Governments and Politics III

I would like to congratulate Tan Qing on being chosen People's Champion. He has been a tireless advocate for the common people of China and I look forward to working with him to improve the lot of all Chinese.
 
News Report

T72 (1120 BC)
The wise men of China master the techniques of animal trapping. Their wisdom now turns to perfecting the techniques of construction.

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T73 (1050 BC)
The far away lands of Venice enter the Classical era.
Chinese workers begin building silver mines in northern Shanghai

T74 (1040 BC)
Chinese scouts find the cold city of Kuala Lumpur. They are welcomed and are gifted 15 gold. They also inform us they need helping fending off barbarians who pillage their lands.

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T75 (1000 BC)
Stories reach China that Greece has started worshipping a pantheon of gods. Among their fables and beliefs are the sentiment of a right to spread and settle the lands around them, as if following the mandate and promises of their gods.
News also reaches China of unknown peoples reaching the Classical Era.
A paper maker has been built in China. Work then begins on building Lord Lam Tu’s grand project: the Great Pyramids of China.

T76 (975 BC)
An archer division has been created in Shanghai. Work begins on building a Granary.
Our warriors in the north have been attacked by hordes of barbarians of the frozen lands. They headed south in retreat.

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T77 (950 BC)
Barbarians from the south entered Chinese lands! Our Archer division sent a volley to pick them out as they approached the salt mines. The assault caused a lot of damage but was unsuccessful in removing the invaders from our territory. These barbarians have more advanced weaponry then any warrior in the Chinese army!

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Our warriors in the north suffered another attack from the barbaric hordes. Yet they defended bravely, killing all their attackers.
Meanwhile, Shanghai demands whales.

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T78 (925 BC)
The barbarians pillaged and burned their way through the salt mines, displacing hundreds of workers and their families. Yet as the barbarians enjoyed their spoils the archer division carried out a raid, killing all the pillagers.

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T80 (875 BC)
Jerusalem has requested Chinese assistance against invading barbarians. They will reward China if their call for aid is answered.
An emissary from Ur informs us that they have completed their protect and no longer request gold investments.
Our warriors reach Shanghai and fortify to recover, heal the injured and recruit.

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Session 3

Five years had passed in China. The new lord and his council had mobilized the population to build the pyramids Lord Lam Tu proposed. They were to be tombs for the lords of Beijing, and places to pay homage to the ancestors. The pyramids were to have more tombs and a graveyard for other citizens to be buried there. There was no man who was not employed. There was little opposition to this project. Opinions only changed for a brief time with the intrusion of barbarians and their pillaging of the salt mines.

News of the Greek pantheon also inspired the citizens to build a project of such grandeur. The entire population seemed to follow the teachings of the shrine and its Ritual Master Shu Wei. Shenism, it was called, and the trading area main shrine was now being supported by branch-shrines in each district. Tian and the shen (gods) are more and more revered and in the minds of all the Chinese. Though passionate followers are still minimal, the promotion of virtues, maintenance of proper relations with the shen through worship and offerings, cultivation of the self, and social harmony are concepts that begin to take root in Chinese culture. The festival to Tu Di Gong was approaching and preparations were under way. Traders prepared feasts with the shrines, street markets were being set, and plans for the processions were being made.

As the city prepared for the festival, China was once again reminded of the world around it. Archers escorted an emissary towards the palace. It was obvious where he was from. The Zulus were once again wishing to speak with the lord of Beijing. Was it war he came to declare, or was it some other message the man carried? At the same time news spread of a message from an emissary sent to the Greek city of Corinth. The ministry of foreign peoples would have a busy day.

Time had passed not without taking some souls to their resting place. Han Bo, the tributes collector of the Wong house, had passed away at such a young age and with no descendants. The sorrows of a life that would be forgotten could be made into a tragic tale. Men of higher office also succumbed to the weight of life. Ma Tu and General Secretay Kwok Ah Bo also left this world after a full life, leaving their eldest sons to take their place at the council if lord Lam Tu allowed.

