A Normal Day [Earth II]

[Chrinthanium]

Forbidden City, Beijing, Greater Manchurian Empire

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1 May 2020 - 09:45 GMT +8

The City of Beijing, the capital and largest city in Greater Manchuria, was a modern city with all the trappings of 21st century life. From its skyscrapers reaching out to the heavens in praise of economic stability to its wide boulevards and ring roads that allowed the 22 million residents to flutter to and fro, the signs of the days of old seemed to have been erased. Yet within the heart of this massive capital sat the Forbidden City. Made of stone and wood, it seems an anachronism against the backdrop of modern Beijing. It’s traditional Manchurian architecture, considered to be quintessential examples of the traditional ways of building, stood out. As Prime Minister Huo Yang crossed through the 180-acre complex, he approached the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

In this moment as the Prime Minister fulfilled his constitutional duty of a weekly audience with the Emperor, Yang’s mind wandered in this antiquated complex back to the days of yore when feudal lords and kingdoms dominated the landscape and forged what would become the empire of today. He imagined ennobled men making deals of importance in the courtyards of the Forbidden City. The sound of servants scurrying to and fro catering to the every whim of the emperor echoed faintly through the buildings. He could almost hear the horses trotting along taking visitors back from whence they came.

Before him stood the Palace of Heavenly Purity, sat upon a marble base one story tall. Yang marched up the steps, his briefcase in hand, dressed in a three-piece suit, looking as if he were the one out of place in his garb. Reaching the top of the base, Yang turned and looked backwards towards where he entered. The city opened beyond the palace gates and the Prime Minister smiled. Then he turned towards the threshold of the Palace. Flanking the main door were two guards. They were dressed in modern military uniforms with machine guns on their backs. As the Prime Minister approached, they bowed in respect--an action which was returned by Yang. The 58-year-old Prime Minister then reached the threshold and stopped and bowed towards the young man seated towards the back of the room in a grand chair.

“His Excellency, the Prime Minister of the Empire of Greater Manchuria!” bellowed the Sergeant at Arms. The Prime Minister moved forward roughly two meters and paused again. He bowed once more towards the emperor and awaited the signal. As he stood there in that brief moment, his eyes fixated on the young man before him. Like the Prime Minister, he was dressed in a suit and seemed out of place in the ancient palatial complex. He also seemed too young to hold such an important position. Yang had two children older than the emperor. It was difficult to separate the young man from the image of his children in spite of the high status of the emperor.

Emperor Yanan motioned for the Prime Minister to sit at a not-quite-as-grand chair to his right. Taking is cue, Yang proceeded.

“Your Imperial Majesty, as always it is my esteemed honor and pleasure to be here today.”

The 24 year old emperor nodded as Yang sat down. Then he raised his hand towards a tall young man in a black shenyi. The young man quickly approached.

“Would you please bring us some tea?”

The young man bowed and hurried off to get the tea.

“Mr. Prime Minister, We always look forward to these chats. We trust that the nation has never been in more capable hands,” Emperor Yanan said with an emotionless face.

“Your Imperial Majesty flatters me,” Yang said with a bright smile, “and I must inform you that things are indeed going well for the Manchurian people.”

“It gives Us great pleasure to hear this news,” the emperor said.

“I trust that His Imperial Majesty has been in good health and spirits,” Yang replied.

“We are most happy.”

The sound of the young man approaching distracted Yang slightly. Yang watched as the young man placed a pot of tea and two fine tea cups on the small table between Yang and the Emperor. The young man attempted to pour the tea, but the emperor stopped him--he liked to do it himself. The young man bowed to the emperor. As he began to straighten up, it did not go unnoticed by Yang that a quick eye glance between the two hinted at something more between the two young men, but it was by far not Yang’s place to even look as if he noticed. Then the young man disappeared as the guards at the front closed the door leaving the emperor and the prime minister alone.

As the emperor poured the tea, Yang smiled gratefully at the young emperor. In his years of public service, he had known that emperors seemed to enjoy the mundane tasks of life. Not because of their mundaneness, but because they rarely had to do them. Emperor Yanan’s father used to enjoy serving cake. Yang nearly immersed himself in the memory of the late Emperor Xi cutting into the cake with the sharp knife and cutting a perfect piece for the Prime Minister. Emperor Yanan seemed to get the same joy from serving tea. Minutiae of daily life more billions globally, but for these emperors it was perhaps the only time they ever did anything for themselves.

