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Elite Wiki

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The *Elite* Wiki is a collaborative encyclopaedia of the Netflix television series that anyone can edit! Our database currently contains 363 articles and 2,715 files.
**CAUTION**: This wiki contains spoilers from the Netflix series. Proceed at your own risk.

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**CAUTION**: This wiki contains spoilers from the Netflix series. Proceed at your own risk.

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Zero Chill
Edict 1SZ-01-03

*To the Ministry of Rites,*

*Regarding the matter of celebratory fireworks for the Ploughing of the Furrows, we will carry on with the first option, with a total of 220 shells.*

*We also command that of the five Twin-Dragon Shells designated, four are to be readied and launched on the day. One is to be launched as a test in a few days, so it must be readied presently.*
Tong Lingzhi

**Tong Lingzhi** 童灵枝 is a consort of the Shaozhi Emperor. She is one of five women selected during the Pageant of 1 Shaozhi, along with Dong Ying, Fu Han, Sun Yunyi and Deng Huan'er.

She currently holds the rank of Courteous Attendant (婕妤).

## Life

Tong Lingzhi was born in 3 Jianzhang (1645). The Tong family has generally not been very distinguished; Lingzhi's father, Tong Lianzhang 童连彰, was only the second person from the family to enter government service, though he has reached the high rank of Left Vice-Inspector of Government.

Tong Lingzhi's participation in the Pageant was approved by the Empress, Yu Xiaoxi, on the following grounds:

*Tong Lianzhang, Lingzhi's father, is of good moral standing and respected by his colleagues; his young daughter is beauteous and known to be quiet and content.*

## Personality

Tong Lingzhi is adept at playing the *guqin*. It was through playing the guqin, and choosing an unusual song to play (Zhang Liao Defends the Leisure Fort 张辽威震逍遥津), that she caught the Emperor's attention.

To gain the Emperor's favour, she has also been learning how to sing opera.
Memo 1SZ-11-01

*To Mu Hanzheng,*

*We have seen some of your*Treatise*, and it is an interesting text. There remains much that we want to ask you, and much more that we want to understand.*

*As such, we summon you to an audience in two days' time, to go through the contents of your work and expound upon your theories and results.*
Memo 1SZ-03-02

*To the Metropolitan Yun Shijin,*

*We have known of your former experience working in a silver-house, and the knowledge you have gained in your operations in Tanzhou and Huaizhou.*

*The court currently has need of your skills, and therefore we command your presence in Zezhou, to be ready to have an audience with us. You are authorised to use this edict in order to compel any local office of government to aid you on your journey, that you should arrive in Zezhou post-haste.*
Edict 2SZ-04-01

*To the Ministry of Rites and the Academy of Understanding,*

*In the 5th and 6th months, the most hallowed Examinations will take place. In addition to this, we wish to celebrate learning by gathering scholars of different specialisations, under one roof, to benefit from Imperial hospitality.*

*As such, we hereby command that on the 15th of 6th, after the Palace Examinations, a Banquet of Worthies is to be held at the Great Banqueting Hall in the Palace. For this, the county magistrates and prefects of the Two Capitals, Xizhou, Fengzhou, Tanzhou, Ningzhou, Wozhou, Xiuzhou and Huaizhou are to recommend men of learning from their jurisdictions, and sponsor their journey to the Capital by the 15th of 6th.*
Hua Yan

**Hua Yan** (花颜), born *Isabella Juarez Martell*, is a consort of the Shaozhi Emperor. She currently holds the rank of **Virtuous Companion**, and therefore will generally be known as Virtuous Companion (VC) Hua. (This is rendered in Chinese as 花嫔.)

## Life

Hua Yan was born in the 9th Year of Yongfeng (1642), to a family of Esibani descent. The Juarez family settled in the Empire in the Chunqing era, and Hua Yan is of the third generation.
New Sanctioned Schools

The **New Sanctioned Schools** are a list of ten private academies, in and around the Imperial Capital, which received official sanction during the reign of the Shaozhi Emperor.

These academies are all known for espousing the Mind School (also known as the Heart School) of Confucianist doctrine, in opposition to the School of Reason which has been established as orthodox Confucianism since the beginning of the Ming Dynasty.

## List of Schools

Of these schools, four are found in the Imperial Capital:

1. New Deer Cave Academy 新白鹿洞书院
2. Shuoling Academy 朔陵书院
3. East Stream Academy 东溪书院
4. Tiger Rock Academy 虎啸岩书院

Three are found on the shores of the East Lake, near the Capital:

1. Nine Willows Academy 九柳书院
2. Whitestone Academy 白石书院
3. Yang Village Academy 泱村书院

One each are located in Tanzhou, Fengzhou and Chengtian cities:

1. South Grove Academy (Tanzhou) 南苑书堂
2. Yellowpine Academy (Fengzhou) 黄松书院
3. New Xiangshan Academy (Chengtian) 新象山书院
Memo 1SZ-04-03

*To the Empress,*

*We command that the following two ladies be appointed to the Inner Palace, and given the rank of Attendant.*

*Lady Chu Yanying, sister and daughter of officials, is beauteous and virtuous, and of good birth.*

*Lady Song Yixi, sister of an official, is quiet and intelligent, and sensitive.*

