Chapter 26: Da Ji devises a plan to harm Bi Gan

诗曰： 朔风一夜碎琼瑶，丞相乘机进锦貂，只望回心除恶孽，孰知触忌作君妖。 刳心已定千秋业，宠妒难羞万载谣。可惜成汤贤圣业，化为流水逐春潮！

The poem says: A northern wind shattered jasper and jade in one night; the prime minister seized the opportunity to present brocade sable. He only hoped for a change of heart to eliminate evil, yet who knew it would provoke suspicion and become an omen of tyranny. The heart has been carved out; the legacy for a thousand autumns is already decided, but favor and jealousy cannot hide the ballads of ten thousand years. Alas! The virtuous achievements of King Chengtang are reduced to flowing water chasing the spring tides!

且说比干将狐狸皮硝熟，造成一件袍袄，只候严冬进袍。──此是九月。瞬息光阴，一如捻指，不觉时近仲冬。纣王同妲己宴乐于鹿台之上。那日只见：彤云密布，凛冽朔风。乱舞梨花，乾坤银砌；纷纷瑞雪，遍满朝歌。怎见得好雪： 空中银珠乱洒，半天柳絮交加。行人拂袖舞梨花，满树千枝银压。公子围炉酌酒，仙翁扫雪烹茶，夜来朔风透窗纱，也不知是雪是梅花。飕飕冷气侵人，片片六花盖地，瓦楞鸳鸯轻拂粉，炉焚兰麝可添锦。云迷四野催妆晚，暖客红炉玉影偏。此雪似梨花，似杨花，似梅花，似琼花：似梨花白；似杨花细；似梅花无香；似琼花珍贵。此雪有声，有色，有气，有味：有声者如蚕食叶；有气者冷浸心骨；有色者比美玉无瑕；有味者能识来年禾稼。团团如滚珠，碎剪如玉屑，一片似凤耳，两片似鹅毛，三片攒三，四片攒四，五片似梅花，六片如六萼。此雪下到稠密处，只见江河一道青。此雪有富，有贵，有贫，有贱；富实者红炉添寿炭，暖阁饮羊羔；贫贱者厨中无米，灶下无柴。非是老天传敕旨，分明降下杀人刀。凛凛寒威雾气棼，国家祥瑞落纷纭。须臾四野难分变，顷刻千山尽是云。银世界，玉乾坤，空中隐跃自为群。此雪落到三更后，尽道丰年已十分。

Let us now speak of Bi Gan, who tanned and cured a fox skin, making it into a robe. He waited for the severe winter to present the robe. --This is September. In the blink of an eye, time passes as swiftly as a plucked finger; before one realizes it, midwinter has drawn near. King Zhou and Daji feasted and enjoyed themselves on the terrace of Lu. On that day, one could see: crimson clouds densely covering the sky, a chilling northern wind blowing fiercely. Snowflakes danced wildly like pear blossoms; heaven and earth were paved with silver. The snow fell in abundance, covering the entire Chao Ge. How beautiful was this snowfall: Silver beads rained down haphazardly from the sky, mingling with willow fluff floating in the air. Passersby brushed their sleeves as if dancing among pear blossoms; thousands of branches on every tree were weighed down with silver. Gentlemen gathered around braziers, sipping wine; immortal old men swept the snow and brewed tea. At night, northern winds pierced through the window screens—nobody could tell whether it was snow or plum blossoms. The cold air blew sharply, piece by piece of the six-petaled snow covered the ground. On eaves and tiles, mandarin ducks lightly brushed with powder; incense burned in braziers—fragrant orchid and musk could add to the splendor. Clouds obscured the four directions, delaying the makeup of beauties; warm guests gathered by red braziers, their jade-like shadows slanting. This snow resembles pear blossoms, willow fluff, plum blossoms, and jasper flowers: like pear blossoms in its whiteness; like willow fluff in its fineness; like plum blossoms yet without fragrance; like jasper flowers in its rarity and preciousness. This snow has sound, color, air, and flavor: the sound is like that of silkworms eating leaves; the chill seeps into one's bones; in color, it surpasses flawless jade in beauty; and in flavor, one can discern the harvest of next year's crops. Snowflakes gathered in clusters like rolling pearls, or were cut into pieces resembling jade dust. One flake resembled a phoenix's ear; two flakes looked like goose feathers. Three flakes clustered together in threes, four in fours, five formed shapes like plum blossoms, and six arranged themselves as six petals. When the snow fell thickly, one could only see a strip of green along the rivers and streams. This snow brings wealth, nobility, poverty, and lowliness; The wealthy add longevity charcoal to their red braziers and drink lamb wine in warm pavilions; the poor have no rice in the kitchen, nor firewood beneath the stove. It is not as if Heaven has issued a decree; it clearly sends down a blade that takes lives. The chilling cold and misty air grow dense, as auspicious snow falls in abundance upon the nation. In a moment, the four directions become indistinguishable; in an instant, all ten thousand mountains are veiled in clouds. A world of silver, a universe of jade—the snowflakes drift and gather unseen in the air. When this snow falls past the third watch of the night, all say that an abundant year is already assured.

纣王与妲己正饮宴赏雪，当驾官启奏：“比干候旨。”王曰：“宣比干上台。”比干行礼毕。王曰：“六花杂出，舞雪纷纭，皇叔不在府第酌酒御寒，有何奏章，冒雪至此？”比干奏曰：“鹿台高接霄汉，风雪严冬，臣忧陛下龙体生寒，特献袍袄，与陛下御冷驱寒，少尽臣微悃。”王曰：“皇叔年高，当留自用；今进与孤，足徵忠爱！”命“取来。”比干下台，将朱盘高捧，面是大红，里是毛色。比干亲手抖开，与纣王穿上。帝大悦：“朕为天子，富有四海，实缺此袍御寒。今皇叔之功，世莫大焉！”纣王传旨：“赐酒共乐鹿台。”话说妲己在绣帘内观见，都是他子孙的皮，不觉一时间刀剜肺腑，火燎肝肠，此苦可对谁言！暗骂：“比干老贼！吾子孙就享了当今酒席，与老贼何干？你明明欺我，把皮毛惑吾之心。我不把你这老贼剜出你的心来，也不算中宫之后！”泪如雨下。不表妲己深恨比干。且说纣王与比干把盏。比干辞酒，谢恩下台。纣王著袍进内，妲己接住。王曰：“鹿台寒冷，比干进袍，甚称朕怀。”妲己奏曰：“妾有愚言，不识陛下可容纳否？陛下乃龙体，怎披此狐狸皮毛？不当稳便，甚为亵尊。”王曰：“御妻之言是也。”遂脱将下来贮库。──此乃是妲己见物伤情，其心不忍，故为此语。因自沉思曰：“昔日欲造鹿台，为报琵琶妹子之雠，岂知惹出这场是非，连子孙俱剿灭殆尽……”心中甚是痛恨，一心要害比干，无计可施。

