Chapter 10: Ji Bo Receives Thunder at Yanshan Mountain

诗曰： 燕山此际瑞烟笼，雷起东南助晓风。霹雳声中惊蝶梦，电光影里发尘蒙。 三分有二开岐业，百子名全应镐酆。卜世卜年龙虎将，兴周灭纣建奇功。

The poem says: At this moment on Yanshan Mountain auspicious smoke enshrouds it, thunder rises in the southeast to assist the morning wind. Amidst the thunderclap's sound, startled is the butterfly's dream; within the flash of lightning's light, arises dust and obscurity. Two out of three parts have opened a divergent enterprise; among a hundred sons, the names are complete, corresponding to Hao and Feng. Divining years and generations, dragon and tiger generals, who founded Zhou and destroyed Zhou, achieved extraordinary feats of merit.

话说众官见商容撞死，纣王大怒，俱未及言语。只见大夫赵启见商容皓首死于非命，又命抛尸，心下甚是不平，不觉竖目扬眉，忍纳不住，大叫出班：“臣赵启不敢有负先王，今日殿前以死报国，得与商丞相同游地下足矣。”指纣王骂曰：“无道昏君！绝首相，退忠良，诸侯失望；宠妲己，信谗佞，社稷摧颓。我且历数昏君的积恶：皇后遭枉酷死，自立妲己为正宫；追杀太子，使无踪迹；国无根本，不久丘墟。昏君，昏君！你不义诛妻，不慈杀子，不道治国，不德杀大臣，不明近邪佞，不正贪酒色，不智立三纲，不耻败五常。昏君！人伦道德，一字全无，枉为人君，空禅帝座，有辱成汤，死有馀愧！”纣王大怒，切齿拍案大骂：“匹夫焉敢侮君骂主！”传旨：“将这逆贼速拿炮烙！”赵启曰：“吾死不足惜，止留忠孝于人间，岂似你这昏君，断送江山，污名万载！”纣王气冲牛斗。两边将炮烙烧红，把赵启剥去冠冕，将铁索裹身，只烙的筋断皮焦，骨化烟飞，九间殿烟飞人臭，众官员钳口伤情。纣王看此惨刑，其心方遂，传旨驾回。有诗为证，诗曰： 炮烙当庭设，火威乘势热。四肢未抱时，一炬先摧烈。 须臾化骨筋，顷刻成膏血。要知纣山河，随此烟烬灭。

It is said that when the officials saw Shang Rong dash himself to death, King Zhou was furious and none of them had time to speak. They saw that the official Zhao Qi, upon seeing Shang Rong, a white-haired man who had died an untimely death, and whose body was now ordered to be cast away, felt deeply unjustly treated. Unable to contain his anger, he raised his eyes fiercely and shouted from among the ranks: "Minister Zhao Qi dares not betray the late king. Today I shall die before this hall in service of my country; it would suffice for me to join Chancellor Shang in the netherworld." He pointed at King Zhou and scolded, saying: "A lawless tyrant!" You have severed the prime minister's head, driven away loyal officials, causing the feudal lords to lose hope; you favored Daji and trusted sycophants and villains, leading the state to collapse. I shall now recount your accumulated evils as a tyrant: you had the queen wrongfully and cruelly executed, then appointed Daji to be the principal consort; you pursued and killed the crown prince, leaving no trace of him; The state has lost its foundation and will not be long before it becomes a wasteland. Tyrant, tyrant! You have unjustly killed your wife, unkindly murdered your son, governed the state without virtue, slain ministers without righteousness, favored villains and sycophants while lacking discernment, indulged in wine and lust without integrity, established the Three Bonds without wisdom, and brought disgrace to the Five Constants. Tyrant! Human relationships and moral principles, not a single character remains. You are unworthy to be a ruler, an empty occupant of the imperial throne, bringing shame upon Chengtang; you have more than enough guilt for death!" King Zhou was furious, gnashing his teeth and slamming the table in rage as he shouted: "How dare you, a mere commoner, insult your sovereign and curse your lord!" He issued an order: "Seize this traitor quickly and subject him to the punishment of roasting on red-hot pillars!" Zhao Qi said: "My death is of no consequence; I leave only loyalty and filial piety behind in this world. How unlike you, a tyrant, who has squandered the land and will bear an ill name for ten thousand years!" King Zhou's rage surged to the heavens. On both sides, the instruments of roasting were heated red-hot. Zhao Qi was stripped of his official hat and crown, bound with iron chains around his body, and roasted until his tendons snapped, skin charred, bones turned to ash and smoke, and the Nine-Hall Pavilion filled with smoke and the stench of burning flesh; all the officials clamped their mouths shut in grief. King Zhou, upon witnessing this cruel punishment, felt his heart satisfied and issued an order for the imperial procession to return. There is a poem as evidence; the poem says: The punishment of roasting was set in the court, fire's fury rising with intensity. Before his limbs could be embraced, a single torch first shattered and burned fiercely. In moments, bones and tendons turned to ashes; in the twinkling of an eye, flesh became grease and blood. To know that King Zhou's rivers and mountains will follow this smoke and embers to destruction.

九间殿又炮烙大臣，百官胆颤魂飞。不表。

Another minister was subjected to the punishment of roasting in the Nine-Hall Pavilion, causing all the officials great fear and trembling souls. No further details are given.

