Chapter 29: Slaying Hou Hu: Duke Wenwang Entrusts His Son

诗曰： 崇虎无谋枉自尤，欺君盗国岂常留。辕门斩首空嗟日，挈子悬头莫怨愁。 周室龙兴应在武，纣家虎败却从彪。孰知不负文王托，八百年来戊午收。

The poem says: Chong Hu was without strategy and wrongly blamed himself; how could deceiving the emperor and usurping the state remain for long? The gate of the yuamen was marked by beheadings in vain, days filled with lamentation; taking one's son and hanging his head, there is no room for resentment or sorrow. The Zhou dynasty's dragon arose in response to Wu; the Shang dynasty's tiger fell, yet followed Biao. Who could have known that he did not betray King Wen's trust, and for eight hundred years the Wuwu day was finally reclaimed.

话说南宫适离了周营，迳望曹州。一路上晓行夜住，也非一日。来到曹州馆驿安歇。次日至黑虎府里下书。黑虎正坐，家将禀：“千岁，有西岐差南宫适来下书。”黑虎听得是西岐差官，即降阶迎接，笑容满面，让至殿内，行礼，分宾主坐下。崇黑虎欠身言曰：“将军今到敝驿，有何见谕？”南宫适曰：“吾主公文王，丞相姜子牙，拜上大王，特遣末将有书上达。”南宫适取书递与黑虎，黑虎拆书观看： “岐周丞相姜尚顿首百叩，致书于大君候崇将军旄下：盖闻：人臣事君，务引其君于当道，必谏行言听，膏泽下于民，使百姓乐业，天下安阜；未有身为大臣逢君之恶，蛊惑天子，残虐万民，假天子之命令，敲骨剥髓，尽民之力肥润私家，陷君不义，忍心丧节，如令兄者。真可谓积恶如山，穷凶若虎。人神共怒，天下恨不食其肉而寝其皮，为诸侯之所共弃。今尚主公得专征伐，奉诏以讨不道。但思君侯素称仁贤，岂得概以一族而加之以不义哉。尚不忍坐视，特遣裨将呈书上达。君侯能擒叛逆，解送周营，以谢天下，庶几洗一身之清白，见贤愚之有分。不然，天下之口哓哓，恐昆仑火焰，玉石无分，尚深为君侯惜矣！君侯倘不以愚言为非，乞速赐一语，则尚幸甚，万民幸甚！临楮不胜跂望之至！尚再拜。”

It is said that Nan Gong Shi left the Zhou camp and went directly toward Caozhou. Along the way, he traveled early in the morning and rested at night; it was not a matter of just one day. He arrived at the Caozhou inn to rest. The next day, he delivered a letter to Heihu Fu. Hei Hu was seated when his household general reported: "Your Highness, there is a messenger from Xiqi named Nan Gong Shi who has come to deliver a letter." Hei Hu, upon hearing that the envoy was from Xiqi, immediately descended the steps to welcome him with a smiling face. He led Nan Gong Shi into the hall, where they bowed and took their seats according to guest-host etiquette. Chong Hei Hu leaned forward and said: "General, now that you have arrived at my inn, what message do you bring?" Nan Gong Shi said: "My lord, King Wen, and Chancellor Jiang Ziya, pay their respects to Your Majesty. They have specially dispatched me with a letter for you." Nan Gong Shi took the letter and presented it to Hei Hu. Hei Hu opened the letter and read: "From Chancellor Jiang Shang of Qi Zhou, who bows his head a hundred times, to General Chong under Your Majesty's command: I have heard that a subject serving his lord must guide him onto the right path; he must advise and be listened to, so that benefits may descend upon the people, allowing them to enjoy their work and peace throughout the land; there has never been a minister of high rank who, upon encountering his lord's wickedness, would bewitch the Son of Heaven, cruelly oppress ten thousand people, and under the pretense of imperial commands, extract marrow from bones, exhausting the strength of the people to enrich private households, thus dragging the sovereign into injustice, with such callousness and loss of virtue as your elder brother." Truly, one may say that his accumulated evils are as high as mountains, and his cruelty is like a tiger. Both humans and gods are enraged; the whole world resents not being able to eat his flesh and sleep on his skin, for he has been abandoned by all feudal lords. Now our lord has received the mandate to wage war independently, following imperial decree to punish those who defy righteousness. Yet we have always heard that you are known for your benevolence and virtue; how could one generalize an entire family to be unjust? I cannot bear to stand idly by, so I have specially sent a subordinate general to present this letter for your consideration. If you, my lord, can capture the rebel and deliver him to the Zhou camp to atone before all under heaven, perhaps your personal integrity may be cleansed, and it will show that wisdom and folly are clearly distinguished. Otherwise, the clamor of all under heaven will be deafening; I fear that when the flames of Kunlun rise, jade and stones alike may be destroyed without distinction. I deeply regret this for you, my lord! If you, my lord, do not consider these humble words to be wrong, I beg for a swift reply. If so, it would be most fortunate for me and even more so for the ten thousand people! I write this with great anticipation and longing! Jiang Shang bowed twice again."

