Tielin believed it was clear Rutger had clearly put a lot of thought into his offer and in most cases a nation would probably jump to accept, this situation though was not one that was a normal diplomatic conversation. "Your offer meets all my requirements in terms of energy production. This project though was never just about electricity, it was about showing my people that we can stand toe to toe with the modern world and achieve what nations we've seen do incredible things can. If I let you build it, operate it, profit from it then I may as well have taken the Rokkenjiman offer, joined the MAEA and been viewed as a puppet. I want this project to be funded by us, most of the work done by us. I therefore propose that you permit us to buy parts from you that we assemble, under supervision of experts from your nation. I do though agree we would require instruction and supervision in the early operation. As such I will give AES 15% of the profits the site make in return for them providing supervision and training for 10 years. After that period it shall drop to 5%, and then two years later 0%. They will not be taxed on their income. Lijiang shall meet the whole cost of the project, I believe $7.5billion for the size you suggest would be fair from my readings, however remember that sum includes acquiring the nuclear materials, something we already have. I suspect many will call this a vanity project but it is one our nation needs."

The coffee was something that Tielin was not that accustomed to while his adviser Jin was rather more used to its consumption. Tielin put his cup to one side and focused on what Rutger was saying. "In terms of what we would like from you the short answer is we'd like to acquire the machinery and equipment required to construct our first nuclear power station. We would also then like to send members of our nation to train alongside your staff. The idea would be that we can bring the power station online initially with your support but then shortly after with 100% Lijiangian staff. We have already acquired quantities of viable uranium and plutonium from Waddan which will be delivered shortly. Our main concern is the MAEA essentially trying to make the world reliant on them for nuclear energy either by controlling access to technology or routes to fuel. My desire is a programme for Lijiang that will become 100% operated by Lijiang. So do you believe that we can reach some kind of arrangement for us to acquire our technological base from Altona?"

"Allow me to clarify" Tielin cleared his throat before continuing. "The issue with a total reduction in tariffs across the board is we put some of our economy at risk. You're a nation with access to more modern farming techniques, machinery, chemicals etc, your nations agriculture has seen lots of development over the last century. While in isolated pockets we see innovative farming in Lijiang much is still rather labour intensive done by family units. Therefore it is likely you can undercut our farmers on many prices. Seeing as the majority of Lijiang work in the fields allowing these cut price food products across the border without a tariff to level the playing field hamstrings our economy to your benefit. Meanwhile food produce going the other way is perhaps likely to be of a lesser standard in some ways, perhaps more diverse but our labour is much much cheaper. We though will not be mass producing and much of our export will be focusing on Midaranye. On the flip side you're manufacturing industry are likely to find little if any competition in Lijiang, so it is of no consequence to us if we remove tariffs on many types of manufactured goods. I however would not be willing to see tariff reduction going one way. So what this comes down to is if I am to allow tariff free, or reduced access to Lijiang for products manufactured in your nation what do I get in return? My choice would be that you remove tariffs on all processed and unprocessed food and drink from Lijiang. But I am open to suggestions."

Tielin had seen the development of railways across Lijiang but they were some way behind the standards of Ui Cenneslaig, in places across the Empire the trains still utilised steam but they were in the minoritiy now as even though the nation had been leaderless the provincial High Lords had still maintained infastructure in their regions. This project could be a useful one for Lijiang. They had no shortage of manpower and with the nation trying to modernise there would be less need for people to be in the fields and as such more jobs would be needed and a railway construction project could be useful. "In terms of a nationwide high speed, high capacity rail project we could get onboard for sure. We would however need some support in terms of the technological aspects however we're a nation with huge potential for big scale projects. We've a large labour force that can be turned to almost any task if we manage it correctly. We also would be able to potentially bring in neighbouring countries as well."

The young Prince Chun had been given a significant task by his father for the visit of the Cassiopeians. The Dragon-Emperor knew the nation was one born out of their mythology and he himself knew little of it. Chun at 17 years of age would soon be expected to be involved in the Imperial administration and this little homework was a baby step. The meeting itself would take place at the Imperial Palace and Chun had been sent to greet the Queen and her delegation and bring them back to the venue. He was a little nervous and hoped his homework would turn out to be up to the mark.

