The Rise of Champions

[Firesofdoom]

History has forever been shaped by great men and women, those brave enough to build vast empires out of regional backwaters, or cowardly enough reduce the largest empires the pathetic shadows of their former selves. This timeline will change the leaders of two great nations, sending each one on a vastly different path than they went in Our Timeline. In each nation, I will try to demonstrate the effects of this leadership, with narratives about everything from empire ending battles to daily life in the 8th century, I will try to cover as much relevant information as I can, and probably some Irrelevant information as well. Without further ado, my two Points of Divergence are: 

First Point of Divergence 

Han China, 5 AD • As Rúzi Yīng, already 13 years old, begins to come to age, Wang Mang, the acting Emperor, sees this as his last chance to slaughter the child and claim the throne for himself. Eventually, he decides against killing Rúzi and instead decides he is content to forfeit his position as emperor in favor of a lesser position on the royal court. However, as soon as Rúzi comes to power as his first order to kill Wang, as revenge for an uncle's death. With the newly crowned Emperor at its head and no competition, Han China starts on a path towards prosperity and expansion for centuries to come.

Differences in Han China

• Without Wang Mang to throw the nation into civil war, the Han dynasty never experiences the war that split it into two, and is thus able to remain stable and expand
  
• With a stable political system and a large population base, starting in 57 AD, Han China expands rapidly across Asia, taking over Southeast Asia, Tibet, and other tribes, eventually building a huge empire spanning much of Asia
• Han China Remains a superpower for more than a thousand years, and as a result it is one of the first nations to colonize The Americas(Known in this Timeline as Atlantis)

Second Point of Divergence

Rome, 270 AD • After his ascension to the Roman throne, Aurelian makes his massive attempt to reunify his shattered empire by leading an attack against the Gallic Empire. After an early defeat, he is quickly killed by a mutiny from his disgruntled army. His replacement, Fabius, quickly proves himself incompetent as his armies lose massive swaths of land to both the Gallic and Palmyrene Empires. Even as Fabius’ grip on the nation is weakened, the army, and consequently the nation, continue to fall apart. Although by 274 AD, Diocletian manages to take power, the damage is already done and Roman Empire is in tatters.

Differences in the former Roman Empire

• Split into three nations, Rome is never fully reunified, though the Roman Empire eventually manages to defeat and annex the Palmyrene Empire
  
• With a smaller population and a more stable government, Rome never collapses, and like Han China is able to colonize the Americas
  
• As a result of competition for influence in Germania between Rome and Gaul, Germania is split into hundreds of states, some under Roman Influence, others controlled by Gaul
  

[lightninglynx89]

Seems interesting. I will wait to read more.

[Firesofdoom]

Chapter One: Dawn of an Empire

Han China, AD 5

Rúzi Yīng, now the official emperor of Han China, walked across one of the many gardens in his vast palace. Despite being only fourteen years old, he was tall, almost 5’ 4.” He had dark eyes, and a hard line for a mouth, almost permanently set into a frown. He carried a ceremonial sword with him, but unlike his predecessors, he knew how to,use it. In addition to the obvious, had a certain trait to him that could perhaps be best described as “Menace.”

As he walked, another figure melted into stride beside him. If Rúzi could be described as menacing, the new arrival would have to be completely and totally terrifying. He was only slightly taller than the Emperor, but had a timeless face, with hard, unforgiving black eyes the most notable feature. He was well muscled, and carried himself in a way that was somehow lazy, attentive, and intimidating all at once.

When he finally spoke, the voice was quiet and precise, with and edge of iciness and threat. “Apparently the rumors are true,” he announced bluntly, with no prelude. Rúzi blinked, but kept walking, turning a corner on the path the pair were walking on.

The emperor paused for several seconds before replying. “Sarćratā, the palace is full of rumors. You’ll have to be more specific.” Of course, Rúzi knew exactly what rumor his personal assistant - and personal assassin - was talking about, but he always used caution when talking to men as dangerous as him.

“You know exactly what rumor I’m talking about.” Sarćratā said in a somewhat patronizing tone. The man was one of the few who, or perhaps the only, person who was regularly able to get away with infractions such as these. Both men continued walking while Sarćrata waited for a response from the young emperor. When response came, he sighed and continued. “Fine. As it turns out, Wang Mang is responsible for the death of your uncle.”

“Are you sure about this?” Rúzi inquired lightly, trying to contain his excitement. Wang was his only enemy, left in the court, and any excuse to kill him would be appreciated greatly. However, he needed confirmation before he could go through with the execution. And of course, he needed to do it publicly, to avenge his uncle in the best way possible.

