Ch.292Tsarina Goes to the Far East

# The Siberian Train to the Far East

After a long time, I boarded the Siberian train heading east and received reports from the Treaty Organization.

It seems they’ve decided on military action.

They appear to have prepared their justification.

Looking at the operation plan, they claim they’ll only target armed Free Zone soldiers to avoid appearing like a massacre.

Well, in reality, they mean communists. The Free Zone isn’t just a simple military force.

They call it an army, but as the area became lawless, many Black people turned to banditry.

So this is essentially an operation to suppress them. They’re treating them as communists to avoid looking like a massacre.

Clever thinking. We’re continuing to support other African tribal nations through decolonization efforts, right?

Those nations will think we’re only targeting actual communists, so the South Africans will be viewed as genuine communists.

“But how is this different from before?”

“Before, we were merely dispatched to maintain order. Now, the Treaty forces are going to eliminate ‘real’ bandits, right?”

“Hmm. I see.”

Before coming here, I agreed to cooperate with the Americans on developing a polio vaccine.

North Africa is North Africa, and we need to maintain a cooperative stance with America.

America can’t afford to become more red because of Vietnam, so they accepted our proposal.

Not long after, I disembarked from the train.

My first stop was East Turkestan, which had fully gained independence from China.

I hadn’t planned to visit Turkestan first, but I went there first since it was nearby.

“We, the people of Turkestan, welcome the Tsar!”

As soon as I entered the capital Kulja, citizens greeted me waving Russian and Turkestan flags.

Well, well. This popularity of mine truly follows me everywhere.

It felt good to be personally welcomed by President Alihan Tura.

“What have I done to deserve this?”

Still, it feels nice to be welcomed like this.

The Turkestan situation only involved the Duma later, and I just added a few words.

“Without Your Majesty, this country would never have gained independence! You even expanded our borders so generously.”

Yes, they should be grateful for that.

East Turkestan’s territory now encompasses what was formerly the Xinjiang warlord’s territory.

In other words, they occupy a significant portion of what was originally Chinese land, and as Turkestan, they weren’t included in China’s federal autonomy.

“It was only natural to drive out the Chinese forces who, instead of finding ways to save their own country, bullied weaker nations simply because they were weaker. We may have lent some strength, but ultimately it was the Turkestan people who overthrew them, not us. Didn’t the Turkestan people defeat the invaders and establish their country like this? It’s all a just reward born of the courage of the Turkestan people.”

They would have eventually been suppressed by China without our help, but I should give them this much credit.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Their Sinocentrism is far older than what former colonies call imperialism when criticizing the great powers.”

Isn’t Sinocentrism essentially Chinese imperialism?

And unable to break that habit, they continue to pressure neighboring countries in the future.

How much trouble did Asian countries have because of Communist China’s hegemonic behavior?

Of course, they say they’ll provide various benefits if you become a tributary state, but ultimately you have to develop while depending on China and can’t expand.

“That’s right. They always sent troops to forcibly subjugate neighboring countries that wouldn’t submit, spilling blood. They are the origin of imperialism born of the times, and now that their situation has improved somewhat, they’ve been tormenting us.”

“But don’t worry. As has been the case until now, I and the Rome Treaty Organization will recognize East Turkestan as an official state, and as a landlocked country, our Rome Treaty Organization will open borders and trade to give East Turkestan breathing room, and we will also help you stand against Chinese invaders by providing military advisors and weapons.”

Turkestan’s Uyghurs drove out the Chinese, but they would still struggle to fight China without the Rome Treaty’s help.

So we need to arm them with the latest weapons from the Rome Treaty Organization and train them as much as possible.

We must also completely remove Chinese influence.

“We Turkestan people will consider Russia an eternal friend, Your Majesty!”

After promising to cooperate for Turkestan’s self-reliance, the Russian delegation including myself was treated as state guests.

After receiving lavish hospitality in Turkestan for several days, I briefly visited Tibet before heading to the Federal Government.

It’s somewhat annoying that I have to meet Mao Zedong in person, but we need to continue building our influence over China.

We’re definitely exerting influence on the federal autonomous governments of North China.

“It is an honor that Your Majesty has personally visited us!”

“I thought I should visit at least once. Hmm. On my way here, I noticed that the Chinese people in the Federal Government seem quite peaceful.”

Surprisingly, it really was peaceful.

