The Beginning Shocks the Emperor Wu: Did You Write This Poem?.

Summary

The passage discusses the challenges of restoring a fallen dynasty through a conversation between Chen Ping An and Li Qiu Tong. Chen Ping An argues that successful national restoration is rare and typically occurs long after the original dynasty's fall. He explains that dynasties are most vulnerable during their founding and final years, and most powerful decades after establishment. Using a metaphorical story about social climbing, he demonstrates how people manipulate historical narratives to gain legitimacy. He ultimately crushes Li Qiu Tong's hopes by highlighting the practical impossibilities of her dynasty's restoration, emphasizing lack of popular support, governance foundation, and internal cohesion.

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