Chapter 6: King Zhou's Tyranny and the Creation of Paoluo Punishment

诗曰： 纣王无道杀忠贤，酷惨奇冤触上天。侠烈尽随灰烬灭；妖氛偏向禁宫旋。 朝歌艳曲飞檀板；暮宿龙涎吐碧烟。取次催残黄耇散，孤魂无计返家园。

The poem says: King Zhou was unjust and killed loyal and virtuous men; his cruel and tragic injustice offended Heaven. Brave and righteous spirits all perished in ashes; Evil mists swirled toward the imperial palace. In Chao Ge, beautiful songs floated on sandan boards; At dusk, the dragon's saliva exhaled emerald smoke. In haste, they perished one after another; old men scattered, and lonely souls had no way to return home.

话说纣王见惊坏了妲己，慌忙无措，即传旨命侍御官，将此宝剑立刻焚毁。不知此剑莫非松树削成，经不得火，立时焚尽。侍御官回旨。妲己见焚了此剑，妖光复长，依旧精神。正是，有诗为证，诗曰： 火焚宝剑智何庸，妖气依然透九重。可惜商都成画饼，五更残月晓霜浓。

It is said that King Zhou, seeing Daji frightened out of her wits, was in a panic and at a loss. He immediately issued an order to the attendants, commanding them to destroy this precious sword right away. It turned out that this sword was probably made by carving a pine tree and could not withstand fire, burning completely in an instant. The attendant officials reported back to the throne. Daji, upon seeing this sword burned, found her demonic aura growing stronger again and regained her usual vitality. Indeed, there is a poem to attest to this. The poem says: Fire burned the precious sword; what wisdom was that? Demonic aura still pierced through nine layers of Heaven. Alas, the Shang capital became but a painted cake; in the fifth watch, the waning moon and thick morning frost grew dense.

妲己依旧侍君，摆宴在宫中欢饮。

Daji continued to serve her lord as before, holding banquets within the palace for joyous drinking.

且说此时云中子尚不曾回终南山，还在朝歌，忽见妖光复起，冲照宫闱。云中子点首叹曰：“我只欲以此剑镇减妖氛，稍延成汤脉络，孰知大数已去，将我此剑焚毁。一则是成汤合灭；二则是周国当兴；三则神仙遭逢大劫；四则姜子牙合受人间富贵；五则有诸神欲讨封号。罢，罢，罢，也是贫道下山一场，留下二十四字，以验后人。”云中子取文房四宝，留笔迹在司天台杜太师照墙上。诗曰： “妖氛秽乱宫廷，圣德播扬西土。要知血染朝歌，戊午岁中甲子。”

Meanwhile, Yunzhongzi had not yet returned to Zhongnan Mountain and was still in Chaoge. Suddenly he saw the demonic aura rise again, shining up toward the palace. Yunzhongzi nodded and sighed, saying, "I only wished to use this sword to suppress the demonic aura somewhat and prolong the lineage of Chengtang. Who could have known that fate had already decided otherwise, leading them to burn my precious sword." Firstly, it was because the house of Chengtang was destined to perish; secondly, because the Zhou state was fated to rise; thirdly, because immortals were encountering a great calamity; fourthly, because Jiang Ziya was destined to receive wealth and honor in the mortal world; fifthly, because various gods wished to seek official titles. "Enough, enough, enough! This was but a journey for this poor Daoist to descend the mountain. I shall leave behind twenty-four characters to verify for future generations." Yunzhongzi took out writing materials and left his calligraphy on the wall of Tai Shi Du's office at Sitian Tai. The poem says: "Demonic mists defile the palace; holy virtue spreads to the western lands. To know that blood stained Chaoge, in the year Wuwu on the day Jiazi."

云中子题罢，迳回终南山去了。

After finishing his inscription, Yunzhongzi left directly for Zhongnan Mountain.

且言朝歌百姓见道人在照墙上吟诗，俱来看念，不解其意。人烟拥挤，聚积不散。正看之间，只见太师杜元铣回朝。只见许多人围绕府前，两边侍从人喝开。太师问：“甚么事？”管府门役禀：“老爷，有一道人在照墙上吟诗，故此众人来看。”杜太师在马上看见，是二十四字，其意颇深，一时难解；命门役将水洗了。太师进府，将二十四字细细推详，穷究幽微，终是莫解。暗想：“此必是前日进朝献剑道人，说妖气旋绕宫闱，此事倒有些著落。连日我夜观乾象，见妖气日盛，旋绕禁闼，定有不祥，故留此钤记。目今天子荒淫，不理朝政；权奸蠹惑，天愁民怨，眼见兴衰。我等受先帝重恩，安忍坐视？见朝中文武，个个忧思，人人危惧，不若乘此具一本章，力谏天子，尽其臣节，非是买直沽名，实为国家治乱。”杜元铣当夜修成疏章，次日至文书房，不知是何人看本。今日却是首相商容。元铣大喜，上前见礼，叫曰：“老丞相，昨夜元铣观司天台，妖气累贯深宫，灾殃立见，天下事可知矣。主上国政不修，朝纲不理，朝欢暮乐，荒淫酒色，宗庙社稷所关，治乱所系，非同小可，岂得坐视。今特具谏章，上于天子。敢劳丞相将此本转达天庭。丞相意下如何？”商容听言，曰：“太师既有本章，老夫岂有坐视之理。只连日天子不御殿庭，难于面奏。今日老夫与太师进内庭见驾面奏，何如？”商容进九间大殿，过龙德殿、显庆殿、嘉善殿，再过分宫楼。商容见奉御官。奉御官口称：“老丞相，寿仙宫乃禁闼所在，圣躬寝室，外臣不得进此！”商容曰：“我岂不知？你与我启奏：商容候旨。”奉御官进宫启奏：“首相商容候旨。”王曰：“商容何事进内见朕？但他虽是外官，乃三世之老臣也，可以进见。”命：“宣！”商容进宫，口称“陛下”，俯伏阶前。王曰：“丞相有甚紧急奏章，特进宫中见朕？”商容启奏：“执掌司天台首官杜元铣，昨夜观乾象，见妖气照笼金阙，灾殃立见。元铣乃三世之老臣，陛下之股肱，不忍坐视。且陛下何事，日不设朝，不理国事，端坐深宫，使百宫日夜忧思。今臣等不避斧钺之诛，干冒天威，非为沽直，乞垂天听。”将本献上，两边侍御宫接本在案。纣王展开观看： “具疏臣执掌司天台官杜元铣奏，为保国安民，靖魅除妖，以隆宗社事：臣闻国家将兴，祯祥必现；国家将亡，妖孽必生。臣元铣夜观乾象，见怪雾不祥，妖光绕于内殿，惨气笼罩深宫。陛下前日躬临大殿，有终南山云中子见妖气贯于宫闱，特进木剑，镇压妖魅。闻陛下火焚木剑，不听大贤之言，致使妖氛复成，日盛一日，冲霄贯斗，祸患不小。臣切思：自苏护进贵人之后，陛下朝纲无纪，御案生尘。丹墀下百草生芽，御阶前苔痕长绿。朝政紊乱，百官失望。臣等难近天颜。陛下贪恋美色，日夕欢娱。君臣不会，如云蔽日。何日得睹赓歌喜起之隆，再见太平天日也？臣不避斧钺，冒死上言，稍尽臣节。如果臣言不谬，望陛下早下御音，速赐施行。臣等不胜惶悚待命之至！谨具疏以闻。”