King Zhou and Daji were just feasting and admiring the snow when a court official reported: "Bi Gan is waiting for an audience." The king said, "Summon Bi Gan to the terrace." After Bi Gan had finished bowing. The king said, "With snowflakes swirling and dancing in the air, why has my uncle not remained at his residence to drink wine and ward off the cold? What urgent matter brings you here through this snow?" Bi Gan replied, "The terrace of Lu reaches up to the heavens. In this severe winter wind and snow, I am concerned that Your Majesty's dragon body may grow cold. I have specially presented a robe for you to ward off the chill and dispel the cold, so as to express my humble devotion." The king said, "My uncle is of advanced age; you should keep this robe for yourself; presenting it to me now amply demonstrates your loyalty and affection!" He ordered, "Bring it here." Bi Gan descended from the terrace and held up a red lacquered tray high. The robe's face was deep crimson, while its lining was of soft fur. With his own hands, Bi Gan unfolded the robe and helped King Zhou put it on. The emperor was greatly pleased: "I am the Son of Heaven, rich beyond measure with all under heaven as my possession, yet I truly lacked such a robe to ward off the cold. Today, your uncle's merit is unparalleled in this world!" King Zhou issued an edict: "Grant wine and share joy on the terrace of Lu." Now, Daji, watching from behind the embroidered curtain, saw that it was all made from her descendants' pelts. In an instant, she felt as if a knife were carving out her entrails and fire burning through her liver—what sorrow could be shared with anyone! She muttered in anger: "Old thief Bi Gan! My descendants have enjoyed the wine and feast of this world, what does it have to do with you old thief?" You clearly insult me by using their fur to deceive my heart. If I do not carve out your heart, old thief, then I am no Empress of the inner palace!" Tears streamed down like rain. We will not dwell on Daji's deep hatred for Bi Gan. Let us instead speak of King Zhou and Bi Gan raising their cups together. Bi Gan declined the wine, thanked for his grace, and descended from the terrace. King Zhou put on the robe and entered the inner quarters; Daji caught sight of it. The king said, "It is cold at the terrace of Lu; Bi Gan presented this robe, which perfectly suits my feelings." Daji reported, "I have a foolish suggestion—may I ask if Your Majesty would be willing to accept it?" "Your Majesty is the dragon body; how could you wear this fox fur?" "It is improper and disrespectful to Your Majesty's dignity." The king said, "Your words are correct, my dear wife." He then took it off and stored it in the treasury. --This was because Daji, upon seeing the object, felt a pang of emotion; her heart could not bear it, so she spoke these words. She fell into deep thought and said to herself, "In the past, I wanted to build the terrace of Lu in order to avenge my beloved Pipa sister. Little did I know that it would bring about such trouble, even leading to the near extermination of my descendants..." Her heart was filled with pain and hatred; she was determined to harm Bi Gan but had no plan to do so.

话说时光易度，一日，妲己在鹿台陪宴，陡生一计，将面上妖容彻去，比平常娇媚不过十分中一二。大抵往日如牡丹初绽，芍药迎风，梨花带雨，海棠醉日，艳冶非常。纣王正饮酒间，谛视良久，见妲己容貌大不相同，不住盼睐，妲己曰：“陛下频顾贱妾残妆何也？”纣王笑而不言。妲己强之，纣王曰：“朕看爱卿容貌，真如娇花美玉，令人把玩，不忍释手。”妲己曰：“妾有何容色，不过蒙圣恩宠爱，故如此耳。妾有一结识义妹姓胡。名曰喜媚，如今在紫霄宫出家。妾之颜色，百不及一。”纣王原是爱酒色的，听得如此容貌，不觉心中欣悦，乃笑而问曰：“爱卿既有令妹，可能令朕一见否？”妲己曰：“喜媚乃是闺女，自幼出家，拜师学道，上洞府名山紫霄宫内修行，一刻焉能得至？”王曰：“托爱卿福庇，如何委曲，使朕一见，亦不负卿所举。”妲己曰：“当时同妾在冀州时，同房针线，喜媚出家，与妾作别，妾洒泪泣曰：“今别妹妹，永不能相见矣！”喜媚曰：“但拜师之后，若得五行之术，我送信香与你。姐姐欲要相见，焚此信香，吾当即至。”后来去了一年，果送信香一块。未及二月，蒙圣恩取上朝歌，侍陛下左右，一向忘却。方才陛下不言，妾亦不敢奏闻。”纣王大喜曰：“爱卿何不速取信香焚之？”妲己曰：“尚早。喜媚乃是仙家，非同凡俗；待明日，月下陈设茶果，妾身沐浴焚香相迎，方可。”王曰：“卿言甚是，不可亵渎。”纣王与妲己宴乐安寝。却说妲己至三更时分，现出元形，竟到轩辕坟中。只见雉鸡精接著，泣诉曰：“姐姐！因为你一席酒，断送了你的子孙尽灭，将皮都剥了去，你可知道？”妲己亦悲泣道：“妹妹！因我子孙受此沉冤，无处申报，寻思一计，须……如此如此，可将老贼取心，方遂吾愿。今仗妹妹扶持，彼此各相护卫。我思你独自守此巢穴，也是寂寥，何不乘此机会，享皇宫血食，朝暮如常，何不为美。”雉鸡精深谢妲己曰：“既蒙姐姐抬举，敢不如命，明日即来。”妲己计较已定，依旧隐形回宫入窍，与纣王共寝。天明起来，正是纣王欢忭，专候今晚喜媚降临，恨不得把金乌赶下西山，去捧出东边玉兔来。至晚，纣王见华月初升，一天如洗，作诗曰： “金运蝉光出海东，清幽宇宙彻长空；玉盘悬在碧天上，展放光华散彩红。”

