the people that they can best assist the young Tsar. ''We too must ultimately imitate Ennd. Constitutional monarchy is the only way to both unify the nation and ensure everyone lives well-fed and prosperous!'' ''We never intended to be satisfied with just an advisory role. We must secure power before the Tsar awakens to it!'' However, perhaps because Alexander II''s death wasn''t long ago, there were surprisingly few so-called revolutionaries calling for abolition of the ss system or socialism. It was also too early in the current Tsar''s reign for the empire to ept such groups into the light. "Let''s see, the Democratic Party has thergest influence?" Originally in history it was the ''Constitutional'' Democratic Party, but they seem quite cautious still, naming themselves Democratic Party without ''Constitutional''. Established by Pavel Milyukov, with quite a few intellectuals involved. Looking through the main figures listed in Okhrana''s report, Niki discovered several familiar names. "Duke Georgy Lvov. His family waspletely ruined and became debtors during his father''s time due to the abolition of serfdom." In a way, a man who overnight became the eldest son of one of the empire''s poorest families from its highest position. That past apparently hasn''t left him, as he''s said to wield influence almost matching co-founder Milyukov. "Vasily Alekseyevich Makov. Still an unremarkablewyer, but this future leader of liberals also belongs to the Democratic Party." While the Democratic Party generally carried a socialist scent with ims like wealth redistribution, it mostly consisted of supporters of constitutional liberalism and constitutional monarchy. They actually fought with the White Army supporting the imperial family during the Civil War, so they can''t simply be called revolutionaries. "Idealists. They''re closer to dreaming idealists." Still, with quite liberal party leanings, evenrge businessmen like Konovalov joined. Ivan Konovalov, chairman leading manufacturingpanies and connected to various businessmen, joined the Democratic Party as a strong supporter. The Progressive Party has a simr character. Reading through their names, Niki summarized them in one word. "Bourgeois party. Capitalists who believe their very activities are progressive." Though there are many intellectuals here too, Niki assessed that the Progressive Party alone would struggle to secure many seats. ''This is still a country of farmers. How could the bourgeoisie expect to get votes?'' So this Progressive Party is expected to secure a minority of seats centered in cities through paying massive taxes. Then those likely to oppose this Progressive Party would be the Labor Party. "Originally named the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party... They dropped all the front words too." If the bourgeoisie swept urban votes through massive tax payments, the remaining votes belong to this Labor Party. Though they don''t openly advocate it on the surface, they''re simply viewed as leftists. They''re Marxist-aligned and steadfastly socialist. Though they don''t openly deny the imperial system yet, they should be seen as the origins of the Communist Party. "These will grow to be the Mensheviks and Bolsheviks." Just remove imperialism from the current Labor Party''s ideology and add theories like ''alliance of peasants and workers'', and it''s an immediate departure from Marxism to Leninism. The birth of Leninism, as advocated by the Soviet Union''s first leader, dimir Lenin. Andstly remains the Conservative Party. Nationalistic and rtively closer to the imperial systempared to other parties. Though ''closer'' just means they want constitutional monarchy rather than absolute monarchy. What''s funny is that this conservative and nationalist character seems to align well with the Orthodox Church. ording to investigations, devout Orthodox believers are surprisingly likely to vote for this Conservative Party. It seems quite a few bureaucrats who turned this way aren''t few either. Besides these, there were cases of sweeping votes in one region or founding parties but failing to find candidates to run, but it ultimately became a four-party system.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Lining them up from left to right: Labor Party - Democratic Party - Progressive Party - Conservative Party. That''s how it breaks down. And looking at seats alone, the Democratic Party will be overwhelming, Conservative and Labor parties will be simr, and the Progressive Party will upy a minority of seats. So where are the imperial nobles positioned in this parliament? Elections are for lower house seats. Those of high rank don''t beg for votes from their inferiors. Instead, they''ve entered undergroundpetition for upper house seats. In principle, the Emperor directly appoints all upper house seats this time. Following the system called the Senate since Peter the Great''s time, the Emperor appoints individuals outstanding in all areas including schrship, status, achievements, social reputation, and age. In other words, it''s difficult for those trying to rise to power''s center through the lower house or those relying solely on status to secure positions. "Let''s follow tradition. Follow tradition." First, university chancellors from across the country. Representatives from local regions. Retired officials and former government personnel. And as always, one seat each for newly incorporated regions like Ukraine and the Orthodox Church, plus one seat with military rmendation. While lower house election preparations were in full swing, Iposed an upper house that couldn''t appear more fair and diverse. Referencing my grandfather Alexander II''s era, the upper house has only twenty-five seatspared to the lower house. I crammed all the empire''s representatives into those twenty-five. Literally a government where everyone participates. In other words, a government no one can dominate. Considering this upper house even doubles as a civil court, these people who originally only knew their own fields are hopeless as politicians. They might finish their term after passing just one bill necessary for their field. Or even that might be difficult. I well understand that this parliament''s establishment is receiving huge expectations enough to shake the entire nation. As long as the election process is fair and I don''t veto every parliamentary agenda, this is an extremely rational system no matter what anyone says. How could it be merely rational? For the Russian Empire, whose system has been stagnant for 50 years, this is a tremendous reform and power shift that shakes the nation. But I know. That one system alone doesn''t change much. 1905 was like that, 1917 was like that, and it continued that way even after the Soviet Union''s birth in 1922. History tells us whether the empire was truly difficult to live in because of one system, or if thousands and tens of thousands of problems were hidden while only ming the system. "If reality remains the same even though the system has be fair... what will that expectation turn into?" Probably negative emotions like resentment, anger, skepticism, disappointment. But that''s not enough. I want to go one step further. Despair. Because sometimes people need to hit rock bottom to face reality. When those screams of despair spread across the empire, that will mean appropriate preparations areplete. Preparations for reform. == Why did Russia be the Socialist Soviet Union? Lenin? Did 120 million subjects agree to socialism just because one person named dimir Lenin appeared? Future studies presented various analyses. That they had to choose between imperial rule or socialism at the time, and everyone bet on the new ideology. That theck of basic education and the main intellectual ss representing the people all leaned toward socialism. Or that the medieval imperial system couldn''t keep up with rapidly spreading capitalism since the 1860s, widening the gap. The previous me thought these were all correct and somewhat rational theories. However, after acquiring all this background knowledge and actually looking at reality, there''s quite a gap between theory and reality. First, the word that firstes to mind with socialism: workers. ''It was strange. This country is 90% farmers. Even though this decreased, it wouldn''t easily fall below 80% farmers even entering the 20th century.'' Logically, isn''t it strange that this keyword bor'' exists when urban workers were only 7% of the total poption in 1899 when protests surged? Of course, there weren''t few rural workers with less urbanization, but they ultimately belonged to rural society. Quite different from the socialization of means of production and self-liberation shouted in the Soviet Union. I''ve pondered this issue for the past 5 years. Why were they more imperial-friendly the further from the capital, closer to the Far East? Why did the rtively wealthy Europeannd quickly cooperate withmunism during the Civil War? How did imperial subjects easily ept ''revolution'' that overturned everything when they didn''t even know what thismunism was? Since my crown prince days, I tried solving problems step by step from theory while grasping the empire''s reality, but it wasn''t easy. However, now that father has passed and I''ve be emperor, I see the problem. No, I feel it on my skin. For imperial subjects of this era,munism was, very simply put,nd. The Soviet Union''s call for shared means of production meant givingnd to farmers, not giving factory shares to workers. Thend reform continuing since Alexander II''s time is still sluggish and not properly achieved even after 30 years, so they thought it wasn''t that it couldn''t be given, but that it wouldn''t be given. There''snd right before their eyes. Thatnd clearly has an owner. But they won''t give it to me. Oh, butmunism says they''ll give it using any violent means and methods? Actually, while the core of grandfather''s reforms was ''ss'', ss andnd cannot be separated in Russia. Just like how Duke Lvov lost all hisnd and property and now begs for votes from farmers his family once employed. Now the harvest ispletely finished. The election will end soon too. Parliament will start with the dreams, hopes, and expectations of countless people. Forgetting all my long musings, I want to ask that parliament just one question. "Can you givend to the imperial subjects?" Qualitynd enough to fairly satisfy all farmers within currentws, at that. If you don''t have that ability... That will be the day you face the wrath of both Tsar and people. Chapter 19 Colorless King (6) Voting rights criteria: male, 25 years or older, must have paid taxes and have no criminal record. Also, voting is only possible within the area where one''s personal information is registered (mainly where upation is registered). Along with these conditions, the Amur Governor-General''s Office also received the Emperor''s order to send representatives to the Duma. "Ah, Your Excellency Governor. What should we do?" "Roman, how many tax-paying adult males do you think there are in the entire Amur region?" Though they sometimes collect money in rural viges for vige repairs ornd remation, that''s not collected by the state. In other words, most current voters in the Far East are soldiers. "There are nomads whoe seeking iron and coal under the pretext of tribute... but I doubt they know what voting is." "Whatever it is, it''s an imperial order, so we must do it." "But who do we nominate?" "..." Reportedly, this State Duma allocated seats even to regions still being integrated or far ces like the Far East to maximize reflection of all imperial subjects'' opinions. Only one seat was allocated to this Far East region. Governor Sergei fell into brief contemtion. ''A figure to represent Amur''s people... no, soldiers. Isn''t that just telling us to send one soldier?'' Given the region, most are career soldiers, but still, an active soldier in the Duma doesn''t seem right. "We need to send someone who can represent us..." Though they don''t expect gifts from that Europeannd just for sending someone, they can''t just send anyone either. ''When we''re short even one person, we can''t suddenly pull someone with a position away.'' Though the Governor-General''s Office overflows with money,nd, and work, people are alwayscking. "Then should we ask Professor Bunge for one official?" "If you can go tell him that and bring back someone, do it. But I can''t." "Ugh, then I give up." The Far East''s new force led by Professor Bunge - self-described ''State-Led Free Market Economic Development System-ists'' - were so fierce that even Sergei and Roman had thrown up their hands in surrender. "Better to have no seat in the State Duma than have one of them represent us." "I agree. I''m scared all of Trans-Siberia might be branded as heretics." Then who on earth should they choose? Once they select a candidate, they just need to gather everyone at the parade ground, give them papers, and have them put them in the ballot box. Someone who isn''t doing crucial work now but has some education, understands the Far East''s special circumstances, and should have some sense. "Hmm, there isn''t anyone." "No, there isn''t." Just thinking briefly won''t make the perfect person appear. When they''re already using every somewhat educated person among the soldiers, how could such a person appear overnight? "So we have no choice but to choose from those State-Led Free Market Economic System- anyway, those people?" "Ah, that really doesn''t seem right." Unable to find an answer even in discussions with Roman, Governor Sergei finally decided to post public notices informing about the situation after much consideration. He thought there might be some decent people among those who retired and settled or recently immigrated. And a few dayster... Thump. Thump. "Alright, let''s put it down here!" "Yes sir!" In front of the Amur Governor-General''s building. "What is this?" "Officer sir, this is the tax from our settlement''s five hundred and thirty people. Should be over four seok of rice." "Aren''t you settlers? Why suddenly pay taxes you haven''t been paying?" "We heard this way we could directly elect high officials from the government. Could even run for office ourselves. We''ve received hundreds of gyeol ofnd just for our settlement, so we''ve been anxious about not paying a single coin." "But-" The soldier on guard duty was lost for words at the straw sacks piling higher than his height. "Our empire doesn''t collect taxes in rice..." The State Duma election implementation. Effects that neither Niki nor Roman and Governor Sergei knew about began to emerge. For example, suddenly receiving tax from 30,000 immigrant settlers of a particr ethnicity. == The Duma elections that began in autumn showcased an undoubtedly fair process over a full month, with public vote counting and detailed reporting of every step to newspapers. After adding processes that seemed almost excessive, the elections ended and Duma members were finallyposed in November. Democratic Party 63 seats - First Party.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Conservative Party 47 seats - Second Party. Labor Party 38 seats - Third Party. Progressive Party 29 seats - Fourth Party. Minor parties and parties allocated to specific regions or ethnicities 23 seats. Though someined the seat allocation wasn''t 100% fair without poption, religious and ethnic surveyspleted, such forced arguments were easily dismissed. "Perfectly fair. What more could you want." The only regret was that even after reducing the original historical 478 seats to 200 and further dividing them under the excuse of regional and ethnic consideration,bining the Democratic and Labor parties still made a majority. ''Still not bad though. Combined they have 101 seats. Hard to secure a majority if you pull out just one or two.'' Especially considering the Democratic Party isn''t yet ideologically as fixed as the Labor Party, those 63 won''t easily unite. The new year approaches soon. A Dumaposition whole 10 years early. Still milderpared to 1906. Ideologically less armed. Less unified. A parliament more strongly intervened by my will rather than reflecting their strong wishes. ''Meaning they''re immature. No groups like the Socialist Revolutionary Party openly calling for overthrowing the imperial system.'' As soon as the elections ended, I called the representatives to the Winter Pce in St. Petersburg. Though some from Central Asia, Siberia, and the Far East haven''t arrived even by year''s end, there''s no time to wait as Duma elections will be held annually. Having invited the Duma members to a Winter Pce banquet, I stood before them directly. It''s clear from how the many gazes upon me are closer to doubt or curiosity rather than outright hostility. ''They must find this Tsar so different from their father a bit strange.'' I understand. Nobles who couldn''t secure either upper or lower house seats after elections are raging, and bureaucrats who led the administration are dissatisfied with parliament watching them on top of an independent judiciary. Nevertheless, I called them to my imperial pce. Truly unprecedented. To appear as approachable as possible, I skipped unnecessary entrances and ceremonies. Step, step- I advance toward them in a less decorated uniform. Though all stand to sing the national anthem, their gazes show determination to not miss a single moment of me. Now is the time to be the good-natured Niki. "Everyone, please be seated." I stood and began my speech with a friendly voice rather than an imposing one. "I''m truly d to meet the representatives of the empire like this. Though I''d like to take time to get to know each individual, I cannot for fear of lending ear to biased opinions." As with the election process, I promise you fairness. Not legally, but humanly, I wish to hear your opinions. "I won''t speak long as we haven''t gathered just for socializing with busy representatives. My grandfather, and my father until now, ruled this vast empire but left me no clear answer regarding thisnd." Actually, the answer is set. The policy of fostering a middle ss of independent farmers carried out in the empire''s final period. But such talk won''te from these many representatives'' mouths. "This is my first order as Tsar ruling this country. Bring me ns fornd reform. The conditions are as follows:" "First, there must be no innocent victims. Second,nd must be given to farmers immediately, not over a long time, and food prices for workers must stabilize. Finally, it must be feasible within the current empire''s capabilities." Truly righteous conditions pleasing to our imperial subjects. Under these conditions, whether through collusion or unity, they''ll need to bring an answer that satisfies nobles, farmers, workers, and me with majority approval. "If the State Duma provides wise policy, I shall help as much as possible." Because to my young and uneducated eyes, it seems impossible. After the short, impactful speech ended, I returned to my seat and lifted my ss to wet my throat. The gazes that had been on me since the start of the banquet now begin turning to each other. I see people murmuring and leaning in to talk quietly. Well, I''ve thrown the bait, so bite and taste it all you want. I''ll be watching. == "Your Majesty, you said you called us for greetings! How could you dump the empire''s biggest problem on the Duma!" "Then, what did you want?" "Thend issue shouldn''t be touched now. Why do you think everyone''s been hushing it up for decades? Wasn''t it to dy the problem''s explosion as long as possible since it''s difficult to solve immediately!" "No. Minister, speak straight. Didn''t you think that since it''s not exploding now, it won''t explodeter either?" Remarkably, this Finance Minister position has always had clear-headed people carrying out reforms through generations. Though unlike the New Vige Movement where everyone from top to bottom worked together, it was just Finance Ministers darting here and there stitching up an empire trying to tear apart, but anyway, there were always people with vision. ''Just look at Professor Bunge. He saw farmers as the empire''s core. Even workers'' foundation ultimately came from farnd. Since farmers'' children came to cities to be workers.'' Those at the center of reform until the empire''s copse were all outstanding. Land reform is the problem that even they couldn''t solve for 70 years. "Witte, let''s acknowledge it now. Land reform can''t be solved now. No? It won''t be easy even after 10 years." "Then all the more reason you shouldn''t have brought this issue to the surface. This could shake the very foundation of Your Majesty''s power!" Forgetting he was before the Tsar, Minister Witte looked at me with desperate eyes, hoping I would face reality. Is he truly worried about me or afraid his reforms will stop if I weaken? Finally, to him looking overly serious, I had to bring up the old story once again. "When I was in the military, I once experimented with a miniature version of the current situation. Though the context was different, it was a rookie writing vaguely wondering ifnd reform could bepleted through the Far East''s emptynd." The content was a very far-fetched story aboutpensated distribution of the empire''s emptynd orpensated confiscation of well-cultivated existingnd using tax funds. ''How could that ever work. People won''t go even if paid to.'' "Even for a short writing by just a crown prince, not Tsar, the response was explosive. Even conscripted soldiers came to ask if it was really true." "...The weight of your words is different now than then. Giving false hope to ignorant masses is very dangerous." "Just keep listening first." Actually, the core of that contributed article wasn''t whethernd reform was possible through that vast Siberiannd or not. Who would react, and how. That''s what I wanted to see. This issue would have to be faced during my reign anyway. From vested interests withnd to workers, farmers, intellectuals, bureaucrats, soldiers - I wanted to see as many reactions as possible. "I thought at least one force supporting my opinion would emerge, but not at all. Rather, they started fighting among themselves. Those illogically refuting my article, those agreeing but modifying it slightly more favorably for themselves, those rambling about their family''s circumstances hoping to belong to groups gaining benefits. So diverse it was hard to even ssify." It was utter chaos. Right after I created that chaos, father buried me deeper in the military. "That''s when I realized. Ah,nd reform must never be solved through dialogue. This issue must be pushed through at once with overwhelming power." Then those satisfied with reform be my allies, while those dissatisfied must be coaxed and soothed until pressed down at the right time. Only then can reform seed and progress be made. "I created the State Duma. Yes, it''s like the newspaper where I published my article." Meanwhile, our Duma members who have neither overwhelming power nor can solve things through dialogue. Can they produce reform ns meeting my conditions with a majority? "I''ll make sure imperial subjects can know all meetings and contents from the Duma through newspapers." They''ll split and fight, unite and divide, eat away at each other''s ideologies. Some will fall exhausted and sick of politics, while others will eagerly rush in. Good. Very good. That''s why I threw them the bait ofnd reform. As my words ended, Witte''s eyes, trembling now for different reasons than despair before, were fixed precisely on me. His graying hair and wrinkled skin prove he''s seen and experienced more years than me. Nevertheless, Witte wasn''t seeing me as just young Tsar Niki anymore. "Your Majesty... why are you doing this?" To him, I could only smile gently. Approaching him looking somehow more shrunk than when angry, I slowly patted him. "You just need to do well what I tell you to do. Despite appearances, I''m quite rooting for you." This much is sincere. It''s incredibly admirable how he even controlled his subordinate officials to prevent them from joining any party. This is my first teaching. And our Russian Empire... Still has a long way to go on the path of learning. Chapter 20 Colorless King (7) Why did the Tsar bother allocating seats to regions without even local city Dumas? Though he asked this question when first leaving the Far East, now it seemed pointless. "Finally! Finally arrived!" Beren Volkov, arriving in St. Petersburg after a long two-month journey, felt like crying. Thinking a man should have at least one adventure in life, he left for the Far East just 4 years ago, believing only the Crown Prince''s words. Walking that path of hardship, he vowed to seed in the Far East, but ended up returning on his own feet. "I''ve had that man''s adventure twice... I''ll surely seed and return." Looking back, it was strange from when Governor Sergei called him. ''A politician? You want me to be what?'' ''It''s not much different from what you did in the military. Think of it as going as a figurehead and promoter.'' ''I''ve just settled down, it''s difficult to abandon family and go such a distance-'' ''If you do well and return after a few years, I''ll give you a huge warehouse at the port before my term ends. Just rental business alone will be quite profitable.'' ''When do I leave?'' As soon as he volunteered, the governor dragged him straight to the parade ground and ordered the soldiers "Now, everyone vote for this guy," and he suddenly became a Duma representative for the Far East. "The governor must have known. That traveling between the Far East and capital was madness." Having just arrived in the capital, he''s already dreading the return journey. Since they said Duma representatives and their aides receive sries, three people including two others arrived in the capital looking quite shabby. The imperial capital. Clearly a city showing traces of civilization built across centuries. "...It''s on a different level from Khabarovsk or divostok." "Because it''s where the Tsar resides." A metropolis with over 1.5 million inhabitants. Even street lights and maintained roads unseen in the Far East seem amazing. ''Feeling like a country bumpkin.'' He thought he lived well earning good money, but feels overwhelmed by the city immediately upon arrival. Beren felt certain the Tsar''s State Duma was no joke. That feeling only grew stronger upon arriving at the Tauride Pce where Duma members gather. "They gave us the empire''s finest mansion, the pce all nobles copy when building their homes." From the entrance, he''s overwhelmed by gardens andkes exceeding the size of ordinary farms. The pce is designed to not fit entirely in view when entering the main gate, and the central domed main pce is impossible to gauge in size. "Aide, how long do you think one column of the main pce is?" "Would need at least forty people stacked vertically." "This is where 200 Duma members are meeting." Truly a gathering of the empire''s finest talent, representatives from each field among them. Though Beren felt somewhat intimidated, he deliberately straightened his shoulders and entered like a toy soldier. "Currently in regr Duma session." "I am Beren Volkov, also a representative." "Please wait a moment. Ah, confirmed. You may enter." A gathering of schrs and intellectuals at the pinnacle of learning. True giants where each representative speaks for hundreds of thousands. How professional and intellectual must the discussions inside be. ''Let''s not show my ignorance unnecessarily. Just, Far East expert. I know that continent''s end better than anyone here. That''s all I need.'' Thinking this, Beren tried hard to inject confidence in himself. Creak. After all, he just came to correct wrong Far East news and promote- "Hey, you bastards! What nonsense is this about not even giving one desyatina per family!" "Shut up if you''re just going to speak vulgarly! Just shouting to get one line in today''s newspaper!" "A husband and wife alone make a household, yet you''ll give them that muchnd? Did our empire somehow seed in unifying Europe while I wasn''t looking?" Before even sitting down, Beren wondered if he came to the wrong ce at the shouts erupting from all directions. However, the hundreds of seats arranged in the renovated banquet hall confirm this is indeed the State Duma. "Come now, let''s not fight. The conclusion must be ''a way where no one starves and everyone eats as much as possible.'' So in a way to lower grain prices as much as possible-" "Get lost, you parasites trying to live off others! Have your parents never gotten dirt on their hands! Try hammering away like us for days on end! See if a single grain grows!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Who says grain prices are important? Fairness! Not just focusing on results, the process must also be noble!" "Shut up, you full-bellied pigs!" Is this a Duma meeting of the empire''s highest institution or a Colosseum game from Roman times? Shouts fly back and forth, papers flutter through the air, and no one sits in their seat to talk. Sounds of pounding desks. Shouting while pointing fingers. Even suddenly standing stiffly in one''s seat singing the imperial anthem as if blind and deaf. Beren, not yet having found his seat, had disloyal thoughts after just briefly watching. ''This is... the Duma?'' The empire''s future decisions are made like this? He crossed the continent suffering for two months just to see this spectacle? Even beggars on the street pooling money to decide what to eat would seem more noble. Finally finding his seat marked with his name in a corner, the chairman pounds his gavel, which he''s already hit over 100 times in 2 minutes, again. At that sound, the meeting seems to catch its breath and calm slightly, but. "Come to think of it, why does the chairman only pound during our turn? You took money from those bourgeoisie!" "I did not!" "This is nder! Such baseless ims deserve expulsion!" "Just leave them be. They''re parasites driven from their parents to the city, if we expel them here too they''ll have nowhere left in this empire to sit." "W-what did you say!" The wooden gavel seems quite worn, as if pounded too much even before Beren arrived. A war without guns and swords starting again as soon as anyone opens their mouth. Reporters quietly standing at the Duma''s edge recording the content in notebooks. This must be how the content he read in newspapers over the past two months was born. "...Complete madness." Though he doesn''t want to stay here even one more second, he''s a Duma representative. However filthy, he must fulfill his duty among them. Only then will Governor Sergei help with the port rental business. "Uh, excuse me-" "You beast worse than livestock!" "I am Beren Volkov from the far Far East-" "This is why you shouldn''t associate with uneducated people!" "Thend where I lived is a ce full of possibilities-" "Which school did you graduate from!" "Moscow Theological Academy! What about it! Try insulting that too!" "Well, I''m Lutheran, you son of a bitch!" "Heretic! Heretic!" Though he shouted until his voice grew hoarse during the remaining hour after histe participation, no one lent an ear to Beren''s voice. In fact, from the start there was no one listening in this ce except the reporters. Everyone just shouted. == Though newspapers are full of Duma news daily, it wasn''t particrly my concern. Only after ''96 passed could I look back on the previous year of my reign. ''Seems like a lot happened though it doesn''t feel like I did much.'' With imperial currency value still unstable, wealthy farmers exporting goods in kind be even richer each time. Meanwhile, those conducting economic activities with pure capital alone are going crazy. Perhaps because currency foundations are shaking, capitalists might be focusing only on domestic markets rather than exports. Fortunately, we''ll start the gold standard this year, so those wealthy farmers'' free rides will end. Excluding benefits going to wrong people, overall growth was good. As it was right before father passed,st year also achieved nearly 10% economic growth, and agriculture''s proportion has been steadily decreasing since the 90s. "It would be best if we could drop farmers to 70% within 10 years..." By estimate, over 10 million farming households exist in the empire. Decreasing farmers means increasing workers. This year we must avoid jobs bing scarce by preparing workces for workers, and also raisebor quality. "This will truly be a golden year." In my memory, global crop yields explode for at least 6 years ahead. This means the empire is in its golden time. Fortunately, the government has money. The deficit was resolved in father''s time, and since then the treasury has been umting funds unlimitedly. While the Duma stole the empire''s eyes and ears, I was preparing one by one on my own. "From this year, the Poption Census Committee and Land Survey Committee will be established. The two organizations will be installed and implemented in 47 provinces and 463 counties." "Manpower demands will be endless." "Though we recruited the highest number ever in preparation, quality decline among officials is expected as a side effect." "That much must be endured. Poption census won''t take long... how long willnd survey take?" "Minimum 10 years. Maybe longer." "Minister, you know what I''ll say?" "To reduce it, Your Majesty?" I nodded slowly. I''m different from those Duma fellows moring to do things their way without any preparation. "Recent immigration policy talk? Representatives don''t know Siberian cold, that''s why. You need to adjust just crossing one mountain, how could that be possible?" Sometimes you really need to simply take from those to take from and give to those to give to. And I''m preparing for that. "Next is Education Ministry. Including this year, 175 newmercial and industrial schools will be established." "There are voices sayingplete abolition of education restrictions is a bit hasty." "Not interested." Among everything father did, the hardest thing to understand, with its own reasons for everything else. That would be education restrictions. ''He must have thought they be reds when sent to schools and universities.'' Can you believe it? That this nonsensical policy was implemented until the empire''s copse? Restricting university lectures, restricting subjects taught, even restricting student numbers. Records say it was because there would be no one to work if everyone went to school, or something. ''At this rate, the empire will peak in ''97 as in history.'' Mineral extraction, steel production, textiles rising to Western European levels, railways extending over twicepared to 10 years ago, ranking third globally in pig iron production and first in crude oil production. Though this year isn''t bad, the empire breaking records every year clearly shows the power of its weight ss two yearster. The problem is it''s downhill afterwards. Without brakes at that. ''Recession always lurks behind prosperity.'' So imperial subjects who experienced the prosperity until ''97 must have been sensitive to the following recession. How could revolution not ur when recession continued for over 10 years after? "Witte, the reason for our rapid growth is simply because we''reters. Do you agree?" "I agree." "Also, tax revenue increased dramatically not because taxes increased, but because state enterprise sales increased." "That''s right." Though not mentioned here, a significant portion of private enterprise production depends on the government. "Why is that?" "Because there''s no private market and no middle ss." "No, I''m asking about an even more fundamental cause." "...I don''t know." "Good to be honest." Minister Witte slightly bows his head. Though there''s no reason to be ashamed of not knowing. I''m not even reproaching. "Remember Professor Bunge''s market reform through credit unions?" "Wasn''t that a failed experiment?" "Yes, but the reason for that experiment wasn''t anything special. This country has no industrial bank." "Don''t we have St. Petersburg Private Industrial Bank and Moscow Merchant Bank?" "No. Not those private banks." How could industrial banks grow when left to private sector? "I mean national policy industrial banks." Currently imperial national policy banks are just two types: Peasant Bank and State Noble Land Bank. Originally Peasant Bank was created first for rural farming households, but when nobles grew jealous, grandfather created another for nobles. "The rest are all just credit unions binding same industries by region." Truly an environment whererge enterprises cannot possibly be born. "Witte, let''s create a national policy industrial bank." "Your Majesty, state loans to industrialists won''t be easy. Officials can hardly take responsibility for all issues individually, and benefits might go only to specific industries chosen by the state." "That''s it! Benefits going to specific industries!" That''s the role I want for the industrial bank. The future Korea Development Bank getting criticized daily for excessive policy finance and biased benefits - that''s what I''m establishing it for. "...How do you n to secure resources for massive loans? It will be on a different scale from small loans to farming households. Coteral uncertainty will also emerge as an issue." "I have ns thought out for everything. Alcohol tax. Let''s make our empire the world''s fourth alcohol monopoly state." A crazy tax responsible for up to a quarter of future Russian Empire''s ie. But a tax close to financial fraud that doesn''t threaten people''s livelihoods. ''A tax that can''t be criticized no matter how much collected. Money being duplicated?'' Though I''d like to reform and open up right away to use future growth too, this country''s capital is still too weakpared to Western Europe. ''We need to stop 200 million rubles flowing out annually just in foreign dividends, right?'' So we need to inject plenty of growth stimnt first. "Any other issues?" "...I''ll review it." "Good, keep up the good work." Another step forward today too. Though I''m Tsar, I think of myself as still like a flower bud waiting to bloom. ''Not yet, not yet.'' Just one blooming. Once petals open, there''s no chance to shrink back and grow again. So now is the time to hold breath and wait. Since time remains until the empire''s copse, I can wait. "Today''s lesson is... theology." Orthodox theology. Though I''d like to avoid it by imperial order, theology in this era is like character education so it can''t be avoided. I took out a theology book and started reading in advance. It''s not yet time. Chapter 21 Undying Flame (1) A Tsar who hastily ascended and barely began sessor education without even holding his father''s funeral after returning. Though Witte''s recent gazes at me seem unusual, this is how most people in this country view me. Perhaps because of this, pressure from surroundings has intensified quite a bit this year. "Nicky." "Oh, Mother? What brings you to my study..." "Since you''re so reclusive, I came directly." For example, rtionships that even I as Tsar can''t help. "Sigh, where did my obedient son go, leaving only this workaholic?" "Well, since I''m still in a position of learning work-" "Even that has limits!" A woman whom even liberals and hardcore capitalists who wanted to overthrow the empire wouldn''t dream of assassination attempts due to good public sentiment - that''s my mother. The rtionship between that eastern ideology, her nature, and gic imprinting makes me an overwhelmingly inferior party. "Weren''t you resting at Anichkov Pce?" "Yes, after your father died, I wanted to restfortably. It was also consideration in its way." "Consideration?" "Consideration for the new empress. But I didn''t expect that position to still be empty even after returning." "Ah." Marriage is important in its way... but now isn''t the time when mere marriage is important. The empire is now standing at the peak of turbulent golden age- "Nobles, bureaucrats, even rtives came running to me saying the Emperor won''t hold his coronation." "Haha..." This is truly unfair. The fantastic attention-grabbing of parliament and press has created such turbidity in just half a year that citizens can''t tell who''s good and who''s bad. Is there any reason to steal attention back by grandly holding weddings and coronations here? When waves surge above water, it''s better below surface. "That girl back then. Yes, why haven''t you met Alix?" "Mother, you also said Alix was somewhat concerning. She''s not even Orthodox." "That was because I didn''t know you wouldn''t meet anyone!" I could only shrink at the high pitch striking my face. But I couldn''t answer here by arguing with Mother "Actually, I thought Alix had high probability of bing a cultist follower so there was no reason to take such risk." "At this rate your brother Mikhail will marry first! Mikhail who just had hising of age ceremony!" "Oh, does Mikhail have a woman?" "Son!" Though I''m truly sorry for being such an unfilial son, not now. Now I can''t wastefully spend money and time, nor draw attention. Rather, better to remain unknown about me. But Mother''s will was firm. "I won''t say much. Whether you learned homosexuality in the military or came to like foreigners in the Far East as rumored, it''s not my business. If you still won''t meet anyone, I''ll arrange meetings myself." "What? What rumors are those? And what do you mean arrange?" "If there''s no woman you want domestically, we must find an empress even if we have to search all European royalty." "Wow..." Lost for words at the powerful will felt on my skin. Feels like rebutting here would only be disadvantageous. "No? Just openly-" "Th-three years!" "What?" "I''ll do it within three years. If not by then, Mother can arrange it." "Hmm. Including wedding?" "...Including wedding, three years." Though the number three years doesn''t seem to please her either, this time I didn''t back down. ''Even if I can''t do it in three years, I can find a way then.'' For now, just not now. "...Fine. I hope to hear good news within three years from today." "Yes." Mother, whose power-filled steps belied her age approaching fifty, left the study immediately. She disappeared leading numerous courtdies. "Sigh... Marriage, this too is a problem if anything." No, then have the state create an environment for marriage! If the State Duma just made aw saying "Ah, the Tsar''s marriage is a national celebration so strikes and protests are banned for now," I''d marry right away. No? I''ll even set up a harem. "Your Majesty, Director of Okhrana. May I enter?" "Ah,e in." A new person enters less than a minute after Mother disappeared. Though I couldn''t rebut Mother, this is my reality. The life of an endlessly working dog. "I''vee to report results." Director Sekherinsky gently handed me documents from an envelope.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "ck marks are idental deaths. Red marks are those who had to die publicly." "Good, your skills haven''t gone anywhere." "However, over 200 new newspapers were establishedst year alone. There''s considerable concern our activities might be reported." "That''s fine. We must ept that much." There''s a list I gave the Director when ordering him to expand Okhrana. People to find. People to kill. People to surveil if difficult to kill now. Or people to watch out for. "dimir Lenin... traveling right now. How lucky." "He seems someone you''re quite interested in. Well, his brother was suspected of plotting to assassinate the previous Tsar." "If he left for Western Europe to meet Russian exiles, further pursuit would be difficult." "We assigned two agents to track his movements, but significant results seem unlikely." "That''s fine then." I definitely thought Lenin would be serving hardbor in Siberia for anti-Tsar activities during this period, but he''s not in the country. ''Is this also a change if anything.'' Then does this mean I can''t read the Russian version of Capital written under the pseudonym dimir Ilyich? I rather enjoyed reading that. "Since he''s not yet a socially influential figure... kill him immediately if he returns." "Understood." "How''s journalist control?" "We''re hitting them fairly regardless of party." How much can newspapers sell in illiterate Russia? Anyway, recently established newspapers are all operated with backing. There was concern all parties might turn against the Tsar if suppressing after giving press freedom... but the current State Duma is too busy fighting among themselves to care about such things. ''Human psychology is truly ridiculous. They endure their own pain when others are beaten too.'' When their newspaper is hit by Okhrana, they stay quiet if the opposing party is hit too. "Let''s just set guidelines for the press. Don''t intervene too much, just teach the lesson that crossing lines brings punishment." "Understood." "You may go." I tried giving the Director work by designating several names from the list as examples, and his ability is better than expected. "Okhrana should be sufficient at this level. What''s next..." My desk resembles a battlefield daily with so many ordered tasks and ongoing projects. Looking through them one by one carefully, documents submitted by the Foreign Ministry catch my eye. Perhaps thinking I wouldn''t know, it carefully listed current situation in Joseon, personnel rtionships and basic information about the country, but reading through roughly: [Joseon''s king stays in Russian legation without returning home] Such was the content. "Oh..." I thought the Far East would be peaceful for a while after good agreements and withdrawal with Japan. Without my knowledge, another spark was being kindled in the Far East. == Actually, Niki himself had no small stake in this incident. Agwan Pacheon. An incident clearly showing modern Joseon''s chaos that one couldn''t miss unless they slept extraordinarily well during Korean history ss. The incident began when a pro-Japanese cab led by Kim Hong-jip and Heungseon Daewongun seized power during the Sino-Japanese War. Oh? Wasn''t Joseon a country where royalmands were absolute?