Country of Li

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The Country of Li (茘(リー), Rī^?) is the primary setting of The Apothecary Diaries. It is set in the East (Asia), and is heavily based on Imperial China, but not of any particular dynasty and possibly a melding of multiple.

Geography[]

The Country of Li borders at least three other countries, Anan, Shaoh and Hokuaren. Anan is located south of Li, while both Shaoh and Hokuaren are on its western side. It is also bordered by a body of water, but the extent to which it does so is unknown. Aside from the province containing the royal capital, there are three major provinces and other surrounding territories.^[1] Three provinces have been named:

Central Province (華央州, Kaou Province lit. "Ka Central Province" or 華州 "Ka Province")
- Its capital is the Royal Capital, also the capital of Li, from which the Emperor rules
Northern Province (子北州, Shihoku Province lit. "Shi Northern Province")
- Its capital is the Northern Capital and was previously governed by the Shi Clan
Western Province (戌西州, Isei Province lit. "I Western Province")
- Its capital is the Western Capital. It was previously governed by the Yi Clan and now by the You Clan

The climate across the different provinces varies, with the Central Province having a temperate climate, the Northern Province being cold, and the Western Province being hot and dry.

History[]

The Country of Li was founded by the Queen Mother, who was said to have traveled from a distant land accompanied by three warriors. The Queen Mother married the local chieftain of the land and gave birth to the first emperor of Li, while her three warriors each founded clans and became governors of the three major provinces. The character for Li consists of the top "plant" character, which represents the Queen Mother, and three "sword" characters underneath, representing the warriors.^[1]

Power Hierarchy[]

The Country of Li is ruled by a hereditary monarchy following the lineage of the Ka Clan. The Emperor holds the highest amount of power, followed by high ranking officials such as Lakan who holds the title of Grand Marshal. Underneath the high ranking officials are the heads of the named clans, who are clans whom the Emperor has chosen to bestow a name upon.^[2] Within the named clans there is an internal hierarchy based on rule over land and power within the government. The economic status of one's family also plays a large role in determining whether or not someone has the ability to move up the social ladder, as many of those who enter the Imperial Palace are from families in the wealthy and upper middle class.

More information on the power hierarchy can be found here.

Economy[]

The economy of Li is primarily driven by agricultural and raw material exports, and it participates in maritime trade. The Royal Capital is the wealthiest part of the country, but distribution of wealth noticeably decreases as you travel further away from it. This suggests that the vast majority of the country's citizens are either farmers, tradesmen, or craftsmen.

Culture[]

In Li, women are treated as lesser than men. This does not mean that women in positions of power don't have power at all, as there are examples like the Empress Regnant. However, women are heavily limited by the expectations and role that society places on them, and are relegated to pawns their families use to gain power. Lishu is a prime example of this.