Chapter 11: Youli City Imprisons Xi Bo Hou

诗曰： 君虐臣奸国事非，如何信口泄天机。若非丹陛忠心谏，已见藁街血肉飞。 羑里七年沾化雨，伏羲八卦阐精微。从来世运归明主，漫道岐山日正辉。

The poem says: When a ruler is cruel and ministers are treacherous, state affairs go awry; How can one recklessly speak and reveal heavenly secrets? Had it not been for loyal advice given at the Red Steps, We would have already seen blood and flesh flying on Gaojie Street. Seven years in Youli brought the rain of grace; Fu Xi expounded the Eight Trigrams, elucidating their profound subtleties. Ever since time immemorial, the destiny of the world returns to a wise ruler; It is said in vain that on Qishan Hill the sun shines brightly.

话说西伯侯姬昌见天子不看姜桓楚的本，竟平白将桓楚拿出午门，碎醢其尸；心上大惊，知天子甚是无道。三人俯伏称臣，奏曰：“‘君乃臣之元首，臣乃君之股肱。’陛下不看臣等本章，即杀大臣，是谓虐臣。文武如何肯服，君臣之道绝矣。乞陛下垂听。”亚相比干将姬昌等本展开。纣王只得看本： 　“具疏臣鄂崇禹、姬昌、崇侯虎等奏：为正国正法，退佞除奸，洗明沉冤，以匡不替，复立三纲，内剿狐媚事：臣等闻圣王治天下，务勤实政，不事台榭陂池；亲贤远奸，不驰务于游畋，不沉湎于酒，荒淫于色；惟敬修天命，所以六府三事允治，以故尧舜不下阶，垂拱而天下太平，万民乐业。今陛下承嗣大统以来，未闻美政，日事怠荒，信谗远贤，沉湎酒色。姜后贤而有礼，并无失德，竟遭惨刑；妲己秽污宫中，反宠以重位。屈斩太史，有失司天之内监；轻醢大臣，而废国家之股肱；造炮烙，阻忠谏之口；听谗言，杀子无慈。臣等愿陛下贬费仲、尤浑，惟君子是亲；斩妲己整肃宫闱，庶几天心可回，天下可安。不然，臣等不知所终矣。臣等不避斧钺，冒死上言，恳乞天颜，纳臣直谏，速赐施行。天下幸甚，万民幸甚！臣不胜战栗待命之至！谨具疏以闻。”

It happened that Ji Chang, Marquis of Xibo, saw the Son of Heaven did not look at Jiang Huanchu's scroll, and yet unjustly dragged Huanchu out through Wumen Gate, crushing and mincing his body into a paste; He was greatly alarmed in mind, realizing that the Son of Heaven was indeed very tyrannical. Three men knelt and paid homage, stating: "The ruler is the head of his ministers; ministers are the arms and legs of their ruler." Your Majesty did not read our memorial, yet you executed a high minister—this is called cruel treatment of ministers. How can the civil and military officials possibly accept this? The way between ruler and subject has been severed. We humbly implore Your Majesty to listen." Yabi Bi Gan unfolded Ji Chang's memorial. King Zhou had no choice but to read the memorial: "Submitted by Minister E Chongyu, Ji Chang, Chonghou Hu and others in a formal petition: Concerning upholding state laws and justice, removing flatterers and eliminating villains, clearing long-standing grievances, to correct what has not been corrected, restoring the Three Bonds, and internally eradicating fox-like flattery: We have heard that sage kings governing the world diligently attend to practical governance, and do not indulge in building terraces, pavilions, ponds, or pools; They befriend the virtuous and distance themselves from villains, do not waste time on hunting expeditions, do not drown in alcohol, or indulge in licentiousness with women; They only diligently fulfill Heaven's mandate, thus the Six Departments and Three Offices are properly governed. Therefore, Yao and Shun did not descend from their halls but with folded hands achieved a peaceful world under heaven, where all the people joyfully pursued their occupations. Now that Your Majesty has inherited the great succession, we have not heard of any virtuous governance; each day you indulge in idleness and neglect, believe slander while distancing yourself from the worthy, and drown in wine and lust. Jiang Hou was virtuous and courteous, with no moral failings, yet she suffered a cruel punishment; Daji, who defiled the palace, is instead given a high position of favor. The unjust beheading of the Grand Historian violates the duties of the internal official in charge of astronomy; Lightly mincing a high minister into paste, you have discarded the arms and legs that support the state; You built the Pao Luo furnace to silence the mouths of loyal advisors; You listened to slander and killed your son without mercy. We, the ministers, wish Your Majesty would demote Fei Zhong and You Hun, and associate only with virtuous men; Execute Daji to rectify the palace affairs—only then may Heaven's will be restored and the world brought back to peace. Otherwise, we ministers do not know what end awaits us. We ministers dare not avoid the axe and 钺, but at the risk of death we speak out. Humbly begging Your Majesty's attention, accept our sincere advice and swiftly grant its implementation. The world will be most fortunate! The ten thousand people will be most fortunate! We ministers await Your Majesty's command with trembling hearts and souls! We respectfully submit this memorial for your knowledge."

纣王看罢大怒，扯碎表章，拍案大呼：“将此等逆臣枭首回旨！”武士一齐动手，把三位大臣绑出午门。纣王命鲁雄监斩，速发行刑旨。只见右班中有中谏大夫费仲、尤浑出班，俯伏奏曰：“臣有短章，冒渎天听。”王曰：“二卿有何奏章？”──“臣启陛下：四臣有罪，触犯天颜，罪在不赦；但姜桓楚有弑君之恶，鄂崇禹有叱主之愆，姬昌利口侮君，崇侯虎随众诬谤。据臣公议：崇侯虎素怀忠直，出力报国，造摘星楼，沥胆披肝，起寿仙宫，夙夜尽瘁，曾竭力公家，分毫无过。崇侯虎不过随声附和，实非本心；若是不分皂白，玉石俱焚，是有功而与无功同也，人心未必肯服。愿陛下赦侯虎毫末之生，以后将功赎今日之罪。”纣王见费、尤二臣谏赦崇侯虎，盖为费、尤二人，乃纣王之宠臣，言听计从，无语不入。王曰：“据二卿之言，昔崇侯虎既有功于社稷，朕当不负前劳。”叫奉御官传旨：“特赦崇侯虎。”二人谢恩归班。旨意传出：“单赦崇侯虎。”殿东头恼了武成王黄飞虎，执笏出班，有亚相比干并微子、箕子、微子启、微子衍、伯夷、叔齐七人同出班俯伏。比干奏曰：“臣启陛下：大臣者乃天子之股肱。姜桓楚威镇东鲁，数有战功，若言弑君，一无可证，安得加以极刑；况姬昌忠心不二，为国为民，实邦家之福臣；道合天地，德配阴阳，仁结诸侯，义施文武，礼治邦家，智服反叛，信达军民，纪纲肃清，政事严整，臣贤君正，子孝父慈，兄友弟恭，君臣一心，不肆干戈，不行杀伐，行人让路，夜不闭户，路不拾遗，四方瞻仰，称为西方圣人；鄂崇禹身任一方重寄，日夜勤劳王家，使一方无警；皆是有功社稷之臣。乞陛下一并怜而赦之，群臣不胜感激之至！”王曰：“姜桓楚谋逆，鄂崇禹、姬昌簧口鼓惑，妄言诋君，俱罪在不赦，诸臣安得妄保！”黄飞虎奏曰：“姜桓楚、鄂崇禹皆名重大臣，素无过举；姬昌乃良心君子，善演先天之数，皆国家梁栋之才。今一旦无罪而死，何以服天下臣民之心！况三路诸侯俱带甲数十万，精兵猛将，不谓无人；倘其臣民知其君死非其罪，又何忍其君遭此无辜，倘或机心一骋，恐兵戈扰攘，四方黎庶倒悬。况闻太师远征北海，今又内起祸胎，国祚何安！愿陛下怜而赦之。国家幸甚！”纣王闻奏，又见七王力谏，乃曰：“姬昌，朕亦素闻忠良，但不该随声附和，本宜重处；姑看诸卿所奏赦免，但恐他日归国有变，卿等不得辞其责矣。姜桓楚、鄂崇禹谋逆不赦，速正典刑！诸卿再毋得渎奏。”旨意传出：“赦免姬昌。”天子命奉御官：“速催行刑，将姜桓楚、鄂祟禹以正国法。”只见左班中有上

