Chapter 18: Zi Ya Advises His Lord to Hide at Banxi

诗曰： 渭水潺潺日夜流，子牙从比独垂钩。当时未入飞熊梦，几向斜阳叹白头。

The poem says: The Wei River flows day and night with a murmuring sound, Zi Ya cast his hook alone by the river's side. At that time, he had not yet entered the dream of Feixiong, How many times did he sigh with white hair beneath the slanting sun?

话说子牙看罢图样，王曰：“此台多少日期方可完得此工？”尚奏曰：“此台高四丈九尺，造琼楼玉宇，碧槛雕栏，工程浩大。若完台工，非三十五年不得完成。”纣王闻奏，对妲己曰：“御妻，姜尚奏朕：台工要三十五年方成。朕想光阴瞬息，岁月如流，年少可以行乐，若是如此，人生几何，安能长在！造此台实为无益。”妲己奏曰：“姜尚乃方外术士，总以一派诬言。那有三十五年完工之理！狂悖欺主，罪当炮烙！”纣王曰：“御妻之言是也。传承奉官，可与朕拿姜尚炮烙，以正国法。”子牙曰：“臣启陛下，鹿台之工，劳民伤财，愿陛下息此念头，切不可为。今四方刀兵乱起，水旱频仍，府库空虚，民生日促，陛下不留心邦本，与百姓养和平之福，日荒淫于酒色，远贤近佞，荒乱国政，杀害忠良，民怨天愁，累世警报，陛下全不修省。今又听狐媚之言，妄兴土木，陷害万民，臣不知陛下之所终矣。臣受陛下知遇之恩，不得不赤胆披肝，冒死上陈。如不听臣言，又见昔日造琼宫之故事耳。可怜社稷生民，不久为他人之所有。臣何忍坐视而不言！”纣王闻言，大骂：“匹夫！焉敢侮谤天子！”令两边承奉官：“与朕拿下，醢尸虀粉，以正国法！”众人方欲向前，子牙抽身望楼下飞跑。纣王一见，且怒且笑，“御妻，你看这老匹夫，听见‘拿’之一字就跑了。礼节法度，全然不知，那有一个跑了的？”传旨命奉御官：“拿来！”众官赶子牙过了龙德殿、九间殿，子牙至九龙桥，只见众官赶来甚急。子牙曰：“承奉官不必赶我，莫非一死而已。”按著九龙桥栏杆，望下一撺，把水打了一个窟窿。众官急上桥看，水星儿也不冒一个──不知子牙借水遁去了。承奉官往摘星楼回旨。王曰：“好了这老匹夫！”

After Zi Ya had examined the design, King Wang asked, "How many days will be required to complete this project?" Shang replied, "This terrace is four zhang and nine chi high. It will feature jade pavilions, qiong towers, green railings, and carved balustrades; the project is vast in scale." "To complete this terrace would require no less than thirty-five years." King Zhou, upon hearing the report, said to Daji, "My dear consort, Jiang Shang has reported to me that the terrace project will take thirty-five years to complete." I think time passes in a blink, and the years flow like water. Youth is but a fleeting joy; if it is so, how long can life last? How could one remain forever! "Building this terrace would indeed be of no benefit." Daji reported, "Jiang Shang is an outsider versed in occult arts; he always speaks with baseless words." "How could there possibly be such a thing as requiring thirty-five years to complete the work!" "He is arrogant and disrespectful, deceiving His Majesty; his crime deserves cauterization on the red-hot copper pillar!" King Zhou said, "My dear consort speaks rightly." "Summon the imperial attendants. You shall seize Jiang Shang and cauterize him for me, to uphold the law of the state." Zi Ya said, "Your Majesty, I respectfully advise that the construction of Lütai terrace is burdensome to the people and wasteful of resources. I beg Your Majesty to abandon this idea; you must not proceed." Now, in all directions, wars and disturbances have erupted; floods and droughts occur frequently. The state treasuries are empty, and the people's livelihood grows increasingly dire. Your Majesty pays no heed to the foundation of the nation, neglecting to provide peace and prosperity for your subjects. Instead, you indulge daily in wine and lust, keep away from virtuous men while favoring flatterers, misgovern the state affairs, execute loyal officials, and thus cause widespread resentment among the people and sorrow under heaven. Generations have issued warnings, yet Your Majesty remains entirely unrepentant and unreformed. Now you hearken to the flattery of a fox-like woman, recklessly initiating construction projects that oppress ten thousand common people. I do not know what end awaits Your Majesty. I have received the kindness and favor of your recognition, Your Majesty; thus, I must speak with utmost sincerity and bare my heart, risking death to present this advice. If you do not heed my words, it will only repeat the old tale of building the Qiong Palace in days past. Alas, the state and its people will soon fall into the hands of others. How could I bear to sit idly by and remain silent!" King Zhou, upon hearing this, shouted in anger, "You wretch! How dare you insult the Son of Heaven!" loin He ordered the imperial attendants on both sides, "Seize him for me and execute him by 剁尸 (disembowelment), reducing his body to minced flesh and powder, so as to uphold state law!" As the attendants were about to move forward, Zi Ya turned around and ran swiftly down toward the terrace. King Zhou saw this, both angry and amused, and said to Daji, "My dear consort, look at this old wretch—he ran away the moment he heard the word 'seize.'" He has no sense of propriety or law whatsoever—how could there be a minister who flees like this?" Issue the order to the imperial attendants: "Seize him!" The officials chased Zi Ya past Longde Hall and Jiujian Hall. When Zi Ya reached Jiulong Bridge, he saw the attendants approaching with great urgency. Zi Ya said, "Imperial attendants, there is no need to chase me; it will be nothing but death for me." He gripped the railing of Jiulong Bridge and jumped down, creating a hole in the water below. The attendants hurried onto the bridge to look, but not even a ripple appeared on the surface—the water had vanished without a trace. They did not know that Zi Ya had escaped by means of a water 遁 (water escape technique). The imperial attendants returned to Zhaixing Tower to report their failure. King Zhou said, "Well then, this old wretch is gone!"

