Chapter 20: Sanyisheng Secretly Communicates with Fei You

诗曰： 自古权奸止爱钱，构成机彀害忠贤。不无黄白开生路，也要青蚨入锦缠。 成己不知遗国恨，遗灾那问有家延。孰知反复原无定，悔却吴钩错倒捻。

The poem says: Since ancient times, powerful villains have loved money alone; they devised snares to harm loyal and virtuous men. They could not help but open a path of life with gold and silver, yet they also wanted green cicadas to enter brocade-wrapped treasures. He did not know that his actions left behind a national grievance; he caused calamity without caring whether his family could continue. Who knew that reversals are originally uncertain? He regretted holding the Wu gōu sword wrongly in hand.

且言西伯侯囚于羑里城，──即今河北相州汤阴县是也──每日闭门待罪，将伏羲八卦变为八八六十四卦，重为三百八十四爻，内按阴阳消息之机，周天划度之妙，后为“周易”。姬昌闲暇无事，闷抚瑶琴一曲，猛然琴中大弦忽有杀声，西伯惊曰：“此杀声主何怪事？”慌忙止琴声，取金钱占一课，便知分晓。姬伯不觉流泪曰：“我儿不听父言，遭此碎身之祸！今日如不食子肉，难逃杀身之祸；如食子肉，其心何忍？使我心如刀绞，不敢悲啼，如泄此机，我身亦自难保。”姬伯只得含悲忍泪，不敢出声。作诗叹曰： “孤身抱忠义，万里探亲灾；未入羑里城，先登殷纣台。 　抚琴除孽妇，顷刻怒心推。可惜青年客，魂游劫运灰！”

It is said that the Marquis of Xibo was imprisoned in Youli City—now known as Tangyin Xian, Xiangzhou, Hebei Province—and every day he remained shut inside his house awaiting punishment. During this time, he transformed the eight trigrams of Fu Xi into sixty-four hexagrams (eight times eight), which were further divided into 384 lines. Within these lay the principles of yin and yang's waxing and waning, as well as the subtle divisions of the celestial sphere, later known as the "Zhou Yi." When Ji Chang had leisure and nothing to do, he idly played a tune on his jade zither. Suddenly, the main string of the zither emitted a sound of killing intent. The Marquis of Xibo was startled and said, "What strange event does this killing sound foretell?" In a hurry, he stopped the zither music and took some bronze coins to cast a divination. Thus, he would soon know what it meant. Marquis Ji could not help but weep and said, "My son did not heed his father's words, thus suffering this calamity of dismemberment!" If today I do not eat my son's flesh, I cannot escape the disaster of losing my life; But if I were to eat my son's flesh, how could my heart bear it? It would cut my heart like a blade, and I dare not weep in sorrow. If I were to reveal this secret, even my own life would be at risk." Marquis Ji had no choice but to bear his grief and suppress his tears, daring not to make a sound. He composed a poem in lamentation: "I alone carry loyalty and righteousness, traveling ten thousand miles to investigate the calamity befalling my kin; " "Before entering Youli City, I first climbed the terrace of Yin Zhou." Gently playing the zither to dispel a wicked wife, in an instant anger surged within. "Alas for the young traveler; his soul now wanders amidst the ashes of calamity!"

姬昌作毕，左右不知姬伯心事，俱默默不语。话未了时，使命官到，有旨意下。姬昌缟素接旨，口称：“犯臣死罪。”姬昌接旨，开读毕，使命官将龙凤膳盒摆在上面。使命曰：“主上见贤侯在羑里久羁，圣心不忍。昨日圣驾幸猎，打得鹿獐之物，做成肉饼，特赐贤侯，故有是命。”姬昌跪在案前，揭开膳盒，言曰：“圣上受鞍马之劳，反赐犯臣鹿饼之享，愿陛下万岁！”谢恩毕，连食三饼，将盒盖了。使命见姬昌食了子肉，暗暗叹曰：“人言姬伯能知先天神数，善晓吉凶，今日见子肉而不知，速食而甘美，所谓阴阳吉凶，皆是虚语！”且说姬昌明知子肉，含忍痛苦，不敢悲伤，勉强精神对使命言曰：“钦差大人，犯臣不能躬谢天恩，敢烦大人与昌转达，昌就此谢恩便了。”姬伯倒身下拜，“蒙圣上之恩光，又普照于羑里。”使命官回朝歌。不题。且说姬伯思子之苦，不敢啼哭，暗暗作诗叹曰： “一别西岐到此间，曾言不必渡江关。只知进贡朝昏主，莫解迎君有犯颜。 　年少忠良空惨切，泪多如雨只潸潸。游魂一点归何处，青史名标是等闲。”

After Ji Chang finished composing, those around him did not know what was on Marquis Ji's mind and remained silently speechless. Before the words were fully spoken, an imperial messenger arrived with a decree from above. Ji Chang received the decree in plain white robes and said aloud: "I, the guilty minister, commit capital offenses." After Ji Chang received the decree and it was read aloud, the imperial messenger placed a dragon-and- phoenix food box on top. The messenger said: "His Majesty sees that the Virtuous Marquis has been detained in Youli for a long time, and His Majesty's heart cannot bear it. Yesterday the Emperor went hunting and shot deer and zhang, made them into meat pies, and specially bestowed them upon the Virtuous Marquis; thus this order was given." Ji Chang knelt before the table, opened the food box, and said: "The Emperor has endured toil from riding horses and wagons, yet still bestows this deer pie upon a guilty minister like me. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years!" After expressing his gratitude, he ate three meat pies and then closed the food box. The messenger, seeing Ji Chang eat his son's flesh, sighed secretly and said: "People say Marquis Ji is able to know the divine numbers of the 先天 (Primordial Heaven), skilled in discerning auspiciousness and misfortune. Yet today, upon seeing this meat of his son, he does not recognize it, eats it quickly with relish—so-called yin-yang, auspicious or ominous signs are all empty words!" Meanwhile, Ji Chang, fully aware that the meat was his son's, endured the pain in silence, daring not to grieve. He forced himself to speak to the messenger and said: "Your Excellency, the guilty minister cannot personally thank Heaven's grace; I dare trouble you to convey my gratitude on my behalf. Minister Ji will express thanks here now." Marquis Ji fell to his knees and bowed, saying: "I am honored by the Emperor's grace, which once again shines upon Youli." The messenger returned to Chaoguo. No further mention is made of it. Meanwhile, Marquis Ji, in his sorrow over missing his son, dared not weep aloud but secretly composed a poem lamenting: "Since parting from Xi Qi to come here, I once said there was no need to cross the river and pass through the frontier; " "I only knew of presenting tribute to the morning-and-night sovereign, never realizing that welcoming the ruler might bring defiance. The young and loyal man suffers in vain, his tears falling like rain, streaming endlessly." "Where will this wandering soul return? To be recorded in history is but a matter of course."

