章 89: Chapter 86
--- 22th of April 1897 ---
--- 3rd Person POV ---
--- Bidadari House Forest ---
When Maharani Alice and the courtiers believed the passing aeroplanes had gone, another similar sound echoed through the surroundings. Birds flew above the towering trees, adding to the mysterious atmosphere.
Confusion and curiosity marked the faces of Maharani Alice and the courtiers as they scanned the sky, seeking the source of the noise. Yuvraj Siagu, however, remained steadfast and calm, his gaze unwavering as he searched the sky, mirroring the actions of those around him.
The same event was unfolding at the residence of Prince Sharvil and his family. As the first airplanes appeared in the sky above their home and compound, panic gripped the entire household. Even Princess Maria, who had been informed of the impending events, was frightened and anxious upon hearing the approaching F1 Buzzard and Airco EB.1.
Rajkumari Mahati and Rajkumar Ainesh initially panicked as well, but were soon comforted and protected by their respective courtiers. Despite their own fear, the courtiers formed a protective circle around the children, while the Imperial Household Guards surrounded them, ensuring no threat could pass through to harm anyone.
The panic intensified as the F1 Buzzard and Airco EB.1 appeared in the sky above Bidadari House. Cries of confusion and fear echoed through the entire area. Guards were dispatched to fetch the strolling Maharani Alice and Yuvraj Siagu to ensure their safety, while other soldiers were tasked with uncovering the cause of the turmoil.
From the perspective of Maharani Alice and Yuvraj Siagu, it began as a mere whisper, a distant hum growing steadily louder with each passing moment. This only fueled the confusion and anxiety of the courtiers and Maharani Alice. Then, emerging from the clouds like behemoths of the sky, the modified zeppelins appeared, their massive forms casting ominous shadows over the landscape below.
These were not the graceful airships of leisurely travel that had captivated many in recent years. No, these were war zeppelins, their sleek bodies adorned with menacing weaponry and bristling with defensive armaments. Dark, foreboding shapes against the evening sky, they moved with a sinister purpose, their engines roaring as they cut through the air with deadly precision.
Their hulls were painted in somber shades of gray and black, camouflage patterns designed to blend seamlessly with the shadows of the night. Along their lengths, gun turrets protruded like spines from a dragon's back, their barrels gleaming in the fading light. And from their underbellies hung payloads of destruction, bombs and munitions poised to rain havoc upon any unfortunate target that lay in their sights.
As the modified zeppelins passed overhead, the group observed with a mixture of awe and trepidation. The earlier sense of wonder had been replaced by a chilling realization of the destructive power now within humanity's grasp. In these towering giants of the sky, they saw not just marvels of engineering, but instruments of war and devastation, capable of unleashing untold suffering upon the world below.
As the last of the war zeppelins vanished into the distance, leaving behind only the echo of their thunderous engines, the group was left to ponder the implications of what they had witnessed.
The deep yet worried voice of a man suddenly broke the silence, catching the attention of the courtiers, Maharani Alice, and Yuvraj Siagu. "Your Imperial Majesty, Your Imperial Highness, we are here to take you both back to the house," stated an Imperial Household guard, looking at Maharani Alice and Yuvraj Siagu with full worry. Other Imperial Household guards stood behind him, equally concerned.
While this is developing at the Badadari house in the township of San Miguel. Chaos have already ensued at the capital city of the Joseon Kingdom, Hanseong. As the Butuanon forces backed with the local rebel groups that supported the deposed King Gojong back to the throne made their advances swiftly, fear and panic covers the entire Gyeongbokgung Palace.
In the council chamber, the news rippled through like a shockwave. An elderly minister, his voice trembling with distress, announced, "The Butuanon forces have already claimed nearly half of the Southern Kingdom!"
Anxiety gripped another minister, fear etched on his face as he cried out, "We must surrender while there's still a chance!"
Opposition flared instantly. A voice, brimming with determination, countered, "Why surrender? The people stand ready to defend their King against the Butuanon and all rebels!"
In the Geunjeongjeon Hall, ministers lined up, each voicing concerns and suggestions before King Sonjong. They had once supported his coup against his father, King Gojong, aligning themselves also with the Japanese. Inside the hall, tensions ran high among the ministers, their debates escalating.
Amidst the turmoil, King Sonjong sat upon the Phoenix throne, outwardly calm and composed. He showed little interest in the discord among his advisors, seemingly detached from their arguments.
"Once again, these people were embroiled in arguments over trivial matters," King Sonjong remarked disinterestedly, his voice barely above a whisper as he glanced at his bickering ministers.
"What more can you expect from such incompetent individuals?" a familiar, raspy voice interjected suddenly. It was none other than King Sonjong's own grandfather, Yi Ha-eung, known as Heungseon Daewongun, responding to his words.
