As the rebellion spread like wildfire, provinces harboring deep resentment against the central authority declared their independence, one after another.
Both the Qing Empire and the nascent Republic of China could do little but watch as the fragmentation unfolded before their eyes.
The ongoing civil war left them wary—pressuring these regional warlords could drive them to align with the enemy, creating an even greater threat.
While they sought alliances from these factions, neither side dared to enforce them. Yet, in the shadows of their minds, both the Republic and the Qing harbored the same grim resolve: once the civil war concluded, they would crush the warlords with ruthless efficiency.
The ambitions of these separatists were seen as nothing more than a fleeting nuisance.
The warlords, however, were no fools.
They knew their time would come once the primary conflict subsided. In secret, emissaries approached them with offers too tempting to refuse.