Now, time passed easily. One day, while Daji was attending a banquet at the terrace of Lu, she suddenly came up with an idea and removed her demonic beauty from her face, appearing no more charming than one or two parts out of ten in her usual prettiness. In the past, she was like a peony just blooming, or a paeonia welcoming the wind; her beauty resembled pear blossoms with dew and hibiscus drunk in sunlight—extraordinarily alluring. While King Zhou was drinking, he scrutinized her for a long time. Seeing that Daji's appearance had changed greatly, he could not help but gaze at her repeatedly. Daji said, "Why does Your Majesty keep looking at my plain face?" King Zhou smiled without speaking. Daji pressed him for an answer, and King Zhou said, "When I look at my beloved minister's appearance, it is truly like a delicate flower or fine jade—so beautiful that one cannot bear to put it down." Daji said, "What beauty do I possess? It is merely due to Your Majesty's gracious favor and affection that it appears so." "I have a sworn sister named Hu. Her name is Ximei, and she now resides as a nun in the Zixiao Temple." My beauty pales in comparison to hers by a hundredfold." King Zhou, who had always loved wine and beauty, was delighted upon hearing of such a face. He smiled and asked, "Since you have this admirable sister, is it possible for me to meet her?" Daji said, "Ximei is a maiden who has been living as a nun since childhood. She took vows and studied the Dao at Zixiao Palace, an abode of immortals on a famous mountain. How could she possibly come here in such a short time?" The king said, "Relying on your blessings and protection, how could you not find a way to arrange it so that I may see her? That would be no disappointment to the recommendation you have made." Daji said, "At that time, when we were together in Ji Zhou, we shared a room and did needlework. When Ximei left to become a nun and bid me farewell, I shed tears and cried, 'Now parting from my dear sister, we shall never meet again!'" Ximei said, "After I take my vows and master the Five Elements arts, I will send you incense as a message. "If you wish to see me, burn this incense; I shall come immediately." Later, after a year had passed, she indeed sent back a piece of message incense. Before the second month arrived, by Your Majesty's grace I was summoned to Chao Ge and have served at your side ever since; this matter has long been forgotten. Had it not been for the mention by Your Majesty, I would not have dared to report it." King Zhou was greatly pleased and said, "Why does my beloved minister not quickly retrieve the message incense and burn it?" Daji replied, "It is still too early. Ximei is an immortal; she is no ordinary person; we must wait until tomorrow. We should prepare tea and fruits beneath the moonlight, I shall bathe, burn incense, and welcome her in that way." The king said, "Your words are very reasonable; we must not act disrespectfully." King Zhou and Daji dined, enjoyed themselves, and retired to rest. Meanwhile, at the third watch of the night Daji revealed her true form and went directly to the Mausoleum of Xuanyuan. There she saw the pheasant spirit waiting for her, who wept and said, "Sister!" Because of the wine you served at that banquet, it led to the complete extermination of your descendants; they all had their skins stripped away. Do you know this?" Daji also wept bitterly and said, "Dear sister!" Because my descendants suffered such a grievous injustice, with nowhere to appeal or seek justice, I devised a plan. One must... do this and that in the following way; only by taking out the old thief's heart can my wish be fulfilled. Now, with your support, we shall protect each other. I thought that you, guarding this lair alone, must also feel lonely. Why not take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy the royal palace's offerings of blood and food morning and evening as usual? Would it not be a fine thing?" The pheasant spirit deeply thanked Daji, saying, "Since you have shown me such favor, how could I dare not obey? I shall come tomorrow." Daji had already made her plans and returned to the palace invisibly, entering through a hidden passage. She then shared the bed with King Zhou. At dawn, when they awoke, King Zhou was overjoyed. He eagerly awaited Ximei's arrival that night and could hardly wait for the golden sun to set behind the western hills so he might welcome the jade hare rising in the east. By nightfall, King Zhou saw the bright moon rising in the east, its light cleansing the entire sky. He composed a poem: "The golden radiance of the cicada emerges from the eastern sea; the clear and quiet universe stretches across the endless sky; a jade plate hangs in the emerald heavens, radiating light and scattering colorful hues."