After reading it, King Zhou became furious, tore up the memorial, slammed his hand on the table and shouted: "Have these rebellious ministers beheaded and return their heads as a reply!" The guards moved in unison, binding the three ministers and dragging them out through Wumen Gate. King Zhou ordered Lu Xiong to supervise the executions and quickly issued the decree for carrying out the sentences. Just then, from among the right rank came Zhongjian Dafu Fei Zhong and You Hun stepping forward, kneeling and stating: "We have a brief memorial to submit, daring to disturb Heaven's ears." The king said: "What memorials do the two ministers have?" "The minister respectfully addresses Your Majesty: These four ministers are guilty, having offended Heaven's countenance; their crimes cannot be pardoned; But Jiang Huanchu committed the heinous crime of regicide, E Chongyu erred by scolding His Majesty, Ji Chang insulted the king with his eloquent tongue, and Chonghou Hu falsely slandered along with the crowd. According to our public deliberation: Chonghou Hu has always harbored loyalty and integrity, exerting himself to serve the country. He constructed Zhaixing Tower with utmost dedication, poured out his liver and gall in building Shoushen Palace, worked day and night without sparing effort, and served the state wholeheartedly, not a single hair's worth of fault. Chonghou Hu merely echoed others' words in agreement; it was truly not from his heart; If we do not distinguish between black and white, burning jade and stone alike, then those with merit would be treated the same as those without—this may not win the people's acceptance. We humbly request Your Majesty to spare Chonghou Hu even a hair's worth of life, so that in the future he may make amends with meritorious service for today's crime." King Zhou saw that Ministers Fei and You advised him to pardon Chonghou Hu. These two, Fei Zhong and You Hun were King Zhou's favored ministers; the king always listened to their words and followed their advice, accepting every suggestion they made. The king said: "According to the two ministers' words, if in the past Chonghou Hu had rendered service to the state, I should not forget his former labor." He ordered the imperial attendants to issue an edict: "Chonghou Hu is specially pardoned." The two ministers thanked for the grace and returned to their ranks. The imperial decree was announced: "Chonghou Hu alone is pardoned." At the eastern end of the hall, General Huang Feihuo of Wucheng was enraged. He held his tablet and stepped forward; with him were seven others: Yabi Bi Gan, together with Weizi, Jizi, Weizi Qi, Weizi Yan, Boyi, and Shuqi, who all stepped out in unison and knelt down. Bi Gan stated: "Minister respectfully addresses Your Majesty: Ministers are the arms and legs of the Son of Heaven. Jiang Huanchu was a mighty general who pacified the east and had many military achievements. If one accuses him of regicide, there is no evidence whatsoever—how can he be subjected to capital punishment? Moreover, Ji Chang was loyal without any second thoughts, serving the country and its people—he is indeed a blessed minister to the state. His way harmonized Heaven and Earth, his virtue matched Yin and Yang; his benevolence united the feudal lords, and righteousness was extended to civil and military officials. With propriety he governed the state, with wisdom subdued rebels, and with trust reached both soldiers and civilians. Discipline and order were strictly maintained, governance was rigorous and orderly. Ministers were virtuous, rulers just; sons filial, fathers kind; elder brothers friendly, younger brothers respectful. Ruler and minister united as one, not recklessly waging war or engaging in slaughter. Travelers yielded the way to each other, doors remained unlocked at night, and lost goods were never picked up on roads—respected by all directions, he was called a sage of the West; E Chongyu bore great responsibility for one region, toiling day and night for His Majesty's house, ensuring that the area remained free from alarms; They were all ministers who had rendered service to the state. We humbly beg Your Majesty to show mercy and pardon them together; we, the ministers, would be most profoundly grateful!" The king said: "Jiang Huanchu plotted rebellion, and E Chongyu and Ji Chang used their silver tongues to deceive and recklessly slandered the ruler. Their crimes are not pardonable; how can you ministers dare to falsely plead for them!" Huang Feihuo stated: "Jiang Huanchu and E Chongyu are both prominent ministers of great reputation, who have never committed any wrongdoing; Ji Chang is a man of conscience and virtue, skilled in divining the numbers of Heaven's will—he is all talents essential to the state. Now that they are suddenly put to death without guilt, how can this satisfy the hearts of the subjects and people throughout the land! Moreover, the feudal lords from three routes all lead armies numbering hundreds of thousands, with elite troops and valiant generals—it cannot be said that there are no people; If their subjects and people learn that their ruler was killed without guilt, how could they bear to see their lord suffer such injustice? Should any one of them harbor a vengeful thought, I fear war will erupt, causing turmoil and the suffering of the common folk throughout the land. Moreover, it is heard that the Taishi is far away on a northern campaign; now internal troubles arise again—how can the state's destiny remain secure! We humbly wish Your Majesty will show mercy and pardon them. The state would be most fortunate!" King Zhou, upon hearing the memorial and seeing that seven ministers strongly advised against it, said: "Ji Chang—his loyalty and virtue are well known to me, but he should not have echoed others' words without thought. He should indeed be severely punished; Out of consideration for your memorial, I will pardon him now, but I fear that should he return to his state and cause trouble in the future, you ministers cannot escape responsibility. Jiang Huanchu and EChongyu plotted rebellion; they are not to be pardoned—quickly carry out the punishment according to law! No more memorials from you ministers!" The imperial decree was announced: "Ji Chang is pardoned." The Son of Heaven ordered the attendants: "Quickly urge the executioners to carry out the sentence, and execute Jiang Huanchu and E Congyu in accordance with state law." Just then, from among the left rank came a minister named Shang...