- If you think this, it''s not wrong. Joseon was an absolute monarchy like Russia. However, this was only superficially so, and in reality during this time Yi Hui (Gojong) was under confinement. Ministers and father imprisoned the king and seized power. While Niki thought "Ah, fortunate if the Russo-Japanese War happens just a bitter" and hurriedly left the Far East since the Sino-Japanese War ended earlypared to original history, the Joseon left behind was different. The Russian Empire led friends Germany and France to drive Japan back to its inds at once. Where did the status of Imperial Japan that seemed about to swallow Qing go, as 200,000 Japanese troops had to pack up overnight and return to their ind country. Now, logically the next step should being to Joseon to rescue the imprisoned king, sweep away that pro-Japanese puppet cab and form a pro-Russian cab again... surely that should happen but... "Why, why aren''t theying!" "What, they''re stopping here? Russia just leaves that pro-Japanese cab alone?" A situation arose that bewildered even pro-Japanese factions who were despairing at Japanese-style development bing an overnight dream. Russia isn''ting down. "Minister Weber! What is this about! Didn''t Governor Sergei say he would lead tens of thousands of troops south anytime!" "C-calm down! Major Nammanri! It must be because the Tsar passed away recently. Surely the Crown Prince will give orders!" "Aish! One month. If nothing happens after waiting one more month, I''ll lead rescue attempts myself with my 800 soldiers!" "My word!" Then several weekster. An escape n for Gojong was actually implemented, mobilizing Court Minister Yi Jae-sun, Court Attendant Im Choi-su, Colonel Yi Do-cheol and other Jeongdong faction officials and foreign personnel. However, perhaps too hasty an attempt, the n to escape to the American legation was caught midway and this only elerated the momentum of Eulmi Reform while strengthening surveince. In truth, the pro-Japanese faction implementing Joseon''s Eulmi Reform was equally uneasy. "W-was cutting His Majesty''s topknot going too far?" "What does the Japanese side say?" "No particr instructions or response. Just word that we''re doing well came back. Yugong, any news from up there?" "Rumors have spread to the south that the world changes overnight. Something seems to be happening but." "Hmm... You don''t know either." Though Kim Hong-jip acted like there was no tomorrow, he was actually among those trembling most in fear. ''Already mounted the tiger''s back. Now deathes the moment I try to get off.'' Just that the mounted tiger wasn''t moving at all. When Lady Min died by Japanese assassin''s de at night, Kim Hong-jip also felt great guilt, but seeing Imperial Japanese forces marching victoriously to Liaodong afterwards, he changed his mind. Ah, now isn''t the time to be in despair. This country too must hurry to be wealthy and strong like that country. Directly experiencing Japan''s power, all of Joseon finally entered his view. How weak and rotten this country was. Many helmsmen but the ship sails aimlessly on vast seas, so at least he must stay sharp. Yes, if needed he would use even the enemy''s power that killed Queen Min. So Kim Hong-jip resolved and seized power. Just until Crown Prince Niki showed his face in the Far East again. ''Though rumors among people of him single-handedly stopping hundreds of thousands of troops might be false... the fact remains he saved Qing.'' So Imperial Japan must have panicked and fled back to their ind signing a treaty in one day. In other words, if Russiaes south, Japan cannot help the pro-Japanese faction. The hierarchy between the two countries was clearly established two years ago. "But why aren''t theying..." This frustration of Kim Hong-jip was equally felt across the sea in Japan. However, Prime Minister Ito knew slightly more detailed circumstances. "They truly had no interest in Joseon. How perplexing." Though sending anyone from that Amur Governor-General''s Office could have taken Hanyang long ago, there''s no response even after two years passing. "Russian Emperor... Niki." But confirming the other''s true intentions, Ito''s room for maneuver also became more restricted. In other words, does this mean his talk of going to war during their previous meeting was also genuine? Another wave strikes thisplex yet calm-before-storm political situation in Joseon. "The king and crown prince secretly left the pce riding courtdy pnquins!" "Where did they go?" "They headed to Jeongdong!" "Jeongdong means... the Russian legation!" It was Gojong''s escape from Gyeongbok Pce. Chapter 22 Undying Flame (2) Though the Communications Ministry established a wirelessmunications department using detectors and antennas this year, practical use remains uncertain. In other words, with current technology, the Tsar in St. Petersburg cannot give real-time orders regarding situations in the Far East, or further south in Joseon. Thus naturally, Joseon''s issues primarily fall to Governor Sergei himself. ''Hmm... would have been better if he''d cleaned up this part too before leaving two years ago.'' It''s not iprehensible. If they''d tried establishing a pro-Russian cab while explicitly inserting "Joseon is an independent nation" into the treaty, the Jinzhou Treaty would have been seen as just the great powers'' base intentions. Then should they just watch as Joseon gradually submits to Japan? "That''s not right either. Sigh, howplicated." The problem began with recognizing such a non-independent country as an independent nation from the start. If Joseon had united firmly and exercised consistent diplomacy, it would have been easy to help or draw lines, but now the situation had be tooplex. For Russia now, truly a country they could neither swallow nor spit out. ''What did they call this in the East... chicken leg?'' Though Joseon doesn''t look that appetizing. Hard to say. Just looking at Joseon settlers, they have different races, cultures, and even food on their tables. Different meaning difficult to subjugate, let alone integrate or cooperate. Joseon is such a country. A country difficult to simply apany. "Your Excellency Governor, Minister Weber has requested additional warships." "Is he Joseon''s diplomat or our empire''s diplomat? Why does he keepplicating matters!" Karl Weber - who would have thought he''d even help Gojong''s escape. Moreover, not sending him back but hosting the Joseon royal family at the legation - it''s enough to drive Governor Sergei mad. Sergei tried to view the situation through the Tsar''s eyes from his crown prince days, setting aside Joseon''s current value. ''He always warned of war risks, so he probably opposed actual upation of Joseon.'' He must have been averse to Russia and Japan''s borders physically getting closer. Moreover, though the Trans-Siberian Railway construction has gained momentum, much time is still needed untilpletion. In other words, he might have boldly shaken off everything including Joseon. But it could be thought of oppositely too. Why did he order South Manchurian Railway construction? Surely that means he found value beyond what he thought in thisnd? Then doesn''t that mean sphere of influence Joseon could also benefit the empire? "Colonel Roman, what did Admiral Romen say?" "He opposes deploying warships as an extremely threatening measure but says he''ll wait fully prepared at port just in case." "Thoroughly military-like." Admiral Romen''s judgment is correct. Just one Armored Cruiser Admiral Kornilov under his Pacific Fleetmand would devastate that Joseon. Therefore, if not expanding matters, ships shouldn''t be deployed as the minister requested. "Today marks four months of the Joseon king staying at the legation." How long can he stay at the legation like that? As time passes, Japan must also show reaction. "Can''t ignore those ind pirate bastards either." "If we try to take Joseon, it''s uncertain if France and Germany would help like before." "Bacsh is concerning too." Already dying from being ground by mountains of work daily, and this Far East never has a quiet year. Unable to do anything either way, Governor Sergei who chose to watch for now just waited for orders from far Europe. And the answer that came waspletely unexpected. Though not a very long order, summarizing it further: [Join hands with Japan] "..." "Perhaps we exined the situation here wrong? Some content was omitted or Joseon was confused with other regions being so small?" "No. This document bears the Tsar''s seal. The Foreign Ministry and Communications Ministry wouldn''t work so carelessly." When Joseon''s king fled to the legation escaping Japan... to join hands with Japan. One thing is certain. That the Tsar is not on Joseon''s side. == What was the core justification for the Sino-Japanese War? ''Joseon''s voluntary request.'' This was the biggest reason that let Japan both repel other countries'' intervention and deploy troops. This situation is the same. They imprisoned the legitimate monarch and seized power. And that power is pro-Japanese forces? With Gojong''s request, even if Governor Sergei sent ships to sweep Hanyang, Japan should have nothing to say diplomatically. That''s how history actually went too. "This is a trap." dly sending ships and troops at Gojong''s request and trying to grow pro-Russian forces. Not looking further ahead while drooling at the too deliciously set table was original history Russia''s fatal mistake. That wasn''t all. Sending military advisors, stationing troops, and pushing Gwangmu Reform with pro-Russian cab just as pro-Japanese cab did Eulmi Reform. But in fact, for current Joseon, both Japan and Russia are just threatening countries. No matter how much Gojong hates Imperial Japan, the possibility of raising them well to use as vanguards against Japan approaches zero, and rather only elerates factors for the Russo-Japanese War. Same even if Joseon deres the Korean Empire. Practically, Joseon is something not to be touched until building up military power in the Far East. "Looking at original history again, Russia dispatches a finance advisor controlling Joseon for a year before letting go." Naturally preempting considerable rights in Joseon during that year. "Despite not even properly developing the Far East." What I asionally reminisce about is the Republic of Korea, not Joseon I only read in text. And since I pride myself on knowing Joseon better than anyone in Russia, I will boldly abandon Joseon. "Your Majesty, I heard you summoned the Foreign Ministry." "Minister Niki Giers. You must have heard recent East Asian news." "The situation is turning favorable for us. At this rate, the Korean Penins will roll in just by staying still-" "That''s not it. Make a treaty with Japan. A treaty making Joseon a neutral zone with both pro-Russian and pro-Japanese factions stepping back." "..." "Just do it." The only area where I absolutely won''t listen to others'' words. The Far East. Even the Foreign Ministry who prides themselves on knowing it well must step back regarding that ce. Minister Giers, who was briefly ufortable, didn''t question further. "Then I''ll finish by getting one or two rights properly so all nations with most-favored-nation status can step in." "Good." Befitting the person who designed the Triple Intervention, Minister Giers confirmed my intention and answered he would make it nd awkward for anyone to eat''. This is enough. Well endured. Truly a trait, patience, that would never have existed in the original Russian Empire. Though it''s forcibly wiping drooling saliva with Tsar''s power, I''m satisfied with just that. After Minister Giers leaves, I carefully examine my feelings about Joseon. ''Well, I''ve be quite vic too.'' I feel nothing. No guilt, no sense of duty. Truly at this moment, I found no value in that penins. == In the end, a repeat of two years ago. "Truly, are you saying this country is even useless?" "...That''s not it. Rather, because the Tsar knows East Asian affairs better than anyone, he made this choice." "Minister Weber, I''m not angry. Rather disappointed and ashamed." Yi Hui (Gojong) somewhat understood as king the Tsar''s choice in far Europe. In his eyes, he was just a puppet king of an infinitely small country. No different from a foal only asking for help everywhere without standing on its own. In June ''96, the pro-Japanese cab that lost governing ability when the king disappeared copsed. However, Kim Hong-jip wasn''t beaten to death by pro-Gojong merchants or cab members weren''t captured. They only received nominal punishment. "The crime of lusting for power as a royal elder is no different from Sedo politics, an atrocious crime. Criminal Yi Ha-eung is stripped of Daewongun position and forbidden from setting foot in Hanseong again." "Criminal Kim Hong-jip alsomitted high treason colluding with Yi Ha-eung, and is sentenced to exile." Kim Hong-jip listening silently to the charges knew inwardly. That exile wouldn''t be long. The fundamental reason proper punishment wasn''t carried out was that when Russia received Joseon''s request, they rather tried to resolve issues directly with Japan bypassing Joseon. What Russia finally intervened in but didn''t change. Imperial Japan immediately responded, fearing Joseon wouldpletely fall, and some powers woke up to receive Korean Penins rights one by one as gifts through that most-favored-nation treatment. The waves raised by a small country''s king seemed to conclude like this. To a situation where no one couldugh, but no one cried either. Gojong bitterly returning as pce master. Minister Weber who drove out the pro-Japanese cab but could do nothing more. Even factions still remaining with certain powers as backing. Watching such scenes, the Amur Governor-General''s Office, most alert of all, felt d¨¦j¨¤ vu. "...Isn''t it strange?" "It''s strange." "Definitely strange." Governor Sergei, Roman Kondrachenko, Romen Nikevich. If one person felt it, it could be illusion, but if three people felt it simultaneously, that''s no coincidence. "Roman, I thought troop deployment orders woulde." "I too worried how far the incident would grow. Who knew it would be contained ignoring Joseon like this." "Oh, weren''t we even preparing for deployment?" "That''s what I mean." Why did they feel inexplicable familiarity with this awkward conclusion? Though Russia and Japan made a satisfyingly peaceful treaty. As Governor Sergei pondered deeply trying to recall when he felt this difort, he suddenly remembered feeling something simr. "...Right, the Duma." "Hmm? The State Duma?" "Ah, you mean that fighting arena the Tsar created?" Though far away, they weren''t ignorant of the mess happening in St. Petersburg. The State Duma, highest national advisory body, splitting into factions fighting daily and eating away at each other without progress. That they have noplete decision rights too. Just endlessly arguing and fighting divided regardless of right and wrong too. And the Tsar watching too. All simr. No, too identical. "...Surely the Tsar dered war would break out in the Far East. That conviction was like he''d start it himself if war didn''t happen." "Right? That''s why I''ve been stuck in the Pacific Fleet for 5 years? Normally admirals have frequent personnel changes like military districts or governor''s offices." "Force reinforcement, Governor, you know well since you''re devoted to it." Joseon concluded neither here nor there. Just like the current Duma. "Then... wouldn''t the Duma be like here?" Though he couldn''t understand why the Tsar ordered sending Duma representatives to the capital even holding meaningless elections, the governor suddenly thought about the Duma''s case rather than Joseon. ording to the Tsar, war will break out in the Far East. Naturally Joseon will be swept up too. Then the Duma? How long can they fight hitting back and forth there? When the Tsar hides his true intentions more than anyone. "...Ah, that''s too much interpretation." "Hmph, surely the State Duma couldn''t be a guillotine?" "Right?" "Right! Let''s stop this, I have work to attend to!" "Ah, I remembered partscking in deployment preparations so I''ll go check!" "Yes, yes. Hurry along!" The three people awkwardly dispersing. But even as they left, their conversation wouldn''t leave their minds.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om ''There''s no doubt the Tsar''s true intentions lie in this Far East. Since his crown prince days.'' ''A peaceful treaty with a country to war with, what an absurd development.'' ''Needless suspicion, needless suspicion.'' But the more they recalled the Tsar they knew, the more the hazy future of the Duma seemed to be clear. One fortunate point Governor Sergei considered was: "Beren Volkov, that fellow just formally holds an independent seat so he''ll have no influence here." "Surely he''s not causing trouble there?" "That guy''s just a soldier, just an ignorant soldier." Whatever the Duma''s future, the Far East was too far to be affected. Chapter 23 Forcibly Rising to Create a Storm (1) Though they hadn''t received a deadline from the Emperor for submitting ns, neers to politics wouldn''t bend their beliefs. However, that''s not to say they didn''t notice the quite different atmosphere fromst year. An unprecedented number of newspapers circted the streets, and even illiterate workers couldn''t help but know what was happening at the Tauride Pce. Who proposed what motion, who became a national politician overnight with bold statements, who from the opposing party strongly objected. One day, two days, and before long, eight months. "Didn''t the Tsar say he''d implement it right away if we brought ns? How long are we just going to keep making ns?" "They said just over 100 votes would do it! Are you saying not even half of these proud Duma representatives have their heads on straight?" News pouring out seven days a week without rest. Imperial subjects are buried before they can distinguish right from wrong in this unprecedented flood of information. One day, two days, as days of just waiting continue, expectations naturally break. "...We must choose now." "Distinguishing friend from foe is meaningless. Now we must join hands even with enemies." "Right. The recent atmosphere among the imperial family and bureaucrats isn''t normal either." Public sentiment growing not just tired but deted. Those feeling this most keenly are the Duma representatives with two months until elections. "Tsk, having Duma elections every year is strange too. Next time we should change it to every four years. How can we properly give opinions when swept up by ignorant masses like this?" "Land reform, who knew we''d waste a year on just this one agenda?" "That means this one agenda can be said to control the fate of all parties going forward." If there''s any fortune, it''s that wealthy farmers, who could be considered local ruling powers, were half-excluded from the Duma. Even the Progressive Party''s bourgeoisie don''t much like wealthy farmers making fortunes sitting around while they struggle. "Duke Lvov, have you decided?" "We''ll join hands with the Labor Party. Chairman Milyukov has agreed." "The Labor Party... certainly joining forces with them could win the next Duma vote." The Democratic Party with 63 seats and Labor Party with 38 seats could achieve a majority ifbined. ''The moment we join hands with the Labor Party it''s over with the wealthy Progressives... but this is the best option. In the current atmosphere, it wouldn''t be strange if the Tsar changed his words anytime.'' Of course, there''s no guarantee all representatives will vote unanimously. "We need to bring more from the independents and moderates." "Who do we have?" "Just one person. Don''t you think of him immediately? That noisy fellow recently." "That person... his origins are a bit..." "We have no choice. No one stirs up the Duma these days like him." The very eye of the storm who jumped into meetingste and started taking them down one by one. "Beren Volkov." "Rumor has it he served in the military with His Majesty the Tsar..." "Isn''t that why he went to the Far East and seeded?" "Whatever the case, he''s no ordinary person." If they can just bring him in along with joining hands with the Labor Party, the achievements ofnd reform would be entirely theirs. Before the approaching election, straight beliefs and ideology are all unnecessary. ''It''s not toote to think after winning next election. That muchpromise is possible, right?''n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om They had truly be politicians. == Recent headline-maker every time he opens his mouth, Beren Volkov - how did he be a star representative in the Duma split into parties like drought-strickennd? ''At first, yes. It was because of those Labor Party bastards.'' The ones most mindlessly opposing thisnd reform - thendless Labor Party. These potential traitors fundamentally didn''t match with Beren. "Woo! So what doesnd reform have to do with us!" "Just take it all! Take everything! Can''t stand this collective farm nonsense anymore!" "Reformborws instead! Nond reform before that!" They were just opposing for opposition''s sake. Beren, quickly tainted by the Duma, couldn''t stand it. "You idiots, no wonder you get fired from jobs like cutting off your own fingers!" "W-what? What do you know! I worked 15 hours in factories since age 11!" "Right, I understand you''re stupid. Don''t you know Chairman Bunge''s Factory Law of ''84? 15 hours at age 13? Maximum is 8 hours, what freezing 15 hours?" "That 8 hours is just on paper, where actually does under 8 hours!" "There is?" There really is. Because some old man who seemed to have a grudge from arrival forcefully pushed social security systems andborws right in Governor Sergei''s face. "...You''re saying there really is?" "Where I lived, minors rarely work in the first ce. At most they learn by watching for education. Anyway since there''s insurance, you can live off industrial pension even if you lose fingers, so less wages are fine." "Wh-where did you live?" "Khabarovsk." "More! Tell us more about the situation in Khabarovsk!" Though leftists were just vermin to be swept away for him who was a born soldier, for some reason their eyes lit up whenever he opened his mouth. Then the Progressive Party started attacking Beren. "Tsk, they''re poor because they''re stupid and don''t work hard. How dare you discussborw reform when you don''t even know about industry and economy?" "Do you know how many workers I have under me? I''m nning to open a warehouse business at the port as big as this pce next year?" "...Y-you were an industrialist too?" Yes, until here was still fine. To them, Beren was an outsider and not a representative belonging to their party anyway. However, when the Duma naturally started fighting over Beren Volkov''s stories at some point, the situation changed. "See! In the Far Eastpanies already mandatorily provide insurance!" "Ah, no that''s split between workers andpany..." "Come now, we gathered fornd reform ordered by His Majesty the Tsar! Refrain from other topics! But, Representative Beren Volkov, do they really givend free in basic desyatina (1.092 hectares, about 3,000 pyeong) units in your region?" "Usually 3 desyatinas, but if you reim well and pay taxes they give more..." "Kya! One free desyatina was indeed too little! From now on minimum 3, no? If paying taxes faithfully we should give more too!" "Y-you crazy bastards! We can''t even give 1 desyatina and you talk about 3!" When one side says something''s impossible, the other side pushes back using Beren''s words as evidence. Until here could have been dismissed as "Far East specificity" and concluded. The real problem was that Beren himself jumped into that mess. ''Logically, would Governor Sergei give portnd if I return after a year with no achievements? That man who budgets tightly even with overflowing money?'' Achievements. Beren had to show he worked somehow, whether through promotion or influence as the governor said. And nothing beats getting in newspapers as proof of working hard in the Duma. That''s when it started. Beren pretending to be crazy and stirring everyone up as an independent. "Young representatives might not know, but representatives my age should remember the 1880s when salt consumption tax and poll tax were abolished. Yes, it was a very innovative policy. However, when taxes became insufficient, stamp duty arose on purchasing stocks, bonds, real estate. Today I dare to propose reform of this stamp duty!" "Reform stamp duty? What connection does that have with the state distributingnd-" "Of course there is! Tax arising when purchasingnd, stamp duty! We must increase that stamp duty and additionally impose holding tax every 10 years of possession!" "I agree!" "Labor Party representatives, let''s support him with standing ovation!" Now more and more in the Labor Party rise to apud Beren''s speech instead of fighting back and forth. "But isn''t that too oppressive a policy? Paying tax just for ''holding'' even without produce..." "In exchange! Of course to prevent double taxation we must abolish transfer tax!" "Dear Progressive Partyrades, I dere Beren must surely be more progressive than us!" "Right, why should the state take money I want to give my children that I earned with blood and sweat! Beren, continue!" Perhaps due to consciousness of being fellow industrialists, even the Progressive Party that bought votes with taxes praises Beren. "Furthermore! This will activatend transactions that barely urred across the empire. Isn''t this following the principles of liberal markets, free capitalism?" "My word, to think even of stabilizingnd prices." "A market without government intervention! Indeed Beren must be a liberal like us!" Whether his ims would be realized or not, even Beren doesn''t know. He doesn''t particrly hope for it either. ''Before that, the situations in the Far East and here are too different... but, that doesn''t matter.'' He''ll return next year anyway. Instead, before returning he''ll firmly nt that Far East in their heads. No, furthermore he''ll nt fantasies about the Far East in imperial subjects. By this point, even Beren himself was almost enjoying it. That superiority when those fighting back and forth apud in agreement whenever he opens his mouth. That pleasure when those iming to represent millions send gazes close to blind faith beyond agreement. That electrifying feeling striking his head through his spine was a factor making Beren stir up the Duma more and more. Before long, his influence was transcending parties. "Stop making outrageous ims and boldly reveal your beliefs! Which party do you support?" "Ah, which party? But tell me. Have you served in the military? I proved my loyalty to the state serving 15 years active duty." "Eek! Don''t change the subject!" "He''s unserved! Unserved in military!" "You were a draft dodger?" "No! I served in the military! I served!" "What are the reporters doing! Quickly write down that representative''s name first!" The ecstasy when everyone rushes to bite at young representatives who dare challenge him when he points fingers. Feeling the weight of words he couldn''t feel even in the military''s hierarchical society, Beren felt like he was addicted to some unknown substance. Today too he stands from his seat and briefly closes his eyes. Already he feels the atmosphere heating up among surrounding followers. Even before opening his mouth, the whole building is filled with goodwill and expectation. "Respected representatives, and all who listen to my words. Today I wish to solemnly dere one thing in this ce." The near-silent stillness contrasts with when he first entered Duma meetings, whether they like him or not. "The time hase to reportnd reform ns to the Tsar. For those suffering even in this moment, this can''t be dyed anymore. So, I wish to present one solution here. Namely, nationalnd remation projects." Even Beren who slightly dipped his feet in business knows nothing about how massive this proposal would be or how feasible. Just that it sounds usible and has content no one would dislike is the key. "Representative Beren. Is, is this already implemented in the Far East too?" "There remation is already meaningless. Well, it''s a region where farmers don''t pay taxes in the first ce." "F-farmers don''t pay taxes?" "That''s not the important part. To exin further, what was the original purpose of establishing the Peasant Land Bank? Wasn''t it for farmerscking credit to purchasend? In other words, the Peasant Land Bank was originally to increase farmers'' farnd!" "Correct!" "Well said!" "Then if we reform nationally through this Peasant Land Bank? If the overall market pie grows so we all avoid red faces?" "...Indeed." "That''s usible." Though there are doubters who are uncertain, those favorable to Beren from before raise their voices together without questioning. ''Ah, what will tomorrow''s newspaper headlines be? Already looking forward to it.'' Beren Volkov basking in apuse and ecstasy. Today too he stirred up parliament. So what''s the specific n? Eh, that''s for smart bureaucrats like the State-Led Free Market Economic Development System-ists to make. Beren didn''t know such things. What if it passes like this? In a Duma split not even half but quarter by quarter, how could that happen? Then conversely if it doesn''t pass? If it doesn''t pass that''s fine, nothing particrly regrettable. Today''s proposal was just an idea that shed before cking out drinking yesterday anyway. Rather, if it falls through he could gain sympathy by being forcibly criticized. Though Beren also recognized the unknown emotion rising inside as his speaking rights increased, he hadn''tpletely fallen to it yet. ''Right, this much is enough.'' No matter how good this opium-like feeling is, it won''t be better than port rental business permission. Doing this much, Governor Sergei will have to permit port rental business. However, Beren didn''t know how much karma he had umted meanwhile. "...What did you say?" "I said we want to recruit Representative Beren to our Democratic Party. If needed, we''ll allocate several seats." At some point, people seeking him increased not just during day but night too. "How many did the Democratic Party offer? Four seats? Five? You''re a born capitalist. We''ll even invest in your business!" "In-invest?" "Workers nationwide deeply sympathize with your opinions. Please make it a good ce to live like that Far East!" "No, I''m not sure it''s that good to live there..." The port rental business Governor Sergei promised. He came running thinking only of that... But the unknown spark in his heart keeps growing. Beren who shook the Duma began shaking himself at some point. Chapter 24 Forcibly Rising to Create a Storm (2) Background, faction, social position, and ideology. Can an individual win elections and stand out even among election winners without theseponent factors listed? No. I firmly believe not. Especially in Russia, living in an eragging even behind the 19th century, I believe these fourponents define an individual no matter how outstanding their personal abilities. But mutant albinos who even change their skin color exist everywhere, it seems. "...Beren? That Chief Aide Beren Volkov I know?" The name asionally heard faintly now reaches me clearly. "Beren Volkov is indeed the officer Your Majesty met during military service. Currentlymanding highest poprity in the Duma with a third of headlines filled with him. Confirmed he was properly elected from the Far East." "Proper election my foot, even the voting ce was all parade grounds." Clearly when Ist saw him, he was happy saying a wealthy civilian was better than a penny-pinching soldier. "That guy had such talent? Did he give lots of lectures or something?" "There are critics and opinions that he''ll re up then quickly fade." "What does Count Dashkov think? As Imperial Household Minister, you should have good eyes for people." Count Dashkov, who achieved many merits in grandfather''s era and assisted father, maintains the longest ministerial position moving between pce interior and exterior. No one else has met such diverse people. "...In my view, he''s an agitator." "An agitator? Why?" "Hecks ideological foundation and wields cross-party poprity, but these are mere followers, not fundamental backing." "So just someone with many fans?" If even Count Dashkov says so, Beren Volkov''s name must certainly be inted. Nevertheless, I don''t see that intion as mere illusion. "Then why did such a proposal pass both houses and reach my desk?" [State-Led Land Development Project] Already staying up all night worrying how to handle farmers, and now who came up with ''a n to maximize farmers''? And it''s someone I knew? "No, sigh... Fine. Let''s say it passed the lower house. It could. But how did it pass the upper house?" Logically, among 25 upper house members, was there no one who pointed out this proposal''s problems? "The current upper house is closer to a collection of different fields than divided by factions. Military-background senators would have agreed just seeing Representative Beren''s origin, thenbor-friendly ones, farmer-friendly ones, those believing rumors of Your Majesty''s personal rtionship with Representative Beren, and those who just passed it not knowing well. Especially for some reason, even university senators with liberal tendencies cast votes." "..." Is Beren a soldier? No. He''s discharged. Then is he a liberal? No. That bastard didn''t earn moneypeting in free markets but through military supplies. Pro-imperial? He must be, but he''s not particrly a man of conviction. During military service, he openly approached me as Tsesarevich saying "Ah, I want to eat crumbs falling from high people''s pockets too." So I kindly sent him to the Far East. Then what were the State Duma bastards thinking casting approval votes for a proposal from an independent representative from Asia? ''They could cast without thinking. Let''s say they did it to recruit Beren Volkov.'' But the real problem is. "...Count, just three proposals have reached my desk." One is to increase terms to two years instead of annual elections. Second is to increase State Duma seats to 450. Finally, this State-Led Land Development Project. Land reform, I told them to bring ns. Because I knew they couldn''t do it anyway. ''Perhaps they hastily passed even this with elections approaching?'' That makes some sense if so. Since they couldn''t reach agreement among themselves anyway, they just submitted a proposal per Tsar''s request regardless of feasibility or business value. ''Though it''s vexing they submitted without even tasting it...'' But I can''t ignore it either. After all, I said with my own mouth I''d seriously consider proposals from parliament and acted like I''d pass most things. "What should I do with this." I silently re at these documents whose title I dislike while tapping my fingers on the desk. "The Beren I know... couldn''t have known and did this. But he wasn''t one to rampage like a crazy colt either." If he was, could he have risen to Chief Aide? He would''ve hit promotion ceiling at major and discharged. "Your Majesty, shouldn''t we at least conduct business feasibility review for show?" "The result is set. There''s absolutely no business feasibility." Because this too was something simrly done in original history. When they absolutely couldn''t increase productivity pernd through mechanization, farm equipment, or fertilizer supply, the empire''s second-best measure was increasing farnd. ''Attempted Siberian farnd remation. Tried handling poption density too by relocating millions, but created more chaos when migrants returned.'' Siberian cold isn''t something to rashly tackle with half-hearted development. Anyway, our country isn''t one that can''t be self-sufficient, so there''s no need to obsess over more farnd. Agriculture is more than sufficient, even excessive, breaking export records annually. "Currently workers are mostly daily or manualborers." "I understand workers recently flooded in with construction boom including railway works." "Right, and those works are all carried out as state projects. Meaning workers could be left hanging when construction ends." So, I wanted to convert them from simple construction workers to factory workers. And I thought that preparation must start now and is only possible through private capital growth. ''It''s all connected like a spider web. Creating middle ss,nd reform, export diversification, domestic market activation, improvingbor conditions and national development.'' But here suddenly the state steps in to conduct farnd remation projects? That''spletely copsing everything and regressing 30 years. This project should have been done in grandfather''s era releasing serfs, doing it now is perfect for ruining the country''s future. "What will you do? We must give an answer to the Duma first. If you''ll oppose, you must do it now." "Sigh, first call Witte." "Saying to call the Finance Minister means..." "I know nothing, but Finance Minister Witte and officials oppose in outrage, ordingly the Tsar requests reconsideration once more. The next election starts soon anyway, this much should do." "Friction between officials and Duma could intensify." "Additionally tell Witte Minister to go meet him." "Who do you mean?" "Who else, Beren Volkov." Officially to hear the original nner''s views and detailed ns, actually to send Witte to check if Beren is that soldier Beren I know. "Making Witte Minister who''ll take hits instead of Your Majesty meet the perpetrator directly, I perfectly understand Your Majesty''s orders." "Hmm?" "I shall withdraw now." Though slightly strange, Count Dashkov left like that, and I fell back into contemtion at Beren''s unexpected appearance. ''Did this bastard exist in original history Russia?'' Even I who prided myself on knowing Russia-specific history had to review my memories again at Beren''s sudden rise in the Duma. However much I try to recall, the name Beren Volkov never appeared in history books even once. "To have such agitation ability but no records..." Then he must have been buried in the military indeed. It was a moment newly confirming just the positive function of the military. == "...Fucked." That day after giving a boastful speech, enjoying ecstasy with eyes closed. Beren''s smile didn''tst long. "Now then, let''s vote!" "Nothing to see! Though points needing supplementation are visible, I agree with the fundamental content!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om "Unconditional approval!" "Ten points... ten points!" "Uh, what?" Because he really didn''t expect it to go to voting right there. Still, until then he maintainedposure thinking ''No way''. 102 votes for, 77 against, rest abstaining. Until it really passed majority. "Today we''ve taken a monumental step towardnd reform!" "Beren! Beren! Beren!" "Ah, no wait-" They pass it by railroading an immediate vote like this? Shouldn''t we all split four-five ways and fight again about expert opinions and financial issues? ''Why? Why on earth is this passing!'' When it actually passed, his hands trembled involuntarily and he couldn''t smile. Though confirming his influence was good, from now he''d have to take responsibility too. In truth, themon feeling that something must pass before next election. And psychology of ''this is better at least'' passing a proposal neither radical nor particrly harmful or coercive, but Beren never considered such things in the first ce. He just thought if he made this much name, Governor Sergei couldn''t help but give him a spot at the port. Labor and human rights? He''s the most antibor and human rights oppressing military background himself. Capital? Though he befriended wealthy bourgeoisie, this too was just wondering if anyone might invest in the Far East, no greater greed. Liberalism based on rule ofw, checks and bnces, and separation of powers? What''s that you bastards. Will that bring even one more ship to divostok port? The only ideology-like thing Beren knows is the State-Led Free Market Economic Development System-ism he directly observed rubbing shoulders with in the Far East. Actually he doesn''t know well even that state-led whatever ideology. He just thought "oh I see" since smart people like Chairman Bunge were pushing it. Still pretending to have something, he just changed one character from Professor Bunge''s "State-Led Urban Development Project" to "State-Led Land Development Project". "Haha! Today His Majesty officially ordered business feasibility review! How can we just pass this joyous day? Representative Volkov, let''s celebrate together!" "Hoho, going that way would just end up at taverns. Instead, I''ve rented a hotel banquet hall, let''s go there." "No! Teacher! Thousands of St. Petersburg workers will gather this evening! Please give them a hopeful speech!" "Ah..." Only then did Volkov feel this wouldn''t end at Governor Sergei''s level. ''C-Crown Prince!'' No, now His Majesty the Tsar. This proposal would reach his desk. And that means. "Representative Volkov, do you have a moment?" "...Uh, could you be-" "Right. I''m Finance Minister Sergei Witte." Someone sent by the Tsar woulde looking for him. "I sincerely want to hear our expert''s views, rushed here in one breath. Please, I hope you''ll spare some time." Witte''s words breaking off suggested he was about to cut off Volkov''s limbs right now. "Ah..." "Let''s go somewhere and have a proper talk." Witte looked desperate to hear Beren''s views. Or just wanted to kill him. Chapter 25 Forcibly Rising to Create a Storm (3) The biggest problem in current imperial rural areas is poor farmers without strength to stand on their own. These poor farmers mainly farm rentednd, but even this uses the three-field system (dividingnd in three with one-third fallow) so part of rentednd can''t be used. It was still fine in early-mid 19th century when mir was active. Regions themselves redistributednd at regr intervals or mir aplished local development like roads and hospitals that government couldn''t. However, when lowest ss system disappeared and serfdom was abolished, mir degenerated and rural society started walking paths of individual survival. "Now poor farmers can''t even get chances to rise on their own." Those withnd get opportunities to buy morend, those without remain unable to escape serf life. Fearsome capitalism extended its hand even to countryside. "Over 15 million in six-person farming families can''t even reach half the average from purebor ie alone. Know what I''m trying to say?" They groan crawling across the empire''s bottom even today. Stuck in countryside unable to help themselves, their only hope lies with high officials making policies above. Their natural poption increase is also a problem. Farmers who were just 50 million 30 years ago now exceed 80 million. Meaning poption growth graph shoots up sharply as epidemics and wars decrease. ''Meanwhile farnd given per household dropped 46% from 5 desyatinas to 2.7 desyatinas. Independent farmer proportion is even more miserable.'' Actual farnd increased greatly but owners were just wealthy farmers. Witte detests radical leftists. Their ignorance and inherent violence make him want to vomit just watching. However, he also empathized with tens of millions of workers'' and farmers'' suffering. What he studied and researched at Alkustov Agricultural Institute in his youth was essentially farmers'' suffering itself. "But do you know what you''ve done?" "...I don''t really know." "You''ve sent the empire trying to move past mir back to the past." The state reiming farnd? Though state-led of course,panies must jump in too. They''ll create ntation farms and new mir, making poor farmers serfs again. Truly the worst n where imperial capital, industry''s priming water seeps back into farnd. "Though I don''t know exactly what the Tsar ns, poor farmers would surely decrease on his path. If only you hadn''t interfered like this." Whatever the method, continued industrialization could pull poor farmers into urban workers. If farmer numbers themselves decrease, rural worker value rises andnd prices fall. Though urban workers would face intensifiedpetition in return, this part must be solved only through industrialization, economic and capital development. "I didn''t care what ideology those vermin in State Duma brandished. I had no time to care about such things given the great task of reform." Really he wanted to beat down all revolutionaries and ideologists. Like in the previous Tsar''s era. However, Witte didn''t show such thoughts. Because he believed such pressure could naturally dissolve through national development. Indeed, Witte was at the level of believing all problems depended on development and reform. So. So such pure anger couldn''t help but leak even now during conversation. "I-I didn''t know-" "Is not knowing enough? Right now I want to move the Interior Ministry to kill you- Whew. No, if I do that who knows what nonsense you''ll spout in State Duma tomorrow." Isn''t itughable? It was just recently rejoicing at sessful gold standard, but all efforts and empire''s future be bubbles from one stupid proposal like this. Even without Tsar''s orders he would have led opposition to such policy, but unsure if that could stop it. Because even Witte couldn''t be certain whether the Tsar would reject Duma''s request. ''His Majesty... I can''t tell even as years change.'' Would the Tsar directly oppose parliament''s proposal that he himself established after just one year? Or would he approve staying detached pretending ignorance like before. The problem of right and wrong has now spread to political problems. "I''m really curious. What on earth were you thinking proposing such policy?" "J-just roughlybined things I picked up drinking..." "Ha!" Unbelievable. This fellow, the lower house passing such proposal, the upper house approving without careful examination. "Though there''d be political burden, still ending you at my level-" "Enough. Minister, aren''t you too excited?" A voice stopping Witte about to speak like passing sentence. It was a voice Beren knew well too. "Your Majesty Tsar." "Come now, let''s calm down a bit." Though Witte knew the Tsar was listening to conversation through one wooden wall, hisposure maintained even now was bizarre. "Your Majesty, this one crossed the line. He can''t be left alone." "But is it right to kill a rising Duma representative? What about the aftermath? Well, Okhrana could disguise it as idental death." "Y-Your Majesty! I''m Beren Volkov! That Chief Aide who boldly left for Far East just hearing Your Majesty''s words!" "I know, Chief Aide Beren. Though I didn''t expect to meet like this." "I really didn''t know about this! No, those Duma representatives must just be crazy! They never listen and just fight daily, so I just listened to them and went along agreeing a bit, but they all cast votes!" When even the Tsar appeared, Beren started spouting whatever came to mind as if feeling death threat. However, Niki watching such Beren showed no anger. Just a gaze evaluating one object''s value. "Hmm, that''s really something. How strange that individual agitation works even in this Russia." How many ideologists proimed their ideologies as truth and scattered them to the masses. It''s an inevitable era where pleasant-sounding ideology gets chosen regardless of right and wrong. In such era, obtaining Duma majority with mere agitation without foundational ideology. "Beren, I first vowed to thoroughly crush whoever submitted such proposal. No matter how I looked, it seemed only intentionally ruining my ns." "No! What would I stuck in Khabarovsk know!" "That''s why. It''s more dumbfounding that this wasn''t intended. So I''m still contemting. Whether there''s use in letting you be, or should cut here." Priding never making mistakes since bing Tsar, now seems not so. ''Perhaps I was too arrogant pretending to know everything alone.'' Niki was feeling dazed like taking his first hit. Beren before him was clearly his ''mistake''. "Watching, the worst mistake a monarch with power can make." "It''s not Your Majesty''s fault. This is just the result when an ignorant one has conviction." "Witte, I provided ways for that ignorant one to grasp power." Niki was still contemting. Justification is weak to hit Duma after just one year. ''Though public disappointment is great, they haven''tpletely turned their backs.'' Harvest unripe apples after one year, or wait despite more hardship. That''s what Niki contemted watching Beren. What if a second Beren appears? If Duma keeps mindlessly passing proposals after this? Though Niki also expected Democratic and Labor parties'' collusion, he never imagined votesing from Progressive and Conservative parties too. "What to do about this..." Don''t know how much Beren''s ability is and how far his influence will grow in Duma. Perhaps the bubble will burst revealing insignificance. "Hmm, good. Decided."