Once the tea was served, the conversation began. Emperor Yanan listened intently as the Prime Minister entered into the dull dealings of government operations. Unemployment was down, GDP was up, the Won was holding steady against the more powerful Nanfang Yuan, and new infrastructure projects were approved by the Parliament. The Prime Minister informed the Emperor that the bills would be delivered by the end of the day. This brought enormous happiness to the emperor. National security, the readiness of the armed forces, the state of the military in general, and global threats were discussed as well.

When the laundry list of happenings were announced, Emperor Yanan smiled again. He offered the Prime Minister another cup of tea, which Yang eagerly accepted.

“Mr. Prime Minister, We are most grateful that Our Empire is continuing on the path of greatness set forth by my ancestors. Your report gives Us great joy.”

“My pleasure, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“We are curious, though, if We may be permitted once more to venture into the City. To spend time with Our subjects again in the future. It has been far too long since We last ventured out from these walls.”

“Your Imperial Majesty, forgive my impertinence, but it was just last week that we organized your visit to the Children’s hospital a few kilometers away and then a tour of the new civic center.”

“No, Mr. Prime Minister, We do not mean an Imperial visit or placing a placard, but meeting the people. Talking to them. As normal people do.”

Yang seemed taken aback by the request. Emperors rarely ever wanted to mingle with the common folks. Oftentimes, this was due to security rather than lack of desire. Yang took a sip from his tea and placed the cup back on its saucer as the patiently-waiting emperor awaited his reply. Yang couldn’t believe what he was hearing. An Emperor, revered among the people, set above the people by tradition, wanting to simply go out on the town and try to make friends with random strangers. The entire idea was preposterous and dangerous on so many levels. There would be no way Yang would entertain this idea, nor would there be any chance the Council would approve of such an odd request.

“Your Imperial Majesty, Sir, the security risk for such an event is amazingly complex to say the least. We can’t have you simply shaking random people’s hands in the street asking how their day is going. What of assassins?”

“Do you think there would be assassins just standing outside of the palace waiting for Us to step outside and meet people?”

“No, that’s not what I meant. Your appearance outside the walls would surely make news. Crowds would form. People with malintent could come and attempt to get close to your person. These walls are meant to protect you from such problems, Your Imperial Majesty.”

“Protection is one man’s word for another’s imprisonment,” Emperor Yanon said. Then the Emperor cleared his throat, “At least promise that you will bring Our request before the Council. Whatever their decision, it will be respected. This is all We ask.”

“Yes, Your Imperial Majesty, I do promise.”

“Very well, Prime Minister. It appears that our time is at an end. Please, when the Council have reached a decision, inform Us straight away.”

“Certainly, Your Imperial Majesty.” Prime Minister Huo Yang stood up, bowed to his emperor, and then proceeded to leave the Palace.

It was then the tall young man who served tea returned to the room. The Emperor beckoned him over to sit in the chair previously occupied by the Prime Minister.

“Your Majesty,” the young man said in hushed tones, “I have done as you asked. There are tunnels which lead out of the Forbidden City, but I must warn you that they are monitored. However, I think I might be able to find a way to get you outside these walls if you so wish.”

“I will wait for the Prime Minister’s reply to my request. While I await the reply, you see what you can do just in case they say no.”

“I will, Your Majesty.”

“My faithful Zhang Wei.”

[Chrinthanium]

Forbidden City, Beijing, Greater Manchurian Empire

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5 May 2020 - 06:45 GMT +8

She walked with caution down the corridor towards a large double door, the sound of her high heels clacking on the barren floor betraying her. In her arms she carried a golden box completely decorated with various traditional Chinese designs. It glinted slightly as it caught various glimpses of the early-morning sunlight spilling through the windows as she moved ever closer to her destination. In front of the door lie Zhang Wei, asleep on a very large pillow like a small dog sleeping in its bed. Even after five months in her post, the sight of Wei sleeping outside the emperor's bedroom caused her to crack a smile. She slowed her paces as she initiated her daily game of trying to see how close to Wei she could get before he leaped up from his position. Two meters, a meter and a half, a meter. Still no motion. Half a meter. The cracked smile disappeared as her face seemed to begin to drain of color. Her chest began to heave slightly faster with each breath. She knelt down before Wei. As she began to set the box down on the floor to check on him, she felt his hand touch her shoe. He turned and looked up at her through one eye and smiled.