且说纣王回宫，妲己接见。纣王携手相搀，并坐龙墩之上。王曰：“今日商容撞死，赵启炮烙，朕被这两个匹夫辱骂不堪。这样惨刑，百官俱还不怕，毕竟还再想奇法，治此倔强之辈。”妲己对曰：“容妾再想。”王曰：“美人大位已定，朝内百官也不敢谏阻，朕所虑东伯侯姜桓楚，知他女儿惨死，领兵反叛，构引诸侯，杀至朝歌；闻仲北海未回，如之奈何？”妲己曰：“妾乃女流，闻见有限，望陛下急召费仲商议，必有奇谋，可安天下。”王曰：“御妻之言有理。”即传旨：“宣费仲。”不一时，费仲至宫拜见。纣王曰：“姜后已亡，朕恐姜桓楚闻知，领兵反乱，东方恐不得安宁。卿有何策可定太平？”费仲跪而奏曰：“姜后已亡，殿下又失，商容撞死，赵启炮烙，文武各有怨言，只恐内传音信，构惹姜桓楚兵来，必生祸乱。陛下不若暗传四道旨意，把四镇大诸侯诓进都城，枭首号令，斩草除根。那八百镇诸侯知四臣已故，如蛟龙失首，猛虎无牙，断不敢猖獗。天下可保安宁。不知圣意如何？”纣王闻言大悦：“卿真乃盖世奇才，果有安邦之策，不负苏皇后之所荐。”费仲退出宫中，纣王暗发诏旨四道，点四员使命官，往四处去，诏姜桓楚、鄂崇禹、姬昌、崇侯虎。不题。

Let us now speak of King Zhou returning to the palace, where Daji received him. King Zhou took her hand and supported each other as they sat together on the dragon throne. The king said: "Today, Shang Rong dashed himself to death and Zhao Qi was roasted; I was shamefully insulted by these two commoners. Such a cruel punishment, yet all the officials still do not fear it; I must think of even more ingenious methods to deal with these stubborn wretches." Daji replied: "Allow me to think of something else." The king said: "Now that the great position of a beautiful woman is settled, none among the hundred officials in court dare to advise against it. What I fear most is Dongbo Hou Jiang Huanchu; knowing his daughter died so cruelly, he may lead troops in rebellion, incite feudal lords, and march on Chao Ge; Wen Zhong has not yet returned from the North Sea. What can we do about it?" Daji said: "I am but a woman, with limited knowledge and experience. I beg the king to urgently summon Fei Zhong for discussion; he will surely devise an ingenious plan that can pacify the realm." The king said: "Your words, my imperial wife, are reasonable." He immediately issued an order: "Summon Fei Zhong." In no time, Fei Zhong arrived at the palace to pay his respects. King Zhou said: "Princess Jiang is already dead; I fear that Jiang Huanchu, upon hearing of it, will lead troops in rebellion and the east may not remain peaceful. What strategy do you have to bring about peace?" Fei Zhong knelt and presented his report: "Princess Jiang is dead, the crown prince has been lost, Shang Rong died by self-collision, Zhao Qi was roasted—both literary and military officials have grievances. I fear that news may spread internally, inciting Jiang Huanchu to send troops, which will surely bring disaster and chaos. Your Majesty might as well secretly issue four imperial edicts, luring the four great feudal lords into the capital city, beheading them to make an example, and thus eradicate the problem at its roots. Once those eight hundred feudal lords learn that these four ministers are dead, it will be like a dragon losing its head or a tiger without fangs; they would dare not act recklessly. Thus the realm may enjoy peace and stability. I wonder, Your Majesty, what your decision will be?" King Zhou was greatly pleased upon hearing this: "You are indeed a rare talent of the age, truly possessing strategies to stabilize the realm and live up to what Empress Su recommended." Fei Zhong left the palace, and King Zhou secretly issued four imperial edicts. He appointed four officials as envoys to travel in different directions to summon Jiang Huanchu, E Chongyu, Ji Chang, and Chong Hou Hu. No further details are provided.

且说那一员官迳往西岐前来，一路上风尘滚滚，芳草凄凄，穿州过府，旅店村庄，真是朝登紫陌，暮踏红尘。不一日，过了西岐山七十里，进了都城。使命观看城内光景：民丰物阜，市井安闲，做买做卖，和容悦色，来往行人，谦让尊卑。使命叹曰：“闻道姬伯仁德，果然风景雍和，真是唐虞之世。”使命至金庭馆驿下马。次日，西伯侯姬昌设殿，聚文武讲论治国安民之道。端门官报道：“旨意下。”姬伯带领文武，接天子旨。使命到殿，跪听开读： 　　“诏曰：北海猖獗，大肆凶顽，生民涂炭，文武莫知所措，朕甚忧心。内无辅弼，外欠协同，特诏尔四大诸侯至朝，共襄国政，戡定祸乱。诏书到日，尔西伯侯姬昌速赴都城，以慰朕绻怀，毋得羁迟，致朕伫望。俟功成之日，进爵加封，广开茅土。谨钦来命，朕不食言。汝其钦哉！特诏。”

Let us now speak of one of those officials who traveled directly to the western region of Qi. Along the way, dust and wind swirled, fragrant grasses looked desolate; he passed through states and prefectures, inns and villages, truly rising on a purple path at dawn and treading red dust by dusk. In no time at all, he passed seventy li beyond Mount Xi Qi and entered the capital city. The envoy observed the scenery within the city: abundant people and goods, peaceful markets, buyers and sellers in harmony with pleasant expressions; pedestrians coming and going, courteous and respectful of hierarchy. The envoy sighed: "I had heard that Lord Ji was kind and virtuous; indeed, the scenery is harmonious and peaceful—truly an age of Tang and Yu." The envoy arrived at Jin Ting Guan 驿 (Jin Ting Inn) and dismounted. The next day, the Marquis of Xi, Ji Chang, held a court session in the hall, gathering literary and military officials to discuss ways of governing the state and ensuring the people's well-being. The official at the main gate reported: "An imperial decree has arrived." Lord Ji led his literary and military officials to receive the emperor's decree. The envoy arrived at the hall and knelt to listen as it was read aloud: "The decree says: The North Sea region has become rampant with lawlessness, its people violent and defiant. Civilians suffer greatly; literary and military officials are at a loss for what to do. I am deeply worried." There is no assistance within, and cooperation without; therefore I specially summon you four great feudal lords to court to jointly assist in state affairs and quell this disaster and chaos. Upon receipt of this decree, you, the Marquis of Xi Ji Chang, must hasten to the capital city without delay to ease my longing and do not keep me waiting. When your task is accomplished, you will be promoted in rank and granted additional fiefs, with extensive lands bestowed upon you. Honor this imperial command carefully; I shall not break my word. You must show your respect!" Special decree."

