Chapter 19: Bo Yikao Presents a Tribute to Redeem His Crime

诗曰： 忠臣孝子死无辜，只为殷商有怪狐。淫乱不羞先荐耻，贞诚岂畏后来诛。 宁甘万刃留青白，不受千娇学独夫。史册不污千载恨，令人屈指泪如珠。

The poem says: Loyal ministers and filial sons die without guilt; it is only because the Yin-Shang dynasty has a strange fox. Indecent and shameless, they first recommend disgrace; Chaste sincerity, how could it fear later punishment? Rather bear ten thousand blades to preserve purity and integrity, than accept a thousand charms to emulate a tyrant. History's records remain unstained by a hatred spanning a thousand years; it makes one count the fingers, tears falling like pearls.

话说伯邑考要往朝歌为父赎罪。时有上大夫散宜生阻谏，公子立意不允，随进宫辞母太姬，要往朝歌赎罪。太姬曰：“汝父被羁羑里，西岐内外事付托何人？”考曰：“内事托与兄弟姬发，外事托付散宜生，军务托付南宫适；孩儿要亲往朝歌面君，以进贡为名，请赎父罪。”母亲见伯邑考坚执要去，只得依允，分付曰：“孩儿此去，须要小心！”邑考辞去，竟到殿前与弟姬发言曰：“兄弟好生与众兄弟和美，不可改西岐规矩，我此去朝歌，多则三月，少则二月，即便回程。”邑考分付毕，收拾宝物进贡，择日起行。姬发同文武官九十八弟，在十里长亭饯别。邑考与众人饮酒作辞，一路前行，扬鞭纵马，过了些红杏芳林，行无限柳阴古道。伯邑考与从人一日行至汜水关。关上军兵见两杆进贡旛幢，上书西伯侯旗号。军官来报主帅。守关总兵韩荣命开关。邑考进关，一路无辞。行过五关，来到渑池县，渡黄河至孟津，进了朝歌城，皇华馆驿安下。次日，问驿丞：“丞相府住在那里？”驿丞答曰：“在太平街。”次日，邑考来至午门，并不见一员官走动，又不敢擅入午门。已往返五日，邑考素缟抱本立于午门外。少时，只见一位大臣骑马而至，乃亚相比干也。伯邑考向前跪下。比干问曰：“阶下跪者何人？”邑考答曰：“吾乃犯臣姬昌子伯邑考。”比干闻言，滚鞍下马，以手相扶，口称：“贤公子请起！”二人立在午门外。比干问曰：“公子为何事至此？”邑考答曰：“父亲得罪于天子，蒙丞相保护，得全性命，此恩天高地厚；愚父子兄弟铭刻难忘！只因七载光阴，父亲久羁羑里，人子何以得安。想天子必思念循良，岂肯甘为鱼肉。邑考与散宜生议，将祖遗镇国异宝，进纳王廷，代父赎罪。万望丞相开天地仁慈之心，怜姬昌久羁羑里之苦，倘蒙赐骸骨，得归故土，真恩如太山，德如渊海。西岐万姓，无不感念丞相之大恩也。”比干答曰：“公子纳贡，乃是何宝？”伯邑考曰：“自是始祖父亶所遗七香车，醒酒毡，白面猿猴，美女十名，代父赎罪。”比干曰：“七香车有何贵乎？”邑考答曰：“七香车；乃轩辕皇帝破蚩尤于北海，遗下此车，若人坐上面，不用推引，欲东则东，欲西则西──乃世传之宝也。醒酒毡；倘人醉酩酊，卧此毡上，不消时刻即醒。白面猿猴；虽是畜类，善知三千小曲，八百大曲，能讴筵前之歌，善为掌上之舞，真如呖呖莺篁，翩翩弱柳。”比干听罢，“此宝虽妙，今天子失德，又以游戏之物进贡，正是助桀为虐，荧惑圣聪，反加朝廷之乱；无奈公子为父羁囚，行其仁孝，一点真心，此本我替公子转达天听，不

