Chapter 22: Xibo Hou Wenwang Tu Zi

诗曰： 忍耻归来意可怜，只因食子泪难乾。非求度难伤天性，不为成忠贼爱缘。 天数凑来谁个是，劫灰聚处若为愆。从来莫道人问事，自古分离总在天。

The poem says: Enduring disgrace and returning home with pitiable intent, only because of eating one's child does the tears find it hard to dry. Not seeking to cross difficulties harms natural disposition; not becoming loyal for no reason is due to affection with a bandit. When the will of Heaven converges, who can be right? When ashes gather from calamity, how can one avoid guilt? From ancient times, never say people ask about affairs; since time immemorial, separations have always been decided by Heaven.

且说二将策马当先，只见雷震子怎生模样，有赞为证： 天降雷鸣现虎躯，燕山出世托遗孤。姬侯应产螟蛉子，仙宅当藏不世珠。授七年玄妙诀，长生两翅有风雷。桃园传得黄金棍，鸡岭先将圣主扶。目似金光飞闪电，面如蓝靛发如朱。肉身成圣仙家体，功业齐天帝子图。慢道姬侯生百子，名称雷震岂凡夫。

Let us now speak of the two generals riding ahead, only to see what form Leizhenzi had taken. A eulogy testifies: Heaven sent thunderclap and revealed a tiger-like body; born at Yanshan Mountain, he entrusted an orphaned child. Ji Hou should give birth to a foster son, and the abode of immortals should house a pearl without equal. Taught seven years of mysterious techniques, wings for eternal life carry wind and thunder. The Peach Garden passed down the golden staff; Ji Ling first supported the sacred ruler. Eyes like golden light flashing lightning, face as blue indigo and hair as cinnabar red. His fleshly body became a sacred immortal's form; his achievements matched Heaven itself, the image of an imperial son. Do not say Ji Hou bore a hundred sons; one named Leizhenzi was surely no ordinary man.

话说殷破败、雷开，仗其胆气，厉声言曰：“汝是何人，敢拦住去路？”雷震子答曰：“吾乃西伯文王第百子，雷震子是也。吾父王乃仁人君子，贤德丈夫，事君尽忠，事亲尽孝，交友以信，视臣以义，治民以礼，处天下以道，奉公守法，而尽臣节；无故而羁囚羑里，七载守命待时，全无嗔怒。今既放归，为何又来追袭，反复无常，岂是天子之所为！因此奉吾师法旨，下山特来迎接我父王归国，使我父子重逢。你二人好好回去，不必言勇。我师曾分付，不可伤人间众生，故教汝速退便了。”殷破败笑曰：“好丑匹夫！焉敢口出大言，煽惑三军，欺吾不勇！”乃纵马舞刀来取。雷震子将手中棍架住曰：“不要来，你想必要与我定个雌雄，这也可。只是奈我父王之言，师父之命，不敢有违。且试一试与你看。”雷震子将胁下翅一声响飞起空中，有风雷之声，脚登山，头望下，看见西边有一山嘴，往外扑看，雷震子说；“待我把这山嘴打一棍你看。”一声响亮，山嘴滚下一半。雷震子转身落下来，对二将言曰：“你的头可有这山结实？”二将见此凶恶，魂不附体。二将言曰：“雷震子，听你之言，我等暂回朝歌见驾，且让你回去。”殷、雷二将军见此光景，料不能胜他，只得回去。有诗为证： 一怒飞腾起在空，黄金棍摆气如虹。霎时风响来天地，顷刻雷鸣遍宇中。猛烈恍如鹏翅鸟，狰狞浑似鬼山熊。从今丧却殷雷胆，束手归商势已穷。”

Now let us speak of Yin Pobai and Leikai, who relied on their courage and boldly declared: "Who are you? How dare you block our way?" Leizhenzi replied, "I am the hundredth son of Xibo Wenwang; I am Leizhenzi. My father-king is a benevolent and virtuous gentleman, an upright and moral man. He served his sovereign with utmost loyalty, honored his parents with complete filial piety, maintained trust in friendships, treated his ministers with righteousness, governed the people through propriety, ruled the world according to principle, upheld public service and law, and fulfilled the duties of a subject; Without cause he was imprisoned in Youli, for seven years he endured his fate and waited for the right time, without a trace of anger or resentment. Now that he has been released and returned home, why do you pursue him again? To act inconsistently like this—how can it be the conduct of an emperor!" Therefore, following my master's decree, I have come down from the mountain especially to welcome my father-king back to his country and reunite us as father and son. You two had better return well; there is no need for bravado. My master once instructed that we must not harm the people of this world, so I command you to retreat quickly." Yin Pobai laughed and said, "How ugly a petty man! How dare you speak such grandiose words, incite the three armies, and insult us as cowards!" He then spurred his horse forward, brandishing a saber to attack. Leizhenzi raised the staff in his hand to block and said, "Do not come any closer. You must want to determine who is superior between us; this is acceptable. But I cannot go against my father-king's words or my master's command, and so dare not disobey. Let me test it with you." Leizhenzi flapped the wings beneath his armpits with a loud noise, soaring into the air. With sounds of wind and thunder, he stood on a mountain peak, head looking downward. He saw at the western side a promontory of a mountain and flew outward toward it. Leizhenzi said; "I will strike this mountain promontory with one blow of my staff, just watch." With a loud sound, half the mountain promontory tumbled down. Leizhenzi turned around and came back down, speaking to the two generals: "Is your head as solid as this mountain?" The two generals, seeing such ferocity, lost their composure and were terrified. The two generals said: "Leizhenzi, hearing your words, we shall return temporarily to Chaoguo to report to the king and allow you to go back." Seeing this scene, Generals Yin and Lei realized they could not defeat him and had no choice but to return. A poem testifies: With one surge of anger he soars into the sky, his golden staff brandished with a rainbow-like aura. Suddenly wind roared across heaven and earth; in an instant thunder clapped throughout the universe. Fierce as a Peng bird with mighty wings, ferocious like a ghostly mountain bear. From now on the courage of Yin and Lei is lost; surrendering their hands to Shang, their power has reached its end."