姬昌拜诏毕，设筵款待天使。次日整备金银表礼，賫送天使。姬昌曰：“天使大人，只在朝歌会齐；姬昌收拾就行。”使命官谢毕姬昌去了。不题。

After Ji Chang had finished bowing in receipt of the decree, he set a banquet to entertain the imperial envoy. The next day, he prepared golden and silver tribute gifts and presented them to the imperial envoy. Ji Chang said: "Your Excellency, the imperial envoy, you need only gather in Chao Ge; I, Ji Chang, will prepare and set out immediately." After the envoy had thanked Ji Chang, he departed. No further details are given.

且言姬昌坐端明殿，对上大夫散宜生曰：“孤此去，内事托与大夫，外事托与南宫适、辛甲诸人。”宣儿伯邑考至，吩咐曰：“昨日天使宣召，我起一易课，此去多凶少吉，纵不致损身，该有七年大难。你在西岐，须是守法，不可改于国政，一循旧章；弟兄和睦，君臣相安，毋得任一己之私，便一身之好。凡有作为，惟老成是谋。西岐之民，无妻者给与金钱而娶；贫而愆期未嫁者，给与金银而嫁；孤寒无依者，当月给口粮，毋使欠缺。待孤七载之后灾满，自然荣归。你切不可差人来接我。此是至嘱至嘱，不可有忘！”伯邑考听父此言，跪而言曰：“父王既有七载之难，子当代往，父王不可亲去。”姬昌曰：“我儿，君子见难，岂不知回避？但天数已定，断不可逃，徒自多事。你等专心守父嘱诸言，即是大孝，何必乃尔。”姬昌退至后宫，来见母亲太姜，行礼毕。太姜曰：“我儿，为母与你演先天数，你有七年灾难。”姬昌跪下答曰：“今日天子诏至，孩儿随演先天数，内有不祥，七载罪愆，不能绝命。方才内事外事，俱托文武，国政付子伯邑考。孩儿特进宫来辞别母亲，明日欲往朝歌。”太姜曰：“我儿此去，百事斟酌，不可造次。”姬昌曰：“谨如母训。”随出内宫与元妃太姬作别。──西伯侯有四乳，二十四妃，生九十九子，长曰伯邑考，次子姬发即武王天子也。周有三母，乃昌之母太姜，昌之元妃太姬，武王之元配太姙，故周有三母，俱是大贤圣母。姬昌次日打点往朝歌，匆匆行色，带领从人五十名。只见合朝文武：上大夫散宜生，大将军南宫适，毛公遂、周公旦、召公奭、毕公、荣公、辛甲、辛免、太颠、闳夭──四贤、八俊，与世子伯邑考、姬发，领众军民人等，至十里长亭饯别，摆九龙侍席，百官与世子把盏。姬昌曰：“今与诸卿一别，七载之后，君臣有会矣。”姬昌以手拍邑考曰：“我儿，只你弟兄和睦，孤亦无虑。”饮罢数盏，姬昌上马。父子君臣，洒泪而别。

