selling official positions and borrowing heavily from predatory lenders. Peace, even with conditions, was a lifeline they couldn't afford to ignore.
Weber's next words sealed the arrangement. "Defensive actions will be tolerated. But any acts of aggression will be met with consequences."
The Qing, too, received Russia's mediation terms. However, unlike the Republic, their envoy was not a diplomat but a military officer—a deliberate show of force.
"This is interference in our domestic affairs!" thundered the Qing minister. "Not even the Russian Empire has the right to impose this upon us!"
"Domestic affairs?" the Russian officer replied coldly. "From where I stand, this hardly seems an internal matter anymore."
The minister fell silent. The Qing had long lost control of the regions in rebellion. Entire provinces had slipped away, taking their allegiances—and the hearts of their people—with them. Claiming this was an internal issue was a hollow excuse.
