Yu Dynasty Yingdala (4338-4636)

[Wu Han]

REVEALED: Imperial Seal in the Hands of Wu Guowen


The Imperial Heirloom Seal of the Realm

With the Commission to Restore Yingdala's Traditional Government debating the nature of a Yingdalan monarchy and which clan should sit upon the Dragon Throne, Wu Guowen, grandson of the last legitimate Son of Heaven, revealed that he was in possession of the fabled Imperial Heirloom Seal of the Realm, a symbol of legitimacy for any Yingdalan monarch. At a speech on Yingdala during the He Dynasty at the DeLi (Virtue and Propriety) Academy, a think tank affiliated with the Jien-Democratic Party, a Wu Clan attendant brought the larger than average seal to the front of the stage to display the ancient object.

In the speech, Wu Guowen pointed and referred to the seal as "symbols of Heaven's authority and the sovereignty of the Son of Heaven." He said that, "During the revolution, the republicans actually allowed us a great deal of time to leave the Heavenly Palace and withdraw to our ancestral lands in Han. We managed to take a great deal of our personal property, at least property that could be easily transported, with us. While we could not take the Five Tripod Cauldrons with us, we were able to take the seal. Why would we take the seal? To keep the cause of traditional Yingdala alive. If the republicans managed to take the seal, or if any dictator got their hands on it, it would have provided them with legitimacy. As you all know, the only legitimate government is that of a monarchy with the monarch holding Heaven's Mandate to rule. This seal is a physical embodiment of that principle."

After the speech, Jiang Jun, Minister of Education and Culture, as well as chairman of the Jien-Democratic Party, who happened to be in attendance, was quickly asked what the Wu Clan's possession of the seal meant. He responded, "Clearly, it gives further credence that the Wu Clan is, at this time, the only legitimate clan that could claim the Dragon Throne. Heaven clearly still favors the Wus and His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Wu Geuowen."

No reference to the Sun Clan has been made by the JDP. This was the first time a JDP member has publicly referred to Wu Guowen as "Crown Prince" with the style of "His Imperial Highness."

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Originally posted by Liu Che on 5 January 2018.

[Wu Han]

Phoenix Party Leadership Coup

May 30, 4328
TIAN'AN, HAN

Years of declining support and loss of the party's central role on the monarchy issue has finally pushed the Phoenix Party towards major reform in its platform. After just under 8 years of uninspiring leadership by Cao Zhi, accompanied by the revival of Jien-Democratic Party, many members of the party felt the need for new direction. Even before the party fell to the fourth spot in the legislature there had been talk of change in the party platform, largely a result of the moderate chancellery of Lo Zongru. When Cao Zhi was elected to the leadership, many thought the Phoenix Party would build off of Lo's support and enact a new, stronger embrace of the party's ultranationalism.

However, that didn't happen and the party declined without much major initiative being pushed from Cao's position. Now with Indrala closer than ever to restoring the monarchy and with elections approaching 4330, party members have led what is essentially a coup of the leadership. Led by Minister of Food & Agriculture Lan Liao, the moderates of the party, many of whom joined during Lo's chancellery, did away with the Phoenix Party's original platform, voting in favor of a manifesto that, while still expressing a nationalist vibe, is much more greatly committed to liberal conservatism and communitarianism. Along with this vote, Cao was removed as party leader, being replaced by Minister Lan.

It is not expected that these changes in leadership will effect the Phoenix Party's ongoing coalition with the Lotus Party and Jien-Democratic Party. Additionally, it has been announced by Minister Lan that she will not for election and that the Phoenix Party will be fully backing the reelection campaign of Grand Chancellor Kwan Zhiyong.

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Originally posted by Zongxian on 5 January 2018.

[Wu Han]

Website: Today's Top Stories
These are the three most viewed stories from the Tian'an Times online homepage

1 September 4328

Drought Persists In Northern Anle

Farmers examine their lost crops

DAWEI, Anle -- Since June, farmers claim that “drought’s hot breath has been burning through the final green inch of every plant stem" in Northern Anle. It would appear that this is the truth, and will continue to be true for the foreseeable future.

Indeed, Northeast Anle is experiencing the worst drought in the country.

Located 300 km south of the Tebie Desert, Dawei Village has had issues in the past with soil fertility and precipitation, but nothing quite like this. Overall crop yield is down 89.4% from last year. In what is already one of the most impoverished, desolate regions of Indrala, the effect that this drought has had on the people who rely on their crops is enormous. "Look how thin!" Lin Kang, 88, cries as she points at her gaunt 8 year-old grandson, "he needs rice, but we have no rice!"

