--- 3rd Person POV ---
--- 12th of May 1907 ---
"As you can see, everyone. These are the conditions currently being experienced by the people of Kuangchou at the hands of the Qing Dynasty." A reporter with mixture of Butuanon and Chinese features wearing an id of Lobestar Imperial Network emotionally reported as the camera pans at the houses and conditions that the people in Kwangtung currently been under.
Houses dilapidated, roofs missing, and debris from destroyed buildings and roads scattered throughout the area. It was so horrible that members of the media present on the area concluded that even rants would not want to live on such area.
"This is so horrible…" the reported could not help it but be emotional while looking at one particular scene. As the camera pans to it, it shows a male child at the age of 7 wearing a loose clothing. The child is not wearing the loose clothing due to its choice nor forced by his parents.
The truth is, the clothing being worn by the child are his clothes and size few weeks ago. But because of starvation and poverty, the child become skin and bones, a walking stick. The sight was sickening and heartbreaking, a complete emotional grabber.
"I-I can't bear to watch this… This is just something that we would not be seeing in Butuan. J-just how much do these poor people have suffered under the hands of those ruling elite of the Qing government? Such thing is unsightly and must not be experienced by any human being." The reporter's voice can still be heard with a hint of pain and crying while the video focuses on the entire area's situation.
The ignorance and curiosity majority of the inhabitants are showing towards the camera speaks on how much they have become unattached to the current situation. Something that not even in rural Butuan would experience. Such scene touches the heart of the entire populace of the Butuan Empire as they watch the broadcast on their respective television and those giant screens on the plaza.
"I never thought Mr. Faher would be so bold in sending a crew to cover this scene." Yuvraj Siagu calmly stated while looking at the live coverage of the situation in Kuangchou. But behind his calm words are smiles of content and pride.
It has been a year since the war against the Qing and Russia have ended and everything has been rolling according to Yuvraj Siagu's plan. From the involvement of Butuan and Siam to the war to the appearance of BV 238 and the partitioned of the Qing Dynasty until crippling its military, everything has been under his own calculation.
The uprising in Tibet, Mongolia, and other provinces might have been the only factor that Yuvraj Siagu have not considered but have also helped them in the process. The Dynasty might still be in existence but its military of not more than 50 thousand standing soldiers and 7 naval ships were nothing but a punny thing for them to have.
Not to mention that the Dynasty is already nothing but a husk of its past self as people in the higher echelon knows that it was not Emperor Guangxu nor Prince Chun holds the power in the Forbidden City. It was the 4 commissioners of the alliance that holds the true power, and Yuvraj Siagu is pleased for this development.
Thus, Yuvraj Siagu believes that with the current situation within the Qing Dynasty, it won't be long before the court fully collapse. Especially now that famine still rages on the western part of the Dynasty as it is the area where constantly being raided by the White Lotus rebels.
And seeing the progress they have made over the year, Yuvraj Siagu cannot help but recall some of their progress made towards the newly acquired lands.
For the first 6 weeks since the announcement of the Treaty of Portsmouth were released to the public and took effect. The Butuanon Imperial Military have sent a total of 110 thousand soldiers to man the newly acquired lands from Russia and the Qing. In the Far North Region of Butuan Empire, once known to be the Far Eastern Siberia, 25 thousand soldiers were sent; equipped with necessary equipment for severe cold, to guard and consolidate power on its provinces.
While 75 thousand soldiers were sent scattered across the southern lands of Fukien, Kiangsi, Hunan, Chekiang, Kwantung, Hupei, and coastal Kwangsi. This is to restore order and impose the absolute rule of the Butuan Empire. The soldiers were also used as patrol officers to man the borders with the Qing Dynasty as bandits ran rampant in the area due to it being the food basket of the dynasty.
10 thousand soldiers of the Butuanon Imperial Military were also sent to the land of the Mongols to solidify and manage its process of becoming a proper protectorate and soon-to-be a province of the empire.
