Chapter 25: Su Daji Invites Demons to a Banquet

诗曰： 鹿台只望接神仙，岂料妖狐降绮筵。浊骨不能超浊世，凡心怎得出凡筌。 希徒弄巧欺明哲，孰意招尤翦秽膻。惟有昏君殷纣拙，反听苏氏杀先贤。

The poem says: Lütai only hoped to meet immortals, never expecting that a fox demon would descend upon the splendid banquet. Impure bones cannot transcend an impure world; how can an ordinary heart escape the confines of ordinariness? Xitu tried to outwit the wise, but who could have foreseen that this would invite blame and lead to the eradication of foul stench. Only the foolish king Yin Zhou was clumsy, actually listening to Su Shi's advice to kill the sages.

话说韩荣知文王聘请子牙相周，忙修本差官往朝歌。非止一日，进城来，差官文书房来下本。那日看本者乃比干丞相。比干见此本，姜尚相周一节，沉吟不语，仰天叹息曰：“姜尚素有大志，今佐西周，其心不小。此本不可不奏。”比干抱本往摘星楼来候旨。纣王宣比干进见。王曰：“皇叔有何奏章？”比干奏曰：“汜水关总兵官韩荣一本，言姬昌礼聘姜尚为相，其志不小，东伯侯反于东鲁之乡；南伯侯屯兵三山之地；西伯姬昌若有变乱，此时正是刀兵四起，百姓思乱。况水旱不时，民贫军乏，库藏空虚；况闻太师远征北地，胜败未分，真国事多艰，君臣交省之时。愿陛下圣意上裁，请旨定夺。”王曰：“侯朕临殿，与众卿共议。”君臣正论国事，只见当驾官奏曰：“北伯侯崇侯虎候旨。”命传旨：“宣侯虎上楼。”王曰：“卿有何奏章？”侯虎奏曰：“奉旨监造鹿台，整造二年零四个月，今已工完，特来复命。”纣王大喜，“此台非卿之力，终不能如是之速。”侯虎曰：“臣昼夜督工，焉敢怠玩，故此成工之速。”王曰：“目今姜尚相周，其志不小，汜水关总兵韩荣有本来说；为今之计，如之奈何！卿有何谋，可除姬昌大患？”侯虎奏曰：“姬昌何能！姜尚何物！井底之蛙，所见不大；萤火之光，其亮不远。名为相周，犹寒蝉之抱枯杨，不久俱尽。陛下若以兵加之，使天下诸侯耻笑。据臣观之，无能为耳。愿陛下不必与之较可也。”王曰：“卿言甚善。”纣王又问曰：“鹿台已完，朕当幸之。”侯虎奏曰：“特请圣驾观看。”纣王甚喜：“二卿可暂往台下，候朕与皇后同往。”王传旨：“排銮驾”往鹿台玩赏。有诗为证，诗曰： 鹿台高耸透云霄，断送成汤根与苗。土木工兴人失望，黎民怨起鬼应妖。食人无厌崇侯恶，献媚逢迎费仲枭。勾引狐狸歌夜月，商朝一似水中飘。

