Chapter 30: Zhou Dynasty Chronicle: The Provocation of King Wucheng's Rebellion

诗曰： 君戏臣妻自不良，纲常污蔑枉成王。只知苏后妖言惑，不信黄妃直谏匡。 烈妇清贞成个是，昏君愚昧落场殃。今朝逼反擎天柱，稳助周家世世昌。

The poem says: A ruler mocks a minister's wife; this is inherently improper, The moral order is defiled, and thus the king is unjustly made. They only knew of Empress Su's malicious words that misled, And did not believe in Consort Huang's sincere advice to correct affairs. The chaste and virtuous woman is truly upright, While the foolish and ignorant ruler suffers misfortune as a result. Today they force the pillar that holds up heaven to rebel, And firmly support the Zhou family for prosperity generation after generation.

话说姚中上摘星楼见驾毕，纣王曰：“卿有何奏章？”姚中曰：“西伯姬昌已死，姬发自立为武王，颁行四方，诸侯归心者甚多，将来为祸不小。臣因见边报，甚是恐惧。陛下当速兴师问罪，以正国法；若怠缓不行，则其中观望者皆效尤耳。”纣王曰：“料姬发一黄口稚子，有何能为之事？”姚中奏曰：“发虽年幼，姜尚多谋，南宫适、散宜生之辈，谋勇俱全，不可不预为防。”纣王曰：“卿之言虽有理，料姜尚不过一术士，有何作为！”遂不听。姚中知纣王意在不行，随下殿叹曰：“灭商者必姬发矣！”这且不表。

It is said that Yao Zhong went to Zhaixing Tower and paid his respects to the emperor. King Zhou said, "Minister, what memorial do you have to present?" Yao Zhong said, "The Western Lord Ji Chang has already died. Ji Fa has declared himself King Wu and issued proclamations throughout the land. Many feudal lords have pledged their allegiance to him; in the future, he will bring great trouble." I have seen reports from the frontier and am greatly fearful. Your Majesty should quickly raise an army to punish him, in order to uphold national law; If you delay and take no action, then those who are watching from the middle will all follow his example." King Zhou said, "Ji Fa is merely a young child. What kind of deeds could he possibly accomplish?" Yao Zhong presented his memorial, saying, "Although Fa is young, Jiang Shang is full of strategies. Figures such as Nan Gong Shi and San Yisheng are both wise and brave; we cannot afford to fail in making preparations against them." King Zhou said, "Although your words are reasonable, I estimate that Jiang Shang is merely a fortune-teller; what kind of achievements could he possibly have!" Thus, he did not listen. Yao Zhong, knowing that King Zhou had no intention of taking action, descended from the hall and sighed, saying, "The one who will destroy Shang must be Ji Fa!" This shall not be detailed further.

时光迅速，不觉又是年终。次年乃纣二十一年，正月元旦之辰，百官朝贺毕，圣驾回宫。大凡元旦日，各王位并大臣的夫人俱入内朝贺正宫苏皇后。各亲王夫人朝贺毕，出朝。──祸因此起。

Time passed swiftly, and before one could realize it, another year had come to an end. łó The following year was the twenty-first year of Zhou's reign. On the first day of the first lunar month, on the occasion of the New Year, all officials had completed their morning court greetings and paid homage, after which His Majesty returned to the palace. On New Year's Day, by convention, the wives of all kings and high-ranking ministers would enter the palace to pay homage to Empress Su of the main inner court. After the princess consorts had completed their morning greetings, they left the court. --Trouble arose from this incident.

且说武成王黄飞虎的元配夫人贾氏，入宫朝贺，──二则西宫黄妃是黄飞虎的妹子。一年姑嫂会此一次，必须款洽半日，故贾夫人先往正宫来。宫人报：“启娘娘：贾夫人候旨。”妲己问曰：“那个贾夫人？”宫人：“启娘娘：黄飞虎元配贾夫人。”妲己暗暗点头：“黄飞虎，你恃强助放神莺，抓坏我面门，今日你一般妻子贾氏也入吾圈套！”传旨：“宣。”贾氏入宫行礼，朝贺毕。娘娘赐坐。夫人谢恩。妲己曰：“夫人青春几何？”贾氏：“启娘娘：臣妾虚度‘四九’。”妲己曰：“夫人长我八岁，还是我姐姐。我苏氏与你结为姊妹，如何？”贾氏奏曰：“娘娘乃万乘之尊，臣妾乃一介之妇，岂有彩凤配山鸡之理？”妲己曰：“夫人太谦！我虽椒房之贵，不过苏候之女；你位居武成王夫人，况且又是国戚，何卑之有。”传旨：“排宴。”款待贾氏。妲己居上，贾氏居下，传杯共饮。酒不过三、五巡，官宦启娘娘：“驾到！”贾氏著忙，奏曰：“娘娘将妾身置于何地？”妲己曰：“姐姐，不妨，可往后宫避之。”贾氏果进后宫。妲己接驾至殿上。纣王见有筵席，问曰：“卿与何人饮酒？”妲己奏曰：“妾身陪武成王夫人贾氏饮酒。”纣王曰：“贤哉妲己！”传旨：“换席。”纣王与妲己把盏。妲己曰：“陛下可曾见贾氏之容貌乎？”纣王曰：“卿言差矣。君不见臣妻，礼也。”妲己曰：“君固不可见臣妻，今贾氏乃陛下国戚，武成王妹子现在西宫，既为内戚，见亦何妨。外边小民，姑夫、舅母共饮，乃常事耳。陛下暂请出宫，别殿少憩。待妾诓贾氏上摘星楼，那时驾临，使贾氏不能回避。贾氏果然天姿国色，万分妖娆。”纣王大喜，退于偏殿。且说妲己来请贾氏，贾氏谢恩告出。妲己曰：“一年一会，今与姐姐往摘星楼看景一会，何如？”贾氏不敢违命，只得相随往摘星楼来。诗曰： 妲己设计陷忠贞，贾氏楼前命自湮。名节已全清白信，简编凛烈有谁伦。

