Chapter 28: Jiang Ziya's Army Marches Against Chong Hou Hu

诗曰： 崇虎贪残气更枭，剥民膏髓自肥饶。逢君欲作千年调，买窟惟知百计要。 奉命督工人力尽，乘机起衅帝图消。子牙有道征无道，国败人亡事事凋。

The poem says: Chong Hu was greedy and cruel, his nature even more tyrannical; he stripped the people of their marrow and fat to enrich himself. Meeting you, I wish to compose a melody for a thousand years; buying caves, I only know the hundred strategies required. Ordered by imperial command to supervise construction, human strength was exhausted; taking advantage of the opportunity, he incited conflict and plotted against the emperor. Zi Ya had virtue but campaigned against those without virtue; when the state fell and people perished, all things withered away.

话说纣王同文武欣然回至大殿，众官侍立。天子传旨：“释放费仲、尤浑。”彼时微子出班奏曰：“费、尤二人，乃太师所参，系狱听勘者。今太师出兵未远，即时释赦，似亦不可。”纣王曰：“费、尤二人原无罪，系太师条陈屈陷，朕岂不明？皇伯不必以成议而陷忠良也。”微子不言下殿。不一时，赦出二人，官还原职，随朝保驾。纣王心甚欢悦。又见闻太师远征，放心恣乐，一无忌惮。时当三春天气，景物韶华，御园牡丹盛开。传旨：“同百官往御花园赏牡丹，以继君臣同乐，效虞廷赓歌喜起之盛事。”百官领旨，随驾进园。正是：天上四时春作首，人间最富帝王家。怎见得御花园的好处，但见： 彷佛蓬莱仙境，依希天上仙圃：诸般花木结成攒，叠石琳琅妆就景。桃红李白芬芳，绿柳青萝摇曳。金门外几株君子竹，玉户下两行大夫松。紫巍巍锦堂画栋，碧沉沉彩阁雕檐。蹴球场斜通桂院，秋千架远离花篷。牡丹亭嫔妃来往，芍叶院彩女闲游。金桥流绿水，海棠醉轻风。磨砖砌就萧墙，白石铺成路径。紫街两道，现出二龙戏珠；阑干左右，雕成朝阳丹凤。翡翠亭万道金光，御书阁十层瑞彩。祥云映日，显帝王之荣华；瑞气迎眸，见皇家之极贵。凤尾竹百乌来朝，龙爪花五云相罩。千红万紫映楼台，走兽飞禽鸣内院。八哥说话，纣王喜笑欲狂；鹦鹉高歌，天子欢容鼓掌。碧池内金鱼跃水，粉墙内鹤鹿同春。芭蕉影动逞风威，逼射香为百花主。珊瑚树高高下下，神仙洞曲曲湾湾。玩月台层层叠叠，惜花径绕绕迢迢。水阁下鸥鸣和畅，凉亭上琴韵清幽。夜合花开，深院奇香不散；木兰花放，满园清味难消。名花万色，丹青难画难描；楼阁重重，妙手能工焉仿。御园中果然异景，皇宫内真是繁华。花间翻蝶翅，禁院隐蜂衙。亭檐飞紫燕，池阁听鸣蛙。春鸟啼百舌，反哺是慈乌。正是：御园如锦绣，何用说仙家。蓝靛染成千块玉，碧纱笼罩万堆霞。