Following the Imperial Decree No. 808 S. 1906, the newly established Far North Region of the empire were divided into 5 provinces to ensure proper supervision and distribution of good and services. These are the provinces of Seljo, Perbukitan, Eastern and Western Baikal, and Sapa Amor, all under the leadership of a governor-general for the next years until deemed stable enough to be admitted as a proper region, much like how it was for Hainan.
The same situation also applies in the provinces of Fukien (Liyang), Kiangsi (Rajalak), Hunan (Mindalog), Chekiang (Bahari), Kwangtung (Silak), Hupei (Yamtiga), and coastal Kwangsi (Golda) under the Imperial Decree No. 809 S. 1906, these provinces shall be grouped into 2 distinct regions that will oversees its respective regions, counties, and cities. With the provinces of Yamtiga, Rajalak, and Mindalog forming under the region of Gunung.
While the provinces of Golda, Silak, Liyang, and Bahari forms the region of Bangkit. And much like the Far North Region, Bangkit and Gunung shall also be under the leadership of a governor-general until it is deemed stable enough to be admitted as proper region.
With a total of 100 thousand soldiers being deployed, the regions of Gunung, Bangkit, and Far North became under the leadership of the military. Imposing discipline and order while rebuilding and reconnecting with other cities and counties under the Butuan Empire were being done.
Although pockets of uprising were also been happening in Gunung, Bangkit, and Far North, particularly to those areas with strong nationalistic views, they were still easily crushed by the military.
But what really shocks and horrified Yuvraj Siagu as he visited few areas in Gunung and Bangkit few months ago to see the progress made after the initial took over, are the situation of the people. Even poor families in Butuan were in a better shape compared to the people in Gunung and Bangkit. It was horrible and infuriating for a human to experienced that kind of living, that is why Yuvraj Siagu orders the first thing to be done in Gunung and Bangkit is providing the needs of the people and building the place for better condition.
Although there are areas in Gunung and Bangkit that are in a much better shape, but majority of its place are nothing but eaten and digested by poverty. Which is kind a double edge sword for Yuvraj Siagu and Butuan.
The world has also been in haste to counter the BV 238 made by him and Yuvraj Siagu knew who will be able to create something to counter BV 238. But Yuvraj Siagu is prepared before BV 238 were unveiled to the public. U-boats for example have been active and running on Butuan's waters near Guam and Palau with its main state located in Mariana Islands.
Talks have been made also to established another submarine hub at the newly acquired lands in Far North, which Yuvraj Siagu have no problems on approving as the region is less likely to be suspected with foreign nation. Currently, a total of 15 U-boats were actively patrolling the waters of Butuan and few more are currently in process of completion.
Aside from these U-boats, his partnerships with the company of Sir Bonifacio, Mineral Enterprises, and the now retired CEO of Golden Lotus Armory, Viscountess Dowager Melchora of Looc, have been a huge success, bringing further income for the Imperial family. As of the moment, an AMC 35 calvary tank is under development and construction.
Although an AMC 35 calvary tank is still far from the World War 2 tanks that Yuvraj Siagu wanted to achieve, but with the current technology that he has, this tank during the interwar period is already enough to counter the current military might of each nation in the world. It took the Golden Lotus Armoury 10 failed test drives before they have successfully made a fully functional and safe AMC 35 calvary.
Not to mention that a new type of aircraft has also been indorsed by an independent manufacturer to Yuvraj Siagu few days ago. The aircraft is designed to carry military airplanes, conserving fuel of the airplanes. And it has the capacity of carrying 10 military airplanes and even its people. This intrigue Yuvraj Siagu the most as it does not just counter their consumption of fuel but will also make it easier to transport multiple planes in different areas.
Yuvraj Siagu accepted the proposal after consulting with his papa and Minister Ahmadi subsidizing the project and ensuring that the first 3 final products are to be given to the empire at a low price. The arms industry also has made a substantial development over the years, producing guns that are top notch and are suitable for war.