Let us now speak of Ji Chang sitting in the Duanning Hall, addressing Shang Yisheng, a senior official: "During my absence, I entrust internal affairs to you, and external matters to Nan Gong Shi, Xin Jia, and others." He summoned his son Boyikao and said: "Yesterday, the imperial envoy came to summon me. I cast an oracle using the Yi Jing (Book of Changes). This journey will bring more misfortune than good fortune; even if it does not cost my life, there should be a great calamity lasting seven years." While I am away in Xi Qi, you must abide by the law and not alter state policies; follow established regulations strictly. Ensure harmony among brothers and peace between ruler and subjects, do not let personal desires or individual preferences take precedence. In all actions, seek counsel only from the experienced and prudent. For the people of Xi Qi who are without wives, provide money to enable them to marry; for those poor and delayed in their wedding due to financial hardship, give silver and gold to facilitate the marriage; For the lonely and destitute without support, provide monthly food rations so that their needs are not lacking. Wait until I return in seven years after my calamity is fulfilled; then I shall return with honor. You must not send anyone to come and fetch me. This is my most earnest instruction—do not forget!" Boyikao, hearing his father's words, knelt and said: "Since Father is destined to face a seven-year calamity, I should go in your place. Father must not personally go." Ji Chang said: "My son, when a gentleman faces hardship, would he not know to avoid it? But the will of Heaven is already set; it cannot be escaped. To do so would only invite more trouble. You must wholeheartedly follow your father's instructions and words—this is the greatest filial piety. Why insist on this?" Ji Chang went to the inner palace, visited his mother Tai Jiang, and paid his respects. Tai Jiang said: "My son, your mother will demonstrate the numbers of the Primordial Heaven for you; you are destined to suffer a calamity lasting seven years." Ji Chang knelt and replied: "Today, the Son of Heaven's decree arrived. My son followed it to demonstrate the numbers of Primordial Heaven; within them there was an ill omen indicating a seven-year period of guilt and misfortune, but not one that would end in death. Therefore, I have entrusted both internal and external affairs to the literary and military officials, and left state governance in the hands of my son Boyikao. My child has specially come into the palace to bid farewell to his mother; tomorrow I intend to go to Chao Ge." Tai Jiang said: "My son, upon your departure, consider all matters carefully and do not act rashly." Ji Chang replied: "I shall follow my mother's teachings with care." He then left the inner palace to bid farewell to Yuan Fei Tai Ji. ──The Marquis of Xi had four wet nurses, twenty-four consorts, and ninety-nine sons. The eldest was Boyikao; the second son, Ji Fa, was later King Wu, Son of Heaven. The Zhou had three great mothers: Tai Jiang, the mother of Ji Chang; Tai Ji, the principal consort of Ji Chang; and Tai Yin, the first wife of King Wu. Thus, the Zhou had three mothers, all of whom were exceptionally virtuous and saintly. The next day Ji Chang made preparations to go to Chao Ge, departing in haste with fifty attendants accompanying him. They saw the literary and military officials of the entire court: Senior Minister Shang Yisheng; Grand General Nan Gong Shi; Mao Gong Sui, Zhou Gong Dan, Zhao Gong Shi, Bi Gong, Rong Gong, Xin Jia, Xin Mian, Tai Dian, Hong Yao—four sages and eight outstanding men, along with Crown Prince Boyikao and Ji Fa, leading a crowd of soldiers, civilians, and others to the ten-li pavilion for a farewell banquet. They arranged a dragon-attendant seating arrangement, while officials and the crown prince poured wine in toast. Ji Chang said: "Today I part ways with all of you, but after seven years, ruler and ministers shall meet again." Ji Chang clapped his hand on Boyikao's shoulder and said: "My son, as long as you maintain harmony among your brothers, I shall have no worries." After drinking several cups of wine, Ji Chang mounted his horse. Father and son, ruler and minister, parted with tears.

西伯那一日上路，走七十馀里，过了岐山。一路行来，夜住晓行，也非一日。那一日行至燕山，姬伯在马上曰：“叫左右看前面可有村舍茂林，可以避雨，咫尺间必有大雨来了。”跟随人正议论曰：“青天朗朗，云翳俱无，赤日流光，雨从何来？……”说话未了，只见云雾齐生。姬昌打马，叫速进茂林避雨。众人方进得林来，但见好雨： 云生东南，雾起西北。霎时间风狂生冷气，须臾内雨气可侵人。初起时微微细，次后来密密层层。滋禾润稼，花枝上斜挂玉玲珑；壮地肥田，草梢尖乱滴珍珠滚。高山翻下千重浪，低凹平添白练水。遍地草浇鸭顶绿，满山石洗佛头青。推塌锦江花四海，好雨，扳倒天河往下倾。

On the day he set out on his journey, the Marquis of Xi traveled more than seventy li and crossed Mount Qi. Traveling along the way, he stayed overnight and departed at dawn; it was not a single day's journey. On that day, when they arrived at Yanshan Mountain, Ji Bo said from his horse: "Tell the attendants to look ahead and see if there are any villages or dense woods where we can take shelter from the rain. A heavy downpour is surely coming within moments." The attendants were just discussing: "The sky is clear and bright, with no clouds or shadows. The sun shines brightly—how could rain come from anywhere?" "...," the words had not yet finished when suddenly clouds and mist began to rise together. Ji Chang urged his horse forward, calling out for everyone to quickly enter the dense woods to take shelter from the rain. Just as the people entered the forest, they saw a fine rain: Clouds arose in the southeast, and mist rose from the northwest. In an instant, fierce winds brought cold air; within moments, the rain was already penetrating to the skin. At first it fell lightly and finely, but later became dense layer upon layer. It nourished the crops and moistened the fields; on flower branches, raindrops hung obliquely like jade pendants. The land was strengthened and the fields enriched; from the tips of grass blades, pearls of rain rolled down in disorder. High mountains sent down waves upon waves, while low-lying areas were filled with flowing white streams. The grass on the ground was watered to a duck-green hue; the stones on the mountain were washed as clear as jade. It overturned the flowers of Jinjiang across four seas—what a fine rain! It seemed to tip over the Milky Way and pour down.

话说姬昌在茂林避雨，只见滂沱大雨，一似飘泼盆倾，下有半个时辰。姬伯吩咐众人：“仔细些，雷来了！”跟随众人大家说：“老爷吩咐，雷来了，仔细些！”话犹未了，一声响喨，霹雳交加，震动山河大地，崩倒华岳高山。众人大惊失色，都挤紧在一处。须臾云散雨收，日色当空，众人方出得林子来。姬昌在马上浑身雨湿，叹曰：“雷过生光，将星出现。左右的，与我把将星寻来！”众人冷笑不止：“将星是谁？那里去找寻？”然而不敢违命，只得四下里寻觅。众人正寻之间，只听得古墓旁边，像一孩子哭泣声响。众人向前一看，果是个孩子。众人曰：“想此古墓，焉得有这孩儿？必然古怪，想是将星。就将这婴孩抱来献与千岁看，何如？”众人果将这孩儿抱来，递与姬伯。姬伯看见好个孩子，面如桃蕊，眼有光华。姬昌大喜，想：“我该有百子，今止有九十九子，适才之数，该得此儿，正成百子之兆，真是美事。”命左右：“将此儿送往前村权养，待孤七载回来，带往西岐；久后此子福分不浅。”姬昌纵马前行，登山过岭，赶过燕山。往前正走，不过一二十里，只见一道人，丰姿清秀，相貌稀奇，道家风味异常，宽袍大袖，那道人有飘然出世之表，向马前打稽首曰：“君侯，贫道稽首了。”姬昌慌忙下马答礼，言曰：“不才姬昌失礼了。请出道者为何到此？那座名山？甚么洞府？今见不才有何见谕？愿闻其详。”那道人答曰：“贫道是终南山玉柱洞炼气士云中子是也。方才雨过雷鸣，将星出现。贫道不辞千里而来，寻访将星。今睹尊颜，贫道幸甚。”姬昌听罢，命左右抱过此子付与道人。道人接过看曰：“将星，你这时候才出现！”云中子曰：“贤侯，贫道今将此儿带上终南，以为徒弟；俟贤侯回日，奉与贤侯。不知贤侯意下如何？”昌曰：“道者带去不妨，只是久后相会，以何名为证？”道人曰：“雷过现身，后会时以‘雷震’为名便了。”昌曰：“不才领教，请了。”云中子抱雷震子回终南山而去。──若要相会，七年后姬伯有难，雷震子下山重会。此是后话，表过不题。