且不表纣王。话说子牙投水桥下，有四员执殿官扶著栏杆，看水嗟叹。适有上大夫杨任进午门，见桥边有执殿官，伏著望水。杨任问曰：“你等在此看甚么？”执殿官曰：“启老爷：下大夫姜尚投水而死。”杨任曰：“为何事？”执殿官答曰：“不知。”杨任进文书房看本章。不题。

Leaving aside King Zhou for the moment. Speaking of Zi Ya, after he jumped into the water beneath the bridge, four palace attendants supporting the railing looked at the water and sighed with lament. At that moment, Shang Dafu Yang Ren entered Wumen Gate and saw the palace attendants by the bridge gazing at the water with their heads bowed. Yang Ren asked, "What are you looking at here?" The palace attendant replied, "My lord, Xia Dafu Jiang Shang has committed suicide by drowning." Yang Ren asked, "For what reason?" The palace attendant answered, "I do not know." Yang Ren went to the Office of Documents to examine official reports. (No further details are given.)

且说纣王与妲己议鹿台差那一官员监造。妲己奏曰：“若造此台，非崇侯虎不能成功。”纣王准行，差承奉宣崇侯虎。承奉得旨，出九间殿往文书房，来见杨任。杨任问曰：“下大夫姜子牙何事忤君，自投水而死？”承奉答曰：“天子命姜尚造鹿台，姜尚奏事忤旨，因命承奉拿他，他跑至此，投水而死。今诏崇侯虎督工。”杨任问曰：“何谓鹿台？”承奉答曰：“苏娘娘献的图样，高四丈九尺，上造琼楼玉宇，殿阁重檐，玛瑙砌就栏杆，珠玉妆成梁栋。今命崇侯虎监造。卑职见天子所行皆桀王之道，不忍社稷丘墟，特来见大人。大人秉忠谏止上木之工，救万民搬泥运土之苦，免商贾有陷血本之殃，此大夫爱育天下生民之心，可播杨于世世矣。”杨任听罢，谓承奉曰：“你且将此诏停止，待吾进见圣上，再为施行。”杨任迳往摘星楼下候旨。纣王宣杨任上楼见驾。王曰：“卿有何奏章？”杨任奏曰：“臣闻治天下之道，君明臣直，言听计从；为师保是用，忠良是亲，奸佞日远。和外国，顺民心，功赏罪罚，莫不得当；则四海顺从，八方仰德。仁政施于人，则天下景从，万民乐业，此乃圣主之所为。今陛下信后妃之言，而忠言不听，建造鹿台。陛下只知行乐欢娱，歌舞宴赏，作一己之乐，致万姓之愁，臣恐陛下不能享此乐，而先有腹心之患矣。陛下若不急为整饬，臣恐陛下之患不可得而治之矣。主上三害在外，一害在内，陛下听臣言。其外三害：一害者东伯侯姜文焕，雄兵百万，欲报父雠，游魂关兵无宁息，屡折军威，苦战三年，钱粮尽费，粮草日艰，此为一害；二害者，南伯侯鄂顺，为陛下无辜杀其父亲，大势人马，昼夜攻取三山关，邓九公亦是苦战多年，库藏空虚，军民失望，比为二害；三害者，况闻太师远征北海大敌，十有馀年，今且未能返国，胜败未分，吉凶未定。陛下何苦听信谗言，杀戮正士。狐媚偏于信从，谠言致之不问。小人日近于君前，君子日闻其退避。官帏竟无内外，貂璫紊乱深宫。三害荒荒，八方作乱。陛下不容谏官，有阻忠耿，今又起无端造作，广施土木，不惟社稷不能奠安，宗庙不能磐石，臣不忍朝歌百姓受此涂炭，愿陛下速止台工，民心乐业，庶可救其万一。不然，民一离心，则万民荒乱。古云；‘民乱则国破，国破主君亡。’只可惜六百年已定华夷，一旦被他人所虏矣。”纣王听罢，大骂：“匹夫！把笔书生，焉敢无知，直言犯主！”命奉御官：“将此匹夫剜去二目！朕念他岁有功，姑恕他一次。”杨任复奏曰：“臣虽剜目不辞，只怕天下诸侯有不忍臣之剜目之苦也。”奉御官把杨任搀下楼，一声