姬伯作毕诗，不觉忧忧闷闷，寝食俱废在羑里。不题。

After finishing the poem, Marquis Ji could not help feeling deeply distressed and melancholy. He lost his appetite and sleep while detained in Youli. No further mention is made of this.

且说使命官回朝复命，纣王在显庆殿与费仲、尤浑弈棋。左右侍驾官启奏：“使命候旨。”纣王传旨：“宣至殿廷回旨。”奏曰：“臣奉旨将肉饼送至羑里，姬昌谢恩言曰：‘姬昌犯罪当死，蒙圣恩赦以再生，已出望外；今皇上受鞍马之劳，犯臣安逸而受鹿饼之赐，圣恩浩荡，感刻无地！’跪地上，揭开膳盒，连食三饼，叩头谢恩。又对臣曰：‘犯臣姬昌不得面觌天颜。’又拜八拜，乞使命转达天庭。今臣回旨。”纣王听使臣之言，对费仲曰：“姬昌素有重名，善演先天之数，吉凶有准，祸福无差；今观自己子肉食而不知，人言可尽信哉！朕念姬昌七载羁囚，欲赦回国，二卿意下以为如何？”费仲奏曰：“昌数无差，定知子肉。恐欲不食，又遭屠戮，只得勉强忍食，以为脱身之计，不得已而为之也。陛下不可不察，误中奸计耳。”王曰：“昌知子肉，决不肯食。”又言：“昌乃大贤，岂有大贤忍啖子肉哉。”费仲奏曰：“姬昌外有忠诚，内怀奸诈，人皆为彼瞒过，不如目禁羑里；似虎投陷穽，鸟困雕笼，虽不杀戮，也磨其锐气。况今东南二路已叛，尚未慑服；今纵姬昌于西岐，是又添一患矣。乞陛下念之。”王曰：“卿言是也。”──此还是西伯侯灾难未满，故有谗佞之阻。有诗为证： 羑里城中灾未满，费尤在恻献谗言。若无西地宜生计，焉得文王返故园。

Meanwhile, the imperial messenger returned to court to report back. King Zhou was playing chess with Fei Zhong and You Hun in Xianqing Hall. An attendant official reported: "The imperial messenger is waiting for an audience." King Zhou issued the order: "Summon him to the hall and have him report back." The messenger reported: "Your servant, following the imperial decree, delivered the meat pies to Youli. Ji Chang expressed his gratitude and said: 'Ji Chang has committed crimes deserving death; I was unexpectedly granted mercy by His Majesty's grace and given a second life; " now the Emperor endures toil from riding and hunting, while a guilty minister like I enjoys ease and receives the gift of deer meat. His Majesty's boundless grace is deeply moving; I can find no words to express my gratitude!'" He knelt on the ground, opened the food box, ate three meat pies in succession, and kowtowed repeatedly to express his gratitude. He also said to me: 'The guilty minister Ji Chang cannot personally present himself before the Emperor's face.' " He then kowtowed eight times, begging the messenger to convey his words to Heaven. Now I have returned with my report." King Zhou listened to the messenger's report and said to Fei Zhong: "Ji Chang has long been renowned, skilled in interpreting the Primordial Heaven's numbers; his predictions of auspiciousness or misfortune are accurate, with no deviation between fortune and calamity; now seeing that he ate his own son's flesh without knowing it, can we entirely trust what people say!" I have been thinking about Ji Chang's seven years of imprisonment and wish to pardon him and allow him to return to his state. What are your two ministers' opinions on this?" Fei Zhong reported: "Ji Chang's calculations have never been wrong; he must certainly know it was his son's flesh. He probably wanted not to eat it, yet feared being slaughtered; thus he had no choice but to force himself to eat it as a strategy for escape, an act done out of necessity. Your Majesty must not overlook this—it is merely falling into the trick of villains." The King said: "If Ji Chang knew it was his son's flesh, he would certainly refuse to eat it. He added: "Ji Chang is a great virtuous man; how could such a great virtue endure eating his son's flesh?" Fei Zhong replied: "Ji Chang appears loyal on the outside but harbors deceit within. Many have been deceived by him; it would be better to keep his eyes covered and imprison him in Youli; it is like casting a tiger into a trap or trapping a bird in an ornate cage. Even without killing him, it will dull his sharp spirit. Moreover, the two southern and eastern routes have already rebelled and are not yet subdued; if we now release Ji Chang to Xi Qi, it would add another source of trouble. I beg Your Majesty to consider this." The King said: "Your words are correct." —This is still because the Marquis of Xibo has not yet fulfilled his share of calamity, hence the obstruction by slanderous villains. There is a poem to attest: "In Youli City the calamity was not yet fulfilled, as Fei and You on the side offered slanderous words. " Had there been no plan for survival in the west, how could King Wen return to his homeland?

不说纣王不赦姬昌，且说邑考从人已知纣王将公子醢为肉酱，星夜逃回，进西岐来见二公子姬发。姬发一日升殿，端门官来报：“有跟随公子往朝歌家将候旨。”姬发听报，传令旨，速宣众人到殿前。众人哭拜在地。姬发慌问其故。来人启曰：“公子往朝歌进贡，不曾往羑里见老爷，先见纣王。不知何事，将公子醢为肉酱。”姬发听言，大哭于殿廷，几乎气绝。只见两边文武之中，有大将军南宫大叫曰：“公子乃西岐之幼主，今进贡与纣王，反遭醢尸之惨。我等主公遭囚羑里。虽是昏乱，吾等远有君臣之礼，不肯有负先王；今公子无辜而受屠戮，痛心切骨，若臣之义已绝，纲常之分俱乖。今东南两路苦战多年，吾等奉国法以守臣节，今已如此，何不统两班文武，将倾国之兵，先取五关，杀上朝歌，剿戮昏君，再立明主。正所谓定祸乱而反太平，亦不失为臣之节！”只见两边武将听南宫适之言，时有四贤、八俊；辛甲、辛免、太颠、闳夭、祁公、尹积，西伯侯有三十六教习子姓姬叔度等，齐大叫：“南将军之言有理！”众文武切齿咬牙，竖眉睁目，七间殿上，一片喧嚷之声，连姬发亦无定主。只见散宜生厉声言曰：“公子休乱，臣有事奉启！”发曰：“上大夫今有何言？”宜生曰：“公子命刀斧手先将南宫适拿出端门斩了，然后再议大事。”姬发与众将问曰：“先生为何先斩南将军？此理何说？使诸将不服。”宜生对诸将言曰：“此等乱臣贼子，陷主君于不义，理当先斩，再议国事。诸公只知披坚执锐，一勇无谋。不知老大王克守臣节，硜硜不贰，虽在羑里，定无怨言。公等造次胡为，兵未到五关，先陷主公于不义而死，此诚何心。故先斩南宫适，而后再议国是也。”公子姬发与众将听罢，个个无言，默默不语。南宫适亦无语低头。宜生曰：“当日公子不听宜生之言，今日果有杀身之祸。昔日大王往朝歌之日，演先天之数，七年之殃，灾满难足，自有荣归之日，不必著人来接。言犹在耳，殿下不听，致有此祸。况又失于打点，今纣王宠信费、尤二贼，临行不带礼物贿赂二人，故殿下有丧身之祸。为今之计，不若先差官一员，用重贿私通费、尤，使内外相应；待臣修书，恳切哀求。若奸臣受贿，必在纣王面前以好言解释。老大王自然还国，那时修德行仁，俟纣恶贯盈，再会天下诸侯共伐无道，兴吊民伐罪之师，天下自然响应。废去昏庸，再立有道，人心悦服。不然，徒取败亡，遗臭后世，为天下笑耳。”姬发曰：“先生之教为善，使发顿开茅塞，真金玉之论也。不知先用何等礼物？所用何官？先生当明以告我。”宜生曰：“不过