*Their residences are to be determined upon our return to the Palace.*

*Additionally, Attendant Fu Han is to be promoted, to Courteous Attendant.*
Court Memorandum 5YL-9-01

*The Emperor Pronounces:*

*It is a fundamental principle that the Master is the Guide of the Subject. Where discipline rules, the Five Relations are maintained strictly, everyone knows their place, and order is kept.*

*As such, transgressions that seem small nonetheless warrant vigilance. The following sixteen officials have been observed by us, personally, to breach court protocol during the Audience. If the hour or so of the Audience is too long for the appointed officials of court to maintain their bearing, what can be expected of them?*

*We pronounce that the following sixteen officials be fined one month of their salary.*
Memo 5YL-11-06

*To the Empress,*

*Your gentleness and spirit of service commends you as someone who provides maternal care over the Empire as a whole.*

*As we are currently organising the Pageant for the Inner Palace, to be carried out on the 7th day of the 1st month next year, your services as the Master of the Inner Palace will be all the more called upon. I command you to proceed with planning the Pageant, as per your proposal to us.*

*I also command Consort Wu Yingqi to stand ready and assist the Empress, should this assistance be needed. The Empress is to use her discretion to call upon this aid.*
List of Books written in the Shaozhi Era

Imperial patronage of the arts was seen as a priority during the Shaozhi Era. This is a list of the books written during this period, which have benefited from Imperial patronage or commission.

## 1st Year

* *Anthology of the Eastern Inspection* - a volume of poetry, gathered from poets in Zezhou and Dingzhou prefectures, on commission from the Emperor.
* *Treatise on the Nature of the Wound-Chill Ailment* - written by Mu Hanzheng, a physician from Dingzhou.
* *New Fire Drake Manual* - written by Yao Qin and Kuang Henian.
Song Yiwen

**Song Yiwen** is a member of the Inner Palace of the Shaozhi Emperor. Discovered and favoured by the Emperor during his first Eastern Inspection, she was given the rank of Attendant.

## Life

Song Yiwen was originally named Song Yixi, and was born to a family of local gentry, hailing from Xizhou Prefecture north of the Capital.

Losing her parents at a young age, she was practically brought up by her brother Song Tai, who is nine years her senior; when Song Tai obtained his Metropolitan Degree (Normal) at the young age of 24, Yixi and her sister Yizi accompanied Song Tai to Dingzhou Prefecture to serve his first stint as a county magistrate.
Court Memorandum 5YL-9-03

*To All Officials of the Court,*

*In these times where rapid decision is needed, we hereby set the frequency of Court Audiences at thrice a month. All officials are to attend, and conduct themselves to the utmost, in accordance to protocol.*

*Remain always diligent in your duties and humble in your position.*
Edict 1SZ-10-01

*To the Ministry of the Civil Service,*

*We note with dismay the suggestions submitted by some officials, regarding the appropriate treatment of our Helan guests. The officialdom is the body to which laws are entrusted - it is their sacred trust to administer benevolently, in accordance to laws and morality.*

*How is this remotely like the behaviour that those officials have exhibited this time? There is no crime cited that would justify execution, nor is there any other good reason stated. If wanton rage and sentiment is all it takes to take a life, what will this Empire come to?*

*This will not do. As this is the first instance of such insolence, we will punish lightly. All officials who have submitted these thoughtless suggestions are to be punished by docking three months' salary, as well as a censure from the Minister. We command that you draft the censure for our inspection soonest.*
Offices of the Imperial Palace

The **Palace Office** is the agency responsible for the maintenance of the Imperial Palace, as well as meeting all the needs of the Imperial House and the Emperor himself.

Following the system of the Ming Dynasty, the Palace Office is the only place (besides the Inner Palace) where female officials are instituted. It is also the exclusive office where eunuchs are allowed to serve; castrated men are the only ones allowed within the Palace without escort, but are not allowed to serve in Court.

## Registrar of the Imperial House

The **Registrar of the Imperial House** fulfills a key job: determining who is, and isn't, a member of the Imperial House. Having ruled the Wei Empire for more than a hundred years, the House of Xiao is a sprawling tree with thousands of members spread throughout the Empire; the Registrar oversees the registration of births, deaths, marriages, demotions and other life events pertaining to them.

## The Twelve Services

The **Twelve Services** are twelve different offices, all staffed exclusively by eunuchs.

## The Six Agencies

The **Six Agencies** are exclusively staffed by women, and are the authority over all female officials, attendants and servants within the Palace.

## The Imperial Apothecary

The **Imperial Apothecary** serves as the medical agency for the Palace and the Inner Palace.
Edict 5YL-12-05

*To the Ministry of War,*

*The Falangse have been good neighbours of ours, and stalwart in war. With the Great Snow Mountains as our barrier, we look forward to long years of peace with them.*

*Now they are at war, and faced with a foe likely not to repeat their policies of co-existence with us. As such, their success will work towards our defence as well. We seek to provide them with the following:*

* *5,000 muskets*
* *Provisions for 5,000 soldiers*
* *20 Breech-loading light guns*

*Inform me as to the readiness of these, and make them ready post-haste for dispatch.*
Edict 1SZ-01-05

*To the Grand Secretaries,*

*The concerns you have raised about the Ocean Market, and the many crimes, illegal acts, deceptions etc. involved, are worrying to us. No doubt there are many unscrupulous people who disregard the Imperial Law to serve their own interests.*