崇黑虎看了书，复连看三五遍，自思点头：“我观子牙之言，甚是有理。我宁可得罪于祖宗，怎肯得罪于天下，为万世人民切齿。纵有孝子、慈孙，不能盖其愆尤。宁至冥下请罪于父母，尚可留崇氏一脉，不致绝灭宗枝也。”南宫适见黑虎自言自语，暗暗点头，又不敢问。只见黑虎曰：“南将军，我末将谨领丞相教诲，不必修回书，将军先回，多多拜上大王、丞相，总无他说，只是把家兄解送辕门请罪便了。”遂设席待南宫适，尽饮而散。次日，南宫适作辞去了。

Chong Hei Hu read the letter, then reread it three or five times. Thinking to himself, he nodded: "I find Chancellor Jiang's words very reasonable." "I would rather offend my ancestors than the whole world and be despised by all generations of people to come." Even if there are filial sons or kind grandsons, they cannot cover up such grave faults. "It would be better to descend into the netherworld and seek forgiveness from my parents; at least this way, a branch of the Chong family may survive and not become entirely extinguished." Nan Gong Shi saw Hei Hu speaking to himself, nodding thoughtfully, yet dared not ask anything. Just then, Hei Hu said: "General Nan, your subordinate respectfully accepts the chancellor's instruction. There is no need to write a reply letter; General, you may return first and convey my greetings to the king and the chancellor. I have nothing more to say—only that I will deliver my elder brother to the yuamen gate to plead guilty." He then set up a banquet for Nan Gong Shi, and they drank heartily before parting. The next day, Nan Gong Shi took his leave and departed.

话说崇黑虎分付副将高定、沈冈，点三千飞虎兵，即日往崇城来。又命子崇应鸾守曹州。黑虎行兵在路无词。一日行至崇城，有探马报与崇应彪。应彪领众将出城，迎接黑虎。应彪马上欠背打躬，口称“王叔”曰：“侄男甲胄在身，不能全礼。”黑虎曰：“贤侄，吾闻姬昌伐崇，特来相助。”崇应彪感谢不尽，遂并马进城，入府上殿。行礼毕，崇黑虎问其来伐原故，应彪答曰：“不知何故，攻打崇城。前日与西伯会兵，小侄失军损将。今得王叔相辅，乃崇门之幸也。”遂设宴款待一宿。次日，黑虎点三千飞虎兵出城，至周营索战。南宫适已回过子牙；子牙正坐，忽报崇黑虎请战。子牙令南宫适出阵。南宫适结束来至阵前，见黑虎怎生妆束： 九云冠，真威武；黄金甲，霞光吐。大红袍上现团龙，勒甲绒绳攒九股。豹花囊内插狼牙，龙角弓湾四尺五。坐下火眼金睛兽，鞍上横拖两柄斧。曹州威镇列诸侯，封神南岳崇黑虎。

It is said that Chong Hei Hu ordered his deputy generals Gao Ding and Shen Gang to muster three thousand Feihu soldiers and set out immediately for Chongcheng. He also ordered his son, Chong Yingluan, to defend Caozhou. As Hei Hu marched along the road with his troops, there was no word of complaint. One day, as they arrived at Chongcheng, a scout reported to Chong Yingbiao. Yingbiao led his generals out of the city to welcome Hei Hu. Yingbiao bowed from his horse, addressing him as "Uncle Wang," and said: "Nephew is clad in armor and cannot perform the full ceremony." Hei Hu said: "Dear nephew, I have heard that Ji Chang is attacking Chong, so I specially came to assist." Chong Yingbiao was deeply grateful. The two rode into the city together and entered the mansion onto the hall. After the ceremony, Chong Hei Hu asked Yingbiao about the reason for the attack. Yingbiao replied: "I do not know why they are attacking Chongcheng." "On the previous day, when we met with the marquis of Xibo in battle, my nephew suffered a loss of troops and generals." "Now that Uncle Wang has come to assist us, this is indeed a blessing for our family." They then held a banquet and entertained him for the night. The next day, Hei Hu mustered three thousand Feihu soldiers, marched out of the city, and went to the Zhou camp for battle. Nan Gong Shi had already returned to Jiang Ziya; Jiang Ziya was seated when suddenly a report came that Chong Hei Hu requested battle. Jiang Ziya ordered Nan Gong Shi to go out and meet the challenge. Nan Gong Shi, having prepared himself, arrived at the front of the battlefield and saw how Hei Hu was dressed: A nine-cloud crown—truly majestic; golden armor, radiating a rosy glow. The dark red robe displayed round dragons; the leather straps and velvet cords were braided in nine strands. A leopard-patterned pouch held a saw-toothed spear, while an ox-horn bow curved four feet and five inches long. The beast beneath him had fiery eyes and golden vision; across the saddle hung two axes. Chaozhou's might commands feudal lords, and Chong Hei Hu of Cangnan Yue is enshrined in the gods' ranks.

