Chapter 67: Jiang Ziya Enfeoffs Generals at Jin Tai

诗曰： 金台拜将若飞仙，斗大黄金肘后悬。梦入熊罴方实地，年登耄耋始朝天。 延绵周室承先业，树列齐封启后贤。福寿两端人罕及，帝王师相古今传。

The poem says: At Jintai, he was enfeoffed as a general like a flying immortal; golden coins the size of a gourd hung behind his elbows. In dreams, he entered the realm of bears and pí, where truth lay bare; At an age surpassing eighty, he finally paid homage to heaven. The Zhou dynasty's legacy stretched far, inheriting the achievements of ancestors; Trees stood in rows at Qi's fief, opening the way for future sages. Blessings and longevity—both ends of fortune few can reach; A teacher or prime minister to emperors, his name is passed down through ancient and modern times.

话说子牙见捉了洪锦，料知龙吉公主成功。将洪锦放下丹墀。少时，龙吉公主进相府。子牙欠身谢曰：“今日公主成莫大之功，皆是社稷生民之福。”公主曰：“自下高山，未与丞相成尺寸之功；今日捉了洪锦，但凭丞相发落。”龙吉公主道罢，自回净室去了。子牙令左右将洪锦推至殿前，问曰：“似你这等逆天行事之辈，何尝得片甲回去？”命：“推将出去，斩首号令！”有南宫适为监斩，候行刑令下，方欲开刀，只见一道人忙奔而来，喘息不定，只叫：“刀下留人！”南宫适看见，不敢动手，急进相府来，禀曰：“启丞相得知：末将斩洪锦，方欲开刀，有一道人只叫‘刀下留人’。未敢擅便，请令定夺。”子牙传：“请。”少时，那道人来至殿前，与子牙打了稽首。子牙曰：“道兄从何处来？”道人曰：“贫道乃月合老人也；因符元仙翁曾言龙吉公主与洪锦有俗世姻缘，曾绾红丝之约，故贫道特来通报；二则可以保子牙兵度五关，助得一臂之力。子牙公不可违了这件大事。”子牙暗想：“他乃蕊宫仙子，吾怎好将凡间姻缘之事与他讲？”乃令邓婵玉先去见龙吉公主，就将月合仙翁之言先禀过，方可再议。邓婵玉迳进内庭，请公主出净室议事。公主忙出来，见邓婵玉，问曰：“有何事见我？”邓婵玉曰：“今有月合仙翁言公主与洪锦有俗世姻缘，曾绾红丝之约，该有一世夫妻，现在殿前与丞相共议此事，故丞相先著妾身启过娘娘，然后可以面议。”公主曰：“吾因在瑶池犯了清规，特贬我下凡，不得复归瑶池与吾母子重逢。今下山来，岂得又多此一番俗孽耶。”邓婵玉不敢作声。少时，月合仙翁同子牙至后厅。龙吉公主见仙翁稽首。仙翁曰：“今日公主已归正道，今贬下凡间者，正要了此一段俗缘，自然反本归元耳。况今子牙拜将在迩，那时兵度五关，公主该与洪锦建不世之勋，垂名竹帛。侯功成之日，瑶池自有旌旛来迎接公主回宫。此是天数，公主虽欲强为，不可得矣。所以贫道受符元仙翁之命，故不辞劳顿，亲自来此，特为公主作伐。不然，洪锦刚赴法行刑，贫道至此，不迟不早，恰逢其时，其冥数可知。公主当依贫道之言，不可误却佳期，罪愆更甚，那时悔之晚矣。公主请自三思！”龙吉公主听了月合仙翁一篇话，不觉长吁一声：“谁知有此孽冤所系！──既是仙翁掌人间婚姻之牍，我也不能强辞，但凭二位主持。”子牙、仙翁大喜，遂放了洪锦，用药敷好剑伤。洪锦自出营招回季康人马，择吉日与龙吉公主成了姻眷。正是： 天缘月合非容易，自有红丝牵系来。

It was said that when Ziya saw Hongjin captured, he realized Princess Longji had succeeded. He let go of Hongjin onto the red steps. After a short while, Princess Longji entered the prime minister's residence. Ziya bowed and said in gratitude: "Today, your highness has achieved a great feat; this is indeed a blessing for the state and its people." The princess said: "Since descending from the high mountains, I have yet to accomplish even the slightest feat for the prime minister; today's capture of Hongjin is left entirely to your prime minister's disposal." After Princess Longji finished speaking, she returned to her quiet chamber and departed. Ziya ordered his attendants to push Hongjin forward to the hall and asked: "Fellow like you, who defy heaven's will—how could you possibly return with even a single piece of armor?" He commanded: "Push him out and behead him as an example!" Nangong Shi was appointed to oversee the execution. As he waited for the order to carry out the sentence, just as he was about to raise his blade, a Taoist priest suddenly rushed in, panting heavily and shouting: "Spare him from the blade!" Nangong Shi saw this and dared not proceed. He hurried to the prime minister's residence and reported: "Your highness, I must inform you: as I was about to execute Hongjin, a Taoist priest came running in shouting 'Spare him from the blade!'" I dared not act on my own and have come for your orders." Ziya gave the order: "Bring him in." After a short while, that Taoist priest arrived before the hall and paid respects to Ziya with a deep bow. Ziya asked: "Brother Daoist, from where have you come?" The Taoist said: "I am an old man named Yuehe; because Fu Yuan Xianweng once said that Princess Longji and Hongjin had a marital bond in the mortal world, having made an agreement to tie their fates with red thread, I have specially come to report this; secondly, it can ensure Ziya's army passes through the five gates unimpeded and offer a helping hand. "Prime Minister Ziya must not defy this great matter." Ziya thought to himself: "She is a fairy from the Ruigong Palace; how could I possibly speak of worldly marital matters with her?" He therefore ordered Deng Chanyu to go first and see Princess Longji, delivering the message from Master Yuehe before any further discussion could take place. Deng Chanyu went straight into the inner court and asked the princess to leave her quiet chamber for a meeting. The princess hurried out, saw Deng Chanyu, and asked: "What matter do you wish to discuss with me?" Deng Chanyu said: "Now there is Master Yuehe who says that your highness and Hongjin have a marital bond in the mortal realm, having once made an agreement to tie fates with red thread; they were destined for one lifetime as husband and wife. This matter is now being discussed before the prime minister at the hall, so the prime minister first sent me to inform you, my lady, before we can proceed to discuss it face-to-face." The princess said: "Because I violated the rules of purity at 瑶 chi, I was specially demoted to descend into the mortal world and cannot return to 瑶 chi to reunite with my mother. Now that I have descended from the mountain, how could I be burdened once more by such worldly entanglements?" Deng Chanyu dared not speak. After a short while, Master Yuehe and Ziya arrived at the back hall. Princess Longji bowed deeply before the immortal elder. The immortal elder said: "Today, your highness has already returned to the righteous path. The reason you were demoted into the mortal world was precisely to resolve this worldly bond; naturally, you will return to your original essence and source. Moreover, now that Ziya is about to be enfeoffed as general nearby, at the time when his army passes through the Five Gates, your highness should join Hongjin in establishing an unparalleled feat of merit and have your name recorded for eternity. When the feat is accomplished, banners will naturally come from 瑶 chi to welcome you back to the palace. This is the course of heaven's decree; although your highness may wish to resist, it cannot be changed. Therefore, I have accepted Master Fu Yuan Xianweng's command and have personally come here without hesitation or weariness to serve as matchmaker for your highness. Otherwise, Hongjin was just about to be executed by law; I arrived here neither too late nor too early but at precisely the right moment—this is clearly foreordained. Your highness should follow my words and must not miss this auspicious opportunity, for the consequences will be even graver; it would then be too late to regret. "Please give it careful thought, your highness!" Princess Longji, after hearing Master Yuehe's words, could not help but sigh deeply: "Who would have known that such a karmic entanglement was binding me! ——Since the immortal elder holds the records of human marriages, I cannot refuse this matter; it must be left to your two masters to decide." Ziya and the immortal elder were greatly pleased, so they released Hongjin and treated his sword wounds with medicine. Hongjin left the camp to recall Jikang's troops, selected an auspicious day, and married Princess Longji. Indeed: Heavenly bonds formed by the moon are no easy matter; they come naturally through red threads that bind them.