Meanwhile, the people of Chaoge saw the Daoist reciting a poem on the wall and all came to look and read it, but could not understand its meaning. The crowd was dense with people gathering and refusing to disperse. While they were watching, suddenly the Grand Minister Du Yuanxi returned to court. He saw many people gathered in front of his residence; attendants on both sides shouted and dispersed the crowd. The Grand Minister asked, "What is this about?" A gatekeeper reported, "My lord, a Daoist recited a poem on the wall; that is why so many people have come to look." Grand Minister Du saw from his horse that it was twenty-four characters, the meaning of which was profound and difficult to understand at once; He ordered the gatekeepers to wash it away with water. The Grand Minister entered his residence and carefully pondered the twenty-four characters, thoroughly investigating their subtle meanings, but ultimately could not understand them. He thought to himself, "This must be the Daoist who presented a sword at court several days ago and spoke of demonic aura swirling around the palace. This matter does seem somewhat plausible." "For several days, I have observed the heavens at night and seen the demonic aura growing stronger each day, swirling around the forbidden gates. There must be an ill omen; hence, he left this record behind." Nowadays, the Son of Heaven is licentious and neglects court affairs; powerful villains corrupt and mislead, Heaven grieves and the people resent it—decline is clearly in sight. We have received great favors from the late emperor; how could we bear to sit idly by? Seeing the civil and military officials in court, each burdened with worry and fear for their safety, it would be better to take this opportunity to submit a memorial, earnestly advising the Son of Heaven, fulfilling our duty as ministers. This is not merely seeking righteousness or reputation, but truly for the stability or chaos of the nation." Du Yuanxi prepared a memorial that night and went to the Office of Documents the next day, but did not know who was on duty to receive memorials. Today it happened to be Shang Rong, the prime minister. Yuanxi was greatly pleased, stepped forward to pay respects, and called out, "Old Chancellor, last night Yuanxi observed the Sitian Tai and saw demonic aura accumulating in the inner palace. Disasters will appear immediately; the affairs of the world are now clear." The Son of Heaven neglects state affairs and the administration, indulges in merriment by day and revelry by night, and is immersed in licentiousness and wine. The ancestral temples and the nation's foundation are at stake; this is no trivial matter but one that determines order or chaos. How can we sit idly by? Today, I have specially prepared a memorial to submit to the Son of Heaven. I dare trouble Chancellor Shang to deliver this memorial to the imperial court. What is your esteemed opinion, Chancellor?" Shang Rong listened and said, "Since the Grand Minister has prepared a memorial, how could an old man like me possibly sit idly by. It is just that for several days now the Son of Heaven has not appeared in court, making it difficult to present this memorial in person. Today, old man and I shall enter the inner court together with the Grand Minister to present our memorial personally before His Majesty. What do you think?" Shang Rong entered the nine-bay grand hall, passed through Longde Hall, Xianqing Hall, Jiashan Hall, and then crossed Fen Gong Lou. Shang Rong met with the attendants in charge of court affairs. The attendant in charge said, "Old Chancellor, the Shoushen Palace is within the forbidden gates and the Son of Heaven's sleeping quarters; outside ministers may not enter here!" Shang Rong replied, "How could I not know?" "Then you shall inform His Majesty: Shang Rong is waiting for an audience." The attendant in charge entered the palace and reported, "Prime Minister Shang Rong awaits your imperial command." King Zhou said, "What business does Shang Rong have to enter here and see me?" "But although he is an outside official, he has been a senior minister for three generations; he may be admitted." The king ordered, "Announce him!" Shang Rong entered the palace, addressed the Son of Heaven as "Your Majesty," and knelt before the steps. The king said, "Chancellor, what urgent memorial do you have that requires you to enter the palace and see me?" Shang Rong reported, "Du Yuanxi, the chief official in charge of Sitian Tai, observed the heavens last night and saw demonic aura shining over the golden gates; disasters will appear immediately. Du Yuanxi is a senior minister of three generations, a trusted pillar to Your Majesty, and could not bear to sit idly by. Moreover, what business does Your Majesty have that you do not hold court daily and neglect state affairs, sitting idly in the inner palace, causing all officials to worry day and night? Now we ministers dare not avoid punishment by beheading or execution, but dare to offend Your Majesty's majesty; this is not for the sake of reputation, but humbly beg Your Majesty to listen with Heaven's ears." He presented the memorial. Attendants on both sides took it and placed it on the table. King Zhou unfolded and read: "Memorial submitted by Minister Du Yuanxi, chief official of Sitian Tai: Concerning the protection of the state and its people, pacifying demons and eliminating evil to strengthen the ancestral temples. I have heard that when a nation is about to rise, auspicious omens will appear; when a nation is on the verge of collapse, demons and evils must arise. Minister Yuanxi observed the heavens at night, and saw strange mists of ill omen, demonic light swirling around the inner halls, and a grim aura enveloping the deep palace. On the previous day, Your Majesty personally appeared in the grand hall. Yunzhongzi of Zhongnan Mountain saw demonic aura penetrating the palace and specially presented a wooden sword to subdue demons and evils. I heard that Your Majesty burned the wooden sword, disregarding the words of a great sage. As a result, demonic aura has returned and grown stronger day by day, piercing through the heavens and constellations, causing no small amount of disaster. I deeply ponder: since Su Hu presented a concubine to the palace, Your Majesty has neglected court affairs and allowed dust to gather on your desk. Grasses sprout in the vermilion courtyard; moss turns green on the steps before the throne. Court affairs are in chaos, and all officials feel disheartened. We ministers find it difficult to approach Your Majesty's presence. Your Majesty is addicted to beauty and indulges in pleasure day and night. The relationship between ruler and minister has been severed, like clouds obscuring the sun. When will we ever witness a time of prosperity marked by songs of joy again and see peaceful days under Heaven? We ministers dare not avoid the threat of execution, but speak out at the risk of death to fulfill our duty as subjects. If my words are not mistaken, I humbly hope Your Majesty will soon issue an imperial decree and swiftly grant approval for implementation. We ministers await your command with utmost trepidation! With due respect, I submit this memorial for Your Majesty's knowledge."

