Joseon Needs a Coup - Chapter 342



Only Noblemtl

#342. Portsmouth and the End of the War (6)

In a reality where Britain’s isolationist policy was collapsing and the alliance between Russia and France was targeting Germany, it was necessary to pay attention to their movements of unity and disintegration according to Belle Époque-style diplomacy.

In the realm of European foreign policy, the alliance with Japan was nothing more than a contract between landlord and guard.

And with Russia weakened, Britain would not give much thought to Japan, its meager ally.

“If you think about it, even if the defense treaty is broken, it won’t be bad for us. Rather, we can use our neutral position to rebuild our destroyed territory and receive investment in the South Manchuria region, which has been recognized as our sphere of influence. The money from France or Mirian, who are behind them, is much more useful than poor Russia.”

It may seem cold, but it was inevitable.

Of course, even if the Russian Empire abolished the defense treaty and turned neutral because we were a pro-Russian country, they would recognize us as an important partner in managing the Far East, so it was okay.

“And this is the most important territorial issue···.”

One of the staff members, with a little spit on his finger, turned the telegram over.

And it contained the content that South Manchuria and the Korean Empire would be used as a buffer zone to prevent Russia and Japan from having a direct border, like a kind of gigantic DMZ.

“Surprisingly, it is said that the Japanese plenipotentiary proposed to place South Manchuria within our sphere of influence.”

“What a clever old man. He must have thought he was ten or twenty years ahead.”

I smiled, realizing Ito’s intentions.

It was clear that they had thrown this place away thinking we would have no control over it.

Russia might have had similar intentions.

These will probably be impure thoughts of regaining strength and pushing in again.

Nevertheless, Ito was truly amazing in that he was able to turn around the current situation of the Japanese military being completely expelled from South Manchuria and the Korean Peninsula, and he accurately grasped the internal situation of Russia, which had experienced Bloody Sunday, and the situation of our military, which could no longer continue the war, to secure a share of the South Manchuria Railway.

That’s why he’s called one of Japan’s heroes.

It was a pity that if only there had been a railroad, we could have poured reinforcements and supplies to the front lines and pushed every last enemy soldier into the sea.

“Can we control that vast land?”

“There is nothing that cannot be done. There will be a crisis, but if you overcome it, there will be another opportunity. It is time to show them once again that they made a mistake.”

By the way, I noticed that the borders for South Manchuria and North Manchuria were also drawn in a lump.

It was indeed an action whose intentions were relatively transparent.

It was something that needed to be thought about how to control this place in the future.

“By the way, the Japanese side demanded a refund until the very end. They wanted the return of the territory or compensation for the cost of feeding and housing the prisoners…”

“So what happened?”

“They say there was a dramatic conclusion at the last minute. In the end, the Japanese government gave in.”

It is said that Japan also knew that it was impossible to claim compensation, and changed course at the last minute of the negotiations.

The result was a candy-offer that guaranteed Japan preferential treatment on the railway issue in Manchuria in exchange for an unconditional withdrawal from Lushun and the entire Korean Peninsula.

It was a relatively light treat considering the 300,000 casualties and 200,000 non-combat casualties, but Japan could not refuse even that.

If they reject even this, they know even better what will happen.

“Now all that remains is the ratification of each country. The draft has already been submitted to His Majesty the Emperor, and will be announced soon.”

“in the end···.”

I nodded silently to the staff’s words.

Finally, the long and protracted war with Japan came to an end on March 5, 1905.

In Sunmuyeong and Hansung, the news that armistice negotiations were imminent was very encouraging, and the people began to feel hopeful that they would be able to return to their former lives, put down their guns, return to their hometowns, and begin planting rice seedlings again.

“Sergeant, what are you going to do now that the war is over?”

“What should I do?”

I responded to my subordinates’ words with a snicker.

The war is effectively over, although the treaty is only just being signed.

“Now we have to discuss how to protect our surviving homeland, how to govern the newly controlled areas, and finally how to stop those Japanese who are about to invade us again. The war is over, but it’s not over yet. We have to prepare for a new war.”

Many would die, and twice as many would live their entire lives with permanent scars on their bodies.

All those who fought on the brink of life and death will most likely cheer at the news that a ceasefire agreement has been reached, but some will never be able to do so.

The time to enjoy victory would be short, and the time to overcome the pain and sorrow of war would take longer than ever.

The 11 months of fierce fighting and the remaining 5 months of diplomatic warfare were shorter than any war that would follow, but they left us with countless worries and concerns as we had to think about the aftermath of the war.

Still, just knowing there was at least one glimmer of hope was enough to lift everyone’s spirits.

It was the hope that the Korean Empire, which should have perished, had finally survived on its own strength.

“Sergeant, the second contingent from Hamheung is coming into Hansung. Shouldn’t we welcome them?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

By the way, today was also the day when some very important guests came to Hanseong.

A rather significant event was scheduled to take place, in which the Crown Prince would return to the palace instead of the Emperor.

There was only talk that the Emperor’s return would probably take place only after a proper declaration of the end of the war was made.

“Are all the soldiers deployed?”

“Of course, Commissioner. I have deployed soldiers and police officers all over the palace road.”

I’ve been pretty busy preparing for this for the past few days.

