4  THE  CHINESE  EMPIRÉ
that  it  was  a  monotonous  repetition  of  dynasties  rising  to
the  zenith  of  their  power,  then  entering  upon  a  period  of
decline,  and  finally  succumbing  to  some  successful  conqueror.
There  is  more,  however,  in  Chinese  history  than  this,  and  we
shall  be  able  to  note  certain  steps  of  advance  and  development ­
  as  the  years  roll  on.
The  Hsia  Dynasty  was  unfortunate  in  its  later  rulers,
and  was  finally  overthrown  by  the  first  successful  rebellion
in  China,  headed  by  Tang,  the  Prince  of  Shang,  who  established ­
  the  Second  Dynasty,  known  as
The  Shang  or  Yin  Dynasty  (b.c.  1766-1122)
Tang  was  one  of  the  most  illustrious  rulers  of  China,
and  his  virtues  are  commemorated  in  the  ancient  books.
The  best  known  story  in  regard  to  him  is  that  which  describes
his  offering  himself  as  a  sacrifice  on  behalf  of  his  people.
During  his  reign  a  great  drought  occurred,  and,  as  is  the  case
with  all  natural  calamities  in  China,  it  was  regarded  as  a
visitation  of  Heaven  for  the  transgressions  of  the  people.
The  Emperor  clad  himself  in  the  garb  of  a  penitent,  and  proceeding ­
  to  the  place  of  sacrifice,  confessed  his  shortcomings,
and  besought  Heaven  to  visit  upon  him,  “  the  solitary  man,”
the  punishment  due  to  those  over  whom  he  ruled.  According ­
  to  tradition  his  death  was  not  required,  for  no  sooner
had  he  offered  his  supplications  than  copious  rain  began
to  fall,  refreshing  the  parched  land,  and  bringing  joy  to
the  hearts  of  the  people.
Owing  to  laxity  of  life  on  the  part  of  his  successors  his
dynasty  was  overthrown  by  Wu  Wang,  the  Duke  of  Chow,
who  founded  the
Chow  Dynasty  (b.c.  1122-255)
In  the  Chow  Dynasty  we  come  to  the  development  of
the  feudal  system  of  government  in  China.  The  founder
of  the  dynasty  rewarded  those  who  assisted  him  in  his
conquest  by  assigning  to  them  portions  of  his  territory  to
rule  over,  and  conferring  upon  them  titles  corresponding