Chapter 23: King Wen's Night Dream of a Flying Bear Omen

诗曰： 文王守节尽臣忠，仁德兼施造大工。民力不教胼胝碎，役钱常赐锦缠红。 西岐社稷如磐石，纣王江山若浪从。谩道孟津天意合，飞熊入梦已先通。

The poem says: King Wenwang observed integrity and fulfilled his loyalty as a minister; benevolence and virtue were both practiced, achieving great accomplishments. The people's strength was not wasted in toil and calloused labor; instead, they were often granted monetary relief and adorned with red brocade. The state of Xiqi stood firm as a rock, while King Zhou's realm was like waves at sea, unstable and fleeting. Do not say in vain that Mengjin aligned with Heaven's will; the flying bear entered a dream and had already foretold the way ahead.

话说文王听散宜生之言，出示张挂西岐各门。惊动军民，都来争瞧告示。只见上书曰： “西伯文王示谕军民人等知悉：西岐之境，乃道德之乡，无兵戈用武之扰，民安物阜，讼减官清。孤囚羑里羁縻，蒙恩赦宥归国。因见迩来灾异频仍，水潦失度，及查本土，占验灾祥，竟无坛址。昨观城西有官地一隅，欲造一台，名曰‘灵台’，以占风候，看验民灾。又恐土木工繁，有伤尔军民力役。特每日给工银一钱支用。此工亦不拘日之近远，但随民便：愿做工者即上簿造名，以便查给；如不愿者，各随尔经营，并无逼强。想宜知悉，谕众通知。”

It is said that King Wenwang, following Sanyisheng's advice, ordered posters to be displayed at all gates of Xiqi. The soldiers and civilians were greatly stirred, all coming to take a look at the notice. It read: "King Wenwang, the Lord of Xibo, hereby informs all soldiers and civilians: The land of Xiqi is a place of virtue and morality. There are no disturbances from weapons or warfare; the people live in peace with abundant resources, lawsuits decrease, and officials remain upright." "I was once imprisoned at Youli but have now been mercifully pardoned and returned to my country." Recently, I have observed frequent disasters and anomalies: excessive flooding. Upon investigation of the native land, divination to verify omens revealed no suitable site for an altar. Yesterday, I observed a corner of government land to the west of the city where I wish to construct a platform named "Lingtai," in order to observe weather patterns and examine signs of disaster among the people. Yet, I fear that the labor involved in such construction may be too burdensome for you, my soldiers and civilians. Therefore, a daily allowance of one qian of silver will be provided for expenses. This project shall not be restricted by the nearness or distance of days, but will proceed according to the convenience of the people: those willing to work may register their names on a list for verification and payment; those who do not wish to participate may continue with their own affairs, without coercion. I hope this is understood; hereby I inform all of you."

话说西岐众军民人等一见告示，大家欢悦，齐声言曰：“大王恩德如天，莫可图报。我等日出而嬉游，日落而归宿，坐享承平之福，是皆大王之所赐。今大王欲造灵台，尚言给领工钱。我等虽肝脑涂地，手胼足胝，亦所甘心。况且为我百姓占验灾祥之设，如何反领大王工银也。”一郡军民无不欢悦，情愿出力造台。散宜生知民心如此，抱本进内启奏。文王曰：“军民既有此意举，随传旨给散银两。”众民领讫。文王对散宜生曰：“可选吉日，破土兴工。”众民用心，著意搬泥运土，伐木造台。正是：窗外日光弹指过，席前花影座间移。又道是：行见落花红满地，霎时黄菊绽东篱。造灵台不过旬月，管工官来报工完。文王大喜，随同文武多官排銮舆出郭，行至灵台观看，雕梁画栋，台砌巍峨，真一大观也。有赋为证，赋曰： 台高二丈，势按三才。上分八卦合阴阳，下属九宫定龙虎。四角有四时之形，左右立乾坤之象。前后配君臣之义，周围有风云之气。此台上合天心应四时，下合地户属五行，中合人意风调雨顺。文王有德，使万物而增辉；圣人治世，感百事而无逆。灵台从此立王基，验照灾祥扶帝主。正是：治国江山茂，今日灵台胜鹿台。