黑虎面如锅底，海下一部落腮红髯，两道黄眉，金睛双暴，来至军前，厉声大叫曰：“无故恃强犯界，任尔猖狂，非王者之师。”南宫适曰：“崇黑虎，不道汝兄恶贯天下，陷害忠良，残虐善类，古云：‘乱臣贼子，人人得而诛之。’”道罢，举刀直取。黑虎手中斧急架相还。兽马相交，斧刀并起，战有二十回合。马上黑虎暗对南宫适曰：“末将只见这一阵，只等把吾兄解到行营，再来相见。将军坐下阵去罢。”南宫适曰：“领君侯命。”随掩一刀，拨马就走，大叫：“崇黑虎，吾不及你了。休来赶我！”黑虎亦不赶，掌鼓回营。话说崇应彪在城上敌楼观战，见南宫适败走，黑虎不赶，忙下城迎著黑虎曰：“叔父今日会兵，为何不放神鹰拿南宫适？”黑虎曰：“贤侄，你年幼不知事体。你不闻姜子牙乃昆仑山上之客，我用此术，他必能识破，不为可惜；且胜了他再来区处。”二人同至府前下马，上殿坐下，共议退兵之策。黑虎道：“你修一表，差官往朝歌见天子，我修书请你父亲来，设计破敌，庶几文王可擒，大事可定。”应彪从命修本，差官并书一齐起行。且说使命官一路无辞，过了黄河，至孟津，往朝歌来。那一日，进城先来见崇侯虎。两边启：“千岁：家将孙荣到了。”崇侯虎命：“令来。”孙荣叩头。侯虎曰：“你来有甚话说？”荣将黑虎书呈上。侯虎拆书： “弟黑虎百拜王兄麾下：盖闻：天下诸侯，彼此皆兄弟之国。孰意西伯姬昌不道，听姜尚之谋，无端架捏，言王兄恶大过深，起猖獗之师，入无名之谤，伐崇城甚急。应彪出敌，又损兵折将。弟闻此事，星夜进兵，连敌二阵，未见胜负。因差官上达王兄，启奏纣王，发兵剿叛除奸，清肃西土。如今事在燃眉，不可羁滞。弟侯兵临，共破西党，崇门幸甚。弟黑虎再拜上陈。”

Hei Hu had a face as dark as an iron pot, with red whiskers hanging from his jaw like those of a sea creature. His eyebrows were yellow and arched, and his golden eyes glared fiercely. Arriving before the army, he shouted in a fierce voice: "To invade another's territory without cause by sheer strength—how dare you act so recklessly? You are no true king's forces!" Nan Gong Shi said: "Chong Hei Hu, do you not know that your elder brother has committed evils so great they have filled the world? He has framed loyal and virtuous men and cruelly oppressed the good. As an old saying goes: 'Rebellious ministers and traitorous sons are to be slain by all.'" No sooner had he finished speaking than he raised his sword and charged directly at Hei Hu. Hei Hu quickly raised his axe to parry the attack. Their beasts clashed, axes and swords flew together, and they fought for twenty rounds. On horseback, Hei Hu whispered to Nan Gong Shi: "Your subordinate has only seen this battle. I will wait until my elder brother is delivered to the camp before meeting you again." "General, please withdraw from the battlefield for now." Nan Gong Shi replied: "I accept your lord's command." He then feigned a strike, wheeled his horse around and fled, shouting loudly: "Chong Hei Hu! I am no match for you!" "Do not come after me!" Hei Hu did not pursue, but instead beat the drum and returned to camp. It is said that while Chong Yingbiao was on the watchtower of the city wall observing the battle, he saw Nan Gong Shi retreating in defeat and Hei Hu not pursuing. Hurriedly descending from the city walls to meet him, he asked: "Uncle, why did you not release your divine hawk today to capture Nan Gong Shi?" Hei Hu said: "Dear nephew, you are still young and do not understand the matter." "Do you not know that Jiang Ziya is a guest from Mount Kunlun? If I used this technique, he would surely see through it. That would be a pity; " "Better to defeat him first and deal with the matter later." The two rode together to the mansion, dismounted, entered the hall, took their seats, and discussed strategies for repelling the enemy. Hei Hu said: "You compose a memorial, send an envoy to Chaogge to see the Son of Heaven. I will write a letter and have your father come here so we may devise a plan to defeat the enemy; only then can King Wen be captured and great affairs settled." Yingbiao followed his orders, composed the memorial, dispatched an envoy along with the letter, and all set out together. Meanwhile, the envoy traveled without incident, crossed the Yellow River, passed through Mengjin, and headed toward Chaogge. On that day, upon entering the city, he first went to see Chong Hou Hu. Guards on both sides announced: "Your Highness: household general Sun Rong has arrived." Chong Hou Hu ordered: "Bring him in." Sun Rong kowtowed. Hou Hu said: "What message do you have for me?" Rong presented the letter from Hei Hu. Hou Hu opened the letter: "From your younger brother Hei Hu, who bows a hundred times before Your Highness's command: I have heard that all feudal lords under heaven are like brothers to one another. " Who could have expected that the Marquis of Xibo, Ji Chang, would act so unjustly? Heeding Jiang Shang's schemes, he has made false accusations without cause, claiming Your Highness is deeply wicked. He has raised a reckless army and spread baseless slander, attacking Chongcheng with great urgency. Yingbiao went out to fight but suffered losses of troops and generals. Upon hearing this, I journeyed day and night with my army, engaging the enemy in two battles without a decisive outcome. Therefore, I have dispatched an envoy to inform Your Highness and request that King Zhou issue orders for troops to suppress the rebellion, root out villains, and pacify the western lands. Now is a time of urgent crisis; we cannot delay any longer. If Your Highness would lead your troops and join forces to crush the western faction, it will be a great fortune for our Chong family." "Your younger brother Hei Hu bows twice again in submission."