Let us speak of Lady Jia, the first wife of General Huang Feihong of Wucheng. She entered the palace to pay her New Year greetings -- secondly, because Consort Huang in the Western Palace was Huang Feihong's younger sister. Aunt and niece met only once a year, so they had to spend half a day in warm conversation; therefore, Lady Jia first went to the main palace. The palace attendants reported, "Your Majesty: Lady Jia is waiting for an audience." Daji asked, "Which Lady Jia?" The palace attendant: "Your Majesty: Lady Jia, the original wife of Huang Feihong." Daji nodded secretly, "Huang Feihong, you relied on your strength to assist Shen Ying in her escape and injured my face. Today, your wife Lady Jia has also fallen into my trap!" An edict was issued: "Summon her." Lady Jia entered the palace and performed a bow, completing her New Year greetings. The Empress granted her a seat. Lady Jia expressed gratitude for the favor. Daji said, "How old is Lady?" Lady Jia: "Your Majesty: I have spent forty-nine years." Daji said, "You are eight years older than me; you should be my elder sister. How about I, Empress Su, and you become sisters?" Lady Jia presented her reply: "Your Majesty is the sovereign of a great empire, while I am but an ordinary woman; how could there be such logic as a colorful phoenix being matched with a mountain chicken?" Daji said, "Lady is too modest! Although I am of noble rank as a palace lady, I am merely the daughter of Marquis Su; You are the wife of General Wucheng and also a relative by marriage to the royal family. How could you be considered lowly?" An edict was issued: "Prepare a banquet." To entertain Lady Jia. Daji sat in the upper seat, and Lady Jia sat below; wine cups were passed around as they drank together. No more than three or five rounds of wine had been served when an official announced to the Empress, "His Majesty has arrived!" Lady Jia was flustered and presented her plea: "Empress, where should I place myself?" Daji said, "Sister, do not worry. You may go to the rear palace to avoid him." Lady Jia indeed went into the back palace. Daji met His Majesty and led him to the hall. King Zhou saw there was a banquet set up and asked, "Minister, with whom have you been drinking?" Daji presented her reply: "I was accompanying Lady Jia, the wife of General Wucheng, in drinking." King Zhou said, "How virtuous you are, Daji!" An edict was issued: "Change the seating arrangement." King Zhou and Daji raised their cups together. Daji said, "Your Majesty, have you ever seen Lady Jia's appearance?" King Zhou said, "You are mistaken, Minister. It is the proper etiquette for a ruler not to see the wife of his subject." Daji said, "It is indeed improper for a ruler to see the wife of a subject. However, today Lady Jia is Your Majesty's relative by marriage; General Wucheng's younger sister currently resides in the Western Palace. Since she is an inner relative, what harm could there be in seeing her?" Among common people outside, it is a normal occurrence for a father-in-law and mother-in-law to drink together. Your Majesty may please step out of the palace momentarily and rest briefly in another hall. After I have lured Lady Jia to Zhaixing Tower, Your Majesty may then arrive there, so that she will be unable to avoid you. "Jia Shi is indeed a woman of extraordinary beauty and national charm; she is extremely alluring." King Zhou was greatly pleased and withdrew to the side hall. Let us speak of Daji coming to invite Lady Jia; Lady Jia expressed her gratitude and left accordingly. Daji said, "We meet only once a year. Now that you are here, sister, how about we go to Zhaixing Tower for a while and enjoy the view?" Lady Jia dared not disobey orders and had no choice but to accompany her to Zhaixing Tower. The poem says: Daji devised a plan to entrap the loyal and virtuous, And Lady Jia's fate was sealed before Zhaixing Tower. Her name and virtue remain untainted with purity, In the annals of history, her resolute integrity is unmatched by any.

妲己携贾氏上得楼来，行至九曲栏枰，望下一看，只见虿盆内蛇蝎狰狞，骷髅白骨，堆堆垛垛，著实难看；酒池中悲风凛凛，肉林下寒气侵侵。贾氏对妲己曰：“启娘娘：此楼下设此池沼、坑穴，为何？”妲己曰：“宫中大弊难除，故设此刑，名曰虿盆。宫人有犯者，剥衣缚身，送下此坑，喂此蛇蝎。”贾氏听罢，魂不附体。妲己传旨：“摆酒上来！”贾氏告辞：“决不敢领娘娘盛意！”妲己曰：“我晓得你还要往西宫去；略饮数杯，也是上楼一番。”贾氏只得依从。且不说贾氏在楼。且说西宫黄妃差官打听，贾夫人入宫朝贺，姑嫂骨肉只此一年一会。黄妃倚宫门而候。差官回覆曰：“贾夫人随苏娘娘上摘星楼去了。”黄妃大惊：“妲己乃妒忌之妇，嫂嫂为何随此贱人？”忙差官往楼下打听。

Daji led Lady Jia up to the tower. As they walked along the winding balustrade, looking down, they saw vipers and scorpions in a cauldron, their appearances grotesque and terrifying; skulls and white bones were piled up in heaps, truly an ugly sight; The wine pool was filled with a chilling wind of sorrow, and the meat forest below exuded a cold, oppressive atmosphere. Lady Jia asked Daji: "Your Majesty, why are these pools and pits set up beneath this tower?" Daji said, "There are great corruptions in the palace that cannot be eliminated; thus, we have set up this punishment, named Chai Peng. Any palace attendants who commit offenses are stripped of their clothes and bound, then thrown into this pit to be fed to the vipers and scorpions." After hearing this, Lady Jia lost her composure. Daji issued an order: "Bring out the wine!" Lady Jia politely declined, saying, "I dare not accept Your Majesty's generous hospitality!" Daji said, "I know you still need to go to the Western Palace; Have a few cups of wine as well; it is also worth visiting this tower once." Lady Jia had no choice but to comply. Let us not speak of Lady Jia on the tower for now. Let us instead speak of Consort Huang in the Western Palace, who had officials sent to inquire. Learning that Lady Jia had entered the palace for New Year greetings, and knowing this was their only reunion as aunt and niece once a year, Consort Huang felt great concern. Consort Huang leaned against the palace gate waiting. The official sent to inquire returned and reported, "Lady Jia has gone up Zhaixing Tower with Empress Su." Consort Huang was greatly alarmed and said, "Daji is a jealous woman. Why did my elder sister go with such a lowly person?" She quickly sent officials to the base of the tower to inquire.

