Alexander
GA Member
- Oct 11, 2023
- 550
The opening of the first Legislative Yuan had brought with it great weather on this May day, as preparations in the Forbidden City continued the entire surrounding area in Beijing had been declared a maximum security zone. Today the Empress would for the first time in her reign address all segments of the government and the greater Chinese population at once. Nothing could be left up to fate. A special area capable of holding the thousands of legislators, Provincial Governors, Prefectural Administrators, judges, generals, admirals, and everyone else invited had been prepared with a unique Dragon Throne created. Going forward each year the Daughter of Heaven would convene one of these Imperial Mandate Addresses to inform the people of the state of the country and outline her plans and goals for the upcoming year. The Mandate of Heaven brought with it reliability, but it also required constant nourishment to not risk losing it.
Ai looked in the mirror as her aides worked to make the final adjustments to her dress, accessories and makeup. In her head she was going over the text of the speech. Today was important. So far governing from the background had been the best way to bring stability to China but now the point in the transition had arrived where a strong message both to the people and the outside world were required.
As soon as her aides were finished Ai stood up and moved towards the door.
"White Dragon on the way to site Nanjing" She heard one of her Celestial Guard speak into their communication device using both the codewords for her and the location where the address was to be held. As soon as Ai had left the building her regular escort of ten guards had more than doubled to 25. She considered it a bit much herself for the two minute walk but she had long ago learned not to argue with what the Celestial Guard deemed appropriate. For someone still used to wearing a uniform or suit, the white and gold dress did not make walking easier but she managed. As she stepped onto the elevated stage all in attendance kowtowed. It was a sight that never stopped being impressive, albeit unsettling. Ai would turn towards the attendees and sit down in her throne.
Once everyone had gotten back up and sat down themselves, she would begin her address.
"Children of heaven, it has now been more than two centuries that the decline of our once great civilization has been allowed to occur. Starting with the corruption of the Qing, its inability to defend against barbarians, and then the failures of the so-called Republican and communist movements, the people of China have suffered a century of humilliation followed by a century of irrelevance. It is difficult to determine which one was worse.
Thousands of years ago our forefathers had established one fundamental truth. Heaven determines those who lead, and one who would defy the will of heaven through corruption, weakness, and decadence invites only ruin over All Under Heaven. Now that the Mandate has again shifted we can finally work on rebuilding our position in the world and bring about an era of prosperity not just for the Chinese peoples but in fact for the world. More important than ever, those officials who administrate in my name must be beyond reproach and of unquestionable ability. As such in recent weeks we have worked to find the cream of the crop from the previous administrations and allow them to oversee their duties to the best of their abilities. In the following year an even greater focus will be placed on the fight against all forms of corruption.
Furthermore, centuries of abuses have created a rift between the people of the Celestial Empire and those who govern them. A first step to mend this rift has been made by directly allowing the people to elect their own representatives, however work must be done to undo the damages of past administrations. As such I have ordered the creation of a Truth and Reparations agency that will evaluate political detentions by past administrations and provide appropriate reparations to those victimized or their relatives.
When it comes to the Imperial Bureaucracy, history has shown that China is strongest when those most capable are allowed to prosper. To foster the great talent among all of you and to secure the best talent for the Imperial Bureaucracy, we will return to a system of Imperial Examinations where anyone regardless of background may participate. Those found through these examinations will be guaranteed a permanent position in the Imperial Bureaucracy, and those most competent will be guaranteed positions at my Court. To foster the continuous creation of talent, the Executive Yuan will work to continue improving the quality of Chinese education and further easing the access. Whether you are rich or poor, from the cities or the countryside, you will be judged on your merit and allowed to advance as far as you can.
