Building a Conglomerate in Another World

February 28, 1898

St. Petersburg, Winter Palace

The message from Beijing had arrived days prior, carefully translated and meticulously presented to Tsar Nicholas II. He stood by the grand window overlooking Palace Square, the distant figure of the Alexander Column casting its shadow against the pale winter sun. The news was monumental: China had accepted the alliance, setting forth conditions both ambitious and resolute. He turned slowly, his eyes scanning the chamber where his most trusted advisors awaited his response.

Foreign Minister Count Mikhail Muravyov cleared his throat, stepping forward with deliberate caution. "Your Majesty, the Chinese terms are bold, perhaps unexpectedly so. Yet they align with our broader goals. The division of Japanese territories, specifically Honshu's demilitarized zone, offers a pragmatic solution that reduces future conflict."

General Alexei Mikhailov, who had personally advocated in Beijing, added decisively, "Moreover, Your Majesty, their request to treat Korea as a sovereign vassal rather than an occupied territory aligns with our strategic interests. Such an arrangement provides stability and legitimacy, allowing smoother governance without stirring nationalist unrest."

Tsar Nicholas stroked his chin thoughtfully, his expression inscrutable. "Indeed, and the Chinese demand for equal standing... How should we interpret it?"

Muravyov adjusted his glasses, choosing his words carefully. "It signals their determination to assert themselves as a major power. However, it's a useful stance for our diplomatic positioning as well. It allows us to project the image of a cooperative alliance rather than a domineering force."

Tsar Nicholas nodded, his gaze returning briefly to the cityscape outside. "Very well. Proceed to draft our official acceptance, agreeing to China's terms in full. This alliance may be unconventional, but it is essential. We will require their manpower and strategic depth."

General Mikhailov saluted respectfully. "Your Majesty, we must also prepare immediate mobilization orders. The Japanese-American-Korean coalition is aware of our negotiations and likely anticipating our next moves."

"Precisely," Nicholas replied calmly. "Send immediate instructions to Vladivostok and Port Arthur. All forces must be placed on alert. The war will likely commence within weeks. Japan and Amerathia have formidable navies, but our combined armies, with China's New Army and our seasoned divisions, can offset their naval advantages."

He turned sharply, addressing Mikhailov directly. "General, your mission to China has yielded critical success. You will return immediately to the Eastern Command to oversee troop preparations. The war ahead will be hard-fought; your experience is indispensable."

General Mikhailov bowed deeply. "At your command, Your Majesty."

As the advisors dispersed to carry out their orders, Tsar Nicholas gazed once more at the skyline of St. Petersburg. The gentle snowfall outside belied the gravity of the moment. A war unlike any the world had witnessed was on the horizon, destined to shape the balance of power for generations to come.

March 10, 1898

Vladivostok Naval Base, Russian Far East

General Alexei Mikhailov stepped from the steam locomotive, the icy wind biting through his heavy overcoat as he walked purposefully across the station platform. He was met by Vice Admiral Ivan Rozhestvensky, commander of Russia's Pacific Fleet, whose stern face greeted him with a respectful nod.

"General," Rozhestvensky extended his hand. "Your timing is impeccable. We've begun full mobilization, but there remain significant preparations to finalize."

Mikhailov gripped the admiral's hand firmly. "Admiral, time is our enemy as much as the Japanese. Our intelligence indicates Amerathian ships from their bases in Subic Bay have already begun movement toward Busan. We must accelerate our timetable."

The admiral led him toward a waiting carriage, their boots crunching against the frozen ground. "The fleet is readying now. Our battleships and cruisers have received priority maintenance, and the coal stockpiles are sufficient for immediate sorties. However, we have few modern vessels compared to the Amerathian navy."

"Then we must rely heavily on our defensive positions and coastal artillery," Mikhailov responded firmly, his breath visible in the crisp air. "Port Arthur must be reinforced. It will become the central point of our defense in the initial phase."

The admiral nodded gravely. "The fortifications are strong, but our ground forces are spread thin along the Siberian frontier. The Chinese troops are mobilizing, but full deployment will take weeks."

"Make sure our coordination with Chinese command remains continuous," Mikhailov insisted. "The alliance must function seamlessly, or we'll find ourselves isolated and vulnerable."

Rozhestvensky opened the carriage door for the general, their conversation pausing as they settled inside. The admiral tapped the driver's window, signaling him to proceed toward headquarters.

As they journeyed through the snow-laden streets of Vladivostok, Mikhailov gazed thoughtfully at the gathering storm clouds. "Our first target must be Korea," he declared quietly. "We must strike swiftly, cutting off the Japanese and Amerathian foothold. China will move from the west, while we push from the north. Busan will be the decisive battle."