话说殷、雷二将见雷震子这等骁勇，况且胁生双翼，遍体风雷，情知料不能取胜，免得空丧性命无益，故此将机就计，转回人马。不表。

Now let us speak of Generals Yin and Lei, who saw how valiant Leizhenzi was. Moreover, with his pair of wings growing from beneath his armpits and wind and thunder covering his body, they clearly knew victory would be impossible for them; to risk their lives in vain would serve no purpose. Therefore, they seized the opportunity and retreated their troops. No further mention is made of this.

且说雷震子复上山来见文王。文王吓得痴了。雷震子曰：“奉父王之命，去退追兵，赶父王二将殷破败、雷开，他二人被孩儿以好言劝他回去了。如今孩儿要送父王出五关。”文王曰：“我随身自有铜符、令箭，到关照验，方可出关。”雷震子曰：“父王不必如此。若照铜符，有误父王归期。如今事已急迫，恐后面又有兵来，终是不了之局。待孩儿背父王，一时飞出五关，免得又有异端。”文王听罢，“我儿话虽是好，此马如何出得去？”雷震子曰：“且顾父王出关，马匹之事甚小。”文王曰：“此马随我患难七年，今日一旦便弃他，我心何忍？”雷震子曰：“事已到此，岂是好为此不良之事，君子所以弃小而全大。”文王上前，以手拍马，叹曰：“马！非昌不仁，舍你出关，奈恐追兵复至，我命难逃，我今别你，任凭你去罢，另择良主。”文王道罢，洒泪别马。有诗曰： 奉敕朝歌来谏主，同吾羑里七年囚，临潼一别归西地，任你逍遥择主投。

Let us now speak of Leizhenzi returning to the mountain to see Wenwang again. Wenwang was so frightened he became dazed. Leizhenzi said, "Following my father-king's command, I went to repel the pursuing army and confronted the two generals of my father, Yin Pobai and Leik'ai. The two were persuaded by me with kind words and returned." Now I wish to escort my father-king through the Five Passes." Wenwang said, "I have with me a copper token and an imperial order. Upon reaching the pass I shall present them for verification before being allowed to leave." Leizhenzi said: "Father-king, there is no need to do so. If we follow the copper token, it may delay my father-king's return. Now that matters are urgent, I fear more troops will come from behind and we shall never reach a resolution. Let me carry my father-king on my back, fly through the Five Passes in one go, and avoid any further complications." After hearing this, Wenwang said: "My son, your words are well-intentioned, but how can we ride out on this horse?" Leizhenzi replied: "Let me first see my father-king safely through the pass; the matter of the horses is trivial." Wenwang said: "This horse has shared my hardships for seven years. To abandon it today would be unbearable to my heart." Leizhenzi said: "Matters have reached this point; it is not a matter of choice to do such an unkind thing. A gentleman abandons the small for the sake of the greater good." Wenwang stepped forward, patted the horse with his hand, and sighed: "Horse! It is not that Chang [Wenwang's courtesy name] is unkind to abandon you at the pass, but I fear the pursuing troops will return and my life cannot escape. Now as I part from you, go wherever you wish; choose another worthy master." After saying this, Wenwang wept bitterly and parted with the horse. A poem says: Following imperial decree, to Chaoguo I came to advise the ruler; with me imprisoned in Youli for seven years. At Lintong we part and return westward; go now freely and choose a new master.

且说雷震子曰：“父王快些，不必久羁。”文王曰：“背著我。你仔细些。”文王伏在雷震子背上，把二目紧闭，耳闻风声，不过一刻，已出了五关，来到金鸡岭，落将下来。雷震子曰：“父王，已出五关了。”文王睁开二目，已知是本土，大喜曰：“今日复见我故乡之地，皆赖孩儿之力！”雷震子曰：“父王前途保重！孩儿就此告归。”文王惊问曰：“我儿，你为何中途抛我，这是何说？”雷震子曰：“奉师父之命，止救父王出关，即归山洞。今不敢有违，恐负师言，孩儿有罪。父王先归家国。孩儿学全道术，不久下山，再拜尊颜。”雷震子叩头，与文王洒泪而别。正是；世间万般哀苦事，无过死别共生离。雷震子回终南山回覆师父之命。不题。

