A/N: This story is set in an alternate universe where the Emperor of Japan has stronger executive power compared to real life hence the name of "Imperial State" and it's defense is less dependent on the Americans.

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February 12th, 2025

2100 hours, 9:00 P.M. (Beijing Time)

Beijing, People's Republic of China

Major Gu Huang continued to look at the screen in front of him, An officer from the PLA Ground Force Armored Troops, he was of medium height and had fair skin for a person of his heritage.

At the moment he was in a Hongqi L5 with one of the most trusted and politically powerful generals of China sitting right next to him, General Yang Hu, one out of two Vice Chairpersons of the Central Military Commission - a state body exercising de facto control of the People's Liberation Army.

Hailing from Strategic Support Force - a branch of the PLA with duties include cyberwarfare, electronic warfare, and space operations, the general had a snake-like scar that went along his right cheek and down into the collar of his uniform. He had hair that was graying over and eyes that were worn from age. The skin around his eyes was wrinkled, but deep in his orbs was a hidden fire of passion that had remained over his many years of life.

They were both wearing their dress uniforms and sitting in the limo's back that had a large TV in front of the cabin. The night sky was dark, contrasting with the bright lighting over Beijing. Thick rain had made the view outside the windows appear very blurred, not that it actually held their attention.

They both watched as a national news station was airing a crisis in one of their country's cities. The shortage of oil had caused social unrest and massive riots to break out all over the Middle Kingdom's heartland as rationing began to take its toll, not long after the barely-quelled protests in the once-autonomous Hong Kong pertaining to the National Security Law as well as the looming crisis mentioned above.

The government had suppressed news outlets that tried to report on the situation. Ultimately the People's Republic could never afford to look weak, but sooner or later the story was going to break out. It was pretty clear that Western and neighboring intelligence assets, such as Japan and India, were getting antsy about it as they already knew. Multiple attempts had been made by the government to subdue unrest and uprisings from within. On the screen was an image of PLA armor rolling into a town in Central China as soldiers from People's Armed Police fired tear gas grenades everywhere. Civilian police officers belonged to the Ministry of Public Security in full body armor were getting in brawls with ordinary citizens. Every now and then a shot fired and or water cannons being deployed would cause the people to scatter, but it was only temporary. The image switched to another town, near the border with the restive Myanmar, where the local government had declared martial law allowing the PLA to take any necessary measures - in this case by lining people up against a wall and having them shot execution style.

Just then the car stopped moving. Huang looked outside and could see that the car had reached Zhongnanhai government compound. He also noticed that there were several other cars right outside along with their own, only these cars were armored vehicles with PLA markings.

"Comrade Major," the general said to make sure that he had his attention. "There are two things China needs right now if it is to maintain its stability. Do you know what they are?"

"No, Comrade General," Huang replied. He turned his head away from the TV to look directly at General Hu. When the general looked back at him he saw a certain kind of malicious violence and intense determination in his gaze.

"Oil and a distraction."

"I am on ears, Comrade General, however, before we continue, is Comrade Admiral Sun on board this plan?"

"He agreed, besides, the Navy will play its part." Hu referred to the second chairman, Admiral Wei Sun from the Navy.

The general opened the door and stepped out of the car. Huang closely followed behind. Just then, the doors of the armored vehicles opened up and Hu watched as soldiers armed with QBZ-191 assault rifles and QCW-05 submachine guns, clad in lightweight body armor stepped out into the rain. The troopers had the insignia of Central Security Bureau, the security service for government officials under purview of the PLA on their uniforms, added by plain clothed personnel who are part of the Guoanbu - Ministry of State Security, the country's main intelligence service. Both uniformed and plain clothed agents quickly joined them as General Hu led the entire group up to the front doors of the building, which were guarded by two soldiers. Surprisingly, the soldiers did not stop him or even check his papers. Both of them acted as if they had been expecting him to arrive and opened the doors upon seeing him.

Despite being Hu's aide-de-camp, Huang had no idea what his superior was planning, but he ultimately trusted Hu's motives were only for the overall good of China. As he trailed the general, he quietly began to wonder to himself exactly what was about to happen. The amount of respect and admiration General Hu and Admiral Sun carried with them was well known throughout China.

