Bandits
A scrourge that exists with the existance of humans. Robin Hood type of bandits probably account for a very small fraction of the bandits. The rest simply rob the helpless and innocent of any valuables to enrich and feed themselves rather than earning a living through legal means. The rich protect their transported valuables through the hiring of armed escorts. The presence of bandits also make trade routes unsafe thus they are a hinderance to economic development.
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Corrupt Officials Two main emotions drives corruption; greed and discontent. It is a worldwide phenomena that plagues organisations and governments. The only difference is the extent of corruption. In China today, graft is still pretty widespread despite stern efforts implemented by the government.Often both the emotions of greed and discontent compel a person to be corrupt. The emotions may take place in a different order however. Usually the emotion of discontent because the person feels that he is not duly paid or no recognition for the work done that drives him to be corrupt. Once he sees the gold or other benefits coming in, he is blinded by greed and wants even more. In essence the greed will spawn more greed and the cycle continues, often till being caught by the higher up authorities. |
Death
Death follows birth. It is only the time difference between the two. The rich and the important dignitries can afford to have grand funerals. Their corposes will be laid to rest on a tomb on a big piece of land (eg. Qin Shihuang and the egyptian pharohs). The poor on the other hand has difficulties arranging a proper funeral and a coffin. In worst cases, the corpses are just laid to rest in a pit hole and covered up with the digged soil.
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Fallen Sick
Despite the advances in technology one thing remains the same. The rich having money can use their money to maintain or improve their health through consuming tonics compared to the less well-off. Ther financial state can also afford the expensive medical treatments to better their odds of surviving.
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Funeral
A funeral in ancient times is an affair that is afforded by the nobles. For the peasants and laborers, the cost of a funeral is prohibitive hence it is a simple affair of just burying the corpse with Earth in a ditch. A sad event, it could also be a time whereby friends, relatives and family members gather together for a reunion although a funeral is widely regarded as an inappropriate event for a reunion of ties and relationships.
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Incite/ False Information
A plot to create internal chaos and panic among the enemy. Once the enemy is in disarray, soldiers can't follow orders thus they are sure to be defeated. Alternativelty false information can be spread to the enemy by infiltrating a couple of soldiers to spread the rumor. Once the enemy take the bait, they will either lead their forces elsewhere or be tricked into doing something that will expose their weaknesses.
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Overthrow
An dissastisfied person who holds power especially in military terms can easily overthrow his previous lord and set up his own domain. The Rtk era is filled with many cases of this. Examples include Liu Bei sizing control of Xuzhou from Cao Cao after Guan Yu slain Che Zhou, Zhuge Ke's rebellion against Sima Zhao, Meng Da's rebellion against Cao Rui. |
Pillage
The pillaging of the commoners for food, gold and other valuable items is one of the most heinous crimes ever committed by those who wield power. It is a very fast way to lose all popular support. Unscrupulous warlords such as the tyrannical Dong Zhuo cannot be forgiven for ordering his soldiers to pillage the capital for valuables and gold as well as beautiful women. |
Plotting
Plotting to win or weaken the enemy through schemes before or during the commencement of a battle is widely practised in the Rtk era with examples such as Zhuge Liang's plot to arouse Cao Rui's suspicion of Sima Yi and relinquish Sima Yi's appointment of Commander-in-Chief prior to his first northern invasion, Zhou Yu's plot to trick Cao Cao to execute his two capable naval commanders, Cao Cao's plot to drive Lu Bu and Liu Bei against each other and the infamous Wang Yun's plot of using Diao Chan to drive a wedge between Dong Zhuo and his foster son Lu Bu.
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Rain Prayer
In a medieval age where little scientific theories abound people are superstitious towards some occurrences that have no idea about. Most of the blames for the misfortune during that time were attributed to ghost, devils, displeasure by the heavens etc...... In the case of drought which threatens to destroy the livelihood be it rich or poor, most people thought that they may have committed some sins and thus a displeased heaven imposed a drought so as to punish the mortal world. Setting up an altar and making offerings and prayers to the heaven for rain though a superstitious act but nevertheless deliver some relief to the many desperate souls in search of water to sustain life.
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Rebellion
Not considered a good event most of the time cause a rebellion usually involves bloodshed. Rebellions are categorized and personal or for the masses. Personal being the person inciting the rebellion for his personal selfish gains and benefits while for the masses being a rebellion that is started which if successful will create an environment that is better and more favorable for the mass majority of people than before the rebellion.
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Assassination
Killing a person with s surprise stab when he is unaware. This is the approach taken by Cao Cao against Dong Zhuo as well as Fan Jiang and Zhang Da against Zhang Fei. Due to circumstances, they were forced to execute the act themselves.
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Lack of Education
Until the 1900s, the lack of education is a worldwide problem regardless of culture and nationality. The rich can afford to send their children to schools for education. Those parents who received some formal education but cannot afford to send their offsprings for education will teach their children at home. As for the poor, the parents being poor and needs extra hands to tend the fields and farms require their children's help since they can't afford to hire outside help.Another point is that before democracy, practically only boys are preferred for education since it is a male dominated world. In a scenario of limited resources, the boy is chosen over the girl for access to education. |