Just as the moon waxes and wanes, and nations rise and fall, no empire can last forever.
Some struggled to deny this and tried to overcome it, but once the foundations of a state begin to collapse, even the efforts of the most capable few cannot reverse the tide.
For Qing to recover, its entire structure would have to be rebuilt. Yet with the Son of Heaven still firmly in place, such transformation was impossible.
"Why can we not simply crush those rebels?"
"T-that is… more traitors dissatisfied with the court continue to join them."
"Then destroy them all. I assigned the Eight Banners and the Green Standard Army, so why are they still growing stronger?"
At first, it had been assumed that a rebel force made up largely of civilians would eventually lose momentum.
But instead, the Taiping forces seized Nanjing, declared it their capital, and established their own state.
Their numbers had already reached tens of thousands and continued to grow.
The Xianfeng Emperor could scarcely believe what he was seeing.
They had just defeated Russia not long ago, and yet now the empire was collapsing internally.
Even the Prince Gong could not accept the situation.
To make matters worse, another troubling report arrived.
"Your Majesty, Britain has sent a formal request demanding that Hong Xiuquan be captured and handed over."
"Hong Xiuquan? Why would Britain…?"
It sounded like interference under a flimsy excuse.
Prince Gong had already suspected that Britain might use this situation to extend influence.
They had even rejected offers of weapons from Shanghai and Hong Kong, wary of hidden demands.
But now Britain was making a direct request.
"On what authority does Britain demand this? It is not even worth considering."
"…It is said that Hong Xiuquan has claimed close ties with Britain's royal consort. This is considered an insult to their royal family."
"…What?"
The name was familiar.
The mixed-blood royal consort who had humiliated Qing before.
And now Hong Xiuquan had invoked him.
"…If he were not insane, he would never have involved Britain."
"He reportedly claimed that he had spoken with him, and that he too could overthrow Qing as Britain had."
"…A madman indeed."
The situation had become impossible.
Punishing such an offense would normally be straightforward, but Qing lacked the strength to do so.
"How long would it take to retake Nanjing?"
"…It would be difficult within a year."
"So it is impossible."
Britain demanded punishment.
Qing could not deliver.
Silence filled the court.
"In this situation, we may have no choice but to accept Britain's involvement. Does anyone have another solution?"
No one spoke.
"There is none."
Even so, they had to preserve what they could.
According to Guo Songtao, Joseon and Ryukyu were already moving away from Qing, even considering aligning with Britain.
Britain's intentions were clear.
Intervene in the rebellion, demonstrate strength, and demand concessions.
The Xianfeng Emperor closed his eyes.
"Brother, you must go. Britain's representative will likely come to Shanghai. Negotiate with them."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Even if intervention could not be stopped, the authority of the Son of Heaven must be preserved at all costs.
While Qing struggled, Joseon was no more stable.
There had been cases where kings abdicated while still alive, but in later Joseon, this was nearly impossible.
Confucian values had turned abdication into a test of loyalty.
Kings would announce their intention to step down, and ministers would beg them to remain.
But this time was different.
"I can no longer fulfill my duties. If I continue working, my health will fail. Yet if I rest, I neglect my responsibilities. Joseon must continue to change in these turbulent times. I cannot abandon my duty for personal comfort."
"Your Majesty…"
"I will abdicate and become King Emeritus."
No one protested.
To insist otherwise would be akin to wishing for the king's death.
Still, there was an issue.
"Your Majesty, there is no heir."
The king nodded.
"I will adopt a suitable royal relative and pass the throne to him. A special body will be established, and I will oversee the process."
This would be his final duty.
Then, he delivered the decisive announcement.
"The selection will be attended by His Highness Killian, royal consort of the British Empire."
Some closed their eyes, having expected it.
Others stood in shock.
But there was no turning back.
"Welcome back to Shanghai, Your Highness!"
"Congratulations on your return!"
As soon as I arrived in Shanghai, a large crowd gathered to greet me.
Taking leave only to embark on another journey, such was my situation.
"Thank you. This welcome makes it feel like I have truly returned to Asia."
"Please rest today after your long journey."
"Are there any envoys from Joseon or Qing?"
"A man claiming to be the Emperor's brother from Qing is waiting."
"Then it would be impolite to keep him waiting. Take me to him."
My mood was not particularly good, but at least there was someone to negotiate with.
Before this trip ended, everything would be settled quickly.
And perhaps, a more harmonious relationship could be established.