侯虎看罢，拍案大骂姬昌曰：“老贼！你逃官欺主，罪当诛戮。圣上几番欲要伐你，我在其中，尚有许多委曲。今不思你知感，反致欺侮。若不杀老贼，势不回兵！”遂穿朝服进内殿，朝见纣王。王宣侯虎至，行礼毕。纣王曰：“卿有何奏章？”候虎奏曰：“逆恶姬昌，不守本土，偶生异端，领兵伐臣，谈扬过恶，望陛下为臣作主。”纣王曰：“昌素有大罪，逃官负孤，焉敢凌虐大臣，殊为可恨！卿先回故地，朕再议点将提兵，协同剿捕逆恶。”侯虎领旨先回。且说崇侯虎领人马三千，离了朝歌，一路而来。有诗为证，诗曰： 三千人马疾如风，侯虎威严自姓崇。积恶如山神鬼怒，诱君土木士民穷。 一家嫡弟施谋略，拿解行营请建功。善恶到头终有报，衣襟血染已成空。

After reading the letter, Hou Hu slammed his hand on the table and cursed Ji Chang: "Old villain!" "You have fled your post and insulted your lord; you deserve to be executed." "The Son of Heaven has long desired to attack you, but I have been in the middle of it all and managed many delicate matters. " "Now instead of showing gratitude, you act with arrogance and insult me." "If I do not kill this old villain, I will never withdraw my troops!" He then donned his court robes and entered the inner palace to pay homage to King Zhou. The king summoned Hou Hu, who performed the ceremony of respect upon arrival. King Zhou asked: "What memorial do you have to present?" Hou Hu presented his memorial: "The rebellious and wicked Ji Chang has abandoned his native land, raised a faction of heretics, led troops to attack me, and spread false accusations. I beg Your Majesty to act as my just judge." King Zhou said: "Ji Chang has long committed grave crimes, fled his post and betrayed the orphaned. How dare he oppress a high minister? It is most regrettable!" "You may return to your homeland first. I will deliberate further and appoint generals and raise troops to assist you in suppressing this rebellion." Hou Hu accepted the imperial decree and returned first. Meanwhile, Chong Hou Hu led three thousand troops, left Chaogge, and marched along the way. There is a poem to attest this; the poem says: Three thousand troops swift as wind, Hou Hu's authority stems from his surname Chong. Accumulated evils like mountains enrage gods and ghosts; deceiving the king with earth and wood leaves officials and people impoverished. His legitimate younger brother devised strategies, capturing Ji Chang to present at the military camp in hopes of earning merit. Good and evil will ultimately be repaid; blood-stained robes have already turned to nothingness.

且说崇侯虎人马不一日到了崇城。报马来报黑虎。黑虎暗令高定：“你领二十名刀斧手，埋伏于城门里，听吾腰下剑声响处，与我把大爷拿下，解送周营，辕门会齐。”又令沈冈：“我等出城迎大千岁去，你把大千岁家眷拿到周营，辕门等候。”分付已定，方同崇应彪出城迎接，行三里之外。只见侯虎人马已到。有探马报入行营曰：“二大王同殿下辕门接见。”崇侯虎马出辕门，笑容言曰：“贤弟此来，愚兄不胜欣慰！”又见应彪。三人同行。方进城门，黑虎将腰下剑拔出鞘，一声响，只见两边家将一拥上前，将侯虎父子二人拏下，绑缚其臂。侯虎喊叫曰：“好兄弟！反将长兄拏下者，何也？”黑虎曰：“长兄，你位极人臣，不修仁德，惑乱朝廷，屠害万姓，重贿酷刑，监造鹿台，恶贯天下。四方诸侯欲同心剿其崇姓；文王书至，为我崇氏分辨贤愚。我敢有负朝廷，宁将长兄拿解周营定罪。我不过只得罪与祖宗犹可，我岂肯得罪于天下，自取灭门之祸。故将兄解送周营，再无他说。”侯虎长叹一声，再不言语。黑虎随将侯虎父子送解周营。至辕门，侯虎又见元配李氏同女站立。侯虎父子见了，大哭曰：“岂知亲弟陷兄，一门尽绝！”黑虎至辕门下骑。探事马报进中军。子牙传令：“请。”黑虎至帐行礼。子牙迎上帐曰：“贤侯大德，恶党剿除，君侯乃天下奇丈夫也！”黑虎躬身谢曰：“感丞相之恩，手札降临，照明肝胆，领命遵依，故将不仁之兄拏献辕门，听候军令。”子牙传令：“请文王上帐。”彼时文王至。黑虎进礼，口称“大王”。文王曰：“呀！原来崇二贤侯，为何至此？”黑虎曰：“不才家兄逆天违命，造恶多端，广行不仁，残虐良善；小弟今将不仁家兄，解至辕门，请令施行。”文王听罢，其心不悦，沉思：“是你一胞兄弟，反陷家庭，亦是不义。”子牙在傍言曰：“崇侯不仁，黑虎奉诏讨逆，不避骨肉，真忠贤君子，慷慨丈夫！古语云：‘善者福，恶者祸。’天下恨侯虎恨不得生啖其肉，三尺之童，闻而切齿；今共知黑虎之贤名，人人悦而心欢。故曰，好歹贤愚，不以一例而论也。”子牙传令：“将崇侯虎父子推来！”众士卒将崇侯虎父子簇拥推至中军，双膝跪下。正中文王，左边子牙，右边黑虎。子牙曰：“崇侯虎恶贯满盈，今日自犯天诛，有何理说？”文王在傍，有意不忍加诛。子牙下令：速斩首回报！”不一时，推将出去，宝纛旛一展，侯虎父子二人首级斩了，来献中军。文王自不曾见人之首级，猛见献上来，吓得魂不附体，忙将袍袖掩面曰：“骇杀孤家！”子牙传令：“将首级号令辕门！”有诗为证，诗曰： 独霸朝歌恃己强，惑君贪酷害忠良。谁知恶孽终须报，枭首辕门是自亡。