The lands were busy with work, yet there were issues that needed to be resolved.

In-game Issues
What shall be built in Beijing after the Pyramids?
Shall we maintain Aristocracy as our next Social Policy?
Shall we maintain Horseback Riding as our next research order?
What shall be built in Shanghai after the Pyramids?
What shall our workers do after they finish their assignments?

Decisions
Who shall be the new Grand Secretary?
Who shall replace Ma Tu’s seat in the council?

Deaths
Han Bo
Kwok Ah Bo
Ma Tu

Quick Reference Charts

Session 3 Turn 1 has now begun

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Beijing

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Shanghai

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Social Policy

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Economic Overview

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Trade Routes

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Military Overview

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Diplomatic Overview

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Tech Tree

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Health

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Strategic Views

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Public Speech
Great days lie ahead for China. But we need to face the barbarian menace from the southeast. I propose one unit of archers be fortified on the hills east of the damaged salt mine and our warriors be re-equipped with spears to clear out the camp. This time we were able to contain them and the damage can be repaired, even if the lost lives can never be replaced, but next time they may strike at our vulnerable caravan. This should not take precedence over the Zulu threat but it is a serious concern.
 
Public Speech

First, allow me to commend our Council on yet another period of harmonious and wise rule of the Chinese state. With the institution of our new bureaucracy, this task will surely only get easier.

As for construction plans, surely all Chinese can agree that we are beset by threats from all sides. The menacing Zulu and the annoyingly persistent barbarians, as well as these other foreign powers which seek to upset the balance and harmony which characterizes our glorious people, all present a threat to our people. As such, I propose the construction of a walls in both of our cities. These walls would allow us to better protect the Chinese people from foreign invaders and give the Chinese who live in the countryside a refuge from foreign invaders.

I also propose that our workers immediately repair the damaged salt mine as soon as they complete their current projects so that we may restore the salt trade.

Though I am not a particularly learned man, I also propose that we continue horseback riding as our research. If, as our wise men claim, they are able to determine a method by which men can ride on the back of beasts, it would surely give us a huge advantage over all who seek to harm us.
 
Public Speech

I disagree with the peoples champions proposals that we build walls in both our cities after current civic works are completed. It is first and foremost imperative that China expands in order to secure land and resources for our people, and strategic security through the establishment of strongholds at valuable locations. Hence, as I have argued before, I believe that upon the completion of the Pyramids project Beijing should train settlers to claim the region around Mt Tai for China. This would secure the trade routes to the east and to the Greeks, and prevent the Zulu from expanding south and encircling our nation. This being in addition to the spiritual benefit and divine blessings, securing the Holy Mountain would entail for China.

This is particularly imperative given that it has been revealed that the Indonesians have established a city to the south of the Mt Tai region, severely circumscribing Chinese prospects for settlement in the fertile interior of the continent. I think it is obvious therefore that expansion as soon as possible should be an extremely high priority for our people.
 
Public Speech

I agree with Shu Wei that we need to train a settler as soon as possible. We are running out of time to claim that land for ourselves. If any of our neighbors make it there first, we will be cut off from the east and have little more room to expand than the desert to the south. This only needs to concern Beijing; Shanghai is in a more vulnerable position, and can begin its walls as soon as the granary is completed.

I also agree that repairing the damaged salt mine should be the workers' priority after their current assignments. The other team of workers ought to begin constructing a camp for the deer near Shanghai.

As for the barbarians, they must not be given any chance to strike back. The warriors need to fortify until they have recovered their strength, but as soon as they are ready, we should send them to clear the encampment to the south, supported by one of the archer units around Beijing. Soon the archers will be equipped with the new composite bows. Our forces can overwhelm those savages, but only if we bring the fight to them.
 
Public Speech

I bow to the wisdom of the others in this. I admit that I perhaps have been too ardent in my push for walls to protect our cities. I agree that a good plan would be to take a more balanced and harmonious approach, constructing a settler in Beijing and a walls in the more vunlerable Shanghai.
 