话说洪锦与龙吉公主成了姻亲，乃纣王三十五年三月初三日。西岐城众将，打点东征，一应钱粮，俱各停当，只等子牙上出师表。翌日，武王设聚早朝，王曰：“有奏章出班，无事朝散。”言未毕，有姜丞相捧出师表上殿。武王命接上来。奉御官将表文开于御案上。武王从头看玩： 　“进表丞相臣姜尚。臣闻惟天地万物父母，惟人万物之灵。天佑下民，作之君，作之师。惟其克相上帝，宠绥四方，作民父母。今商王受弗敬上天，降灾下民，流毒邦国，剥丧元良，贼虐谏辅，狎侮五常，荒怠不敬，沉湎酒色，罪人以族，官人以世；惟官室、台榭、陂池、侈服以残害于万姓；遣厥先宗庙弗祀：播弃黎老，昵比罪人；惟妇言是用，焚炙忠良，刳剔孕妇；崇信奸回，放黜师保；屏弃典刑，因奴正士；杀妻戮子，惟淫酗是图，作奇技淫巧，以悦妇人；郊社不修，宗庙不享。商罪贯盈，天人共怒。今天下诸侯大会于孟津，兴吊民伐罪之师，救生民于水火，乞大王体上天好生之心，孚四海诸侯之念，思天下黎庶之苦，大奋鹰扬，择日出师，恭行天罚，则社稷幸甚，臣民幸甚！乞赐详示施行。谨具表以闻。”武王览毕，沉吟半晌。王曰：“相父此表，虽说纣王无道，为天下共弃，理当征伐；但昔日先王曾有遗言：‘切不可以臣伐君。’今日之事，天下后世以孤为口实。况孤有辜先王之言，谓之不孝。纵纣王无道，君也。孤若伐之，谓之不忠。孤与相父共守臣节，以俟纣王改过迁善，不亦善乎。”子牙曰：“老臣怎敢有负先王；但天下诸侯布告中外，诉纣王罪状，不足以君天下，纠合诸侯，大会孟津，昭畅天威，兴吊民伐罪之师，观政于商，前有东伯侯姜文焕、南伯侯鄂顺，北伯侯崇黑虎具文书知会，如那一路诸侯不至者，先问其违抗之罪，次伐无道。老臣恐误国之事，因此上表，请王定夺，愿大王裁之。”武王曰：“既是他三路欲伐成汤，听他等自为。孤与相父坐守本土，以尽臣节；上不失为臣之礼，下可以守先王之命。不亦美乎？”子牙曰：“惟天为万物父母，惟人万物之灵，亶聪明，作元后，元后作民父母。今商王受荼毒生民，如坐水火，罪恶贯盈，皇天震怒，命我先王，大勋未集耳。今大王行吊民伐罪之师，正代天以彰天讨，救民于水火。如不顺上天，厥罪惟均。”只见上大夫散宜生上前奏曰：“丞相之言乃为国忠谋，大王不可不听。今天下诸候大会孟津，大王若不以兵相应，则不足取信于众人，则众人不服，必罪我国以助纣为虐。倘移兵加之，那时反不自遗伊戚。况纣王信谗，屡征西土，黎庶遭惊慌之苦，文武有汗马之劳，今方安宁，又动天下之兵，是祸无已时。以臣愚见，不若依相父之言，统兵大会孟津，与天下诸侯陈兵商郊，观政于商，俟其自改，则天下生民皆蒙其福，又不失信于诸侯，遗灾于西土；上可以尽忠于君，下可以尽孝于先王，可称万全之策。乞大王思之。”武王听得散宜生一番言语，不觉忻悦，乃曰：“大夫之言是也。不知用多少人马？”宜生奏曰：“大王兵进五关，须当拜丞相为大将军，付以黄钺、白旄，总理大权，得专阃外之政，方可便宜行事。”武王曰：“但凭大夫主张；即拜相父为大将军，得专征伐。”宜生曰：“昔黄帝昔拜风后，须当筑台，拜告皇天、后土、山川、河渎之神，捧毂，推轮，方成拜将之礼。”武王曰：“凡一应事宜，俱是大夫为之。”武王朝散。宜生又至相府恭贺。百官俱各各忻悦。众门人个个喜欢。宜生次日至相府对子牙说，令南宫适、辛甲往岐山监造将台。当时二人至岐山，拣选木植砖石之物，克日兴工。也非一日，将台已完，二将回报子牙，宜生入内庭回武王旨，曰：“臣奉旨监造将台已完，谨择良辰，于三月十五日，请大王至金台，亲拜相父。”武王准旨，侯至日行礼。