大夫胶鬲、杨任等六位大臣进礼称臣：“臣有奏章，可安天下。”纣王曰：“卿等又有何奏章？”杨任奏曰：“四臣有罪，天赦姬昌，乃七王为国为贤者也。且姜桓楚、鄂崇禹皆称首之臣。桓楚任重功高，素无失德，谋逆无证，岂得妄坐。崇禹性卤无屈，直谏圣聪，无虚无谬。臣闻君明则臣直。直谏君过者，忠臣也，词谀逢君者，佞臣也。臣等目观国事艰难，不得不繁言渎奏。愿陛下怜二臣无辜，赦还本国，清平各地，使君臣喜乐于尧天，万姓讴歌于化日，臣民念陛下宽洪大度，纳谏如流，始终不负臣子为国为民之本心耳。臣等不胜感激之至！”王怒曰：“乱臣造逆，恶党簧舌，桓楚弑君，醢尸不足以尽其辜。崇禹谤君，枭首正当其罪。众卿强谏，朋比欺君，污蔑法纪。如再阻言者，即与二逆臣同罪！”随传旨：“速正典刑！”杨任等见天子怒色，莫敢谁何。也是合该二臣命绝，旨意出，鄂崇禹枭首，姜桓楚将巨钉钉其手足，乱刀碎剁，名曰醢尸。监斩官鲁雄回旨，纣王驾回宫阙。姬昌拜谢七位殿下，泣而诉曰：“姜桓楚无辜惨死，鄂崇禹忠谏丧身，东南两地，自此无宁日矣！”众人俱各惨然泪下曰：“且将二侯收尸，埋葬浅土，以俟事定，再作区处。”有诗为证，诗曰： 忠告徒劳谏诤名，逆鳞难犯莫轻撄。醢尸桓楚身遭惨；服甸崇禹命已倾。两国君臣空望眼；七年羑里屈孤贞。上天有意倾人国，致使纷纷祸乱生。

Dafu Jiao Ge, Yang Ren and six other ministers stepped forward in ceremony and paid homage: "We have a memorial to submit that will bring peace to the world." King Zhou said: "What memorials do you ministers have yet?" Yang Ren stated: "Though these four ministers are guilty, Heaven has pardoned Ji Chang. The seven kings acted for the sake of the state and its virtuous people. Moreover, Jiang Huanchu and E Chongyu were both ministers of great renown. Huanchu bore heavy responsibilities and rendered great service, with no record of moral failure. There is no evidence for the charge of plotting rebellion—how can he be recklessly condemned? Chongyu was blunt and unyielding in nature, directly advising the wise ear of Heaven—his words were neither false nor erroneous. We have heard that when a ruler is enlightened, his ministers are upright. Those who directly advise the ruler of his faults are loyal ministers; those who flatter and please their lord with words are villains. We, the ministers, have witnessed the state's difficulties and cannot help but speak at length in this memorial. We humbly wish Your Majesty to pity these two innocent ministers, pardon them and return them to their native states. Let peace prevail throughout the land so that ruler and minister may joyfully live in an age like Yao's, with ten thousand people singing praises under Heaven's grace. The subjects will remember Your Majesty's magnanimity and openness, accepting advice as flowing water, never failing the loyal hearts of ministers who serve the state and its people." We ministers are most profoundly grateful!" The king angrily said: "Rebellious ministers plotted treason, and wicked factions used their silver tongues. Huanchu committed regicide—mincing his corpse is not enough to fully repay his guilt. Chongyu slandered the ruler; beheading him is justly deserved." You ministers, in your strong advice, have formed factions to deceive the ruler and defame state laws. Anyone who dares again to block my words will share the same guilt as these two traitorous ministers!" He immediately issued an edict: "Quickly carry out the punishment according to the law!" Yang Ren and others, seeing the king's angry expression, dared not question or resist. It was also destined that these two ministers would lose their lives. Upon the issuance of the decree, E Chongyu was beheaded, and Jiang Huanchu had large nails driven into his hands and feet before being hacked to pieces with many blades—this was called mincing the corpse. The execution supervisor Lu Xiong returned with a report, and King Zhou returned to his palace. Ji Chang bowed and thanked the seven lords, weeping as he said: "Jiang Huanchu died unjustly; E Chongyu lost his life for loyal advice. From now on, there will be no peaceful days in the southeast two regions!" Everyone was deeply moved and wept, saying: "Let us at least collect the bodies of these two marquises, bury them in shallow earth for now, to be properly handled when the situation is resolved." There is a poem as evidence. The poem says: Loyal advice in vain, the name of remonstrance remains; The dragon's 逆 scales are hard to offend—do not lightly provoke them. Huanchu minced and butchered, his body met a cruel fate; Chongyu of Fudian lost his life. The rulers and ministers of two states gaze in vain; For seven years at Youli, he endured injustice with lonely integrity. Heaven has willed the downfall of a state, causing chaos and calamity to arise in abundance.

且不题二侯家将星夜逃回，报与二侯之子去了。且说纣王次日升显庆殿，有亚相比干具奏，收二臣之尸，放姬昌归国。天子准奏。比干领旨出朝。傍有费仲谏曰：“姬昌外若忠诚，内怀奸诈，以利口而惑众臣。面是心非，终非良善。恐放姬昌归国，反构东鲁姜文焕、南都鄂顺兴兵扰乱天下，军有持戈之苦，将有披甲之艰，百姓惊慌，都城扰攘，诚所谓纵龙入海，放虎归山，必生后悔。”王曰：“诏赦已出，众臣皆知，岂有出乎反乎之理。”费仲奏曰：“臣有一计，可除姬昌。”王曰：“计将何出？”费仲对曰：“既赦姬昌，必拜阙方归故土，百官也要与姬昌饯行。臣去探其虚实，若昌果有真心为国，陛下赦之；若有欺诳，即斩昌首以除后患。”王曰：“卿言是也。”

We will not dwell on how the two marquises' generals fled back under cover of night, reporting to their sons. Let us now speak of the next day when King Zhou ascended the Xianqing Hall. Yabi Bi Gan submitted a memorial, requesting to collect the bodies of the two ministers and release Ji Chang back to his state. The Son of Heaven approved the request. Bi Gan took the decree and left court. Beside him, Fei Zhong advised: "Ji Chang may appear loyal on the outside, but he harbors treachery within, deceiving many ministers with his silver tongue. His face shows one thing while his heart holds another; in the end, he is no good man." I fear that if Ji Chang is released back to his state, he will incite Donglu Jiang Wenhuan and Nandu E Shun to raise armies and disturb the realm. Soldiers will suffer from wielding spears, generals will endure hardships in armor, civilians will be alarmed, and the capital city will fall into chaos. This would truly be like releasing a dragon into the sea or letting a tiger return to the mountain—regret is sure to follow." The king said, "The imperial decree of pardon has already been issued; all the ministers are aware. How could there be a principle of going out and then turning back?" Fei Zhong presented his advice, saying: "Your Majesty, I have a plan to eliminate Ji Chang." The king asked, "What is your plan?" Fei Zhong replied: "Now that Ji Chang has been pardoned, he must bow at the palace gate before returning to his homeland. All officials will also have to see him off with a farewell banquet." I shall go and investigate the truth of the matter. If Ji Chang indeed has genuine loyalty toward the state, Your Majesty may pardon him; but if he is deceitful, I will behead Ji Chang to eliminate future troubles." The king said: "Your words are correct."