Without mentioning that King Zhou did not pardon Ji Chang, let us speak of Yikao's attendants who had already learned that King Zhou had made the prince into a meat paste; they fled through the night and returned to Xi Qi to report to Prince Ji Fa. One day, Prince Ji Fa ascended the hall when an official at the main gate reported: "There are attendants who followed the prince to Chaoguo waiting for instructions." Prince Ji Fa, upon hearing the report, issued an order and quickly summoned everyone to the hall. The people wept and kowtowed on the ground. Prince Ji Fa anxiously asked what had happened. The man reported: "Your Highness went to Chaoguo to present tribute, but did not first go to Youli to see the master; instead, you met with King Zhou. We do not know what happened, but the prince was made into a meat paste." Upon hearing these words, Prince Ji Fa wept bitterly in the hall, nearly fainting from grief. Just then, among the civil and military officials on both sides, General Nan Gong shouted loudly: "Your Highness is the young ruler of Xi Qi. Now that you have presented tribute to King Zhou, you instead suffer this cruel fate of being dismembered." Our lord has been imprisoned in Youli. Though the king is corrupt and disorderly, we still uphold the distant rites of ruler and subject, and dare not betray our late sovereign; now that the prince has been unjustly slaughtered, it pierces my heart and bones. If our loyalty is now severed, then all distinctions of moral order are lost. Now, after years of bitter fighting in the southeast, we have upheld our loyalty to the state and observed the virtue of subjects. If it has come to this, why not unite all civil and military officials, mobilize the entire nation's army, first capture the five passes, march on Chaoguo, destroy the tyrant king, and then establish a wise ruler?" This is exactly what is meant by quelling chaos to restore peace; it would not be a betrayal of the virtue of being a subject!" Just then, upon hearing General Nan Gong's words, among the military commanders on both sides were four virtuous men and eight outstanding talents; Xin Jia, Xin Mian, Tai Dian, Hong Yao, Qi Gong, Yin Ji, and thirty-six disciples of the Marquis of Xibo surnamed Ji, including Ji Shudu, all shouted in unison: "General Nan's words are reasonable!" The civil and military officials were all furious, gnashing their teeth, raising their brows, and glaring with wide eyes. In the seven-bay hall, a cacophony of voices arose, even leaving Prince Ji Fa uncertain about what to do. Just then, Sanye Sheng spoke sharply: "Your Highness, please calm down; I have something to report!" Ji Fa said: "High Minister, what is it you wish to say now?" Yisheng said: "Your Highness should order the executioners to first drag General Nan Gong out through the main gate and behead him, then we may discuss major affairs." Prince Ji Fa and the generals asked: "Master, why should General Nan be executed first?" What is the reasoning behind this?" It would cause the generals to become discontented." Yisheng addressed the generals and said: "Such a traitorous minister has placed his lord in an unjust position; he should be executed first, then we can discuss state affairs. You all only know how to don armor and wield weapons with boldness but without strategy. You do not realize that our late king steadfastly observed the virtue of a subject, remaining loyal without any wavering. Though detained in Youli, he certainly had no complaints. What reckless actions you have taken! Before the army even reaches the five passes, you would first place our lord in a position of injustice and death. What kind of heart do you possess? Therefore, General Nan Gong must be executed first before we can discuss the affairs of the state." After hearing this, Prince Ji Fa and all the generals remained silent, each without a word to say. General Nan Gong also lowered his head in silence. Yisheng said: "On that day, Your Highness did not heed my words; today, as expected, there is a calamity of losing one's life. On the day our late king went to Chaoguo, he interpreted the Primordial Heaven's numbers and foretold a calamity lasting seven years. Once his share of suffering is fulfilled, there will naturally be a glorious return; it was unnecessary for anyone to come and fetch him." These words were still fresh in our ears, yet the prince did not listen, leading to this disaster. Moreover, you failed to properly prepare gifts. Now King Zhou favors the two villains Fei and You; since no bribes were given before departure, this is why Your Highness suffered a fatal disaster. For the present situation, it would be better to first send an official with heavy bribes to secretly communicate with Fei and You, so that we may coordinate from within and without; while I compose a letter filled with earnest pleas. If the villains accept the bribes, they will surely speak kindly in King Zhou's presence to explain things. Then our late king will naturally return to the state. At that time, we should cultivate virtue and practice benevolence; when King Zhou's wickedness reaches its peak, we can gather all feudal lords under heaven to launch a righteous campaign against tyranny, raising an army to relieve the suffering people and punish the guilty—then the whole world will surely respond. We can depose this corrupt ruler and establish a virtuous sovereign, thus winning the hearts and approval of the people. Otherwise, we will only invite failure and disgrace, leaving behind a foul reputation for future generations to mock." Ji Fa said: "Your instruction is most wise, and it has suddenly enlightened me. Truly, your words are as precious as gold and jade." I do not know what kind of gifts should be used first? And which official should be sent? Sir, you must clearly inform me." Yisheng said: "It is nothing more than...