Notoriously, one of the greatest losses in life to our people came when ineffective governance at all levels brought about a manmade famine that rivals even the worst natural famines in our history. Even now our food security lags far behind the levels we are capable of producing. In the upcoming years we will work on fostering and encouraging the evolution of Chinese agriculture and food production to meet the demands of our people and make sure that we will never again be subject to the pains of hunger. One concrete step will be returning ownership of the land to the peoples most capable of working them. While it will take longer to do properly, farmland under ownership of this government will be given to those working the land.
While it is easy to dismiss everything done by past administrations as evil or ineffective, we must acknowledge the things that went well. In recent decades infrastructure projects have brought about nothing less than a revolution in the quality of life and the living standards that we have come to expect. Ongoing projects will be allowed to continue while the Agencies within our government responsible will continue to approve programs that seek to improve the mobility of our people, the security of our energy supplies, the protection against disasters, and the prosperity of the state. In this we will let the free market take the lead and as a government work to support it while filling any gaps on projects that might not naturally attract private investment.
In the past year we have reformed the Executive, and we have completely built a democratic legislature from scratch. However, the final element of a true free society remains lacking. The Judiciary. After decades of tyranny, the entire judiciary must be rebuilt from nothing. The structure is rotten to its core and any effort to transform it will only bring that rot with it to whatever new shape it takes. Now that the people have had their say through the creation of a democratic legislature I will work with that legislature to create new judicial institutions. An independent supreme court on criminal and civil matters, a separate constitutional court on the legitimacy of legislation and government actions, and all those subsidiary and complementary essentials for a fair and free judiciary will be implemented so that by my address next year no one can doubt that the Courts of China rule fairly.
As expected the shifts in power in recent years have not done our economy well. Instability does not breed confidence and stagnation too often leads to depression. While we have managed to eliminate our debt load and break the negative cycle in recent months, we must now work to bring about a new era of growth. In the next year this government will oversee a privatization of all those industries that do not require strict government oversight. However, learning from the mistakes of those countries who came before us, we will do so in a way that does not encourage the creation of a small oligarchic elite. China will become a paradise for those businesses who prove to be innovative and capable of standing on their own. We have the largest workforce in the world, the most educated population, and the most experience in those industries essential for the global economy. While we encourage the private sector, we will also use public finances to invest there where it is most effective to multiply the prosperity of the people.
I realize that in communism many saw salvation for the common people and those often neglected in capitalist economies. It is essential that even as we continue our transformation in to a free and prosperous society, that we not forget those peoples. As such in the areas of social security, healthcare, equality, and welfare we will continue working to provide even greater securities than those enjoyed before.
While working for the sake of the people of China, we can also not ignore the land and the skies themselves. Humanity at large faces an unprecedented challenge brought about by centuries of reckless growth and pollution. As we work to build a new society we do so in balance with nature. Our energy production will focus on nuclear power and renewable resources, our industry will seek those methods and resources that have the least impact on the world, and together with others we will work to undo the damage done so that even generations from now people can still breathe.
On the topic of cooperation, the Celestial Empire is not alone in the world. Already we have found ourselves warmly welcomed by many. We will continue engaging with all countries that display a willingness to work with us. In particular we will seek to uplift the Global South and foster a multipolar order where no single power will dominate others. While we are generally open to diplomacy, however that openness is not unconditional. Those governments who work to oppress their own population, who encourage chaos abroad, and seek to prosper from suffering are our enemies and we will do anything to work against them. Concretely, for the upcoming year we will continue on the road we have already embarked on. In particular the goal is to build strong alliances within the Global South and with freedom loving countries across the globe.
It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword, and while the use of the pen certainly has my preferred approach, we also require a sharp sword. When it comes to size our sword is already plenty strong. To increase its sharpness we will continue to work with likeminded parties and within our own industries to develop advanced technologies for the use by the Celestial Army.
Our civilization is the oldest still surviving civilization in the world. We have seen numerous empires rise and fall, entire religions have existed for less than half the time than our people have been around. We must take the lessons from their and our histories, and work towards the advancement of the Chinese peoples, the Celestial Empire, and humanity at large. As a species we stand at a crossroads. One road leads to a future where the potential of man is literally limitless, and the other road runs off a cliff. Unlike ever before in human history we are capable of bringing about both our salvation and our ruin. I know which direction I want to go."