Chun saw the guests plane land and taxi to a stop. The band nervously struck up their anthem and the black steel armour clad soldiers of the Imperial Guard came to attention with their long metal tipped spears. Chun bowed respectfully and then removed from the long baggy sleeve of his red robe a wooden box. "Your Celestial Majesty" He hoped he had phrased that correctly "We understand you are a nation born from the ocean, we present you with a gift of riches from our ocean as a symbol of friendship." Chun opened the box to reveal a necklace made out of glistening white pearls and silver. "My father is waiting for us at the Imperial Palace so if you would like to follow me." He motioned to some waiting vehicles, the traditional horse and carriage was gone replaced with more modern options. "I have tried reading on your nations mythology, the name of your land comes from a Princess yes?" He enquired having rather enjoyed the story, "Do you think the creature that threatened her could have been a water Dragon?" He perhaps thought that while racially they may be different spiritually they may have something in common if they believed in Dragons.

They reached the Imperial Palace rather quickly and Tielin accompanied by both his wives greeted the Queen. "I hope my son has been a good host. IF you excuse the explanation but he's been completing some politics homework." Tielin smiled as he gestured for the Queen to enter the Palace gatehouse.

"In terms of tariff free trade we don't at the moment think that is something in our favour. Our two economies are not equal in either value or capacities. We do not want our nation to become some tool to be manipulated by foreign powers. We can though agree to reductions in certain fields. Those that we do not yet posses much capacity in. For example high tech manufacturing is not something we are akin to at the moment so that would be an area where we would be interested in removing tariffs to ensure our people are capable of accessing goods like say laptops at as cheap a price as possible, however there are other areas such as food where such a move would not be in our interests."

To:- General Alkari

As our two nations begin closer co-operation in terms of trade I would be delighted to showcase our tanks to you.

We would be happy to invite you to our nation to evaluate our machines and see if they are fit for your needs.

I look forward to your visit at your earliest convenience.

Best Wishes

Dragon-Emperor Tielin II

On the roof of the Imperial Palace were a series of chambers, each residing in their own little octagonal construction. The one furthest to the North of the Palace was used for The Grand Council of the Majestic Empire, a body made up of the Dragon-Emperor himself and the 15 different High Lords from across his Empire. They meet once a month, more often if there was something Tielin believed demanded more immediate attention. Today they had just finished receiving their security update from one of the military commanders who was now backing out of the room his head bowed.

The day was part a social occasion where tea was drunk, nice food eaten and the most important nobles exchanged gossip about their Province. It was also though part serious business as each High Lord was expected to give a report on the goings on in their areas. There was nothing much of concern to Tielin, a few bandits in the mountains that the army would deal with, a landslide in another that Tielin would send the military engineers to inspect and a judge who was retiring in another that would be replaced in due course. It was after the reports that people were more free to give their opinions or concerns to Tielin who had in previous meetings given his nobles free reign to speak their minds.

"Your Imperial Majesty" High Lord Zhu Da of Huācodiàn spoke from his seat. At one point Zhu could have been Dragon-Emperor himself however the omens indicated that he would not represent the power and prestige of the position in his rule. He had naturally disagreed with the judgement but the Dragon-Priestess knew more about the taking of omens than he could ever hope to and so he had naturally bowed to her wisdom and pledged his loyalty to whoever she had picked without question. He had though since the Dragon-Emperor's appointment, nearly 9 months ago, been disappointed. The Lijiangians of the past judged their Dragon-Emperors on a number of criteria, increasing the wealth of the nation, it was clear Tielin was making strides there and Zhu could respect that. The Dragon-Emperor was expected to preside over a strong military force, Tielin was no soldier but had recognised a weakness in the Lijiangian military, Zhu though was angry that nothing had been done to get rid of those weaknesses and if anything the performance against the Seleucid military had been an embarrassment. Then there was the spiritual need of the Empire. They were fortunate to have a young Dragon-Priestess but as of yet she had no heir to inherit her religious throne, Tielin had seemingly done nothing in that regard, nor had he increased the Imperial Family. To all in Lijiang the Imperial Family were not just the Dragon-Emperor, the Dragon-Empress and their children. A successful Dragon-Emperor was expected to have many wives, a horde of children and a lodge full of beautiful women. The virility of the Dragon-Emperor was an omen for the future of the Empire. Zhu let all his concerns flow. "In the nine months you have been Dragon-Emperor neither Her Imperial Majesty the Dragon-Empress or Queen Dandan are with child, you have one concubine still without child. People are concerned that perhaps this may be a very short lived Dynasty, the last thing we need is people thinking we're about to enter mourning again."