It is said that Han Rong learned of King Wen's appointment of Jiang Ziya as prime minister to the Zhou, and hurriedly prepared a memorial dispatching an official envoy to Chaogu. Not just for one day, upon entering the city, the envoy delivered the document to the Office of Literary Affairs. On that day, the official who reviewed the memorial was Chancellor Bi Gan. Bi Gan, upon seeing this memorial and the section about Jiang Shang serving as prime minister to the Western Zhou, fell into deep thought without speaking, gazed upward at the sky, and sighed, saying, "Jiang Shang has always harbored great ambitions. Now that he is assisting the Western Zhou, his intentions are no small matter." "This memorial cannot go unreported to His Majesty." Bi Gan carried the memorial and went to Zaisinglou to await an imperial decree. King Zhou summoned Bi Gan for an audience. The king asked, "Uncle Huang, what memorial do you have to present?" Bi Gan presented his report, saying, "A memorial from Han Rong, the commander of Fenshui Pass, states that Ji Chang has formally invited Jiang Shang to serve as prime minister; his ambitions are no small matter. The Eastern Marquis of Bo has rebelled in the region of Donglu; the Southern Marquis of Bo is amassing troops at San Shan; if the Western Lord Ji Chang were to incite rebellion, this would be a time when warfare erupts on all sides and the people yearn for chaos. Moreover, with floods and droughts occurring unpredictably, the people are poor and the army lacks supplies, while the state treasury is empty; moreover, it has been heard that the Grand Master is on a distant campaign in the north, with victory or defeat yet to be decided. This is indeed a time of great national hardship, when both ruler and minister must carefully examine their duties. I humbly request Your Majesty's wise judgment to issue an imperial decree for decision." The king said, "Let the marquises and ministers assemble in the hall, and we shall deliberate together with all of you officials." While the ruler and ministers were discussing state affairs, a court official suddenly presented a report, saying, "The Northern Marquis of Bo Chong Hou Hu is waiting for an imperial decree." An order was given: "Summon Hou Hu to the pavilion." The king asked, "Minister, what memorial do you have?" Hou Hu presented his report and said, "I was ordered to supervise the construction of Lütai. The project has taken two years and four months; it is now completed, so I have come especially to report." King Zhou was greatly pleased. "Without your efforts, this pavilion could not have been completed so quickly," he said. Hou Hu replied, "I supervised the work day and night; how could I dare to be negligent or indulge in idleness? Hence, this swift completion." The king said, "Now that Jiang Shang is serving as prime minister to Zhou, his ambitions are no small matter; Han Rong, the general of Fenshui Pass has submitted a memorial about this. What should we do now?" "Do you have any plan to eliminate the great threat posed by Ji Chang?" Hou Hu presented his reply, saying, "What ability does Ji Chang truly possess! What is Jiang Shang but a mere nobody! A frog at the bottom of a well sees little; the light of a firefly does not reach far. Though they are named as ministers to the Zhou, it is like a cold cicada clinging to a withered poplar tree; their time will soon come to an end. If Your Majesty were to send troops against them, it would only cause the feudal lords throughout the land to mock us. In my view, they are incapable of achieving anything significant. I humbly suggest that Your Majesty need not concern yourself with them." The king said, "Your words are most reasonable." King Zhou then asked, "Now that Lütai is completed, I should visit it in person." Hou Hu presented his response and said, "I humbly request the imperial presence to inspect it personally." King Zhou was very pleased. "The two of you may go ahead and wait at the pavilion; I shall come with the Empress shortly," he said. The king issued an order: "Prepare the imperial procession" to go and admire Lütai. There is a poem as evidence; the poem says: Lütai soars high through the clouds, yet it has doomed the roots and sprouts of Chengtang. With grand construction projects in earth and wood, people lose hope; resentment rises among the common folk, and ghosts respond to demons. Cannibalism without satiety—Chong Hou's wickedness; flattery and fawning—Feizhong the villain. Luring foxes to sing beneath the moonlight, the Shang dynasty is like a leaf drifting on water.

话说纣王与妲己同坐七香车，宫人随驾，侍女纷纷，到得鹿台，果然华丽。君后下车，两边扶侍上台。真是瑶池紫府，玉阙珠楼，说甚么蓬壶方丈！团团俱是白石砌就，周围俱是玛瑙妆成。楼阁重重，显雕檐碧瓦；亭台叠叠，皆兽马金环。殿当中嵌几样明珠，夜放光华，空中照耀；左右尽铺设俱是美玉良金，辉煌闪灼。比干随行，在台观看，台上不知费几许钱粮，无限宝玩，可怜民膏民脂，弃之无用之地。想台中间不知陷害了多少冤魂屈鬼。又见纣王携妲己入内庭。比干看罢鹿台，不胜嗟叹。有赋为证，赋曰： 台高插汉，树耸凌云：九曲栏杆，饰玉雕金光彩彩；千层楼阁，朝星映月影溶溶。怪草奇花，香馥四时不卸；殊禽异兽，声扬十里传闻。游宴者恣情欢乐；供力者劳瘁艰辛！涂壁脂泥，俱是万民之膏血；华堂采色，尽收百姓之精神。绮罗锦席，空尽织女机杼；丝竹管弦，变作野夫啼哭。真是以天下奉一人，须信独夫残万姓。