The story says that Bo Yikao was about to go to Chaoguo to redeem his father's guilt. At that time, Shang Da Fu Sanyi sheng advised against it, but the young master was determined and would not agree. He then entered the palace to bid farewell to his mother Taiji, intending to go to Chaoguo for atonement. Taiji said, "Your father is detained in Youli; who will be entrusted with the affairs inside and outside Xi Qi?" Kao said, "Internal affairs are entrusted to my brother Ji Fa, external affairs to Sanyi sheng, and military matters to Nangong Shi; "I, the child, must personally go to Chaoguo to meet the king in person, under the pretense of presenting tribute, to request clemency for my father's crime." Seeing that Bo Yikao insisted on going, his mother had no choice but to agree. She gave instructions, saying, "My child, upon your departure, you must be cautious!" Yikao bid farewell and went to the hall, where he spoke with his younger brother Ji Fa: "Brother, you must get along well with all your brothers and not change the customs of Xi Qi. I am going to Chaoguo now; at most three months, at least two months, and then I will return immediately." After giving his instructions, Yikao prepared the treasures for tribute and set out on a chosen day. Ji Fa, together with his ninety-eight brothers among the civil and military officials, bid farewell at the ten-li long pavilion. Yikao drank wine with the crowd as a farewell, then proceeded forward along the way, cracking his whip and riding freely past some red apricot groves and ancient roads shaded by willows. Bo Yikao and his attendants traveled for a day until they arrived at Sishui Guan. The soldiers on the pass saw two banners of tribute, inscribed with the name of Xibo Hou. A military officer came to report to the commander-in-chief. The overall commander in charge of the pass, Han Rong, ordered the gate opened. Yikao entered the pass and proceeded without incident along the way. After passing through five passes, he arrived at Mianchi Xian, crossed the Yellow River to Mengjin, and entered Chaoguo Cheng, where he stayed at Huanghua Guan posthouse. The next day, he asked the postmaster: "Where does the Prime Minister's residence lie?" The postmaster replied, "It is on Taiping Street." The next day, Yikao arrived at Wumen but saw no officials moving about; he dared not enter 擅自 into Wumen. After five days of going back and forth, Yikao stood outside Wumen holding his scroll in plain white robes. After a short while, one could see a minister riding a horse arrive; it was Yabi Fandi. Bo Yikao knelt forward. Fandi asked, "Who is the one kneeling below the steps?" Yikao replied, "I am Bo Yikao, son of the guilty minister Ji Chang." Upon hearing this, Fandi dismounted in haste, took Yikao by the hand to help him up, and said, "Honorable young master, please rise!" The two stood outside Wumen. Fandi asked, "Young master, for what matter have you come here?" Yikao replied: "My father offended the Son of Heaven, but was protected by the Prime Minister and allowed to preserve his life; this kindness is as vast as heaven and earth. My foolish father and I, along with my brothers, will forever engrave it in our hearts and never forget!" It is only because for seven years of time, my father has been detained long-term at Youli; how can a son feel at ease? I think the Son of Heaven must miss virtuous and capable men, and would never be content to be treated as fish and meat. Yikao discussed with Sanyi sheng and decided to present the ancestral heirloom, a rare national treasure, to the royal court in order to redeem his father's crime. I humbly beg the Prime Minister to open his heart of boundless compassion and mercy, to pity Ji Chang's long detention at Youli. If Your Grace would be so kind as to allow him to return to his native land with his bones intact, it would truly be a kindness as great as Mount Tai and virtue as deep as the ocean. All ten thousand people of Xi Qi will without exception feel deeply grateful for the Prime Minister's great kindness." Fandi replied, "Young master, what treasure have you brought as tribute?" Bo Yikao said, "It is naturally the seven-fragrance carriage, sobering felt, white-faced gibbon, and ten beautiful women left by my great-grandfather Dan, to redeem my father's crime." Fandi said, "What is so precious about the seven-fragrance carriage?" Yikao replied: "The seven-fragrance carriage; was left behind by Emperor Xuanyuan after he defeated Chiyou at the North Sea. If a person sits on it, no pushing or pulling is needed; if one wishes to go east, it goes east; if west, it goes west──it is a treasure passed down through generations." The sobering felt; if a person is drunk and lies on this felt, he will sober up in no time. The white-faced gibbon; though an animal, is skilled in three thousand minor tunes and eight hundred major compositions. It can sing songs at banquets and perform dances on the palm of one's hand; it truly resembles a melodious oriole among bamboo groves, or gracefully swaying willows." After hearing this, Fandi said: "Though these treasures are wondrous, the current Son of Heaven has lost virtue. To present such playthings as tribute is precisely to aid a tyrant in his cruelty and to delude His Majesty's wisdom, thus adding further chaos to the court; yet I cannot help but admire your filial piety and compassion for your father in captivity. With a single sincere heart, I will act on your behalf to convey this to the Son of Heaven; not

负公子来意耳。”比干往摘星楼候旨。

shall I betray your intentions." Fandi went to Zaising Lou to await the imperial decree.

奉御官启奏：“亚相比干见驾。”纣王曰：“宣比干上楼。”比干上楼朝见。纣王曰：“朕无旨宣召，卿有何表章？”比干奏曰：“臣启奏陛下！西伯侯姬昌子伯邑，考纳贡代父赎罪。”王曰：“伯邑考纳进何物？”比干将进页本呈上。帝览毕，向比干曰：“七香车，醒酒毡，白面猿猴，美女十名代西伯侯赎罪。”纣王命宣邑考上楼。那邑考肘膝而行，俯伏奏曰：“犯臣子伯邑考朝见。”纣王曰：“姬昌罪大忤君，今子纳贡为父赎罪，亦可为孝矣。”伯邑考奏曰：“犯臣姬昌罪犯忤君，赦宥免死，暂居羑里。臣等举室感陛下天高海阔之洪恩，仰地厚山高之大德。今臣等不揣愚陋，昧死上陈，请代父罪。倘荷仁慈，赐以再生，得赦归国，使臣母子等骨肉重完；臣等万载瞻仰陛下好生之德出于意外也。”纣王见邑考悲惨，为父陈冤，极其恳至，知是忠臣孝子之言，不胜感动，乃赐邑考平身。邑考谢恩，立于栏杆之外。妲己在内帘见邑考丰姿都雅，目秀眉清，唇红齿白，言语温柔。妲己传旨：“卷去珠帘。”左右宫人将珠高卷，搭上金钩。纣王见妲己出来，口称：“御妻，今有西伯侯之子伯邑考纳贡代父赎罪，情实可矜。”妲己奏曰：“妾闻西岐伯邑考善能鼓琴，真世上无双，人间绝少。”纣王曰：“御妻何以知之？”妲己曰：“妾虽女流，幼在深闺闻父母传说，邑考博通音律，鼓琴更精，深知大雅遗音，妾所以得知。陛下可著邑考抚弹一曲，便知深浅。”纣王乃酒色之徒，久被妖氛所惑，一听其言，便命伯邑考叩见妲己。邑考朝拜毕。妲己曰：“伯邑考，闻你善能抚琴，你今试抚一曲何如？”邑考奏曰：“娘娘在上，臣闻父母有疾，为人子者，不敢舒衣安食。今犯臣父七载羁囚，苦楚万状，臣何忍蔑视其父，自为喜悦而鼓琴哉！况臣心碎如麻，安能宫商节奏，有辱圣聪。”纣王曰：“邑考，你当此景，抚操一曲，如果希奇，赦你父子归国。”邑考听见此言，大喜谢恩。纣王传旨，取琴一张。邑考盘膝坐在地上，将琴放在膝上，十指尖尖，拨动琴弦，抚弄一曲，名曰“风入松”： 杨柳依依弄晓风，桃花半吐映日红。芳草绵绵铺锦绣，任他车马各西东。