纣王看毕，自思：“言之甚善。只因本中具有云中子除妖之事，前日几乎把苏美人险丧性命，托天庇佑，焚剑方安；”今日又言妖氛在宫闱之地！”纣王回首问妲己曰：“杜元铣上书，又提妖魅相侵，此言果是何故？”妲己上前跪而奏曰：“前日云中子乃方外术士，假捏妖言，蔽惑圣聪，摇乱万民，此是妖言乱国；今杜元铣又假此为题，皆是朋党惑众，驾言生事。百姓至愚，一转此妖言，不慌者自慌，不乱者自乱，致使百姓皇皇，莫能自安，自然生乱。究其始，皆自此无稽之言惑之也。故凡妖言惑众者，杀无赦！”纣王曰：“美人言之极当！”传朕旨意：把杜元铣枭首示众，以戒妖言！”首相商容曰：“陛下，此事不可！元铣乃三世老巨，素秉忠良，真心为国，沥血披肝，无非朝怀报主之恩，暮思酬君之德，一片苦心，不得已而言之。况且职受司天，验照吉凶，若按而不奏，恐有司参论。今以直谏，陛下反赐其死，元铣虽死不辞，以命报君，就归冥下，自分得其死所。只恐四百文武之中，各有不平元铣无辜受戮。望陛下原其忠心，怜而赦之。”王曰：“丞相不知，若不斩元铣，诬言终无已时，致令百姓皇皇，无有宁宇矣。”商容欲待再谏，怎奈纣王不从，令奉御官送商容出宫。奉御官逼令而行，商容不得已，只得出来。及到文书房，见杜太师俟候命下，不知有杀身之祸。旨意已下：“杜元铣妖言惑众，拿下枭首，以正国法。”奉御官宣读驾帖毕，不由分说，将杜元铣摘去衣服，绳缠索绑，拿出午门。

King Zhou finished reading and reflected to himself: "What he said is very reasonable. It's just that the memorial mentions Yunzhongzi and his matter of subduing demons. The other day, it nearly cost Su Meiren her life; by Heaven's protection, burning the sword brought safety; today they are again speaking of demonic aura in the palace grounds!" King Zhou turned and asked Daji, "Minister Du Yuanxi submitted a memorial again mentioning demonic invasion. What is the real reason for this?" Daji stepped forward, knelt, and reported, "The other day Yunzhongzi was an outsider with occult skills. He fabricated false demonic prophecies to deceive Your Majesty's wisdom and incite unrest among the people. This is nothing but evil speech disrupting the state; now Du Yuanxi uses this as a pretext again; they are all factions misleading the people and stirring up trouble with fabricated claims. The common people are most gullible; once this demonic talk spreads, those who were not panicking will panic, and those who were orderly will become disorderly. This causes the populace to be in a state of alarm, unable to find peace, naturally leading to chaos. Tracing back its origin, it is all caused by these baseless words misleading them. Therefore, anyone who spreads demonic talk to mislead the people must be executed without mercy!" King Zhou said, "The beauty speaks most appropriately!" Issue my imperial decree: execute Du Yuanxi by decapitation and display his head publicly to serve as a warning against demonic talk!" Prime Minister Shang Rong said, "Your Majesty, this cannot be done! Du Yuanxi is a veteran minister of three generations who has always been loyal and virtuous. He sincerely serves the state, pouring out his blood and liver, with nothing but morning thoughts of repaying your grace and evening reflections on fulfilling your virtue. His words come from a heart full of hardship, spoken only as a last resort." Moreover, his duty is to oversee Sitian and verify auspicious or ominous signs. If he remained silent and did not report, it would likely lead to official censure. Now, for having advised with sincerity, Your Majesty is about to sentence him to death. Even if Du Yuanxi dies, he would not refuse; he would give his life in service and return to the netherworld, knowing that this was a fitting end for him. But I fear that among the four hundred civil and military officials, many will feel injustice at Du Yuanxi's innocent execution. I humbly hope Your Majesty may forgive his loyal heart and show mercy by sparing him." The king said, "Chancellor does not know. If I do not execute Du Yuanxi, false accusations will never cease, and the people will remain in alarm with no peace." Shang Rong wished to advise further, but King Zhou would not listen. He ordered the imperial attendants to escort Shang Rong out of the palace. The imperial attendants forced him along, and Shang Rong had no choice but to leave. When he arrived at the Office of Documents, he saw Grand Minister Du waiting for an order, unaware that a deadly calamity was about to befall him. The imperial decree had already been issued: "Du Yuanxi has spread demonic talk and misled the people; seize him, execute him by decapitation, and thus uphold national law." After the imperial attendants finished reading the decree, they wasted no time in stripping Du Yuanxi of his clothes, binding him with ropes and cords, and dragging him out through Wu Gate.