"The kingdom, since its very founding, had always been plagued with ministers possessing dubious records, driven by personal gain and the desire to bolster their own egos under the guise of achievements and wealth," remarked Heungseon Daewongun, casting a disdainful glance at the bickering ministers. Shifting his gaze to his grandson seated on the elevated phoenix throne, he continued, "Such circumstances do not bode well for the royal family or the court. We risk losing the public's support, diverting it to your good-for-nothing father."
In response to his grandfather's suggestion, King Sonjong, akin to a pupil guided by parental instruction, obediently follows suit, raising his hand to quell the ministers' escalating disputes.
Silence descends upon the hall, drawing the ministers' gaze back to King Sonjong of Joseon. The atmosphere grows tense and weighted, affording him the opportunity to address his councilors. Observing the hushed hall following his grandson's gesture, Heungseon Daewongun smiles with satisfaction and a hint of arrogance.
In his private chambers, Heungseon Daewongun seethed with disdain as he surveyed the silent ministers before him. "These useless ministers," he thought, contempt dripping from every word, "feeding off the chaos for their own gain. Most are nothing but incompetent, fragile men, puffing up their egos and lining their pockets with the kingdom's coin."
Meanwhile, King Sonjong addressed the assembly with measured calmness, his gaze sweeping across the room. "I understand your concerns and fears," he declared. "The rebellion's rise and the Butuanon invasion in our southern territories must be swiftly quelled."
In the grand hall, an elderly man in his early forties, seated to the left of the throne hall, rose with grace and dignity. Clad in his gwanbok, he bowed respectfully to the king before speaking, "Your Majesty, I propose that we intercept the invading army in Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do, by dispatching twenty thousand Joseon soldiers to confront the rapidly advancing invaders."
A minister in his late 40s, seated to the right side of the throne hall, exclaimed vehemently, "That is suicide, Minister Yoo Jung-woo!" upon hearing his colleague's suggestion.
Minister Yoo Jung-woo, the current Minister of War of the Joseon Kingdom, had recently replaced Yi Ha-je. Known for his staunch adherence to the conservative ideology of the Northern Faction and a preference for closer ties with the Japanese over the Butuanons, Minister Yoo Jung-woo enjoyed a position of trust as a confidant of both Heungseon Daewongun and King Sonjong himself.
Minister Yoo Jung-woo, like many of his counterparts, placed his trust in the Japanese soldiers stationed within Joseon to maintain peace and order across the kingdom. Therefore, he showed little concern for sacrificing 20 thousand ill-equipped Joseon soldiers against the formidable Butuanon soldiers and rebels.
"They are serving their country and the King, Minister Shin Hyun-won!" declared Minister Yoo Jung-woo defiantly, fixing a stern gaze upon Minister Shin Hyun-won, who stood opposite him in the hall.
Minister Shin Hyun-won, newly appointed as the Minister of Rites in the Joseon Kingdom, hailed from Jeollanam, formerly known as Jeolla. He had been a staunch member of the Northern faction since the outset of the uprising against the deposed King Gojong, striving to secure the position of Minister of Rites.
Having achieved his goal, Minister Shin Hyun-won gradually distanced himself from the faction's clandestine activities, all the while maintaining the outward appearance of loyalty to their cause. While harboring disdain for the deposed king, he also held deep-seated animosity towards the Japanese and their oppression of the Joseon people and soldiers.
In response to Minister Yoo Jung-woo's proposal to deploy 20 thousand soldiers against the invading forces of Butuan, Minister Shin Hyun-won expressed his displeasure. With a controlled and calm demeanor, he remarked, "Our soldiers can serve the kingdom in other capacities. We shouldn't offer them to the enemy like fodder for consumption."
In the shadows of Minister Shin Hyun-won's discourse, nods of agreement and understanding rippled through the assembly. While many acknowledged the rationality of his arguments, fear of King Sojong and Heungseon Daewongun stifled any vocal dissent. Instead, they chose silent affirmation, nodding in unison to signal their support.
In the grand hall, Minister Yoo Jung-woo observed his fellow minister garnering support from others, which only served to frustrate and irritate him further. As anger and irritation clouded his mind, his gaze turned towards King Sonjong and Heungseon Daewongun, seeking solace. His gaze was rewarded with the sight of the King's bored and disinterested expression, accompanied by a discontented sigh from Heungseon Daewongun.
In the aftermath of King Sonjong and Heungseon Daewongun's actions, Minister Yoo Jung-woo recalled the agreement they had forged. They had agreed to drastically reduce the number of Joseon soldiers to a mere 5,000 and allow Japanese troops to occupy the entire Joseon Kingdom. In return, Minister Yoo Jung-woo would be bestowed with the title of a Prince—a proposition that greatly captivated his attention.