话说纣王与妲己在台上玩月，催逼妲己焚香。妲己曰：“妾虽焚香拜请，倘或喜媚来时，陛下当回避一时。恐凡俗不便，触彼回去，急切难来。待妾以言告过，再请陛下相见。”纣王曰：“但凭爱卿分付，一一如命。”妲己方净手焚香，做成圈套。将近一鼓时分，听半空风响，阴云密布，黑雾迷空，将一轮明月遮掩。一霎时，天昏地暗，寒气侵入。纣王惊疑，忙问妲己曰：“好风！一会儿翻转了天地。”妲己曰：“想必喜媚踏风云而来。”言未毕，只听空中有环佩之声，隐隐有人声坠落。妲己忙催纣王进里面，曰：“喜媚来矣。俟妾讲过，好请相见。”纣王只得进内殿，隔帘偷瞧。只见风声停息，月光之中，见一道姑穿大红八卦衣，丝绦麻履。况此月色复明，光彩皎洁，且是灯烛辉煌，常言“灯月之下看佳人，比白日更胜十倍。”只见此女肌如瑞雪，脸似朝霞，海棠丰韵，樱桃小口，香脸桃腮，光莹娇媚，色色动人。妲己向前曰：“妹妹来矣！”喜媚曰：“姐姐，贫道稽首了。”二人同至殿内，行礼坐下。茶罢，妲己曰：“昔日妹妹曾言，‘但欲相会，只焚信香即至。’今果不失前言，得会尊容，妾之幸甚。”道姑曰：“贫道适闻信香一至，恐违前约，故此即速前来，幸恕唐突。”彼此逊谢。且说纣王再观喜媚之姿，复睹妲己之色，天地悬隔。纣王暗想：“但得喜媚同侍衾枕，便不做天子又有何妨。”心上甚是难过，只见妲己问喜媚曰：“妹妹是斋，是荤？”喜媚答曰：“是斋。”妲己传旨：“排上素斋来。”二人传杯叙话。灯光之下，故作妖娆。纣王看喜媚，真如蕊宫仙子，月窟嫦娥。把纣王只弄得魂游荡漾三千里，魄绕山河十万重，恨不能共语相陪，一口吞他下肚，抓耳挠腮，坐立不宁，不知如何是好。纣王急得不耐烦，只是乱咳嗽。妲己已会其意，眼角传情，看著喜媚曰：“妹妹，妾有一言奉渎，不知妹妹可容纳否？”喜媚曰：“姐姐有何事分付？贫道领教。”妲己曰：“前者妾在天子面前，赞扬妹妹大德，天子喜不自胜，久欲一睹仙颜；今蒙不弃，慨赐降临，实出万幸。乞贤妹念天子渴想之怀，俯同一会，得领福慧，感戴不胜！今不敢唐突晋谒，托妾先容。不知妹妹意下如何？”喜媚曰：“妾系女流，况且出家，生俗不便相会，二来男女不雅，且男女授受不亲，岂可同筵晤对，而不分内外之礼。”妲己曰：“不然。妹妹既系出家，原是‘超出三界外，不在五行中’，岂得以世俗男女分别而论。况天子系命于天，即天之子，总控万民，富有四海，率土皆臣，即神仙亦当让位。况我与你幼虽结拜，义实同胞，即以姐妹之情，

Now speaking of King Zhou and Daji enjoying the moon on the terrace, he urged her to burn incense. Daji said, "Although I may burn incense and make a request by bowing, if Ximei arrives, Your Majesty should temporarily step aside. I fear that the presence of an ordinary mortal might be inconvenient and offend her, causing her to leave in anger and making it difficult for her to come quickly." "I shall first inform her with words, then invite Your Majesty to meet her." King Zhou said, "Whatever my beloved minister commands, I shall obey without question." Daji then washed her hands and burned incense, setting up a trap. Just as the first drum of the night sounded, they heard a wind from midair. Dark clouds gathered thickly, and black mist filled the sky, obscuring the bright moon. In an instant, heaven darkened and earth grew dim; a chill wind penetrated everything. King Zhou was startled and suspicious. He hurriedly asked Daji, "What a strange wind!" "In an instant it overturned heaven and earth." Daji said, "It must be that Ximei has arrived riding the wind and clouds." Before she could finish speaking, they heard from above a faint sound of jade pendants clinking, as if someone were falling. Daji hurriedly urged King Zhou to go inside and said, "Ximei is coming." "Wait for me to speak with her first; then I shall invite you to meet her." King Zhou had no choice but to enter the inner hall and peeked from behind the curtain. He saw that the wind had ceased, and in the moonlight stood a nun dressed in a bright red yin-yang robe, with silk sashes and hemp shoes. Moreover, the moonlight was once again bright and clear, its radiance pure and luminous. The lanterns and candles also shone brilliantly. As the saying goes, "Under the glow of lanterns and moonlight, a beautiful woman appears ten times more radiant than in daylight." He saw that this woman had skin as pure as auspicious snow, a face like morning clouds at dawn. Her bearing was graceful and full like a peony, her small mouth resembled a cherry blossom; her fragrant cheeks were rosy with peach-like hues, radiant and charming in every way—each feature captivating. Daji stepped forward and said, "Dear sister has arrived!" Ximei said, "Sister Daji, I pay my respects." The two of them entered the hall together, bowed to each other, and sat down. After tea was served, Daji said, "In the past, you once said, 'If I wish to meet you, I need only burn a message incense and you will come.'" "Today's meeting has indeed fulfilled your previous words. To see your noble countenance is truly my great fortune." The nun said, "I just sensed the message incense arrive. Fearing I might break my previous promise, I hurried here immediately. Please forgive my abruptness." They exchanged humble apologies and expressions of gratitude. Meanwhile, King Zhou once again observed Ximei's appearance and compared it with Daji's beauty; the difference was as vast as heaven and earth. King Zhou secretly thought, "If I could have Ximei serve me in bed alongside Daji, even if I were not emperor, what difference would it make?" He was deeply troubled in his heart. Just then Daji asked Ximei, "Dear sister, do you eat vegetarian food or meat?" Ximei replied, "I am a vegetarian." Daji issued an order: "Prepare some vegetarian food." The two of them passed cups and exchanged conversation. Under the lamplight, they deliberately acted seductively. King Zhou looked at Ximei and thought she was truly like a fairy from the Hall of Petals, or Chang'e from the Moon Palace. King Zhou was so enchanted that his soul seemed to drift three thousand li, and his spirit circled the mountains and rivers ten thousand times. He longed desperately to speak with her and be by her side, wishing he could swallow her whole. He scratched his ears, clawed at his cheeks, paced restlessly, and did not know what to do with himself. King Zhou became impatient and anxious, coughing uncontrollably. Daji understood his meaning well and sent a glance of complicity toward Ximei, saying, "Dear sister, I have something to say that may seem impertinent. I wonder if you would be willing to hear it?" Ximei said, "Sister Daji, what is it you wish to command me?" I shall gladly listen and learn." Daji said, "Earlier, I praised your great virtue before the Son of Heaven in front of the emperor. He was overjoyed and has long wished to see your divine beauty; now that you have kindly deigned to visit, it is truly a matter of great fortune. I beg my esteemed sister to consider the emperor's longing and kindly agree to meet him once, so he may receive your blessings and wisdom. I am deeply grateful beyond words! I dare not be abrupt in presenting myself directly; I entrust my humble self to you first for an introduction. I wonder, dear sister, what your thoughts are on this?" Ximei said, "I am but a woman, and besides, I have taken religious vows. It would be improper for me to meet with an ordinary man; furthermore, it is unseemly for men and women to sit together in such closeness. The ancients taught that men and women should not touch or interact too intimately—how could we dine together without observing the proper distinctions of inner and outer courtyards?" Daji said, "Not so. Since you have taken religious vows and are now 'beyond the three realms, outside the five elements,' how can we judge you by worldly distinctions between men and women? Moreover, the Son of Heaven is appointed by heaven itself. He is the son of heaven, who governs all people and possesses the four seas; all under heaven are his subjects. Even immortals should yield to him. Besides, although we were sworn sisters in our youth and share a bond as close as blood siblings, even with this sisterly affection,

