Matthew stared silently at Ambassador Li Sheng, his mind rapidly sorting through the magnitude of what he'd just been told. China and Russia, unified against Arathia and its allies. He had prepared for this eventuality, but the sudden confirmation still left him unsettled. He took a mont to steady himself, knowing clearly where such an escalation might lead.
He exhaled slowly, his eyes remaining steady on Li. "Ambassador Li," he finally began, his voice controlled and quiet, "this decision by your empire surprises greatly. It seems entirely contrary to China's interests—especially considering the progress our two nations have built together."
Ambassador Li's expression remained composed, but Matthew noticed the subtle tension around the older man's eyes. "With respect, President Hesh, China's interests are precisely why we have taken this step. The Japanese aggression against our empire has never been fully avenged. This alliance with Russia provides an opportunity—an obligation, even—to finally settle these old scores."
Matthew shook his head slowly. "Old scores? Ambassador, the First Sino-Japanese War ended with your forces pushing the Japanese back to their shores. China achieved victory. I fail to see why your emperor would gamble all the progress China has made since then."
Li Sheng straightened slightly in his chair, holding Matthew's gaze firmly. "Victory, yes, but incomplete. Japan invaded our sovereign territory, attacked our people, and threatened our dignity. Despite pushing them back, our people were humiliated. To this day, the Chinese Empire remains confined, forced into second-class status, never fully reclaiming our rightful regional dominance."
Matthew leaned forward, his fingers interlocked on the polished desk. "And yet, Ambassador, in the years following your war with Japan, Arathian industries have helped build the modernized China you see today. Our railways, our steel, our advanced weapons—all freely shared. We've supported China's modernization explicitly to secure peace and prosperity in East Asia. So why now risk everything in war?"
Li Sheng hesitated briefly, clearly weighing his next words carefully. "Your Excellency, you must understand, modern China's ambitions go beyond re modernization. Emperor Guangxu sees an opportunity—not just to heal old wounds but to expand our empire's rightful sphere. Japan and Korea, supported by Arathia, stand as direct obstacles to our historical and rightful supremacy in the region. Russia has recognized our strength and legitimacy. Your country, despite its economic support, has consistently sought to limit China's expansion."
Matthew's eyes narrowed slightly, understanding fully now what lay behind China's abrupt alliance. "So it's territorial ambition that drives this war—Japan and Korea are rely stepping-stones?"
Li hesitated again, his expression montarily uneasy. "It is more complicated than re ambition, President Hesh. China seeks to rectify past injustices and firmly establish its sovereignty. If Arathia continues to align itself with those who oppose China's rise, we have no alternative but to act."
Matthew rose slowly from his chair, moving deliberately to the expansive window behind him. The city stretched out beneath him, prosperous and peaceful. Citizens moved calmly, unaware of how quickly their world might shift toward violence.
"Ambassador," he said quietly, without turning, "have you considered the gravity of this path? The alliances now in place—Russia and China against Arathia, Japan, and Korea—echo an old, devastating conflict I once witnessed firsthand. A world war that dragged nations across the globe into a conflict far beyond their control."
Li Sheng tilted his head slightly, puzzled by Matthew's reference. "Your Excellency, I am not familiar with this event you ntion."
Matthew turned slowly, eyes reflecting mories from another ti and place. "In a different place, Ambassador—a world not unlike this one—national pride, territorial ambitions, and complex alliances led to unimaginable tragedy. Millions died. Cities burned. Entire nations were ruined. And it all began with choices similar to the one your empire is making now."
The ambassador's eyes narrowed slightly, clearly skeptical but attentive. "President Hesh, China does not seek global conflict, rely regional security and honor."
Matthew's voice hardened. "But actions have consequences far beyond intentions. You have allied with Russia—an empire known for expansionism. Do you believe they truly see China as an equal partner, or are you rely convenient manpower to serve their ambitions?"
Li Sheng's jaw tightened slightly. Matthew pressed forward calmly. "Think clearly about your choice, Ambassador. China's recent modernization owes significantly to Arathian technology, industrial expertise, and resources. If war cos, if your emperor truly commits to aggression against us, all that ends imdiately."
Ambassador Li's eyes flickered with sudden concern. "What do you an?"