Meanwhile, Chong Hou Hu's troops arrived at Chong Cheng in no time. A scout came to report about Hei Hu. Hei Hu secretly ordered Gao Ding: "You lead twenty swordsmen and lie in ambush inside the city gate. Upon hearing the sound of my waist sword, you and I will seize Master Da Ye together, deliver him to Zhou's camp, and assemble at the 辕门 (Yuan Men)." He also ordered Shen Gang: "While we go out of the city to meet Da Qianwei, you seize his family and take them to Zhou's camp. Wait for us at Yuan Men." After giving the orders, he set out with Chong Yingbiao to meet outside the city, traveling three li beyond. They saw that Hou Hu's troops had already arrived. A scout reported into the field camp, saying: "The Second Great King and His Highness are meeting at Yuan Men." Chong Hou Hu rode out of Yuan Men, smiling and saying: "Brother's arrival brings great joy to your elder brother!" He also saw Yingbiao. The three traveled together. Just as they were entering the city gate, Hei Hu drew his waist sword from its scabbard with a loud sound. At once, household generals on both sides rushed forward and seized Hou Hu and his son, binding their arms. Hou Hu shouted: "Good brother!" "Why have you seized your elder brother instead?" Hei Hu said: "Elder brother, you have reached the highest rank among ministers. Yet you neglected benevolence and virtue, confused the imperial court, slaughtered countless people, accepted heavy bribes, imposed cruel punishments, and supervised the construction of Lutai. Your evils are known throughout the world." The feudal lords from all directions wish to unite in suppressing your surname Chong; King Wen of Zhou sent a letter, distinguishing the wise and foolish among our Chong clan. I dare not betray the court; I must seize my elder brother and deliver him to Zhou's camp for punishment." I may only incur the wrath of our ancestors, which is still tolerable. But how could I dare to offend all under heaven and invite a disaster that would destroy my entire family?" "Therefore, I have delivered my elder brother to Zhou's camp; there is nothing more to say." Hou Hu let out a long sigh and said no more. Hei Hu then sent Hou Hu and his son to Zhou's camp. Upon arriving at Yuan Men, Hou Hu saw once again his first wife Li Shi and their daughter standing there. Hou Hu and his son wept bitterly upon seeing them, saying: "Who could have known that our beloved younger brother would betray us? Our entire family is now doomed to extinction!" Hei Hu dismounted at the gate of Yuan Men. ões A scout horseman reported into the central army. Zi Ya gave orders: "Please him in." Hei Hu arrived at the tent and performed a bow of respect. Zi Ya welcomed him into the tent, saying: "Your Excellency's great virtue has eradicated the wicked faction. You are indeed a most extraordinary man of the world!" Hei Hu bowed respectfully and said: "I am deeply grateful for the Prime Minister's kindness. Your letter has illuminated my sincerity, and I have accepted your command accordingly. Therefore, I have captured my unkind elder brother and presented him at Yuan Men to await military orders." Zi Ya gave the order: "Please invite King Wen into the tent." At that time, King Wen arrived. Hei Hu performed the ceremony of respect and addressed him as "Great King." King Wen said: "Ah!" "Originally, the Second Noble Lord of Chong—why have you come to this pass?" Hei Hu said: "My unworthy elder brother defied heaven and disobeyed orders, committed many evils, widely practiced cruelty, and oppressed the virtuous and kind; my younger brother now has delivered this cruel elder brother to Yuan Men. I beg you to issue orders for his punishment." After hearing this, King Wen was displeased and pondered: "You are his own blood brother. To betray your family is also an act of injustice." Zi Ya, standing nearby, said: "Chong Hou was cruel. Hei Hu obeyed the imperial decree to punish rebellion without sparing blood relations. He is a truly loyal and virtuous gentleman, a noble and generous man!" An old saying goes: "Virtue brings blessings; evil invites misfortune." People throughout the world hate Hou Hu so intensely that they wish to devour his flesh. Even children of three feet tall, upon hearing this, gnash their teeth in anger; now all know the virtue of Hei Hu's name, and people everywhere are pleased and joyful. "Therefore it is said: good or bad, wise or foolish—each must be judged on its own merits." Zi Ya gave an order: "Bring forward the father and son of Chong Hou Hu!" The soldiers crowded around and pushed Chong Hou Hu and his son toward the central camp, where they knelt on both knees. Facing them was King Wen in the center, with Zi Ya to his left and Hei Hu to his right. Zi Ya said: "Chong Hou Hu has committed so many evils that he is now reaping the punishment of heaven. What justification do you have to offer?" King Wen, standing nearby, felt reluctant and unwilling to carry out the execution. Zi Ya gave orders: "Quickly behead them and report back!" In no time, they were pushed out. The banner was raised, and the heads of Hou Hu and his son were beheaded and presented to the central camp. King Wen had never before seen a severed head. When suddenly presented with the heads, he was so frightened that his soul seemed to leave his body. He quickly covered his face with his robe and said: "This is terrifying for me!" Zi Ya gave orders: "Display the severed heads at Yuan Men as a warning!" There is a poem to testify; the poem says: Alone he dominated Chaogge, relying on his own strength, deceiving the monarch with greed and cruelty, harming loyal men. Who could have known that evil deeds would ultimately be punished? Decapitated at Yuan Men—this was his own downfall.