Midsession Event

The people of Shanghai manifest in their public square! Lead by a young man named Yu Tai, the people were drawn towards the palace to make their demands to the lord of Shanghai, Hong Qing.

“For many years we have lived in constant fear of threats. Since this city was created, we lived under such terror. But it is not the barbarians we fear the most. Barbarians in the north, from the black hills to the ice wastelands, they seek our lands in jealousy for our treasures, only to come and steal what they have. But this is only the immediate threat. They may come and rape and kill, yes, but then they will leave with their spoils, retreating to their hellhole. We have a more profound concern, a stronger enemy, and one who seeks to conquer and to destroy our very memory from this earth. It is the Zulu that are a threat to our existence! They parade their warriors around our lands and they build their cities around our homes, it must be clear they want us gone!

You must remember what happened five years ago. Their legitimate chief – yes because they are chiefdom – was overthrown by military factions. Warriors now rule those lands; men of the sword whose goal will be to take our lands and cities. But we are the superior people. Look at our organizations, our culture and trade; look at out warriors and archers. We are militarily superior!

What should we do, fellow Chinese of Shanghai. Shall we wait for the Zulu to come down upon our lands and destroy all that we have or shall we take the initiative? You are wise! We must eliminate this threat before it is too late! To war!

Our voices are strong and our demands are clear! We stand before the palace for Lord Hong Qing to hear our cries. We are ready for battle. All Shanghai is ready for battle. The question is, is he?”

The people chanted “War to the Zulu!” for hours after that speech, while Hong Qing remained behind closed doors, silent.

Beijing has a different atmosphere. The city’s festival to Tu Di Gong has begun, having done the first rites at the main shrine of Beijing. Processions will soon flood the city’s streets, and soon the celebrations many are so eager for.

Lord Lam Tu announced that Chow Bo would become the new Grand Secretary, while Chow Bo’s disciple Sun Chih takes the position of Minister of War. Talks are still going on about the open seat in the council, among other decisions left to decide. Minister Hou Xu Chao has returned to the palace after having met with the Zulu. No one beyond the council knows what has been exchanged between the two parties.

Deaths
None

Session 3 Turn 2 has begun

EXTRA: Rule change on City maps

BUILDING AND CITY MAPS

These are buildings that have no in-game effect on the empire, but are needed for certain businesses and can benefit the AI population:

Farm
Mine
Workboat
Bank
Shop
School
Theater
Circus
Workshop
Factories
Warehouses
Moneylender Building

The price to build buildings and their upkeep fluctuates, told by the prices of Construction industry. Therefore, prices to build and maintain are connected to the Construction Industry average prices.

City Maps are now divided into hexes representing 10 meters by 10 meters. To find the price of making a hex large building (standard), multiply the average Item Price by 10. For the upkeep, multiply the cost of building a hex-large building by 25%. When upkeep cannot be paid, the building begins to look worn out. A session later it is run down. A session later is abandoned, and finally it is collapsing. Five sessions later it is in ruins. For houses, simply take the item price for land and housing, this is a 7 by 7 meter large house. Upkeep for houses are always the average item price for land and housing.

You can add magnificence and splendor to your building by using luxurious materials like marble, gold, silver, copper, and gems, and adding decorations like statues, murals and carvings made with these luxurious resources by using the culture industry’s average prices.

You may also choose the exact location of the building/house on the city map by pointing out the space where you want to build on the map. If you do not precise I will randomly choose where within a district.
 
Public Speech

Hello my fellow citizens,

I come to you with a welcoming spirit. I am not a deaf or unconsiderate captain, I care for the security and for the well-being of all of you, and I take into account all of your demands. In regards to the recent public desplay behind the leadership of the famous Yu Tai demanding for war against the Zulus, I have decided, with Hong Qing's blessing, to take effective action towards this issue. The tensions with the Zulu people cannot be denied, and we must seek to be prepared in every way for a possible conflict. As such, we invite Yu Tai, which is backed by the public support, to come and collaborate with us and fulfill his dreams for a better future for Shanghai and, above all, a safe future for all of you!
 