“If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t tell you” Sarćratā said, with a hard touch to his voice. “Everything I tell you is true, and I will always check the facts myself” He concluded, almost snapping at the child.

“Very well, I trust you Sarćratā” Rúzi replied, hardly noticing the man's apparent anger. “Any other news I should know about before we go ahead with the execution. I’d specifically like to know whether any nobles particularly hate me, and also how the census went.”

“Well, we were able to do better than the census in 2 Ad. 60 million citizens of your empire total, and perhaps a million are suited for military service. More if we need them, but we probably won’t. As for the royals, I know Chīn Hēnzí has no love for you.” Sarćratā intoned.

The pair fell into silence as they reached the central fountain, both of them stopping to admire the fountain and the flowers around it. Rúzi seemed perfectly willing to watch the water fountain, while his companion seemed slightly less at ease, awaiting a response to his report and double checking to make sure no one was within ear shot.

“Anything else?” Rúzi asked, breaking the silence and putting his companion at ease

“Not really. Though I suppose it would be worth noting that here in Chang’an we have the highest birth rate, followed by the Korean provinces.”

“Ah. In that case, we should try to increase the population elsewhere, or make the Koreans as Chinese as possible.”

“Neither task should be especially difficult.” The two lapsed back into silence, as Rúzi considered the information he had been delivered, while Sarćratā stood uneasily, considering what the emperor would do.

Eventually, Rúzi spoke, ending Sarćratā’s unease. “So about the population. we should start sending out people to recruit soldiers. we have enough people for a million man army, so we should make one.”

Somewhat taken aback by his master bluntness, It was Sarćratā’s turn to question. “Are you sure? A million men can only get you so far. And besides, what would we conquer? Our Empire is already difficult to control.” Realizing he was on thin ice, Sarćratā quickly tried to backpedal “but not for…”

“I understand the risks” the young emperor cut him off. “It might be hard for me to control all the new land, which is why I will set up semi-autonomous provinces. As for the new territory, land to the North and South of us is ours for taking, No? And later, Tibet, and maybe even further. Maybe my Armies will fail, and so will I, but at least I will have tried.”

“Very well” the emperor's assassin replied. “I will send recruiters out immediately. And as for Wang Mang and Chīn Hēnzí?”

A thin smile spread across Rúzi’s still boyish face. “Kill them both for conspiracy against me, and in Wang Mang’s case, for killing my uncle. I want them both dead by sunset, and with that unpleasant business out of the way, we can begin planning our conquests.”

“Understood” Sarćratā melted back behind Rúzi and out of sight to complete his assignment. With his observer gone, the emperor allowed himself to grin widely. His power across the empire would soon be secured, and fro there… well the possibilities were endless.

[Firesofdoom]

Chapter Two: An Army for Conquest

Han China, AD 5

Kóng Hēnglí walked across a rice paddy in central Han China, moving towards his friend, Chìng Hōngzuī. “Hello” Hēnglí said, moving to harvest crops at his friend's side. “Have you heard about the new emperor?”

“Rúzi?” Hōngzuī responded, somewhat surprised. “Of course I know about him. He’s the emperor of China. Practically everyone in this place has heard of him. Of course, he won’t really do much, just be emperor like the rest, I assume.” He finished.

“Really, you think that?” Hēnglí asked “Haven't you heard about the people he has killed in court? He’s removing all the opposition, plus a bunch of the pacifists. Combined with the census, it seems our emperor is planning for a war.” He concluded, as if the whole thing was obvious.

“Well, you’ve always been able to figure out more about this stuff then me”

“Well this bit cost money. Quite a bit in fact.” Hēnglí replied, somewhat reluctantly.

“Does that mean I’ll have to pay for your lunch today?” Hōngzuī asked, somewhat annoyed.

“No.” As Hōngzuī visibly relaxed, Hēnglí amended his statement. “It means you will be buying me lunch for the next few weeks.”

Hōngzuī sighed, but continued working. “You don’t really think Rúzi is going to send us to war? I mean where would we even send the armies?”

“Probably to the south and to the north” Hēnglí replied. “You do realize we will probably get conscripted. We are, after all of perfect fitness and the right age. But I think I’d be up for an adventure, what about you?”

Hōngzuī simply made an indistinct noise and continued working. Hēnglí shrugged, and didn’t bother to restart the conversation. The pair spent the rest of the morning in relative silence, working on harvesting the rice.

Finally, the morning ended, and both men set down their tools. “Want to head over to the teahouse!” Asked Hōngzuī. “I guess I’ll be paying.”

“Sure. Of course, this might be one of our last visits there, so I’ll pay for myself”

“I don’t really believe you, but yes, please pay for yourself. You never do, even when you haven't spent all your money on bullshit information.”