It is said that King Zhou returned joyfully to the main hall with his civil and military officials, where the ministers stood in attendance. The Son of Heaven issued an edict: "Release Fei Zhong and You Hun." At that time, Wei Zi stepped forward and presented a report, saying: "The two men Fei and You were impeached by the Grand Tutor and are currently imprisoned awaiting investigation. Now that the Grand Tutor has not yet marched far, to release them immediately seems also inappropriate." King Zhou said: "The two men Fei and You originally committed no crime; they were falsely accused by the Grand Tutor's report. How could I not be clear-minded?" "Uncle, you need not let past agreements lead to the downfall of loyal and virtuous men." Wei Zi said no more and descended from the hall. In no time, the two men were pardoned and released; their former official positions were restored, and they followed court proceedings to safeguard the emperor. King Zhou was very pleased in his heart. Moreover, upon hearing that the Grand Tutor had gone on a distant campaign, he felt at ease and indulged in pleasure without any restraint or fear. At this time it was early spring; the weather was pleasant, the scenery beautiful, and the peonies in the imperial garden were in full bloom. An edict was issued: "Proceed with the hundred officials to the imperial garden to admire the peonies, continuing the joy of ruler and ministers together, emulating the grand occasion of harmonious songs in Yu Court." The hundred officials received the order and followed the emperor into the garden. It was indeed true: "In heaven, spring is the beginning of the four seasons; on earth, none are richer than a royal family." How could one describe the beauty of the imperial garden? One might see: It resembled the fairyland of Penglai, a celestial orchard in the heavens: various flowers and trees formed clusters; stacked stones adorned the scenery with elegance. Peaches red, plum blossoms white, fragrant and sweet; green willows and blue vines swayed gently in the breeze. Outside the golden gate stood several clumps of gentleman bamboo; beneath the jade doorways lined two rows of scholar pine trees. Purple and majestic, brocade halls with painted beams; emerald and deep, colorful pavilions with carved eaves. The cuqiu field diagonally connected to the osmanthus courtyard; the swing frame was far from the flower pavilion. In the Peony Pavilion, concubines came and went; in the Tree-of-Heaven Courtyard, colored-robed ladies strolled leisurely. Golden bridges spanned emerald streams; crabapple trees intoxicated in the gentle breeze. Polished bricks built the Xao wall, white stones paved the path. The two purple streets displayed a scene of twin dragons playing with a pearl; On both sides, the balustrades were carved into images of crimson phoenixes facing the rising sun. The Feicui Pavilion radiated myriad golden rays; the Imperial Script Pavilion displayed ten layers of auspicious colors. Ominous clouds reflected the sun, displaying the glory and splendor of an emperor; Auspicious vapors met the gaze, revealing the supreme nobility of a royal family. Phoenix-tail bamboo attracted hundreds of birds to pay homage; dragon-claw flowers were veiled by five clouds. Ten thousand reds and purples reflected against the towers and terraces, while running beasts and flying birds chirped within the inner courtyard. The myna bird spoke, King Zhou laughed with joy almost to madness; The parrot sang loudly, and the Son of Heaven, beaming with delight, clapped his hands. In the emerald pond, golden fish leaped from the water; within the pink walls, cranes and deer shared spring together. The banana shadow swayed, displaying the might of the wind; its fragrance overwhelmed all other flowers as their sovereign. Coral trees rose and fell in height; fairyland grottoes twisted and turned in winding paths. The moon-viewing terrace was tier upon tier, while the flower-pity path wound on endlessly. Beneath the waterside pavilion, egrets called in harmony; atop the cool pavilion, zither melodies echoed with quiet elegance. Night-blooming jasmine unfurled its petals; within the deep courtyard, a wondrous fragrance lingered without dispersing; Magnolia blossoms bloomed, filling the entire garden with a refreshing aroma that was hard to dispel. Ten thousand hues of famous flowers; even brush and ink could not capture or depict them adequately; Towers and pavilions stood in layers upon layers—how could even the most skilled hands imitate their beauty? Indeed, the imperial garden was a scene of extraordinary beauty; within the royal palace, it was truly a place of splendor and prosperity. Butterflies flapped their wings among the flowers; bees moved in secret through the forbidden courtyard. Purple swallows flew beneath the pavilion eaves; from the pond pavilion, one could hear croaking frogs. Spring birds chirped with a hundred tongues; the filial magpies returned to feed their parents in kindness. Indeed: "The imperial garden is like brocade and embroidery—why speak of fairylands at all?" Indigo dyed a thousand blocks of jade; emerald gauze veiled ten thousand heaps of rosy clouds.

诗曰： 瑞气腾腾锁太华，祥光霭霭照云霞。龙楼凤阁侵霄汉，玉户金门映翠纱。 四时不绝稀奇景，八节常开罕见花。几番雨过春风至，香满城中百万家。

The poem says: Auspicious vapors rise and encircle Taipingshan; auspicious light lingers, illuminating the clouds and rosy mists. Dragon towers and phoenix pavilions reach into the heavens; jade doors and golden gates reflect against emerald gauze. Extraordinary scenes never cease through the four seasons, and rare flowers bloom constantly throughout the eight festivals. After several rains, spring winds arrive; fragrance fills a million homes in the city.

话说百官随驾进御园牡丹亭，摆开九龙设席筵宴，文武依次序坐下，论尊卑行礼。纣王在御书阁陪苏妲己、胡喜媚共饮。且说武成王对微子、箕子曰：“‘筵无好筵，会无好会’。方今士马纵横，刀兵四起，有甚心情宴赏牡丹。但不知天子能改过从善，或边亭烽息，殄逆除凶，尚可望共乐唐虞，享太平之福；若是迷而不返，恐此日无多，忧日转长也。”微子、箕子闻言，点首嗟叹。众官饮至日当正午，百官往御书阁来谢酒。当驾官启奏：“百官谢恩。”纣王曰：“春光景媚，花柳芳妍，正宜乐饮，何故谢恩？传旨：待朕陪宴。”百官听见天子下楼亲陪，不敢告退，只得恭候。但见纣王亲至，牡丹亭上首添一席，同众臣共饮欢笑，乐声齐奏，君臣换盏轮杯，不觉天晚，帝命掌上画烛。笙歌嘹亮，真是欢乐倍常。将近二鼓时分，不说君臣会酒。且言御书阁妲己、胡喜媚带酒酣睡龙榻之上。近三更时候，妲己元形现出来寻人吃。一阵怪风大作，怎见得： 摧花倒树异寻常，灭烛无情尽绝光。穿户透帘侵病骨，妖氛怪气此中藏。

