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Offline Lijiang

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News of the Empire
« on: December 13, 2020, 10:50:12 PM »




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NATIONS MOURNING ENDS

Across the Empire Temple Bells were rang to declare that the period of mourning that begun on the 13th Day of December 1900 of the common Earth calendar has ended. The Dragon Priestess, Xi Mengyao, left the Sanctum of the Two Dragons to personally begin ringing the Temple Bells in the Imperial Palace which indicated that a new Dragon Emperor was to be named.

On the 13th December 1900 the Dragon Emperor Junjie VI of the Huang Dynasty died at the age of 63 from complications arising from a wound suffered while hunting. He died with no children despite having had three healthy sons during his lifetime. His first child shared his name and died at age six from a fever while his two other sons passed away from illness before their father. As a result there was no direct descendant of the bloodline started by Shaofeng leaving the then Dragon Priestess to declare a period of mourning. This trigged a period of 120 years during which time decisions about the successor to the bloodline would be determined by the Priesthood as well for proper rituals to be carried out. During this time however cousins of Junjie began to clash over who should inherit the bloodline and this resulted in a series of armed conflicts between militia groups loyal to their feudal overlords.

In 2016 with the period of mourning drawing to a close these armed attacks began once more after 10 years of quiet. It was only in December 2017 by the common Earth calendar that the new Dragon Priestess Xi Mengyao determined that action must be taken to ready the Empire for the new Emperor and activated the Guard of the Empire to bring an end to the situation. The Guard is a force loyal to the Priestess and utilises a militia of its own drawn from the general population. Within 48 hours of this action the Council of Sorrow, a body made up of the descendants of 12 Feudal Lords unable to inherit the throne appointed by the High Priestess on the day of Emperor Junjie VI's death, had also granted her the use of the Armed Forces. By the end of February 2017 by the common Earth calendar the coalition of the Imperial Armed Forces and the Guard of the Empire had ended the conflicts between four cousin families of Emperor Junjie VI. Dragon Priestess Xi Mengyao then determined who the new Emperor would be and imprisoned the daughters of the other three families in the Imperial Palace where they have remained as security against further conflict by their fathers. Since then the Dragon Priestess has been helping prepare the new Emperor for this day.

As the bells began to ring thousands of people around the Imperial Palace gathered at the gates to hear the Dragon Priestesses announcement. Wearing traditional red robes and with a horn bow strung on her back the 27 year old Dragon Priestess was carried to the roof of the gatehouse and gave her proclamation.

Dragon Priestess Xi Mengyao[1]
Quote from: Proclamation of the Dragon Priestess
120 years ago today we witnessed the passing of Emperor Junjie VI. The Two Dragons had seen fit to call his sons to the afterlife before him and as such the Huang Dynasty came to an end after almost 600 years. The Dynasty was rightly mourned and while we offered our tears to help them reach the afterlife scoundrals saw fit to try and seize power for themselves. For nearly 80 of the 120 years of mourning we witnessed Feudal Lords with tissue paper thin claims on the throne grab what they could rather than what they deserve. Having consulted with the Two Dragons I determined that the Empire needs to return to normal as soon as possible and therefore on this 120th Anniversary of Emperor Junjie's passing we shall end our mourning and begin to celebrate. It is with great pride that I have permission of the Two Dragons to name Lord Tielin shall mark the creation of the Shaohua Dynasty. He is a direct descendant of the youngest brother of Emperor Junjie and kept his militant forces out of conflict and instead placed himself under the direct control of the Guard of the Empire displaying endless loyalty to the Two Dragons. All the Empire must celebrate the beginning of new things as we welcome His Imperial Majesty Emperor Tielin II. Long may the Dragons fly above the Shaohua Dynasty


His Imperial Majesty Emperor Tielin II. First Emperor of the Shaohua Dynasty[2]

Later in the day the new Emperor was escorted into his new home at the Imperial Palace by men of the Guard of the Empire. He will be official crowned in the coming days when all Feudal Lords are summoned to the Palace. Currently the daughters of three other households are resident in the Palace and their futures will be determined by the Emperor once he has been crowned.

Emperor Tielin II was the Lord of Baoshan until ascending the throne. He is 43 years of age and has been married for 21 years to Jing and has three children, Prince Chun (Aged 16), Princess Wenjun (Aged 13) and Prince Daoming (Aged 6). The Emperor is expected to name his wife Jing as Empress the same day that he is crowned. As Emperor he shall now be able to take further wives who shall be named as Queen rather than Empress.

Across the nation as celebration begun the public have called for several hopes to be fulfilled. Many desire now a period of peace and stability so that farms can operate without fear of rouge military forces taking their produce without compensation where as some merchants are hopeful of being able to trade with little limitations and hopefully new trade routes being opened. One of the few Lijiangians who has ventured outside the nation during the period of mourning, a practice seen as disrespectful, is Lin Peng who spent time in several nations as a scholar of traditional Lijiangian Literature. He believes the nation has much to catch up on. "We are a nation that to my views is a good forty years behind many. The internet is a thing of great use that I think we may have only about 5% of the nation capable of utilising. Our trade ports are not large enough. We have a massive untapped potential. We have natural resources a plenty, resources Mundus needs, gas, coal, oil, vast tracks of farmland that go beyond the hundred million or so mouths we have to feed. The Empire could become an economic powerhouse if the Emperor manages what we have been given correctly. My concern is the new Emperor is unprepared for the world outside our borders."
 1. RL-Yukee Chen
 2. RL-Xiaoming Huang
« Last Edit: December 13, 2020, 10:58:45 PM by Lijiang »

Offline Lijiang

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2020, 08:39:26 PM »




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NATION MAKE OFFERINGS TO NEW DRAGON EMPEROR

Today across the Majestic Empire relieved subjects have been gathering at local shrines to make offerings for the long reign of Dragon Emperor Tielin II. Gifts to the ancestors of the Empire included gifts of embroided shirts, flowers, food and effigies of Dragons. At the Sanctum of the Two Dragons the line of those wishing to leave offerings took several hours to clear as thousands of people filed past the giant statue of the Two Dragons leaving their offerings before them. The nation was celebrating not just the naming of a new Dragon Emperor but also the ending of 120 years of mourning which many believe has left the nation isolated and far behind many nations in the world. The period of mourning also saw several long conflicts between private militia forces who were vying to make themselves the new Dragon Emperor. This instability caused great harm to the nation as it shut down several key industries, damaged farmland and cost tens of thousands of lives. It is now hoped that the reign of Tielin II is capable of bringing stability to the Empire.

Dragon Emperor Tielin II will be officially crowned once the High Lords have arrived in the capital for the ceremony, expected to be Saturday the 15th December by the Common Earth Calendar. The new Dragon Emperor is 43 years of age and is the High Lord of Baoshan a title that he will vacate to his eldest son Prince Chun when he is crowned. Baoshan was one of the few Provinces which remained largely peaceful during the period of mourning however he did raise his own militia which was used to defend his own lands until he handed over control of them to the Dragon Priestess and the Imperial Guard. Many believe this show of loyalty to the Empire and the Two Dragons was a key event in him being named as the new Dragon Emperor.

The New Dragon Emperor was born in 1977 by the Common Earth Calendar in the province of Baoshan. He was the eldest son of the High Lord of Baoshan and is named after his father. He has a younger brother who is 36 years of age and a member of the Academy of Scholars were he teaches Philosophy and Ethics. He also has two younger sisters, one of whom is a Priestess at the Shrine of the Two in Baoshan while the youngest of the pair is married to an Imperial Knight. Tielin has been High Lord for  ten years following his father's death in an attack by a bandit group trying to sabotage a railway line through his province. Tielin spent much of his youth under the tutorlidge of his father in preparation for Imperial Service and sat upon various councils as both an Imperial Knight and taking his father's position for various debates in the The Grand Council of the Majestic Empire. At the age of 22 he married the grand-daughter of the Province of Fuyang, Zheng Jin. The pair have three children all of whom shall now inherit royal titles. The nation will, when the Dragon Emperor is crowned, also have a new heir to the throne in the shape of the soon to be Prince Chun. The 16 year old Prince will now transfer his education from a local academy in his home province to private tutoring at the Imperial Palace and the Sanctum of the Two Dragons. The new Dragon Emperors daughter,  Princess Wenjun, is 13 years of age and will begin training with the Dragon Priestess for a potential future in the Priesthood. There is also the expectation that the Emperor will now produce more children as it is seen as a vital duty to have a large Imperial Family to minimise the chances of the nation entering mourning again with the end of the new bloodline. One option for the soon to be Emperor is to marry one or several of the imprisoned daughter of High Lords who sought to oppose the Dragon Priestesses intervention in the conflicts that ravaged the nation. Some believe that in marrying them it would sooth the anger these families have for not being selected as Emperor thus reducing the chances of future conflict. On the other hand many suggest that the Dragon Emperor should exile the daughters and execute the fathers for their disrespect. It is likely their fate shall be determined once the Dragon Emperor has been crowned.

Some commentators have also called for the Dragon Emperor to invite world leaders to his coronation. One such voice is Parmanjan Kyum, owner of a series of banks, who explained, "The Majestic Empire now should seek to show the world that we are a nation of greatness. I am confident that we would demonstrate a coronation unlike any they will have seen. We need to begin down the road of growing the prosperity of our land and to do that we can no longer stay within our borders. We should welcome the world to the Majestic Empire as soon as possible. The new Dragon Emperor must become a great diplomat."

Offline Lijiang

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #2 on: December 22, 2020, 08:13:54 PM »




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EMPEROR HAS FIRST CORONATION

Emepror Tielin has today undertaken the first of the two coronations that will confirm him as the new Dragon Emperor. Today an estimated two million people took to the streets of Fengtai to witness the new Dragon Emperor parade into the city with a large military escort. Dragon Emperor Tielin rode upon a white horse with red painted tail alongside his wife and three children who also rode horses. The Imperial Family went first to the Golden Enclave, a section of the city dedicated to the Empresses control. There they were presented with offerings from the senior noblewomen who reside in the Enclave symbolising the blessings of the women of the Empire had been given. With some noblewomen now in the procession the group crossed the city and went to the Imperial Hospital Barracks, a home dedicated to impoverished ex-soldiers. Here the Dragon Emperor received offerings from some of the residents there thus symbolising the Imperial Family having the blessings of the men of the Empire. The procession then turned to follow the river that runs through Fengtai known as the Dragon Spine and returned to the Imperial Palace. Here the Imperial Family were meet by the Dragon Priestess who made her own offerings to the family. Dragon Priestess Xi Mengyao gave the new Dragon Emperor a horn tipped bow , the Empress was given a ceremonial fan while the three children were each presented with calligraphy sets. The ceremonial parade now means that the final stage of the coronation can take place. While initially it was thought the Emperor would invite members of the international community this is now not to be the case. The Dragon Emperors spokesperson stated to those assembled. "The Dragon Emperor recognises that the nation must begin to repair 120 years of inactivity. This will happen sooner rather than later but the creation of a new Dragon Emperor is a day for the people of Majestic Empire. The day will see a great many rituals and rites take place and these will be perhaps bewildering to the foreigners. We do not wish to have someone tied to them at the hip explaining every little nuances of the day rather than allowing that person the chance to witness and enjoy a unique coronation as we do not just crown a new Dragon Emperor but we begin a new Dynasty. This therefore is an event that is perhaps once in a lifetime, we hope."