“Why do you doubt this will be one of our last visits? The emperor is gathering an army, and we will both probably end up joining, sooner or later. I’d go for sooner, so we aren't conscripted forcefully.”

“Do you think the pay will be good?”

“Probably two or three times what we get paid now, at least. Not sure though.”

“Food. Then you can pay for your own damn meals.”

Hēnglí chuckled. “Sure, you pay for my meals but guess who pays for our house.”

“Fair, enough, but still. Let’s just get to the teahouse so we can work in the afternoon as well.” Both men grinned as they walked off the farm and down a road, at the end of which lay a low class teahouse where they ate most of the meals.

Entering the building, they saw the whole thing was pretty much the same as normal. Drunks lying around, a few sober workers enjoying a meal, and of course, prostitutes. Wading through the mess of humanity, the pair eventually arrived at their normal seats, where tea and rice were quickly delivered to them.

The two ate the meal, making pleasant conversation during the meal. Both of them tried to relax as much as possible, knowing this would possibly be their only time to relax during the day.

Finally as they both finished their meals, Hēnglí pointed in the direction of a man sitting at a table across the room. “See that guy? I think he’s a recruiter for the military.”

“Are you sure?” Hōngzuī said lazily. “I will buy you your next meal if he is.”

“Well you will probably end up buying my next meal anyway.”

“Whatever. Just tell me why you are so sure he is a recruiter.”

“Of course. He is carrying a sword, has far a better body shape than anyone else here, and has sat the entire time we were eating without taking a bite. Also, he is carrying a satchel that appears to be full, suggesting he might be paying soldiers for joining.”

“Well if you say so.” Hōngzuī replied doubtfully. “Either way, we should both get back to work.”

“No. He will probably ask for recruits to sign up soon, and I want to see what he offers.”

“You want to go to war?”

“You don’t?” Hēnglí asked, mildly surprised. “It would be more interesting than tending to fields all day.” Seeing Hōngzuī’s expression, he continued. “At the very least, I want to see what the pay is.”

“Fine. Should I order more tea while we wait?”

“I’ll pay for both” Hēnglí said, hardly noticing his friend’s surprised glance. As they sipped their tea, the two friends sat in silence.

Finally, as the tea was finished, Hōngzeī began to speak. “Well he hasn’t asked us anything yet, so we should probably-”

“Anyone who wants to join the Chinese army, come right here,” the man Hēnglí had pointed out early boomed, cutting Hōngzeī off.

“What’s the pay”

“Double what you get paid now. Probably triple, judging by the fact that you eat here” the recruiter said, drawing a few laughs from the crowd.After the chuckles died down he continued. Also, you get a bonus for joining.”

The room immediately filled with excited whispers, some even coming from the employees.

“I’m in,” Hēnglí murmured to his friend. “And you?”

“Of course, I’m in. Double the pay! I could use that.”

“Okay, we’re in Hēnglí announced. His statement was soon followed by several other people agreeing to join, or ridiculing those who did agree. “Where will we be fighting?” He asked already wanting answers.

“We will take over the land to the south and north. You will most likely go south. Meet back here in 6 hours with travels kits and anything else you want to take.”

“Will we receive our pay when we arrive after six hours?” Hōngzeī asked.

“No. You will receive it on the trial so that you can’t just take it and flee.”

“Perfectly sensible.” Hēnglí replied, as he pulled Hōngzeī out of the teahouse. “Let’s go, we need to pack.”

Walking out of the teahouse, Hōngzeī said “Well you said you were up for some adventure. Looks like we're getting some.”

“Indeed we are. Indeed we are,” Hēnglí responded thoughtfully as the pair returned to their house to prepare for their journey.

[saturn120]

Nice writing Fires. Seems like a 10/10 story to me.

[Firesofdoom]

Chapter Three: Settlement
Han China, AD 37

Thousands of settlers were traveling northwards to claim new land in what Han China had conquered. Spreading out across the area, almost a million of them set up farms, towns, trading posts, and teahouses, everything essential to Chinese life. Most settlers traveled foot, with mules, or less often, horses pulling carts full of their possessions.

The Settlers were moving to colonize and settle the recently conquered lands of Mongolia, and looked to make their living on anything from banking, to fighting, to gambling, to farming. The emperor Rúzi called it the first mass settlement, and it was truly massive, settling an area a third to size of the rest of Han China.

Qìng Dātoí walked slowly along next to his family’s cart, keeping a watchful eye out for thieves, or somthing about to fall out. At 17, hew was the oldest son, and thus required to do far more chores than his siblings.

“Dātoí!” he heard a shrill voice behind him. “Dātoí!”