Matthew moved decisively back toward his desk, planting both hands firmly on the surface. "An embargo, Ambassador. Imdiate, total, and devastating. Arathia will halt all exports of technology, machinery, steel, and most crucially—oil. Everything your military and industry depend upon will vanish overnight. We'll recall our engineers, our industrialists, and our scientists. You will be left isolated, your modern forces deprived of crucial resources within weeks."
Li Sheng visibly paled, the implications sinking in. Matthew saw his mont clearly and continued, his voice firm and steady. "Russia cannot fill that gap. Their own economy and infrastructure lag significantly behind ours. China risks not only military defeat but economic collapse. Your people, instead of reclaiming lost honor, will endure hardship far worse than anything they've experienced in recent mory."
Li Sheng's composure faltered montarily, but he quickly steadied himself. "Your Excellency, you underestimate the resolve of the Chinese people. We have faced hardship before."
Matthew leaned closer, emphasizing every word. "You misunderstand, Ambassador Li. This isn't a challenge of national endurance. Without oil, your modern armies will grind to a halt. Without machinery and technology, your factories will close. Modernization will reverse in months. You risk pushing China backward decades."
Ambassador Li stared back, absorbing the weight of Matthew's words. "President Hesh, you speak plainly and harshly. What alternative, then, does Arathia propose?"
Matthew straightened slowly, his voice softening. "Diplomacy, Ambassador Li. We have always respected China's sovereignty. If regional security is genuinely your goal, Arathia can guarantee it without bloodshed. We can diate discussions with Japan and Korea to address your legitimate concerns. We've done so successfully before."
Li Sheng considered this earnestly, uncertainty visible in his face. "My instructions were clear, Your Excellency. However, I shall relay your warning and your alternative directly to Emperor Guangxu."
Matthew nodded solemnly. "Do so imdiately, Ambassador Li. China stands at a crossroads. Your emperor must fully grasp the consequences before choosing a path from which there will be no turning back."
Ambassador Li rose slowly, bowing formally. "I shall deliver your words exactly as you have spoken them, President Hesh. Yet you must understand, China's pride and ambitions run deep. I cannot promise your words will sway the Emperor and his council."
Matthew inclined his head respectfully. "Then we shall prepare accordingly. But make no mistake: Arathia desires peace, yet we will defend ourselves and our allies relentlessly if forced into war."
Li Sheng bowed once more, turning silently to depart. As the door closed behind him, Collins approached cautiously, breaking the heavy silence. "Sir, do you think they'll reconsider?"
Matthew exhaled deeply, allowing himself a brief mont of vulnerability. "I don't know, Collins. But I had to make it absolutely clear what's at stake."
Collins hesitated briefly. "This war—do you truly believe it could beco like the one you witnessed before?"
Matthew turned, his expression grave. "This is precisely how that war started, Collins. Complex alliances, unresolved grievances, territorial greed. Once set in motion, no one could stop it. Nations marched blindly into destruction. Millions paid with their lives."
Collins swallowed hard, visibly shaken. "Then what do we do now, sir?"
Matthew straightened his posture, determination returning swiftly. "Begin imdiate preparations. Inform our fleet commanders to deploy closer to Korea and Japan. Alert our diplomatic channels to prepare Japan and Korea for possible escalation. And draft orders for the embargo—fully ready to activate the mont China formally declares war."
"Yes, Mr. President," Collins replied imdiately. "Anything else?"
Matthew paused, looking out at the now darkening city beyond. "One last thing. Arrange a public address. The people need to understand the gravity of the situation clearly and calmly. They must know Arathia is prepared and will not waver."
Collins nodded firmly. "Consider it done, sir."
Left alone, Matthew returned his gaze to the city. Lights glowed softly below, unaware of the darkness that threatened from afar. He had done all he could diplomatically. Now he must brace Arathia—and its people—for whatever ca next.
He felt deeply the burden of history, mories from another life where nations had failed to pull back from the brink. He would not let that happen again—not here, not now, not ever. But he knew that, despite his best efforts, so paths once chosen could never be fully unchosen.
As night settled over the capital, Matthew prepared himself ntally and emotionally for the trials ahead, determined to fight with every tool at his disposal to keep history from repeating itself.
The great war had not yet co, but it lood dangerously close—waiting, poised, at the edge of tomorrow.
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