Chapter 24

诗曰： 别却朝歌隐此间，喜观绿水绕青山。黄庭两卷消长昼，金鲤三条了笑颜。 柳内莺声来呖呖，岸傍溜响听潺潺。满天华露开祥瑞，赢得文王仙驾扳。

The poem says: Parting from Chao Ge and retreating here, I joyfully watch the green water winding around the blue mountains. Two volumes of Huangting pass away the long day, three golden carps bring smiles to my face. Yellow orioles chirp lele within the willows, and the sound of water trickling along the shore is heard chanchan. The fragrant dew fills the sky, heralding auspicious omens; it has earned me the chance to pull up the carriage of Wenwang, the immortal.

话说武吉来到溪边，见子牙独坐垂杨之下，将渔竿飘浮绿波之上，自己作歌取乐。武吉走至子牙之后，款款叫曰：“姜老爷！”子牙回首，看见武吉，子牙曰：“你是那一日在此的樵夫。”武吉答曰：“正是。”子牙道：“你那一日可曾打死人么？”武吉慌忙跪泣告曰：“小人乃山中蠢子，执斧愚夫，那知深奥。肉眼凡胎，不识老爷高明隐达之士。前日一语，冒犯尊颜。老爷乃大人之辈，不是我等小人，望姜老爷切勿记怀，大开仁慈，广施恻隐，只当普济群生！那日别了老爷，行至南门，正遇文王驾至，挑柴闪躲，不知塌了尖担，果然打死门军王相。此时文王定罪，理合抵命。小人因思老母无依，终久必成沟壑之鬼，蒙上大夫散宜生老爷为小人启奏文王，权放归豕，置办母事完备，不日去抵王相之命。以此思之，母子之命依旧不保。今日特来叩见姜老爷，万望怜救毫末馀生，得全母子之命。小人结草衔环，犬马相报，决不敢有负大德！”子牙曰：“‘数定难移’。你打死了人，宜当偿命。我怎么救得你？”武吉哀哭拜求曰：“老爷恩施，昆虫草木，无处不发慈悲，倘救得母子之命，没齿难忘！”子牙见武吉来意虔诚，亦且此人后必有贵，子牙曰：“你要我救你，你拜吾为师，我方救你。”武吉听言，随即下拜。子牙曰：“你既为吾弟子，我不得不救你。如今你速回到家，在你床前，随你多长，挖一坑堑，深四尺。你至黄昏时候，睡在坑内；叫你母亲于你头前点一盏灯，脚后点一盏灯。或米也可，或饭也可，抓两把撒在你身上，放上些乱草。睡过一夜起来，只管去做生意，再无事了。”武吉听了，领师之命，回到家中，挖坑行事。有诗为证，诗曰： 文王先天数，子牙善厌星。不因武吉事，焉能陟帝廷。磻溪生将相，周室产天丁。大造原相定，须教数合冥。

It is said that Wu Ji arrived at the streamside and saw Zi Ya sitting alone under a weeping willow, letting his fishing rod float on the green waves as he sang songs for his own amusement. Wu Ji walked up behind Zi Ya and politely called out, "Master Jiang!" Zi Ya turned his head and saw Wu Ji. Zi Ya said, "You are the woodcutter who was here on that day." Wu Ji replied, "That is correct." Zi Ya asked, "Did you kill anyone on that day?" Wu Ji hurriedly knelt and wept, pleading, "I am but a foolish man from the mountains, an ignorant woodcutter; how could I know such profound matters. With my mortal eyes and ordinary body, I failed to recognize you as a noble and enlightened gentleman of great wisdom." The words I spoke the other day were an offense to your honor. You are a great person, not like us common folk. I beg you, Master Jiang, to please forget this and show your kindness and compassion, treating all beings with universal mercy! On that day, after parting from you, I was heading toward the southern gate when I encountered King Wen's procession. While dodging and carrying firewood, I did not notice my pole collapsing, which indeed struck and killed the gate soldier Wang Xiang. At this time, King Wen has decided to punish me; according to justice, I should lose my life as retribution. I thought of my elderly mother, who would be left helpless and eventually become a ghost in the ditch. I was fortunate that Master Sanyi Sheng, the senior minister, petitioned King Wen on my behalf to temporarily release me so I could return home, prepare for my mother's affairs properly, and then go back soon to face the punishment of paying with my life for Wang Xiang's death. Considering this, the lives of my mother and I remain uncertain. Today, I have specially come to pay respects to Master Jiang; I humbly beg you to show mercy and save this insignificant life of mine so that my mother and I may be allowed to live. I will forever repay your kindness, like a dog or horse serving you, or by tying grass and holding rings in my beak; I would never dare to betray such great virtue!" Zi Ya said, "Fate is hard to change." You killed a man; you should pay with your life. "How could I possibly save you?" Wu Ji wept bitterly and knelt to plead, "Master, your grace extends even to insects and plants; compassion is everywhere. If you could save the lives of my mother and me, I would never forget it for as long as I live!" Zi Ya saw that Wu Ji's intentions were sincere and also sensed that this man would have a noble future. Zi Ya said, "If you want me to save you, you must take me as your master; only then will I rescue you." Wu Ji heard these words and immediately knelt in reverence. Zi Ya said, "Now that you are my disciple, I cannot but save you. At present, you must quickly return home and dig a pit in front of your bed; its length may be as long as you wish, but it should be four chi deep. At dusk, sleep inside the pit; have your mother light a lamp in front of your head and another behind your feet. It may be rice or it may be cooked grain; take two handfuls, scatter them on your body, and place some wild grass over you. Sleep through the night, then get up in the morning and go about doing business as usual; there will be no further problems." Wu Ji listened attentively, accepted his master's instructions, returned home, and dug the pit as directed. There is a poem to attest to this; the poem says: King Wen's predestined numbers, Zi Ya skillfully controls stars. Not because of Wu Ji's matter, how could one ascend to the imperial court? From Banxi arise generals and ministers; from the Zhou dynasty is born a heavenly warrior. The great creation was originally determined; it must be taught to align with destiny.

话说武吉回到家中，满面喜容。母说：“我儿，你去求姜老爷，此事如何，”武吉对母亲一一说了一遍。母亲大喜，随命武吉挖坑点灯。不题。

It is said that when Wu Ji returned home, his face was full of joy. His mother asked, "My son, you went to seek Master Jiang; how did the matter go?" Wu Ji explained everything in detail to his mother. The mother was overjoyed and immediately ordered Wu Ji to dig the pit and light the lamps. No further details are given.