"I am always aware," Wei said. Unfortunately, as he opened his other eye, shivers ran down his spine as he noticed the young lady's expression flash from fearful to angry in a split second.

"That is not funny!" she said as she stood back up on her feet. "You nearly gave me a heart attack, silly boy!"

Wei reached under the bed and pulled out the sword he carried and placed it up against the wall. He then brushed himself off, "My apologies, Ms. Chang. It was an improper joke. So, is that for His Majesty?"

She nodded and offered the box to Wei, who took it from her. He bowed to her and then proceeded to enter the Imperial bedroom.

As he entered, he stopped in the threshold as his eyes saw Yanan sitting at his desk drinking a glass of water. He bowed deeply. Yanan beckoned Wei forward.

"Your Imperial Majesty, I trust you slept well," Wei said.

"I did, Wei. I see you have my box," the emperor said.

Wei placed it before the emperor. Yanan opened it quickly and pulled out the papers within. On top lie the bills requiring his ascent. Below that were the minutes of various cabinet meetings, then an intelligence report, and then the one thing he was in particular waiting for: the answer to his inquiry as to going out in public. He read the paper before him with wide eyes and an anticipatory smile. As his eyes scanned the page, the eyes began to return to normal and the smile faded away. In the Emperor's eye, Wei knew the answer. Yanan stood up, tossed the paper on his desk and then walked from behind the desk.

"They treat me like a prisoner," Yanan said. "A government in my name and it cannot exceed to a single personal request. Yet they trot me out on television every holiday and special occasion like a show horse. Yanan the Show Horse. Watch him do the tricks we taught him. Hurdle the fence, Horse boy! Prance, Horse boy! No, you cannot do as you want, Horse boy!"

"Your Majesty," Wei said, "Sir, perhaps they treat you as a precious work of art which needs protecting from the bad elements of the world. It is all done to protect your safety."

"I know, Wei. Yet, I cannot help feeling a captive to it all. In ages past, an emperor didn't need to ask permission to go outside of the palace."

"No, Sir, they holed themselves up in it for fear of assassination."

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Yanan said. "A very smart man said that."

"Shall I plan for breaking you out of the Forbidden City, Your Majesty?"

"Yes, Wei. We shall go out to the city through the tunnels. We will dress like normal people. We will meet the people and make friends. We will have a great time!"

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Manchuria Zun, Beijing, Greater Manchurian Empire

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5 May 2020 - 14:47 GMT +8

In Beijing's tallest building sits an office full of modern luxury with its lean lines, neutral colors, the most modern of conveniences. It's headquarters to Thornton Industries, one of Manchuria's largest corporations. With tentacles around the empire, Thornton Industries included manufacturing, resource extraction, real estate development, media, and even agribusiness. While the company sold itself as an investment firm, it often opted to purchase companies and operate them under the Thornton name. Conglomerates were purchased, broken up, the lest profitable portions sold off or liquidated. Those which were prosperous became subsidiaries. It brought the man who sat atop the corporate empire vast sums of money. And the man at the center of it all was one Nathaniel James Thornton.

The 27-year-old CEO, recently having taken over after his father retired, also enjoyed the spotlight. He used social media to his own advantage. While he'd never consider himself an influencer, a nod in a video or 'story' from him could guarantee extra sales of anything. One day he posted a story from inside a small restaurant in Dalia City and for the next three months that small restaurant was reservation only. It didn't hurt that some considered him easy on the eyes. Furthermore his star shined brighter after he began dating an up-and-coming local club DJ dubbed 'DJ Z.' It was his interest in the finer things in life which brought him the most attention. Hand-tailored suits, name brands, whatever it was, he wanted to look every bit the the one-percenter. Flashy some may say, but he was true to himself.

"Mr. Thornton," Ms. Wu, Nathaniel's private secretary said as she entered the office holding a very important looking letter, "this came for you. It has an Imperial Seal on it."

She walked over to Nathaniel's desk and placed it before him. He took it, broke the wax seal, and opened it up. "Charming customs they use in the Forbidden City." Nathaniel glanced over the note.

