Building a Conglomerate in Another World

April 8, 1894

Amber Hesh stood on the grand platform of Washington's central train station, preparing for her diplomatic journey to China. Despite the formal occasion, she was calm, composed, and ready for the role ahead. Her presence would mark Amerathia's participation in the historic completion of the Grand Hanzhou River Dam—a major engineering feat made possible by the collaboration between several Western powers and the Chinese Imperial government.

Matthew adjusted her hat gently and smiled. "I still feel bad about not going myself," he admitted. "But with the industrial reform bill in Congress and the ongoing transportation overhaul, I can't leave the capital for even a week."

Amber squeezed his hand reassuringly. "You don't have to explain, Matthew. We both knew there would be times like this. You're needed here. I'll represent us well."

The train whistle blew, signaling her departure. Matthew handed her a small envelope. "Open this on the ship," he said quietly. "It's not much, just a little something to remind you of home."

Amber chuckled softly. "You always think of everything, don't you?" She leaned in, giving him a brief but tender kiss. "I'll make you proud. Just make sure to keep everything running smoothly while I'm gone."

"Always," Matthew replied with a grin. "Travel safe, Amber."

With a final glance, Amber boarded the luxury train bound for New York, where she would then embark on a steamship to Shanghai.

Aboard the SS Columbia

Amber stood on the ship's upper deck as it sailed through the choppy waters of the Pacific Ocean. She clutched her shawl close as the wind picked up. In the distance, faint clouds darkened the horizon, but she paid little attention to them. Her thoughts were on the ceremony awaiting her in China and the diplomatic expectations that came with her role.

She opened the envelope Matthew had given her. Inside was a letter in his elegant handwriting:

[Amber,

I know you'll shine in this mission, just as you always do. Remember, you're not just my wife—you're one of the most capable people I've ever known. The whole nation trusts you to represent us with grace and strength. I'll be counting the days until your return.

Love, Matthew.]

Amber smiled, her heart warming despite the chill of the ocean breeze. She carefully folded the letter and placed it in her bag.

The ship's captain, an experienced man named Robert Harding, approached her with a respectful nod. "Mrs. Hesh, I hope the voyage has been to your liking. We'll be reaching Shanghai in two days if the weather holds."

"It's been excellent, Captain," Amber replied. "Thank you for keeping everything in order."

"Your presence on this journey is an honor, ma'am," the captain said earnestly. "We've had international delegations aboard before, but few with your reputation."

Amber gave a polite smile. "Let's hope I live up to those expectations."

Shanghai, China – April 18, 1894.

Amber's arrival at the port of Shanghai was met with great fanfare. Chinese officials, Western diplomats, and a large contingent of reporters gathered to witness the occasion. Elaborate silk banners bearing symbols of prosperity and unity adorned the streets, while musicians played traditional Chinese melodies to welcome the foreign guests.

Dressed in an elegant yet modest gown that respected both Amerathian and Chinese customs, Amber stepped off the ship and was greeted by Minister Zhang Wei, a senior diplomat in the Qing court.

"Mrs. Hesh, welcome to China," Zhang said with a deep bow. "It is an honor to have you here for this historic event."

Amber returned the bow with a respectful nod. "Thank you, Minister Zhang. It is an honor to represent Amerathia and to celebrate this monumental achievement with your nation."

They exchanged pleasantries as Amber was escorted to a waiting carriage. Along the route to the city center, she marveled at the sights—towering pagodas, bustling markets, and grand temples, all blending with newer Western-style buildings constructed in the international district. The fusion of cultures was palpable, a testament to the rapidly changing world.

The Grand Hanzhou River Dam Ceremony

The dam was an awe-inspiring structure, stretching across the mighty Hanzhou River like a colossal guardian of progress. Built with a combination of Western engineering expertise and Chinese labor, it stood as a symbol of cooperation in a time when many nations still harbored deep rivalries.

Amber took her place among the dignitaries seated on a decorated pavilion overlooking the dam. The Emperor's representative, Prince Liu Kang, gave a speech extolling the virtues of unity and modernization.

"Through the efforts of many nations," Prince Liu proclaimed, "we have harnessed the power of the river to bring prosperity and stability to the region. This is a gift not only to China but to all who believe in progress."

When it was her turn to speak, Amber rose gracefully and approached the podium. The crowd quieted, eager to hear her words.

"Your Excellencies, honored guests, and citizens of China," Amber began, her voice steady and clear. "Today, we celebrate more than the completion of a dam. We celebrate what can be achieved when nations come together with a shared vision. This dam represents resilience, ingenuity, and the determination to shape a better future for all."
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She paused, allowing her words to resonate.

"The people of Amerathia are proud to have contributed to this endeavor, and we look forward to continued cooperation with the great nation of China. Let this be the first of many projects that bring our peoples closer together."

The audience erupted in applause, and Amber stepped back, feeling a deep sense of fulfillment.

***

In the evening.

Amber attended a formal banquet hosted in her honor. Traditional Chinese dishes were served alongside Western-style courses, symbolizing the blending of cultures. As the night progressed, Amber engaged in diplomatic conversations with Chinese officials and foreign ambassadors.

Minister Zhang approached her with a toast. "To Mrs. Hesh, whose presence here strengthens the bonds between our nations."

Amber raised her glass, smiling warmly. "To progress and unity."

As the banquet continued, Amber felt a sense of accomplishment. She knew that diplomacy required patience and understanding, and this trip had been a step toward fostering those values. Still, she couldn't wait to return home—to Matthew, Maverick, and the life they were building together.

The journey had been a success, but the real work of shaping the future was far from over.