It is said that the hundred officials followed the emperor into the Peony Pavilion of the imperial garden, where a banquet was arranged on a dragon-patterned table. The civil and military officers sat in order according to rank, bowing in accordance with their hierarchy. King Zhou dined with Su Daji and Hu Ximei at the Imperial Script Pavilion. Meanwhile, Duke Wu Chengwang said to Wei Zi and Ji Zi: "This banquet is no good banquet; this gathering is no good gathering." Now that troops are moving in all directions and war erupts everywhere, how can one have the heart to hold a banquet and admire peonies? But I wonder whether the Son of Heaven can reform and accept good counsel, or if border beacons will cease, rebels are destroyed and villains eliminated—then perhaps we may still hope to share in the joy of Tang and Yu, enjoying peace and prosperity; If he remains lost and does not return to virtue, I fear that days will be few, while worries grow ever longer." Wei Zi and Ji Zi heard these words and nodded in sighs of regret. As the officials drank until midday, the hundred ministers came to the Imperial Script Pavilion to express their thanks for the wine. The imperial attendant presented a report: "The hundred officials are thanking His Majesty." King Zhou said: "Spring is in full bloom, the scenery charming; flowers and willows are fragrant and beautiful—this is precisely when one should enjoy drinking. Why thank me for a favor?" An edict was issued: "Let Me accompany you at the banquet." Hearing that the Son of Heaven would descend from his chamber to personally join them, the hundred officials dared not withdraw and could only wait respectfully. Indeed, King Zhou arrived in person; an additional seat was added at the head of the Peony Pavilion. He drank and laughed joyfully with his ministers as music played together. The ruler and officials exchanged cups and took turns drinking until dusk fell, when the emperor ordered painted candles to be lit. The flutes and songs rang out clearly; it was indeed a time of joy far beyond the ordinary. As the second drum neared, we will not speak further about the emperor and ministers drinking together. Meanwhile, in the Imperial Script Pavilion, Daji and Hu Ximei, tipsy from wine, were fast asleep on the dragon bed. Around the third watch of the night, Daji's original form appeared and began searching for people to devour. Suddenly a fierce, strange wind arose; how was it seen: Flowers were crushed and trees uprooted in an unusual way; candles were extinguished without mercy, leaving all darkness. The wind pierced through doors and curtains, invading the bones like illness; within it lurked demonic vapors and strange odors.

风过了一阵，播土扬尘，把牡丹亭都愰动。众官正惊疑间，只听得侍酒宫齐叫：“妖精来了！”黄飞虎酒已半酣，听说有妖精，慌忙起身出席，果见一物在寒露之中而来。但见： 眼似金灯体态殊，尾长爪利短身躯。扑来恍似登山虎，转面浑如捕物貙。 妖孽惯侵人气魄，怪魔常噬血头颅。凝眸仔细观形象，却是中山一老狐！

After a gust of wind passed, dust was scattered into the air, shaking even the Peony Pavilion itself. While the officials were still in shock and confusion, they suddenly heard the wine servers cry out together: "A demon is coming!" Huang Feihuo, already half-drunk on wine, heard of the demon and hurriedly rose from his seat. Indeed, he saw a creature approaching in the cold dew. He saw: Eyes like golden lanterns, its form and posture strange; a long tail, sharp claws, but a short body. It pounced forward like a mountain-climbing tiger, turned its face as if a civet hunting prey. This demon was accustomed to invading human vitality; this monster often devoured blood and skulls. Fixing his gaze closely upon its form, he realized it was an old fox from Zhongshan!

话说黄飞虎带酒出席，见此妖精扑来，手中无一物可挡，把手挽住牡丹亭栏杆，攀折了一根，望那狐狸一下打去。那妖精闪过，又扑将来。。黄飞虎叫左右：“快取北海进来的金眼神莺！”左右忙忙的将红笼开了放出。那神莺飞起，二目如灯，专降狐狸。此莺往下一罩，爪似钢钩，把狐狸抓了一下。那狐狸叫了一声，迳往太湖石下攒去了。纣王眼见此事，即唤左右取锹锄望下挖。左右挖下二三尺，见无限的人骨骷髅成堆。纣王著实骇然。纣王因想：“谏官本上，常言‘妖氛贯于宫中，灾星变于天下”，此事果然是实。”心下甚是不悦。百官起身，谢恩出朝，各归府第。不题。

It is said that Huang Feihuo, half-drunk and stepping out of his seat, saw the demon pounce at him. With nothing in hand to defend himself, he grabbed a balustrade from the Peony Pavilion, wrenched it free, and struck the fox with one blow. The demon dodged aside but lunged again. Huang Feihuo shouted to those nearby: "Quick, bring in the golden-eyed myna bird from the Northern Sea!" Those on either side hurriedly opened the red cage and released it. The divine myna bird took flight, its eyes glowing like lanterns—specifically meant to subdue foxes. As the myna dove down and covered it with its wings, its claws like steel hooks seized the fox in one strike. The fox cried out once and darted straight under a Taihu stone to hide. King Zhou, witnessing this scene with his own eyes, immediately called for those on either side and ordered them to take shovels and dig downward. After digging two or three chi deep, the attendants found countless human bones and skulls piled up. King Zhou was genuinely horrified. King Zhou thought to himself: "On the memorial scrolls of remonstrance, it was often said that 'demonic vapors penetrate the palace and calamity stars transform across the land.' This matter is indeed true." He felt deeply displeased. The hundred officials rose, thanked the emperor for his grace, and exited court, returning to their respective mansions. No further mention is made of it.

且说妲己酒后，元形出现，不意被神莺抓了面门，伤破皮肤；惊醒回来，悔之无及。纣王至御书阁同妲己共寝，睡至天明，纣王忽见妲己面上带伤，急问曰：“御妻脸上为何有伤？”妲己在枕边回曰：“夜来陛下陪百官饮宴，妾往园中稍游，从海棠花下过，忽被海棠枝干吊将下来，把妾身抓了面上，故此带伤。”纣王曰：“今后不可往御园游乐。原来此地真有妖氛。朕与百官饮至三更，果见一只狐狸前来扑人。时有武成王黄飞虎攀折栏杆去打他，尚然不退；后放出外国进来金眼神莺。那莺惯降狐狸，一爪抓去，那妖带伤走了。莺爪尚有血毛。”──纣王对妲己说，但不知同著狐狸共寝。且说妲己暗恨黄飞虎：“我不曾惹你，你今来害我，则怕你路逢窄道难回避！”有诗为证，诗曰： 纣王忻然赏牡丹，若臣欢饮鼓三攒，狐狸影现人多怕，怪兽施威气更欢。 金眼神莺真可羡，绥尾邪魔已带残。私雠断送贞洁妇，才得忠良逐钓竿。

