When a modern person reads history, they must not empathize with emperors and generals, nor be moved by the achievements established through great hardships. This is like cannon fodder cheering for the gunner, or suckers paying tribute to the sickle. When you interpret history from the perspective of an ordinary person, a small figure, you will see another side of history, the real picture, and that is the truth of history. When emperors and the powerful speak to you of great righteousness or the nation, you should be cautious, as they are likely asking you to make some sacrifice. The words in "Tongguan Huai Gu" are true and poignant: "When the country prospers, the common people suffer; when the country falls, the common people suffer."