With Prince Chun yesterday having completed his time as a student at the Shūyuàn of Baoshan the Imperial Family have been busy preparing for the next stage in the 18 year old Prince's life. With the Prince finishing ranked 87th out of this years 516 Shūyuàn graduates he would have by merit qualified to continue studying in the Imperial University however instead it is understood that the Prince will joing the Engineering faculty in the Fengtai Institute for Science and Technology (FIST) where he will follow a degree in Urban Engineering. The Prince explained his decision saying, "I admire greatly the graduates of the Imperial University and appreciate how valued they are to our nation. We though need to modernise rapidly and have some great opportunities before us. It would be an advantage to have a member of the Imperial Family with first hand knowledge of something we could consider modern."

The Prince traditionally would have married at an extremely young age, usually by the age of 14 but it has been the desire of both the Dragon-Emperor and Empress that marriages take place at a later age. The Dragon-Emperor passed the Decree for Morals which placed the age of consent at 16 and that no marriage may take place before then. The Dragon-Empress has spoken publically about the dangers of marriage and in particular childbirth at ages younger and so it is perhaps not surprising that the Imperial Family have waited until the Prince finishes his studies before making a marriage arrangement. The Prince will however have to wait until February next year before marrying. His family have concluded negotiations with High Lord Huan Chang of Gāodì for the Prince to marry his 17 year old daughter Jincheng who will turn 18 in mid February. High Lord Huan said "I had intended Jincheng to be married well before now but as a good servant of the Imperial Family I have honoured the wishes of the Dragon-Empress that girls should wait until they are older before marriage and I am proud that I have been rewarded with the faith of my daughter one day being the Dragon-Empress." High Lord Huan Chang of Gāodì currently acts as chief adviser to the Dragon-Priestess for her militia guard and also is considered by many to be the de-facto Minister of Defence for the Majestic Empire.

The ceremony to make Bao Yijun an "Imperial Lady of the Emperors Chamber" took place. The Dragon-Emperors Concubine strolled the Golden Enclave with Dragon-Empress Chun thus showing the public that she gave her blessing to the arrangement. Once the two had finished their parade Bao Yijun was formally presented to the Dragon-Emperor and the Matron of the Lodge who acts as a guide and guardian of the Concubines. The three then repeated the parade around the Golden Enclave this time with residents bringing out gifts for the young girl ranging from perfumes, silk sheets and sweet treats. Finally the Dragon-Priestess blessed the new concubine. The girls family were present and it is understood that as part of the arrangement the Dragon-Emperor has cleared her fathers debts and set funding to be able to add significant irrigation to the Baoshan district where the family originate. 

OOC- I'm assuming you never got anything sorted regarding the "International Law" bit. I therefore suspect this would be what we would end up with

[quote[

Rokkenjima and Lijiang;

Desiring to acknowledge historic divisions and move toward a path of normalized relations between their nations;

Desiring further to encourage closer diplomatic and cultural cooperation between them and to promote conditions of tranquility and prosperity between their countries,

Having resolved to conclude a Treaty to normalize relations,

Therefore agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

The Parties undertake to establish and staff embassies in the capital of one another. The Rokkenjiman embassy shall  be located within the Golden Enclave and enjoy all the rights and protections such a location brings under Lijiangian custom and law. Meanwhile Lijaing shall maintain an active embassy in the capital of Rokkenjima. Furthermore, all diplomatic communications between the Embassy and their home nation shall be considered private.

ARTICLE II

Each nation shall appoint an Ambassador who shall reside in the host nation. This Ambassador must present, in person, their diplomatic credentials before the Head of Government within twelve (12) hours. Should the Head of Government be unavailable within that time period then an appointed official shall be permitted to stand in for them.

ARTICLE III

Ambassadors must make themselves available to meet with the Head of Government or their appointed official within twelve (12) hours of receiving such a summons. Diplomats shall be afforded all rights as established by international law.

ARTICLE IV

The Treaty shall create a Rokkenjima-Lijiang Cultural Association. This Association will organise an annual festival to be held in each nation in turn annually.

This festival must be focused on the sharing of the unique cultures of each nation and promote friendship between people. The host nation will provide opportunities for a minimum of 100 young students from each of the other nations to attend.

Both nations shall agree to fund an annual student exchange which shall be open for 100 students from each nation aged 16-18. During these visits students shall stay with a host family who shall have a child of similar age. These exchanges shall last for two weeks and shall feature a week attending school in the host nation. The timing of the exchange shall coincide with some cultural experience.