Meanwhile, after drinking, Daji's true form appeared unexpectedly and was struck on the face by the divine myna bird, breaking her skin. She awoke in alarm, but it was too late to regret or undo what had happened. King Zhou went to the Imperial Script Pavilion and shared a bed with Daji. When he slept until dawn, King Zhou suddenly noticed an injury on her face and quickly asked: "My dear wife, why is there a wound on your face?" Daji replied by the pillow: "Last night, when Your Majesty dined with the hundred officials, I went out for a brief stroll in the garden. As I passed beneath the crabapple blossoms, suddenly a branch fell from above and scratched my face, leaving this wound." King Zhou said: "From now on, you must not go to the imperial garden for amusement. It seems there are indeed demonic vapors in this place." Last night, when I and the hundred officials drank until the third watch of the night, I actually saw a fox come to attack people." At that time, General Huang Feihong of Wucheng Wang climbed over the railing to strike it, but the fox still did not retreat; Later, we released a golden-eyed myna bird brought in from abroad. That myna bird is skilled at subduing foxes; with one claw, it struck the demon, who fled wounded." The bird's claws still had blood and feathers on them." This was what King Zhou said to Daji, but he did not know that she had shared a bed with the fox. Meanwhile, Daji secretly resented Huang Feihong: "I have not wronged you in any way, yet now you come to harm me. I fear that your path will narrow and you will find it hard to escape!" There is a poem to attest to this. The poem says: King Zhou joyfully admires the peonies, while his ministers happily drink and beat three drums; foxes appear in shadow causing fear among people, and monstrous beasts display their might with even greater mirth. The golden-eyed myna bird is truly admirable; the demon's tail has already been wounded and left in tatters. Private grudges lead to the downfall of chaste women, only then can loyal men be driven away like fishermen casting their rods.

话说妲己深恨黄飞虎放莺害他，只等他路逢狭道。武成王那里知道？

It is said that Daji deeply resented Huang Feihong for releasing the myna bird to harm her, and she was waiting only for him to encounter a narrow path. General Wucheng Wang had no idea about this.

话分两处。且言西岐姜子牙在朝，一日闻边报，言纣王荒淫酒色，宠任奸佞，又反了东海平灵王，闻太师前去征剿。又见报，崇侯虎蛊惑圣聪，广兴土木，陷害大臣，荼毒万姓，潜通费、尤，内外交结，把持朝政，朋比为奸，肆行不道，钳制谏官。子牙看到切情之处，怒发冲冠：“此贼若不先除，恐为后患！”子牙次日早朝。文王问曰：“丞相昨阅边报，朝歌可有甚么异事？”子牙出班启曰：“臣昨见边报，纣王剜比干之心，作羹汤疗妲己之疾；崇侯虎紊乱朝政，横恣大臣，簧惑天子，无所不为，害万民而不敢言，行杀戮而不敢怨，恶孽多端，使朝歌生民日不聊生，贪酷无厌。臣愚不敢请，似这等大恶，假虎张威，毒痡四海，助桀为虐，使居天子左右，将来不知如何结局。今百姓如在水火之中，大王以仁义广施，若依臣愚意，先伐此乱臣贼子，剪其乱政者，则天子左右见无谗佞之人，庶几天子有悔过迁善之机，则主公亦不枉天子假以节钺之意。”文王曰：“卿言虽是，奈孤与崇侯虎一样爵位，岂有擅自征伐之理？”子牙曰：“天下利病，许诸人直言无隐。况主公受天子白旄黄钺，得专征伐，原为禁暴除奸；似这等权奸蛊国，内外成党，残虐生民，以白作黑，屠戮忠贤，为国家大恶。大王今发仁慈之心，救民于水火。倘天子改恶从善，而效法尧、舜之主，大王此功，万年不朽矣。”文王闻子牙之言，劝纣王为尧、舜，其心甚悦，便曰：“丞相行师，谁为主将去伐崇侯虎？”子牙曰：“臣愿与大王代劳，以效犬马。”文王恐子牙杀伐太重，自思：“我去还有酌量。”文王曰：“孤同丞相一往。恐有别端，可以共议。”子牙曰：“大王大驾亲征，天下响应。”文王发出白旄、黄钺，起人马十万，择吉日祭宝纛旛，以南宫适为先行，辛甲为副将，随行有四贤、八俊。文王与子牙放炮起兵。一路上父老相迎，鸡犬不惊，民闻伐崇，人人大悦，个个欢忻。好人马！怎见得： 旛分五色，杀气迷空。明愰愰剑戟枪刀，光灿灿叉锤斧棒。三军跳跃，犹如猛虎下高山；战马长嘶，一似蛟龙离海岛。巡营小校似欢狼，嘹哨儿郎雄赳赳。先行引道，逢山开路踏桥梁；元帅中军，杀斩存留施号令。团团牌手护军粮，硬弩狂弓射阵脚。此一去：除奸削党安天下，才离磻溪第一功。

