the pattern of the rise, decline, and rebirth of dynasties
Strong dynasty that establishes peace/prosperity (considering to have the Mandate of Heaven), dynasty begins to decline (becomes corrupt, taxes raise, power is weaker), disaster strikes (flood, famines, revolt, invasion), dynasty loses Mandate of Heaven (rebellion), dynasty is overthrown (bloodshed) new synasty emerges, new dynasty returns and restores peace/prosperity/Mandate of Heaven