About 3,000 troops have been mobilized to prepare for any eventuality.

“You will return to Gyeongbokgung Palace via Heunginmun and Dongnimmun, so please check again to make sure there are no problems with your preparations.”

“All right.”

As the staff left, I heard the music of a military band in the distance.

They’ll be arriving soon, so I guess I should go out too.

For the first time in a long while, instead of the plain khaki cap, I picked up the flashy black and red kepi cap worn by generals.

Even the cumbersome entrance ceremony was well prepared, and next to me, several other Imperial Household Ministry officials were adjusting my attire and adjusting my clothes.

“Your Majesty, today is a very important day, so you must dress appropriately.”

“No, the uniform is too cumbersome. Can’t you just wear your regular work clothes? The war isn’t even over yet…”

“It was a strict order from the Minister of the Imperial Household and the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Guard, Lee Yong-ik. I will speak to you personally-”

“It’s awkward.”

“His Highness the Crown Prince will be arriving soon. The commissioner must formally report the recapture of Hanseongbu, so even if it is inconvenient, you must do so.”

I, armed with a sword and a revolver, sighed and followed the instructions of the Imperial Household Department staff who were checking my attire until the end.

“Okay.”

Well, since it was an event that returned the item to its nominal owner, I had no choice but to follow along. That’s how the event went on.

The order was for the Crown Prince, the procession, and the military troops that followed from Hamheung to march to Independence Gate, and then review the troops together with the Crown Prince there.

And the people of Hanseongbu could not help but be surprised at this place.

This is because non-combat troops consisting entirely of female soldiers conscripted from Hamheung were also inspecting the troops.

The fact that a woman was fighting with a gun must have been quite shocking to them.

“Everyone is surprised.”

“You must have only heard rumors. Women also came out with guns and fought.”

And I could definitely see one face among them.

I couldn’t forget that familiar face, looking straight at me, with the rifle slung behind his back.

“···We have some welcome guests, too.”

I couldn’t tell because I had been away from Hamheung for so long, but it seemed like she had volunteered as well, given her personality.

It wouldn’t have been dangerous since they weren’t sent on combat missions anyway, but it wouldn’t have been an easy decision.

Somehow, I had a feeling that after today passed, I would have a lot to talk to her about.

“Huh? You’re a guest?”

“No. Let’s talk later.”

I responded to the adjutant’s words and went about the rest of the event.

After the Crown Prince’s lengthy speech and the march from Independence Gate, excitement and joy began to fill the streets of Seoul.

It will be difficult to fully grasp what will happen in the face of the rapidly changing reality.

Yet one hope gave us much to look forward to.

“···We have finally managed to light a spark in the dark world.”

It would show that the end of the colonial era, in which countries tried to take over weaker countries by force, was approaching, and that the curtain call for Belle Époque-style diplomacy was also approaching.

The bloodiest, yet most dynamic morning of the 20th century was beginning in a quiet country in the East.

From far away, light, brisk footsteps were approaching me.

Not the smell of gunpowder and blood that you often smell on the battlefield, but a sweet scent.

I slowly turned around with a faint smile, and there stood the person I had been waiting for.

“Brother, it’s been a while.”

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1. The Russian Empire and the Japanese Empire shall recognize the independence of the Korean Empire and withdraw all troops from the Korean Peninsula. This shall be done within 30 days of the ratification of the treaty.

2. In accordance with the Treaty of Seoul in 1901, the French Republic, the German Empire, the British Empire, and the United States of America guarantee the independence and neutrality of the Korean Empire. If a third country ignores this and encroaches on the sovereignty of the Korean Empire, they will respond through mutual cooperation.

3. The Russo-Korean Defense Treaty concluded between the Russian Empire and the Korean Empire shall be terminated within three months immediately following the conclusion of the treaty.

4. The warring parties shall not pay reparations to each other.

5. The Japanese Empire will withdraw from Lushun and Dalian, which it occupied, and recognize the lease rights of the Russian Empire. It will also completely withdraw from the occupied territories within the Korean Empire, namely, Jemulpo, Gunsan, Jinhae, and Busan. In return, the Russian Empire and the Korean Empire will actively participate in the establishment of a multinational joint venture company led by Japan and the United States of America on the South Manchuria Railway Branch Line (tentative name).

6. The Japan-Korea Treaty of Amity and Commerce concluded since 1876 shall be abolished, and a new treaty of equal diplomatic relations between Japan and Korea shall be ratified promptly.

7. The Russian and Korean Empires partially guarantee the Japanese Empire’s fishing rights in the East Sea, Okhotsk, and Bering Sea coasts. However, Japanese fishing activities in the waters near Jeju Island are completely prohibited.

8. The Korean Empire’s grain export ban and gold export control to Japan, which has been in effect since October 15, 1903, are abolished, but this will come into effect 30 days after the ratification of the treaty.

9. The Japanese Navy will withdraw unconditionally from Ulleungdo and its adjacent islands.

10. The prompt repatriation of all prisoners of war. This must be done within one year of the conclusion of the treaty.

11. All hostilities must cease within 24 hours after the conclusion of the treaty.

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Part 1 complete. Continued in Part 2

Part 2 Prologue