Our kings of zhou treated the people well presided over services to spirits and to heaven. Heaven therefore instructed the zhou kings chose them and gave them the decree to rule
in order to maintain harmony and order within the kingdom. The Zhou kings believed in the concept of the Mandate of Heaven, which stated that their rule was justified by divine approval as long as they governed with the welfare of the people in mind.
The kings of Zhou were responsible for implementing policies that benefitted the people. They ensured fair distribution of land and resources, promoted agriculture and irrigation, and built infrastructure such as roads and canals to improve communication and transportation. They also established a legal system to uphold justice and resolved disputes among the people.
Additionally, the kings of Zhou were deeply involved in religious and spiritual practices. They conducted elaborate ceremonies to honor and appease the spirits and deities, believing that a harmonious relationship between the human world and the spiritual realm was essential for the prosperity of their kingdom. The kings sought guidance from heaven through divination and consultation with spiritual advisors, allowing them to make important decisions in accordance with the divine will.
The belief in the Mandate of Heaven further solidified the legitimacy of the Zhou kings' rule. According to this ideology, heaven would withdraw its support and transfer the mandate to another ruler if the current king failed to fulfill his duties or became corrupt. This philosophy acted as both a check on the king's power and a justification for rebellion or overthrow in case of unjust rule.
Overall, the kings of Zhou treated the people well, provided for their welfare, and honored the spirits and heavenly beings. Their adherence to the principles of the Mandate of Heaven cemented their rule and ensured the prosperity and stability of the Zhou dynasty for several centuries.