"And the Japanese mainland?" the admiral queried cautiously. "They will not stand idle."

"We count on their haste," Mikhailov replied evenly. "Let them commit prematurely. Once Korea is secure, Japan itself will be vulnerable to blockade and isolation. Their economy depends on maritime trade. Deny them the sea, and their industries will falter rapidly."

The admiral considered the strategy briefly, then nodded in approval. "A decisive plan, General. But the Amerathians?"

"Their logistical lines stretch halfway around the globe," Mikhailov reasoned. "They are powerful but limited in rapid reinforcement. If we hold out long enough, distance and attrition become our allies."

Rozhestvensky exhaled, the weight of their undertaking settling over them. "So we plan for a prolonged conflict?"

"Precisely," Mikhailov confirmed. "This war will not be quick nor clean. Victory depends on determination, unity with our Chinese allies, and disciplined strategic patience."

March 20, 1898

Beijing, Forbidden City

Meanwhile, back in China, Emperor Guangxu oversaw final preparations. Military divisions, newly equipped with Amerathian rifles, artillery pieces, and trained in modern tactics, moved steadily toward the Korean frontier. The New Army, under General Yuan Shikai, marched with precision, their banners proudly displaying the renewed strength and confidence of the Qing dynasty.

General Yuan entered the imperial audience chamber, saluting Guangxu with disciplined composure.

"Your Majesty, the northern divisions are mobilized. Troops will reach the Yalu River frontier within ten days. The Russians report readiness along their eastern front as well."

Guangxu nodded gravely, his features calm but resolute. "And our naval assets?"

"Our fleet remains modest," Yuan admitted cautiously. "Our coastal batteries, however, have received significant upgrades. With Russian naval support, we can defend our shores effectively."

Guangxu studied the map before him, visualizing the upcoming struggle. "This is no mere conflict of land and resources," he reflected quietly. "It is our assertion of dignity, our statement to the world. We will no longer be cowed."

Empress Dowager Cixi, seated nearby, leaned in. "Yet we must remain wary, Emperor. A single defeat can ripple into larger despair. The people must witness early victories to strengthen their resolve."

Yuan Shikai straightened confidently. "Your Majesty, with Russian cooperation and our thorough preparations, early victories will be ours."

Guangxu stood from the throne, his gaze hardening into determination. "Then let the drums of war sound clearly. Let our enemies see China not as it was, but as it has become."

He turned sharply to Yuan. "General, take command personally at the Yalu frontier. Show the world that the humiliation of the past will not be repeated."

Yuan bowed deeply. "As Your Majesty commands."

As Yuan Shikai withdrew to carry out his orders, the Emperor turned toward the expansive courtyard beyond the grand hall. Below, thousands of soldiers marched, their discipline precise, their spirits soaring. The sight filled Guangxu with pride and cautious hope.

War had come, but China was no longer unprepared.

The alliance was set, troops were marching, and East Asia stood at the precipice of an era-defining struggle.

The world held its breath, sensing the monumental storm about to break upon distant shores.

And none knew how the storm would end.

***

March 25, 1898

D.C, Amerathia.

The Presidential Palace in D.C sat bathed in the early evening light, its white marble facade glowing gently beneath a fading sun. President Matthew Hesh stood silently at the expansive window of his private study, overlooking the grand plaza below. Across the plaza, Amerathian citizens moved about unaware of the seismic shift occurring thousands of miles away—a shift that would soon reverberate into their own lives.

The quiet knock at the study door broke Hesh from his contemplation.

"Come in," he called without turning.

The door opened quietly, revealing Collins, accompanied by Ambassador Li Sheng, the official envoy from China.

"Mr. President," Collins said with practiced formality, "Ambassador Li has requested an immediate audience. It appears urgent."

Hesh finally turned, eyes locking onto Ambassador Li's carefully composed expression. He nodded politely. "Ambassador Li, please."

Li Sheng stepped forward, hands clasped respectfully in front of him.

"Your Excellency," he began slowly, choosing each word carefully. "I bring official news directly from Emperor Guangxu and the Chinese Court."

Collins glanced briefly at the President, silently acknowledging the gravity of this meeting. He stepped discreetly aside, allowing the Ambassador direct conversation with Hesh.

Hesh motioned calmly toward a set of chairs near the large oak desk. "Please sit, Ambassador."

Li nodded gratefully and sat opposite Hesh and then announced.

"President Hesh, as of February 22, the Qing Empire has officially joined in a defensive alliance with the Russian Empire. China has committed itself fully to joint military operations against Japan and all of Japan's allies—including Amerathia."