He turned around, to see his youngest brother, Sōní. “Yes, Sōní.” He said patiently. “What is it?”

“You dropped this!” The six year old said, proudly holding up a coin that must have fell out of his pocket.

“Oh, really?” Dātoí said smiling. He liked his brother a lot, and figured he could do somthing nice for him here. “I don’t think I need that. You can have it if you want.”

Sōní’s face broke into a wide grin. “Are you sure gege?” He said, calling his big brother by his title rather than his name.

“Yes, of course,” Dātoí said, smiling wider. “Go tell Father what you found.”

“Okay!” The kid said, before running off towards their dad.

Dātoí resumed his previous work, but this time with a hint of a smile in his face. He had always liked his little brother, and loved to make him happy over something as simple as this. He began to set himself up for several hours of silence, right before two of his other siblings, Xinglī and Klāká, came up to him.

“Dātoí,” the girl, Xinglī began. “When was this land opened up for settling? It was two years ago, right?”

“No!” The other shouted. “It was four years ago.”

“No, the emperor talked about it four years ago. He opened up the land two years ago.”

“No he didn’t! It was clearly four years ago!”

“Ugh.” Dāntoí muttered to himself. “Why aren't you two as easy to please as Sōni.”

The argument continued, getting more and more intense, both of his siblings looking like they might strike the other.

“Please, calm down,” Dāntoí said. “Let me think, and perhaps you will get an answer.” Although the argument continued,it was more muted, allowing the older brother to think. It would have had to be four years ago when the emperor first announced that he would open the land, but he might have opened it the same year.

“Hey, there are some soldiers over there,” said Klāka, pointing at two soldiers walking only about fifty meters away. “Maybe they can settle this argument for us.”

“Okay, sounds like a good idea to me.” Dātoí said, glad to be spared finding the right answer. Quickly, he turned so his father could see him, and pointed towards the soldiers so he knew where he went. “Okay, let's go”

“I’m going to be right” Xinglī hissed at her brother.

“No you’re not”

“Are you sure”

“Please guys calm down.” Dātoí said. He turned towards the soldiers, who hadn’t seemed to notice them yet. “Hello,” he said cheerily. “My two younger siblings are having an argument, and I was wondering if you could help resolve it.”

“Well, I think Hēnglí and myself could probably help with that.” One of the soldiers responded. “Oh, and I’m Hōngzuī. How can we help you?”

“Hōngzuī, we’ll be late,” the soldier called Hēnglí said.

“We’re captains now. They’ll wait. Anyway, what is your question?”

“Okay.” Dātoí said, scrambling to find the right words. “My younger siblings were having an argument about how long ago this land was made open for settlement. One says two years ago, the other says four.”

“I say two years” said Xīnglī.

At the same time, Klāká announced “It was four years ago!”

Hōngzuī chuckled. “Well, the boy is close to right. Four years ago, the emperor announced this land would be open for settlement after it had been conquered seven years before that. Then, three years ago, He allowed the colonization to start.”

Klāká smiled triumphantly. “See, I was close. You weren't.” He grinned at his sister.

Xīnglī just rolled her eyes and sighed.

“So will you be leaving now” Dātoí asked the two captains. “What are you late for, anyway?” His younger siblings, already bored, had moved back towards the cart, probably arguing again.

“We’re not late, it’s just that Hēnglí like to be early. Anyway, we’re guessing we are going to try to open more land for colonization. I have two weeks pay on Taiwan. Hēnglí is betting tibet. Of course, whatever the result, I will still end up paying for his meals.”

“Hōngzuī, I pay for your lodging, plus houses for your three concubines.”

Hēnglí’s friend laughed out loud. “Anyway, we better be going. But first, do you have any interest in joining the military?”

“I’ve never had much interest, but that was before I found out you guys got concubines,” Dātoí responded, drawing laughs from both men. “Anyway, I have to help set up our farm first.”

The two captains nodded. “Okay, but if you’re ever interested, join up. It’s a great life.” Hēnglí nodded, agreeing with Hōngzuī’s statement.

“Well, thanks for settling the argument. Sorry for holding you guys up.” Dātoí said, before turning away and walking back to the cart.

On his way back, he considered the offer. He was certainly strong enough to join the military, and probably good enough with a sword as well. It would certainly be preferable to spending his life on a farm.

His parents didn’t really need him on the farm, as they were rich enough to hire extra workers to replace him. Although he had no idea how he would do it, he was certain of one thing. He would join the army, and bring himself, his family, and his emperor glory and conquest.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Notes: sorry for the late chapter, I couldn't get it out yesterday. Hopefully, i will get the next one out before the end of the day. Thanks for waiting, ~Fires