Let us speak of Leizhenzi saying, "Father-king, please hurry—there is no need to linger." Wenwang said: "Carry me on your back. Be careful." Wenwang lay on Leizhenzi's back, tightly closed his eyes, and heard the sound of wind. No more than a moment passed when they had already exited the Five Passes and arrived at Jinji Ling, where he descended. Leizhenzi said: "Father-king, we have passed through the Five Passes." Wenwang opened his eyes and realized they had returned to their native land. Overjoyed, he said: "Today I see once again my hometown; this is all due to the strength of my son!" Leizhenzi said: "Father-king, take care on your journey ahead! I shall now bid farewell and return." Wenwang was startled and asked: "My son, why are you abandoning me in the middle of our journey? What do you mean by this?" Leizhenzi said: "Following my master's command, I was only to rescue my father-king out of the pass and then return to the mountain cave. Now I dare not disobey, for fear of betraying my master's words; it is a sin on my part as a disciple." Father-king should return to your homeland first. When I have fully mastered the Daoist arts, I shall not be long in descending from the mountain and pay homage once more at your feet." Leizhenzi kowtowed and parted with Wenwang, both weeping bitterly. Indeed; In this world, among all sorrowful and bitter events, none surpass death's parting and life's separation. Leizhenzi returned to Zhongnan Mountain to report back on his master's command. No further mention is made of it.

且说文王独自一人，又无马匹，步行一日。文王年纪高迈，跋沷艰难。抵暮，见一客舍。文王投店歇宿。次日起程，囊乏无资。店小儿曰：“歇房与酒饭钱，为何一文不与？”文王曰：“因空乏到此，权且暂记，俟到西岐，著人加利送来。”店小儿怒曰：“此处比别处不同。俺这西岐，撒不得野，骗不得人。西伯侯千岁以仁义而化万民，行人让路，道不拾遗，夜无犬吠，万民安而受安康，湛湛青天，朗朗舜日。好好拿出银子，算还明白，放你去；若是迟延，送你到西岐，见上大夫散宜生老爷，那时悔之晚矣。”文王曰：“我决不失信。”只见店主人出来问道；“为何事吵闹？”店小儿把文王欠缺饭钱说了一遍。店主人见文王年虽高迈，精神相貌不凡，问曰：“你往西岐来做甚么事？因何盘费也无？我又不相识你，怎么记饭钱？说得明白，方可记与你去。”文王曰：“店主人，我非别人，乃西伯侯是也。因囚羑里七年，蒙圣恩赦宥归国；幸逢吾儿雷震子救我出五关，因此囊内空虚。权记你数日，俟吾到西岐，差官送来，决不相负。”那店家听得西伯侯，慌忙倒身下拜，口称；“大王千岁！子民肉眼，有失接驾之罪！复请大王入内，进献壶浆，子民亲送大王归国。”文王问曰：“你姓甚名谁？”店主人曰：“子民姓申，名杰，五代世居于此。”文王大喜，问申杰曰：“你可有马，借一匹与我骑著好行，俟归国必当厚谢。”申杰曰：“子民皆小户之家，那有马匹。家下止有磨面驴儿，收拾鞍辔，大王暂借此前行。小人亲随伏侍。”文王大悦，离了金鸡岭，过了首阳山，一路上晓行夜宿。时值深秋天气，只见金风飒飒，梧叶飘颻，枫林翠色，景物虽是堪观，怎奈寒乌悲风，蛩声惨切；况西伯又是久离故乡，睹此一片景色，心中如何安泰，恨不得一时就到西岐，与母子夫妻相会，以慰愁怀。按下文王在路。不表。

Let us now speak of Wenwang, who was alone with no horse and walked on foot for a day. Wenwang, being advanced in age, found the journey arduous and difficult. By dusk, he saw an inn. Wenwang entered the inn to rest for the night. The next day, when he set out again, his bag was empty and he had no funds. The innkeeper said: "For the lodging and meals you've had, why have you given not a single coin?" Wenwang said: "Because I am destitute, I ask for your indulgence and will temporarily record the debt. When I arrive at Xi Qi, I shall send someone to repay you with interest." The innkeeper angrily said: "This place is different from others. In this Xi Qi, one cannot act recklessly or deceive people." Lord Xibo, the thousand-year ruler, transformed ten thousand people through benevolence and righteousness. Travelers yield to each other on the road; lost items are not picked up by others; at night there is no barking of dogs; all the people live in peace and enjoy tranquility. The clear blue sky shines bright, as does the luminous reign of Emperor Shun. Pay up your silver now, settle the account clearly, and I shall let you go; If you delay, I will send you to Xi Qi and present you before Lord Sanyisheng the senior official; by then it shall be too late to regret." Wenwang said: "I would never break my word. Just then the innkeeper came out and asked; "Why are you quarreling?" The innkeeper recounted to him how Wenwang had not paid for the meals. Seeing that although Wenwang was old, his spirit and appearance were extraordinary, the innkeeper asked: "What business brings you to Xi Qi? Why do you have no travel funds?" I do not know you, so how can I record the cost of your meals? Speak clearly and truthfully, then I shall allow you to leave." Wenwang said: "Innkeeper, I am no ordinary person; I am Xibo Hou. I was imprisoned in Youli for seven years and have now been pardoned by the king's grace to return to my country; Fortunately, I was rescued from the Five Passes by my son Leizhenzi, and thus my purse is empty. I shall temporarily record your debt for a few days; when I arrive in Xi Qi, I will send an official to repay you—this I promise most sincerely." Hearing the name of Xibo Hou, the innkeeper hurriedly knelt down and bowed, calling out; "Great King, thousand-year ruler! My subjects' poor eyes have failed to welcome Your Majesty properly; we beg for forgiveness!" He then invited the Great King inside, presented him with tea and wine, and personally escorted the Great King back to his country." Wenwang asked: "What is your surname and name?" The innkeeper said: "I am a subject surnamed Shen, given name Jie. My family has lived here for five generations." Wenwang was greatly pleased and asked Shen Jie: "Do you have a horse? Lend me one to ride, so I may travel more easily. When I return to my country, I shall certainly reward you handsomely." Shen Jie said: "We are but a humble household; how could we possibly own any horses. At home, there is only a donkey used for grinding flour. I shall prepare the saddle and bridle; Great King, please temporarily borrow this one to proceed." I myself will personally accompany and serve you." Wenwang was very pleased. Leaving Jinji Ling, he passed through Shouyang Mountain, and along the way traveled early in the morning and stayed overnight at night. It was the depth of autumn, and one could see the golden winds rustling, sycamore leaves fluttering in the air, and the crimson maple forest glowing with emerald hues. Though the scenery was beautiful to behold, how could one bear the sorrowful cries of crows in the cold wind and the mournful chirping of grasshoppers? Moreover, since Xibo had been away from his hometown for a long time, beholding this scene filled him with unease. He could not help but wish to arrive at Xi Qi immediately and reunite with his mother, wife, and children, so as to ease the sorrow in his heart. Putting aside Wenwang's journey on the road. We will not elaborate further.

