Setting:

Chieftan level
Huge map
Continent, with two mainlands and two small islands
I am playing as Chinese
Rival civs: Persian, Romans, Aztec, Egyptians and Germans

Chap 1: Birth of Dragon:

In around 4000 B.C, the first Chinese settlement was built near what is today's Beijing, which is one of the world's oldest city. Although archaeologsts can not agree on the exact date, the general concensus is that around 3500 B.C, there is an explosion of Chinese migration, which resulted in numerous new Chinese settlements that soon dotted the Great Yellow Plain. Evidence suggests that by then, a centralized government, with the capital located in Beijing, has been in place firmly, under the reign of the Xia dynasty.

Xia dynasty lasted until about 950 B.C. Before the decline of Xia dynasty, China's main accomplishment was the building of Great Pyramid, and Great Wall. Other less known but equally important accomplishments are the Buddhist temples, and the Great Palace of Heavenly Peace in Beijing.

Scientifically, the Chinese was advanced. The Chinese had advanced construction technology that enabled them to build Great Wall, and the understanding in geometry that is required to build the Pyramid. The Chinese also created the world's most developed writing system of her time, which is advantageous to the administration of the Chinese government.

It is however a mistake to attribute the advance of Chinese civilization to the research effort that were made by the Chinese. In fact, evidence suggested that the Chinese cared little for science, which is not surprising given their Confucius philosophy which is the domnant ideologies in China through the centuries. That they were so advanced was due mainly to their exploration, which resulted in contact with many tribes that were able to offer the Chinese skills and knowledges that were unknown to Chinese at first.

Historians weren't exactly sure why the Chinese sponsored so many exploration projects at such an early stage of their civilization's development. Various theories have been suggested. One theory is that the Chinese wanted to expand out of the Great Yellow Plain, the cradle of Chinese civilization, where the land is not fertile and productive. Another theory is that the nobility in China encouraged these exploration in order to find resources, such as silk and spice, which they coveted greatly. In any case, these explorations were advantageous to the Chinese because the Chinese learned much from the foreign tribes with whom they encountered. Right before the decline of the Xia dynasty, the Chinese had made more effort in exploration than all other civilization of her time had combined.

The decline of Xia dynasty is a mystery. Again, theories had been suggested, but no tangible proof exists to validify these theories. One most likely theory is that the huge expenditures that were spent on building military units send out for exploration purposes eventually led to overtaxation. In addition, at around the time of the decline of Xia dynasty, government corruption, especially in cities that are most remote from the capital, was so severe that tax revenues were dwindling. These dwindling tax revenues forced the central government to levy an even higher tax until the Chinese civilians were unable to cope with the financial pressure. In around 950 B.C, China plunged into a chaotic state as rebellions swept through the Chinese empire like a great swirling storm. The last emperor of Xia dynasty had lost the mandate of heaven, and China enters a new era.

Chapter 2: The Middle Kingdom

The end of Xia dynasty plunged China into about sixty to eighty years of chaos. Several figures rose to power only to be deposed in a matter of a few month, failing to establish order in China.

In about 850 B.C, a warlord by the name of Chin Jen came to power. Based in the city of Canton, Chin Jen was able to restore order to China. As soon as Chin Jen unified China, he declared himself the new mandate of heaven, and established the Chin dynasty, which will see a dramatic expansion of Chinese territory.

In the area of administration, Chin Jen understood the failures of the previous dynasty. The main problem was taxation, which is the result of government corruption. To cure that, Chin Jen ordered the construction of region courthouses throughout his empire to reduce abusive practices by the regional officials. Chin Jen also established a government that operated under monarchy, with Chin Jen himself being the most powerful figure within the government. The extreme centralization of power, which was not feasible under the previous dynasty, enabled Chin Jen to rule his empire more efficiently. With courthouses and a more sophisticated government, Chin Jen's government soon extricate itself out of budget deficit. Tax revenues increased, and government became more morally uprighteous.

In the area of economic, Chin Jen actively promoted commerce. Complicated networks of roads were built that connected every city within the empire. Markteplaces were also built in metropolis such as Beijing and Canton. Fertile land were irrigated to increase harvest and mines were built to increase productivity. China, under the reign of Chin Jen, saw an economic expansion that was unlike anything the world had witness.

