But sometimes, just like a person who falls seriously ill and whose immune system fails to withstand it, the person... dies.

Throughout the long years, one great dynasty after another emerged; half of the time, dynasties fell due to invasions from ethnic groups in seemingly more backward and barbaric remote areas.

Yet there were also one or two occasions when barbaric tribes took over, becoming the new rulers—though such situations usually didn’t last long.

The conflict and disparity in cultures led to a situation where the two civilizations couldn’t coexist, and the final outcome was either one swallowed the other, or one extinguished the other.

Governance requires many essential conditions:

When a place is too remote, in the absence of telephones, telegraphs, or any effective means of communication—during times when productivity is not sufficiently developed.

If a place is too distant, sending a messenger from the capital could take about a year—thus, it’s hard for the central authority to establish true governance over such remote regions.

In this "unknown race’s" history, although productivity gradually improved, it never erupted like the fire of an industrial revolution.

This has led to successive dynasties being unable to effectively govern many distant remote areas.

When the central authority begins to decline, disturbances inevitably erupt in those far-off places.

For instance, the historical book Chen Yan is currently reading.

·

The name of this nation’s dynasty is "He", and since its founding, it has lasted for over 160 years.

Up to this point, Chen Yan has seen that the history of this "unknown race" has included more than twenty great unified dynasties.

And those which were never unified, settled in one place, divided in one area, or in opposition between the north and south, or confronted in the east and west, or divided into three or five countries—there were countless such situations.

This "He" dynasty is the twenty-fourth great unified dynasty to emerge.

In Chen Yan’s view, it too has developed the feudal system to its peak.

Their astronomical calendar is even more precise, facilitating better determination of climate and seasons, which aids farming and food output.

In terms of technological advancements, their smelting techniques are superior, allowing for the production of better metals.

Culturally, they have better medical hygiene, better transportation infrastructure; with good transportation, trade routes improve, making commercial exchange smoother and more prosperous.

—The saying "If you want to get rich, first build roads," is truly not just a slogan but rather a factual truth!

Their governance of remote regions is also on the rise.

Simultaneously, this "He" dynasty has a relatively stable upward channel.

They improved systems similar to the selection of officials, using a doctrine as the country’s official ideology, and even developed systems like the imperial examination or civil examinations.

They even managed, at least partially, to suppress the monopoly power of noble families; at least nominally, even those from humble backgrounds have the chance to enter this system—forcing aristocratic families to yield much of their power.

They diligently bolster military defenses, suppressing the barbaric tribes in remote areas—not only with military force but also through culture and even religion, assimilating and regularly harvesting them...

They went even further, breaking gender restrictions within power succession—they allow women to inherit power!

Just like empress dowagers overseeing from behind the curtains in ancient times, or the female nobles, lady leaders, and queens in Europe.

Chen Yan has been reading for over three years!

He has read about this unknown race’s over twenty unified dynasties, witnessed countless small dynasties, seen various historical rises and falls, examined the advantages and decline of various systems!

Even Chen Yan has to admit, this "He" dynasty has reached the ultimate in feudal system development!

Moreover, Moreover, Moreover! Their food production has greatly increased! Due to the large-scale cultivation of certain special crops, food output has significantly risen!

This fact, in another sense, reduces people’s urgent dependency on land, enabling the sustenance of more individuals, mildly suppressing the intensity of land consolidation.

Because a simple logic is, everyone must be well-fed; if not, they will rebel.

Insufficient land output and land consolidation will accelerate starvation, hastening turmoil.

Improved land output increases the tolerance for system failures and postpones the arrival of starvation.

—In short, Chen Yan sees no reason why this "He" dynasty should fail.

They have nearly reached the pinnacle of the feudal system.

The internal system is basically perfected, and the external immune system is robust enough.

Then, human misfortune erupts.

·

The ninth Emperor of the He dynasty passed away.

This deceased Emperor could hardly be regarded as a wise individual; he was rather mediocre, and his governance was neither particularly fair nor unjust.

His biggest mistake was failing to leave behind an exceptional heir, and in the matter of choosing a successor, he was indecisive.

Then it led to a major issue.

After his death, both of his sons claimed their right to succession, with each side gathering a faction of influential figures.

And then, a coup erupted, followed by war and chaos.