It is said that upon seeing the notice, all soldiers and civilians of Xiqi rejoiced greatly, shouting in unison: "The King's benevolence and virtue are as vast as Heaven; we can never repay such kindness. We rise with the sun to play and wander, return at dusk for rest, and enjoy peace and prosperity—all of this is a gift from our great King." Now that His Majesty wishes to build the Lingtai platform, he still provides wages for labor. Even if we were to spill our blood and lay down our lives, or work ourselves to calloused hands and feet, it would be a willing sacrifice. Moreover, this is for the benefit of our people in predicting disasters and omens; how could we dare to accept wages from His Majesty?" The soldiers and civilians throughout the region were all delighted, willingly offering their labor for the construction of the platform. Sanyisheng, aware that public sentiment was so favorable, took the report and entered to present it to King Wenwang. King Wenwang said: "Since the soldiers and civilians have shown such willingness, issue an order immediately to distribute silver." The people received their silver. King Wenwang said to Sanyisheng: "Choose a propitious day, and begin the groundbreaking for construction." The people worked diligently, carefully carrying soil and wood, cutting trees to build the platform. Indeed: The sunlight outside the window passes with a snap of the fingers; the flower shadows at the seat shift subtly as time moves on. It is also said: One sees red fallen petals covering the ground, and in a moment, golden chrysanthemums bloom at the eastern fence. The construction of Lingtai was completed within no more than ten days; the official in charge reported that the work was finished. King Wenwang was greatly pleased, and immediately accompanied by many civil and military officials, he rode out of the city in a grand procession to visit Lingtai. Upon arrival, they saw carved beams and painted pillars; the platform's stone steps were majestic and imposing—truly an impressive sight. There is a rhapsody to attest to this; the rhapsody says: The platform rises two zhang high, its form embodying the Three Talents. Above it divides the Eight Trigrams to harmonize Yin and Yang; below it aligns with the Nine Palaces to determine the Dragon and Tiger positions. The four corners embody the forms of the Four Seasons, while left and right establish the images of Heaven and Earth. Front and back reflect the virtue of ruler and minister; all around it is imbued with the aura of wind and clouds. This platform harmonizes above with Heaven's center, responding to the Four Seasons; aligns below with Earth's gate, belonging to the Five Elements; and in the middle reflects human will, ensuring favorable winds and timely rains. King Wenwang's virtue shines so brightly that all things are enhanced by it; a sage rules the world, and thus all affairs proceed smoothly without opposition. From this day forward, Lingtai establishes the foundation of kingship; it observes omens and disasters to support the Son of Heaven. Indeed: When a nation is well governed, its rivers and mountains flourish—today's Lingtai surpasses even Lutai.

话说文王随同两班文武上得灵台，四面一观。文王默然不语。时有上大夫散宜生出班奏曰：“今日灵台工完，大王为何不悦？”文王曰：“非是不悦。此台虽好，台下欠少一池沼以应‘水火既济、配合阴阳’之意。孤欲再开池沼，又恐劳伤民力，故此郁郁耳。”宜生启曰：“灵台之工，甚是浩大，尚且不日而成；况于台下一沼，其工甚易。”宜生忙传王旨：“台下再开一沼池，以应 ‘水火既济’之意。”说言未了，只见众民大呼曰：“小小池沼，有何难成，又劳圣虑！”众人随将带来锹锄，一时挑挖；内中挑出一付枯骨，众人四路抛掷。文王在台上，见众人抛弃枯骨。王问曰：“众民抛弃何物？”左右启奏曰：“此地掘起一付人骨，众人故此抛掷。”文王急传旨，命众人：“将枯骨取来，放在一处，用匣盛之，埋于高阜之地。岂有因孤开沼而暴露此骸骨，实孤之罪也。”众人听见此言，大呼曰：“圣德之君，泽及枯骨，何况我等人民，不沾雨露之恩。真是广施人意，道合天心，西岐万民获有父母矣！”众民欢声大悦。文王因在灵台看挖沼池，不觉天色渐晚，回驾不及。文王随文武在灵台上设宴，君臣共乐。席罢之后，文武在台下安歇。文王台上设绣榻而寝。时至三更，正值梦中，忽见东南一只白额猛虎，胁生双翼，望帐中扑来。文王急叫左右，只听台后一声响喨，火光冲霄，文王惊醒，吓了一身香汗；听台下已打三更。文王自思：“此梦主何凶吉，待到天明，再作商议。”有诗曰： 文王治国造灵台，文武锵锵保驾来。忽见沼池枯骨现，命将高阜速藏埋。君臣共乐传杯盏，夜梦飞熊扑帐开。龙虎风云从此遇，西岐方得栋梁才。