话说妲己、贾氏正饮酒时，宫人来报：“驾到！”贾氏著忙，妲己曰：“姐姐莫慌，请立于栏杆外边；等驾见毕，姐姐下楼，何必著忙。”果然贾氏立在栏杆外边。纣王上楼，妲己礼毕。纣王坐下。故问曰：“栏杆外立者何人？”妲己曰：“武成王夫人贾氏。”贾氏出笏见礼。妲己曰：“赐卿平身。”贾氏立于一旁。纣王偷睛观看贾氏姿色，果然生成端正，长就娇容。昏君传旨：“赐坐。”贾氏奏曰：“陛下、国母，乃天下之主，臣妾焉敢坐。臣妾该万死！”妲己曰：“姐姐坐下何妨。”纣王曰：“御妻为何称贾氏为姐姐？”妲己曰：“贾夫人与妾一拜姊妹，故称姐姐，──乃是皇姨，便坐下何妨。”贾氏自思：“今日入了苏妲己圈套……”贾氏俯伏奏曰：“臣妾进宫朝贺，乃是恭上；陛下亦合礼下。自古道：‘君不见臣妻，礼也。’愿陛下赐臣妾下楼，感圣恩于无极矣！”纣王曰：“皇姨谦而不坐，朕立奉一杯，如何？”贾氏面红赤紫，怒发冲霄，自思：“我的丈夫何等之人！我怎肯今日受辱！”贾氏料今日不能全生。纣王执一杯酒，笑容可掬来奉贾氏。贾氏已无退处，用手抓杯，望纣王劈面打来，大骂：“昏君！我丈夫与你挣江山，立奇功三十馀场，不思酬功；今日信苏妲己之言，欺辱臣妻。昏君！你与妲己贱人不知死于何地！”纣王大怒，命左右：“拿了！”贾氏大喝曰：“谁敢拿我！”转身一步，走近栏杆前，大叫曰：“黄将军！妾身与你全其名节！只可怜我三个孩儿，无人看管！……”这夫人将身一跳，撞下楼台，粉骨碎身。有诗为证，诗曰： 朝贺中宫起祸殃，夫人贞洁坠楼亡。纣王失政忘君道，烈妇存诚敢自凉。 西伯慢言招国瑞，殷商又道失金汤。三三两两兵戈动，八百诸侯起战场。

It is said that while Daji and Lady Jia were drinking, a palace attendant came to report: "His Majesty has arrived!" Lady Jia became flustered. Daji said, "Sister, do not be alarmed; please stand outside the railing; After His Majesty has finished his visit, you may descend from the tower. There is no need to rush." Indeed, Lady Jia stood outside the railing. King Zhou ascended the tower, and Daji completed her courtly bows. King Zhou took his seat. He then asked, "Who is the person standing outside the railing?" Daji replied, "It is Lady Jia, wife of General Wucheng." Lady Jia stepped forward with her tablet and performed a bow. Daji said, "Minister, you may rise." Lady Jia stood to the side. King Zhou secretly observed Lady Jia's beauty and found that she was indeed naturally graceful, with a charming appearance. The foolish king issued an edict: "Grant her a seat." Lady Jia presented her plea, saying, "Your Majesty and the Empress are the sovereigns of the world; how dare I sit?" "I should be put to death a thousand times over!" Daji said, "Sister, there is no harm in you sitting down." King Zhou asked, "Minister consort, why did you address Lady Jia as 'sister'?" Daji said, "Lady Jia and I became sisters with one bow; thus, she is called 'sister.' -- She is the emperor's aunt by marriage. There would be no harm in her sitting down." Lady Jia thought to herself, "Today I have fallen into Su Daji's trap..." Lady Jia knelt and presented her plea, saying: "My humble self entered the palace to offer congratulations; this is a sign of respect; Your Majesty should also show courtesy in return. As the old saying goes: 'A ruler does not see a minister's wife, this is propriety.' I humbly request Your Majesty to grant my humble self permission to descend from the pavilion; I would be eternally grateful for this boundless imperial grace!" King Zhou said, "The empress's aunt is modest and refuses to sit; I shall personally present a cup of wine. How does that sound?" Lady Jia's face turned red, then purple with anger; her rage seemed to pierce the sky. She thought to herself: "What kind of man is my husband! How could I possibly endure humiliation today!" Lady Jia realized that she would not be able to leave this day unscathed. King Zhou held a cup of wine, smiling warmly as he presented it to Lady Jia. Lady Jia had no choice but to retreat; she grabbed the cup with her hand and smashed it in King Zhou's face, shouting fiercely, "Foolish king! My husband struggled alongside you for the throne, achieving over thirty remarkable feats of valor, yet you do not think to reward his merit; Today, you have trusted Su Daji's words and insulted your minister's wife. Foolish king! You and that lowly woman Daji will not know where you will die!" King Zhou was furious and ordered those around him, "Seize her!" Lady Jia shouted fiercely, "Who dares to seize me!" She turned around and took a step forward, approaching the railing before shouting loudly, "General Huang! I shall preserve your honor with my life!" But I am so sorry for my three children, who will have no one to care for them! "...". The lady took a step forward and jumped from the pavilion, crashing down to her death, her body shattered into pieces. There is a poem as evidence; the poem says: A disaster arose in the morning court, within the central palace, A lady of virtue and chastity fell from the pavilion to her death. King Zhou lost his governance and forgot the way of a ruler, Yet the loyal wife preserved sincerity and dared face death without fear. Xibo spoke in measured words to invite national blessings, And Yin-Shang once again lamented the loss of golden soup [a metaphor for power or prosperity]. In groups of three and two, weapons were drawn; Eight hundred feudal lords rose to the battlefield.

话说纣王见贾氏坠楼而死，好懊恼，平地风波，悔之不及。

Now it is said that upon seeing Lady Jia fall from the pavilion and die, King Zhou was greatly distressed. He had stirred up trouble out of nowhere and regretted it too late.

