The Chinese emperors justified their claim to power through the concept of the Mandate of Heaven. The Mandate of Heaven was the belief that the emperor ruled with the blessing and approval of heaven. It was believed that the emperor was chosen by heaven to rule over the people and that he had a duty to maintain harmony and order in the land. As long as the emperor fulfilled his duty, he would retain the Mandate of Heaven, but if he failed to do so, it was believed that he would lose the favor of heaven and the people would have the right to overthrow him.
The Mandate of Heaven was a powerful ideological tool for the Chinese emperors. It helped to legitimize their rule and to maintain social stability. It also provided the emperors with a moral compass, as they were expected to rule in accordance with the principles of heaven.