Succession Order Protocol

Decision Framework

• Proper order: Younger serves elder, subject serves ruler
• Violating this teaches rebellion
• Even if the younger son is more beloved, stability requires following proper order

Expected Outcomes

• Maintained legitimacy of succession
• Clear expectations for all parties
• Reduced risk of rebellion and instability

Validation

1. Confirm the eldest son is established as heir following proper order — no younger son is favored regardless of personal preference
2. Verify the chain of consequences is understood: violating order weakens commands, weakened commands undermine governance, failed governance causes abandonment
3. Check the teaching effect — the ruler's succession decision sets a precedent that other states and subjects will follow, so it must model proper order