Events

Rare is the time when one can witness a dynastic change in the Middle Kingdom. Even rarer when the Middle Kingdom itself is gone. For the Taiping, their new realm is not understood as Zhongguo, but Tianguo, the country of Heaven. And though not part of the usual cycle, it nonetheless takes its legitimacy from Tian, from Heaven. Thus, the Mandate is renewed once more unbeknownst to them.

Prince Gong and Emperor Xianfeng were captured by the Nian rebels and killed according to their status. Their Manchu council was put to death less respectfully. But there had to be some change in administration, and thus the Mongols, who also rebelled in the North, were pardoned, and so were many high-official Han, so long as they accepted the Heavenly Emperor as their new deity and his commands through the Heavenly King, Hong Xiuquan.

In Manchuria? Thankfully, the Han had been colonizing those lands for some time now, but many related to the Banners were put to death for the centuries of humiliation, for the queue that bound the Han to their Manchu overlords; more civilised traditions will take place, like feet-binding. Revenge was sweet, and bloody.

Tianguo stands with its Four Kings, whose authority and command of armies will lead the new regime to victory. But first, people must be fed and debt repaid. Then, we are set for Heaven.