方至九龙桥，只见一位大夫，身穿大红袍，乃梅伯也。见杜太师绑缚而来，向前问曰：“太师得何罪如此？”元铣曰：“天子失政，吾等上本内庭，言妖气累贯于宫中，灾星立变于天下。首相转达，有犯天颜。君赐臣死，不敢违旨。梅先生，‘功名’二字，化作灰尘；数载丹心，竟成冰冷！”梅伯听言：“两边的，且住了。”竟至九龙桥边，适逢首相商容。梅伯曰：“请问丞相，杜太师有何罪犯君，特赐其死？”商容曰：“元铣本章实为朝廷，因妖氛绕于禁阙，怪气照于宫闱。当今听苏美人之言，坐以‘妖言惑众，惊慌万民’之罪。老夫苦谏，天子不从。如之奈何！”梅伯听罢，只气得“五灵神暴躁，三昧火烧胸”：“老丞相燮理阴阳，调和鼎鼐，奸者即斩，佞者即诛，贤者即荐，能者即褒，君正而首相无言，君不正以直言谏主。今天子无辜而杀大臣，似丞相这等钳口不言，委之无奈，是重一己之功名，轻朝内之股肱，怕死贪生，爱血肉之微躯，惧君王之刑典，皆非丞相之所为也！”叫：“两边，且住了！待我与丞相面君！”梅伯携商容过大殿，迳进内庭。

Just as they reached Jiulong Bridge, they saw a minister dressed in a large red robe—this was Mei Bo. Seeing Grand Minister Du being bound and led forward, he stepped forward and asked, "What crime has the Grand Minister committed to be treated thus?" Yuanxi said, "The Son of Heaven has lost his virtue. We submitted a memorial to the inner court, stating that demonic qi has accumulated in the palace and calamitous stars have already transformed across the land." The prime minister relayed this message, which was considered an offense against Heaven's countenance. The king has decreed my death; I dare not defy the imperial order. Master Mei, these two words "merit and fame" have turned to dust; Years of loyal heart, now reduced to coldness!" Hearing this, Mei Bo said, "All you on both sides, stop for a moment." It had come to the side of Jiulong Bridge just in time to meet Prime Minister Shang Rong. Mei Bo said, "May I ask Chancellor, what crime has Grand Minister Du committed against the Son of Heaven that he is specially sentenced to death?" Shang Rong said, "Minister Yuanxi's original memorial was indeed for the court. It was because demonic qi surrounded the palace and strange qi illuminated the inner quarters." The current king, having heeded Lady Su Mei's words, has seated him on the charge of "spreading demonic talk to mislead people and causing panic among ten thousand citizens." I, an old man, have earnestly advised, but the Son of Heaven would not listen. What can be done!" After hearing this, Mei Bo was so enraged that "his Five Spirits grew violent and the Threefold Fire burned his chest": "Old Chancellor, you regulate yin and yang, harmonize the tripod cauldron; villains are beheaded immediately, flatterers executed on the spot, virtuous men recommended, capable men praised. When the king is upright, the prime minister remains silent; when the king is unjust, he advises with candor." Today, the Son of Heaven unjustly executes a minister. For a chancellor like you to remain silent with sealed lips and merely resign yourself to helplessness is to value one's own fame and merit over the pillars of the court, fearing death and craving life, cherishing one's frail flesh while dreading the king's punishment—this is not what a chancellor should do!" He shouted, "All on both sides, hold your positions! I shall go with the Chancellor to present our case before the Son of Heaven!" Mei Bo took Shang Rong past the main hall and directly into the inner court.

伯乃外官，及至寿仙宫门首，便自俯伏。奉御官启奏：“商容、梅伯候旨。”王曰：“商容乃三世之老臣，进内可赦；梅伯擅进内廷，不遵国法。”传旨：“宣！”商容在前，梅伯随后，进宫俯伏。王问曰：“二卿有何奏章？”梅伯口称：“陛下！臣梅伯具疏，杜元铣何事干犯国法，致于赐死？”王曰：“杜元铣与方士通谋，架捏妖言，摇惑军民，播乱朝政，污蔑朝廷。身为大臣，不思报本酬恩，而反诈言妖魅，蒙蔽欺君，律法当诛，除奸剿佞，不为过耳。”梅伯听纣王之言，不觉厉声奏曰：“臣闻尧王治天下，应天而顺人；言听于文官，计从于武将，一日一朝，共谈安民治国之道；去谗远色，共乐太平。今陛下半载不朝，乐于深宫，朝朝饮宴，夜夜欢娱，不理朝政，不容谏章。臣闻“君如腹心，臣如手足”，心正则手足正，心不正则手足歪邪。古语有云：‘臣正君邪，国患难治。”杜元铣乃治世之忠良。陛下若斩元铣而废先王之大臣，听艳妃之言，有伤国家之梁栋，臣愿主公赦杜元铣毫末之生，使文武仰圣君之大德。”