Meanwhile, King Zhou and Daji discussed which official should be assigned to oversee the construction of Lütai Terrace. Daji reported, "If this terrace is to be built, none but Chong Hou Hu can ensure its completion." King Zhou approved the suggestion and dispatched an imperial attendant to summon Chong Hou Hu. The imperial attendant received the order, left Jiujian Hall for the Office of Documents, and came to see Yang Ren. Yang Ren asked, "What offense did Xia Dafu Jiang Ziyi commit against the king that he committed suicide by drowning?" The imperial attendant replied, "The Son of Heaven ordered Jiang Shang to build Lütai Terrace. Jiang Shang offended the royal decree with his report, so His Majesty commanded me to seize him. He fled here and committed suicide by drowning." "Now an edict has been issued appointing Chong Hou Hu as the supervisor of the project." Yang Ren asked, "What is Lütai Terrace?" The imperial attendant answered, "It is a design presented by Lady Su. The terrace stands four zhang and nine chi tall, with qiong towers and jade pavilions on top, multi-eave halls and pavilions; the railings are inlaid with agate, and beams and rafters adorned with pearls and jewels." Now His Majesty has ordered Chong Hou Hu to oversee its construction. Your humble servant sees that the Son of Heaven's actions follow all the ways of King Jie; I cannot bear to see our state reduced to ruins, so I have specially come to see you, my lord. "If my lord would show loyalty and advise the king to halt this construction project, you could relieve ten thousand people from the hardship of carrying mud and hauling earth, and prevent merchants from suffering losses. This act of compassion for all the people under heaven is a virtue that can be celebrated through generations." After hearing this, Yang Ren said to the imperial attendant, "You may first suspend the execution of this decree. I shall personally present myself before His Majesty and then decide on further action." Yang Ren proceeded directly to Zhaixing Tower below to await an audience. King Zhou summoned Yang Ren up the tower for a private audience. The king asked, "What is it you wish to report, my minister?" Yang Ren reported, "I have heard that the way to govern the world lies in a wise ruler and upright ministers who are heeded and whose advice is followed; one must employ those who serve as mentors and protectors, be close to loyal and virtuous men, and keep flatterers at a distance. One should maintain harmony with foreign states, follow the will of the people, and ensure that rewards for merit and punishments for crimes are always just; then all under heaven will obey willingly, and virtue will be revered in every direction. When benevolent governance is practiced among the people, all under heaven will follow with admiration; the common people will find joy in their work. This is what a sage ruler does. Now Your Majesty believes the words of your concubines and ignores loyal advice, proceeding to build Lütai Terrace. Your Majesty only seeks pleasure and entertainment, indulging in music, dance, banquets, and rewards for personal enjoyment, thus causing sorrow among ten thousand subjects. I fear that before Your Majesty can enjoy this happiness, you will first face a dire internal crisis. If Your Majesty does not urgently take steps to reform and rectify the situation, I fear that your troubles will become too severe to manage. There are three external dangers for Your Majesty, and one internal danger; please listen to my words, O King. The first of the three external dangers: The First Eastern Marquis Jiang Wenhuan commands a hundred thousand troops, seeking to avenge his father. At Youhun Pass, battles have never ceased; military prestige has been repeatedly damaged through years of bitter fighting. Funds and provisions are exhausted, and supplies grow increasingly scarce—this is the first danger; the second danger is the First Southern Marquis E Shun, whose father was unjustly killed by Your Majesty. With a large force, he attacks San Shan Pass day and night; Deng Jiugong has also been engaged in prolonged bitter fighting for many years. The treasuries are exhausted, and both soldiers and civilians have lost hope—this is the second danger; the third danger is that it is said the Grand Master has been on a distant campaign against powerful enemies in the Northern Sea for over ten years, and still cannot return to the country; victory or defeat remains uncertain, as does fortune or misfortune. Why does Your Majesty persist in heeding slanderous words and executing upright men? You place blind trust in flattery from fox-like women, while ignoring sincere advice. Worthless men grow ever closer to Your Majesty's presence, while virtuous men increasingly withdraw and retreat. The court is without distinction between inside and outside; eunuchs have caused chaos in the inner palace. With these three dangers growing unchecked, disturbances arise in all directions. Your Majesty refuses to tolerate remonstrating officials, obstructing loyalty and sincerity. Now you have further initiated baseless construction projects, recklessly expanding building works. Not only will the state not find stability, but even the ancestral temples cannot remain as firm as a rock. I cannot bear for the people of Chao Ge to suffer such hardship; I beg Your Majesty to immediately halt this terrace project. Only then can the people find joy in their work and perhaps save some from ruin. Otherwise, once the people lose faith, ten thousand subjects will fall into chaos. Ancient words say: "When the people are in chaos, the state falls; when the state falls, the ruler perishes." It is a pity that after six hundred years of established order between Chinese and barbarians, it will all be lost in an instant to others." King Zhou, upon hearing this, angrily shouted, "You wretch! A mere scribe with a brush, how dare you be so ignorant and speak out in defiance of your sovereign!" He ordered the imperial attendants: "Pluck out this wretch's two eyes! I take into account his past merits and spare him this one time." Yang Ren replied, "Though I do not shun having my eyes plucked out, I fear the feudal lords throughout the land may be unable to bear witness to such suffering." The imperial attendants led Yang Ren down from the tower when suddenly a loud sound

响，剜二目献上楼来。且说杨任忠肝义胆，实为纣王，虽剜二目，忠心不灭，一道怨气，直冲在青峰山紫阳洞清虚道德真君面前。真君早解其意，命黄巾力士：“可救杨任回山。”力士奉旨，至摘星楼下，用三阵神风，异香遍满，摘星楼下，地播起尘土，扬起沙灰，一声响，杨任尸骸竟不见了。纣王急往楼内，避其沙土。不一时，风息沙平，两边启奏纣王曰：“杨任尸首风刮不见了。”纣王叹曰：“似前番朕斩太子也被风刮去，似比等事，皆系常事，不足怪也。”纣王谓妲己曰：“鹿台之工，已诏侯虎；杨任谏朕，自取其祸。速召崇侯虎！”侍驾官催诏去了。

rang out, and his two eyes were plucked and presented on the platform. Meanwhile, Yang Ren, with his loyal heart and righteous courage, was truly devoted to King Zhou. Though he had both eyes plucked out, his loyalty did not fade. A surge of resentment rose directly before Qingxu Daode Zhenjun at Ziyang Cave on Qinfeng Mountain. Zhenjun had long understood his meaning and ordered the Huangjin Lishi: "You may rescue Yang Ren back to the mountain." The Lishi received the order and went to below Zhaixing Tower. Using three gusts of divine wind, they filled the air with a strange fragrance. Below Zhaixing Tower, dust rose from the ground, sand and ash flew up, and with one loud sound, Yang Ren's corpse was gone. King Zhou hurried into the tower to avoid the dust and dirt. In no time, the wind ceased and the sand settled. Officials on both sides reported to King Zhou, saying, "Yang Ren's body has vanished, carried away by the wind." King Zhou sighed and said, "Just as before when I beheaded the crown prince and his body was also carried away by the wind. Events like these are all common occurrences; there is no need to find them strange." King Zhou said to Daji, "The construction of Lütai has already been ordered for Hou Hu; Yang Ren advised me and brought this calamity upon himself. Quickly summon Chong Hou Hu!" The attendants hurried off to issue the summons.