It is understood that the new Dragon Emperor has already been contacted by one Head of State to request a meeting. King Heydar of Royal Seleucid is expected to therefore be the first foreign Head of State to visit the Empire under the new Dragon Emperors rule. The exact date of any meeting has yet to be confirmed however.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #3 on: December 29, 2020, 12:56:42 AM »



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EMPEROR SENDS MESSAGE ON LOYALTY

The day before the final ceremony to confirm the new Dragon Emperor has seen a flurry of activity at the Imperial Palace following the first meeting of the Grand Council of the Majestic Empire. The Grand Council is made up of the various High Lords, the Dragon Priestess and of course the Dragon Emperor and regularly meets to discuss key matters of the Empire. Today the focus was on what to do with those who rebelled against the period of mourning which caused Dragon Priestess Xi Mengyao to take military action against three of the High Lords whom eventually capitulated to the Imperial Guard and loyalist militia groups. The Council discussed the issues of the fates of the captured High Lords and their families. The meeting also saw elder statesman High Lord Kexing named as High Councillor. The 81 year old nobleman is the longest serving member of the Grand Council and seemingly has gained the trust of the new Emperor. Lord Kexing will now be responsible for matters assigned to the Council by the Emperor when the monarch himself can not attend the meetings. In his first duty as High Councillor Lord Kexing informed the public of the decisions made by the Grand Council.

The first matter was the fate of the three High Lords who rebelled against the Dragon Priestess. The Emperor has sentenced the three men to death by hanging. The penalty will be carried out the day after the Emperors final coronation and High Lord Kexing explained that the Emperor will carry out the punishment himself stating "The Emperor believes that those so close to him who break the peace of the Empire should be given the harshest punishment permitted. That punishment comes from the Emepror himself and if the law of the Empire is in tatters he must be seen to restore it. We see an Emperor who takes the good order of the Empire into his own hands." It is thought to be the first time in around 500 years that an Emperor has directly carried out the death penalty in person. The three High Lords will have their bodies burnt after the execution with their ashes being spread outside the borders of the Empire.

The Council then discussed what would happen to the families of the High Lords who are to be executed. The day following the execution of the High Lords their widows will be given in arranged marriages to peasants. High Lord Kexing explained saying "The women encouraged their husbands and failed to act as a spiritual guide. As such they are not noble in the eyes of any reasonable person. There were calls for them to also be executed but the Emperor has shown them mercy allowing them to redeem themselves by working on the land that they betrayed so callously." It is not known how the peasants will be selected as there are likely to be few volunteers as the youngest of the women is 42 years of age meaning they are unlikely to produce children.

The Male descendants of the three convicted High Lords will have their family names taken from them and at a date in the near future the Dragon Priestess will bestow new names upon them. It is likely these new family names will be selected from those traditionally used by peasants and was done to allow them to rebuild their individual lives without the shame of their past. There is however one exception to this, the eldest son of Lord Hohot refused to fight against the Dragon Priestess and so will now inherit his father's land and title. While the young man will inherit the title Lord of Hohot he too will have his family name replaced. The Dragon Priestess has announced that his new family name will be Qīnglóng which was traditionally given to members of the Imperial Guard who had provided great service to the Imperial Guard. The Dragon Priestess is said to have selected the name to show that loyalty to the Two Dragons will be recognised and rewarded.

The Female descendants of the three convicted High Lords will be investigated and if found to be involved in the rebellion in anyway shall face formal court proceedings which will likely result in them either being whipped, executed or exiled. There is though to be no trials against the three daughters of the High Lords who were taken as prisoners of the Dragon Priestess in order to ensure they remained loyal. These shall each receive a different fate. The Empire shall celebrate a wedding at the next full moon after the Emperors coronation as the sister of the new Lord Qīnglóng of Hohot, Lady Dandan is taken as the Emperor's second wife meaning she shall become Queen Dandan. The High Councillor explained, "Lord Qīnglóng showed incredible loyalty and should be seen as an example of how to live, the notion of putting the Empire before even your own family is something we should all aspire to. The Emperor will be proud therefore to call Qīnglóng his brother-in-law." Lady Dandan is 16 years of age and was today moved from the Sancturory of the Two Dragons to the Golden Enclave marking the first time she has left the religious centre for almost three years. The future Queen twice has publically renounced her father's uprising during her captivity. The daughter of Lord Jihai of Hefei was also transferred to the Golden Enclave where she shall become the Emperors first Concubine. 19 year old Huian will be stripped of her nobility in order to legally see her fulfil this role. She will then be given the title "Imperial Lady of the Emperors Chamber". The 13 year old daughter of the Lord of Hongcun shall be exiled upon pain of death should she return. It is unknown as of yet where she will be sent or any other details.


Offline Lijiang

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #4 on: December 30, 2020, 09:14:35 PM »




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CORONATION PARADE CONCLUDES CEREMONIES

A huge parade past the Golden Enclave and the Imperial Palace took place to mark the end of the process to enthrone the new Dragon Emperor. The 2nd coronation took place in the Imperial Plaza in the centre of the capital Fengtai where hundreds of thousands of people gathered to witness the ceremony. The Emperor received the official crown having several days ago received blessings from various representatives of the population. The crown was first given a blessing by the Dragon Priestess Xi Mengyao who then took the crown and placed it upon Emperor Tielin II's head. The new Dragon Emperor then crowned each of his family in turn with his wife, Empress Jing getting her crown first followed then by their three children in order of age Prince Chun, Princess Wenjun and Prince Daoming. The family were then escorted by the Imperial Guard to a waiting horse draw carriage which took the female members of the family to the walled complex watched over by the Empress known as the Golden Enclave while the male members of the Imperial Family went to the Imperial Palace. What followed next was a huge parade in which estimates of as many as a million people participated. The route went through the Plaza before marching past the high walls of the Golden Enclave where Empress Jing watched with a large entourage from the Enclave. The group in the parade included at least one representative of every military unit and ship within the nations military as well as a representative of every Temple and School District. As each person passed the Empress they recited an oath of loyalty. The group then made their way to the Imperial Palace where the Emperor watched from the gatehouse tower  to receive the oaths once more. Many of those in the parade will be spending the evening camping on the slopes of the valley sandwiched between the Sancturory of the Two Dragons and the Imperial Palace. Many sky lanterns were light at nightfall despite warnings from the local law enforcement that they could be dangerous to the surrounding hillside woodland.

As darkness fell the Emperor was joined by the rest of the family and the High Lords within the Palace for a traditional feast. Among those attending was Lady Dandan who the Emperor will marry next month. She shall become the Emperor's 2nd wife and will take the title of Wolf Queen as their wedding will take place on the Full Moon dedicated to the Wolf. The Emperor is expected to begin introducing various reforms and decrees in the next 48 hours now he has officially assumed his full power.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #5 on: January 13, 2021, 12:42:07 PM »




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"VERTEBRAE PORTS" TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION

Dragon Emperor Tielin II has today asked for the Council of Imperial Knights to begin implementing a programme that is being called "The Majestic Network of Vertebrae Ports". The Imperial Knights who hold lands neighbouring the huge river known as the Dragon Spine have been asked to examine their lands and report back if they believe that a port could be constructed on their land. The aim of the consultation is to highlight a series of locations for modern ports to be built along the river helping improve the nations trading infrastructure. Currently the river, which runs 3/4 the length of the nation, has a port at its mouth in Lóngzui and another in the capital Fengtai capable of handling large capacities of cargo. The new programme would see a further four constructed along the river in a move that is hoped will allow businesses to transport goods in large quantities up and down the nation. One Imperial Knight has explained he is desperate to get one of the ports for his area. "We in Rizhao would be perfect for this port on the Spine. We are one of the major producers of silk and currently moving the harvests to the roads and then the long journey to Fengtai can take several trucks and each one see us having to pay a driver for days of work and before it reaches Fengtai a huge amount has been added to the price. IF the port is open we can easily move goods in vast amounts much cheaper. This is good for us as we can make make more money, it is good for customers as we can cut some of the prices perhaps. It also means we can even consider trading in other nations without troublesome logistics."

The project marks the first major construction project ordered by Dragon Emperor Tielin II who has spoken of the need to modernise the nation in many ways. "Lijiang is an economy on tick over. We have not utilised the vast potential of the Empire for over a century. While we have naturally not just ceased to work, to trade or farm we have seen no urgency in improving things so we can export more. We are a nation that can be largely self sufficient in terms of food, heating, shelter, clean water, and everything we need to survive. I do not though want us just to survive I want us to thrive and for that we will need to bring industries we have not yet fully embraced into the Empire. To give us the funds to do that we need to move our goods out of the nation. The key then is to ensure a smooth transit process can take place."

The Emperor is due to begin a cruise of the Dragon Spine the day after his impending marriage to Lady Dandan. He will first travel to the Sea Dragon Temple in Lóngzui before boarding a royal boat and heading the full length of the river stopping in several places en route. He will then travel south until he reaches Gāodì which is the Southern most province. The Emperor undertakes this journey so he can say from early in his reign he has visited each Province and the Dragonheart Lake in Gāodì is bordered by three provinces making such a journey a speedy and effective way of achieving the aim of seeing all 13 provinces.
« Last Edit: June 04, 2022, 08:21:45 PM by Lijiang »

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #6 on: January 31, 2021, 12:47:06 AM »



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FUTURE QUEEN'S TITLE SELECTED

Today the pre-wedding ritual of determining the Omens for the upcoming royal wedding took place. At the Sanctuary of the Two Dragons the Dragon-Priestess was joined by the Imperial Family and all  of the High Lords in order to determine the answers to several questions relating to the upcoming wedding that will take place on the 7th day of February in the 2021st year of the Mundus Common Calendar. The most significant question answered during the rituals was the exact title by which Lady Dandan will be known once she becomes Queen.

The young 16 year old noblewoman was taken at sunrise from the Golden Enclave under armed escort by what will be her detachment of Imperial Guards across the river known as the Dragons Spine to the Sanctuary of the Two Dragons. There she began a period of meditation alone with the Dragon-Priestess. Two hours after sunrise the various other people expected to take part in the day arrived and took their positions to witness the rituals. Dragon Priestess Xi Mengyao first asked Lady Dandan if she was willing to accept the Omens of the day whether they be "fair or foul" before asking the Dragon-Emperor if he would accept Dandan regardless of the outcome. Once this had been confirmed a lock of hair from Lady Dandan was thrown into the wind and a vial of her blood added to a bowl of water. From these signs and various other things seen by the Dragon-Priestess that morning a conclusion would be reached about which of the Dragons would accept her as their Queen. While the Dragon-Priestess interpreted these omens with a group of Priestesses the Imperial Family and guests meditated.