As an official of the outer court, Mei Bo knelt down at the entrance to Shouxian Palace. The imperial attendant reported, "Shang Rong and Mei Bo await your decree." The king said, "Shang Rong is a veteran minister of three generations; he may enter the inner court and be pardoned; Mei Bo entered the inner palace without authorization and violated national law." The decree was issued: "Summon them!" Shang Rong went first, followed by Mei Bo, and they entered the palace to kneel. The king asked, "What memorial do you two ministers have for me?" Mei Bo spoke up, saying, "Your Majesty! Minister Mei Bo respectfully submitted a memorial: 'What crime did Du Yuanxi commit to violate the national law, leading to his being sentenced to death by Your Majesty?'" The king said, "Du Yuanxi conspired with Daoist magicians to fabricate demonic talk, swayed and confused soldiers and civilians, stirred up chaos in court affairs, and defamed the imperial court. As a minister, he did not think of repaying the court and its grace, but instead spread false demonic words to deceive and mislead His Majesty. According to law, he should be executed; removing villains and punishing flatterers is by no means excessive." Hearing King Zhou's words, Mei Bo could not help but speak up in a stern tone: "Minister has heard that Emperor Yao ruled the world by responding to Heaven and following the people; he listened to advice from civil officials, followed strategies proposed by military generals, held court once a day, and together discussed ways to pacify the people and govern the state; he rejected slander and distanced himself from concubines, sharing in the peace of a prosperous age. Now, Your Majesty has not held court for half a year, taking pleasure in the inner palace. Day by day you feast and night after night indulge in merriment, neglecting state affairs and refusing to accept advice. Minister has heard: 'The ruler is like the heart, and ministers are like hands and feet.' If the heart is upright, then the hands and feet will be upright; if the heart is not upright, then the hands and feet become crooked and evil. An old saying goes: 'If ministers are upright but the ruler is wicked, the state will suffer from difficult governance.'" Du Yuanxi is a loyal and virtuous minister in times of good government. Your Majesty, if you execute Yuanxi and discard a minister of the former kings, heeding the words of a beautiful concubine, it will harm the pillars of our nation. Minister wishes Your Majesty to spare Du Yuanxi's life, however slight, so that civil and military officials may admire your great virtue as a sage ruler."

纣王听言：“梅伯与元铣一党，违法进宫，不分内外，本当与元铣一例典刑，奈前侍朕有劳，姑免其罪，削其上大夫，永不叙用！”梅伯厉声大言曰：“昏君听妲己之言，失君臣之义，今斩元铣，岂是斩元铣，寔斩朝歌万民！今罢梅伯之职，轻如灰尘。这何足惜！但不忍成汤数百年基业丧于昏君之手！今闻太师北征，朝纲无统，百事混淆。昏君日听谗佞之臣，左右蔽惑，与妲己在深宫，日夜荒淫，眼见天下变乱，臣无面见先帝于黄壤也！”纣王大怒，著奉御官：“把梅伯拿下去，用金瓜击顶！”两边才待动手，妲己曰：“妾有奏章。”王曰：“美人有何奏朕？”──“妾启主公：人臣立殿，张眉竖目，詈语侮君，大逆不道，乱伦反常，非一死可赎者也。且将梅伯权禁囹圄，妾治一刑，杜狡臣之渎奏，除邪言之乱正。”纣王问曰：“此刑何样？”妲己日：“此刑约高二丈，圆八尺，上、中、下用三火门，将铜造成，如铜柱一般；里边用炭火烧红。却将妖言惑众、利口侮君、不尊法度、无事妄生谏章、与诸般违法者，跣剥官服，将铁索缠身，裹围铜柱之上，只炮烙四肢筋骨，不须臾，烟尽骨消，尽成灰烬。此刑名曰‘炮烙’。若无此酷刑，奸猾之臣，沽名之辈，尽玩法纪，皆不知戒惧。”纣王曰：“美人之法，可谓尽善尽美！”即命传旨：“将杜元铣枭首示众，以戒妖言；将梅伯禁于囹圄。”又传旨意：“照样造炮烙刑具，限作速完成。”首相商容观纣王将行无道，任信妲己，竟造炮烙，在寿仙宫前叹曰：“今观天下大事去矣！只是成汤懋敬厥德，一片小心，承天永命；岂知传至当今天子，一旦无道。眼见七庙不守，社稷丘墟。我何忍见！”又听妲己造炮烙之刑，商容俯伏奏曰：“臣启陛下：天下大事已定，国家万事康宁。老臣衰朽，不堪重任，恐失于颠倒，得罪于陛下，恳乞念臣侍君三世，数载揆席，实愧素餐，陛下虽不即赐罢斥，其如臣之庸老何。望陛下赦臣残躯，放归田里，得含哺鼓腹于光天之下，皆陛下所赐之馀年也。”纣王见商容辞官，不居相位，王慰劳曰：“卿虽暮年，尚自矍铄，无奈卿苦苦固辞，但卿朝纲劳苦，数载殷勤，朕甚不忍。”即命随侍官：“传朕旨意，点文官二员，四表礼，送卿荣归故里。仍著本地方官不时存问。”商容谢恩出朝。

