Question

What did Chinese emperors have to do to get the mandate of heaven?

Answer 1

Be good emperors

Explanation:

Background: As you know, the Mandate of Heaven was essentially the "divine blessing" bestowed on an emperor, in order to give substantial legitimacy to his rule.

In order for one to be granted the Mandate of Heaven, one must demonstrate his willingness to rule, which hinges on the virtue of the emperor. Let's say, if the emperor does not care about his people, lets them die, is corrupt, etc. he loses the mandate due to not being virtuous. As long as a ruler is just, wise, and has marks of a great leader, he will maintain the mandate.