Daocheng Times/1733 Issue

XII.1733

3.XII.1733

The Demise of Democracy

"On this fateful day, when the populace ought to rally as one behind the venerable Mango Throne, we are confronted with a betrayal of unparalleled magnitude within the Adelsraad and the Folksraad. While the rebels of Sathrati battled us openly, numerous members of these bodies have now shown their true colors. With daggers poised—figuratively speaking—they have treacherously stabbed the honorable Steward Thuylemans in the back. Our nation, having endured a nuclear exchange between our Imperial Republic and the Benacian Union, now suffers betrayal from within. When unity was expected, we witnessed the Verionists and the National Development Party (controlling 100 of the 1000 seats in the Folksraad and 19 of the 150 seats in the Adelsraad) eagerly undermine our cause. Shortly after the war's onset, these factions severed their ties with the cabinet. Did these noble representatives lose their wits upon witnessing the impending inferno above Lichkeep? Were they blinded by their greed and the blinding flash? Has their valor dissolved after but a single misfortune? The haste with which several NDP members fled to Sanama aboard the first available gravship speaks volumes about their awareness of the ruin their actions and wartime antics have wrought. Even more disheartening, and equally treacherous, are the Verionists, who falsely accuse our Steward of excessive concern for the Eastern Provinces, thereby neglecting to counter the actions of the Kaiseress. If our Eastern Provinces truly received even a fraction of the attention the Verionists claim, I would be beside myself with joy! In these trying times, our steadfast Steward thankfully finds support from the opposition benches. The Imperial Republic, especially in such critical moments, must function without hindrance to confront this existential threat. This dire circumstance, however, compels us to question our political system of the Adelsraad and the Folksraad. Is this not further evidence that democracy in our realm has failed? While the highborn estates, clergy, and nobility, supported by adept bureaucrats, manage their lands and temples with exemplary order, our national politics descend into chaos. Once we have triumphed over the Benacian fiends, is it not time to purge the Imperial Republic of the cumbersome, ineffectual representation of the common folk, who wield undue influence over matters beyond their understanding? Our Landsraad, composed of the high nobility, potentially supplemented by the Council of Nobles with representatives from all Estates (Nobility, Temples, and to a lesser extent, and perhaps - dare I say it? - for the most wealthy established denizens), is far better suited to govern. Provided, of course, that the Mango Throne retains the ultimate authority. Long live the Mango Throne! Long live the Imperial Republic!" - Liang Nakamura, author of "Why We Should All Kowtow for the Mango Throne"

XI.1733

24.XI.1733

Pamphlet of Jingdaoese Grievances Concerning Our Faith

"The Jing are hopelessly divided between the Command of the Heavenly Light and the Law of the Kaiseress"

"Your Niftiness, Your people are restless. No, it is not You but we—the people—who have failed. We are on the brink of descending into a long, grand, and bloody war that our ancestors could only dream of. The glory and fruits of victory are within reach, and millions of your subjects from the eastern provinces are ready to take up arms in Your honor. Where East and West were once bitter enemies, we are now brothers and sisters. Yet, I must confess that even within our loyal hearts, doubts linger. These doubts are not about the Imperial Republic or Your magnificent rule, but about the position of the Jing in general. As You may know, the Jing are hopelessly divided between the Command of the Heavenly Light and the Law of the Kaiseress. On paper, the Heavenly Palace supports the rulers of Raynor’s Keep, but even the most devout Jingdaoese has in recent years questioned how current affairs align with the traditions ingrained in us from birth. The Heavenly Light declares in its decrees that Cult and Empire are two sides of the same coin. Yet, the Tianchaodao exists parallel to other Cedrist groups. And while the Empress is accorded an almost divine status in the Tianchaodao, the Imperial Cult makes no mention of the Heavenly Light and the faith of the majority of her eastern subjects. It is therefore not surprising that after more than twenty years of integration and enduring humiliations (where is the first Jingdaoese Steward?!) there is murmuring behind the heavy oak doors of many Jing households. More than ever, the Heavenly Power and influence are being undermined, and never has the position of the Jing—noble or not—been more challenged by the Kildarian peasants. Is the fault with Raynor’s Keep? Certainly not. Is it with Daocheng? No gods-fearing Jing would ever claim that! No, the fault lies with those among You: ministers with a lack of knowledge, lackeys who have never set foot in the East. They repeat the wrong mantras over and over, thinking they know what keeps the good Jingdaoese patriarch awake at night. We fear for our souls, mainly due to the confusion about the Empress’s exalted position. Yes, You are the Shield of the Faith, but we do not see that in our daily lives. What do I seek to achieve with this lengthy letter? Your Niftiness, it is time to fully heal the schism between East and West. It is time for a marriage between the Heavenly and Imperial Families. Only then will the Blue Blood of Erasmii flow into that of the noble Kalirions. Thus, our Imperial Republic, long after we have all turned to dust by the sands of time, will be able to count on the grace of the Gods for eternity. Long live Shireroth! Long live the Kaiseress! Long live the Heavenly Light!" - Liang Nakamura, author of "Why We Should All Kowtow for the Mango Throne"