The story now splits into two directions. Meanwhile, in the Western Qi state, Jiang Ziya was serving at court. One day he heard a report from the border: King Zhou indulged in wine and lust, favored corrupt officials, and the Duke Ping Lingwang of the Eastern Sea had rebelled; now the Grand Master Wen Tai Shi was going to lead an expedition to suppress them. He also received a report that Chong Hou Hu had deceived the king's wisdom, widely promoted construction projects, persecuted high officials, tormented the common people, secretly colluded with Fei and You, formed alliances both inside and outside the court, monopolized government affairs, conspired together in wickedness, acted without morality, and suppressed those who dared to remonstrate. When Jiang Ziya read the detailed report, his anger flared and his hair stood on end: "If this villain is not eliminated first, he will surely become a future threat!" The next day, Jiang Ziya attended the early court session. King Wen asked: "Minister, after you reviewed the border reports yesterday, were there any unusual events in Chao Ge?" Jiang Ziya stepped forward and said: "Minister yesterday saw a border report that King Zhou had removed the heart of Bi Gan, made it into a soup to cure Daji's illness; Chong Hou Hu has disrupted court affairs, acted recklessly toward officials, deceived the Son of Heaven with flattery, and done nothing but evil. He harms the people while they dare not speak out, commits killings without fear of resentment, and his numerous wicked deeds have left the common folk in Chao Ge unable to live a day in peace; his greed and cruelty are insatiable." "As a humble minister, I dare not make requests, but such great wickedness—pretending to be a tiger and displaying power, poisoning the four seas, aiding tyrants in their cruelty, and allowing this man to remain at the Son of Heaven's side—no one can foresee what kind of ending will come." "Now the people are as if in water and fire. Your Majesty, with your benevolence and righteousness widely bestowed, if you follow my humble opinion and first attack this traitorous minister who has corrupted the court and cut down those who disrupt governance, then the Son of Heaven will see that there are no sycophants or villains at his side. Perhaps he may have an opportunity to repent and turn toward virtue, and thus Your Majesty would not be in vain fulfilling the Son of Heaven's trust in granting you authority with the scepter and axe." King Wen said: "Your words are well-reasoned, but how can I act on them? After all, my rank is the same as Chong Hou Hu's. How could I possibly launch a campaign without authorization?" Jiang Ziy said: "The well-being of the world allows anyone to speak openly and honestly without concealment. Moreover, Your Majesty has been granted by the Son of Heaven a white flag and yellow axe to wield independent authority over military campaigns, originally intended precisely for suppressing violence and eliminating villains; such a powerful villain who corrupts the state, forms factions inside and out, cruelly oppresses the people, turns white into black, slaughters loyal and virtuous men—this is the greatest evil for the nation. Your Majesty now shows a compassionate heart to rescue the people from water and fire. If the Son of Heaven reforms his evil ways, follows virtue, and becomes a ruler like Yao or Shun, then Your Majesty's merit in this matter will be immortal for ten thousand years." King Wen, upon hearing Jiang Ziya's words and being encouraged to guide King Zhou toward becoming a ruler like Yao or Shun in his heart, was very pleased. He then said: "Minister, if you lead the campaign, who will be the main general to go and attack Chong Hou Hu?" Jiang Ziya said: "Minister is willing to serve Your Majesty in this task, like a loyal dog or horse." King Wen was afraid that Jiang Ziya would be too harsh in his attacks. He thought to himself: "If I go myself, there will still be room for discretion." King Wen said: "I shall accompany Minister on this journey together. In case there are other matters, we can discuss them together." Jiang Ziya said: "If Your Majesty personally leads the campaign in person, all under heaven will respond with support." King Wen raised the white flag and yellow axe, mobilized an army of one hundred thousand men, selected a propitious day to perform a ritual offering before the sacred banner, appointed Nan Gong Shi as vanguard commander, Xin Jia as deputy general, and had with him four virtuous officials and eight outstanding talents. King Wen and Jiang Ziya fired cannons to launch their campaign. Along the way, elders and fathers welcomed them; not a single chicken or dog was disturbed. The people heard of the campaign against Chong Hou Hu, and everyone rejoiced with great delight. A fine army! How can this be seen: The banners are of five colors, and the air is filled with a killing aura. Bright swords, halberds, spears, and blades shine clearly; dazzling forks, hammers, axes, and staffs gleam. The three armies leaped forward like fierce tigers descending from high mountains; The war horses neighed long and loud, just as if dragons had left their sea isles. Patrolling junior officers moved like joyful wolves; the young scouts stood tall and proud. The vanguard led the way, clearing paths through mountains and crossing bridges; The general in command of the central army issued orders to kill or spare as needed. Shields were arranged in circles to protect the military supplies, while powerful crossbows and fierce bows rained arrows at the enemy's flanks. This campaign: to eliminate villains, cut down factions, and bring peace to the world—this is truly the first great achievement since leaving Banxi.

话说子牙人马过府、州、县、镇，人人乐业，鸡犬不惊，一路上多少父老迎迓。一曰，探马来报中军：“兵至崇城。”子牙传令安营，竖了旗门，结成大寨。子牙升帐，众将参谒。不题。

It is said that Jiang Ziya's army passed through the prefectures, states, counties, and towns; everywhere people were at peace in their work, not a single chicken or dog disturbed. Along the way, countless elders came out to welcome them. One day, a scout reported to the central command: "The army has arrived at Chong City." Jiang Ziya gave orders to set up camp, raised the flag gates, and established a large encampment. Jiang Ziya ascended his tent, where all the generals paid their respects. No further mention is made of this.