The Treaty will also also allow citizens of the other nation to apply for a fast track visa aiding in travel between the nations for purpose of trade, recreation and business.

ARTICLE V

Students from the signatory nations shall be able to apply for universities in each respective nation. They shall be granted the same consideration as host nation students. Upon an offer from a University having occurred the student shall not require a visa.

ARTICLE VI

Visitors entering either nation for a period of time less than 21 days shall not require a visa, however, they may be refused entry for reasons of national security.

ARTICLE VII

Representatives from the First Empire of Rokkenjima and the Majestic Empire of Lijiang shall meet on the anniversary of the signing of this Treaty to re-affirm their commitment to good relations and, as necessary, amend the Treaty as necessary to ensure it is contemporary with the relationship between the First and Majestic Empires.

ARTICLE IX

This Treaty shall be ratified by the First Empire of Rokkenjima and the Majestic Empire of Lijiang in accordance with their respective constitutional processes and will enter into force on the date on which the instruments of ratification thereof have been exchanged by them in Pyrettania.


ARTICLE X

This Treaty shall remain in force until the opinion of the Governments of Rokkenjima and Lijiang that it no longer serves the best interests of the Parties.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.

DONE at the City of Pyrettania, Azukishima Prefecture, Rokkenjima in the Rokkenjiman and Lijiangian languages equally and authentic, this [date], 2022.

For Rokkenjima:

For Lijiang:

[/quote]

Lijiang vote for Mktvartvelo

Our specialisms are karate, gymnastics and tennis

"In regard to your proposal I have a few amendments. You talk about a seeming lack of desire to address issues but keep this in mind. We sit as a nation that because of our rather quirky way of handling dynastic change spent the best part of 12 decades in a form of diplomatic limbo. No one had the authority to make decisions about interactions with others. As such the whole of Mundus is effectively devoid of any real meaningful relationship with us. When things broke down between us naturally Rokkenjima would move down the list as we have other nations happy and willing to support us. Since then we've cemented deals with the S.U.N, East Moreland has become a close friend as have the Cenneg. It was not a case of we have no desire to explore relationships just when you have such a large field of nations to work with their are much easier targets."

Tielin lifted the treaty off the table to examine it as he spoke. "First I would insist that the embassy in Lijiang be in the Golden Enclave, that would mean you must appoint an ambassador born into nobility. As they will be based in the Golden Enclave they would have no requirement of military guards. As for Article III you state rights by international law, what law are you referencing? As Lijiang have signed no such agreement involving ambassadors and international law. As for termination t should be with immediate effect. There can be nothing worse than nations feeling bound when there is no reason to be so."

"Our own network has ample accounting facilities. We tend to shun electronic transfers." He replied. It was much easier to hide physical bundles of cash and then through a variety of legal enterprises filter it into being clean. Tao first scribbled down in poor latin script an address in Altona. "You will go 10 days before shipment is due and buy quantities of spices. You will though not take actual delivery of any spices. Once the shipment has been delivered you'll make a 2nd purchase for the other 50%. We have used the owner for a number of years and its a system that has worked well. We shall lose a little in commission but we find that other arrangements we have with the owner allows us to more than recover that. Its possible for you to use a front company or they will handle the book keeping."

"As for construction there are many projects going on across the nation that we can take advantage of so I'm sure we can find something." 

To:- CEO of Servac Robin Joo,

With regard to your proposal we would be interested in supporting this investment. With that in mind we are willing to put forward the following offer.

1. The Majestic Empire shall gift 500 thousand sqft of land to your company.

2. That land may be used to construct a facility so long as all the labour force for construction is from Lijiang. The facility must comply with local laws regarding the environment and health and safety.

3. The facility will be within 2km of the new vertebrae port in Fengtai, our capital city.

4. For every 300 people employed you shall be granted a visa for a foreign member of staff. Should you require more they will need to apply via a fast track status.

5. Your company will be liable to taxes at the local rate on any profits made from this company.

6. Anyone employed by your company must be afforded health insurance.

7. Goods arriving at a vertebrae port will not be charged an import tariff.

We hope that this is acceptable.

Best Regards

High Lord Jiang Ru 
Responsible for Commerce and Economics

3.