话说斩了崇家父子，还有崇侯虎元配李氏并其女儿，黑虎请子牙发落。子牙曰：“令兄积恶，与元配无干；况且女生外姓，何恶之有。君侯将令嫂与令侄女分为别院，衣食之类，君侯应之，无使缺乏，是在君侯。今曹州可令将把守，坐镇崇城，便是一国，万无一失矣。”崇黑虎随释其嫂，依子牙之说，请文王进城，查府库，清户口。文王曰：“贤侯兄既死，即贤候之掌握，何必孤行。姬昌就此告归。”黑虎再三款留不住。子牙回兵。诗曰： 自出磻溪为首相，酧恩除暴伐崇城，一封书到擒侯虎，方显飞熊素著名。

Now that the father and son of the Chong family had been executed, there still remained Chong Hou Hu's first wife Li Shi along with their daughter. Hei Hu requested Zi Ya to decide their fate. Zi Ya said: "Your elder brother accumulated evils, which have nothing to do with your first wife; Moreover, daughters belong to their husbands' surnames—what evil could they possibly possess?" Your Excellency should place your elder sister-in-law and her niece in a separate residence. As for their clothing, food, and other necessities, it is up to you to provide them so that they lack nothing." "Now, Cao Zhou can be ordered to guard and take charge of Chong Cheng. With this arrangement, it will become a state of its own, with no room for failure whatsoever." Chong Hei Hu then released his sister-in-law, following Zi Ya's instructions. He invited King Wen into the city to inspect the treasury and conduct a census of the population. King Wen said: "Since your noble elder brother has died, this city is now under your control. Why must I personally go?" Ji Chang then took his leave and returned home. Hei Hu tried repeatedly to entertain and retain him, but in vain. Zi Ya withdrew his troops. The poem says: Since leaving Banxi as prime minister, repaying kindness by punishing the tyrant and attacking Chong Cheng; a single letter arrived to capture Hou Hu—only then did the reputation of Feixiong become evident.

话说文王、子牙辞了黑虎，回兵往西岐来。文王自见斩了崇侯虎的首级，文王神魂不定，身心不安，郁郁不乐。一路上茶饭懒餐，睡卧不宁，合眼朦胧，又见崇侯虎立于面前，惊疑失神。那一日兵至西岐，众文武迎接文王入宫。彼时路上有疾，用医调治，服药不愈。按下不表。

Now, King Wen and Zi Ya bid farewell to Hei Hu and withdrew their troops toward Xiqi. Since witnessing the beheading of Chong Hou Hu, King Wen had been unsettled in spirit and body, feeling anxious and unhappy. Along the way, he lost his appetite for tea and meals, could not sleep peacefully, and when he closed his eyes in drowsiness, he would see Chong Hou Hu standing before him, causing him to startle and lose his composure. On one day when the troops arrived at Xiqi, the ministers and officials welcomed King Wen into the palace. At that time, he had been suffering from an illness along the way and was treated by physicians, but his condition did not improve with medication. This will be set aside for now.

话说祟黑虎献兄周营，文王将崇侯虎父子枭首示儆，崇城已属黑虎；北边地方，俱不服朝歌。其时有报到朝歌城。文书房微子看本，看到崇侯虎被文王所诛，崇城尽属黑虎所占，微子喜而且忧：喜者，喜侯虎罪不容诛，死当其罪；忧者，忧黑虎独占崇城，终非良善；姬昌擅专征伐，必欲剪商。“此事重大，不得不奏。”便抱本来奏纣王。纣王看本，怒曰：“崇侯屡建大功，一旦被叛臣诛戮，情殊痛恨！”传旨：“命点兵将，先伐西岐，拏曹侯崇黑虎等，以正不臣之罪。”傍有中大夫李仁进礼称“臣”，奏曰：“崇侯虎虽有大功于陛下，实荼毒于万民，结大恶于诸侯，人人切齿，个个伤心。今被西伯殄灭，天下无不讴歌。况大小臣工无不言陛下宠信谗佞；今为诸侯又生异端，此言恰中诸侯之口。愿陛下将此事徐徐图之。如若急行，文武以陛下宠嬖幸，以诸侯为轻。侯虎虽死，如疥癣一般，天下东南，诚为重务。愿陛下裁之！”纣王听罢，沉吟良久，方息其念。按下纣王不表。

Now, Chong Hei Hu had delivered his elder brother to Zhou's camp. King Wen beheaded the father and son of Chong Hou for public warning, and now Chong Cheng belonged to Hei Hu; the northern regions were all discontented with Chaogge. At that time, a report arrived in the city of Chaogge. In the office of official documents, Wei Zi read a report and learned that Chong Hou Hu had been executed by King Wen, and that Chong Cheng was now entirely occupied by Hei Hu. Wei Zi felt both joy and worry: he rejoiced because Hou Hu's crimes were so grave that his death was justly deserved; he worried, however, that Hei Hu now alone occupied Chong Cheng and might not be a truly virtuous man; Ji Chang acted unilaterally in waging war—his intent must surely be to destroy the Shang dynasty. "This matter is of great importance; I cannot help but report it." He then carried the memorial to present to King Zhou. King Zhou read the memorial and angrily said: "Chong Hou has repeatedly established great merits, yet in a moment he was executed by a traitorous minister. This is most grievous!" He issued an imperial decree: "Order the generals to raise troops, first attack Xiqi, seize Cao Hou Chong Hei Hu and others, and punish their crime of disloyalty." Standing nearby, Zhong Dafu Li Ren performed a bow and respectfully said: "Although Chong Hou Hu rendered great service to Your Majesty, he actually inflicted suffering upon the people and committed grave evils among the feudal lords. Everyone is filled with hatred, and all are heartbroken." Now that he has been destroyed by Xi Bo, there is not a single person in the world who does not sing his praises. Moreover, no minister or official, great or small, has failed to say that Your Majesty favors flatterers and villains; now the feudal lords have again raised disturbances—these words precisely echo what the lords themselves are saying. I beg Your Majesty to deal with this matter gradually and carefully. If you act hastily, the civil and military officials will think that Your Majesty favors favorites and is contemptuous of the feudal lords. Although Hou Hu has died, he is like a mere skin irritation; the southeast regions of the realm are truly matters of great importance. I humbly request Your Majesty to decide!" After hearing this, King Zhou pondered for a long time and finally abandoned the idea. Putting aside King Zhou's story for now.