It was said that Hongjin and Princess Longji became in-laws on the third day of the third month, the thirty-fifth year of King Zhou's reign. The generals of Xi Qi city prepared for the eastern expedition; all provisions and funds were in order, waiting only for Ziya to submit his memorial requesting an imperial decree. The next day, King Wu convened a morning court session and said: "Ministers with memorials may step forward; if there are no matters to discuss, the court is dismissed." Before he finished speaking, Chancellor Jiang presented his memorial requesting an expedition and ascended the hall. King Wu ordered it to be brought forward. The imperial attendants unfolded the memorial on the throne table. King Wu read it from beginning to end: "Memorial submitted by Chancellor Jiang Shang, your minister, I have heard that heaven and earth are the parents of all things, and man is the most intelligent among them. Heaven protects the people below by appointing rulers and teachers for them. Only those who can assist Heaven, bestow blessings upon all directions, and become parents to the people. Now, King Shang Shou does not revere Heaven above and brings calamity upon the people below; he spreads poison throughout the land, destroys virtuous talents, oppresses and persecutes those who advise him, mocks the Five Constants, indulges in idleness without reverence, drowns himself in wine and lust, punishes people by their clans, and appoints officials based on heredity; he builds palaces, terraces, pavilions, pools, and luxurious garments to harm the ten thousand people; he neglects his ancestral temples without offering sacrifices: he abandons the elderly and aligns himself with criminals; he listens only to his concubines, burns and tortures loyal men, and dissects pregnant women; he reveres villains and corrupt officials while banishing teachers and guardians; he abandons the laws and punishments, treating virtuous men as slaves; he kills his wife and children, seeking only lustful indulgence in wine, creating bizarre skills and luxurious crafts to please women; he neglects the ancestral altars and does not offer sacrifices at the temples. The sins of Shang have reached their peak, angering both Heaven and humanity alike. Now, the feudal lords of all under heaven have gathered at Mengjin to raise an army for relieving suffering and punishing crimes, rescuing the people from water and fire. I humbly request Your Majesty to embody Heaven's benevolent heart, heed the aspirations of the feudal lords across the seas, consider the hardships of the common people, rise with great valor, select a day to launch our expedition, and carry out Heaven's punishment with reverence—then the state will be fortunate indeed, as will your subjects! I humbly request a detailed response for implementation. With utmost respect, I submit this memorial." King Wu finished reading and fell into deep thought for a while. The king said: "Although this memorial from my prime minister father states that King Zhou is tyrannical and has been abandoned by all under heaven, it is indeed just to launch a campaign; but in the past, our late king left behind words: 'One must never allow subjects to attack their sovereign.' If we act today, future generations will use me as an example of wrongdoing. Moreover, I would be guilty of violating my late king's words and thus deemed disrespectful to my ancestors. Even if King Zhou is tyrannical, he remains a sovereign. If I attack him, it would be considered disloyalty. I and my prime minister father shall jointly uphold the virtue of loyalty to our sovereign, waiting for King Zhou to reform his ways and become virtuous. Would that not be good?" Ziya said: "How could an old minister dare betray the late king; but the feudal lords throughout China have announced to all that they accuse King Zhou of crimes, stating he is unworthy to rule. They have united with other feudal lords and gathered at Mengjin, demonstrating Heaven's might, raising an army to relieve suffering and punish tyranny, observing governance in Shang. Previously, Dongbo Hou Jiang Wenhuan, Nanbo Hou E Shun, and Beibo Hou Chong Heihu sent official documents notifying of this matter. Any lord who fails to attend will first be held accountable for defiance, then attacked as a tyrant. An old minister fears that delaying this matter would harm the state; therefore I submitted this memorial, requesting Your Majesty's decision. I humbly ask for your judgment." King Wu said: "Since those three lords wish to attack Chengtang, let them act as they please. I and my prime minister father will remain in our homeland, fulfilling the virtue of loyalty; above, we do not lose the rites of being subjects; below, we can uphold the late king's command. Is this not admirable?" Ziya said: "Heaven is the parent of all things; man, as the most intelligent among them, is endowed with wisdom and becomes a great ruler. A great ruler becomes the parent to the people. Now, King Shang Shou has poisoned the people and placed them in water and fire; his sins have reached their peak. Heaven is furious and has commanded our late king—but great achievements remain unfinished. Now, Your Majesty raising an army to relieve the suffering and punish crimes is exactly acting on Heaven's behalf to demonstrate its punishment, rescuing people from water and fire. If we do not follow Heaven's will, our guilt shall be equal." Just then, Shang Dafu Sanyisheng stepped forward and reported: "The prime minister's words are a loyal plan for the state; Your Majesty cannot afford to ignore them. Now, the feudal lords have gathered in great numbers at Mengjin. If Your Majesty does not respond with an army, it will be insufficient to gain trust among the people; they will not submit and will surely blame our state for aiding Zhou's tyranny. If we transfer troops to attack them, it would only bring us trouble in return. Moreover, King Zhou listens to slander and has repeatedly launched campaigns in the west; the common people have suffered from panic, while civil and military officials have labored tirelessly. Now that peace is finally restored, if we again mobilize troops across the land, it will bring endless calamity. In my humble opinion, it would be better to follow the prime minister's advice and lead troops to gather at Mengjin with all the feudal lords. We should station our forces in the outskirts of Shang, observe its governance, wait for King Zhou to reform himself, so that all people under heaven may benefit; this way we will not lose credibility among the feudal lords or bring disaster upon the western lands; above, it fulfills loyalty to our sovereign; below, it honors filial piety toward our late king. This can be called a strategy of perfect safety and wisdom. I humbly request Your Majesty consider this." King Wu, after hearing Sanyisheng's words, was secretly pleased and said: "The minister's words are correct. "I wonder how many troops we should mobilize?" Sanyisheng reported: "Your Majesty, as your army advances through the Five Gates, you must enfeoff the prime minister as Grand General, bestowing upon him a yellow halberd and white banner, granting full authority to manage all affairs outside the capital so that he may act decisively." King Wu said: "Then I leave it entirely in your hands; I shall enfeoff my prime minister father as Grand General, granting him full authority over military campaigns." Sanyisheng said: "In the past, when Huangdi enfeoffed Fenghou, he had to build a platform and hold a ceremony to inform Heaven, Earth, the mountains, rivers, and waterways. He held the chariot's hub, pushed its wheel, and only then was the general enfeoffment complete." King Wu said: "All matters shall be handled by you, Minister." King Wu dismissed the court. Sanyisheng then went to the prime minister's residence to offer his congratulations. All officials were delighted. Each of the prime minister's disciples was overjoyed. The next day, Sanyisheng went to the prime minister's residence and told Jiang Ziya, ordering Nan Gongzhe and Xin Jia to go to Qishan to supervise the construction of the general's platform. At that time, the two men went to Qishi Mountain, selected timber, bricks, and stones, and began construction on schedule. It did not take a single day; the general's platform was completed, and the two generals returned to report to Jiang Ziya. Sanyisheng entered the inner court to relay King Wu's orders and said: "I have fulfilled Your Majesty's command by overseeing the completion of the general's platform. I humbly select an auspicious date—on the fifteenth day of the third month—and respectfully request that His Majesty come to Jintai in person to enfeoff his prime minister father." King Wu approved, and awaited the day to perform the ceremony.

且说子牙三月十三日立辛甲为军政司，先将“斩法纪律牌”挂在帅府，使众将各宜知悉。辛甲领令，挂出帅府。 扫荡成汤天宝大元帅姜条约示谕大小众将知悉：──只见各款开列于后： 其一

Meanwhile, on the thirteenth day of the third month, Jiang Ziya appointed Xin Jia as head of the Military Affairs Office. First, he hung up a "Decree of Execution and Discipline" plaque in the headquarters to ensure all generals were fully aware. Xin Jia accepted the order and displayed it at the headquarters. General Jiang Ziya, Supreme Commander of the Shang Dynasty's Heavenly Treasures, hereby issues this decree to all officers and soldiers: —— The following clauses are listed below: Firstly

闻鼓不进，闻金不退，举旗不起，按旗不伏，此为慢军；犯者斩。

Whoever does not advance upon the drumbeat, does not retreat upon the gong sound, fails to raise the flag when ordered, or refuses to lower it when instructed is guilty of neglecting military discipline; such offenders shall be executed.

其二 呼名不应，点视不到，违期不至，动乖纪律，此为欺军；犯者斩。

Secondly Whoever fails to respond when called, does not appear for inspection, arrives late without cause, or otherwise violates military discipline is guilty of deceiving the army; such offenders shall be executed.