Tielin was not too sure what to say or do. He in a way was thankful for the letter as it gave him time to think. With it read he waited a moment or two and carefully placed it in an envelope before tucking it away in his inside pocket. "Crown Princess Asuna has quiet a way with words." Was the best thing he could think of saying. "As for where Lijiang and Rokkenjima relations go that is a matter that is still to be worked out I think. Since the MAEA affair we have yet to change laws to mirror those of your MCUR or yourself, nor do I think will we anytime in the future. In our initial disagreement you likened our policies towards the LGBT community to those that caused boycotts of the Summer Games in Royal Seleucid and Tamora, am I to think then that as we don't change a boycott of the summer games in Lijiang, if we get them, is on the cards. I like to be able to predict the stances nations, especially ones we are looking to form working relationships with, will take and I am a little confused. I am also forced to ask what will sadly be an uncomfortable question. I am here speaking with you, your hold the title Empress, meanwhile we have His Grace Count Emerson of Achkaerin here with us whom I believe has acted as Vice-Regent, I have a letter from a Crown Princess with things to consider and I believe a representative of hers is joining us?" He assumed Evanthe would be aware of McKenna joining them. "I am then a little confused, who is responsible for what aspects of our talks?"

Ditto

Not even sure if I'm a paid up member but yes

Tielin had started the great change in infastructure just days after becoming Dragon-Emperor. Now he was about to make an agreement that would end at least one part of the three part plan. The Ports, known as Vertebrae Ports, would have their final one put in place. All four would be operational ensuring each of the industrial areas of the Empire would now have access to 21st century transportation. Soon the nuclear power station would be online and more would follow in the coming decades, at least he hoped so. The final part was the new schools which were hastily being thrown up thanks to the cheap labour back home. To have S.U.N. have an input was helpful and their expertise would be worth the concessions. "I thank you all for your suggestion and I'm delighted to accept, having you begin trade with our nation on these terms is exciting. I know that my people will be pleased that the vast variety of raw materials our nation has can find markets and not just that your support with this port will ensure they get to you speedily and in good order. While at this time I will rule us out of becoming members of S.U.N I am certainly becoming a fan." Tielin offered a hand shake to each in turn pleased with his result.

Tielin and his brother, Lord Regent Lian and his brother-in-law High Lord Qīnglóng were making the journey. Tielin had elected to make this as much of a family outing as possible. It would also mark Lian's final task as Lord Regent, in just a few short weeks the Dragon-Emperors son Prince Chun would turn 18 and would, as promised become the the Lord Regent of the families home province. Lian had no set plan for when the time came to stand down, he hoped to spend some time doing his own thing rather than serving his brother. Qīnglóng meanwhile was beginning his experience of diplomacy having narrowly escaped execution because of tradition. His father had stood against the Dragon Priestess and despite Qīnglóng staying loyal to his faith the families defeat usually meant death for those of the head of the families bloodline. Tielin though had instead married his sister Dandan. He was probably the most nervous of the three.

Upon arrival there was another helicopter ride and then the trio came face to face with their hosts. Tielin gave a small respectful bow. "Thank you for this invitation. Its a pleasure to meet you." Tielin began.

To:-Minister Lee Jung-Nam

On behalf of the Dragon-Emperor Tielin II we would be proud to welcome you to the Majestic Empire. If it is sutiable for you we would like you to attend a meeting between yourself and Lord Kexing at the Boat Palace in Rizhao Provience. That evening the Imperial Family shall attend the provience to hopefully approve of arrangements yourself and Lord Kexing have made during the day.

Blessings of the Two

---

Kexing was pleased that this meeting was happening in his home province and not in the capital. He was getting old and the constant flights to the North of the nation were tiring. Spring was still working its magic in Rizhao and as such there was still a small crispness in the air. The guests would be shuttled north via a seaplane that would land on the lake at the foot of the mountains that formed the south of Lijiang. Once the plane had made its way to the quayside the Lord waited for his staff to help his guests to land. Despite the creaking of his spine Kexing gave a bow to his guests. "I am excited to welcome you to both the Majestic Empire and Rizhao. We here are known as the Valley of Sunshine however that is perhaps a few weeks away, I sincerly hope that we'll have concluded our business here long before those days arrive but you are always welcome to visit us."

The venue for the meeting was a small marble built Palace that was more like a reasonably sized hall. Even the table around which the meeting was to take place was made out of marble and inlayed with walnut and gold. Most of the time it was open as a tourist attraction but this was closed today for the meeting. Kexing waited for the guests to be seated and then took his own seat. "The Dragon-Emperor has asked me to discuss things on his behalf and will join us this evening for a banquet and hopefully place his seal on what we discuss, with that in mind what would you like to discuss?"