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Your Majesty! Please!" "I''ll spare you." In four-party structure split half and half, situations possibly exceeding half keep arising. "Of course notpletely forgiving. I''ll tell Governor Sergei, so try few more years." "What? Why my term..." "Why, because you''ll found a party." So make Duma five. Even eating few seats could possibly y casting vote role. "Just keep talking energetically like now. But if you can''t even do that... the road back to Far East might be quite dangerous." Regrettable but this is best. Niki thought nothing to gain from dealing with Beren now. "Now, Minister Witte here will send slightly degraded version of your proposal back to parliament for feasibility issues." "Should I pass that?" "No? You should block it." This whole process must happen before elections. "I hope nothinges up to my desk from Duma." Orders to now block the proposal he submitted. Beren already felt dizzy. == "Your Majesty, did you discover value in Representative Beren that I don''t know?" Leaving the building without Beren, Witte finally asked his held question. Even as Finance Minister, he thought he knew too little about this unpredictable Tsar. "Value, that''s for him to prove going forward." "After next election, risk of Representative Beren''s influence growingrger. Didn''t Count Dashkov say he''s just an agitator not even an intellectual?" "That''s why he''s useful." Because those agitation targets are fellow Duma representatives. "Liberals are free in name only, can be seen as fallen nobles and cunning intellectuals gathered coveting power. Labor Party are potential traitors. Conservative and Progressive? In the end just for their interests, not one person in that State Duma sees the whole empire." Meanwhile Beren looked different to Niki. ''This bastard just agitated like breathing.'' Rather found use because of that. Since it wasn''t for his group''s interests. Just stuck to that fighting arena with mouth being his calling and made newspapers. "But shame to shatter Duma just because of one Beren? Thanks to it protests and strikes decreased considerably." Originally those rushing to Tsar and high officials shouting noisily asking to hear their stories now head to Duma. For Niki, no betterints window than this. Though Witte also knew well about this part, another point Niki mentioned lingered in his ears. "Duma... was scheduled to shatter?" "Hm? Ah, didn''t know? Must press down once. I can''t remain kind and virtuous Tsar forever." Purging State Duma he created himself. Do those State Duma representatives even know this fact? ''No, absolutely not.'' If they knew, they couldn''t rampage not knowing sky''s height. Things like Beren couldn''t even be born. "Hmm, seeing your expression you really didn''t know. Didn''t expect our Finance Minister so pure." "..." "Don''t look at me so frightfully. It''s what you have to do anyway." What he has to do? Never thought anything besides reform but purge? Witte couldn''t even answer. To such Witte, Niki gently threw bait again. "How long will you stay Finance Minister? Isn''t there next?" "Next... ah, you''ll implement Prime Minister system?" "Have to. How long think we can block majority passage?" Purge Duma with your own hands, rise to Prime Minister position. Rise there and control Duma again. The Tsar''s wishes became clear. As if eagerly awaiting that moment, Niki walked away with light steps hands behind back. Meanwhile Witte... wished he didn''t know the Tsar''s ns. Chapter 26 Forcibly Rising to Create a Storm (4) When grandfather abolished serfdom, he said something like this. "Better to initiate from above than have it rise from below." A truly rtable statement even now. Even then, this statement struck noble society and nobles gradually joined abolishing serfdom, while grandfather traveled the country personally preaching serfdom abolition''s importance. The central high officials, social activists, progressives,ndowners who abolished this serfdom with grandfather then. Thoseter called ''red bureaucrats'' for that progressive reform remained grandfather''s loyalist forces afterward, doing everything together from imperialw revision tond distribution. This is what I wanted from parliament. Namely the role of ''red bureaucrats'' who fought nobles opposing serfdom abolition then. A State Duma where everyone participates very fairly and equitably. Just one group excluded here. Majorndowners, provincial nobles. "Howfortable must grandfather have been? His bureaucrats fought nobles for him." Naval Minister, Finance Minister, Military District Commander, central nobles all sided with grandfather, truly the best loyalist forces. Reading records makes me want such too. So deliberately mentioning precedent, made bourgeoisie paying massive city taxes included in Duma. Since they don''t get along with traditionalndowners. Naturally included liberals and those shouting workers'' rights too. These above all would leadndowner oppression holding torches and plows. And I, young and uneducated, take role of ordering crushing majorndowners, unable to resist Duma''s decisions. Truly couldn''t be a better theater script. "When majorndowners copse, foundation fornd reformpletes without using force." Does everything end there? No. Whenndowners, traditional ruling ss and power holders for centuries copse, Duma will surely be triumphant. Then my remaining options are simple. What reason to keep hunting dogs after hunt ends. "By then fine even if I pushnd reform. Preparations will be finished too." No opera ends in one act. Duma''s turnes next. This was the picture I drew first establishing State Duma. New dog kills old dog, I kill and deliciously eat young fresh dog. Imperial power strengthening, reform speed increase, rebellion risk decrease, capital development, agricultural product increase, middle ss production etc. Effects contained in this one n are endless listing. But ns start twisting immediately upon execution? "Hmm, let''s admit. Underestimated Duma too much." Meant to let them stew among themselves just 3 years, but they grasped political physiology in 1 year. At this rate it''s Democratic-Labor alliance vs Conservative-Progressive collusion structure. Beren just lightning strike from clear sky. But kill old dog this year? ''Imperial subjects haven''t sufficiently disappointed in Duma yet.'' Doesn''t seem particrly appropriate timing now. Rather possibility Duma might rece existing power ss too. Whether purge or reform, change process demands power beyond requiring power. "Must see it as result of trying to solve too much through others'' hands." Practically I never wielded power even once. Establish which department, create which institution - order but just until there. Meaning didn''t fill only with my people and use to my taste. But in this state... unsure how long can remain kind good young Emperor Niki. "Well, if really doesn''t work, must rename from Tsar Niki to Tsar Bomba and step forward." Since autocratic ruler better than ruinous monarch. First must see if Beren can digest newly given role well. == ''Should I confess my n was wrong instead?'' First passable proposal that could be called Duma''s achievement, but proposer opposes. No, bacsh too big for this. Even his fervent supporters might fall away and might never recover from this incident. Might meet Okhrana on way straight back to Far East too. Tsar wants beyond proposal''s abolition, wants me bing Duma''s informant. ''Then try submitting different proposal as substitute instead?'' With content everyone throws votes to Beren passing majority without fighting... like such thing could exist. Miracle enough passing majority as mere independent, can''t hope for another miracle now. Especially among those four parties unting their colors more with election few weeks away. Then indeed one way. "I cannot ept even one inch modification to my n." "Representative Beren!" Namely opposing modification itself pretending to have firm conviction. ''Please, don''t agree. If you agree I really die!'' Beren closed his eyes briefly as usual then started rampaging sparkingly. "I knew well from start my grand n had no business n! Think I didn''t know even that! But this was for suffering farmers'' relief andnd redistribution, not about how much state resources consumed or money made or not!" "Representative Beren, isn''t officials'' opposition considerable? Refute their grounds." "What do desk-sitters looking only at numbers know! Have they tried farming themselves, worked 16 hours daily in factories? I''ve done it all! Done it all!" Beren raised his voice dynamically even spraying spit. "Said increase farnd because farndcking. I didn''t push university schrs'' papers or try teaching difficult forms! Just increase what''s needed, that alone. But if that''s difficult what use is my argument? Don''t block problem of agreeing or not with policy feasibility and business value." Speaking so, he sat crossing arms passing right to speak. "Since Representative Beren has no more words, let''s vote immediately. Vote agenda is for against Minister Witte''s modified proposal." Though outwardly no knight more prepared to die honorably, all sorts of calctions turned in Beren''s mind. ''Fortunately they''ll watch their party positions in election season. I opposed first, justification not bad too.'' Please oppose, please oppose. The greater his hope for rejection, more Beren maintained expression suppressing anger. Hoping maximum everyone sees and opposes together. "71 votes for, 98 against, 31 abstaining, proposal rejected." Immediately exmations and small sighs heard here and there. But when chairman dered rejection, Beren stood starting to p. p, p, p. Slowly pping showing agreement with rejection result. But tears flowed from his eyes. First proposal passed in Duma. His conviction having to oppose personally proposal everyone was excited expecting would reach Tsar''s desk and implement.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Other Duma representatives watching that whole process and result beside him couldn''t dare make any sound. p p p... Just btedly stood apuding his respectful appearance despite result he deemed unfair. Of course one of Beren''s hardcore supporters suddenly shouted. "Representative Beren, this matter can pass again after election ends! Don''t be disappointed! We''ll help!" "Enough! This is our Duma''s decision! State Duma established by His Majesty Tsar!" Ah, who could dare call Beren dishonorable? Though split into parties by different ideologies, no one dared think Beren putting on show. Beren''s tears flowing without wiping wouldn''t easily stop. Because. ''Fuck, I lived! Sob, I lived! Honey, I''ll definitely return!'' Now even pping hands trembling. Might wet pants with tension released. But good. Because lived anyway. Beren''s opposition was sincere. == Though Niki shows great interest in foreign wirelessmunication experiments since ''95 and imperial Communications Ministry actively tries introducing technology, Far East remains practically istednd. Physically too far, even concept of receiving supplies from that Europe impossible if assuming war. "This must be why Tsar allocated inexhaustible budget. Maximizing supply procurement capability." For Roman, how much profitability and future development potential numerous projects spread by current Governor-General''s Office have was ultimately secondary. Most important work for him ultimately is war Niki predicted. Then is it right for Governor Sergei unlimitedly increasing military district forces now? "...Still won''t reach 100,000 under governor. Real forces muste riding trains when railwaypletes anyway." However many troops exist under governor, would just be for enduring initial defense. Joseon also problem. Though that country itself has no value if given up, can''t prevent increase of various ports andnding points. If give up Joseon, naturally Yellow Sea falls next. "Sigh, terrain too rough unlike European military districts and climate does whatever it wants." No matter how much spread maps changing troop deployment and trying enemy''s advance routes variously, process all simr. Enemy will upy Joseon first and advance north to Liaodong and Manchuria. Our empire will try gathering maximum troops while they eat Joseon. Don''t care whether lose Joseon or not but not from Manchuria. Just losing South Manchurian Railway deals empire big supply blow. Tsar said Japan will use most Sino-Japanese War reparations for military expenses. Meanwhile empire dispersing variously into railway construction, business, support, investment, urban development costs etc. Yet Tsar acted like no big problem if just prepare in advance. "Why, why me of all people." Having run for this issue in Far East nearly 3 years but seeing no answer, such thought suddenly struck Roman. Really nothing special about himself. Never achieved war merits anywhere and knows nothing about economy or nned cities. Can''t understand why Tsar made him noble and designated him next governor here. "What I''m confident in at most... just engineering." The part Roman himself showed talent at most was when learning advanced engineering course in ''79. No actually his life was just engineering itself sincemissioning as Caucasus 1st Engineering Battalion lieutenant. Building something, destroying something. Though thanks to that experience could work hard in this Far Eastnd with construction sites opening every other day, but just until there. Unsure if this besplete war preparation. Roman tried shaking off negative emotions and focused on map again. "Mustpletely abandon Joseon indeed." Advancing half-heartedly just leads to annihtion while retreating. Meaning Far East starts with defensive warfare from start. What best preparations can he make here? "...Right. Let''s build fortresses." Anyway won''t happen that Roman himselfmands hundreds of thousands of troops. He''s just a colonel after all. Probably main armying from Europe will handle full-scale counterattack. He just needs to endure. Just this year settlers increased reaching 40,000. Even distributingnd and making them farm gradually bing difficult for Governor-General''s Office. "Seeing frontline as border with Joseon, Yalu River, should build fortress here. Rear fortress preparing retreat, fortress blocking between mountains, fortress fighting along rivers. Make with concrete, install machine gun positions, connect with sand wall trenches..." Inexhaustible budget and sufficientbor force. Born engineer Roman decided to just do what he does well. That was construction. Chapter 27 Methamphetamine or Vitamin? (1) The Republic of Korea, which I know almost as well as Russia. Looking at its economic history, the process is quite unique. After liberation in the 1940s, finishing enemy property disposal andnd reform, that penins experiencing war was quite a mess. With territory halved and post-war trauma ovepping, how bad must the country''s state have been. A country extending life through aid. That was the Republic of Korea. Won value copsed after blocking war capital procurement with currency issuance. Hard-built infrastructure and agriculture destroyed. Exports and imports non-existent. National production halved in three years starting 1950s. Worse still, loss of basic national capabilities like hospitals, administration, roads, infrastructure, electricity production. Only surviving was military eating money and manpower. However, until here one might think ''Isn''t this same for any war-experienced country?'' What impressed me wasn''t this dark period but what came next. From the 1960s when growth properly began afterpleting reorganization. "Period when country with only basic Korea Development Bank and Korea Agricultural Bank suddenly started creating special purpose banks." ''61 Small-Medium Business Bank, Agricultural Cooperative. ''62 National Bank. ''67 Export-Import Bank, many foreign bank branches. Prepare financial system, make development ns, then create banks. Since just creating and abandoning banks won''t work voluntarily well, state allocates business funds through policy. Starting 1960s, Korea adheres to this method over 30 years regardless of regime. Truly policy finance endlessly distributed with state stepping forward. Then did banks established under Republic of Korea government leadership profit from start? No. Until 1970s banks recorded massive pure deficits for 15-30 years (state debt forgiveness and below-market interest loans). Policy loans 73% of new loans in ''63. Except just three times until 1980s, policy loans always exceeded 60% of total loans. Republic of Korea was country continuing unprecedented policy finance figures annually unseen anywhere worldwide. This came as huge shock even to me studying history. Commonly Koreans might think country developed through New Vige Movement learned in textbooks. Right, that was start. Next generation after New Vige Movement saysrgepanies went overseas earning foreign currency, dors. That''s also right. High growth periodpanies advanced overseas seemingly without fear of risk. However, policy finance lurked behind all that. Well-grownpanies create newpanies too but rather when stateÉùs "Hugely raising chemical industry policy finance ratio this year!"panies nationwide immediately jumped into chemical industry. Republic of Korea''s growth was like that. Growth relying on state policy finance rather than foreign or private investment. Not that I blindly believe in such policy finance. "Of course there are harms. Insolventpanies arise, unbnced growth from tax consumption, decreased wealth redistribution etc various side effects." However, key is growing first before whining about such harms. Because I''ve never seen faster, more efficient method among ''state-led development'' methods I know in history. ''96 election ended. Still same ranking just different proportions from first to fourth party Democratic-Conservative-Labor-Progressive. Winter where snow piles knee-deep in one day, this agricultural country just quiet when snow falls. Don''t much like this country''s behavior stopping just because bit cold, some snow fell. "Hope it gets bit livelier froming new year. Even in winter." I want to breathe vitality into this boring, quiet medieval country through policy finance. Treasury endlessly umting 13 years with deficit finance resolved. Sessful gold standard settlement over past year. And newly established Imperial Industrial Bank too. "Just look at Professor Bunge running wild in Far East, era where policy finance sufficiently works." Time hase to inject drugs into this country''s capital with only noble bank and peasantnd bank. == "Your Majesty! This isn''t banking but investment! Though you said for imperial capitalism''s growth, this is practically like injecting drugs!" "It''s fine I tell you. This is like therapeutic drug." "How can you be so certain when massive national tax might be invested innd reform anytime?" "Because I prescribed it." That the moderate bureaucrats'' leader Witte rushes in with zing eyes. Thought at least he could see macroscopic fruits beyond myopic harms. "I... cannot understand. Thoughte starter, empire has steadily grown recently. Not missing single year!" "Know how long that''ll continue?" "Right, I too can''t be certain. So more don''t understand why you''d risk such danger." First, I don''t expect Duma to solve unanswerablend problem this year either. And clearly watched gold standard sessfully settlest year. Meaning I see this year as perfect timing. "Fail then Soviet Union, seed then Republic of Korea..." "What? Though don''t understand what you''re saying... Your Majesty doesn''t know capitalist kinds so that''s why. They''ll move to fill their bellies under pretext of policy finance support!" "That''s it! The industrialists I want filling their bellies!" Of course. Would bourgeoisie not drool seeing policy finance? They were at level of making credit unions lending emergency funds and guaranteeing each other, then suddenly state offers money. "However, they must do business designated by state." Modern logic that market (demand) naturally creates suitablepanies (supply) when created. Ick patience to wait for that. ''Let''s try supply first. Know prototypes? Need products first whether domestic or foreign demand.'' People should have pioneering spirit, Minister Witte too negative. "Or fill with state enterprises every time like until now? State enterprise proportion in taxes already gradually increasing?" "Didn''t you acknowledge that part resolves through gradual reform?" "Acknowledge. Instead takes insanely long." ncing around room not just Witte. Commerce Ministry, Industry Ministry, Finance Ministry, Agriculture Ministry, State Assets Ministry. Just all bureaucrats with even slight foot in this policy rushed in shouting opposition. ''Not that I don''t understand their feelings.'' Since policy finance in Russia only existed as farmer debt forgiveness until now. Perhaps my words "let''s raise bourgeoisie" provoked resistance from inside these elites who studied to rise here. "Sorry, but only ministers stay, rest leave." But originally living in capitalist society, can''t grow overall pie with such mindset. What nonsense despising bourgeoisie while wanting growth. "Perhaps. If thought I strengthen imperial power freely wielding capitalists through policy finance... want to say that''s misunderstanding." "..." "Really." "Isn''t it?" "..." Each sentence exchange blocking once shows how many thought gaps exist. No but though no precedent until now, saying this works! Of course don''t misunderstand what Witte ims. Judged budget shouldn''t leak to policy finance when state''s basic foundations not even solidified. ''Actually Soviet Union blew everything else including agriculture while developing heavy industry from 1920s.'' They say Soviet Union routinely had about 5 million starve during famines then. But again, this country currently ranks first in both agricultural production and exports.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Notcking food to eat if state just doesn''t take. "I thought Your Majesty pitied poor farmers. Thus believed you''d quickly reduce their suffering." "Suffering, will reduce that. Thoughnd reform won''t happen short-term." Not like I pushed policy finance forgetting original Russian history. State develops butints inevitably umte. "What... do you mean?" "Though can''t reduce farmers'' suffering itself, will make them forget and endure with hope and pleasure." Think I only prepared drugs for bourgeoisie? Of course also prepared customized blue pill for those in countryside who are also my imperial subjects. "Seems I can''t follow what Your Majesty''s saying. More exnation-" "Ah, can confirm thatter through newspapers. See farmers'' reactions then, ifint resolution doesn''t decrease I''ll reconsider once more." "...Understood." Good, fine understanding until here. Can''t even start if ministers before me and bureaucrats below oppose from beginning when doing policy finance. After all they''re ones directly injecting capital. "And there are positive fields included in this policy finance. Content you''ll like too." "What is it?" "Construction. For you I''d say ''railway construction''." How long will state stand forward doing railway construction. Already construction speed all different by section. "Sections slow as if constructing with teaspoons. Just entrusting some sections between Chelyabinsk and divostok wouldplete much faster." "That... seems fine." Truly capitalism''s basic quality efficiency might shine. "Now then, I''ll consider all agreed!" Hmm, somehow feel reliable that my empire''s highest bureaucrats agree so much with my policy. Though ministers leave creaking as if feet won''t lift well, still believe their true hearts same as mine. == Few weeks before policy finance implementation, news shaking empire arrived from Duma. [Land Holding Tax Introduction Emerges!] [Representative Beren Volkov, All Equal Before Tax Whether Noble or Farmer.] [Land Tax, Stepping Stone for Farnd Redistribution?] Was small firework Volkov shot up too bright for this dark empire? Everyone starts stirring transcending region, religion, race. Though don''t know about passage yet and seems fighting back and forth over this in Duma, at least framed one thing well from start. ''Land tax - tax wealthy farmers pay.'' Whether bes stepping stone fornd reform or torments poor independent farmers throughnd price copse. At least recognition ofnd tax stuck in minds like that. Poor farmers don''t know about mir crisis or double taxation. Just one thing engraved in their minds that Duma representatives stepped forward one day to beat downndowners. And that effect was truly excellent. "Director, how''s reaction?" "Nothing particr to investigate. Even those opposing mir dissolution, no one in countryside dislikesnd tax introduction. Isn''t it policy hitting tax on specific targets from start?" "Well, who''d dislike besides majorndowners." Smile gently forms on my lips hearing our poor farmers happy. Is this parent''s heart ruling empire? Truly warm feeling one corner of chest swelling. ''Ah, how can hold coronation when Duma draws attention so well.'' Coronation failed this year too. Chapter 28 Methamphetamine or Vitamin? (2) As Duma zed withnd tax, administration quietly brought out policy finance. Though exact budget not yet public, moves fromst year''s gold standard to Imperial Industrial Bank to policy finance. Capital people didn''t miss this either.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Situation where Duma ims leftist policies, administration tries implementing rightist policies. Seeing series of eventsprehensively, people naturally thought: "Seems quite twisted between State Duma and government." "Already rumors rife about bureaucrats and representatives worse than cats and dogs, wonder if empire might split in half." "Wonder if young Tsar knows this division." Anyone can see high officials'' direction including Witte firmly set. Only rightist economic development. Minister Witte''s interest only in national development like pig iron, steel, coal. Meanwhile State Duma''s direction though slightly different by party ultimately focuses on people''s livelihood not state. Seemingly natural difference. Appears only as difference between representatives elected by imperial citizens and bureaucrats risen through individual ability. However ministers knowing true inside thoughtpletely differently. ''Is Tsar trying to strike down all nobles this chance?'' ''Though can''t easily think of weakening own support base politically... current empire can do that. Still none will challenge Tsar''s power.'' ''By now seems like picking policies just to taste.'' Can rural nobles transform to capitalists selling family property and moving to cities for capitalist development like that Germany? Probably possible. Having inherited assets through generations, some nobles have plenty opportunities to board changing times'' flow. But those who can''t. That is, those insisting on medieval property multiplication remaining in countryside not sellingnd obviously would copse at this rate. "At this rate seems quite many provincial nobles will copse every tax payment..." "Though their resistance will be fierce, probably head to Duma before heading to Tsar." Fallen nobles already not rare existence in empire. Wasn''t Democratic Party, Duma''s first party, filled over half with intellectual ss from fallen noble background? Those fallen to bottom were ones trying to head back to power''s center under pretext of liberalism. But not all nobles who''ll fall or weaken can quickly transform to liberals and do politics like them. "Hasn''t Count Dashkov heard hints about current situation from Tsar?" "He''s not one to tell all ns. Even asking advice briefly, ultimately I can''t know true heart." "If Imperial Household Minister doesn''t know means no one in pce knows." "Rather Finance Minister, aren''t you one Tsar cherishes?" "...Cherishes." Witte briefly drinking tea quietly watched water trembling on teacup. "I''m not Finance Minister appointed by His Majesty. More precisely just received previous Tsar''s grace." "What about that?" "Always feels like His Majesty testing me. Would give more authority and voice if pass, but might be reced that day if fail." Finance Minister. That position said to take most weighty duty among ministers. Yet Witte couldn''t dare im approached Tsar''s grand n. "Recently sent unheard person under me." "Ah, must be one His Majesty personally selected." "Pyotr Stolypin, majored agriculture at St. Petersburg University, sent to use well when reformingnd... that friend quite radical too." Though not outwardly shown, Witte thought Tsar''s moves quite radical too. "How''s that friend''s ability?" "Though old-fashioned unfitting reform, ability good. Yes, can''t deny His Majesty''s appropriate personnel appointment." Not just Finance Ministry? Right now Tsar''s obsession with one engineering officer met in military during crown prince days famous in army. Though unconfirmed, said stalked whole year and half finally giving medal sending to Far East. Witte once worried reforms might copse losing Tsar''s protection now gone. Now Witte. No, not just him but many bureaucrats all captured by simr thoughts. "Even sitting as minister don''t know where empire heading." "Same for Duma representatives. Though believe they have decision rights, ones not knowing actual destination." "Only His Majesty. Only he knows." But funnier point is, this isn''t action for mysticism or strengthening imperial power like other monarchs. ''Though seemingly impulsive like child at nce, Tsar firmly holds at least one direction.'' Just Witte felt like puppet performing under that n. Yes, perhaps this natural logic in imperial structure. Power holder has no reason persuade people below. Nevertheless, this fact hit too strongly for him always leading reforms. To Witte looking empty despite taking more work than ever, Count Dashkov slowly opened mouth. "But still. I think now betterpared to previous times doing nothing." "..." "Isn''t Minister same? Empire''s time stopped like hardened mud bing brick. For decades at that. Compared to that now? This stirring I feel on skin. I missed that." "Is that so." That... is right. Previous Tsar gave no orders for any change except Trans-Siberian Railway. Just bureaucrats trying somehow jumping here and there within given authority. "So isn''t better to try something then regret?" Witte quietly nodded. "Perhaps as Minister says His Majesty might want sweep away nobles. Then we should sweep them. At least that better than era doing nothing." "Is that really it." Finance Minister Sergei Witte. Many previous finance ministers and reformers before him copsed to nobles'' opposition. Could really massacre them like this by Tsar''s order. "Minister''s reforms need nobles'' power?" "Not that." "Then fine. Don''t thinkplicated. Perhaps Minister needs Duma''s power?" "That too unnecessary." "We need His Majesty Tsar, not others." Somehow Witte''s heart seemed lighter with Count Dashkov''s short questions. "And that same for this empire." Is that so? Really does this empire not need Duma or nobles? Just need only His Majesty? Disappointing Duma and retreating nobles. And advancing Emperor. Then... Witte thought better bet everything on Tsar. Even if doesn''t know where heading himself. == "Dering again in this ce, I didn''t speak of base n stealing from haves sharing from jealousy! Just saying must stop situation where only haves can livend! Where poor be poorer!" "Right!" "When faminees wealthy buy morend. And when springes next year they rentnd to those who sold themnd. Conversely when farming goes well, fruits only go to wealthyndowners. How was famine just 6 years ago? Landowners walking starving viges made whole vige serfs! To that dark time of liberation some 30 years ago!" "Insult to previous Tsar!" "Treason, treason!" "Trust respected Duma representatives will judge well what''s for empire." "Will vote immediately!" Must conductnd measurement survey once every five years and pay tax determined then annually. Part where policy slightly modified since if doingnd tax once every ten years originally, getsplicated withnd transactions meanwhile and might need pay massive tax at once. But big framework unchanged. Tax bomb package for majorndowners, provincial nobles. "Announce passed with 128 votes for!" Delivery decided before springes melting ground. Like other taxes, agricultural country Russia collects most taxes betweente summer and fall. "Butnd transactions will be huge from spring this year." "Because must pay tax even just having without buying, selling!" Whether properly implemented from this fall indeed wasn''t Duma representatives'' concern. Important was they finally seeded what they believe justice. Landowners under 10 desyatinas don''t pay tax. Meanwhile tax increases exponentially as exceed certainnd. Thisw had loophole namelypanyw. This bill hittingnd tax if not fundamentally independent farmer applies differently forpanies. If nobles all establishpanies changing poor farmers to employment form story different, but naturally would these nobles do that? For them ''employment'' only existed hiring servants and attendants. Originally poor farmer employment all middleman stewards'' role so nobles almost never directly faced poor farmers. News clearing minds though no direct rtion to farmers well farming ownnd in countryside. Golden opportunity to buynd even pulling loans for poor farmers. Land tax like thunderbolt for provincial nobles. Hopeful news for imperial Finance Ministry''s budget already contracted by policy finance. "Land tax arising from possession plus stamp tax arising everynd transaction?" "Will daye again when empire collects stamp tax like this year?" "Might be hard even buying back ska?" Then how about Progressive Party and capitalists casting opposition votes in Duma? "Land tax? What about that!" "Industrial bank, isn''t this just state lending at low interest regardless of credit!" "Pull maximum! Put even underwear as coteral get money!" Though shouted opposition in Duma, actually didn''t much care whether introduced or not. That measlynd tax just pay little done with, more importantly no capacity care with eyes turned to that blind money, policy finance. Duke Georgy Lvov shouting approval beside Beren most pleased with passage. House Lvov copsed with serfdom abolition. Probably when thisnd tax introduced, nobles indiscriminately borrowing from noble bank buyingnd will copse like his house. ''...You too finished.'' Said beautiful woman''s enemy is fellow woman, wealthy noble''s enemy fallen noble? Duke Lvov practically leading liberals smiled fishy at obviously iing fallen nobles. "Fall hurts more flying high." Time nobles who rejoiced could buy morend during famine experience hunger. Will realize now mustbor earn money not just breathing quietly earning money. That''s whatnd tax is. Icarus''s wings flying not knowing sky high naturally melt closer to sun. "Huhu, wonder what next bill should be." And now this country''s sun is Duma. Nobles'' copse will prove this. Chapter 29 Methamphetamine or Vitamin? (3) Russia in ''97 was expected to achieve a remarkable 10% growth despite its heavy economic weight. Of course, this wasn''t unique to Russia - all of Europe was enjoying development in peacetime. Western European countries were growing between 2% to 5%. It was a remarkable world where development was visible every year in Europe, where major power conflicts had disappeared since the Franco-Prussian War. Peace and development may sound natural in the 21st century, but such continuous prosperity was rare in the 19th century. The Belle ¨¦poque in French. This era,ter called the Second Renaissance, was centered around growth in Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, and Austria-Hungary. And watching this, Niki felt jealous despite leading in growth rate. More precisely. "We only have until this year, but they have 17 more years of this growth ahead?" The fact that their growth rate was destined to fall behind Italy, even if not as much as Western Europe, made Niki ufortable. "The cause is too clear, almost simple. The empire will fall just because of food price copse." When the Serbian-Bulgarian War broke out in ''85, tensions arose between the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Russian Empire. Because of this, Germany refused to renew its reinsurance treaty with Russia. As a result, Germany also tried to diversify its food import sources, which had been dependent on Russia. Naturally, Russia lost an export destination. "Tch, if only we could have ridden along with them just by selling food." Russia''s economy naturally declined as its biggest customer Germany reduced imports, food prices fell, and agricultural production increased. Since they couldn''t just let it rot in warehouses, they were looking for new customers. The target was the British Empire, the world''srgest food importer. "Minister Nichs Giers. How are the results?" "They still don''t seem to trust us. Though they like the prices, they keep evading by suggesting gradual negotiation of import volumes year by year." "How suspicious." One might think Russia and the British Empire had bad rtions due to the Great Game. And that''s true. There had been invisible friction between Russia and the British Empire. ''Though I''m different.'' Both domestically and internationally, Niki wasn''t a hardline leader like his father. He neither obsessed over the navy nor sought absolute power. Niki showed this externally bypletely abandoning the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. Essentially giving up the ck Sea passage - reducing influence over the Ottoman Empire - abandoning southward expansion policy - naturally leading to British victory in the Great Game. ''It was just a conflict wasting money on something we couldn''t take anyway.'' While moderates like Witte might approve, hardliners led by the military regretted giving up too easily, but Niki ignored both. "It''s not a bad deal for them either. Along with the satisfaction of winning, cheap food imports are good for price stability." "I''ll try to increase it as much as possible."N?v(el)B\\jnn "Good." He was truly a moderate Tsarpletely opposite to the previous two Tsars. Completely overturning expectations of those who shouted ''Russia will advance east since southward expansion wasn''t enough!'', Niki was not only focusing on internal consolidation but also reducing external friction. Even if internal conflicts existed, they were just fights between subordinates, not with imperial authority. Forfeiting the Great Game. Abolishing Polish suppression policies. Abandoning southward expansion. Temporary halt on naval power expansion. Reducing 6-year mandatory service period. In 1897, contrary to peak national power, the empire was clearly contracting. Yet still. "Thend reform bill didn''t pass again today. Count Dashkov, how many votes is this?" "We''ve held neen votes this year alone, all failing to reach majority and falling short of Your Majesty''s conditions." No reform bill gaining majority support and Senate approval had appeared on Niki''s desk. "Our Duma representatives are so excited about introducingnd tax that they won''t think about reform bills." "I believe thend tax introduction has actually made it harder to get majority support for reform." The State Duma, having gotten a taste of pulling down the eternally reigning nobles with taxes once, became addicted to legitive proposals without properly fulfilling their given role. Looks like it''s time for a bnce patch. == The rampaging Duma. Who created this disgusting decision-making body that nobles despise? "At this point, isn''t the Tsar going beyond neglect to cooperation!" "How can the empire function without nobles! The country will surely copse at this rate!" "Ifws are decided by public opinion, what use is university education? The State Duma is a system that can only work if all imperial citizens be experts capable of making decisions!" Most soldiers and officials were of noble birth, and even educated intellectuals were overwhelmingly from noble families. To touch the estates (farnd) that formed the foundation of noble society. The nobles'' resentment, angry at having to helplessly submit to the mere advisory State Duma, gradually turned toward the Tsar. "The Moscow Noble Assembly wants toe to St. Petersburg to see Your Majesty directly." "With taxes increasing every year when nobles haven''t even been paying them for 30 years, it wouldn''t be strange forints to explode anytime." "They say they''d rather pay the soul tax from Peter the Great''s time! They''re requesting to abolish thend tax, saying they''ll even pay head tax and soul tax for their dead ancestors!" In fact, clergy and nobles had only paid regr taxes for 26 years, during Alexander II''s time of chronic deficit finances. Back then nobles purely paid taxes since even great noble families could be wiped out overnight by the Tsar''s order. However, this newly introducednd tax wasn''t a one-time thing but created endless losses just for owningnd. This seemed too much even for nobles to ept. My solution to this was simple. "Count Dashkov, tell the Senate members interpreting thew code. Tell them to guarantee nobles payingnd tax the same voting rights as the bourgeoisie." "You mean..." "Traditional nobles should fight in the Duma too, whye to me?" If they contribute to development through taxes, it''s natural Russian electoral tradition to guarantee voting rights for a certain period. Wasn''t it because traditional nobles were brought into the Duma that Pyotr Stolypin''s agricultural reforms that failed in 1905 gained momentum in 1907? So you fight in the Duma too. Don''te to me just because you heard some harsh words in the Duma. I don''t have time to deal with you now. == "This year the Peasant Land Bank can loan out a maximum of 1.08 billion rubles. This is essentially mobilizing all capabilities except minimal reserves." The Peasant Land Bank, befitting the empire''srgest bank, held enormous cash. "Not nearly enough money to overturnnd across the empire. Next." "Shamefully, many regions are under-urbanized. This means there aren''t even ces where people can gather to seek work. Therefore, it''s expected there will be a sharp increase in those who must leave their hometowns far behind to be urban workers." "You mean poption distribution will copse?" "We anticipate security concerns, worker rights vitions, rising urban housing prices and job shortages." That''s how it is without nned cities. It''s no coincidence historically thatrger cities developed more shanty towns. "That''s to be expected. Next." "From the Land Survey Committee. Of 140 million desiatinas ofnd, 115 million weremunally owned." "Direct surveying will take long, but confirming mir information is quick. The remainingnd?" "Owned by some independent farmers and great nobles." "The noble proportion is small but theck of independent farmers makes it more noticeable." "Independent farmers are mostly concentrated in the empire''s western regions. And uniquely, these regions had high yields and-" "They even avoided the famine of ''91. They could endure with the strength from theirnd property." "Yes. Only loan amounts increased, there were practically no starvation deaths." The mir dies together if it dies. It doesn''t copse easily, but when it does, tens of thousands die. In contrast, independent farmers uniquely survived well even in self-reliant situations. Probably due to the power from yields over twice as high. "Including small rural units there are 1.5 million collective farms, and about 20,000 major mirs. These 20,000 mirs can be considered the core of imperial agriculture." "20,000, 20,000..." The numbersing up in documents are sorge the units alone are difficult to grasp. As opinions are exchanged in continuing reports, it bes clear the work won''t be easy. Probably not just me thinking this - the officials attending the meeting also had dark expressions. "Witte. What do you think? Do you think independent farmer development is possible in this country?" "Even the barbaric Ottoman Empire did this work 30 years ago. I think this is the price of long delegating local government responsibilities to the mir." "Sounds fatalistic." "It''s just inevitable." At least no one here was ignorant of the necessity. However, Witte carefully added words of concern. "Your Majesty, peace with foreign countries isplete but internal preparations are insufficient. Withnd surveying not even finished, don''t we need more time?" "This year is thest chance. There won''t be another opportunity." "Local officials are stillcking and corruption is rampant. We can''t even control, let alone contain, the chaos when dismantling the mir. What about the Duma Your Majesty created? The State Duma will unconditionally oppose if they can''t be the protagonist of reform." "I well understand your concerns." That administrative capacity. I know too well. That we have only a third of Britain''s officials per capita, and it''s even worse in rural areas. I know the Peasant Land Bank has lots of money but even ten times that wouldn''t be enough to overturn all imperialnd. Independent farmer development means mir dissolution. We im we''re removing peasants'' shackles of decades, but peasants might think their fence is disappearing. And the State Duma will me all responsibility on me. Witte fears premature reform implementation will hand initiative to the Duma. But there won''t be another chance after this year when imperial strength has peaked. So, despite inadequate preparation, I nned to startnd reform this year. "But we can''t overturn the whole country. Weck the money and administrative capacity." "Then please wait a bit longer. Let the Duma curse nobles who don''t even own 5% ofnd, and we''ll prepare on our own." "That''s why we''ll do it by region." Now we really must act but still aren''t prepared. My conclusion was sequential mir dissolution by region. "Half-measures risk failing to properly dissolve the mir. But what if we thoroughly smash the mir by province? Then it''s a somewhat different story." Must startnd redistribution right after autumn harvest. Probably need to overturn everything here and there in advance. "Don''t mind the Duma still fighting over free distribution or partial confiscation. If we frame it as a pilot implementation, they can''t firmly oppose or support." Likely they''ll wait and see if it''s effective. Meanwhile we can advance surely smashing one region each year. And though unsaid: ''Areas where the mir is dissolved will be my support base by region.'' ''Didn''t you say this wasn''t about strengthening imperial power?'' ''Witte, this is like a byproduct. Not particrly intended.'' Humans'' instinctive obsession withnd ownership. The emperor who fulfills that desire. Regardless of farming sess, they''ll have no choice but to support me. Can''t watch this damnmunist agricultural production method anymore. Now when the empire has umted the most money. This year with somewhat less discontent is the opportunity. I thought this was the only way since establishing the Land Survey Committee and starting sequential regional surveys. Officials who started calcting feasibility in their heads at the words "sequential by region" didn''t readily voice opposition. "If we see effects, we can push further based on those results. Even without immediate effects, the burden is less since it''s only implemented in specific regions." "...Did Your Majesty really have no expectations for the Duma from the start?" "Isn''t waiting two years enough?" "This must have been nned from two years ago, no, even before-" "Oh my, a misunderstanding. Whatever you''re thinking is all a misunderstanding." His softened voice from before proves he''s already half convinced. "As you all know, the Duma produced no solutions even today. Inevitably, I''m thinking of trying some pilot reforms led by Finance Minister Witte here." "..." Seems no one believes it but anyway know that''s the official implementation justification. "Please work together to thoroughly smash the mir." Not even leaving a trace. Chapter 30 Methamphetamine or Vitamin? (4) There are always those called war heroes. Those fairy tale-like warriors who bravely fought against external enemies of the state. Having achieved aplishments and gained honor, they receive respect and legitimacy in all their actions. If that''s natural, then it''s natural. Who else would you respect if not those who protected the internal from external enemies? However, sadly, I see myself as exactly the opposite of this war hero position. ''I fight against internal enemies, not external ones.'' Politics, governance, rule. However you express it, I''m an emperor who must focus on internal affairs rather than external affairs. It''s not exactly nonsense to say the position is too heavy to handle, but if I were to make a somewhat reasonableint, it''s an unfair position. While war heroes appear righteous in all their actions, I''m questioned for everything I do. While war heroes have justice as the foundation for all their actions, power lustes first for me. But if I were to add one more thing here, I''m actually not even in a position where I should covet that power. ''I need to operate on the patient, but the pain is my responsibility too. In my hand is a rusty knife.'' If I don''t swing it here, I''ll just be the Niki Alexandrovich Romanov of the original history. But if I do swing it, I get cursed as a tyrant or an anachronistic absolute monarch practicing dictatorship. Well, let''s say getting cursed is unavoidable. The problem is that in this Russia, it doesn''t end with just curses. Bomb terrorism, protests, riots, and revolution. This is the Russian way of expressing dissatisfaction. They can''t dare gather power to oppose the Tsar, so they protest in abnormal ways. That''s why I created the State Duma. The effect was truly beyond expectations. Giving up and acknowledging a bit of power, watching all those annoying fellows gather in the trash bin called the Duma and fight amongst themselves. It was truly disgusting yet satisfying to watch.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Now I put the Duma at the forefront and prepare for surgery again from the back room. With this enormous power given to me for being the eldest son of the Romanov family, I just need to wield it to cut off all the skin and remove all the rotten internal organs. The one chance given in ''97. Believing there would be no chance for Russia to rise if I failed here, I didn''t allow myself even a moment of carelessness. "So, I only gave missions to officials without sharing the grand n. It might sound like a ruler''smon arrogance, but I am the driving force of reform itself. Was this wrong?" "No, Your Majesty. No one mes you. Isn''t it an honor for civil servants to be used as tools of the Tsar?" "Then why does it seem to my eyes that my order to destroy the mir isn''t being followed?" My standards. My tendencies. My direction. I''ve hidden everything so far. Let me say it again, I''m not trying to protect power through mysticism ormunication breakdown with such a shabby concept y. I, the driving force of reform, am just a young emperor not even thirty. I only have historical knowledge as apass, without the years of experience like Count Dashkov or the genius of Witte. "Your Majesty. The officials have boarded the train without knowing the final destination. The Duma is rising, nobles are stirring, and Your Majesty keeps giving new orders. Yet they cannot step forward out of fear because they know nothing." "Fear of the unknown. Is that all it is, Count?" I promised clear rewards to those who reform with me. I am a superior who guarantees wealth and fame and ensures they remain stably in the ruling ss. Just look at Witte - didn''t I mark him as the next Prime Minister and put him to work? Yet they''re still anxious? What more do they want? I don''t understand. "Should I go kneel before each of thesepetent officials with their own strong opinions and beg?" "You know that''s not it." "Then?" "You need to make them truly your allies. To the point where there''s not even a moment''s hesitation about priorities even if their thoughts sh with Your Majesty''s will." Power struggle. Though I thought I knew it well from studying so many cases in history, it''s difficult once I''m actually in it. It''s been three months since I ordered the destruction of the mir from the west, but there''s still no sign of the mir copsing in the fertile Kuban province. How absurd it was to hear that in the Don Voisko province under the War Ministry, the number of mirs actually increased. "Even though Don Voisko wasn''t included in the pilot provinces, they should have read the atmosphere... Yet the mir actually increased." I didn''t set an unreasonable goal. Converting 15% to independent farmers with 1.08 billion rubles. 