其三 夜传刁斗，怠而不报，更筹违度，声号不明，此为懈军；犯者斩。

Thirdly Whoever neglects to report during night watch, is careless with the alarm drum and gong, fails to follow shift schedules, or gives unclear signals is guilty of laxity in military duty; such offenders shall be executed.

其四 多出怨言，毁谤主将，不听约束，梗教难治，此为横军；犯者斩。

Fourthly Whoever utters complaints, slanders the commanding officer, disobeys orders, or resists discipline is guilty of disorder in the ranks; such offenders shall be executed.

其五 扬声笑语，蔑视禁约，晓詈军门，此为轻军；犯者斩。

Fifthly Whoever speaks loudly or laughs inappropriately, disrespects military regulations, or curses at the gates of the army is guilty of disrespect toward the ranks; such offenders shall be executed.

其六 所用兵器，克削钱粮，致使弓弩绝弦，箭无羽镞，剑戟不利，旗帜凋敝，此为贪军；犯者斩。

Sixthly Whoever embezzles funds or provisions for military supplies, resulting in bows and crossbows without strings, arrows lacking fletching and tips, swords and halberds that are blunt, or tattered banners is guilty of corruption within the ranks; such offenders shall be executed.

其七 谣言诡语，造捏鬼神，假托梦寐，大肆邪说，鼓惑将士，此为妖军；犯者斩。

Seventhly Whoever spreads rumors, fabricates tales of ghosts and gods, falsely claims dreams, or promotes superstitious doctrines to deceive officers and soldiers is guilty of spreading heresy in the ranks; such offenders shall be executed.

其八 奸舌利齿，妄为是非，调拨士卒，互相争斗，致乱行伍，此为刁军；犯者斩。

Eighthly Whoever uses cunning words and sharp tongue to stir up disputes, incites soldiers against one another, causing chaos in the ranks is guilty of being a troublemaker within the army; such offenders shall be executed.

其九 所到之地，凌侮百姓，逼淫妇女，此为奸军；犯者斩。

Ninthly Whoever, upon arriving at a place, bullies the common people or forces himself on women is guilty of committing lewd acts in the ranks; such offenders shall be executed.

其十 窃人财物，以为己利，夺人首级，以为己功，此为盗军；犯者斩。

Tenthly Whoever steals others' property for personal gain or takes another's head as his own achievement is guilty of theft within the ranks; such offenders shall be executed.

其十一　　　 军中聚众议事，近帐私探信音，此为探军；犯者斩。

Eleventhly 　　　 Whoever gathers in groups to discuss matters within the army or secretly eavesdrops near the command tent for confidential information is guilty of espionage; such offenders shall be executed.

其十二 或闻所谋，及闻号令，漏泄于外，使敌人知之，此为背军；犯者斩。

Twelfthly Whoever hears of a plan or receives an order and leaks it to the outside, allowing the enemy to learn of it, is guilty of betrayal; such offenders shall be executed.

其十三 调用之际，结舌不应，低眉俛首，面有难色，此为怯军；犯者斩。

Thirteenthly Whoever, when ordered to act, remains silent and unresponsive, lowers his eyes in submission, or shows a hesitant expression is guilty of cowardice; such offenders shall be executed.

其十四 出越赴伍，搀前乱后，言语喧哗，不遵禁约，此为乱军；犯者斩。

Fourteenthly Whoever leaves his post, disrupts the formation by moving forward or backward at will, speaks loudly in disorder, and disobeys regulations is guilty of causing chaos; such offenders shall be executed.

其十五 托伤诈病，以避征进，捏故假死，因而逃脱，此为奸军；犯者斩。

Fifteenthly Whoever feigns injury or illness to avoid military service, falsely claims death as an excuse to escape is guilty of treachery; such offenders shall be executed.

其十六 主掌钱粮，给赏之时，阿私所亲，使士卒结怨，此为弊军；犯者斩。

Sixteenthly Whoever in charge of provisions and rewards shows favoritism to relatives, causing resentment among the soldiers, is guilty of corruption; such offenders shall be executed.

其十七 观寇不审，探贼不详，到不言到，多则言少，少则言多，此为误军；犯者斩。话说子牙将“斩法牌”挂于帅府，众将观之，无不敬谨。

Seventeenthly Whoever carelessly observes the enemy, fails to thoroughly investigate bandits, falsely reports arrivals as non-arrivals, exaggerates small numbers or downplays large ones is guilty of misleading the army; such offenders shall be executed. It is said that Jiang Ziya hung the "Decree of Execution" plaque in his headquarters, and all the generals who saw it could not help but show great respect and caution.

且说宜生至十四日，入内庭见武王，曰：“请大王明日清晨至相府，请丞相登坛。”武王曰：“拜将之道，如何行礼？”宜生曰：“大王如黄帝拜风后，方成拜将之礼。”武王曰：“卿言正合孤意。”次日乃三月十五日吉辰，武王带领合朝文武齐至相府前。只听里面乐声响过三番，军政司令门官：“放炮开门。”只见三声炮响，相府门开。宜生引道，武王随后，至银安殿。军政司忙禀请元帅升殿：“有千岁亲来拜请元帅登辇。”子牙忙从面道服而出。武王乃欠身言曰：“请元帅登辇。”子牙慌忙谢过，同武王分左右并行至大门。武王欠身打一躬。两边扶子牙上辇。宜生请武王亲扶凤尾，连推三步。后人有诗赞子牙末年叨此荣宠，诗曰： 周主今朝列将台，风云龙虎四门开。香生满道衣冠引，紫气当天御仗来。统领貔貅添瑞彩，安排士马尽崔嵬。磻溪今日人龙出，八百开基说异才。

Meanwhile, on the fourteenth day, Sanyisheng entered the palace to see King Wu and said: "I respectfully request Your Majesty to come to the prime minister's residence at dawn tomorrow to invite the prime minister to ascend the platform." King Wu asked, "What is the proper way to perform the general enfeoffment ceremony?" Sanyisheng replied: "Your Majesty should follow the example of Huangdi enfeoffing Fenghou, which would complete the rites for a general's appointment." King Wu said: "Minister, your words perfectly align with my thoughts." The next day was the fifteenth of the third month, an auspicious occasion. King Wu led all the civil and military officials from court to gather in front of the prime minister's residence. Inside, one could hear the music playing three times; the head of military affairs ordered the gate official: "Fire the cannons and open the gates." At once, three cannon shots rang out, and the prime minister's residence doors opened. Sanyisheng led the way, followed by King Wu, to the Yin'an Hall. The head of military affairs hurriedly reported and requested that the general ascend the hall: "His Majesty has personally come to invite you, General, to board your chariot." Jiang Ziya quickly emerged from within in formal attire. King Wu bowed slightly and said: "General, please board your chariot." Jiang Ziya hurriedly thanked him and walked alongside King Wu, one on each side, toward the main gate. King Wu bowed respectfully. Servants on both sides helped Jiang Ziya onto his chariot. Sanyisheng requested King Wu to personally hold the phoenix-tail of the chariot and push it forward three steps. Later generations composed a poem praising Jiang Ziya for the honor he received in his later years. The poem says: Today, King Zhou establishes the general's platform; clouds and winds gather as dragons and tigers open all four gates. Incense fills the path where officials in caps and robes lead the way; purple vapor rises from above, as imperial guards arrive in grand procession. He commands the Pixiu beasts to add auspicious colors; he arranges soldiers and horses with imposing strength. Today, at Banxi, a dragon emerges among men; the eight hundred founders speak of his extraordinary talent.