The court official presented a report: "Minister Yabi Fandi requests an audience." King Zhou said, "Summon Fandi to the pavilion." Fandi ascended the pavilion and paid his respects. King Zhou said, "I have not issued an edict to summon you; what memorial do you present?" Fandi presented his report: "Your servant respectfully addresses Your Majesty! Bo Yi, the son of Xibo Hou Ji Chang, has submitted tribute to redeem his father's crime." The king asked: "What items did Bo Yikao submit?" Fandi presented the tribute scroll. The emperor, after reviewing it, said to Fandi: "Seven-fragrance carriage, sobering mat, white-faced gibbon and ten beautiful women are presented in place of Xibo Hou's redemption for his crime." King Zhou ordered Bo Yikao summoned to the pavilion. Yikao, with his elbows and knees touching the ground, prostrated himself and presented a report: "The guilty minister's son Bo Yikao pays homage." King Zhou said, "Ji Chang committed a grave offense against the Son of Heaven. Now his son presents tribute to redeem his father's crimes; he can be considered filial indeed." Bo Yikao presented a report: "The guilty minister Ji Chang committed an offense against the Son of Heaven and was pardoned from execution, temporarily detained at Youli. We, my family and I, are deeply grateful for Your Majesty's boundless grace as vast as the sky and sea, and reverently acknowledge your great virtue as deep and lofty as earth and mountains. Now we, though unworthy and obscure, dare to present this plea at the risk of our lives, requesting that Your Majesty allow us to redeem my father's crimes. If Your Majesty would be so merciful as to grant a second life and allow us clemency, enabling our return to the homeland, it would reunite my mother and I with our family once more; this would be an eternal tribute to Your Majesty's extraordinary virtue of cherishing life." King Zhou, seeing Yikao's sorrow and his earnest plea for his father's injustice, recognized these as the words of a loyal minister and filial son. Deeply moved, he granted Yikao permission to rise. Yikao expressed his gratitude and stood outside the railing. Daji, from behind the inner curtain, saw Yikao's graceful and refined appearance: his eyes were bright, eyebrows clear, lips red, teeth white, and his speech gentle. Daji issued an order: "Roll up the pearl curtain." The palace attendants on either side rolled up the pearl curtain and fastened it to a golden hook. King Zhou saw Daji emerge and said, "My imperial consort, today the son of Xibo Hou, Bo Yikao, has presented tribute to redeem his father's sins; the situation is indeed pitiable." Daji presented a report: "I have heard that Bo Yikao of Xi Qi is skilled at playing the zither; truly unparalleled in this world, and rarely found among men." King Zhou asked: "How do you know this, my imperial consort?" Daji said, "Though I am but a woman, since childhood in my secluded chamber I heard it from my parents' stories. Yikao is broadly knowledgeable about music and especially skilled at playing the zither, deeply understanding the refined melodies of antiquity; this is how I came to know." "Your Majesty may have Yikao play a tune, and you will then know the depth of his skill." King Zhou was a man addicted to wine and beauty, long deceived by the demon's aura. Upon hearing her words, he immediately ordered Bo Yikao to pay respects to Daji. Yikao completed his bow of respect. Daji said, "Bo Yikao, I have heard that you are skilled at playing the zither. How about trying to play a tune now?" Yikao presented his reply: "Your Majesty above, I have heard that when parents are ill, as a son one dares not wear comfortable clothes or eat in peace. Now my guilty father has been detained for seven years, enduring countless sufferings. How could I, as a son, dare to look down upon his plight and play the zither for my own pleasure?" Moreover, my heart is shattered like hemp; how could I possibly follow the pitch and rhythm of court music without dishonoring Your Majesty's wisdom." King Zhou said, "Yikao, if you play a tune in this situation and it is indeed extraordinary, I shall pardon your father and son and allow you to return to your homeland." Upon hearing these words, Yikao was greatly pleased and thanked for the grace. King Zhou issued an order to bring forth a zither. Yikao sat cross-legged on the ground, placed the zither on his knees, and with nimble fingers plucked the strings. He played a tune named "Wind Enters the Pine": Willows gently sway in the morning breeze; peach blossoms half-bloomed glow red under the sun. Luxuriant grasses spread like brocade, letting carriages and horses go east or west as they please.

邑考弹至曲终，只见音韵幽扬，真如戛玉鸣珠，万壑松涛，清婉欲绝，今人尘襟顿爽，恍如身在瑶池凤阙；而笙簧箫管，檀板讴歌，觉俗气逼人耳。诚所谓“此曲祗应天上有，人间能得几回闻。”纣王听罢，心中大悦，对妲己曰：“真不负御妻所闻。邑考此曲可称尽善尽美。”妲己奏曰：“伯邑考之琴，天下共闻，今亲觌其人，所闻未尽所见。”纣王大喜，传旨摘星楼排宴。妲己偷睛看邑考，面如满月，丰姿俊雅，一表非俗，其风袅袅情动人。妲己又看纣王容貌，大是暗昧，不甚动人！──看官：纣王虽是帝王之相，怎经色欲相亏，形容枯槁。自古佳人爱少年，何况妲己乃一妖魅乎。妲己暗想：且将邑考留在此处，假说传琴，乘机挑逗，庶几成就鸾凤，共效于飞之乐。况他少年，其为补益更多，而拘拘于此老哉。”妲己设计欲留邑考，随即奏曰：“陛下当赦西伯父子归国，固是陛下浩荡之恩，但邑考琴为天下绝调，今赦之归国，朝歌竟然绝响，深为可惜。”纣王曰：“如之奈何？”妲己奏曰：“妾有一法，可全二事。”纣王曰：“卿有何妙策可以两全？”妲己曰：“陛下可留邑考在此传妾之琴，俟妾学精熟，早晚侍陛下左右，以助皇上清暇之乐。一则西伯感陛下赦宥之恩；二则朝歌不致绝瑶琴之乐，庶几可以两全。”纣王闻言，以手拍妲己之背曰：“贤哉爱卿！真是聪慧贤明，深得一举两全之道。”随传旨：“留邑考在此楼传琴。”妲己不觉暗喜：“我如今且将纣王灌醉了，扶去浓睡，我自好与彼行事，何愁此事不成。”忙传旨排宴。纣王以为妲己好意，岂知内藏伤风败俗之情，大坏纲常礼义之防。妲己手捧金杯，对纣王曰：“陛下进此寿酒！”纣王以为美爱，只顾欢馀，不觉一时酩酊。妲己命左右侍御宫人，扶皇上龙榻安寝，方著邑考传琴。两边宫人取琴二张，上一张是妲己，下一张是伯邑考传琴。邑考奏曰：“犯臣子启娘娘；此琴有内外五形，六律五音。吟、操、勾、剔。左手龙睛，右手凤目，按宫、商、角、徵、羽。又有八法，乃抹、挑、勾、剔、撇、托、摘、打。有六忌，七不弹。”妲己问曰：“何为六忌？”邑考曰：“闻哀，恸泣，专心事，忿怒情怀，戒欲、惊。”妲己又问：“何为七不弹？”邑考曰：“疾风骤雨，大悲大哀，衣冠不正，酒醉性狂，无香近亵，不知音近俗，不洁近秽。遇此皆不弹。此琴乃太古遗音，乐而近雅，与诸乐大不相同，其中有八十一大调，五十一小调，三十六等音。”有诗为证： 音和平兮清心目，世上琴声天上曲。尽将千古圣人心，付与三尺梧桐木。