The allure of becoming a Prince far outweighed his current position as a mere minister. Therefore, without hesitation or fear of being branded a traitor, Minister Yoo Jung-woo accepted the offer.
In the midst of deliberations, Heungseon Daewongun intervened, reassuringly giving a hand on the struggling Minister Yoo Jung-woo. "The capital and our people will remain well-protected and cared for, even as we deploy forces to intercept the invading Butuanon soldiers," he asserted.
With Heungseon Daewongun's voice resonating through the chamber, the attention of the ministers shifted towards him and Minister Shin Hyun-won. Despite his advanced age and frail appearance, Heungseon Daewongun wielded considerable power and influence within the court of Joseon, especially since King Sonjong ascended the throne.
Thus, every utterance from Heungseon Daewongun carried weight among the assembled ministers. His words possessed the power to sway the minds of those entrusted with governing the kingdom, for none dared risk the ire of the king's grandfather and esteemed member of the Yi royal clan.
However, Minister Shin Hyun-won, driven by a steadfast resolve to safeguard the kingdom's soldiers, summoned the courage to challenge Heungseon Daewongun's assertion. "But who will ensure their safety? The Japanese?" he countered boldly. "Our kingdom must secure its people using its own strength, independent of foreign aid. I propose we prioritize the defense of the capital and seek a diplomatic resolution with the Butuanon forces."
After Minister Shin Hyun-won concluded his speech, a heavy silence settled over the entire hall. The seated ministers' faces betrayed tension and disbelief as they observed his words and gestures. Those seated nearest to him subtly distanced themselves, wary of potential repercussions. Others, who had once been close to Minister Shin Hyun-won, now found themselves sweating nervously, silently cursing him and privately vowing to sever their ties after this day's tumultuous events.
In the midst of the assembly, even Minister Yoo Jung-woo, previously agitated by Minister Shin Hyun-won's persistent interference, found himself unable to suppress a smirk as he cast a derisive gaze at his colleague. He couldn't fathom how Minister Shin Hyun-won could be so foolish as to utter such words in the presence of King Sonjong and Heungseon Daewongun, both well-known for their staunch support of the Japanese forces in the nation.
The other ministers, sensing the tension, instinctively distanced themselves both mentally and physically from Minister Shin Hyun-won, their displeasure and irritation palpable. Heungseon Daewongun, increasingly incensed, reflected the growing dissatisfaction within the room. Visibly perturbed, King Sonjong rose to his feet, fixing Minister Shin Hyun-won with an intimidating stare.
"Minister Shin Hyun-won," King Sonjong began with a tone both firm and commanding, acknowledging the minister's courage and concern for the kingdom's soldiers. Yet, the king sensed a challenge not only to the wisdom of Heungseon Daewongun, his own grandfather, but also to the strategic alliances painstakingly cultivated.
Pausing to let his words settle, King Sonjong's unwavering gaze swept the room. "The safety of our people and the stability of our kingdom reign supreme. All options, including assistance from our allies, must be considered. To dismiss their aid outright is a weighty decision not to be made lightly."
In the presence of the king's unwavering resolve, Heungseon Daewongun appeared to ease somewhat, though his gaze remained fixed on Minister Shin Hyun-won. The other ministers, their anxiety palpable, observed intently, anticipating the king's ultimate decision.
"Therefore," King Sonjong declared, "To bolster the safety of our capital's inhabitants and protect our people, I authorize the deployment of twenty thousand Joseon soldiers to intercept the invading Butuanon forces!"
Smiles adorned the faces of Minister Yoo Jung-woo and Heungseon Daewongun, contrasting sharply with the visible despair and disappointment etched upon Minister Shin Hyun-won's countenance. Despite his attempts to reason with and persuade King Sonjong of the potential consequences of deploying twenty thousand soldiers against the invading Butuanon forces, Minister Shin Hyun-won found himself met not with consideration but with mockery and harsh words from his fellow ministers, led by Minister Yoo Jung-woo. He was accused of treason and branded a traitor for his lack of faith in the king's decisions. This barrage left Minister Shin Hyun-won silenced and withdrawn.
The meeting ended with the failure of Minister Shin Hyun-won in preventing the 20 thousand Joseon soldiers to be sent to intercept the invading Butuanon forces. Exiting the palace, he bore a heavy heart, feeling the weight of disappointment not only towards the soldiers but also sensing the avoidance of his fellow ministers. He understood their silent reproach.
Meanwhile, Minister Yoo Jung-won swiftly issued orders to every garrison across southern and central Joseon, mobilizing their forces to converge on Danyang to confront the advancing Butuanon forces. This directive, bolstered by the royal seal of King Sonjong, carried the weight of immediate action.