且说黄妃的差官打听信息，忙报西宫：“启娘娘：其祸不浅！”黄妃曰：“有甚么祸事？”差官报道：“贾夫人坠了摘星楼，不知何故。”黄妃大哭曰：“妲己泼贱！与吾兄有隙，今将吾嫂嫂陷害无辜……”黄妃步行往摘星楼下，迳上楼，指定纣王骂曰：“昏君！你成汤社稷亏谁？我兄与你东拒海寇，南战蛮夷。掌兵权，一点丹心，助国家，未敢安枕。我父黄滚镇守界牌关，训练士卒，日夕劳苦。一门忠烈，报国忧民。今元旦，遵守朝廷国礼，进宫朝贺，乃敬上守法之臣。任信泼贱，诓彼上楼。昏君！你爱色不分纲常，绝灭彝伦！你有辱先王，污名简册！”黄妃把纣王骂得默默无言。又见妲己侧坐，黄妃指妲己骂曰：“贱人！你淫乱深宫，蛊惑天子。我嫂嫂被你陷身坠楼，痛伤骨髓！”赶上一把，抓住妲己，──黄妃原有气力，乃将门之女。把妲己拖翻在地，捺在尘埃，手起拳落，打了二、三十下。妲己虽然是妖怪，见纣王坐在上面，有本事也不敢用出，只叫：“陛下救命！”纣王看著黄妃打妲己，心有偏向，上前劝解。纣王曰：“不管妲己事。你嫂嫂触朕自愧，故投楼下；与妲己无干。”黄妃急攘之间，不暇检点，回手一拳，误打著纣王脸上，“好昏君！你还来替贱人遮掩！打死了妲己，与嫂嫂偿命！”纣王大怒：“这贱人反将朕打一拳！”一把抓住黄妃后鬓，一把抓住宫衣，拎起来，纣王力大，望摘星楼下一摔，──可怜：香消玉碎佳人绝，粉骨残躯血染衣！纣王摔了黄妃下楼，独坐无言，心下甚是懊恼，只是不好埋怨妲己。

Meanwhile, the officials sent by Huang Fei to gather information hurriedly reported to the western palace: "Your Majesty, this disaster is no small matter!" Huang Fei asked, "What kind of calamity is it?" The official reported, "Lady Jia fell from Zhaixing Pavilion; the cause is unknown." Huang Fei wept bitterly and said, "That wretched Daji! She has a grudge against my elder brother, and now she has wrongfully persecuted my dear sister-in-law..." Huang Fei walked straight to Zhaixing Pavilion, went up the pavilion directly, pointed at King Zhou and scolded, "Foolish king! To whose merit does your Chengtang dynasty owe its throne? My elder brother resisted the coastal raiders in the east and fought against the southern barbarians for you. He held military authority, with a single loyal heart, aiding the nation; he never dared to rest in peace. My father Huang Gun garrisoned Jiepaiguan Pass, trained soldiers, and worked tirelessly day and night. Our family is one of loyal valor, devoted to the country and concerned for its people. Today on New Year's Day, they followed court etiquette by entering the palace to offer congratulations—this was the conduct of a respectful and law-abiding minister. Yet you trusted that wretched woman and lured them onto the pavilion. Foolish king! You love beauty without regard for moral order, and you have destroyed the fundamental principles of humanity! You have shamed your ancestors and sullied your name in history!" Huang Fei scolded King Zhou so fiercely that he could not utter a word. She then saw Daji sitting to the side and pointed at her, scolding, "Lowly woman! You have corrupted the inner palace with your licentiousness and bewitched His Majesty. My dear sister-in-law was wrongfully accused by you and fell from the pavilion—this pain pierces my very bones!" She rushed forward, seized Daji—Huang Fei had always been strong and was the daughter of a military family. She dragged Daji to the ground, pressed her into the dirt, and with each raised hand came a punch, striking her twenty or thirty times. Although Daji was actually a demon, seeing King Zhou seated above and unable to use her powers openly, she could only cry out, "Your Majesty, save me!" King Zhou watched as Huang Fei beat Daji and felt a sense of favoritism. He stepped forward to intervene. King Zhou said, "This has nothing to do with Daji. Your sister-in-law offended me and felt ashamed, so she threw herself from the pavilion; It has nothing to do with Daji." In her haste and anger, Huang Fei did not take care; she turned around with a punch that accidentally struck King Zhou in the face. "Good for nothing fool of a king! You still dare to cover up for that lowly woman! I will kill Daji and make her pay with her life for my sister-in-law!" King Zhou was furious: "This lowly woman actually dared to strike me!" With one hand, he grabbed Huang Fei by the back of her hair and with the other, seized her palace robe, lifting her up. With great strength, King Zhou hurled her down from Zhaixing Pavilion—poor thing: a fragrant life was shattered, a beauty lost; her broken body stained her clothes with blood! After King Zhou threw Huang Fei from the pavilion, he sat alone in silence. Deeply troubled and annoyed, he could not bring himself to blame Daji directly.

且说贾氏侍儿随夫人往宫朝贺，只在九间殿等候；到下晚也不见出来。只见一内侍问曰：“你们是那里的侍儿？”答曰：“我们是武成王府里的，随夫人朝宫，在此伺候。”内使曰：“你夫人坠了摘星楼；黄娘娘为你夫人辨明，反被天子摔下楼，跌得粉骨碎身。你们快去罢！”侍儿听说，急急回王府来。武成王在内殿同弟黄飞彪、飞豹，黄明、周纪、龙环、吴谦、黄天禄、天爵、天祥三子，元旦良辰欢饮。只见侍儿慌张来报：“千岁爷：祸事不小！”飞虎曰：“有甚么事，报得这等凶？”侍儿跪禀曰：“夫人进宫，不知何故，坠了摘星楼；黄娘娘被纣王摔下楼来跌死了！”黄天禄──十四岁，天爵──十二岁，天祥──七岁，听得母亲坠楼而亡，放声大哭。有诗为证，诗曰： 忽闻凶报满门惊，子哭儿啼泪苦倾。烈妇有恩虽莫负，忠君无愧更当诚。 左观四友俱怀忿，右视三男苦痛心。回首不堪重悒怏，伤心只有夜猿鸣。

