“The last Zhou dynasty was unjust. Its ruler was benighted, its ministers incompetent. At home, corrupt officials and powerful clans ran rampant, every industry was in decline, and refugees were everywhere. Abroad, our great nation commanded no respect and had no diplomatic strategy. Even tiny countries and barbarian tribes dared to seize our Chinese lands and bully our Han people. This was the fault of the ruler, and the incompetence of his ministers.”
“Today, in our Great Xia, the late emperor rose from common origins, answered Heaven's call, overthrew tyranny, toppled a corrupt dynasty, and kept foreign powers beyond our borders. No throne has ever been more rightfully won. Yet now His Majesty turns a blind eye to the people's suffering and ignores treacherous ministers who endanger the state. How is this any different from the Li clan of the former Zhou? If this goes on, Great Xia will surely fall.
“Now His Majesty asks a question, and I cannot help but answer. If Your Majesty has no interest in the rise or fall of Great Xia, then I... I... I shall go home tomorrow to my wife and children, and enjoy the warmth of the family hearth...”
Note: Well, my literary skills are limited, so please bear with me as you read this −_−‘’, respectfully submitted by your servant, Ximen Piao.
