Chapter 88: King Wu's White Fish Jumps onto the Dragon Boat

诗曰： 白鱼吉兆喜非常，预肇周家应瑞昌。八百诸侯称硕德，千年师帅颂匡襄。堂堂阵演三三叠，正正旗门六六行。时雨师临民甚悦，成汤基业已消亡。

The poem says: A white fish is an auspicious omen of great joy, foretelling the rise of the Zhou family and their response to auspicious prosperity. Eight hundred feudal lords praised his great virtue; for a thousand years, generals and commanders sang praises of his assistance and support. In grand formation, the troops were arranged in three layers of three; banners and gates stood orderly in six rows of six. When timely rain fell as the army arrived, the people rejoiced greatly; yet the foundation of King Chengtang's dynasty had already perished.

话说袁洪调兵往孟津驻札，以阻诸侯咽喉。不表。且说渑池县张奎日夕望朝歌救兵，忽有报马报入府来：“天子招了新元帅袁洪，调兵二十万驻札孟津，以阻诸侯；未见发兵来救渑池。”张奎闻报大惊曰：“天子不发救兵，此城如何拒守！况前有周兵，后有孟津，四百诸侯前后合攻，此取败之道。今反舍此不救，奈何？”忙与夫人高兰英共议。夫人曰：“料吾二人也可阻住周兵。今袁洪拒住孟津，则南北诸侯也不能抄我之后。只打听袁洪得胜，若破了南北二侯，我再与你去合兵共破周武，再无有不胜之理。俺们如今只设法守城，不要与周将对敌；待他粮尽兵疲，一战成功，无有不克。此万全之道也。”张奎心下狐疑不定。且说子牙见渑池一个小县，攻打不下，反阵亡了许多将官，纳闷在中军，暗暗点首嗟叹：“可怜这些扶主定国英雄，沥胆披肝，止落得遗言在此，此身皆化为乌有！”子牙正在那里伤悼，忽辕门官来报：“有一道童求见。”子牙传令：“请来。”少时，只见一道童至帐下行礼曰：“弟子乃夹龙山飞龙洞惧留孙的门人。因师兄土行孙在夹龙山猛兽崖被张奎所害，家师已知应上天之数，这是救不得的；只是过渑池须有原故。家师特著弟子来此下书，师叔便知端的。”子牙接上书来，展开观看，书曰： “道末惧留孙致书于大元帅子牙公麾下：前者土行孙合该于猛兽崖死于张奎之手，理数难逃，贫道只有望崖垂泣而已，言之可胜长叹！今张奎善于守城，急切难下，但他数亦当终。子牙公不可迟误，可令杨戬将贫道符印先在黄河岸边，等杨任、韦护追赶至此擒之。取城只用哪吒、雷震子足矣。子牙公须是亲自用调虎离山计，一战成功。此去自然坦夷。只候封神之后，再图会晤。不宣。”

