Fushi Magazine

Zhang San's forced retirement (issue of 25.IV.1690 AN) was one of the few times the magazine ever criticised the central government indirectly. Despite its tremendous increase of wealth, the 1690 Jingdaoese recession had already shaken Jingdaoese trust in the political system.

Fushi Magazine was a satirical monthly magazine established in 1657 AN. The Meiyo Emperor's approach to press freedom (as long as neither the Heavenly Court or its most important officials were criticised) allowed the publisher to launch its critical articles, combined with a number of cartoons. These liberties remained unchanged during the prosperous years of the Chidao Emperor, who reportedly was a huge fan.

Some indirect criticism at the imperial administration became apparent since the 1690 Jingdaoese recession, which some saw as the fault of its corrupt officials and incompetent ministers. The forced retirement of Zhang San, who had served for 40 years as Diwang, threw oil on the fire.

The magazine avoided closure, but became even more heavily monitored by the Tegong and Ministry of Truth after the release of its issue about Zhang San.