Mandate of Heaven

The political and philosophical ideals legitimizing dynastic regime changes during the time of the Ancient Jiao empires are encapsulated by this term. Heaven (天, Tian) – embodying the natural order and will of the universe – bestows the mandate on a just ruler of the Mythic Land of Jiao, the "Chosen of Heaven". The overthrow of a ruler indicated their unworthiness and loss of the mandate. Natural disasters such as famine and flood were seen as divine retributions, signs of Heaven's displeasure with the ruler, often leading to revolts as people perceived these calamities as indications that the Mandate of Heaven had been withdrawn.   Good and just rulers were distinguished by large unified territories and the impressive defeat of violent monster incursions. Revolts or rebellions by the masses signaled divine retribution against rulers who had lost the mandate.   Though the philosophy has not been entirely abandoned, its influence has diminished. For the first time in over 1000 years, King of Jiaohai Lang Wen claims to possess the Mandate of Heaven and the right to unite the kingdoms of the Jiao Alliance under his rule. To bolster this claim, he is said to have captured and killed a Fuzhu.