且说子牙三更时分，披发仗剑，踏罡布斗，搯诀结印，随与武吉厌星。次早，武吉来见子牙，口称：“师父”，下拜。子牙曰：“既拜吾为师，早晚听吾教训。打柴之事，非汝长策。早起挑柴货卖，到中时来讲谈兵法。方今纣王无道，天下反乱四百镇诸侯。”武吉曰：“老师父，反了那四百镇诸侯？”子牙曰：“反了东伯侯姜文焕，领兵四十万，大战游魂关；南伯侯鄂顺反了，领三十万人马，攻打三山关。我前日仰观天象，见西岐不久刀兵四起，杂乱发生。此是用武之秋，上心学艺，若能得功出仕，便是天子之臣，岂是打柴了事。古语有云：‘将相本无种，男儿当自强。’又曰：‘学成文武艺，货与帝王家。’也是你拜我一场。”武吉听了师父之言，早晚上心，不离子牙，精学武艺，讲习六韬。不表。

It is said that at the third watch of the night, Zi Ya let his hair loose and held a sword; he stepped on the Gāng formation and arranged the Dou constellation, made hand seals and formed talismans, and proceeded to perform star-warding rites for Wu Ji. The next morning, Wu Ji came to see Zi Ya and addressed him as "Master," bowing respectfully. Zi Ya said, "Now that you have taken me as your master, listen to my teachings morning and night. Chopping firewood is not a long-term strategy for you. Rise early to carry firewood and sell it, then come at midday to study the art of war with me." "Now King Zhou is tyrannical; all under heaven rebel and chaos reigns among the four hundred feudal lords." Wu Ji asked, "Master, which of the four hundred feudal lords have rebelled?" Zi Ya said, "The Eastern Marquis Jiang Wenhuan has rebelled, leading forty thousand troops to engage in a great battle at Youhun Pass; the Southern Marquis E Shun has also rebelled, commanding thirty thousand troops to attack Sanshan Pass. The other day I observed the celestial omens and saw that soon after, Xiqi will be filled with warfare and chaos. This is the season to employ military might; if you earnestly learn skills and achieve success in your career, you will become a minister of the Son of Heaven. How could it be enough for you merely to chop firewood?" An old saying goes: "Generals and ministers are not born of a particular lineage; men should strive for self-improvement." It also says, "After mastering literary and martial skills, offer them to the imperial court." That is also why you have taken me as your teacher." After hearing his master's words, Wu Ji diligently applied himself morning and night, never leaving Zi Ya's side. He studied martial arts with great care and learned the Six 韬 (Six Taos). No further details are provided.

话说散宜生一日想起武吉之事，一去半载不来。宜生入内庭见文王，启奏曰：“武吉打死王相，臣因见彼有老母在家，无人养侍，奏过主公，放武吉回家，办其母棺木日费之用即来；岂意彼竟欺灭国法，今经半载，不来领罪，此必狡猾之民。大王可演先天数以验真实。”文王曰：“善。”随取金钱，占演凶吉。文王点首叹曰：“武吉亦非猾民，因惧刑自投万丈深潭巳死。若论正法，亦非斗殴杀人，乃是误伤人民，罪不该死。彼反惧法身死，如武吉深为可悯！”叹息良久，君臣各退。

It is said that one day Sanyi Sheng recalled Wu Ji's case and realized it had been half a year since he last came. Yi Sheng entered the palace to see King Wen and presented a report, saying, "Wu Ji killed Wang Xiang. I saw that he had an elderly mother at home with no one to care for her, so I petitioned Your Majesty to release Wu Ji temporarily so he could return home to prepare his mother's coffin and cover daily expenses; I did not expect him to defy the state laws so shamelessly. Now, after half a year has passed, he still does not come to accept his punishment; this must be an untrustworthy and cunning citizen." Your Majesty may consult the predestined numbers of Heaven and Earth to verify the truth." King Wen said, "Good." He immediately took some bronze coins and cast them to divine the omens of fortune or misfortune. King Wen nodded and sighed, saying, "Wu Ji is not a cunning citizen; he feared punishment and threw himself into a deep abyss of ten thousand zhang and has already died. If we speak strictly in terms of the law, it was not a case of intentional assault resulting in death; rather, he accidentally injured someone. His crime does not warrant capital punishment. Yet he feared the law so much that he took his own life—Wu Ji's situation is truly pitiable!" He sighed for a long time, and then both ruler and ministers withdrew.

正是捻指光阴似箭，果然岁月如流。文王一日与文武闲居无事，见春和景媚，柳舒花放，桃李争妍，韶光正茂。文王曰：“三春景色繁华，万物发舒，襟怀爽畅，孤同诸子、众卿，往南郊寻青踏翠，共乐山水之欢，以效寻芳之乐。”散宜生前启曰：“主公，昔日造灵台，夜兆飞熊，主西岐得栋梁之才，主君有贤辅之佐。况今春光晴爽，花柳争妍，一则围幸于南郊，二则访遗贤于山泽。臣等随使，南宫适、辛甲保驾，正尧舜与民同乐之意。”文王大悦，随传旨：“次早南郊围幸行乐。”次日，南宫适领五百家将出南郊，步一围场，众武士披执，同文王出城，行至南郊，怎见得好春光景致： 和风飘动，百蕋争荣：桃红似火，柳嫩成金。萌芽初出土，百草已排新，芳草绵绵铺锦绣，娇花袅袅斗春风。林内清奇鸟韵，树外氤氲烟笼。听黄鹂、杜宇唤春回，遍访游人行乐；絮飘花落，溶溶归棹，又添水面文章。见几个牧童短笛骑牛背；见几个田下锄人运手忙；见几个摘桑拎著桑篮走；见几个采茶歌罢入茶筐。一段青，一段红，春光富贵；一园花，一园柳，花柳争妍。无限春光观不尽，溪边春水戏鸳鸯。 人人贪恋春三月，留恋春光却动心。劝君休错三春景，一寸光阴一寸金。

Indeed, the passage of time is as swift as an arrow; truly, years flow like water. One day, when King Wen was idly staying with his civil and military officials without any pressing matters, he saw the spring weather mild and pleasant, willows unfurling their branches, flowers blooming, peaches and plums vying in beauty—the prime of springtime at its height. King Wen said, "The scenery of the three springs is lush and flourishing; all things are thriving. My heart feels refreshed and cheerful. I wish to go with my sons, ministers, and officials to the southern suburbs to enjoy the green hills and verdant landscapes together, sharing in the joy of nature and following the pleasure of admiring spring's beauty." Sanyi Sheng stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, in the past when we built the Lingtai Altar, a flying bear appeared at night as an omen—indicating that Xi'qi would gain a pillar of talent, and Your Majesty would have a wise minister to assist you. Moreover, now the spring weather is clear and pleasant, with flowers and willows vying in beauty. First, we may take a pleasure tour to the southern suburbs; secondly, we can search for hidden sages among the mountains and wetlands." Ministers such as Nan Gong Shi, Xin Jia, and others will accompany the procession to ensure safety. This is in line with the meaning of Yao and Shun sharing joy with their people." King Wen was greatly pleased, and immediately issued an order: "Tomorrow morning, we shall go to the southern suburbs for a pleasure tour." The next day, Nan Gong Shi led five hundred elite soldiers out of the southern gate to a field in the southern suburbs. The procession was surrounded by foot soldiers and warriors clad in ceremonial armor as they accompanied King Wen beyond the city walls. Upon arriving at the southern suburbs, what a beautiful spring scene they beheld: The gentle breeze blew softly; myriad blossoms vied for glory—peaches red like fire, willows tender and golden. New sprouts just emerged from the soil, while a hundred kinds of grass had already grown fresh and new. Fragrant grasses spread like brocade, and delicate flowers vied with each other in the spring breeze. Within the woods, clear and strange bird songs echoed; beyond the trees, a hazy mist hung like a veil. Hearing the calls of yellow orioles and cuckoos welcoming spring back, one could see travelers everywhere enjoying themselves; Petals drifted like fluff in the air, small boats floated gently on the water, and this added to the poetic beauty of the scene. They saw a few shepherd boys playing short flutes while riding on oxen's backs; they also saw several farmers working in the fields, their hands busy with hoes. 藟 They saw a few people picking mulberry leaves and carrying baskets on their arms; they also saw some tea-pickers singing songs before putting the fresh leaves into their bamboo baskets. One stretch of green, one stretch of red—springtime's prosperity and beauty; A garden full of flowers, a garden full of willows—flowers and willows vying for beauty. The spring scenery was endless to behold; by the stream, mandarin ducks played in the spring water. Everyone is enamored with the beauty of early spring, and lingering in its charm stirs emotions within. I advise you not to waste the three springs; an inch of time is worth an inch of gold.