话说子牙排仪仗出城，只见前面七十里俱是大红旗，直摆到西岐山。西岐百姓，扶老携幼，俱来观看。子牙至岐山，将近将台边，有一座牌坊上，有一幅对联： “三千社稷归周主，一派华夷属武王。”

It is said that Jiang Ziyá arranged the ceremonial procession and left the city; ahead, for seventy li, red banners were displayed all the way to Xiqi Mountain. The people of Xi Qi, carrying their elders and children, all came out to watch. When Jiang Ziya arrived at Qishan, near the general's platform, there was a stone archway with a couplet written on it: "Three thousand states belong to King Zhou; all of China and barbarian lands are under King Wu."

话说众将分道而行。武王至将台边一看，只见将台高耸，甚是嵬峨轩昂。怎见得，但见： 台高三丈，象按三才。阔二十四丈，按二十四气。台有三层：第一层台中立二十五人，各穿黄衣，手持黄旗，按中央戊己土；东边立二十五人，各穿青衣，手持青旗，按东方甲乙木；西边立二十五人，各穿白衣，手持白旗，按西方庚辛金；南边立二十五人，各穿红衣，手持红旗，按南方丙丁火；北方立二十五人，各穿皂衣，手持皂旗，按北方壬癸水。第二层是三百六十五人，手各执大红旗三百六十五面，按周天三百六十五度。第三层立七十二员牙将，各执剑、戟、抓、锤，按七十二候。三层之中，各有祭器、祝文。自一层之下，两边仪仗，雁翅排列。真是衣冠整肃，剑戟森严，从古无两。

It is said that the generals divided into separate ranks and proceeded. King Wu, upon reaching the general's platform, looked around and saw that it was tall and imposing, exuding grandeur. How so? One could see: The platform stood three zhang high, symbolizing the Three Talents (heaven, earth, and humanity). It was twenty-four zhang wide, corresponding to the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. The platform had three tiers: On the first tier, twenty-five people stood in the center, each wearing yellow robes and holding yellow banners, representing the central earth element (Wu Ji Tu). On the east side stood twenty-five people, each wearing green robes and holding green banners, representing the eastern wood element (Jia Yi Mu); on the west side stood twenty-five people in white robes and holding white banners, representing the western metal element (Geng Xin Jin); on the south side stood twenty-five people wearing red robes and holding red banners, representing the southern fire element (Bing Ding Huo); on the north side stood twenty-five people dressed in black robes and holding black banners, representing the northern water element (Ren Gui Shui). The second tier had 365 people, each holding one of the 365 large red banners, symbolizing the 365 degrees of the celestial sphere. On the third tier stood seventy-two junior generals, each holding a sword, halberd, spear, or mace, representing the Seventy-Two Solar Periods. Within these three tiers were sacrificial vessels and ritual texts for offerings. From beneath the first tier, ceremonial guards on both sides lined up in a staggered formation like flying geese wings. Indeed, the officials were neatly dressed and solemnly behaved; swords and halberds stood in imposing order—unparalleled since ancient times.

只见散宜生至鸾舆前，请武王出舆。武王忙下舆。宜生曰：“大王可至元帅前，请元帅下辇。”武王行至辇前，欠身曰：“请元帅下辇。”子牙忙命中军扶下辇来。宜生引导子牙至台边。散宜生赞礼曰：“请元帅面南背北。”散宜生开读祝文： 　“维大周十有三年，孟春丁卯，朔丙子，西周武王姬发遣上大夫散宜生敢昭告于五岳，四渎，名山大川之神曰：呜呼！惟天惠民，惟辟奉天，抚绥众庶，克底于道。今商王受弗敬上天，降灾下民，惟妇言是用，昏弃厥祀弗答，昏弃厥遗王父、母、弟不迪，乃惟四方之多罪，逋逃是崇，是长，是信，是使，是以为大夫卿士，俾暴虐于百姓，以奸宄于商邑。今发夙夜祗惧，若不顺天，厥罪惟均。谨择今日，特拜姜尚为大将军，恭行天讨，伐罪吊民，永清四海。所赖神祇相我众士，以克厥勋。伏惟尚飨！”话说散宜生读罢祝文，有周公旦引子牙上第二层台。周公旦赞礼曰：“请元帅面东背西。”周公旦开读祝文： 　“维大周十有三年，孟春丁卯，上朔丙子，西周武王姬发遣周公旦敢昭告日，月，星辰，风伯，雨师，历代圣帝明王之神曰：呜呼！天有显道，厥类惟彰。今商王受乃夷居弗事上帝神祗，遗厥先宗庙弗祀，沉湎酒色，淫酗肆虐；惟宫室台榭是崇，焚炙忠良，刳剔孕妇，以残害于下民，牺牲粢盛，既于凶盗，乃曰‘吾有民有命’，罔惩其侮。皇天震怒，命发诛之。发曷敢有越厥志。自思：欲济斯民，匪才不克。今特拜姜尚为大将军，取彼凶残，杀伐用张。仰赖神祇翊卫启迪，吐纳风云，嘘咈变化，拯救下民，恭行天罚，克定厥勋，于汤有光。伏惟尚飨！”周公旦读罢祝文。有召公奭引子牙上第三层台。毛公遂捧武王所赐黄钺、白旄，祝曰：“自今以后，奉天征讨，罚此独夫，为生民除害，为天下造福，元戎往勖之哉！”子牙跪受黄钺、白旄，乃令左右执捧。礼官赞礼曰：“请元戎面北，拜受龙章凤篆。”子牙跪拜。左右歌“中和”之曲，奏“八音”之章，乐声嘹喨，动彻上下。召公奭开读祝文： 　“维大周十有三年，孟春丁卯，上朔丙子，西岐武王姬发敢昭告昊天上帝，后土神祇曰：“呜呼！天矜于民。民之所欲，天必从之。今商王受狎侮五常，荒怠弗敬，自绝于天，结怨于民，斮朝涉之胫，剖贤人之心，作威杀戮，毒痡四海，崇信奸回，放黜师保，屏弃典刑，因奴正士，郊社不修，宗庙不享，作奇技淫巧，以悦妇人，无辜吁天，上帝弗顺，祝降时丧。臣发曷敢有越厥志，祗承上帝，以遏乱略，华夏蛮貊，罔不率俾。惟我先王，为国求贤，乃聘请姜尚以助发；今特拜为大将军，大会孟津，以彰天讨，取彼独夫，永靖四海。所赖有神，尚克相予，以济兆民，无作神羞；克成厥勋，诞膺天命，以抚方夏。恳祈照临，永光西土。神其鉴兹。伏惟尚飨！”召公奭读罢祝文，子牙居中而立。军政司上台，启元帅：“发鼓竖旗。”两边鼓响，拽起宝纛旗来。军政司请元帅戴护顶之宝。军政官用红漆端盘，棒上一顶金盔来。怎见得： 黄邓邓，耀水镜；玲珑花，巧样称。竖三叉，攒四凤。六瓣六楞紫金盔，缨络翻，朱砂迸。珊瑚碧玉周围绕，玛瑙珍珠前面钉。