It is said that Yuan Hong mobilized troops to Shengjin, where they were stationed in order to block the vital pass of the feudal lords. No further mention will be made of this. Meanwhile, in Mianchi Xian, Zhang Kui looked day and night for reinforcements from Chaoge, when suddenly a mounted messenger arrived at the mansion with news: "The Son of Heaven has appointed Yuan Hong as the new general-in-chief. He has mobilized 200,000 troops stationed at Shengjin to block the feudal lords; there are no signs of an army being dispatched to relieve Mianchi." Zhang Kui, upon hearing the report, was greatly alarmed and said, "The Son of Heaven is not sending reinforcements; how can we defend this city! Moreover, with Zhou's troops in front and Mengjin behind us, and 400 feudal lords attacking from both the front and rear, this is a path to certain defeat. Now they have abandoned us without coming to our rescue—what can we do about it?" He quickly convened a discussion with his wife Gao Lanying. Lady Gao said, "I estimate that the two of us can also hold back Zhou's troops. Now that Yuan Hong is holding Mengjin, the feudal lords from both north and south will not be able to attack us from behind. We only need to wait for Yuan Hong's victory; if he defeats the feudal lords from the north and south, I will then join forces with you to attack Zhou Wu together. There is no way we would not win. For now, let us simply focus on defending the city and avoid engaging in battle with Zhou's generals; Wait until their supplies run out and their troops grow weary—then we can fight a decisive battle, and there will be no way they cannot be defeated. This is the most foolproof strategy." Zhang Kui was filled with doubts and uncertainty. Meanwhile, Ziya observed that Mianchi was a small county yet could not be captured; instead, many generals and officers had been killed in battle. He pondered this within the central camp, silently nodding with sighs of regret: "Alas, these heroes who devoted their livers and gall to support the monarch and stabilize the nation—what bitter sacrifices they made! Their final words remain here, but their lives have all turned into nothing!" Ziya was just there grieving when suddenly an official at the 辕门 (yuanmen) reported, "A young boy in Taoist robes is requesting to see you." Ziya gave orders: "Please bring him in." After a short while, a Taoist boy arrived at the tent and bowed, saying, "I am a disciple of Ju Liusun from Feilong Dong on Jialong Mountain. My elder brother Tuxingsun was killed by Zhang Kui at Mengshouya on Jialong Mountain, and my master already knows this is part of the heavenly decree; it cannot be saved. However, there must be a reason for passing through Mianchi. My master has specially sent me here to deliver a letter; Uncle Master will then know the truth." Ziya took the letter and unfolded it to read. The letter said: "At the end of the Dao, Ju Liusun sends this letter to the great general-in-chief Ziya under your command: Previously, Tuxingsun was destined to die at Mengshouya by Zhang Kui's hand; such fate cannot be escaped. I can only gaze at the cliff and weep bitterly—how could one possibly suppress a long sigh!" Now Zhang Kui is good at defending the city, so it cannot be captured quickly; but his fate also has its appointed end. General Ziya must not delay; you may order Yang Jian to take my talismans and seal first to the Yellow River bank, waiting for Yang Ren and Wei Hu to arrive here and capture him. Capturing the city will only require Nezha and Leizhenzi; that is sufficient. General Ziya must personally employ the strategy of luring the tiger away from the mountain to achieve victory in one decisive battle. Once this is done, the path ahead will naturally be smooth and easy. We shall await a reunion after the gods are appointed in the Book of Gods. No further explanation is given."

子牙看罢书，打发童子回山。当日子牙传令：“哪吒领令箭，雷震子领令箭前去，……如此而行。杨戬、杨任领柬帖前去，……如此。韦护领柬帖前去，……如此。”子牙俱分付出毕。至晚间，周营中炮响，三军呐喊，杀奔城下而来。张奎急上城，设法守护，百计千方防御，急切难下。子牙知张奎善于守城，且暂鸣金收兵。次日午末未初，请武王上帐相见：“今日请大王同老臣出营，看看渑池县城池，好去攻取。”武王乃忠厚君子，随应曰：“孤愿往。”即时同子牙出营，至城下周围看了。用手指曰：“大王若破此城，须用轰天大炮，方能攻打；此城一时可破也。”子牙与武王指画攻城，只见渑池城上哨探士卒报与张奎：“启老爷：姜子牙同一穿红袍的在城下探看城池。”张奎听报，即上城来看时，果是子牙同武王在城下，周围指画。张奎自思曰：“姜尚欺吾太甚！只因连日吾坚守此城，不与他会战，他便欺我，至吾城下，肆行无忌，藐视吾无人物也。”随下城与夫人曰：“你可用心坚守此城，待我出城走去杀来，以除大患。”夫人上城观战。张奎上马拎刀，开了城门，一马飞来，大呼曰：“姬发、姜尚！今日你命难逃也！”正是： 计就月中擒玉兔，谋成日里捉金乌。

