XIII Crusade

An invasion of Asia organized by the Catholic League leading to the capitulation of China and the abandonment of Asia and the heralding of European supremacy in the world.

The Crusade
During the Italo-Mongolian Wars the Pope demanded that all heretics and pagans be killed, namely that of China, who was a rising power at this point and with time could easily threaten Europe. The Golden Horde was neutralized and forced into dissolution and the main sight was set on the Jewel of the East. The Papacy called on all those who are faithful to smite the heathens. Monks and Monasteries were now border forts for guerrilla warfare and hospitals were now barracks, the few churches in China were closed and demolished quickly and the Christians of the empire sacked and burned hundreds of acres of land in the name of the lord. The Divine Temple of the Moon and Sun in the hills of Central China was looted mercilessly. The Armies of Europe flowed into the land sweeping up the high north and south, taking Guangzhou, Hong Kong, and Hanoi in the South and Harbin, Qingdao, and Chongqing in the North, by the end only a scarce bit of countryside and the grand cities of Beijing and Shanghai still stood, then the Milanese came.

The Capture of Shanghai
As the Milanese landed in eastern China the Armies of the Jade Emperor fell back from reconquering the countryside to defend the centers, the Milanese braced for a siege on Shanghai but got there before the Chinese army and found the city undefended with only a light garrison busy with building walls. Masterfully despite being outnumbered in China 10 to 1 the Ambrosian Militia captured the City of Shanghai and forced the surrender of China to the Catholic League, effectively ending the 13th Crusade. Shanghai was split into administrative zones and the the Empire of China was dismantled and the entirety of Asia was soon abandoned as thousands of refugees fled their homeland in search of a better life in either Europe or in the frontier. The Aristocracy went either to Italy or to Alaska, depending on which side they supported in the war.

Future Expeditions
Future expeditions to the site would result in the discovery of a information center after its destruction, leading to the discovery of a very incriminating letter from Alaska that it would keep the dynasty alive and restore the celestial balance and the rightful emperor to Beijing once the time was right. Causing great suspicion among Catholics and in some a call for a 14th Crusade against the northern hordes before they could strike.