"Comrade General Hu."

From the other part of the building, Hu and Admiral Sun went face to face, all with their own heavily armed entourages, all in attention.

"Comrade Admiral Sun."

"Everything is in motion now." 

Trailing the two generals was the Director of the PLA CSB, Lt. General Liu Shaojun, who cryptically muttered. "August the First." to his set.

The generals stopped at a set of very nice double doors that had a large painting about ancient Chinese empires. Then General Hu opened the doors and walked inside. In the room was a large table, at which sat the President, Hua Jing, Premier Wen Jiaxu, and the rest of the members of the Politburo Standing Committee - a powerful decision making body inside CPC's Politburo -. It was clear that this was a meeting of some sort and the generals and admirals were not supposed to be inside. President Jing was the first to react.

"Comrades, what is the meaning of this?"

Quickly the soldiers walked around the table and encircled the group as the politicians present stood up looking surprised.

The Major understood that despite being the Paramount Leader and Chairman of the CMC, President Jing's power was not as solid as the late Xi Jinping, who passed away in 2022 due to stroke. On the other hand, his position still allowed him to put a wrench on whatever Hu and Sun's plans if he did not approve it. Most of the politicians and military leaders in China knew this too.

"Comrade Vice-Chairmen, what are you doing? I knew that you had plans, but this time, you two had simply gone too far. Director Shaojun, what are you doing there? Arrest them!" barked Jing.

"More than that. I - no, We - have both the Guoanbu and the People's Army on our side," Hu said as he walked along the length of the table. His eyes were on his naval counterpart and the guard commander, then moved on the civilian leaders, and with ever so careful tact he spoke to them. "I believe you people did agree that China needs oil. However there is one more: Distraction, preferably one beyond our borders. The revolutionary process - anti imperialism struggle - is on the line. Taking the Spratly Islands and their natural reserves once and for all would be the answer to all our problems. Not just that, we'll give you Diaoyu (1) and its riches as well. You comrades all agree that those islands and Taiwan rightfully belong to the Middle Kingdom by the borders set by our ancient ancestors. We've always had the right to take them anytime, but now we MUST strike before it was too late!"

The president's eyes narrowed, despite facing what could become his last moment in the world of the living, he tried to maintain his stance.

"You are going to bring war and devastation upon this corner of the globe! You're also forgetting about the Americans and their resolve if such a move were taken like what they have done in 1999!"

Admiral Sun then stepped forward, as he put his points on. "You might forget that the United States are not as potent as that time, Comrades. Years and money spent on wars in Middle East, their defeat in Afghanistan, and also their own internal social division had sapped their people's willingness for another foreign war. Right now, they are forced to maintain presence in the Middle East, while token in nature, thanks to Iran's transition to keep their Saudi ally placated, and last but not least, to secure the flow of oil there even as they had long since reduced imports from the area."

"History had shown that promises of short and decisive wars have rarely ever delivered. Including with the American example you've mentioned." Jing rebuked as he looked at the eyes of both his three high ranking officers. "Remember what Master Sun Tzu had said about how we should not decide to go to war when angry, and how we should try to win without unnecessary bloodshed just like what we are doing for a long time!!"

The star-ranked officers were staring at each other and then back at the President.

"Enough is enough, Comrade President. As much as we are willing to play a long game, things have been changed, and you're forgetting a very basic rule about governing a country."

General Hu's hand went on his waist and pulled out a handgun, then Admiral Sun followed suit.

"To maintain our right to rule, we must provide for the basic needs of the people. And we have no choice in this matter. This is your last chance. Do what we want, or face the consequences."

"You two are not much different from the Japanese fascists who raped our land back - "

Admiral Sun's quick aim went straight on the President's chest level, and then, a loud pop and a muzzle flash.

Jing fell to the ground holding his chest as blood flowed freely from the wound. The ping of an empty shell casing hitting the floor was the only thing audible as everyone in the room fell silent.

"Great shot, Comrade Admiral. But let me finish this."

"Gladly, Comrade General. All for the people of China."

Hu stepped in, his left foot was over the form of their superior, bleeding profusely. A bullet from the first vice chairman aimed at the temple finally put an end to Jing's misery.