且说文王母太姜在宫中思想西伯，忽然风过三阵，风中竟带吼声。太姜命侍儿焚香，取金钱演先天数，知西伯某日某时，已至西岐。太姜大喜，忙传令百官、众世子，往西岐接驾。众文武与各位公子无不欢喜，人人大悦。西岐万民，牵羊担酒，户户焚香，氤氲拂道。文武百官与众位公子，各穿大红吉服。此时骨肉完聚，龙虎重逢，倍增喜气。有诗为证： 万民欢忭出西岐，迎接龙车过九逵。羑里七年今已满，金鸡一战断穷追。从今圣化过尧舜，目下灵台立帝基。自古贤良周易少，臣忠君正见雍熙。”

Let us now turn to Wenwang's mother, Taijiang, who was in the palace thinking of Xibo. Suddenly, three gusts of wind passed by, and within them came a howling sound. Taijiang ordered her attendants to burn incense and used bronze coins to divine the numbers of the Primordial Heaven, thus learning that on a certain day and at a certain hour, Xibo had already arrived in Xi Qi. Taijiang was overjoyed and immediately issued orders to the hundred officials and all the princes, instructing them to go to Xi Qi to welcome the royal procession. All the civil and military officials and each of the young masters were overjoyed; everyone was delighted. The people of Xi Qi led sheep, carried wine, and every household burned incense, the fragrant smoke drifting along the road. The civil and military officials and all the young masters each wore bright red ceremonial robes. At this moment, when family members were reunited and dragons met tigers once more, joy was greatly enhanced. There is a poem to attest: Ten thousand people rejoiced as they came out of Xi Qi, welcoming the dragon carriage past nine avenues. The seven years in Youli are now complete; a single battle at Jinji has ended all relentless pursuits. 隆重 From now on, the sage's teachings surpass those of Yao and Shun; currently, the spiritual terrace establishes the foundation for an emperor. Since ancient times, few have mastered the Zhou Yi as sages did; now we see loyal ministers and a just ruler in harmony."

且说文王同申杰行西岐来，转过迢遥径路，依然又见故园，文王不觉心中凄惨，想；“昔日朝商之时，遭此大难，不意今日回归，又是七载。青山依旧，人面已非。”正嗟叹间，只见两杆红旗招展，大炮一声，簇拥出一队人马。文王心中正惊疑未定，只见左有大将军南宫适，右有上大夫散宜生，引了四贤、八俊、三十六杰，辛甲、辛免、太颠、闳夭、祁恭、尹籍伏于道傍。次子姬发近前拜伏驴前曰：“父王羁縻异国，时月累更，为人子不能分忧代患，诚天地间之罪人，望父王宽恕。今日复睹慈颜，不胜欣慰！”文王见众文武、世子多人，不觉泪下，“孤想今日不胜凄惨。孤巳无家而有家，无国而有国，无臣而有臣，无子而有子，陷身七载，羁囚羑里，自甘老死，今幸得见天日，与尔等复能完聚，睹此反觉凄惨耳。”大夫散宜生启曰：“昔成汤亦因于夏台，一旦还国，而有事于天下。今主公归国，更修德政，育养民生，俟时而动，安知今日之羑里，非昔之夏台乎？”文王曰：“大夫之言，岂是为孤之言，亦非臣下事上之理。昌有罪商都，蒙圣恩羁而不杀。虽七载之囚，正天子浩荡洪恩；虽顶踵亦不能报。后又进爵文王，赐黄钺、白旄，特专征伐，赦孤归国。此何等殊恩！当尽臣节，捐躯报国，犹不能效涓涯之万一耳。大夫何故出此言，使诸文武而动不肖之念也。”诸皆悦服。姬发近前；“请父王更衣乘辇。”文王依其言，换了王服，乘辇，命申杰随进西岐。一路上欢声拥道，乐奏笙簧，户户焚香，家家结彩。文王端坐銮舆，两边的执事成行，旛幢蔽日。只见众民大呼曰：“七年远隔，未睹天颜，今大王归国。万民瞻仰，欲亲觌天颜，愚民欣慰。”文王听见众臣如此，方骑逍遥马。众民欢声大振曰：“今日西岐有主矣！”人人欢悦，各各倾心。文王出小龙山口，见两边文武、九十八子相随，独不见长子邑考，因想其醢尸之苦，羑里自啖子肉，不觉心中大痛，泪如雨下。文王将衣掩面，作歌曰： “尽臣节兮奉旨朝商，直谏君兮欲正纲常。谗臣陷兮囚于羑里；不敢怨兮天降其殃。邑考孝兮为父赎罪，鼓琴音兮屈害忠良。啖子肉兮痛伤骨髓，感圣恩兮位至文王，夸官逃难兮路逢雷震，命不绝兮幸济吾疆。今归西士兮团圆母子，独不见邑考兮碎裂肝肠！”