Now, as Ji Chang took shelter from the rain in the dense woods, he saw torrential downpours falling like water poured from a basin. The rain lasted for half an hour. Ji Bo ordered everyone: "Be careful! Thunder is coming!" The attendants all said: "My lord has given orders—thunder is coming, be careful!" Before the words had finished, a loud crackling sound was heard; thunder and lightning struck together, shaking the mountains, rivers, and earth, toppling high peaks like Hua Mountain. The crowd turned pale with shock and crowded tightly together in one place. After a while, the clouds dispersed and the rain ceased; sunlight filled the sky, and only then did the people emerge from the woods. Ji Chang on his horse was soaked through with rain, and sighed: "After thunder passes, light is born; the stars of generals shall appear." "Attendants! Bring me the star of generals!" The crowd could not stop laughing: "Who is this 'star of generals'?" Where in the world can we find him?" Yet, they dared not disobey orders and had no choice but to search in all directions. While the people were searching, they suddenly heard a sound like that of a child crying beside an ancient tomb. The crowd looked forward and indeed saw a child. The people said: "How could there be a child near this ancient tomb?" "It must be strange indeed—this is surely the star of generals." "Shall we bring this infant to His Highness for inspection?" The crowd indeed brought the child forward and handed him over to Ji Bo. Ji Bo saw that it was a fine child, with a face like peach blossoms and eyes full of luster. Ji Chang was greatly pleased and thought: "I am destined to have a hundred sons, but I now only have ninety-nine. The number just now should bring me this child, completing the hundred sons—this is truly a happy omen." He ordered his attendants: "Take this child to the village ahead and have him temporarily raised there. When I return in seven years, bring him back with me to Xi Qi; this child shall enjoy great fortune in the future." Ji Chang urged his horse onward, crossing mountains and ridges to pass Yanshan Mountain. As he continued forward, no more than twenty li ahead, they saw a Daoist recluse of graceful and refined appearance, with an unusual and striking visage. He exuded the extraordinary aura of a Daoist, wearing wide robes and long sleeves. The Daoist had an ethereal air about him as if detached from the world. Bowing deeply before Ji Chang's horse, he said: "My Lord, your humble servant bows to you." Ji Chang hurriedly dismounted and returned the courtesy, saying: "I, Ji Chang, am unworthy and have been impolite." Please tell me why you Daoist has come here?" Which famous mountain is this? What cave dwelling are you from? Why have you come to see an unworthy man like me, and what message do you bring?" I would be honored to hear the details." The Daoist replied: "Your humble servant is Yun Zhongzi, a cultivator of breath from Yuzhu Cave on Zhongnan Mountain. Just now, after the rain and thunderclap, the star of generals appeared. I have traveled thousands of miles without hesitation to seek out this star of generals. Now that I have had the honor of meeting you, your presence is a great blessing for me." After hearing this, Ji Chang ordered his attendants to bring the child and hand him over to the Daoist. The Daoist took the child in his arms and said: "Star of generals, you have only appeared at this moment!" Yun Zhongzi said: "My noble Lord, I shall now take this child with me to Zhongnan Mountain and make him my disciple; and when you return, I will present him back to you." I wonder if this is agreeable with my noble Lord?" Chang said: "It will be fine for the Daoist to take him away, but when we meet again in the future, by what name shall I recognize him?" The Daoist said: "He appeared after thunder passed; when you meet again, simply call him 'Lei Zhen'." Chang said: "I am unworthy but have received your instruction. Please proceed then." Yun Zhongzi took Lei Zhenzi and departed for Zhongnan Mountain. ──If they are to meet again, seven years later Ji Bo will be in trouble, and Lei Zhenzi shall descend from the mountain to reunite with him. This is a matter for the future; we shall not dwell on it further here.

