Economic Meltdown of 2022

Fighting the Tides of History (Part One)

‘To serve Heaven is to deny the world, to serve the world is to deny heaven. To deny both, is to serve the Emperor.’ - Ancient Zhi idiom, on loyalty. This is the story of how one man stood against the course of history, stood down the people of Michu, and won. Hungli was born in 1991, during the reign of the Emperor Xiaoguang, in the aftershocks of ‘Pink Michu’, the era of great reforms and liberalisation. Born in the province of Aisinwehe, the province of golden stone, Hungli enjoyed an upbringing typical of the Weishun. He was served by Zheng servants, taught of ancient culture and rites of the Weishun race, Hungli fell in love with the warrior-poets of old. The image of great Banners flying proudly under the guise of the Great Master’s proclamations of war, riding out to face any threat to the Empire. His love shifted to fury, and contempt, as few others shared this passion, eschewing the language of the Emperor for that of the Zheng, in ever growing numbers. Even Hungli’s household primarily spoke Zheng, due to the prevalence of servants, and Zheng employees littered throughout the streets, he swiftly learned the Weishun language during his youth, through Imperial poetry, and the New Youth Program, wherein young Weishun scions practised together. Aisinwehe was the perfect storm, with the historical Weishun population declining, gradually being replaced by young Zheng, it felt natural for one to fall down the darkest of paths. His father, Tulisan Cuyan, while primarily speaking Zheng, maintained similar biases, through his service in the Imperial government, and generally encouraged his son’s love of the Weishun culture. The two came to blows briefly, around Hungli’s twelfth birthday, when his older brother, Hunglu brought his new girlfriend, Fei, to the household, and showed her around. Fei, in the conservative Zheng tradition, adopted a polite, submissive posture, never arguing back, and spoke only Zheng. Hunglu was beaten for his choice in partner, and was commanded to break off the relationship, after Fei was accused of stealing from the Cuyan household. Hungli believed this as if it were gospel most of his life, and typically regarded the Zheng as lazy liars.

“The Banners represent the true home of the Weishun, carrying the torch of civilisation, and the bow, with which to strike down those who threaten it.” - Hungli, aged 16.

School was critical in forming young Hungli into the man he’d grow to be, with rampant bullying, and poor facilities practically guaranteeing his hatred for the education system, and his classmates, who were overwhelmingly Zheng, or at least, assimilated Weishun, whom he detested more. To him, his false compatriots had made the active choice to associate with the alien, and dereliction of their divine duty to their fellow master race. Hungli refused to enter higher education, and instead enrolled in the Triple Gold Banner, despite protests from both his brother Hunglu, and his teachers, who attempted to persuade him that he was no longer bound to serve. The reforms of the Huanzhou Emperor, and the cultural shift under Pink Michu, no longer demanded all Weishun to arms. Yet, he craved it. He thoroughly wished to become the greatest warrior in history, and to this end, he trained. Ever since his eleventh birthday, Hungli developed his martial skill, so as to best pass the Triple Gold Banner’s examination tests, and potentially acquire a woman for himself later. Initially, this came in the form of merely exercising in the school’s gym, though this soon did not suffice, and he saved money to join several sports clubs. This allowed him to further his portfolio, and his critical leadership skills, of which, he was naturally gifted. Though he grew to detest the popular Kanadorikan sports, such as football, he endured, and his persona shifted, from a shy recluse with an interest in the archaic history, to a towering bully. At age sixteen, he was accepted into the Triple Gold Banner, and joined at the rank of a captain, due to his mastery of the Weishun language, and his physical strength.

Before leaving for the Banner Holding in Jiaying, the prodigy bowed before his parents, and asked that they write to him throughout his service. Tulisan agreed, with tears in his eyes, while his mother expressed cynicism. To attain the rank of captain, Hungli was required to complete a three year course in Jiaying Military Academy. Here, he’d begin making a name for himself, with full access to the gyms, and given authority over three men. These three men were generally slouchers, waking up late, partying, and drinking. Hungli, unlike much of his race, abstained from drinking, and generally viewed it as a crutch for poor spiritual health. Whipping his charges into shape, his cohort advanced as a team, completing exercises efficiently and diligently. Here, his contempt for the non-Zheng races in the Empire matured, as he now saw that his racial compatriots, even the wastrels, could be made better. He took on the persona of a stern father, one who knew when to reward, and when to flog. These three men, Abuhan, Ulgumo, and Tumulgin, would later form the core of Hungli’s support base, taking up vital positions. Hungli was adored by his superiors in the academy, and he achieved extraordinary grades, being recommended for captaincy in 2008.

His captaincy was unpopular among the recruits initially, as he mandated that each man in his command learn Weishun, and adopt the ancient spiritual rites of the Weishun race. His hundred and fifty men proved that his harsh training regiment was effective in suppressing the Feiyang Insurgency, which had been ongoing since 1993. The baking heat of the summer grilled the elite force further, and due in thanks to the excellent military command of Major Elden Cuyan. Despite sharing a name, Elden and Hungli were merely Banner Brothers, their relations were very distant, though both had been raised in Aisinwehe. Elden, the elder partner, was in his forties, and was everything Hungli idealised, honourable, yet without mercy for those who opposed the Empire’s mission.