It took two hours for the decision to be worked out. The decision would determine which of the four families of Dragons would accept her as their Queen or which individual powerful Dragon would agree to guide her. The decision is highly important for Lijiangian Queens as it determines which festivals and rituals she is expected to take a lead in as well as the best time of the year for her to become pregnant. The Dragon-Priestess announced, "Upon her marriage to the Majestic Dragon-Emperor Lady Dandan shall become known as the Azure Dragon Queen Dandan the First. The omens show that she is closely connected to the Azure Dragons who bring new life in the Spring. We believe this is because the Azure Dragons including Qīnglóng have blessed her and shall bring forth a great many children enhancing the fertility of the entire Empire." The news has been greeted with great celebration across the Empire as the Azure Dragons are among the most favoured because of their connection to agriculture and the fertility of the land.

Following the naming of her new title Lady Dandan was taken into the Temple part of the Sanctuary where she was ritually bathed by the Dragon-Priestess before being dressed in robes of the colour associated with her new title, colours that she will now wear on most formal occasions. Having been dressed she was introduced to the assembled group by her new name which will be revealed to the nation on the day of her marriage. Lady Dandan will now switch her residence to the Sanctuary until her wedding day where she shall spend time with the Dragon-Priestess preparing for her ceremony. Meanwhile the Dragon-Emperor will be spending time on visits to the various Temples around the city of Fengtai making offerings to the various Dragons. It was also confirmed that the omens had permitted the invitation of foreign guests.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #7 on: January 31, 2021, 10:43:01 PM »



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MES HUANGDI ASKS TO BE ADOPTED BY NEW QUEEN

The Naval corvette the Majestic Empires Ship Huangdi has today formally requested to be adopted by the future Azure Dragon Queen Dandan the First. The practice of the Dragon-Empress and Queens of Lijiang adopting a single vessel in the Navy goes back to the very beginning of the creation of the Navy. The Dragon-Empress has adopted the flagship of the Navy, MES Nuwa, and the ship now features a special ensign flown alongside the naval one and its crew are permitted to wear gold piping on their uniform. The MES Huangdi is named after a mythical Dragon-Emperor who was devoted to the Azure Dragon deities and as such is seen as being closely associated with those Dragons the omen have suggested support the future Queen. It is unlikely with the ships Captain so publically stating that they have asked to be adopted by the soon to be Queen Dandan and the ships namesake being so closely connected that no other ship in the fleet is likely to ask now. Upon becoming Queen the decision will be made public and if accepted the ship will be permitted to also fly the Queen's banner alongside its own ensign and its crew would wear bright yellow piping on their uniform. The ship is likely to not be in port when any decision comes as it is one of a number of ships now moving out of port to go and conduct military exercises with the Navy of Royal Seleucid.

His Excellency High Councillor the Lord Kexing lauded the upcoming exercises saying. "We recently hosted the King of Royal Seleucid and he thankfully agreed to support us with our attempts to examine the standard of our military. I am hoping we give a good account of ourselves and I am confident our men will do the best they can with what we have and hopefully turn a few Seleucid heads in doing so with their skills. Once the exercise is over we look forward to several thousand Seleucid servicemen visiting our nation and thank the local communities who have agreed to host them and ensure their stay in Lijiang is an experience they will treasure."

A large military contingent is heading for the North coast for the exercise while another heads to the capital ready for the upcoming wedding.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2021, 11:18:59 PM »




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FIRST OIL DRILL TO ARRIVE BY END OF MARCH

The Ministry of Commerce has today confirmed that the first oil drill acquired from Royal Seleucid will be in Lijiang by the end of March. It is well documented that the Empire has a sizeable oil reserve which has largely gone un tapped. The new Dragon-Emperor believes that developing an effective oil industry could be a key to the long term prosperity of the Empire. The exact size of the amount of oil that could be extracted has not fully been quantified as of yet however some experts believe there is enough for the Empire to be able to rival the output of the Midaranye nations for "at least the next 40 years" however this estimate does not yet reflect the fact the nation has little real infastructure for large scale oil extraction. This though is set to change following a "Food for Oil" deal concluded between Dragon-Emperor Tielin and King Heydar of Royal Seleucid. Under the terms of the deal the Empire of Lijiang will provide food shipments to Royal Seleucid and in return shall be given equipment to allow the Empire's blossoming oil industry to get underway. The arrangement is seen as a win-win by many experts as several years ago the people of Royal Seleucid went through a significant famine because of damage done to their own food production of drought and locust. By exporting long life products such as legumes and rice it is expected Lijiang can ensure that Royal Seleucid never have food security issues again.

The first drill will be set up in the southern town of Madixiang and is likely to provide around 200 jobs initially with Seleucid engineers currently training a work force. Half of the initial jobs will be carried out by Seleucid citizens with experience in the industry however moving forward it is expected the enterprise shall be entirely Lijiang staffed. The initial government plan is for a total of 40 extraction sites to be utilised by the end of the year.





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MILITARY TO GET BOOST

Following the conclusion of the military exercises with the military of Royal Seleucid the Dragon-Emperor has granted permission for his senior military advisers to begin examining a restructuring of the military. General Jiang reported to the media about the exercises and said. "I'd like to begin by saying how exceptionally proud I am of our service-men and also how grateful I am to the armed forces of Royal Seleucid for being our opponents during the exercise. We discovered that our navy was well drilled and inventive with their equipment and possibly was the best performing part of our armed forces. In terms of our air-force our pilots did a highly commendable job but at times it was clear a technological edge was in favour of the Seleucid. Finally our Army are extremely well disciplined and tough however some of the small gadgets of a 21st Century army certainly turned our heads. We are extremely confident that when we look at our current armed forces there is no doubt they can defend our nation and are ready to carry out a vast array of missions. What we need though is to help our men to do there job in the safest of conditions and with giving them as much of an edge as possible. With that in mind we shall be scouring the markets to make some purchases."

It is expected that the Air Force will get the first injection of cash with brand new procurement being lined up. It is though then thought that the Army will be upgrading much of its current inventory with modifications. The military also confirmed that Azure Dragon Queen Dandan I will accept Majestic Empires Ship Huangdi as her flagship. The vessel had asked to be adopted by her as the historic figure Huangdi was a monarch dedicated to the Azure Dragon. The Corvette will now fly not just the ensign of the Majestic Empire but also the Azure Dragon banner. The crew will also now wear bright yellow piping on their uniform. The new Azure Dragon Queen has yet to make a public statement following her wedding and coronation.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #9 on: February 20, 2021, 12:46:18 AM »




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NATION CELEBRATES SPORTING BID SUCCESS


It was announced yesterday evening that the 2021 Mundus Rugby World Cup will be coming to Lijiang. The sport is a relatively minor one in the Empire and so the fact that the Dragon-Emperor pushed for the nation to even enter a team surprised many thus meaning a hosting bid came completely out of the blue. The Emperor explained his decision to make a bid saying. "For 120 years we have seen very few, practically no outsiders come to our Empire. We are a nation with a great deal to offer the world, not just in terms of resources but in social and cultural ways. I could honestly see a thriving tourist industry operating here and while we have an excellent "Staycation" infastructure this has not turned its hand to the overseas market. We need to have an advertising promotion so to speak, give people an excuse to come here. Rugby is a sport that is fantastically followed across Mundus and hundreds of thousands of fans will potentially travel to the ends of the world to watch their team. I am confident that we can host a World Cup that will not just allow a high level of competition but will be an experience like no-other world cup for the fans."

The Lijiang National Rugby Team, known as Dragon Rugby, is managed by 36 year old Bo Pan, a member of Zhedu Rugby Club and a brewer from Fengchu. "I am shocked that we'll be playing in our first world cup at home. We have a lack of international experience and the sport is not enjoying the popularity of many sports such as soccer, table tennis or martial arts but hopefully this will encourage the youth of the nation to come and join us." With the Empire needing to now turn their attention towards ensuring the smooth running of the competition it was announced by Bo Pan that he had reached out to former World Cup Winners and current Mundus Games gold medallists East Moreland for a series of warm up games. "We have asked the Morelanders to come and experience a kind of pre-world tour. They will play in the same stadiums to be used and use the facilities expected at the World Cup. These are top class players and top class coaches. They have been told to inform us of anything falling below the standard needed for top sports stars and it gives us a chance to remedy the situation. It will also give our people a chance to have exposure to the sport and we are looking at making arrangements with some East Moreland High Schools to give their students a chance to come as fans to ensure we even have our hospitality workers get experience of working for foreign guests." While initially it was announced as an East Moreland team it is understood that the squad will feature a number of senior players who announced their retirement from international rugby following the last world cup and younger players from what are referred to as "The Kits" which is the East Moreland Under 21 squad. This is likely because they are trying to ensure their senior players are not injured during the tour. Bo Pan clarified this saying. "The visiting squad will be formidable, former world champions and I suspect future world champions. We're excited to see how we can do against them and hopefully set a marker for the rugby world cup."

The games will take place in Shèngdiàn at the 82,000 seater National Stadium with the Morelanders staying in the old Summer Garden Complex, a former Imperial Park which features a large number of lodges arranged around a large man-made lack dating to the 10th Century. From there the action will head to the smallest stadium for the tournament, the 15,800 capacity Hézhun District 4 Arena. The Morelanders will then stay at the cities Silk Spa hotel which is famed for its heated natural springs. The final game in the three match series is to take place at The Forest Heart Arena in Mùgǔ where accommodation will be provided in the Forest Towers hotels famed for their awe inspiring views across the valley forest. Dragon-Emperor Tielin will attend the first match which will mark the first time the National Stadium, known as the "Dragon Stadium" has been used for a rugby match. It is also understood that the Dragon-Emperor has extended an invitation to King David of East Moreland to visit for the games as it is well known their King is a huge rugby fan however it is not yet confirmed whether he will be making the visit.




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DIASPORA TO BE GRANTED "RIGHT TO RETURN"

The Dragon-Emperor Tielin has today announced that he will be putting in place reforms to the nations rules for foreign nations to take up citizenship and residency in the Empire to create what he is calling "The Right to Return". Currently their is in depth scrutiny of anyone wishing to come to the Empire for any reason other than a holiday meaning foreign nationals (other than diplomatic workers) account for less than an estimated 250,000 people. Meanwhile during the period of mourning a great many individuals left the Empire to take advantage of oppurtunities elsewhere on Mundus. One prime example is the family of former Nya Åland Allsherjargoði(Prime Minister) Jin Odinsson. Mr.Odinsson's family left the Empire in 1975 having converted to the Odinist faith following his father's interactions selling metal products to a Nordic business. The Dragon-Emperor has approached Mr.Odinsson as a possible tutor for his children who he wishes to expose to a series of "respected experts in their field from a wide variety of nations." It is not yet known whether Mr.Odinsson is has accepted the role however he is a good example of the people that the Dragon-Emperor wishes to see return and this was explained today as Dragon-Emperor Tielin visited a new Shūyuàn (Academy for teaching classical Lijiang art and literature) building in Fengtai. "We lost some great minds when the period of mourning began and throughout. Our laws currently state that once you take citizenship of another nation you give up your citizenship to Lijiang, it is impossible to be loyal to two nations and while I plan to maintain this attitude I believe that those who can trace their heritage and ancestary to Lijiang should be welcome here and we'll explore how to do that. I hope Mr.Odinsson will find his way home along with the countless others who are son's and daughters of Lijiang spread across Mundus."