At this moment, Sanyisheng approached the imperial palanquin and invited King Wu to step down from it. King Wu hurriedly stepped down. Sanyisheng said: "Your Majesty may now approach the general and invite him to descend from his chariot." King Wu walked up to the chariot, bowed slightly, and said: "General, please descend your chariot." Jiang Ziya immediately ordered his central general to assist him down from the chariot. Sanyisheng guided Jiang Ziya to the edge of the platform. Sanyisheng, as master of ceremonies, declared: "Please face south and have your back to the north." Sanyisheng began to read the ritual text: "During the thirteenth year of Great Zhou, in the first month, on the Dingmao day, when the new moon was on the Bingzi day, King Wu Ji Fa of Western Zhou dispatched his senior minister Sanyisheng to solemnly announce to the spirits of the Five Peaks, Four Rivers, and all famous mountains and great rivers: Alas! Heaven alone brings blessings to the people; only the sovereign serves Heaven, pacifies the multitude, and leads them along the right path. Now, the Shang king Di Xin does not revere Heaven above and brings calamity upon his people below. He heeds only the words of women, neglects ancestral rites without response, abandons his late grandfather, father, mother, and brothers in their duties, and instead elevates fugitives from all directions as leaders, encouraging them, trusting them, and appointing them to positions of authority over the common people, causing corruption and disorder within the Shang state. Now I, Fa, day and night remain reverent and fearful; if I do not follow Heaven's will, my crime shall be equal to his. Therefore, I have carefully chosen this day to formally enfeoff Jiang Shang as the Grand General, to carry out Heaven's mandate with reverence, punish the guilty, comfort the people, and forever purify all under heaven. We rely on the deities and spirits to assist our soldiers so that we may accomplish this great feat. May you, O spirits, kindly accept these offerings!" As Sanyisheng finished reading the ritual text, Duke of Zhou Gong Dan led Jiang Ziya up to the second tier. lando Duke of Zhou Gong Dan, as master of ceremonies, announced: "Please face east and have your back to west." Duke of Zhou Gong Dan began to read the ritual text: "During the thirteenth year of the Great Zhou, in the first lunar month on Dingmao day with the new moon falling on Bingzi day, King Wu of Western Zhou Ji Fa dispatched Duke of Zhou Gong Dan to solemnly announce before the spirits of the sun, moon, stars, Fengbo, Yushi, and all past sage emperors and wise kings: Alas! Heaven has a clear way; its principles are clearly manifested. Now, the Shang King Di Xin has abandoned his duties and failed to serve Heaven or the deities; he neglects ancestral temples of his forebears without offering sacrifices, indulges in wine and lust, and commits violent excesses. He only values palaces, terraces, and pavilions; he burns and kills loyal officials, dissects pregnant women, and inflicts cruel harm upon the common people. He sacrifices grain offerings to appease bandits and declares, "I have my people and my mandate," without punishing those who defy him. Heaven is furious; it has commanded me, Fa, to punish him. How dare I, Fa, deviate from Heaven's will? I have reflected: to save these people, one must possess talent; without it, success is impossible. Therefore, I now formally enfeoff Jiang Shang the title of Grand General to punish those wicked and cruel, and to wage war with vigor. We rely on the gods and spirits to protect, guide, summon winds and clouds, transform as needed, rescue the people below, carry out Heaven's punishment with reverence, accomplish this great feat, and bring glory to Tang. May you, O spirits, graciously accept these offerings!" Duke of Zhou Gong Dan finished reading the ritual text. Zhao Gong Shi then led Jiang Ziya up to the third tier. Mao Gong then presented the yellow halberd and white banner bestowed by King Wu, and declared: "From now on, you shall carry out Heaven's command to punish this tyrant. Remove this villain for the people and bring blessings to all under heaven! General, go forth with vigor!" Jiang Ziya knelt to receive the yellow halberd and the white banner, then ordered his attendants on either side to hold them. The ritual official announced: "Please face north, General, and kneel to receive the dragon-sealed and phoenix-inscribed insignia." Jiang Ziya knelt in reverence. On both sides, the attendants sang the "Zhonghe" melody and performed the "Bayin" chapter; the music was clear and resounding, echoing from above to below. Zhao Gong Shi began to read the ritual text: "During the thirteenth year of Da Zhou, in the first lunar month, on Dingmao day when the new moon fell on Bingzi day, King Wu Jifa of Western Qi dares solemnly announce before Haotian Shangdi and Hou Tu deities: Alas! Heaven takes pity upon the people. What the people desire, Heaven will surely follow. Now, the Shang king Dixin has insulted the Five Constants, neglected his duties without reverence, cut himself off from Heaven, and sown hatred among the people. He amputated the legs of those who crossed fields at dawn, carved out the hearts of virtuous men, wielded power to kill and destroy, poisoned all under heaven with cruelty, trusted villains while exiling wise mentors, discarded laws and punishments, elevated servants over upright officials, neglected ancestral altars and temple sacrifices, and created bizarre arts and luxurious crafts solely to please women. The innocent cried out to Heaven, but the Supreme Deity did not heed them; thus, He has sent down this calamity at its appointed time. How dare I, your servant Fa, deviate from this divine will? I shall only follow Heaven's command to quell chaos and disorder. All under the Chinese states, southern tribes, northern barbarians, and eastern peoples—none shall be left unswayed. Only our late kings, for the sake of the state, sought out virtuous men and thus invited Jiang Shang to assist me, Fa; Now I have specially enfeoffed him as Grand General. He shall gather a great assembly at Mengjin to demonstrate Heaven's punishment, overthrow this tyrant, and bring lasting peace to all under heaven. We rely on the divine powers to assist us so that we may save millions of people, and not bring shame upon Heaven; Achieve this great feat, fulfill Heaven's mandate, and pacify the central lands. We earnestly pray for your presence and blessing to forever illuminate the western land. May the deities bear witness to this! May you, O spirits, accept these offerings with reverence!" After Zhao Gong Shi finished reading the ritual text, Jiang Ziya stood in the center. The military administration official ascended the platform and addressed the general: "Beat the drum and raise the flag." Drums on both sides sounded, and the precious standard was raised. The military administration official requested that the general don the protective crown jewel. A military officer presented a golden helmet on a lacquered red tray with a rod. How was it described: Golden and bright, shining like a mirror of water; Intricately patterned with delicate flowers, its design is exquisite. It stands in three prongs and gathers four phoenixes together. A six-petal, six-ribbed purple-gold helmet with flowing tassels and splashes of cinnabar red. Corals and green jade encircle it; agate and pearls are fastened in front.