When Yikao finished playing the tune, one could see that the melody was elegant and profound, truly like jade striking and pearls ringing, with pines roaring in countless valleys. Its clarity and grace were almost ethereal, instantly refreshing the listener's spirit as if they had been transported to a jade pool beneath phoenix halls; in comparison, the sounds of sheng flutes, xiao pipes, and singing with sandan boards seemed vulgar and oppressive to the ears. Truly as it is said: "This tune should exist only in heaven; how often can one hear it on earth?" After listening, King Zhou was greatly pleased and said to Daji: "It is truly as you described. Yikao's performance can be called perfectly excellent." Daji presented her report: "Bo Yikao's zither playing is renowned throughout the world. Now that I have personally seen him, what was heard pales in comparison to what has been witnessed." King Zhou was overjoyed and issued an order for a banquet at Zaising Lou. Daji stole glances at Yikao; his face was round like a full moon, graceful and elegant in appearance, with an extraordinary bearing. His demeanor was charmingly refined and stirred emotions. Daji then looked at King Zhou's features; they were dim and unremarkable, not at all captivating! ──Reader: Though King Zhou had the appearance of an emperor, how could he withstand the damage from lust and desire, leaving him gaunt and haggard. Since ancient times, beautiful women have loved young men; how much more so is this true for Daji, a demoness! Daji secretly thought: I should keep Yikao here, pretending to teach him the zither, and take the opportunity to flirt with him. Perhaps this will lead to a union of phoenix and 鸾, sharing in the joy of flying together. Besides, he is young; his potential for cultivation is even greater, yet here I am bound to this old man." Daji devised a plan to keep Yikao and immediately presented her suggestion: "Your Majesty should pardon the father and son of the western ruler and allow them to return to their country; this is indeed Your Majesty's generous grace. However, Bo Yikao's zither music is an unparalleled masterpiece in the world. If he is now pardoned and allowed to return home, the city of Chao Ge will lose its melody forever, which would be deeply regrettable." King Zhou asked: "Then what should we do?" Daji presented her suggestion: "I have a method that can accomplish both matters." King Zhou asked, "What brilliant strategy do you have to achieve both?" Daji said, "Your Majesty may keep Bo Yikao here to teach me the zither. Once I have mastered it thoroughly, I will serve Your Majesty at all times, assisting in your leisurely enjoyment." First, Lord Xi would be grateful for Your Majesty's clemency; secondly, the city of Chaoguo will not lose its rare zither music. This way, both matters can be resolved." King Zhou, upon hearing this, clapped Daji's back with his hand and said: "How wise you are, my beloved minister! Truly intelligent and wise, you have deeply grasped the way of achieving two things with one action." He immediately issued an order: "Leave Bo Yikao in this pavilion to teach the zither." Daji could not help but secretly rejoice: "Now I will get King Zhou drunk, support him to a deep sleep, and then I can freely interact with Bo Yikao. What reason is there for this matter not to succeed?" She hurriedly issued an order to prepare a banquet. King Zhou thought it was Daji's good intention, not knowing that within lay a plot to damage morality and corrupt social customs, greatly undermining the defenses of ethical norms and propriety. Daji held up a golden cup and said to King Zhou: "Your Majesty, please drink this longevity wine!" King Zhou thought it was a sign of affection and, preoccupied with joy, did not realize he had become thoroughly drunk. Daji ordered the attendants to support the emperor onto his dragon bed for rest, and then instructed Bo Yikao to teach her the zither. The palace attendants on both sides brought out two zithers; one was played by Daji, and the other was taught to her by Bo Yikao. Bo Yikao presented his report: "Your servant dares to address Your Majesty; This zither has five internal and external forms, six pitch standards, and five musical tones. It involves yin, cao, gou, and tī. The left hand is the dragon's eye, the right hand is the phoenix's gaze, pressing the palaces of Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, and Yu. There are also eight techniques: ma, tiao, gou, ti, pie, tuo, zhai, and da. There are six taboos and seven things not to be played." Daji asked, "What are the six taboos?" Yikao said: "Hearing sorrow, grieving deeply, being absorbed in matters, harboring anger and resentment, guarding against desire, and being startled." Daji asked again, "What are the seven things not to be played?" Yikao said: "During sudden storms, in times of great sorrow or grief, when one's attire is improper, when drunk and wild with passion, without fragrance near impropriety, when not understanding music and being vulgar, and when unclean and near filth. In such situations, one should refrain from playing the zither altogether. This zither carries the ancient melodies of antiquity, its music elegant and refined, vastly different from other forms of music. Within it are eighty-one major modes, fifty-one minor modes, and thirty-six tonal variations." There is a poem to attest: The sound is harmonious and peaceful, clearing the mind and brightening the spirit; the zither's music on earth rivals the songs of heaven. It conveys the hearts of sages through the ages, entrusting them to a three-foot piece of paulownia wood.

