Court Memorandum 5YL-9-04

The Emperor Pronounces:

''We receive your salutations and gifts and commend your loyalty. ''

''Yet, while the Enthronement is a great rite, and a foundation of our state, we ought to look to the real foundations of the Wei Empire. ''

''It has been more than a hundred years since the Great Progenitor fulfilled the Ten-Year Oath and, following the will of Heaven, ascended the Imperial Dignity. In that time, thousands of officials have served the Dynasty with loyalty and courage. ''

''We have seen that those who emphasise thrift and caution, and look always to the good of the common folk, are given just reward in life and in the histories; those who fall into decadence, and chase after the luxurious and the extravagant, fall into disrepute and ruin. ''

''This is a pattern repeated innumerable times in our history, whether on this or the other side of the Ocean. Therefore I instruct thee: look always to thrift; hold always to discipline. To those who have not sent in gifts for the Enthronement Ceremony, you are not to do so. ''

Remember always the injunction of Taizong of the Song Dynasty: 

Your salaries and your grants

''Are the sweat and blood of the folk. ''