就见天子，亦是亲道，这也无妨。”喜媚曰：“姐姐分付，请天子相见。”纣王闻“请”字，也等不得，就走出来了。纣王见道姑一躬，喜媚打一稽首相还。喜媚曰：“请天子坐。”纣王便傍坐在侧。二妖反上下坐了。灯光下，见喜媚两次三番启朱唇，一点樱桃，吐的是美孜孜一团和气；转秋波，双湾活水，送的是娇滴滴万种风情，把个纣王弄得心猿难按，意马驰缰，只急得一身香汗。妲己情知纣王欲火正炽，左右难捱，故意起身更衣。妲己上前曰：“陛下在此相陪，妾更衣就来。”纣王复转下坐，朝上觌面传杯。纣王灯下以眼角传情，那道姑面红微笑。纣王斟酒，双手奉于道姑；道姑接酒，吐袅娜声音答曰：“敢劳陛下！”纣王乘机将喜媚手腕一捻，道姑不语，把纣王魂灵儿都飞在九霄。纣王见是如此，便问曰：“朕同仙姑台前玩月，何如？”喜媚曰：“领教。”纣王复携喜媚手出台玩月。喜媚不辞。纣王心动，便搭住香肩，月下偎倚，情意甚密。纣王心中甚美，乃以言挑之曰：“仙姑何不弃此修行，而与令姐同住宫院，抛此清凉，且享富贵，朝夕欢娱，四时欢庆，岂不快乐！人生几何，乃自苦如此。仙姑意下如何？”喜媚只是不语。纣王见喜媚不甚推托，乃以手抹著喜媚胸膛，软绵绵，温润润，嫩嫩的腹皮，喜媚半推半就。纣王见他如此，双手抱搂，偏殿交欢，云雨几度，方才歇手。正起身整衣，忽见妲己出来，一眼看见喜媚乌云散乱，气喘吁吁，妲己曰：“妹妹为何这等模样？”纣王曰：“实不相瞒，方才与喜媚姻缘相凑。天降赤绳，你妹妹同侍朕左右，朝暮欢娱，共享无穷之福。此亦是爱卿荐拔喜媚之功，朕心嘉悦，不敢有忘。”即传旨重新排宴，三人共饮，至五更方共寝鹿台之上。有诗为证，诗曰： 国破妖氛现，家亡纣主昏。不听君子谏，专纳佞臣言。 先爱狐狸女，又宠雉鸡精。比干逢此怪，目下死无存。

meeting the Son of Heaven would still be like meeting a relative. There is no harm in it." Ximei said, "As my sister commands, I shall meet with the Son of Heaven." Upon hearing the word "invite," King Zhou could not wait any longer and immediately stepped forward. King Zhou saw the nun bow once, and Ximei returned a respectful kowtow in reply. Ximei said, "Please sit, Son of Heaven." King Zhou then sat down beside her. The two female demons ended up sitting in positions that reversed the proper hierarchy. Under the lamplight, King Zhou saw Ximei open her red lips again and again, revealing a small cherry-like mouth. What she spoke was a charming, harmonious aura; her eyes, like autumn waves, sparkled with lively water-like grace, conveying a thousand and one alluring charms. King Zhou was so moved that his heart raced uncontrollably and his thoughts galloped wildly, leaving him drenched in fragrant sweat from sheer excitement. Daji knew well that King Zhou's desires were burning fiercely and that he could barely endure the tension, so she deliberately rose to go change her clothes. Daji stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, please stay here for company; I shall return shortly after changing." King Zhou returned to his seat facing upward and passed the cup directly toward Ximei. Under the lamp's glow, King Zhou sent a glance of affection with his eyes; the nun blushed and smiled gently in return. King Zhou poured wine and presented it to the nun with both hands; the nun accepted the wine, her voice soft and graceful as she replied, "How could I dare trouble Your Majesty!" Taking the opportunity, King Zhou gently squeezed Ximei's wrist. The nun said nothing, and this action sent King Zhou's soul soaring into the ninth heaven. Seeing things had reached such a point, King Zhou asked, "Your Majesty and I enjoying the moon together on the terrace—how do you find it?" Ximei said, "I am honored to learn from Your Majesty." King Zhou then took Ximei's hand and led her out onto the terrace to enjoy the moon. Ximei did not refuse. King Zhou's heart stirred, and he clasped her fragrant shoulder, leaning close under the moonlight in a most intimate embrace. King Zhou, feeling deeply pleased in his heart, tempted her with words and said, "Why not abandon this cultivation of asceticism, dear Immortal Nun, and live here in the palace with your elder sister? Leave behind this cold seclusion and instead enjoy wealth and honor. Morning and evening you will be merry, celebrating joyfully through all four seasons—would that not bring great happiness! How short is human life; why subject yourself to such hardship? What are your thoughts, dear Immortal Nun?" Ximei remained silent. King Zhou, seeing that Ximei did not strongly refuse, placed his hand on her chest. Her skin was soft and smooth, tender and warm; Ximei half-repelled him, half-accepted his advances. Seeing this, King Zhou embraced her tightly and led her to a side chamber for their tryst. They engaged in passionate lovemaking several times before finally parting. Just as they were rising to adjust their clothes, Daji suddenly appeared. At a glance, she saw Ximei's disheveled hair and labored breathing. Daji said, "Sister, why do you look like this?" King Zhou replied, "I will not hide the truth from you. Just now, fate brought me together with Ximei in a union of love." Heaven has sent us the red thread of destiny. Your sister will now serve at my side, bringing joy morning and night, sharing endless blessings with me. This is also a great merit of your beloved minister in recommending Ximei to me. I am most pleased and will never forget it." He immediately issued an order for a new banquet to be prepared, and the three of them drank together until the fifth watch before finally retiring to sleep on the terrace of Luxi. There is a poem to attest to this, which says: The nation falls and demonic mists arise; the family perishes as King Zhou grows ever more corrupt. He does not heed the advice of virtuous men, but listens only to flatterers and villains. First he loved the fox spirit, then favored the pheasant demon. When Bi Gan encountered these monsters, his eyes were gouged out and he perished instantly.