Meanwhile, Lady Jia's attendants had accompanied her lady into the palace for the New Year's celebration and were waiting at Jiujian Hall; By evening they still did not see her emerge. They saw an eunuch inquire, "Are you the attendants from where?" The reply was: "We are from Wucheng Prince's mansion; we accompanied our lady to court and have been waiting here." The eunuch said, "Your lady fell from Zhaixing Pavilion. Lady Huang tried to defend your lady on her behalf but was instead thrown down by the emperor and died with broken bones." "You should leave quickly!" Upon hearing this, the attendants hurried back to Wucheng Prince's residence. Prince Wucheng was in the inner hall, drinking joyfully with his younger brothers Huang Feibiao and Feibao, as well as Huang Ming, Zhou Ji, Long Huan, Wu Qian, Huang Tianlu, Tianshuo, and Tianxiang, his three sons, on this New Year's Day. Suddenly, the attendants rushed in with alarming news: "My Lord Prince: a great disaster has occurred!" Feihu asked, "What happened? Why are you reporting it so urgently?" The attendant knelt and reported: "My lady entered the palace, but for reasons unknown, she fell from Zhaixing Pavilion;" and Lady Huang was thrown down by King Zhou and died!" Huang Tianlu—fourteen years old, Tianshuo—twelve years old, and Tianxiang—seven years old—heard of their mother's death from the fall and burst into loud wailing. There is a poem to attest: The poem says: Suddenly hearing the news of disaster, the whole household was shocked; sons wept and children cried, tears flowing endlessly. A loyal wife's virtue must not be betrayed; to serve the king with sincerity is a duty without shame. Looking left, four friends were filled with anger; looking right, three sons suffered deep sorrow in their hearts. Looking back, the pain was unbearable and grief weighed heavily—only the cries of night monkeys echoed the sorrow.

话说飞虎听得此信，无语沉吟；又见三子哭得酸楚。黄明曰：“兄长不必踌蹰。纣王失政，大变人伦。嫂嫂进宫，想必昏君看见嫂嫂姿色，君欺臣妻，此事也是有的。嫂嫂乃是女中丈夫，兄长何等豪杰，嫂嫂守贞洁，为夫名节，为子纲常，故此坠楼而死。黄娘娘见嫂嫂惨死，必定向昏君辨明。纣王溺爱偏向，把娘娘摔下楼。此是再无他议。长兄不必迟疑。‘君不正，臣投外国。’想吾辈南征北讨，马不离鞍，东战西攻，人不脱甲，若是这等看起来，愧见天下英雄，有何颜立于人世！君既负臣，臣安能长仕其国。吾等反也！”四人各上马，持利刃，出门而走。飞虎见四人反了，自思：“难道为一妇人，竟负国恩之理。将此反声扬出，难洗清白……”黄飞虎急出府，大叫曰：“四弟速回！就反也要商议往何地方？投于何主？打点车辆，装载行囊，同出朝歌。为何四人独自前去！”四将听罢，回马，至府下马，进了内殿。黄飞虎持剑在手，大喝曰：“黄明等！你这四贼！不思报本，反陷害我合门之祸！我家妻子死于摘星楼，与你何干？你等口称‘反’字，黄氏一门七世忠良，享国恩二百馀年，难道为一女人造反。你借此乘机要反朝歌而图据掠，你不思金带垂腰，官居神武，尽忠报国，而终成狼子野心，不绝绿林本色耳！”骂的四人默默无语。黄明笑曰：“长兄，你骂得有理。又不是我们的事，恼他怎的！”四人在旁，抬一桌酒吃。四人大笑不止。黄飞虎心下如火燎一般，又见三子哭声不绝，听得四人抚掌欢欣，黄飞虎问曰：“你们那些儿欢喜？”黄明曰：“兄长家下有事挠心，小弟们心上无事。今元旦吉辰，吃酒作乐，与你何干？”飞虎气不过，恼曰：“你见我有事，反大笑，这是怎么说？”周纪曰：“不瞒兄说，笑的是你。”飞虎道：“有甚么事与你笑？我官居王位，禄极人臣，列朝班身居首领，披蟒腰玉，有何事与你笑？”周纪曰：“兄长，你只知官居首领，显耀爵禄，身披蟒袍。知者说你仗平生胸襟，位至尊大；不知者，只说你倚嫂嫂姿色，和悦君王，得其富贵。”周纪道罢，黄飞虎大叫一声：“气杀我也！”传家将：“收拾行囊，打点反出朝歌！”黄飞彪见兄反了，点一千名家将，将车辆四百，把细软、金银珠宝装载停当。飞虎同三子、二弟、四友，临行曰：“我们如今投那方去？”黄明曰：“兄长岂不闻‘贤臣择主而仕’，西岐武王，三分天下，周土已得二分，共享安康之福，岂不为美？”周纪暗思：“方才飞虎反，是我说将计反了；他若还看破，只怕不反。不若使他个绝后计，再也来不得……”周纪曰：“此往西岐，出五关，借兵来朝歌城，为嫂嫂、娘娘报雠，此还是迟著。依小弟愚见，今日就在午门会纣王一战，以见雌雄。你意下如何？”黄飞虎心下昏乱，随口答应曰：“也是。”──大抵天道该是如此。飞虎金装盔甲，上了五色神牛。飞彪、飞豹同三侄，龙环、吴谦，并家将，保车辆出西门。黄明、周纪同武成王至午门。天色已明。周纪大叫：“传与纣王，早早出来，讲个明白。如迟，杀进宫阙，悔之晚矣！”纣王自贾氏身亡，黄妃已绝，自己悔之不及；正在龙德殿懊恼，无可对人言说。直到天明，当驾官启奏：“黄飞虎反了，现在午门请战。”纣王大怒，借此出气，“好匹夫！焉敢如此欺侮朕躬！”传旨：“取披挂！”九吞八扎，点护驾御林军，上逍遥马，提斩将刀，出午门。怎见得： 冲天盔，龙蟠凤舞；金锁甲，叩就连环。九龙袍，金光愰目；护心镜，前后牢拴。红挺带，攒成八宝；鞍鞽挂竹节钢鞭。逍遥马追风逐日，斩将刀定国安邦。只因天道该如此，至使君臣会战场。