With a population of 4,100, the village is also home to the highest percentage of illiterate people in Indrala at 44%. Thus, economic diversification for the small village is near impossible, nor is it desired: "My father farmed on this land, and so did his father, and his father before him. I cannot leave" (Hao Shiwen, 76)

In response to the drought, the government is reintroducing its "Green Sprouts Program" to provide demand-based subsidies for farmers which would provide at least a small amount of capital to the struggling farmers in Dawei, though some have criticized that it is not adequate to provide output-based subsidies during a drought.

Luckily the drought is not affecting the broader Indralan agricultural sector.

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Originally posted by Wu Han on 5 January 2018.

[Wu Han]

JDP Organizes Protests Against Monopolies in Kaizhou and Tian'an

With the twice failure of the Jien-Democratic Party's economic freedom and innovation bills, JDP leaders had no recourse but to organize peaceful protests against monopolies in the leading economic centers of Yingdala. Although not specifically targeting the caizu, the large family owned conglomerates took the brunt of the protests. Thousands of JDP supporters filled the streets of Tian'an and Kaizhou to march against monopolies.

One protestor, who refused to be named said, "Big companies create high prices that the common person can ill afford. How can some parties support the institutions yet still claim to care about us?" Another protestor argued that, "The caizu decimate small business and take away the pride of the entrepreneurial individual. There is no incentive to start new businesses because we know the caizu will crush us."

Leading the protests was Song Jian, the JDP's director of business and economic affairs. Mr. Song was quoted as saying, "Monopolies are impractical. They get too big to fail and eventually fail. Not to mention, they grow so powerful as to have a disproportionate influence on the government and politics, which is what we are seeing now. However, the biggest issue is that monopolies are against Jienism. Monopolies can set prices above market values which harms consumers. We need to break the monopolies to ensure competition across sectors so that prices can be reduced, innovation can be spurred, and Yingdala can be competitive on the world stage. Only then can we hope to truly improve our economy."

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BREAKING: Foreign Minister Responds to Kazulian Plots

Yingdalan intelligence officials have recently uncovered an old Kazulian plotto invade Yingdala when it was in a weaker state. Foreign Minister Jin Ru responded immediately after the discovery with an official statement.

Yingdala demands an explanation for Kazulia's past actions. Why was this document, which was nothing less than a plot to gain power, even created? Yingdala has never, in recent times, ever declared war on Kazulia or harmed her in anyway. From what the Ministry can see, this plot was built on jealousy and opportunism to take advantage of a former great power in a time of weakness. Shame on Kazulia if this was the case, but shame regardless. We will summon the Kazulian ambassador and give him a firm diplomatic rebuke. Furthermore, we will be pursuing strong diplomatic action to fit this crime.

Privately, Minister Jin was said to be in utter shock and anger. He supposedly said, "This is what happens when Yingdala is not a great power militarily and economically strong. Our security is threatened. How can we defend the people from barbarians and descendants of uncivilized pillagers? Things need to change and Kazulia should return to being the rightful vassal of Dankuk."

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Originally posted by Liu Che on 6 January 2018.

[Wu Han]

NEW INDRALA-BASED INTERNATIONAL CARRIER “ROYAL AIRLINES” ENTERS SERVICE
Indrala welcomes second major airline to airports across the nation as Indralair's monopoly over Indralan air travel ends.

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JUNE 14 4329

TIAN’AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, HAN: In the bustling Tian’an International Aiport, Hu Jong Pi descends upon Terminal A: the international departures terminal. Upon her arrival, she witnesses something peculiar: what is that green symbol on the departures board? She takes a glance at her ticket… the number is a match! Through further inspection and a mild commute down the breadth of the airport, Hu Jong Pi witness a woman and a man dressed in elegant garb. Delicate jewels hang from the soft neck of the woman, while the man’s coat furrow is cut sharper than a razors’ edge. Who could these people be? They are greeting strangers in a familiar place, and while their appearance is clearly new, they maintain an aura of certainty and trust. Hu Jong Pi feels butterflies within her stomach, she suddenly feels excitement. But for what? As she approaches gate A-40, the elegant strangers glance over. Instantly, they recognize Hu Jong Pi as a destined traveller. The man puts a foot forward, only to be matched by the swift stride of the woman. They approach Hu Jong Pi and offer to look at her ticket. The anticipation builds within Hu Jong Pi as she is hesitant to speak. The man and woman glance at the ticket, and without a breath expired, they look back at Hu Jong PI. “Mrs. Hu” they say in unison, “welcome aboard Royal Airlines, your destination awaits.”

[Image missing]
Royal Airlines have purchased 21 new Xiandai X650 jets to begin their operations.

