If Xu Ziyuan's List of Extraordinary Women stirred up a storm across the nation, then the Heroes Ranking shook the Central Plains like a tidal wave, causing all the noted scholars to boil over with anger.
In short, Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Ce were all absent from the list; none met the criteria.
According to Xu Ziyuan's commentary, making the nation prosperous and the Han Dynasty flourish is the responsibility of wise rulers and capable ministers. To enjoy a life of luxury and leave one's name in history, one must bear the burden of responsibility for a lifetime.
The chaos in the country and the decline of the Han Dynasty are not the wishes of the people but are driven by necessity. The blame falls squarely on the Han Court, a great embarrassment.