用明珠、白璧、彩缎表里、黄金、玉带，其礼二分；一分差太颠送费仲；一分差闳夭送尤浑。使二将星夜进五关，扮作商贾，暗进朝歌。费、尤二人若受此礼，大王不日归国，自然无事。”公子大喜，即忙收拾礼物。宜生修书，差二将往朝歌来。有诗曰： 明珠白璧共黄金，暗进朝歌贿佞壬。漫道财神通鬼使，果无世利动人心。 成汤社稷成残烛，西北江山若茂林。不是宜生施妙策，天教殷纣自成擒。

using precious pearls, white jade, colored brocade for outer and inner garments, gold, and jade belts—two portions of such gifts; one portion should be sent by Tai Dian to Fei Zhong; the other portion should be delivered by Hong Yao to You Hun. Let the two generals travel through five passes at night, disguised as merchants, and secretly enter Chaoguo. If Fei and You accept these gifts, the king will return to his country in no time, and naturally everything will be fine." The prince was greatly pleased and immediately began preparing the gifts. Yisheng composed a letter, and dispatched the two generals to Chaoguo. There is a poem that says: Precious pearls and white jade along with gold, secretly sent to Chaoguo to bribe sycophants. Do not say wealth can move spirits through devils; indeed, worldly benefits have the power to sway human hearts. The ancestral state of Cheng Tang has become a dying candle, while the northwest mountains and rivers flourish like dense forests. Were it not for Yisheng's brilliant strategy, Heaven would have allowed Yin Zhou to capture himself.

且说太颠、闳夭扮作经商，暗带礼物，星夜往汜水关来。关上查明，二将进关。一路上无词，过了界牌关，八十里进了穿云关，又进潼关，一百二十里又至临潼关，过渑池县，渡黄河，到孟津，至朝歌。二将不敢在馆驿安住，投客店宿下，暗暗收了礼物。太颠往费仲府下书；闳夭往尤浑府下书。

Meanwhile, Tai Dian and Hong Yao, disguised as merchants carrying gifts in secret, journeyed through the night toward Sishui Pass. The gate guards inspected them and allowed the two generals to pass through the pass. Along the way, there were no incidents. They passed Jiepai Pass and, after eighty li, entered Chuanyun Pass. Then they proceeded to Tongguan, another 120 li brought them to Lintong Pass. After passing Menchi Xian, crossing the Yellow River, arriving at Mengjin, they finally reached Chaoguo. The two generals dared not stay in the official inn; instead, they lodged at an inn and secretly concealed their gifts. Tai Dian delivered a letter to Fei Zhong's residence; Hong Yao delivered a letter to You Hun's residence.

且说费仲抵暮出朝，归至府第无事。守门官启老爷：“西岐有散宜生差官下书。”费仲笑曰：“迟了！著他进来。”太颠来到厅前，只得行礼参见。费仲问曰：“汝是甚人，夤夜见我？”太颠起身答曰：“末将乃西岐神武将军太颠是也。今奉上大夫散宜生命，具有表礼，蒙大夫保全我主公性命，再造洪恩，高深莫极，每思毫无尺寸相辅，以效涓涯，今特差末将有书投见。”费仲命太颠平身，将书折开观看。书曰： “西岐卑职散宜生顿首百拜致书于士大夫费公恩主台下：久仰大德，未叩台端，自愧惊骀，无缘执鞭，梦想殊渴。兹启；敝地恩主姬伯，冒言忤君，罪在不赦。深感大夫垂救之恩，得获生全。虽囚羑里，实大夫再赐之馀生耳。不胜庆幸，某外又何敢望焉。职第因僻处一隅，未伸衔结，日夜只有望帝京遥祝万寿无疆而已。今特遣大夫太颠，具不之仪，白璧二双，黄金百镒，表里四端，少曝西土众士民之微忱，幸无以不恭见罪。但我主公以衰末残年，久羁羑里，情实可矜，况有倚闾老母，幼子孤臣，无不日夜悬思，希图再睹，此亦仁人君子所共怜念者也。恳祈恩台大开慈隐，法外施仁，一语回天，得赦归国，则恩台德海仁山，西土众姓，无不衔恩于世世矣。临书不胜悚栗待命之至！谨启。”

Meanwhile, Fei Zhong left court at dusk and returned home without incident. The gatekeeper informed his lord: "An official from Xiqi, sent by Sanye Yisheng, has delivered a letter." Fei Zhong laughed and said: "Too late!" "Let him come in." Tai Dian arrived at the hall and had no choice but to bow respectfully. Fei Zhong asked: "Who are you, coming to see me in the dead of night?" Tai Dian rose and replied: "I am Tai Dian, a Divine Martial General of Xiqi. I have now received the command of Grand Minister Sanye Yisheng. With formal gifts, I wish to express our gratitude for your noble protection of my lord's life—a great and boundless favor that we deeply cherish. We have always felt ashamed at being unable to offer even a small measure in return. Therefore, I was specially sent by my commander to deliver this letter and pay you a visit." Fei Zhong ordered Tai Dian to rise, then unfolded the letter and read it. The letter read: "From the humble official Sanye Yisheng of Xiqi, I prostrate myself and bow a hundred times to present this letter before Sir Fei Gong, the noble gentleman. For long I have admired your great virtue but have never had the opportunity to meet you in person. I am ashamed at my boldness in disturbing you without cause or connection; I have often dreamed of such an encounter with deep longing. Now I write to inform you: Our lord, Ji Bo, offended the king with his words and committed a crime that cannot be pardoned. We deeply appreciate your grace in rescuing him, allowing him to survive intact. Though he is now imprisoned at Youli, it is truly a second life granted by you. We are beyond grateful and cannot express our joy; how could we dare to hope for anything more? Our humble position, being remote and obscure, has prevented us from expressing our gratitude in person. Day and night we can only gaze toward the imperial capital and silently pray for your boundless longevity. Today, we have specially sent General Tai Dian with these humble gifts: two pairs of white jade, a hundred ying of gold, and four sets of outer and inner garments. These are offered to express the slight sentiments of our people in Xituo. We hope you will not consider us disrespectful for this offering. But our lord, in his declining years and frail condition, has been long detained at Youli. His situation is truly pitiable; especially as he has an elderly mother waiting anxiously by the gate and a young son with no one to support him, both of whom think of him day and night, longing for another meeting. This is surely something that all benevolent gentlemen would feel compassion toward. We earnestly beg you, noble sir, to open your heart with compassion and show mercy beyond the law. With but a single word from you, he may be pardoned and return home. If so, your virtue will be as deep as the sea and your benevolence as high as the mountains; all the people of Xituo will forever cherish your kindness through generations to come. With this letter, I can only express my utmost fear and trembling while awaiting your command! Respectfully submitted."