且说杨任的尸首被力士摄回紫阳洞，回真君法旨。道德真君出洞来，命白云童儿，葫芦中取二粒仙丹，将杨任眼眶里放二粒仙丹。真人用仙天真气吹在杨任面上，喝声；“杨任不起，更待何时！”真是仙家妙术，起死回生。只见杨任眼眶里长出两只手来，手心里生两只眼睛。──此眼上看天庭，下观地穴，中识人间万事。杨任立起半晌，定省见自己目化奇形，见一道人立在山洞前。杨任问曰：“道长，此处莫非幽冥地界？”真君曰：“非也。此处乃青峰山紫阳洞，贫道是炼气士清虚道德真君，因见你忠心赤胆，直谏纣王，怜救万民，身遭剜目之灾，贫道怜你阳寿不绝，度你上山，后辅周王成其正道。”杨任听罢，拜谢曰：“弟子蒙真君怜救，指引还生，再见人世，此恩此德，何敢有忘！望真君不弃，愿拜为师。”杨任就在青峰山居住。后只待破瘟阵下山，助子牙成功。有诗曰： 大夫直谏犯非刑，剜目伤心不忍听。不是真君施妙术，焉能两眼察天庭。

Meanwhile, Yang Ren's corpse had been taken back by the Lishi to Ziyang Cave and returned in accordance with Zhenjun's decree. Dao De Zhenjun came out of the cave and ordered Baiyun Tonger to take two pills from a gourd, placing them into Yang Ren's eye sockets. The Immortal used true divine breath of the immortals and blew it onto Yang Ren's face, then shouted: "Yang Ren, if you do not rise now, when else will you wait!" It was indeed a wondrous technique of the immortals, bringing someone back to life from death. Only then did they see two hands grow out of Yang Ren's eye sockets, and on the palms of those hands grew two eyes. ──With these eyes one can look up to Heaven above, down into the earth's depths, and clearly perceive all human affairs in between. Yang Ren stood up for a moment, looked around to see his own eyes had transformed into an unusual shape, and saw a Daoist standing in front of the mountain cave. Yang Ren asked, "Master Daoist, is this place perhaps the realm of the dead?" Zhenjun said, "No. This place is Qingfeng Mountain Ziyang Cave. I am the cultivation adept Qingxu Dao De Zhenjun. Because I saw your loyal and brave heart, how you directly advised King Zhou and pitied the people, suffering the calamity of having your eyes gouged out, I took pity on you as your earthly life was not yet finished, brought you up this mountain, so that later you may assist King Zhou in achieving righteousness." After hearing this, Yang Ren bowed and thanked him, saying, "Disciple is deeply grateful for Master Zhenjun's compassion and rescue, guiding me back to life. To see the world once more, such a kindness and virtue, how could I ever forget!" I hope Master Zhenjun will not reject me; I wish to take you as my master." Yang Ren then took residence on Qingfeng Mountain. Later, he would descend the mountain to break the plague formation and assist Zi Ya in achieving success. There is a poem that says: A minister's upright advice led to unjust punishment, The gouging of his eyes and the heartbreak are unbearable to hear. Were it not for Zhenjun applying wondrous techniques, How could two eyes perceive Heaven's court?

不说杨任居此安身。且说纣王诏崇侯虎督造鹿台。此台功成浩瀚，要动无限钱粮，无限人夫，搬运木植、泥土、砖瓦，络绎之苦，不可胜计。各州府县军民，三丁抽二，独丁赴役。有钱者买闲在家，无钱者任劳累死。万民惊恐，日夜不安，男女慌慌，军民嗟怨，家家闭户，逃奔四方。崇侯虎仗势虐民，可怜老少累死不计其数，皆填鹿台之内。朝歌变乱，逃亡者甚多。

Without mentioning Yang Ren taking refuge here. Meanwhile, King Zhou summoned Chong Hou Hu to oversee the construction of Lütai. The completion of this platform required immense resources, an endless supply of money and grain, as well as countless laborers to transport timber, soil, bricks, and tiles. The hardships endured in this continuous effort were beyond calculation. From each prefecture, county, and military district, two out of every three men were conscripted; even those with only one male in the family had to serve. Those who could afford it remained idle at home, while those without money were left to suffer and die from exhaustion. The people lived in fear, restless day and night; men and women were anxious, soldiers and civilians lamented bitterly. Every household locked their doors and fled in all directions. Chong Hou Hu, relying on his power, oppressed the people cruelly; countless old and young perished from exhaustion, their bodies filling the interior of Lütai. Chaoge fell into chaos, with a great number of its people fleeing in escape.

不表侯虎监督台工。且说子牙借水遁，回到宋异人庄上，马氏接住：“恭喜大夫，今日回家。”子牙曰：“我如今不做官了。”马氏大惊：“为何事来？”子牙曰：“天子听信妲己之言，起造鹿台，命我督工。我不忍万民遭殃，黎庶有难。是我上一本，天子不行；被我直谏，圣上大怒，把我罢职归田。我想纣王非我之主。娘子，我同你往西岐去，守时待命。我一日时来运至，官居显爵，极品当朝，人臣第一，方不负我心中实学。”马氏曰：“你又不是文家出身，不过是江湖一术士，天幸做了下大夫，感天子之德不浅。今命你造台，乃看顾你监工，况钱粮既多，你不管甚东西，也赚他些回来。你多大官，也上本谏言，还是你无福，只是个术士的命！”子牙曰：“娘子，你放心，是这样官，未展我胸中才学，难遂我平生之志。你且收拾行装，打点同我往西岐去。不日官居一品，位列公卿，你授一品夫人，身著霞佩，头带珠冠，荣耀西岐，不枉我出仕一番。”马氏笑曰：“子牙，你说的是失时话。现成官你没福做，到去空拳只手去别处寻！这不是折得你胡思乱想，走投无路，舍近求远，尚望官居一品？天子命你监造台工，明明看顾你。你做的是那里清官！如今多少大小官员，都是随时而已。”子牙曰：“你女人家不知远大。天数有定，迟早有期，各自有主。你与我同到西岐，自有下落。一日时来，富贵自是不浅。”马氏曰：“姜子牙，我和你缘夫妻，分只到的如此。我生长朝歌，决不佳他乡外国去。从今说过，你行你的，我干我的，再无他说！”子牙曰：“娘子错说了。嫁鸡怎不逐鸡飞，夫妻岂有分离之理！”马氏曰：“妾身原是朝歌女子，那里去离乡背井。子牙，你从实些，写一纸休书与我，各自投生。我决不去！”子牙曰：“娘子随我去好！一日身荣，无边富贵。”马氏曰：“我的命只合如此，也受不起大福分。你自去做一品显官，我在比受些穷苦。你再娶一房有福的夫人罢。”子牙曰：“你不要后悔！”马氏曰：“是我造化低，决不后悔！”子牙点头叹曰：“你小看了我！既嫁与我为妻，怎不随我去。必定要你同行！”马氏大怒：“姜子牙！你好，就与你好开交；如要不肯，我与父兄说知，同你进朝歌见天子，也讲一个明白！”夫妻二人正在此斗口，有宋异人同妻孙氏来劝子牙曰：“贤弟，当时这一件事是我作的。弟妇既不同你去，就写下一字与他。贤弟乃奇男子，岂无佳配，何必苦苦留恋他。常言道；‘心去意难留。’勉强终非是好结果。”子牙曰：“长兄、嫂在上；马氏随我一场，不曾受用一些，我心不忍离他；他倒有