且说姬昌一路无词，进五关，过渑池县，渡黄河，过孟津，连朝歌，来至金庭馆驿。馆驿中先到了三路诸侯：东伯侯姜桓楚、南伯侯鄂崇禹、北伯侯崇侯虎。三位诸侯在驿中饮酒，左右来报：“姬伯侯到了。”三位迎接。姜桓楚曰：“姬贤伯为何来迟？”昌曰：“因路远羁縻，故此来迟，得罪了。”四位行礼已毕，复添一席，传杯欢饮。酒行数巡，姬昌问曰：“三位贤伯，天子何事紧急，诏我四臣到此？我想有甚么大事情，都城内有武成王黄飞虎，是天子楝梁，治国有方；亚相比干，能调和鼎鼐，治民有法，有干何事，宣诏我等。”四人饮酒半酣，只见南伯侯鄂崇禹平时知道崇侯虎会夤缘钻刺，结党费仲、尤浑，蠹惑圣聪，广施土木，劳民伤财，那肯为国为民，只知贿赂于己，此时酒已多了，偶然想起从前事来，鄂崇禹乃曰：“姜贤伯，姬贤伯，不才有一言奉启崇贤伯。”崇侯虎笑容答曰：“贤伯有甚事见教？不才敢不领命？”鄂崇禹曰：“天下诸侯首领是我等四人，闻贤伯过恶多端，全无大臣体面，剥民利己，专与费仲、尤浑往来。督功监造摘星楼，闻得你三丁抽二，有钱者买闲在家，无钱者重役苦累，你受私爱财，苦杀万民，自专杀伐，狐假虎威，行似豺狼，心如饿虎，朝歌城内军民人等，不敢正视，千门切齿，万户衔冤。贤伯，常言道得好：‘祸由恶作，福自德生。’从此改过，切不可为！”就把崇侯虎说得满目烟生，口内火出，大叫道：“鄂崇禹！你出言狂妄。我和你俱是一样大臣，你为何席前这等凌辱我！你有何能，敢当面以诬言污蔑我！”──看官，崇侯虎倚费仲、尤浑内里有人，就酒席上要与鄂崇禹相争起来。只见姬昌指侯虎曰：“崇贤伯，鄂贤伯劝你俱是好言，你怎这等横暴！难道我等在此，你好毁打鄂贤伯！若鄂贤伯这番言语，也不过是爱公忠告之道。若有此事，痛加改过；若无此事，更自加勉；则鄂伯之言句句良言，语语金石。今公不知自责，反怪直谏，非礼也。”崇侯虎听姬昌之言，不敢动手。不提防被鄂崇禹一酒壶，劈面打来，正打侯虎脸上。侯虎探身来抓鄂崇禹，又被姜桓楚架开，大喝曰：“大臣厮打，体面何存！崇贤伯，夜深了，你睡罢。”侯虎忍气吞声，自去睡了。有诗曰： 馆舍传杯论短长，奸臣设计害忠良。刀兵自此纷纷起，播乱朝歌万姓殃。

Let us now return to Ji Chang, who continued his journey without incident. He passed through five passes, crossed Mianchi Xian, forded the Yellow River, went past Mengjin, and arrived at Chaoguo, finally reaching Jinting Guanyi. Before Ji Chang arrived at the inn, three lords from different regions had already reached there: Dong Bo Hou Jiang Huanchu, Nan Bo Hou E Chongyu, and Bei Bo Hou Chong Hou Hu. The three lords were drinking at the inn when attendants arrived to report: "Lord Ji Bo has arrived." The three welcomed him. Jiang Huanchu said: "Why has Noble Lord Ji arrived so late?" Chang replied: "Because the road was long and I was detained, I have arrived late. I beg your pardon." After the four lords had completed their bows of courtesy, another table was added and cups were passed around for a joyful feast. After several rounds of wine had been served, Ji Chang asked: "Noble Lords, what urgent matter has the Son of Heaven summoned us four ministers here for? I think there must be some great matter, as the capital has General Huang Feihu of Wucheng, a pillar of the Son of Heaven, who governs the country with skill; Yabi Bi Gan can harmonize state affairs and manage the people according to law. What could possibly require such an urgent summons for us?" While the four men were drinking and slightly inebriated, Nan Bo Hou E Chong Yu, who had long known that Chong Hou Hu was a man of sycophantic ambition, forming factions with Fei Zhong and You Hun, corrupting the Son of Heaven's judgment, lavishly spending on construction projects, exhausting the people's strength and wealth, and caring nothing for the state or its people but only seeking bribes for himself, suddenly recalled these past events as he became more drunk. E Chong Yu then said: "Noble Lord Jiang, Noble Lord Ji, I, an unworthy man, have a word to address to Noble Lord Chong." Chong Hou Hu smiled and replied: "Noble Lord, what is it you wish to instruct me on?" "I, an unworthy man, dare not refuse your command?" E Chong Yu said: "The four of us are the leading lords under heaven. I have heard that Noble Lord has committed many evils, showing no dignity befitting a minister; you exploit the people for your own gain and associate exclusively with Fei Zhong and You Hui." You oversee the construction of Zhaixing Tower, and I have heard that you draft two out of every three men for labor. Those with money can buy their way to idleness at home; those without must endure heavy burdens and exhausting work. You accept bribes and private gifts while oppressing ten thousand people. You wield power arbitrarily, using the tiger's might as a fox would, acting like wolves and jackals, with hearts as ravenous as starving tigers. Soldiers and civilians in Chaoguo City dare not look you in the eye; thousands of families grind their teeth in anger, and ten thousand households suffer silently under grievances. Noble Lord, as the saying goes: "Disaster arises from evil deeds, and blessings come from virtue." From now on, you must reform your ways. Under no circumstances should you continue thus!" These words caused Chong Hou Hu's eyes to blaze with fury and fire to rise from his mouth. He shouted: "E Chong Yu! Your words are arrogant and impudent." You and I are both ministers of equal rank. Why do you dare to humiliate me so at this banquet!" What ability or merit do you have, that you dare openly slander and defame me with false words!" ──Dear audience, Chong Hou Hu relied on Fei Zhong and You Jun, who had powerful backers within the palace, and thus began to quarrel with E Chong Yu right at the banquet table. Ji Chang pointed to Hou Hu and said: "Noble Lord Chong, Noble Lord E's advice was well-intentioned. How could you be so arrogant and violent!" Do you think that while we are all here, you may dare to attack or harm Noble Lord E?" If these words from Noble Lord E were not merely expressions of loyal advice for the public good. If such matters are true, you must deeply repent and reform your ways; if they are not true, then you should still strive to improve yourself further; then every word from Lord E is a piece of sound advice and as enduring as gold and stone. Now you do not know to blame yourself, yet instead resent those who speak honestly—this is unbecoming." Chong Hou Hu heard Ji Chang's words and dared not raise a hand. Unprepared, he was struck by E Chongyu with a wine jar, which hit him squarely on the face. Hou Hu leaned forward to grab E Chongyu, but was blocked by Jiang Huanchu, who shouted: "Ministers fighting like commoners—where is the dignity of office!" "Noble Lord Chong, it's late at night. You should go to sleep." Hou Hu suppressed his anger and left in silence to go to bed. There is a poem that says: At the banquet, cups were passed as they discussed merits and faults; treacherous ministers plotted to harm loyal men. From this point on, weapons and armies arose in chaos, spreading disorder from Chaoguo and bringing calamity upon the people.