Tielin nodded, he knew from gossip around the Golden Enclave people were concerned. Had Tielin been around in centuries past no doubt he'd have been a top diplomat managing the Empire's affairs and negotiating leaving the Emperor free to be the personification of power. He was lacking in that notion of power projection. "You are right I suspect" Tielin sighed, "My vision has been on making the Empire stronger and I believe that I have done that. Sadly not in a way our subjects may recognise. We're a nation in some ways caught in a time warp. We're making strides internationally but now need to also ensure our people see strides made traditionally. I think its time for me to tour the Empire. Prince Chun will soon spend some time with a peasant family to show he is learning about our people, shortly after that I shall establish him in his own Province and his own household. I assure you Zhu things will be done to ensure this dynasty doesn't fade." He wasn't sure he could ever imagine the horde of children he knew Zhu and those of a similar mind set would demand but he would perhaps have to bite the bullet. 

Tielin knew that this would likely be the first topic to come up and so had a few mentally prepared notes.

"I agree we do have some key technology gaps within our nation. The problem is though the MAEA does not hold a monopoly on those technologies, as impressive as the three of your nations collective achievements are. We have already secured supplies of uranium and plutonium sufficient for our first project with promises of further supplies. Add to that I have a pencilled in meeting with the new monarch of Altona, a nation that has their own electricity producing nuclear reactors. This became more than just being about nuclear matters though. You see for over a century we had a government that had only a fragile grip upon control of the nation. Now we have me as Dragon-Emperor there are some issues I need to ensure take precedence over even the nuclear energy programme I wish to develop. That is projecting a position of strength and power. Having a nation that perceive the Dragon-Emperor and Dragon-Priestess as the two most powerful forces on Mundus then we need to somewhat maintain that image, especially as my reign is in its infancy. We have members of the Majestic Council that could be described as having their loyalty hidden in the shadows. They took no sides during the uprisings that saw the end of the period of mourning. I do not therefore know whether that silence was because they had designs on the throne themselves or whether it was because they had no idea what to do if they got it. I must therefore ensure they are pacified and with them having voted for us to not join the MAEA it would be difficult for me to back track especially because of the manner by which we got there."

He paused for a moment while a woman dressed in traditional garments came and poured tiny cups of tea for all involved and then placed a glass of water by each guest. The young woman bowed to the Dragon-Emperor and without turning her back inched away before deeming it safe to turn and hurry away. "This" Tielin began "Is white dragon tea. It is a rather unique beverage I find." He took a little sip of the dark, almost black liquid, "You see at first taste it is a little bitter but tastes of very little tea." He put his small cup down and picked up the glass of water, "But it does some strange things to the taste buds and now when you drink plain water." He took a sip, "The water becomes beautifully sweet, some say almost like honey" He enjoyed the second drink much more than the first and placed the glass of water down. "I kind of hope our talks here can mirror this tea, from something rather bitter something good can come but that depends on what actions the trio of you intend to take as I have heard a great deal of sabre rattling surrounding the word "nuclear" over the last few months."