15% of the entire empire might seem like a lot, but considering we haven''t even touched the ck earth or densely popted areas yet, this should proceed without obstacles. "If anything goes wrong while destroying the mir, which was the foundation of the empire, the officials will bear that responsibility. So they be cautious." "Haa..." I didn''t ept all of Count Dashkov''s advice, but at least I understand that I was wrong. Not all officials and lower administrators would stake their lives on reform like Witte. "Not everyone can fully understand Your Majesty''s will. Nevertheless, if you truly want to erase the mir so much..." "If?" "Stop hiding and step to the forefront." The forefront. So he means don''t just give orders but take action. Protecting from the front and pushing from behind. However, if I step to the forefront, I might lose both the existing noble ss and the rising force of the Duma. It''s not simply fear of losing power, but knowing there won''t be another chance if I fail once makes me hesitate. "Where is the fair and neutral monarch you spoke of?" "Being just and fair is right, but at least showing clearly where the Tsar''s will is heading should be fine." It seems things don''t progress just by pointing fingers, even though I''m an absolute monarch. ''If reform stops even after I step to the forefront... Then there really would be no other way.'' The only options left would be meaningless great purges and medieval reign of terror. It might be not just ''Bloody Sunday'' but ''Bloody Every Day of the Week.'' That day, I issued my first official ukase. Now the moment has trulye for the mir to die. Or kill all those who oppose. Whether someone dies, the reform will continue. == Thete-learning emperor, Niki II. People think he''s busy receiving heir education, moving between the Summer Pce and Winter Pce. They say all the changes during his three-year reign were led by the behind-the-scenes power Sergei Witte, and the State Duma checks and unites with him to lead the country. If you had to find a simr case, it would be like the consul-style diarchy of the Roman Republic. Like the double-headed eagle that symbolizes the empire, the bureaucratic system and parliamentary system check each other to fill the void left by the Tsar. Everyone certainly thought so. Until just recently. "The Tsar''s ukase! The five provinces mentioned below must dissolve their mir by next year, and farmers shall take loans to purchase the mir''s assets!" "What? Who decides thend prices and how much loan will be given?" "Is this telling us to all get kicked out and go live as urban poor!" "This is the Tsar''s ukase. It must be followed unconditionally!" The first ukase from the Tsar who was thought to be quietly receiving heir education for three years. This was like an unexpected bomb to everyone. "Is the Tsar''s order certain? It''s not that damned Finance Minister pulling strings behind again?" "Do you think ukasese out so easily? This is practically a neww!" An era where the Tsar''s word besw. Now that the quiet Tsar has finally opened his mouth, arguing about practicality or harmful effects is meaningless. That day, the Duma realized once again. "...We fight for months and years to pass a single bill." "But it only takes one piece of paper in the Summer Pce?" "Isn''t it because we dragged things out too long? That''s why I said we should have brought in the bourgeoisie earlier!" Feelings of powerlessness and alienation. Though they couldn''t openly show anger or opposition while maintaining outward loyalty, the Duma felt for the first time that they recognized who they needed to fight for power with. Even without such disloyal people, it''s clear that the reform entrusted to the Duma has been taken back. The Tsar has certainly withdrawn his favor from them. The Duma members were confused but could only watch with folded arms for now. On the other hand, the officials who had been at the forefront of reform: "Damn, now we must seed no matter what!" "Overtime? Are you kidding? Move your residence to the western provinces first!" "Destroy the mir by any means necessary!" "Purge everything old! Ho-do-on! Destroy! Ru-" "Shut up!" The Tsar who took back the work given to the Duma and ced it entirely in the officials'' hands. The atmosphere changed overnight to the point where even Niki, who issued the ukase, felt bewildered. "Tsk, this seems familiar. Book burning? Cultural Revolution? But has there ever been history of civil servants doing such things?" Niki, who thinks whatever works is good. Somehow it became a situation where the Tsar officially dered ''Hey, since the Duma is ipetent, you do it!'' Although Russia suffers from chronic manpower shortages due to its chaotic administrative system and outdated government structure, the absolute numbers aren''t small. All those people rush in to break down the mir to the molecr level. "I-I''m a poor farmer who couldn''t even be included in the annual redistribution in the mir-" "How about a loan product that allows you to purchase up to 6.5 desyatinas withnd as coteral?" "I heard if you take that, you be a debtor for generations..." "You used to pay 6% interest for 30 years? Now it''s half the interest rate and no principal payments needed for the first five years." "...How much did you say? Let me see it first." Not long after the ukase was announced, even before the mir was dissolved, farmers began taking loans and considering whichnd to buy. Thoughnd tax was introduced, that''s just tax paid by people with lots ofnd. The poor farmers who were thoroughly weak even in the mir and tens of millions of farmers without an inch ofnd didn''t need to know about such things. Actually, using all the money umted in the Peasant Land Bank for just five provinces shouldn''t be done, but when the condition "Tsar''s ukase" is attached, things be a bit different. Now that ce has bend that must not fail. More precisely: "Isn''t this giving loans to just anyone-" "We''ve got thend as coteral anyway! If they starve to death after dissolving the mir there, you and I are both dead men!" "What, reject? Are you crazy? Just do it first! When will we have time to check everything in detail before lending money? Damn it, even if they don''t want the loan, at least go exin the product first!" No one wanted to take responsibility for ''The Tsar''s order wasn''t followed because of you.'' In this country, the moment such a frame is put on you, you''re not only buried but could die in an instant if they catch the wrong detail. This is truly a method only possible in an absolute monarchy. The first order of power without anyme duck period. An era where it bes illegal and punishable if not implemented regardless of reality. And sufficient money to back it up. With these three elementsing together in Niki''s order, the mir began to be perceived as some outdated, sinful relic in the western regions. While Stolypin''s agricultural reform in the 1910s was achieved through the abolition of various restrictions on farmers and the expansion of independent farmers'' rights, the 1897 agricultural reform was implemented very simply, just through power. Those who feared that power. Those who coveted that power. Those who belonged to or wanted to belong to that power. Everyone bes another driving force. It proves that reform is like a carriage wheel on a hill. Once it rolls, it elerates. "Hmm, still, it seems there might be rural conflicts with mutual jealousy between those who remain in the mir until the end and those who left..." "Did you hear! The Tsar says to kick out everyone who wants to stay in the mir too!" "Shut up and open your mouth! Additional loansing in!" "You folks will be wandering gypsies if you don''t leave the mir now. Huh? Were there gypsies in this country? What are you saying. Our Russia is gypsy-free. They all died long ago." A new order and the chaos that follows. And the entire empire watching this thunderbolt-like reform in real time. Everyone held their breath and watched this thunderbolt-like reform. Chapter 31 Methamphetamine or Vitamin? (5) "The Tsar has drawn his sword." The leader of the liberals, Prince Georgy Lvov, calmlyid out the situation before several figures in the Democratic Party who followed him. "I''ve also found out that the Land Survey Committee didn''t start with a nationwide survey, but began investigating specific provinces." "Then does this mean the Tsar never intended to delegate reform to the Duma from the beginning?" "That I don''t know." No one here knows exactly when or why the Tsar''s mindset changed. It could really be as rumored - that he stepped forward himself because he was extremely disappointed in the Duma, or perhaps as he learned more, he became afraid of losing initiative to the Duma. What''s important is that now all reforms are being carried out from that Summer Pce. And that the empire''s people aren''t loudly opposing this.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "It seems the entire Summer Pce has be the headquarters for this reform." "Not moving even as seasons change - the Tsar and officials are really determined." Change had to start from the Duma. These achievements should have been carried out by this Duma that represents the true imperial citizens, not the traditional ruling ss. How much could things change when those who refuse to give up what they hold im they''ll make changes? Though his family fell in the previous generation, Georgy, who graduated from Moscow University and worked in local zemstvos, urately grasped the key issues of this reform. "This is both crisis and opportunity. Emperors always try to overturn the country once. However, they had to bear the aftermath until the day they left the throne." Just as the aftermath of Alexander II''s premature abolition of serfdom still eats away at the entire empire today. His family that fell due to serfdom and he himself are living proof. "Representative Lvov, what happens if the mir really dissolves and farmers'' lives improve?" "Don''t worry. That won''t happen." Only those who don''t understand the mir think of it as just a ntation that concentratesbor - the true value of the mir isn''t just that. ''The mir is like this government''s fingers and toes.'' It is the lowest end of administrative power, welfare for those at the bottom, and a stone firmly embedded in the empire itself. "I''m not sure if our young Tsar understands the gravity of the situation, but since he''s stepped to the forefront, he must take responsibility." All the problems that will arise when the mir disappears overnight - that responsibility clearly lies with the Tsar. Prince Lvov, who had even pushed out Pavel Milyukov, the founder of the Democratic Party, quickly made his judgment amid the rapidly changing situation. "Recently, it''s been confirmed that the Labor Party has allied with those calling themselves Populists." "You mean those who say they''ll make social revolution through the mir?" "Those ones are worse reds than the Labor Party!" The Labor Party believes they can bring tens of millions of dissatisfied farmers to their side amid the mir''s dissolution. The merger of the left and the further left. ''The Labor Party may be in the light, but not the Populists.'' Then the alliance between the Labor Party and Democratic Party ends here. Even if the mir dissolution fails, it won''t bring down this Tsarist Russia''s system and government. Now the Labor Party has be a huge bomb. Although achieving a majority in the Duma would be impossible once the alliance ends, Prince Lvov was fine with that. ''When they crack down on the Populists, they''ll catch the Labor Party too. Then we can spin it as Duma suppression.'' Reform failure and Duma suppression. What better justification could there be? Thinking this far, Prince Lvov found it difficult to believe this reform was prepared from the beginning. If the Tsar was thorough enough to prepare to that extent, he wouldn''t have shown his ws so early. Well, what would a Tsar not even thirty know? It must be that Witte fellow beside him who''s the real culprit. Remembering even his resignation as Finance Minister, it''s now hard to hold back a sneer. While the Democratic Party quietly waited for their time like this. "Agricultural reform? Who cares! What matters is money''s flowing to the countryside!" "My god, this country''s getting a domestic market? Just make it first! Just make plows or whatever!" "Check how much policy funding has been released too!" The bourgeoisie rejoiced at the fact that the Peasant Land Bank, the empire''s greatest vault, was releasing money. On the other hand, there were those walking a pathpletely opposite to the Democratic Party. "...We are the only ones in the Duma who have supported His Majesty the Tsar''s will." It was the Monarchist Party, the conservative party that recognized the need for a monarch. "Will we join, or will we too turn away." "...If it fails, our ce in the Duma might be worse than even Beren Volkov''s supporters from the Far East." "Representative Guchkov, what should we do?" Though they say Witte prevented his subordinate officials from touching the Duma, he couldn''t control all officials. Alexander Guchkov of the Conservative Party, who had support from some reform-minded officials. He viewed the current trend from a slightly different perspective. "If... it seeds, what do you think will happen?" "The mir would be finished." "Just the mir?" Will only the mir be destroyed and that''s it? Will this elerating reform quietly die out in just the countryside? No, that''s absolutely impossible. If that were the case, things wouldn''t have grown so noisy. How much money went into dissolving the mir in just five provinces, and how many human and material resources were invested? If he were Witte, he wouldn''t end it just there. Surely, he''d want to press down on the Duma at least once. Eventually, if the Labor Party and Democratic Party unite, the Duma will forever be theirs. Then... might it not be worth trying? Representative Beren Volkov must have something he believes in to dere full support for this reform. Especially the atmosphere among the officials who used to justmute with dead fish eyes is different. They''re so full of life they seem to be burning through their lifespans - to the point where you wonder if they''re really this country''s officials. "Let''s support His Majesty the Tsar for now." The Conservative Party is the third party anyway. Even if it fails, it will end with just recing Witte and other reform officials. The Conservative Party tentatively turned toward supporting the reform. The Tsar''s decision. Different choices following it. ''98 dawned as the year to confirm the winner. == The government had once confirmed how important the mir''s administrative power was during the census process. Rather than sending lower officials or security forces to count people one by one, they conducted the census based on working men currently in the mir. In this way, the mir had permeated into various areas including conscription, self-welfare, regional development, public building construction, and road maintenance. Of course, there''s no way it was operating well, but the Russian government was grateful just for them handling things on their own. But what does it mean to delegate so many roles to a single rural entity without even an audit system? "It means it''spletely rotten." Director Sekerensky, who believed corruption bes possible the moment humans are given positions, muttered as if for others to hear while scanning the documents in his hand. "The mir''s joint responsibility for taxes, only those who don''t want to get fucked will pay." Instead of the poll tax collected per person, the empire had received taxes from the mir. The conscription system was simr too. "They reported adult males registered in the mir and sent soldiers for annual service to the military district." This also means only poor farmers without money go to the military. Director Sekerensky spoke as if acknowledging the importance of the mir to those who had been the ruling ss within it - those who had overseennd redistribution and managed the mir. "But Deputy Kokovtsov said that actually, the mir''s administrative power is so trashy and outdated it''s practically unnecessary." The census conducted for two years is already nearing its end. Now conscription can be based on this information. The most important thing, taxes? Who do you think is distributingnd now? If you collect taxes based on distributednd, there''s no need to impose guilt through joint responsibility. "Hmm, did you understand what I''m saying?" "P-please spare me..." "I''m saying it''s hard for you to survive here. Because you''re useless." To those swinging like pendulums while hanging bloodied, Sekerensky calmly pronounced their fate. "You''ve been eating away for generations, there''s nothing for me to investigate. Maybe the ss system is more serious here than in the capital." "I-I was wrong. Please, please. Just spare my-" "Shh." The director put his finger to the mir tax collector''s lips, smashed beyond filthiness. "Want to live?" "Ye! Ye! If you spare me I''ll do anyth-" "Then, can you testify about the mir elders (Starosta)?" "...Ah." "Oh my, seems you need to think about it. Alright. I''ll give you more time. I''ll be backter. Just stay alive." "Ah! Ah! No! Aaaargh!" The mir elders - those at the truly corrupt end of the mir. They send young men to the military, control forests, appoint tax collectors, and directly investigate and punish crimes. "They''re truly kings of the countryside." Leaving the sealed room, the director wiped the blood from his fingers with a handkerchief. While the clever official gentlemen wrestled withnd documents and past mir records, the Okhrana was working elsewhere. "The elders must have been impressive. Everywhere we go, when we mention mir elders, all mir members fear them." "They''re ones who haven''t received a single audit or investigation from ''61 until today. It''d be stranger if they weren''t corrupt." The elders and their families don''t go to the military, don''t farm, and don''t pay taxes. Anyway, others can handle taxes and military service, and since they use the shared funds as practically their own pocket money, they don''t need to work. The reason why the security forces, military police, and Okhrana work together searching throughout the countryside. It was to remove all shackles from the farmers'' feet. "The next Duma regime, central officials'' necks, and His Majesty the Tsar''s reform hang on those farmers." That''s not all. Recently, the Populists spreading strange ideologies while visiting the unstable mir have increased significantly. These cockroach-like bastards, not content with lies and false rumors, im the mir is already the essence of socialism itself. "Really, this country has so many people who need to be caught and crushed." Come to think of it, His Majesty''s insight in expanding the Okhrana to a size of three thousand shows true foresight. Without such massive personnel reinforcement, they couldn''t even investigate, let alone catch people. "If he doesn''t open his mouth by today, kill him through trial, and scare the elders into running away. Then we can catch them again for the crime of fleeing." "Understood, Director. Should we link the elders with the Populists?" "That''s a bit early. I''d like to see headlines like ''Shocking Reality of Corrupt Mir'' in the newspapers next week." "I''ll prepare that." "Good." Director Sekerensky departing with light steps, hands behind his back. A lifelong soldier, he doesn''t know about agricultural reform ornd redistribution. But what he knows for certain is that the country is overflowing with traitors and revolutionaries. Those first caught spit and curse, calling them the Tsar''s dogs and butchers, but in the end it''s clear who holds state authority. He is justice following the Tsar''s orders. Those caught by him are injustice not following the Tsar''s orders. Looking at people with such dichotomous thinking. "Hmm, the day I face our Duma representatives isn''t far off." There were still too many people to meet. Chapter 32 Methamphetamine or Vitamin? (6) Days of physically feeling that dissolving the mir isn''t about destroying it, but creating its recement from nothing. There was never such a thing as going home from work - life continued with my vision filled with all sorts of squiggly letters whenever my eyes were open. ''Is it good for an emperor to be family-oriented and humane?'' Nonsense. In this anachronistic tsardom, an emperor spending time on family means being irresponsible andzy. If there''s an advantage, it''s that work processing speed has be iparably faster than during my tsarevich days with no practical experience... But how could anything progress without decisions from power? Even after the sun set, the pce lights remained bright. Knock knock. "What is it, Witte, you haven''t gone home yet? Come in." "It''s... it''s me." I thought it was a weak knock from overwork, but a small-bodied girl pushes open the door. The name of the girl who carefully closed the door and approached me is Olga. My sister who just turned sixteen. Though her baby fat hasn''t all gone away, her femininity is slowly showing. At Olga''s unexpected appearance, I put down my documents while rubbing my tired eyes. "Olga, it should be time for bed soon, what brings you here?" "Mother was waiting... You said you''d have dinner together, but you didn''te..." "..." Didn''t I tell them I couldn''t make it today because I was busy? To think Mother waited until this hour. ''Is this a protest too?'' But this seemspletely impossible to suppress. Yet I can''tfortably swallow food without checking the contents piled as high as her height in front of me. "Is that all?" Right after speaking, I realized my tone was too much like talking with officials, but as I was about to catch myself, Olga shut her eyes tight and shouted. "A-and I want to make my society debut too!" "...Ah." Come to think of it, since my ession, have I ever hosted a social party...? No. A member of the imperial family can''t debut at women''s tea parties, and naturally the Tsar should hold grand ones asionally, but I hadn''t paid any attention to it. Even Father only hosted social gatherings for anniversaries or the imperial family, but have I be even worse than that? "Hmm." Looking carefully at Olga, she''s certainly not the little sister in my memories anymore. She used to look smaller and more delicate, but her body has grown up before I knew it. Sadly, although Olga and I are full siblings, we didn''t grow up together. After Father''s train ident, Olga grew up in nearby Gatchina due to potential threats, and after she returned to the pce, I was in the military. "Mikhail said I just need your permission! He said he''ll help with the preparations himself!" "Olga." "...Are you very busy?" "Am I making you ufortable?" Her fidgeting hands can''t hide their trembling. A signal that she''s nervous talking with me. "I... I just don''t want to be a burden..." "Sigh, first I''m sorry for not paying attention. A debut is your natural right as a member of the imperial family. No need to be nervous. Is there anything else you want to say?" "And Mikhail said through my social gathering to definitely look for a woman-" "It''ste. You should go to bed." After quickly turning Olga''s shoulders and gently pushing her toward the door, I closed it with warm parting words. The year Spain getting beaten by America is being broadcast in real-time. And the final year of the three-year promise with Mother. The moment I really must find a woman this year. "...Now when the mir dissolution is in full swing?" How do things that need to be done only increase day by day. == When I was young, there were roughly 20 Grand Dukes in the empire. These Grand Dukes received 250,000 rubles annually, and Grand Duchesses received 1 million rubles as dowry when marrying - truly amounts that could change business rankings overnight. Naturally, the male Grand Dukes would spend all 250,000 rubles that came every year, and it didn''t take long for Grand Duchesses to eat through their dowries too. But how could Father, who hated such wastefulness, just watch? He was someone who disliked even social gatherings because they cost money. In ''86, Father made it so only his own children or grandchildren could receive pensions and dowries, and extremely reduced the scope of Grand Dukes and imperial family members. It was truly an event that sharply reduced the number of imperial family members itself. There was even someone who lost their Grand Duke title just 9 days after birth, which says it all. Not satisfied with this, he tied all imperial power to the Tsar alone by making it so the Tsar could intervene in all social institutions of imperial family members. Debuts, marriages, divorces, session of titles, etc. There was a reason Olga came to me pushing for her society debut. But there''s something more serious than Olga''s debutante. "Witte, what do you think about me marrying a German princess?" My marriage. "...Are you serious? As far as I know, Princess Victoria should be five or six this year." "No, just any princess of marriageable age." "In my head, I first see France having a fit. They still hold no small amount of imperial bonds in French banks." "Right?" We should avoid France, which is actively increasing trade with Russia,pletely closing their ports. Anyway, now that I''ve stepped to the forefront of reform, there''s no reason I can''t hold a social gathering for Olga. Of course, the same goes for my wedding or coronation. "Then Ennd?" "Since bloodlines are already mixed, distant rtives might work but direct line would be difficult. Princess Alix was good but she''s already married." Then Ennd is rejected too. Pnd, which turned toward integration instead of oppression... their royalty all died long ago so there are no candidates. A marriage that would benefit Russia with unmixed blood and noble lineage. Hmm... there isn''t one. ''How much did Queen Victoria spread her bloodline across Europe? Was it 4 sons and 5 daughters?'' Nine children while maintaining a long reign as a woman. A number that makes me, who couldn''t even take care of my sister''s debut using business as an excuse, feel shabby. "So marriage should be domestic after all?" "You''ve finally decided on a domestic marriage!" "It''s about time. As long as it doesn''t interfere with the mir dissolution." The mir dissolution will take at least 5 years. Probably 10 more years if we consider stabilization work. Considering cutting out and recovering from long-rotted wounds, I don''t think it''s too long. But we can''t dy 10 years until the mir dissolution ends either. Let''s try to do it this year if possible. "Since ession I haven''t attended any foreign events, so no candidatese to mind." "You haven''t attended domestic events either. You always canceled whenever I tried to schedule them." "Count Dashkov, it''s not like I didn''t go because I was ying around - wasn''t I busy?" I can say this with real confidence. I''ve worked without a single day''s rest since ascending to the throne. Anyway, candidates beneficial to me or Russia. If there aren''t any, it means choosing someone with noble blood but whose maternal family has no power. ''Getting entangled in marriage alliances with the Balkans would just be troublesome. It could just make ethnic issues more prominent.'' Above all, looking at any mediocre international marriage in this era, it only looks like a determination saying "Yes, Russia will actively participate in the next World War and lead the way to national destruction!" It seems like anyone from domestically would work as long as they''re not anti-reform nobility. "Should I really look at my sister''s social gathering?" "What outrageous-" "Your Majesty! To consider sixteen-year-old girls-" "No, I mean among the attendees!" Do they think I''m some pedophile? Even so, a fourteen-year age gap is a bit much, right? I still have 21st century social culture in my head. Anyway, after concluding to prepare Olga''s debutante somewhat grandly, I brought up the main agenda between us. "So about this, when do you think would be good to start the purge?" As reform progressed, the need for cleaning house once became apparent. == Although Manchuria increasingly became Russia''s front yard as years passed, building fortresses on nominally foreignnd is something to be careful about. So Roman performed the best "hide and seek" he could. First, receive "permission" from the Qing to start basic construction and get delegation for management and operation. Additionally, train a few Qing soldiers under the mostmon excuse in this era''s Orient - military training - while training Russian forces at the fortress beside them. Everyone knows Manchuria is bing Russian territory - both the Qing and the Amur Governor-General''s Office. The construction costse from the Governor-General''s pocket and the Qing just need to stay still and receive free military training. But this can onlyst so long, and as it reached its fourth year, Roman once again felt anxiety creeping up before building another fortress. "The main fortresses are gradually beingpleted, so at this rate we should be able topletely block off the Yalu River area... Now what?" The Trans-Siberian Railway construction speed has risen rapidlytely, so at this rate it might open with the start of the next century. That means it won''t take long for the main army in Europe to reach this Far East. Including the current Tsar''s time as Tsarevich, it''s already been 8 years since the Far East was overturned. The Far East is still and of upheaval overflowing with money and endlessly absorbingbor. Immigrants increased so much that the Governor-General''s Office threw up both hands and feet and chose to just let them roam freely. They let them settle, reim, and farm on their own while focusing only on appropriate control. ''Well, what can you do when Manchuria''s poption alone reaches 7 million.'' Especially Korea, with its chaotic political situation plus two consecutive famines, is in a state of explosive immigration. With the railway connected on top of this, it was clearly beyond the Governor-General''s Office''s capacity. "I heard after the reconciliation with Ennd, they''re moving part of the ck Sea Fleet here to the Far East. Admiral Romen is busy with that." After agreeing with Ennd to reduce the ck Sea Fleet as proof of giving up the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits, conversely the Far Eastern forces rose sharply. Indeed, it''s certain the Tsar is still wary of war in the Far East. Governor-General Sergei''s term ends this year. Well, it''s surprising that Major General Sergei Dukhovskoy has stayed in the Far East this long. Coming back to the point, Roman deeply contemted what he should do in this Far East that barely manages control. The Far East''s stability, economy, and governance? That''s being well handled by the Chairman who has plenty of strength to go around pointing fingers and cursing even if he doesn''t have the strength to lift a spoon. Russification of Asians? Not only is it impossible in the short term, there''s no method beyond enlisting them in the military. What he as the next Governor-General could do. What he as a soldier must do to protect thisnd. "...Indeed I don''t know anything else. All I learned was piling up dirt." When the Communications Department first implemented wirelessmunication this year, he immediately reported the Far East situation to St. Petersburg. Though it took four days, the answer was just ''doing well.'' Not sure if this is what the Tsar expected, but at least it wasn''t wrong, right? "If I had to find problems... our fleet is all concentrated in divostok. This means the Yellow Sea will definitely fall into Japan''s hands." "Then if the enemyes deep into the Yellow Sea, the back could be in danger, making the Yalu River fortress meaningless." "Let''s build coastal fortresses too. If we build them all over Liaodong, there won''t be anywhere tond. They surely won''tnd in Shandong in front of the Qing capital." There''s funding that doesn''t dry up no matter how much is spent, overflowing manpower, and improved material supply, technology and know-howpared to before.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Looking carefully at new candidates, Port Arthur (L¨¹shun) at the end of Liaodong seemed like both a natural harbor site protected by hills on all sides with a secluded bay, and a fortress site. Roman, who studied some Far Eastern history, learned that even Goguryeo, a country that existed there, built a fortress called Bisaseong there and considered it most important. "Indeed thatnd must have been created to build fortresses." Since coal mines are active, put in coal generators to make electric barbed wire fences and strictly separate minefields from safe routes. Additionally, it seemed possible to squeeze in as many machine gun positions as possible while making front trench positions, rear concrete positions, and finally trench positions on top of the hills. Can''t leave out coastal guns for naval defense. Aren''t big ships and big guns the highest military spirit of this era? "Still need to prepare for the worst of the worst. What if the Trans-Siberian Railway doesn''t work well and the main army iste, the Yalu River is breached, the enemy drives to the end of Liaodong, and we have to fight naval andnd battles simultaneously?" Ah, it would be a big problem not to consider this. Though it''s a worst case scenario, still need to prepare, hmm. Especially considering the possibility of a long siege, he couldn''t help but pay attention to details. Because a fortress''s defensive power is determined by details the enemy doesn''t know about. "Need to design assuming recapture of the first line trenches. Can''t retake anything once the concrete fortress is breached anyway, but the front isn''t that." Then just design so the concrete fortress can attack the first line trenches. "What else am I missing? Ah! Need to consider cases where fixed guns break down or machine gun positions need to rece guns. If firepower is empty for even a moment, a fortress isn''t a fortress. Just an abandoned building." The enemy will surely wage a war of attrition to breach the fortress. Indeed,munications are also important to prevent concentrated attacks on one point. Organic cement of manual deployment structures and light machine guns is essential. "And also-" "Ah, right!" "My god, how could I forget this!" Roman''s L¨¹shun fortress nning continued endlessly that day. Since money and manpower are overflowing anyway, there shouldn''t be major problems in building it. Roman himself would just need to defend it. Chapter 33 Winners and Losers Among the empire''s nobles, including those who aren''t hereditary nobles and nonmoner nobles (knights, retired senior officers, barons, seda,ndholding gentry: pomeshchiks, noble clergy, medal recipients, etc.), there are roughly 1.5 million. However, families that can inherit and haven''t fallen, and current or direct line counts or higher, calcted by elimination, don''t even reach 1%. So what''s good about being in the top 1% of nobles among nobles? In the past, only nobles could own serfs, but there are no serfs in the current era. Noble men were exempt from military service, but nowadays if nobles don''t go to the military, they''re looked down upon as having physical defects. They had the privilege of entering higher education schools like the Imperial Law School or Imperial Lyceum, but I abolished this too while loosening the education system. They have freedom from legal corporal punishment, but thew doesn''t favor nobles for serious crimes. In the end, there''s nothing good about being noble. At most they don''t have to pay shared funds collected by local zemstvos, but wealthy nobles mostly pay more anyway. Nevertheless, being born into the Romanov family means it''s fate to marry other royalty or nobility. ''That''s just how the times are. Believing there''s nobility in blood and the existence of inferior and superior.'' In novels there''s the repertoire of emperors falling in love with restaurant women while traveling incognito, but that''s just the act of a rogue who doesn''t know his ce. What emperor or grand duke would be foolish enough to be alienated from all noble society? Especially if born noble. "Are you that fool." "Brother! She was suffering! I was trying to heal her wounds!" "I wondered what rogue was spreading adultery rumors at my sister''s debutante, but Count Dashkov quietly told me your name." Mikhail Alexandrovich. It sounds strange but he''s the Heir Tsarevich. In other words, third in line to the throne, but practically second. Anyway, my brother Mikhail will likely briefly be Tsar after I die, after Georgy Romanov (who has poor health) takes over, with a high probability. "Sigh, I stopped the rumors from spreading for now. What family is that woman from?" "She''s the wife of Baron Fedokevna, amoner by birth. She cried saying she suffered from her husband''s violence..." "Did you only talk?" "...For now." "Hmm, you''re hopeless." At times like this, there''s a best solution. "You were a Grand Duke too? Haven''t gone to the military yet?" "I-I wasn''t thinking of going to the military-" "Neither was I." In an era where knight novels are popr even among women, you could meetmoners. But amoner who''s taken? That just makes you trash. "I''m the Heir Tsarevich! Brother, I really don''t think military is right!" "Didn''t I go when I was Tsarevich?" It''s okay. Everyone adapts and lives well once they go. At least he won''t cause trouble over women while in the military. Though I''m quite familiar with Russian history and even the secret history of the Romanov family, I''m not sure if such things happened originally. But Mikhail''s tendencies at least are certain. ''This crazy bastard, was he into taken women?'' Though I don''t know exactly who Mikhail meets throughout his life, I know his child doesn''t make it onto the imperial family listter. I remember it being impressive that he was a son born through a rushed marriage and adultery without the Tsar''s permission. I tried to look at women of simr age using Olga''s debutante as an excuse, but instead learned about Mikhail''s unwanted preferences. "Tsk, nothing to be done." When social gatherings are held at the imperial pce, nobles from not just the capital St. Petersburg but also Moscow attend inrge numbers. "Since nobles like it too, should keep holding them to appease them." Where''s a pretty woman without power hunger who''s smart with a good family that I''ll fall for at first sight? Seems like I only have more conditions now that I''m in my 30s. == Mixed grains and barley. Though their harvest times are all different, crops that usually appear on vic tables continue through summer and fall from May oats to September wheat. In other words, if you just get through spring drought well, that year''s harvest is roughly revealed. In that sense, the Tsar''s reforms began showing results in the five western provinces as soon as summer came. "The harvest amount... isn''t normal?" "They didn''t do fallownd, right? Right? Because now no one says anything if you don''t do fallow?" "No, but harvest amounts increasing in just one year? Just from dividingnd?" Though Niki reacted nonchntly saying "Of course, since there were good harvests continuously from this time," others were different. Even Witte showed other concerns. "The whole country has a good harvest, but the west especially. If nationwidend reform had been possible, grain prices would have plummeted and all farms would have gone bankrupt." "Fortunately we increased export channels." "Kokovtsov, promote the current harvest amounts throughout the empire." "Understood." Though nothing is as dangerous as internal division in reform, the imperial government didn''t miss this opportunity. The government tried to thoroughly exploit farmers'' psychology. Namely, humans'' fundamental psychology ofparison. [25% increase in harvest in just 1 year?] [Western imperial citizens expected to repay loans early at this rate!] [West getting rich, east getting poor?] [ck earth that''s not even mynd, not even envious anymore.] Dissolving the mir means instilling individualistic tendencies in farmers. There were many trivial problems like who used too much water, who encroached on whose field - but these would be resolved as they gradually adapted to reform. Anyway, what''s important is that the west that distributednd has more harvest, and the remainingnd that didn''t has less harvest. In other words, while grain prices fell, only westerners are making money. Quite a few opposed this. "Cut the bullshit! How much Land Bank funds did they use - wouldn''t it be strange if harvest didn''t increase?" "Shouldn''t we impose more taxes on the five provinces for fairness?" "Of course it happened with how much support was poured in!" But the voices of literate people who just pushed pens wouldn''t stick in the ears of farmers breathing dust. They understood the situation very simply. Because the Tsar let them ownnd, harvests increased. Only this proposition stuck firmly in farmers'' hearts. "U-us too!" "Why partial implementation? What are our higher-ups doing! Ask for the next mir dissolution to be our area!" "Yeah, sick of the mir too. Always separate people working and people ying." "What are the representatives we elected doing! Why weren''t we included in those five provinces!" When thatparative psychology seeped into every corner of the countryside and started poking Duma representatives'' behinds even though it wasn''t election season. Witte muttered to Kokovtsov with a face like he''d been hit by a hammer. "...Deputy Kokovtsov." "Yes, Minister." "Remember why the Tsar created the Duma at the initial bureaucrat meeting after ascending?" "Hmm, that was quite a while ago. Though I don''t remember the exact words, wasn''t the Duma''s purpose to include imperial citizens'' will in bottom-level state administration?" "Not that nice-sounding expression." Garbage bin. The Duma was a garbage bin that gathered all sorts of underground and backwater ideologies and ambitions in one ce. The Tsar made it so all imperial citizens could smell the stench flowing from that garbage bin through newspapers. But today. He feels the tide of farmers who make up 80% of the empire moving the Duma. That Duma created by the Tsar. Imperial farmers, not Duma representatives, are moving. ''The Duma''s real role... did the Tsar know it would be like this from the start?'' Not the role those vermin Duma representatives want while coveting power without knowing their ce. The role they''ll take on going forward. That is agreeing to overturnnd ording to the wishes of the farmers who form their foundation.