The situation is very different from South China, where civil war seems imminent.

“Yes, isn’t this all thanks to Your Majesty and Russia?”

This Mao Zedong fellow certainly knows how to butter people up.

Yes, yes. Keep groveling.

“What have we done? Isn’t it ultimately the will of the Chinese people to stand against imperialism? The Chinese played a major role in defeating Japan. Even though we are strong, would it have been possible if the North Chinese hadn’t held back the Japanese forces?”

“That’s right.”

I can say this much.

It’s my own form of lip service.

I’m deliberately praising only the North Chinese.

This way, South China can say, “We’re different from you!” This makes it possible.

“Yes, Your Majesty. If there’s one regrettable thing, it’s South China.”

“What’s happening?”

I knew those guys were always up to something.

Could there be something? Perhaps signs of an impending civil war?

“Those fools don’t understand the principles of federal autonomy and are building up their armies in disarray. How foolish is that?”

At this point, one might expect him to say they should unify, but it seems he’s determined to stick with federal autonomy.

Well, he probably knows he could get beaten badly if he doesn’t fight well.

“That’s why you, Mao Zedong, need to work harder. Shouldn’t you show those foolish people that the Federal Government is the model for prosperity? That’s why I’ve visited here as a representative of China’s federal autonomous governments.”

“Yes. I’ll keep that in mind.”

You need to stay alive for China to remain divided for a long time!

We decided to support Mao’s Federal Government as much as possible.

We need to support these guys so that China will remain divided for a longer time.

And the Federal Government needs to go in a different direction from South China.

It’s disheartening that we have to support Mao Zedong, but…

“While they devour each other in war, the Federal Government should comfort its people. Show them the difference.”

“Of course.”

“Now the war is over, and the age of barbarism has ended. From now on, human civilization must develop through cooperation based on peace.”

I’m packaging it nicely with words.

Humanity should move forward for peace. In this process, the Federal Government should not get entangled in war with South China. Like this.

While gaslighting appropriately. Making him think about what would happen if he defied my will.

“That’s right. However, whether South China will cooperate…”

They probably won’t.

Although I said they should cooperate, we’ve put out the urgent fires first, and now that there’s some leeway, they’ll just offer verbal cooperation while making various excuses.

From the beginning, they’re only holding back because of us, and they’d love to beat up the Federal Government at any time.

We can’t let the Federal Government fall into the hands of South Chinese warlords.

“Hmm. Indeed, it would be difficult. Moreover, since the Federal Government is inland, cooperation from South China would be necessary, but that’s practically impossible.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. We are cooperating with the Qing, but isn’t half the world already under the Rome Treaty Organization?”

In other words, he wants support. Is that what he’s saying? His suspicious smirking face makes me wonder.

He must have already heard about Turkestan.

“So you want support like Turkestan.”

Is it because he’s Mao Zedong? Whatever he says sounds somewhat unpleasant.

He’s openly saying he wants to leech off the Rome Treaty Organization, isn’t he?

“Yes. There are still many people dying of starvation. Your Majesty’s help is desperately needed. Couldn’t we somehow join the Asian Economic Cooperation Organization?”

Mao Zedong still makes me uncomfortable, but that’s because of my memories from my previous life. Here, he’s our dog.

If he wants to join the Asian Economic Cooperation Organization, it’s not impossible.

Since they’re divided, they don’t have a massive population, so Korea won’t face economic threats from China later.

If so, it’s certainly possible to keep them divided from South China.

“I don’t see why we can’t help.”

This essentially means that the Chinese Federal Government will also come under our influence.

If this continues for a long time, South China will be busy playing among themselves under the pretense of federal autonomy.

Turkestan, the Federal Government, the Qing, and Shandong will definitely break away from China.

This doesn’t sound bad, does it?

If we make them cooperate appropriately with the Qing dynasty, hmm.

“Good. I’ll try to persuade the Treaty Organization to help, considering the Federal Government’s pitiful situation.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

I didn’t stay long in the Federal Government.

I felt uncomfortable continuing to see Mao Zedong. And personally, I wanted to visit Korea—no, Balhae—quickly, and to get to Balhae, I first needed to cross through the next stop, the Qing dynasty.

I heard that Puyi is still the king of the Qing dynasty, and Wang Jingwei is still the prime minister.

Honestly, considering the original history, it’s quite a bizarre combination.