But what really boomed the most in Yuvraj Siagu's opinion is the entertainment industry in the empire. It was just months ago that the television was released in public and having only the higher class and the upper-middle class being able to afford home television, but despite this, the entertainment industry skyrocketed.
Currently, a total of 5 broadcasting channels have emerges, and 3 of them are under one company. The Lobestar Tributes now called Lobestar Media Group (LMG) dominated the industry. In television, the Lobestar Media Group owns 3 different channels, namely the Lobestar Imperial Network (LIN), Lobestar Entertainment Channel (LEC), and the Lobestar Youth & Culture (LYC).
Radio broadcasting have also been under dominance of the company, with the Lobestar Voice of the Empire (LVE), Lobestar Melody (LM), and lastly the Lobestar Imperial Classics (LIC). All have one aim, in instilling patriotism and popularizing the monarchy, in short, brainwashing. A method that Yuvraj Siagu loathed the most in his past life but adopted the method due to its effectivity.
With him as the major sponsor of the Lobestar Media Group, the dominant media company in the entire nation. Instilling propagandas to his people and producing loyal people will be an easy thing to do. And Yuvraj Siagu can already see the result of it as the popularity of Prime Minister Aguinaldo continues to plummet to dirt.
Yuvraj Siagu's attention were once again brought back to the television as the scene transitions back to the reporter, visibly shaken but trying to maintain his composure. The desolation around them spoke volumes—dilapidated homes barely standing, children scavenging for scraps, and families huddled together in the cold with nothing but thin sheets to shield them from the elements.
"This is the legacy left by the Qing Dynasty in Silak," the reporter continued, his voice steadying but still tinged with emotion. "For generations, these people have endured neglect, oppression, and exploitation. And now, as we stand here, witnessing the aftermath of their rule, we must ask ourselves—how did the world allow this to happen?"
The camera panned to an elderly woman, her frail figure sitting on a makeshift stool. She clutched a bowl with what seemed to be watery porridge, the only meal her family could manage for the day. The reporter knelt beside her, softly asking in local language, "Grandmother, how long have you been living like this?"
The woman's voice was barely audible, her words trembling as she spoke. "It's been this way for years… The taxes, the soldiers taking our food, the endless fear… We had nothing left before you all came and takeover the helm. Now, at least we have hope."
The reporter turned back to the camera; his expression resolute. "Hope. It's the one thing the people of Gunung cling to know. Hope that their liberation will bring not just relief, but a future where their children can grow without the shadow of famine or fear."
The broadcast shifted to a montage of Butuan soldiers distributing food and medical supplies, their presence bringing a semblance of order and relief to the stricken region. The people, though weary, lined up with gratitude etched on their faces.
"As we rebuild, the Butuan government has pledged not just aid but a complete transformation of this region. Schools, hospitals, roads, and industries—these are the promises being made, and the people here deserve nothing less," the reporter stated firmly.
The broadcast ended with a poignant scene—a child, the same boy seen earlier in oversized clothing, now clutching a warm meal provided by the soldiers. His hollow eyes sparkled faintly with the promise of a better tomorrow.
"This is not just a story of tragedy," the reporter concluded, his voice now steadier. "It is also a story of resilience and redemption. The people of Gunung and Bangkit will rise again, and this time, they won't have to do it alone. This is Aryan Basu reporting live here in Meichou, Gunung."
The screen faded to black with the Lobestar Imperial Network logo, leaving viewers across Butuan and its allies grappling with both the anguish of what they had witnessed and the hope of what was to come.
A smile of satisfaction emerges on Yuvraj Siagu's face as he turns off the television, satisfied on the report made by the Lobestar Imperial Network. The report coverage was actually planned and coordinated by Yuvraj Siagu himself in hopes of giving to the people of Butuan the image of poverty and hunger that people outside Butuan or its allied countries been experiencing. Instilling the idea that leadership under the Empire of Butuan and its allies are nothing but complete bliss.
