Yu Dynasty Yingdala (4338-4636)

[Wu Han]

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31 December 4326

Interview with Grand Chancellor Zhang Zemin
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The former Grand Chancellor has been taking it easy in his residence, having just suffered a stroke.

HAZHOU, SHU The following is an excerpt from an exclusive interview with former Grand Chancellor of Indrala, Zhang Zemin. The topics of this interview include the state of Indralan politics, the future of the Republican party, and the health of Mr. Zhang. This interview was conducted by highly revered Indralan journalist and author, Yuan Xinya

YUAN XINYA: Good morning Mr. Zhang, it is an honour to speak with you this morning. How is your health?

ZHANG ZEMIN: Good morning Ms. Yuan, it is my pleasure. I am doing ok, thanks for asking.

YUAN XINYA: Great to hear, I understand that you are recovering from your second stroke since retiring from Indralan politics. May I ask, has life outside of the National Conference, perhaps, stressed you out?

ZHANG ZEMIN: Well stressed out may be an understatement, Ms. Yuan. *chuckles and coughs* But in all seriousness, I have been suffering greatly in my time outside of the political sphere. Ever since my successor (Chang Ruogang) was chosen, my heart has felt great pain. My doctor has determined this stress and pain to be the cause of my ailment.

YUAN XINYA: So this must explain your recent activism in Tian'an then, such as your denouncement of Chang Ruogang's leadership, and the creation of the "Centrists for Monarchy" Organization, correct?

ZHANG ZEMIN: Correct, yes. My doctor believes that the only cure to my sickness is to surround myself in the political culture that I thrive on. Maybe that's not the best description... I'd say it's more of a calling, or a duty perhaps. You see, recently I've immersed myself in ancient Jienist readings and have done some serious soul searching. I have conversed with spiritual advisors and have met with members of the Sun Clan on numerous occasions, all so I can enlighten myself in Indralan tradition.

YUAN XINYA: So, pardon my interruption, it seems as though you've fully embraced what you fought against for so long, no? Forgive my bluntness, but many Indralans would see it that way

ZHANG ZEMIN: Well perhaps many may see it that way, but, to be truthful, I have never explicitly denounced Jienist values or the Sun Clan outright. This recent expression of internal thoughts is more of a reflection of my view of modern Indrala. I sincerely believe that this country is at a crossroads. Our identity is withering away, and we must fight to protect the core values of Indrala. I don't see how angry voices such as that of Ms. Chang (Ruogang) help our country advance in any meaningful way.

YUAN XINYA: Then your faith in your party must be withering as well, no?

ZHANG ZEMIN: Absolutely. I am no longer afraid of simply admitting that the Republican party is dead. Not just the party itself, but the entire republican cause. As soon as I witnessed the love of Sun Luhan and Princess Kyunghee, I realized what this country has been missing. Sure, we have fortified ourselves as a legitimate international player, and sure, we have grown the Indralan economy significantly, but all along we have forgotten to grow the love in this country. That is why I have lost faith in the Republican party, and that is why I have begun the search for an alternative to Chang Ruogang's divisive rhetoric.

YUAN XINYA: Tell us about this alternative you are searching for, I must ask you now that you've mentioned it...

ZHANG ZEMIN: Well, alright. I guess this is going to be the big reveal. As most people know, I have started a political organization called Centrists for Monarchy, however this is only superficial compared to my ultimate goals. You see, many will know that I was a very moderate Republican Chancellor, just ask Huang Zitao *chuckles*, we worked together as almost a dual unit during my time as Grand Chancellor. Without that cooperation, without that openness, our country would not be where it is today. So, in light of this, I have decided to create a new party. This party will be a centrist movement and an alternative to the modern Republicans. I anticipate many current sitting Republicans to join us in the coming months, and I'm sure that we may even have members from the other parties consider our new movement. I have always valued cooperation and progress, and this new political movement will help Indrala realize its full potential.

YUAN XINYA: Well, Mr. Zhang... that is quite the news. I'm sure that we will all greatly anticipate your plans in the future. Until then I think we will have to wait.

It has been a pleasure speaking with you, and our readers always respond with positive feelings when we interview you. I wish you well and hope that your health continues to improve. Thank you again.

ZHANG ZEMIN: Thank you Ms. Yuan, it is my pleasure.

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Originally posted by TreeHugger on 2 January 2018.