It is said that King Zhou and Daji rode together in a seven-fragrance carriage, with palace attendants accompanying the procession and numerous maidservants following. Upon arriving at Lütai, they indeed found it magnificent and splendid. The king and queen stepped down from their carriage, and attendants on both sides assisted them up to the pavilion. It was truly like Yaochi Purple Mansion, Jade Palaces and Pearl Towers—what need is there to speak of Penglai or Fangzhang! ล All around were white stones neatly laid, and the surroundings were adorned with nacre. The pavilions and towers stood in layers, displaying carved eaves and emerald tiles; the terraces and pavilions were tiered, all adorned with animal-shaped pillars and golden rings. In the center of the hall were embedded several kinds of precious pearls that emitted a luminous glow at night, illuminating the sky; on both sides, everything was laid out with fine jade and gold, shining brilliantly. Bi Gan followed along, observing the pavilion. He could not help but wonder how much money and grain had been spent on this place, filled with countless treasures and luxuries—how pitiable that the people's sweat and blood were squandered in such a useless location. He thought to himself: how many innocent souls and wrongfully accused spirits must have perished within this pavilion! Bi Gan also saw King Zhou leading Daji into the inner court. After viewing Lütai, Bi Gan could not help but sigh deeply with sorrow. There is a rhapsody as evidence; the rhapsody says: The pavilion soars to pierce the Han River, its trees towering toward the clouds. The nine-bend balustrades are adorned with jade and carved gold, radiant in color; the ten-thousand-tiered pavilions reflect morning stars and moonlight in a soft, flowing glow. Strange grasses and rare flowers exude fragrance that lingers throughout the four seasons; exotic birds and strange beasts echo their calls for ten li, spreading through the air. Those who feast here indulge in unrestrained joy; those who toil for it suffer exhaustion and hardship! The plastered walls, smeared with mud and fat, are all the sweat and blood of ten thousand common people; the colorful halls and chambers have drained the vitality and spirit of the people. Silk robes and brocade cushions exhaust the looms of weavers; the music from silk, bamboo, and string instruments turns into the wails of common men in sorrow. Truly, this is using the entire realm to serve one man; indeed, a tyrant's cruelty harms ten thousand people.

比干在台上，忽见纣王传旨奏乐饮宴，赐比干、侯虎筵席。二臣饮罢数杯，谢酒下台。不表。

While on the pavilion, Bi Gan suddenly saw King Zhou issue an order for music and a banquet, granting him and Hou Hu seats at the feast. After drinking several cups of wine, the two ministers thanked their host and descended from the pavilion. No further details are given.

且说妲己与纣王酣歌。王曰：“爱卿曾言鹿台造完，自有神仙、仙子、仙姬俱来行乐；今台已造完成，不识神仙、仙子，可亘至乎？”这一句话原是当时妲己要与玉石琵琶精报雠，将此鹿台图献纣王，要害子牙，故将邪言惑诱纣王；岂知作耍成真，不期今日工完。纣王欲想神仙，故问妲己。妲己只得朦胧应曰：“神仙、仙子，乃清虚有道之士，须待月色圆满，光华皎洁，碧天无翳，方肯至此。”纣王曰：“今乃初十日，料定十四、五夜，月华圆满，必定光辉，使朕会一会神仙、仙子，何如？”妲己不敢强辩，随口应承。比时纣王在台上贪欢取乐，淫泆无休。从来有福者，福德多生，无福者，妖孽广积。奢侈淫泆，乃丧身之药。纣王日夜纵施，全无忌惮。妲己自纣王要见神仙、仙子之类，著实挠心，日夕不安。其日乃是九月十三日，三更时分，妲己俟纣王睡熟，将元形出窍，一阵风声，来至朝歌南门外，离城三十五里轩辕坟内。妲己元形至此，众狐狸齐来迎接。又见九头雉鸡精出来相见。雉鸡精道：“姐姐为何到此？你在深院皇宫受享无穷之福，何尝思念我等在此凄凉！”妲己道：“妹妹，我虽偏你们，朝朝侍天子，夜夜伴君王，未尝不思念你等。如今天子造完鹿台，要会仙姬、仙子；我思一计，想起妹妹与众孩儿们，有会变者，或变神仙，或变仙子、仙姬，去鹿台受享天子九龙宴席；不会变者，自安其命，在家看守。俟其日，妹妹同众孩儿们来。”雉鸡精答道：“我有些需事，不能领席；算将来只得三十九名会变的，”妲己分付停当，风声响处，依旧回宫，人还本窍。纣王大醉，那知妖精出入。一宿天明。次日，纣王问妲己曰：“明日是十五夜，正是月满之辰，不识群仙可能至否？”妲己奏曰：“明日治宴三十九席，排三层，摆在鹿台，候神仙降临。陛下若会仙家，寿添无算。”纣王大喜。王问曰：“神仙降临，可命一臣斟酒暗宴。”妲己曰：“须得一大量大臣，方可陪席。”王曰：“合朝文武之内，止有比干量洪。”传旨：“宣亚相比干。”不一时，比干至台下朝见，纣王曰：“明日命皇叔陪群仙筵宴，至月上台下候旨。”比干领旨，不知怎样陪神仙？糊涂不明。仰天叹息：“昏君！社稷这等狼狈，国事日见颠危，今又痴心逆想，要会神仙；似此又是妖言，岂是国家吉兆！”比干回府，总不知所出。