“Ah, I’m tired.”

I muttered with a tired face as I boarded the train again.

This tour isn’t really worth doing. Turkestan, the Federal Government, the Qing, and then Balhae. I might even have to go to West Japan.

Sigh, West Japan is a bit troublesome.

It might be better to contact Mr. Mojeonggu and ask him to come to Seoul so I can meet everyone at once.

There’s probably nothing to see in West Japan right now. Reconstruction will take a long time.

At least on the Korean Peninsula, the infrastructure left by the Japanese wasn’t destroyed by war.

Since it was subdued so quickly, the industrial base remains intact.

“Since the African matter only requires the pretext of having made a tour, I’ve contacted West Japan separately and asked them to come to Seoul.”

“I love you, Maria.”

“Ahem. With that face, it’s a bit… Anyway, the Qing dynasty is a country with a considerable position in North China.”

“Really?”

Maria seemed to be saying something quite interesting, and she slowly reported on the situation in the Qing.

“Wang Jingwei has completely reformed the Qing government by the scruff of its neck.”

Hmm, well. That’s not bad.

He must have thought about doing well separately from South China.

Moreover, with Russia’s support, he might be preparing for South China’s northward advance. Surely Wang Jingwei isn’t thinking about unification?

If so, I might need to serve him some delicious tea.

“Is the Qing currently the strongest military power?”

“They have a standing army of about 100,000.”

A standing army of 100,000. For a Chinese state, that’s still a small military force.

Well, they suffered heavy casualties from the Japanese army, so it might be difficult to build up military power.

“100,000 should be enough to prepare for a Chinese invasion.”

That should be enough to prepare for an invasion from South China.

It’s slightly disappointing, but maintaining the Qing dynasty isn’t bad from our perspective.

As soon as I entered Beijing, the capital of the Qing dynasty, cheers erupted from all directions.

“Long live the friendship between Rome and the Great Qing!”

“Long live the Tsar! Long live the Emperor!”

“Welcome to Russia’s Saint!”

They must have done quite a bit of public relations work for the Qing people to praise even me.

Well, I do need to provide considerable support.

Compared to South China, the Qing is practically rich.

“It’s an honor to meet you again!”

After exchanging pleasantries with Puyi, I had a meeting with Wang Jingwei.

“Currently, the Qing dynasty may not have its past glory, but it’s rising again as a powerful nation in North China.”

Wang Jingwei kindly handed over documents while reporting on the Qing’s development.

Are you allowed to do this as an independent country?

That thought briefly crossed my mind, but the reason he’s telling me all this must be because he has something he wants to say.

Well, let’s see.

“Hmm. I see. Growing every day.”

Looking at the economic indicators, they’re steadily growing.

This isn’t bad. Perhaps Wang Jingwei is indeed capable. Considering the original history, he’s quite successful.

But there seems to be a problem.

His expression is saying, “I have a problem, please ask me about it!”

The Qing is particularly important, so I should help.

“Yes. Isn’t this all thanks to Your Majesty’s grace? But despite Your Majesty’s grace, the Qing’s national defense is currently under threat.”

The Qing’s national defense is under threat? Is South China already trying to wage a unification war?

Well, I did give some support to South China too.

If we support only North China too much, North China might try to unify.

“National defense? Don’t tell me the Manchus and Han Chinese have split again?”

With an army of 100,000, it should be adequate, right?

Not only that, but we’ve also done public relations work recently, so there shouldn’t be any Han Chinese rebellions within the Qing. The situation is actually better than before the (old) Qing dynasty collapsed.

Of course, the army is tiny compared to Russia’s, but that 100,000 will soon start to grow.

Moreover, the armies of the South Chinese governments aren’t in great shape either.

If they could somehow connect well with the Federal Government, it wouldn’t be impossible.

Is Wang Jingwei just trying to get more handouts? That would be disappointing.

“The army is not a problem. Both Manchus and Han Chinese are cooperating when it comes to the military. That’s one reason why the Qing is more stable than other Chinese governments.”

“Then?”

This seems sufficient even for defense.

“We’ve been focusing so much on internal affairs that we’re facing external threats. The National Government has deployed troops to the border.”

This means they’re showing they’re ready for war.

He’s essentially begging me for help. If South China is reacting in some way, then this is…

“Are they planning to invade?”

What are those National Government guys trying to do to the Qing?