且说比干出朝，迳至馆驿来看姬伯。左右通报。姬昌出门迎接，叙礼坐下。比干曰：“不才今日便殿见驾奏王，为收二侯之尸，释君侯归国。”姬昌拜谢曰：“老殿下厚德，姬昌何日能报再造之恩！”比干复前执手低言曰：“国内已无纲纪，今无故而杀大臣，皆非吉兆。贤侯明日拜阙，急宜早行，迟则恐奸佞忌刻，又生他变。至嘱，至嘱！”姬昌欠身谢曰：“丞相之言，真为金石。盛德岂敢有忘！次日早临午门，望阙拜辞谢恩，姬昌随带家将，竟出西门，来到十里长亭。百官钦敬，武成王黄飞虎、微子、箕子、比干等俱在此伺候多时。姬昌下马。黄飞虎与微子慰劳曰：“今日贤侯归国，不才等具有水酒一杯，一来为君侯荣饯，尚有一言奉渎。”昌曰：“愿闻。”微子曰：“虽然天子有负贤侯，望乞念先君之德，不可有失臣节，妄生异端，则不才辈幸甚，万民幸甚！”昌顿首谢曰：“感天子赦罪之恩，蒙列位再生之德，昌虽没齿、不能报天子之德，岂敢有他念哉。”百官执杯把盏。姬伯量大，有百杯之饮，正所谓“知己到来言不尽”，彼此更觉绸缪，一时便不能舍。正欢饮之间，只见费仲、尤浑乘马而来，自具酒席，也来与姬伯饯别。百宫一见费、尤二人至，便有几分不悦，个个抽身。姬昌谢曰：“二位大人！昌有何能，荷蒙远饯！”费仲曰：“闻贤侯荣归，卑职特来饯别，有事来迟，望乞恕罪。”姬昌乃仁德君子，待人心实，那有虚意。一见二人殷勤，便自喜悦。然百官畏此二人，俱先散了，只他三人把盏。酒过数巡，费、尤二人曰：“取大杯来。”二人满斟一杯，奉与姬伯。姬伯接酒，欠身谢曰：“多承大德，何日衔环！”一饮而尽。姬伯量大，不觉连饮数杯。费仲曰：“请问贤侯，仲常闻贤侯能演先天数，其应果否无差？”姬昌答曰：“阴阳之理，自有定数，岂得无准。但人能反此以作，善趋避之，亦能逃越。”仲复问曰：“若当今天子所为皆错乱，不识将来究竟可预闻乎？”此时西伯酒已半酣，却忘记此二人来意，一听得问天子休咎，便蹙额欷歔，叹曰：“国家气数黯然，只此一传而绝，不能善其终。今天子所为如此，是速其败也。臣子安忍言之哉！”姬伯叹毕，不觉凄然。仲又问曰：“其数应在何年？”姬伯曰：“不过四七年间，戊午岁中甲子而已。”费、尤二人俱咨嗟长叹，复以酒酬西伯。少顷，二人又问曰：“不才二人，亦求贤侯一数，看我等终身何如？”姬伯原是贤人君子，那知虚伪，即袖演一数，便沉吟良久，曰：“此数甚奇甚怪！”费、尤二人笑问曰：“如何？不才二人数内有甚奇怪？”昌曰：“人之死生，虽有定数，或瘫痨鼓膈，百般杂症，或五刑水火，绳缢跌扑，非命而已。不似二位大夫，死得蹊蹊跷跷，古古怪怪。”费、尤二人笑问曰：“毕竟如何？死于何地？”昌曰：“将来不知何故，被雪水渰身，冻在冰内而死。”──后来姜子牙冰冻岐山，拿鲁雄，捉此二人，祭封神台。此是后事。表过不提。二人听罢，含笑曰：“‘生有时辰死有地’，也自由他。”三人复又畅饮。费、尤二人乃乘机诱之曰：“不知贤侯平日可曾演得自己究竟如何？”昌曰：“这平昔我也曾演过。”费仲曰：“贤侯祸福何如？”昌曰：“不才还讨得个善终正寝。”费、尤二人复虚言庆慰曰：“贤侯自是福寿双全。”西伯谦谢。三人又饮数杯。费、尤二人曰：“不才朝中有事，不敢久羁。贤侯前途保重！”各人分别。费、尤二人在马上骂曰：“这老畜生！自己死在目前，反言善终正寝。我等反寒冰冻死。分明骂我等。这样可恶！”正言话间，已至年门，下马，便殿朝见天子。王问曰：“姬昌可曾说甚么？”二臣奏曰：“姬昌怨忿，乱言辱君，罪在大不敬。”纣王大怒曰：“这匹夫！朕赦汝归国，到不感德，反行侮辱，可恶！他以何言辱朕？”二人复奏曰：“他曾演数，言国家只此一传而绝，所延不过四七之年；又道陛下不能善终。”纣王怒骂曰：“你不问这老匹夫死得何如？”费仲曰：“臣二人也问他，他道善终正寝。大抵姬昌乃利口妄言，惑人耳目，即他之死生出于陛下，倘然不知，还自己说善终。这不是自家哄自家！即臣二人叫他演数，他言臣二人冻死冰中。只臣莫说托陛下福荫，即系小民，也无冻死冰中之理。即此皆系荒唐之说，虚谬之言，惑世诬民，莫此为甚。陛下速赐施行！”王曰：“传朕旨，命晁田赶去拿来，即时枭首，号令都城，以戒妖言！”晁田得旨追赶。不表。