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om They will do so. Because their seatse from farmers'' votes. What is the driving force of reform? The Tsar''s power? If it was only that from start to finish, the driving force would have been chipped away whenever opposition appeared. But today, Witte got goosebumps tasting an aspect of the grand n this young Tsar had built since early in his reign. At this rate, the driving force of reform won''t be just His Majesty the Tsar. The Duma too, whether they want it or not, must be one driving force of reform to survive. "He nned the Duma''s role and agricultural reform at twenty-six? Kokovtsov, what were we doing at twenty-six?" "When I was twenty-six... I think I had just finished studying abroad and was working as a 5th rank inspector at a prison under the Interior Ministry. I received the Order of St. dimir 4th ss for prison management organization design then." "I only got promoted twice consecutively for showing talent in railway transport during the Ottoman Empire war. I remember being happy about exceeding 5,000 rubles annual sry." In contrast, the Tsar prepared such a grand n alone and brought it this far. Who would dare look down on him as a Tsar who didn''t receive heir education if they knew this truth? Who would dare not follow his reforms? ''How amusing must he have found a Finance Minister suspiciously questioning without any sense.'' His Majesty must have predicted everything - The nature of that Duma jumping around without knowing how high the sky is. The level of officials who couldn''t properly follow his grand n. [Conservative Party expresses infinite respect for His Majesty the Tsar''s reforms] [Markets spread to countryside, signal of domestic market activation?] ''Ah, Your Majesty who teaches me my ce without a single rebuke, while I proudly called myself a genius.'' Though Witte confirmed reform elerating as elections approached, he still didn''t fully know how far the Tsar''s grand n extended. The expected good harvest across Europe would be an obstacle to food exports. But domestic market activation at exactly this timing? What aboutpanies grown through policy funds filling gaps the state couldn''t touch yet with farm tools and warehouses? Though Niki would have been concerned that the Prime Minister candidate had gone crazy if he heard, Witte''s eyes seemed to be getting moist. ''This is it. This is it. Not previous Finance Ministers falling while reforming alone, but the entire empire participating in reform.'' Not an empire frozen like ice showing rejection reactions to small changes. The era of just some bigwigs jumping around here and there reforming has passed. Now, an era has arrived where everyone wants reform. Around when elections end in November, reform''s hand will naturally reach other provinces too. Then the Duma will try to lead agricultural reform instead. They will rather step forward to hide their shameful past two years. However. There was one thing left before that. "Minister, the Okhrana will start moving in earnest soon. His Majesty''s will is so strong that even you can''t stop-" "Ah, don''t worry. Director, do we have many of our people too?" "...We''ll have to check, but there should be people among officials who will face me." "Can''t be helped. He must be doing it because it''s clearly necessary." "Hmm, didn''t you opposest time saying the timing wasn''t right?" "It''s all the Tsar''s doing so there must be a reason!" The war on corruption. The time hase to settle the Duma''s four years of karma. He''s ashamed of his past self who opposed earlier this year, saying it would provoke the Duma too much or that even officials would be hit by sparks when they were already short on workers. ''Didn''t he grow even the Okhrana right after ascending? Then this too must be within His Majesty''s palm.'' Corrupt officials are bound to do dirty things even during reform, and it''s time to instill fear in the Duma too. Director Sekerensky just felt burdened by Witte maintaining moved eyes even while exining ns to catch and kill people. ''Could there be more of His Majesty''s intentions that I don''t know? What more is there?'' Who was it that said resolved doubts be conviction? Witte had already be a fanatic himself. Chapter 34 Tsar Bomba (1) "...The stench of blood is palpable." "The atmosphere seems quite different from the capital I knew." "I thought it would have changed quite a bit ording to Beren''s letter, but that wasn''t all." "Something must be happening." Trial news that''s now toomon, continuously appearing even in street newspaper stands. Though Governor-General Sergei had heard about the Tsar''s purge in the capital and five provinces where agricultural reform first began, it seems what he knew wasn''t everything after arriving. There are clearly more stores bustling and people passing on streets than a few years ago. The city seems to breathe heavily untilte evening. However, the bloody scent stimting his nose now wasn''t from thesemon imperial citizens. It was the blood of those who have. Terror that doesn''t discriminate by status or ss. That was the reality of the atmosphere Governor-General Sergei felt. The proof is in the nobles and Duma representatives not visible even walking around all day. "ording to Representative Volkov, the capital is noisy with street representative speeches and intellectual debates almost daily." "Shall we meet Beren right away?" "No, the Tsar told me to enter the pce this evening. I heard he wouldmend my hard days in the Far East." "Should I go too?" "Of course, an aide follows his superior." Though Aide Felix didn''t want to stand out in social circles during this time of purge, the same went for Sergei. ''Yet they say nobles keep entering the pce. It''s just strange.'' An exceptional party at the imperial pce amid this atmosphere of terror where anyone could die. "...I really don''t want to go." "Then shall we all-" "That''s why we must go." It''s been 5 years since seeing Tsar Nichs. When he saw him as Tsarevich after the previous Tsar passed away, he was far from purges. ''I just thought he was an intelligent and passionate person.'' To think such a person became a bloody monarch in just a few years. What could have happened? Maybe he could understand by meeting the Tsar directly. However the situation flowed, Sergei just hoped sparks wouldn''t fly to the military. == The cemonly called the Summer Pce isn''t just a single pce sitting there. It has 20 buildings, a central za, hundreds of fountains, arched gates, greenhouses and grand gardens throughout, and golden statues. Below the pce you can see the wide-open Gulf of Find, and cool winds blow at night - when added to the brightly lit pce, it even gives a moving feeling. ''I thought Chairman Bunge changed the Far East quite a bit, but it was really nothingpared to this.'' The Summer Pce - truly a ce showing the ultimate in architecture. With so many fountains it''s also called the Fountain Pce or Peterhof Pce, Sergei arriving by carriage was amazed before even entering. Is it because he came from such a remote ce? Or because it''s been a while since an imperial party? His heart pounds despite his old age. Many carriages must havee and gone already, as voices of people can be heard from inside. "My goodness, lights are on even over there..." "What do you mean by that?" Aide Felix, who once worked in the Interior Ministry, muttered fearfully "Who would be working during a banquet at this hour?" seeing lights bright to the end of distant buildings, but Sergei strode forward first. "When will we receive such hospitality again?" Thinking there could be no greater honor than a banquet held by the Tsar for an individual, Sergei went inside holding his aide. Voices introducing Sergei are heard from the side and many gazes fix on him under the high ceiling shining with chandeliers. However, what caught Sergei''s eye first was the Tsar, who was down on the first floor instead of the emperor''s seat. "Your Majesty." Niki approaches and catches Sergei as he immediately tries to bow in greeting. The shock seems not just his, as many nobles watching also widened their eyes. "I didn''t know you would already be here." "It''s fine, I just showed my face since I need to leave early. Wee. Did I keep my promise to call you in five years?" "I can only be grateful." "Don''t be like that, let''s have a drink upstairs separately. And beside you?" "This is Aide Felix Sumarkov-Elston, Count." "Hmm, have I seen you before?" He wouldn''t have had separate conversations with a mere count, so must have only seen him in passing a few times. "Would you know Prince Yusupov?" "Yusupov? Ah, you were the prince." "I only received the title." "Ah, that Yusupov. Hmm, youe along too." Though he didn''t expect to meet separately like this in front of everyone, Sergei was about to follow anyway. But looking around again while walking: ''They''re not even dancing much except for young people.'' Though some appear tough and enjoy themselves, it''s awkward. The nobles who used to enjoy splendor with luxury and pleasure aren''t visible. No one stumbling drunk from rushing drinks since early in the banquet, no one arguing or gathering in cliques - all quiet. In this joyous and splendid imperial banquet, a sense of incongruity stands out. ''The Tsar''s purge and the Tsar''s banquet.'' Even thinking again, it''s questionable whether these two words can exist in the same period. It''s also strange that so many nobles attended meanwhile. The Tsar who had been walking ahead pleasantly stopped his steps for a moment and spoke showing only his upper body sideways. "I will take my leave today, so I hope everyone enjoys themselves and returns home." Is it my imagination that the faces of nobles in the banquet hall that had been heavily pressed down seem morefortable at the same time? No, it''s not imagination. Somehow the musicians'' music seems to have gained more strength. Once arriving in the capital. Once again at the banquet. If you get the same feeling twice in one day, how could it be mere coincidence? After continuing to follow the Tsar, we arrived at a separately prepared reception room. The Tsar probably intended to just briefly show his face from the beginning. With family guided to another room and only three people remaining, Sergei couldn''t hold back and started questioning first. "Your Majesty, may I ask one thing?" "Speak." "The nobles gathered in the banquet hall earlier had differentplexions than before - do you know why?" "Ah, that." The Tsar filling sses nonchntly answered as if it was nothing. "How could their minds be at ease when they might die tomorrow?" "Yet if they attended the banquet..." "People naturally want to know their death in advance." "..." "But this tastes good. Is it because it''s expensive Orleans wine?" Sergei''s words were blocked with just one question. He hadn''t heard news of any rebellion, and the Tsar filling sses didn''t seem angry either. Really just one reason. It was just an ordinary Tsar''s purge. == Let''s be clear about one thing first. It''s absolutely not my fault that those pce nobles tremble while holding wine sses and look around cautiously. It''s not that I hate and oppress those who have, or pick and kill nobles who might be threats, or just moved the Okhrana on a whim. It started with, yes, that mir dissolution. I really just wanted to quickly dissolve the mir and expand agricultural reform to other provinces. ''But they say Populists reached even into the mir?'' Originally I nned to just rece the rotten mir bigwigs as an example, but that became impossible. What could I do in this situation - only option was to input more Okhrana. That was the beginning. When the Okhrana began full-scale investigation to crack down on Populists trying to infiltrate the mir, something else kept tripping them up more than the Populists they were trying to catch. The local government zemstvos governing each province. Zemstvo representatives serve 3-year terms and are divided into three categories based on real estate ownership scale: 1). Representatives ofndless peasants (mir) 2). Representatives of regrndowners (independent farmers) 3.) Representatives ofrgendowners (nobles) In other words, our imperial citizens vote twice - for local representatives and State Duma representatives. Up to here is the system our grandfather created, so I had no reason to draw my sword. The real problem lies in how those zemstvos operate. In zemstvos where #2 regrndowners are half-excluded, the ones exerting power and corrupt are clearly #1 and #3. Noble and mir representatives. The mir representatives were drowned with the mir so no matter, but these guys each spat out a #3 name before dying. What else could we do? Our Director Sekerensky couldn''t pretend not to hear, and with so many namesing up on the list, I couldn''t leave it alone either. So we killed nobles from the zemstvos too. Not many. Just the truly hopeless ones. Those frequently mentioned who couldn''t possibly be left alone after investigation. ''How could someone born to high status not have a speck of dirt? But the zemstvos were just too closed off.'' Grandfather created zemstvos with the shackles of the press, but Father removed these shackles. Zemstvos without preservatives naturally rotted. "That''s how it happened. Though it seems quite shocking to the nobles. They had always thought of themselves as victims until now, not traitors." Land tax was eventually introduced too. Noble power has weakened over three generations - grandfather-father-me. Especially with imperial farmers across the empire joining reform this year, their ce disappeared even more. "I don''t dislike nobles. Just look at Prince Yusupov here - isn''t he from an ancient family?" "Y-yes." "They say a cornered rat will bite... but nobles don''t even have the strength to bite." I thought a noble military rebellion might be somewhat possible... but nonsense. That''s impossible in this period''s Russian Empire too. ''How would they recruit Grand Dukes who are like the Tsar''s alter ego? And what about uncorrupted nobles? Commoner-born soldiers? Military districts scattered across the empire?'' Above all, Father''s impact was too strong. Father who made everyone from military chiefs to privates into Tsar supporters. His scent still remains throughout the military to this degree. Since he himself became the military itself, this country''s army can''t move ording to nobles'' will despite containing many of them. "Aren''t they mostly nobles with residences in the capital or Moscow?" "When we followed the stems up from zemstvos, they kept getting caught one by one. Family, acquaintances, rtives - anyway they were all connected somehow so we cut them off." Even if their own family survives, could they sleepfortably if rtives they did business with got beheaded? "The atmosphere got a bit awkward so I held many banquets, but seems it''s still not enough. Well, I think this too will be a driving force for reform." Then it''s fine. I may be called Bloody Nichs, but I have clear justification and many supporters. Unlike Mary I, it''s hard to die now unless the empire falls. The somewhat disgruntled-looking Governor-General Sergei - no, Major General and his aide. Thinking the talk might have been too heavy, I briefly changed topics. "Prince Yusupov is the Governor''s aide? How? You could have stayed in the capital." "I-I volunteered to go! Since the Tsar was said to be very interested in the Far East then, there were quite a lot of volunteers!" "I see. You have an adventurous spirit." Yusupov. Actually, I don''t know who the man before me is. Not particrly interested either. But I can''t help but know the names Yusupov and Yusupova. Yusupova is his wife. An heiress with immense wealth whom all European royalty and nobility came to propose to - a beauty of the century. As a European man of this era, she was too famous not to know. And Yusupov. The name Yusupov belongs to the man who killed Rasputin, the behind-the-scenes power that led the original history''s Russian Empire to ruin. Probably the next Yusupov, not the Yusupov before me. ''Though respected by all even now due to his wife Yusupova''s good deeds, they say the next generation was quite tough too. Anti-Nazi, supporting Russian immigrants, establishing charities.'' A family continuing quite a fateful connection with the Romanov imperial family.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Though Major General Dukhovskoy seemed to need time to adapt to the capital''s atmosphere having just returned, there was no trouble having pleasant conversation when limited to Far Eastern topics. "Did you know Admiral Romen is about to die because of the Baltic Fleet?" "That guy needs to suffer a bit. He was probably the most leisurely one, so he needs to work." The recent situation of Romen Niki Nikyevich whom I designated and installed. "Though it might be difficult to pay detailed attention to the Far East now, how about looking after Roman Kondratenko, that friend, once?" "Why Roman? He''s been reporting frequently since wirelessmunication became possible in the Communications Department." "Whether to call it obsession... anyway the Yalu River isn''t enough, he keeps drawing huge budgets. These days he''s fixated on the L¨¹shun fortress..." "Heheh, I know better than anyone." Hearing about Roman directly, I can tell not a single historical record is wrong. Wasn''t there an anecdote about himpleting more in six months than 5 years of construction after being appointed to L¨¹shun fortress right before the Russo-Japanese War? Anyway, he''s a crazy engineer unprecedented in imperial history. "What about Chairman Bunge? How is he doing? Do you know, Prince Yusupov?" "Don''t even mention it. First he called himself by a strange name, and now he''s even created an ideology. I experienced firsthand that schrs are scariest when they go crazy." The most mysterious thing since my ession. Someone who should have died originally is still not dead. Niki Bunge''s life recorded in history books only goes until the mid-90s. So the current Bunge was unknown even to me - perhaps the biggest evidence that history had changed. "Hehe, it''s tearfully fun hearing Far East stories after so long. Your family? Did they go together that far distance?" "My children had all grown up and left long before I was appointed Governor." "I went with my family. Really, I''m just sorry and grateful to my wife. My daughter and two sons too." "...Really? Were those your family behind you earlier?" "Yes." We continued endless pleasant conversation like that. Though our ages differ and we haven''t known each other long, it seems offset by looking toward the same goal. And the next day. [12 officials jointly indicted on 19 charges including massive bribery, tax evasion, threats and extortion received death sentences-] [With this the Lukaveyev family that belonged to the Noble Assembly for generations was exterminated-] A day like any other dawned. Chapter 35 Tsar Bomba (2) Somehow it became a reign of terror. If I had to exin my situation in one line, that would be it. Even Witte, the leader of moderate officials, now agrees with the purge, so heads roll every morning - but honestly, I don''t like this kind of purge. Especially Stalin-style purges for power consolidation or Robespierre-style terror purges don''t suit me at all. It''s just nauseating from the top down, you could say. So I see the current situation, which blew up bigger than expected, as an irresistible purge without my will involved. "At this rate, we could arrest everyone who even touched it with a finger..." "No matter how much you hate the zemstvo Noble Assembly, how could you do that? Who would fill that administrative vacuum? Director, adjust the atmosphere to induce appropriate confessions. Reduce sentences for those who surrender." Still, perhaps because we captured the justification of rooting out corruption well, imperial citizens who watched the Duma''s mess for 3 years weed rather than feared the atmosphere. There were no sanctuaries when even officials participating in reform were being arrested. Frankly speaking, at this point we could sweep away everything from quietly living Grand Dukes to religious circles. ''Of course, I have no intention of doing such crazy things.'' Let me say it again - this purge is like a vegetable sd served with steak. It''s healthy to eat but tastes terrible and isn''t the main dish. Who fills up on mere vegetables? Now Duma elections have changed to once every two years so there''s no election this year. This means leading the Duma with current members until next year''s election, but I''m not sure if it will work. First of all, the lower house number is no longer 200. [Democratic Party Representative Georgy Lvov ims integrity of rtionship with resigned representatives.] [Labor Party announces no rtionship with Populists. Representatives'' endless ry of public self-criticism-] Let''s say zemstvo nobles were corrupt since they had no audits or press. But how did the newborn Duma end up like this in less than 5 years doing who knows what? ''Did they go crazy after tasting power overnight?'' Even though they say power is more potent than drugs, to think it''s this bad even with press attached. 21 representatives resigned whether voluntarily or involuntarily. 4 representatives dead. And one representative recently missing. A total of 22 representatives gone. Huh? Who''s the missing one? Let''s ask Governor-General Sergei about that. No, let''s ask Major General Sergei Dukhovskoy, newly appointedmander of the St. Petersburg Military District. == At first he thought he was being dragged to the Okhrana. He was dragged away with a hood on, and the distinctive ttering sound of guns and stiff movements holding his arms felt like internal troops. However, when Beren regained his sight sitting in a chair with one light on, what appeared before him was none other than Governor-General Sergei. "G-Governor!" "Beren, have you been well?" "Ah, thank goodness. I''ve been well!" "Really. Why have you been well?" "Eh?" "I haven''t." The atmosphere is... a bit strange. The Governor with a rough man''s body plus Siberian coldness added seemed unlike the person he knew. "I clearly sent you just to fill a seat, but the news I heard was different. Beren the giant capitalist ruling the Far East, Beren the hope ofbor rights, Beren the conservative representative from military background, Beren the storm of the Duma - there are too many nicknames to even read them all." "I can exin everything! I can exin it all!" "You should have just yed a rubber stamp role, but anyone can see you''re crazy for power?" For Sergei Dukhovskoy, the Duma was actually an institution unrted to him. Anyway, he was a governor executing the Tsar''s orders in the Far East, and everything else was worthless before the great wave of ''war with Imperial Japan.'' So Beren Volkov just needed to fill a Duma seat without standing out. The result became exactly the opposite. "I was so careful to keep military training from leaking outside, but you''re running wild like a rogue?" "I-I created forces supporting His Majesty too! Though we''re a new party with only four seats, we can keep growing!" "The name?" "...State-Led Reform Development Party." "ying around." To think he''d spread that fanatic group even in St. Petersburg. Though the name changed slightly, anyone can see it''s officially certified as ''Founder: Niki Bunge.'' I don''t particrly know or want to know how academically great that ideology is, but something simres to mind. ''Themunist ideology reactionaries shout about'' Strange ideologies always present unrealistic utopias one by one, and Beren fits exactly that. "Indeed finishing with my line would be what His Majesty-" "Aaaagh! Governor! Your Excellency! Please listen once! There''s a reason I can''t die here! A reason His Majesty acknowledged!" "...Recite it." "Haa, haa. Damn." Finally mentioning the Tsar, Volkov slumped down sweating coldly and slowly opened his mouth. "We''re the only party that nothing came up on in this Okhrana investigation." "You said only four members." "In the next election it won''t be four - we''ll grow more centered on cities. First, we were the only faction that argued agricultural reform should be done by the administration, not the Duma." "Would any fool believe that?" "In the end, didn''t the administration do it because the Duma couldn''t?" That''s because His Majesty had no expectations for the Duma and designed it himself from start to finish... Dukhovskoy was about to answer but wondered if imperial citizens would know this. "Yes, to those who don''t know the inside story, I''m truly a pioneer! Unlike these corrupt representatives steeped in corruption pursuing only their interests, we''re a sincere party that presented the right direction from the start!" "...You speak well. Continue." "The only capable representative in an ipetent Duma! A token of trust within a Duma that became a symbol of distrust! The State-Led Reform Development Party has only to be the leader of all future development and prosperity! So if you would join the party too Governor, for just 3 rubles monthly subscription fee the empire''s future development ns-" "Hang him." "Yes sir." "Aaaagh! I''m sorry! I''m sorry! The sales pitch came out habitually without thinking! Your Excellency? Excellencyyyy!" Where did the Beren Volkov who was satisfied with small amounts earned from military supplies go, reced by this madman selling even at death''s door? Looking at it any way, port rental business was too much for that bastard. ''How much my heart pounded every time news of you reached the Far East.'' I was so indignant I really thought about killing him. I was angry at worrying about getting caught up with such an insignificant guy. Later when I heard even Witte and His Majesty moved, I even considered assassination. Now he seems somewhat useful having be a shrewd politician, but... ''I just don''t like him.'' At this point, Major General Dukhovskoy just disliked Beren Volkov himself. To think such a guy was chief aide - it makes me doubt this country''s military promotion system. "I''lle back around dinner after lunch. Keep him hanging until then toe to his senses." "Shall we give him some physical education?" "No need. This one had nothinge up even when the Okhrana investigated." Though it means he has no substance worth investigating, anyway like a fanatic his private life is clean so we can''t kill him. Above all, a familiar feeling as we talk more. Simr to talking with Chairman Bunge. As if a fake has be real before we knew it. Still, whatever this guy''s true heart is, for someone like the St. Petersburgmander, highest among military districtmanders. "See youter." This is fine for this guy. == After fall harvestpleted, the first year without Duma elections. As agricultural reform expanding from five provinces continued, the purge continued. The prolongation of purge meantpletion of the reign of terror. Though resistors appeared rarely, resisting now was synonymous with opposing justice enforcement, opposing the Tsar. Naturally, their fate was decided by themand "Hmm, kill them" from the august one''s mouth. While days continued with everyone shrinking their necks like frightened turtles at the Tsar''s de that could strike anywhere. "Anna, are you going to the imperial pce again today?" "Yes, they insisted Ie." "Though we should refrain from external activities in these times..." "What can we do when Grand Duchess Olga - no, Her Imperial Highness calls? She''s newly rising in social circles." "Since the Tsar cherishes her so much..." Grand Duchess Olga Alexandrovna, the Tsar''s rtive specially cherished by the Tsar everyone fears. ''They say she''s still called Imperial Highness in the pce. Meanwhile Grand Duke Mikhail... went to the frontlines right before the purge.'' That''s how much the childless Tsar especially cherishes his younger sister. He even held his first imperial banquet since ascending for her debutante, which says it all. Nevertheless, Count Yusupov-Elston was uneasy about his eldest daughter frequently entering and leaving the imperial pce. "You know? These days there are no exceptions for dying, whether duke ormander." "I know. Don''t talk with strangers, don''t do anything conspicuous, I''ll just quietly meet the Imperial Highness and return." "Yes, my clever girl will handle herself well." "The carriage is waiting outside. I''m going!" How happy must she be enjoying noble life in the splendid capital after being in the wilderness-like Far East. With her mother''s shyness but blue eyes and ck hair exactly like her father''s, she was beautiful even to Count Elston''s eyes. "Again, don''t carelessly talk to-" "I''ll be back!" Anna quickly bowed goodbye and left. Count Elston waved goodbye while trying to hide his unease. ''Right, who would touch a friend of Her Imperial Highness.'' Though "friend" is a stretch with a five-year age difference, that''s how Anna could be close with Imperial Highness Olga like an older sister. Anna Elston heading to the Winter Pce by carriage. Actually, it wasn''t that she immediately became close with Imperial Highness Olga at first sight upon arriving in the capital. ''Imperial Highness Olga approached me one-sidedly whenever we met.'' It wasn''t just a sixteen-year-old girl approaching. Someone for whom the Tsar personally held banquets even amid continuing purges approached to build friendship. To just a count family''s eldest daughter.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Other nobles talked about opportunity and favor, but her mother and father didn''t like it. Probably because standing out itself wasn''t good in these times, and they were satisfied with their current life. Anna also felt somewhat burdened but found it difficult to reject Imperial Highness Olga. The result was continuing meetings like today. ''The imperial pce is a bit scary.'' Still, since Imperial Highness Olga was cute, it wasn''t entirely forced meetings. "Anna!" "I greet you, Grand Duchess." "We''ll have tea in the greenhouse today, let''s go quickly." "Right now?" "Right this moment." Olga grabbed Anna''s hand and dragged her to the greenhouse as soon as she arrived, but stopped right at the Winter Pce greenhouse entrance. "Ah. I.did.n''t.know.big.bro.ther.would.be.here.first." "...Pardon?" Olga, speaking like a stiff poetry recitation, said awkwardly. "Oh my. Big brother came to see mother. Anna, I think I need to go tell mother this news. I''ll go ahead." "You could have servants do that-" "See you soon!" Olga Imperial Highness exined the situation like narration and quickly disappeared. Anna, not knowing what to do, had no choice but to step into the greenhouse. And her bewilderment immediately transformed into fear. The "big brother" Imperial Highness Olga mentioned wasn''t Grand Duke Mikhail but His Majesty the Tsar. The one who beheads any noble who stands out. The bloody monarch quietly making a kill list for 4 years pretending to know nothing before massacring at once. "I-I greet His Majesty the Tsar." For her who had just passed twenty, fear overwhelmed her entire body just briefly meeting the Tsar''s indifferent eyes. Though father said not to get entangled with anyone in the imperial pce, she ended up meeting the very person she shouldn''t meet. "Flowers blooming in winter. Amazing even in a greenhouse." The Tsar stroking ca flowers while speaking. Ca flowers. Among white flowers, the Tsar''s hand distinctly strokes a yellow flower. The flower meaning is parting and death. Anna slightly bowed her head, now unable to hold back tears welling up. Chapter 36 Tsar Bomba (3) Seeing Miss Anna''s hands trembling and even tears welling up in her eyes, hmm. First I can tell this is ruined. Anna Elston, eldest daughter of Prince Yusupov. Mother who enjoys social contribution activities. Father who is an upright soldier. I heard about her not bad background and reputation and thought to meet her through my sister, but she cries from the start. ''Indeed, maybe not in these times?'' But I have grievances too. I''m also so desperate I need to meet anyone with XX chromosomes off the street. Why, you ask? Obviously who else but my mother. When it became difficult to keep the 3-year promise, Mother really started writing letters to her rtives. This is where problems start - if it''s daughters of Mother''s rtives, aren''t they my cousins? Let''s look at my rtionships with European royal direct lines. Denmark, incest. New Romania, incest. Germany, incest. Britain, incest. Greece, incest. Austria-Hungary, diplomatic discord. Italy and Spain, no points of introduction. Oh? You say Russia can marry from fifth cousins? Most European royal families can legally marry from sixth cousins, so why incest? ''Though my identity is vic, within ninth cousins is absolutely impossible!'' I have zero desire to directly contradict modernmon sense and gics even if I die. I''d rather live alone for life than rtionships that make me nauseous even at eighth cousins. But I can''t be introduced to coteral lines about to lose royal status with no rtionship to the current ruler either. However, I''m not filial enough to confiscate Mother''s letters, so the solution was to look myself. Then I just happened to discover Prince Yusupov had a grown daughter. Coming back - why is she about to cry? ''How would I know. I''m not Rasputin.'' Probably just nervous. It''s not like she''s allergic to ca flowers used in bouquets. "Let''s sit and talk first." "...H-yes." "I didn''t know I would have such an ac.ci.den.tal meeting." I already investigated everything about her but there was nothing special. No, if anything special, it''s that like Count Tolstoy, that family itself is a bit un-noble. ''They said Yusupova''s daughter... she''s extremely pretty.'' Hmm, appearance passes. Since her mother frequently invites schrs for conversation, shall I start withmon sense questions? "Basic reform in five provinces has finished. Though it''s just entered the stabilization phase, primary work is done. Then where do you think will be the next provinces for Finance Minister Witte''s reform?" The answer to this question isn''t difficult. Like fire spreading to what''s right next to it, anywhere near the capital connected to the five provinces would be correct. A kind ofmon sense quiz. "Hic." Why, why are you covering your mouth? Don''t pretend not to hear. To think you can hurt with just wide round eyes without a single word. Is this nobility? Too much. "Should I say it again." "A-anywhere! Anywhere will be as Your Majesty w-wishes!" How can conversation continue with that kind of answer? Her mother was said to be shy but her daughter is even more so. Sigh, never mind. I should just ask about art or literature that noble women might like. "...Next question. Have you read Count Tolstoy''s books? They''re my favorite literature." "I-I just returned from the Far East so I don''t know well..." "Huh? A Russian doesn''t know Tolstoy?" "No! I know! I know everything!" "Then his recent book?" "..." My goodness, you don''t know "Fool Ivan"? It''s not even that long a short story? You don''t know "Fool Ivan" which is truly Russia''s Talmud, folk tale itself? "Master and Man... yes, I''ve read it." No, not that. Wait, that''s the most recent book? Not "Fool Ivan"? Why didn''t I know? "Th-though the content is somewhat critical, but! However! Since he wrote it for fundraising, perhaps the Count wrote the book with good intentions!" Ah, it was a short story for fundraising. No wonder I didn''t know. When that gentleman writes even short stories, everyone from nobles tomoners opens their wallets so that must be why. It was a bit awkward but conversation seemed to continue so I thought to ask more questions when my sister approached from far away. She must have been watching the whole time. "Olga." "...Big brother, are you interrogating?" "Huh? What do you mean?" "Anna doesn''t have any suspicions, right?" "What suspicions?" "Then how about stopping here for today? Anna''splexion is too pale." Come to think of it, her already white skin seems to have even less blood flowing... "I picked the wrong day. Let''s meet again next time." To think she''s unwell on the day I met her using even Olga. I called the court physician and left the greenhouse. Promising more diverse topics of conversation next time. == I understand the weight in the Tsar''s words is no joke when the number of people who die changes just by one word of my standards changing. However, those who know that weight as well as I do are probably those it applies to. In other words, those walking a tightrope between life and death. "In that sense, Savva Morozov, it''s most regrettable for people like you. Something that would be nothing usually, yet getting indicted and going in and out of courtrooms for no reason." "...I am ashamed." The Morozov family, one of the five wealthiest families in the empire. A family that grew greatly in the textile industry imitating Ennd, also famous for extravagance. "It''s your first time meeting me face to face? This is, well. It means say everything you want to say so you won''t feel disappointed." "...Your Majesty, is our family being confiscated?" "Was that what you were most curious about? Let me answer first - no. I''m a pro-capitalist Tsar despite appearances, you know? How could I do such things?" If I was going to confiscate, I''d hit tasty families like Demidov obsessed with Jewish priority, why hit pure Russian capital? Though charges are diverse including leading textile industry collusion,borw vitions, instigating fake strikes (stock price maniption), this level just gets fines and a slight taste of prison time. What capitalist in this era''s Russia doesn''t do at least that much? I''m a flexible Tsar who understands reflecting the times. "But taking policy loans and mergers and acquisitions in the textile industry again? There''s already much talk about cartel collusion and monopolies, but this crossed the line. Do I really need to say it? Hm? Do you only watch out when it''s written inw?" "No! Absolutely not!" Those I least want to kill, who shouldn''t die in this purge, are probably the capitalists. It''s not that I want to protect them because they''re rich, but they''re already losing to other European capitalists and if we oppress them domestically too, they might really go extinct. That much, I hope our pure Russian industrialists I''m carefully nurturing follow thew on their own. "You know Smirnoff and Smirnov families are struggling quite a bit?" "The empire''s cognac, champagne, and vodka are in those two families'' hands." "When I made it so alcohol could only be sold at designated points paying tax, those two families engaged in smuggling." When I attached tax based on numbers shipped from factories, all sorts of illegalities ran rampant including secret factories, bribing administrators, smuggling. What can you do? Evenpanies supplying the imperial family need to schedule meetings with the Okhrana. "Your family didn''t survive because you have money. It''s because you help the empire. Please let''s not meet like this again." "I''ll keep it in mind! I''ll burn this body to be fertilizer for imperial industry!" "Yes yes, no need to burn, just go. All charges against you are removed." Some people with much to lose and repentant hearts handle themselves well with just this level of meeting. Conversely, there are those in the world who don''t get it no matter how many chances and warnings you give. Even people the Director Sekerensky finds difficult to handle usuallye up to me, and quite a big shot was caught today. "Sigh, Prince Lvov. To think we''d meet face to face like this." "...Your Majesty." "When possible, I hoped our first meeting would be leisurely chatting over tea in the garden on a clear day." None other than the leader of liberals, Georgy Lvov. A case of rising this far stirring up zemstvos with just a prince title while his family had fallen. His entire past was zemstvo activities, and there''s no way a prince could be fine while zemstvos were being destroyed. Nobles grabbing his ankles. Political enemies wanting to cut off his ankles. And the anti-Tsar symbolism Prince Lvov himself held. He was someone who absolutely had to die in this purge. "Your Majesty, I am one who rejoices at the results of this agricultural reform." "I know, wasn''t agricultural reform what you advocated until that age right after graduating university?" He truly fought with agricultural problems until his lips wore out, from youth to middle age. He may not know, but his efforts to save the empire continue into old age. Later when he bes powerful, he leads the imperial foodmittee conducting advanced hygiene projects, helps residents indiscriminately relocated to Siberia or the Far East. Even establishing policies for the sick and wounded soldiers and creating the zemstvo union to open 3,000 hospitals treating millions. Though iparably weaker than what I''m doing now, even waging war on corruption in the empire''s final days is Prince Lvov before me. He is one who truly loves the empire. I who knows the future guarantee this. However, at the same time, he was one who intensely hated the Tsar. Though his father''s generation lived frugally, they went heavily into debt from indiscriminate serf abolition and the family fell. Right after he graduated university his family was ruined and siblings had to scatter. Prince Lvov probably recalled the time of serf abolition watching this reform. Necessary, but too extreme and radical with overflowing side effects. "Haa, though I didn''t want it this way, the farmers seem satisfied with the results." "Sometimes reform from above is better." "I thought Your Majesty reformed without knowing anything about farmers. Rather, I feared Your Majesty''s solo run would begin if this reform seeded." "As liberals would naturally think." Just not radicals, as liberalism demonizes the state trying to bind and control with norms. "No, actually I''m still afraid. Afraid this purge might be recreated anytime... afraid it might be this destructive method again when the next problem appears" Did firm beliefs make him transcendent even before death? Unlike others I saw before, his words contain not a hint of fear mixed in. I calmly acknowledged all his concerns. "That might be so." The Tsar and bureaucratic government. Truly an uneptable governance method in Prince Lvov''s life. This gap is probably the biggest reason he and I cannot work together now. He is not Witte. Not only will he not agree with me just seeing good results, but he fundamentally doesn''t match me. "Until yesterday I had much I wanted to ask if I met you. What happens to liberals now, what is the Duma''s role now, whether you really gave power to imperial citizens, whether it''s really... reform for the empire''s future, not imperial authority..." Though he too desired and coveted power, he was never a base person intoxicated by it. And he remained true to the Prince Lvov I knew until the end. "Want me to answer one by one?" "...No. Now I see Your Majesty was aplete monarch who didn''t need heir education. However, if possible, just one thing. I truly want to ask just one single thing." "Speakfortably." Though notpletely, somewhat sympathizing with his pain - though unable to agree with his ideology, respecting his beliefs - I responded seriously. "What are you reforming for, Your Majesty?" "That''s-" I was about to naturally answer "for the farmers" but the words cut off abruptly. His eyes before death seemed to demand truth from me. What the reform is for - I''m bewildered by a question I''ve never asked myself.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Still farmers? Are mountain-high piles of documents and bloody purges just for farmers? ''...No.'' Then war? Preparation for wars that will surge forward? ''That''s not... all.'' My reason for reforming. Though I could attach all sorts of reasons, the first reason Prince Lvov asks now. Unraveling the question like that, the answer came easier than expected. "To live. Because I don''t want to die. That''s why I reform." Yes, that''s it. Not because I like this country''s history, not because I know the future and feel frustrated, not because I empathize with farmers'' suffering below. Not because I''m a patriot grinding away my life for Russia until death like the prince before me. Just because I, want to live. That reason is at the very front. The rest just follow behind. Was it too absurd an answer? As I wondered how Prince Lvov would take my answer, he spoke first. "...Thank goodness." "..." Though I couldn''t know how far he understood my words, he seemed somewhat consoled by my answer. That was ourst conversation. He asked no more questions and I had no reason to continue time with him either. In the subsequent investigation, the prince readily admitted all charges from zemstvos, charges during Duma representative activities, even anti-reform charges. Even I could see many charges against him were contents he could deny, but he didn''t. And a few dayster. [Traitor Prince Georgy Lvov, execution carried out] He died by hanging. The prince who loved the Russian Empire more than anyone became a traitor of all traitors in my empire. The prince''s death was like a signal of liberals'' - in other words the Democratic Party''s - destruction. The purge continued. Chapter 37 Tsar Bomba (4) When carrying out purges for half a year, news naturally spreads across borders. Germany, physically close to Russia, couldn''t help but know about Russia''s internal purges. Wilhelm II, who drove out pro-Russians including Bismarck, felt a sense of disconnect whenever he heard news flowing from that Russia. "With this, it''s estimated over five thousand have had their heads cut off for serious crimes or been driven to Siberia." "Receiving punishment without distinction between duke andmoner." Though it''s just like uncivilized Russia not ending with resignation or retirement, that wasn''t what Wilhelm II found ufortable. It was the disconnect with his cousin repeatedly doing things he would never do himself. That was the reason. ''My cousin and I are quite simr.'' The point that the previous generation advocated strong military authority. The point that they had prime ministers they trusted in internal affairs, and the prime ministers were moderates shouting pro-Russian or pro-German. The point of ascending to the throne around the same time inheritingplete imperial authority. Finally, the point of throwing away things like constitutional monarchy. Truly simr from inherited bloodline to cultivated environment. In such simr environments, his cousin Nicky acts like a pirate ship captain sailing the Antic. What made him so adventurous? ''Why kill all the nobles? Did Nicky not learn mercy, the virtue of monarchs?'' If he wanted that agricultural reform so badly, wouldn''t dragging in traitors make them tremble more and continue reform? No, making such a Duma in the first ce makes no sense. The German Empire formed by unifying multiple kingdoms needed a parliamentary system, but Nicky''s country didn''t particrly need a State Duma. Though seeming to create the State Duma first and transfer power, Nicky stepped forward himself and swept everyone away in just 4 years. Though fools might think looking at results that it was for strengthening imperial authority, Wilhelm II couldn''t agree. What kind of people are imperial family members? He knows better than anyone sitting on the imperial throne himself. The moment you sit in this seat, in other words the moment there''s nowhere higher to go in the empire, guaranteeing power bes more important to the emperor than strengthening it. "Prime Minister Hohenlohe, isn''t it strange? Now Nicky is trying to walk a tightrope no one asked for." "Isn''t it a safe tightrope?" "Well, I see it differently. It''s starting at a loss, giving up the Mediterranean that Russia so wanted to advance into." The purge appears sessful in results. Nicky''s domestic poprity rises daily and even while necks around him are being pulled out, the Duma and nobles don''t hesitate to praise the Tsar. Wilhelm II, who kept substituting the assumption ''if it were me,'' finally reached the point of giving up understanding. Whatever it is, now Nicky walks a pathpletely opposite to Wilhelm II himself. Pro-French, anti-Austria-Hungary. And head bowed to Britain. ''Though ruling as a bloody emperor at home, is he scared outside?'' It can''t help but be frown-inducing cowardice. Former Chancellor Bismarck criticized in the Hamburg newspaper until right before death that ''the Emperor not making a reinsurance treaty with Russia was foolish.'' But Bismarck was wrong. "Bismarck, if he had lived just a year or two more, he would have admitted his mistake seeing this sight." "Though Russia is undoubtedly a great power, Nichs II extremely avoids external friction. Even if it eats away at his own country." "Bowing to Britain, bowing to France, and even bowing to those inferior yellow race they say." What was itst year, asking to allow grain exports to feed German farm cows and pigs? ''Does Nicky have no pride?'' Saying he''ll reduce his people''s food to sell as feed to neighboring countries. How can he take such a low posture when it hasn''t been long since the Triple Alliance copsed? "Whatever the case, saying Russia threatens Germany was nonsense." "The Baltic Fleet has been reduced to half level they say. They''re removing their own power to advance west themselves." "Let''s just watch. Seems they''ll fall out of European dynamics by their own feet." While Wilhelm II was mocking Russia''s istionism with Duke Hohenlohe like this. France was burning ck inside, no - turning to ash. "How long will this crazy Tsar purge!" "He''s an emperor not a revolutionary - why kill everyone who catches his eye?" "Try being that hardline outside too!" Where are the obstacles for France now? Though not just one or two ces, first is Africa where they sh with Britain. France''s trans-African policy. Britain''s opposing 3C (Cairo, Cape Town, Calcutta) policy. Britain, never satisfied no matter how much they eat, keeps shing with French colonies before we knew it. Even with just this France can''t avoid struggling overseas, but since Wilhelm II''s ession Germany is openly pouring effort into military strengthening. The Fleet Law enacted justst year legally forced building 1 gship, 16 battleships, 8 armored ships, 9 cruisers, and 26 small cruisers with massive budget. Why would they try to build that High Seas Fleet clearly not for national defense? "The crazy German Emperor is trying to steal all our colonies!" "The name itself is High Seas Fleet (Hochseeflotte)! Anyone can see it meansing out to sea to steal everything!" Fortunately the Fleet Law touched British nerves too making rtions between the two countries bad, but anyway. Germany, country ofnd forces, finally put hands on the navy too. Why? "You Russian sons of bitches! How many francs did we stuff in your mouths because of the alliance!" "No, they say it''s about to cross the Middle East? Haven''t you seen the oil there? Aren''t you curious how the Mediterranean and Suez Canal look?" "They''re openly proiming 3B (Berlin, Byzantium in Turkey, Baghdad in Iraq) and hovering around your front yard!" Because Russia no longer pours effort into strengthening and expandingnd forces. In other words, because Germany gained room to grow their navy. However, Nichs clearly responded with ''reduction of fleet stationed in Baltic Sea'' and finally France pulled their hair and shed tears. "You scammers... You said world''srgestnd army with 3 million active and 10 million reserve. I believed just that and poured all our bank loans into the Siberian Railway..." "Is just tasting one-third of Pnd enough to endure, are you really admitting you''re a beta male?" "Oh Tsar, I beg on my knees! Please cut some Germanic heads instead of vic ones!" Russia now pulling out of European dynamics and choosing istionism meant France might die at any time. Germany openly sharpening their knife. Russia dismissing that knife as ''for food preparation.'' France tasted a full cycle of emotions from anger to betrayal to resentment to eptance before finally regainingposure. Ultimately the current Tsar seems unlikely to turn attention outside anytime soon, addicted to purges. Diplomacy like collecting loans or imposing import/export tariffs here is the lowest of low moves. It''s likepletely cutting off friendship just because things got a bit awkward with a friend. Instead France tried to find solutions elsewhere. "Prime Minister Dupuy, negotiating with Britain? Will the people ept it?" "Fighting Britain in Africa is just a waste of national power anyway. Wilhelm II''s proimed world politics (Weltpolitik) openly suggests armed invasion. The ind nation with the most colonies will also feel this sense of crisis more than anyone." "Understood. Since German colonial threats are amon issue for both countries, I''ll try pushing forward." It''s reducing risk by holding hands more firmly with Britain. "They won''t refuse since they''ve suffered like us since Bismarck''s time." Actually France was the official outcast cut off by all European countries after being pushed around by German diplomacy while Britain voluntarily lived as a loner through Splendid Istion, but anyway. In the end France raised Britain''s hand high for Wilhelm II and Nichs II to see. Due to Nichs''s istionism, the Anglo-French understanding was born 5 years earlier than original history. == Appropriate purging provides effects of establishing discipline and increasing reform speed, but even this has a point where the curve breaks when graphed. Though still rising upward, the effects gradually decrease and the inherent taste of purging disappears. I see it like kimchi that''s too ripe. Instead, another effect sharply rises from this point. The side effects of purging. In other words, the aftershocks of the state''s self-destructive behavior arrive. ''Must stop before there.'' If you can''t keep this appropriate line it''s indiscriminate oppression, but if you keep the line well it''s rooting out corruption, national cleaning right? Around this point Witte and other officials should step in with other alternatives- "I was moderate onlypared to radicals! Now that many radicals are dead, I''ll fill that void!" "Witte! Witte! Witte!" "Officials, all follow His Majesty the Tsar! Only His Majesty will purely cleanse this country!" Hmm, there''s another unmentioned side effect of purging - even people safe from the de get drunk on blood together. ''Witte''s gone crazy. Though he still works very well.'' An era where everyone calls for punishment over forgiveness and good and evil are clear. Looking at this concept, this purge is hard to stop easily since it''s packaged as ''punishment of evil.'' With two thousand people receiving death sentences in trial alone and thousands receiving the punishment just below death - exile to Siberia (whipping, cutting nose or ears then being sent east of Urals forbor). Still, the time to stop hase. "No matter how much I stir things up inside Russia, history will keep flowing." Even the United States,nd of freedom, devoured Puerto Rico and the Philippines in colonial greed, and the Hungarian Prime Minister was so angry he challenged his political enemy to a duel in this uncivilized era. ''99, end of the 19th century. Now the time hase for everyone to throw off such uncivilized ignorance and find reason and culture. If they can''t? Ah, those who fall behind in history aren''t even worth recording anymore. They just need to prepare to be beaten thoroughly and kicked out of history. "For example, my neighbor the Qing Empire." Who dares say this empire lost the Great Game? This game isn''t simple enough to end just by giving up the Baltic Sea. It only ends when a country''s national power ispletely depleted through tremendous war.