King Zhou, upon hearing this, said: "Mei Bo is in league with Yuanxi; they have violated the law by entering the palace without distinction between inner and outer officials. They should be punished as Yuanxi was. However, since he has served me before, I will spare his life for now but strip him of his title as Upper Minister, and he shall never again hold office!" Mei Bo shouted in a fierce voice, "Blind ruler! You hearken to Daji's words and have lost the meaning of ruler-minister relations. To execute Yuanxi today is not merely to kill Yuanxi—it is truly to slaughter the ten thousand people of Chao Ge! To dismiss Minister Mei Bo from office now is as light as dust. What is there to regret!" But I cannot bear to see the hundreds of years of foundation built by King Cheng Tang lost in the hands of a blind ruler! Now, hearing that Grand Minister is on northern campaign and the court lacks leadership, all affairs are in confusion. This blind ruler listens daily to slanderous and flatterers, who cloud his judgment from all sides. He remains in the inner palace with Daji, indulging in debauchery day and night. With the realm on the verge of chaos, I have no face to meet my late sovereign in the yellow soil!" King Zhou became furious and ordered the imperial attendants, "Take Mei Bo away and strike his head with a golden melon!" Just as both sides were about to act, Daji said, "I have a memorial to present." The king asked, "What do you wish to report to me, my beauty?" "I respectfully report to Your Majesty: a minister stands in the hall, raises his eyebrows and eyes defiantly, speaks abusive words that insult His Majesty—this is great treason against righteousness, a violation of order and normality. Such an act cannot be atoned for by mere death. Furthermore, I suggest temporarily imprisoning Mei Bo in the dungeon. I will devise a punishment to curb cunning ministers from submitting false memorials and eliminate heretical words that disrupt righteousness." King Zhou asked, "What is this punishment like?" Daji said, "This punishment is about two zhang in height and eight chi in circumference. It has three fire openings at the top, middle, and bottom. Made of copper, it resembles a copper pillar; the inside is heated red-hot with charcoal fire. Those who spread demonic talk to mislead the masses, use sharp tongues to insult His Majesty, disregard laws and regulations, submit baseless memorials without cause, or commit any other violations will be stripped of their official robes, bound with iron chains, wrapped around the copper pillar. Their limbs and bones are roasted until, in no time at all, they turn into smoke and ashes." This punishment is called "paoluo." Without this cruel punishment, cunning and deceitful ministers, those who seek fame for themselves, will all play with laws and discipline, and none will know fear or restraint." King Zhou said, "The method of my beauty may be called perfect in every way!" He immediately ordered the decree: "Execute Du Yuanxi by decapitation to display his head publicly as a warning against demonic words; imprison Mei Bo in the prison." Another decree was issued: "Build paoluo instruments according to this design, and complete them as quickly as possible." Prime Minister Shang Rong, observing King Zhou's descent into tyranny and his blind trust in Daji, who had even devised the paoluo punishment, sighed before Shouxian Palace: "Now I see that all is lost for the realm! It was King Cheng Tang who diligently revered virtue and with utmost care bore Heaven's eternal mandate; How could one have known that by the time it passed to today's Son of Heaven, he would suddenly become unjust. Now I see the seven ancestral temples abandoned and the state reduced to a wasteland. How can I bear to witness this!" Hearing Daji devise the paoluo punishment, Shang Rong knelt and said, "Minister respectfully reports to Your Majesty: The great affairs of the realm are already settled, and all matters in the state are peaceful. An old minister like me is now aged and decrepit, unfit for great responsibilities. I fear I may make mistakes or commit errors that would offend Your Majesty. I humbly beg you to consider my service to three generations of your royal family and the many years I have held office. Though it may not be granted immediately, how can an old and mediocre man like me continue?" I hope Your Majesty will spare my waning body and allow me to return to the countryside, where I may live out my remaining years in peace under Heaven's light. This would be a gift of grace from you." King Zhou, seeing that Shang Rong was resigning from office and no longer holding the prime ministerial position, consoled him by saying, "Minister, though you are in your twilight years, you remain vigorous. Yet you persistently insist on stepping down. But you have long toiled over court affairs with diligence for many years; I find it most reluctant." He immediately ordered the attendants: "Issue my decree. Select two civil officials, prepare four ceremonial gifts, and escort Minister back in honor to his hometown." The local officials are still required to visit and inquire after him from time to time." Shang Rong thanked the king for his grace and left court.

不一时，百官俱知首相商荣致政荣归，各来远送。当有黄飞虎、比干、微子、箕子、微子启、微子衍各官，俱在十里长亭饯别。商容见百官在长亭等候，只得下马。只见七位亲王，把手一举：“老丞相今日固是荣归，你为一国元老，如何下得这般毒意，就把成汤社稷抛弃一旁，扬鞭而去，于心安乎！”商容泣而言曰：“列位殿下，众位先生，商容纵粉骨碎身，难报国恩，这一死何足为惜，而偷安苟免。今天子信任妲己，无端造恶，制造炮烙酷刑，拒谏杀忠，商容力谏不听，又不能挽回圣意。不日天愁民怨，祸乱自生，商容进不足以辅君，死适足以彰过，不得已让位待罪，俟贤才俊彦，大展经纶，以救祸乱，此容本心，非敢远君而先身谋也。列位殿下所赐，商容立饮一杯。此别料还有会期。”乃持杯作诗一首，以志后会之期：诗曰： “蒙君十里送归程，把酒长亭泪已倾。回首天颜成隔世，归来畎韮神京。 丹心难化龙逄血；赤日空消夏桀名。几度话来多悒怏，何年重诉别离情？”

In no time, all officials learned that Prime Minister Shang Rong had retired in honor and returned to his hometown; they each came from afar to see him off. Among them were Huang Feihuo, Bi Gan, Weizi, Jizi, Weizi Qi, and Weizi Yan; all officials gathered at the ten-li pavilion to see him off with a farewell banquet. Seeing that hundreds of officials were waiting for him at the long pavilion, Shang Rong dismounted his horse reluctantly. Just then, seven royal princes raised their hands and said, "Old Chancellor, today you are indeed returning in honor. As a senior statesman of the nation, how could you act so ruthlessly? You have abandoned King Cheng Tang's state to one side and ridden off with your whip—can your conscience be at peace!" Shang Rong wept and said, "Your Highnesses, esteemed gentlemen, even if Shang Rong were to be reduced to dust and broken bones, it would still not repay the nation's grace. What is one death compared to this? To seek safety and escape punishment is no way for a minister." Today, the Son of Heaven trusts Daji and without cause creates evil, devising the cruel punishment of paoluo. He refuses advice and kills loyal ministers. Shang Rong has advised with all his strength but to no avail; he cannot change His Majesty's will. Soon, Heaven will grieve and the people resent; calamity and disorder will arise naturally. Shang Rong's advice is insufficient to assist His Majesty, while his death would only highlight failure. Thus, I have no choice but to resign my position in anticipation of punishment, waiting for virtuous and capable men who may fully demonstrate their talents and strategies to rescue the realm from disaster. This is my true wish; it is not that I dare to distance myself from His Majesty or seek personal gain first." What your Highnesses have bestowed, Shang Rong will drink a cup at once. I believe we shall meet again in the future." He took up his cup and composed a poem to mark the day of their future reunion: The poem says: "Your Majesty has sent me ten li on my return journey; at this long pavilion, I raise wine as tears already flow. Looking back, the Son of Heaven's countenance now seems a world apart; returning to my fields and vegetables in Shenyang." A loyal heart cannot be transformed into bloodshed for Long Pang; The red sun in vain erases Xia Jie's name. How many times have we spoken with sorrow and distress? In what year shall I recount our parting feelings again?"