*Yet, in throwing rocks at a rat, we worry about the vase behind it. Without the Ocean Market - or were a drastic ban to be instituted - the very lives of the subjects in the Capital, and surrounding cities, are at stake. We ought not to retread the mistakes of the Ming, and engage in Maritime Bans which will lead only to more banditry.*

*We command that you discuss this matter further, and also involve the Commissioner of the Fleet, the Ministries of Finance, Law, and the Waters, and the Judicial Review Office. They will provide the knowledge with which a better option will show itself.*
Yao Aiji

**Yao Aiji** is a member of the Inner Palace of the Shaozhi Emperor. Originally a handmaiden in Shen Qingni's entourage, she guided the Shaozhi Emperor around Dingzhou, and was later favoured by him.

## Life

Yao Aiji was born in Dingzhou; her father is Chinese, and her mother a woman who claims to be from 'Sikute', a place she says is near Engelun. Her mother made her way to the Wei Empire via the Esibani, however.
Edict 1SZ-01-02

*To the Petitioners,*

*We have seen your plans to build a temple within the Capital walls, dedicated to the veneration of Buddha. While it is not of a sect with the Donghai school, the veneration of Buddha is itself a good cause to support.*

*Therefore we command the following: for the Palace Office to choose woodfish, bells, offering vessels and the like, of excellent quality, to be given to the new temple for their use, and for the Privy Treasury to donate 5,000 taels of silver, to fund repairs and feed the monks and laymen therein.*
Boré Buika

**Boré Buika** (born 12 August 1980) is a Spanish actor. He portrays Sebastián Abaga on Netflix's Elite.

## Credits

* "When Lies Dance with Temptation"
* "Reintegration"
* "Before I Go (Part I)"
* "Anything Goes"
* "Tie Me Up"
* "The Body"
* "Toxic"
* "Your Side of the World and Mine"

## External links

* Boré Buika at the Internet Movie Database
* Follow Boré Buika (@bore\_buika) on Instagram
* Follow Boré Buika (@borbuika) on Twitter
Edict 1SZ-04-01

*To the Silver Houses of Zezhou Prefecture,*

*The counties of Laozhong and Duling are in the grip of a severe famine now, and relief is urgently needed. Their magistrates have been doing their best to alleviate the suffering of the people, by taking loans to purchase grain.*

*We hereby command that, for the next year, all such loans to these two counties for the purpose of shipping grain for relief are to be compensated by the Imperial Court. You are to submit all such records to the Court for our inspection.*
Edict 1SZ-11-01

*To the Grand Secretariat,*

*While we appreciate the work done by regional officials in sending in the figures regarding their harvests and other production in the year, we note with unease that these numbers remain wildly inconsistent, and provide almost no basis by which we can understand the strength of the Empire.*

*If we do not know the resources which the Empire can actually marshal, it seems impossible that the Court can ever use our strength to the best benefit. Even as we are proposing initiatives and policies for the benefit of people, how do we know what works well, and how do we know where we should put our efforts first?*

*While we do not have answers to these questions at present, we instruct that you conceive of ways for us and the Court at large to answer these pressing questions.*

*In the meantime, despite our unease, the work of government must go on, and we therefore approve of these numbers and send them on. But to expect that next year will bring yet the same mess will not be reasonable. We command that something be done about this, and soon.*
Memo 5YL-11-01

*To the Empress,*

*The Lady Shen is gentle in disposition, and skilled in music; we have therefore honoured her with our presence, and have resolved to give her a place in the Inner Palace.*

*By my command, she is granted the rank of Chosen Attendant, and you are charged with inducting her into the ways of the Inner Palace. The choice of her residential palace, and of other dispositions, is at your discretion.*
Missive 5YL-10-01

*To the Gathered Sangha of the Donghai Sect,*

*Peace be with you. We hear with concern of the long-drawn out process of negotiation within the Congregation that centres around the selection of the next master, who will take on the mantle of Master Daokong.*

*Master Daokong commanded immense merit through cultivation, and his attainment of nirvana is the end of a meritorious life that has brought the light of the Path throughout the lands. The Sangha should quickly come to a decision as to who will inherit the Master's mantle, such that his work should be continued and furthered.*

*In light of the doctrinal differences, while the details of the Dharma are not at our command, we nonetheless urge the Sangha to put its differences aside as far as possible. The salvation of all living things, and the promulgation of the righteous way, are at stake; I pray that the considerations of the here and now should make way for the awareness of something much greater.*
Verbal Command 1SZ-01-06

*We hereby command that the ladies, Tong Lingzhi and Deng Huan'er, be inducted into the Inner Palace.*

*They are both to be given the rank of Courteous Attendant, and will be allotted to the following residences: Tong Lingzhi to Jasmine Palace, and Deng Huan'er to Pine Palace. There, they are to obey the regulations set by the Empress and by the mistresses of their respective residence, and be trained in the ways of the Inner Palace.*
Edict 5YL-10-03

*To the Ministers of Works and the Navy,*

*We have reviewed your estimations of the cost for the repair of the Canal, and have nothing to add in particular. As such we approve of your proposed appropriations.*