It is said that King Wenwang ascended the Lingtai with both ranks of civil and military officials, surveying all directions. King Wenwang remained silent in thought. At that moment, Grand Minister Sanyisheng stepped forward and presented a question: "The Lingtai is now complete. Why does His Majesty appear unhappy?" King Wenwang said: "It is not that I am unhappy." "Although this platform is fine, it lacks a pool beneath it to reflect the meaning of 'Water and Fire in Harmony, Yin and Yang united.'" "I wish to dig a pond here, but I fear it will overburden the people's strength. Hence my melancholy." Sanyisheng replied: "The construction of Lingtai required great effort, yet it was completed in no time; how much easier would it be to dig a small pond beneath the platform?" Sanyisheng quickly conveyed the King's decree: "Dig another pool beneath the platform to fulfill the meaning of 'Water and Fire Achieve Harmony.'" Before he could finish speaking, the people cried out: "A small pond is easy to build—why trouble His Majesty's mind!" The crowd immediately took up their shovels and hoes, and began digging at once; among the earth they unearthed a set of dry bones, which the people promptly threw away in all directions. King Wenwang on the platform saw the people throwing away the dry bones. The King asked: "What object are the people discarding?" Those nearby replied: "A set of human bones was unearthed here, so the people threw them away." King Wenwang immediately issued an order to the crowd: "Retrieve the dry bones and place them together. Put them in a box and bury them on high ground. How could my digging of this pond have caused these bones to be exposed? This is truly my fault." The people, hearing these words, cried out: "A sage and virtuous ruler shows mercy even to dry bones—how much more so for us common folk who do not feel the grace of his rain and dew. Truly, he widely extends kindness to people, aligning with Heaven's will—this is the King of Xiqi, a father and mother to all his people!" The people rejoiced loudly. King Wenwang, having observed the digging of the pond at Lingtai, did not notice that it was growing late and could no longer return to his palace in time. King Wenwang therefore hosted a banquet on the Lingtai with his civil and military officials, where ruler and subjects enjoyed each other's company in joy. After the banquet ended, the civil and military officials rested beneath the platform. King Wenwang slept on a brocade couch set up atop the platform. At the third watch of the night, while in a dream, King Wenwang suddenly saw from the southeast a fierce white-browed tiger with wings on its sides rushing toward his tent. King Wenwang cried out to those nearby, and just then a loud noise was heard from behind the platform, followed by flames bursting into the sky. King Wenwang woke up in alarm, drenched in fragrant sweat; he heard that it had already struck three times at the third watch beneath the platform. King Wenwang pondered to himself: "What omen does this dream foretell? I will wait until morning and then deliberate further." There is a poem that says: King Wenwang governs the state and builds Lingtai; civil and military ministers arrive in full, safeguarding his procession. Suddenly, dry bones appear from the pond— He orders them swiftly buried on high ground with care. Ruler and ministers share joy, passing cups in revelry; At night a dream of a flying bear attacks the tent with might. From this moment, Dragon and Tiger meet with wind and clouds— Xiqi gains its true pillars of state at last.

话说次早文武上台，参谒已毕，文王曰：“大夫散宜生何在？”散宜生出班见礼曰：“有何宣召？”文王曰：“孤今夜三鼓，得一异梦，梦见东南有一只白额猛虎，胁生双翼，望帐中扑来，孤急呼左右，只见台后火光冲霄，一声响喨，惊醒，乃是一梦。此兆不知主何吉凶？”散宜生躬身贺曰：“此梦乃大王之大吉兆，主大王得栋梁之臣，大贤之客，真不让风后、伊尹之右。”文王曰：“卿何以见得如此？”宜生曰：“昔商高宗曾有飞熊入梦，得传说于版筑之间；今主公梦虎生双翼者，乃熊也；又见台后火光，乃火锻物之象。今西方属金，金见火必锻；锻炼寒金，必成大器。此乃兴周之大兆。故此臣特欣贺。”众官听毕，齐声称贺。文王传旨回驾，心欲访贤，以应此兆。不题。

It is said that the next morning, civil and military officials ascended the platform to pay their respects. After the ceremony was complete, King Wenwang asked: "Where is Grand Minister Sanyisheng?" Sanyisheng stepped forward, bowed, and said: "What command does His Majesty have for me?" King Wenwang said: "Last night, at the third watch, I had a strange dream. In it, I saw from the southeast a white-browed tiger with two wings on its sides flying toward my tent. I cried out to those around me, and suddenly there was a loud noise behind the platform followed by flames bursting into the heavens. I woke up in alarm—it turned out to be only a dream." "I do not know what omen this portends—good or ill?" Sanyisheng bowed and congratulated: "This dream is a great omen of good fortune for His Majesty. It signifies that the King will gain a pillar of state, an extraordinary minister or guest—truly no less than Fenghou or Yi Yin." King Wenwang asked: "On what basis do you say this?" Sanyisheng said: "In the past, King Gaozong of Shang once had a dream in which a flying bear appeared, and through this he discovered Tienshuo among builders; now Your Majesty's dream of a tiger with two wings is actually a bear; the sight of flames behind the platform symbolizes fire forging objects. Now, the West belongs to Metal; when Metal meets Fire, it must be forged; Cold Metal refined by fire will surely become a great treasure. This is a grand omen for the rise of Zhou." Therefore, I specially offer my congratulations." The officials, having heard this, all cheered and offered their congratulations. King Wenwang issued an order to return to the palace, his heart set on seeking a wise man in accordance with this omen. No further details are given.