话说纣王暗纳喜媚，外官不知。天子不理国事，荒淫内阙，外廷隔绝，真是君门万里。武成王虽执掌大帅之权，提调朝歌四十八万人马，镇守都城，虽然丹心为国，其如不能面君谏言，彼此隔绝，无可奈何，只行长叹而已。一日，见报说，东伯侯姜文焕分兵攻打野马岭，要取陈塘关，黄总兵令鲁雄领兵十万把守去讫。不表。

Now speaking of King Zhou secretly taking Ximei into the palace; the officials outside had no knowledge of it. The Son of Heaven neglected state affairs, indulging in debauchery within the palace while cutting himself off from the outer court. Truly, the gates to the emperor were as distant as ten thousand li away. Although General Wu Chengwang held the supreme command of an army, overseeing forty-eight thousand troops in Chao Ge and guarding the capital city, despite his loyal heart for the nation, he could not personally present himself before the emperor to offer advice. Cut off from court affairs with no way forward, he had no choice but to sigh deeply in frustration. One day, a report arrived stating that Dong Bo Hou Jiang Wenhuan had divided his forces to attack Yema Ling and was attempting to capture Chen Tang Guan. General Huang ordered Lu Xiong to lead ten thousand troops to defend it. This will not be detailed further.

且说纣王自得喜媚，朝朝云雨，夜夜酣歌，那里把社稷为重。那日，二妖正在台上用早膳，忽见妲己大叫一声，跌倒在地；把纣王惊骇汗出，吓的面如土色。见妲己口中喷出血水来，闭目不言，面皮俱紫；纣王曰：“御妻自随朕数年，未有此疾。今日如何得这等凶症？”喜媚故意点头叹曰：“姐姐旧疾发了！”帝问：“媚美人为何知御妻有此旧疾？”喜媚奏曰：“昔在冀州时，彼此俱是闺女。姐姐常有心痛之疾，一发即死。冀州有一医士，姓张，名元；他用药最妙，有玲珑心一片煎汤吃下，此疾即愈。”纣王曰：“传旨宣冀州医士张元。”喜媚奏曰：“陛下之言差矣！朝歌到冀州有多少路！一去一来，至少月馀。耽误日期，焉能救得？除非朝歌之地，若有玲珑心，取他一片，登时可救；如无，须臾即死。”纣王曰：“玲珑心谁人知道？”喜媚曰：“妾身曾拜师，善能推算。”纣王大喜，命喜媚速算。这妖精故意搯指，算来算去，奏曰：“朝中止有一大臣，官居显爵，位极人臣；只怕此人舍不得，不肯救拔娘娘。”纣王曰：“是谁？快说！”喜媚曰：“惟亚相比干乃是玲珑七窍之心。”纣王曰：“比干乃是皇叔，一宗嫡派，难道不肯借一片玲珑心为御妻起沉疴之疾？速发御札，宣比干！”差官飞往相府。

Now speaking of King Zhou, since he had obtained Ximei, he indulged in love and revelry day after day, singing and drinking night after night. He no longer regarded the state as a matter of importance. On that day, while the two demons were having breakfast on the terrace, suddenly Daji let out a loud cry and fell to the ground. King Zhou was so startled that he broke into a cold sweat, his face turning as pale as dirt. They saw Daji spitting up blood from her mouth, her eyes closed and silent, with a purplish hue on her face. King Zhou said, "My imperial consort has been with me for many years, and I have never seen her suffer from such an illness." "Why today does she suddenly fall victim to this ominous ailment?" Ximei deliberately nodded and sighed, saying, "Sister's old illness has flared up!" The emperor asked, "Mei Meiren, how do you know the imperial consort had this old illness?" Ximei replied, "In the past, when we were both in Ji Zhou, we were still maiden ladies." "Sister often suffered from heart pain; once it flared up, she would die immediately." There was a physician in Ji Zhou by the name of Zhang Yuan. "He used medicine most skillfully; if one piece of Linglong Xin was decocted into a soup and taken, this illness would be cured." King Zhou said, "Issue an imperial decree to summon the physician Zhang Yuan from Ji Zhou." Ximei replied, "Your Majesty's words are mistaken!" "How many li is it from Chao Ge to Ji Zhou!" It would take at least a month for the round trip. Such delay in time, how could it possibly save her?" "Unless there is a Linglong Xin here in Chao Ge; if we can obtain even one piece, she could be saved immediately. If not, she will die within moments." King Zhou asked, "Who knows where to find a Linglong Xin?" Ximei said, "I once had a master and am skilled in divination." King Zhou was greatly pleased and ordered Ximei to calculate quickly. loin This demon deliberately paused, calculating back and forth before finally reporting, "There is only one high-ranking official in the court who holds a prominent title and has reached the highest position among ministers; I fear this man will not be willing to part with it, and thus refuse to save Empress Dowager Niangniang." King Zhou asked, "Who is it?" "Quickly tell me!" Ximei said, "Only the second-ranking minister Bi Gan possesses a Linglong Xin with seven orifices." King Zhou said, "Bi Gan is my royal uncle, a direct descendant of the imperial family. Could he possibly refuse to give up even one piece of his Linglong Xin in order to cure my consort's grave illness?" "Quickly issue an imperial edict and summon Bi Gan!" The royal messenger hurried to the prime minister's residence.