Which he thinks is working as he can hear the murmurs of his courtiers who's watching the television alongside him. And all he can hear are murmurs of thanks to the Imperial family and the its leadership on providing the needs and wants of its people. Propaganda partnered with the use of television and a strategic narrative had proven to be a powerful tool in shaping public opinion. Yuvraj Siagu understood this well.
As he leaned back in his chair, his young mind was already contemplating the next steps to solidify the Empire's vision in the hearts of its citizens.
The murmurs of approval from the courtiers swirled around him, affirming the success of his carefully orchestrated media effort. Yet, Siagu knew that sustaining this image required more than just emotional appeals. It demanded tangible results, seamless governance, and an unwavering commitment to the promises made.
And one of these promises is the reformation in education. For the past months, before Butuan was involved in the war, Yuvraj Siagu tasked Minister Aryan Nair to gather pieces of information about the teaching performances of every school in the empire also their expenses. And just a week ago, he found out that schools in the empire, a total of 96% have manages to receive an excellent evaluation while 4% failed to do so.
Which is a good thing for Yuvraj Siagu as it appears that education system has been on par with other nations educational system. But despite this, results must be tangible and authentic, and without a test to assess the students learning, the 96% performing schools are nothing but numbers.
Thus, Yuvraj Siagu instructed Minister Nair to draft an annual test for students to take to measure their competence and intellect. The test shall be taken by students every two years to test students' growth, this is different from the currently implemented examinations in school and the national examination before students can enter college.
This might be a double edge sword but it is also necessary to maintain intelligence and competency in an appropriate level. Yuvraj Siagu would just need to strengthen the mental health awareness of his people to avoid having the backlash the Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese have experienced in his past life.
Aside from this, he also discovered an anomaly in provided budgets on schools supported by the government. Corruption have indeed been running deep within the government, so much so that an estimated ¥400 million have been embezzled every year. This infuriated Yuvraj Siagu the most thinking that his current world would be much different from his previous one.
Not wanting to have this system continues, Yuvraj Siagu personally filled a case against everyone involved to the Imperial Judicial Council. With almost 300 government employees being involved in the case, 20 of which are members of the House of Commons while 30 are members of the House of Lords. A staggering number of noble houses were also involved in the scandal.
What is worst is that Prime Minister Aguinaldo were also included as he was found involved in redirecting funds from one agency to another.
Yuvraj Siagu then return his attention to the television that is now showing videos of the archaeological site found at the Island of Palawan. Not wanting to be enchanted by the report, he decided to lower the volume of the television and waited for the entry of his guest.
He is currently at the office of his papa at the Palace of Sella. The room really symbolizes on what it is to be the ruler of a vast empire. With intricate carvings being gilded at walls and its pillars, elegance and importance among other chambers in the building speaks of it.
And today, he is going to meet with Madam Curie and Mister Einstein. His meeting with the two should have been done few months ago but something with great importance has to be attended by Yuvraj Siagu himself and Madam Curie has also been busy with her and her husband's research on uranium and other radioactive materials.
Thus, he instead decided to postponed the meeting on his convenient time to ensure that all of them are free and available. Besides, Yuvraj Siagu is not in haste in meeting Albert Einstein as the man is currently hook on being a student under Madam Curie and her husband.
Outside the chamber, Albert Einstein and Marie Curie are currently being escorted by Senior Eunuch Radhesh from the throne room of the palace to the office of the maharaja where Yuvraj Siagu is taking office as adhipālaka.
"Madam Curie, I presume you already have informed Mister Einstein on what to do and not do in the presence of His Imperial Highness." Senior Eunuch Radhesh inquired in Butuanon language while walking in front of Madam Curie and Albert Einstein.
"My husband's student is brilliant and intellectual to have known this with just a word, Senior Eunuch Radhesh." Madam Curie replied respectfully.