"Does anyone else want to side with the President?" asked the general. None of the surviving PSC members spoke up. They were either afraid or in full agreement with the military's wish.

"Now then, let's do what's necessary for China."

General Hu then looked at the soldiers and said, "Men, take the rest of the building. Clear out any dissent by all means necessary."

"Comrade General" General Shaojun said. "We'll comply. I pledged allegiance to you."

As the soldiers, led by General Shaojun, scrambled out of the room, Hu approached Huang, while Admiral Sun was dealing with his entourage on the other side. He looked directly into his eyes as if to scan for any reservations. "You understand fully why I am doing this?"

"Yes, sir," Huang replied.

"Do you agree?"

In what was left of his own reservation, Huang's mind formed a question. "What if we lost?"

The answer are too obvious, However, if the PLA won the war - at least politically - then it would bolster its legitimacy as well as provide energy security, bringing about internal stability in the process.

The whole China's security and defense apparatus were taking a big risk, but in light of the other alternatives for the country, this was one of the least bad looking options. Huang generally agreed with Hu's methods. He decided to give an honest answer. He doubted blatant flattery would not be caught by the general and he did not want to come off as a brown nose. "You're taking a big risk, but you have my full confidence. I'm at your side, Comrade General."

Hu gave his right hand officer a smirk. "I'm pleased that you have enough courage to be honest with me. I value an honest opinion." He reached into his uniform and handed Huang a folder filled with documents. "Your service with me has finished. The Ground Forces Command had ordered you to rejoin our field force. To be exact, you will be assigned to the Second Heavy Combined Arms Brigade's Fourth Tank Battalion with it's battalion HQ in Qiqihar, few days from now."

"Thank you, sir. It was an honor to serve you."

Huang followed Hu as he exited the building, leaving the lifeless form of President Hua Jing to in front of his staff. The sound of automatic weapon's fire and explosions was audible throughout the night as from Zhongnanhai's secret passages, soldiers, police officers, and secret police agents began to cleanse Beijing - and from there, the entire China - from Jing's remnants.

......................................

Ryota Watari

Tokyo, Imperial State of Japan

"Are you telling me that the Chinese might soon pull another 1999 and invade Japan?? I hope you are not joking."

"Tsubaki... do you ever think why they stepped up incursions on Senkaku Islands, Taiwan, as well as down there in South China Sea?"

"Uh-huh..." Tsubaki's eyes were on her boyfriend continuously as the latter went back to talking. "I hate to say this, but I doubt those people will turn back from whatever they plan to do, which I think will involve war."

"So, what shall we do?"

"When we go to the temple next Sunday... we'll pray for peace. That will be our first step."

"Lord Buddha help us..." Tsubaki replied.

"Anyway, we'll still go to watch Kashima Antlers together."

"Of course, love." And so our  topic went away from current affairs into anything that is lighter in nature before they head for their shared bedroom.

.............................

Arima Kousei

One day before the scheduled movie date, the family watched as another news took their attention.

---- JNN BREAKING NEWS ----

"As China is dealing with it's energy crisis, the military has taken control of the country in what has been confirmed by inside sources as a coup d'etat."

"Both the first and second Vice Chairman of the country's Central Military Commission, General Yang Hu and Admiral Wei Sun had appeared on the state media today explaining what they did as an operation 'to clean up traitors and defeatists who tried to usurp power'., confirmed that President Jing has been killed by the 'traitorous forces' and 'foreign agents" which are being dealt with."

"However, while Premier Wen Jiaxu had assumed presidential duty in face of the attack, he doesn't appear to make any press release yet..."

"Great... now what?"

"I have no idea, Kaori."

"Neither am I, onee-chan." replied Kenji.

"Anyway" I faced both Kaori and Kenji. "We better wait for the Prime Minister or even His Majesty to address us in this matter."

"Indeed, that's what we can do right now. Anyway, have you finish your breakfast?"

"Oh, my..." Her word caused me to realize that I haven't finished my favorite egg sandwich breakfast yet.

.............

A/N: The buildup is slow, but I assure you that the crisis outside will soon intersect with our heroes here!

(1). The Chinese name for Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands.