Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 289: The Treaty at Yalu

Prince Zaiyi gave a nod. "The Emperor of China recognizes the cost this conflict has taken on all sides. The Qing government is prepared to sign an armistice. But we ask—no, we implore—that the terms do not humiliate China further. Our nation must recover with dignity."

Matthew did not flinch. "This is not about humiliation. It's about responsibility. The invasion of Korea was a violation of sovereignty. The destruction of Seoul, the occupation of Pyongyang, the collaboration with Russian expansionism—all of these must have consequences."

General Yuan finally spoke. His voice was deeper than expected, steady even under pressure. "What are your demands?"

Ambassador Rowley unfolded a parchment and read aloud:

"Clause One: Full withdrawal of all Chinese and Russian military forces from the Korean Peninsula within thirty days.

Clause Two: Recognition of Korean sovereignty, with guarantees of independence under the protection of a new trilateral alliance: Korea, Japan, and Amerathia.

Clause Three: Reparations totaling 60 million taels of silver, to be paid over the course of ten years to Korea and its allies.

Clause Four: No future Chinese or Russian military forces may be stationed within 200 kilometers of the Korean border.

Clause Five: The establishment of a neutral trade corridor through Manchuria, with shared oversight to prevent further territorial disputes."

The Chinese delegation exchanged whispers. General Yuan's jaw tightened. Prince Zaiyi cleared his throat.

"These are heavy demands," he said carefully.

"But not impossible," Matthew replied calmly. "You still retain your sovereignty. Your dynasty remains. And your people will be spared further bloodshed."

General Mikhailov leaned forward. "And the Russian Empire? What terms apply to us?"

Matthew turned to him. "Clause Six. Russia must cease all military operations in Manchuria and remove all advisors from Korea. Additionally, Russia must recognize the current status of Port Arthur as a shared neutral harbor for future trade—not a military base."

Mikhailov's eye twitched slightly. "That last part was not in our earlier discussions."

Matthew didn't blink. "The terms have evolved with the battlefield."

Silence.

Then Yuan spoke again, quietly. "And if we refuse?"

Caldwell finally leaned forward, speaking for the first time. "Then we march on Harbin. And we don't stop until the banners of our alliance fly over every fort, depot, and rail junction from here to Vladivostok."

Matthew added, "We prefer peace. But we are prepared for victory."

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The weight of those words lingered.

Prince Zaiyi whispered something to his aides. Yuan nodded faintly.

Mikhailov said nothing.

And then the Chinese prince slowly stood. "We will sign."

A collective breath seemed to escape the tent.

November 8, 1898, Afternoon

Yalu River — Treaty Signing

As the sun crested overhead, the scrolls of the Treaty at Yalu were laid out in triplicate. One for the Allies. One for the Qing. One for the neutral Russian observers.

The representatives dipped ink pens in silence and signed their names.

Matthew Hesh.

Prince Zaiyi.

General Okada.

General Lee Sang-hoon.

General Mikhailov, reluctantly, only as witness.

Each signature brought with it the sound of history turning.

Soldiers stationed around the tent lowered their rifles.

Flags outside shifted not in war, but in wind.

The treaty was done.

November 10, 1898

Seoul — Gyeongbokgung Palace

The palace court was filled with ministers, soldiers, civilians, and diplomats. A proclamation was read aloud by the royal herald:

"By order of the Allied High Command and in recognition of peace signed on the eighth day of November in the year 1898, we declare the end of all hostilities upon the Korean Peninsula. The war is over."

Cheers echoed through the palace grounds.

Drums sounded.

Church bells rang across Amerathia.

In Tokyo, fireworks lit the harbor.

And in the quiet of Pyongyang, a single Korean flag was raised over the city walls for the first time in months.

November 12, 1898

Amerathia Presidential Palace, D.C.

Matthew Hesh sat at his desk, a cup of coffee growing cold beside him. The telegram confirming the Treaty's enforcement lay beside a fresh page of parchment.

He began writing:

"To the People of Amerathia,

We have seen war.

We have endured sacrifice.

And now, we have earned peace…"

As he wrote, the faint strains of laughter echoed outside his window. The city below bustled in celebration. There was still rebuilding to be done, families to reunite, and graves to honor.

But for now, the war was over.

And a new chapter was ready to begin.