话说文王同众文武出郊外行乐，共享三春之景。行至一山，见有围场，布成罗网。文王一见许多家将披坚执锐，手执扫杆钢叉，黄鹰猎大，雄威万状。怎见得： 烈烈旌旗似火，辉辉造盖遮天。锦衣绣袄驾黄鹰，花帽征衣牵猎犬。粉青毡笠，打洒朱缨。粉青毡笠，一池荷叶舞清风；打洒朱缨，开放桃花浮水面。只见：赶獐猎犬，钻天鹞子带红缨；捉兔黄鹰，拖帽金彪双凤翅。黄鹰起去，空中咬坠玉天鹅；恶犬来时，就地拖番梅花鹿。青锦白吉，锦豹花彪。青锦白吉，遇长杆血溅满身红；锦豹花彪，逢利刃血淋出土赤。野鸡著箭，穿住二翅怎能飞；鸬鹚遭叉，扑地翎毛难展挣。大弓射去，青妆白鹿怎逃生；药箭来时，练雀班鸠难回避。旌旗招展乱纵横，鼓响锣鸣声呐喊。打围人个个心猛，与猎将各各欢欣。登崖赛过搜山虎，跳涧犹如出海龙。火炮钢叉连地滚，窝弓伏弩傍空行。长天听有天鹅叫，开笼又放海东青。

It is said that King Wen, together with his ministers and generals, went out to the countryside for pleasure, enjoying the spring scenery. As they walked toward a mountain, they saw an encampment where nets had been spread like a web. King Wen saw many elite soldiers clad in armor and holding sharp weapons, some wielding long poles with steel forks; fierce golden eagles were trained for hunting, displaying a mighty and imposing presence. How could this be described: The banners fluttered fiercely like fire; the canopies gleamed brightly, covering the sky. Men in brocade robes and embroidered coats rode with golden eagles; those wearing flowered caps and military uniforms led hunting dogs. Blue felt hats, red tassels fluttering in the wind. The blue felt hats resembled a lotus leaf dancing in the gentle breeze; the red tassels swayed like peach blossoms floating on the water's surface. One could see: deer-hunting dogs darting about, skyward falcons with red tassels flying high; golden eagles capturing rabbits, golden leopards with double phoenix-shaped wings dragging their caps. The golden eagle took flight and seized a white swan from the sky; When the fierce dogs came, they dragged down a spotted deer right on the ground. Blue brocade and white auspiciousness—jaguar patterns with floral markings. The blue brocade and white good fortune met a long pole, blood splattered all over the body in red; the jaguar with floral patterns encountered a sharp blade, its blood dripping onto the ground turning it crimson. The pheasant struck by an arrow had both wings pierced and could not fly; the cormorant caught in a trident flapped its feathers on the ground, struggling in vain. The great bow was loosed; how could the blue-dressed white deer escape death? When poisoned arrows flew, even the sparrow and spotted dove found it hard to avoid. The banners fluttered wildly in all directions; drums beat, gongs rang, and shouts echoed. Each hunter was fiercely determined, and every hunting general rejoiced heartily. Scaling the cliffs, they surpassed the mountain-searching tiger; leaping across ravines, they were like dragons emerging from the sea. Cannons and steel tridents rolled along the ground; crossbows and hidden snipers operated in the air. In the vast sky, one could hear swans calling; opening the cage, they released the Hai Dong Qing falcon once more.

话说文王见怎样个光景，忙问：“上大夫，此是一个围场，为何设于此山？”宜生马上欠身答曰：“今日千岁游春行乐，共幸春光。南将军已设此围场，俟主公打猎行幸，以畅心情，亦不枉行乐一番，君臣共乐。”文王听说，正色曰：“大夫之言差矣！昔伏羲黄帝不用茹毛，而称至圣。当时有首相名曰风后，进茹毛与伏羲；伏羲曰：‘此鲜食皆百兽之肉，吾人饥而食其肉，渴而饮其血，以之为滋养之道；不知吾欲其生，忍令彼死，此心何忍。朕今不食禽兽之肉，宁食百草之粟。各全生命以养天和，无伤无害，岂不为美。’伏羲居洪荒之世，无百谷之美，倘不茹毛鲜食；况如今五谷可以养生，肥甘足以悦口，孤与卿踏青行乐，以赏此韶华风景，今欲骋孤等之乐，追麋逐鹿，较强比胜；骋英雄于猎较之间，禽兽何辜，而遭此杀戮之惨！且当此之时，阳春乍启，正万物生育之时，而行此肃杀之政，此仁人所痛心者也。古人当生不翦，体天地好主之仁。孤与卿等何蹈此不仁之事哉。速命南宫适，将围场去了！”众将传旨，文王曰：“孤与众卿，在马上欢饮行乐。”观望来往士女纷纭，踏青紫陌，斗草芳丛，或携酒而乐溪边，或讴歌而行绿圃，君臣马上，忻然而叹曰：“正是君正臣贤，士民怡乐。”宜生马上欠背答曰：“主公，西岐之地胜似尧天。”君臣正迤逦行乐，只见那边一夥渔人作歌而来： “忆昔成汤扫桀时，十一征兮自葛始。堂堂正大应天人，义一举民安止。今经六百有馀年，祝网恩波将歇息。悬肉为林酒作池，鹿台积血高千尺。内荒于色外荒禽，嘈嘈四海沸呻吟。我曹本是沧海客，洗耳不听亡国音。日逐洪涛歌浩浩，夜观星斗垂孤钓。孤钓不如天地宽，白头俯仰天地老。”