After reading the letter, Ziya dismissed the boy and sent him back to the mountain. On that day, Ziya gave orders: "Nezha, take your command arrow; Leizhenzi, take yours and go forth... act in this manner. Yang Jian and Yang Ren, take the letter of instructions and proceed... do as follows. ɵ Wei Hu took the letter of instructions and went forth... doing so accordingly." Ziya had given out all the orders. By evening, cannons roared in Zhou's camp; the three armies shouted and charged toward the city walls. Zhang Kui hurried to the city wall, devising strategies for defense; he employed countless methods and precautions, making it difficult to capture the city quickly. Ziya knew that Zhang Kui was skilled at defending cities, so he temporarily sounded the gong and withdrew his troops. The next day, just before and after noon, Ziya invited King Wu to his tent for a meeting: "Today I request the Great King to accompany this old minister outside the camp to inspect Mianchi Xian's city walls so we may plan how best to attack it." King Wu, a loyal and sincere gentleman, readily agreed: "I am willing to go." They immediately left the camp with Ziya and went down to inspect the city from all around. Pointing with his finger, he said: "If Your Majesty wishes to capture this city, you must use the Thunder-Shaking Great Cannon; only then can it be attacked. With that cannon, this city can be captured in a short time." As Ziya and King Wu were discussing the plan to attack the city, a scout on Mianchi's city wall reported to Zhang Kui: "My lord, Jiang Ziya is with another man wearing a red robe inspecting the city walls from below." Zhang Kui heard the report and immediately went to the city wall for a look. Indeed, it was Ziya with King Wu below, pointing and planning around the city. Zhang Kui thought to himself: "Jiang Shang has insulted me too much! It is only because for these past few days I have firmly defended this city and refused to meet him in battle that he has dared come right beneath my walls, acting with total disregard, treating me as if there were no capable men here." He then descended from the city wall and said to his wife, "You must be careful and hold this city firmly. I will leave the city now and go out to attack them personally in order to eliminate this great threat." Lady Gao went up to the city wall to watch the battle. Zhang Kui mounted his horse, brandished his sword, opened the city gate, and galloped out fiercely, shouting, "Ji Fa! Jiang Shang! Today your fate is to die!" Indeed: A plan devised under the moon captures the jade hare; a strategy formed in daylight seizes the golden crow.

子牙同武王拨马向西而走。张奎赶来，周营中一将也不出来接应，张奎放心赶来。看看赶有三十里，只听得金鼓齐鸣，炮声响亮，三军呐喊，震动天地，周营中大小将官齐出营来，杀奔城下。高兰英在城上全装甲胄守护城池，忽听周营中又是炮响，不知其故。忽城上落下哪吒来，现三首八臂，脚踏风火轮，摇火尖枪杀来。高兰英急上马，用双刀抵住了哪吒。二人在城上不便争持，高兰英走马下城，哪吒随后赶来。雷震子又早展开二翅，飞上城来，使开黄金棍，把城上军士打开，随斩关落锁，周兵进城。高兰英见事不好，正欲取葫芦放太阳神针，早已不及，被哪吒一乾坤圈，打中顶上，翻下马来，又是一枪，死于非命，早往封神台去了。有诗为证，诗曰： 孤城死守为成汤，今日身亡实可伤。全节全忠名不朽，女中贞烈万年扬。

Ziya and King Wu turned their horses westward and rode off. Zhang Kui chased after them, but not a single general from Zhou's camp came out to intercept him; thus Zhang Kui pursued with confidence. As he chased for about thirty li, suddenly he heard the sound of gongs and drums ringing together, cannons booming loudly, and the three armies shouting in unison, shaking heaven and earth. From Zhou's camp, generals of all ranks rushed out en masse toward the city walls to attack. On the city wall, Gao Lanying was fully armored and guarding the city when she suddenly heard cannons booming from Zhou's camp again. She did not know what had happened. Suddenly, Nezha descended from above the city wall; he appeared with three heads and eight arms, standing on Wind-Fire Wheels, brandishing his Fire-Tip Spear as he attacked. Gao Lanying quickly mounted her horse and used her twin swords to hold off Nezha. As the two of them found it inconvenient to fight on the city wall, Gao Lianying rode down from the wall, and Nezha followed closely behind. Meanwhile, Leizhenzi had already spread his wings and flown onto the city wall. He brandished a golden staff, smashing through the defending soldiers on the wall, then cut open the gates and locks, allowing Zhou's troops to enter the city. Gao Lanying, seeing the situation was dire, tried to take out her gourd and release the Solar Divine Needle—but it was already too late. Nezha struck her on the head with his Pangu Ring, knocking her off her horse; then he followed up with a spear thrust that killed her instantly. She perished in an untimely death and was sent early to the God-Enthronement Platform. There is a poem to attest to this, which says: Alone she defended the city for King Chengtang; today her death brings great sorrow. Her loyalty and integrity remain eternal; a paragon of virtue among women, her name will be celebrated for ten thousand years.