Let us now return to Bi Gan, who left court and went directly to the inn where Ji Bo was staying. The attendants announced his arrival. Ji Chang came out to greet him, and after exchanging courtesies, they sat down. Bi Gan said: "I, though unworthy, today presented my memorial in the hall before His Majesty, requesting to recover the bodies of the two marquises and release you back to your state." Ji Chang bowed in gratitude, saying: "Your noble virtue is great, my lord. On what day will Ji Chang ever be able to repay this life-saving kindness!" Bi Gan then leaned forward, clasped his hand, and spoke in a low voice: "There is already no order or discipline within your state. Now, the killing of ministers without cause—these are all ill omens. My lord marquis, you must bow at court tomorrow; it is urgent that you depart as soon as possible. If you delay, I fear the treacherous and spiteful will take offense and cause further trouble." "Your advice is most important! Most important!" Ji Chang bowed slightly in thanks, saying: "The words of the prime minister are truly as precious as gold and stone. How could I ever forget such great virtue!" The next morning, before midday at the Wumen Gate, he gazed toward court to bow in farewell and express gratitude. Ji Chang departed with his family retainers, exiting through the western gate and arriving at the ten-li pavilion. All officials were respectful, and Marshal Wucheng Wang Huang Feihong, Weizi, Jizi, Bi Gan, and others had been waiting here for a long time. Ji Chang dismounted from his horse. Huang Feihong and Weizi comforted him, saying: "Today, my lord marquis returns to your state. Unworthy as we are, we have prepared a cup of wine and water; first, it is for honoring you on your departure, but there is also one more word I must say." Ji Chang said: "I would be honored to hear it." Weizi said: "Although the Son of Heaven has wronged you, my lord marquis, I humbly beg you to remember the virtue of your late ruler. Do not lose a minister's integrity or recklessly entertain heretical thoughts; then unworthy men like us would be most fortunate, and so too would all the people!" Ji Chang kowtowed in gratitude, saying: "I am deeply moved by the Son of Heaven's grace in pardoning my crimes and by your kindness that has given me a second life. Even if I were to die with my teeth intact, I could never repay His Majesty's virtue; how then could I dare entertain any other thoughts?" The officials took up cups and poured wine. Ji Bo had a large capacity for drink and consumed over one hundred cups. As the saying goes, "When true friends meet, words are endless," and they felt even more deeply connected, reluctant to part at that moment. While they were still enjoying the banquet, suddenly Fei Zhong and You Hun arrived on horseback, bringing their own wine table to bid farewell to Ji Bo as well. The officials, upon seeing Fei Zhong and You Hun arrive, immediately felt displeased and each withdrew slightly from them. Ji Chang thanked them, saying: "Your Excellencies! What ability do I have that you would go to such lengths to see me off?" Fei Zhong said: "Hearing of your honorable return, I specially came to bid you farewell. For arriving late due to affairs, I humbly request your forgiveness." Ji Chang was a man of benevolence and virtue; he treated people with sincerity, never harboring any deceit. Seeing the two men's earnestness, Ji Chang naturally felt pleased. However, the officials feared these two men and all dispersed first, leaving only the three of them to drink together. After several rounds of wine, Fei Zhong and You Hun said: "Bring out the large cups." The two men filled a large cup to the brim and presented it to Ji Bo. Ji Bo took the wine, bowed slightly in thanks, and said: "I am deeply indebted to your great virtue; on what day will I ever be able to repay it!" He drank it all at once. Ji Bo had a strong constitution and, without realizing it, drank several large cups in succession. Fei Zhong asked: "May I ask you, my lord marquis? I have often heard that you are skilled in divining the numbers of the Primordial Heaven. Are your predictions always accurate without error?" Ji Chang replied: "The principles of yin and yang have their own fixed numbers; how could they not be precise? But if a person acts against these principles and takes measures to avoid them, he may also escape his fate." Fei Zhong then asked again: "If all the actions of today's Son of Heaven are in chaos, may I ask if you can foresee what will happen in the future?" At this moment, Xibo Ji Chang was already half-drunk and had forgotten the true intentions of these two men. Upon hearing a question about the fate of the Son of Heaven, he furrowed his brow, sighed deeply, and lamented: "The state's destiny is dim; it will end with just one more generation, without a good conclusion. What the Son of Heaven does now hastens his downfall. How could a subject bear to speak such words!" After Ji Bo finished his lament, he could not help but feel sorrowful. Fei Zhong then asked: "In which year will this fate come to pass?" Ji Bo said: "It shall not take more than four or seven years, only the jiazi year in the wuwu year." Fei Zhong and You Hun both sighed deeply with admiration and once again offered wine to Xibo. After a short while, the two men asked again: "Unworthy as we are, may we also ask you for one number to see what our fates will be in this lifetime?" Ji Bo was a truly virtuous and noble man, unaware of deceit. He immediately rolled up his sleeve to calculate the number, then pondered for a long time before saying: "This number is most strange and unusual!" Fei Zhong and You Hun laughed and asked: "How so? Unworthy as we are, what strange or unusual fate do we have in this number?" Ji Chang said: "A person's life and death, though fixed by fate, may come in many forms—perhaps from consumption or other ailments, or through the five punishments, water, fire, hanging, or falling. It is simply a matter of dying an untimely death. It does not compare to the two of you gentlemen, whose deaths will be strange and bizarre in every way." Fei Zhong and You Hun smiled and asked: "Exactly how so? Where will you die?" Ji Chang said: "For reasons yet unknown, in the future you will be submerged by snow and water, frozen within ice until death." ——Later, Jiang Ziya froze Mount Qi with ice, captured Lu Xiong, and seized these two men to sacrifice them at the Fengshen Altar. This was an event that occurred later. We will not mention it further here. After hearing this, the two men smiled and said: "As they say, 'One is born at a time and dies in a place'—it will be as fate has willed." The three of them drank merrily once more. Taking the opportunity, Fei Zhong and You hun tempted him by saying: "We wonder if you, my noble lord, have ever divined your own ultimate fate?" Ji Chang said: "This I have also calculated before." Fei Zhong asked: "What fortune or misfortune awaits you, my noble lord?" Ji Chang said: "Though unworthy, I still hope to meet a peaceful end in my own bed." Fei Zhong and You Hong once again spoke falsely with pretended congratulations, saying: "My noble lord is naturally endowed with both fortune and longevity." Xibo Ji Chang humbly thanked them. The three of them drank several more cups. Fei Zhong and You Hui said: "Unworthy as we are, there is business in court; we dare not linger long. Take care on your journey ahead, my noble lord!" They each took their leave. While on horseback, Fei Zhong and You Huan cursed: "This old beast! His death is right before his eyes, yet he dares to speak of a peaceful end in bed. We shall instead die frozen by the cold ice." He is clearly cursing us. How despicable!" While speaking these words, they had already arrived at the gate. Dismounting their horses, they entered the hall to pay court to the Son of Heaven. The king asked: "Did Ji Chang say anything?" The two ministers reported: "Ji Chang expressed resentment and spoke recklessly, insulting the Son of Heaven; his crime is one of great disrespect." King Zhou was furious and said: "This ruffian! I have pardoned you and allowed your return to your state, yet instead of being grateful, you dare insult me. How despicable!" What words did he use to insult me?" The two ministers replied: "He once calculated the numbers, saying that the state would end with just one more ruler and last no longer than four or seven years; he also said Your Majesty will not meet a good end." King Zhou angrily cursed: "You don't ask how this old ruffian should die?" Fei Zhong said: "We two ministers also asked him, and he said that one would meet a good end in peaceful sleep. Generally speaking, Ji Chang is a man of deceitful words and idle talk, deceiving people's eyes and ears. Although his life or death lies in Your Majesty's hands, if he does not know this, he still dares to claim for himself a peaceful end." Isn't this deceiving oneself?" When we two ministers asked him to calculate the numbers, he said that we two would freeze to death in ice. Even if it were not for Your Majesty's blessings and protection, even as commoners, we should not die frozen in ice." All these are absurd statements and false words; nothing is more misleading to the world and defaming of the people than this. Your Majesty, please quickly grant orders for his punishment!" The king said: "Announce my decree. Order Chao Tian to go and seize him immediately, behead him on the spot, and display his head in the capital city as a warning against superstitious words!" Chao Tian received the decree and went after him. Details are omitted here.