Now, King Wen observed such a scene and hurriedly asked, "Minister, this is an encampment for hunting. Why was it set up in these mountains?" Yisheng bowed slightly from his horse and replied, "Today, Your Majesty is enjoying spring outings for pleasure, happily basking in the spring scenery. General Nan has already set up this hunting ground, awaiting Your Majesty's arrival for a hunt and pleasure, to ease the mind. It is also not in vain that we enjoy ourselves; thus, both ruler and ministers may share in the joy." King Wen, upon hearing this, spoke solemnly, "Minister, your words are mistaken! In the past, Fuxi and Huangdi did not need to eat raw meat, yet they were called the most sage. At that time, there was a prime minister named Fenghou who presented raw meat to Fuxi; Fuxi said, "This fresh food is the flesh of all kinds of beasts. When we are hungry, we eat their meat; when thirsty, we drink their blood as a way to nourish ourselves; yet I do not wish for them to die. How can my heart bear such cruelty?" Therefore, I now refuse to eat the flesh of birds and beasts; rather, I would prefer to consume grains from a hundred herbs. We should preserve all lives in order to maintain harmony with heaven, causing no harm or injury—would that not be beautiful?" Fuxi lived in an age of chaos and desolation, without the beauty of a hundred grains; if he did not eat raw meat or fresh food; how much more so now, when the five grains can nourish life and rich delicacies are sufficient to please the palate. I and you take a spring outing for pleasure, admiring this beautiful scenery of spring; yet today, you wish to indulge our joy by chasing deer and antelope, competing in strength and victory; displaying heroism amidst the hunt—what wrong have these birds and beasts committed to suffer such cruel slaughter! Moreover, at this time of year, early spring has just begun; it is precisely the season for all things to grow and reproduce. Yet you carry out such a harsh policy of killing—this would be heartbreaking even for a benevolent person. Ancients, when living, did not cut down or destroy; they embodied the kindness of heaven and earth in preserving life. How could I and you engage in such an unkind act? Quickly summon Nan Gong Shi, and have the hunting ground dismantled!" The generals passed on the order. King Wen said, "I and all of you ministers shall joyfully drink and enjoy ourselves while riding our horses." Observing the many men and women coming and going in a flurry, treading on violet paths for spring outings, competing with grasses among fragrant thickets, some carrying wine to enjoy by the streamside, others singing songs while walking through green fields. The king and ministers, riding their horses, joyfully sighed, "This is indeed when the ruler is just and the ministers virtuous, and the scholars and common people are at peace and happy." Yisheng bowed slightly while on horseback and replied, "Your Majesty, the land of Xi Qi is even better than Yao's reign." While the king and ministers were leisurely enjoying themselves, they suddenly saw a group of fishermen singing songs as they approached from the other side: "Recalling the time when King Cheng Tang swept away Jie, eleven campaigns began with Ge. Majestic and righteous, he answered heaven's will; one act of righteousness brought peace to the people." Now over six hundred years have passed, but the blessings and grace of the hunting nets are about to cease. Hanging meat formed forests, wine filled pools; on the Deer Terrace, accumulated blood reached a thousand feet high. Within, he was indulged in beauty; outside, he hunted beasts—both within and without were neglected. The four seas resounded with cries of suffering. We are originally guests from the vast sea, washing our ears to refuse to listen to the sounds that herald a fallen kingdom. By day we chase great waves and sing boldly; by night we watch stars and cast lonely lines in solitude. A single line of fishing is not as vast as heaven and earth; with white hair, I bow and look up, watching heaven and earth grow old."

文王听渔人歌罢，对散宜生曰：“此歌韵度清奇，其中必定有大贤隐于此地。”文王命辛甲：“与孤把作歌贤人请来相见。”辛甲领旨，将坐下马一磕，向前厉声言曰：“内中有贤人，请出来见吾千岁！”那些渔人齐齐跪下，答曰：“吾等都是‘闲’人。”辛甲曰：“你们为何都是贤人？”渔人曰：“我等早晨出户捕鱼，这时节回来无事，故此我等俱是‘闲’人。”不一时，文王马到。辛甲向前启曰：“此乃俱是渔人，非贤人也。”文王曰：“孤听作歌，韵度清奇，内中定有大贤。”众渔人曰：“此歌非小人所作。离此三十五里，有一磻溪，溪中有一老人，时常作此歌，我们耳边听的熟了，故此随口唱出此歌，实非小民所作。”文王曰：“诸位请回。”众渔人叩头去了。

After hearing the fishermen's song, King Wen said to Sanyi Sheng, "The melody and tone of this song are clear and extraordinary. There must certainly be a great sage hiding in this place." King Wen ordered Xin Jia, "Go with me to invite the virtuous man who sang these songs and bring him here for a meeting." Xin Jia received the order, tapped his horse with his heels, and rode forward while shouting loudly, "There is a virtuous man among you! Come out to see our King!" Those fishermen all knelt down and replied, "We are merely 'idle' men." Xin Jia said, "Why are you all virtuous men?" The fishermen replied, "We go out to fish in the morning. At this time of day we return and have nothing to do; therefore, we are all 'idle' men." In no time at all, King Wen arrived on horseback. Xin Jia stepped forward and reported, "These are merely fishermen; they are not virtuous men." King Wen said, "I heard the song and found its melody and tone clear and extraordinary. There is certainly a great sage among them." The fishermen replied, "This song was not composed by us commoners. Thirty-five li away from here is a place called Banxi. In the stream there lives an old man who often sings this song; we have heard it so many times that we now sing it casually, but in truth, it was not composed by common people." King Wen said, "All of you may return." The fishermen bowed and departed.

文王马上想歌中之味，好个“洗耳不听亡国音。”旁有大夫散宜生欠背言曰：“‘洗耳不听亡国音’”者何也？”昌曰：“大夫不知么？”宜生曰：“臣愚不知深意。”昌曰：“此一句乃尧王访舜天子故事。昔尧有德，乃生不肖之男；后尧王恐失民望，私行访察，欲要让位。一日行至山僻幽静之乡，见一人倚溪临水，将一小瓢儿在水中转。尧王问曰：‘公为何将此瓢在水中转？’其人笑曰：‘吾看破世情，却了名利，去了家私，弃了妻子，离爱欲是非之门，抛红尘之径，避处深林，虀盐蔬食，怡乐林泉，以终天年，平生之愿足矣。’尧王听罢大喜，‘此人眼空一世，亡富贵之荣，远是非之境，真乃仁杰也。孤将此帝位正该让他。’王曰：‘贤者，吾非他人，朕乃帝尧。今见大贤有德，欲将天子之位让尔，可否？’其人听罢，将小瓢拿起，一脚踏的粉碎，两只手掩住耳朵，飞跑跑至溪边洗耳。正洗之间，又有一人见一只年来吃水。其人曰：‘那君子，牛来吃水了。’那人只管洗耳。其人又曰：‘此耳有多少秽污，只管洗？’那人洗完，方开口答曰：‘方才帝尧让位与我，把我双耳都污了，故此洗了一会，有误此牛吃水。’其人听了，把牛牵至上流而饮，那人曰：‘为甚事便走？’其人曰：‘水被你洗污了，如何又污吾牛口？’当时高洁之士如此。此一句乃是‘洗耳不闻亡国音’。”众官在马上俱听文王谈讲先朝兴废，后国遗踪。君臣马上传杯共享，与民同乐。见了些桃红李白，鸭绿鹅黄，莺声嘹呖，紫燕呢喃，风吹不管游人醉，独有三春景色新。君臣正行，见一起樵夫作歌而来： “凤非乏兮麟非无，但嗟世治有隆污。龙兴云出虎生风，世人慢惜寻贤路。君不见耕莘野夫，心乐尧舜与黎锄。不遇成汤三使聘，怀抱经纶学左徒。又不见一傅岩子，萧萧笠甘寒楚。当年不入高宗梦，霖雨终身藏版土。古来贤达辱而荣，岂特吾人终水浒。且横牧笛歌清昼，慢叱黎牛耕白云。王侯富贵斜晖下，仰天一笑俟明君。”