比干闲居无辜，正为国家颠倒，朝政失宜，心中寿画。忽堂候官敲云板，传御札，立宣见驾。比干接札，礼毕，曰：“天使先回，午门会齐。”比干自思：“朝中无事，御札为何甚速？”话未了，又报：“御札又至！”比干又接过。不一时，连到五次御札。比干疑惑：“有甚紧急，连发五札？”正沉思间，又报：“御札又至！”持札者乃奉御官陈青。比干接毕，问青曰：“何事要紧，用札六次？”青曰：“丞相在上：方今国势渐衰，鹿台又新纳道姑，名曰胡喜媚。今日早膳，娘娘偶然心疼疾发，看看气绝。胡喜媚陈说，要得玲珑心一片，煎羹汤，吃下即愈。皇上言：“玲珑心如何晓得？”胡喜媚会算，算丞相是玲珑心。因此发札六道，要借老千岁的心一片，急救娘娘，故此紧急。”比干听说，惊得心胆俱落，自思：“事已如此──”乃曰：“陈青，你在午门等候，我即至也。”比干进内，见夫人孟氏曰：“夫人，你好生看顾孩儿微子德！我死之后，你母子好生守我家训，不可造次。朝坤并无一人矣！”言罢泪如雨下。夫人大惊，问曰：“大王何故出此不吉之言？”比干曰：“昏君听信妲己有疾，欲取吾心作羹汤，岂有生还之理！”夫人垂泪曰：“官居相位，又无欺诳，上不犯法于天子，下不贪酷于军民，大王忠诚节孝，素表著于人耳目，有何罪恶，岂至犯取心惨刑。”有子在傍泣曰：“父王勿忧。方才孩儿想起，昔日姜子牙与父王看气色，曾说不利，留一简帖，见在书房，说：‘至危急两难之际，进退无路，方可看简，亦可解救。’”比干方悟曰：“呀！几乎一时忘了！”忙开书房门，见砚台下压著一帖，取出观之；──上书明白。──比干曰：“速取火来！”取水一碗，将子牙符烧在水里，比干饮于腹中。忙穿朝服上马，往午门来。不表。

Bi Gan, who had been unjustly kept idle from office, was just lamenting the chaos in state affairs and the mismanagement of court policies, deeply troubled within. Suddenly, a palace official struck the yunban (a ceremonial wooden board) at the hall entrance and announced an imperial summons, ordering Bi Gan to appear immediately before the throne. Bi Gan received the edict, completed his courtly bows, and said, "The imperial messenger may return first; we shall meet at Wumen (Meridian Gate) at noon." Bi Gan pondered to himself, "There are no urgent matters in court; why has the imperial summons come so quickly?" He had not yet finished thinking when another report came: "Another imperial edict has arrived!" Bi Gan took it again. In no time at all, five imperial edicts arrived in succession. Bi Gan was puzzled and thought, "What urgent matter could it be that warrants five consecutive imperial summons?" Just as he was deep in thought, another report came: "Another imperial edict has arrived!" The messenger holding the edict was Chen Qing, an official of the palace. After receiving it, Bi Gan asked Chen Qing, "What urgent matter requires six imperial summons?" Chen Qing said, "My Lord Prime Minister: At present the nation's strength is gradually declining. The Luxi Terrace has newly taken in a Daoist nun named Hu Ximei. This morning at breakfast, the Empress suddenly suffered from heart pain and appears to be on the verge of death." Hu Ximei claimed that if one piece of a Linglong Xin were decocted into soup and consumed, the illness would be immediately cured. The emperor asked, "How can we know where to find this Linglong Xin?" Hu Ximei is skilled in divination and has calculated that the prime minister possesses a Linglong Xin. Therefore, six imperial edicts have been issued to borrow one piece of your esteemed heart, Lord Chancellor, in order to urgently save the Empress. That is why this matter is so urgent." Upon hearing this, Bi Gan was so shocked that his heart and courage nearly failed. Thinking to himself, "Matters have come to this," he said, "Chen Qing, wait for me at Wumen; I shall arrive immediately." Bi Gan entered the inner quarters and saw his wife Meng Shi. He said, "My dear wife, you must take good care of our son Weizi De! After my death, both you and your children should strictly follow the family precepts and not act recklessly. There will be no one left in court or at home!" After saying this, he wept as if rain were falling. His wife was greatly shocked and asked, "My lord, why do you speak such ominous words?" Bi Gan said, "The corrupt king has been deceived by Daji and falsely claims she is ill. He wants to take my heart to make a soup—how could I possibly return alive!" His wife wept and said, "You hold the position of prime minister; you have committed no deceit. You have not violated any laws before the Son of Heaven above, nor have you been greedy or cruel to soldiers and civilians below. My lord, your loyalty, integrity, filial piety, and virtue are well known by all. What crime could possibly warrant such a brutal punishment as having one's heart extracted?" Their son wept at their side and said, "Father, do not worry." "Just now, the child suddenly remembered that in the past, Jiang Ziya and Father observed my complexion and once said it was ominous. They left behind a scroll of advice stored in the study, which stated: 'When one reaches an extremely dangerous and difficult situation with no way forward or back, this scroll may be consulted and might offer salvation.'" Bi Gan suddenly realized and exclaimed, "Ah! I almost forgot it in a moment!" He hurriedly opened the study door, saw a scroll pressed under the inkstone, took it out and read it; The writing on it was clear. Bi Gan said, "Quickly bring fire!" He took a bowl of water and burned Jiang Ziya's talisman in it. Bi Gan drank the mixture into his belly. He quickly put on his court robes, mounted his horse, and rode toward Wumen. This will not be detailed further here.