军政司将盔捧与子牙戴上。又传令：“取袍甲上台。”军政官高捧袍铠，献在台上。怎见得： 龙吞口，兽吞肩。红似火，赤似烟。老君炉，曾烧炼，千锤打，万锤颠。绿绒扣，紫绒穿。迸铜锤，扛铁鞭。锁子文，甲上悬。披一领，按南方丙丁火，茜草茜，胭脂抹。五彩装，花千朵，遍金织就大红袍。系一条四指阔，羊脂玉，玛瑙厢，琥珀砌，紫金雀舌八宝攒就白玉带。

The military administration official presented the helmet to Jiang Ziya, who put it on. He then gave another order: "Bring forth the robe and armor onto the platform." The military officer held up the robe and armor high, presenting them on the platform. How was it described: Dragon mouths at the collar, beasts' mouths at the shoulders; Red as fire, crimson like smoke. Smelted in Laojun's furnace, forged through countless hammerings and refinements. Green velvet buttons, threaded with purple velvet. Brass hammers and iron whips, ready for battle. Chain-link patterns hang from the armor's surface. Putting on a robe dyed in the southern fire element of Bingding, stained with rubia and cinnabar. Five-colored embroidery, thousands of blossoms; a deep red robe woven entirely in gold thread. A belt four fingers wide, made of sheep-fat jade, agate, amber, and inlaid with eight treasures including purple-gold oriole tongues, all gathered into a white jade sash.

话说姜元帅全装甲胄立于台上。军政司传：“取印、剑上台。”军政官捧剑、印上台，又捧一架，架上有三般令天子、协诸侯之物；内有令天子旗，令天子剑，令天子箭。正见印、剑上台来，有诗为证： 黄金斗大掌貔貅，杀伐从来神鬼愁。吕望今朝登台后，乾坤一统属西周。

Jiang Ziya the General stood fully clad in armor on the platform. The military administration official announced: "Bring forth the seal and sword onto the platform." A military officer carried up the sword and seal, then presented a stand on which rested three items symbolizing imperial authority and coordination among feudal lords; Among them were the imperial banner of command, the imperial sword of command, and the imperial arrow of command. Just as the seal and sword were brought onto the platform, a poem attests to this: A golden seal large as a gourd commands tigers and xiu; from ancient times, war and slaughter have made gods and ghosts weep. Now that Lü Wang ascends the platform today, the heavens and earth shall unite under Western Zhou once more.

话说军政司将印、剑捧至子牙面前。子牙将印、剑接在手中，高捧过眉。散宜生请武王拜将。武王在台下大拜八拜。武王拜罢，子牙令辛甲把令天子旗将武王请上台来。少时，辛甲执旗大呼曰：“奉元帅将令，请武王上台！”武王随令旗上了台。子牙传令：“请开印、剑。”请武王面南端坐。子牙拜谢毕，跪而奏曰：“老臣闻国不可从外而治，军不可从中而御，二心不可以事君，疑志不可以应敌。臣既受命，尊节钺之威，岂敢不效驽骀，以报知遇之恩也。”武王曰：“相父今为大将东征，但愿早至孟津，会兵速返，孤之幸矣。”子牙谢恩。武王下台，众将听候指挥。子牙传令：“军政官与众将得知，俱于三日后在教军场听点。今日有三山五岳众道兄与我饯别。”辛甲领命，传与众将知悉。武王同文武百官俱在金台。

As the military administration official presented the seal and sword before Jiang Ziya. Jiang Ziya took the seal and sword into his hands, raising them high above his eyebrows. Sanyisheng invited King Wu to perform the ceremony of enfeoffing a general. King Wu, standing below the platform, performed eight deep bows in reverence. After King Wu completed his bowing, Jiang Ziya ordered Xin Jia to raise the imperial banner and invite King Wu onto the platform. After a short while, Xin Jia raised the flag and shouted: "By order of the General, please invite King Wu onto the platform!" King Wu followed the command banner up to the platform. Jiang Ziya gave an order: "Please present the seal and sword." King Wu was invited to sit facing south. After completing his bow of thanks, Jiang Ziya knelt and presented a report: "Your Majesty, I have heard that a state cannot be governed from the outside; an army cannot be controlled from within. With divided loyalty one cannot serve the sovereign, nor can one with wavering resolve face the enemy. Now that I have received my command, I shall uphold the authority of the seal and halberd. How could I dare to be lazy or sluggish in repaying Your Majesty's kindness?" King Wu said: "My Prime Minister, now that you are the great general leading an eastern campaign, I only hope you will arrive at Mengjin soon, gather your troops, and return quickly. That would be my greatest fortune." Jiang Ziya expressed his gratitude. King Wu descended the platform, and all the generals awaited orders. Jiang Ziya issued an order: "The military administration officials and all commanders are to be informed that they must assemble at the training ground in three days for inspection. Today, many Daoist brothers from the Three Mountains and Five Peaks have come to bid me farewell." Xin Jia accepted the order and relayed it to all the commanders. King Wu, together with his civil and military officials, remained at Jin Tai.

子牙离了将台，往岐山正南而来。有哪吒领诸门人来迎接子牙。只见甲胄威仪，十分壮丽。来至芦边，只见玉虚门下十二弟子拍手大笑而来，对子牙曰：“相将威仪，自壮行色，子牙真人中之龙也！”子牙欠背打躬曰：“多蒙列位师兄抬举，今日得握兵权，皆众师兄之赐也，而姜尚何能哉！”众仙曰：“只等掌教圣人来至，吾辈才好奉酒。”话犹未了，只听得空中一派笙簧，仙乐齐奏。怎见得，有诗为证： 紫气空中绕帝都，笙簧嘹喨白云浮。青鸾丹凤随銮驾，羽扇旛幢傍辘轳。对对金童云里现，双双玉女佩声殊。祥光瑞彩多灵异，周室当兴应赤符。

Jiang Ziya left the general's platform and headed directly south toward Qishan Mountain. Nezha led his disciples to come and greet Jiang Ziya. One could see the imposing armor and dignified bearing, truly magnificent. When they arrived at the reed bank, twelve disciples of Yuxu Hall were seen clapping and laughing as they approached Jiang Ziya. They said: "The imposing bearing of a general enhances your departure; you are truly the dragon among immortals, Master Jiang!" Jiang Ziya bowed respectfully and said: "I am deeply honored by my senior brothers' kind words. Today, I have been entrusted with military authority, which is entirely due to the grace of all my senior brothers. What ability do I, Jiang Shang, truly possess!" The immortals said: "We must wait for the Sage Teacher to arrive before we can offer wine." Before they could finish speaking, a sound of flutes and reed pipes was heard from the sky, as divine music began to play. How can this be described? A poem attests: Purple aura circles the imperial capital in midair, while flutes and reed pipes resound with a clear melody floating among white clouds. Blue cranes and red phoenixes follow the imperial procession, while feathered fans and banners accompany the turning of the wheel. Pairs of golden boys appear in the clouds; pairs of jade girls follow with distinct bell sounds from their pendants. Ominous lights and auspicious colors abound, full of divine wonders; the Zhou dynasty is destined to rise in accordance with the red talisman.