商容作诗已毕，百官无不洒泪而别。商容上马前去，各官俱回朝歌。不表。

After Shang Rong finished composing the poem, none of the hundred officials failed to weep and bid farewell. Shang Rong mounted his horse and departed; all the officials returned to Chaoguo. No further details are given.

话言纣王在宫欢乐，朝政荒乱。不一日，监造炮烙官启奏功完。纣王大悦，问妲己曰：“铜柱造完，如何处置？”妲己命取来过目。监造官将炮烙铜柱推来：黄邓邓的高二丈，圆八尺，三层火门，下有二滚盘，推动好行。纣王观之，指妲己而笑曰：“美人神传，秘授奇法，真治世之宝！待朕明日临朝，先将梅伯炮烙殿前，使百官知惧，自不敢阻挠新法，章牍烦扰。”一宿不题。

It is said that King Zhou was enjoying himself in the palace, while court affairs grew chaotic and neglected. Not long after, the official overseeing the construction of the paoluo punishment reported that his task was completed. King Zhou was greatly pleased and asked Daji, "The copper pillars are finished; how should we deal with them?" Daji ordered that they be brought for her inspection. The official overseeing construction pushed the paoluo copper pillars forward: two zhang high, eight chi in diameter, with three tiers of fire openings and two rotating disks at the bottom for smooth movement. King Zhou observed them, pointed to Daji and laughed, saying, "This beauty has divine inspiration, secretly taught a wondrous method—truly the treasure of governing the world! Tomorrow, when I ascend the throne, I shall first have Mei Bo subjected to paoluo before the hall, so that all officials will be afraid and dare not oppose the new laws or trouble me with endless documents." One night passed without further mention.

次日，纣王设朝，钟鼓齐鸣，聚两班文武朝贺已毕。武成王黄飞虎见殿东二十根大铜柱，不知此物新设何用。王曰：“传旨把梅伯拿出！”执殿官去拿梅伯。纣王命把炮烙铜柱推来，将三层火门用炭架起，又用巨扇扇那炭火，把一根铜柱火烧的通红。众官不知其故。午门官启奏：“梅伯已至午门。”王曰：“拿来！”两班文武看梅伯垢面蓬头，身穿缟素，上殿跪下，口称：“臣梅伯参见陛下。”纣王曰：“匹夫！你看看此物是甚么东西？”梅大夫观看，不知此物，对曰：“臣不知此物。”纣王笑曰：“你只知内殿侮君，仗你利口，诬言毁骂。朕躬治此新刑，名曰：‘炮烙。’匹夫！今日九间殿前炮烙你，教你筋骨成灰！使狂妄之徒，如侮谤人君者，以梅伯为例耳。”梅伯听言，大叫，骂曰：“昏君！梅伯死轻如鸿毛，有何惜哉！我梅伯官居上大夫，三朝旧臣，今得何罪，遭此惨刑？只是可怜成汤天下，丧于昏君之手！久以后将何面目见汝之先王耳！”纣王大怒，将梅伯剥去衣服，赤身将铁索绑缚其手足，抱住铜柱。可怜梅伯，大叫一声，其气已绝。只见九间殿上烙得皮肤筋骨，臭不可闻，不一时化为灰烬。可怜一片忠心，半生赤胆，直言谏君，遭此惨祸！正是：一点丹心归大海，芳名留得万年扬。”后人看此，有诗叹曰： 血肉残躯尽化灰，丹心耿耿烛三台。生平正直无偏党，死后英魂亦壮哉。 烈焰俱随亡国尽，芳名多傍史官裁。可怜太白悬旗日，怎似先生叹隽才？

The next day, King Zhou held court; bells and drums rang in unison as the two ranks of civil and military officials gathered to offer congratulations. Wu Chengwang Huang Feihong saw twenty large copper pillars set up in the east of the hall and did not know what new purpose they served. The king said, "Issue an order to bring out Mei Bo!" The palace guards went to seize Mei Bo. King Zhou ordered the paoluo copper pillars to be pushed forward, and had three tiers of fire openings lit with charcoal. He then used large fans to stoke the charcoal fire until one copper pillar glowed red-hot. The officials did not know why this was being done. An official at Wumen reported, "Mei Bo has arrived at Wumen." The king said, "Bring him here!" The civil and military officials saw Mei Bo with a dirty face, disheveled hair, and dressed in plain white clothes. He knelt before the throne and said, "Minister Mei Bo pays respects to Your Majesty." King Zhou said, "You wretch! Look at this thing—what do you think it is?" Minister Mei observed the object but did not recognize it, and replied, "I do not know what this thing is." King Zhou laughed and said, "You only know how to insult your king in the inner hall, relying on your sharp tongue to slander and curse. I have personally devised this new punishment, named "paoluo." Wretch! Today, you shall be subjected to paoluo right before the Nine Hall; I will reduce your bones and sinews to ashes!" This is an example for arrogant men who dare to insult their sovereign, taking Mei Bo as a precedent." Hearing this, Mei Bo shouted and cursed, "Blind king! My death is as light as a goose feather—what reason do I have to be sorry for it! I, Mei Bo, hold the rank of Shang Da Fu and am a long-serving minister through three reigns. What crime have I committed to suffer such cruel punishment? It is only pitiable that the realm of King Cheng Tang should perish in the hands of a blind king! In the long run, how will you have the face to meet your ancestors!" King Zhou became furious, stripped Mei Bo of his clothes, and bound his hands and feet with iron chains, forcing him to embrace the copper pillar. Pitifully, Mei Bo let out a loud cry before his breath was cut off and he died. One could see that on the Nine Hall, Mei Bo's skin and bones were seared until they emitted a foul stench; in no time at all, he was reduced to ashes. Pitiful indeed is this loyal heart and lifelong courage—frankly advising the king, yet suffering such a cruel fate! Indeed: "A single drop of loyal heart returns to the great sea; his fragrant name shall be celebrated for ten thousand years." Later generations, upon seeing this, composed a poem lamenting: "His blood and flesh turned to ashes; his loyal heart shines brightly like the Three Tai stars. Throughout his life, he was upright and impartial; even after death, his heroic spirit remains magnificent." The fierce flames all vanish with the fall of the state; his fragrant name is recorded by historians' pens. Pitiful indeed was the day when Tai Bai's banner hung high—how could it compare to the lament of a scholar's refined talent?