且言姜子牙自从弃却朝歌，别了马氏，土遁救了居民，隐于磻溪，垂钓渭水。子牙一意守时候命，不管闲非，日诵“黄庭”，悟道修真。苦闷时，持丝纶倚绿柳而垂钓。时时心上昆仑，刻刻念随师长，难忘道德，朝暮悬悬。一日，执竿叹息，作诗曰： “自别昆仑地，俄然二四年。商都荣半载，直谏在君前。弃却归西土，磻溪执钓先。何日逢真主，披云再见天。”

Meanwhile, let us speak of Jiang Ziya. Since leaving Chaoge and parting from his wife Ma Shi, he had used earth 遁 (earth-cloaking) to rescue the residents, then retreated into Panxi, where he fished in Weishui River in quiet seclusion. Ziya devoted himself entirely to observing the time and awaiting his destiny, ignoring worldly distractions. Each day he recited "Huangting," pondering the Dao and cultivating truth. When feeling lonely or distressed, he would hold his silk fishing line, lean against a green willow tree, and cast his hook into the water. At all times he longed for Kunlun in his heart, and moment by moment followed the teachings of his master. He could not forget morality; day and night, his thoughts lingered with longing. One day, holding his fishing rod in hand and sighing deeply, he composed a poem: "Since parting from Kunlun's land, it has been suddenly twenty-four years. "I served the capital of Shang for half a year, offering direct advice before my ruler." "Abandoning all, I returned to the West; at Panxi I cast my line first." "When will I meet a true ruler again, and pierce through clouds to see Heaven once more?"

子牙作罢诗，坐于垂杨之下。只见滔滔流水，无尽无休，彻夜东行，熬尽人间万古。正是：惟有青山流水依然在，古往今来尽是空。子牙叹毕，只听得一人作歌而来。

After finishing the poem, Ziya sat beneath a weeping willow. He saw only the ceaseless flow of water, endlessly surging eastward through the night, wearing away the ages of human life. Indeed: Only green mountains and flowing rivers remain unchanged; all things from ancient times to now are but emptiness. After sighing, Ziya heard a voice singing as it approached.

“登山过岭，伐木丁丁。随身板斧，砍劈枯藤。崖前免走，山后鹿鸣。树梢异鸟，柳外黄莺。见了些青松桧柏，李白桃红。无忧樵子，胜似腰金。担柴一石，易米三升。随时菜蔬，沽酒二瓶。对月邀饮，乐守孤林。深山幽僻，万壑无声。奇花异草，逐日相侵。逍遥自在，任意纵横。”

"The song went: 'Crossing mountains and ridges, the sound of axes rings clearly. With a hatchet at my side, I chop through withered vines.' 'Does the deer run before the cliff? Does the stag call out from behind the mountain?' 'Exotic birds on tree branches, yellow orioles beyond the willows.' 'I have seen green pines and cypresses, white plums and red peaches in bloom.' 'A carefree woodcutter surpasses the joy of wearing gold at one's waist.' 'Carrying a dan of firewood, exchanged for three sheng of rice.' 'Seasonal vegetables and two bottles of wine bought with it.' 'Inviting a drink under the moon, joyfully guarding my lonely grove.' 'Deep in secluded mountains, myriad valleys lie silent.' 'Exotic flowers and strange herbs grow daily, encroaching upon the land.' 'Free and easy, at ease, moving as I please.'"

樵子歌罢，把一担柴放下，近前少憩，问子牙曰：“老丈，我常时见你在此，执竿钓鱼，我和你像一个故事。”子牙曰：“像何故事？”樵子曰：“我与你像一个‘渔樵问答’。”子牙大喜：“好个‘渔樵问答’。”樵子曰：“你上姓？贵处？缘何到此？”子牙曰，“吾乃东海许洲人也。姓姜，名尚，字子牙，道号飞熊。”樵子听罢，扬笑不止。子牙问樵子曰：“你姓甚？名谁？”樵子曰：“吾姓武，名吉，祖贯西岐人氏。”子牙曰：“你方才听吾姓名，反加扬笑者，何也？”武吉曰：“你才才言号飞熊，故有此笑。”子牙曰：“人各有号，何以为笑？”樵子曰：“当时古人，高人，圣人，贤人，胸藏万斛珠玑，腹隐无边锦绣。如风后、老彭傅说、常桑、伊尹之辈，方称其号；似你也有此号，名不称实，故此笑耳。我常时见你绊绿柳而垂丝，别无营运，守株而待兔，看此清波，无识见高明，为何亦称道号？”武吉言罢，却将溪边钓竿拿起，见线上叩一针而无曲。樵子抚掌大笑不止，对子牙点头叹曰：“有智不在年高，无谋空言百岁。”樵子问子牙曰：“你这钓线何为不曲？古语云：‘且将香饵钓金鳌。’我传你一法，将此针用火烧红，打成钩样，上用香饵，线上又用浮子，鱼来吞食，浮子自动，是知鱼至，望上一拎，钩挂鱼腮，方能得鲤，此是捕鱼之方。似这等钩，莫说三年，便百年也无一鱼到手。可见你智量愚拙，安得妄日飞熊！”子牙曰：“你只知其一，不知其二。老夫在此，名虽垂钓，我自意不在鱼。吾在此不过守青云而得路，拨阴翳而腾霄，岂可曲中而取鱼乎！非丈夫之所为也。吾宁在直中取，不向曲中求，不为锦鳞设，只钓王与侯。吾有诗为证： 短杆长线守磻溪，这个机关那个知？只钓当朝君与相，何尝意在水中鱼。”

