[centre][img=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fe/China_Qing_Dynasty_Flag_1889.svg]

[b]The Empire of the Great Qing[/b]
[i]New Year Speech given by Prince Gong at the Great Qing Gate in Tiananmen Square (January 30th, 1862)[/i][/centre]

Our good and loyal subjects.

On behalf of the Lord of Ten Thousand Years, I would like to wish every family happiness, peace and health in the New Year. 

We stand at the dawn of a new year; a year which is to be ushered in with the highest of hopes. The last year of Xianfeng saw extraordinary changes happen to our Most Illustrious Empire. The most villainous banditry to have plagued the Celestial Empire since the days of the Yellow Emperor has been soundly crushed by the mighty Imperial army. No longer do the fiendish traitors under the command of the heretical Hong Xiuquan threaten those closest to us. Their bloody reign of terror has come to a swift end. No more do their vile armies hold the people of Nanfang hostage; now the altruism of the Qixiang Emperor and the Imperial Court is free to shine upon the south once more.

This is a mighty achievement which could not have been accomplished without the blood and sweat from all in the Middle Kingdom. I'd like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to you all. It is a testament to the strength of our united willpower what the Great Qing may achieve. 

The first year of the Qixiang Emperor is the year of the Water Dog. The dog is a kind and compassionate creature; one which always looks forward to a brighter future. In the spirit of the dog, this year shall be one of great benevolent and idealistic changes. It is the virtues of broad-mindedness and goodwill that shall triumph most this year as we seek to revitalise this noble land.

The Self-Strengthening Movement has only just begun, loyal subjects, but already does the Celestial Empire benefit from it. Already does our nation begin to renew itself, but that is merely the beginning. We have an arduous journey to complete, where a truly glorious rejuvenation of the Middle Kingdom shall await us. 

May we all work hard together in writing these new annals into the history of our ancient and golden empire, and may prosperity fill the lives of all under heaven.