Following this months meeting of the Grand Council of the Majestic Empire the Dragon-Emperor has announced that from midnight tonight a new decree will take effect across the Majestic Empire. The "Moral Conduct" Decree will have a wide sweeping affect across the nation. Dragon-Emperor Tielin II explained the need for the Decree saying "Many of the laws that surround the way we deal with some moral issues in the nation are based on historical necessity not present day circumstances. It is vital that while industrially and economically we advance we reflect this in our laws."

The Decree's first change to the nation is to introduce for the first time in the Empire's history an age of consent for sexual activity. Currently no law stands for males while a female who has had her first period is considered to be permitted to give consent. The Dragon-Emperor explained. "In the past it was important women began having families at an early age, life expectancy was short and families needed people for farm-work. That is no longer the case, for our nation to advance we need children to be exactly that, children. As such we must protect them from many things for longer." As part of the new Decree the age of consent will be set at 16 which will also, following a similar precident being set by the Dragon-Empress in the Golden Enclave, be the age for marriage.

The new Decree has also established for the first time a minimum age for consumption of alcohol which will be set at 15. The age for being permitted to buy cigarettes and other tobacco products will be set at 15, an increase of a year. The Dragon-Emperor stated, "Unlike some nations with a large culture of drinking we do not have many traditions based around consumption of alcohol. As such we do not need to concern ourselves too much. Children's bodies are still developing and we don't wish to see too many harmful chemicals entering their body."

The new decree also lifted a ban on gender reassignment however the practice will not be provided within the Empire. "People should be free to have medical procedures they believe are beneficial. We shall continue to do what we can to ensure health care is accessable more widely across the nation. Health care is not universally provided and we are some way of achieving that. Doctors who are licenced are free to ply their trade and we have schemes within the nation that allow them to provide cheap care for many. I see no reason why a Doctor who is licenced and capable should not be permitted to provide any procedure that is safe and requested if the patient can fund it." At present there are no known people requesting this type of procedure however it is part of a process of allowing doctors to have more freedom. Some believe the Dragon-Emperor's attitude of allowing doctors to perform procedures formerly outlawed may be a step towards at some point allowing abortions.

The Decree also ends marriage between first cousins, introduced an age of 14 for gambling and made it illegal to knowingly pass on sexually transmitted diseases with anyone found guilty of purposely spreading AIDS/HIV being charged with the crime of murder.

Guangtai and Lian exchanged glances showing they found the situation a little awkward. It was the high lord who would take on the conversation, he had after all been the man who had lead the faction in the council to vote in favour of joining. "I understand the importance of what the MAEA are trying to achieve. No one believes nuclear weapons must exist. Yet the issue is it is possible to argue that even before the MAEA existed the chances of nuclear weapons becoming a major issue were negligable. Once Slava Lavosk got close the world rounded on them and shut them down. The chances therefore of nuclear proliferation are minimal if not zero. The MAEA needs to exists therefore to ensure the safe use of nuclear materials for things such as nuclear power. The biggest threat to nuclear security is not those of a nation gaining a nuke but a terrorist gaining material like those who attempted to get in East Moreland. A treaty among nations therefore will stop that by ensuring the safe storage, supply and transportation of material. It was that which I wished to push us towards. Now our Dragon-Emperor has made no secret of wishing to see us advance and we have an advantage even Rokkenjima has not enjoyed. While you have taken the long route of the last few decades of slow development we could have taken a quick route, skipped fifty, maybe sixty years of development. That was why Dragon-Emperor Tielin wished to join MAEA. The idea of hosting it coming down to national pride in wishing to not be seen as some backwards nation. The issue now is Tielin has in the aftermath of the HQ foul up vowed that we will become a nation with a nuclear power station despite not being a member of the MAEA. He's begun attempts to do just that, first securing material in Waddan and I suspect next approaching someone like Fleur who have nuclear power stations for the technology. While the MAEA have a monopoly on administration of nuclear safety they do not have a monopoly on the technology. You wish to see Lijiang rejoin the MAEA I think the apology is less important than the image portrayed next. Accepting an offer from Rokkenjima seems like accepting charity, something Tielin can not be able to be seen accepting."