*Ensure that both of you are clear on the appropriations. We hereby assign the 3rd Secretary of the Ministry of Finance to oversee the appropriations as one body, and keep records of disbursements to either ministry's work.*
Edict 1SZ-04-04

*To the Soldiers and Officers of the Dingzhou Garrison,*

*Your firmness in defending Dingzhou during the rebellion earlier this year, as well as your evident skill in your drills and discipline, deserve reward.*

*As such, we command that all ranks of officers and soldiers in the Dingzhou garrison, numbering 16,200 and more, will receive one month's salary as a reward from the Privy Purse.*
Edict 1SZ-10-02

*To the Ministry of Rites,*

*The Helan have arrived at the gates of our Capital. As guests of the Empire, they are to be received appropriately by the Imperial Master of the Guests, and by the College of Envoys.*

*We hereby command that they be given the correct rites of welcome, and that a banquet is to be thrown in their honour on the night of their arrival. The Palace Kitchen is to be informed, and will place the appropriate number of people at your disposal.*
New Fire Drake Manual

The *New Fire Drake Manual* (新火龙经) is a book, written by Yao Qin and Kuang Henian, and submitted shortly after Yao Qin's untimely death in a rocket accident.
The book is named after the *Fire Drake Manual*, a seminal book on gunpowder and gunpowder weapons written by Jiao Yu during the early Ming Dynasty.

## Contents

Unlike the original *Fire Drake Manual*, this text mainly focuses on rockets.

The first section of the book discusses gunpowder recipes, including a proprietary blend of saltpeter and sugar which has been shown to extend a rocket's range by nearly half.
Memo 1SZ-03-01

*To Dou Xun and Shi Dayong,*

*We receive, with not a little alarm, the seditious and rebellious communication you have discovered which purports to be written by the Prince of Kunyang.*

*While the evidence does seem solid that he has written this, we remain doubtful that someone like the Prince of Kunyang would write something this shocking. Even the former Prince of Shuoyang, who actually rose in revolt with an army and might have had occasion to insult us most gravely, did not do this. Why, then, the Prince of Kunyang?*

*Given that our route passes by the Prince of Kunyang's residence, but not any of the other elder princes, this is both a coincidence and out of keeping with the Prince of Kunyang's character. As such, we strongly suspect something is askew.*

*We hereby command you both to investigate this thoroughly. While we do not know what the truth might be and have no certain direction, you are to investigate with vigour. Should the need arise to use coercion in gaining information, you may consider this memo as authorisation - though any action that leads to maiming or severe injury must not be done without notification.*
Edict 2SZ-01-01

*To the Palace Office,*

*The two disgraced Princes of Kunshan and Ziling have now ceased to be, and their fiefs along with them. They are to be given burial rites of a two-ox cart for a hearse, six attendants to lay out the one-table sacrifices, and a monk and priest in attendance.*

*Other rites are to be conducted at the same level of dignity. The rites are to be done quickly and quietly, in the Capital.*
Edict 1SZ-06-01

*To the Sweet Dew Convent,*

*We commend you for your care of Virtuous Companion Le. Now that she bears the progeny of the Imperial House, it will be our duty to give her the best care for her child.*

*Virtuous Companion Le is to return to her residence in Pomegranate Palace, as soon as possible. Physician Zhuh Shan is to be her physician, and the Midwifery Office of the Palace is to render all assistance as necessary.*
Edict 1SZ-02-01

*To All Our Subjects,*

*Our civilisation, and all its glories, has always been founded on agriculture. On the unceasing toil of the humble farmer, and the munificent gifts of the earth and sky, all works of greater men rely.*

*The Emperor's ploughing of the first furrow is the embodiment of this truth. We, too, participate in the humblest of labours, and use this as a mirror to reflect upon our daily work. The duties of all the Court and the subjects are towards us and the dynasty; our duty, in turn, is to Heaven, and to the diligence that pleases Heaven and nurtures the people.*

*Let this reflection be repeated in you as well, officials. Plough well, and work hard; remove the weeds from your fields with care. Clean and order your furrows, but pay heed to the welfare of the smallest seedling that will grow into rice. In doing this, order will arise by itself!*
Edict 1SZ-01-06

*To the Grand Secretariat*

*On the 10th day of the 3rd month, after the Imperial Audience, we have decided to go on an Inspection Tour of the eastern frontier.*

*Among our plans are to view the fortifications of Dingzhou and oversee their repair; to view the state of the supply depots leading towards the frontier from Dingzhou and environs; and to survey the eastern area.*

*As time is tight, we command you to begin planning for this forthwith, and to propose possible routes to us immediately.*
Edict 5YL-12-07

*To the Arsenal,*

*It has come to our attention that some gunsmiths have been experimenting, to improve the design of our breech-loading guns. They will no doubt require the skills of other gunsmiths to assist them, and therefore we command you to give them due assistance upon their request.*

*The organisation of these efforts will lie with the Vice-Minister, Lin Ding'an, and with any officials he nominates to oversee the process.*
Edict 2SZ-02-02

*To the Court,*

*Heaven and its divine will have blessed us most graciously. Virtuous Companion Le has given birth, safely, to our Second Prince. Surely, of heaven's favour, let there be no doubt.*

*The Empire is in a time when, as a grand edifice, it most requires shoring up in its crossbeams. The weight of our duties, and the needs of the people below and of Heaven above, press always upon us, and always we seek those who will help bear the load. With this in mind, we name the Second Prince Xiao Huanji - after the crossbeams that hold up the greatest of caissons.*
He Dazhan

## He Dazhan 贺大展

**He Dazhan** is an official in the current court. As of the 1st year of Shaozhi, he is serving as the Vice-Minister of Finance.