Now it is said that when Feihu heard this news, he fell silent, deep in thought; He also saw his three sons weeping bitterly. Huang Ming said, "Elder brother need not hesitate. King Zhou has lost his governance; the moral order of humanity is in great disorder. When my sister-in-law entered the palace, it must be that this foolish king saw her beauty and acted in a way where a ruler wrongfully looked upon his minister's wife—such an event is entirely possible. My sister-in-law is a woman of great virtue, and my elder brother is an outstanding hero. My sister-in-law preserved her chastity for the honor of her husband and the moral order for her children; thus she fell from the pavilion in death. Lady Huang, upon seeing my sister-in-law's tragic death, must have confronted the foolish king to defend her. King Zhou, blinded by his affection and favoritism, threw Lady Huang from the pavilion. There is no other possible interpretation of this event. Elder brother needs not hesitate any longer. "When a ruler is unjust, ministers seek foreign lands." We have campaigned south and north, never dismounting from our horses; we have fought east and west, never removing our armor. If this is how things appear now, it would be a shame to face heroes across the land—how can I still hold my head high in this world! If a ruler betrays his minister, how can the minister continue to serve that state? "We shall rebel!" The four men each mounted their horses, took up sharp blades, and rode out through the gate. Fei Hu saw that the four men had rebelled and thought to himself, "Could it be that for one woman's sake, they would betray their national grace? If this rebellion is made public, it will be hard to clear our names..." Huang Feihu hurried out of the mansion and shouted loudly, "My four younger brothers, return quickly! Even if we must rebel, we should decide where to go first. To which lord shall we turn? Prepare the carriages, load the luggage, and leave Chao Ge together. "Why did the four of them go alone!" The four generals, after hearing this, turned back their horses, returned to the mansion, dismounted, and entered the inner hall. Huang Feihu held a sword in his hand and shouted loudly, "Huang Ming and others!" The four of you villains! You do not think of repaying your roots, but instead bring disaster upon my entire family! My wife and children died at Zhaixing Pavilion—what does that have to do with you? You speak of "rebellion"—the Huang family has been loyal for seven generations, enjoying the nation's grace for over two hundred years. Could it be that you would rebel just because of one woman? You are using this as an excuse to rebel against Chao Ge and seize power for yourselves. You do not think of the golden sash around your waist, nor of holding a high office at Shenwu, where you should have remained loyal and served the country. Instead, you reveal your wolfish ambitions and never abandoned your bandit nature!" The four men were left speechless by his scolding. Huang Ming smiled and said, "Elder brother, your words are well-founded. It is not our doing; why should we be angry with him!" The four men, standing by, carried out a table of wine and began to drink. The four men laughed heartily without ceasing. Huang Feihu felt as if a fire was burning within him. Seeing his third son weeping without pause and hearing the four men clapping their hands in joy, Huang Feihu asked, "What is it that makes you so happy?" Huang Ming said, "Elder brother's household has troubles troubling his heart, but my younger brothers and I have no such worries. Today is the auspicious New Year's Day; we are drinking and celebrating for joy—what does that concern you?" Fei Hu could not hold his anger back, fuming and saying, "You see that I have troubles, yet you laugh heartily—what is the meaning of this?" Zhou Ji said, "I will not hide it from you, elder brother—we are laughing at you." Fei Hu asked, "What is there for you to laugh about?" I hold the position of a king, enjoy the highest rank among ministers, stand at the head of the court ranks, wear dragon robes and gird my waist with jade—what is there for you to laugh at?" Zhou Ji said, "Elder brother, all you know is that you hold the highest rank, display your noble titles and emoluments, and wear dragon robes. Those who understand say that by virtue of your lifelong integrity and broad-mindedness, you have attained the highest position; those who do not understand merely say that you relied on your sister-in-law's beauty to please the king and thus gained wealth and honor." After Zhou Ji finished speaking, Huang Feihu let out a loud cry: "This anger will kill me!" He called to his family generals: "Prepare the luggage and make arrangements—we are leaving Chao Ge in rebellion!" Huang Feibiao, seeing that his elder brother had rebelled, gathered one thousand family generals and prepared four hundred carriages to load all the valuables, gold, silver, and jewels in readiness. Fei Hu, together with his third son, second brother, and four friends, said as they were about to depart: "To which land shall we go now?" Huang Ming said, "Elder brother, have you not heard the saying 'a virtuous minister chooses his lord carefully'? King Wu of Western Qi has already gained two-thirds of the realm; the Zhou lands are at peace and prosperity. Would that not be a fine choice?" Zhou Ji thought to himself: "Earlier, when Fei Hu rebelled, it was my words that turned the plan upside down; if he now sees through this, I fear he will not rebel after all. Better to cut off all his options and ensure he can never return..." Zhou Ji said, "Going west to Qi, passing through five passes, borrowing troops to attack Chao Ge city in order to avenge my sister-in-law and Lady Huang—this is still too slow. In my humble opinion, we should fight King Zhou at the Wumen Gate today to determine who is superior. What do you think?" Huang Feihu, his mind in confusion, answered offhandedly, "Yes." ——This is probably how the will of Heaven should be. Fei Hu donned golden armor and mounted his five-colored divine ox. Feibiao, Feibao, along with their three nephews, Long Huan and Wu Qian, as well as the family generals, escorted the carriages out through the western gate. Huang Ming, Zhou Ji, and King Wucheng arrived at the Wumen Gate. The sky had already brightened. Zhou Ji shouted loudly, "Summon King Zhou! Come out quickly and settle this clearly. If you delay, we shall march into the palace—then it will be too late to regret!" Since Lady Jia passed away and Huang Fei had already died, King Zhou was overwhelmed with remorse but could not undo his actions; he sat in the Longde Hall, brooding over his sorrow and unable to speak of it to anyone. Not until dawn did an imperial official report: "Huang Feihu has rebelled and is now at the Wumen Gate demanding battle." King Zhou was furious, using this as a way to vent his anger: "You good-for-nothing!" How dare you insult me so!" He issued an order: "Bring my armor and weapons!" After donning his nine-layered helmet and eight-strapped armor, he summoned the imperial guards of the Yulin Army, mounted his Xiaoyao horse, took up a general's execution sword, and rode out through Wumen Gate. How did he appear: A towering helmet with dragons coiling and phoenixes dancing; golden-linked armor, fastened in interlocking rings. Nine-dragon robe, its golden radiance dazzling the eyes; the chest mirror fastened securely in front and back. A red sash, embroidered with the Eight Treasures; on his horse's saddle hung a bamboo-jointed steel whip. His Xiaoyao steed raced like the wind and chased the sun; his execution sword would stabilize the nation and secure its peace. It was all because Heaven decreed it so, leading to this battle between sovereign and minister on the field of war.