While on horseback, King Wen reflected on the meaning of the song, marveling at its line: "Washing our ears to refuse to hear the sounds that herald a fallen kingdom." Standing nearby, Minister Sanyi Sheng bowed slightly and asked, "What does 'washing our ears to refuse to hear the songs of a fallen kingdom' mean?" Chang said, "Minister, do you not know?" Yisheng replied, "I am a foolish minister and do not understand its deeper meaning." Chang said, "This line refers to the story of Emperor Yao visiting Emperor Shun. In ancient times, Emperor Yao was virtuous but had an unworthy son; later, fearing the loss of public favor, Emperor Yao personally went to investigate and wished to abdicate in his favor. One day, while traveling through a remote and quiet village, he saw a man leaning by the stream, turning a small ladle in the water. Emperor Yao asked, "Sir, why are you turning this ladle in the water?" The man smiled and said, "I have seen through the ways of the world and abandoned fame and profit. I gave up my family's possessions and left behind wife and children. I have forsaken the gate of love, desire, and contention, turned away from the path of worldly affairs, and retreated into the deep forest to live on coarse food and vegetables, finding joy in nature and waterfalls, thus fulfilling a life free from care until old age—this is all my heart has ever desired." After hearing this, Emperor Yao was greatly pleased and said, "This man sees through the world; he has forsaken wealth and honor, distanced himself from worldly disputes—truly a virtuous and outstanding person. I should indeed pass this imperial throne to him." The king said, "Virtuous one, I am no ordinary man; I am Emperor Yao. Now that I have seen your virtue and righteousness, I wish to abdicate the throne of Son of Heaven to you—will you accept?"' After hearing this, the man took up his small ladle, stamped it with one foot until it was smashed to pieces, covered both ears with his hands, and ran quickly to the streamside to wash his ears. While he was washing, another man saw a pig drinking water for an entire year. The man said, "That gentleman, the ox has come to drink water." The other man continued washing his ears. The first man said again, "How much filth can these ears contain? Why keep washing?" After finishing the washing, the other man finally opened his mouth to reply, "Just now Emperor Yao offered me the throne, which dirtied my ears. Hence I washed them for a while and accidentally delayed this ox from drinking water." The first man, upon hearing this, led the ox upstream to drink. The other man asked, "Why did you suddenly leave?" The first man replied, "You have already polluted the water; how can it now pollute my ox's mouth?" At that time, the noble and pure scholars were like this. This line is "Washing one's ears to not hear the sounds of a fallen kingdom." All the officials, while riding their horses, listened as King Wen recounted the rise and fall of previous dynasties and the lingering traces of past states. The king and ministers shared cups on horseback in joy, celebrating together with the people. They saw peach blossoms red and plum flowers white, duck-green and goose-yellow hues; the oriole's song was clear and loud, while purple swallows murmured softly. The wind blew without concern for the tipsy travelers—only the fresh spring scenery of three seasons remained new. While traveling together, the king and ministers saw a group of woodcutters singing as they approached: "The phoenix is not lacking; the qilin is not absent. Alas, in this world, there are times of prosperity and times of corruption. When dragons rise, clouds emerge; when tigers appear, winds arise. The people now carelessly neglect the path to seeking sages. Do you not see the farmer cultivating in the fields, whose heart finds joy in Yao and Shun as he tills with his plow? Had he not met King Cheng Tang, who sent envoys three times to invite him, he would have remained in seclusion, studying the strategies of a left official. Have you not heard of Fu Yanzi, who wore a straw hat and endured cold hardships with quiet resolve? If he had not entered the dream of Emperor Gaozong, his talents would have remained hidden in obscurity for life. Since ancient times, virtuous and enlightened men have found honor through humiliation—how could it be that we alone must end up in obscurity? Let us play the flute across the fields and sing clearly during the day, leisurely scolding oxen as we plow through white clouds. The wealth of kings and marquises fades beneath the slanting sunset; I look up to heaven with a smile, waiting for an enlightened ruler."

文王同文武马上听得歌声甚是奇异，内中必有大贤。命辛甲：“请贤者相见。”辛甲领命，拍马前来，见一夥樵人，言曰：“你们内中可有贤者？请出来与吾大王相见。”众人放下担儿，俱言：“内中并无贤者。”不一时文王马至。辛甲回覆曰：“内无贤士。”文王曰：“歌韵清奇，内中岂无贤士？”中有一人曰：“此歌非吾所作。前边十里，地名磻溪，其中有一老叟，朝暮垂竿，小民等打柴回来，磻溪少歇，朝夕听唱此歌，众人听得熟了，故此随口唱出。不知大王驾临，有失回避，乃子民之罪也。”王曰：“既无贤士，尔等暂退。”众皆去了，文王在马上只管思念。又行了一路，与文武把盏，兴不能尽。春光明媚，花柳芳妍，红绿交加，妆点春色。

King Wen and the civil and military officials on horseback heard the song's melody as most extraordinary; there must certainly be a great virtuous man among them. He ordered Xin Jia, "Go invite this learned person to meet with us." Xin Jia accepted the order and rode forward on horseback. Seeing a group of woodcutters, he said, "Is there any learned person among you?" Come out and meet with our great king." The crowd put down their loads and all said, "There is no learned person among us." In no time at all, King Wen arrived on horseback. Xin Jia reported back, saying, "There are no learned men among them." King Wen said, "The melody is clear and extraordinary; how could there be no virtuous scholars among them?" Among them, one person said, "This song was not composed by me. Ten li ahead, there is a place called Banxi. There lives an old man who fishes with his rod morning and evening. When we common folk return from cutting firewood, we rest for a while by the 磻溪, and day after day we listen to him singing this song. We have heard it so often that now we can hum it along without thinking." We did not know the great king had arrived, and thus failed to avoid you; this is our people's fault." The king said, "Since there are no virtuous men here, all of you may withdraw for now." Everyone left, and King Wen on horseback continued to ponder in thought. They traveled further along the way, raising cups with the civil and military officials, their joy unending. The spring light was bright and pleasant; flowers and willows bloomed in fragrant beauty, reds and greens intermingling to adorn the spring scenery.

正行之间，只见一人挑著一担柴唱歌而来： “春水悠悠春草奇，金鱼未遇隐磻溪。世人不识高贤志，只作溪边老钓矶。”

Just as they were walking, a man came singing while carrying a load of firewood on his shoulder: "The spring water flows gently and the spring grass is wondrous; before meeting the golden fish, I have hidden by Banxi. The people of this world do not recognize the lofty aspirations of a great scholar; they only see an old fisherman at the riverside."