The exact number of Lijiangians who left during the period of mourning is unknown with experts putting the figure at somewhere between 200,000 and 1million people.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #10 on: February 23, 2021, 10:31:17 PM »




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ARTWORK TARGETTED FOR RETURN

It is well known that during the nations period of mourning a large number of important art-works and artefacts left the nation after checks on their safe-keeping were sadly neglected. Since the coronation of Dragon-Emperor Tielin efforts have been made to stop the export of any piece of art of historical or national value. The government have also begun efforts to identify where items have already left the nation and where possible bring them home. This had lead to a very unlikely first step as a team of experts have traced a significant amount of Lijiangian art to a private gallery in the capital of East Moreland, Northfort. The David III gallery is privately owned by the King of East Moreland but is open for free to the general public. It is currently estimated that the King has around 100 examples of a dying art, Paper-Cutting, on display in the gallery and it is suspected that many more are perhaps in Northfort Palace. It is understand that King David purchased these prior to becoming King however it is not known exactly how he acquired them. It is understood that the Dragon-Emperor has contacted the King directly asking for permission to have people inspect the collection. Should permission be granted the delegation visiting East Moreland would include High Lord of MùgǔJiang Guangtai. The High Lord is a respected collector of art work himself and his younger sister is a artist who resides at the Sanctury of the Two Dragons. Speaking following a meeting at the Imperial Palace Guangtai discussed the potential mission. "The 120 year period of mourning has created several problems for our Empire, we are now economically playing catch up as our trade policies are 120 years out of date. We have to rapidly close the gap and bringing art work back to the Empire would seem to many a low priority. For me we need to bring the lost art and history home at the same time as we step into the world. When you engage with the world it is inevitable that your homeland is influenced, that is not a bad thing as there is much we can happily learn from across most nations in Mundus, we can however still ensure our uniqueness as a nation survives by ensuring we take pride in what our scholars, artists, artisans or other skilled craftsman have produced."

The art of paper cutting is a traditional art that has been recorded to having existed for at least 1800 years. It was at one time a favoured art form among the noble women of the Golden Enclave where several ancient examples of the practice are still on display following their creation by historical Dragon-Empresses and Queens. The practice see's extremely thin paper, usually red in colour, cut in intricate patterns and scenes before being mounted on silk. It is custom that a piece of art is done on a single piece of paper meaning extreme care must be taken. Red paper cuts are a tradition gift at the Feast of Dragons and represent good fortune for the year ahead. Despite their popularity as a gift they are in many cases today not considered works of art as High Lord Guangtai's artistic sister Xiuli explained. "Today there are very few people, perhaps no more than 10, that can truly be considered masters of this art form in our nation. Go back two, maybe three hundred years that would have been thousands. We all see in the lead up to the Feast of Dragons stalls and shops selling hundreds of 30cm square paper cuts that look bold and beautiful, but they are made in factories by computer and cut out by machines. It is my hope that if we can show these are from Lijiang then King David will allow us to bring them home."

The hope of potentially returning these objects was supported by High Lord Guangtai who explained "The Moreland monarch authored the Cultural Exchange Treaty Organisation. Currently we are not a member of this but it has at its heart the idea of a nations historic past being in their own keeping. It is my hope that King David will, if we can show proof, stand by the spirit of his created treaty. Perhaps if their King shows good faith we may be open to joining the Organisation."

The potential visit will be the first by a government official from Lijiang to East Moreland that is ever recorded.




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"WHY RETURN" SAYS BUSINESS WOMAN

Beth Qiuxia is a 39 year old business-woman from Bakkermaya who is respected as a restaurateur in several Bakkermayan provinces. Her restaurants, named BQ Bistro, have successfully blended Lijiang cuisine with that of the various islands of Bakkermaya and have made her an estimated fortune of around $30million. She is the daughter of a Lijiangian military veteran who moved to Bakkermaya as a chef following his military service. Beth Quixia was 18 months old when the family made the move and as a result she has been brought up in Bakkermaya all her life however her parents have instilled in her belief in the Two Dragon faith and she is fluent in Lijiangian. Following news though that the Dragon-Emperor was keen to see citizens who have moved abroad return home the business-woman has questioned why anyone would wish to do so. In a recent TV appearence in Bakkermaya she was asked whether she intended to go back to Lijiang and said, "I fail to see why anyone would choose to with the exception of a few nations on Mundus. Lijiang is a nation that is still in the 20th Century at best and as a result those of us who have left would essentially be going through a time warp if we return home. If we take myself and my family as an example. If we were to return home now we would find ourselves as wealthy but struggle to make a success there. We would not be able to own land as we are not nobles, we would need the support of a noble to gain land and as such they'd likely expect a high sum of money to do that. Once back there we'd be in a nation desperately trying to catch up in terms of lifestyle, luxuries, even civil liberties with the rest of Mundus. As a woman I would be expected to be some subservient wife and mother splitting time between raising children, cooking for my husband and going to Temple. That is not a lifestyle I would want. Women in Lijiang are essentially a commodity for their family. Look at the Dragon-Emperor himself. He takes women as Concubines to keep his bed warm meanwhile marries 16 year olds having executed their fathers. Women are not allowed to inherit titles or land and women have very little say over their own futures. Why return? No sane woman would."

The Dragon-Emperor has spoken of hoping to attract people with Lijiang heritage back home so the nation can benefit from their experience. Lord Kexing, the High Lord of the Imperial Council responded to Beth Qiuxia's words saying, "It is true that in many ways our Empire needs to play catch up. Our system of life though has created a nation that has protected its people from the dangers of the outside world for its entire history. We have a people proud of their homeland and now the period of mourning is over we have a Dragon-Emperor who is forward thinking and shall drive us forward. Miss Quixia makes him sound like some woman abusing monster but that is far from what I have seen with him. He is a man who loves his family, his people and his Empire and I know he shall ensure in a short time people like Miss. Quixia will be rushing to return to the Empire to take advantage of the prosperity he will create."

With an estimated maximum of 1million Lijingians overseas it is hoped at least 25% of these will return home this year. So far since the Dragon-Emperor announced he would make it simpler to return a total of 873 families have made contact with their local embassies to enquiry about returning home.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #11 on: March 03, 2021, 10:02:01 PM »




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LIJIANG 3 - 67 EAST MORELAND
2nd Test

The Empire's warm up for the Rugby World Cup has continued with a second game against East Moreland. The match took place at the  the 15,800 capacity Hézhun District 4 Arena which was full to capacity. The atmosphere around the Arena was festive as local school groups had been given the opportunity to attend the game and many of them were witnessing their first ever rugby match. Sadly for the packed stadium, which featured around 1,000 travelling Morelander fans, the Lijiangian team were roundly defeated. This however came as little surprise to the national teams coach  Bo Pan. "The East Moreland team are one of the best in the world, their track record of World Cup performances and Mundus Games medals support this. We meanwhile are taking baby steps onto the world's elite stage. We are gradually seeing the ways that we need to shape our game to compete and are forming a long term plan." The three match test series now stands at 2-0 with a further match left to play.

In response to the heavy defeat the nations Sporting Council have announced that a comprehensive package will be put in place for what they are calling "Rugby 25" The aim of the project is for the national team to be able to move from the group stages by the 2025 World Cup. To help ensure that happens a new National League is to be established with 20 teams and as Bo Pan explains the World Cup will bring an opportunity to kick start this. "The World Cup will expose our people to the sport like never before meaning that we will recruit more players at all levels of the sport. Inevitably the World Cup is the swansong for many international players, some calling it a day completely while others leave the international game. It is our intention to recruit marquee players for each of the 20 teams from among those who will be close to calling it a day. We hope to learn from their experience. We believe having seen the way our citizens are embracing the game and the hospitality of the nation they will choose to stay and help us launch our league."

It is also likely other sports will now be given support to help them compete on a world stage.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #12 on: April 22, 2021, 09:24:45 PM »




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GRAND COUNCIL GIVEN SAY OF MAEA

Yesterday the Dragon-Emperor signed authorisation making the Majestic Empire a member of the Mundus Atomic Energy Agency. The move was the first major international treaty or organisation that the Majestic Empire had joined and its importance was explained by the Dragon-Emperor shortly after. "Our nation may have been absent from world affairs at the time of the use of the first nuclear weapon however we could not avoid witnessing the horrors that it unleashed upon the world. In short time we saw three nations emerge with the power to destroy worlds and thankfully now all three have seen the insanity of such weapons. The potential however of what was discovered can be harnessed in order to advance prosperity for all people. Medical equipment, energy production and various other uses of this atomic energy can change our nation for the better and although we currently do not utilise nuclear energy a time will come when our abundent energy reserves run out and our children or more likely grand-children must be prepared. These kind of works take a long time and so my idea is to utilise connections through the MAEA to prepare us for the future."

Within a few hours the Dragon-Emperor had gone a step further and had nominated the soon to be vacated Fengtai Shūyuàn as a potential HQ for the organisation. The Dragon-Emperor explained his reasoning. "I had been impressed on paper by the MAEA however upon becoming members it was clear to see two of members, Achkaerin and Rokkenjima, seemed to be entangled in a unfriendly competition to win the right to host the organisation. I find this sad, the MAEA was designed to end conflict between nations and was designed to bring together nations for a common purpose of making Mundus a safer place. It is not meant to be a competition. Yet we had two nations whose fingerprints are across many of the "Big" documents that are considered keystones of international relations turning the situation into exactly that. These two nations form what must be considered the "Old Order" a long established group of nations that have often worked together, and occasionally in opposition, but have shaped the Mundus we live in. It is therefore our duty to offer an alternative. To offer a chance for a venue to be chosen based on what could be, not what has been or to settle arguments of the past."

However no sooner had the Dragon-Emperor issued the offer of a HQ in Lijiang than Empress Evanthe Rhodes wrote to the organisation stating she had "concerns" over the HQ being located in Lijiang. The concern however was not focused on the merits of the location offered but rather for several legal stances Lijiang holds, namely permitting repeated trials, no minimum wage, not permitting homosexuals to serve in the military or marry, while also not allowing a person to undergo gender reassignment surgery. The Empress went as far as stating Lijiang is a state that rivals Tamora "in its potential capacity for human suffering.". The Dragon Emperor issued a statement in regards to these concerns of the Empress stating that he would now consider his nations involvement in the organisation.