黄飞虎虽反，今日面君，尚有愧色。周纪见飞虎愧色，在马上大呼：“纣王失政，君欺臣妻，大肆狂悖！”纵马使斧，来取纣王。纣王大怒，手中刀急架相还。黄明走马来攻。黄飞虎口里虽不言，心中大恼曰：“也不等我分清理浊，他二人便动手杀将起来！”飞虎只得催开神牛。一龙三虎杀在午门。怎见得，有诗为证： 虎斗龙争在午门，纣王无道败彝伦，眼前贤士归明主，目下黎民叛远村。 三略有人空执法，五关无路可留阍。忠孝至今传万载，独夫遗臭枉称尊。

Though Huang Feihu had rebelled, he still felt ashamed when facing his former king today. Zhou Ji saw the shame on Fei Hu's face and shouted from his horse: "King Zhou has lost virtue, a ruler who wrongfully mistreated his minister's wife and acted with great arrogance!" He urged his horse forward, raised his axe, and charged at King Zhou. King Zhou was furious and quickly raised his sword to parry the attack. Huang Ming rode up and launched an attack. Though Huang Feihu did not speak, in his heart he was greatly annoyed and thought: "They didn't even wait for me to clarify the matter before they attacked headlong!" Fei Hu had no choice but to urge on his divine ox. One dragon and three tigers clashed in battle at Wumen Gate. How did this unfold? A poem attests to it: Tigers and dragons clash at Wumen Gate, King Zhou's tyranny has shattered moral order. Virtuous men before his eyes now serve a just lord, While the common people in distant villages have already rebelled. Though three strategies are employed by men who uphold laws in vain, The five passes offer no path to remain or guard. Loyalty and filial piety endure for ten thousand generations; A tyrant's stench remains, a hollow claim to supremacy.

君臣四骑，杀三十回合。纣王刀法展开，其势真如虎狼。三员大将使开枪斧，纣王抵敌不住，刀尖难举，马往后坐，将刀一掩，败进午门。黄明要赶，飞虎曰：“不可。”三骑随出西门，来赶家将，一同行走，过孟津。不表。

The four riders—sovereign and minister—fought fiercely for thirty rounds. King Zhou unleashed his sword techniques, his might as fierce as tigers and wolves. The three generals wielded their spears and axes, and King Zhou could not withstand the assault. His sword arm faltered; his horse reared backward as he raised his blade to cover himself and retreated into Wumen Gate in defeat. Huang Ming wanted to pursue, but Fei Hu said, "No." The three riders followed and exited through the western gate to catch up with their family generals. They traveled together and passed Mengjin. Details are omitted here.

且说纣王败至大殿坐下，懊悔不及。都城百姓官员已知武成王反了，家家闭户，路少人行。又闻天子大战黄飞虎，百官忙入朝，见纣王问安，曰：“黄飞虎因何事造反？”天子怎肯认错，乃曰：“贾氏进宫朝贺，触忤皇后，自己坠楼而死。黄妃倚仗伊兄，恃强殴辱正宫，推跌下楼，亦是误伤。不知黄飞虎自己因何造反，杀入午门，深属不道！诸臣为朕作速议处！”百官听纣王言说，皆默默无语，莫敢先立意见。正沉思间，探事马报进午门曰：“闻太师征东海奏凯回兵。”百官大喜，齐辞朝上马，出郭迎接。只见人马远远行至，中军官报入营中曰：“启太师，百官辕门迎接。”闻太师曰：“众官请回，午门相会。”众官进城至朝门，见闻太师骑墨麒麟来至，众官躬身。太师曰：“列位请了！”众官同进朝，见天子，行礼毕起身，不见武成王，太师心下疑惑，奏曰：“武成王为何不来随朝？”王曰：“黄飞虎反了。”太师惊问：“为何事反？”纣王曰：“元旦贾氏进宫，朝贺中宫，触犯苏后，自知罪戾，负愧坠楼而死，──此是自取。西宫黄妃听知贾氏已死，忿怒上楼，毁打苏后，辱朕不堪；是朕怒起相攘，误跌下楼，非朕有意。不知黄飞虎辄敢率众杀入午门，与朕对敌，幸而未遭毒手，今已拥众反出西门。朕正在此沉思，适太师奏捷，乞与朕擒来，以正国法！”太师听罢，厉声言曰：“此一件事，据老臣愚见，还是陛下有负于臣子！黄飞虎素有忠君爱国之心，今贾氏进宫朝贺，此臣下之礼，岂有无故而死！况摘星楼乃陛下所居，与中宫相间，贾氏因何上此楼，其中必有主使、引诱之人，故陷陛下于不义。陛下不自详察，而有辱此贞洁之妇。黄娘娘见嫂死无辜，必定上楼直谏，陛下亦不能容受，溺爱偏向，又将黄娘娘摔跌下楼。致贾氏忿怨死，黄娘娘遭冤，实君有负臣子，与臣下何干。况语云：‘君不正则臣投外国。’今黄飞虎以报国赤衷，功在社稷，不能荣子封妻，享久长富贵，反致骨肉无辜惨死，情实伤心。乞陛下可赦黄飞虎一概大罪，待臣追赶飞虎回来，社稷可保，家国太平。”百官在旁，齐言：“太师处之甚明，无不钦服。望陛下速降赦旨，大事定矣！”闻太师又曰：“此是天子负臣，故当赦宥。若果飞虎有负君之处，只怕老臣一时之见，还有礼当说者，即行商议，不可有误国事。”班中闪一员官，乃下大夫徐荣出见。闻太师曰：“大夫有何议论？”荣曰：“太师所言，虽是天子负臣，黄飞虎也有忤君之罪。”太师曰：“大夫何以见得？”荣曰：“君欺臣妻，天子负臣；不顾恩爱，摔死黄娘娘，也是天子失政。黄飞虎岂