且说探马报进崇城。此时崇侯不在崇城，正在朝歌随朝。城内是侯虎之子崇应彪，闻报大怒，忙升殿点聚将鼓。众将上银安殿，参谒已毕。应彪曰：“姬昌暴横，不守本分，前岁逃关，圣上几番欲点兵征伐，彼不思悔过，反兴此无名之师，深属可恨！况且我与你各守疆土，秋毫无犯，今自来送死，我岂肯轻恕！”传令：“点人马出城。”随令大将黄元济、陈继贞、梅德、金成：这一番定擒反叛，解上朝歌，以尽大法。”

Meanwhile, a scout's report reached Chong City. At this time, Chong Hou was not in Chong City; he was currently at Chaoge attending court. Inside the city, it was Chong Yingbiao, son of Chong Hou Hu, who upon hearing the report became furious and immediately ascended the throne hall to summon his generals and beat the war drums. The generals gathered at Yin'an Hall and completed their formal greetings. Yingbiao said: "Ji Chang is arrogant and lawless, failing to abide by his proper station. Last year he fled through the pass; His Majesty has several times wished to mobilize troops for a campaign against him. Yet instead of reflecting on his faults, he now launches this baseless expedition—this is deeply regrettable! Moreover, you and I each guard our own territories without even the slightest infringement. Now he has come to commit suicide by attacking us—how could I possibly show leniency!" He gave orders: "Muster the troops and march out of the city." He then ordered his generals Huang Yuanji, Chen Jizhen, Mei De, and Jin Cheng: "This time, we must definitely capture the rebel and deliver him to Chaoge so that he may be dealt with according to the law."

却说子牙次日升帐，先令南宫适崇城见首阵。南宫适得令，领本部人马出营，排成阵势，出马厉声叫曰：“逆贼崇侯虎早至军前受死！”言未毕，听城中炮响，门开处，只见一枝人马杀将出来。为头一将乃飞虎大将黄元济是也。南宫适曰：“黄元济，你不必来，唤出崇侯虎来领罪，杀了逆贼，泄神人之忿，万事俱休。”元济大怒，骤马摇刀，飞来直取。南宫适举刀相迎。两马盘旋，双力并举，一场大战。怎见得： 二将坐鞍鞽，征云透九霄：这一个急取壶中箭；那一个忙拔紫金标。这将刀欲诛军将；那将刀直取英豪。这一个平生胆壮安天下；那一个气概轩昂压俊髦。

Meanwhile, on the next day Jiang Ziya ascended his command tent and first ordered Nan Gong Shi to lead the vanguard against Chong City. Nan Gong Shi received the order and led his own troops out of camp, forming an array. He rode forward and shouted loudly: "Rebellious villain Chong Hou Hu! Come forth to your death before our army!" Before he had finished speaking, a cannon fired from the city. As the gates opened, a column of troops suddenly charged out to attack. The leading general was Huang Yuanji, one of Feihong's top generals. Nan Gong Shi said: "Huang Yuanji, you need not come forward. Call out Chong Hou Hu to accept his punishment! Kill this traitor and relieve the anger of heaven and man—then all matters will be settled." Huang Yuanji was furious, spurred his horse forward with sword in hand, and charged straight at Nan Gong Shi. Nan Gong Shi raised his blade to meet him. The two horses circled each other, both warriors exerting their full strength in a fierce battle. How can this be described: The two generals sat on their saddles, battle clouds piercing the nine heavens; one urgently drew an arrow from his quiver; the other quickly pulled out a purple-gold spear. This general raised his sword to slay the enemy commander; that general struck directly at the heroic warrior. One, bold and fearless in life, seeks to bring peace to all under heaven; the other, with lofty bearing, dominates the outstanding talents.

话说南宫适大战黄元济，未及三十回合，元济非南宫适敌手，力不能支。南宫适是西岐名将，元济怎能胜得他。元济欲要败走，又被南宫适一口刀裹住了，跳不出圈子去，早被南将军一刀挥于马下。军兵枭了首级，掌得胜鼓回营；进辕门来见子牙，将斩的黄元济首级报功。子牙大喜。且说崇城败残军马回报崇应彪，说：“黄元济已被南宫适斩于马下，将首级在辕门号令。”应彪听罢，拍案大呼曰：“好姬昌逆贼！今为反臣，又杀朝廷命官，你罪如太山，若不斩此贼与黄元济报雠，誓不回军！”传令：“明日将大队人马出城，与姬昌决一雌雄！”一宿已过，次早旭日东升，大炮三声，开城门，大势人马杀奔周营，坐名只要姬昌、姜尚至辕门答话。探马报入中军曰：“崇应彪口出不逊之言，请丞相军令定夺。”子牙请文王亲自临阵，会兵于崇城。文王乘骑，四贤保驾，八俊随军。周营内炮响，麾动旗旛。崇应彪见对阵旗门开处，忽见一人，道扮乘马而来；两边排列众将，一对对雁翅分开。崇应彪定睛观看，但见有西江月为证： 鱼尾金冠鹤氅，丝绦双结乾坤，雌雄宝剑手中擎，八卦仙衣可衬。元始玉虚门下，包含地理天文，银须白发气精神，却似神仙临阵。

