This book published in 2015 is a detailed study of the Zhou dynasty.
The Zhou, after overthrowing the Shang dynasty, needed to justify their actions. Thus, they propounded the doctrine of the Mandate of Heaven.
The main feature of this revolutionary doctrine is that emperors govern at the mercy of Heaven. If an emperor is not just, it is right he should be replaced.
Heaven will show its displeasure with the current emperor through disasters like earthquakes, famine, and unruly weather.
The Mandate of Heaven is taken seriously throughout the kingdom by emperors and citizens alike.
For example, the treasonous letter was sent to General Yue [a descendent of the loyal General Yue Fei of the Song dynasty who fought the rebels from the north] on 28 Oct 1728 by the rebels Summer Calm/Zeng Jing through his messenger Zhang Xi after “the distressed economic conditions of the southern provinces of China and unusual heavenly portents confirmed them in their belief that the time was ripe for bold action.”
[ p12 Treason by the Book]
Lwh, 21 Dec 24
Winter Solstice Festival
Ytl Cameron Highlands Resort.