The snowfall was light, and beneath the warm sun, it hardly felt cold. Yet a faint chill crept into the hearts of Qin and Chu.
The notion of the mandate of heaven had existed for ages. Yin Shang and the Zhou State, in particular, were universally acknowledged to have won the realm by receiving Heaven's mandate.
It was precisely because of this that the Zhou State's decline over the years had convinced countless people that its mandate of heaven was nearing its end.
The Count of Qin looked momentarily dazed, but resolve quickly returned. "When heaven's favor rested upon them, King Wu attacked Zhou, the Sage King undertook the Eastern Campaign, and Duke Xuan pacified the foreign tribes. Which of those was not a glorious victory?
"The Zhou State's crushing defeat is precisely a sign that Heaven is gradually withdrawing its favor. The Zhou Royal House has indeed lost its mandate of heaven.
"Now we need only knock Luo State to the ground, and the Zhou State will collapse."
The Count of Qin's argument made such sense that it immediately reassured Qin's ministers. Somewhat puzzled, Prince Gao asked, "My lord, if the Zhou Royal House's mandate of heaven has waned, why has this snow fallen?"
Gazing at the crystalline snow, the Count of Qin sighed. "Through this snowfall, Heaven is warning us that although the Zhou Royal House's mandate of heaven has declined, the time has not yet come for its sacrifices to cease.
"Xia fell because Yin Shang received Heaven's mandate. Yin Shang fell because the Zhou State received Heaven's mandate. Now, within the four seas, among the All Xia states, who can receive Heaven's mandate?"
"Chu State is powerful, but it is barbarian. Could it rule all beneath heaven?
"That is why the Zhou State's mandate of heaven