His Imperial Majesty, the Son of Heaven, Lord of Ten Thousand Years requests your presence at the Palace of Heavenly Tranquility in the Forbidden City tomorrow morning at 10. All will be explained then. Please see the included pass in this letter which will grant you access to the palace. Thank you in advance for you attendance. His Imperial Majesty is most eager to speak with you regarding an important manner.

Zhang Wei
Chief of the Hwarang
Personal Attendant to His Imperial Majesty

Nathaniel looked up at Ms. Wu who remained in the office out of sheer curiosity. She smiled at Nathaniel and leaned her head in slightly attempting to coax Nathaniel's thoughts from his mind. In that moment, Nathaniel was speechless. He simply nudged the note towards Ms. Wu and had her read it for herself.

"It doesn't say why," Ms. Wu said.

"Well, at least it's not the old days where I could beheaded for doing something wrong. I suppose, like his father did of my father, wants to pump me for financial advice. You know royalty. Always have to have more money."

Ms. Wu cleared her throat and smiled. "Yes, I know."

"Well, clear my schedule. We cannot keep the emperor waiting. If he wants me there tomorrow, then by god I will be there. Hey, do you think I should bring a present?"

"What would you get the Son of Heaven?"

"Good point."

[Chrinthanium]

Forbidden City, Beijing, Greater Manchurian Empire

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6 May 2020 - 10:00 GMT +8

The doors to the Imperial Bedroom opened, a place Nathaniel had never seen before. Very few ever had. The ornate decorations from hundreds of years of Manchurian culture seemed to overwhelm the senses. The feeling of being time warped back to a day when the vast empires of the Far East rode across the landscape accumulating their power and wealth all flashed in Nathaniel's eyes. Few things could ever throw Nathaniel for a loop, but here was one of those times. Beyond the sheer grandiose display of culture was the fact he wasn't just in the Forbidden City, he was in the most private room with the most revered man in the whole of the land. Why he was summoned would be revealed, but knowing this fact didn't belay any feelings of apprehension bubbling within Nathaniel's very being. This world never crossed with his. This world was secluded and hidden and only on the rarest of rare occasions did it every show itself to the world. Outside of the formal name of the nation and the fact that his name was very well known among the people, one could scarcely tell this was an empire ruled by a monarch. The public face was modern, elected, representative of the people and their various beliefs. In this room, all of that vanished.

As Nathaniel's eyes drank in the sights around him, Zhang Wei appeared before him as if materializing out of thin air. He bowed to Nathaniel, and Nathaniel followed suit. He stood there motionless, stoic, statuesque both in form and demeanor. It even appeared that his chest didn't move while he breathed. The entire sight caused Nathaniel's arm hairs to stand on end. Without a gesture, without a blink, his eyes cutting through Nathaniel's like hot knives through butter, he spoke. "His Imperial Majesty, Yanan, Emperor of Greater Manchuria, Son of Heaven, Lord of Ten Thousand Years!" And then he fell prostrate.

Yanan, for his part, seemed to glide into the room as if he was skating on air. His face alight with a joy that could only be described as sunlight. Nathaniel bowed as Yanan approached, but was quickly rebuffed by the young emperor as he sauntered over towards Nathaniel's position. Zhang Wei stood up and remained steadfast and staring menacingly.

"Mr. Thornton," Yanan said with a chipper tone. "It is a great honor to meet you. I must admit that I have followed you on social media. And I have watched your career as I have grown. You are truly a wise man in business and social matters and this is why, Mr. Thornton, that I have requested your presence here today."

"Your Imperial Majesty is far too kind," Nathaniel said with a polite smile. "How can I be of assistance?"

Yanan escorted Nathaniel to a small settee by a window that overlooked the Forbidden City. Yanan perched himself to the right while Nathaniel sat to the left. Yanan smiled brightly as he began to speak, "I must inform you, Mr. Thornton, that what I am going to ask you is a matter in which I must ask complete discretion. I must forbid you to speak of it to no one."

"Of course," Nathaniel said now more curious than ever.

"Perhaps it would help if we were to have some tea?" Yanan said as he motioned for Zhang Wei. As Zhang Wei left, the emperor continued, "Mr. Thornton... may I call you Nathaniel?"

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty," Nathaniel said.

"Very well, Nathaniel," a cheeky grin spread across Yanan's face. "It's become evident in my life that I am nothing more than a mere show piece in which to be kept locked in security and put on displace like an old statue in a museum. Certainly I understand the reasons behind such measures, but..." Yanan's voice trailed off. The grin melted to neutrality. His shoulders slumped. "Well, I am still a human."