费仲看了书共礼单，自思：“此礼价值万金，如今怎能行事。”沉思半晌，乃分付太颠曰：“你且回去，多拜上散大夫：‘我也不便修回书。等我早晚取便，自然令你主公归国。’决不有负你大夫相托之情。”太颠拜谢告辞，自回下处。不一时闳夭也往尤浑处送礼回至，二人相谈，俱是一样之言。二将大喜，忙收拾回西岐去讫。不表。

Fei Zhong read the letter and examined the list of gifts, then thought to himself: "These gifts are worth ten thousand gold pieces; how could I possibly refuse them now." After pondering for a while, he instructed Tai Dian: "You may return and convey my greetings to Grand Minister Sanye: 'I will not trouble you with a reply. Wait for me to find the right opportunity at an appropriate time, and I shall naturally arrange for your lord's return home.' I will certainly not fail in my duty as entrusted by you, sir." Tai Dian bowed and thanked him before taking his leave and returning to his lodging. Not long after, Hong Yao also delivered the gifts to You Hun and returned; the two men discussed matters together, and both had received similar responses. The two generals were greatly pleased and quickly prepared to return to Xiqi. No further details are given.

自费仲受了散宜生礼物，也不问尤浑；尤浑也不问费仲；二人各推不知。一日，纣王在摘星楼与二臣下棋。纣王连胜了二盘，纣王大喜，传旨排宴。费、尤侍于左右，换盏传杯。正欢饮之间，忽纣王言起伯邑考鼓琴之雅，猿猴讴歌之妙，又论：“姬昌自食子肉，所论先天之数，皆系妄谈，何尝先有定数。”费仲乘机奏曰：“臣闻姬昌素有叛逆不臣之心，一向防备。臣子前数日著心腹往羑里探听虚实。羑里军民俱言姬昌实有忠义，每月朔望之辰，焚香祈求陛下国祚安康，四夷拱服，国泰民安，雨顺风调，四民乐业，社稷永昌，宫闱安静。陛下囚昌七载，并无一怨言。据臣意，看姬昌真乃忠臣。”纣王言曰：“卿前日言姬昌‘外有忠诚，内怀奸诈’，包藏祸心，非是好人，何今日言之反也？”费仲又奏曰：“据人言，昌或忠或佞，入耳难分，一时不辨，因此臣暗使心腹，探听虚实，方知昌是忠耿之人。正所谓‘路远知马力，日久见人心。’”纣王曰：“尤大夫以为何如？”尤浑启曰：“依费仲所奏，其实不差。据臣所言，姬昌数年困苦，终日羁囚，训羑里万民，万民感德，化行俗美，民知有忠孝节义，不知妄作邪为，所以称姬昌为圣人，日从善类。陛下问臣，臣不敢不以实对。方才费仲不奏，臣亦上言矣。”纣王曰：“二卿所奏既同，毕竟姬昌是个好人。朕欲赦姬昌，二卿意下如何？”费仲曰：“姬昌之可赦不可赦，臣不敢主张；但姬昌忠孝之心，致久羁羑里，毫无怨言，若陛下怜悯，赦归本国，是姬昌已死而之生，无国而有国，其感戴陛下再生之恩，岂有已时。此去必效犬马之劳，以不负生平报德酬恩，臣量姬昌以不死之年忠心于陛下也。”尤浑在侧见费仲力保，想必也是得了西岐礼物，所以如此，我岂可单让他做情，我益发使姬昌感激。尤浑出班奏曰：“陛下天恩，既赦姬昌，再加一恩与，彼自然倾心为国。况今东伯侯姜文焕造反，攻打游魂关，大将窦荣大战七年，未分胜负。南伯侯鄂顺谋逆，攻打三山关，大将邓九公亦战七载，杀戮相半。刀兵竟无宁息，烽烟四起。依臣愚见，将姬昌反加一王封，假以白旄、黄钺，得专征伐，代劳天子，威镇西岐。况姬昌素有贤名，天下诸侯畏服，使东南两路知之，不战自退。正所谓举一人而不肖老远矣。”纣王闻奏大喜，曰：“尤浑才智双全，尤属可爱。费仲善挽贤良，实是可钦。”二臣谢恩。纣王即降赦条，单赦姬昌速离羑里。有诗为证： 天运循环大不同，七年方满出雕笼。费尤受赂将言谏，社稷成汤画饼中。 加任文王归故土，五关父子又重逢。灵台应兆飞熊至，渭水溪边遇太公。

After Fei Zhong accepted the gifts from Sanye Yisheng, he did not inquire about You Hun; nor did You Hun ask about Fei Zhong; the two men each pretended ignorance. One day, King Zhou was playing chess with the two ministers on Zhaixing Tower. King Zhou won two consecutive games and was greatly pleased, so he issued an order to prepare a banquet. lington Fei and You stood by his side, exchanging cups and toasting each other. While they were enjoying the banquet, King Zhou suddenly mentioned the elegance of Bo Yikao's zither playing and the marvel of the monkey's singing. He then remarked: "Ji Chang himself ate his son's flesh; all he talked about regarding the Primordial Heaven numbers was nonsense—how could there possibly be a predetermined fate?" Fei Zhong seized the opportunity to advise: "Your Majesty, I have heard that Ji Chang has long harbored rebellious and disloyal intentions; we have always been on guard. A few days ago, my subordinate sent a trusted man to Youli to investigate the truth of the matter. The soldiers and civilians at Youli all say that Ji Chang is truly loyal and righteous. On the first and fifteenth of each month, he burns incense to pray for Your Majesty's long reign, national stability, submission from all four corners of the world, peace and prosperity for the people, favorable weather with timely rains and winds, happiness in farming and other trades, eternal flourishing of the state, and tranquility within the palace. Your Majesty has detained Ji Chang for seven years, yet he has not uttered a single word of complaint. In my opinion, Ji Chang is indeed a loyal minister." King Zhou said: "A few days ago you told me that Ji Chang 'appears loyal on the outside but harbors treachery within,' concealing evil intentions and is not a good man. Why do you now speak so differently?" Fei Zhong replied: "According to what people say, whether Ji Chang is loyal or treacherous is hard to discern at first. Unable to determine the truth in time, I secretly sent a trusted subordinate to investigate and discovered that Ji Chang is indeed an upright and loyal man. This is what they say: 'A long journey reveals the strength of a horse, and time shows the true nature of a person.' " King Zhou asked: "What do you think, Minister You?" You Hun replied: "According to what Fei Zhong has reported, it is indeed accurate. According to my observations, Ji Chang has endured years of hardship and imprisonment. He instructed the people of Youli every day; the people were deeply moved by his virtue, and good customs prevailed. The people learned about loyalty, filial piety, righteousness, and integrity, and no longer engaged in wicked or evil deeds. Therefore, they regard Ji Chang as a sage, following those who do good daily. Your Majesty has asked me, so I dare not withhold the truth. Had Fei Zhong not already spoken up, I would have presented this report myself." King Zhou said: "Since both of you ministers give the same account, Ji Chang must indeed be a good man. I wish to pardon Ji Chang—what are your two opinions?" Fei Zhong said: "Whether or not Ji Chang should be pardoned, I dare not decide on my own; but Ji Chang's loyalty and filial devotion have led him to remain imprisoned at Youli for a long time without uttering a single word of complaint. If Your Majesty shows mercy and pardons him, allowing his return to his homeland, it will be as if he has been given life after death, or a nation after being stateless. His gratitude toward Your Majesty's second chance at life would never cease. He will surely serve Your Majesty with the loyalty of a dog or horse, never failing to repay kindness and virtue in his lifetime. I believe Ji Chang, even if he lives many years more, will remain loyal to Your Majesty." You Hun, standing nearby, saw that Fei Zhong was strongly advocating for Ji Chang and suspected he must have received gifts from Xiqi as well. Therefore, how could he allow only Fei Zhong to show favor? He decided to go even further in making Ji Chang grateful. You Hun stepped forward and advised: "Your Majesty's heavenly grace, having already pardoned Ji Chang, should bestow an additional favor upon him. This will surely make him wholeheartedly loyal to the state. Moreover, currently Dong Bo Hou Jiang Wenhuan has rebelled and is attacking Youhun Pass. The great general Dou Rong has been waging a seven-year battle without yet determining a victor. Nan Bo Hou E Shun has also rebelled, attacking Sanshan Pass; the great general Deng Jiugong has likewise been engaged in a seven-year war with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The warfare shows no sign of ceasing, and beacons of alarm rise everywhere. In my humble opinion, we should further bestow a ducal title upon Ji Chang. Grant him the white flag and yellow halberd to command military campaigns independently on behalf of Your Majesty, thus relieving your burden and establishing authority over Xiqi with awe-inspiring power. Moreover, Ji Chang has long been known for his virtue; the feudal lords throughout the land respect and submit to him. If the eastern and southern rebels learn of this appointment, they will retreat without even fighting. This is what it means: "By appointing one man, you can drive away unworthy rebels from afar." King Zhou was greatly pleased upon hearing this and said: "You Hun is both wise and capable; he is especially admirable. Fei Zhong is good at recommending virtuous men—truly worthy of admiration." The two ministers bowed in gratitude. King Zhou immediately issued a pardon, ordering Ji Chang to leave Youli at once. There is a poem as evidence: The course of Heaven's will turns in great cycles; after seven years, he finally leaves the gilded cage. Fei and You accepted bribes to suppress advice, leaving the state's future as empty as a painted cake in Chengtang. The Duke of Wen was granted additional authority and returned to his homeland; father and son reunited once more at the five passes. A divine omen appeared on Lingtai as a flying bear arrived, and by the stream of Weishui, they met Tai Gong.

