The rule of the Zhou, then, was linked to heaven. A king and his dynasty could only rule so long as they had heaven’s favour. A king who neglected his sacred duties, or who acted tyrannically, would arouse the displeasure of heaven, disturbing cosmic harmony. Disorder would follow and society would descend into chaos: the great fear of Chinese culture even today. In the end, heaven could withdraw its mandate and eventually reveal a new mandate, usually by a visible sign.