话说雷震子、哪吒进了渑池县，军士见打死了主母，俱伏地请降。哪吒曰：“俱免汝死，候元帅来安民。”哪吒复向雷震子曰：“道兄且在城上拒住，吾还去接应师叔与武王，恐怕惊了主公。”雷震子曰：“道兄不可迟疑，当速行为是。”好哪吒！把风火轮登开，往正西上赶来。只见张奎正赶子牙有二十里远近，只听得炮声四起，喊声大振，心下甚是惊疑，也不去赶子牙。子牙在后面大呼曰：“张奎！你渑池已失，何不归降？”张奎心慌，情知中计，勒转马望旧路而来；天色又黑，正遇哪吒现三首八臂迎来。哪吒大骂曰：“逆贼！你今日还不下马受死，更待何时！”张奎大怒，摇刀直取。哪吒手中枪急架相还。未及数合，哪吒复祭起九龙神火罩罩来。张奎知此术利害，把身子一扭，往地下去了。哪吒见张奎预先走了，因想起土行孙的光景，心上不觉悲悼，往前来迎武王。张奎急走至城下，见雷震子立于城上，知城池已陷，夫人不知存亡，自思：“不若往朝歌，与袁洪合兵一处，再作道理。”话说哪吒上前迎接武王与子牙，一同回渑池县来，将大军进城屯札，又将城上周将首级收殓，设祭祀之，仍于高阜处安葬。不表。只见张奎全装甲胄，纵地行之术，往黄河大道而走，如风一般，飞云掣电而来。话说杨任远远望见张奎从地底下来了，杨任知会韦护曰：“道兄，张奎来了。你须是仔细些，不要走了他。你看我手往那里指，你就往那边祭降魔杵镇之。”韦护曰：“谨领尊命。”再说张奎正走，远远看见杨任骑云霞兽，手心里那两只神光射耀往下看著地，大呼曰：“张奎不要走！今日你难逃此厄也！”张奎听得，魂不附体，不敢停滞，纵著地行法，“刷”的一声，须臾就走有一千五百里远。杨任在地上催著云霞兽，紧紧追赶。韦护在上头只看著杨任；杨任只看著张奎在地底下；如今三处看著，好赶！正是： 上边韦护观杨任，杨任生追“七杀神”。

It is said that after Leizhenzi and Nezha entered Mianchi Xian, the soldiers saw their commander's wife killed and immediately fell to the ground begging for surrender. Nezha said, "We spare your lives; await the general-in-chief's arrival to pacify the people." Nezha then turned to Leizhenzi and said, "Dao Xiong, please remain on the city wall to hold it. I will return to support Uncle Master and King Wu; we must not alarm our lord." Leizhenzi said, "Dao Xiong should not hesitate. You must act quickly." What a fine Nezha! He mounted his Wind-Fire Wheels and sped off toward the exact west. Zhang Kui had just caught up to Ziya within about twenty li when suddenly he heard cannons booming in all directions and loud shouts rising. He was greatly startled and doubtful, so he no longer pursued Ziya. Ziya shouted from behind: "Zhang Kui! You have already lost Mianchi—why not surrender?" Zhang Kui panicked, realizing he had fallen into a trap. He turned his horse around and galloped back the way he came; the sky was already dark when Nezha suddenly appeared with three heads and eight arms to meet him. Nezha shouted in anger, "Traitor! If you do not dismount and die today, when else will you wait!" Zhang Kui became furious and brandished his sword to attack directly. Nezha quickly raised his spear to block and counterattack. Before a few exchanges could take place, Nezha once again summoned the Nine-Dragon Divine Fire Canopy to descend upon him. Zhang Kui knew how dangerous this technique was, so he twisted his body and vanished underground. Nezha saw that Zhang Kui had escaped beforehand, and recalling the circumstances of Tuxingsun, he could not help but feel sorrowful. He then moved forward to meet King Wu. Zhang Kui hurried down to the city and saw Leizhenzi standing on the wall. Knowing that the city had already fallen, and uncertain of his wife's fate, he thought to himself: "I might as well go back to Chaoge and join forces with Yuan Hong; then I can make further plans." It is said that Nezha went forward to greet King Wu and Ziya, who returned together with him to Mianchi Xian. They led the main army into the city for garrisoning, collected the heads of the slain Zhou generals on the walls, prepared them for burial, held a memorial ceremony, and buried them in an elevated location. No further mention will be made. Meanwhile, Zhang Kui, fully armored in his battle gear, used the earth-traveling technique to flee along the main road toward the Yellow River. He moved as swiftly as the wind, like a bolt of lightning tearing through the clouds. It is said that Yang Ren, from afar, saw Zhang Kui emerging from underground. Yang Ren informed Wei Hu: "Dao Xiong, Zhang Kui has arrived. You must be careful; do not let him escape. When you see me point in a direction, you follow and summon the Demonic Subjugation Pestle to subdue him there." Wei Hu said, "I shall obey your command with all due diligence." Meanwhile, as Zhang Kui was fleeing, he looked far ahead and saw Yang Ren riding a clouded beast, with two beams of divine light shining from his palm toward the ground. He shouted loudly: "Zhang Kui, do not run away! Today you cannot escape this calamity!" Zhang Kui, hearing this, lost his composure and did not dare to stop. He activated the earth-traveling method; with a "shushu" sound, he vanished in an instant over 1,500 li away. Yang Ren urged the clouded beast forward on the ground and pursued him closely. Wei Hu, above them, merely watched Yang Ren; Yang Ren only looked at Zhang Kui moving underground; Now, with three places watching over him, it is a perfect chase! Indeed: Above, Wei Hu watches Yang Ren; Yang Ren pursues the "Seven Death Gods" in life.