邑考言毕，将琴拨动，其音嘹亮，妙不可言。且说妲己原非为传琴之故，实为贪邑考之姿容；挑逗邑考，欲效于飞，纵淫败度，何尝留心于琴。只是左右勾引，故将脸上桃花现娇艳夭姿，风流国色。转秋波，送娇滴滴情怀；启朱唇，吐软温温悄语。无非欲动邑考，以惑乱其心。邑考乃圣人之子，因为父受羁因之厄，欲行孝道，故不辞跋涉之劳，往朝歌进贡，代赎父罪，指望父子同还故都，那有此意。虽是传琴，心如铁石，意若钢坚，眼不旁观，一心只顾传琴。妲己两番三次勾邑考不动。妲己曰：“此琴一时难明。”分付左右：“且排上宴来。”两边随办上宴来。妲己命席傍设坐，令邑考侍宴。邑考魂不附体，跪而奏曰：“邑考乃犯臣之子，荷蒙娘娘不杀之恩，赐以再生之路，感圣德真如山海。娘娘乃万乘之尊，人间国母，邑考怎敢侧坐。臣当万死！”邑考俯伏，不敢抬头。妲己曰：“邑考之言差矣！若论臣子，果然坐不得；若论传琴，乃是师徒之道，坐亦何妨。”邑考闻妲己之言，暗暗切齿：“这贱人把我当做不忠、不考、不德、不仁、非礼、非义、不智、不良之类。想吾始祖亶父在尧为臣，官居司农之职，相传数十世，累代忠良。今日邑考为父朝商，误入陷穽。岂知妲己以邪淫坏主上之纲常，有伤于风化，深辱天子，其恶不小。我邑考宁受万刃之诛，岂可坏姬门之节也。死九泉之下，何颜相见始祖哉！”且说妲己见邑考俯伏不言，又见邑考不动心情，并无一计可施。妲己邪念不绝：“我到有爱恋之心，他全无顾盻之意。也罢，我再将一法引逗他，不怕此人心情不动耳！”妲己只得命宫人将酒收了，令邑考平身，曰：“卿既坚执不饮，可还依旧用心传琴。”邑考领旨，依旧抚琴，照前勾拨多时。妲己猛曰，“我居于上，你在于下，所隔疏远，按弦多有错乱，甚是不便，焉能一时得熟。我有一法，可以两便又相近，可以按纳，有何不可。”邑考曰：“久抚自精，娘娘不必性急。”妲己曰：“不是这等说。今夜不熟，明日主上问我，我将何言相对？深为不便。可将你移于上坐，我坐你怀内，你拿著我双手拨此弦，不用一刻即熟，何劳多延日月哉。”把伯邑考吓得魂游万里，魄走三千。邑考思量：“此是大数已定，料难脱此罗网，毕竟做个青白之鬼，不负父亲教子之方，只得把忠言直谏，就死甘心。”邑考正色奏曰：“娘娘之言，使臣万载竟为狗彘之人！史官载在典章，以娘娘为何如后！娘娘乃万姓之国母，受天下诸侯之贡贺，享椒房至尊之实，掌六宫金阙之权；今为传琴一事，亵尊一至于此，深属儿戏，成何体统！使此事一

After Yikao finished speaking, he plucked the zither; its sound was clear and resonant, wondrous beyond words. Meanwhile, it must be said that Daji had not originally intended to learn the zither; in truth, she was driven by her desire for Bo Yikao's handsome appearance; she flirted with Yikao, hoping to emulate the union of a pair of birds in flight, indulging in lust and corrupting propriety. How could she possibly have been attentive to the zither? She merely used subtle enticements, allowing her peach-blossom-like face to display its youthful beauty and captivating charm. She cast sidelong glances, conveying tender affection; she parted her red lips and whispered soft, warm words. All of this was intended to stir Bo Yikao's emotions and confuse his mind. Bo Yikao was the son of a sage. Because his father had suffered imprisonment, he wished to fulfill filial piety and thus did not shy away from the hardships of travel, going to Chaoguo to present tribute in hopes of redeeming his father's guilt, expecting both father and son to return together to their homeland. How could he possibly have such intentions? Though teaching the zither, his heart was as firm as iron and stone, his will as unyielding as steel. His eyes did not glance sideways; he focused solely on passing down the art of the zither. Daji tried repeatedly to entice Bo Yikao, but failed to move him even once. Daji said: "This zither is difficult to master in a short time." She instructed those around her: "Prepare the banquet at once." The attendants on both sides promptly arranged for a feast to be served. Daji ordered seats to be set up beside the banquet table and instructed Bo Yikao to attend the feast. Bo Yikao, trembling with fear, knelt and presented his report: "I am the son of a criminal subject. I deeply appreciate Your Majesty's grace in sparing my life and granting me another chance at existence. My gratitude for this sacred virtue is as vast as mountains and seas." Your Majesty is the sovereign of a great empire, the queen mother of the world. How could I, Bo Yikao, dare to sit beside you?" I am unworthy and deserve death ten thousand times over!" Bo Yikao prostrated himself, too afraid to raise his head. Daji said: "What Bo Yikao has said is wrong! If we speak of being a subject, indeed you cannot sit; but if it is about teaching the zither, this is the relationship between teacher and student. What harm could there be in sitting?" Upon hearing Daji's words, Bo Yikao silently gritted his teeth: "This lowly woman treats me as one who is disloyal, unfilial, immoral, unkind, disrespectful, unjust, unwise, and wicked. My ancestors began with Danfu, who served as a minister under Yao and held the position of Minister of Agriculture. For generations passed down, our family has been loyal and virtuous for many successive dynasties. Today, I, Bo Yikao came to Shang on behalf of my father, only to fall into a trap by mistake. How could I have known that Daji would use her wicked lust to corrupt the emperor's moral order, damaging social customs and greatly dishonoring the Son of Heaven. Her evil is great indeed. I, Bo Yikao would rather suffer a thousand cuts than ever allow the virtue of my Ji family to be tarnished. How could I face our ancestors in the netherworld with such shame!" Meanwhile, Daji saw that Bo Yikao remained prostrate in silence. Observing his steadfast resolve and finding no way to move him, she had no plan left to execute. Daji's wicked thoughts did not cease: "I have feelings of affection for him, yet he shows no sign of looking my way. Well then, I shall try one more method to entice him; I am not afraid that his heart will remain unmoved!" Daji had no choice but to order the palace attendants to remove the wine and told Bo Yikao: "Since you insist on not drinking, you may continue teaching me the zither as before." Bo Yikao accepted the order and resumed playing the zither, continuing to pluck and stroke it for a long time as before. Daji suddenly said, "I am seated above, and you are below; the distance between us is too great. Pressing the strings has been full of errors and is very inconvenient. How can I possibly master it quickly?" "I have a method that would be convenient for both of us, bringing us closer together so the strings may be pressed properly. What is there not to agree with?" Bo Yikao said: "With prolonged practice, mastery will come naturally; Your Majesty need not be in a hurry." Daji said: "It is not that simple to say. If I do not master it tonight, and tomorrow the emperor asks me, what words can I use to respond?" It would be most inconvenient. You may move to the upper seat, and I will sit in your lap. You can hold my hands and pluck these strings; it would take no more than a moment for me to become proficient. Why waste so much time?" The suggestion terrified Bo Yikao, causing his soul to wander ten thousand miles and his spirit to flee three thousand leagues away. Bo Yikao reflected: "This must be my fate, and I cannot escape this trap. In the end, I would rather die as a clear-souled ghost than betray my father's teachings. I have no choice but to speak out with loyal advice, accepting death willingly." Bo Yikao spoke solemnly: "Your Majesty's words would make me a beast for all eternity! Historians will record this in the annals, and what title shall they give Your Majesty as a queen?" Your Majesty is the mother of ten thousand people, receiving tributes and congratulations from feudal lords across the land, enjoying supreme status in the palace, and holding authority over the six quarters and golden gates; Now, for the sake of learning a zither, to descend so low as this is deeply childish and utterly undignified! What kind of example does this set?!" If this matter were to be recorded in history,