Later in the day Dragon-Emperor Tielin II said that he is now going to permit his Grand-Council to have a free vote on the matter and added, "as my mind is now 50/50 on the merits of the MAEA I will abide by the advice of my trusted Council." It is expected that at some point in the next 24 hours the Council will have made their decision however the Dragon-Emperor has since added. "perhaps it is my naivity to world affairs but we are verbally attacked by the Empress, who has never once visited our nation, nor spoke with any official from Lijiang. She states that "gay, lesbian, transexual and female lives are viewed as holding less worth as evidenced by the restrictions placed upon them by the state, amongst them the prohibition of gay and lesbian individuals from serving in the military or even having the right to marry, while sexual reassignment surgery remains illegal." and therefore this would mean if we hosted the organisation they would have to be willing to  "cede our moral compass.". This is though an odd criticism. The future Empress of Rokkenjima is currently being educated in Tytor which has the same laws regarding the LGBTQ+ community as we do, furthermore Rokkenjima have a relationship with Tytor where they consider each other their closest allies. In addition to this Rokkenjima have supported Lakhzovia, welcomed them into their economic and political partnership known as the CSU. Yet Lakhzovia also does not allow same sex marriage, doesn't allow gender change surgery and does not enforce a minimum wage. We therefore find it odd that these nations who share our stances on these matters highlighted by the Empress are welcomed into the Imperial bosom while meanwhile we are accused of "discrimination and human suffering" This clearly means we must question what the exact purpose of this organisation is."

Despite a global invitation to attend the recent Imperial marriage in Lijiang no Rokkenjiman official of any rank attended the meeting and no formal interaction between Lijiang and Rokkenjima has taken place for 120 years something that also makes the Dragon-Emperor question the Rokkenjiman Empresses remarks. "I have been Dragon-Emperor 4 months. In that time I have had to examine the needs of a nation that essentially has been on tic over for the last century and a bit. There will be change, I warned my people as much when I took the throne. We shall maintain our traditions and our culture but things will change. They may never become as liberal as nations of the liberal "Old Order" dream of but change will come. Even before my official coronation me and my wife had taken steps to end the practice of child marriage. We have begun the process of other changes. The fact that for 120 years our nation has been unable to make major changes to laws is rather unique. For example many nations across Mundus have laws regarding racial discrimination, Lijiang does not. Is this because we are racist? No of course not. It is because 120 years ago, and even now, our nations has few if any people from minorities here, and in fact meeting someone who is for example a white Morelander is to be likely meet with intrigue not hate. There are no laws on racial discrimination because we did not have it. Sadly modern society which see's people more migratory means we are perhaps going to experience this and when that time comes we will begin changes. No attempt at understanding why our nation is the way it is and the things we are trying to do has been extended. No questions asked, just horrific accusations."

Many believe that the Grand-Council is likely to vote to withdraw the nations membership as many of the Council's members believe that the Majestic Empire should not be governed by other nations and perceive several international treaties as such.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #13 on: April 23, 2021, 09:00:58 AM »




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GRAND COUNCIL WITHDRAW FROM MAEA

For the first time in the Empire's history The Grand Council of the Majestic Empire has been given the sole responsibility of determining a policy for the nation. Having joined the Mundus Atomic Energy Agency and then tended to host the organisation Dragon-Emperor Tielin II was forced to deal with heavy criticism from Rokkenjima who among other things voiced concerns about the Empire's "potential capacity for human suffering". Much of the concerns stem from the Empire's stance on LGBTQ+ rights and treatment of workers. As such the Dragon-Emperor asked the Grand Council to make the decision and after deliberation the Council voted 11-4 in favour of leaving the organisation. The Head of the Grand Council is is Excellency High Councillor the Lord Kexing who explained the decision stating. "There has been a great insult dealt to us joining this organisation. To be considered to have capacity for human suffering when our nation has not, at least in many generations, done anything to purposely cause harm. Our recent history has been disruptive and under the guidance of the Council and Dragon-Priestess we did our best to guide the nation forward as best as we could. In his first hours as Dragon-Emperor we see His Majesty act with compassion and mercy. Had he followed traditional law of Lijiang under ascending the throne he would have had the three rebellious lords whose names we shall not speak, their wives and their whole families executed. His Imperial Majesty however allowed their wives to begin new lives only losing their noble titles, their daughters should have been beheaded yet one now now sits on the throne of the Empire as the Azure Queen, a second holds a place of high honour in the Golden Enclave and the third is beginning a new life outside of the Empire. I will admit I personally advised the Dragon-Emperor to decimate the families as the law requires and my advice was not followed as His Imperial Majesty believed carrying it out would lead to unjust actions. This is the actions of a man determined to change Lijiang and to be considered in the manner he has been is an insult to an honourable man and a nation which has committed no international crime. It is though my understanding that the former Imperial leaders of Rokkenjima, its former Emperor and Empress both have carried the shame of convictions connected to genocide, a true form of human suffering."

Other members of the Council however were disappointed with the result, namely High Lord Jiang Guangtai who had recently returned from a successful diplomatic visit to East Moreland. "When in Northfort I saw a modern vibrant city that had managed to hold in high esteem its own culture while allowing its citizens to live in comfort and harmony. It is my hope one day that Lijiang can be similar. For this to happen I have no doubt that we must modernise at every level. To do that we must be part of the World and to do that we must join organisations. It is my hope in the coming days to piece together our admission to the Cultural Exchange Treaty Organisation, a promise I have given King David of East Moreland. By being part of these organisations we can accelerate our growth and yet still retain our traditional heritage. The result today is disappointing, we have been unfoundedly insulted by Rokkenjima however the MAEA is more than them. I believe had more nations of that organisation spoken in our defence, not necessarily supporting our bid to host but in calling out the ill informed judgements made against us by a nation who has no government official even based in our nation, then perhaps I could have persuaded more to join us. We are a nation proud of our ways. Had the Empress taken time to ask questions then perhaps she would have been less insulting. Why for example does Lijiang have no minimum wage? The answer is because around 70% of our population would be classed as self-employed. They work the land in various ways to earn a living. That land is given to them by the Emperor in return for loyalty to the Empire and for payment of fair taxes. If a man grows much rice his tax that year increases, if the Two Dragons are unfavourable to him and his harvest is poor then he pays less taxes, and much of that tax is paid in produce which we as a nation sell. Just in the same manner I suspect Rokkenjima taxes its own citizens. The citizens keep what they grow, what they produce and they determine their prices and their buyers. This system is not perfect by any stretch but it has stood our nation in such a position that we are able to now utilise these taxes to boost things such as our oil industry. It had been my dream to see Lijiang modernise and to do that we need access to certain materials such as uranium and to technology such as for example CT scanners which utilise radioactive material. As the MAEA inevitably grows we need access to both these things, the material and the technology and so MAEA would facilitate this in a fair way. Now we will look to see whether the group does grow and if not we shall be forced to approach non-member nations for our needs when they arise and they shall now know we are forced into this non-MAEA market meaning it may be more expensive for us to do so. The MAEA was for me a must join organisation and I am sad to have lost today's debate."

High Lord Lian, the Dragon-Emperor's younger brother and acting as Ducal Regent for Prince Chun who is High Lord of Baoshan also spoke after saying. "I supported us joining when my brother signed us up. Seeing our treatment at the hands of those of this Old Order, either through their unfair words or lack of support means our position is untenable. It is clear we are not a nation one of the authors of this organisation wish to do business with and that therefore makes our position untenable."

As High Lord Jiang Guangtai explained earlier it is expected that the nation will seek to gain membership of the Cultural Exchange Treaty Organisation in the coming days. With this treaty having been penned by East Moreland and with a recent visit by High Lord Jiang Guangtai to that nation which successfully saw many works of art return to their homeland with others due to return to an opening of a new Cultural and Art Musuem it is hoped the transition into that organisation will be more successful. It is expected His Majesty King David of East Moreland will attend the opening of that Museum having a history of collecting Lijiangian Art.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #14 on: April 30, 2021, 09:46:13 AM »




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DRAGON-EMPEROR APPOINTS "IMPERIAL SPECIAL EMISSARY"

It was confirmed today that the Dragon-Emperor has appointed the former Allsherjargoði of Nya Aland, Jin Odinsson as his Royal Emissary. Mr.Odinsson's family left Lijiang when he was a young boy and he grew up in the Nordic nation becoming the equivalent of its Prime Minister of High Lord before retiring from politics to focus on a writing career. He had initially taken up an offer to help educate the children of the Imperial Family along with several other prominent well known scholars including East Moreland's former Queen Matilda Osman. It is understood that Mr.Odinsson has struck up a respected relationship with Prince Chun and his father the Dragon-Emperor which lead to him being offered this role that the Imperial Palace has stated, "The role has no fixed agenda. It exists as a role where Mr.Odinsson has agreed to provide advice on a variety of matters to Dragon-Emperor Tielin as and when requested. It will include perhaps accompanying him to meetings and various foreign visits if needed. Mr.Odinsson may have embraced another faith but he still feels in his heart a desire to help his nation of birth. We look forward to working with him in the future."

It was thought that perhaps Mr.Odinsson would be involved with a delegation to attend a proposed conference on "Nuclear security" however this has been ruled out by the Imperial Palace who have said, "There shall be no attendance at the conference for two reasons. First the location is one which we could not in good faith attend. While we gratefully appreciate the apology put forth by Empress Evanthe it does little to change our feelings towards the MAEA. While Dr.Gren is attempting to include all nations and that is commendable with the MAEA HQ being used, with the MAEA President hosting it is unlikely to not be in sense a recruitment event. The second reason we shall not attend is because until we have sourced our non-MAEA supplied materials we are unable to contribute to the proceedings in a meaningful way. We shall watch proceedings closely however."

It is understood that discussions have also taken place in Council regarding the upcoming visit of King David to open an art gallery and cultural museum in Lijiang. The gallery will feature recently donated art works by the East Moreland monarch. It is believed that these art works may have originally been made in Lijiang and the Morelander had acquired them over a number of years of collecting. It is also reported that the King has also selected a theme for part of the building however this is to be revealed upon the day. The Council have discussed extending an invite to the Rokkenjiman's following announcements that they have been discussing multi-nation talks between East Moreland, Lijiang and Rokkenjima. It is understood the Council is undeceided as the intention had been to extend to King David the status of an official state visit which would have seen him and his delegation entertained at the Golden Enclave, accompanied by Imperial Guardsman and given the right to enter various sites at the Imperial Palace, Golden Enclave and even the Sanctuary of the Two Dragons. It is suggested that should this turn into a visit also including Rokkenjima it would be unseemly to extend that honour to one party and not the other. An expert on protocol from the Imperial Servants School explained. "To be a state occasion visiting guests, such as a King or Queen, must be treated in a certain way. From how they are greeted, to how they are entertained. So far King Heydar of Royal Seleucid is the only individual to get close, and this is mainly as it was too early in the Dragon-Emperors reign and a "first contact" between nations designed at discussing a very particular arrangement. He was extended perhaps 2/3 of the finery of a state visit. King David however has already meet with a High Lord of the nation and been deemed a "gracious host" in the report given. He furthermore has offered gifts to the nation with no expectation of favour in doing so thus making him an honourable man. His sister attended the Imperial wedding as one of a handful of foreign guests. The Rokkenjimans meanwhile have no connection. A full state visit of old would have seen the Emperor dispatch his own horse and guard to escort the guests to the Palace. The guest would be permitted to hunt in Palace estates, enter the Imperial wing of the Palace and even walk on the Yellow path dedicated to the Imperial Family. Then in the evening he would be taken to the Golden Enclave where the Empress and Queens would be responsible for their care. This would also extend to using the House of the Concubines within the Enclave where it is customary to bath before a great banquet in their honour. In the past high ranking guests where even given the use of the Concubines themselves, however with the King having just a single concubine and the King being a man happily married in a nation where monogamy is seen as an oath this is unlikely. As you can see the granting of a "state visit" carries with it significant effort by the Empire to treat the guest in a honourable way and as such I think the Dragon-Emperor will not believe it is possible at this time."