“May the Emperor’s light stretch across the land and the heavens.”

“The Emperor’s light is obscured.”

“The young Princess is wise beyond her years.”

The two struck up a unique bond, and in 2012, at the crushing of the Feiyang Insurgency, Hungli achieved the greatest honour of his life. Travelling with Elden to Zhijing, the two men met the young Emperor Shensheng, who bestowed both men with the Order of the Double Golden Dragon with Silver, among the highest awards possible for Weishun to receive. Hungli briefly spoke to the Emperor in Weishun, wherein he expressed his concerns about the Empire, and the Emperor scolded him. Hungli also met Elden’s wife, the young beauty, Sain, or the Seventh Princess of the Empire. Sain was two decades Elden’s junior, though the marriage was arranged by the Xiaoguang Emperor. The relationship between Elden and Hungli was so strong by this point, that the younger man was completely trusted enough to stay alongside Sain, and the two developed one of the few genuine relationships in the Princess’ life. They spoke together in Weishun exclusively, to the annoyance of the Imperial maids, who were incapable of speaking the language, and thus could not report effectively to their own handlers. Beyond Sain, Hungli was not impressed with the Imperial family, with their various quirks, activities and passions not lining up with his view of what the Empire must be. This inspired Hungli to join politics formally, to the joy of the ‘Yilao’, the traditionalists, aristocrats and hardliners, who happily welcomed a war hero into their ranks.

The reign of Emperor Shensheng has been terrible for the Yanxu Party, despite winning the election of 2017, the dominance of the liberal Minzhu Party continued to thrive in the political landscape. The perceived erosure of not only Weishun, but Michise culture as a whole, infuriated many rural Zheng, who began to sympathise more with the romantic vision of the past, offered by Hungli. This was shown by the import of Kanadorikan, Ninhundish and other western cultural institutions into Michu, with Hungli commonly taking the stage to denounce such displays of ‘decadence’. The youth of Michu initially thought Hungli to be a comic figure, who arrived at political conferences in either military garb, or Weishun robes, in contrast with his debate opponents, who wore suits. They, and everyone else, would soon learn that Hungli was far, far more.

Fighting the Tides of History (2017), Part Two

It was a normally, dreary night in 2017, following the election of Tuquang Qin as Chancellor of Michu. The rain poured heavily outside, as millions of Michise gathered around their televisions to watch the outcomes of their local elections, to find the next bureaucrat that would pander to their interests for another term. This public ritual made Michu distinct, in its genuine stability, yet political apathy was a plague, and turnouts were always low. Since the Pink Michu Era (1980s - 2000s), the Empire has seen many ‘comic politics’, politicians running on a purely comedic basis, with the two major parties jostling for their support regardless. In these dark times, it pays to be funny, rather than be driven. An important example of this was the politician Jiu Ling, a woman who ran on a promise of state mandated men, for all homosexuals, who won her parliamentary seat. The man most likely to be elected is Tuquang Qin, who ran on a fairly boring, moderate position, lower taxes for the peasantry, stronger regulation on the large conglomerates, and virtually no change on social policy. He won once again due to fear mongering, his Minzhu opponent, Liao Yiqing, had at one point in his life been recorded as stating that the Zhi Dynasty was archaic. His ‘Republican sentiments’ were blasted on the media throughout the election cycle, leading to the conservative base, primarily the elderly, the noble class, and the ethnic minorities trodding to the polling booths once again. Any counter arguments made by Liao were swatted aside, and even after the Imperial Commissioner Baoren Liu verified his loyalty, the accusations did not cease. The ritual to verify his loyalty destroyed his credibility, kowtowing before the commissioner in tears, professing his failings before being sent away. Many within the Imperial Clan itself, while not on favourable terms with the Minzhu Party, privately expressed sympathy for the Minzhu leader and his treatment from the media.

Tonight, however, the Empire witnessed a most interesting debate between the Minzhu MCP for Linyuo District, Xin Weiming, squaring off against the Yanxu parliamentarian, war hero Hungli Cuyan. Weiming was a political dinosaur, joining the Minzhu Party in the early days of the Xiaoguang Emperor’s reign, in 1989. Slowly rising from a humble secretarial post, Weiming has grown to almost a paternal figure for the country, consistently maintaining government posts throughout multiple administrations. Now in his sixties, Weiming offers advice to young MCPs, and is considered an informal national treasure. Hungli, by contrast, is relatively young, at thirty one, and has been prominent throughout the Yanxu Party’s campaigns throughout the North East, with his friends within the Weishun aristocracy proving crucial for the Yanxu government’s legitimacy. Interviewer Fang Wen brought the two men together via video feed, and began with Weiming.

“Congratulations to you on your electoral success in retaining your seat, sir.”
The young reporter felt very much at home with this affirming, elderly man, who seemed inviting with a great, yet warm smile. He spoke in a soft tone, reminding viewers of their youthful experiences with their fathers.