文王听得歌声，嗟叹曰：“奇哉！此中必有大贤。”宜生在马上看那挑柴的好像猾民武吉。宜生曰：“主公，方才作歌者像似打死王相的武吉。”王曰：“大夫差矣！武吉已死万丈深潭之中。前演先天，岂有武吉还在之理。”宜生看的实了，随命辛免曰：“你是不是拿来。”辛免走马向前。武吉见是文王驾至，回避不及，把柴歇下，跪在尘埃。辛免看时，果然是武吉。辛免回见文王，启曰：“果是武吉。”文王闻言，满面通红，见吉大声喝曰：“匹夫！怎敢欺孤太甚！”随对宜生曰：“大夫，这等狡猾逆民，须当加等勘问。杀伤人民，躲重投轻，罪与杀人等。今非谓武吉逃躲，则先天数竟有差错，何以传世。”武吉泣拜在地，奏曰：“吉乃守法奉公之民，不敢狂悖。只因误伤人命，前去问一老叟。离此间三里，地名磻溪，此人乃东海许州人氏，姓姜，名尚，字子牙，道号飞熊，叫小人拜他为师，传与小人：回家挖一坑，叫小人睡在里面，用草盖在身上，头前点一盏灯，脚后点一盏灯，草上用米一把撒在上面，睡到天明，只管打柴，再不妨事。千岁爷，‘蝼蚁尚且贪生，岂有人不惜命。’”只见宜生马上欠身贺曰：“恭喜大王！武吉今言此人，道号飞熊，正应灵台之兆。昔日商高宗夜梦飞熊而得傅说；今日大王梦飞熊，应得子牙。今大王行乐，正应求贤。望大王宣赦武吉无罪，令武吉往前林请贤士相见。”武吉叩头，飞奔杯中去了。且说文王君臣将至林前，不敢惊动贤士，离数箭之地，文王下马，同宜生步行入林。

King Wen, hearing the song, sighed and said, "How extraordinary!" There must certainly be a great learned man among them." Yi Sheng, looking from his horse at the firewood carrier, thought he resembled Wu Ji, an untrustworthy commoner. Yi Sheng said, "My lord, the one who just sang resembles Wu Ji, the man who killed Wang Xiang." The king said, "You are mistaken, my minister! Wu Ji has already died in a deep pool thousands of zhang below. This is foretold by the Mandate of Heaven; how could Wu Ji still be alive?" Yi Sheng, having confirmed this with certainty, immediately ordered Xin Mian and said, "Are you not to bring him in?" Xin Mian rode forward on horseback. Wu Ji, seeing that King Wen had arrived and unable to avoid him in time, set down his firewood and knelt on the ground. When Xin Mian looked closely, it was indeed Wu Ji. Xin Mian returned to see King Wen and reported, "It is truly Wu Ji." Upon hearing this, King Wen turned red in the face. Seeing Wu Ji, he shouted loudly, "You ruffian!" How dare you treat me with such arrogance!" He then turned to Yi Sheng and said, "Minister, this cunning rebel must be interrogated with added severity. He has injured people, evaded serious punishment by seeking a lighter one—his crime is equal to murder itself. If now Wu Ji has escaped and hidden, then the Mandate of Heaven would be in error—how could such a prophecy endure through history?" Wu Ji wept and knelt on the ground, pleading, "I am but a law-abiding citizen who respects public order; I would never dare to act recklessly or defiantly. It was only because I accidentally caused someone's death that I went to consult an old man for advice. Three li from here is a place called Banxi; this man is surnamed Jiang, named Shang, courtesy name Ziya, and Daoist title Feixiong. He is a native of Xu Zhou in the East Sea region. The old man told me to take him as my teacher, who instructed me: 'Go home and dig a pit, lie inside it, cover yourself with grass, light one lamp before your head and another behind your feet, scatter a handful of rice on top of the grass, sleep until dawn, then go cut firewood as usual. Nothing will go wrong.' Your Majesty, 'Even ants cherish life; how much more so for a human being to value his own life.'" Just then Yi Sheng bowed from his horse and congratulated, "Congratulations, Your Majesty! What Wu Ji said about this man with the Daoist title Feixiong exactly corresponds to the omen on the Lingtai. In ancient times, King Gaozong of Shang dreamed of a flying bear and thus obtained Fu Yue; Today, Your Majesty also dreamt of a flying bear, which now corresponds to obtaining Ziya. Now that the great king is traveling and enjoying himself, this is precisely the time to seek virtuous men. I beg Your Majesty to pardon Wu Ji of all charges and send him ahead into the woods to invite this learned man for an audience." Wu Ji kowtowed in gratitude, then rushed off like a flying arrow. Meanwhile, as King Wen and his ministers approached the forest, they dared not disturb the learned man. Stopping several arrow-lengths away, King Wen dismounted and walked into the woods with Yi Sheng on foot.

且说武吉赶进林来，不见师父，心下著慌；又见文王进林。宜生问曰，“贤士在否？”武吉答曰：“方才在此，这会不见了。”文王曰：“贤士可有别居？”武吉道：“前边有一草舍。”武吉引文王驾至门首。文王以手抚门，犹恐造次。只见里面来一小童开门。文王笑脸问曰：“老师在否？”童曰：“不在了。同道友闲行。”文王问曰：“甚时回来？”童子答曰：“不定。或就来，或一二日，或三五，萍梗浮踪，逢山遇水，或师或友，便谈玄论道，故无定期。”宜生在傍曰：“臣启主公：求贤聘杰，礼当虔诚。今日来意未诚，宜其远避。昔上古神农拜常桑，轩辕拜老彭，黄帝拜风后，汤拜伊尹，须当沐裕斋戒，择吉日迎聘，方是敬贤之礼。主公且暂请驾回。”文王曰：“大夫之言是也。命武吉随驾入朝。”文王行至溪边，见光景稀奇，林木幽旷。乃作诗曰： “宰割山河布远猷，大贤抱负可同谋，此来不见垂竿叟，天下人愁几日休。”

Meanwhile, Wu Ji hurried into the forest but could not find his master; he became very anxious. He also saw King Wen entering the woods. Yi Sheng asked, "Is the learned man here?" Wu Ji replied, "He was just here; now he is gone." King Wen asked, "Does the learned man have another residence?" Wu Ji said, "There is a thatched hut ahead." Wu Ji led King Wen to the front of the door. King Wen gently touched the door with his hand, still fearing he might act too hastily. Just then a young servant boy came out and opened the door from inside. King Wen smiled and asked, "Is your master at home?" The boy said, "He is not here. He has gone out for a walk with Daoist friends." King Wen asked, "When will he return?" The boy replied, "It is uncertain. He may come back soon, or in one or two days, or three to five. Like a drifting weed or floating seedling, his path is ever-changing; he meets mountains and rivers along the way, and whenever he encounters a teacher or friend, they discuss Daoist principles and profound truths—thus there is no fixed schedule." Yi Sheng stood by and said, "Minister Yi respectfully addresses Your Majesty: To seek virtuous men and invite outstanding talents, the rites must be sincere and earnest. Today our intentions were not sincere enough; that is why he has distanced himself. In ancient times, Shennong paid homage to Changsang, Xuanyuan honored Laopeng, the Yellow Emperor revered Fenghou, and King Tang venerated Yi Yin. One must bathe in purity, fast with reverence, choose an auspicious day, and formally invite them—only then is it a proper way to show respect for virtuous men. Your Majesty should return for now." King Wen said, "Minister's words are correct. Order Wu Ji to accompany me back to the palace." As King Wen walked by the stream, he saw a rare and wondrous scenery; the forest was deep and expansive. He composed a poem, saying: "To carve up mountains and rivers is to lay out grand strategies; with lofty aspirations, great scholars can share in planning. Now I have come but cannot see the old fisherman by the rod—how many days will it be before the people of the world cease their worries?"

又见绿阴之下，坐石之旁，鱼竿飘在水面，不见子牙，心中甚是悒怏。复吟诗曰： “求贤远出到溪头，不见贤人只见钓，一竹青丝垂绿柳，满江红日水空流。”

He also saw, beneath a green shade and beside a stone seat, the fishing rod drifting on the water's surface—Ziya was nowhere to be seen. In his heart, he felt deeply distressed. He recited another poem, saying: "In seeking virtuous men I have traveled far to the stream's head, but see no learned one—only a fisherman. A green bamboo thread hangs from willows in the breeze; the red sun shines over the river as water flows empty."