闻于外，虽娘娘冰清玉洁，而天下万世又何信哉。娘娘请无性急，使傍观若有辱于至尊也。”就把妲己羞得彻耳通红，无言可对。随传旨命伯邑考暂退。邑考下楼，回馆驿，不题。

and heard by the outside world, even though Your Majesty is as pure and clean as jade, how could people of future generations believe in you?" Your Majesty should not be impatient. Let those watching from the side see this; it would only bring disgrace to Your Majesty's supreme dignity." Daji was so ashamed that her ears turned bright red, and she had no words with which to respond. She immediately issued an order dismissing Bo Yikao for the time being. Bo Yikao descended from the pavilion and returned to his lodging, but that is a story for another day.

且说妲已深恨：“这等匹夫，轻人如此！我本将心托明月，谁知明月满沟渠？反被他羞辱一场。管教你粉身碎骨，方消吾恨！”妲己只得陪纣王安寝。次日天明，纣王问妲己：“夜来伯邑考传琴，可曾精熟？”妲己枕边挑剔，乘机奏曰：“妾身启陛下；夜来伯邑考无心传琴，反起不良之念，将言调戏；甚无人臣礼。妾身不得不奏。”纣王闻言大怒曰：“这匹夫焉敢如此！”随即起来，整饬用膳，传旨：宣伯邑考。邑考在馆驿，闻命即至摘星楼下候旨。王命：“宣上楼来。”邑考上楼，叩拜在地，王曰：“昨日传琴，为何不尽心传琴，反迁延时刻，这有何说？”邑考奏曰：“学琴之事，要在心坚意诚，方能精熟。”妲己在傍言曰：“琴中之法无他，若仔细分明，讲的斟酌，岂有不精熟之理。只你传习不明，讲论糊涂，如何得臻其音律之妙。”纣王听妲己之言，夜来之事，不好明言，随命邑考：“再抚一曲与朕亲听，看是如何。”邑考受命，膝地而坐，抚弄瑶琴，自思：“不若于琴中寓以讽谏之意。”乃叹纣王一词曰： 一点忠心达上苍，祝君寿算永无疆。风和雨顺当今福，一统山河国祚长。

Meanwhile, Daji was deeply resentful: "This lowly man treats me with such contempt! I had placed my heart in the bright moon, yet who knew it would end up in a ditch?!" Instead, I was humiliated by him. I will teach you a lesson so severe that your body shall be crushed to dust and bones shattered—only then will my hatred be satisfied!" Daji had no choice but to accompany King Zhou in his rest. The next morning, as dawn broke, King Zhou asked Daji, "Last night, Bo Yikao taught the zither—did you learn it well?" Daji, picking up on this at her pillowside, seized the opportunity to report: "Your servant dares to address Your Majesty; Last night, Bo Yikao had no intention of teaching the zither but instead harbored evil thoughts and attempted to flirt with me; He showed absolutely no respect as a subject should. Your servant had no choice but to report this." King Zhou, upon hearing these words, became furious and said, "This lowly man dares act in such a way!" He immediately got up, tidied himself, had breakfast, and issued an order: Summon Bo Yikao. Bo Yikao was at the lodging when he heard the command; he immediately went to wait for instructions beneath Zaisinglei Tower. The king ordered: "Bring him up onto the tower." Bo Yikao ascended the tower, knelt on the ground and kowtowed. The king said: "Yesterday you were to teach the zither; why did you not do so with full effort but instead delayed time? What explanation do you have for this?" Bo Yikao replied: "Learning the zither requires a firm and sincere heart; only then can one master it thoroughly." Daji, standing by, said: "There is nothing mysterious about the method of playing the zither. If one explains it carefully and thoughtfully, how could there be any reason for not mastering it thoroughly? You simply failed to teach clearly and gave muddled explanations; how then could you reach the subtlety of its musical principles?" King Zhou, hearing Daji's words, did not wish to openly mention the events of last night. He then ordered Bo Yikao: "Play another tune for me personally and let us see how it is." Bo Yikao accepted the order, knelt on the floor and sat down, plucked his jade zither, and thought to himself: "I might as well use this opportunity to subtly convey a message of remonstration through the music." He then sighed and composed a verse for King Zhou: A single drop of loyal heart reaches the heavens above, I pray Your Majesty's life span may be endless. May winds and rains bring harmony—this is today's blessing; a unified land and rivers shall ensure the dynasty's long reign.

