Xinshi Decrees
The Xinshi Decrees were a number of important political Heavenly Decrees during the early 1700's. While officially written and passed by the Xinshi Emperor, there was little doubt - even among contemporaries - that Hon Ben Erasmus was the true mastermind behind them. Hon, supported by some of the Great Jing's most important and influential officers had formed his Gang of Four to influence the Heavenly Court.
The Decrees, while not directly contradicting the Conference of Apollo, mostly went against its spirit and ideals. Making use of the messy political situation, the Gang pushed for a centralisation of power into the Jingdaoese Community. The Community, while merely meant as a cultural entity, was transformed into an institution which could heavily influence all states' policies within its sphere of influence.
The Gong Suweiai was transformed into a parliament and meeting place between the States, while the Grand Secretariat once more gained in power. As the Heavenly Light remained focused on Her spiritual duties, the duties of the Diwang were expanded to presiding both the Grand Secretariat and Gong Suweiai.
Limitations concerning those who could become candidates during state elections were introduced. Either one had to have served in the Armed Forces or Tegong, or had to have successfully passed the imperial examinations. This limited the possibility of non-Jing to actively participate.
List of decrees
- Appointment of Hon Ben Erasmus as Diwang and Expansion of its Role
- Declaration of Loyalty of the States towards the Heavenly Light and the Community
- Decree concerning the opening of the Gong Suweiai and Rules concerning its Members
- Reformation of the Tegong into a cultural police force
- Renouncement of the Kildarian Community