Let us now speak of Daji and King Zhou, who sang merrily together. The king said, "My beloved minister once said that upon the completion of Lütai, immortals, fairy maidens, and celestial beauties would all come to enjoy themselves; now that the pavilion is completed, do you suppose immortals or fairy maidens will truly arrive?" This remark originally came from Daji, who at the time wished to exact revenge on the jade and pipa spirits. She presented this plan for Lütai to King Zhou in order to harm Jiang Ziya, thus using her evil words to deceive and entice the king; she did not expect that this playful scheme would come true, nor had she anticipated that today the construction would be completed. King Zhou longed to see immortals and thus asked Daji. Daji had no choice but to vaguely reply, "Immortals and fairy maidens are pure and virtuous beings. They will only come here when the moon is full, its light bright and clear, and the azure sky unobstructed." King Zhou said, "Today is the tenth day of the month. I estimate that on the fourteenth or fifteenth night, when the moonlight will be full and radiant, they must surely come to allow me a meeting with immortals and fairy maidens. What do you think?" Daji dared not argue further and merely nodded in agreement. At that time, King Zhou indulged in pleasures on the pavilion without restraint or rest, immersed in debauchery. Those who are blessed have accumulated much virtue and fortune through past lives; those lacking blessings accumulate many demons and misfortunes. Luxury and debauchery are the poison that leads to one's downfall. King Zhou indulged day and night without restraint or fear. Since King Zhou had expressed a desire to meet immortals and fairy maidens, Daji was genuinely troubled in her heart, restless day and night. On that day, which was the thirteenth of the ninth month, at three o'clock in the morning, Daji waited until King Zhou had fallen into a deep sleep. She then left her body's original form through an aperture and, with a gust of wind, arrived outside the southern gate of Chaogu, thirty-five li from the city within Xuan Yuan Feng. Upon arriving here in her original form, Daji was met by a group of foxes who came to greet her together. She also saw the Nine-Headed Pheasant Spirit come out to meet her. The pheasant spirit asked, "Sister, why have you come here? You are enjoying boundless blessings in the deep palace; how could you ever miss us who suffer loneliness and coldness here!" Daji said, "Dear sister, although I am biased toward you, serving the Son of Heaven day by day and accompanying the king night after night, I have never ceased to miss all of you. Now that His Majesty has completed Lütai and wishes to meet celestial beauties and fairy maidens; I have devised a plan to summon you, dear sister, and all my children who can transform—some as immortals, others as fairy maidens or celestial beauties—to go to Lütai and enjoy the imperial banquet of nine dragons prepared by His Majesty; those who cannot transform should accept their fate and remain at home to guard our territory. "On that day, I hope you will come with all the children." The pheasant spirit replied, "I have some matters to attend to and cannot personally partake in the banquet; I can only send thirty-nine of them who are able to transform." After Daji gave her instructions and everything was arranged, with the sound of wind, she returned to the palace as before, re-entering her original body. King Zhou lay drunk; he had no idea that demons were coming and going at will. One night passed, and dawn broke. The next day, King Zhou asked Daji, "Tomorrow is the fifteenth night of the month, when the moon will be full. Do you think the immortals might come?" Daji replied, "Tomorrow we will prepare thirty-nine banquets arranged in three tiers on Lütai to await the arrival of the immortals. If Your Majesty can meet with these immortal beings, your life will be extended beyond measure." King Zhou was overjoyed. The king asked, "When the immortals descend, I can have a minister pour wine for them in secret." Daji said, "We must find a great and capable minister to accompany the immortals at the banquet." The king said, "Among all the officials in court, only Bi Gan is sufficiently capable and magnanimous." An imperial edict was issued: "Summon Minister Bi Gan." In no time, Bi Gan arrived at the foot of Lütai to pay his respects. King Zhou said, "Tomorrow I shall command Uncle Huang to accompany you for a banquet with the immortals; wait for further orders beneath the moonlit terrace." Bi Gan received the order but did not know how he was supposed to accompany the immortal beings. He was confused and clueless. Looking up to the sky, he sighed, "This is a corrupt king! The state of our kingdom has become so wretched; the affairs of the country grow more perilous by the day. Now he dares to indulge in foolish fantasies, wishing to meet immortals; Such talk is clearly demonic deception—how can this be an omen of good fortune for the nation!" Bi Gan returned to his residence, still unsure what was expected of him.

