Training of the Army:
- Yang Kang, Grand Commander of the Army
Yang Kang, Grand Commander of the Imperial Army, has been training vigorously the Chinese army. While the newly created Chinese army is not large, most of it's soldiers are fanatical supporters of the Emperor and Yang Kang has tried to train them into an elite force. The army needs to be strong and very loyal to the Emperor, as, considering all the internal instability, it will be crucial in crushing an rebellion. For this reason, the position of Yang Kang is one of the most important in all of China.
The training of the soldiers included Kung Fu and war exercises, the main scenarios of which have to do with crushing internal rebellion. China has no external enemies at all, so the army is mainly trained to fight against internal rebels.
Chancellor's tour in Manchuria:
Chancellor Fu Sheng has visited the Manchurian provinces of Northern China in person in order to restore law and order and oversee the region. His arrival has caused enthusiasm to the population, as the Chancellor is very beloved to the people for he is known to be just, to care for the weak and to be fiercely loyal to the country and the Emperor.
In order to combat separatism, Fu Sheng has used Chinese nationalism. In his trip in Manchuria, Fu Sheng talked about the sacrifices made by the Yang family, Yue Fei, Yuan Chonghuan and other Chinese national heroes who did their best to protect their country and died an unjust death. This talk about the national wars of China moved the people to tears in many of the cities in Manchuria.
Imperial Visit of South China:
- Emperor Dongfang Bubai
- Yang Ling, the Emperor's favorite concubine
Chancellor Fu Sheng is not the only one to make a visit in a part of the vast Xiang Empire. The Emperor Dongfang Bubai, along with his favorite concubine Yang Ling, have decided to visit South China and see it's beauty, as Southern China is far more populous and beautiful than the steppe-lands of the north. The Imperial Couple visited the lake of Hangzhou (the West Lake) and were greeted with the most luxurious dinners by the local Governors. The Imperial Couple is expected to also visit Taiwan. The Governor of Taiwan, Lung Chang, is said to be preparing a huge festival in honor of the Emperor.
Emperor Dongfang Bubai has neglected all others concubines and some believe that he will crown Yang Lin Empress of China. This, of course, will be very favorable to Yang Kang, who is the most powerful official in China after Chancellor Fu Sheng. He is only 25 years old and is Grand Commander of the Army. If his sister becomes Empress, who knows how much more prestige and power Yang Kang will further amass.