After finishing his song, the woodcutter set down his bundle of firewood and approached to rest nearby. He asked Ziya: "Old man, I often see you here holding a rod and fishing; we seem like characters from the same story." Ziya said, "Like what story?" The woodcutter said: "You and I resemble a 'Dialogue Between Fisher and Woodcutter.'" Ziya was greatly pleased: "What a fine 'Dialogue Between Fisher and Woodcupper'!" The woodcutter asked, "May I ask your surname?" And where are you from? "Why have you come here?" Ziya said, "I am a native of Xuzhou in the East Sea. My surname is Jiang, my given name Shang, courtesy name Ziya, and Daoist title Feixiong." After hearing this, the woodcutter could not stop laughing. Ziya asked the woodcutter: "What is your surname?" "And what is your name?" The woodcutter said, "My surname is Wu, my given name Ji. I am a native of Xiqi." Ziya asked: "You just heard my name and surname, yet you laughed heartily. Why is that?" Wu Ji said: "It was because you mentioned your Daoist title Feixiong, so I laughed." Ziya asked: "Everyone has their own titles. Why is there a reason to laugh?" The woodcutter said: "In ancient times, great men, sages, and virtuous people had treasures beyond count in their minds, and the splendor of boundless brocade hidden within their bellies. Figures like Fenghou, Laopeng, Fu Yue, Chang Sang, Yi Yin and others were worthy of their titles; You have such a title as well, yet your name does not match reality. That is why I laughed." "I often see you entangled with green willows, casting lines idly, without any effort or enterprise, waiting for a rabbit by the tree, gazing at this clear water, yet showing no insight or wisdom. Why then do you also claim to have a Daoist title?" ล After Wu Ji finished speaking, he picked up the fishing rod by the stream and saw that there was a needle fastened to the line without any bend. The woodcutter clapped his hands and laughed heartily, nodding at Ziya while sighing: "Wisdom is not in age; without strategy, a hundred years of talk are in vain." The woodcutter asked Ziya: "Why does your fishing line not bend?" Ancient saying goes: 'Let us cast fragrant bait to catch the golden giant turtle.' I will teach you a method: heat this needle until it turns red, hammer it into the shape of a hook. Attach fragrant bait on top, and add a float to the line. When fish come to eat, the float moves automatically, indicating their presence. Then lift upward slightly, and the hook will catch the fish's gill—this is how you catch carp. This is the method for fishing. With a hook like this, not to mention three years, even after a hundred years you would catch no fish at all. Clearly your wisdom is foolish and shallow; how can you dare call yourself Feixiong!" Ziya said: "You only know one aspect, not the second. Although I am here by name as a fisherman, my true intention is not to catch fish. I remain here merely to guard for the blue clouds and find my path, to clear away shadows and ascend into the heavens. How could I stoop so low as to catch fish in a crooked way!" That is not what a true man would do. I would rather obtain things through integrity than seek them by crooked means. I do not set my sights on splendid fish; instead, I cast for kings and marquises." I have a poem to prove it: "With a short rod and long line I guard Panxi; who else knows this secret?" "I only cast for the emperor and his ministers of this age—how could my intent ever be to catch fish from the water?"

武吉听罢，大笑曰：“你这个人也想王侯做！看你那个嘴脸，不像王侯，你到像个活猴！”子牙也笑著曰：“你看我的嘴脸不像王侯，我看你的嘴脸也不甚么好。”武吉曰：“我的嘴脸比你好些。吾虽樵夫，真比你快活：春看桃杏，夏赏荷红，秋看黄菊，冬赏梅松，我也有诗： 担柴货卖长街上，沽酒回家母子欢。伐木只知营运乐，放翻天地自家看。”

After hearing this, Wu Ji laughed heartily and said: "You actually dare to dream of becoming a king or marquis!" "Looking at your face, you do not look like royalty. You more resemble a live monkey!" Ziya also laughed and said: "You think my face does not look like that of royalty, but I see your face is no better." Wu Ji said: "My face looks a bit better than yours. Though I am only a woodcutter, I truly live more joyfully than you: in spring I watch peach and apricot blossoms; in summer I admire red lotuses; in autumn I see yellow chrysanthemums; in winter I enjoy plum trees and cypresses. I also have a poem: "Carrying firewood to sell on the long street, buying wine to bring home for my mother's and my joy." "Cutting wood brings only the pleasure of enterprise; I turn over heaven and earth to see with my own eyes."