The visit of King David is expected in the next few days.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #15 on: May 18, 2021, 10:37:13 AM »




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CINEMA. ELEVATION OR EROSION

Since the nation has become more open since the coronation of the Dragon-Emperor Tielin II many entrepreneurs are trying their hand at new lines of business hoping to capitalise on opportunities contact with other nations has brought. One such field is in that of cinema. Since the ending of the mourning period small scale businesses have set up taking mobile cinema to the masses. Cinema in Lijiang is still not as common as in other places with live theatre performances still being one of the more popular forms of entertainment and traditional style actors and actresses being highly respected however the new medium of film is allowing an even greater number of people to access entertainment than ever before. One such enterprise is the JE Mobile Cinema company run by brothers Junjie and Enlai the pair used to run a small travelling acrobatics company but have now fitted themselves out to travel the more rural areas and show films. The duo purchased a generator and projector and set about buying various DVD's of films. "The fact that Jiāyuán speak the same language helps as they are a more modern society. Its possible to get films of all sorts there dubbed into our tongue. We then head off in our truck and when we come to a village with enough people in we stop and set up our tent. We then charge people a small fee to come in and we show films. We have a wide variety in our library and they are growing each week. We can give the locals a choice and show three, sometimes four films a day. The tent gets very crowded at some points. The next day we pack up and move on." Junjie estimates that they reach an audience of just under 1,000 people a week in terms of tickets sold. The films they have are rather varied from those from Jiāyuán which tell traditional folk stories to modern classics from places like Achkaerin and East Moreland. Enlai explains that often it is the foreign films that capture the most attention, "everyone is familiar with the folk stories of our people and neighbours, as such they've seen the stories acted out and told in countless ways. This means people want something new and the special effects of films such as the Avengers or fantastical space battles as Star Wars capture people's imaginations." The business is proving so popular that the duo are considering buying a second truck to allow them to cover more ground or in some small towns have multiple screenings.

The increase in cinema though has lead to some people becoming worried about the media, one such person is Liao Xiaoyi who is a Priestess in a rural Southern town. "I have witnessed two films when these mobile shows came. One was of a traditional warriors tale and I found it rather insulting. It left out lots of key parts of the story sacrificing it for more sword fights. This erodes our knowledge of our own heritage. Then I saw Guardians of the Galaxy and enjoyed it, my fear is though films such as this will turn young people away from our own heritage in favour of talking raccoons." This fear is shared by many who believe that films from overseas are nothing more than "Propaganda" as one local community leader explained when he told us why he had not allowed a cinema to set up. "They are trying to make our teenagers more like those from the wealthier more influential nations. The cinema is an attempt to soften up attitudes and traditions in order for them to effectively change what it means to be Lijiangian. We should ban all non-native films."

The criticism has been heard by the Dragon-Empress who had recently invited JE Mobile Cinema to the Golden Enclave for Princess Wenjun's 14th birthday. Dragon-Empress Jing has even commented on this debate herself saying, "Cinema was powerful. We saw the stories of the past brought to life in ways more realistic than theatre can but at the same time it is tragic. We are a nation that has a proud past and amazingly interesting stories of our own. My fear is cinema will replace these with stories of strange fantastic monsters and beings from fiction. I will not be bringing a cinema into the Enclave again unless it is to show something of our own heritage."

It is thought however that the Dragon-Emperor believes that the cinema industry could be a boost to the Empire. He has invited Samira Hanifnejad, the multi "Ozzie" award winning director to tutor Prince Chun and has publicly stated his opinions towards the art form. "Mrs.Hanifnejad has shown time and again just how well told and well planned stories can impact people around the world. Her films on the plight of those facing injustice helped raise awareness of key problems across Mundus and are as skilled an art form as a theatre performance. Film is not here to replace our traditions but perhaps to compliment and at times enhance. I believe we have a great potential to be a leading market and player in the film industry. Our landscapes are vast and varied and as such I hope we can perhaps welcome film makers from across Mundus to film here utilising the vast space we have and the stunning scenary, here it is possible to find almost nearly any landscape. I also want our creative people to begin making our own films and as such today we will begin a fund to help create "Lijiangwood", a home grown film industry to hopefully mean that soon we can have our own Samira Hanifnejad to be as proud of as Tamora are of her."

It was confirmed that filming had already begun on a project to tell the story of King Ah Hsu who began the creation of the Majestic Empire in the 6th Century BCE. 

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #16 on: June 05, 2021, 12:00:57 AM »




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DRAGON-EMPRESS TO BEGIN FEMALE EDUCATION IN ENCLAVE

News has emerged today that any noble family who wish to reside within the Golden Enclave must ensure all girls under the age of 14 within their family are educated. At present the law for the Majestic Empire makes only education of boys compulsory and is made avaliable through various local institutions to all boys until the age of 10, however any boy born into a noble family must be educated until the age of 16. Many noble boys are educated through the rigorous Shūyuàn, or Academy system, yet no similar system exists for girls. Dragon-Empress Jing today though announced that starting from the 1st of July all noble families who have a permanant residence in the Golden Enclave must send all girls under the age of 14 to a school being established there. It is expected some 220 girls will be part of the new establishment. Should any noble refuse to send their daughter then they will be excluded from even being able to visit the part of the capital under the rule of the Dragon-Empress. The girls will study maths, literature, philosophy, music, dance, oratory and art. This is less subjects than male students are expected to study however it will mean that a new generation of women will receive an education their ancestors were never given.

The new Imperial family have already made a great show of placing an importance on education. Prince Chun has been enrolled in the Shūyuàn in Yansheng which is the most prestigious academy in the nation. In addition Princess Wenjun has been recieving tutoring along with her brother from various notable foreign guest tutors, the youngest Imperial child is Prince Daoming who in September will begin his own time at the Shūyuàn in Yansheng. Even Queen Dandan has been given an education as she as sat in lessons given by the foreign tutors, making her the first royal female to be given a formal education.

Dragon-Empress Jing explained her decision saying. "As a nation 50% of our population are always destined to be illiterate and unknowing of Mundus beyond our borders. The Empire can not be successful if we do not harness our great potential. We have been pleased to welcome several prominent educators from across the globe to help Chun, Wenjun and Queen Dandan and many of these have been women such as Matilda Osman. We need to mobilise all our potential."

Dragon-Emperor Tielin holds no authority over the policies followed within the Golden Enclave but has welcomed the move saying, "We have approximately 60million women in our nation with no formal education beyond what is provided by their own family, for the vast majority that means nothing. It will of course take a few years to improve this situation but we shall bit by bit effect change."

 


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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #17 on: June 15, 2021, 11:02:05 PM »




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FIRST VERTABRAE PORT OPENS

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.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #18 on: July 19, 2021, 10:34:06 PM »




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DRAGON-EMPEROR ISSUES "MORAL CONDUCT" DECREE

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.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #19 on: September 12, 2021, 05:02:15 PM »




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GOLDEN ENCLAVE TO PERMIT CAMERAS FOR FIRST TIME

Dragon-Empress Jing has today confirmed that she will permit TV cameras into the Golden Enclave for the first time. The announcement came when it was confirmed that Princess Wenjun will be taking part in this years annual Autumn Festival as one of the three girls who represent the Dragon Qinglong. Tradition dictates that each settlement select three young girls to lead the parade as it makes its way around the local area and hold dances at key ceremonial locations in their local geographical area. The crowd that follows clean away the first leaves of autumn and these are then burnt to allow the local Preistess to take omens for the winter to come. With this being the first such ceremony in the reign of a new Dragon-Emperor it will be the first time the ceremony has taken place in the Golden Enclave for over 120 years. The decision to allow TV cameras to film the ceremony was explained by the Dragon-Empress Jing who said, "The traditions of the Empire have always said that the omens from the Autumn Burn in the Enclave give an indication of the future of the Empire. It is therefore natural that the public will want to know what these omens have in store for us and rather than rely on old fashioned heralds taking the word far and wide we can embrace new technology. While the Enclave is the private heart of the Empire I think it is appropriate that from time to time people see the world within it." Princess Wenjun is said to be excited as her mother explained, "To be able to lead the dancing and the parade is an exciting honour. It is historically the case young Princesses have been involved but she has been practicing hard along with the other two girls." Her dancing partners are daughters of high ranking administrators who attend the Girls school which operates inside the Enclave.

The Dragon-Empress has also addressed concerns that some nobles are beginning to raise. "The nobility are concerned that as of yet in the time since becoming Dragon-Emperor we have yet to expand the Imperial Family. The Dragon's Fucanglong and his mate Qinglong promised that the Imperials would be a reflection of them, the Two Dragons had offspring as numerous as the stars and as we look back through history we can see large Imperial families. When the last dynasty allowed their numbers to dwindle the Empire faced troubled times. While I wish to keep my husband to myself we must put duty above all. With this in mind I have instructed that all those who are a Banner-Man or higher may present unmarried daughters of at least 16 years of age for potential selection as consorts of the Dragon-Emperor, be that through marriage or as a concubine. Those myself and my fellow wife, Queen Dandan, believe to be suitable will help us continue our Dynasty."

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #20 on: October 11, 2021, 09:17:46 PM »




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CONSTRUCTION ON WENCHANGZHEN 1 TO BEGIN

Wenchangzhen was selected as a potential site for any Lijiang based nuclear power station in the weeks after the Dragon-Emperor came to the throne and today it was confirmed that an agreement with Altona will see the site break ground in the next few weeks. The Dragon-Emperor has been meeting with King Rutger of Altona in order to acquire access to their technology to construct the first of what are expected to be several nuclear power stations to "future-proof" the Empire's needs for power generation. Speaking upon his conclusion of the agreement His Imperial Majesty spoke excitedly of the deal. "We are in a process of trying to think far ahead of where we stand at the moment. We entered the period of mourning at a point when industry took huge steps forward and while, thanks to many of the High Lords, regions of Lijiang developed other regions were much slower. At the moment we can cover all our energy needs however we know maybe ten years from now that will not be the case. As such we can fast forward much of the development other nations have and build large, clean and safe energy production centres. We shall be making sure our nation is "future-proof". To that end we have secured now a source of fuel which with the help of Altona we shall prepare for nuclear energy. Altona have agreed to oversee the construction of the first power station, what will be the first of many. In addition they will provide the training which will allow us to employ thousands of Lijiangians in a high tech industry."