且言三位诸侯，久不曾会，重整一席，三人共饮。将至二鼓时分，内中有一驿卒，见三位大臣饮酒，点头叹曰：“千岁，千岁！你们今夜传杯欢会饮，只怕明日鲜红染市曹！”更深夜静，人言甚是明白。姬昌明明听见这样言语，便问：“甚么人说话？叫过来。”左右侍酒人等，俱在两傍，只得俱过来，齐齐跪倒。姬伯问曰：“方才谁言‘今夜传杯欢会饮，明日鲜红染市曹’？”众人答曰：“不曾说此言语。”只见姜、鄂二侯也不曾听见。姬伯曰：“句句分明，怎言不曾说？”叫家将进来：“拿出去，都斩了！”驿卒听得，谁肯将身替死！只得挤出这人。众人齐叫：“千岁爷，不干小人事，是姚福亲口说出。”姬伯听罢，叫：“住了。”众人起去，唤姚福问曰：“你为何出此言语？实说有赏，假诳有罪。”姚福道：“‘是非只为多开口’，千岁爷在上，这一件是机密事。小的是使命官家下的人，因姜皇后屈死西宫，二殿下大风刮去，天子信妲己娘娘暗传圣旨，宣四位大臣明日早朝，不分皂白，一概斩首，今夜小人不忍，不觉说出此言。”姜桓楚听罢，忙问曰：“姜娘娘为何屈死西宫？”姚福话已露了，收不住言语，只得从头诉说：“纣王无道，杀子诛妻，自立妲己为正宫……”细细诉说一遍。姜皇后乃桓楚之女，女死，心下如何不痛！身似刀碎，意如油煎，大叫一声，跌倒在地。姬昌命人扶起。桓楚痛哭曰：“我儿剜目，炮烙双手，自古及今，那有此事！”姬伯劝曰：“皇后受屈，殿下无踪，人死不能复生。今夜我等各具奏章，明早见君，犯颜力谏，必分清白，以正人伦。”桓楚哭而言曰：“姜门不幸，怎敢动劳列位贤伯上言。我姜桓楚独自面君，辨明冤枉。”姬昌曰：“贤伯另是一本，我三人各具本章。”姜桓楚雨泪千行，一夜修本。不题。

Meanwhile, these three feudal lords had not met for a long time; they reassembled at one banquet and drank together. As the second drum of the night sounded, a courier within saw these three ministers drinking and nodded with a sigh: "My lords! My lords!" You now pass the cups in joyous revelry tonight, but I fear that tomorrow your blood will stain the execution ground!" It was deep into the night and very quiet; his words were clearly heard. Ji Chang clearly heard these words, so he asked: "Who is speaking?" "Come over here." The attendants who served the wine on both sides were all nearby and had no choice but to come forward, kneeling down in a row. Lord Ji asked: "Who just said 'Tonight you pass the cups and drink in joy, but tomorrow your blood will stain the place of execution'?" The crowd replied: "None of us spoke those words." It turned out that the Dukes Jiang and E had not heard it either. Lord Ji said: "The words were clear and distinct—how can you say none of you spoke them?" He called for his guards to come in, saying: "Take them out and behead them all!" The courier hearing this, who would willingly give up their life! They had no choice but to push out the one person. The crowd cried together: "My Lord, it is not our fault; Yao Fu himself spoke those words." After hearing this, Lord Ji said: "Stop it." The crowd stood up and called for Yao Fu to be brought forward. They asked him: "Why did you say such words?" "If your answer is truthful, there will be a reward; if it is false, there will be punishment." Yao Fu said: "As the saying goes, 'Trouble arises from too many words.' My Lord above, this is a secret matter. I am a subordinate of the imperial envoy. Because Empress Jiang was wrongfully executed in the western palace, and the second prince was mysteriously taken away by strong winds, His Majesty has been misled by Noble Lady Daji, who secretly conveyed an imperial decree to summon four ministers for court tomorrow morning, without distinction, all will be beheaded. Tonight I could not bear it, so I inadvertently spoke these words." After hearing this, Jiang Huanchu hurriedly asked: "Why was Noble Lady Jiang wrongfully executed in the Western Palace?" Yao Fu had already let the cat out of the bag and could not stop himself from speaking, so he had to recount everything from the beginning: "King Zhou was tyrannical; he killed his son and executed his wife, then made Daji his principal consort..." He recounted it all in detail. Empress Jiang was Huanchu's daughter; how could he not feel heartbroken at her death! His body felt as if cut by a knife, and his mind was like oil being boiled; with a loud cry, he collapsed to the ground. Ji Chang ordered people to help him up. Huanchu wept bitterly, saying: "My daughter had her eyes gouged out and her hands burned on the red-hot copper pillars. From ancient times to now, how could such a thing ever happen!" Lord Ji tried to console him: "The Empress suffered injustice and the prince has no trace; the dead cannot be brought back to life. Tonight, we each prepare a memorial; tomorrow morning before the king, we will boldly remonstrate and plead for justice to clarify the truth and uphold human relationships." Huanchu cried as he said: "The Jiang family is unfortunate; how dare I trouble you noble lords to speak on our behalf. I, Jiang Huanchu, will go alone before the king and clear my daughter's name." Ji Chang said: "Noble Lord, you may submit a separate memorial; we three will each prepare our own memorials. Jiang Huanchu shed countless tears and spent the whole night drafting his memorial. No further mention is made of it.