Without detailing Hou Hu's supervision of the platform construction. Meanwhile, Zi Ya used a water escape technique to return to Song Yiren's estate, where Ma Shi received him and said, "Congratulations, Master! You have returned home today." Zi Ya said, "I will no longer serve as an official now." Ma Shi was greatly shocked and asked, "Why is that?" Zi Ya said, "The Son of Heaven listened to Daji's words and ordered the construction of Lütai, assigning me as its supervisor. I could not bear for the people to suffer misfortune or for the common folk to face hardship. So I submitted a memorial, but the Son of Heaven did not act; After my direct remonstration, His Majesty became furious and dismissed me from office, sending me back to the fields. I think King Zhou is not a ruler for me. My dear, I will go with you to Xi Qi and await orders at the appropriate time." When my day comes and fortune arrives, I shall hold a prominent position of high rank, become the most esteemed official in court, and be the foremost subject—only then will it fulfill what I have truly learned within my heart." Ma Shi said, "You are not of scholarly lineage; you're merely a wandering practitioner of arts. By sheer luck, you became an official of the lower rank and have received great kindness from His Majesty. Now that you were ordered to build the platform, it was a sign of care for your position as supervisor. Besides, with so much money and grain involved, even if you didn't manage anything, you could still bring back some profit. What rank of official are you to submit a memorial and remonstrate? It's just that you have no fortune; it was always the fate of an art practitioner!" Zi Ya said, "My dear, do not worry. Holding such an office does not allow me to display the knowledge in my heart or fulfill my lifelong aspirations. You should prepare our belongings and get ready to travel with me to Xi Qi." In no time I will hold the rank of first grade, be among the high ministers and nobles. You shall become a First Rank Lady, adorned with flowing silk and jade pendants, wearing pearl crowns on your head, bringing honor to Xi Qi. This would not have been in vain for my career as an official." Ma Shi smiled and said, "Zi Ya, what you are saying is nonsense at this time. You have no fortune to hold the official position that's already here; instead, you want to go with empty hands and seek elsewhere!" This is not making sense. You are just indulging in wild thoughts, with nowhere to turn and seeking far when you should stay close—still hoping for a first-grade official position? The Son of Heaven assigned you as the supervisor for building the platform, clearly showing favor toward you. What kind of upright official are you then!" Nowadays, how many officials of all ranks and sizes do not just go with the flow?" Zi Ya said, "You women don't understand what is far-reaching. The heavens have their fixed order; there are set times for all things, and each has its own master. You will come with me to Xi Qi, where we shall find our proper place." When the time comes, wealth and honor will naturally be abundant." Ma Shi said, "Jiang Zi Ya, our marriage is only by fate. We are to part ways here. I was born and raised in Chaoge; I will never go live in a foreign land or elsewhere. From now on, you do your own thing, and I shall do mine; there is nothing more to say!" Zi Ya said, "My dear, you are mistaken. When one marries a chicken, how can they not follow it as it flies? How could husband and wife ever have reason to separate!" Ma Shi said, "I am originally a woman from Chaoge; how can I leave my hometown and abandon my roots? Zi Ya, be honest with me. Write a divorce document for me so we can part ways and seek our own fates. I will definitely not go!" Zi Ya said, "My dear, it is better for you to come with me! One day of honor will bring boundless wealth and glory." Ma Shi said, "My fate is only meant to be this way; I cannot bear such great fortune. You go ahead and become a high-ranking official of the first grade, while I will endure some hardship here in Chaoge. Go ahead and take another wife who is destined for good fortune." Zi Ya said, "Do not regret this later!" Ma Shi said, "It is my low destiny; I will certainly never regret it!" Zi Ya nodded and sighed, saying, "You have underestimated me! Having married me as your husband, how can you not come with me? You must travel with me!" Ma Shi became furious and said, "Jiang Zi Ya! If you are good to me, I will be good to you; But if you refuse, I shall inform my father and brothers and go with them to Chaoge to see the Son of Heaven himself, and we will settle this clearly!" While the couple were quarreling, Song Yiren and his wife Sun Shi came to advise Zi Ya, saying, "Dear younger brother, it was I who arranged this matter at that time. If your sister-in-law refuses to go with you, just give her a letter and part ways. You are an extraordinary man, dear younger brother; surely there is no lack of a worthy match for you. Why must you cling to her so desperately? As the old saying goes: 'When the heart departs, it is hard to retain.' Forcing things will never lead to a good outcome." Zi Ya said, "Elder brother and elder sister-in-law above; Ma Shi has been with me for a while, yet she has never enjoyed any comfort. I cannot bear to leave her; she, on the contrary, has