As she finished her address the applause and cheering that followed would drown out any sound. Whether it is in person, through the airwaves on their radios and televisions, or through the cables to their computers, anyone who wanted to could have witnessed this event.
Ai looked in the mirror as her aides worked to make the final adjustments to her dress, accessories and makeup. In her head she was going over the text of the speech. Today was important. So far governing from the background had been the best way to bring stability to China but now the point in the transition had arrived where a strong message both to the people and the outside world were required.
As soon as her aides were finished Ai stood up and moved towards the door.
"White Dragon on the way to site Nanjing" She heard one of her Celestial Guard speak into their communication device using both the codewords for her and the location where the address was to be held. As soon as Ai had left the building her regular escort of ten guards had more than doubled to 25. She considered it a bit much herself for the two minute walk but she had long ago learned not to argue with what the Celestial Guard deemed appropriate. For someone still used to wearing a uniform or suit, the white and gold dress did not make walking easier but she managed. As she stepped onto the elevated stage all in attendance kowtowed. It was a sight that never stopped being impressive, albeit unsettling. Ai would turn towards the attendees and sit down in her throne.
"Children of heaven, it has now been more than two centuries that the decline of our once great civilization has been allowed to occur. Starting with the corruption of the Qing, its inability to defend against barbarians, and then the failures of the so-called Republican and communist movements, the people of China have suffered a century of humilliation followed by a century of irrelevance. It is difficult to determine which one was worse.
Thousands of years ago our forefathers had established one fundamental truth. Heaven determines those who lead, and one who would defy the will of heaven through corruption, weakness, and decadence invites only ruin over All Under Heaven. Now that the Mandate has again shifted we can finally work on rebuilding our position in the world and bring about an era of prosperity not just for the Chinese peoples but in fact for the world. More important than ever, those officials who administrate in my name must be beyond reproach and of unquestionable ability. As such in recent weeks we have worked to find the cream of the crop from the previous administrations and allow them to oversee their duties to the best of their abilities. In the following year an even greater focus will be placed on the fight against all forms of corruption.
Furthermore, centuries of abuses have created a rift between the people of the Celestial Empire and those who govern them. A first step to mend this rift has been made by directly allowing the people to elect their own representatives, however work must be done to undo the damages of past administrations. As such I have ordered the creation of a Truth and Reparations agency that will evaluate political detentions by past administrations and provide appropriate reparations to those victimized or their relatives.
When it comes to the Imperial Bureaucracy, history has shown that China is strongest when those most capable are allowed to prosper. To foster the great talent among all of you and to secure the best talent for the Imperial Bureaucracy, we will return to a system of Imperial Examinations where anyone regardless of background may participate. Those found through these examinations will be guaranteed a permanent position in the Imperial Bureaucracy, and those most competent will be guaranteed positions at my Court. To foster the continuous creation of talent, the Executive Yuan will work to continue improving the quality of Chinese education and further easing the access. Whether you are rich or poor, from the cities or the countryside, you will be judged on your merit and allowed to advance as far as you can.
Notoriously, one of the greatest losses in life to our people came when ineffective governance at all levels brought about a manmade famine that rivals even the worst natural famines in our history. Even now our food security lags far behind the levels we are capable of producing. In the upcoming years we will work on fostering and encouraging the evolution of Chinese agriculture and food production to meet the demands of our people and make sure that we will never again be subject to the pains of hunger. One concrete step will be returning ownership of the land to the peoples most capable of working them. While it will take longer to do properly, farmland under ownership of this government will be given to those working the land.