## Life

He Dazhan was born in the 5th year of the Yongjia era (1613), in Pingchu County, Zezhou Prefecture.

The He family of Pingchu (平初贺氏) is an illustrious and powerful family, which first rose to prominence and high official posts during the Yongli era (1572 - 1595).
Memo 1SZ-02-01

*To Bao Guoping,*

*The education of an Imperial Prince is no small matter, and we have considered your recommendation with care. As what you say makes sense, we shall endorse your advice.*

*We hereby command that Puh Chengyi, Senior Head Reader of the Hanlin Assembly, is to be additionally appointed as the Senior Tutor to the First Prince. Liang Guan, the Third Seat of the Readers Assembly, is to be additionally appointed as the Junior Tutor.*
Memo 1SZ-08-02

*To Admiral Tian,*

*The alertness of your crew and ships, and your promptness in bringing the Xiuzhou Command to war-readiness, is laudable. Certainly a leader of an army should do what you did.*

*Yet we do not recognise Helan as a hostile nation to ourselves, and currently we have no interest in entering a conflict with them. In a time when we are surrounded by enemies, those who can threaten the Esibani can be our friends.*

*As such, we command the following:*

*Firstly, that the fleet is to remain ready and await the Helan, in case conflict is forced upon us;*

*Secondly, that the crew of the captured Helan ship is to be released from imprisonment, and treated as guests.*

*Thirdly, that we are to engage in parley with the Helan arrivals. Our terms are that they will be treated as guests of the Empire, on condition that they stow their cannon, allow Wei officers on board, and accept an escort from Wei ships to the anchorage of Liangzhou, on the mouth of the Inner Sea.*

*Fourthly, that a part of the Helan crew - preferably their commander, or some officers - is to be kept prepared to accompany any mission that will meet the Helan arrivals. He is to advise on the procedures for signalling to the Helan that we will parley, and not fight.*

*Fifthly, to apprise us of the results of parley at once.*
Memo 1SZ-11-02

*To the Envoy Kong Zhen,*

*This is an order that is not to be reported to your superiors under any circumstances, without an order from us.*

*We hereby command that you draw up a list of the Confucian academies that have sprung up throughout the central regions of the Empire. Special attention is to be paid to the academies around the Capital, around the East Lake, and also in Tanzhou, Xizhou and Fengzhou.*

*You are to describe, at least briefly, the nature of the doctrines that they impart to their students as well. We will have this report, or which parts of it you are able to complete, by the end of the year.*
Consort Lin Qiao'er

Consort Lin Qiao'er (蔺巧儿) is a Consort of the Shaozhi Emperor.

Her father is Lin Ding'an, the current Minister of War.

## Description

Round-eyed, with a slightly rounded face and prominent cheekbones.

Qiao'er is a slightly nervous girl who's easily surprised. She became the Emperor's consort just a month before the Yuanlu Emperor died of a sudden illness, and therefore the idea of being an Imperial Consort is still very new to her.
Memo 1SZ-01-01

*To Lin Ding'an,*

*We command that a report be made on the state of the eastern mountain passes. Specifically, we want to know about their states of repair, the states of supply routes to those areas, and other information about the people who visit the passes.*

*You are authorised to use this edict to gather information that will assist in the report, from other offices of government.*
Religion in the Empire

**Religion** is no doubt a major driving force in Imperial society, just as it was in most other parts of the world. Under the schema of the Wei Empire, religions are generally divided into four categories:

1. The Imperial Cult, whose rites are exclusive to the Emperor or the Imperial House
2. Buddhism, the sects that venerate the Buddha
3. Taoism, the many religions that either venerate Taoist deities, folk deities, or illustrious ancestors
4. Foreign Religions - the catch-all term for the rites of the Oceanic people, or the white people (ie. Christianity)

## Imperial Cult

The position of the Emperor in the Chinese polity is both as the supreme ruler of men, and as an intermediary between the human and godly worlds. As such, there are some particular religious rites which are the preserve of the Emperor, as the Son of Heaven. The subject of the rites are also worshipped by common folk, but the Emperor alone can *mediate* with them directly.

Some examples of these are:

* The **Seasonal Sacrifices**: Heaven in winter, the Sun in spring, Earth in summer and the Moon in autumn.
* The **Prayers of Grain and Silk**: the Emperor ploughs and harvests the field, while the Empress rears silkworms and harvests the silk.
* **Confucian Veneration**: the veneration of Confucius and the Confucianist sages is mostly the preserve of the official class, and the Emperor alone may preside over some rites.