话说张奎在地下见杨任紧紧跟随在他头上：如张奎往左，杨任也往左边来赶；张奎往右，杨任也往右边来赶。张奎无法，只是往前飞走。看著行至黄河岸边，前有杨戬奉柬帖在黄河岸边专等杨任。只见远远杨任追赶来了，杨任也看见了杨戬，乃大呼曰：“杨道兄！张奎来了！”杨戬听得，忙将三昧火烧了惧留孙指地成钢的符篆，立在黄河岸边。张奎正行，方至黄河，只见四处如同铁桶一般，半步莫动，左撞左不能通，右撞右不能通，撤身回来，后面犹如铁壁。张奎正慌忙无措，杨任用手往下一指；半空中韦护把降魔杵往下打来。此宝乃镇压邪魔护三教大法之物，可怜张奎怎禁得起。有诗为证，诗曰： 金光一道起空中，五彩云霞协用功。鬼怪逢时皆绝迹，邪魔遇此尽成空。皈依三教称慈善，镇压诸天护法雄。今日黄河除“七杀”，千年英气贯长虹。

Now, Zhang Kui underground saw Yang Ren closely following him from above: if Zhang Kui moved left, Yang Ren also came to pursue on the left; if Zhang Kui went right, Yang Ren also pursued from the right. Zhang Kui had no choice but to fly forward as fast as he could. Looking ahead, they arrived at the Yellow River bank, where Yang Jian was waiting by the riverbank with a letter specially for Yang Ren. As he saw from afar that Yang Ren was chasing after him, Yang Ren also spotted Yang Jian and shouted loudly: "Brother Dao Yang! Zhang Kui is coming!" Upon hearing this, Yang Jian hurriedly used the Sanmei Fire to burn the talisman that Ju Liusun had drawn on the ground to harden it into steel and stood firmly by the Yellow River bank. Zhang Kui was moving forward when he arrived at the Yellow River. He saw that all around him was as solid as an iron cauldron, not allowing even a single step of movement—whether he tried to break through on the left or right, neither side would yield. When he turned back, behind him stood an unyielding wall of iron. Zhang Kui was in a panic and at a loss when Yang Ren pointed his hand downward; from midair, Wei Hu struck downward with the Demonic Subjugation Mallet. This treasure was an artifact used to subdue demons and protect the Three Teachings; poor Zhang Kui could not withstand its power. There is a poem to attest to this, the poem says: A golden light rises from midair; five-colored clouds and brocade work in harmony. When ghosts and monsters encounter this moment, they vanish without a trace; when demons meet it, all are reduced to nothingness. They take refuge in the Three Teachings and are called kind and compassionate; they subdue the heavens and protect with mighty dharma. Today, at the Yellow River, the "Seven Death Gods" are vanquished; for a thousand years, heroic spirit pierces the long rainbow.

话说韦护祭起降魔杵，把张奎打成虀粉，──一灵也往封神台去了。三位门人得胜，齐来见子牙，备言打死张奎，追赶至黄河之事，说了一遍。子牙大喜，在渑池县住了数日，择日起兵。

Now, Wei Hu summoned the Demonic Subjugation Mallet and reduced Zhang Kui to pulp—his soul also went toward the Fengshen Pavilion. The three disciples, having achieved victory, came together to see Ziya and reported in detail the matter of killing Zhang Kui and pursuing him all the way to the Yellow River. Ziya was greatly pleased, stayed for several days in Mianchi Xian, and chose a day to mobilize his troops.

