The dragon

"The dragon" by M. P. Shiel is a novel written in the early 20th century. It appears to be a geopolitical thriller that pits Britain’s heir-apparent, Prince Edward “Teddy,” against the brilliant and ruthless Chinese prodigy Li Ku Yu, as an East–West power struggle gathers toward global crisis. Key figures include the sharp-tongued Queen Minna, the inventive Richard Chinnery, and Oyone, a half-Japanese agent whose loyalties shape the looming conflict.

The opening of the novel begins with Teddy’s upbringing, his mother’s forceful guidance, and his schoolboy duel with Li Ku Yu, after which Teddy is secretly aided by Eulalia Bayley, a girl who captures his heart. It then shifts to London, where Li Ku hardens himself for leadership and recruits Oyone as a covert operative, even tasking her to get close to Chinnery and, if needed, to strike at the British prince. The narrative moves to Peking, where Li Ku stages a coup, restores the Dowager’s power, and rapidly ascends, ruling with harsh reforms and anti-Western propaganda. He tries to bind China and Japan, uses conscription and lurid “cinematograph” campaigns, and exploits a sensational Australian gold discovery to tempt Japan into risky alignments. As he engineers a Russo–Japanese thaw and a German-backed Chinese loan, Europe reels: Shantung becomes a flashpoint, fleets mobilize, and France’s stance is uncertain. In London’s swelling crowds, the Queen speaks defiantly while rumors of Japanese warships sold to Germany ignite panic, and familiar faces—Eulalia, Chinnery, Oyone—watch as Parliament is pressed to act.