且说纣王次日传旨：“打点筵宴，安排台上，三十九席俱朝上摆列，十三席一层，摆列三层。”纣王分付，布列停妥。纣王恨不得将太阳速送西山，皎月忙升东土。九月十五日抵暮，比干朝服往台下候旨。且说纣王见日已西沉，月光东上，纣王大喜，如得万斛珠玉一般，携妲已于台上，看九龙筵席，真乃是烹龙炮凤珍羞味，酒海肴山色色新。席已完备，纣王、妲己入内欢饮，候神仙前来。妲己奏曰：“但群仙至此，陛下不可出见；如泄天机，恐后诸仙不肯再降。”王曰：“御妻之言是也。”话犹未了，将近一更时分，只听得四下里风响。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 妖云四起罩乾坤，冷雾阴霾天地昏。纣王台前心胆战，苏妃目下子孙尊。只知饮宴多生福，孰料贪杯惹灭门。怪气已随王气散，至今遗笑鹿台魂。

Meanwhile, on the following day King Zhou issued an imperial decree: "Prepare the banquet and arrange it on the terrace. Thirty-nine tables should be set up facing upward, with thirteen tables per tier arranged in three tiers." King Zhou gave his instructions, and everything was prepared and arranged properly. King Zhou could hardly wait for the sun to quickly set behind the western hills and for the bright moon to rise swiftly in the east. On the fifteenth day of the ninth month, as dusk approached, Bi Gan, dressed in his official robes, went to wait beneath Lütai for further orders. Meanwhile, King Zhou saw the sun had set in the west and the moonlight rising from the east. Overjoyed as if he had gained ten thousand measures of pearls and jade, he took Daji by the hand onto Lütai to view the banquet of nine dragons. Indeed, it was a feast of rare delicacies—roasted dragon and phoenix, exquisite flavors; wine oceans and mountainous dishes, each dish fresh and colorful. With the banquet fully prepared, King Zhou and Daji entered to drink merrily, waiting for the immortals to arrive. Daji advised, "When the immortal beings arrive here, Your Majesty must not appear in person; if we reveal this heavenly secret, it is feared that future immortals will no longer descend." The king said, "My wife's words are correct." Before the conversation could be completed, just as it neared the first watch of the night, a sudden gust of wind was heard from all directions. How did it appear? A poem testifies to this, the poem says: Evil clouds arise in all directions, shrouding heaven and earth; cold mist and gloom darken the heavens and land. King Zhou trembles with fear before his terrace, while Su Fei's descendants hold honor beneath her gaze. They only knew that feasting would bring blessings; who could have foreseen that excessive drinking would lead to the destruction of their family? Strange and ominous energy has already dissipated with the royal aura, leaving behind only a lingering ridicule in the spirit of Lütai.

这些在轩辕坟内狐狸，采天地之灵气，受日月之精华，或一、二百年者，或三、五百年者，今并化作仙子、仙姬，神仙体象而来。那些妖气，霎时间，把一轮明月雾了。风声大作，犹如虎吼一般。只听得台上飘飘的落下人来。那月光渐渐的现出。妲己悄悄启曰：“仙子来了。”慌的纣王隔绣帘一瞧，内中袍分五色，各穿青、黄、赤、白、黑，内有戴鱼尾冠者，九扬巾者，一字巾者，陀头打扮者，双丫髻者；内有盘龙云髻如仙子、仙姬者。纣王在帘内观之，龙心大悦。只听有一仙人言曰：“众位道友，稽首了。”众仙答礼曰：“今蒙纣王设席，宴吾辈于鹿台，诚为厚赐。但愿国祚千年胜，皇基万万秋！”妲己在里面传旨：“宣陪宴官上台。”比干上台，月光下一看，果然如此，个个有仙丰道骨，人人像不老长生。自思：“此事实难解也！人像两真，我比干只得向前行礼。内有一道人曰：“先生何人？”比干答曰：“卑职亚相比干，奉旨陪宴。”道人曰：“既是有缘来此会，赐寿一千秋。”比干听说，心下著疑。内传旨：“斟酒。”比干执金壶，酌酒三十九席已完，身居相位，不识妖气，怀抱金壶，侍于侧伴。这些狐狸，俱仗变化，全无忌僤，虽然服色变了，那些狐狸骚臭变不得；比干正闻狐骚臭。比干自想：“神仙乃六根清净之体，为何气秽冲人！”比干叹息：“当今天子无道，妖生怪出，与国不祥。”正沉思之间，妲己命陪宴官奉大杯。比干依次奉三十九席，每席奉一杯，陪一杯。比干有百斗之量，随奉过一回。妲己又曰：“陪宴官再奉一杯。”比干每一席又是一杯杯。诸妖连饮二杯。此杯乃是劝杯。诸妖自不曾吃过这皇封御酒，狐狸量大者，还招架得住；量小者招架不住。妖怪醉了，把尾把都拖下来只是愰。妲己不知好歹，只是要他的子孙吃；但不知此酒发作起来，禁持不住，都要现出原形来。比干奉第二层酒，头一层都挂下尾巴，都是狐狸尾巴。此时月照正中，比干著实留神，看得明白，已是追悔不及，暗暗叫苦，想：“我身居相位，反见妖怪叩头，羞杀我也！”比干闻狐骚臭难当，暗暗切齿。且说妲己在帘内看著陪宴官奉了三杯，见小狐狸醉将来了，若现出原身来，不好看相。妲己传旨：“陪宴官暂下台去，不必奉酒；任从众仙各归洞府。”比干领旨下台，郁郁不乐；出了内庭，过了分宫楼、显庆殿、嘉善殿、九间殿。殿内有宿夜官员。出了午门上马，前边有一对红纱灯引道。未及行了二里，前面火把灯笼，锵锵士马，原来是武成王黄飞虎巡督皇城。比干上前，武成王下马，惊问比干曰：“丞相有甚紧急事，这时节才