“Thank you very much, it remains my pride and joy to serve the people of Linyuo, and the nation as a whole.”
Qin gave a soft nod, refusing to bow, as was traditional of ministers. While Qin lacked a noble title, his power within multiple administrations, and his high moral character necessitated a certain degree of respect.


“Assuming that our exit polls are correct, we are facing a renewed Yanxu victory, though with far less of a majority than expected. Will you take the role of Minister of Culture, as Qin promised?”
Fang Wen inquired with confidence, feeling totally at home and relaxed, even on this most stressful of nights, being seen by much of the nation. Qin sighed, and spoke carefully, though without changing his tone.

“While I feel deeply unworthy of the position, if offered, I would serve the nation in any required role. However, I must state that the conduct of certain elements of the entrenched media, many of whom are at heart, good men, has been frankly repulsive.”
The first section of his answer was well known, as a politician’s answer, avoiding any perceptions of undue ambition, yet signally intent to take a position. However, his sticking up for his longtime compatriot marked him out in Michise politics.

“Is this in reference to the treatment of Sir Liao?”
Fang Wen’s questioning posture betrayed a slightly fearful feeling, as she asked the explosive question.

“Yes, his de facto exile is a symptom of a deeply sick society, especially in the intelligentsia, that must be peacefully uprooted. In this, Sir Liao will have my utmost support.”
The atmosphere turned tense, as Fang Wen’s communicator, placed in her ear, urged her to stop, before the rigorous censors took control of the program. She pivoted, and moved to end the discussion.

“We here at Daily Imperial News thank you for your time, Sir.”
Bowing a final time, Qin moved to speak, but was cut off by Hungli, who was permitted to speak early by the producers.

“You should be overjoyed, snake. Everyone in your clique of cowards join Liao in disgrace, where they belong. Beastly traitors are vile.”
Hungli interrupted the two via video feed, speaking in Weishun, knowing full well that virtually no one understood his words. Fang Wen bowed deeply, in reverence towards the Weishun overlords, who demanded proper respect from their Zheng subjects. She naturally did not understand the words he spoke, and asked for a translation.

“I’m sorry, for our viewers, could you translate that? I do not understand your high speech, Lord.”
Her eyes glittered with excitement, and a fight in the studio seemed very plausible. Security personnel approached the assembled politicians.

“Two words, vile snake. The Emperor’s dignity is worth more than the career of a charlatan.”
Speaking now in Zheng, with overt contempt in his voice, Hungli went on the attack, pointing directly at Qin, before being controlled by Fang Wen’s probing, flattering question.

“An honour to have you on my lord, I am inspired by your mission to educate the people of the North East in the matters of equestrianism. How transformative was your experience in these endeavours?”
To make money, and build bridges with the Weishun aristocracy, Hungli was well known for teaching the youthful, and sometimes elderly Weishun their ancient rituals, and the art of the horse. How to maintain, feed and ride rituals that had fallen out of favour with the people of the Golden Dragons. This was emblematic of the collapse of spiritual authority, and Hungli took great pride in seeing the restoration of Imperial glory in each tutee.

“The young have lost their way, and I merely exist to help them find it. Though it has been inspiring, to see the youth return to the righteous paths, especially the girls, long neglected by Zheng abuse.”
The treatment of women in Michu has traditionally been atrocious, patriarchal by the Zheng, while the Weishun remained generally more accepting of women in society, these values have been fading. Hungli, ironically positioned himself as a romantic feminist, seeking to revive the proper position of women at the forefront of Imperial politics, pushing him against the Zheng in the Yanxu party itself.

“Your feminist credentials shine brightly within the Yanxu Party, Lord. What do you think about the campaign by both parties?”
Changing the topic slightly, Fang Wen had to balance praise for her ethnic master, yet without seeming politically partisan. Difficult in the greatest of times.

“The Yanxu Campaign, while no doubt run by the most honourable and upright men and women, left much to be desired. The focus is on compromise, compromise between the wolf and the chicken is impossible. Snivelling dogs should be put down. The Minzhu continue their relentless quest to destroy Michu, though this is expected, and the people of the Empire shall continue to resist them.”
Hungli’s rant went on for a significant amount of time, and approval from the big studio bosses permitted it, for many of them owed personal favours to the Weishun aristocracy, and the great masters, either agreed with Hungli overtly, or found his antics amusing.

“Destroy Michu? I feel you are taking things far too far, Cuyan.”
Qin chimed in, after laughing jovially. He was approached by Hungli, who did not appreciate the intervention.

“Your very presence is toxic to the health of the Empire, filth that must be cleansed.”
The phrase ‘Filth the must be cleansed’ acquired meme status in the months following the election, being used to refer both to Minzhu politicians, and Yanxu ‘snivellers’, those who obeyed pushes for moderation. Hungli himself became famous within Michu, as a Yanxu politician for the people, ironic, as his primary concern was the aristocracy of old, yet, perhaps his message can be democratised. Perhaps, the Empire may take his message to heart, and the Great Zhi shall be Great, once more.