离我之心。长兄分付，我就写休书与他。”子牙写了休书拿在手中，“娘子，书在我手中，夫妻还是团圆的。你接了比书，再不能完聚了！”马氏伸手接书，全无半毫顾恋之心。子牙叹曰：“青竹蛇儿口，黄蜂尾上针，两般由自可，最毒妇人心！”马氏收拾回家，改节去了。不题。子牙打点起行，作辞宋异人、嫂嫂孙氏：“姜尚蒙兄嫂看顾提携，不期有今日之别！”异人治酒与姜子牙饯行，饮罢，远送一程，因问曰：“贤弟往那里？”子牙曰：“小弟别兄往西岐做些事业。”异人曰：“倘贤弟得意时，可寄一音，使我也放心。”二人洒泪而别： 异人送别在长途，两下分离心思孤。只为金兰思义重，几回搔首意踟蹰。

a desire to part from me. Since my elder brother has given instructions, I shall write a divorce document for her." Zi Ya took the divorce document in his hand and said, "My dear, since the letter is in my hands, our marriage can still be reconciled. Once you take this paper from me, we shall never reunite again!" Ma Shi reached out to take the document, showing not the slightest hesitation or attachment. Zi Ya sighed and said, "The mouth of a green bamboo viper, the sting at the end of a yellow hornet's tail—both are dangerous in their own way. But nothing is more venomous than a woman's heart!" Ma Shi packed up and returned home, remarrying later. No further mention is made of it. Zi Ya prepared to depart and bid farewell to Song Yiren, his elder sister-in-law Sun Shi, saying, "Jiang Shang has been favored by my elder brother and sister-in-law's care and support. I did not expect a parting such as this today!" Song Yiren prepared wine to see Zi Ya off. After the drinking, he walked a long way with him and then asked, "Dear younger brother, where are you going?" Zi Ya said, "Your younger brother is leaving to go west to Qi to accomplish some endeavors." Song Yiren said, "If my dear younger brother achieves success, please send a message so that I may rest easy as well." The two parted with tears: Song Yiren saw him off on the long road, their parting hearts feeling lonely. It was only because of deep bonds of friendship and loyalty that he hesitated again and again, scratching his head in indecision.

话说子牙离了宋家庄，取路往孟津，过了黄河，迳往渑池县，往临潼关来。只见一起朝歌逃走百姓，有七八百黎民，父携子哭，弟为兄悲，夫妻泪落，男女悲哭之声，纷纷载道。子牙见而问曰：“你们是朝歌的民？”内中也有认的是姜子牙，众民叫曰：“姜老爷！我等是朝歌民。因为纣王起造鹿台，命崇侯虎监督。那天杀的奸臣，三丁抽二，独丁赴役，有钱者买闲在家，累死数万人夫，尸填鹿台之下，昼夜无息。我等经不得这样苦楚，故此逃出五关。不期总兵张老爷不放我们出关。若是拿将回去，死于非命，故此伤心啼哭。”子牙曰：“你们不必如此，待我去见张总兵，替你们说个人情，放你们出关。”众人谢曰：“这是老爷天恩，普施甘露，枯骨重生！”子牙把行囊与众人看守，独自前往张总兵府来。家人问曰：“那里来的？”子牙曰：“烦你通报，商都下大夫姜尚来拜你总兵。”门上人来报：“启老爷：商都下大夫姜尚来拜。”张凤想：下大夫姜尚来拜……他是文官，我乃武官；他近朝廷，我居关隘，百事有烦他。”急命左右请进。子牙道家打扮，不著公服，迳往里面，见张凤。凤一见子牙道服而来，便坐而问曰：“来者何人？”子牙曰：“吾乃下大夫姜尚是也。”凤问曰：“大夫何为道服而来？”子牙答曰：“卑职此来，不为别事，单为众民苦切。天子不明，听妲己之言，广施土木之工，兴造鹿台，命崇侯虎督工。岂意彼陷虐万民，贪图贿赂，罔惜民力。况四方兵未息肩，上天示儆，水旱不均，民不聊生，天下失望，黎庶遭殃，可怜累死车民填于台内。荒淫无度，奸臣蛊惑天子，狐媚巧闭圣聪。命我督造鹿台。我怎肯欺君误国，害民伤财，因此直谏。天子不听，反欲加刑于我。我本当以一死以报爵禄之恩；奈尚天数未尽，蒙恩赦宥，放归故乡，因此行到了贵治。偶见许多百姓，携男拽女，扶老搀幼，悲号苦楚，甚是伤情。如若执回，又惧炮烙、虿盆，惨刑恶法，残缺肢体，骨粉魂消，可怜民死无辜，怨魂怀屈。今尚观之，心寔可怜，故不辞愧面，奉谒台颜，恳求赐众民出关，黎庶从死而之生，将军真天高海阔之恩，实上天好生之德。”张凤听罢大怒，言曰：“汝乃江湖术士，一旦富贵，不思报本于君恩，反以巧言而惑我。况逃民不忠，若听汝言，亦陷我于不义。我受命执掌关隘，自宜尽臣子之节，逃民玩法，不守国规，宜当拿解于朝歌。自思只是不放过此关，彼自然回国，我已自存一线之生路矣。若论国法，连汝并解回朝，以正国典。奈吾初会，暂且姑免。”喝两边：“把姜尚叉将出去。”众人一声喝，把子牙推将出