It was Tielin's brother Lian who continued. " The MAEA has I believe 11 members, many of which I would consider extensions of each other, the CNN nations are effectively standing as one block, Bakkermaya are an extension of King David whom is meeting happily with my brother, Ui Cenneslaig and Cantabria will soon enough be a single nation through marriage. It is a friends club desperate to maintain the status quo. It serves no real purpose beyond a propaganda message. It is one I would support, the evils of nuclear weapons are clear. The problem is the MAEA now seems like an organisation built for friends. We're outsiders to this grouping and that is why at present joining is impossible."

Guangtai was less certain. "There can be a path but it is one that must wind around the peaks rather than cut straight through the valley." He hoped that the Rokkenjimans understood as the duo lead them to the place where David and Tielin were already conversing. Lian introduced the two Rokkenjimans, bowed deeply to his brother before retiring.

To:- General Bertram

It would be a great honour for the Majestic Empire of Lijiang to be able to witness the ceremony of King Rutger taking the throne.

I will be attending the event with my young 14 year old daughter Princess Wenjun. We are both looking forward to visiting your nation. If possible we would also like to meet with a government official to discuss matters of trade and diplomacy. We understand that this may not culturally fit into this circumstance of the event and if neccessary are happy to meet at some future date.

We wish the new King well and look forward to meeting him and his family.

Best Wishes

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Tielin II. First Emperor of the Shaohua Dynasty

Tielin was pleased that the Morelanders had put so much into their display. Tielin was pleased to see also that David was someone as passionate about his nations past as Tielin was about his own. He hoped his brief history lesson on East Moreland would stand them well over the next few hours.

The Dragon-Emperor took one side of the small square with his entourage gathering around and behind him. " It would be a fine place" In truth he wasn't too sure, he would have preferred  a grand hall or his own Palace but he had heard of King David often conducting business in a rather informal manner and if this was how to get things done here then so be it. "Perhaps though our guests would like to pick a topic to begin with."

Today a cargo ship bringing machine parts from Royal Seleucid became the first to dock at the nations newest cargo port. The series of new ports are to be built along the "Dragon Spine" river in order to help move cargos to the main commercial port in Lóngzui. The first of the new ports is located in the province of  Rizhao. This now means that the river which runs through the centre of the nation from South to North is now served by a port at each end and one in the centre at the Imperial Capital of Fengtai. There are expected to be a further two ports built, one in Mànyóum and another in Huācodiàn. The ports will be capable of handling large commercial ships and it is even thought an aircraft carrier could make their way to Huācodiàn, if the nation possessed one.

The ports are a key part of the Dragon-Emperor's economic progression for the Majestic Empire. Dragon-Emperor Tielin has stated that he hopes to utilise the nations vast amounts of raw materials and agricultural produce to help advance certain manufacturing industries within the nation. The first cargo of machine parts that have now arrived in Rizhao will be transported to the hills where a series of oil pockets have been discovered. It is hoped these can be tapped into by the new year.

Tielin was pleased that King David didn't mess up the opening. While David was readying himself the Dragon-Emperor took himself off to gather the other visitors, he found Lucinda Hadley and the Rokkenjiman delegation and marshalled them towards the front of the crowd before doing likewise with Xiao Mei and the Achkaerin group of visitors. By now King David was completing his slice through the ribbon and then turned to speak with Tielin. "I would be delighted to show you the museum." Tielin pushed open the door allowing everyone to enter. His wife Jing took up a position towards the front of the group.

Jing took over speaking to the group. "We have a great many of the works of art on display that King David graciously donated to us from his former collection." The interior of the museum was ultra modern and large glass cabinets were paired with video screens which displayed in several languages information about the display, most of them would probably never be needed but it was hoped that perhaps one day the museum could become a valuable cultural tourist attraction. The group headed towards the far end of the long main display chamber. There two large solid oak doors stood closed. Above them, first in Lijiangian and then in Morelandish were the words, "The King David Gallery" The Dragon-Emperor pushed the door open to reveal the display that the Morelanders had set up. "Perhaps we can explore what you have sent King David and then talk about some of the reasons that brought some of you here."