且说姬昌上马，自觉酒后失言，忙令家将：“速离此间，恐后有变。”众皆催动，迤逦而行。姬伯在马上自思：“吾演数中，七年灾迍，为何平安而返。必是此间失言，致有是非，定然惹起事来。”正迟疑问，只见一骑如飞赶来。及到面前，乃是晁田也。晁田大呼曰：“姬伯！天子有旨，请回！”姬伯回答曰：“晁将军，我已知道了。”姬伯乃对众家将曰：“吾今灾至难逃；你们速回。我七载后自然平安归国。著伯邑考上顺母命，下和弟兄，不可更西岐规矩。再无他说，你们去罢！”众人洒泪回西岐去了。姬昌同晁田回朝歌来。有诗曰： 十里长亭饯酒巵，只因直语欠委蛇。若非天数羁羑里，焉得姬侯赞伏羲。

Meanwhile, Ji Chang mounted his horse and, realizing he had spoken recklessly after drinking alcohol, quickly ordered his household attendants: "Leave this place immediately; I fear something may happen later." The group hurried along and proceeded slowly. Ji Bo, while riding on his horse, thought to himself: "In my calculations, there should be seven years of calamity and misfortune. Why have I returned safely? It must be because I spoke recklessly here that trouble has arisen, which will surely lead to some kind of incident." While he was still hesitating and pondering, suddenly a rider came galloping up at full speed. When the rider arrived in front of him, it turned out to be Chao Tian. Chao Tian shouted loudly: "Ji Bo! The Son of Heaven has issued an order. Return with me!" Ji Bo replied: "General Chao, I already know." Ji Bo then said to his household attendants: "Today the calamity has come and cannot be escaped; you must return quickly. I will naturally return to my state safely after seven years." Order Bo Yikao to obey his mother's command, harmonize with his brothers, and must not change the customs of Xiqi. There is nothing more to say; you may go now!" The crowd wept and returned to Xiqi. Ji Chang returned with Chao Tian to Chaoguo. There is a poem that says: Ten miles of long pavilions, wine cups offered in farewell; Only because blunt words lacked tact and compromise. Had it not been for fate that bound him at Youli, How could Ji Hou have praised Fu Xi?

话说姬昌同晁田往午门来，就有报马飞报黄飞虎。飞虎大惊，沉思：“为何去而复返！莫非费、尤两个奸逆坐害姬昌。令周纪：“快请各位老殿下，速至午门！周纪去请。黄飞虎随上坐骑，急急来到午门。时姬昌已在午门候旨。飞虎忙问曰：“贤侯去而复返者何也？”昌曰：“圣上召回，不知何事。”却说晁田见驾回旨。纣王大怒，叫：“速召姬昌！”姬昌至丹墀，俯伏奏曰：“荷蒙圣恩，释臣归国；今复召回，不知圣意何故？”王大骂曰：“老匹夫！释你归国，不思报效君恩，而反悔辱天子，倘有何说。”姬昌奏曰：“臣虽至愚，上知有天，下知有地，中知有君，生身知有父母，训教知有师长，‘天、地、君、亲、师’五字，臣时刻不敢有忘，怎敢侮辱陛下，甘冒万死。”王怒曰：“你还在此巧言强辩！你演甚么先天数，辱骂朕躬，罪在不赦！”昌奏曰：“先天神农、伏羲演成八卦，定人事之吉凶休咎，非臣故捏。臣不过据数而言，岂敢妄议是非。”王曰：“你试演朕一数，看天下如何？”昌奏曰：“前演陛下之数不吉，故对费仲、尤浑二大夫言；即日不吉，并不曾言甚么是非。臣安敢妄议。”纣王立身大呼曰：“你道朕不能善终，你自夸寿终正寝，非侮君而何！此正是妖言惑众，以后必为祸乱。朕先教你先天数不验，不能善终！”传旨：“将姬昌拿出午门枭，以正国法！”左右才待上前，只见殿外有人大呼曰：“陛下！姬昌不可斩！臣等有谏章。”纣王急视，见黄飞虎、微子等七位大臣进殿俯伏，奏曰：“陛下天赦姬昌还国，臣民仰德如山。且昌先天数乃是伏羲先圣所演，非姬昌捏造。若是不准，亦是据数推详；若是果准，姬昌亦是直言君子，不是狡诈小人。陛下亦可赦其小过。”王曰：“骋自己之妖术，谤主君以不堪，岂得赦其无罪！”比干奏曰：“臣等非为姬昌，实为国也。今陛下斩姬昌事小，社稷安危事大。姬昌素有令名，为诸侯瞻仰，军民钦服。且昌先天数，据理直推，非是妄捏。如果圣上不信，可命姬昌演目下凶吉。如准，可赦姬昌；如不准，即坐以捏造妖言之罪。”纣王见大臣力谏，只得准奏，命姬昌演目下吉凶。昌取金钱一愰，大惊曰：“陛下，明日太庙火灾，速将宗社神主请开，恐毁社稷根本！”王曰：“数演明日，应在何时？”昌曰：“应在午时。”王曰：“既如此，且将姬昌发下囹圄，以候明日之验。”众官出午门。姬伯感谢七位殿下。黄飞虎曰：“贤侯，明日颠危，必须斟酌！”姬昌曰：“且看天数如何。”众官散罢。不题。

Now speaking of Ji Chang and Chao Tian heading toward Wumen, a mounted messenger quickly reported the news to Huang Feihu. Huang Feihu was greatly startled and pondered: "Why did he leave but now return! Is it possible that the two treacherous villains Fei and You have conspired to harm Ji Chang? Order Zhou Ji: "Quickly summon all the noble lords, and hurry to Wumen! Zhou Ji went to invite them. Huang Feihu immediately mounted his horse and hurriedly arrived at Wumen. At that time, Ji Chang was already waiting for the decree at Wumen. Huang Feihu hurriedly asked: "Noble Lord, why did you leave and now return?" Chang replied: "The Son of Heaven summoned me back; I do not know what the matter is." Meanwhile, Chao Tian returned with imperial instructions. King Zhou was furious and shouted: "Quickly summon Ji Chang!" Ji Chang arrived at the red steps, knelt down, and respectfully reported: "I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty's grace in releasing me back to my state; now I have been recalled again. I do not know the reason behind Your Majesty's intent?" The king angrily cursed: "Old ruffian! I released you back to your state, yet you did not think of repaying the Son of Heaven's kindness. Instead, you dared insult the Son of Heaven! What do you have to say for yourself?" Ji Chang respectfully reported: "Though I am foolish, I know the heavens above and the earth below, I recognize my ruler in the middle. I understand that I was born with parents, and through education I respect teachers and elders. The five words 'heaven, earth, sovereign, father/mother, teacher'—I have never dared to forget them at any moment. How could I dare insult Your Majesty? I am willing to face a thousand deaths." The king angrily said: "You still dare to speak with cunning words and stubbornly defend yourself! What so-called 'innate numbers' did you calculate, that you dared insult my person? Your crime is unforgivable!" Chang respectfully reported: "The innate numbers were derived by the divine Shennong and Fu Xi through the Eight Trigrams, which determine human affairs' auspiciousness or misfortune. I did not fabricate them deliberately. I merely spoke according to these numbers; how could I dare recklessly comment on right and wrong?" The king said: "Try calculating a number for me, and see what the heavens and earth will do about it?" Chang respectfully reported: "Earlier I calculated an inauspicious number for Your Majesty, which is why I mentioned it to the two ministers Fei Zhong and You Hun; I only said that this day was inauspicious, and did not utter any false accusations. How could I dare to recklessly comment?" King Zhou stood up and shouted: "You said I would not meet a good end, yet you boasted that you yourself would live to an old age in peaceful sleep. If this is not insulting the ruler, what is?" This is precisely superstitious talk meant to mislead the people; it will surely bring disaster and chaos in the future. I shall first show you that your 'innate numbers' are false, and prove that you cannot meet a peaceful end!" The decree was announced: "Take Ji Chang out of Wumen and behead him there to uphold the law of the state!" As the attendants were about to step forward, suddenly a loud voice called out from outside the hall: "Your Majesty! Ji Chang must not be executed!" We ministers have a memorial to advise." King Zhou quickly looked up and saw Huang Feihu, Weizi, and seven other ministers entering the hall and kneeling down. They respectfully reported: "Your Majesty granted Ji Chang clemency to return to his state; the virtue of Your Majesty is as great as a mountain in the eyes of your subjects. Moreover, Ji Chang's 'innate numbers' were derived by Fu Xi, an ancient sage, and are not fabricated by Ji Chang himself. If they do not come true, it is still a careful deduction based on the numbers; if they are accurate, then Ji Chang is an upright gentleman who speaks truthfully, not a cunning and deceitful person. Your Majesty may also pardon his minor offense." The king said: "Using one's own superstitious arts to slander the sovereign and make him seem unworthy—how can such a person be pardoned without punishment!" Bi Gan respectfully reported: "We ministers are not pleading for Ji Chang's sake, but for the state itself. Now, executing Ji Chang is a small matter, while the safety and danger of the state are matters of great importance. Ji Chang has long been known for his noble reputation; he is admired by feudal lords and respected by soldiers and civilians alike. Moreover, Ji Chang's calculations of the innate numbers are based on reason and logic, not fabricated recklessly. If Your Majesty does not believe it, you may order Ji Chang to calculate whether this moment is auspicious or inauspicious. If the calculation proves accurate, Ji Chang can be pardoned; if it is inaccurate, then he may be punished for fabricating superstitious words." King Zhou saw that the ministers were strongly advising against it, and had no choice but to agree. He ordered Ji Chang to calculate the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of the current moment. Chang took a handful of bronze coins and, after casting them, was greatly startled. He said: "Your Majesty! There will be a fire at the ancestral temple tomorrow; quickly remove the sacred tablets of the ancestors from the altar to prevent destruction of the state's foundation!" The king asked: "According to your calculation, when exactly will this happen tomorrow?" Chang said: "It should occur at noon." The king said: "If that is the case, then place Ji Chang in prison for now and wait until tomorrow to see if it comes true." The officials exited Wumen. Ji Bo expressed his gratitude to the seven noble lords. Huang Feihu said: "Noble Lord, tomorrow will be a perilous day; you must think carefully!" Ji Chang said: "Let us see what the heavens decide." The officials dispersed. Details are omitted here.