Now the story returns to Zi Ya, who left Songjiazhuang and took the road toward Mengjin. He crossed the Yellow River and went straight to Mianchi Xian, heading for Lintong Guan. He saw a group of civilians fleeing from Chao Ge, about seven or eight hundred common people. Fathers carried their children while weeping; brothers mourned for their elder siblings. Husbands and wives shed tears, and men and women cried out in sorrow as they filled the roads with lamentations. Zi Ya saw this and asked, "Are you civilians from Chao Ge?" Among them were some who recognized him as Jiang Zi Ya. The crowd cried out, "Lord Jiang!" We are civilians from Chao Ge. It is because King Zhou ordered the construction of Lutai, and appointed Chong Hou Hu to supervise it. That cruel minister, in his cruelty, drafted two out of every three households and forced single men to serve. Those with money could buy their way into idleness at home, while tens of thousands of laborers were worked to death; corpses filled the ground beneath Lutai, day and night without rest. We could not endure such suffering, so we fled out of the five passes. Unluckily, General Zhang would not let us pass through the gate. If we are caught and taken back, we will die a cruel death; hence our sorrowful crying." Zi Ya said, "You need not worry so. I will go see General Zhang and plead your case for you to let you pass through the gate." The crowd thanked him, saying, "This is Your Lordship's heavenly grace, like sweet rain poured down, giving new life to withered bones!" Zi Ya left his belongings in the care of the crowd and went alone to General Zhang's residence. A servant asked, "Who are you?" Zi Ya said, "Please inform him that Jiang Shang, a minister of the Shang capital, has come to visit you, General." A gatekeeper came in and reported, "Your Lordship: Minister Jiang Shang of the Shang capital has come to pay his respects." Zhang Feng thought: The minister Jiang Shang is here... He is a civil official, while I am a military officer; he is close to the court, whereas I hold this pass. Many matters will trouble him." He quickly ordered his attendants to invite him in. Zi Ya, dressed in Daoist attire and not wearing official robes, went straight inside to see Zhang Feng. Feng saw Zi Ya coming in Daoist robes and sat up to ask, "Who are you?" Zi Ya said, "I am Minister Jiang Shang." Feng asked, "Minister, why are you dressed in Daoist robes?" Zi Ya replied, "Your servant has come not for any other reason but to plead on behalf of the suffering people. The Son of Heaven is not wise and listens to Daji's words, widely undertaking construction projects and building Lutai. He has ordered Chong Hou Hu to oversee the work. Who could have expected that he would oppress ten thousand people, be greedy for bribes, and disregard the strength of the common folk? Moreover, the wars in all directions have not ceased. Heaven is issuing warnings through floods and droughts that are unevenly distributed; people can barely survive, and the common folk suffer greatly. How pitiable it is that countless laborers have died and been buried within the terrace! The king indulges in debauchery without restraint, while wicked ministers deceive him. The fox-like flatterers skillfully block the Son of Heaven's wisdom and discernment. He has ordered me to oversee the construction of Lutai. How could I dare to betray the king and harm the country, oppress the people, and waste resources? Therefore, I gave direct advice. The Son of Heaven did not listen but instead wanted to punish me. I should have died in order to repay the kindness of my rank and salary; But since Heaven's decree has not yet ended, I was mercifully pardoned and released back to my hometown. That is why I have come to your jurisdiction. I happened to see many civilians, dragging their sons and daughters, supporting the elderly and helping the young, wailing in sorrow and suffering greatly. It is a very touching scene. If they are taken back, they will fear the cruel punishments of fire torture and 虿盆, these inhumane laws that maim bodies and reduce bones to dust while souls vanish. How pitiful it is for innocent people to die unjustly, their spirits filled with resentment and injustice. Now, observing this situation, I find their plight truly pitiable. Therefore, without shame or hesitation, I have come to respectfully visit you and humbly request that you allow these people to pass through the gate so they may be saved from death and given a chance at life. General, your true kindness would be as vast as the sky and sea, embodying Heaven's benevolent virtue of preserving life." After hearing this, Zhang Feng became greatly angry and said, "You are but a wandering Daoist. Once you attained wealth and rank, you did not think of repaying the king's kindness, yet now you use flattery to deceive me. Moreover, these fleeing civilians are disloyal; if I listen to your words, it would also place me in a position of injustice. I have been entrusted with the command of this pass and must fulfill my duty as a loyal subject. These fleeing civilians are breaking laws and disregarding national regulations; they should be captured and sent to Chao Ge for punishment. I have already decided not to let them pass through this gate; they will naturally return to the country, and I myself have preserved a thread of hope for survival. If we are to speak strictly by national law, you should be captured along with them and sent back to court to uphold the state's regulations. But since this is our first meeting, I will for now let it pass." He shouted to both sides, "Drag Jiang Shang out!" At the shout of the crowd, they pushed Zi Ya outside.

来。子牙满面羞愧。众民见子牙回来，问曰：“姜老爷，张老爷可放我等出关？”子牙曰：“张总兵连我也要拿进朝歌城去。是我说过了。”众人听罢，齐声叫苦。七八百黎民号啕痛哭，哀声彻野。子牙看见不忍。子牙曰：“你们众民不必啼哭，我送你们出五关去。”有等不知事的黎民。闻知此语，只说宽慰他，乃曰：“老爷也不出去，怎生救我们？”内中有知道的，哀求曰：“老爷若肯救援，便是再生之恩！”子牙道：“你们要由五关者，到黄昏时候，我叫你等闭眼，你等就闭眼。若听得耳内风响，不要睁眼。开了眼时，跌出脑子来，不要怨我。”众人应承了。子牙到一更时候，望昆仑山拜罢，口中念念有词，一声响。这一会，子牙土遁救出万民。众人只听得风声飒飒，不一会，四百里之程出了临潼关、潼关、穿云关、界牌关、汜水关，到金鸡岭，子牙收了土遁，众民落地。子牙曰：“众人开眼！”众人睁开了眼。子牙曰：“此处就是汜水关外金鸡岭，乃西岐州地方。你们好好去罢！”众人叩头谢曰：“老爷，天垂甘露，普救群生，此恩此德，何日能报！”众人拜别。不题。