These foxes from the Xuan Yuan tomb have absorbed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, receiving the essence of sun and moon. Some are a hundred or two hundred years old; others three to five centuries old. Now they transform into fairy maidens and celestial beauties, appearing in the forms of immortal beings. That demonic aura, within a moment, obscured the bright full moon with mist. The wind howled fiercely, like the roar of a tiger. Suddenly, people were heard falling from above the terrace. The moonlight gradually emerged once more. Daji whispered quietly, "The fairy maidens have arrived." Startled, King Zhou peered through the embroidered curtain. Among them were those wearing robes of five colors—green, yellow, red, white, and black. Some wore fish-tail crowns, others nine-yang headscarves or single-character headbands; some had elaborate hairstyles with a central tuft, while others wore twin buns. Among them were those with coiled dragon and cloud-like hairdos resembling fairy maidens or celestial beauties. King Zhou, observing from behind the curtain, was greatly pleased in his heart. Suddenly, one immortal said, "All fellow Daoists, bow respectfully." The immortals responded with a bow and said, "Today we are honored by King Zhou's banquet, which hosts us at Lütai. This is indeed a generous gift. May the nation's mandate last for a thousand years and flourish; may the imperial foundation endure for ten thousand autumns!" From within, Daji conveyed the order: "Summon Minister Bi Gan to ascend the terrace." Bi Gan ascended the terrace and, under the moonlight, took a look. Indeed, each of them bore the bearing of immortals—every one appeared ageless and eternally youthful. He thought to himself, "This matter is truly difficult to understand! Whether they are real or not, I Bi Gan can only proceed forward and bow in respect. One Daoist among them asked, "Who is this gentleman?" Bi Gan replied, "I am Minister Bi Gan. I have been summoned by imperial decree to accompany the banquet." The Daoist said, "Since you have come here by fate, may your life be granted a thousand autumns." Upon hearing this, Bi Gan felt suspicion in his heart. From within came the order: "Pour the wine." Bi Gan, holding a golden ewer, poured wine for the thirty-nine tables. In his position as prime minister, he failed to recognize the demonic aura and remained by their side with the golden ewer in hand. These foxes, relying on transformation, showed no restraint at all. Although their appearances and clothing had changed, the fox-like stench could not be altered; Bi Gan caught a whiff of the fox's foul odor. Bi Gan thought to himself, "Immortals are beings of pure and clean essence; why do they emit such foul and offensive smells?" Bi Gan sighed, "The current Son of Heaven is unjust. Demons and monsters arise—this bodes ill for the nation." While Bi Gan was deep in thought, Daji ordered the accompanying minister to present a large cup. Bi Gan followed order and served one cup for each of the thirty-nine tables, presenting a cup at each table and accompanying it with his own. Bi Gan had the capacity to drink hundreds of dou (a unit of measure), so he followed through with one round. Daji then said, "Minister Bi Gan, please serve another cup." Bi Gan served one more cup at each of the thirty-nine tables. The demons drank two cups in succession. This cup was a toasting cup, meant to encourage drinking. These demons had never before tasted the imperial wine specially brewed for the Son of Heaven; those foxes with greater capacity could still hold up. Those with lesser tolerance could not withstand it. The demons, now drunk, dragged their tails behind them and swayed unsteadily. Unaware of right or wrong, Daji insisted only on having his descendants suffer; But she did not know that once the effects of this wine took hold, they could no longer be restrained and would all reveal their true forms. As Bi Gan served the second tier of wine, those in the first tier began to drop tails—fox tails. At this moment, with the moon shining directly overhead, Bi Gan paid close attention and saw clearly. Regret overtook him too late; he silently groaned to himself, thinking, "I hold the position of prime minister yet I have bowed before demons—how ashamed I am!" Bi Gan could no longer bear the stench of fox musk and silently ground his teeth in anger. Meanwhile, Daji, watching from behind the curtain as Minister Bi Gan served three cups of wine, saw that the small foxes were becoming drunk. If they revealed their true forms now, it would look very unseemly. Daji issued an order: "Minister Bi Gan may descend from the terrace for a moment; there is no need to serve more wine; allow all the immortals to return to their respective abodes as they please." Bi Gan received the order and descended from the terrace, his heart heavy with sorrow; he left the inner court, passing through Fen Gong Lou, Xianqing Hall, Jiashan Hall, and the Nine-Bay Hall. There were officials on duty overnight within each hall. After exiting the Wu Men Gate and mounting his horse, a pair of red silk lanterns led the way ahead of him. Before he had traveled two li, torches and lanterns appeared ahead, along with a grand procession of soldiers and horses. It turned out to be General Huang Feihong, the Duke of Wucheng, on patrol outside the imperial city. Bi Gan approached, and General Huang Feihong dismounted his horse, surprised and asked Bi Gan, "Minister, is there some urgent matter? Why are you out at this hour?"