Under the agreement all parts of the system will be purchased from Altona and their nations largest energy provider,  Altonan Electrical Syndicate (AES), will provide technical oversight as workers from Lijiang carry out the construction. In return AES will take 15% ownership of Wenchangzhen 1 for ten years before their share reduces. The exact date of the plant going live is yet to be confirmed.





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DRAGON-EMPRESS BEGINS "EXPANSION"

Following criticism of the relative small size of the Imperial Family the Dragon-Empress agreed that her husband must begin having more children to ensure the Imperial Family does not ever risk plunging the nation back into mourning. As such last month she gave a decree which stated that anyone who was "a Banner-Man or higher may present unmarried daughters of at least 16 years of age for potential selection as consorts of the Dragon-Emperor, be that through marriage or as a concubine." Over the last few days a total of 32 girls have been presented to the Dragon-Empress at the Golden Enclave. Over the course of the next week or so the Dragon-Empress and Queen Dandan will select those believed to be an asset to the Imperial Family and then according to the Dragon-Empress "determine whether by their status, bearing, wisdom and grace whether they are to be a Queen or a Concubine."

Such a process has happened many times through the history of the Majestic Empire with several Dragon-Emperors making such selections an annual event, a practice Dragon-Empress Chun has ruled out. "We today live in an age when mothers giving birth are almost always guaranteed to survive. That was not the case as we journey back in time. I can then imagine why a leader may need the hundreds of women stories speak of. I am sure that we can build a supportive and useful sisterhood of women around the Dragon-Emperor while at the same time ensuring the long term survival of this Dynasty." The exact number of girls to be selected has not been discussed.

One of those who has sent his daughter is land-owner Wu Yibing who has sent his 17 year old daughter. "Marriages are expensive if they are done in the normal way. This is a chance to have the most influential marriage possible while maintaining our families wealth. I asked my daughter if this was what she would like to do and for our family she said that she would go. I naturally pray she will be accepted as a wife but I understand the high bar that will be set. To be a Concubine would be an honour too. We have been told by the Dragon-Empress that girls not deemed worthy to be part of the Imperial Family will be helped to find good husbands and I trust her to do so as she is a woman who has done much to help women in the Majestic Empire."

The girls arrival was filmed by the first cameras to be permitted in the Golden Enclave which have been recording footage of seasonal festivals there.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #21 on: November 15, 2021, 10:49:45 PM »




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TANK SALE AGREED TO WADDAN

The Ministry of Defence have released a statement explaining that an agreement has been reached between the Majestic Empire and Waddan to sell an undisclosed number of tanks to the Midaranye nation. A spokesman for the Ministry announced the landmark deal by saying. "Today we have agreed to help our friends in Waddan secure their nation. These tanks mark two significant landmarks. For us they are the first deal based on military equipment we have made showing that our technology is desired across Mundus, a huge moment of pride for our engineers. The second landmark is that this is the first time the Waddan military have purchased tanks, thus helping their nation continue its move towards a modern armed forces."

The sale is rumoured to have include provision for training the tank crews and a wider military training exchange. The arrangement marks the second strong trade arrangement between the two nations. The two nations have already made a food for minerals arrangement that has permitted the Majestic Empire to begin construction of its first nuclear power plant.

The sale of the tanks has lead to some to speculate that their sale may be part of plans for modernisation of the Lijiang Armed Forces with space being made in the inventory of equipment for more modern versions of heavy armour.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #22 on: November 21, 2021, 08:47:54 PM »




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QUEEN DANDAN TURNS 17

The Majestic Empire today saw celebrations across the land as the Azure Dragon Queen, Lady Dandan, turned 17 years of age. The Dragon-Emperors 2nd wife celebrated her birthday with a large feast in the Golden Enclave which saw ambassadors from across Mundus invited as well as a military parade lead by members of the Corvette MES Huangdi which is the naval ship entitled to carry her banner. The crew of the ship were permitted to approach the Queen and presented her with a 17th Century naval chart of the Krimeon Sea having heard that the Queen has taken an interest in studying Geography.

Following the parade and feast the Queen spoke briefly with the media outlining her hopes for the next 12 months. "It is my hope that in the next 12 months I will be permitted by my husband to complete studies in many subjects. I have been fortunate enough to be given an education far beyond my imagination and I now enjoy finding out more about Mundus everyday. It is my desire that I could perhaps gain a degree in Geography but that is further down the lines. I wish to travel across Mundus and visitt many new lands. If the Two Dragons permit it I would like to give my husband a healthy son but I am still young and have many years left to have many children for the Empire. I wish to thank the people for their kindness."

Dragon-Emperor Tielin confirmed that he will not stand in the way of the Queen continuing her education when he said "While the Empress and Queen have no direct role in the management of our country I seek advice and guidance from many different people. My first wife, the Dragon-Empress has been a constant source of knowledge and guidance for when I have had to make decisions on the role of women. I believe as she continues her learning and gains experiences Dandan will be just as valued a voice."




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DRAGON-PRIESTESS TO HAVE CHILD

Dragon-Priestess  Xi Mengyao today announced that she has instructed her assistants to begin selection of potential fathers for a child. The Dragon-Priestess role is inherited through female lines of succession from the Dragon-Priestess and it is believed by the faithful that the bloodline goes all the way back to the Dragon Xiaotong. Traditionally the Dragon-Priestess has selected fathers for their children from the Imperial Family however with the current Imperials being small in number it is likely that more distant relatives will be potentially approached. There is no hard and fast rule however about who it must be and more noble families are likely to be considered on this occasion.

A spokesperson for the Dragon-Priestess stated that, "Now the Majestic Empire is the most stable it has been in over a century the Dragon-Priestess has a chance to focus on her more spiritual duties. This includes the need to secure the succession in the same way His Majestic Dragon-Emperor Tielin has the Dragon Throne. The honour of being the father of the Dragon-Priestess is second only to being related to the Dragon-Emperor." The father of Dragon Priestess Xi Mengyao is Imperial Knight Wang Geng who is currently a senior officer in the Air Force and a member of the Priestesses Guard.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #23 on: December 04, 2021, 05:40:13 PM »




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CONSTRUCTION ON WENCHANGZHEN 1 HALTED DUE TO HISTORIC FIND

The Ministry of Energy today has confirmed that construction of the nations first nuclear power station, Wenchangzhen 1, has been halted after historical remains from around the 2nd Century BC have been found. The landmark project is in the process of preparing the foundations however the discovery has brought part of the site to a standstill and slowed others. The local University have provided a series of archaeologists to help uncover the remains of what appears to be an ancient burial. So far the remains of two people have been found with a variety of grave goods and a skeleton of a horse. Dr. Noang informed the media that, "The discovery here is rather bizarre as the site of Wenchangzhen 1 was selected as it was remote from any settlement on record. To therefore find what appears to be high status burials here shocked us. We are now grateful that we have a chance to investigate and we plan to work with the construction teams to ensure that work can progress on the much needed project but also we can preserve our nations valuable heritage."

The Dragon-Emperor himself has even spoken out about the discovery saying, "We are a nation that embraces our history and past. It is now vital we explore this discovery but at the same time don't allow this to side track our future. Wenchangzhen will be our first nuclear power station but it may need to be moved slightly depending on what we find. Our will not permit our heritage to be destroyed."

So far the discovery is confined to only one part of the site which means work has been able to proceed in other sections. Construction Managers at the site estimate that they will be around a month off schedule so long as nothing else new is discovered there.




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YIJUN TO BE CONSIDERED FOR FUTURE "IMPERIAL MOTHERHOOD"

Following several weeks of residency at the Golden Enclave the 32 young noblewomen who were being considered for either future Queens or Concubines only one has been deemed suitable by Dragon-Empress Jing. With several of the social events within the Golden Enclave now being allowed to be documented for TV and print media several of the girls have become quiet popular among the public including the 20 year old Yijun who is the daughter of a Banner-Man. The young girl comes from  Baoshan, the Dragon-Emperors home Province, and is the youngest of a family of eight children. Her father is the Banner-Man for Luocun meaning he is a minor noble responsible for the administration of three villages and one small town. Yijun has been promised in marriage on two occasions however the suitor was unable to pay the requested marriage price for her and thus she has remained unmarried and has dedicated her life to helping support her local Temple as both a custodian and ritual dancer. Unlike many minor noblewomen she has learned to read and write to a high degree largely thanks to her involvement in the life of the Temple. Having been heard speaking with friends at one of the social occasions in the Golden Enclave she was heard to say that if she was not selected she intended to ask the Dragon-Priestess to allow her to become a Priestess herself.

The result has been "disappointing" according to the Dragon-Empress who stated, "Through times of history it has been common for such selections to take place and we have had High Lords even send their daughters to try and become part of the Imperial Family. Very few high ranking girls came, we must think why as we move forward. Yijun has though shown grace, integrity and  humility during her time here and I am impressed by the young lady. I hope that as we now have a closer inspection of her we can either add her to the Imperial Family or to the Concubine's Lodge." It is expected that the Dragon-Emperor will meet with her several times in the coming days to view how their potential relationship may be.

The remaining 31 girls however will not be returned immediately to their homes. The Dragon-Empress confirmed that 13 of the girls have already been found husbands among the young noble-men who have family in the Golden Enclave and that she is hopeful that the others will soon.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #24 on: January 18, 2022, 09:45:06 PM »




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ALL ACADEMIES TO BE REHOMED BEFORE 2030

The series of eight Academies that form the Shūyuàn system have been a central part of Lijiangs academic system for close to 2000 years. The system see's any male turning 11 years of age eligible to sit entrance exams and places being allocated at the elite residential schools based purely on the students scores. Each year an estimated 2,500 students across the nation join the Academies which offer a 10 year study programme. The vast majority of those working within the Imperial Government are graduates of the Shūyuàn system which rather than awarding a grade gives students a rank. Students sit a series of exams and are awarded a score out of 1400, students with tied scores are ranked by age with the younger student being placed higher. Generally speaking anyone finishing in the top 100 for their year is guaranteed a high status position working in either the military, civil service or directly for the Imperial Family. Currently Prince Chun is attending the Yansheng  Shūyuàn and was currently ranked 1072nd in the nation for his age group. While the schools are highly prestigious much of their infrastructure is now outdated and will be replaced.

While visiting the Yansheng Shūyuàn the Dragon-Emperor made the announcement stating, "The Shūyuàn are a centre-piece of our nations educational system. A true meritocracy that exacts academic rigor and scholarship. I am proud my son has earned a place within the system and like any father I would wish he placed higher but he still has time. The problem we have is that while the Shūyuàn system prepares our young men for a life of service it prepares them for a life of service within an Empire still in some ways stuck in 1922. Our leaders of tomorrow need 21st Century learning and the Shūyuàn system will reflect that. While I still want them to learn the traditional subjects of  History, Literature, Maths, Science, Philosophy, Law and Theology they must also learn more about Mundus and our global community. I want our future Ambassadors to come from within this system and them be comfortable to go to any part of the world and represent the Empire proudly."