且说使臣持赦出朝歌，众官闻知大喜。使臣竟往里而来。不题。

Meanwhile, the envoy carrying the pardon left Chaoge; upon hearing this news, all the officials rejoiced greatly. The envoy unexpectedly returned from within. No further mention is made of it.

且说西伯侯在羑里之中，闲思长子之苦，被纣王醢尸，叹曰：“我儿生在西岐，绝于朝歌，不听父言，遭此横祸。圣人不食子肉，我为父不得已而咬者，乃从权之计。”正思想邑考，忽一阵怪风，将檐瓦吹落两块在地，跌为粉碎。西伯惊曰：“此又是异徵！”随焚香，将金钱搜求八卦，早解具情。姬伯点首叹曰：“今日天子赦至。”唤左右：“天子赦到，收拾起行。”众随侍人等，未肯尽信。不一时，使臣传旨，赦书已到。西伯接赦礼毕。使臣曰：“奉圣旨，单赦姬伯老大人。”姬伯望北谢恩，随出羑里。老牵羊担酒，簇拥道傍，跪接曰：“千岁今日龙逢云彩，凤落梧桐，虎上高山，鹤栖松柏；七载蒙千岁教训抚字，长幼皆知忠孝，妇女皆知贞洁，化行俗美，大小居民，不拘男妇，无不感激千岁洪恩。今一别尊颜，再不能得沾雨露。”左右泣下。西伯亦泣而言曰：“吾羁囚七载，毫无尺寸美意与尔众民，又劳酒礼，吾心不安。只愿尔等不负我常教之方，自然百事无亏，得享朝廷太平之福矣。”黎民越觉悲伤，远送十里，洒泪而别。西伯侯一日到了朝歌。百官在午门候接。只见微子、箕子、比干、微子启、微子衍、麦云、麦智、黄飞虎八谏议大夫都来见西伯侯。姬昌见众官，慌忙行礼，慰曰：“犯官七年未见众位大人，今一旦荷蒙天恩特赦，此皆叨列位大人之福荫，方能再见天日也。”众官见姬伯年迈，精神加倍，彼此慰喜。只见使臣回旨，天子正在龙德殿，闻知候旨，命宣聚官随姬昌朝见。只见姬昌缟素俯伏，奏曰：“犯臣姬昌，罪不胜诛，蒙恩赦宥，虽粉骨碎身，皆陛下所赐之年。愿陛下万岁！”王曰：“卿在羑里，七载羁囚，毫无一怨言，而反祈朕国祚绵长，求天下太平，黎民乐业，可见卿有忠诚，朕实有负于卿矣。今朕特诏，赦卿无罪。七载无辜，仍加封贤良忠孝百公之长，特专征伐。赐卿白旄、黄钺，坐镇西岐。每月加禄米一千石，文官二名，武将二员，送卿荣归。仍赐龙德殿筵宴，游街三日，拜阙谢恩。”西伯侯谢恩。彼时姬昌换服，百官称庆，就在龙德殿饮宴。怎见得： 擦抹条台桌椅，铺设奇异华筵。左设妆花白玉瓶，右摆玛瑙珊瑚树。进酒宫娥双洛浦，添香美女两嫦娥。黄金炉内麝檀香，琥珀杯中珍珠滴。两边围绕绣屏开，满座重铺销金簟。金盘犀箸，掩映龙凤珍馐；整整齐齐，另是一般气象。绣屏锦帐，围绕花卉翎毛；叠叠重重，自然彩色稀奇。休夸交梨火枣，自有雀舌牙茶。火炮白杏，酱牙红姜。鹅梨、苹果、青脆梅；龙眼、枇杷、金赤橘。石榴盏大，秋柿球圆。又摆列兔丝、熊掌、猩唇、驼蹄；谁羡他凤髓、龙肝、狮睛、麟脯。漫斟那瑶池玉液，紫府琼浆；且吹他鸾箫凤笛，象板笙簧。正是：西伯夸官先饮宴，蛟龙得水离泥沙。要的般般有，珍馐百味全。一声鼓乐动，正是帝王欢。话说比干、微子、箕子，在朝大小官员，无有不喜赦姬昌。百官陪宴尽乐，文王谢恩出朝，三日夸官。怎见得文王夸官好处？但见： 前遮后拥，五色旛摇。桶子枪朱缕荡荡，朝天凳艳色辉辉。左边钺斧右金瓜，前摆黄旄后随豹尾。带刀力士增光彩，随驾官员喜气添。银交椅衬玉芙蓉，逍遥马饰黄金辔。走龙飞凤大红袍，暗隐团龙妆花绣。彩玉束带，厢成八宝。百姓争看西伯驾，万民称贺圣人来。正是：霭霭香烟声满道，重重瑞气罩台阶。