## Foreign Religions

While there have been bloody purges of Christians in the Empire before, the current attitude of the authorities towards the 'cross-worshippers' has become slightly more open, if still quite wary.
Memo 5YL-11-03

*To the Ministry of Civil Service,*

*It is good of you to begin preparations this early. The Service Review is a major work, and cannot be conducted without care.*

*We hereby charge you with beginning preparations, and also with sending a monthly update of the preparations for our review. As we close to the date, the Censorate will also accompany you for audiences to brief us.*

*Carry out your work diligently and thoroughly and keep us apprised.*
Missive 5YL-11-01

*To the Learned Men, Priests and Practitioners,*

*Of the Donghai Buddhists, the Lotus Sect, the Quanzhen Dao, and the Mazuist Temples,*

*We have invited you to give prayers, not just on the occasion of our Enthronement and for our health, but for wider things. The Law and the Way illuminate right actions and right thoughts for all people alike, and as those who walk and teach in your area of cultivation, your duty is enormous.*

*Today, we request that you begin your prayers and bestow your blessings on us, as well as the Palace and the Empire. Pray that the people will know peace, if peace is our lot; and if not, that we shall have victory.*
Fu Han

**Fu Han** (original name *Hanna Verhoef*) is a consort of the Shaozhi Emperor. A woman of Helan descent, she is one of five women selected during the Pageant of 1 Shaozhi, along with Dong Ying, Deng Huan'er, Sun Yunyi and Tong Lingzhi.

She currently holds the rank of Attendant.

## Life

Fu Han was born in the 1st Year of Jianzhang (1643), to Helan parents, presumably in Helan itself. Her father, Fu Hengde, was a disciple of a famed Helan inventor, and learned the art of making clocks from him.

In the 3rd year of Yuanlu (1658), 15-year old Fu Han followed her father to the Oceanic lands, as a guest of the Esibani. She stayed there for a while until her father, fearing reprisal for some supposed offence against an Esibani colonial official, took his daughter with him and fled north into the Empire.

In the eleventh month of the 1st Year of Shaozhi (1661), Fu Han becomes pregnant. Assuming she gives birth safely, her child will be the sixth child of the Emperor.
Deng Huan'er

**Deng Huan'er** 邓欢儿 is a consort of the Shaozhi Emperor. She is one of five women selected during the Pageant of 1 Shaozhi, along with Dong Ying, Fu Han, Sun Yunyi and Tong Lingzhi.

Currently she has been given the rank of Courteous Attendant (婕妤).

In the 10th month of the 1st Year of Shaozhi, Courteous Attendant Deng became pregnant; conception likely happened in the 9th month.
Memo 5YL-10-05

*To the Ministry of Finance and the Privy Purser,*

*We have heard of the dilapidation of the Preserve, and this is to be reversed. The Hunting Preserve is the foundation of our martial skill, and we fully intend to make use of it, to sharpen the blades of our people in these trying times.*

*We command that your offices take stock of the buildings currently existing in the Preserve, and make estimates as to the cost of repairing all of them, as well as additionally constructing a new lodge elsewhere, on the north side of the Lake.*
Memo 1SZ-01-04

*To the Empress,*

*Companion Kang Lüyin is of high noble birth, virtuous, and linked to a friend of the Wei Dynasty. As such, she deserves honour from us.*

*We hereby command that she is to be raised to the rank of Virtuous Companion. In accordance to the regulations, she is to be granted her own residences, in the Apricot Palace.*
Kang Lüyin

**Kang Lüyin** (康绿茵) is a consort of the Shaozhi Emperor. Of Falangse descent, she is high nobility where they are concerned; her father is none other than the illustrious general Louis de Conde (known as Prince Kang to the Wei Court).

In the Wei Inner Palace, she currently holds the rank of Virtuous Companion (嫔).

## Life

In the 1st month of Shaozhi, at the subtle urging of Empress Dowager Xu, Lüyin was promoted to the rank of Virtuous Companion. She was then given Apricot Palace as her personal residence.
Shaozhi Emperor

## Shaozhi Emperor 绍治帝

The **Shaozhi Emperor**, given name **Xiao Xuyu** 萧旭瑜, is the currently reigning Emperor of the Wei Empire. On the 8th of 9th of the 5th year of the Yuanlu era (1660), after the death of his older brother without an heir, Xiao Xuyu - then the Prince of Haidong (海东王) - was recommended by Empress Dowager Xu to ascend the throne.
Memo 5YL-12-03

*To Feng Keshan, Senior Lecturer, Imperial Academy,*

*We have heard from many of your learning, wit, and diligence. In recognition of your talent and ability, we have decided to honour you with a promotion to be the Right Vice-Head of the Imperial Academy.*

*Given your youth, we have been cautious with considering this appointment; however, your record of service has convinced us. Ensure that you live up to these expectations, and give your utmost in service to the Academy, the Court and the Empire.*
Edict 5YL-10-01

*To the Old Palace,*

*The Prince of Xianyang has made repeated requests to return to the Palace, the better to serve his mother the Consort Dowager Pu. He makes clear his contrition and regret for his previous unseemly conduct, and wishes to make good for past conduct with future merit.*

*As filial piety is the virtue that underpins the Empire, we are happy to have the Prince seek to redeem himself through fulfilling his filial duties. He is to be released from the Old Palace, and conveyed back with rites befitting a Prince, where he is to be welcomed in the Palace.*
Memo 1SZ-05-01

*To Dou Xun,*

*The crimes that the Office of Judicial Review has uncovered are serious, and affect the very foundations of local government. If the folk lose trust in us, nothing we do can be firmly established; yet the grim picture now is one of that exact loss of trust, brought about by misgovernment and greed.*