Royal Airlines Indrala Corp. (TTX: RYA) is a new international and domestic airline founded by Indralan Businesswoman Tang Su. The airline claims to offer competitive economy class ticket prices that are either at or below the price of newfound rival and long-time monopolist in the Indrala airline business; Indralair (TTX: INDA). The company’s mandate is to offer “affordable international and domestic airfares alongside premium business and comfort class tickets.” This new player in both the international and domestic markets is sure to stir up competition and lower airfares for travellers.

The new airline has already begun to operate major domestic routes with the intention of signing agreements with international affiliates so that it can compete directly with its homegrown competition, Indralair. Its first major route will be nonstop daily flights between Tian'an and Kaizhou, along with flights between each capital city in ever province. The introduction of this new airline is a definite sign of the booming health of the Indralan economy.

More to come...

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Originally posted by TreeHugger on 7 January 2018.

[Wu Han]

Social Democratic Party Conference
Kaizhou, Jiaozhi
29-31 November, 4329

The Social Democratic Party began its first ever Party Conference on the 20th of November, 4329. This event marks the beginning of the party's full entrance into the national politics of Indrala as before this point it had been relegated to the position of a mere grassroots and local electoral party. The party itself is a mixture of left-wing, republican groups from across the country, and has become prepared to take on the role as Indrala's main pro-republican party after the collapse of the Republican Party. At the conference along with political debates, especially about the rise of monarchism and fall of republicanism in Indrala, the party must vote on two leadership roles, that of Party Leader and that of Party Chancellor. The current Party Chancellor and Party Founder, Fa Rong, is expected to win a landslide victory for her campaign a the Social Democrats' first Party Leader; however, the election for the next chancellor is much more uncertain.

After hearing a variety of speeches from the candidates on the 30th, the entire party votes, and polling at the Kaizhou conference shows Fa Rong leading. By the next day the results from across the country are in, giving Fa Rong the Party Leadership with 96.83% of the vote, while the Party Chancellorship goes to Zi Liang at 56.89%.

Fa Rong, the newly elected Party Leader, speaks to the party

Thank you all for choosing me as your Party Leader! Indrala stands at a precipice today, between the tyranny of a monarch and the freedom of a republic! Our party must do everything it can to support the freedoms and privileges that the Indrala's people deserve. However, the situation is dire, as many of you know, the Republican Party has collapsed. Even though on questions of policy we disagreed, they were the last bastions of democracy in our National Conference, so now we as a party must take the mantle as the protector of Indralan democracy. An though, we may still end up with a monarch on the throne, I will do everything in my power to make sure they have as limited power as possible! Thank you all once more!

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Originally posted by pandowlpaws on 8 January 2018.

[Wu Han]

Dr. Yi Junkai Elected Lotus Party Leader-in-Waiting
14 January, 4330

Leadership Election Overview

With eleven candidates, the Lotus Party's 4330 Leadership Convention fielded the most candidates of any leadership competition in the Party's history! Because of this, the Lotus Party Executive Council, headed by outgoing Party President Yan Zhelan added a rule to the contest, stipulating that any candidate who did not achieve at least 10% of the vote on the first ballot would be eliminated. This led to Dr. Yi Junkai achieving a victory with 51.3% on the second ballot, ahead of the Honourable Dr. Zi Wulan (former education and culture minister) and Ren Yating (former Mayor of Xujin, Shu). Dr. Yi will be sworn-in as leader of the Party after the National Conference dissolves ahead of the 4330 General Election.

The three finalists were viewed as the star candidates of the race from its beginning. Dr. Yi ran on continuing Grand Chancellor Kwan's legacy as well as expanding the government's role in the economy and bringing down costs for students. Dr. Zi ran a campaign which focused on rebuilding the Indralan Armed Forces as well as limiting the number of immigrants and refugees claimants welcomed into the country. Mr. Ren, for his part, campaigned from a pro-republican position.

Official leadership election results on the second ballot, from left to right: Dr. Yi Junkai; Dr. Zi Wulan; Ren Yating

Introducing Dr. Yi Junkai, Leader-in-Waiting of the Lotus Party of Indrala!

On 18 September 4279 in a village near Xiangao, Shu, Dr. Yi Junkai was born to impoverished fishers. He was so weak and sickly that his parents weren't sure he would survive; they waited several months before registering his birth at a local temple. Both his mother and father were lost at sea during Typhoon Yutu (4289) when Yi was 10 years old. With few family members alive, and none able to take care of him, Dr. Yi grew up in an orphanage in Longmen, Han. Yi worked as a labourer part-time to save money while attending high-school. After repeatedly finishing at the top of his class, and following his two years of mandatory military service, he studied medicine at Enshi University on a scholarship.