In a short span, word spread swiftly among the commanding officers of various garrisons throughout the Southern and Central provinces of Joseon about the mobilization of 20 thousand Joseon soldiers. Despite the imminent peril of facing death, they adhered to the directive issued by the current Minister of War. However, their compliance was not merely in response to the Minister's command but rooted in their steadfast loyalty to King Sonjong, symbolized by his seal. For every high-ranking soldier of Joseon, the nation, the King, and duty above self were sacred tenets they unwaveringly upheld.
In almost three days, the entire contingent of 20 thousand soldiers had gathered—a number that impressed onlookers. However, what stood out most to observers was the soldiers' reliance on outdated firearms and equipment, rather than modern weaponry. Despite this apparent disadvantage, their morale remained high, fueled by an unwavering eagerness to defend their country.
After the mobilization, the march toward Danyang spanned another seven days before they finally reached their destination. Upon arrival, the Joseon army made contact and decided to take a momentary rest, fortifying Danyang upon realizing the absence of invading forces from Butuan and rebel groups. This bolstered the spirits of the town's mere 200 inhabitants, who found security in the presence of the Joseon soldiers, despite their lack of modern equipment.
In Danyang, panic gripped the hearts of its people as they beheld the arrival of the advancing 30,000-strong Butuan Empire soldiers and the 500 rebels of Joseon led by the deposed Minister Yi Ha-je. Fear permeated even among the Joseon soldiers, anxious about the looming threat of battle. Meanwhile, the Butuanon soldiers were eager to press forward, determined to swiftly conclude their campaign against Joseon.
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BOOM*
*BOOM*
*BOOM*
*BOOM*
In the early hours after the Butuanon forces arrived outside Danyang, the first signs of battle erupted. Led by King Gojong and Lieutenant General Chitrangad Verma, a coordinated bombardment of artillery shells enveloped the entire perimeter of Danyang, inflicting casualties indiscriminately. The sudden onslaught threw the garrisoned Joseon soldiers into panic and disarray, leaving them little time to mount a coherent defense.
As the artillery barrage persisted from both sides, soldiers surged forward in fierce charges, their cries of valor and pride echoing across the battlefield. Above the advancing ranks, three flags fluttered in the wind: the Kingdom of Joseon's standard proudly representing their defense, and alongside it, the flags of the Butuan Empire and King Gojong's provisional government, asserting their claim to the contested territory.
In the midst of battle, the soldiers of the combined rebels of Joseon and Butuanon forces roared their allegiance: "FOR THE ONE TRUE KING OF JOSEON!" Their voices carried the vigor and determination of those fighting for their cause.
Soon, the battlefield echoed not with shouts of pride but with the grim symphony of conflict. Bodies fell with each passing moment, life draining from their eyes as blood stained the once muddy ground. The soil, now littered with fallen soldiers from both sides, bore witness to the brutal toll of war, the majority belonging to the Joseon army.
Hours wore on until the Joseon army's formation and chain of command crumbled, plunging lower-ranking soldiers into chaos and disarray. This breakdown precipitated an uncoordinated retreat of the small Joseon forces toward Cheongpung, thereby enabling the Butuanon forces to seize Danyang. Nearly ten thousand Joseon soldiers were taken captive, their losses amounting to six thousand lives, while the Butuanon forces suffered a hundred casualties. It was a devastating defeat for King Sunjong's Joseon Army.
In his wrath, King Gojong received unsettling reports from the captured soldiers about how King Sunjong and Prince Yi Jae-myon managed the kingdom. Consequently, he branded them enemies of the realm and ordered their execution. Many of the Joseon soldiers captured in battle were persuaded to join the rebels and Butuan against King Sunjong, a decision that the majority supported.
As a result, the once formidable Joseon army, which had boasted 40,000 troops, now lay shattered and weakened. This grievously undermined the security of the entire Joseon Kingdom, leaving it incapable of recovery throughout the remainder of King Sunjong's reign.
On the tumultuous eastern seas of the Butuan Empire, towering waves surge menacingly, a testament to the ocean's relentless fury. The skies above are shrouded in foreboding clouds, mirroring the chaos below. Yet, amidst this tempest, eight ominous flying machines pierce through the cover of clouds, their shadows fleeting over the stormy waters. Each of these warbirds is a marvel of engineering, distinct in design and purpose, yet unified in their deadly intent.
These airborne harbingers are the Butuan Empire's latest arsenal: four newly converted war zeppelins, two F1 Buzzards, and two Airco EB.1s. Each vessel is bristling with weaponry, from rapid-firing guns to bombs capable of leveling entire cities. The zeppelins, colossal and imposing, float with an eerie grace, while the sleek Buzzards and the formidable Airco EB.1s cut through the air with lethal precision.
Their target: Tokyo City, the heart of Japan. Under the command of Maharaja Siagu XV, this formidable fleet sets forth with a singular mission—to end the war with a decisive and devastating blow. As they glide toward their destination, an aura of impending doom follows, a silent promise of the destruction that awaits.
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