话说元始天尊驾临，诸弟子伏道迎接。子牙俯伏，口称：“弟子愿老爷圣寿无疆！”众门人引道，酌水焚香，迎鸾接驾。元始天尊上了芦篷坐下。子牙复拜。元始曰：“姜尚，你四十年积功累行，今为帝王之师，以受人间福禄，不可小视了。你东征灭纣，立功建业，列土分茅，子孙绵远，国祚延长。贫道今日特来饯你。”命白鹤童子：“取酒来。”斟了半杯；子牙跪接，一饮而尽。元始曰：“此一杯愿子成功扶圣主。”又引一杯，“治国定无虞。”又一杯，速速会诸侯。”子牙吃了三杯，又跪下。元始曰：“子又复跪者何说？”子牙曰：“蒙老爷天恩教育，使尚得拜将东征，弟子此行，不知吉凶如何，恳求指示！”天尊曰：“你此去并无他虞，你谨记一偈，自有验也。偈曰： 界牌关过诛仙阵，穿云关下受瘟。谨防‘达兆光先德’，过了万仙身体康。”

As it happened, Yuanshi Tiandou arrived, and his disciples knelt on both knees to welcome him. Jiang Ziya prostrated himself and said: "Disciple Jiang respectfully wishes my Lord an endless life of sage longevity!" The disciples led the way, poured water for purification, burned incense, and welcomed the arrival with reverence. Yuanshi Tiandou ascended to sit on the reed platform. Jiang Ziya bowed again. Yuanshi said: "Jiang Shang, you have accumulated merit and virtue for forty years. Now you are the teacher of a king, receiving blessings and fortune in the mortal world; this is no small matter." You have embarked on an eastern campaign to overthrow King Zhou, established great achievements and merits, been granted fiefdoms and enfeoffments with the grass and soil, ensured your descendants' long-lasting lineage, and extended your nation's mandate. That is why I have specially come today to bid you farewell." He ordered the young disciple Bahe: "Bring wine here." Half a cup was poured; Jiang Ziya knelt to receive it and drank it in one go. Yuanshi said: "This cup is my wish for you to achieve success in assisting the sage ruler." Another cup was poured, and he said, "May your nation be governed well with no worries or dangers." A third cup was poured: "Quickly gather the feudal lords together." Jiang Ziya drank three cups and then knelt down again. Yuanshi asked: "Why are you kneeling once more, my disciple?" Jiang Ziya said: "I have received your Lord's heavenly grace and education, allowing me to be enfeoffed as general for the eastern campaign. As I embark on this journey, I do not know whether it will bring fortune or misfortune; I humbly request guidance!" The Sage said: "You need not worry about anything on this journey. Remember one verse, and it will surely prove true. The verse says: Pass through Jiepai Pass to destroy the Zhenxian Formation, and at Chuanyun Pass you will suffer from plague. Be cautious of 'Dazhao Guangxiande,' and once past the Ten Thousand Immortals, your body will be healthy."

子牙闻偈，拜谢曰：“弟子敬佩此偈。”元始曰：“我返驾回宫，你众弟子再为饯别。”群仙送出篷来，只见仙风一阵，回了鸾驾。且说众仙来与子牙奉酒，各饮三杯；南极仙翁也奉子牙饯别酒三杯，俱要起身作辞而去。众门人见子牙问师尊前去吉凶，金吒忙向文殊广法天尊问曰：“弟子前去，吉凶如何？”道人曰：“你修身一性超山体，何怕无谋进五关。”哪吒也来问太乙真人曰：“弟子此行，吉凶如何？”真人曰：“你汜水关前重道术，方显莲花是化身。”木吒来问普贤真人曰：“弟子领法旨下山，不知归著如何？”真人曰：“你进关全仗吴钩剑，不负仙传在九宫。”韦护也问道行天尊曰：“弟子佐姜师叔至孟津，可有妨碍？”道行天尊曰：“你比众人不同，岂不知你历代多少修行客，独你全真第一人！”雷震子来问云中子曰：“弟子此去，吉凶如何？”云中子曰：“你两枚仙杏安天下，可保周家八百年。”杨戬也问玉鼎真人曰：“弟子此去如何？”真人曰：“你也比别人不同，修成八九玄中妙，任你纵横在世间。”李靖来问燃灯道人曰：“弟子此行，凶吉如何？”道人曰：“你也比别人不同，肉身成圣超天境，久后灵山护法台。”黄天化问清虚道德真君曰：“弟子此行，吉凶何如？”道德真君一见黄天化命运不长，面带绝气，低首不语；然而心中不忍，真是可怜。真君复向黄天化言曰：“徒弟，你问前程之事，我有一偈，你可时时在心，谨记依偈而行，庶几无事。”道人念偈。不知后事如何，且听下回分解。

Jiang Ziya heard the verse and bowed in gratitude, saying: "Disciple deeply respects this verse." Yuanshi said: "I shall return to my palace. Your disciples will bid you farewell again." The group of immortals escorted Yuanshi out from the reed platform, and suddenly a gust of divine wind arose as his phoenix-drawn carriage returned. Meanwhile, the immortals came to offer wine to Jiang Ziya, and each drank three cups; The Old Man of Nanji also offered Jiang Ziya three cups of farewell wine, and they all rose to take their leave. The disciples saw Jiang Ziya inquire about the Sage's journey and its fortune. Jinzha hurriedly asked Wenshu Guangfa Tiandou: "Disciple, what will be my fate on this journey?" The Daoist said: "You have cultivated your virtue and transcended the physical form; what need is there to fear advancing through five passes without strategy?" Nezha also came to ask Taiyi Zhenren: "Disciple, what is my fate on this journey?" The True Man said: "Before Fanshui Pass you will demonstrate your Daoist arts once more, and only then will the lotus blossom reveal its true transformation." Muzha came to ask Puxian Zhenren: "Disciple has received the decree and descended from the mountain; I do not know what my fate will be." The True Man said: "You must rely entirely on the Wugou sword to pass through the passes, and you will not fail the divine teachings of the Nine Palaces." Weihu also asked Daohang Tiandou: "Disciple, assisting Master Jiang Shishu to Mengjin—will there be any obstacles?" Daohang Tiandou said: "You are different from the others; do you not know that through many generations of cultivators, you alone are the foremost among those who have achieved complete truth!" Lei Zhenzi came to ask Yunzhongzi: "Disciple, what is the fortune of this journey?" Yunzhongzi said: "With these two divine apricot fruits in your possession, you can ensure peace for the Zhou family's eight hundred years of rule." Yang Jian also asked Yuding Zhenren: "Disciple, how will this journey go?" The True Man said: "You are also different from others. Having cultivated the wondrous mysteries of the Eight-Nine Xuan, you may act freely and at will in this world." Li Jing came to ask Rendeng Dao Ren: "Disciple, what fortune awaits me on this journey?" The Daoist said: "You are also different from the others. Having achieved sainthood in your physical body and surpassed heavenly realms, you will one day serve as a protector of the Dharma on Mount Ling." Huang Tianhua asked Qingxu Daode Zhenjun: "Disciple, what fortune will this journey bring?" Zhenjun Daode took one look at Huang Tianhua and saw that his destiny was short-lived. His face showed despair, and he lowered his head in silence; yet his heart could not bear it, for truly, the sight was pitiable. The True Lord then turned to Huang Tianhua and said: "Disciple, you have asked about your future. I have a verse for you; keep it in mind at all times, remember it well, and follow its guidance carefully—then perhaps nothing will go wrong." The Daoist recited the verse. What will happen next remains to be seen in the following chapter.