The novel explores a variety of common populist tactics and dimensions during a time of mass mobilisation and political conflict. In Chapter 6 (p. 30-32), it is especially well documented to what lengths Emperor Hailu goes to 'overcome' an upheaval within the army; with soldiers deeply unsatisfied with their living and working conditions, having to watch their officers get paid unfairly high sums in comparison to them and feeling a general sense of mistreatment, even in death, Hailu opts for the solution of warranting these soldiers their broad wishes to simulate understanding, empathy, and perhaps entertain himself as the fatherly figure who 'listens' and will bring peace to his individuals' miserable conditions.
When this does not bring the desired effect, however, and instead rather fuels the people's fire of discontent, Emperor Hailu has his former Prime Minister arrested, who now poses as a political enemy to him. This course of action showcases 1) the artificial creation of a scapegoat to blame when and as soon as things go badly & 2) the arrrest and riddance of political as well as symbolic enemies in such public display that the common people subconsciously witness what might become of their fate were they to continue the upheaval and open unrest.