But nothing that Chin Jen has done can compare to his achievement of new territories. Under Chin Jen's reign, the Chinese boarders expanded eastward, across the continent, reaching the Pacific Ocean. Chin Jen's successors would continue the expansion by expanding southward and northward. By 100 AD, China would have 14 major flourishing metropolis and Chin empire would become the awe of the world. Chin Shi Huang would earn himself the title Chin Shi Huang, the first Chinese emperor, and the Chinese people will start to see view their country as the center of the world. The great Middle Kingdom is born.

Chap 3: Death of Empire, dawn of Republic

An empire long divided must united, and long united must divide. Chin dynasty is no exception, despite all its accomplishment.

During Chin dynasty, the Great Library, and the Great Lighthouse was built. China had the world's largest population, and the Chinese army was invincible, comprised of catapults, horseman, and archers, as opposed to the feeble warriors of the Persian, Roman, and Aztec empire.

Nevertheless, Chin empire will ultimately collapse. In a time when scienctific achievement defined the glory of a civilization, and when science is the exclusive mean through which powers can be obtained, the Chin emperor became obsessed with science. All tax revenues went to research in science, and maintanence of libraries and other facilities that promotes science. Science is the trend within the Imperial Court. Nobody is civilized or educated if he does not understand geometry or algebra. Worship is considered superstitious and temples were torn down. Leisure and luxuries were sinful where learning is virtuous. The suggestion of building colloseums would earn one death penalty.

The Chin emperor went to the extreme of offering luxurious resources such as silk and furs to the Aztec, Persians and Romans in exchange of some insignificant knowledges. When resources ran out, the emperor pay by gold for these knoweldges.

It is not suprising that Chinese civilization advanced itself quickly. However, with all resources devoted to the learning of science, little resources are left for other things. With temples torn down, and little resources left for the entertainment of the people. civilians themselves became discontent with the government. Their appreciation for government's emphasis on education is more than offset by their anger at their government's disrespect for their religion and belief. At the same time, as the government march the army around the empire championing a life of austerity and learning without entertainment, the nobilities, and the emperor himself was immersed in musics, poetry, gardening, Chinese opera and luxuries.

Ironically, the Chin emperor's obessession with science and learning will eventually cause him to loose his empire. In around 400 AD, Chinese scholars begins to discuss a revolutionary idea about government that is for the people and by the people. Dr. Sun Yet Sen is one of the most ardent proponent of this form of government and he would lead a revolution that will topple the Chin dynasty in a time when people's discontent for the dynasty is building momemtum. Chin dynasty would soon come to an end.

Chap 4: The Mongolian invasion.

In the remote city of Nigpo that is the Chinese civilization's frontier, to where the Imperial Court of Chin dynasty paid little attention, Dr. Sun Yet Sen began a revolution in the year 400 AD. This revolution would hurl China into the second anarchy, and the empire will be divided again without a solid central government. Chin emperor is deposed and Chin dynasty collapsed.

Unlike the first anarchy, which happened between Xia and Chin dynasty, this second anarchy that would transform China from a monarchy to Republic is marked by devastating barbarian invasion. For the first time in Chinese history, the Chinese people had felt the terror of the Mongolians' mighty army of Thunder Arrow. The Mongolians launched a campaign in the same year that Dr. Sun Yet Sen began his revolution, attacking the city of Maccao and Tatung. Irrigations, mines and roads were destroyed. Temples were burned down, and population massecred. Worst of all, the critical section of the Imperial Roadway that linked the Western Chinese empire to the Eastern Chinese empire was also destroyed by the Mongolian army, severing contact between the two regions.

One thing about history, however, is that there are always unexpected surprises. At first, it seemed that this Mongolian invasion that came amidst the Chinese anarchy would mark the decline of Chinese civilization as an independent sovereign. What happened in the end, however, is that this invasion only strengthened the Chinese people's unity and determination.

As a result, the second Chinese anarchy ended just as quickly as it had began. In fourty years, a central government was established in Shanghai. The Republic of China was born.

Dr. Sun Yet Sen became the first president of the young Chinese Republic. As president, his first task was insurmountable in comparison. The Mongolian invasion is threatening to destroy the Middle Kingdom of China, but the Chinese army was too disorganized to be effective. In addition, the invasion was concentrated in the Eastern part of China, but roads that connected Western China and Eastern China was severed so that troops can not move fast enough.