出午门？”比干顿足道：“老大人！国乱邦倾，纷纷精怪，浊乱朝廷，如何是好！昨晚天子宣我陪仙子、仙姬宴，果然一更月上，奉旨上台，看一起道人，各穿青、黄、赤、白、黑衣，也有些仙丰道骨之像。孰知原来是一阵狐狸精。那精连饮两三大杯，把尾巴挂将下来，月下明明的看得是实。如此光景，怎生奈何！”黄飞虎曰：“丞相请回，末将明日自有理会。”比干回府。黄飞虎命黄明、周纪、龙环、吴乾：“你四人各带二十名健卒，散在东、南、西、北地方；看那些道人出那一门，务踪其巢穴，定要真实回报。”四将领命去讫。武成王回府。

Why have you just left the Wu Men Gate?" Bi Gan stamped his foot and said, "Elder General! The nation is in chaos; the state teeters on collapse. Demons and spirits abound, corrupting the court—what can be done!" Last night, the Son of Heaven summoned me to accompany a banquet with fairy maidens and immortal beings. As ordered at the first watch when the moon rose, I ascended the terrace to see a group of Daoists dressed in green, yellow, red, white and black robes, some appearing like true immortals with refined bearing. But who could have known they were actually fox spirits! Those demons drank two or three large cups in succession, dragging their tails behind them. Under the moonlight, it was clearly visible to be true. With such a scene unfolding, what can we do!" Huang Feihong said, "Minister, please return. I shall deal with this matter myself tomorrow." Bi Gan returned to his residence. Huang Feihong ordered Huang Ming, Zhou Ji, Long Huan, and Wu Qian: "You four shall each lead twenty strong soldiers and disperse to the east, south, west, and north regions; watch which of these Daoists exit through which gate. Be sure to track down their lairs and report back with the truth." The four generals accepted the order and departed accordingly. Wu Chengwang returned to his residence.