Let us now return to Wenwang, who traveled with Shen Jie toward Xi Qi. Turning past distant winding paths, he once again saw his old homeland, and could not help but feel a pang of sorrow in his heart, thinking; "When I served the Shang court in days past, I suffered this great hardship. Never did I expect to return today after seven long years. The green mountains remain as they were, but human faces are no longer the same." Just as he was sighing and lamenting, suddenly two red flags fluttered, a cannon roared out, and a group of soldiers rushed forward. Wenwang's heart was still filled with surprise and uncertainty when he saw General Nangong Shi on his left, and Grand Minister Sanyi Sheng on his right, leading the Four Worthies, Eight Outstanding Figures, and Thirty-Six Heroes. Xinjia, Xinnian, Taodian, Hongyao, Qigong, and Yinji knelt by the roadside. Wenwang's second son, Ji Fa, stepped forward and knelt before the donkey, saying: "Father King has been detained in a foreign land for many months. As your son, I have failed to share your burdens or relieve your sufferings; I am truly a criminal beneath heaven and earth. I beg Father King's forgiveness. Today, I once again behold Your Kind Visage, which brings me immeasurable joy!" Wenwang saw the many civil and military officials as well as his sons, and could not help shedding tears. "Alone, I had thought today would be unbearably sorrowful. Though I once had no home, now I have a home; though I once had no country, now I have one; though I once lacked ministers, now I do not; and though I once was childless, now I am not. Trapped for seven years, imprisoned in Youli, I had resigned myself to an old age of death. Now, fortunately, I see the light of heaven again, and can reunite with you all. Gazing upon this scene, I feel sorrow instead." Minister Sanyi Sheng said: "In the past, King Cheng Tang was also imprisoned in Yutai. Once he returned to his country, he went on to rule over all under heaven. Now that our lord has returned to the country, if he further cultivates virtue and good governance, nurtures the people's livelihood, and acts at the right time, who can say that today's Youli is not like Yutai of old?" Wenwang said: "Minister, your words are not merely for my sake; they also reflect the proper conduct of subjects toward their ruler. Chang was guilty in the Shang capital but was detained rather than killed by the king's grace. Though imprisoned for seven years, this is precisely a manifestation of the Son of Heaven's vast and boundless mercy; Even from head to foot, I cannot repay it. Later, the king further bestowed the title of Wenwang upon me, granted me a yellow halberd and white flag, gave me special authority to wage war, and pardoned me so I could return to my country. What extraordinary grace this is! I shall fulfill my duties as a subject, offer up my life for the country, yet still cannot repay even one ten-thousandth of this grace. Minister, why do you speak such words? They cause the civil and military officials to entertain unworthy thoughts." All were pleased and convinced. Ji Fa stepped forward; "Please allow Father King to change clothes and ride in the palanquin." Wenwang followed his son's suggestion, changed into royal robes, rode in the palanquin, and ordered Shen Jie to accompany him into Xi Qi. Along the way, cheers filled the streets; music of sheng and huang was played, every household burned incense and decorated their homes with colorful banners. Wenwang sat upright in the dragon palanquin, while attendants on both sides formed rows and colorful banners blocked out the sun. The people cried out in unison: "For seven years we have been separated, unable to see Your Majesty's visage. Now the Great King has returned to our country. Ten thousand subjects look up in admiration and wish to personally behold His Majesty's face; we humble people are overjoyed." Hearing the officials speak thus, Wenwang finally rode his leisurely horse. The people cheered loudly: "Today, Xi Qi has its ruler once more!" Everyone was delighted and each heart was filled with devotion. As Wenwang passed through Xiaolong Shan Kou, he saw the civil and military officials on both sides as well as his ninety-eight sons following him. Only did he not see his eldest son Yikao. Thinking of the agony of having to eat his son's flesh in Youli, he could not help but feel great pain in his heart and wept like rain. Wenwang covered his face with his robe and sang: "I fulfilled my duty as a minister, obeying the edict to serve the Shang court; I directly advised the king in hopes of upholding righteousness and moral order. "By treacherous ministers' schemes, I was imprisoned in Youli; I dare not complain, for it is a calamity sent by heaven. Yikao was filial and sacrificed himself to redeem his father's guilt; he played the zither, yet injustice twisted and harmed loyal men. Eating my son's flesh pierced my bones with pain; I am grateful for the king's grace, which elevated me to the title of Wenwang. When fleeing disaster in official attire, I encountered lightning and thunder—my life was spared, and fortune led me back across our borders. Now returning to the West, I am reunited with mother and children; yet not seeing Yikao rends my heart!"