子牙曰：“不是这等嘴睑。我看你脸上的气色不甚么好。”武吉曰：“你看我的气色怎的不好？”子牙曰：“你左眼青，右眼红，今日进城打死人。”武吉听罢，叱之曰：“我和你闲谈戏语，为何毒口伤人？”

Ziya said: "That is not how it should be. "I see the complexion on your face is not very good." Wu Ji asked: "How do you say my complexion is bad?" Ziya said: "Your left eye is blue, your right eye red—today when you went into the city, you killed a man." After hearing this, Wu Ji scolded him: "I was merely chatting and joking with you. Why do you use such cruel words to hurt me?"

武吉挑起柴，迳往西岐城中来卖。不觉行至南门，却逢文王车驾往灵台，占验灾祥之兆。随侍文武出城，两边侍卫甲马御林军人大呼曰：“千岁驾临，少来！”武吉挑著一担柴往南门来，市井道窄，将柴换肩，不知塌了一头，番转尖担，把门军王相夹耳门一下，即刻打死。两边人大叫曰：“樵子打死了门军！”即时拿住，来见文王。文王曰：“此是何人？”两边启奏：“大王千岁，这个樵子不知何故打死门军王相。”文王在马上问曰：“那樵子姓甚名字？为何打死王相？”武吉启曰：“小人就是西岐的良民，叫做武吉。因见大王驾临，道路窄狭，将柴换肩，误伤王相。”文王曰：“武吉既打死王相，理当抵命。”随即就在南门画地为牢，竖木为吏，将武吉禁于此间，文王往灵台去了。──纣时画地为牢，止西岐有此事。东、南、北连朝歌俱有禁狱，惟西岐因文王先天数，祸福无差，因此人民不敢逃匿，所以画地为狱，民亦不敢逃去。但凡人走了，文王演先天数，算出拿来，加倍问罪。以此顽猾之民，皆奉公守法，故曰“画地为狱”。且说武吉禁了三日，不得回家。武吉思：“母无依，必定倚闾而望；况又不知我有刑陷之灾。”因思母亲，放声大哭。行人围看。其时散宜生往南门过，忽见武吉悲声大痛，散宜生问曰：“你是前日打死王相的。杀人偿命，理之常也，为何大哭？”武吉告曰：“小人不幸逢遇冤家，误将王相打死，理当偿命，安得埋怨。只奈小人有母，七十馀岁。小人无兄无弟，又无妻室。母老孤身，必为沟渠饿殍，尸骸暴露，情切伤悲，养子无益，子丧母亡，思之切骨，苦不敢言。小人不得已，放声大哭。不知回避，有犯大夫，祈望恕罪。”散宜生听龙，默思久之：“若论武吉打死王相，非是斗殴杀伤人命，不过挑柴误塌尖担，打伤人命，自无抵偿之理。”宜生曰：“武吉不必哭，我往见千岁启一本，放你回去，办你母亲衣衾棺木，柴米养身之资，你再等秋后以正国法。”武吉叩头：“谢老爷大恩！”