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Russia with principalities like Find but no colonies. Yet still the world''srgest empire with just its maind. Strengthening imperial authority, agricultural reform, rooting out corruption, weakening nobility, suppressing the Duma - what I wanted to gain is done. The purging game is over now. Now is the time to turn eyes outward again. The best way for this is going through a special opportunity - an event that can make the whole empire forget fear and move forward united as one. "In other words, to overturn this situation with blood overflowing in every valley and return to daily life, we need national celebration. Understand why we need to hurry?" "What? Yes!" "Good, I''m truly happy you ept the confession. If you refused I would have had to find another way." "C-confession? Do you mean confession like in church?" "Looking at honesty they''re simr. What''s important is that I''m sincere. If people''s hearts connect sincerely, what more is needed?" "Th-that can''t be. I like everything!" Though we''ve only met five times and need time to get to know each other, fortunately she fully understood my circumstances. Above all, our conversation matched quite well and time seems to flow quickly talking about her Far East life and sister Olga. "Still, it might be hard to decide alone so ask your family''s opinion too. If they oppose... sad but nothing can be done." "Oh, time has already- I''ll be going now!" "Let''s see about the answer for permission, I''ll give plenty of two days." "48 hours! I''ll definitely return within that!" Though the situation pressures me to hurry, I absolutely don''t seek calcting and coercive rtionships. Watching Anna leave, I even felt somewhat proud inside. Like bing one more step adult. I hope Prince Yusupov gives permission. Chapter 38 Tsar Bomba (5) Why don''tints explode even as His Majesty the Tsar''s purge continues past the year? Of course, partly because justification and power are too firm for anyone to dare step forward... but this purge itself was just too perfect. Though Count Elston hadn''t seen this purge from the beginning, from a third party''s perspective this purge was more about settling karma than removing political enemies. Whether that karma was from the mir, zemstvos, or Duma. Each had umted no small amount in their past. If even one thing was dug up, they were immediately dragged to court. Though called a purge because too many died, Count Elston couldn''t deny this was work the empire long needed. Nevertheless, no small number like Count Elston expressed concerns about this purge. Because no matter how just and necessary a purge, it''s different when prolonged. ''Like an antelope''s body freezing before a tiger, continuing fear will freeze the empire.'' If reform meant to lead the empire to a better future paradoxically stops the empire, what exactly is this purge for? Hence, Count Elston was among those hoping this work would end as quickly as possible. Though clearly maintaining such a cold third party stance... "What? His Majesty threatened your daughter?" "I must enter the pce tomorrow morning to give an answer. Major General, what should I do?" "There must be a misunderstanding. You know well he''s not that kind of person?" Count Elston wanted to believe so too, but his daughter returned crying yesterday saying she was "threatened that he would destroy the family if she didn''t ept." Not only was that child not one to lie, but seeing how she frequently met His Majesty the Tsar whenever visiting the imperial pcetely, it seems true that His Majesty wanted to meet Anna. "If he wanted a domestic marriage, there would be no reason to threaten." "That''s why it''s even stranger! I''m afraid the Okhrana''s targeted investigation mighte tomorrow!" "Stop! Don''t say such things anywhere. I happen to have business at the pce this afternoon, so I''ll try to ask then if possible." "Please." Major General Dukhovskoy, feeling something was definitely wrong the more he heard his aide''s story, immediately requested to see Nichs that day. Nichs made time despite being busy since it was urgent business from the St. Petersburgmander. The question he heard upon meeting was this: "Perhaps... are you selecting your inner circle before restarting reforms?" "Huh?" "I''m not protecting Count Elston because he''s my aide, but he''s truly an officer who works for this country! I can prove how hard he carried out Your Majesty''s orders in the Far East!" "No, no wait. What did Count Elston say?" "...He said their family was put on the purge list." "...?" Nichs momentarily lost words at news of an unprecedented event in history - purging potential inws. Where in the world do you execute the family of a bride before even marrying? When Nichs was bewildered, unable to grasp what went wrong where, Major General Dukhovskoy watching was also bewildered. ''I tried to purge Count Elston?'' ''...Was that not it.''N?v(el)B\\jnn After a brief grogginess reviewing all past memories, Nichs regained his dignity. "There seems to have been a misunderstanding. I proposed to Count Elston''s daughter." "That you would decide on purging the family within 48 hours..." "That was just giving a deadline since I need an answer." "..." Can this be cause for misunderstanding? What kind of conversation did those two have when they met? Though Major General Dukhovskoy didn''t know well, he had a strong conviction that responsibility clearlyy with the Tsar. "That''s how I work with officials..." "..." He finally seemed to understand why the Tsar was still alone past thirty. == Though the conclusion of the ''one-sided romance misunderstanding'' incident came as quite a bitter shock and wound, there was no time to be sad for me who hadpleted absolute solipsism in the vic country. "Now zemstvos will be formed in a binary system of independent farmer representatives and noble representatives." "That''s not enough. Give zemstvos their own audit rights and appoint separate administrators for practical work." Of course you must rebuild what you''ve destroyed. Though officials were dying just from mir dissolution, we had to appoint local administrators and leave to expand reforming provinces. Though official numbers sharply increased every year since ession, there was no small amount of work so all I could do was slightly raise officials'' sries. And. The purge that continued for nearly a year ended with national celebration. Though there was talk about marriage between nobles andmoners, even Mother said "as long as it''s not homosexual" so there weren''t many who would strongly oppose. The greatest disadvantage of noblemoner marriage, loss of inheritance rights, was meaningless to me who had already be Tsar. The coronation ceremony held six years after the previous Tsar''s death was performed simultaneously with the wedding. Though we couldn''t spend much time preparing and the scale was shabbypared to other countries, I had no intention of wasting money on events. "Your Majesty, preparing 30,000 barrels of beer, 10,000 barrels of mead, and 400,000 mugs-" "Count Dashkov, stop." "Then preparing sausages, bread, candy, peanuts so imperial citizens can enjoy at least in the capital-" "Stooop!" Canceled the usual events of Tsars ascending the throne and touring regions. Canceled hundreds of thousands of bags filled with all sorts of gifts. Canceled things like giving souvenirs or holding festivals for days. So though it was somewhat nd despite being a huge eventbining wedding + coronation... "Long live the Tsar! Long live the Tsar!" "May Russia''s glory shine bright!" "Long live His Majesty Nichs!" Still, filling streets with parades and military bands made for a proper absolute monarch''s coronation ceremony. The purge ended together with national celebration. Though there were hands reaching out to me quietly right after the coronation, sensing this atmosphere. "Ah, tell Prime Minister Waldeck-Rousseau I don''t have room to expand externally while domestic matters are still noisy. Come to think of it, I heard France values rtions with Britain so much... Ah, that must be my misunderstanding? Hahah, this almost became disappointing?" However, I had no thought of heading south again at France''s request. Because if we just wait a bit. Because those who would feed usnd about 7 times the Korean penins appeared. "Your Majesty! They''re killing priests in sessive riots in Qing! Simultaneous riots!" "My goodness. Damage to our Orthodox priests?" "...Fortunately there''s zero damage since Orthodox Christianity isn''t popr in East Asia." Tactless bastard. Was such a tactless official still in my meetings? "Ahem, Your Majesty ording to Foreign Ministry reports, their spread speed is unusual and difficult to dismiss as ordinary riots." "Right! Indeed Minister Giers sees the situation urately." "The South Manchurian Railway we built at Qing''s request and imperial citizens residing in Qing are also in danger. We cannot stand by any longer, so we will formally request help and proper punishment from Qing." "Good, I hope Minister Nichs Giers takes responsibility for protecting our precious imperial citizens'' lives." The quick-witted Minister Nichs Giers immediately caught what I wanted and took on the mission. Though some still thought ''isn''t that something like protests?'' - nonsense. Kung fu and shamanism don''t appear in our country''s protests. When vic workers gather it''s just give us bread, work is hard, give us more money level, but there they get infected with unexpected chuunibyou across the whole country shouting "Ooh, the gods give me power to beat up foreigners!" Still, if it ended there maybe it would have concluded with just cursing them as uncivilized bastards. But here one more person joins the Boxers. "Qing has rejected our request." "Empress Dowager Cixi! Empress Dowager Cixi of Qing has joined hands with the Boxers!" "Oh my, how terrible." "Your Majesty? Why are you smiling?" When the empire''s ruler added the monumental stupidity of joining hands with fanatic traitors, themon riots just kept growing bigger. How significant this was - it made European countries form an allied army with one heart and mind even while French-Dual Monarchy antagonism, French-German antagonism, and British-Russian antagonism were ongoing in real time. Britain, United States, Australia, India, Germany, France, Austria-Hungary, Italy, and finally Japan. Empress Dowager Cixi who turned all those listed into enemies in a short time and united eight countries as one. I apud her decision. At the same time, I gave new orders. "Secretary, contact Governor Roman. Tell him to upy all of South Manchuria where our railway is connected." "Understood." "Let''s just eat that much first and watch other countries'' reactions." Though it was formation of eight countries'' allied forces, really only we Russia had military preparations. It was the moment Li Hongzhang''s designed East Asian three-way battle copsed. == Though not concluded since our Russia showed much interest in the Far East from the early 90s, in original history the Russo-Chinese Secret Treaty was concluded in ''96. This secret treaty overseen by Sergei Witte and Li Hongzhang was a treaty solely to check Japan. 1.If Japan invades the Far East, Korea, or Qing, both countries immediately dispatch army and navy 2.Neither side makes peace treaties with enemy countries without the other''s consent 3.During war Qing opens all ports to Russia 4.Qing connects Qing and Russian railways for troop movement and allows Russia to use railways when war begins 5.Treaty effective period is 15 years Though at first nce not seeming very different from the current Far East situation, Li Hongzhang''s Three-Legged Cauldron n very simr to the original history Russo-Chinese Secret Treaty had several huge differences. First, the point that the South Manchurian Railway was built entirely with pure Russian funds not Russo-Chinese bank funds and the Amur Governor-General''s Office handles all operations. The point that unlike the Russo-Chinese Secret Treaty where Qing and Russia recognized Japan as their only enemy and tried to unite hearts, Li Hongzhang''s Three-Legged Cauldron n tried to check Russia too. Finally, the point that we keep expanding in the Far East without fighting Japan. The essence of the Russo-Chinese Secret Treaty was ''Qing draws in Russia to block Japan.'' Because in original history Russia had no strength to advance south and try to upy Korea or Qing. In other words, examining each slightly changed historical difference one by one, the fundamental reason Li Hongzhang''s Three-Legged Cauldron n copsed was because Russian power became stronger than expected. Development not neglect. Active military reinforcement. Rapidly increasing immigrants and development too. The Russian Empire''s power in the current Far East was iparable to 10 years ago. Even Li Hongzhang who justified choosing the lesser evil wouldn''t have known this. That the Far East would grow this much in a short time. ''Internal politics stabilized, reform smooth, and weathering global food price crash well.'' Now that the interior has stabilized like this. I did not want peace in the Far East. Chapter 39 Undisguisable Greed (1) If you ask imperial citizens living in Europe where the Far East is, they usually answer "Isn''t it east of Siberia?" but actually the Far East isnd several days further even from that eastern Siberia. Truly as the name suggests, a ce at the end of the east. Unlike the west that seeded in Westernization since Peter the Great''s time, the Russian Empire became less civilized going east. "Siberia? Hasn''t that been a ce where you get caught by nomadic ve traders since ancient times?" "In this country, going east just means death. Land''s no good and barely any nd." "Just consider 70% ofnd beyond the Urals as a different country." A part where you can understand why the imperial government was skeptical of Siberian migration policy. Though harsh winters and barrennd were problems, the perception long embedded in imperial citizens discussed the Urals as if it were the River Styx itself - pure fear and unknown. However, making such perceptions meaningless, Roman recently began feeling the Far East gradually changing. "Is this newly arrived food?" "Salmon, pork, beef, rice - diverse. Probably no army in the empire feeds this well." "Peter Choi''s supply." "Choi Petka - it''s best to go through him for all fresh food. The young fellow can do anything when given work. All Koreans follow him." Outsourcing work unimaginable just a few years ago. Thisnd without even private markets had nothing work without the Governor-General''s Office doing it directly, but now it''s different. Nowpanies exist that handle food supply in tens of thousands of units. What''s important here is that thesepanies are local businesses operated by Koreans. "Governor Roman! Haven''t I repeatedly said military expenditure must not exceed fiscal revenue!" "...Chairman Bunge, the military is a group that only spends. How could expenditure be small feeding and housing over 100,000 troops?" "It''s all because of that strange fortress! Even now slow down construction speed and reduce scale!" "It''s already built so nothing can be done!" Though Chairman Bunge raises his voice whenever meeting, thanks to him the huge Far East seems to run well. The worried poption structure problem was also solved in its own way. Originally the Far East with extremely low proportion of Russians was practically no different from Asian colonies, but recently with noise about agricultural reform and such, no small number of imperial citizens came over from the west. Long-term this was a very good signal. Though sometimes among immigrants there were those saying they were deceived by Beren Volkov, that was unknown to Roman. "Now that the South Manchurian Railway isplete, thisnd''s true value clearly shows." On the railway heading to Beijing, the Qing capital, were various powers'' concessions and this was the second trade route connecting divostok. The South Manchurian Railway hadn''t rested a day since opening. The rails transported goods day and night, and this was purely the Governor-General Office''s profit. The Far East finally starting to spit out water after years of pumping and massive priming water. The military growing bigger and strengthening defenses day by day, and markets growing on their own without the Governor-General''s Office touching them once water started flowing made Roman hold girlish huge expectations. However sadly, Roman''s dream didn''tst long. "Attack! Qing residents are destroying all sections connected to our railway!" "...Could they be Qing government troops or Japanese army disguised as residents?" "It''s not just us. Other countries'' concessions and railways are also suffering attacks!" "First evacuate our people out working as South Manchurian Railway operations staff." Just as Russia built the South Manchurian Railway, other powers also built railways section by section within Qing. If such railways are being attacked simultaneously, it''s probably not Japan''s doing. ''A people''s uprising.'' Roman''s insides just burned ck at such an incident happening now when the Far East was about to take flight. He only thought about blocking Japanese forces striking up through Korea, never imagining such problems would burst from the Qing side. ''Must we just quietly watch like this? All railways connected with such effort being destroyed?''N?v(el)B\\jnn Without those rails the Far East will just be deadnd isted again. Going forward it will just be a parasite receiving budget from the imperial government unable to stand alone. Unable to send forces to Manchuria or stop the railways being destroyed - then orders flew from the capital. Roman immediately carried out the Tsar''s orders. "Prepare full army for expedition!" "It''s waaaar! It''s war!" Roman immediately moved half the forces under the Governor-General''s Office, 50,000 troops. And imperial property, the railway, was connected to Beijing. == The Boxers formally rose up in October 1899. The Boxers "purified" territory advancing north from the south, and all sorts of atrocities weremitted in the process. If skin was white death was naturally hard to avoid, and they killed those friendly with Westerners, those knowing Westernnguages, those attending church, even Qing officials who surrendered to Western powers. True to their slogan of "Support the Qing and exterminate foreigners," those joining the Boxers truly believed this was for their country. Actually it wasn''t a matter of believing or not. This mass madness was an explosion of history umted from the past. All sorts of unequal treaties made by powers. Foreigners spreading like poison in Qing territory picking fights whenever bored and tearing off concessions. Hostility umted one by one since the Opium War era just expressed as nationwide mania. Now Qing people didn''t want to know about Western new civilization or technology. They missed the past when no one could touch China and wanted times without barbarians. So they tried to turn everything back a century. First race. "Here''s one white guy!" "Catch him! Catch him!" "I-I''m a priest who ran an orphanage-" "Cut off his limbs first!" No exceptions. Even if skin wasn''t white, groups that got along with white guys were also targets for purification. Of course stolennd must be reimed too. "This is a port legitimately delegated from the Qing government! You aremitting invasion!" "Don''t know what they''re saying but kill everyone in thisnd!" "50 taels for Western women, 30 taels for Western children! Even if not Boxers, bounties given so catch them all!" Powers'' armies permitted to station in Qing territory couldn''t stop the Boxers alone. Westerners chose suicide when facing Boxers, knowing they would have genitals crushed and be tortured to death if caught. Priests and missionaries died. Their following believers died. Then those rted to foreigners died. These Boxers spreading rapidly in less than a year truly killed all "Western things" existing within Qing. Who would dare refuse when a stage waspleted across the whole country where inherent violence and cruelty could be freely disyed? After upying Beijing and even Empress Dowager Cixi joining, the Boxers gained legitimacy and grew stronger thinking only driving out foreignerspletely remained. Until armies came down from the north overnight. "Hey, foreign armies areing!" "Don''t be afraid! We''ve steadily practiced boxing skills so even bullets can be- ughk!" Though madness spread down to Manchuria since Beijing fell to the Boxers, their numbers weren''t many. "Crazy bastards. Mass murder." "They killed all diplomatic ministers and orphanage priests, so no reason to spare us either." "Kill them all! No prisoners needed!" Already at the point Empress Dowager Cixi crossed over, Roman was clearly a general out to wage war. Not at all a situation to fight watching the opponent. It took just a week for Russian forces to upy up to where the South Manchurian Railway was built. "...Was it too fast?" "Governor, shall we wait until allied forces attack Beijing?" "If so, the Tsar would have given separate hints." Though other powers would surely oppose if Roman entered Beijing alone like this, he had one good justification. "Currently foreigners are isted surrounded by Boxers in Beijing. Shouldn''t we rescue them?" Namely saving lives. With even clear justification there was no reason to dy. At worst they were likely government forces armed with just matchlocks so damage wouldn''t be great. Plus there was one more reason to advance to Beijing right now. "As soon as we advanced south, Japan announced dispatching 20,000 troops." "I''ll prepare siege warfare immediately." Four dayster, Roman reached Beijing. == Before Roman led troops down receiving my orders, the allied forces also attempted to rescue foreigners isted in Beijing. "However, they say 3,000 troops led by British Naval Commander Seymour were unable to advance toward Beijing." Thanks to his failing once, there shouldn''t be major problems even if Roman upies Beijing. Though some countries will raise imster about single-handed entry into Beijing, I don''t see it bing major diplomatic issues. Anyway at most what we want to gain by entering first is just paper content like territorial sovereignty over Manchuria. "Manchuria is alreadynd we effectively control." Japan hastily dispatched 20,000 troops after tasting Qing silver coinsst time but was toote. The Boxer Movement and its suppression process. Though contents slightly differed, looking at just cause and effect I see it didn''t greatly diverge from original history. Soon in the process of 8 nations cleaning up after, we''ll eat Manchuria and Xinjiang while Britain raises pro-British forces in the southeast region. Boxer punishment will be hard since it happened in such a mess, andpensation will be outrageous. Germany angry about their minister dying will probably be satisfied dragging one Qing royal to their country to kneel before Wilhelm II. Up to here okay. Nothing deviated from the big frame. However thinking about afterward, I couldn''t be certain if I truly didn''t deviate even one thing. "The Boxer Incident itself isn''t important except for scale and cruelty. But whates after is important." The real point to examine in the Boxer Movement is each country''s undisguisable greed. Like how we couldn''t resist quickly eating Manchuria. Like how America softly slipped in during this gap to propose increasing China trade. Japan also dispatched 20,000 - exactly 21,000 troops. Though officially under the Eight-Nation Alliance, it was practically independent action. "Making the peace treaty about Korea meaningless, both sides'' calctions showed too clearly." But we couldn''t not eat Manchuria at this opportunity either. Such good justification is like Halley''s Comet. Meaning such perfect justificationes once every 70 years. Simrly, Imperial Japan addicted to Qingpensation taste sent troops to the continent first regardless of other powers'' eyes. If we''ve exposed each other this far, war is hard to avoid. Since neither side seems likely to give up greed either. "Of course Britain will take Japan''s side." Not sure if the Anglo-Japanese Alliance was concluded without my knowledge, but even so it just means "if there are countries allying with Japan while it''s at war with Russia, Britain can participate." "If this country had the ability to create alliances and drag them to the Far East, would they have lost to yellow people in early 20th century. This country has no Bismarck." And Britain''s help? Let them if they want. No problem as long as not direct participation. But America. Ah, these guys are a bit tricky. The country that helped Japan throw in 2 billion yen equivalent to dozens of years of national budget into a one-year war. The country that gave so many war bonds and war supplies on credit. The United States. I want to separate these guys from Japan most of all. Even if Britain reces America''s role, separating them is good. "Records say Jewish capital angry at Russian Jewish persecution bought Japanese bonds." No matter how many bonds those New World Jews bought, even I can''t stop Jewish hatred overnight. Jews in this country were really people who did loan sharking. Though in Britain evenmoners can get urgent loans from banks with developed private lending markets, poormoners in Russia could only go to Jews. Jews who were nearly ostracized especially in rural societies including the mir yed capital games even more desperately in the empire, and vs responded with pogrom games. Coming back, how can we separate those rich New World upstarts? How should we handle those money-crazy bastards who inject healing factor shots 4 times during the war and save them twice more after? As concerns lengthened, even as Tsar I felt it wasn''t easy to interfere in other countries'' affairs, so I thought about why fundamentally many Jews live in the empire. "In grandfather''s time the Russian Empire drew in Jews from around the world." Educational opportunities, freedom of residence, support for establishing banks and businesses. This increased Jews by 2 million, showing how attractive grandfather''s policies were to Jews. However after grandfather was assassinated, father abolished all such policies. Naturally all their rights and freedoms were also restricted. "Even if reviving policies now, not sure if we can gain trust." Though loosening a bit looks good, I''m not sure how effective that alone will be in war breaking out in a few years. Then rather than such policies, how about approaching Jews more directly? "Commander Dukhovskoy." "Yes, Your Majesty." "Thinking of experimentally creating Jewish units like Cossack units." "...Unitsposed of only specific races? Though presumptuous, wouldn''t this vite the empire''s assimtion policy?" "Nothing to do with assimtion policy. Just needs to be obvious they''re Jews." Wouldn''t Jews be moved by the Tsar''s grace with units respecting their religion and food culture and even guaranteeing Jewish holidays? Ah, where in the world is there such an army? In a country of conscription at that. I believe Jews in other countries will think so too. Chapter 40 Undisguisable Greed (2) Thest census revealed about 5.5 million Jews within the empire. And currently, the empire implements a conscription system. Looking at just these two facts, one might think "Well, we could just gather Jewish recruits and form units," but the issue wasn''t that simple. "The Tsar wants us to create Jewish units." "Then just make them. What''s the problem? We already have Cossack units, Muslim units, and nomad units, don''t we?" To Sakharov''s straightforward question, Dukhovskoy shook his head. "While Find''s military is under our imperial army, they operate with their ownmand structure. Simrly, the Imic units are merely under imperial control, but can''t be considered the same as the imperial army. The Tsar doesn''t simply want to create and control Jewish units like them." If that were the case, he wouldn''t have given such specific instructions. He would have just sent down an order to increase Jewish recruitment rates. However, he wants unitsposed solely of Jews, units exclusively for Jews. Why? "...Jewish units at a time like this. I can''t think of any use for them except maybe in the Far East?" "That''s correct." "Why on earth?" "It seems the Tsar wants Jews to participate in the southern expansion policy." "The southern expansion policy includes Central Asia, the Ottoman Empire, and the Far East. Only the Far East?" "All of them." The two major generals, tasked with preliminary work before the policy''s official announcement, briefly pondered how far to develop this. ''If it were the Ottoman direction, Jews would eagerly join. They''ve been allowed to serve as soldiers but never as officers.'' ''Perhaps he''s seekingplete submission from the Jews?'' At that moment, Sakharov thought of one possibility and carefully expressed some concern to Dukhovskoy, one of the Tsar''s closest advisors. "Could this be the foundation for Jewish purge-" "No. The Tsar sincerely wants to bring in the Jews." "Hmm. Sincerity makes it even more difficult." This Jewish unit establishment will likely follow the Cossack cavalry model - respecting some autonomy and individuality while ensuring they shed blood at the forefront for the empire''s sake. After organizing his thoughts, Sakharov shared his vision. "The worst case would be if Jews see this as a penal unit." "That must not happen." "But our empire has been quite tumultuoustely. Ahem, pardon my words. Anyway, Jews have been excluded not only from officer positions but also from clerical work, craftsmen roles, drafters, guards, assistants, and even military factory workers. Why? Because they''re considered untrustworthy wandering Jews." Though not particrly sympathetic to the discrimination, Dukhovskoy nodded in acknowledgment. At least in the military, Jews had been thoroughly excluded. "This country''s military is Orthodox-centered. I don''t fully understand their ideology, but I''ve never seen soldiers desert en masse just because they were told to eat something tasty." "Apparently, just touching pork in their food is considered a sin." "With people like this, gathering them all for special management sounds good. Fine. But Commander Dukhovskoy, name one Jewish general besides Denis Davydov." "...Are there any?" "Of course not." Considering Denis Davydov was from a century ago, Dukhovskoy couldn''t think of any living Jewish generals. Finally, Dukhovskoy understood the key point of Sakharov''s argument. "So the core issue isn''t just gathering troops to form units, but creating Jewish officers?" "Those Jewish officers would naturally lead the soldiers below them. We need to give them a role like their rabbis, whom they call teachers." Rabbis, who have never properly worked a day in their lives let alone farm, spend their entire lives studying in rooms yet earn the respect and support of all Jews. Sakharov wanted to incorporate this collective Jewish characteristic into the military. "This is the best way to integrate Jews into the southern expansion policy. Create Jewish officers. A flower blooming in the desert stands out more - if we promote them appropriately, other Jews might eagerly gather under them." Jews who create their own society and live together even within the empire. Advice to create standout figures among them. ''So we just need to control those few officers.'' This might set a bad precedent of ethnic groups forming private organizations and power bases within the military. However, it''s also perfectly suited for the tightly closed-off Jewishmunity. "Creating heroes. I should visit the Okhrana for this." Dukhovskoy immediately headed to the Interior Ministry. == While nning to establish pilot Jewish units in Petersburg following the Tsar''s orders, Dukhovskoy learned for the first time that there were so many Jewish factions. "Ashkenazi Jews, Sephardic Jews, Ukrainian Jews, Brusian Jews. Roughly thirty-nine branches of Jews can be ssified by region and history." "...That many?" "Add religion, and Jews are quite diverse. They''re further divided by scriptural interpretation." "First time hearing this." "Additionally, regarding your request, we searched the entire imperial army." Dukhovskoy immediately read through the mere two pages of information that Sekerenskiy had gathered using the full force of the Okhrana. After quickly reading, Dukhovskoy asked incredulously. "Hundreds of thousands of Jews have served in this empire, but only nine officers? Just nine officers?" "Of those, only two were usable, but since Serem recently emigrated to America, only one remains." "Hertsel Yankelevich Tsam. Enlisted at 17, fivebat experiences. Retired as captain after 41 years of service? Director Sekerenskiy, did I read this correctly?" Dukhovskoy''s militarymon sense seemed shattered by news of an officer serving 41 years and retiring as captain, but Sekerenskiy nodded in confirmation. "Now you understand why Jews are leaving Russia. Captain Hertsel - well, he was promoted to captain the day before retirement. Meaning he never actually served as one." Though he had guessed, the reality was too devastating for Dukhovskoy, who covered his face. ording to the documents, though he waspetent enough to earn his regimentalmander''s recognition, Hertsel was repeatedly passed over for promotion because he was Jewish and refused to convert to Orthodox Christianity. Despite this, Dukhovskoy wanted to apud Hertsel for serving 41 years. Captain Hertsel''s life itself was a triumph of human perseverance and a protest against Jewish oppression. After pondering about Captain Hertsel, Dukhovskoy asked the director. "Can we work with this?" "In what way?" "Inte his military achievements and have the imperial government btedly award him decorations." "This might invite criticism of the government." "That''s why I''m asking you. Can you focus the work precisely on this Hertsel person?" It needs to be done in a way that doesn''t provoke anti-Semitic or pro-Jewish voices, but solely praises Hertsel''s contributions and promotes him.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Sekerenskiy smiled lightly at Dukhovskoy''s question. "By next month, Hertsel will be a hero and hope for all Jews." For the Okhrana director, changing one person''s life was nothing. Whether pushing them down to rock bottom or raising them to the heavens. == [War Minister Sakharov: All religions must be protected as long as they pay taxes.] [Captain Hertsel Rediscovered: A hero who silently supported the empire from the bottom.] [41 Years of Waiting: Exceptional Official Imperial Decoration.] When the media opened fire simultaneously, the trend was created overnight. "Captain Hertsel? He was a lieutenant for 13 years? My God, how did he endure?" "I heard his colleagues submitted petitions for his promotion." "They say he''s getting a medal too?" The military is the most conservative institution anywhere in the world. Even though America epts many immigrants, whites remain the core of its military, and though Britain has numerous colonies, pure Britons form the core of its army. To be recognized in such an institution. "Captain Hertsel, are you home?" "What brings you here so early in the morning?" "Good morning, we''re from the Imperial Merit Office. In recognition of Captain Hertsel''s achievements, despite not being Christian, you will exceptionally be inducted into the Order of St. George. Considering your religion, this will be substituted with the equivalent Order of dimir, 3rd ss. First, we need photos." This was unfamiliar even to Hertsel, who had served in the military. Already retired and doing volunteer work in the Jewishmunity, Hertsel didn''t know how to react to the soldiers gathered in front of his house since morning. "We hope you''ll attend next week''s award ceremony. Well then." The soldiers showing respect to Captain Hertsel with military precision, and journalists recording and photographing everything. Hertsel received the respect he never properly got during his 40-plus years of military service. Suddenly, everyone was proiming his honor and showing respect. After the Merit Office soldiers left, neighboring Jews who had been watching from a distance rushed to Hertsel. "Hertsel! The whole world is talking about you! How did this happen?" "I-I don''t know either. I thought I''d forgotten everything about the military after retirement, but suddenly they''re making such a fuss." "Don''t lie! Haven''t you been reading the newspapers?" The neighbor handed Hertsel a stack of newspapers. [Colonel Belukheim: He was undoubtedly the bestpanymander.] [The exemr of an uining man finally recognized.] The world seemed to have turned upside down overnight to mock him, but after receiving the decoration a weekter and seeing his pension increased, the sixty-plus-year-old man finally realized the world had changed. The moment when the world recognized him, something he thought would never happen. He never dreamed such days woulde before his death, and the treatment, unimaginable for a mere captain, continued daily. ''...It wasn''t in vain.'' His life, despised merely for being Jewish, finally seemed to shine brightly. When going to the synagogue, Hertsel proudly wore his decoration, and when walking the streets, he walked with his chest proudly out, gleaming with gold. After receiving the decoration and experiencing a few days of honorable life, one day a paper arrived for Hertsel. ¡¸Reactivation Order: Captain Hertsel Yankel Tsam is promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and ordingly, the retirement age is temporarily extended. -Petersburg Military District Commander, Major General Sergei Dukhovskoy-¡¹ "...Huh?" Military service typically begins at 19, or usually after age 20. For a moment, Hertsel thought the paper was meant for his grandson, but his name was clearly written on the order. The Petersburg Commander, responsible for guarding the capital and major cities, was ordering him back to the military. Never mind the promotion to lieutenant colonel, he was sixty-five years old. Though not sick, he was at an age where death from a cold wouldn''t be surprising. "There must be some mistake-" "There''s Captain Hertsel!" "Captain! Please wait a moment!" When Hertsel unfolded the order in front of his house, journalists who seemed to have been hiding somewhere surrounded him. "Captain Hertsel, it''s admirable that you''ve decided to return to service! With your Order of St. dimir 3rd ss, your promotions should be smooth sailing - how far are you nning to go?" "I-I should be preparing for the grave-" "Please give some advice to young Jewish soldiers serving in the military who look up to you!" "After 41 years of waiting, the empire is finally recognizing you! How do you feel right now?" "I''m happy but I can''t just be happy about this-" "You mean you''re too overwhelmed with joy to express it in words?" "With Captain Hertsel, now a beacon of hope for all Jews, returning to active duty, we''re really looking forward to seeing how many juniors will follow in your footsteps!" "..." Hertsel, a man of noble patriotism and silent sacrifice. Hertsel, a man who became a hope for Jews by maintaining his faith even in the military. Hertsel, a man who pledged to serve the empire once more after the entire empire praised his name in his twilight years. A perfect vic fairy tale waspleted in an instant, though no one knew who wrote it. Before he could enjoy his newly recognized honor, when Hertsel came to his senses, he was already in uniform standing at the St. Petersburg station. "...Why am I here?" "Lieutenant Colonel Hertsel Yankel Tsam! Wee back to the army! I''m Colonel Felix Sumarkov Elston, your direct superior. Ah, perhaps the name Yusupov is more familiar?" Before he could ask why his direct superior was the Tsar''s inw, Colonel Elston grabbed and shook Hertsel''s hand. Of course, journalists were photographing their meeting. Chapter 41 Undisguisable Greed (3) If there was one thing I felt after wrestling with practical affairs for several years. It was that I wasn''t particrly talented in domestic affairs, except for historical changes. For example, in the case of Joseon, I pursued neutrality with clear motives and purposes. Although Minister Weber sent telegrams to St. Petersburg almost every other day, I made Joseon neutral (unlike Switzend, where everyone''s influence extended) without leaving any room for doubt. However, when it came to general policies orws rather than such historical changes, there were often times when judgment became ambiguous. The current Jewish policy being pursued centered on the military was such a case - what I wanted was vaguely for the military to embrace Jews who had been excluded until now. In 1880, twenty years ago, Jews had established their roots in the military to some extent. They openly had munitions factories in Moscow, Jewish recruitment rates weren''t much different from vic ones, and during the Second Eastern War (1877-1878), Jews were also active in fighting against the Ottomans. So how did the Jews end up being expelled from the military? ''You again, Father.'' Our father who created an army for the vs. As soon as he ascended to the throne - nationalization of all Jewish munitions factories, forced retirement of Jewish nonmissioned officers, and finally forced conversion of Jews.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om After gifting this three-piece military expulsion set, Jews naturally became a race that only served briefly as soldiers in the military before leaving. Anyway, I tried to bring in Jews to eliminate this chronic problem, but... "Minister Sakharov, you forcibly returned a 65-year-old man to active duty and then sent him to military school?" "To be precise, he''s performingmander duties during the day and following military academy education at night." In this age of paper administration, they managed to find records of only nine Jewish officers and then dragged in an old man who was just waiting to die? ''Are all the generals in this country devils?'' I just wanted to create Jewish units and show how the Imperial Army had changed, hoping for a change in perception and increase in recruitment rates. With the appearance of Colonel Hertsel and subsequent cases of discharged Jews re-enlisting, I can''t help but sigh at the character and schemes of our generals. "Within a year, we''llplete organizing a regiment-level unit and train them to be ready to go to the Far East at any time!" "Colonel Hertsel bes a regimentalmander? Is that even possible?" "Since we n to fill some of the subordinatemanders with experienced individuals, it''s possible for now. Doesn''t he have the Order of St. dimir 3rd ss? I think he could even aim for general rank before he dies, as long as he doesn''t die naturally as a soldier." "..." Yes, truly long live medals. You used the same method I used on Roman. It seems Hertsel won''t be able to escape the military alive now that they''ve put on a nationwide show. Whatever the method, it''s fine. If we can just send a few thousand to the Far East like this, the chances of American Jewish financialpanies funding Japan with theirpany money, like patriotic bonds, will decrease. As the summer heat began to break this year, the Qing Dynasty''s spectacr suicide show came to an end. The Treaty of 1901 was practically a yground for the powers, with even Spain, Belgium, and the Nethends joining in to get their share at the end. ''Just barely enough to maintain the form of a state.'' This treaty, unprecedented in its strength, will turn the Qing Dynasty into a shared colony. U.S. Secretary of State John Hay''s Open Door Policy, which began this year, essentially showed how much America was drooling over the Asian market. Centered on Joseon, Japan, Qing, and the Philippines, the United States began market pration, even at the cost of friction with other powers. Despite this year''s Boxer Rebellion, American investment in Asia has soared to an all-time high, touching everything from port operations, lending, mining, to transportation (railways). Naturally, the United States was also poking around various parts of East Asia, testing the waters... "What did Minister Giers say?" "The U.S. State Department announced that the Manchurian invasion vites the Open Door Policy. After hearing details through Ambassador Tower (Charlemagne Tower Jr.), they added that the South Manchurian Railway connecting Joseon and Qing is not something Russia should monopolize." "Is it because of the uing presidential election?" "Probably not. Secretary John Hay''s Open Door Policy seems to show a strong will to protect long-term Asian interests." In other words, should I understand this as a warning shot because they think Russia, having consumed Manchuria, is likely to continue feeding on Qing? ''France is in turmoil over Dreyfus, and Britain is preupied with the Boer War.'' So I thought we would naturally eat Manchuria without disagreement, but it''s strange that such criticism ising up again. "Anyway, Secretary John Hay probably doesn''t want Manchuria returned to Qing with such criticism. Perhaps it''s just expressing displeasure." "That must be it. Roman took Beijing alone, yet they''re just running their mouths without having done anything." However, while Japan is throwing fits in diplomatic circles about Russian forces having to withdraw from Manchuria, such criticism is concerning. It feels like they''re stacking up justifications one by one. At this rate, Russia alone will look like the white people bullying poor yellow people. When in fact, all the white-skinned ones wanted to slice up Asia like a pizza. "Then... see if they''re interested in Joseon''s railway." The connection of the Trans-Siberian Railway nearingpletion with the Manchurian railway. Add to that the current 12,000 kilometers of railway within China. Connecting these three is practically the Russian Empire''s greatest interest and destiny, so it''s a bit difficult to give away. Although we''ve already built the Gyeongin Line between Seoul and Incheon that you coveted, one core construction right remains in Joseon. ''Originally, Japan should havepleted it within a few years, but now they''ve withdrawn, so no one has taken it.'' The 450km Gyeongbu Line. Not bad. If the Russo-Japanese War breaks out, Japan will definitely take Busan first and try to move up by upying ports one by one. Chapter 42 Undisguisable Greed (4) If the United States takes this Gyeongbu Line, it might not be andmine, but it could be an ufortable thorn in their side. ''Or maybe not.'' Actually, I don''t even expect that much. Since we who anticipate war with Japan can''t build the Gyeongbu Line anyway, we can give it away like a gesture of goodwill to those who envy the Manchurian railway. "Whether Minister Giers gets permission from Joseon or not... ask Ambassador Tower if they''re interested in constructing the Gyeongbu Line." This much of a mouthful should stop theirints. There''s no need to get involved in unnecessary disputes before determining victory or defeat with Japan. == The State Department, which had feared that Qing would be swallowed up by Russia''s southward policy, could only raise question marks over their heads at the sudden proposal for Joseon railway construction. "...They''re giving away the construction rights to the Gyeongbu railway, which will be Joseon''s backbone, so easily? After all, Joseon''s railway will connect not only to Qing through Manchuria but all the way to Europe?" "It must be due tock of capacity, right? The Russian Empire is about toplete the Trans-Siberian Railway, so they probablyck the resources to build another railway." "No, that''s not it." Like any country, when starting the gold standard, both the country itself and observing neighbors be desperate to increase trade. In ''97, when Japan followed Russia in adopting the gold standard, America''s Asian trade only grew year after year without exception. Even during the ''96 panic, trade with China and Japan grew by nearly 10%.