How Was Machiavelli's the Prince Radically Different from Conventional Wisdom

How was Machiavelli's The Prince radically different from conventional wisdom about how princes should rule?

A) He relied on Muslim authorities to counsel princes.
B) He incorporated humor and sarcasm to inculcate his ideas.
C) He drew all his examples from current events or individuals, rather than using any classical sources.
D) He advised princes to use whatever means necessary, including violence and deceit, to achieve their nationalistic goals.
E) He first imagined a perfect prince and then deducted the attributes a real prince should emulate.