Dr. Sun Yet Sen ordered a massive conscription of workers to construct roads to relink Western China and Eastern China. New catapults were build, and archers were now equipped with the more technologically superior longbow. In 1100 AD, the Chinese army marched out to Western China and reclaimed what belonged to the Chinese people.

(In the game, when barbarians do successfully attack a city, they often leave right after they raided. They don't go into the heart of the empire to do more raiding, which my story suggests. I am just throwing in some fancy stuff to make the story more interesting. In reality, when I played the game, I was moving troops into Western China to fortify them in the cities, not to combat barbarians, who were long gone by then.)

The campaign against the Mongolian was a success. Western China was soon protected by a powerful and fresh Chinese army, kick the Mongolians back to where they come from. The Chinese were not content, nor was Dr. Sun Yet Sen.

Immediately after the Mongolians retreated, Dr. Sun Yet Sen ordered his troops to move South, where the Mongolians come from, and destroyed the villages in which those Mongolians lived. The threat of barbarian invasion has ended.

Chap 5: The Republic of China

When peace comes back to the Middle Kingdom, Dr. Sun Yet Sen begins a long political career. Dr Sun proves to be not just a political theorist, but also a great administrator. He understood that the previous dynasty was destroyed because the Chin court had no respect for people's faith and religion. Too convey his respect for people's faith, Dr. Sun ordered the construction of the Great Cathedral and the Great Chapel (Can't remember the names of these two wonders).

Dr. Sun, however, also appreciates the previous dynasty's emphasis on science and education, and, therefore, ordered the construction of universities throughout China and begins an massive project of building the famous Coopernicus' Observatory.

In the area of economic, Dr. Sun ordered that a market place will be build in every town and city in the empire, not just metropolis. Workers are send to Western China to rebuild irrigations, roads and mines. Under Dr. Sun's leadership, three small towns adjacent to the coean grew into prosperous port cities. New colonies were established in regions where luxurious resources are discovered.

Finally, in the area of military, Dr Sun Yet Sen re-positioned every military units. Frontier cities are heavily fortified and forts are build. The stunning success of the Longbowman against the mongolians convinced Dr. Sun to upgrade all archers to longbowman. The restructuring of the Chinese army will columnate in the building of Sun Tsu's Academy.

Historians are baffled by how Dr. Sun was able to pay for the immense cost of all that he had accomplished throughout his political career. For one thing, during Dr. Sun's long leadership, he build in the city of Anyang a Forbidden Palace which became the government building of China's secondary capital. With two capitals, the administration of Chinese government becomes more efficient, which increased tax revenues. Political scientists says that Republic is a much more effective poltical system than any kind of Absolutist government. It responds to the need of the people quickly. In addition, with Republic, laws are inscribed on paper, not randomly dictated by emperors. This also serves to decrease corruption, and increase tax revenues. Modern economists, while agreeing with the political scientists, believes that economic played just as an important role. When China changed from a Monarchy to a Republic, the eocnomic system also transformed from a centraly planned economy to a more free-market oriented economy. This enabled a much more efficient distribution of resources, thus increasing productivity, thus boosting commerce.

In any case, the Republic of China started poorly due to the Mongolian invasion. But the determination of the Dr. Sun and the Chinese people overcame what was deemed unsermountable. Indeed, China truely deserves its name, the Middle Kingdom.

Chap 6: The Great Exploration

In 1200 AD, China is centuries ahead the rest of the world. Navigation technology was discovered that enabled the building of caravels. At around the same time, the Great Lighthouse was build. These two alone will launch China into a period known by later Chinese historians as The Great Exploration.

During the Great Exploration, the Chinese government sponsored ten major naval expeditions(One caravel unit per expedition). The exact path of these ten expeditions are shown below:

Expedition 1: Caravel set sailed from Northern port city Nigpo, traveling northward. The mission is to circle the entire continent once.

Expedition 2: Caravel set sailed from the Southern port city of Wuhan, traveling southward. The mission is also to circle the entire continent once, but in a different direction.

Expedition 3: Caravel set sailed from the port city of Tienstin, traveling eastward into the unknown. The mission is to find a new continent on the other side of the ocean.

Expedition 4: Caravel set sailed from the port city of Hanchow, traveling westward into the unknown. The mission is to find a new continent on the other side of the ocean.

Expedition 5: Caravel set sailed from Ninpo, travling Northeast. The mission is the same as expedition 3.