"Good. Unlike you and your husband, Mister Einstein is someone who have not shown loyalty and allegiance to the monarchy and the empire. Although I heard that he was born and raised in Germany, European etiquettes towards members of the imperial family are different in Asia." Senior Eunuch Radhesh commented with a hint of reminder as he takes a scrutinizing glance at Albert Einstein.
Albert Einstein on the other hand remains in silence and just took his time to observe everything unfolding to his presence. Fully understanding what is being said about him by Senior Eunuch Radhesh as he fluently understands Butuanon by just weeks of studying the language.
Ever since arriving here in Sooraj along with his wife, mother, and sister after being invited to study uranium under Pierre Curie and Maria Curie's tutelage, he never has been able to visit the Imperial compound.
Not because he doesn't want to but because of how busy he was with his research. He is also conducting his own experiment as a scientist under the military. Although his wife, mother, and sister had the chance to visit the Imperial compound before the empire was drag into the war. Which made him a bit jealous as he was eager to meet the adhipālaka of the empire ever since knowing about him few months ago.
The Curie couple have told him about what type of a man Yuvraj Siagu is, not to mention that he was given a chance to attend the Yuvraj's wedding at the Temple of Sooraj. It was a grand wedding that even he could not fathom on how the people willingly spends their taxes to fund those kinds of events.
But what can he really say? He is not a resident nor a Butuanon descent. Despite his intellect and other countries offering him to migrate to their countries, he still chooses Butuan for one reason. And that is because of the leverage offered and incentives the empire have given to him.
Unlike people who seeks noble titles and riches, what Einstein wanted is just to pursue his passion in the field of science. And Butuan have provided that to him along with the chance to further deepen his studies and research, supported by the government.
As the trio continued their walk through the grand halls of the palace, the gilded walls and intricate carvings illuminated by the soft glow of sunlight streaming through stained-glass windows, Albert Einstein found himself marvelling at the grandeur and precision of Butuan's architecture. It was a blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation, a reflection of the empire's ambitions and values.
Senior Eunuch Radhesh glanced back momentarily, noticing Einstein's quiet contemplation. "Mister Einstein, do remember that the Yuvraj values sincerity and honesty, but he also places great emphasis on protocol. Do not be overly familiar, but neither should you be timid in expressing your expertise. The Yuvraj hated tight-lipped individuals."
Einstein nodded, a faint smile on his lips. "I assure you, Senior Eunuch, I mean no disrespect. I am here to contribute to the empire's scientific endeavours, not to meddle in its customs or politics."
Startled and impressed by a perfect Butuanon of Einstein, Senior Eunuch Radhesh smiles faintly, "It appears that the resources being poured into you have already bear some fruit. I appreciate that you have taken the liberty in learning our language as in Butuan, Butuanon is the sole language used for communication all throughout the lands under the empire."
Which is actually true as Einstein himself have visited areas outside Sooraj and remarkably, Butuanon is really their sole language for communication. Even the people living in the Champa region fluently spoke the language. But what fascinated him is that aside from Butuanon being taught in school, languages like Koreans, Japanese, and Siamese were also taught in school.
And basing on what Einstein have heard from his colleagues who frequently visited Korea, Japan, and Siam, Butuanon have also been taught in school in those countries. He was told that this was made to pave the way to strengthen the relationship between the people of the alliance. But Butuanon seems to be the go-to language of these countries in communication due to its influence and power.
Madam Curie smiled approvingly. "Albert's heart is in his work, and his respect for the Yuvraj and the empire is genuine. He may be unconventional at times, but his dedication is unwavering."
As they neared the adhipālaka's office, the guards standing at attention outside the ornate double doors stepped aside, allowing the group to enter. The office was a striking blend of functionality and opulence, with shelves lined with books, maps sprawled across a polished wooden desk, and the faint aroma of sandalwood in the air.