文王犹留恋不舍，宜生复劝，文王方随众文武回朝。抵暮，进西岐，俱到殿前，文王传旨，令百官：“俱不必各归府第，都在殿廷宿斋三日，同去迎请大贤。”内有大将军南宫适进曰：“磻溪钩叟恐是虚名，大王未知真实，而以隆礼迎请，倘言过其实，不过费主公一片真诚，竟为愚夫所弄。依臣愚见，主公亦不必如此费心，待臣明日自去请来。如果才副其名，主公再以隆礼加之未晚。如果虚名，可叱而不用，又何必主公斋宿而后请见哉。”宜生在旁厉声言曰：“将军！此事不是如此说！方今天下荒荒，四海鼎沸，贤人君子多隐岩谷。今飞熊应兆，上天垂象，特赐大贤助我皇基，是西岐之福泽也。此时自当学古人求贤，破拘挛之习，岂得如近日欲贤人之自售哉。将军切不可说如是之言，使诸臣懈怠！”文王闻言大悦，曰：“大夫之言，正合孤意。”于是百官俱在殿廷歇宿三日，然后聘请子牙。后有诗曰： 西岐城中鼓乐喧，文王聘请太公贤。周家从此皇基固，九五为尊八百年。

King Wen lingered with reluctance, but Yi Sheng urged him again. Finally, King Wen followed the civil and military ministers back to court. By dusk, they arrived at Xi Qi and reached the palace. King Wen issued an order to all officials: "None of you need return to your respective mansions; stay in the courtyard for three days of purification and fasting, then go together to formally invite this great learned man." Among them, the great general Nangong Shi stepped forward and said, "This old fisherman of Banxi may be a mere name. Your Majesty does not yet know the truth, but is offering grand rites to invite him. If his reputation proves exaggerated, it will only cost Your Majesty sincerity, being played by an ignorant man. In my humble opinion, Your Majesty need not trouble yourself so much; let me go and invite him personally tomorrow. If his talents truly match his reputation, it will not be too late for Your Majesty to honor him with grand rites at that time. If he is merely a man of empty reputation, we can simply scold and reject him; why must Your Majesty fast and purify yourself before inviting him to meet?" Yi Sheng spoke sharply from the side, "General! This matter cannot be spoken of in such a way! Now, the world is in chaos and turmoil; virtuous men and gentlemen often hide in remote valleys. Now the omen of Feixiong has appeared, a sign from Heaven itself, specially granting us a great learned man to assist in our royal foundation—this is a blessing for Xi Qi. At this moment, we should follow the example of our ancient predecessors in seeking virtuous men, breaking free from narrow-minded habits. How could we act like those recently who demand that learned men sell themselves to us? General, you must not speak in such a manner, lest it cause the ministers to become lax!" King Wen heard these words and was greatly pleased. He said, "Minister's remarks perfectly align with my thoughts." Thus, all the officials stayed in the palace courtyard for three days before formally inviting Ziya. Later there was a poem that said: "In the city of Xi Qi, drums and music resound; King Wen invites the virtuous Taigong. From then on, the Zhou dynasty's royal foundation became firm, with its sovereigns holding supreme authority for eight hundred years."

文王从散宜生之言，斋宿三日。至第四日，沐浴整衣，极其精诚，文王端坐銮与，扛抬聘礼。文王摆列车马成行，前往磻溪，来迎子牙。封武吉为武德将军。笙簧满道，竟出西岐。不知惊动多少人民，扶老携幼，来看迎贤。但见： 旗分五采，戈戟锵锵。笙簧拂道，犹如鹤泪鸾鸣；画鼓咚咚，一似雷声滚滚。对子马人人喜悦，金吾士个个欢忻。文在东，宽袍大袖；武在西，贯甲披坚。毛公遂、周公旦、召公奭、毕公荣，，四贤佐主；伯达、伯适、叔夜、叔夏等八俊相随。城内氤氲香满道，郭外瑞彩结成祥。圣主降临西土地，不负五凤立岐山。万民齐享升平日，宇宙雍熙八百年。飞熊仁兆兴周室，感得文王聘大贤。

King Wen followed Yi Sheng's advice and fasted and purified himself for three days. On the fourth day, he bathed, dressed properly, and with utmost sincerity, King Wen sat upright on his palanquin, carrying the formal invitation gifts. King Wen arranged carriages and horses in procession and went to Banxi to personally welcome Ziya. Wu Ji was appointed as the General of Martial Virtue (Wude Jiangjun). Flutes and reed pipes filled the road, extending all the way out from Xi Qi. It stirred countless people; old and young alike were brought along to witness this grand welcome for a virtuous man. One could see: Flags of five colors, halberds and spears clanging resoundingly. liğinde The flutes and reed pipes swept the road, their sound like the tears of cranes and the calls of phoenixes; The painted drums thumped loudly, just like rolling thunder. Those on horseback were all delighted, and every officer of the imperial guard was joyfully pleased. King Wen rode in the east, wearing a broad robe with wide sleeves; The warriors to the west were clad in armor and sturdy coats. Mao Gongsui, Zhou Gongdan, Zhao Gongshi, Bi Gongrong—these four virtuous ministers assisted the ruler; Bo Da, Bo Shi, Shu Ye, Shu Xia and others, eight outstanding men followed along. Within the city walls, incense filled the air; beyond the outer suburbs, auspicious colors gathered to form omens of good fortune. The sage ruler descended upon the western land, fulfilling the prophecy of five phoenixes standing on Mount Qi. On this day of peace and prosperity shared by ten thousand people, harmony and brightness filled the universe for eight hundred years. The omen of Feixiong signified benevolence that revived the Zhou dynasty, moved King Wen to invite a great sage.

文王带领众文武出郭，迳往磻溪而来。行至三十五里，早至林下。文王传旨：“士卒暂在林外札住，不必声杨，恐惊动贤士。”文王下马，同散宜生步行，入得林来，只见子牙背坐溪边。文王悄悄的行至跟前，立于子牙之后，子牙明知驾临。故作歌曰： “西风起兮自云飞，岁已暮兮将焉为？五凤鸣兮真主现，垂竿钓兮知我稀。”

King Wen led his ministers and generals out of the city gate directly toward Banxi. After traveling thirty-five li, they arrived at a grove early on. King Wen issued an order: "Soldiers may temporarily encamp outside the woods, but make no noise; we must not disturb the learned man." King Wen dismounted and walked with Sanyisheng into the woods. Upon entering, they saw Ziya sitting with his back to them by the streamside. King Wen quietly approached and stood behind Ziya, who was fully aware of the king's arrival. So he composed a song saying: "The western wind rises, and clouds fly on their own; the year is waning—what shall I do?" "Five phoenixes cry out as the true ruler appears, and by dangling my rod to fish, I know how rare I am."