While it is easy to dismiss everything done by past administrations as evil or ineffective, we must acknowledge the things that went well. In recent decades infrastructure projects have brought about nothing less than a revolution in the quality of life and the living standards that we have come to expect. Ongoing projects will be allowed to continue while the Agencies within our government responsible will continue to approve programs that seek to improve the mobility of our people, the security of our energy supplies, the protection against disasters, and the prosperity of the state. In this we will let the free market take the lead and as a government work to support it while filling any gaps on projects that might not naturally attract private investment.
In the past year we have reformed the Executive, and we have completely built a democratic legislature from scratch. However, the final element of a true free society remains lacking. The Judiciary. After decades of tyranny, the entire judiciary must be rebuilt from nothing. The structure is rotten to its core and any effort to transform it will only bring that rot with it to whatever new shape it takes. Now that the people have had their say through the creation of a democratic legislature I will work with that legislature to create new judicial institutions. An independent supreme court on criminal and civil matters, a separate constitutional court on the legitimacy of legislation and government actions, and all those subsidiary and complementary essentials for a fair and free judiciary will be implemented so that by my address next year no one can doubt that the Courts of China rule fairly.
As expected the shifts in power in recent years have not done our economy well. Instability does not breed confidence and stagnation too often leads to depression. While we have managed to eliminate our debt load and break the negative cycle in recent months, we must now work to bring about a new era of growth. In the next year this government will oversee a privatization of all those industries that do not require strict government oversight. However, learning from the mistakes of those countries who came before us, we will do so in a way that does not encourage the creation of a small oligarchic elite. China will become a paradise for those businesses who prove to be innovative and capable of standing on their own. We have the largest workforce in the world, the most educated population, and the most experience in those industries essential for the global economy. While we encourage the private sector, we will also use public finances to invest there where it is most effective to multiply the prosperity of the people.
I realize that in communism many saw salvation for the common people and those often neglected in capitalist economies. It is essential that even as we continue our transformation in to a free and prosperous society, that we not forget those peoples. As such in the areas of social security, healthcare, equality, and welfare we will continue working to provide even greater securities than those enjoyed before.
While working for the sake of the people of China, we can also not ignore the land and the skies themselves. Humanity at large faces an unprecedented challenge brought about by centuries of reckless growth and pollution. As we work to build a new society we do so in balance with nature. Our energy production will focus on nuclear power and renewable resources, our industry will seek those methods and resources that have the least impact on the world, and together with others we will work to undo the damage done so that even generations from now people can still breathe.
On the topic of cooperation, the Celestial Empire is not alone in the world. Already we have found ourselves warmly welcomed by many. We will continue engaging with all countries that display a willingness to work with us. In particular we will seek to uplift the Global South and foster a multipolar order where no single power will dominate others. While we are generally open to diplomacy, however that openness is not unconditional. Those governments who work to oppress their own population, who encourage chaos abroad, and seek to prosper from suffering are our enemies and we will do anything to work against them. Concretely, for the upcoming year we will continue on the road we have already embarked on. In particular the goal is to build strong alliances within the Global South and with freedom loving countries across the globe.
It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword, and while the use of the pen certainly has my preferred approach, we also require a sharp sword. When it comes to size our sword is already plenty strong. To increase its sharpness we will continue to work with likeminded parties and within our own industries to develop advanced technologies for the use by the Celestial Army.
Our civilization is the oldest still surviving civilization in the world. We have seen numerous empires rise and fall, entire religions have existed for less than half the time than our people have been around. We must take the lessons from their and our histories, and work towards the advancement of the Chinese peoples, the Celestial Empire, and humanity at large. As a species we stand at a crossroads. One road leads to a future where the potential of man is literally limitless, and the other road runs off a cliff. Unlike ever before in human history we are capable of bringing about both our salvation and our ruin. I know which direction I want to go."
As she finished her address the applause and cheering that followed would drown out any sound. Whether it is in person, through the airwaves on their radios and televisions, or through the cables to their computers, anyone who wanted to could have witnessed this event.