Wu Ji picked up his firewood, went straight into the city of Xiqi, and began selling it. Without realizing it, he had walked to the southern gate, where he encountered King Wenwang's procession heading toward Lingtai for divination and omens of calamity or fortune. The civil and military attendants followed the king out of the city, while soldiers on both sides shouted loudly: "His Highness is here! Make way!" Wu Ji, carrying a bundle of firewood toward the southern gate, found the street narrow and switched shoulders. Unknowingly, one side of his load collapsed, causing the pointed end of his pole to strike the ear of General Wang Xiang at the gate, killing him instantly. People on both sides cried out: "The woodcutter has killed a gate soldier!" He was immediately seized and brought before King Wenwang. King Wenwang asked: "Who is this man?" Those on both sides reported: "Your Majesty, this woodcutter for some unknown reason killed the gate soldier Wang Xiang." King Wenwang asked from his horse: "What is that woodcutter's surname and name?" "Why did you kill Wang Xiang?" Wu Ji replied: "I am a good citizen of Xiqi, my name is Wu Ji. Because I saw Your Majesty's procession and the road was narrow, I switched shoulders with my firewood bundle and accidentally injured Wang Xiang." King Wenwang said: "Wu Ji having killed Wang Xiang, should logically pay with his life." They immediately drew a circle on the ground at the southern gate as a prison, set up wooden posts to serve as officials, and confined Wu Ji there. King Wenwang then went toward Lingtai. ——During the Shang Dynasty, drawing a circle on the ground to serve as a prison was only practiced in Xiqi. The east, south, and north all had official prisons in Chaoge; only Xiqi, due to King Wenwang's innate understanding of the Daoist numbers that govern fortune and misfortune without error, made its people too afraid to hide or escape. Therefore, they used drawn circles on the ground as prisons, yet no one dared flee. If anyone attempted to run away, King Wenwang would calculate their whereabouts using his innate knowledge of the Daoist system and have them captured, then punish them even more severely. Thus, all cunning or unruly people obeyed the law and respected authority; this is why it was called "drawing a circle on the ground as a prison." Let us return to Wu Ji, who had been confined for three days and could not go home. Wu Ji thought: "My mother has no one to rely on; she must be waiting anxiously at the gate, looking for me." Moreover, I do not know if my mother is aware of this calamity and punishment." Thinking of his mother, Wu Ji burst into loud weeping. Passersby gathered to watch. At that time, Sanye Sheng was passing by the southern gate when he suddenly saw Wu Ji weeping bitterly. Sanye Sheng asked: "You are the one who killed Wang Xiang two days ago." "Killing a man means paying with your life—this is only natural. Why do you weep so bitterly?" Wu Ji replied: "It is my misfortune to have encountered an enemy and accidentally killed Wang Xiang. I should pay with my life, so how could I possibly complain? My mother is over seventy years old. I have no brothers, nor a wife or family. My mother, old and alone, will surely become a starving corpse in the ditches, her body exposed. This situation deeply pains me; raising a son is of no help if he perishes—when I die, my mother will also perish. Thinking about this pierces to my bones, yet out of sorrow, I dare not speak." I have no choice but to weep loudly in grief. I did not know you were nearby and failed to avoid you, thus offending a noble gentleman. I humbly request your forgiveness." Sanye Sheng listened to this, fell into deep thought for a long time: "If we consider Wu Ji's killing of Wang Xiang, it was not an act of fighting or intentional murder. It was merely the accidental collapse of his firewood pole that caused injury and death—there is no reason he should be held fully responsible." Sanye Sheng said: "Wu Ji, do not weep. I will go to see His Highness and submit a memorial on your behalf so you may be released. I shall arrange for clothes, shrouds, coffins, firewood, rice, and other provisions to support your mother. Then you can wait until the autumn to face justice according to national law." Wu Ji kowtowed: "I thank my lord for this great kindness!"

宜生一日进便殿，见文王朝贺毕，散宜生奏曰：“臣启大王：前日武吉打伤王相人命，禁于南门。臣往南门，忽见武吉痛哭。臣问其故，武吉言有老母七十有馀岁，止生武吉一人，况吉上无兄弟，又无妻室，其母一无所望，吉遭国法，羁陷莫出，思母必成沟渠之鬼，因此大哭。臣思王相人命，原非斗殴，实乃误伤。况武吉母寡身单，不知其子陷身于狱。据臣愚见，且放武吉归家，以办养母之费，棺木衣衾之资，完毕，再来抵偿王相之命。臣请大王旨意定夺。”文王听宜生之言，随准行：“速放武吉回家。”诗曰： 文王出郭验灵台，武吉担柴惹祸胎。王相死于尖担下，子牙八十运才来。

One day, Sanye Sheng entered the private hall. After King Wen had received his courtiers' congratulations, Sanye Sheng presented a report: "Your Majesty, I wish to inform you that Wu Ji injured and killed Wang Xiang on an earlier occasion and has been detained at the southern gate." When I went to the southern gate, I suddenly saw Wu Ji weeping in great sorrow. I asked him the reason, and Wu Ji said that his elderly mother is over seventy years of age, and he was her only child. Moreover, Wu Ji has no brothers or a wife, so his mother has nothing to hope for. If Wu Ji were to be punished by national law and imprisoned without release, she would inevitably become a ghost in the ditches—this is why he wept bitterly. I considered that Wang Xiang's death was not due to fighting, but rather an accidental injury. Moreover, Wu Ji's mother is a widow with no one else to rely on and does not know that her son has been imprisoned. In my humble opinion, Wu Ji should be released temporarily to return home and prepare the expenses for supporting his mother as well as the funds for a coffin, shroud, and clothing. Once these are completed, he may then return to face punishment for Wang Xiang's death. I respectfully request Your Majesty's decree on the matter." King Wen listened to Sanye Sheng's words and immediately approved: "Release Wu Ji from prison and let him return home quickly." The poem says: King Wen went beyond the city to inspect the spiritual terrace, when Wu Ji's firewood pole caused a disaster. Wang Xiang died beneath the sharp pole; it was only after Yiziya turned eighty that his fortune arrived.