During his college years, he was vice captain of the rugby team and became involved with the Students' Federation. He met and married fellow student Qiao Nuan at the age of 24, describing her as "his first and last love." Dr. Yi graduated in 4307 and finished his residency in 4314. Yi and Qiao had their first and only daughter, Yi Xiulan in 4308, however Qiao Nuan died during childbirth as a result of eclampsia, leaving Yi alone to raise their child while he was still a resident at Enshi University Children's Hospital. His daughter, Yi Xiulan is a city councillor in Mudanwan; the capital city of Min. At 22 years old, she is the youngest councillor in the city's history.

Following the completion of his residency, the Yi family moved to Mudanwan, where Dr. Yi would work for 11 years as a pediatric oncologist. During his time in the medical field, Dr. Yi became prominent and respected throughout the province. He resigned from the hospital in 4225 to run as a Lotus Party Provincial Conference candidate. He was elected that year and will serve until he is sworn in as leader of the national Lotus Party.

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Originally posted by Wu Han on 8 January 2018.

[Wu Han]

TAO HONG: “THIS IS THE END OF THE REPUBLIC”
Centre Party leader urges swift movement on monarchy restoration

[Image missing]
Tao Hong speaks with moderator Geng Bao at a Centre Party town hall in Taixi, Anle.

4 JANUARY 4330
TAIXI CONVENTION CENTER - TAIXI, ANLE

Centre Party leader Tao Hong has officially announced his party’s support for the return of the monarchy. His decision to endorse the Lotus Party on the second ballot should guarantee a victory on the YES side of the referendum:

”The Centre Party will campaign in May’s election for the immediate return of Indrala’s monarchy. In order to ensure our success, we will be endorsing the Lotus Party on the second ballot so that a pro-monarchist, centrist ally heads the next government of Indrala regardless of our election result. This strategy is principal to the Centrist mandate; which is to put country over party. We seek stability through Indrala’s great moment of change.”

This open and cooperative tone has already signalled change amongst the centrist ranks. It was not much more than a year ago that the Republicans under Chang Ruogang were uttering threats at the possibility of another LP government – and possibly much worse given the successful return of the monarchy. Tao Hong has tasked himself to distance the new party from the liability that was the Republicans under Ms. Chang. His focus seems to be solely on the referendum to be held during May’s election, leaving many to wonder how the party can hope to achieve victory in the election while lacking any type of manifesto or platform. Mr. Tao, however, does not seem so worried:

”Indrala knows what a Zhang Zemin government looks like. It is easy then, to imagine what a Centre Party government will look like! My friends, let us focus on the stability of this country. Then, we can show Indrala what centrist ideas are all about!”

More to come...

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Originally posted by TreeHugger on 8 January 2018.

[Wu Han]

HIS EXCELLENCY ZHANG ZEMIN DEAD AT 91
May 14, 4324

TIAN'AN, Han -- His excellency Zhang Zemin was found dead at his home in the nation's capital on Monday morning. His official cause of death was the third stroke in his life. Zhang Zemin served as Grand Chancellor for 9 years, during which he founded the Fifth Republic alongside Huang Zitao. He leaves behind two children.

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Originally posted by TreeHugger on 8 January 2018.

[Wu Han]

Social Democratic Party Enters Legislature, Agrees to Work Towards Constitutional Monarchy
11 May, 4330

After the election of 4330, the Social Democratic Party has entered the National Conference as the smallest party with a seat count of 64. Although many party members have shown disappointment at the seemingly low showing, Party Leader Fa Rong was quick to remind the entirety of the party that a showing of 64 is quite a good showing for a newly created party. She also congratulated the Socialist Party on their great showing in the electorate, an ally in the fight for the Republic, as she called them.

Despite, being founded on the basis of promoting the democratic state of Indrala, Party Leader Fa Rong and Party Chancellor Zi Liang released a joint public statement saying that the Social Democratic Party would work with other parties to reach a stable constitutional monarchy.

The results of the election, which was widely considered a monarchist referendum, have clearly shown that the people of our nation support the idea of moving towards a constitutional monarchy. Due to this, although we (the Social Democratic Party leadership) still support a republican alternative, we have decided that it will be best for all Indralans if our nation's political parties work together. Therefore the Social Democratic Party will now officially be aiding in the transition towards a constitutional monarchy. It is our hope that we can create a more united Indrala in this time of increasing tensions both domestically and abroad, and have a greater say in how this new government is run.

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Originally posted by pandowlpaws on 8 January 2018.