Tielin was rather surprised by the proposal put forward. It was not one that he expected and it was one that would certainly help the nations plans. It would also mean that he could build an extra one beyond the initial plans if the S.U.N picked up the funding and much of the operation costs. "I think this is an interesting idea, setting up a kind of free port. I would though insist that it is built near our capital and that rather than reduced port fees no vessel registered in Lijiang should pay any costs beyond those required for the payment of materials and workers who undertake the quayside work. You will in return be getting your good entering our nation without tariff so long as the goods are originating from your nation. Of course we would still need to hear from Paracambi and Chistopol as to whether this is a project that they would want to be part of. Should they be on board then I suspect we can make a deal of some sort."

Tao was confident that this would all work without a problem. " In terms of payments we may soon have a way of arranging that in a more discreet way. In the mean time what I would suggest is that we place a courier of sort on board a Lijiang vessel docking in Vinitsia. A straight forward cash hand over can be worked out and then when the package arrives in Lijiang we can handle the accounting side. At your end all you would need is some creative accounting and a small cash business. I could perhaps make a suggestion with some contacts I may know of elsewhere." As things turned to the local real estate situation Tao had to thing, "For the right price I think I could find something, however be aware Lijiang does not have the infastructure of a large tourist friendly nation and most hotels are used only for internal travel. That is slowly changing but tends to be towards the capital. As for prostitution we have licenced brothels in Fengtai surely that would be a better investment if thats an industry you are considering." As for the offer made towards himself he simply ignored it. He may be involved in crime but there were still some morals to be had especially when it came to family.

Tao had been using the technique he'd explained for a while but only in occasional attempts, all of which had been successful. "In terms of doing it without the patient knowing then there is not much chance without raising suspicion. Anyone wishing this surgery normally would investigate the process before hand and would know it wouldn't require the number of procedures and wouldn't  be attending a clinic in another nation. I think it best we use poor girls from various nations. As for a test run we can have some cocaine in Vinitsia in four days time. We can find a girl today, operate tomorrow and then arrange the flights. We can get her through security in Lijiang easily, what we could do with knowing is procedures for the arrivals area of your nations airports. For example are we likely to deal with drug dogs, will they be using swabs to analyse for drugs. Because of the covert nature of the methods we're using it should not be a huge issue so long as we brief the girl on some standard responses. So for example if her clothing is swabbed there is a chance residue of the drug could appear on her clothing, the solution there is simple, we tell the girl to say she recently visited a disco here and that could explain the residue as she could have come into contact with the drugs not have them in her possession. Once we have this kind of intelligence then we can make things happen."

Dragon-Emperor Tielin has been spotted out and about in the East Moreland city of Keepton where he is currently watching the Winter Games. The Dragon-Emperor is the head of the nations Mundus Games Committee and is visiting Keepton on what he has described as a "fact-finding mission" as he intends to attempt to bring the Mundus Games for summer to the Majestic Empire. Yesterday he presented the medals for the Men's 10km Biathlon Sprint which was won by the local athlete. As well as watching the events it is thought that the Dragon-Emperor, who is being accompanied by the Azure Dragon Queen Dandan has been meeting with various local business professionals and government members. The Dragon-Emperor has a pre-arranged meeting for the days following the Games with King David where the Dragon-Emperor hopes to build upon existing relationships. "The Morelanders were kind enough to return a significant amount of lost art works to our nation with no hesitation. Furthermore we've begun some cultural exchanges and some very interesting Morelanders have helped educate my son Prince Chun and my wife Dandan. It is my hope ourselves and East Moreland can strengthen the bonds that are blooming between us."

The Dragon-Emperor is due to present further medals during his stay in East Moreland while Queen Dandan is due to attend an event about the Global Childbirth Initiative. The Queen will co-host an event with the Queen of East Moreland and has said it will be "an evening of traditional Lijiangian food and entertainment in which it is hoped the GCI's voulenteers and experts from East Moreland can be rewarded for their excellence. We will also I hope raise a significant amount of money for the excellent cause." The Queen will then return to Lijiang for her final school exams. In her first indication of what she intends to do following these she today said, "Lijiang has many fine educational establishments and my Empress and sister Jing has worked hard to get girls to take education more seriously. I would be the first female member of the Imperial Family to gain a degree from University and we must always, first and foremost set the example for our people. I would like to study either Literature or Music but first we must see what the exams hold."