纣王静听琴内之音，俱是忠爱国之意，并无半点欺谤之言，将何罪于邑考。妲己见纣王无有加罪之心，以言挑之曰：“伯邑考前进白面猿猴，善能歌唱。陛下可曾听其歌唱否？”纣王曰：“夜来听琴有误，未曾演习；今日命邑考进上楼来，以试一曲，何如？”邑考领旨到馆驿，将猿猴进上摘星楼，开了红笼，放出猿猴。邑考将檀板递与白猿。白猿轻敲檀板，婉转歌喉，音若笙簧，满楼嘹亮。高一声如凤鸣之音，低一声似鸾啼之美，愁人听而舒眉，欢人听而抚掌，泣人听而止泪，明人听而如痴。纣王听之，颠倒情怀。妲己听之，芳心如醉。宫人听之，为世上之罕有。那猿猴只唱得神仙著意，嫦娥侧耳，就把妲己唱得神荡意迷，情飞心逸，如醉如痴，不能检束自己形体，将原形都唱出来了。这白猿乃千年得道之猿，修的十二重楼横骨俱无，故此善能歌唱；又修成火眼金睛，善看人间妖魅。妲己原形现出，白猿看见上面有个狐狸──不知狐狸乃妲己本相──白猿虽是得道之物，终是个畜类。此猿将檀板掷于地下，隔九龙侍席上，一撺劈面来抓妲己。往后一闪，早被纣王一拳将白猿打跌在地，死于地下。命宫人扶起。妲己曰：“伯邑考明请猿猴，暗为行刺，若非陛下之恩相救，妾命休矣。”纣王大怒，喝左右，“将伯邑考拿下，送入虿盆！”两边侍御官将邑考拿下。邑考厉声大叫“冤枉”不绝。纣王听邑考口称冤枉，命且放回。纣王问曰：“你这匹夫！白猿行刺，众目所视，为何强辩，口称‘冤枉’何也？”邑考泣奏曰：“猿猴乃山中之畜，虽修人语，野性未退；况猴子性喜果品，不用烟火之物，今见陛下九龙侍席之上，百般果品，心中急欲取果物，便弃檀板而撺酒席；且猿猴手无寸刃，焉能行刺？臣伯邑考世受陛下洪恩，焉敢造次。愿陛下究察其情，臣虽寸磔，死亦瞑目矣。”纣王听邑考之言，暗思多时，转怒为喜，曰：“御妻，邑考之言是也。猿猴乃山中之物，终是野性，况无刃岂能行刺？”随赦邑考。邑考谢恩。妲己曰：“既赦邑考无罪，你再将瑶琴抚弄一奇词异调，琴内果有忠良之心，便罢，若无倾葵之语，决不赦饶。”纣王曰：“御妻之言甚善。”邑考听妲己之奏，暗想：“这一番谅不能脱其圈套。就将此残躯以为直谏，就死万刃之下，留之史册，见我姬姓累世不失忠良。”邑考领旨坐地，就于膝上抚琴一曲，词曰：“ 明君作兮布德行仁，未闻忍心兮重敛烦刑。炮烙炽兮筋骨粉，虿盆惨兮肺腑惊，万姓精血竟入酒海，四方膏尽悬肉林。机杼抽空兮，鹿台才满，犁锄折兮钜桥粟盈。我愿明君兮，去谗逐淫；振刷纲纪兮天下太平！”

King Zhou listened quietly to the music and realized that all within it expressed loyalty and love for the country, with not a single word of slander or insult. What crime could he possibly find in Bo Yikao? Daji, seeing that King Zhou had no intention of punishing Bo Yikao, tried to provoke him by saying: "Bo Yikao previously presented a white-faced macaque monkey skilled in singing and dancing. Have Your Majesty heard it sing?" King Zhou said: "Last night I was distracted by the zither and did not hear its performance; Today, I have ordered Bo Yikao to bring it up here so that we may test a tune. What do you think?" Bo Yikao received the order and went to his lodging, bringing the monkey up to Zaisinglei Tower, opened a red cage, and released it. Bo Yikao handed the sandan board to the white-faced macaque. The white-faced macaque gently tapped the sandan, its voice turning and twisting like a songbird; the sound was as sweet as bamboo flutes or mouth organs, clear and resonant throughout the tower. Its high notes were like the cry of a phoenix, its low tones as beautiful as the lament of a 鸾 bird. Those who heard it in sorrow would smooth their brows; those joyful would clap their hands; those weeping would stop their tears; and the discerning would be entranced. King Zhou, upon hearing it, was overwhelmed with emotion. Daji, upon hearing it, felt her heart intoxicated. The palace attendants, upon hearing it, considered it a rare marvel in the world. The monkey sang so beautifully that even the immortals paid attention and Chang'e leaned in to listen. Daji, hearing it, became so entranced that her spirit was unsettled and her heart wandered freely; she was as drunk as if in a trance, unable to control herself, and her true form began to emerge. This white-faced macaque was a monkey that had attained the Dao after a thousand years of cultivation, having shed all twelve crossbones of its body; thus it was especially skilled in singing. It also cultivated fiery eyes and golden pupils capable of seeing through demons and spirits in the mortal world. When Daji's true form appeared, the white-faced macaque saw a fox above—unaware that this fox was actually Daji in her original shape. Though the monkey had attained cultivation, it remained ultimately an animal. The monkey hurled the sandan to the ground and leaped from across the nine-dragon attendant seat, rushing forward to strike Daji in the face. Daji stepped back quickly but was still struck by King Zhou's fist, which knocked the white-faced macaque to the ground where it died. He ordered palace attendants to lift her up. Daji said: "Bo Yikao openly requested the monkey but secretly intended to assassinate. Were it not for Your Majesty's grace in rescuing me, my life would have been lost." King Zhou was furious and shouted to those on either side: "Seize Bo Yikao and throw him into the 虿盆!" The attendants on both sides seized Bo Yikao. Bo Yikao shouted loudly and repeatedly, "I am wronged!" King Zhou heard Bo Yikao crying out that he was innocent and ordered him to be released for the time being. King Zhou asked: "You lowly man! The white-faced macaque attacked you, and everyone saw it with their own eyes. Why do you insist on defending yourself and claim 'I am wronged'?" Bo Yikao wept as he replied: "The monkey is a beast of the mountains. Though it has learned to speak human language, its wild nature remains; Moreover, monkeys naturally love fruits and do not eat fire-cooked food. Today, seeing the many kinds of fruit on Your Majesty's nine-dragon attendant table, it became eager to grab some fruit and leapt toward the banquet, abandoning its sandan board; Furthermore, this monkey has no weapon in hand—how could it possibly commit an assassination?" Your servant Bo Yikao's family has long benefited from Your Majesty's great grace; how dare I act recklessly? I pray that Your Majesty will investigate the truth. Even if I am cut into pieces, my death would be a peaceful one." King Zhou listened to Bo Yikao's words, pondered for a long time in silence, and then changed from anger to joy. He said: "My imperial wife, what Bo Yikao has said is correct. A monkey is a creature of the mountains and remains wild by nature; besides, without any weapon, how could it possibly commit an assassination?" He then pardoned Bo Yikao. Bo Yikao expressed his gratitude. Daji said: "Since you have pardoned Bo Yikao of his guilt, he must now play the jade zither again and perform a strange tune or an unusual melody. If there is indeed loyalty within the music, then it may be forgiven; but if no words of devotion are heard, I will never allow him to go unpunished." King Zhou said: "My imperial wife's words are most reasonable." Bo Yikao, hearing Daji's accusation, thought to himself in secret: "This time I cannot possibly escape her trap. I will offer this wretched body as a final remonstration; even if I die beneath ten thousand blades, my name shall be recorded in history to show that the Ji clan has never lost its loyalty and virtue through generations." Bo Yikao accepted the command, knelt on the ground, and played a tune on his knee. The lyrics went: A wise ruler rules with virtue and benevolence; I have never heard of one who is cruel-hearted, imposing heavy taxes and harsh punishments. The fire tortures reduce bones to dust; the 虿 pen is cruel and shocks the innermost being. The essence of ten thousand people flows into wine pools, while fat from all directions hangs in meat forests. Looms are drawn dry, yet the Lu Tai granary is full; plows break and hoes snap, yet Ju Qiao's grain stores overflow. I pray for a wise ruler to banish slanderers and drive away the licentious; To restore order and bring peace to all under heaven!"