Meanwhile, King Zhou returned to the main hall in defeat and sat down, overwhelmed with regret. The people and officials of the capital had already learned that King Wucheng had rebelled; every household kept their doors shut, and few pedestrians were seen on the streets. They also heard of the emperor's battle with Huang Feihu. The officials hurried to court, saw King Zhou, and paid their respects, asking, "Minister Huang Feihu—what grievance has led him to rebel?" The emperor would not admit fault and said, "Lady Jia entered the palace to offer New Year's greetings but offended the empress. She fell from a pavilion and died of her own accord." Lady Huang relied on her brother's power, used force to insult the empress, and pushed her down from a pavilion—it was also an accidental injury. No one knows why Huang Feihu himself rebelled, storming into Wumen Gate—this is truly unbecoming!" All ministers must quickly deliberate and decide on a course of action for me!" The officials, upon hearing King Zhou's words, remained silent, none daring to voice an opinion first. While they were deep in thought, a scout galloped into Wumen Gate and reported: "I have heard that the Grand Marshal has returned from his eastern campaign with victory." The officials were overjoyed, all took leave from court, mounted their horses, and rode out of the city to welcome him. They saw troops approaching from afar; a central army officer reported into the camp, saying: "Your Excellency, the officials are waiting at the 辕门 to welcome you." Wen Taishi said, "All officials may return; we shall meet at Wumen Gate." The officials entered the city and arrived at the court gate. They saw Grand Marshal Wen riding a black Qilin approaching, and all bowed respectfully. Grand Marshal Wen said, "Gentlemen, greetings!" The officials entered court together, saw the emperor, and after bowing they stood up. They did not see King Wucheng present, which caused Grand Marshal Wen to feel puzzled. He presented a report: "Why is King Wucheng absent from court?" The emperor said, "Huang Feihu has rebelled." Grand Marshal Wen was startled and asked, "For what reason has he rebelled?" King Zhou said, "On the first day of the New Year, Lady Jia entered the palace and offered greetings to the empress. She offended Empress Su, realized her guilt, felt ashamed, and jumped from a pavilion to die—this was self-inflicted." Lady Huang of the Western Palace, upon learning that Lady Jia had died, became furious and went upstairs. She attacked Empress Su and insulted me in a most unbearable manner; It was my anger that led to the scuffle, which accidentally caused her to fall from the pavilion. It was not intentional on my part." "I do not know why Huang Feihu dared to lead his troops and storm into Wumen Gate, confronting me in battle. Fortunately, I was not harmed by poison or violence; now he has gathered a following and rebelled beyond the western gate." "I was just pondering this matter when Grand Marshal Wen arrived with news of victory. I beg you to capture him for me and bring justice according to the law!" After hearing this, Grand Marshal Wen spoke sternly: "Regarding this matter, in my humble opinion as an old minister, it is the emperor who has wronged his subjects! "Huang Feihu has always been loyal to the king and patriotic. Now, Lady Jia entered court to offer New Year greetings, which is a proper act of courtesy by a subject—how could she have died without cause!" "Moreover, Zhaixing Pavilion is where the emperor resides and lies between the imperial palace. How could Lady Jia have gone there? There must be someone who instigated or lured her to do so, thus placing the emperor in an unjust position." "The emperor did not personally investigate and scrutinize the matter, yet he has dishonored this chaste woman." "When Lady Huang saw her sister-in-law die unjustly, she must have gone upstairs to remonstrate directly. The emperor could not tolerate this and, swayed by favoritism, pushed Lady Huang down from the pavilion." "This led to Lady Jia's death out of resentment and Lady Huang being wronged—this is the emperor who has betrayed his subjects. What does it have to do with the ministers?" "Moreover, as the saying goes: 'When a ruler is unjust, his ministers will seek foreign lands.'" "Now, Huang Feihu, with his loyal and devoted heart to serve the country, has rendered great service to the state. Instead of being honored by granting titles to his wife or sons and enjoying lasting wealth and glory, he has instead suffered the tragic death of innocent family members—this is truly heartbreaking." "I beg Your Majesty to pardon all the major offenses of Huang Feihu. Once I chase after Huang Feihu and bring him back, the state can be preserved, and our nation will enjoy peace and stability." The officials present all spoke in unison: "Grand Marshal Wen has handled the matter most clearly; none but feel admiration and submission." "We implore Your Majesty to issue a swift pardon. Once this is done, all will be settled!" Grand Marshal Wen added: "This is the emperor who wronged his minister; thus, he should be pardoned." "If indeed Huang Feihu has wronged the emperor, I fear my current judgment as an old minister may be incomplete. There are still matters of propriety to discuss; we must deliberate immediately and not delay state affairs." A certain official suddenly stepped forward from the ranks—it was Xia Dafu Xu Rong, who came forth to speak. Grand Marshal Wen asked, "Minister, what is your opinion?" Xu Rong said: "Although Your Excellency's words are correct in that the emperor has wronged his minister, Huang Feihu also bears guilt for having offended the ruler." Grand Marshal Wen asked, "Minister, on what grounds do you say this?" Xu Rong replied: "When a ruler insults his minister's wife, the emperor wrongs his subject; he disregards kindness and affection and caused Lady Huang to be killed—this is also a failure of imperial governance. As for Huang Feihu, how could he...

得率众杀入午门，声言天子之罪，与天子在午门大战，臣节全无，故武成王也有不是。”闻太师听说，乃对诸大臣曰：“今诸臣朦胧，只谈天子之过，不言飞虎之逆。”乃传令吉立、徐庆：“快发飞檄传临潼关、佳梦关、青龙关三路总兵，不可走了反叛；待老臣赶去拿来，以正大法！”不知凶吉如何，且听下回分解。

dare to lead his troops into Wumen Gate, publicly accuse the emperor of crimes, and engage in battle with him at Wumen Gate? He has completely abandoned loyalty as a subject; thus, King Wucheng is also at fault." Upon hearing this, Grand Marshal Wen turned to the ministers and said: "Now, all of you are confused, only speaking of the emperor's faults but not mentioning Huang Feihu's rebellion." He then gave orders to Ji Li and Xu Qing: "Quickly issue urgent proclamations to the commanders of Lin Tong Pass, Jiameng Pass, and Qinglong Pass. Do not allow the rebels to escape; wait for me to go and capture them personally, so that justice may be served according to law!" Whether the outcome will be good or bad remains to be seen. Stay tuned for the next chapter.