且言纣王谓费仲曰：“姬昌言明日太庙火灾，若应其言，如之奈何？”尤浑奏曰：“传旨，明日令看守太庙宫官仔细防闲，亦不必焚香，其火从何而至。”王曰：“此言极善。”天子回宫。费、尤二人也出朝。不表。

Meanwhile, King Zhou said to Fei Zhong: "Ji Chang claimed there will be a fire in the ancestral temple tomorrow. If his words come true, what should we do?" You Hun respectfully reported: "Issue an order. Tomorrow, instruct the officials in charge of guarding the ancestral temple to be vigilant and careful; also, there is no need for incense burning—how could a fire arise?" The king said: "This advice is excellent." The Son of Heaven returned to the palace. Fei Zhong and You Hun also left court. Details are omitted here.

且言次日，武成王黄飞虎约七位殿下俱在王府，候午时火灾之事，命阴阳官报时刻。阴阳官报：“禀上众老爷，正当午时了。”众官不见太庙火起，正在惊慌之际，只听半空中霹雳一声，山河振动。忽见阴阳官来报：“禀上众老爷，太庙火起！”比干叹曰：“太庙灾异，成汤天下必不久矣！”众人齐出王府看火。好火！但见： 此火本原生于石内，其实有威有雄，坐居离地东南位，势转丹砂九鼎中。此火乃燧人氏出世，刻木钻金，旋坤转乾。八卦内只有他威，五行中独他无情。朝生东南，照万物之光辉；暮落西北，为一世之混沌。火起处，滑刺刺闪电飞腾；烟发时，黑沉沉遮天蔽日。看高低，有百丈雷声；听远近，发三千火炮。黑烟铺地，百忙里走万道金蛇；红焰冲空，霎时间有千团火块。狂风助力，金钉珠户一时休；恶火飞来，碧瓦雕檐捻指过。火起千条焰，星洒满天红。都城齐呐喊，轰动万民惊。 数演先天莫浪猜，成汤宗庙尽成灰。老天已定兴衰事，算不由人枉自谋。

Meanwhile, on the following day, General Huang Feihu of Wucheng invited the seven noble lords to his mansion and waited for the fire at noon, ordering the diviners to report the time. The diviner reported: "Your Honors, it is precisely noon." The officials did not see a fire break out at the ancestral temple. Just as they were panicking, suddenly there was a thunderclap from midair, shaking the mountains and rivers. Suddenly, the diviner came to report: "Your Honors, a fire has broken out at the ancestral temple!" Bi Gan sighed and said: "This disaster at the ancestral temple indicates that King Cheng Tang's reign will not last long!" The group immediately left the mansion to view the fire. What a fierce fire! One could see: This fire originally arose from within stone; in truth, it is mighty and powerful. It resides at the southeast position of the Fire element, its power transforming cinnabar into the nine tripods. This fire was born with Sui Ren Shi's emergence; he carved wood to drill through metal, rotating Earth and Heaven. Within the Eight Trigrams, only it possesses power; among the Five Elements, none is as ruthless as it. It rises in the southeast at dawn, illuminating all things with its brilliance; At dusk it sets in the northwest, bringing chaos to an age. Wherever the fire arose, there were flashes of lightning crackling through the air; When the smoke rose, it was dark and thick, blocking out the sky and sun. Looking up and down, one could see thunder rumbling for hundreds of feet; From near and far, the sound was like thousands of fire cannons exploding. The black smoke spread across the ground; in a frenzy, golden serpents slithered through ten thousand paths; Red flames surged into the sky, and in an instant, thousands of fiery masses appeared. The fierce wind added force; golden nails and pearl doors were destroyed at once; Malicious flames flew, passing over green tiles and carved eaves in the blink of an eye. A thousand tongues of flame leapt up; stars scattered across the sky turned red. The entire capital city erupted in cries and shouts, causing great alarm among the people. Fate unfolds according to the primordial numbers; do not recklessly guess—King Cheng Tang's ancestral temple is reduced entirely to ashes. Heaven has already decided matters of rise and fall; all human schemes are in vain if fate does not allow it.