Yu Tai

Public Speech

"I have spoken with our Captain of Security Forces, and we have agreed we must prepare our city to deal with this menace. For too long we have remained underdeveloped, a small outpost on the edge of our safety. Rhee Syngman has offered me a place in a strategic council to advise Lord Hong Qing. He is a good man who understands what this city needs. I shall also be serving as second in command to the Security Forces of this city, which we will continue to develop. In the meantime I implore those in Beijing to not buckle down to any trickery the Zulu may perform as they sit at our borders. No matter what comes from the mouths of these devils we must not be deceived. For Shanghai, citizens, and for China!"
 
I'm going to have to drop this game for now, hope to return when I have more time.
 
Session Report

The festivities in the streets were well on their way in Beijing. People ate and drank as they relaxed, talking and laughing and enjoying the evening. The most passionate stayed near the shrines were rites were being carried out to invoke Tu Di Gong. The rites were held in private, but these passionate followers felt it was their duty to remain nearby. As for the rest, it was more a good excuse to have celebrations. As the day turned into night the celebrations deviated into slight debauchery, especially in the lower and poor districts were Security Forces had to keep an eye out for the occasional squabbles and disturbances of the peace. The sound of laughter and drums could probably be heard from the surrounding areas.

Maybe Lord Lam Tu could hear the sounds of celebration as he camped outside Beijing along the Zulu camp. The lord of Beijing had left the city to meet his counterpart. What they would discuss is not known, but precautions had been taken to keep a safe and neutral atmosphere. Beijing’s archer divisions were ready to deal with any trouble, and the Zulu had brought along their warriors for protection. The people were too busy in Beijing to truly pay attention to this detail.

Yet it was not all celebrations. General Secretary Chow Bo and Minister of Justice Han Zhi had moved on to join their ancestors. China now needed to replace these men and fill the corresponding offices. Yet in the absence of both the Lord of Beijing and his General Secretary, it was up to all councilmen to come to an agreement as they waited for a letter of some sort from Lam Tu.

In other news, Shanghai again had an unstable atmosphere. The people seemed displeased with Hong Qing, and were beginning to protest in front of the palace. Yet Yu Tai dissuaded them. He called for a cool-headed attitude to successfully prepare and later defeat the Zulu. In addition, he invited all those who were willing to defend Shanghai to join the Security Forces and form the army Shanghai needed to go off to war. All voluntaries were welcome to train and form part of “Shanghai’s future glory.” Hong Qing again did not go out to meet the crowds.

Beijing enters the final phase of the festival of Tu Di Gong, and the end of a generation of leaders and politicians. As the Zulu question becomes a more relevant topic, China will soon have a government with a fresh new mind, ready to take on the challenges ahead.

Deaths:
Chow Bo
Han Zhi

Session 3 Turn 3 has now begun
 
Public Speech

People of Beijing, the festival of Tu Di Gong, the great land god who bestows wealth and abundance upon the people of China has shown everyone the prosperity and culture of our people, and brought forward into the light the unit of our community. This has been the culmination of much spiritual contemplation and reflection on the part of our people. Where before crassness and vulgarity reigned, now civility and pious reverence for ancestors and gods fills Beijing. Through cultivation of the self, the practice of correct rites, and adherence to virtue, the people have gone from a state of disorder where crime was rampant and society was divided, to a state much closer to the sublime state of harmony that is the goal of all societies.

So I say to you now, as Ritual Master and Minister of Rites, that today is the day to rejoice at the spiritual and temporal achievements that we the people, from the highest to the humblest have obtained. Celebrate this festival of Tu Di Gong and pray to the god that blessings will continue to flow our way. Rekindle in your hearts the value of family and recognise through our common rejoicing that all of China is as one family under the auspices of a gracious and virtuous Lord.
 
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