It is said that Nan Gong Shi engaged in fierce battle with Huang Yuanji, and before thirty exchanges of blows had passed, Huang Yuanji was no match for Nan Gong Shi and could not withstand the pressure. Nan Gong Shi was a famous general from Western Qi; how could Huang Yuanji possibly defeat him? Huang Yuanji tried to retreat, but Nan Gong Shi's blade closed in around him, trapping him within a circle from which he could not escape. Before long, the Southern General struck with one mighty blow and sent Huang Yuanji crashing to the ground. The soldiers beheaded him, raised his severed head on a pole, beat the drums of victory, and returned to camp; they entered the 辕门 (Yuanmen) to report to Jiang Ziya, presenting Huang Yuanji's severed head as proof of their achievement. Jiang Ziya was greatly pleased. Meanwhile, the remnants of Chong City's defeated army returned to report to Chong Yingbiao: "Huang Yuanji has been beheaded by Nan Gong Shi on horseback, and his head is now displayed at the 辕门 (Yuan Men) as a warning." After hearing this report, Yingbiao slammed the table in anger and shouted: "Good riddance to that villain Ji Chang! Now you have become a rebel, and even killed an official appointed by the imperial court. Your crimes are as heavy as Mount Tai! If I do not kill this villain to avenge Huang Yuanji, I swear never to return with my army!" He gave orders: "Tomorrow, the main force will march out of the city and settle this once and for all with Ji Chang!" One night passed, and the next morning, as the sun rose in the east, three cannon shots were fired. The city gates opened, and a massive army charged toward Zhou's camp, demanding Ji Chang and Jiang Shang personally appear at the 辕门 (Yuanmen) to answer for their actions. A scout reported into the central command: "Chong Yingbiao has made disrespectful remarks; please, Minister, issue your orders." Jiang Ziya requested that King Wen personally come to the battlefield and join forces with the troops at Chong City. King Wen rode his horse, escorted by four virtuous officials, with eight outstanding talents following in the army. In Zhou's camp, cannons roared and banners were raised. Chong Yingbiao saw that as the enemy formation opened at the flag gate, suddenly a man appeared, dressed in Taoist robes and riding on horseback. On both sides, rows of generals were arranged, each pair spreading out like the wings of a wild goose. Chong Yingbiao fixed his gaze and observed, with the following verse of Xijiang Yue as evidence: A golden crown like a fish's tail, a crane robe on his back, silk sashes double-knotted to symbolize heaven and earth. In each hand he holds a sword of yin and yang, while an eight-trigram immortal robe complements him well. A disciple from Yu Xu Hall of Yuan Shi, he encompasses both geography and astronomy; with silver beard and white hair yet full of spirit, he appears like a deity on the battlefield.

子牙马至阵前言曰：“崇城守将可来见我。”只听得那阵上一骑飞来。怎见得崇应彪妆束： 盘头冠，飞凤结；大红袍，猩猩血。黄金铠甲套连环，护心宝镜悬明月。腰束羊脂白玉厢，九吞八扎真奇绝。金妆鐧挂马鞍傍，虎尾钢鞭悬竹节。袋内弓湾三尺五，囊中箭插宾州铁。坐下走阵冲营马，丈八蛇矛神鬼怯。父在当朝一宠臣，子镇崇城真英杰。

Jiang Ziya rode to the front of the formation and said: "The commander defending Chong City, will you come before me?" Suddenly, a lone rider was heard galloping swiftly from the enemy's ranks. How did Chong Yingbiao appear in his attire: A coiled-top hat, with a phoenix knot; a bright red robe dyed with the blood of xingxing (a type of animal); golden armor linked in rings, a protective mirror on his chest reflecting the bright moon. A belt of white jade as smooth as sheep's fat around his waist, with nine swallow and eight tie fastenings—truly extraordinary in design. Golden trappings hung by the horse's saddle; a tiger-tail steel whip coiled like bamboo joints was suspended nearby. A bow, three feet and five inches long, curved in the quiver; arrows made of Bin Zhou iron were inserted into the pouch. The horse beneath him was a swift charger for breaking enemy lines; an eight-zhang (over twenty-four feet) snake spear in his hand made even gods and ghosts tremble. His father was a favored minister at court; as the son, he garrisoned Chong City—a true hero indeed.

崇应彪一马当前，见子牙问曰：“汝乃何等人物，敢犯吾疆界？”子牙曰：“吾乃文王驾下首相姜子牙是也。汝父子造恶如渊海，积毒似山岳，贪民财物如饿虎，伤人酷惨似豺狼。惑天子无忠耿之心，坏忠良有摧残之意。普天之下，虽三尺之童，恨不能生啖你父子之肉！今日文王起仁义之师，除残暴于崇地，绝恶党以畅人神，不负天子加以节钺，得专征伐之意。”应彪闻得此言，大喝姜尚曰：“你不过磻溪一无用老朽，敢出大言！”顾左右曰：“谁为吾擒此逆贼？”言还未了，只见一将出马对阵。文王马上大呼曰：“崇应彪少得行凶，孤来也！”应彪又见文王马至，气冲满怀，手指文王大骂：“姬昌！你不思得罪朝廷，立行仁义，反来侵吾疆界！”文王曰：“你父子罪恶贯盈，不必我言；只是你早早下马，解送西岐，立坛告天，除汝父子凶恶，不必连累崇城良民。”应彪大喝：“谁为我擒此反贼？”一将应声而出，乃陈继贞。这壁厢辛甲纵马摇斧，大叫：“陈继贞慢来！休得冲吾阵脚！”两马相交，枪斧并举，战在一处。二将拨马抡兵，杀有二十回合。应彪见陈继贞战辛甲不下，随命金成、梅德助阵。子牙见对阵有助，子牙令毛公遂、周公旦、召公奭、吕公望、辛免、南宫适六将齐出，冲杀一阵。应彪见大势人马催动，自拨马杀进重围，只杀的惨惨征云，纷纷愁雾，喊声不绝，鼓角齐鸣。混战多时，早有吕公望一枪刺梅德于马下；辛免斧劈金成。崇兵大败进城。子牙传令鸣金。众将掌得胜鼓回营。不表。话说应彪兵败将亡，进城将四门紧闭，在殿上与众将商议退兵之策。众将见西岐士马英雄，势不可当，并无一筹可展，半策可施。且说子牙得胜回营，欲传令攻城。文王曰：“崇家父子作恶，与众百姓无干；今丞相欲要攻城，恐城破玉石俱焚，可怜无辜遭枉。况孤此来，不过救民，岂有反加之以不仁哉。切为不可！”子牙见文王以仁义为重，不敢抗违，自思：“主公德同尧、舜，一时如何取得崇城！”只得暗修一书，使南宫适往曹州见崇黑虎，庶几崇城可得。”令南宫适接书，迳往曹州来。子牙按兵不动，只等回书。不知崇侯虎性命如何，且听下回分解。