文王作罢歌，大叫一声；“痛杀我也！”跌下逍遥马来，面如白纸。慌坏世子并文武诸人，急急扶起，拥在怀中，速取茶汤，连灌数口。只见文王渐渐重楼中一声响，吐出一块肉羹。那肉饼就地上一滚，生出四足，长上两耳，望西跑去了。连吐三次，三个兔儿走了。众臣扶起文王，乘銮舆至西岐城，进端门，到大殿。公子姬发扶文王入后宫，调理汤药。也非一日，文王其恙已愈。那日升殿，文武百官上殿朝贺毕，文王宣上大夫散宜生，宜拜伏于地。文王曰：“孤朝天子，算有七年之厄，不料长子邑考为孤遭戮，此乃天数，荷蒙圣恩，特赦归国，加位文王，又命夸官三日，深感镇国武成王大德，送铜符五道，放孤出关。不期殷、雷二将奉旨追袭，使孤势穷力尽，无计可施。束手待毙之时，多亏昔年孤因朝商途中，行至燕山收了一婴儿。路逢终南山炼气士云中子带去，起名雷震，不觉七年，谁想追兵紧急，得雷震子救我出了五关。”散宜生曰：“五关岂无将官把守，焉能出得关来？”文王曰：“若说起雷震子之形，险些儿吓杀孤家。七年光景，生得面如蓝靛，发似朱砂，胁生双翼，飞腾半空，势如风雷之状；用一棍金棍，势似熊罴。他将金棍一下，把山尖打下一块来，故此殷、雷二将不敢相争，诺诺而退。雷震子回来，背著孤家，飞出五关，不须半个时辰，即是金鸡岭地面，他方告归终南山去了。孤不忍舍他。他道；‘师命不敢违，孩儿不久下山，再见父王。’故此他便回去。孤独自行了一日，行至申杰店中，感申杰以驴儿送孤，一路扶持。命官重赏，使申杰回家。”宜生跪启曰：“主公德贯天下，仁布四方，三分天下，二分归周，万民受其安康，百姓无不瞻仰。自古有云；‘克念者，自生百福；作念者，自生百殃。’主公已归西土，真如龙归大海，虎复深山，自宜养时待动。况天下已反四百诸侯，而纣王肆行不道，杀妻诛子，制炮烙、虿盆，醢大臣，废先王之典，造酒池肉林，杀宫嫔，听妲己之所谗，播弃黎老，昵比罪人，拒谏诛忠，沉酗酒色；谓上天不足畏，谓善不足为，酒色荒淫，罔有悛改。臣料朝歌不久属他人矣。……”言未毕，殿西来一人大呼曰：“今日大王已归故土，当得为公子报醢尸之雠！况今西岐雄兵四十万，战将六十员，正宜杀进五关，围住朝歌，斩费仲、妲己于市曹，废弃昏君，另立明主，以泄天下之忿！”文王听而不悦曰：“孤以二卿为忠义之士，西土赖之以安，今日出不忠之言，是先自处于不赦之地，而尚敢言报怨灭雠之语！天子乃万国之元首，纵有过，臣且不敢言，尚敢正君之过。纵有失，，子亦不敢语