话说纣王将梅伯炮烙在九间大殿之前，阻塞忠良谏诤之口，以为新刑稀奇；但不知两班文武观见此刑，梅伯惨死，无不恐惧，人人有退缩之心，个个有不为官之意。纣王驾回寿仙宫。不表。

It is said that King Zhou had Mei Bo subjected to paoluo in front of the Nine Hall, silencing the mouths of loyal and virtuous ministers who dared to advise him. He considered this new punishment novel and extraordinary; But the civil and military officials, upon witnessing this punishment and seeing Mei Bo's cruel death, were all filled with fear. Everyone harbored thoughts of retreat, and each considered resigning from office. King Zhou returned to his palace, Shouxian Gong. No further details are recorded.

且言众大臣俱至午门外，内有微子、箕子、比干对武成王黄飞虎曰：“天下荒荒，北海动摇，闻太帅为国远征，不意天子任信妲己，造此炮烙之刑，残害忠良，若使播扬四方，天下诸侯闻之，如之奈何！”黄飞虎闻言，将五柳长须捻在手内，大怒曰：“三位殿下，据我末将看将起来，此炮烙不是炮烙大臣，乃烙的是纣王江山，炮的是成汤社稷。古云道得好：‘君之视臣如手足，则臣视君如腹心；君之视臣如土芥，则臣视君如寇雠。’今主上不行仁政，以非刑加上大夫，不出数年，必有祸乱。我等岂忍坐视败亡之理？”众官俱各各嗟叹而散，各归府宅。

Meanwhile, the ministers gathered outside Wumen. Among them, Weizi, Jizi, and Bi Gan addressed Wu Chengwang Huang Feihong, saying, "The world is in chaos; the Northern Sea stirs. We heard that your Highness was far away on a campaign for the nation. Unexpectedly, His Majesty trusts Daji so greatly as to create this paoluo punishment, cruelly harming loyal and virtuous men. If such cruelty spreads throughout the land, when the feudal lords hear of it, what will become of us!" Huang Feihong, upon hearing this, took his long wisp of beard in hand and angrily said, "Your Highnesses, according to my humble opinion, this paoluo is not punishing ministers—it is branding King Zhou's realm and roasting the state of Cheng Tang. As an old saying goes: "If a ruler treats his ministers as he does his hands and feet, then the ministers will regard their ruler as they do their innermost heart; if a ruler treats his ministers like dirt or weeds, then the ministers will see him as an enemy." Now His Majesty does not practice benevolent governance and subjects a high-ranking minister to unjust punishment. Within several years, there will surely be calamity and disorder. How could we possibly sit idly by while witnessing the downfall of our realm?" The officials all sighed in lamentation and dispersed, returning to their respective residences.

且言纣王回宫，妲己迎接圣驾。纣王下辇，携妲己手而言曰：“美人妙策，朕今日殿前炮烙了梅伯，使众臣俱不敢出头强谏，钳口结舌，唯唯而退。是此炮烙乃治国之奇宝也。”传旨：“设宴与美人贺功。”其时笙簧杂奏，箫管齐鸣。纣王与妲己在寿仙官，百般作乐，无限欢娱，不觉樵楼鼓角二更，乐声不息。有阵风将此乐音送到中宫，姜皇后尚未寝，只听乐声聒耳，问左右宫人：“这时候那里作乐？”两边宫人答：“娘娘，这是寿仙宫苏美人与天子饮宴未散。”姜皇后叹曰：“昨闻天子信妲己，造炮烙，残害梅伯，惨不可言。我想这贱人，蛊惑圣聪，引诱人君，肆行不道。”即命乘辇：“待我往寿仙宫走一遭。”──看官，此一去，未免有娥眉见妒之意，只怕是非从此起，灾祸目前生。不知后事如何，且听下回分解。

Meanwhile, King Zhou returned to the palace where Daji welcomed His Majesty's arrival. King Zhou stepped down from his palanquin, took Daji's hand and said, "Your beauty's brilliant strategy has worked wonders. Today at the hall, I subjected Mei Bo to paoluo, causing all ministers to dare not raise their voices in strong remonstration; they remain silent with closed mouths, merely nodding and retreating." This paoluo is indeed a wondrous treasure for governing the state." An edict was issued: "A banquet shall be arranged to celebrate your achievement, Lady Daji." At that time, flutes and reed pipes played in harmony; xiao and guan instruments all sounded together. King Zhou and Daji in Shouxian Palace indulged in all sorts of pleasures, enjoying endless merriment. Unaware that the watchtower's drum had struck two geng (the second watch), the music continued without pause. A gust of wind carried the music to Zhonggong. Empress Jiang had not yet retired for the night; hearing the loud and persistent sound, she asked her attendants, "At this hour, who is playing music?" The palace attendants on both sides replied, "Your Majesty, it is Lady Su Daji at Shouxian Palace who is still feasting with the Son of Heaven." Empress Jiang sighed and said, "Yesterday I heard that His Majesty trusted Daji so much as to create the paoluo punishment and cruelly harm Mei Bo; it was too terrible to describe. I think this low-born woman has bewitched His Majesty's wisdom, leading and tempting the Son of Heaven to act without morality. She immediately ordered her palanquin: "I shall go visit Shouxian Palace." ──Dear readers, this journey is bound to carry the implication of a beautiful woman facing jealousy. One fears that from here on, disputes will arise and calamity emerge before long. What happens next remains to be seen in the following chapter.