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Secretary of State John Hay couldn''t understand Russia''s intentions for suddenly offering this gift after taking some criticism. ''What is it? There must be a reason they''re giving this away so easily.'' Or is it like Germany, which gave the Samoa Inds to the United States in January this year, thinking it''s better to be generous? But wasn''t Joseon supposed to be Russia''s next front yard after eating Manchuria? "Looking at my records, I see that Minister Allen once tried to obtain the railway connecting Joseon''s port Incheon with its capital." "In the end, Russia built it now. And Japan wanted the Gyeongin Line so badly." "Yes, even that short railway had quite significant interests because Joseon is so small. But a railway connecting Joseon''srgest port and capital? Isn''t it strange that they''re giving this away so easily?" For any country, colonial railways are core interests that can''t be taken lightly. Railways make money as long as there''s poption, regardless of resources. ''When the Joseon Emperor left home and returned, the concession France received was exclusive bidding rights for the Gyeongui Line (Pyongyang-Hanyang). That''s what Russia''s greatest ally received.'' The Frenchpany Feveslille (Compagnie de Feveslille) had obtained the construction rights by investing enormous sums. "One thing is clear anyway. Whether it''s the Tsar''s order or Minister Giers'' initiative, the Russian Empire is trying to show a pro-American stance." Unlike their previously neutral rtionship, the current imperial government clearly doesn''t antagonize America entering the Asian market. In this atmosphere, Russia might not try to monopolize Qing or Joseon. For now, since they''ve received something, the U.S. State Department decided to refrain from criticizing about Manchuria. John Hay couldn''t even imagine "a decisive war between Russia and Japan over Asian interests" in the near future. It was the limitation of hikikomori thinking stuck at home. == The State Duma, changed to elections every two years. The political world that had been like a quietke withst year''s first peaceful autumn and purge. So what did the imperial government do during this time? "I appoint Finance Minister Sergei Witte as Prime Minister." "I shall burn this body to serve Your Majesty!" The imperial government implemented the prime minister system at this time when resistance from the Duma would be minimal. The prime minister system was implemented by the strong will of the Tsar, who had been overworked for the past 6 years. The prime minister is naturally appointed by the Tsar and serves an 8-year term. Perhaps because seats increased from 200 to 450, Duma members fortunately didn''t strongly oppose the implementation of the prime minister system. So who would they choose in the State Duma lower house? "Here is Speaker Alexander Guchkov, who will serve a 2-year term!" "Conservative Party! Conservative Party! Conservative Party!" They elected a lower house speaker to work with the prime minister. The first speaker was elected as Guchkov, the Conservative Party leader, after the Democratic Party, which had been thergest party, was pushed aside. In particr, Guchkov''s Conservative Party had quite broad inclusiveness, being the only right-wing party except for progressive bourgeoisie. It incorporated various ideologies including the Trade and Industry Party, Law and Order Party, Constitutional Monarchist Legal Alliance, Kaluga''s ''For the Tsar''s Order'' Party, etc., which stemmed from onemon purpose shared by the Conservative Party leadership including Guchkov. ''We must never let the reds take power.'' ''Whether it''s bureaucrats'' reform or whatever, the Democratic Party and Labor Party are crazy people who want revolution, not reform.'' The reason they didn''t strongly oppose the implementation of the prime minister system despite havingints - it was because they feared the country might split in two if a leftist government took power. To summarize briefly, they were a party that wasn''t as ideologically strong as the Labor Party or Democratic Party, but instead absorbed various minor parties under the spirit of constitutional monarchy alone to win the speaker position. When the Democratic-Labor alliance was destroyed and conservatives began to dominate. The Labor Party, which had been suppressing even strikes and demonstrations on their own due to the Tsar''s purge, began to gradually reveal their instincts that they had been holding back. "Strike after so long! Strike!" "We don''t want to work with industrialists who don''t care about our health!" "You have lots of money! Didn''t you say we''re like family! Let''s share a bit!" However, even the MPs at the top of unions and strikes had learned some tact through years of politics, having grasped the Tsar''s ''invisible hand'' theory. "I heard equipmentpanies received more policy funds than their annual sales. Let''s grow the strike in that direction." "Ha! Construction industry with the highestbor costs will fail? Impossible under the current Tsar''s reign! Go on general strike!" "For munitions factories... how about keeping quiet for a while? If you don''t want to die." The Labor Party learned for the first time through the recent purge that mindlessly making demands would lead to abandonment in Mother Russia''s political world. In the frozennd where even gypsies gave up on survival, abandonment means death. In other words, regardless of party, everyone must clearly recognize that they are ultimately imperial citizens and Russians. Lastly, those who belonged nowhere despite being a new minor party. ''Beren and Children'' still shouted today. "Don''t protest, just move! With your worker level here, you can live luxuriously in the Far East!" "The Progressive Party and bourgeoisie are stupid! What? Policy funds are sweet? The Amur Governor-General''s office is throwing around even more money right now!" "You should give up the illusion that the Far East will always be open. The uing tremendous boom in the Far East will be a party only early birds can enjoy!" They remained unchanged Far East enthusiasts even after the purge. Chapter 43 Last Dance (1) "Mmm..." As heavy eyelids finally yield to time and open, the lighting through the window gives a rough indication of the time. "It''ste morning." Who was it that said the elderly lose their sleep? Those young sprouts, barely sixty, often say such things, but Bunge couldn''t agree. When you truly get old - that is, when it bes difficult to find someone older than yourself on the street - even opening your eyes after closing them bes a struggle. And thenes the day when you never open them again. Bunge lightly left his bedroom and put a piece of bread and coffee that the servant had brought into his mouth. It wasn''t particrly tasty. For an elderly person who had be insensitive, both sleep and food were merely acts of survival. After breakfast, Bunge had to prepare for work immediately. Hebed his few remaining hairs neatly to the left side, sticking them down, and trimmed his beard. After a simple face wash and putting on a white shirt and ck suit, he was done. Now he was ready to work. Taking a cane and leaving the house, secretaries carrying armfuls of documents were waiting for him. "The main schedule?" "Officials will gather by 10 AM. As you requested, we''ve cleared the entire afternoon. There''s one matter requiring urgent approval, and there was a fire incident early yesterday morning that was smoothly extinguished." "Good. Make sure you personally verify and report on the fire incident''s aftermath. Did the approvale from the Governor-General''s office?" "Yes, it did." "We''ll look at itter." As work talk began, the old man''s previously dull eyes regained their sharp gleam. Even in the carriage. Even between getting off the carriage and going to work. And even at the moment of walking to his workce, Bunge''s time was not wasted. Wasn''t he at an age where dying of a heart attack tonight wouldn''t be strange? Having faced his destiny at toote an age, every day was now precious to him. He had barely sat down and looked at some documents when his secretary lingered beside him. "What is it?" "Chairman, it''s time." "Is it 10 already?" Looking at the clock, the deceptive flow of time feels spiteful. Bunge headed to the conference room prepared on the first floor, leaning on his cane. "The Chairman is entering." When the door opened, despite it being prime working hours, the officials had already filled their seats. Bunge sat in the central seat. Only then did everyone else take their seats one by one. "I called you all here today despite knowing you''re busy because I have something important to say. So, did everyone sleep well? It''s not easying to work in the morning, is it?" "Haha, what could be difficult for us young ones?" "How could a sried officialin?" As Bunge started the meeting with light conversation, everyoneughed and responded in turn. "Yes, this is the life of an official. Living on pride in serving the country while receiving regr pay." For a brief moment, Bunge reflected on this life of an official - more precisely, the life he had lived as an official. This wasn''t one of his countless self-reproaches. He was simply talking about the ordinary life that a typical official dreams of. Coming to work in the morning, going home in the evening. Creating and supporting a family, watching children grow up and be independent, achieving self-realization by associating oneself with organizational achievements and development. That would have been the future and predetermined framework for the human figures gathered here. "I don''t know about you all, but this morning when I opened my eyes..." Bunge stood up from his seat again. And continued in a majestic voice. "I didn''t just rub my sleepy eyes and wake up. I opened my eyes as Niki Bunge, the great chairman responsible for all affairs in the Far East." However, the life Bunge had lived was not that of an ordinary official. It was a continuous series of being tested and proving himself. One misstep meant an immediate fall into the abyss. "When I put on my suit and came to work this morning, I didn''t just drape a suit over this old wrinkled skin. Oh, I couldn''t do that." Though he tried to ignore it, many hadughed at and tried to stop Bunge''s final journey to the Far East. They said not to do such undignified things now. Asked if he had no honor to protect. "Niki, Christianovich, Bunge - the name my parents gave me. This pen that records this name. When I take this pen to sign, I don''t hastily scribble my name. I engrave, one by one, my name being recorded at the empire''s edge." Only Bunge''s voice echoed in the room that had been light just moments ago. When he paused briefly, everywhere was quiet, but no one felt Bunge''s speech was quiet. "You all working as officials in this godforsaken wilderness have various reasons. Some led by sentiment. Some through connections as my former students. Others driven by desire for recognition and ambition to seed as officials. Just like when I first became an official." Bunge already knew well that his body would never return to European soil. Even by railway, the journey would be too harsh for an old man who could barely support his own body. Above all, Bunge had an inexplicable certainty - that he would die the moment he left this Far East. "There must be as many reasons as there are people filling this cramped conference room. But I ask again at this moment - is that really all? Isn''t something stirring in your chests?" Bunge pointed his finger as if stabbing each person''s chest. "What? You think that since you educated fellows have finally be officials, you can just eat government money and work at a lifetime job? That it''s a sessful life because unlike the workers protesting in the square, you won''t get fired? Ha! Don''t make meugh!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Though he spoke with angry shouts, these were also words to his past self. "If you''re filling these seats with suchcent and weak mindsets, get out right now! I''ll calcte all the money you''d receive until my retirement and stuff it in your mouths!" Everyone in the conference room was overwhelmed by Chairman Bunge, unable to even make breathing sounds. Chapter 44 Last Dance (2) Having poured something out intensely, Bunge briefly caught his breath and regained hisposure. "But you know what?" Official''s mannerism. Official''s sense of futility. He knows it all. Having experienced it countless times until this age, he damn well knows it. "If you''re not one of thosemon ordinary people, listen well. You third-rank and below secretaries, what was the reaction when you said you wereing to the Far East? Everyoneughed, right? Said you got on the wrong track and were going to civilize dirty yellow people. That you had the wrong superior so you''d never get a good position. And now with Witte''s agricultural reform in full swing? Have you all heard them say that while Niki Bunge and his subordinates failed at reform, the next Finance Minister seeded because of his ability?" "...We''ve heard it." "Chairman! It''s too unfair. Weid the foundation, resolved the deficit, and set up all the ns!" Yes, these are the ones who came all the way to this empire''s end, taking two months, driven by that resentment and indignation. If they didn''t have a dagger in their hearts, they wouldn''t have endured here for years. "Yes! You came all the way here to prove the value of the names your parents gave you! To show that we''re different from those copsing zemstvo bastards and central bureaucrats who just put decorations on fully-made cakes and hold their heads high! That no matter how much reform they do, what achievements they make, we''re better!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om That''s why everyone came to the Far East, the lowest part of the empire, gritting their teeth. Did they juste to sightsee? For seven long years. They''ve poured in their days and nights for seven years to reach today. Now the preparations areplete. In the past, this ce gavend to anyone who came. Just to increase settlers. After Bunge came. He made it so anyone coulde here to work. To increase the resident workers. And today, as the money received from Qing gradually runs out. Atst, Bunge''s preparations havee to an end. "My officials." "Yes, Chairman!" "My state-led free market economic development system ideologists!" "Yes! Chairman Bunge!" "When even the soldiers here in the Far Eastugh at this long name we gave ourselves, do you think those bastards in Europe will acknowledge your seven years of endurance?" "No!" "They''ll stillugh!" At some point, everyone had stood up and had the same look in their eyes as Bunge. With each of Bunge''s pressing questions, the officials unanimously clenched their fists and spat out their answers. "So let''s turn this Far East upside down! Those warm-backed, well-fed European nobles! Central bureaucrats! Let''s show them enough to crush the nose bones of all imperial citizens! In our officials'' way!" "Waaaaaah!" "We shall prove it to the whole world! We shall prove it without fail!" "Long live state-led free market economic development system ideology!" Those who had entered the realm of fanaticism, with no trace of official reason and intelligence, responded to Bunge''s speech with their whole bodies as if possessed by another personality. As shouts that were difficult for an old man''s eardrums to handle filled the narrow space, Bunge finally opened his mouth again, not as chairman but as the leader of these fanatics. "My gentlemen. From today, if work bes so hard that tears might fall, rather pluck out your eyes and let blood flow. If you feel like you might die from overwork,mit suicide honorably without disturbing your colleagues. And after death, don''t go to heaven or hell, but remain as a ghost to watch until the end." Then, a huge cloth behind Bunge fell to the floor, revealing a single word written on arge board. [War Special Demand] "How we survivors will change this Far East." That day, Bunge became the god of Far Eastern officials. == "It''s almost evening but the budget still hasn''t been executed." "Well, since Chairman Bunge recently stepped in personally to stop financial leaks..." "Even so, I''m the Governor of Amur. We can''t be even slightly negligent in border defense. Just for today, I''ll have to go and argue myself." Although Roman''s excessive military expenditure and construction far exceeded normal border defense levels, he thought this was already due to the Far East''s special circumstances. ''Moreover, construction industry greatly helps economic revitalization!'' Roman, who had studied economics somewhat clumsily, left the Governor-General''s office prepared to have it out with Chairman Bunge today, using this as justification. A newly constructed five-story building just three minutes away. This ce, practically a devil''s tower, was usually bustling with officialsing and going like corpses, but today it seemed a bit quiet. "Even better." There won''t be any interference from underlings while going to meet the head of that den. ''I am the Governor of Amur preparing for His Majesty the Tsar''s war. No matter how important the Far East''s economy and industry are, they can''tpare to war.'' Chairman Bunge, who lived his whole life as an official, might see the military as just a waste of money, but Roman couldn''t agree. Without military defense, the Far East''s economy couldn''t exist either. He only hoped that Chairman Bunge would understand this fact, at least today. After taking a deep breath to inject confidence, Roman strode forward in his military boots. However, when Roman opened the building''s door and entered, officials wereing out of the conference room after a seven-hour meeting. "Ugh! Such humiliation! Disgrace! Insult! We shall surely repay this!" "Ngh! I shall never forget who our main enemy is!" "Huh-huh-huh-huuuk! Chairman!" "...?" Officialsing out with swollen eyes, all crying and sniffling. From fresh-faced youngsters in their twenties to elderly folks nearing retirement, various age groups were wailing in unison, causing Roman to freeze in confusion. ''W-what''s going on? Did they get caned inside?'' Such a wise, sage-like person wouldn''t use such violence, would he? Moreover, the officials still emanating unsubsided heat. Everyone is equally elevated. ''Humiliation? Disgrace? Enemy?'' What on earth does this mean? Could some incident have urred without his knowledge? After the officials left, Roman carefully looked inside the conference room, leaving his aide behind. There, Chairman Niki Bunge sat alone with his head down. Burned pure white, Like the Chairman who seemed about to turn to ash and scatter in the air. "..." Roman turned away, unable to approach him. Chapter 45 Twisted Flow (1) "Hahaha! Niki Bunge! You crazy bureaucrat!" Is he an ill-fated reformer destined to fade into history, or a madman who postponed even death while harboring original sin and stubbornness? It''s too early for a posthumous evaluation since Bunge hasn''t died yet, but he''s certainly someone who will be recorded in detail by future generations. "Ah... How long has it been since Iughed so heartily?" At this point, with the Trans-Siberian Railway nearingpletion this year, all I wanted from the Amur Governor-General''s Office was just maintaining the status quo. That meant I thought the Amur Governor-General''s Office''s work was done after just receiving reports on Roman''s fortress construction. However, Bunge apparently thought differently. "Do you see? These numerous business ns and reports? The madness of a senile old man at eighty?" "...Isn''t this the harmful effect of excessive autonomy?" "No, no, Count Dashkov, that''s not it." Looking at these ns set up by Niki Bunge, one country that benefited fromst year''s Boxer Rebelliones to mind. The Japanese Empire. That country that enjoyed war special demand when troops were sent to Qing during the Boxer Rebellion. ''Even though they only fought what amounted to a few months of ying house war, they say the economic effects were quite good.'' But Bunge wouldn''t have made such a gambling move just looking at that. "I''m dying to meet Professor Bunge right now." How far did that undead specter look ahead? The export to Qing that became a blue ocean after the import of modern weapons was banned with the signing of the Treaty of 1901? The Russo-Japanese War that would break out soon and the hundreds of thousands of troops that would be stationed in Manchuria afterward? Or Korea? Did he even consider the armament of Korea, positioned as a neutral country? ''If it was just at the level of stockpiling inventory, I wouldn''t have thought he was looking so far ahead...'' If that were the case, it would have just been enough to fill Manchuria''s finances once when the Russo-Japanese War broke out. However, Bunge is even willing to hand wads of cash to militarypanies from the powers, including the United States, calling them to Manchuria if needed. Because he ns to not only properly feast on the war special demand that will break out in Manchuria but also monopolize the aftermath. This requires three certainties as foundation. "First, the certainty that a major war between us and the Japanese Empire will break out within a few years." Without that, conversely, Manchuria''s economy would be extremely depressed and unable to y a role beyond being a post station where railways pass through. "Next, the certainty that there will be ces to sell weapons to after the war ends, whether it''s Qing or Korea. That is, Qing must continue to survive while remaining chaotic, and Korea must also be armed." From here is the chilling fact itself. The warlords of China were such major customers of Manchurian industry in the original history that it wouldn''t be wrong to consider them a main pir of the Manchurian economy. "Lastly, the certainty that we won''t be satisfied with Manchuria after our overwhelming victory and will expand." If there''s an ambiguous treaty ending the war midway or a situation where neither side wins or loses, such modification bes meaningless. Frankly speaking, how good could the quality of weapons produced there be? After the Russo-Japanese War, we could just leisurely operate the Moscow Arsenal and send weapons by train. Nevertheless, Bunge bet everything in the Far East on the military industry and war special demand. "Hehe, this crazy old man." The deeper you read, the more profound each calction bes. "As soon as war breaks out, temporarily eliminate tariffs with America and greatly increase payment amounts. If we can make American cargo shipse and go through divostok port..." Just looking at this one thing shows it. Naturally, if American civilian ships frequent the port, Japan''s standing fleet and West Sea fleet won''t easily wagemerce destruction warfare orunch surprise port bombardments. "But isn''t this an uncertain n?" "That''s right. America might reject even duty-free exports or conversely supply materials to Japan. However, if he prepared dozens of such ns, wouldn''t some of them work?" Truly, one could say Bunge bet everything. If he had been in my era rather than my father''s era... Would Chairman Bunge''s life have been different? No, perhaps he changed like this precisely because he hit rock bottom. "I remember that time. When I had just ascended to the throne and was overwhelmed, Professor Bunge came and asked to be sent to the Far East. I was dumbfounded. I thought what could he possibly do if he went there." "Did you know the Far East would grow so rapidly even then?" "I didn''t expect it. Even appointing Roman as the next Governor-General was only hoping for solid defense, not growth." Anyway, as long as I stay in St. Petersburg, I can''t be closely involved in affairs at that Asian end. Nor is it worth it. However, paradoxically, when I returned, this old bureaucrat who had left finally became tainted with madness. Power? Wealth? Honor? No. Such shallow motivations couldn''t produce such pure madness. "Putting it nicely, he wants to prove something, and putting it harshly, he wants to mock everyone." "That''s a rough way to put it, but you seem somehow pleased." "Of course I''m pleased! Who wouldn''t apud his passion?" From the start, it''s extraordinary that an old man who could die any time shows such boldness. And above all. "Moreover, he''s acting ording to what''s close to a perfect answer."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Even I''m not confident I could submit a better answer than this. No, probably none of the empire''s 120 million citizens could attempt such an adventure as Bunge''s. Niki Christianovich Bunge, you madman who denies your own bureaucratic past and tries to make even my new era look shabby. I think I somewhat understand why even death avoided him. == The 20th century began. Despite the new year dawning, Britain is pouring massive budget into the Scorched Earth operation in South Africa that startedst year. The Scorched Earth operation involves destroying water, food, animals, nts, tools and all infrastructure - it shows how obsessed those pirate bastards are with colonial control. Of course, this fact wasn''t widely known externally, as Britain proper was preupied with Queen Victoria''s death at age 81 in January and the ascension of a new king. Chapter 46 Twisted Flow (2) The next month, on February 2nd, I received an invitation to grace Queen Victoria''s funeral, but I declined. Instead, many monarchs attended and graced it, including Germany''s Wilhelm II, the King of Belgium, the King of Greece, and the Crown Prince of Sweden and Norway - so it must have been a grand funeral even without me. In March, U.S. President William McKinley began his second term. While his re-election was sessful, there was quite a bit of criticism about the imperialistic tendencies revealed through the war with Spain and Cuba and the Philippines, and even the Asian Open Door Policy he had been pushing seemed to hit a slight snag. In May, America was once again in an uproar about whether the economy would die or live. I heard someone tried to sweep up stocks to control railways, but it was a cause difficult for me to understand. Three months after Cuba finally became U.S. territory, McKinley died. It was assassination. With this, America seemed likely to shrink further inward. January 31st of the next year. Britain broke its Splendid Istion and formed the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. Even when dealing with Germany they used the term ''entente'' rather than ''alliance,'' but this time they openly raised hands together in international society. At that time, I was tense for a different reason. "Congrattions! It''s a boy!" "The mother! How is the mother!" "She''s exhausted now but will be fine soon!" My first child was born in February.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Three months after the child was born, America finally spat out Cuba. I think they didn''t spit it out because theycked the ability to digest it, but rather due to an allergic-like reaction domestically. But funny enough, in July theypletely swallowed the Philippines as the Philippine-American War ended. Their dual nature of disliking imperialistic moves while liking imperialistic fruits wasn''t even funny. In August, the Commercial Telegraph Agency (TTA) was established in St. Petersburg under the leadership of the Communications and Finance Ministries. Perhaps in a little while, an era wille where one can call anywhere in the empire with just a telephone receiver. And again January. When the new year dawned and my child was approaching their first birthday. "Yes, Minister Kurino Shinichiro. Say that again. What did you say?" "Your Majesty the Tsar, we request that the Korean Empire bepletely ced under our Empire''s control, and that the Russian Empire''s authority in Manchuria be limited to railways." "So, hand over Korea? And just eat the railways in Manchuria and get out?" "...Please don''t misinterpret our words." The Japanese Empire came picking a fight under the guise of negotiation. == Thend reform that took 4 years to prepare and was finallypleted while the imperial government was torn apart for 5 years. If I poured nearly 10 years into this issue, Japan has been constantly trying to form an alliance with Britain for 7 years since the Triple Intervention. At that time, Britain didn''t feel the need to break its istion to form an equal alliance with East Asian monkeys, but the atmosphere seems quite different after the Boxer Rebellion. ''Trans-Siberian Railwaypletion. Chinese Eastern Railway centered on Harbinpletion. South Manchurian Railwaypletion. And even though we''re not building them, various railways are being actively constructed in Korea too.'' The Russian Empire actively implementing its southward policy centered on railways. Plus the upation of Manchuria. We certainly provoked Britain too much in a short time. What Britain probably worries about isn''t Korea but Qing. More precisely, they fear the structure of Russia, connected bynd, monopolizing Qing. Korea? To those pirate bastards, Korea isn''t worth even Hong Kong or Taiwanpared to Qing. What about Japan? Minister Shinichiro dered that even the previous Sino-Japanese War was ultimately caused by Korea''s misguided diplomacy, so they would control Korea. ''Ito is behind Shinichiro. The Ito I know wouldn''t try such an unreasonable attempt.'' Regardless of good and evil, Ito is still a man at the peak of power as the 10th Cab Prime Minister. If he couldn''t even calcte that much, he wouldn''t have served as Prime Minister four times. Yet the fact that they''re spouting such ims to my face means. ''They''re under pressure. Or it''s not in the realm of practical calctions.'' Probably both. The Ito I met was a pragmatist like Witte and rtively moderate. Here, ''rtively'' means not that he thought war should be avoided or domestic affairs were the only answer, but that he thought it would take more time to minimize losses in the process of swallowing Korea. However, as time passed and Russia also expanded its influence in the Far East, perhaps they could no longer postpone it. Having finished my momentary thoughts, my gaze turned to Minister Shinichiro who was waiting for an answer while keeping his back straight before me. Though I don''t know the detailed circumstances, this Manchuria-Korea exchange negotiation proposal must be the scheme Ito finally came up with. "I hear Prime Minister Ito has been on a world tour for the past two weeks." "I didn''t know you were aware." "I''m quite interested since I''ve done some world traveling myself. I''ve even met your Emperor, you know." "...Is that so." "He should be in France? Or Ennd? Anyway, one of those two countries now. To discuss such a big matter with you... It would be difficult." A proposal containing both gentleness and extremism. What was Ito thinking when he threw this and departed on his European tour? Could it be because I seemed less interested in Korea than expected? Or did he think the empire would be burdened by excessive military expenditure in the Far East? Or else was he trying to drag us to the negotiating table with our backs against a cliff? As I rose from my seat first, the dialogue between Minister Shinichiro and Minister Giers continued. Leaving them behind and exiting the reception room, I immediately summoned War Minister Sakharov to my study. "You called for me?" "Minister, move all warships stationed in Korea and Qing to divostok." "May I ask the reason?" "The Japanese minister just asked me to hand over Korea." "...Did you refuse?" "Not yet." While I''m not afraid of war, I''m not so dull as topletely overturn the negotiating table. "Move the Far Eastern Fleet in Port Arthur to divostok as well." "It shall be done." The Russo-Japanese War in original history started with Japan''s surprise attack while negotiations were ongoing. Logically, since no one thought Japan would fight and war with the Russian Empire without being crazy in this era, the surprise was quite sessful. But I know. There''s no clearer signal of war than today''s proposal. Japan''s exhausted patience that makes even four-time Prime Minister Ito spout nonsense about a Manchuria-Korea exchange. This is war. Chapter 47 Twisted Flow (3) The respected British Japanologist Richard Storry described the Japanese people as "docile instruments of the elite." However, Storry''s assessment of the Japanese national character was wrong. Since the Meiji Restoration, there had only been two types of Seikanron (Conquest of Korea Theory) in that archipgo: 1.The hardliners who wanted to consume Korea now. 2.The moderates who wanted to modernize a bit first, then consume it. The option of not consuming Korea never existed, as could be confirmed in numerous speeches by Foreign Minister Count Inoue Kaoru.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om It wasn''t just Foreign Minister Kaoru. Such speeches and tones could be easily found in any newspaper, and they all argued just one thing: "The right to conquer. Their own development proves Korea and Qing''s backwardness, and this gives them the right to conquer." If this sounds strange, think of it as applying Darwin''s survival of the fittest theory to nations and societies. In other words, nonsense. Coming back to Storry, he describes the Japanese people as docile, weak in asserting themselves, and obedient to their superiors. Is that really true? Conversely, isn''t it the people, itching all over with imperialistic impulses since the Meiji Restoration, who poke and prod the politicians to speak up? Even the moderates had been holding back the hardliners with "let''s modernize a bit more" for 30 years, but now they must have reached their limit. To what extent? Japanese citizens would riot in the middle of Tokyo or even attempt assassination if the diplomatic policies weren''t as aggressive as they wanted. After I requested a direct meeting with Ito and a whole month had passed, Ito finally arrived in St. Petersburg by ship. As Ito Hirobumi was the Prime Minister representing the Emperor, we should hold protocol and ceremonies, but our situation wasn''t that leisurely. "Your Majesty, I heard you wished to meet with me." "It''s been a while. Was your European tour smooth? Is your alliance still solid?" "..." While this meeting isn''t an official negotiation, I believe he and I can exchange opinions more definitively than negotiation teams. "Hmm, yes. I wanted to show you this first. You might quite like it." I pulled out one sheet from the spread pile of letters and handed it to him. Ito seemed to understand the content without needing to read the kindly provided Japanese trantion on another paper. "My German cousin, Willy, has been sending letters consistently since my coronation nine years ago. He always called me the savior of the white race, Europe''s protector. While I can''t entirely agree... after hearing it repeatedly, it strangely feels good." "Isn''t this German government''s Yellow Peril propaganda?" "Considering the Kaiser is above the German government, wouldn''t it be more correct to see it as the will of the German Empire?" What I handed to Ito was indeed a letter that Wilhelm II sent me without fail every year. While greetings and recent news changed each time, there was exactly one constant - the Yellow Peril theory disguised as praise. ''I didn''t know Wilhelm II was so serious about the Yellow Peril.'' Yet amusingly, this Yellow Peril theory perfectly matches Japan''s justification, just with different subjects and objects. "How about it, familiar isn''t it? He says God personally chose me to protect Europe from Asia''s threat." "While I don''t know much about European gods, I must have lived too long in thend of Shinto to believe in such superstitions." "My, studying would show Shinto isn''t so different." Ito consistently pretended ignorance about the Kaiser''s letter. Since I hadn''t called him just to make such points, I let his brazenness slide. After the letter discussion passed, Ito began with formal diplomatic greetings. "Forty-two years ago today. Russian Empire warships invaded Tsushima. The shogunate, ignorant of international affairs then, couldn''t respond wisely and barely resolved the incident with help from British Minister Sir Rutherford Alcock." "That must have been so." "Now that Tsushima risks bing Korea. The only difference is the shogunate is gone, and Sir Alcock isn''t here." "Huh, you''re not the Japan of the past?" Ah, that''s what I wanted to say. If there''s one way Japan has changed most from 10 years ago, it would clearly be their sessful military strengthening using the Sino-Japanese War reparations. However, the empire''s military power has been invested in since my father''s time, not just mine. The Japanese military strengthened with 150 million yen in reparations? Our defense budget this year is exactly 420 million rubles. Even in the original history when we struggled with budget cuts due to falling food prices, we easily exceeded 300 million rubles in defense spending. "But isn''t it strange? I believe we all promised just a few years ago to keep Korea neutral, yet you say I''m invading Korea?" "Easily handing over Korea''s interests to other countries and acting as proxy for Korea''s diplomacy - if that''s not invasion, what is it?" "Isn''t that what you all did too?" Was it just us? You did it, Britain did it, America did it, France, Germany, even Qing on its deathbed did it. To use that as justification... it feels like nothing but nitpicking. Regardless, Ito continued speaking, seemingly intent on pushing forward with ims unsupported by logic. "The Japanese Empire has long conducted diplomacy with Korea and knows Korea well. Only we can help Korea and prevent war from recurring due to their misguided diplomacy." The misguided diplomacy war here would be the war with Qing. After all, the justification and conclusion was that Korea caused war by calling both countries simultaneously. Actually, while this works when talking about Korea, simrly we''d have nothing to say if Ito brought up Manchuria. Manchuria, couldn''t resist it. But considering the Trans-Siberian Railway''spletion, not taking it would make me unworthy of being Tsar. "Since our views on Korea differ so much, what''s the use in talking more? So, have you thought about my proposal?" "You mean the proposal to establish a neutral zone based on 38 degrees northtitude?" Chapter 48 Twisted Flow (4) I''m not hoping that war crisis will disappear or Korea will be permanently neutral through our hands matching perfectly in this meeting. How far has Ito''s reason been eroded, and how much has Japan''s imperialistic instinct strengthened? Just knowing that would be good, or if difficult, just being able to start war when I want would be fine. ''Though I mean I''ll make Korea an ind and give it to you, what good is another ind to an ind nation? They''ll obviously refuse.'' As expected, Ito shook his head. "That would only blur the essence. Korea must remain whole and be enlightened for Asian affairs to be peaceful." Ito, that cunning strategist who had always twisted and manipted logic to suit his own purposes, while masterfully wrapping his ambitious vision of continental dominance inyers of sophisticated rhetoric and charm. Nevertheless, I continued to relentlessly challenge and critique his positions, piercing through his carefully constructed facade like a steady stream of needles. "39 degrees north. You can get all the major rice-producing granary regions and ports on three sides of the penins." "What are you saying now? Your Majesty, I came here for the peace of all Asia-" "39.5 degrees. Seven-tenths of Koreannd. Pyongyang would be below that too. Of Korea''s eight provinces, you''d get six." "Let me say again-" "40 degrees. This is thest offer. It''s practically everything except the northern mountains. As long as you don''t station troops, you can try all that wonderful enlightening you''re so proud of, I''m curious too." "..." Ito now fixes me with an unwavering gaze, his silence speaking volumes as he refuses to offer even the slightest verbal response. Watching him struggle to keep his dignified demeanor intact while clearly wrestling with bewilderment, I find myself unable to suppress my growing amusement at his predicament. "Kuk, kuhup!" "...What do you find so amusing, Your Majesty?" "Ah, sorry. It''s hard to contain myself seeing you trying to suppress your excited feelings when you can''t even control your own country." The wavering eyes and rising excitement with each additional concession. It''s just too funny how he tries to clumsily bluff before me with ''the home country might have to resort to final measures?'' while he himself fears war. It''s like desire and fear mix to blur the essence. At the sharp criticism, Ito''s yellow face turns red as a radish. To such an Ito, I reminded him once again of our reality. "There won''t be any negotiation team that Minister Giers is preparing. This war might hurt a bit, but think of it as a preventive shot that needs to be taken." "Your Majesty! War isn''t something to be mentioned lightly!" "Then can you return to Japan and announce to your subjects ''The weak Japanese Empirecks the ability to wage war against the great Russian Empire!''?" "..." "You can''t, right? So just go and tell your subjects what they want to hear. That''s a politician''s role. Conversely, I... am not a politician, so I''ll do as I please." I had sometimes wondered if Ito''s reason might peak because of me and prevent the Russo-Japanese War from happening. This was the concern I had worried about most seriously. The altered history if the Russo-Japanese War didn''t happen was difficult to imagine, and it would mean all the preparations invested in the Far East would be thrown in the trash. However, through today''s meeting with Ito, I could be certain once again. This is an unavoidable war. Also, Ito''s reason can never break Japan''s will for war. "...Additional negotiations regarding Korea will be conveyed through the Foreign Ministry." "Never mind. Just send the deration of war on time." I sent off Ito, who left trembling even his beard with humiliation, with a bright smile. And as he left, Minister Giers entered as if he had been waiting. "Did you achieve what you wanted through the dialogue?" "I did, but the other party thinks they only received insult." "How will you handle negotiations? Either I or Prime Minister Witte must depart for these negotiations." "No need for that." Witte has been busier than ever since bing Prime Minister, and Minister Giers isn''t idle enough to be dispatched for months for meaningless negotiations. "Forget negotiations. Minister Giers, publicize the Manchuria-Korea exchange negotiation proposal that the Japanese Empire suggested." "Will that be enough?" "No. Use this as justification to tell the Korean king. Tell him to sweep away all Japanese in the penins." This much provocation should make Ito send the deration of war on time. Otherwise, how do we know they won''t just keep sharpening their des for 5 or 10 years until their preparations are perfect? "...I''m not sure how much Korea willply, but understood." "Threaten them strongly. It''s fine even if Korea just makes a show of it." After all, looking closely at that archipgo''s desire for continental expansion, it doesn''t seem much different from Britain 100 years ago. Yes, that fear of istion from the continent that Napoleon engraved in those pirates'' frontal lobes. "Why are all ind nations exactly the same?" A decision that the Ito who met me during my Crown Prince days 10 years ago would never have made. However, Ito and Japan truly changed in the 10 years that can change even mountains and rivers. [Prime Minister Ito returned home and stated that Russia had no will to negotiate and didn''t even treat the Imperial Nation as a dialogue partner. This has further inmed public opinion for war. -Minister Speyer, Tokyo-] [April 14, detecting movements of the Manchurian army, the Korean king moved to dismiss Japanese personnel in the cab. However, the crucial revocation of Japanese interests is expected to be difficult.N?v(el)B\\jnn -Minister Karl Weber, Hanseong-] Finally in June, Japan began increasing their domestic bond issuance to an all-time high. And we... "Colonel Hertsel Yankelevich Tsam! Ordered to transfer to a unit under the Amur Governor-General''s Office!" "Good, wee!" As soon as we heard about the bonds, we sent the Jewish regiment first. Chapter 49 Twisted Flow (5) "How can these cab ministers just watch the situation! Open those mouths that usually speak so proudly!" Gojong, the king who crowned himself Emperor, berated his ministers while restlessly trembling with fear. Was it the price offortably settling into the neutrality created by the Russian Emperor? When the first bill hit Korea, the Korean court was shaken to its roots. "A mere minister threatening a country''s monarch is a matter that must be punished! Your Majesty, first let''s arrest him-" "You speak of arresting a diplomatic envoy? Are you suggesting we go to war with Russia?" The very reason Minister Weber still remained in Korea was due to Gojong''s desperate request, yet they speak of arresting him? Though usually not active in ministerial meetings, Gojong had to do something about the Tsar''s ''request.'' "Your Majesty, haven''t we done enough by banishing all former Japanese envoys to insignificant posts?" "They speak of war! War! Do you think the Russian Emperor will be satisfied with just expelling a few people? Don''t you understand what they truly want?" How could they not know? Rather, they all keep quiet precisely because they know too well. ''The Russian Emperor wants Korea to cooperate in the war.'' ''But Japan is the same.'' ''If we choose the wrong side here, even my children and grandchildren won''t survive.'' No one could answer, as taking one side would mean the end of not only themselves but their entire family if they fell to the other side. Of course, there were exceptions. "Your Majesty! At times like this, you must take Russia''s hand! Russia''s army is so powerful they could advance to Hanyang within just a week!" The prime example was Foreign Minister Yi Wan-yong. After living in America for 2 years and 5 months as minister from ''87, he became a pro-American official. During his time with the Jeongdong faction, he was a spokesperson for both pro-American and pro-Qing factions. After the Russian legation incident, when America hesitated to sh with Russia, he quickly switched to be a pro-Russian official. However, disappointed with Gojong who tried absolute monarchy modeled after Russia after dering the Korean Empire, and additionally pushed aside by pro-Russian royalist ministers, then framed with "Yi Wan-yong and the Independence Club are trying to establish a republican government!", he subtly turned pro-Japanese. Then, during the Boxer Rebellion, shocked to see a mere frontier governor - equivalent to a militarymander in Korea - easily upy Beijing, he came to his senses and became a hardcore pro-Russian again. Yi Wan-yong, who achieved a grand m of pro-Russian, pro-Qing, pro-American, and pro-Japanese views, was a born politician who knew incredibly well how to switch sides. No matter how much of an East Asian dragon the Japanese Empire might be, they ultimately couldn''t match Russia, who was born a true dragon. ''Russia upied Beijing with fifty thousand troops, and afterward stationed an army of one hundred eighty thousand just to guard the border.'' Even if they give up the southern provinces including Honam, if the Amur military administrationes down to Korea and holds out in Hanyang, this war will end in Russia''s victory. ''Then... I''ll make sure this meeting is recorded in detail and reaches the Tsar''s ears.'' It''s quite ridiculous how even the supposedly pro-Russian faction cowers in fear of losing their lives. This is precisely when one should take a stance. "Then what does the Foreign Minister think we should do?" "Sincerelyply with their request. Move the public sentiment to burn Japanese remnants and drive out the merchants eating away at Korea. Then the Russian Emperor will be greatly moved and send a grand army to protect Korea." The intention was to blindly pick Russia and survive somehow. For a moment, Gojong nearly burst out ''So if the Russian Emperor isn''t moved, we all die!'', but barely held back by gritting his teeth. In the end, no safe way to escape the binary choice through some mysterious method was visible. In the Korean politicalndscape where pro-Qing and pro-American factions had fallen, the moment hade for everyone from the king to low-ranking officials to make their choice. Russia or Japan. Get it right and enormous power is guaranteed; get it wrong and die. The ministers racked their brains trying to increase their survival probability by even 1%. ''Rumor has it the Russian Emperor said he''d give everything below 38 degrees north to Japan. Wouldn''t that mean Japan is right?'' ''The old grudge between the two empires won''t end so ambiguously. In the end, an ind nation can''t defeat a continental power!'' ''But didn''t Britain take Japan''s side?'' The ministers, ignorant of world affairs on their narrow penins, found it difficult to give confident answers. Even Yi Wan-yong himself wasn''t 100% certain. ''Still, if Russia wins, wouldn''t there be at least some chance of remaining independent?'' Whether constitutional monarchy or absolute monarchy, the country needs to exist first for him to survive. If the country falls, Foreign Minister Yi Wan-yong can''t exist either. Nevertheless, if this small country couldn''t survive on its own... he would abandon a country that couldn''t protect even himself. == In the end, though Gojong and his ministers showed movement at the level of ''slightly pressuring Japan to appease Russia while not angering Japan enough to kill Korea''... The war sentiment that seemed ready to explode at the slightest touch was sufficient to burst with just this. "Korea requestedplete withdrawal of troops? By what right!" "When making the treaty in ''82, they pushed the content that troops could withdraw if Japanese legation security wasn''t necessary." "That''s why I''m asking by what right they made such a judgment!" "Prime Minister, will you just watch this? Must we keep taking this?" They had long known the Korean king who merely changed his title to emperor was pro-Russian.