Summer's Bite
When the Empire of Spring ended, we saw the rise of a brilliant summer. Yet that brilliance has become scorching, and we suffer for its light.Summer's Bite is a political statement and manifesto released in Yulan Sheng in the early days of autumn in 5623. It aims to bring to light a significant number of issues with the current government in Yulan Sheng, with the goal of empowering the Autumn Restoration Alliance's ideals of a more equal society.
Enlai's Thoughts by Hanhula (via Midjourney)
The document itself was allegedly penned solely by Enlai Shan, the golden figurehead of the Alliance, but is widely considered to have been developed in conjunction with others in the organisation and beyond it. This perception has always cast a shadow over the manifesto, as it demonstrates that the Alliance cannot be trusted to reveal the authorship of their own beliefs.
Broadly critical of the current tyrannical regime yet deeply loyal to the nation, Summer's Bite was released in a period of high political tension, now known to be in part due to the actions of the Shard known as the Unbroken March.
The Shard, prior to its destruction at the hands of the Lost Ones, was a deeply manipulative sentient item that sought to stir discourse; many copies of Summer's Bite were altered by it to be far more controversial or to spin tales that were not true.
While the discourse did cause issues for the leadership of both Yulan Sheng and the ARA, it also spurred their interactions.
Purpose
There can be nothing worse for our people and families than conflict at home. Why do we then stand by as our leader sparks conflict with Haeng Na and threatens to cut trade to Sunadar?Named for Yulan Sheng's historical position as a nation of Summer (which itself stems from their founding after the collapse of Meihua, the Empire of Spring), Summer's Bite is half an exposé on the suspicious and downright worrying activities practiced by Zhang Heng's regime, and half a detailed review of ways in which the current national issues may be resolved.
It determinedly avoids an antagonistic tone, choosing instead to present the regime's issues as tragedies called forth due to the nation's imbalanced power structures and lack of oversight. While the officials mentioned in the paper are not exonerated, they are not castigated for their failings either - the ARA wish to make clear that their goal is to help, not to incite rebellion.
The document also has a tendency to invoke poetry and metaphor as references and comparisons, and includes some of Enlai's personal philosophies as points that he would like to share with those in leadership.
For instance, when discussing restrictions on trade and the many disparities in how the nation handles international trade (including the use of lower quality trade routes for foreign merchants), the report goes on a 400-word diatribe about the importance of regulating hunting across international borders, despite this having relatively little relevance to the document's full purpose.
Passing Gossip by Hanhula (via Midjourney)
Historical Details
Public Reaction
It's a bit of an odd read, but... the kid's got a point, don't you think?Given the political complexity of Yulan Sheng, there can be no surprise at how mixed the reaction was to Summer's Bite being released. The populace has long been subtly split into multiple camps; the rise of a new entity striving to shift the political spectrum threw a number of pre-existing assumptions into disarray. The manifesto was released during the height of quarantine efforts to prevent the spread of Wolf's Bite, which doubled as an effort by the ruling regime to keep an eye on the populace and quell both the ARA and other rising rebellions elsewhere, and also during the time of the Unbroken March's rampant manipulation. As mentioned, the latter had odd effects on its reception that still linger.
Investigation by Hanhula (via Midjourney)
Yet it was the overt presence of militia and control from the government that ended up lending the manifesto a new level of legitimacy. Though speaking of Summer's Bite itself out loud was not a good idea - doing so would usually earn you a visit from the government - the populace found other ways to allude to the ideas they agreed with.
While it had seemed odd for Enlai to include so much poetry throughout the manifesto's pages, it turned out to be a stroke of genius: by referencing similar poetry or works from the same poets, speaking about the manifesto in public became more easily possible.
The ramifications of its release extend beyond the borders of Yulan Sheng, as well. While intended only for his fellow citizens, copies of Enlai's work have since made it abroad to their neighbouring countries. All of them, be they allies or foes, have found the revelations quite illuminating - in both the positive and negative senses of the term.
Manifested Manifesto by Hanhula (via Midjourney)
Type
Statement, Political (Manifesto)
Medium
Paper
Authoring Date
3/09/5623
Authors
Signatories (Organizations)
The Dilemma
Enlai has made no secret of his identity, and though clearly capable of hiding away when needed, is often on site during more open moments of rebellion. He is known to have assisted in rescuing at least thirty families from government persecution, and has made no secret of his involvement each time. Yet should Zhang Heng do anything about Enlai, the manifesto will then make a martyr of him. With tensions so high and so many different groups - both loyalist and not - active, the problems would only get worse. Similarly, the ARA cannot act too directly against their government. Their actions must be subtle and considered, and must walk the careful line of criticism and sedition. If they go too far and fall into treason, then the careful balance will be shattered and the government shall have reason to destroy them without the risk of revenge - or they shall instead light the flame of war. Every eye on Yulan Sheng's politics knows this careful dance. Perhaps another will choose to set aflame the web.
Secret Readings by Hanhula (via Midjourney)
The summer heat may burn all in its path if we forget to protect ourselves against its rays, and its bite sees drought on the horizon. We are not at the mercy of fools! With courage, we may shield against the sun's sting and welcome a cooler autumn together.
Political intrigue, civil conflict and a sentient artifact sowing discourse. Oh the drama, the intrigue politique, so much happening, so many moving parts.......so many places one could throw a wrench into the works and watch it all come apart at the seams. Or perhaps simply....adjust certain aspects and parts subtly, altering the tones and directions of things. We do love a good chance for intrigue though, and thus absolutely I'll be tucking this one away :)