Meanwhile, Duke of Xi was in Youli. In his leisure moments, he reflected on the suffering of his eldest son, who had been dismembered and killed by King Zhou. He sighed and said: "My son was born in Xiqi but perished in Chaoge. He did not heed my words and thus suffered this cruel misfortune. "Sages do not eat their son's flesh; I, as a father, had no choice but to bite it—it was an act of necessity." While he was thinking about Yikao, suddenly a strange wind blew two roof tiles from the eaves to the ground, shattering them into pieces. Duke of Xi exclaimed in alarm: "This is yet another omen!" He immediately burned incense and cast coins to consult the eight trigrams, seeking an early resolution of the matter. Ji Bo nodded and sighed: "Today, a royal pardon has arrived." He called to those on his left and right: "The king's pardon has arrived; prepare for departure." The attendants accompanying him did not fully believe it. Before long, the envoy announced the imperial decree; the pardon had already arrived. Duke of Xi completed the ceremony for receiving the pardon. The envoy said: "By imperial decree, an individual pardon is granted to the venerable Duke Ji Bo." Ji Bo looked northward and expressed his gratitude before leaving Youli. Elders led the way, carrying lambs and wine, crowding along the roadside to kneel in greeting: "My Lord, today you have met your auspicious clouds like a dragon, perched on the phoenix tree like a phoenix, ascended the high mountain like a tiger, and rested among pines and cypresses like a crane; For seven years, we have been taught and nurtured by Your Lordship. The young and old all know loyalty and filial piety; women and girls all understand chastity and virtue. Customs have improved through your influence, and both the great and small among our people—regardless of gender—are deeply grateful for Your Lordship's boundless grace. Today we part from your noble presence, never again to bask in the rain and dew of your kindness." Those on either side wept. Duke of Xi also wept and said: "I have been imprisoned for seven years, having given you all nothing in return. To now trouble you with wine and offerings makes me feel uneasy. I only hope that none of you will forget my constant teachings; if you follow them, then all things shall go well and you will enjoy the blessings of peace under the court." The common people became even more sorrowful, accompanying him for ten li before parting with tears. One day, Duke of Xi arrived at Chaoge. All the officials were waiting to receive him at Wumen Gate. They saw Weizi, Jizi, Bi Gan, Weizi Qi, Weizi Yan, Mai Yun, Mai Zhi, and Huang Feihou—the eight advisory ministers—all come to see Duke of Xi. Ji Chang, upon seeing the officials, hurriedly bowed and said: "For seven years I have not seen you esteemed gentlemen. Now that I am suddenly favored by Heaven's grace with a special pardon, this is all due to your blessings and protection, allowing me once again to see the light of day." The officials saw that Ji Bo was old but full of spirit; they were all comforted and delighted. Just then, the envoy returned with a report; King Zhou was in Longde Hall and upon hearing of the situation ordered all officials to accompany Ji Chang for an audience. Ji Chang was seen in plain white garments, prostrating himself and presenting a report: "Your servant Ji Chang is guilty beyond punishment. To be pardoned by Your Majesty's grace is an honor I cannot repay; even if my bones are crushed and body broken, it is all due to the years granted me by Your Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years!" The king said: "While you were imprisoned in Youli for seven years, not once did you utter a word of complaint. Instead, you prayed that my dynasty might endure and the realm enjoy peace, with its people living in happiness. Your loyalty is evident; I have indeed wronged you. Now I specially decree your innocence." For seven years of unjust suffering, you shall be especially honored as the foremost among the hundred virtuous and loyal officials, granted full authority to command military campaigns. I bestow upon you a white flag and a yellow halberd; take your seat in Xiqi as its commanding presence. Each month, you shall receive an additional thousand dan of grain, two civilian officials, and two military officers to accompany your honorable return. You will also be granted a banquet in Longde Hall, allowed three days of processional celebration through the streets, and then bow before the throne to express your gratitude." Duke of Xi bowed in thanks. At that time, Ji Chang changed into ceremonial robes; the hundred officials celebrated together as they dined and feasted in Longde Hall. How was this feast arranged: The long tables and chairs were polished clean, and the banquet laid out with rare and splendid delicacies. On the left stood vases of white jade adorned with flowers; on the right were displayed trees made from jasper and coral. Palace maids, as graceful as the twin beauties of Luopu, served wine; fragrant incense was tended by two lovely maidens, like Chang'e in beauty. Golden censers exhaled the fragrance of musk and sandalwood; amber cups dripped with pearls from within. Embroidered screens lined both sides, while golden brocade mats were spread across the hall. Golden platters and ivory chopsticks displayed rare delicacies adorned with dragon and phoenix motifs; Everything was neatly arranged, presenting a completely different scene of grandeur. Embroidered screens and brocade canopies surrounded depictions of flowers, birds, and feathers; Layer upon layer, the colors were naturally vivid and extraordinary. Do not boast of jiaoli or fire dates; there was already queshaye tea to savor. Roasted white apricots, pickled ginger with a tinge of red. Goose plums, apples, and green sour plums; Longan fruit, loquat, and golden tangerines. Pomegranates were large in their cups; persimmons round as autumn balls. They also served rabbit's thorn, bear paws, orangutan lips, and camel hooves; Who would envy phoenix marrow, dragon liver, lion eyes, or qilin meat? They poured freely from the jade nectar of 瑶池 and the ambrosia of Zifu; And they played the 鸾箫, phoenix flute, elephant board, and sheng mouth organ. Indeed: Duke of Xi celebrated his official honors with a banquet; like a dragon gaining water, he was no longer mired in the mud. Everything was present in abundance—every delicacy and flavor imaginable. With the sound of drums and music, it was indeed a joy befitting an emperor. It is said that Bi Gan, Weizi, Jizi and all the high and low officials in court were delighted by Ji Chang's pardon. All the hundred officials enjoyed the banquet, Duke of Wen expressed his gratitude and left court, celebrating for three days with honors. How did this celebration for Duke of Wen unfold? One could see: With people blocking the way ahead and following behind, colorful banners fluttered in five colors. Tongzi qiang with red embroidered patterns shimmered brightly; choutian dengs glowed with vivid color. Axes and halberds were on the left, golden melon-shaped weapons on the right; a yellow flag was held in front, with tiger-tail banners following behind. Sword-bearing guards added luster to the scene, while officials accompanying the procession were filled with joy and festivity. Silver folding chairs were adorned like jade lotuses; leisurely horses wore golden reins as decoration. Red robes with dragon and phoenix embroidery fluttered, subtly displaying round dragon patterns in exquisite needlework. Colorful jade sashes were tied around the waist, forming an eight-treasure pattern on either side. The common people rushed to see Duke of Xi's procession; ten thousand citizens celebrated the arrival of a sage. Indeed: Incense filled the air and echoed along the road, while auspicious vapors enveloped the steps in layers.

