In an empire, it is the people that run the country, not the rulers. The rulers should be trying to earn the trust and respect of the "people" not the "people" trying to earn the trust and respect of the rulers. If the "people" do not trust the rulers of their empire in times of war not only will they not fight but they will side with the enemy to overthrow the present rulers.
Death is not the end, but the begining of the next stage of life.