The first new Shūyuàn will be in Mànyóum. It will be built within the extensive grounds of the current Shūyuàn complex with the older buildings either being converted for use in other ways or potentially being used to extend the Shūyuàn system to children from the age of 8. Each of the new complexes is to have sport facilities, computer labs, scientific labs and an extensive "global" library. The Dragon-Emperor has also hinted that at least one of the older Shūyuàn's will be converted to the first female Shūyuàn saying, "We have for the last year or so had an extensive number of Lijiangians return here from abroad. We have seen many Lijiangian women be successful overseas and sadly here at times we have neglected their education. In the Golden Enclave we have seen girls getting a much better education than previously and I believe that having an overall more educated population can help our Empire. Our people are our greatest resource and each must be utilised to the best of our ability."





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WENCHANGZHEN 1 DIG UNEARTHS "CHARIOT SCHOOL"

The site of the nations first nuclear power station, known as Wenchangzhen 1, has been being investigated by the nations leading archaeolohists for nearly two months and the experts believe they have discovered a "Chariot School". A series of buildings have been discovered including what is thought to have been a stable complex "Large enough for 200 horses" Several burials of people and horses have also been discovered. One of the Professors on the site has explained what they believe they have found "The finds seem to be of a Chariot School of the former Imperial Military. Chariots formed a key part of ancient Lijiang warfare with men driving teams of horses while a comrade fired arrows, threw spears or used swords from the chariot. The training of such teams was very demanding and deaths in training, for both men and horses, was not uncommon. It became a tradition that men and horses were buried together as it was seen as the soldiers and animals become brothers-in-arms and therefore lived, fought, died and of course were buried together. In total we found six burials such as this some distance away from the building."

The Chariot School itself is not unique but it is the first time that such a large one has been found leading experts to believe that the site was a key part of military infastructure. The work on the power plant is now set to continue but further pauses for digging has not been ruled out. The parts of the site were the first phase of construction takes place has however now been extensively excavated and no other finds are anticipated there. While work progresses there archaeologists will continue examing other parts of the site.

Meanwhile it is confirmed a guest team from the MAEA has arrived to take a look at the construction. While Lijiang withdrew from the organisation in protest of their heavy handed treatment when first joining it is understood the Dragon-Emperor Tielin will allow the MAEA to observe the construction. A spokesman for the Dragon-Emperor stated, "The MAEA will be allowed to see that even without such a body people can build nuclear energy cleanly, safely and without posing a threat to the world. The MAEA have no power to halt any work and we look forward to the progress our teams and the Altonan designers make in the coming months."




Offline Lijiang

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #25 on: February 19, 2022, 12:27:34 AM »




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QUEEN TAKES ON FIRST OFFICIAL POSITION

The Imperial Palace have today confirmed that 17 year old Queen Dandan is set to become the nations patron of the Global Childbirth Initiative. The Dragon-Emperors 2nd wife is expected to fly to East Moreland during their Winter Games to attend a fund raising event being held by the East Moreland Queen. Speaking today in the Golden Enclave the Azure Dragon Queen was excited about the role but nervous. "It is important we help women in a time of danger. Growing up in Hohot I saw girls younger than me suffer in childbirth. My sister wife the Dragon-Empress has made great change to life here meaning children are no longer at risk. But more must be done. Our nation is very rural and some women hours away from health care. We must protect all women."  The Queen is expected to travel to East Moreland in the coming days along with the Dragon-Emperor who is the President of the Lijiang Mundus Games Committe. Lijiang is not really known for Winter Sports however the Imperial Family have supported big sporting investment across the nation. It is reported that the Azure Dragon Queen has while at her private school become involved in playing Volleyball. The Golden Enclave has also begun fielding a Netball team in the Capital provenience social league.

The Dragon-Emperor has also explained the appointment of Queen Dandan by saying " My wife has around six months left in her education, unless she desires to continue to University. She needs to begin undertaking some duties and while the Dragon-Empress has fully embraced the influence her position can exert Dandan has yet to be given the same opportunity. I am hopeful that after introducing her to the Morelanders she will feel more able to play a role in supporting social organisations in much the same way I have seen Queen Stasya doing. I have meet King David when he visited Lijiang for the opening of the art and cultural centre he is now a patron of but I have now been given an opportunity to visit his homeland and hopefully take our friendship further. To date no formal arrangements exist between the two nations and I would like to leave the Games having seen some amazing sport but also with some good news for the Empire." The Dragon-Emperor is expected to present a medal while in East Moreland.





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WENCHANGZHEN 1 GROWS

Following the delay for the completion of archaeological studies the foundations for the nations first nuclear power station, Wenchangzhen 1, have been completed. The project is being overseen by Altona and will now focus on the construction of various facilities connected to the project. The Dragon-Emperor visited the site to see the last section of the foundations being constructed and said. "While I am sad we are behind schedule the fact that we have ticked off one of the first milestones is an important day for our nation. Soon we shall start to see rapid progress and I am excited for when the final brick is put in place and we can begin generation. Lijiang has waited decades for its first large scale powerplant and a delay of a few weeks is insignificant in the grand scheme of it."

Seeing the progress has lead to the Dragon-Emperor saying he is considering negotiating for a further two plants in an initial stage to modernise the nation. The Majestic Empire achieved another important step in its modernisation when the 2nd Vertebrae port opened. These series of ports capable of handling large modern ships will be part of the large central river known as the "Dragon's Spine" that runs deep into Ardia. Ships capable of carrying around 1,200 containers and capable of carrying a load  weighing up to 13,600 tonnes will be able to access the ports. The Dragon Emperor said, "It is our hope that these ports will allow towns and cities along the river to move huge quantities of goods at a low price and mean we can take products from across the world deep into the centre of Ardia at a fraction of the cost of road and rail haulage. Two more ports should open this year and will be part of a nationwide industrial modernisation project."


Offline Lijiang

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #26 on: March 02, 2022, 09:37:23 PM »




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DRAGON-EMPEROR ENJOYS GAMES

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."

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #27 on: May 01, 2022, 08:28:28 PM »




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WENCHANGZHEN 1 GETS DOME

The nations first nuclear power plant, Wenchangzhen 1, has today seen the first of its containment structures. It marks the halfway point of the project as the exterior construction of various buildings required has been completed. The project now advances onto the assembly of the various machines, reactors and systems required to make the power station functional. The hemispherical dome, weighing 340 metric tons and measuring 46.8 meters in diameter, was installed by crane with Dragon Emperor Tielin watching. The project is being supervised by Altonan business AES who will initially run the facility while Lijiang staff are trained in the procedures neccessary for running the plant. The Dragon-Emperor said, "Today we've seen he end of the project that has been lead by Lijiang labourers who have learned so much. Starting tomorrow hundreds of miles of cable, conduits and various systems are going to be installed and while Altonan technicians will be leading the way on that a team of eager Lijiangian workers will be watching their every move. When the project is done we hope that our workers have skilled up enough that future construction projects like this could see more independence."

The project will finally see a series of four reactors brought online, each with an output of around 1000 MW. Each of these will be built by AES and after a set amount of time will revert to majority of ownership by Lijiang. The Dragon-Emperor is due to travel to Altona in the coming days to tour the facilities of AES and discuss some other investment opportunities.

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #28 on: June 04, 2022, 08:20:59 PM »




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VERTEBRAE PORT PROJECT TO BE FINISHED

Today the Dragon-Emperor has confirmed that he has concluded a deal that will see the forth and final vertebrae port constructed in the near future. The project will be funded by a new company to be set up by the governments of the international organisation known as the Sovereign Union of Nations. It is understood that the Dragon-Emperor attended a meeting with the membership of SUN and while he refused to join the organisation he did conclude a trade deal. The Dragon-Emperors spokesman explained the deal saying, "We will now have access through several key ports in Drenovia, Cassiopeia, Paracambi and Chistopol to markets that are varied and spread across Mundus. In return we will be allowing them to access our market with little to no barriers. To enable this to happen we will allow the new SUN operated business to construct the final of the ports that will be built just outside the capital, Fengtai. This will create ongoing jobs in the construction industry that is currently booming."

The new port will be able to give access to all but the largest cargo ships and will see the completion of Phase One of the Dragon-Emperors infastructure projects that will have seen the ports, a nuclear power station and several new and refurbished academies constructed.

Offline Lijiang

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Re: News of the Empire
« Reply #29 on: August 06, 2022, 07:58:50 PM »




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DAY OF JOYFUL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The staff at the Golden Enclave have today been exceptionally busy. The district of the capital that functions as the Dragon-Empresses private fiefdom and home to many of the most influential women in the Empire. The first announcement came at just after 10am when it was announced that the Azure Queen Dandan had completed her final assessment for her education. Having sat before four members of the Shūyuàn (Imperial Academy) system she was questioned on aspects of music, art, poetry, history and various other subjects. She had already undertaken several written exams and after some discussion the Shūyuàn members agreed that the Azure Queen had "obtained sufficent knowledge to be considered extremely well educated." While women do not yet formally enter the Shūyuàn system there is a series of them for girls being built. The 18 year old Azure Queen is, according to her husband the Dragon-Emperor, "The first woman in our nations history to have been approved by the Shūyuàn. The family are extremely proud. She is going to be a trailblazer and many other ladies will now seek to follow her." The Azure Queen had considered attending University but has determined that she will now leave education. During her tutoring she has been taught by some leading experts from across Mundus included Matilda Osman, former Queen of East Moreland and respected Marine Biologist, Tamoran film-maker Samira Hanifnejad and Bene Gesserit scientist and former leading figure in the Cenneg space system, Ruth Hipkiss.

The second announcement came just before midday. The Dragon-Empresses own herald announced that 20 year old Concubine Lady Jihai Huian is expecting her first child. It had been expected that the Dragon-Emperor would have had several more children by now but he has said several times that he would not be seeking to have a child with Azure Queen Dandan until she had completed her education. In Lijaing society the size of the Imperial Family is seen as a reflection on the fortunes of the Empire and some traditionalists had been voicing concern. Omens were taken later in the day by the Dragon-Priestess who said that the gender of the child could not be determined but that the child will be healthy and happy.

The final big announcement came just before sunset when the Dragon-Empress announced that the 21 year old Bao Yijun would become the Dragon-Emperors 2nd Concubine. She is the daughter of a Banner-Man[1] from Province of Baoshan. She is  the youngest of a family of eight children. Locals in the area have spoken of the family being "down on its luck" and that much of its land is in disrepair mainly because the five brothers have sought careers outside of agriculture and land management. Her father sent her to the Golden Enclave almost a year ago when the Dragon-Empress announced that she was looking for suitable members to join the Imperial Family. Of the 32 women who attended the Golden Enclave having heard the appeal only Yijun has achieved membership of the Imperial Family. She will be formally inducated into the Concubine's Lodge tomorrow.

While not coming from the Golden Enclave it was also confirmed that the nations first nuclear power plant is set to go "live" in the coming days.

 1. Equivalent of a Knight in the Feudal System