且说文王病势日日沉重，有加无减，看看危笃。文武问安，非止一日。文王传旨：“宣丞相进宫。”子牙入内殿，至龙榻前，跪而奏曰：“老臣姜尚奉旨入内殿，问候大王，贵体安否？”文王曰：“孤今召卿入内，并无别论。孤居西北，坐镇兑方，统二百镇诸侯元首，感蒙圣恩不浅。方今虽则乱离，况且还有君臣名分，未至乖离。孤伐侯虎，虽斩逆而归，外舒而心实怯非。乱臣贼子，虽人人可诛，今明君在上，不解天子而自行诛戮，是自专也。况孤与侯虎一般爵位，自行专擅，大罪也。自杀侯虎之后，孤每夜闻悲泣之声，合目则立于榻前。吾思不能久立于阳世矣。今日请卿入内，孤有一言，切不可负：倘吾死之后，纵君恶贯盈，切不可听诸侯之唆，以臣伐君。丞相若违背孤言，冥中不好相见。”道罢，泪流满面。子牙跪而启口：“臣荷蒙恩宠，身居相位，敢不受命。若负君言，即系不忠。”君臣正论间，忽殿下姬发进宫问安。文王见姬发至，便喜曰：“我儿此来，正遂孤愿。”姬发行礼毕。文王曰：“我死之后，吾儿年幼，恐妄听他人之言，肆行征伐。纵天子不德，亦不得造次妄为，以成臣弑君之名。你过来，拜子牙为亚父，早晚听训指教。今听丞相，即听孤也。可请丞相坐而拜之。”姬发请子牙转上，即拜为亚父。子牙叩头榻前，泣曰：“臣受大王重恩，虽肝脑涂地，碎骨捐躯，不足以酬国恩之万一！大王切莫以臣为虑，当宜保重龙体，不日自愈矣。”文王谓子发曰：“商虽无道，吾乃臣子，必当恪守其职，毋得僭越，遗讥后世。睦爱弟兄，悯恤万民，吾死亦不为恨。”又曰：“见善不怠，行义勿疑，去非勿处，此三者乃修身之道，治国安民之大略也。”姬发再拜受命。文王曰：“孤蒙纣王不世之恩，臣再不能睹天颜直谏，再不能演八卦羑里化民也！”言罢遂薨，亡年九十七岁，后谥为周文王。时商纣王二十年仲冬。 奂美文王德，巍然甲众侯。际遇昏君时，小心翼翼求。 商都三道谏，羑里七年囚。卦发先天秘，易传起后周。 飞熊来人梦，丹凤出鸣州。仁风光后稷，德业继公刘。 终守仁臣节，不逞伐商谋。万古岐山下，难为西伯俦。