邑考抚罢，纣王不明其音。妲己妖魅，听得琴中之音有谤毁君上之言。妲己以手指邑考骂曰：“大胆匹夫！敢于琴中暗寓谤毁之言，辱君骂主，情殊可恨！真是刁恶之徒，罪不容诛！”纣王问妲己曰：“琴中谤毁，朕尚不明。”妲己将琴中之意，细说一番。纣王大怒，喝左右来拿。邑考奏曰：“臣还有结句一段，试抚于陛下听完。”词曰： 愿王远色兮再正纲常，天下太平兮速废娘娘。妖气灭兮诸侯悦服，却淫邪兮社稷宁康。陷邑考兮不怕万死，绝妲己兮史氏传扬！”

After Bo Yikao finished playing, King Zhou did not understand the meaning of the music. Daji, with her demonic nature, heard within the zither's melody words that defamed and insulted the king. Daji pointed at Bo Yikao with her finger and scolded: "You dare, you lowly man! You dared to secretly include defamatory words in your music, insulting the king and cursing your lord—this is most despicable! Truly a wicked scoundrel, whose crime cannot be left unpunished!" King Zhou asked Daji: "The defamatory words within the zither music are still unclear to me." Daji explained in detail what she claimed were the meanings hidden in the music. King Zhou became furious and shouted for those on either side to seize him. Bo Yikao pleaded: "Your servant still has one final stanza; please allow me to play it for Your Majesty and hear it through." The lyrics went: I pray the king will distance himself from beauty, restore order and virtue; may peace return to all under heaven—quickly remove this imperial concubine. May demonic influences vanish so that feudal lords will be pleased and submit; may licentiousness be cast out to bring peace and prosperity to the state. I, Bo Yikao, face ten thousand deaths without fear; may Daji's name be erased from history!"

邑考作歌已毕，回首将琴隔侍席打来，只打得盘碟纷飞。妲己将身一闪，跌倒在地。纣王大怒曰：“好匹夫！猿猴行刺，被你巧言说过；你将琴击皇后，分明弑逆，罪不容诛！”喝左右侍驾曰：“将邑考拿下摘星楼，送入虿盆！”众宫人扶起，妲己奏曰：“陛下且将邑考拿下楼去，妾身自有处治。”纣王听妲己之言，把邑考拿下楼。妲己命左右取钉四根，将邑考手足钉了，用刀碎剁。可怜一身拿下，钉了手足。邑考大叫，骂不绝口：“贱人！你将成汤锦绣江山化为乌有。我死不足惜，忠名常在，孝节永存。贱人！我生不能啖汝之肉，死后定为厉鬼食汝之魂！”可怜孝子为父朝商，竟遭万刃剁尸！不一时，将邑考剁成肉酱。纣王命付于虿盆，喂了蛇蝎。妲己曰：“不可。妾常闻姬昌号为圣人，说他能明祸福，善识阴阳。妾闻圣人不食子肉，今将邑考之肉著厨役用作料，做成肉饼，赐与姬昌。若昌竟食此肉，乃是妄诞虚名，祸福阴阳，俱是谬说。竟可赦宥，以表皇上不杀之仁；如果不食，当速斩姬昌，恐遗后患。”纣王曰：“御妻之言正合朕意。速命厨役，将邑考肉作饼，差官送往羑里，赐与姬昌。”不知西伯性命如何，且听下回分解。

After finishing his song, Bo Yikao turned and hurled the zither across the attendant table; it struck with such force that plates and bowls flew everywhere. Daji dodged quickly but still fell to the ground. King Zhou was furious and said: "You good-for-nothing!" The monkey's attack was brushed aside by your clever words; Now you strike the queen with a zither—this is clearly an act of regicide and rebellion, a crime that cannot be left unpunished!" He shouted to the attendants: "Seize Bo Yikao from Zaisinglei Tower and throw him into the 虿 pen!" The palace attendants helped her up, and Daji said: "Your Majesty, please take Bo Yikao down from the tower; I will deal with him myself." King Zhou listened to Daji's words and had Bo Yikao taken down from the tower. Daji ordered those on either side to bring four nails, nailed Bo Yikao's hands and feet, and had him cut into pieces with a knife. Poor Bo Yikao—his body was seized, his hands and feet nailed down. Bo Yikao cried out loudly, cursing without end: "Lowly wretch! You have turned the splendid rivers and mountains of King Chengtang into nothingness. My death is not worth regretting; my loyalty shall remain forever, and my filial virtue will endure eternally. Lowly wretch! While I am alive, I cannot devour your flesh; but after my death, I shall surely become a vengeful ghost and consume your soul!" Alas! A filial son who came to the Shang court for his father's sake was ultimately butchered by ten thousand blades! In no time at all, they chopped Bo Yikao into a meat paste. King Zhou ordered the remains to be placed in a scorpion pot and fed to snakes and scorpions. Daji said, "No, that won't do." I have often heard that Ji Chang is called a sage; they say he can discern calamity and fortune, and is skilled in recognizing yin and yang. I have heard that a sage does not eat the flesh of his son. Now, let us take Bo Yikao's meat and instruct the cooks to use it as an ingredient, make some meat buns with it, and bestow them upon Ji Chang. If Ji Chang dares to eat this meat, then he is a fraud with an empty reputation; all his talk of calamity and fortune, yin and yang, will be proven false. He may even be pardoned, to demonstrate the Emperor's benevolence in not taking lives; if he does not eat it, Ji Chang should be swiftly executed without delay, for fear of leaving behind a future threat." King Zhou said, "My consort's words perfectly align with my own thoughts. Quickly order the cooks to make buns from Bo Yikao's flesh, and send them by official messenger to Youli to bestow upon Ji Chang." Whether Lord Xi will survive or not remains to be seen in the next chapter.