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om However, at such a time, the Japanese Empire was in a situation to fall for even such a pathetic provocation. ''Must keep my senses. War - that''s exactly what the Russian Tsar wants!'' Just as Japan had built up military power with Sino-Japanese War reparations, Russia too had spent years strengthening Far Eastern defenses. Chapter 50 Twisted Flow (6) Especially as Prime Minister, Ito couldn''t help but think of war expenses even if they gained Korea through all-out amphibiousndings. ''Already issued 97 million yen in bonds just this year. With 4-5% interest bonds, the maximum bearable amount without national bankruptcy is about 800 million yen.'' Within that, is it possible to eat up Korea, invade Manchuria, gain the upper hand, and negotiate peace? "...No indeed. This is a war we shouldn''t wage." Rather, yes rather, it would be right to create a structure to divide Korea and Qing with Russia. If they could build naval power to guarantee safe sea routes, continental expansion would be quite possible even without the Korea-Manchuria-Qing route. Clearly, Ito''s reason gave such definitive calctions, but. "The Tsar has insulted our Great Japanese Empire! How can we call ourselves an imperial nation if we endure this?" "Public sentiment is heaven''s will, and even themoners in the streets desire the cab''s righteous decision. Prime Minister, please don''t dy the decision." "Th-the military is inming war sentiment without consultation!" The entire empire except for him and a few moderates was pressuring him. To start the war quickly. To upy Korea immediately. Ito, who canceled his tour and returned, gritted his teeth and maintained his reason while contemting ''war with Russia.'' The conclusion, as always, came out as ''economic destruction upon starting war.'' The one who suffered humiliation was Ito himself. The one who''s been suppressing the current desire for war and maintaining domestic affairs is also Ito himself. "Prime Minister Ito, what are you doing? Do you know how much the Russian army stationed in Manchuria has grown since negotiations with Russia broke down?" "Then resign! The Great Japanese Empire doesn''t need cowards!" Yet, the world pushes his back. "...War. War, is it." Though it shouldn''t be mentioned so easily, it was a definitive solutionpared to merely superficial diplomacy. Even for the moderate Ito, the option of war was tempting in the whirlpool of war sentiment. "Make onest, final proposal for negotiations." Ifplete subjugation of Korea was difficult, at least dominant interests in Korea. Plus at least equal opportunities formerce and industry in Qing. If even one of these was difficult, at least the right to dispatch troops to Korea to appease the military and subjects. If they could just get this much concession- "Following Korea''s request, our Empire demands the withdrawal of troops guarding the Japanese legation and renegotiation of trade treaties. Additionally, as both countries promised not to exercise military influence onnd or sea in the Korean Empire based on the past neutral country treaty, we hope this will be observed. These are the wishes of the Imperial Foreign Ministry." "Oh, good! Russia is determined to see blood!" "This is saying let''s go to war, right? Right? Prime Minister, what are you doing? Why aren''t you drafting the deration of war! Our military will move first, so just deliver itter!" "...Ah." Ito felt like he heard something snap in his head. Domestic opinion was a problem, but the real problem... ''At this point, doesn''t it seem the Tsar doesn''t want peace in the Far East at all?'' Was Russia, which matched hands with domestic opinion. With pressure squeezing strongly like a press from both sides, it was impossible for Ito to hold out with reason alone. Finally, on December 9, 1903, Togo Heihachiro''s fleet appeared in the waters off Incheon. And three dayster. The deration of war was also delivered with a time dy. == The sh between Russia and Japan in the Far East. While the powers thought there wouldn''t be war due to the two countries'' drawn-out negotiations, Japan''s surprise fleet dispatch instantly overturned the situation in the Far East. "Japan has dered war on Russia!" "It''s war, war!" "Japanese bond interest rates are soaring!" Japanese bonds, mainly in London and New York markets, instantly broke through 6%. It was evidence that everyone predicted Japan''s defeat from the start. While most powers predicted Russia''s victory, regardless of win or loss, Britain faithfully yed its role. [Prime Minister Balfour warns Five Oceans Fleet will gather in Far East if anyone intervenes] [British Empire deres alliance will definitely be kept!] [France draws line that Franco-Russian Alliance is limited to Europe based on former Prime Minister Maurice Rouvier''s principle] Though both sides had the Anglo-Japanese Alliance and Franco-Russian Alliance cards, this rather created a perfect 1-on-1 battlefield. A war with no room for third party intervention. The Japanese army, which struck from the start, had decent momentum. "The enemy''s Far Eastern Fleet is all docked in divostok!" "They won''t try to force their way out for two months due to sea ice!" A war started right as ice began appearing in the waters off divostok after deliberately waiting until December. The upation of Korea, the first objective of this war, was quite smooth. They sent forces through Incheon to upy Hanyang, seized the crucial ports on east and west coasts, and above all. "Surrender! We didn''te to fight the Korean army!" "...We won''t resist." They captured Korea''s cab and king. It could have been troublesome if the king escaped like during the Russian legation incident, but the start was good. "Not even a mouse is visible at the Russian legation!" "The ships docked at Port Arthur and Jemulpo apparently left months ago!" Of course, Russia never had the option of protecting Korea in the first ce. Instead. "Come,e quickly! I''ve been waiting for you for 10 years!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "ording to Korean intelligence so far, the enemymander is First Army Commander Kuroki Tamemoto with forces estimated between 40,000 to 50,000 crossing through Pyongan Province heading this way!" "Even though the winter Yalu River is easy to cross, this is too dismissive of me!" Russia in its own way thought the start wasn''t bad. Roman Isidorovich Kondratenko, who had waited for this war more than anyone, couldn''t understand why the Japanese army tried to upy cities like Incheon, Busan, Hanyang, Pyongyang, and Haeju first instead ofing straight to Manchuria. And after all that, they only sent 50,000 troops to Manchuria. ''How great a man must Lieutenant General Kuroki Tamemoto be to try crossing the Yalu River with just that many troops? Do they think the fortress I built is worthless?'' If so, it couldn''t be more insulting. "All forces prepare for battle!" The battle between the First Army, Amur Military Administration, and Russian Army Eastern Expedition Force. It was the start of the firstnd battle, . Chapter 51 War of the Poor (1) Half a year before Togo Heihachironded at Incheon, when Japan''s bond issuance began to rapidly increase, the imperial government had already entered wartime footing. "...So it''s war after all." "At earliest before this year ends, attest by early next year, they will dere war." "Who knows. They mightunch a preemptive strike without even dering war." At a meeting with all ten department ministers, the Prime Minister, Lower House Speaker, several relevant Senate members, and key army and navymanders, we carefully examined the uing war. "Who do we have in the Far Eastern Navy?" "In the navy, we have Admiral Romen as Far Eastern Fleet Commander and Admiral Evgeny Alexeyev, who''s been Naval Commander-in-Chief since the ck Sea Fleet''s transfer." "No more needed. Those two are enough." Naval battles would be at most one time, or perhaps none at all. "The really important ones are the armymanders..." "Your Majesty, what about General Alexei Kuropatkin? Among those who can control both army and navy, none match Kuropatkin''s rank and experience." "Hmm, he won''t do." Alexei Kuropatkin, though even naval admirals would easily follow him, absolutely won''t do. Though excellent as a military reformer, we can''t send amander who messed up the Russo-Japanese War again. ''Why do you think I kept stuffing him into military reform work?'' It was topletely block him from crawling out to the field. "Then General Anatoly Stessel-" "Hasn''t he only been with the Kamchatka Regiment and East Siberian Brigade, ignorant about the Far East or Asia?" "Then surely General Smirnov-" "Would you leave Warsaw''s defense empty? At times like this, western defenses must be airtight too." Though former War Minister Kuropatkin and current War Minister Sakharov are kicking out useless star generals and noble posteriors through military reform, it''s far from enough. In the end, formander selection, I had to rely maximally on my memories and experience. If there''s no selection among lieutenant generals with the highest general rank, or generals with Chief of Staff or War Minister experience, naturally military districtmanderse up next. ''Is it Sergei Dukhovskoy after all? Though not a great general, at least there won''t bemand division with him.'' Above all, Sergei would somewhat understand. That I want to give Roman as muchmand authority as possible in the Far Eastern defense. "Indeed, Dukhovskoy who knows the Far East well, you must go." "Your Majesty, as Supreme Commander?" "Obviously." With General Dukhovskoy as Supreme Commander, naturally othermanders would be organized under him. ''Though they''ll be major generals under Dukhovskoy, there''s no risk ofmand division.'' Just avoiding that would remove a major obstacle to the war. Though generals with shy shoulders showed clear disappointment in their expressions, I moved on to the next topic. "First, victory in this war is certain." "Yes! The Empire will surely win!" "The Russian Imperial Army is invincible!" "Enough. I''m not here to hear such ttery. This isn''t the time to discuss victory or defeat. Prime Minister Witte." "Yes, Your Majesty." Taking over the right to speak, Witte calmly continued the exnation. "The imperial treasury has been continuously decreasing since 1897. Not only are we in deficit spending more than collected taxes, we''ve even consumed the finances umted over about 10 years from 1884 to 1894." "Ahem. The army knows nothing of this, Prime Minister." "The navy has rather decreased though?" "I''m not trying to me anyone. Gold standard,nd reform, policy financing, military reinforcement, railway construction, maturity of French-held bonds, etc. There were overflowing ces for finances to be used." Everyone listened while flipping through prepared documents ced before them. "This isn''t all. Though production increased dramatically due tond reform, food prices copsed proportionally. Though price stability despite severe financial drain meant workers suffered less from living difficulties... the imperial government had no room to fill the treasury." The biggest problem for the empire facing war: no money. More precisely, there is money, but if it''s all spent on war expenses, all reforms including policy financing will grind to a halt. "We are not Japan. We cannot consume tens of times the annual national budget in war expenses. If we do, the empire will surely stop." "If we''re this bad... Prime Minister, doesn''t that mean Japan is worse?" "Yet they chose war." "Huh." Some sighs burst out. While we''re gathering our heads together because it''s burdensome for us too, Japan had already started preparing for war by rampantly issuing bonds, so it''s certainly not a normal judgment. ''Japan only paid back their war bonds thanks to the World War. Without that, it would have taken 30 years.''N?v(el)B\\jnn This is what war between two industrialized nations is like. Though excellent operations and brave armies are important, ultimately it starts and ends with money. Money is needed to start war, and even after war ends, bonds must be paid back as sold. "However, this doesn''t mean we''ll reduce field supplies or cut war expenses. We can''t do that with war right ahead." "Then Prime Minister, what should we do?" "Absolutely, absolutely no prolonged war." Witte strongly argued while meeting each general''s eyes. Just a one-year war wrecks both Russia and Japan''s economies. What if the war drags on to 2 or 3 years? ''Rather than give Korea, we can''t do that.'' Why aren''t we avoiding this war? Because with current istionism, we can never catch up to Western Europe''s growth even if we die and wake up again. Because we''re bing obsolete in real-time, far removed from that Belle ¨¦poque. That''s why we suggested Manchuria and Qing as the solution. While there''s also my reason of not wanting to twist original history too much, the thinking of officials including Witte was all simr. ''We must break into the Asian market. If necessary, we must break through by force and gain superiority!'' ''If just 15 years, no, 10 years pass like this, the gap between our empire and Western European countries will be unbridgeable!'' Though we''ll struggle financially briefly, falling behind Britain, France, Germany, and Austria-Hungary is predetermined if we continue like this. Chapter 52 War of the Poor (2) The prosperity they built on peace was shining too brilliantly. Meanwhile, we living in the cold and hungry frozen earth... unable to join among them, had to turn our eyes elsewhere. I''ve had thoughts like this recently. Father, who hated spending money on anything except the military, suddenly ordering the Trans-Siberian Railway built - perhaps he foresaw Russia bing obsolete? "Do you understand? Though I don''t know as much about tactics and strategy as the generals here, I know one thing for certain - the imperial government can''t endure a prolonged war. The longer the war, the more workers will pour into streets and squares striking. That is, if the war extends beyond 2 years... regardless of victory or defeat, we''ve lost." "Prime Minister, are you saying to wage a quick decisive war?" "I''ll take over from here." As Witte''s ongoing topic of finances showed signs of extending to the generals'' strategy and tactics, I took back the right to speak. "There will be defensive battles from the start of war. Starting from the borders of Korea and Manchuria." "The fortresses are well built, truly good for defensive lines." "Of course it''s good to hold, but no need to shed blood to defend. If the enemy pays sufficient price, give it to them. Then we''ll naturally be pushed back toward Port Arthur, the L¨¹shun fortress." "It''s truly a heaven-sent fortress! Even the imperial Warsaw fortress can''tpare to L¨¹shun!" The L¨¹shun fortress, where a crazy engineer showed what was possible with money. "The enemy will take damage but keep pushing up. Same for this L¨¹shun fortress - after holding it, fine to give it if they pay sufficient price." "Your Majesty, if we give up that far-" "What I''m saying is while field judgment is important, don''t fixate on territory for now. I won''t dismiss you midway." The biggest reasonmanders split in the original history''s battlefield. It was because all sorts of political dogfights broke out between the two options of dying tactics giving up territory and full-frontal confrontation. "Do you all understand my point? While what to upy and what to give up is important, just as we want to avoid a prolonged war in this war, Japan alsocks the ability for prolonged war. Enough to charge in despite obvious fortresses." It''s no coincidence that the Japanese army sacrificed 110,000 souls in four general offensives at the Battle of L¨¹shun. This war isn''t between wealthy countries like Britain or America. To use an analogy, it''s an expeditionary war between a winter pauper who spent all savings and a summer beggar who just moved into a shantytown on the city outskirts. "I guarantee - Japan will push forward with full force throughout." That is, if they don''t want to just pay money for 49 years after the war like current Qing. Some nodded in understanding, while others tilted their headscking confidence, but anyway the war''s direction was firmly set centered on me and Witte. After this day, Minister Giers immediately departed for the Paris financial district. It was for preparing and promoting new bond issuance. Though the Franco-Russian Alliance was limited to Europe, France had to buy bonds due to diplomatic rtions, just as Britain indiscriminately bought Japanese bonds. From July, the state began coordinating Siberian Railway schedules, and from August the military upied all stations focusing on material transport. And four monthster, Japanese forcesnded at Incheon. Though they sent the deration of war three dayste, in reality the war was already in its sixth month. == While summer''s Yalu River is difficult even to swim across, winter''s Yalu River is different. Since it''s not seawater, it freezes easily and the flow volume itself bes tens of times less than summer, bing easy even for wild animals to cross. In other words, if one can endure the cold breaking below zero, this period is optimal for defeating the Far Eastern Army forming defense lines along the Yalu River. If one can endure this cold that is... "Commander! It''s negative 25 degrees! When the sun sets soon it might break negative 30 degrees again! Even now, if we rebuild positions first to preserve the troops'' strength-" "Where''s the time for that! If you want to sleep warmly like in your room, sleep in that fortress!" "No! Even small wounds lead to skin necrosis and frostbite! We must take time to induce artillery battle!" "Damn! How is thisnd made to break negative 30 degrees every day!" Exactly one week. That''s how long it took Lieutenant General Kuroki Tamemoto to realize something was wrong. The First Army, experiencing taiga for the first time in their lives, stumbled in the cold rushing toward the fortress, only to retreat to camp as the sun set by 5 PM. Except for some from Hokkaido, most soldiers had never felt such cold on their skin. "T-Tokyo rarely even sees snow in winter!" "Here snow reaches your knees in just a day!" "Is thisnd fit for humans?" The Japanese Army, having realized the importance of artillery through the previous Sino-Japanese War, brought as much artillery power as possible from the start. However, this rather made it difficult to attack the treacherous mountains upstream of the Yalu River. It was nearly impossible to drag artillery up snow-covered cliffs to engage the enemy. In the end, it meant they had to attack those fortresses openly blocking every path in the middle and lower reaches. "It''s definitely warmering down a bit." "General! The sun stays out during the day. Isn''t it amazing? In my hometown the sun only rises for 3 hours a day." "Well, at least you came from where the sun rises. Ask the soldiers from East Siberia or Irkutsk Military District. What it''s like in a hell of cold exceeding negative 50 degrees." Roman''s soldiers, living in well-built fortresses, didn''t particrly feel the cold. They had stayed in the Far East for a long time, and above all, most soldiers'' hometowns were colder than this Korean border. Negative 25 degrees during the day? Hah, it needs to be negative 50 degrees for seawater to freeze and skate on it.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Even the divostok port right above doesn''t freeze untilte February, right? "Ha! It''s snowing too. Must give up mineying operations." "Won''t they be buried by snow even if roughly thrown?" "Maybe so." Contrary to expectations that war would be good because divostok port freezes and rivers including the Yalu freeze over, winter warfare is a vic specialty. "Have those resting from battle immerse in ice water to maintain cleanliness." "Understood." To them, the Yalu River''s cold was too warm. Chapter 53 A Plausible Plan (1) Russia, having temporarily halted all domestic reforms and policies. While Witte actively focused the empire''s administrative capacity on war and Bunge''s grand n was added to this. Sergei Dukhovskoy,manding battles at the frontline, carefully examined each change in the war situation as Supreme Commander. "One month to upy and control Korea. Very fast." "Korea won''t resist the Japanese army. They must think it meaningless now that their emperor and high officials are captured." "They must have their own ns prepared." Though Roman was holding well at the Yalu River, battles intensified when Third Army Commander Nogi Maresuke also joined. Dukhovskoy had no choice but to send matching forces to block Maresuke''s troops being sent up to Uiju in Pyongan Province and beyond. "It will be somewhat of a war of attrition, but we''re winning greatly in fortress battles at least, so nothing to worry about." What Dukhovskoy truly wanted to examine wasn''t just one or two battles. "Colonel Elston, by my observation the Japanese army can''t exceed 300,000 at most now." "That''s right. First Army barely 50,000, Second and Third Armies not exceeding 100,000, so even including forces scattered across that penins, roughly 250,000 level." "Yet they''ll keep sending forces through ports endlessly. Same for us. The Siberian 1st and 2nd Corps have arrived, and if needed, more forces from all military districts cane." The Tsar''s military calculus hinged on a fundamentally wed assumption - that this would be a brief engagement. His strategic thinking followed a seductively simple logic: surely the enemy''s resources and resolve would be limited,pelling them tounch aggressive offensive actions. In his mind, Russia could simply weather these attacks from defensive positions, gradually depleting enemy forces until victory was inevitable through attrition. Examining the peculiar deployment known as the ''Roman Line'' that traced its way from the lower reaches of the Yalu River up to its middle course, one can see why he found this reasoning persuasive. The positioning seemed to support his vision of an efficiently defensive war. However, this assessment would prove to be a critical miscalction, revealing the dangers of building strategy on untested assumptions about an adversary''s capabilities and intentions. That ce is... already hell. Even if some luckily cross the river, Roman won''t just watch. Before their artillery and heavy equipment can cross the river, machine guns mounted on wagons are already waiting for them. However, when springes. That is, when the weather starts warming, it might be difficult to maintain this Yalu River as the front line. ''Then we''ll face not 300,000 but 600,000, or even more.'' The same worry original history''s Russianmanders had - the choice between full-frontal battle and dying tactics. Though circumstances were somewhat different, Dukhovskoy too was having the same concerns. No matter how sturdy Roman''s fortress and how well defended to umte damage on the enemy, the decisive battle is mobile. It means to end the war, they must leave the fortress and stick a knife in their necks. "Then when, where, and how to conduct the mobile battle. That would be this war''s greatest key." "A mobile battle with hundreds of thousands of troops shing... Will they agree to it after gaining numerous ports?" "If theyck the ability to drag out the war long as the Tsar said, they absolutely can''t avoid it." Even the Okhrana is engaging in intelligence warfare in this war. ording to Director Sekerenskiy, the enemy has the ability to conscript and send easily a million to this border by next summer. "...Then it would be the day their regr forces run out." Still unknown. Whether brave or foolish, if these are regr troops charging straight at the fortress, we must wait for the day their quality drops sharply. With neither the location nor date of the mobile battle decided yet, Dukhovskoy nned to spend winter here at the Yalu River. With the Far Eastern Fleet, Pacific Fleet, and Baltic Fleet all trapped in divostok now, the reason the enemy couldn''t think of rearnding operations was precisely because this Yalu River front was solid. While Dukhovskoy red as Supreme Commander examining enemy movements day by day. Roman wasn''t thinking suchplicated thoughts. "Enemy reinforcements! At least four divisions! Three reserve brigades! Plus artillery and siege forces!" "Finally a 24-hour offensive, full assault! Good! We''ll switch to rotation! Major General Fok (Aleksandr Fok:1843-)." "I''m older but you, Major General Roman, are in overallmand. Just give orders." "Please take charge of rotating battles leading the East Siberian Division." "Of course." Roman repaid with death the Japanese army showing no freshness except continuous reinforcement. That such efforts couldn''t take his fortress. That he''d consider it if they offered more, more deaths as sacrifice. Roman dividing his forces in two against their full assault was evidence of this. ''It can''t be just this much. If so, the Tsar wouldn''t have been so wary.'' Though races differed, Roman believed those yellow people had sufficient ability to capture this ce.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Not yet. They can do more. No, they must. Only then can he show what''s really prepared up there. == Imperial General Headquarters. Since its establishment in Hiroshima for the 1894 Sino-Japanese War, the one thing this organization endlessly researched and hypothesized. That was war with Russia. For nearly 10 years, army and navymand headquarters and elite staff had researched. How to defeat that giant bear-like empire? "Can we quickly upy Korea and incorporate Korean troops?" "Are you crazy? Feed, house, train people who can''t even shoot, create units and use them? And right after war starts?" "They''ll have to supply troops and materials from about 7,000 kilometers away. That means they''ll have to negotiate if the war situation is good!" First conclusion: Must wage war with negotiation in mind. "The Baltic Fleet... finally came to the Far East." "What is Britain doing? Why are they just watching the Baltic Fleete to the Far East!" "They''re rather happy the naval presence in the Baltic Sea decreased making the Mediterranean safer!" "Damn! At this rate... naval battle is difficult. The moment we retreat east, our continental advance bes bubbles." "Sond battle is the only answer. Must maximize army strengthening with reparations from Qing." Second conclusion: Difficult to gain war advantage through fleet decisive battle. Chapter 54 A Plausible Plan (2) "What? With Baltic Fleet joined, reversely dangerous if enemy forces fleet decisive battle." "Even those Russians can''t easily enter the strait between Korea and Japan." "Korea, Korea is the problem. They''ve long been making Manchuria and Maritime Province stepping stones for expansion." "We too must make Korea a stepping stone to have a chance innd battle." "Need solid rear to have strength to advance. Must upy Korea''s ports and railways first. Hanyang? Of course must surprise attack and not let even a mouse escape."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Third conclusion: Must quickly eat Korea upon war start. For this, must start war with preemptive strike giving enemy no chance to advance south. "Port Arthur? Physically impossible to station all fleets there. If any, Pacific Fleet at most." "So remaining ships will station at divostok port. Then war must start in winter when divostok freezes!" "Conversely speaking, must push up withnd battle as much as possible before divostok port thaws!" Final conclusion: Fight war in winter. Also can grasp initiative in both Yellow Sea and East Sea limited to winter, making rearnding operations possible too. After notable figures gathered at Imperial General Headquarters beforehand to analyze friendly and enemy forces and run all war simtions, their final strategy was: "Their defensive facilities built across all Manchuria and Liaodong must be amazing as rumored!" "Rearnding is essential to easily upy these." "So start war with surprise in winter, quickly upy Korea with some forces while remaining armies strike straight to Yalu River." "Here! If we quickly push back enemy and raise front line as much as possible within winter?" "Can smoothly supply conscripts from homnd to Manchuria while having superior frontline maintenance ability than enemy." Though having disadvantage that absolutely can''t proceed to next stage if one thing goes wrong, Imperial General Headquarters was confident it was a realistic tactic with no impossible goals. To this, Prime Minister Ito asked: "...Though single track, Trans-Siberian Railwaypletes soon. Their main army, that is, forces in Europe cane too. Can we truly maintain front in Manchuria without defeat?" "Even maintaining 1:1bat ratio, there''s huge difference between us directly sending to Manchuria versus them sending forces from thousands of kilometers away in Europe. We absolutely won''t be pushed back. Please believe us!" "I''ll believe General Oyama Iwao''s words, since he did well in thest war too." Thus the war n, meticulously crafted and ultimately approved by Army General Staff Chief Oyama Iwao and Prime Minister Ito, emerged as the blueprint for what was toe. The careful deliberation behind each strategic element reflected both men''s deep military experience and political acumen. As if proving it wasn''t merely a n built on amateurs'' hopes and delusions, but rather on sound military doctrine and realistic assessments, the Japanese army and navy demonstrated remarkable discipline by adhering to the broad framework of their original strategy. Even when confronted with initial setbacks and unexpected challenges at the war''s outset, they maintained their strategic coherence, adjusting tactics while keeping true to the n''s fundamental principles. They upied six ports in one day, and forcesnding at Incheon directly entered Hanyang capturing the king and ministers. Meanwhile forces went up well to the Korea-Russia border and seemed able to use Korea as foothold without major problems afterward. "Coming again today! Yes,e quickly! I''ve prepared no small amount for you!" However, just one thing. "Be careful even in snow! Mines might be hidden!" "Damn, siege warfare while it snows all week?" "At least properly shell the machine gun positions! This is telling us to walk to our deaths!" The Yalu River defense line. The so-called Roman Line. "Machine guns! Duck! No just lie next to corpses!" "Don''t hide! If you''re proud Imperial Army soldiers then quickly get up and run!" "Ifrge forces charge at once even the sturdiest fortress will break!" "Everyone chaaaaarge!" It''s not built as a seamless unified wall like the Great Wall. Mostly just blocking main routes with fortresses andposing rough terrain with gun emcements and barbed wire. "Commander! Certain there''srge artillery unit behind enemy fortress!" "Location? Can we confirm location?" "Artillery duel with enemy artillery positioned beyond fortress is madness. We''ll be massacred just revealing our position!" Though firepower quite excellent, it''s not medieval castle and can''t amodate that many people. "Attacked for 6 days and nights but intact? How is this possible?" "Th-those in fortress aren''t all. Must be more behind!" However, even with new year dawning, First Army''s Lieutenant General Tamemoto and Third Army''s Lieutenant General Maresuke couldn''t cross the Yalu River. "...Deploying so many machine guns, is he crazy? How many weeks firing bullets day and night now!" "The fortressmander was Roman Kondratenko? What did that guy do to the fortress? Moreover wasn''t Yalu River an advance fortress, like European border posts?" Looking at battles so far, clearly there were underground passages plus supply warehouses and stockpiles at certain locations. Probably invisible from outside fortress, but through these the enemy seems to be endlessly sucking in supplies and adding appropriate personnel deployment. January. Already half of winter passed. At earliestte February,test early March, Russia''s three fleets sleeping in divostok will end their winter sleep. Finally the conclusion ofmanders leading each army was uniform. "More troops! Stronger offensive!" "Know casualties are high! But must break through now! Otherwise all war ns Imperial General Headquarters built for years be distorted!" Though meeting unexpected obstacle, they would advance to Manchuria even paying more blood. Since defensive positions couldn''t grow legs and run away, Roman received this head-on. Just charged higher price for the fortress than their expectations. "Quickly rebuild copsed areas even with sandbags! Observation troops report enemy battery positions to rear immediately! Our rear artillery will handle shelling!" Though fortress gradually copsed and casualties grew as enemy offensive strengthened. Russian army morale reached sky high with fortress''s sky-high daily blood price. "Just cross that fortress!" "Looking at this, one would think Yalu River is Japan''s homnd." "If we can just head to Manchuria!" "Hmm, should first report to Chairman Bunge we got fortress''s worth." "Aaaaargh!" "Such attire, not cold in January? Corpses look wasted after a month like beriberi spreading." Though enemy clearly repeated reinforcements several times beyondbat ratio consideration. "Still manageable indeed." Roman and Russian army had no intention of giving up Yalu River yet. Chapter 55 A Plausible Plan (3) Two countries still don''t recognize Russia''s sole upation of Manchuria: Britain and Japan. Looking closely at the Anglo-Japanese Alliance they formed, there is this content: In other words, tired of seeing various powers trying to get their share, Britain and Japan decided to clearly establish their respective spheres of influence - Qing for Britain and the Korean Empire for Japan. How would the United States react to seeing such an alliance treaty? Although the United States was bing more active in its Open Door Policy in Asia than before, they had only gained the Philippines as a foothold and showed no further aggression beyond that. Therefore, the United States would have to choose either Russia or Japan to maintain its Open Door Policy in Asia. Even if it wasn''t direct teamwork but more like indirect bandwagoning. Against this backdrop, Bank of Japan Vice Governor Takahashi Korekiyo believed that the United States would take Japan''s side. First of all, the Russian Empire wasn''t just indirectly entering the market like Britain, but was actually waging a territorial war. If Russia won, there would likely be a ruthless monopoly by the victor. So surely America would fill the first bond issue of 10 million pounds... "Our family has already received oil development permits in Baku, Azerbaijan. Why would we help you and risk damaging our Russian business?" "But, but you''re in America but you''re clearly a British bank, a British Empire family! We''re allies!" "That''s between nations." "Then at least give us a loan! Please give us a loan!" "Sorry." Korekiyo''s cries were futile after trying private meetings, banquets, and social gatherings. Not only did no one listen to him, but now they wouldn''t even meet with him. Why? The U.S. government had been consistently favorable, so why was he suddenly being ignored so much on this side? Was Japan really that desperate in this war? As Korekiyo sat in a corner of the financial social gathering today, tilting a meaningless ss of alcohol, he noticed a figure amid the cheerful crowd on the opposite side. A familiar face. He had the same foreigner''s aura about him. Yet people wouldn''t leave his side. Korekiyo hurriedly tapped the shoulder of someone nearby and asked. "Who is that man?" "What? Oh, those people over there? That''s Chairman Emmanuel of Lehman Brothers, the fastest growing securities firm these days." "No, the one next to him." "Next to him... Looks like some German Jewish bankers?" "No, I mean the oldest one in the middle!" "Oh, you mean Lord Nichs Giers who came to sell government bonds. Hey, but how do you know him to get so worked up?" Nichs Giers. He knew him. How could he not know? That cunning devil who packaged the dirty inner workings of the Russian Empire in diplomatguage - the enemy nation''s Foreign Minister. Why could he sell bonds sofortably amid enthusiastic cheers, contrary to himself? When two types of products with opposing positions enter the market simultaneously, it bes a fight over dividing the pie from day one. In other words, at this rate, the future of trying to sell bonds to America would only be bleaker. ''Why, why!'' Even though these people don''t simply swallow what their country says, public opinion naturally has a flow that leads from top to bottom. Why was private finance hostile to Japan, unlike this country''s government? As he was about to crush the ss in his hand with anger, Vice Governor Korekiyo''s gaze fixed on someone rolling a ss with a pleasant smile right next to Foreign Minister Nichs Giers. ''...Jacob Schiff.'' A capitalist who held director positions in numerouspanies and the leader of the immigrant Jewishmunity. It must be him. It has to be because of him.N?v(el)B\\jnn Now he could see the connection with those around him, themonality among those drinking andughing next to Minister Giers. Jews. The Jews were determined to destroy the Empire of Japan. == If there was a question asking which ce had the highest Jewish poption ratio - the answer would be very simple. It was divided Pnd. Even if you changed the question to just ask which region had many Jews, the answer would still be Pnd. No matter how much Britain epted Jews as members of society and America was a nation of immigrants, Jews still lived most numerously in Pnd. Although converted Protestant Jews were increasing with the times, and there were divisions within Judaism itself. In the end, the yoke of being Jewish - a people who had settled all over the world for thousands of years - was not easily shed. Looking more closely at the current situation in Pnd, Pnd - divided between Germany, the Dual Monarchy, and Russia - had been subjected to oppression policies by all three countries working together. The 19th century oppression of Pnd - restricting university education, closing Polishnguage schools, banning Polish national history education, violently suppressing demonstrations, ethnic discrimination, wage restrictions - was not simply at the level of discrimination. Especially the assimtion policies implemented by Wilhelm I, that is, during Alexander III''s time in Russia, did not aim for cultural assimtion. The military. The two monarchs who were serious about the military had been forcing conscription of Poles and exploitation of human and material resources for military construction. As time passed and the next generation of emperors ascended in both countries, Germany continued its oppression policy, but Russia changed. "The Tsar has destroyed all the chains of oppression in Find and Pnd. Just as the previous Tsar discovered the potential of the Jewish people, he does not discriminate based on religion or region." "I can''t help but be impressed. Usually, it''s not easy to directly oppose the policies of one''s predecessor." Minister Giers exined as much as possible how Tsarism and Judaism coexisted harmoniously in Russia. "In a normal monarchy or democracy, they would have swayed the minority by gathering majority opinions, but Schiff, you recognize how it is in the Russian Empire? Now legally, whether Jewish or Korean, all are equal family members if loyal to the Tsar." Chapter 56 A Plausible Plan (4) "More than that, I heard Colonel Hertsel is in the Far East now." "Ah, Colonel Hertsel! Under Count Elston, the Tsar''s inw." "Could I sponsor him separately? More precisely, the troops he leads." "This? If even bonds aren''t enough and you want to provide direct sponsorship, we would be nothing but grateful!" "Then with war correspondents taking photos of the sponsorship... Ahem, you know what I mean?" "Haha, I understand!" Now that the war''s tide had turned in favor of the Russian Empire, it was almost natural for Jewish funds, including Schiff''s, to flow to Minister Giers. ''What if Colonel Hertsel rises to be a Jewish general through this war? All American Jews will have no choice but to support me for backing a war hero.'' ''The Tsar''s direction regarding ethnicities is firm. Indiscriminate. So indiscriminate that some Jews died in the recent purge, but that was under the justification of eliminating corruption, so it couldn''t be helped.'' ''The government seems to want to support Japan... Well, without military intervention, Russia will win without variables anyway.'' Those like Rothschild who were immovable after getting their share of the Baku oil fields. Those like Schiff who were either impressed by the Tsar''s policies or just white people who disliked Asians. Or those who simply took Russia''s side after calcting profits and losses. Their reasons varied, but most public opinion sided with Minister Giers. Thus, Foreign Minister Nichs Giers sessfullypleted the first bond sale and returned to the Empire amid warm hospitality. On the contrary, Vice Governor Korekiyo, who had failed badly from his first promotion... "Buy patriotic bonds! Patriotic bonds!" "Bonds guaranteed by the Imperial government!" "Our Imperial warriors are shivering without clothes in that cold ce! Please buy them to provide even one precious set of clothes!" He attempted to inject private funds under the pretext of patriotic bonds, holding back tears to fill the empty treasury. However, this was just as difficult. "Governor! Too many bonds were released domesticallyst year, so now the subjects won''t easily open their wallets!" "What about the banks? Evenpanies would do!" "They''repletely silent. As for public enterprise funds, that would just be moving money from the left pocket to the right pocket..." "Damn it, I''ll ask the Imperial Headquarters to make a war situation announcement. Then they might sell a bit!" Due to the unexpected bond failure, they eventually had to involve the Imperial Headquarters. Bonds barely selling thanks to intentionally distorted reports and the momentum from them. Now Japan had be a situation where they really couldn''t lose the war. == Colonel Hertsel Yankelevich Tsam - the hope of hundreds of thousands of Jewish people and leader of Jewish youth''s lives. Even though a Jewish unit was created, all Jews across the country couldn''t join this unit overnight, so one had to ovee highpetition to enlist in his unit. The entire global Jewishmunity was focused on them, with journalists following their every move. To this, Hertsel saw this war as a gateway and test. ''Though it was created by the Tsar''s goodwill, we must prove our usefulness ourselves!'' As they say, the position makes the person. As a colonel, he had somewhat grasped the atmosphere of his superiors. As expected of an extremely conservative group, the military''s view of Jews was not very favorable. They were just following what those higher up had decided. So this ce. This battlefield. Here it is. This is the ce to dispel all doubts and imprint Jews as full Russians throughout the Empire. Uiju-bu, Pyeongan-do, a ce name he had never heard of in his life. Next to them were other units of the Eastern Expedition Force. Rather good. Those who fought together would return home and proim how valiant the Jewish people were in this foreignnd. Therefore. "Men! General Roman below us is said to be grinding down the enemy as theye! Meanwhile, what have we been doing? Would we really just watch this war in others'' hands?" "No sir!" "Die here! Today we will leave our people the most precious gift through our deaths! That is qualification! Not qualification obtained through others'' hands, but qualification earned with our own bloodshed!" Hertsel, who put extra force in his speech today, demanded excessive orders from his troops with heightened emotions. At this rate, the Jewish unit would be just another unremarkable unit without leaving any impression on superiors or anyone else. So the unit that should die the most in this Far Eastern war. The unit that should kill the most enemies. It had to be the Jewish unit he led. Fortunately, there were enough journalists to record how glorious and great their deaths would be, and enough units to testify.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Land with many river inds (inds in the middle of rivers) including shallow sandbars where water flows. Land where the Japanese army keeps pushing forward as it''s easy to cross the river and engage in battle while crossing. That ce lies before their eyes. "Everyone prepare for battle!" Some may have cursed them as a show unit led by someone approaching seventy. Or as an interest group receiving special treatment. "Die Russians!" "Yes, let''s die together! Let''s drown together!" "Y-you crazy bastards! Argh!" But not from today. "Hurry up and die! Once you die, I''ll follow!" "We must die more than any other unit!" The enemy trying to somehow cross the river and upy defensive positions. But they too are humans who want to live, just with different skin color. On the other hand, the Jews gathered here had long ago abandoned such half-hearted mindsets about hoping to live. The contempt they had received for being Jewish. The past when the entire people were treated as social evil and practically ostracized. The soldiers released all that resentment here with tears of blood. From that day on, Hertsel requested unlimited reinforcements from his direct superior, General Elston. Not yet, not yet. More Jewish blood needed to flow to earn qualifications that everyone would recognize. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!