Although the Daoist Order advocated for equality, it had also been deeply influenced by Confucianism. Many Daoists still adhered to the Confucian hierarchy of ruler and subject, father and son. They sought a powerful enough “father” and turned those inferior to them into “sons” and “grandsons.”0

This mentality permeated even the smallest aspects of daily life. For example, when someone greatly admired another, those who disapproved might sarcastically call them a “filial son.” Some who took this admiration to the extreme would even call their admired figure “father.” Even insults revolved around this system of hierarchy, as it all boils down to who the father was.0

On a larger scale, this also reflected how the Central Plains dynasties treated their vassal states. The people of the Central Plains loved to see these vassal states as the “sons” and “grandsons” of the empire, deriving immense satisfaction and pleasure from such a relationship. This ingrained pleasure in hierarchical confusion had been deeply imprinted in their psyche, so much so that everyone carried an internal scale for measuring social status, one that could not be erased.0

Whether it was the Western Holy Court or the Eastern Daoist Order, both remained at the level of ideology. In contrast, Confucian teachings had seeped into the very marrow of society, shaping...0