话说武吉出了狱，可怜思家心重，飞奔回来。只见母亲倚闾而望，见武吉回家，忙问曰：“我儿，你因甚么事，这几日才来？为母在家，晓夜不安，又恐你在深山穷谷被虎狼所伤，使为娘的悬心吊胆，废寝忘餐。今日见你，我方心落。不知你为何事，今日才回？”武吉哭拜在地曰：“母亲，孩儿不幸前日往南门卖柴，遇文王驾至，我挑柴闪躲，塌了尖担，打死门军王相。文王把孩儿禁于狱中。我想母亲在家中悬望，又无音信，上无亲人，单身只影，无人奉养，必成沟渠壑之鬼，因此放声大哭。多亏上大夫散宜生老爷启奏文王，放我归家，置办你的衣衾、棺木、米粮之类，打点停当，孩儿就去偿王相之命。母亲，你养我一汤无益了！”道罢大哭。其母听见儿子遭此人命重情，魂不附体，一把扯住武吉，悲声哽咽，两泪如珠，对天叹曰：“我儿忠厚半生，并无欺妄，孝母守分，今日有何事得罪天地，遭此陷穽之灾。我儿，你有差迟，为娘的焉能有命！”武吉曰：“前一日，孩儿担柴行至磻溪，见一老人执竿垂钓，线上拴著一个针，在那里钓鱼。孩儿问他：‘为何不打弯了，安著香饵钓鱼？’那老人曰：‘宁在直中取，不在曲中求。非为锦鳞，只钓王侯。’孩儿笑他：‘你这个人也想做王侯，你那嘴脸，也不像做王侯，好像一个活猴！’那老人看看孩儿曰：‘我看你的嘴脸也不好。’我问他：‘我怎的不好？’那老人说孩儿‘左眼青，右眼红，今日必定打死人’，确确的，那一日打死了王相。我想老人嘴极毒，想将起来可恶。”其母问吉曰：“那老人姓甚，名谁？”武吉曰：“那老人姓姜，名尚，字子牙，道号飞熊。因他说出号来，孩儿故此笑他。他才说出这样破话。”老母曰：“此老善相，莫非有先见之明。我儿，此老人你还去求他救你。此老必是高人。”武吉听了母命，收拾迳往磻溪来见子牙。不知后事如何，且听下回分解。

Now, Wu Ji left prison and, overwhelmed with longing for home, hurried back as fast as he could. He saw his mother leaning by the gate, waiting anxiously. When she saw Wu Ji return home, she hurriedly asked: "My son, what happened to you? Why have you only just returned after these few days?" Because I was worried about you at home, I could not rest day or night. I feared that you might be injured by tigers and wolves in the deep mountains and remote valleys, causing your mother to suffer endless anxiety, losing my appetite and sleep." Today, now that I have seen you, I can finally feel at ease. But I do not know what happened to you—why did you return only today?" Wu Ji wept and fell to the ground, saying: "Mother, your son was unfortunately selling firewood at the southern gate a few days ago when I encountered King Wen's procession. As I hurriedly dodged while carrying my firewood pole, it collapsed and killed the gate soldier Wang Xiang." King Wen had your son imprisoned in jail. I thought of my mother waiting anxiously at home with no news. With no relatives above and alone in the world, she would have no one to support her and would surely become a ghost in ditches and ravines—this is why I wept loudly." It was thanks to the high minister Sanye Sheng, who petitioned King Wen on my behalf, that I was released and allowed to return home. He arranged for your clothes, coffin, shroud, rice, and provisions. Once everything is properly prepared, your son will go to pay with his life for Wang Xiang's death." Mother, raising me has been of no use now!" He said this and wept bitterly. His mother, upon hearing that her son had been caught in such a serious crime, lost consciousness and clung tightly to Wu Ji. Her voice choked with sorrow as she wept bitterly, tears streaming like pearls down her face. She looked up at the sky and sighed: "My son has always been loyal and honest throughout his life, never deceitful or disrespectful. He was filial, respectful of his mother, and law-abiding. Why then have I offended heaven and earth today to suffer such a calamity?" "My son, if you are in trouble, how can your mother possibly live on!" Wu Ji said: "The day before, while I was carrying firewood to Banxi, I saw an old man holding a fishing rod and hooking a needle on the line. He was there fishing." I asked him, 'Why don't you bend it and use some fragrant bait to fish?' The old man said: "Better obtain something directly than seek it through crooked means." "It is not for catching fine fish, but to catch kings and dukes." I laughed at him: 'You, a man like you, also want to become a king or duke? Your face does not look like that of a king or duke. You seem more like a living monkey!' The old man looked at me and said: 'I think your face does not look good either.' I asked him, "What is wrong with my appearance?" The old man said of me: 'Your left eye is blue, your right eye red; today you will surely kill a person.' Indeed, on that day I killed Wang Xiang. I think the old man's words were extremely harsh and cruel. Thinking back now, he was truly despicable." His mother asked Wu Ji: "What is that old man's surname and name?" Wu Ji said: "That old man's surname is Jiang, his given name Shang, courtesy name Ziyi, and his Daoist title Feixiong. Because he mentioned his Daoist title, your son laughed at him for that reason. lando He only said those cruel words after that." His old mother said: "This old man is good at reading faces. Perhaps he has the foresight to see things before they happen. "My son, you should go and ask this old man for help." This old man must be a great sage." Wu Ji, having heard his mother's words, prepared himself and went directly to Banxi to see Ziyi. What will happen next? Stay tuned for the following chapter.