且说奸臣费仲知道四位大臣在馆驿住，奸臣费仲暗进偏殿见纣王，具言四路诸侯俱到了。纣王大喜。──“明日升殿，四侯必有奏章，上言阻谏。臣启陛下，明日但四侯上本，陛下不必看本，不分皂白，传旨拿出午门枭首，此为上策。”王曰：“卿言甚善。”费仲辞王归宅，一宿晚景已过。次日，早朝升殿，聚积两班文武。午门官启驾：“四镇诸侯候旨。”王曰：“宣来。”只见四侯伯听诏，即至殿前。东伯侯姜桓楚等，高擎牙笏，进礼称臣毕。姜桓楚将本章呈上，亚相比干接本。纣王曰：“姜桓楚，你知罪么？”桓楚奏曰：“臣镇东鲁，肃严边庭，奉法守公，自尽臣节，有何罪可知。陛下听谗宠色，不念元配，痛加惨刑，诛子灭伦，自绝宗嗣。信妖妃，阴谋忌妒；听佞臣，炮烙忠良。臣既受先王重恩，今睹天颜，不避斧钺，直言冒奏，实君负微臣，臣无负于君。望乞见怜，辨明冤枉。生者幸甚，死者幸甚！”纣王大怒，骂曰：“老逆贼！命女弑君，忍心篡位，罪恶如山，今反饰辞强辩，希图漏网。”命武士：“拏出午门，碎醢其尸，以正国法！”金瓜武士将姜桓楚剥去冠冕，绳缠索绑。姜桓楚骂不绝口。不由分说，推出午门。只见西伯侯姬昌、南伯侯鄂崇禹、北伯侯崇侯虎出班称臣：“陛下，臣等俱有本章。姜桓楚真心为国，并无谋篡情由，望乞详察。”纣王安心要杀四镇诸侯，将姬昌等本章放于龙案之上。不知姬昌等性命如何，且听下回分解。

Meanwhile, the treacherous minister Fei Zhong learned that the four ministers were staying at the inn. The treacherous minister Fei Zong secretly entered a side hall to see King Zhou and reported that all four feudal lords had arrived. King Zhou was greatly pleased. ──"Tomorrow, when I ascend the throne, these four feudal lords will surely submit memorials to oppose and remonstrate. Your servant respectfully advises Your Majesty: Tomorrow, if the four feudal lords submit their memorials, please do not read them. Without distinguishing right from wrong, issue an imperial decree to have them dragged out of Wumen Gate and beheaded—this would be the best strategy." The king said: "Your words are most wise." Fei Zhong bid farewell to the king and returned home; one night passed quickly. The next day, at the early court session, the throne was raised and both ranks of civil and military officials gathered. An official from Wumen Gate announced: "The four feudal lords are waiting for an imperial decree." The king said: "Summon them in." It was seen that the four feudal lords, upon hearing the decree, immediately arrived before the hall. lø Duke Jiang Huanchu of Dongbohou and others held up their ivory tablets high, performed the proper rites, and kowtowed to pay homage. Jiang Huanchu presented his memorial; Yabi Bi Gan received it. King Zhou said: "Jiang Huanchu, do you know what crime you have committed?" Huanchu replied: "I, your servant, govern the east and strictly maintain the frontier. I abide by laws and uphold justice, fulfilling my duties as a minister. What crime could there possibly be?" Your Majesty listens to the flattery of favored concubines, forgetting your original consort. You inflicted cruel punishment and executed her son, destroying family ethics and cutting off the royal lineage itself. You trust in this demoness, who schemes with jealousy; you listen to sycophants and subject loyal men to cruel punishment. I, having received the great grace of my late king, now behold Your Majesty's countenance and dare not avoid the chopping block or executioner. I speak plainly in this memorial: it is truly the king who has wronged a humble minister; I have never wronged the king. I humbly beg for Your Majesty's compassion and to clear my name of this injustice. This would be a great fortune for the living, and even greater for the dead!" King Zhou became furious and scolded: "Old traitor! You plotted to have a woman kill the king, with cruel intent to usurp the throne. Your crimes are as numerous as mountains; now you dare fabricate excuses and stubbornly defend yourself in hopes of escaping punishment." He ordered the guards: "Drag him out to Wumen Gate, dismember his body and grind it into paste to enforce national law!" The golden gourd guards stripped Jiang Huanchu of his hat and crown, bound him with ropes. Jiang Huanchu cursed without ceasing. Without further ado, they pushed him out of Wumen Gate. Just then, Duke Ji Chang of Xibo Hou, Duke E Chongyu of Nanbo Hou, and Duke Chong Hou Hu of Beibo Hou stepped forward to pay homage: "Your Majesty, we each have memorials to submit. Jiang Huanchu truly acted for the kingdom and had no intention of plotting rebellion; I humbly beg Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly." 龙头 King Zhou, determined to kill the four feudal lords, placed Ji Chang's memorials on the dragon table. Whether Ji Chang and the others would live or die remains unknown; we shall hear of it in the next chapter.