且说众狐狸酒在腹内，斗将起来，架不得妖风，起不得朦雾，勉强架出午门，一个个都落下来，拖拖拽拽，挤挤挨挨，三三五五，拥簇而来。出南门，将至五更，南门开了，周纪远远的黑影之中，明明看见。随后哨探：离城三十五里，轩辕坟傍，有一石洞，那些道人、仙子，都爬进去了。次日，黄飞虎升殿，四将回令。周纪曰：“昨在南门，探得道人有三、四十名，俱进轩辕坟石洞内去了。探的是实，请令定夺。”黄飞虎即命周纪：“领三百家将，尽带柴薪，塞住洞口，将柴架起来烧，到下午来回令。”周纪领令去讫。门官报道：“亚相到了。”飞虎迎请到庭上行礼，分宾主坐下。茶罢，飞虎将周纪一事说明。比干大喜称谢。二人在比谈论国家事务。武成王置酒，与比干丞相传杯相叙，不觉就至午后。周纪来见，“奉令放火，烧到午时，特来回令。”飞虎曰：“末将同丞相一往如何，”比干曰：“愿随车驾。”二人带领家将前去，同出南门，三十五里，来至坟前，烟火未灭。黄将军下骑，命家将将火灭了，用挠钩挞将出来。众家将领命。不题。且说这些狐狸吃了酒的死也甘心，还有不会变的，无辜俱死于一穴。有诗为证，诗曰： 欢饮传杯在鹿台，狐狸何事化仙来。只因秽气人看破，惹下焦身粉骨灾。

Meanwhile, the fox spirits, with wine in their bellies, struggled to fight. They could not withstand the demonic winds or summon mist. Struggling hard, they barely managed to reach the Wumen Gate, but one by one they fell down, dragging and pushing each other, jostling and crowding together in groups of three or five as they came forward. They exited through the southern gate, and by nearly the fifth watch, the southern gate opened. Zhou Ji saw clearly from afar in the dark shadows. Subsequently, scouts reported: thirty-five li outside the city, beside the Xuan Yuan Mausoleum, there is a stone cave. Those Daoists and fairy maidens all crawled into it. The next day, Huang Feihong ascended the hall, and the four generals returned with their report. Zhou Ji said: "Yesterday at the southern gate, we learned that about thirty to forty Daoists had all entered a stone cave near the Xuan Yuan Mausoleums. The information is confirmed true; I respectfully request your orders." Huang Feihong immediately ordered Zhou Ji: "Lead three hundred household generals, bring plenty of firewood, block the cave entrance, pile up the wood and set it on fire. Report back by afternoon." Zhou Ji accepted the order and left accordingly. The gate official reported: "The Deputy Chancellor has arrived." Feihong welcomed and invited him onto the courtyard to pay respects, then they sat down according to guest-host protocol. After tea was served, Feihong explained the matter concerning Zhou Ji. Bi Gan was greatly pleased and thanked him. The two men discussed state affairs together. Wu Chengwang set up a banquet and shared cups with Chancellor Bi Gan, conversing merrily. Before they realized it, the afternoon had arrived. Zhou Ji came to report: "As ordered, I set fire and burned until noon; I have come especially to report back." Feihong said: "Shall we both go together, my lord and I?" Bi Gan replied: "I am willing to accompany you." The two men led their household generals and went out, exiting the southern gate. After thirty-five li, they arrived at the mausoleum where the smoke and fire had not yet died down. General Huang dismounted his horse, ordered his household generals to extinguish the fire, and used hooks to drag them out. The household generals accepted the order. No further details are given. Meanwhile, these foxes, having drunk the wine, died contentedly; some who could not transform perished innocently in one den. There is a poem to attest to this, the poem says: Drinking merrily and passing cups at Lütai, why did foxes transform into immortals? It was only because their foul aura was seen through, bringing upon them disaster of scorched flesh and shattered bones.

众家将不一时将些狐狸挞出，俱是焦毛烂肉，臭不可闻。比干对武成王曰：“这许多狐狸，还有未焦者，拣选好的，将皮剥下来，造一袍袄献与当今，以惑妲己之心，使妖魅不安于君前，必至内乱；使天子醒悟，或加贬谪妲己，也见我等忠诚。”二臣共议，大悦。各归府第，欢饮尽醉而散。古语云：不管闲事终无事，只怕你谋里招殃祸及身。不知后来凶吉如何，且听下回分解。

The household generals quickly dragged out the foxes, all of whom had charred fur and rotten flesh, their stench unbearable. Bi Gan said to Wu Chengwang: "Among these many foxes, there are still some that are not completely charred. Select the better ones, skin them and make a robe or coat to present to His Majesty. This will deceive Daji's mind, causing her demonic presence to feel uneasy before the king, inevitably leading to internal discord; thus awakening the Son of Heaven. Perhaps His Majesty will then demote or exile Daji, and this would demonstrate our loyalty." The two ministers discussed it together and were greatly pleased. They each returned to their residences, joyfully drinking until they were thoroughly drunk before parting. An old saying goes: "If you mind your own business, there will be no trouble; it is only when you meddle that disaster may come to you." Whether fortune or misfortune would follow remains unknown. Stay tuned for the next chapter.