Chong Yingbiao rode to the forefront and, upon seeing Jiang Ziya, asked: "Who are you, daring to trespass on my territory?" Jiang Ziya said: "I am Jiang Ziya, the prime minister under King Wen's command. Your father and son have committed evils as deep as the ocean, accumulated cruelty as high as mountains. You devour people's wealth like a starving tiger and harm others with brutality akin to wolves." You have deceived the Son of Heaven, lacking any loyalty or integrity; you undermine loyal and virtuous men with malicious intent. Under this vast sky, even children as young as three years old harbor hatred so intense they wish to devour your flesh, father and son! Today, King Wen has raised an army of righteousness and humanity. We come to eradicate cruelty in Chong territory and eliminate the wicked faction for the sake of both people and gods. This campaign fully honors the Son of Heaven's bestowal of authority with a ceremonial axe, granting us full power to wage war." Upon hearing these words, Yingbiao shouted at Jiang Shang: "You are nothing but an old and useless man from Banxi! How dare you speak such grandiose words!" He turned to those on his side and said: "Who will go forth and capture this traitorous villain for me?" Before the words had finished, a general suddenly rode out to face him. King Wen shouted from his horse: "Chong Yingbiao, cease your cruelty at once! Here I come!" Yingbiao saw King Wen approaching on horseback and was filled with rage. He pointed at King Wen and shouted in fury: "Ji Chang! You have not repented for your offenses against the imperial court, yet you dare to raise an army of righteousness and virtue, coming here to invade my territory!" King Wen said: "The sins of you and your father have long overflowed the heavens; there is no need for me to speak. You should simply dismount at once and surrender to Xi Qi, where a sacrificial altar will be erected to report your crimes to heaven. We shall eliminate the evil of you two, sparing the innocent people of Chong City from being caught in this." Yingbiao roared: "Who will go and capture this rebel for me?" A general stepped forward in response. His name was Chen Jizhen. From this side, Xin Jia spurred his horse and swung an axe, shouting: "Tian Jizhen, hold on a moment! Do not disrupt our formation!" The two horses clashed, lances and axes raised together, engaging in fierce combat. The two generals circled each other on horseback, wielding their weapons fiercely for about twenty rounds of battle. Seeing that Chen Jizhen could not subdue Xin Jia, Yingbiao immediately ordered Jin Cheng and Mei De to reinforce the battle. Jiang Ziya, seeing the enemy reinforcements arriving, ordered six generals—Mao Gong Sui, Zhou Gong Dan, Zhao Gong Shi, Lü Gong Wang, Xin Mian, and Nan Gong Shi—to charge forward together for a fierce attack. Yingbiao, seeing the overwhelming force advancing, wheeled his horse and charged into the thick of battle. The battlefield was filled with sorrowful clouds, gloomy mists, unceasing cries, and the simultaneous clangs of drums and horns. After a long chaotic battle, General Lü Gongwang pierced Mei De from horseback with a single lance thrust, killing him. Xin Mian beheaded Jin Cheng with an axe strike. The forces of Chong were heavily defeated and retreated into the city. Jiang Ziya gave orders to sound the gongs, signaling a retreat. The generals struck the victory drums and returned to camp. No further details are given. Meanwhile, after his army was defeated and many of his generals perished, Yingbiao retreated into the city, shut all four gates tightly, and convened with his remaining officers in the palace to discuss strategies for retreating. The generals, upon witnessing the heroic might of Xi Qi's troops and horses, realized their overwhelming strength was unstoppable. They had no plans to offer, nor any strategies that could be implemented. Meanwhile, Jiang Ziya returned victorious to his camp and intended to issue orders for a siege on the city. King Wen said: "The father and son of Chong have committed their evils, but they are unrelated to the common people; now that you, Minister, wish to attack the city, I fear that once it falls, both the guilty and innocent will suffer together. It would be a pity for the innocent to be wrongfully harmed." Moreover, my coming here is solely to save the people; how could I instead add further cruelty upon them?" It must not be done!" Jiang Ziya, seeing that King Wen placed virtue and righteousness above all else, dared not oppose him. He pondered to himself: "My lord's virtue is equal to Yao and Shun; how can I possibly capture Chong City at this moment!" He had no choice but to secretly compose a letter and send Nan Gong Shi to Cao Zhou to meet Chong Hei Hu, hoping that this might lead to the capture of Chong City." Jiang Ziya ordered Nan Gong Shi to take the letter and proceed directly to Cao Zhou. Jiang Ziya kept his troops on standby, waiting only for a reply. Whether Chong Hou Hu would live or die remains to be seen in the next chapter.