且说六札宣比干，陈青泄了内事，惊得一城军民官宰，尽知取比干心作羹汤。话说武成王黄元帅同诸大臣俱在午门，只见比干乘马，飞至午门下马。百官忙问其故。比干曰：“据陈青说……取心一节，吾总不知。”百官随比干至大殿。比干迳往鹿台下侯旨。纣王立候，听得比干至，命：“宣上台来。”比干行礼毕。王曰：“御妻偶发沉疴心痛之疾，惟玲珑心可愈。皇叔有玲珑心，乞借一片作汤，治疾若愈，此功莫大焉。”比干曰：“心是何物？”纣王曰：“乃皇叔腹内之心。”比干怒奏曰：“心者一身之主，隐于肺内，坐六叶两耳之中，百恶无侵，一侵即死。心正，手足正；心不正，则手足不正。心为万物之灵苗，四象变化之根本。吾心有伤，岂有生路！老臣虽死不惜，只是社稷丘墟，贤能尽绝。今昏君听新纳妖妇之言，赐吾摘心之祸；只怕比干在，江山在；比干存，社稷存！”纣王曰：“皇叔之言差矣！总只借心一片，无伤于事，何必多言？”比干厉声大叫曰：“昏君！你是酒色昏迷，糊涂狗彘！心去一片，吾即死矣！比干不犯剜心之罪，如何无辜遭此非殃！”纣王怒曰：“君叫臣死，不死不忠。台上毁君，有亏臣节！如不从朕命，武士，拿下去，取了心来！”比干大骂：“妲己贱人！我死冥下，见先帝无愧矣！”喝：“左右，取剑来与我！”奉御将剑递与比干。比干接剑在手，望太庙大拜八拜，泣曰：“成汤先王，岂知殷受断送成汤二十八世天下！非臣之不忠耳！”遂解带现躯，将剑往脐中刺入，将腹剖开，其血不流。比干将手入腹内，摘心而出，望下一掷，掩袍不语，面似淡金，迳下台去了。且说诸大臣在殿前打听比干之事，众臣纷纷，议论朝廷失政，只听得殿后有脚迹之声。黄元帅望后一观，见比干出来，心中大喜。飞虎曰：“老殿下，事体如何？”比干不语。百官迎上前来。比干低首速行，面如金纸，迳过九龙桥去，出午门。常随见比干出朝，将马伺候。比干上马，往北门去了。不知吉凶如何，且听下回分解。

Now speaking of the six imperial summons for Bi Gan; Chen Qing had revealed the secret, and this news shocked all the soldiers, civilians, and officials in the city, who now knew that they intended to take Bi Gan's heart to make a soup. Now speaking of General Wu Chengwang Huang Yuanshuai and the other ministers, who were all at Wumen. Suddenly they saw Bi Gan arrive on horseback, galloping to Wumen and dismounting below it. The officials hurriedly asked what had happened. Bi Gan said, "According to Chen Qing's report... the matter of taking my heart—I was completely unaware." The officials followed Bi Gan into the grand hall. Bi Gan went directly to Luxi Terrace to await an imperial decree. King Zhou stood waiting, and upon hearing that Bi Gan had arrived, he ordered, "Bring him up onto the terrace." After completing his bow. The king said, "My consort has suddenly fallen ill with a severe heart condition; only the Linglong Xin can cure her. Uncle, you possess a Linglong Xin; I beg you to lend one piece for the soup. If this cures her illness, your merit will be immeasurable." Bi Gan asked, "What is a heart?" King Zhou replied, "It is the organ in your uncle's abdomen." Bi Gan angrily replied, "The heart is the master of one's body. It lies hidden within the lungs, seated among six leaves and two ears; it is impervious to all evils, but if even slightly invaded, death follows immediately. If the heart is upright, then hands and feet are also upright; if the heart is not upright, then the hands and feet will be crooked. The heart is the source of all spiritual vitality, the fundamental origin of the four transformations in nature. If my heart were to be injured, how could I possibly survive! Though an old minister would not fear death, it is the state that will become a wasteland and all virtuous talents will be lost. Now this corrupt king listens to the words of his newly acquired demon consort, and has decreed a calamity upon me—ordering my heart extracted. I fear that as long as Bi Gan is alive, so too will be the nation's mountains and rivers; if Bi Gan still lives, then the state shall endure!" King Zhou said, "Uncle, your words are wrong! It is only a matter of borrowing one piece of the heart; it will not harm you. Why speak so much?" Bi Gan shouted in an angry voice, "Corrupt king! You are a drunkard and lustful fool, a muddled dog or pig! If even one piece of my heart is removed, I shall die immediately! Bi Gan has committed no crime deserving the punishment of having his heart carved out. How can he suffer such an unjust calamity without cause!" King Zhou angrily said, "When a ruler commands a minister to die, not dying is disloyalty. To criticize the king on this platform violates the virtue of a loyal subject! If you do not obey my command, guards, take him away and extract his heart!" Bi Gan shouted curses, "Da Ji, you wretched woman! When I die and go to the netherworld, I will have no shame before my late emperor!" He shouted, "Left and right, bring me a sword!" The imperial attendant handed the sword to Bi Gan. Bi Gan took the sword in his hand, bowed eight times toward the temple of ancestors, and wept, saying, "King Cheng Tang, how could you have known that Yin Shou would destroy the dynasty of your twenty-eight generations!" It is not due to my lack of loyalty!" He then untied his sash and exposed his body, thrusting the sword into his navel and cutting open his abdomen; yet his blood did not flow. Bi Gan reached into his abdomen with his hand, pulled out his heart, and cast it downward. Covering himself with his robe without speaking, his face as pale as gold, he went straight down from the platform. Meanwhile, various ministers were gathered before the hall to inquire about Bi Gan's fate. The officials discussed among themselves how the court had lost its virtue; just then they heard footsteps from behind the hall. General Huang looked back and saw Bi Gan emerging, which greatly pleased him in his heart. Fei Hu said, "My old prince, how did the matter go?" Bi Gan remained silent. The hundred officials hurried forward to meet him. Bi Gan kept his head lowered and walked quickly, his face as pale as yellowed paper; he passed straight over the Nine-Dragon Bridge and exited through Wu Men. Chang Sui saw Bi Gan leave court and waited with his horse ready. Bi Gan mounted the horse and rode toward the northern gate. Whether it will bring fortune or misfortune remains to be seen in the next chapter.