Nathaniel nodded.

"And, humans are social creatures by nature. While there are any number of people in the forbidden city at any one time, there is a loneliness which overwhelms me. I see pictures of people on social media enjoying their lives. I see television shows from here and abroad of people living freely. I am very jealous of them." Yanan confided.

"I am most sorry to hear that you are feeling lonely, Your Majesty," Nathaniel said.

"Please, for once, call me Yanan. To hear another human say my name would be music to my ears."

Nathaniel tried to hide the wide smile brewing on his face. "It is my honor, You... I mean Yanan."

At the sound of his name Yanan nearly leaped out of his seat. "Thank you, Nathaniel."

"Nate," Nathaniel said. "My friends call me Nate."

A toothy smiled and a slight chuckle brought the entire room to a level of joy. Even as Zhang Wei walked in, the infectious happiness even caused the stoic servant to break his marble form.

"Nate!" Yanan exclaimed with youthful exuberance. "Oh, Nate, Nate, Nate we are friends! How glorious this is! Please, have some tea!"

Zhang Wei poured Yanan's tea, then Nathaniel's. Yanan drank his black. Nathaniel took a dollop of cream and two lumps. Zhang Wei then retreated to a far spot and returned to his unnerving still pose.

"Is he always this..." Nathaniel began.

"Angry?" Yanan said quietly. "No. You must understand that he is my Chief Servant, head of my guard, essentially the only person in this world that I trust with my life. And it's his training that gives him this ability. It's a tactic to disquiet the soul and disarm those who would seek to do me harm. He will melt off the icy exterior over time. Especially now that we are friends. Are you enjoying your tea?"

Nathaniel took a sip, "Yes, Yanan." Zhang Wei clenched his jaw as Nathaniel mentioned the emperor by name.

"Now, I have a desire to venture out into the public with Zhang Wei to see what life is like for the average person. To this end, I have requested you to come here to give me some advice on how to, as they say, blend in."

Perhaps being lumped in with the 'average person' wasn't something Nathaniel wanted to hear, but, comparatively, as far as Yanan was concerned, that's exactly was Nathaniel was even though Nathaniel did not consider himself average at all. Still, the overall conversation had penetrated deep into Nathaniel's mind. Here was the most revered man in the empire asking him for his advice on how to blend in with society. As the thoughts raced and danced in his head, Nathaniel realized that Yanan probably wasn't going to get far without being recognized. In the days of yore, very few people even knew what the emperor looked like. In today's world, it was a guarantee than anyone with a smartphone would begin to engulf the internet in a tidal wave of Yanan pictures that would, without a doubt, cause more problems in Manchuria than an invading army. In fact, if that part couldn't be solved.....

"Yanan, it's great that you want to meet people and get out, but aren't you afraid that everyone within 5 kilometers will know you're out and about within 10 seconds of your appearance? Everyone has a camera phone these days and so many pictures are going to bounce around the internet that the guards will rush you back in the palace before you can even get a block down the street." Nathaniel said.

"Yes, well, I am going to handle that. What I do want to know is what should I do when I get outside these walls? How shall I interact with my people and gorge myself on the modern culture?"

"I'd begin with softening your vocabulary. Your amazingly proper tone is great in your role as emperor, but on the street few people would be fooled even with the best disguise."

"I see," Yanan said as he took a sip of tea. "So I should speak less properly."

Nathaniel nodded. "In fact, you might want to pepper your speech with, well, less polite words."

"You mean profanity?" Yanan said.

"Well, it's not like people walk around cursing all day long, but a few well-placed ones would help."

"Mother fucker," Yanan said with perfect annunciation. "Shit."

"Well, I mean in context that'll work, but... in context."

"AH I understand. Well, shit, I have to learn how to speak fucking common. This will take a lot of goddamned time to understand."

Zhang Wei nearly cracked his stone veneer as his emperor began to curse rather awkwardly. Even Nathaniel had to hold it together trying not to laugh at the emperor.

"Yes, something like that."

"You will teach me, Nate. You will come back tomorrow. You will help me learn. You will show me a stylish form of dress. And you will escort me and Zhang Wei out and about."

Nathaniel froze uncertain how to reply. In fact, nothing seemed to make sense anymore.