话说纣王在龙德殿，正聚文武商议时，只见奉御官来奏：“果然午时太庙火起！只吓得天子魂飞天外，魄散九霄；两个奸臣肝胆尽裂。──姬昌真圣人也。──纣王曰：“姬昌之数今果有应验。大夫，如何处之？”费、尤二臣奏曰：“虽然姬昌之数偶验，适逢其时，岂得骤赦归国！陛下恐众大臣有所谏阻，只赦放姬昌，须……如此如此，天下可安，强臣无虑。此四海生民之福也。”王曰：“卿言甚善。”言未毕，微子、比干、黄飞虎等朝见毕。比干奏曰：“今日太庙火灾，姬昌之数果验。望陛下赦昌直言之罪。”王曰：“昌数果应，赦其死罪，不赦归国；暂居羑里，待后国事安宁，方许归国。”比干等谢恩而出，俱至午门。比干对昌言曰：“为贤侯特奏天子，准赦死罪，不赦还国，暂居羑里月馀。贤侯且自宁耐，俟天子转日回天，自然荣归故地。”姬昌顿首谢曰：“今日天子禁昌羑里，何处不是浩荡之恩，怎敢有违？”飞虎又曰：“贤侯不过暂居月馀，不才等逢机构会，自然与贤侯力为挽回，断不令贤侯久羁此地耳。”姬昌谢过众人，随在午门望阙谢恩，即同押送官往羑里来。羑里军民父老，牵羊担酒，拥道跪迎。父老言曰：羑里今得圣人一顾，万物生光。欢声杂地，鼓乐惊天，迎进城郭。押送官叹曰：“圣人心同日月，普照四方，今日观百姓迎接姬伯，非伯之罪可知。”姬昌进了府宅。押送官往都城回旨。不表。且言姬昌一至羑里。教化大行，军民乐业，闲居无事，把伏羲八卦，反复推明，变成六十四卦，中分三百八十爻象，守分安居，全无怨主之心。后人有诗赞曰： 七载艰难羑里城，卦爻一一变分明。玄机参透先天秘，万古留传大圣名。

Now, as King Zhou was in Longde Hall, gathering with civil and military officials to deliberate, suddenly a palace official came forward to report: "Indeed, the fire at the ancestral temple broke out at noon! It frightened the Son of Heaven so much that his soul flew beyond the heavens and his spirit scattered into the nine skies; The two treacherous ministers were terrified to the point of their livers and gallbladders splitting. —Ji Chang is indeed a sage. —King Zhou said: "The prophecy of Ji Chang has now come true. Officials, what should we do about it?" Fei Zhong and You Hong the two ministers reported: "Although Ji Chang's prophecy has coincidentally come true at this opportune moment, we cannot suddenly pardon him and allow his return to his state! Your Majesty fears that the other ministers may advise against it. If you pardon Ji Chang, you must... do this and that. Thus, the realm will be at peace, and powerful officials need not worry." "This is a blessing for all the people of the four seas." The king said: "Your words are most wise." Before the conversation was finished, Wei Zi, Bi Gan, Huang Feihu and others had completed their court audience. Bi Gan respectfully reported: "Today's fire at the ancestral temple has confirmed that Ji Chang's prophecy was indeed accurate. I humbly request Your Majesty to pardon Ji Chang for his frank words." The king said: "Ji Chang's prophecy has indeed come true. I shall pardon him of the death penalty, but not allow his return to his own state; he will temporarily reside in Youli. Only when the affairs of the realm are stable may he be allowed to return." Bi Gan and others bowed in gratitude before exiting, all proceeding to Wumen Gate. Bi Gan said to Ji Chang: "On your behalf, I specially petitioned the Son of Heaven. You are pardoned from the death penalty but not allowed to return to your state; you will temporarily reside in Youli for over a month. Noble Lord, please remain patient and composed. Wait until the Son of Heaven changes his mind and reverses this decision; you will naturally return in glory to your homeland." Ji Chang kowtowed and thanked, saying: "Today the Son of Heaven has confined me to Youli; where is there not boundless grace? How could I dare to defy it?" Fei Hu added: "Noble Lord, you will only be staying here for over a month temporarily. If the opportunity arises, we unworthy ministers shall surely work to help restore your situation and certainly not allow you to remain confined in this place for long." Ji Chang thanked the officials, then at Wumen Gate faced toward the palace to express his gratitude. He immediately departed with the escorting officers for Youli. The soldiers and civilians, as well as elders of Youli, led sheep and carried wine, gathering along the road to kneel in welcome. The elders said: "Now that a sage has graced Youli with his presence, all things here shine with light." Cheers echoed on the ground and drums and music startled the heavens as they welcomed Ji Chang into the city. The escorting officer sighed and said: "A sage's heart is as vast as the sun and moon, shining universally across all directions. Today, seeing how the people welcome Master Ji, one can clearly see that it was not his fault." Ji Chang entered the mansion. The escorting officer returned to the capital city to report back to the Son of Heaven. Details are omitted here. Meanwhile, since Ji Chang arrived in Youli, he promoted great moral instruction, and soldiers and civilians enjoyed their work in peace. With nothing to occupy his time, he studied the Bagua of Fu Xi repeatedly, clarifying them thoroughly, transforming them into the Sixty-Four Hexagrams, which contained 384 yao lines in total. He observed his proper place and lived at ease, harboring no resentment toward the ruler. Later generations composed a poem in praise: Seven years of hardship within Youli's walls, Each hexagram and yao line transformed clearly. The profound mysteries of the primordial Dao were fully understood; his great sage name is passed down through all ages.

话表纣王囚禁大臣，全无忌惮。一日，报到元戎府。黄飞虎看报，见反了东伯侯姜文焕，领四十万人马，兵取游魂关；又反了南伯侯鄂顺，领人马二十万取三山关；天下已反了四百镇诸侯。黄飞虎叹曰：“二镇兵起，天下慌慌，生民何日得安！”忙发令箭，命将紧守关隘。此话不表。

Now, King Zhou imprisoned ministers without any hesitation or fear. One day, the news reached the General's residence. Huang Feihu read the report and learned that Dong Bo Hou Jiang Wenhuan had rebelled, leading forty thousand troops to attack Youhun Pass; and Nan Bo Hou E Shun had also rebelled, commanding twenty thousand troops to capture Sanshan Pass; four hundred feudal lords across the realm had already risen in rebellion. Huang Feihu sighed and said: "With two regions raising their armies, the realm is in chaos; when will the people ever find peace!" He quickly issued a command token, ordering that all passes be strictly guarded. This detail is omitted here.

且言乾元山金光洞太乙真人，因神仙一千五百年犯了杀戒，乃年积月累，天下大乱一场，然后复定。一则姜子牙该斩将封神，成汤天下该灭，周室将兴，因此玉虚宫住讲道教。太乙真人闲坐洞中，只听昆仑山玉虚官白鹤童子持玉札到山。太乙真人接玉札，望玉虚官拜罢。白鹤童子曰：“姜子牙不久下山，请师叔把灵珠子送下山去。”太乙真人曰：“我已知道了。”白鹤童子回去。不表。太乙真人送这一位老爷下山。不知后事如何，且听下回分解。

Meanwhile, Taiyi Zhenren of Jinguang Cave on Qianyuan Mountain observed that over the past one thousand five hundred years, many immortals had violated the precept against killing. This accumulated gradually and eventually led to great chaos in the world before order could be restored once more. One reason was that Jiang Ziya was destined to slay generals and ascend as a deity, the reign of King Cheng Tang was fated for destruction, while the Zhou dynasty would rise. Therefore, Yu Xu Gong became the abbot in charge of teaching Daoism. Taiyi Zhenren was sitting idly in the cave when suddenly he heard that Baihe Tongzi from Yu Xu Gong on Kunlun Mountain had arrived at the mountain, carrying a jade tablet. Taiyi Zhenren received the jade tablet and paid his respects to Yu Xu Gong before bowing. Baihe Tongzi said: "Jiang Ziya will not be long in descending the mountain. Please, Uncle Taiyi, send Lingzhuzi down with him." Taiyi Zhenren replied: "I already know." Baihe Tongzi returned. Details are omitted here. Taiyi Zhenren sent this honored master down the mountain. What will happen next remains to be seen in the following chapter.