子牙作歌毕。文王曰：“贤士快乐否？”子牙回头，看见文王，忙弃竿一傍，俯伏叩地曰：“子民不知驾临，有失迎候，望贤王恕尚之罪。”文王忙扶住，拜言曰：“久慕先生，前顾不虔；昌知不恭，今特斋戒，专诚拜谒。得睹先生尊颜，实昌之幸也。”命宜生：“扶贤士起。”子牙躬身而立。文王笑容携子牙至茅舍之中。子牙再拜，文王同拜。王曰：“久仰高明，未得相见。今幸接丰标，祇聆教诲，昌实三生之幸矣。”子牙拜而言曰：“尚乃老朽非才，不堪顾问。文不足安邦，武不足定国，荷蒙贤王枉顾，实辱銮舆，有辜圣意。”宜生在傍曰：“先生不必过谦，吾君臣沐裕虔诚，特申微忱，专心聘请。今天下纷纷，定而又乱，当今天子，远贤近佞，荒淫酒色，残虐生民，诸侯变乱，民不聊生。吾主昼夜思维，不安枕席。久慕先生大德，恻隐溪岩，特具小聘，先生不弃，共佐明时，吾主幸甚，生民幸甚。甚日先生何苦隐胸中之奇谋，忍生民之涂炭；何不一展绪馀，哀此茕独，出水火而置之升平。此先生覆载之德，不世之仁也。”宜生将聘礼摆开。子牙看了，速命童儿收讫。宜生将銮舆推过，请子牙登舆。子牙跪而告曰：“老臣荷蒙洪恩，以礼相聘。尚已感激非浅，怎敢乘坐銮舆，越名僭分。这个断然不敢！”文王曰：“孤预先相设，特迓先生，必然乘坐，不负素心。”子牙再三不敢，推阻数次，决不敢坐，宜生见子牙坚意不从，乃对文王曰：“贤人既不乘舆，望主公从贤者之请。可将大王逍遥马请乘。主公乘舆。”王曰：“若是如此，有失孤数日之虔敬也。”彼此又推让数番，文正乃乘舆，子牙乘马。欢声载道，士马轩昂。时值喜吉之辰，子牙来时，年已八十。有诗叹曰： 渭水溪头一钓竿，髩霜皎皎两云皤。胸横星斗冲霄汉，气吐虹霓扫日寒。养老来归西伯下，避危拚弃旧王冠。自从梦入飞能后，八百馀年享奠安。

After Ziya finished singing. King Wen said, "Is the learned man happy?" Ziya turned his head, saw King Wen, quickly discarded the fishing rod to one side, knelt on the ground and kowtowed, saying, "Your humble servant did not know Your Majesty had arrived; I failed to welcome you in time. I beg the virtuous king to forgive my crime." King Wen hurriedly helped him up and said, "I have long admired you, Master. My previous visit was not reverent enough; Chang knew I had been disrespectful, so today I specially fasted and purified myself to come with utmost sincerity to pay my respects. To have the honor of beholding your esteemed countenance is truly a blessing for Chang." He ordered Yi Sheng, "Help the learned man rise." Ziya stood with a bowed body. With a smile, King Wen took Ziya by the hand and led him into his thatched hut. Ziya bowed twice more, and King Wen bowed with him. The king said, "I have long admired your lofty virtue and wisdom but had not yet met you in person. Today I am fortunate to meet such a distinguished figure, and to hear your teachings is truly the greatest blessing of my three lives." Ziya bowed and said, "I am an old man without talent; I am unworthy to be consulted. My civil wisdom is insufficient for governing the state, and my martial prowess cannot stabilize the nation. I am deeply honored by Your Virtuous Majesty's visit, but it is a shame to your royal presence and betrays the sacred intent." Yi Sheng, standing by, said, "Master need not be overly modest. Our sovereign and ministers have been sincerely devoted; we specially express our humble sincerity to personally invite you. Now the world is in chaos, with peace turning to disorder. The current emperor distances himself from virtuous men and favors flatterers; he indulges in wine and lust, oppressing the people. The feudal lords are in rebellion, and the common folk can barely survive. Our ruler has been thinking day and night, unable to rest on his pillow or mat. We have long admired your great virtue, and now we humbly present this small offering. If you do not reject us, please assist our ruler in these enlightened times; it would be a blessing for both the sovereign and the people." Why does Master endure the suffering of the people, keeping your extraordinary strategies hidden in your heart? Why not reveal even a little of your wisdom to relieve these lonely and distressed people, lifting them from the fires and waters of suffering into peace and prosperity? This would be Master's virtue of nurturing all beings, a rare and boundless benevolence." Yi Sheng laid out the invitation gifts. Ziya looked at them and quickly ordered his servant to receive and store them. Yi Sheng pushed the palanquin forward and invited Ziya to board it. Ziya knelt and said, "Your old servant is deeply honored by this great grace, being invited with such ceremony. My gratitude is profound; how could I dare to ride in the palanquin and overstep my station?" I absolutely cannot accept this!" King Wen said, "I had prepared for this in advance to personally welcome you. You must ride in it; only then will my sincerity be fulfilled." Ziya repeatedly refused, declining several times and firmly refusing to ride. Seeing Ziya's resolute refusal, Yi Sheng said to King Wen, "Since the virtuous man refuses to ride in the palanquin, I hope Your Majesty will honor his request as a wise ruler." You may offer the king's leisure horse for him to ride. "The sovereign should ride in the palanquin." The king said, "If it is done this way, I would be failing my sincere devotion of these past few days." After several more exchanges of courtesy and yielding, King Wen finally rode in the palanquin while Ziya rode on horseback. Cheers filled the road as soldiers and horses moved with pride and dignity. At that time, it was an auspicious day; when Ziya arrived, he had already reached the age of eighty. There is a poem lamenting: "A fishing rod by Weishui stream, white hair shining like clouds in the sky." Stars and constellations cross his chest toward the heavens; a mighty aura radiates from him, dispelling cold as if sweeping away rainbows. Retiring in old age, he returns to serve King Xi; abandoning the crown of a former king, he dares to escape danger. Since entering this dream through Feineng, peace and stability have been enjoyed for over eight hundred years.

话说文王聘子牙，进了西岐，万民争看，无不忻悦。子牙至朝门下马。文王升殿，子牙朝贺毕，文王封子牙为右灵台丞相，子牙谢恩，偏殿设宴，百官相贺对饮。其时君臣有辅，龙虎有依。子牙治国有方，安民有法，件件有条，行行有款。西岐起造相府。此时有报传进五关。泛水关首将韩荣具疏往朝歌，言姜尚相周。不知子牙后事如何，且听下回分解。

Now the story goes that King Wen invited Ziya into Xi Qi, and all the people rushed to see him; none failed to be joyfully pleased. Ziya dismounted at the palace gate. King Wen ascended the throne, and after Ziya paid his respects, King Wen appointed Ziya as Right Lingtai Chancellor. Ziya expressed gratitude, and a banquet was held in the side hall where all officials gathered to toast and celebrate together. At that time, ruler and minister supported each other; dragons and tigers found their rightful place. Ziya governed the state with sound methods, pacified the people through effective laws—everything was orderly and well-regulated. A chancellor's residence was built in Xi Qi. At this time, a report reached the five gates of the capital. Han Rong, the chief general of Fanshui Pass, submitted a memorial to Chaoguo, reporting that Jiang Shang had become chancellor for Zhou. What will happen next with Ziya? Stay tuned for the next episode.