朝歌城中百姓，扶老携幼，拖男抱女，齐来看文王加官。人人都道：“忠良今日出雕笼，有德贤侯灾厄满。”文王在城中夸官两日，到未牌时分，只见前面旛幢遂伍，剑戟森罗，一枝人马到来。文王问曰：“前面是那处人马？”两边启上：“大王千岁：是武成王黄爷看操回来。”文王急忙下马，站立道傍，欠背打躬。武成王见文王下马，即忙滚鞍下骑，称文王曰：“大人前来，末将有失回避大驾，望乞恕罪。”乃曰：“今贤王荣归，真是万千之喜。末将有一闲言奉启，不识贤王可容纳否？”西伯曰：“不才领教。”武成王曰：“此间离末将府第不远，薄具杯酒，以表芹意，何如？”文王乃诚实君子，不会推辞谦让，随答曰：“贤王在上，姬昌敢不领教。”黄飞虎随携文王至王府，命左右快排筵宴。二王传杯欢饮，各谈些忠义之言。不觉黄昏，掌上画烛。武成王命左右且退。黄飞虎曰：“今日大人之乐，实为无疆之福。但当今宠信邪佞，不听忠言，陷坏大臣，荒于酒色，不整朝纲，不容谏本，炮烙以退忠良之心，虿盆以阻谏臣之语。万姓慌慌，刀兵四起。东南两处已反四百诸侯，以贤王之德，倘有羑里困苦之羁，今已特赦，是龙归大海，虎入深山，金鳌脱钓，如何尚不省悟！况且朝中无三日正条，贤王夸甚么官，显甚么王！何不早早飞出雕笼，见其故士，父子重逢，夫妻复会，何不为美。又何必在此网罗之中，做此吉凶未定之事也。”武成王只此数语，把个文王说的骨解筋酥，起而谢曰：“大王真乃金石之言，提拔姬昌。此恩何以得报！奈昌欲去，五关有阻，奈何？”黄飞虎曰：“不难。铜符俱在吾府中。”须臾，取出铜符令箭，交与文王，随令改换衣裳，打扮夜不收号色，迳出五关，并无阻隔。文王谢曰：“大王之恩，实在重生父母，何时能报！”此时二鼓时候。武成王命副将龙环、吴贤，开朝歌西门，送文王出城去了。不知性命如何，且听下回分解。

The people of Chaoge City, supporting the elderly and leading children, dragging sons and holding daughters, all gathered to witness Duke Wen's promotion. Everyone said: "Today a loyal and virtuous man escapes the gilded cage; this is a day of misfortune for the wicked, but one of fortune for the noble and worthy marquis." Duke Wen spent two days in the city celebrating his honors. Around mid-afternoon, he saw colorful banners and standards arranged in formation ahead, with swords and halberds displayed in orderly rows as a contingent of troops arrived. Duke Wen asked: "Whose forces are those approaching?" Those on both sides replied: "Your Majesty, these are the troops of General Huang Wucheng returning from a military inspection." Duke Wen quickly dismounted and stood by the roadside, bowing deeply with his back bent. Wucheng Wang saw Duke Wen dismount and immediately leapt from his horse, addressing him: "Your Excellency's arrival caught me unprepared; I failed to avoid your presence. I beg for forgiveness." He continued: "Now that the virtuous Duke returns in glory, it is truly a joy beyond measure. I have something to say; I wonder if Your Excellency would be willing to hear me out?" Duke of Xi said: "Please enlighten this humble servant." _l Wucheng Wang said: "This place is not far from my residence. I would like to offer a simple cup of wine as a token of my humble respect—what do you say?" Duke Wen, an honest and upright gentleman, did not refuse or demur but replied at once: "Your Excellency above, how could Ji Chang dare to decline your hospitality?" Huang Feihou then led Duke Wen to his mansion and ordered the attendants on both sides to quickly prepare a banquet. The two dukes passed cups of wine in joyous conversation, exchanging words about loyalty and righteousness. Before they realized it, dusk had arrived and painted candles were lit. Wucheng Wang ordered the attendants on either side to withdraw for now. Huang Feihou said: "Today's joy in your presence, Your Excellency, is truly a boundless blessing. But at present, the court favors villains and does not heed loyal advice. It undermines great ministers, indulges in wine and beauty, neglects the principles of governance, refuses to accept remonstrances, uses cauldrons and roasting irons to deter loyal men, and employs scorpion pots to silence those who dare to advise. The people are in great distress as war breaks out on all sides. In the southeast, four hundred feudal lords have already rebelled. With Your Excellency's virtue, if you were once confined in Youli and suffered hardships, today you have been specially pardoned—like a dragon returning to the sea, a tiger entering deep mountains, or a golden tortoise escaping from the hook, how can you still fail to awaken! Moreover, there are no three consecutive days of proper governance in court. What office is Your Excellency boasting about? What king's title do you wish to display! Why not fly out of the gilded cage as soon as possible, return to your old retainers, reunite with father and son, and be reunited with husband and wife? Would that not be a beautiful thing. There is no need to remain in this web of entanglements, engaging in matters whose outcome remains uncertain." With these few words, Wucheng Wang left Duke Wen feeling as if his bones had melted and sinews softened. Rising to express gratitude, he said: "Your Majesty's words are indeed as solid as gold and stone; you have uplifted Ji Chang. How can I ever repay this kindness! Alas, although I wish to leave, five passes block my way—what am I to do?" Huang Feihou replied: "That is not difficult. The copper seals are all in my residence." In a short while, he retrieved the copper seals and command arrows, handed them to Duke Wen, then ordered him to change his clothes and dress as a night raiding unit. Thus, they passed through the five passes without any hindrance. Duke Wen thanked him: "Your Majesty's kindness is truly like that of a second father and mother; when shall I ever be able to repay it!" At this time, it was the hour of two drums. Wucheng Wang ordered his deputy generals Long Huan and Wu Xian to open the western gate of Chaoguo and see Duke Wen out of the city. Whether he would survive or not remains unknown; we shall hear in the next chapter.