*This must be severely punished. We hereby command that the following are to be arrested, detained, and brought back to the Imperial Capital with us, to await their investigation results and punishment:*

* *In relation to the case of rations mishandling, the following 3 men...*
* *In relation to the case of failure to provide adequate blankets, the following 4 men...*
* *In relation to the cases of mishandling of pay, and false reporting of garrison numbers, the following 14 men...*
* *In relation to the case of theft of transport vouchers, and diversion of rations to private hands, the following 8 men...*

*Their crimes, once proven, will merit severe punishment.*
Verbal Command 1SZ-09-01

*Yao Qin is a man of great wit and a thirst for practical learning. This is a spirit I would love to have the people of the Empire emulate. As such, in recognition of his services to the development of better war rockets in the army, we immediately promote him to the rank of Colonel of the Fire Drakes.*
Edict 5YL-11-06

*To All Garrison Commanders, Garrison Circuit Commissioners, and Ship Squadron Commanders,*

*By now you will have been informed of the rebellion in the east, which we shall have to deal with.*

*You are to look to the preparation of your troops, equipment and fortifications, and to make any repairs as are necessary. The task of defending your posts - no matter how humble - will add to the task of the defence of the whole empire.*

*Our presence is behind you, commanders. Hold firm and yield not an inch to the rebels!*
Edict 5YL-10-02

*Yaozhou is a border prefecture, and an important part of our southern defences. It can only be held by a prefect who is of the utmost moral calibre, in order that his commands be heeded and carried out, and his person be respected by his subordinates.*

*With this in mind, I hereby appoint Ge Yueyun as the replacement Prefect of Yaozhou, to serve for one year and then to await confirmation of his post pending a review of his performance.*
Edict 5YL-10-04

*To the Justice Ministry, the Censorate, and the Court at Large,*

*The laws of the Empire come in order of precedence and priority. While we are aware of the Prior Emperor's will, stipulating that a group of officials should not be granted amnesty, our review of the evidence has found the work of the interrogating officials to be in breach of rules from the*Instructions to the Officials of the Law*, from the Grand Progenitor himself.*

*After due consideration, we conclude that this conflict with the established rules of the Dynasty render the instructions of the Prior Emperor unenforceable. At the heart of the Amnesty is mercy, that through our grace, people may be returned to good standing despite their previous sins.*

*These 26 people have been found neither to be violators of the Ten Abominations, which are beyond the scope of the Amnesty, nor to be under any other explicit ban placed on their enjoying the benefits of our grace. As such, the grace of the Amnesty is to be granted to them, as to all others.*
Foreword 1SZ-07-01

*In the Xinchou Year, the first of our reign, we crossed the Green Mountains and travelled up the Wei River, touring the lands of Zezhou and Dingzhou.*

*During this trip, we inspected the work of officials, asked after the welfare of the people, and admired the beauty and vastness of the Empire. From the deep, pine-shaded passes of the Green Mountains, to the gold-yellow expanses of the riverside cliffs, we stood in awe of the majesty, and further committed ourselves to its diligent administration - that our beautiful land should also be a prosperous land.*

*Zezhou is a great crossroads on the river; Dingzhou, the rock on which the Imperial frontier is anchored. Between these two cities, men of talent in all skills and endeavours have repeatedly arisen. By collating this anthology of their poetic works, we hope to encourage them - to their craft, as well as to the service of their land.*

*How joyous we are, that this work is complete!*
Sun Yunyi

**Sun Yunyi** is a consort of the Shaozhi Emperor.

She is one of five women selected during the Pageant of 1 Shaozhi, along with Dong Ying, Fu Han, Deng Huan'er and Tong Lingzhi. Currently she holds the rank of Courteous Attendant.

## Life

Sun Yunyi was born in 1 Jianzhang (1643), in Xizhou (熙州), to an illustrious family. The Sun clan of Chengtian (承天孙氏) held several important governmental posts in the early years of the Wei Dynasty, and though they are not as powerful these days, they remain respected.

Yunyi's father, Sun Chuansi (孙传嗣), served as a regional officer in several capacities, and at the time of 1 Shaozhi serves as the Prefect of Xiuzhou Prefecture, a key transport hub of the south.

Despite her wishes, Sun Yunyi was not selected to be one of those accompanying the Emperor on the Eastern Inspection of 1 Shaozhi. However, perhaps in compensation for that, the Emperor chose to take her along to the Hunting Park in the 12th month.

## Description

Given that her father was often away in the regions, Yunyi was mostly brought up by her mother.