After finishing his song, Wenwang let out a loud cry; "It pains me to death!" He fell from his leisurely horse, his face as pale as paper. The princes and civil-military officials were thrown into panic, quickly rushing to support him, holding him in their arms, hurriedly fetching tea, and giving him several sips. Soon, a sound came from within Wenwang's chamber; he vomited out a piece of meat stew. That meat cake rolled on the ground, sprouted four legs and two ears, then dashed westward. He vomited three times, each time a rabbit ran away. The ministers helped Wenwang up and assisted him into the dragon palanquin to Xi Qi city, through the Duan Gate, arriving at the main hall. Prince Ji Fa supported Wenwang into the inner palace and prepared medicinal soups for him to recover. It was not a single day; after some time, Wenwang's illness had healed. On that day, when he ascended the throne hall, after all the civil and military officials had paid their respects in court, Wenwang summoned Grand Minister Sanyi Sheng, who knelt on the ground. Wenwang said: "My court served the Son of Heaven, enduring seven years of hardship. I did not expect my eldest son Yikao to be slain for me; this is fate. I am grateful for His Majesty's grace, who specially pardoned and allowed me to return to our country, bestowing upon me the title of Wenwang, and ordering a three-day celebration in official attire. I deeply appreciate the great virtue of General Wucheng Wang, who sent five copper tokens and released me from the pass. Unexpectedly, Generals Yin and Lei were dispatched by imperial order to pursue and attack me, leaving me with no strength or strategy left. Just as I was about to surrender and await death, it was fortunate that many years ago, on my journey serving the Shang court, I had passed through Yanshan Mountain and adopted an infant. Along the way, I met a qigong cultivator from Zhongnan Mountain named Yunzhongzi, who took him away and gave him the name Leizhen. Unknowingly seven years passed; who would have thought that with the pursuing troops so urgent, it was Leizhenzi who saved me by getting me out of the Five Passes." Sanyi Sheng asked: "How could there be no generals or officers guarding the Five Passes? How was it possible to escape through them?" Wenwang said: "If I were to describe Leizhenzi's appearance, he nearly frightened me to death. After seven years, his face was as blue as indigo, his hair like cinnabar red; he had a pair of wings on his sides and could fly through the air with the force of wind and thunder. He wielded a golden staff, striking like a bear or a panda. With one strike of his golden staff, he knocked off a piece from the mountain peak. Thus, Generals Yin and Lei dared not resist further and retreated with submissive bows. Leizhenzi returned, carried me on his back, and flew out of the Five Passes. It took no more than half an hour to reach Jinji Ling territory; only then did he bid farewell and return to Zhongnan Mountain. I could not bear to part with him. He said; "I cannot disobey my master's command. I shall not descend the mountain for a while, but will see Your Majesty again." Thus he returned. I traveled alone for a day and arrived at Shen Jie's inn, moved by his kindness in lending me the donkey and supporting me along the way. I ordered officials to reward him richly and sent Shen Jie back home." Sanyi Sheng knelt and said: "Your Majesty's virtue permeates the world, your benevolence spreads in all directions. Three parts of the realm, two belong to Zhou; ten thousand people enjoy peace and safety, and no commoner does not look up with admiration. Since ancient times it has been said: "He who overcomes his thoughts will naturally be blessed with a hundred blessings; "he who indulges in evil thoughts will bring upon himself a hundred misfortunes." Your Majesty has returned to the western land, just as a dragon returns to the sea and a tiger reclaims its mountain; it is most fitting now for you to cultivate strength and await the right moment. Moreover, already four hundred feudal lords have rebelled across the realm. King Zhou has acted with utter impiety, killing his wife and 诛 ing his son, creating instruments of torture such as the pao luo and chai pen, dismembering ministers, abolishing the institutions of former kings, constructing wine pools and meat forests, executing concubines, heeding the slander of Daji, abandoning the elderly, favoring criminals, rejecting advice and 诛 ing loyal officials, indulging in drunkenness and lust; He considers Heaven not to be feared, goodness not worth pursuing, and through drunkenness and licentiousness, he shows no remorse or reform. I believe that Chaoguo will soon belong to others. "...". Before the words were finished, a man from the west of the hall shouted: "Now that Your Majesty has returned to your native land today, I should be able to avenge my dismembered corpse for you, My Lord! Moreover, now Xiqi has a mighty army of forty thousand troops and sixty valiant generals; it is precisely the time to march into the Five Passes, surround Chaoguo, execute Feizhong and Daji in public, depose this corrupt king, and establish a wise ruler instead, so as to relieve the anger of all under heaven!" King Wen, hearing this, was displeased and said: "I regarded the two of you as loyal and righteous men upon whom the western land relied for peace. Now you utter disloyal words; by doing so, you have placed yourselves in a position beyond pardon, yet you still dare to speak of revenge and vengeance! The Son of Heaven is the head of all nations. Even if he has committed faults, subjects dare not speak against him, let alone directly correct their sovereign's mistakes. Even if there are errors, as a son you also dare not speak of them.

，况敢正父之失。所以‘君叫臣死，不敢不死；父叫子亡，不敢不亡。’为人臣子，先以忠孝为首，而敢以直忤君父哉。昌因直谏于君，君故囚昌于羑里，虽有七载之困苦，是吾愆尤，怎敢怨君，归善于己。古语有云；‘君子见难而不避，惟天命是从。’今昌感皇上之恩，爵赐文王，荣归西土，孤正当早晚祈祝当今，但愿八方宁息兵燹，万民安阜乐业，方是为人臣之道。从今二卿切不可逆理悖伦，遗讥万世，岂仁人君子之所言也！”南宫适曰：“公子进页，代父赎罪，非有逆谋，如何竟遭醢尸之惨，情法难容。故当剿无道以正天下，此亦万民之心也。”文王曰：“卿只执一时之见，此是吾子自取其死。孤临行曾对诸子、文武有言；孤演先天数，算有七年之灾，切不可以一卒前来问安，候七年灾满，自然荣归。邑考不遵父训，自恃骄拗，执忠孝之大节，不知从权，又失打点，不知时务进退，自己德薄才庸，性情偏执，不顺天时，致遭此醢身之祸。孤今奉公守法，不妄为，不悖德，硜硜以尽臣节。任天子肆行狂悖，天下诸侯自有公论，何必二卿首为乱阶，自持强梁，先取灭亡哉。古云；‘五伦之中，惟有君亲恩最重；百行之本，当存忠孝义为先。’孤既归国，当以化行俗美为先，民丰物阜为务，则百姓自受安康，孤与卿等共享太平。耳不闻兵戈之声，眼不见征伐之事，身不受鞍马之劳，心不悬胜败之扰，但愿三军身无披甲胄之苦，民不受惊慌之灾，即此是福，即此是乐，又何必劳民伤财，糜烂其民，然后以为功哉。”南宫适、散宜生听文王之训，顿首叩谢。文王曰：“孤思西岐正南欲造一台，名曰‘灵台’。孤恐木土之工，非诸侯所作，劳伤百姓；然而造此灵台，以应灾祥之兆。”散宜生奏曰：“大王造此灵台，既为应灾祥而设，乃为西土之民，非为游观之乐，何为劳民哉。况主公仁爱，功及昆虫草木，万姓无不衔恩。若大王出示，万民自是乐役。若大王不轻用民力，仍给工银一钱，任民自便，随其所欲，不去强他，这也无害于事。况又是为西土人民应灾祥之故，民何不乐为。”文王大喜；“大夫此言方合孤意。”随出示张挂各门。不知后事如何，且听下回分解。