. Zi Ya was full of shame and humiliation. The crowd saw Zi Ya return and asked, "Lord Jiang, did General Zhang allow us to pass through the gate?" Zi Ya said, "General Zhang even wants to take me into Chao Ge City. I have spoken too much." After hearing this, the crowd cried out in despair together. Seven or eight hundred civilians wailed and wept bitterly; their sorrowful cries echoed through the fields. Zi Ya looked on and could not bear it. Zi Ya said, "You people need not weep; I will take you through the five passes." Some of the civilians who did not understand what was happening. Upon hearing these words, thinking it was just meant to comfort them, they said, "Lord Jiang cannot even go out himself; how can he save us?" Among them were those who understood and pleaded in sorrow, saying, "If Your Lordship is willing to rescue us, it will be a second birth for us!" Zi Ya said, "If you wish to pass through the five passes, at dusk I will tell you all to close your eyes. When I do so, you must close them." If you hear a sound of wind in your ears, do not open your eyes. When you open your eyes again, if your brains fall out, do not blame me." The crowd agreed. At the first watch of the night, Zi Ya paid his respects to Kunlun Mountain and muttered incantations under his breath. With a sudden sound, something happened. At this moment, Zi Ya used earth 遁 (earth concealment) to rescue ten thousand civilians. The crowd only heard the sound of the wind whistling. In no time, they had traveled four hundred li beyond Lintong Guan, Tongguan, Chuanyun Guan, Jiepai Guan, and Sishui Guan to Jinji Ling. Zi Ya then stopped his earth 遁 technique, and all the civilians landed safely on the ground. Zi Ya said, "Everyone open your eyes!" The crowd opened their eyes. Zi Ya said, "This place is Jinji Ling outside Sishui Guan; it belongs to the territory of Xi Qi Zhou. Go on your way safely!" The crowd knelt and thanked him, saying, "Lord Jiang! Heaven has poured down sweet rain to save all living beings. This kindness and virtue—how can we ever repay it!" The crowd bowed in farewell. No further mention is made of this.

且说子牙往溪隐迹。有诗为证： 弃却朝歌远市尘，法施土遁救民生。闲居渭水垂竿待，只等风云际会缘。 武吉灾殃为引道，飞熊梦兆主求贤。八十才逢明圣主，方立周朝八百年。

Now let us return to Zi Ya, who went to Xi and concealed his traces. There is a poem as evidence: Leaving Chao Ge behind, far from the noise of the city, He used earth concealment to save the people's lives. Idly dwelling by the Wei River, he cast his fishing rod in wait— Only for the day when fate and fortune would converge. Wu Ji's misfortune served as a guiding thread, The dream of Feixiong foretold the ruler's quest for talent. At eighty he finally met a wise and virtuous sovereign, Thus establishing the Zhou dynasty's eight hundred years of reign.

话说众民等待天明，果是西岐地界。过了金鸡岭，便是首阳山；走过燕山，又过了白柳村，前至西岐山；过了七十里，至西岐城。众民进城，观看景物；民丰物阜，行人让路，老幼不欺，市井谦和，真乃尧天舜日，别是一番风景。众民作一手本，投递上大夫府。散宜生接著手本。翌日伯邑考传命：“既朝歌逃民因纣王失政，来归吾土，无妻者给银与他娶妻。又与银子，令众人僦居安处。鳏寡孤独者在三济仓造名，自领口粮。”宜生领命。邑考曰：“父王囚羑里七年，孤欲自往朝歌，代父赎罪。卿等意下如何？”散宜生奏曰：“臣启公子！主公临别之言，七年之厄已满，灾完难足，自然归国。不得造次，有违主公临别之言。如公子于心不安，可差一士卒前去问安，亦不失为子之道。何必自驰鞍马，身临险地哉。”伯邑考叹曰：“父王有难，七载禁于异乡，举目无亲。为人子者，于心何忍。所谓立国立家，徒为虚设，要我等九十九子何用！我自带祖遗三件宝贝，往朝歌进贡，以赎父罪。”伯邑考此去，不知吉凶如何，且听下回分解。

Now returning to the story: The civilians waited until dawn broke, and indeed they were in the territory of Xi Qi. After passing Jinji Ling was Shouyang Mountain; crossing Yanshan, they passed Baoliu Village and arrived at the foot of Xi Qi Mountain ahead. After passing seventy li, they reached Xi Qi City. The civilians entered the city and observed its scenery; the people were prosperous, goods abundant. Pedestrians yielded to each other; the young and old were not mistreated. The marketplace was courteous and harmonious—truly a land of Yao's and Shun's enlightened rule, presenting an entirely different kind of scenery. The civilians prepared a petition and submitted it to the residence of the senior minister. Sanyisheng received the petition. The next day, Boyikao issued an order: "Since these civilians from Chao Ge have fled here due to King Zhou's misrule and now come under our territory, those without wives shall be given silver so they may marry. Silver was also provided for them to rent homes and settle down comfortably. Those who are widowed, childless, or orphaned should register their names at the Sanji Granary and collect their own food rations." Yisheng accepted the order. Bo Yikao said, "My father, King Wang, was imprisoned in Youli for seven years. I wish to go to Chao Ge myself and redeem my father's guilt on his behalf. What do you all think?" Sanyisheng presented his reply, saying, "Your Highness! The Lord's words before parting indicated that the seven-year ordeal has already been fulfilled. The calamity is complete, and the hardship sufficient; naturally he will return to his country. We must not act rashly, for it would go against the Lord's parting words. If your Highness feels uneasy in your heart, you may send a single soldier ahead to inquire about his well-being; this would also not be contrary to the way of a son. "There is no need for your Highness personally to ride and risk yourself in such dangerous territory." Bo Yikao sighed, "My father the King has suffered hardship; for seven years he was imprisoned in a foreign land with no relatives to be seen. As his son, how can I bear such thoughts? What is called establishing a state and a family is but an empty formality; what use are we, the ninety-nine sons! "I shall personally take the three precious heirlooms passed down from our ancestors and present them as tribute to Chao Ge, in order to redeem my father's guilt." As for whether Bo Yikao's journey would bring fortune or misfortune, we shall hear of it in the next chapter.