Let us instead speak of Duke Wenwang, whose illness grew increasingly severe day by day, with no sign of abatement, and who was now clearly in grave danger. The civil and military officials came to inquire about his health for more than one day. Duke Wenwang issued an imperial decree: "Summon the prime minister into the palace." Zi Ya entered the inner hall, approached the dragon couch, knelt down, and respectfully reported: "Your old minister Jiang Shang has been summoned into the inner palace. I come to inquire after Your Majesty's health—how is your noble body?" Duke Wenwang said: "I have summoned you into the inner palace today, but there is nothing else to discuss. "I govern the northwest and preside over the southwest region, commanding the leaders of two hundred feudal states, and I have long been deeply favored by Your Majesty's grace. "Although there is now disorder and turmoil, as long as the relationship of ruler and subject remains intact, we have not yet reached a state of disintegration. "When I attacked Hou Hu, although the rebels were defeated and subdued, outwardly we appear strong but inwardly our hearts are truly timid. "Rebellious ministers and traitorous sons, though they deserve punishment by all, if we now execute them without the emperor's knowledge while a just ruler is on the throne, it would be an act of overstepping authority. "Moreover, since I and Hou Hu hold equal ranks, acting unilaterally is a grave offense. "Since the time when Hou Hu was executed, every night I have heard weeping and wailing; as soon as I close my eyes, he appears standing before my couch. "I fear that I cannot remain in this world for long." "I have summoned you in today to say one thing, which I beg you not to betray: if after my death, even though the king's sins are heaped high and his crimes overflow, do not listen to the feudal lords' instigations and launch a campaign by subjects against their sovereign." "If you, my prime minister, violate this instruction of mine, we shall not meet well in the netherworld." Having said this, he wept with tears streaming down his face. Zi Ya knelt and respectfully spoke: "Your servant has been favored by grace, holding the position of prime minister; how could I dare to refuse this command. "If I betray Your Majesty's words, it would be an act of disloyalty." While the ruler and minister were still in deep discussion, suddenly Prince Ji Fa entered the palace to inquire about his father's health. Duke Wenwang saw that Ji Fa had arrived and joyfully said: "My son, your coming at this moment is exactly what I wished for." After Ji Fa performed the bow. Duke Wenwang said: "After my death, since my son is still young, I fear he may recklessly heed others' words and rashly launch campaigns of conquest. "Even if the emperor is unworthy, he must not act recklessly or commit hasty actions that would give rise to a reputation of ministers killing their sovereign." "Come here and pay homage to Zi Ya as your second father, listening to his teachings and guidance morning and evening." "Now, if you heed the prime minister's words, it is as though you are heeding me." "You may now invite the prime minister to sit and receive this homage." Ji Fa invited Zi Ya to turn around, then immediately paid homage to him as his second father. Zi Ya knelt before the couch and wept, saying: "Your servant has received great favors from His Majesty. Even if my liver and brains were smeared on the ground or I shattered my bones and gave up my life, it would still be insufficient to repay even a fraction of the national grace!" "Your Majesty must not worry about me. You should take good care of your noble body, and you will recover soon." Duke Wenwang said to his son: "Although the Shang dynasty is unjust, I am a subject and must strictly fulfill my duties. Under no circumstances should I overstep my bounds or leave behind ridicule for future generations." "Love your brothers, show compassion to the people; even if I die, I will have no regrets." He added: "When you see goodness, do not be lazy; when practicing righteousness, have no doubts; and when encountering evil, do not linger. These three principles are the way to cultivate oneself, as well as the grand strategy for governing the country and ensuring peace for the people." Ji Fa bowed twice more in acceptance of his father's command. Duke Wenwang said: "I have been favored by King Zhou with an unparalleled grace. As a subject, I could not twice directly remonstrate in his presence, nor could I twice demonstrate the Eight Trigrams at Youli to enlighten the people!" After saying this, he passed away. He was ninety-seven years old when he died and later posthumously honored as Duke Wenwang of Zhou. It was the middle winter of the twentieth year of King Zhou's reign in the Shang dynasty. The beauty of Duke Wenwang's virtue shines, towering above all feudal lords. Meeting an unwise ruler in his time, he carefully and cautiously sought the right path. Three times he remonstrated at the Shang capital; seven years he was imprisoned in Youli. The trigrams revealed primordial secrets, and the Book of Changes became a foundation for later Zhou dynasty teachings. A flying tiger came in man's dream; a crimson phoenix emerged from Mingzhou, singing its call. The virtue of benevolence shone like Hou Ji; his moral achievements continued the legacy of Gong Liu. He remained steadfast in the righteousness of a loyal minister, never daring to plot against the Shang dynasty. Under Mount Qi for ten thousand years, none could rival Xi Bo as a peer.

话说西伯文王薨，于白虎殿停丧。百官共议嗣位。太公望率群臣奉姬发嗣西伯之位──后谥为武王。武王葬父既毕，尊子牙为尚父；其馀百官各加一级。君臣协心，继志述事，尽遵先王之政。四方附庸之国，皆行朝贡西土。二百镇诸侯，皆率王化。

Now that Duke Wenwang of the Western Region had passed away, his body was placed in mourning at the Baihu Hall. The hundred officials gathered to discuss who would succeed to the throne. Tai Gong Wang led the ministers in supporting Ji Fa as the successor to the position of Xi Bo—later posthumously honored as King Wu. After completing the burial rites for his father, King Wu honored Zi Ya as Shang Fu; the other hundred officials each received a promotion of one rank. The ruler and ministers worked in harmony, continuing the legacy and pursuing their duties, fully adhering to the policies of the former king. All vassal states from the four directions continued to pay homage and tribute to the western region. The leaders of the two hundred feudal fiefs all followed the king's moral influence.

且说汜水关总兵官韩荣见得边报，文王已死，姜尚立世子姬发为武王。荣大惊，忙修本，差官往朝歌奏事。使命一日进城，将本下于文书房。时有上大夫姚中见本，与殿下微子共议：姬发自立为武王，其志不小，意在谋叛，此事不可不奏。微子曰：“姚先生，天子诸侯见当今如此荒淫，进奸退忠，各有无君之心。今姬发自立为武王，不日而有鼎沸山河、扰乱乾坤之时。今就将本面君，昏君决不以此为患，总是无益。”姚中曰：“老殿下，言虽如此，各尽臣节。”姚中抱本往摘星楼候旨。不知凶吉如何，且听下回分解。

Meanwhile, Han Rong, the commander of Fenshui Pass, upon receiving news from the frontier, learned that Duke Wenwang had died and that Jiang Shang had installed Crown Prince Ji Fa as King Wu. Han Rong was greatly alarmed and quickly prepared a memorial, sending an official to Chaogu to report the matter. The messenger arrived in the city within one day and delivered the memorial to the Office of Documents. At that time, Shang Dafu Yao Zhong saw the memorial and discussed it with Prince Weizi: Ji Fa has declared himself King Wu on his own initiative; his ambitions are great, and he intends to rebel. This matter cannot go unreported. Weizi said: "Master Yao, the emperor and feudal lords see that the current ruler is so debauched, promoting villains while dismissing loyal men. Each of them now harbors thoughts of disregarding their sovereign." "Now that Ji Fa has declared himself King Wu, it will not be long before there is turmoil as great as boiling cauldrons and upheaval shaking the heavens and earth." "Now if we present this memorial to the emperor, this unwise ruler will certainly not regard it as a threat. It would be of no benefit at all." Yao Zhong said: "My old prince, although you speak thus, we must each fulfill our duty as ministers." Yao Zhong carried the memorial to Zhaixing Lou and waited for an imperial decree. Whether this will bring fortune or misfortune remains unknown; we shall hear in the next chapter.