, let alone correct your father's mistakes. Therefore, "When the ruler commands a minister to die, he dares not refuse death; Father calls for his son's death, and the son dares not refuse." As a subject or child, one must first place loyalty and filial piety above all else; how dare you be so bold as to defy your sovereign or father with direct opposition? Chang was imprisoned in Youli by the king because he gave direct advice. Though enduring seven years of hardship, it is my fault and shortcoming; how could I dare to resent the king? Instead, I should seek virtue within myself. An old saying goes: "A gentleman, when faced with hardship, does not avoid it but follows only the will of Heaven." Now, I am grateful for the Emperor's grace, having been granted the title of King Wen and honored to return in glory to the western land. I should pray morning and night for His Majesty; may peace prevail throughout all directions, may the ten thousand people live in safety and prosperity, only then would that be the way of a loyal subject. From now on, you two ministers must never act against reason or violate moral principles, lest your words invite mockery for all generations to come. Such speech would not befit a benevolent and virtuous gentleman!" Nangong Shi said: "My Lord, you advanced to the capital and redeemed your father's crime; there was no act of rebellion. How could he have suffered such a cruel fate as dismemberment? This is beyond what reason or law can tolerate. Therefore, we must punish the tyrant and rectify the world; this is also the wish of the ten thousand people." King Wen said: "You cling to a momentary opinion. This was my son's own doing, and he brought death upon himself. Before I departed, I had spoken before all my sons and the civil and military officials; I calculated with the numbers of the Primordial Heaven, foreseeing seven years of calamity. Under no circumstances should a single soldier come forward to inquire about my well-being; wait until these seven years are fulfilled, and I shall naturally return in glory. Yikao did not follow his father's instructions, relying instead on arrogance and stubbornness. He clung to the great principles of loyalty and filial piety without understanding flexibility or adapting to circumstances. Lacking virtue and talent, with a biased and inflexible nature, he defied Heaven's will and thus brought upon himself this calamity of dismemberment. Now I serve the public and abide by the law, not acting recklessly or against virtue; I remain steadfast in fulfilling my duty as a subject. Let the Son of Heaven act with reckless defiance; the feudal lords across the realm will have their own just judgment. Why must you two ministers be the first to set a precedent for chaos, relying on force and aggression, only to bring about your own downfall? Ancient words say: "Among the Five Bonds, only the kindness of sovereign and father is most profound; the foundation of all virtues should place loyalty, filial piety, and righteousness first." Now that I have returned to the country, I shall prioritize transforming customs for beauty and prosperity, and focus on ensuring a flourishing people and abundant resources. In this way, the common folk will naturally enjoy peace and safety, allowing me and you ministers to share in lasting tranquility. May our ears not hear the sound of weapons, our eyes not witness war and conquest, our bodies not suffer the toil of riding on horseback, and our minds not be troubled by concerns over victory or defeat. I only wish that my troops need not endure the hardship of armor and helmets, and that the people may avoid the calamity of panic—this is true blessing, this is true joy. Why must we exhaust the people's strength and wealth, corrupting them in order to claim merit?" Nangong Shi and Sanyi Sheng listened to King Wen's instruction and kowtowed, bowing deeply in gratitude. King Wen said: "I have been thinking of building a terrace to the south of Xi'qi, named 'Ling Tai'. I fear that if we employ carpenters and masons, it would not be a task for the feudal lords to undertake, thus exhausting and harming the common people; yet I must build this Ling Tai in order to respond to omens of calamity or fortune." Sanyi Sheng presented his reply: "Your Majesty's construction of this Ling Tai, set up to respond to omens, is for the people of the western land and not for pleasure or sightseeing; how could it be burdensome to the common folk? Moreover, Your Majesty's benevolence and love extend even to insects and plants; no household among ten thousand people does not cherish your kindness. If the King issues an order, all the people will gladly serve as laborers. If Your Majesty does not lightly use the people's strength, but still gives a copper coin as wages for labor, allowing the common folk to act at their own convenience and according to their wishes without forcing them—this would cause no harm. Moreover, it is for the sake of responding to omens on behalf of the people in the western land; how could they not be willing to do so?" King Wen was greatly pleased; "Minister, these words of yours align perfectly with my thoughts." He immediately issued an order to post notices at all gates. What will happen next remains unknown; please listen for the continuation in the next chapter.