Expedition 6: Caravel set sailed from Hanchow, traveling Northwest. The mission is the same as expedition 4.

Expedition 7, 8, 9, 10: Caravels set sailed from Tienstin, Hanchow, Wuhan and Ninpo, traveling randomly to see whatever they can find.

The era of Great Exploration will render the construction of the Migallan's Expedition. (Can't spell)

In addition, the exploration will eventually lead to discovery of a new continent, where the Egyptians and Germans are. China will carry on a peaceful trading relationship with the Egyptian, while little contact is made with the Germans.

Finally, a Chinese city will be build on a newly discovered island that contains rich resouce of incense. This city is named Yuenjiang, which in the Chinese language literally means the "Far Territory"

Chap 7: Expansionism:

At about the same time when China enters the period of Great Exploration, China is embarking on another project.

After the death of Chin Shi Huang, China ceased to grew territorially. Colonies had been built to secure resources, and the city of Yuenjiang had been established on an remote island. Other than that, however, there had been no further acquisition of land.

In around 1200 AD, Chinese people begin to use gunpowder for fireworks in the celebration of Chinese New Year. The senators in Shanghai, the capital city of Republic of China, understood the military value of gunpowder, which allows the building of musketeers, a more powerful weaponry than the Longbowman that comprise a major portion of the Chinese army.

Unfortunately, the Chinese do not have access to iron, which is required to produce gunpowder and musketeers. At the same time, the militaristic Aztec is expanding. In the China-Aztec meeting of the 1200 AD ambassadors from both countries exchanged territorial map. The map the Chinese obtained from Aztec revealed the incredible pace with which the Aztec was settling new land.

When the completion of a land expedition rendered a detailed map of the very northern part of the continent on which the Chinese, Aztec, Persians and the Rome are located, Chinese begin to mass colonize the entire northern region. In a matter of some eighty years, the city of Yuenbei was built, and workers were send there to developed the land.

At the same time, the warhawks among the senators in Shanghai are proposing the eradication of the Persian empire, who, having access to iron resources, is unwilling to trade with China.

Meanwhile, plans are made to build at least two cities to the South of the Egyptian empire on the newly discovered continent. Beijing, and Tatung are actively recruiting settlers and workers who are willing to travel to the distant continent to establish a new home. Needless to say, expansionism dominate the political mood of China during this period.

P.S: This is where I am right now in the game. Keep checking back for updates

Chap 8: Dawn of Sino-Persian War

In the 1200 AD, the Chinese wasn't the only expansionist empire. The Persian is activily also building up an empire of her own through colonization of unoccupied land.

Not surprisingly, there will eventually be conflict. By 1300 AD, the expansion path of both Persia and China will converge on the northern most region of the continent. A territorial disputes followed without a resolution.

In 1300 AD, within the Great Forum of People's Voice, one hundred and fifty National Senators convened to debate before President Chiang Kai Shek over the Persian question. Ultimately, the warhawks among the senators won the day, and the decision was made to invade Persia, with the approval of President Chiang.

Military by upbringing, President Chiang Kai Shek is himself a cunning military strategist. He understood the importance of the northern region of the continent to the future development of the Chinese empire.

Nevertheless, there are several problems. It isn't easy to invade Persia, given the relative size of the Persian army, the distance between China and Persia, and the possible war weariness that might arise among the Chinese civilians as the war drags on for too long.

Secondly, although China pocessed the technology to build musketeers and canons, China had no access to salpter which is required to build those weapons. Lastly, and the most importantly, the city of Yuenbei, the only Chinese city located on the Northern region of the continent, is lightly defended, and is surrounded by Persians on all sides. If a war does began between Persian and China, Yuenbei would be the first city to be attacked. The importance of Yuenbei as a base for China's expansion into the Northern region makes it too valuable to be lost to the Persian.

Therefore, following the President Chiang's decision to invade Persia is an important diplomatic decision, which is the formation of an Aztec-China alliance in an joint campaign against Persia.

Domestically, President Chiang, began mass production of longbowman, horsemen, catapults and galleons, halting the construction of other projects temporarily.

Militarily, President Chiang began to re-position the Chinese armies, heavily fortifying the coastal and frontier region while leaving the inner region light defended. At the same time, 18 units of longbowman from throughout China departed from the port of Nigpo, setting sail for Yuenbei, where the first battle between China and Persia will soon began.