## Relationships

Yunyi's branch of the Sun family is one of two branches that has remained in Chengtian, the former capital of the Wei Empire. She has two surviving adult siblings, both sisters:

1. Sun Yunzhi 孙云芝, born in the 6th year of Yongfeng (1639), married into the Su family.
2. Sun Yunyan 孙云焉, born in the 5th year of Jianzhang (1647)

In addition, in order to continue the family line, Sun Chuansi has adopted a nephew from a less prosperous branch of the family into his: Sun Jieqing 孙捷卿, born in the 8th year of Yongfeng (1641).
Edict 1SZ-08-01

*To the Palace Kitchen,*

*Your explanation of why the Palace cannot fulfil the pastry needs for this year are reasonable. The rebuilding of the ovens after the fire, however, has been dragging on - it has been two and a half months already.*

*If there is need of personnel, the Palace Office is to look into this and expedite the process.*

*In the meantime, we command that kitchens outside the Palace be paid to make the requisite pastries. Throughout the process of baking, at least two representatives of the Palace Kitchen must be in attendance; all such baked goods entering the Palace for the Mid-Autumn Festival must also be inspected by the Palace Office, against the threat of poison. Should any mishaps occur, the inspectors will be held responsible.*
Edict 1SZ-06-02

*To the Censorate and the Office of Judicial Review,*

*You have done excellent work in corroborating the reports of the 116 officials' misconduct in office. Since the start of our reign, we have made it clear that such behaviour, at odds with the standards that a scholar should be held to, cannot be tolerated.*

*As such, we command the following:*

*That those officials implicated in the seditious letter affair be arrested immediately, and interrogated about their involvement.*

*That the other officials are to be stripped of their rank and dismissed from the Court, on the day of the Official Review.*

*Continue to work diligently and impartially, that you shall root out those who use their office for their own ends.*
Memo 1SZ-10-01

*To the Palace Library,*

*The work to separate the archives, which are only for our reference and that of the senior Court members, and the Palace Library is complete. As such, we command that the texts held within the Palace Library are to be accessible to members of the Inner Palace for loan, on a lasting basis.*

*The Chief Librarian is to record all requests for books and report them to us on a monthly basis.*
Edict 2SZ-04-02

*To the Court,*

*We hereby confirm the appointments of the following 11 officials to the posts, vacated since the start of the year, as listed below...*

*... we command that all officials, newly appointed or veterans in your posts, work with united purpose and a common will towards the Great Work. The welfare of the Empire's subjects, and our expectations, are placed upon you; it is yours to live up to them.*
Edict 2SZ-02-04

*To the Court,*

*The Imperial Academy is an illustrious institution, which has long been a support of Empires past and present. Yet, this incarnation of the Academy has taken part in conspiracies, sowed sedition and discord, and been a centre of unrest and disharmony.*

*This cannot be allowed to continue. The vile plant that is not uprooted, but merely trimmed, simply puts forth its poisonous flowers anew. Only by cleaning it can a better tree be planted. As such, we command:*

*That the Imperial Academy be dissolved;*

*That of its 126 staff, the following 74 are to be arrested and await their punishment for actively participating in conspiracy and treasonous activity and speech;*

*And that the Imperial Academy be reformed, the next day, under the new name of the Gezhiyuan, the Academy of Understanding and Refining, after the phrase of the Great Learning: "The key to Understanding Matters is to Refine our Knowledge".*

*This order is to be carried out immediately.*
Memo 1SZ-08-01

*To the Commander of the Gates,*

*Your proposed arrangements appear satisfactory to us, and your suggestion to call back all shifts of fire-watch for the night is very thoughtful.*

*Carry these orders out accordingly, and inform the fire-watch that for their work on Mid-Autumn Night, they will each get a tael of silver for their efforts.*
Edict 1SZ-01-04

*To the Ministry of the Civil Service,*

*We accept the request for retirement for Prefect Yao, of Hanzhou Prefecture. He has rendered faithful service to the Empire for upwards of 15 years in many capacities, and we are grateful for his service.*

*As he returns home to enjoy his retirement and recuperate from the ailment of his feet, we command that a gift of 300 taels of silver, as well as annual stipends in grain, wood and salt, be given to Prefect Yao and his family, for as long as he lives.*

*In his stead, we hereby promote Ding Xueping, currently county magistrate in Modongshan County, to the post of Prefect. He is to head to his post in Hanzhou post-haste, and we trust that he will carry out his duties with a diligence that matches and surpasses his predecessor.*
Dong Ying

**Dong Ying** is a consort of the Shaozhi Emperor.

She is one of five women selected during the Pageant of 1 Shaozhi, along with Fu Han, Deng Huan'er, Sun Yunyi and Tong Lingzhi. Currently she holds the rank of Companion, and resides in Rose Palace.

## Life

Born in the Greenslope March, Dong Ying is of high birth; the Dong clan are Oceanics, brought over to Chinese culture, who ruled and guarded the northern borderlands of the Southern Territories. While she was not a direct princely descendant, her father was a high-ranking commander and the cousin of the last High Marquis of Greenslope (青麓侯).

## Personality

Dong Ying is known for enjoying sour foods. She thinks nothing of chewing on lemons as is, and especially enjoys vinegar fish, a famous Zhejiang delicacy.

Dong Ying also has a respiratory condition, akin to asthma, which can lead to periodic attacks of life-threatening breathing difficulties. As such, she is reliant on a mix of medications and herbs to control her symptoms.

## Residence

Dong Ying currently resides in Rose Palace, in the 1st suite on the west wing; her neighbours are Shen Qingni, on the east wing, and Lin Qiao'er in the central apartments.
Memo 1SZ-02-03

*To the Prefect of Zezhou,*

*The proposal you have submitted for our residence, on arrival in Zezhou, is reasonable to us. You are to instruct the Hong family to prepare their residence immediately.*

*If we should find our stay satisfactory, we will not forget the loyalty of the Hong family and their adept service provided.*