那日，整顿人马，离了渑池县，前往黄河而来。时近隆冬天气，众将官重重铁铠，叠叠征衣，寒气甚胜。怎见得好冷，有赞为证： 重衾无暖气，袖手似揣冰。败叶垂霜蕊，苍松挂冻铃。地裂因寒甚，池平为水凝。鱼舟空钓线，仙观没人行。樵子愁柴少，王孙喜炭增。征人须似铁，诗客笔如零。皮袄犹嫌薄，貂裘尚恨轻。蒲团僵老衲，纸帐旅魂惊。莫讶寒威重，兵行令若霆。

On that day, he organized the troops, left Mianchi Xian behind, and proceeded toward the Yellow River. At that time, it was nearing the height of winter; all the generals and officers wore layer upon layer of iron armor and campaign uniforms, as the cold air was particularly fierce. How bitterly cold it was—there is a verse to attest: Thick quilts offer no warmth; hands tucked in sleeves feel like holding ice. Wilted leaves hang with frosty petals; stately pines dangle frozen bells. The ground cracks from the intense cold; pools become level as water freezes solid. Fishing boats hang idle with empty lines; immortal temples see no one walking about. Woodcutters worry over the scarcity of firewood; noblemen rejoice at the increase in charcoal. Soldiers' beards grow as hard as iron; poets' brushes fall like frost. Fur-lined coats still feel too thin, and sable robes are still considered too light. On a mat of reeds, an old monk stiffens; in paper tents, wandering souls startle with alarm. Do not be surprised by the heavy cold—military orders move like thunder.

话说子牙人马来至黄河，左右报知中军。子牙分付：“借办民舟。”每只俱有工食银五钱，并不白用民船一只，万民乐业，无不欢呼感德，真所谓“时雨之师”。子牙传令，另备龙舟一双，装载武王。子牙与武王驾坐中舱，左右鼓棹，向中流进发。只听得黄河内泼浪滔天，风声大作，把武王龙舟泊在浪里颠播。武王曰：“相父，此舟为何这样掀播？”子牙曰：“黄河水急，平昔浪发，也是不小的；况今日有风，又是龙舟，故此颠播。”武王曰：“推开舱门，俟孤看一看，何如？”子牙同武王推舱一看，好大浪！怎见得黄河叠浪千层，有诗为证： 洋洋光侵月，浩浩影浮天。灵派吞华岳，长流贯百川。千层凶浪滚，万叠峻波颠，岸口无渔火，沙头有鹭眠。茫茫浑似海，一望更无边。

Now, as Ziya's troops arrived at the Yellow River, messengers on both sides reported to the central command. Ziya gave orders: "Borrow and prepare civilian boats." Each boat was compensated with five qian of silver for labor and provisions, and not a single civilian vessel was used without payment. The people were delighted and grateful; this was truly what could be called "an army like timely rain." Ziya issued orders to prepare a pair of dragon boats for King Wu's use. Ziya and King Wu took their seats in the central cabin, while oars were rowed on both sides as they advanced toward the middle of the river. Suddenly, from within the Yellow River came crashing waves and towering surges; fierce winds arose, tossing King Wu's dragon boat violently in the churning waters. King Wu said, "Father-in-law, why is this boat being tossed about so violently?" Ziya replied: "The Yellow River has always been swift and turbulent; its waves are never small. Moreover, today there is wind, and it is a dragon boat, so the tossing is natural." King Wu said: "Open the cabin door. Let me take a look for myself—how does that sound?" Ziya and King Wu opened the cabin to see—it was an enormous wave! How great were the surging waves of the Yellow River—there is a poem to attest: Vast and bright, its light invades the moon; boundless and wide, its shadow floats up to the sky. Its divine current swallows Mount Hua; its endless flow runs through a hundred rivers. A thousand layers of fierce waves roll, ten thousand folds of towering surges rise; no fishing fires appear at the riverbank's mouth, only egrets rest on the sandbar. Vast and murky like the sea, it stretches endlessly in every direction.

话说武王一见黄河，白浪滔天，一望无际，吓得面如土色。那龙舟只在浪里，或上、或下。忽然有一旋窝，水势分开，一声响亮，有一尾白鱼跳在船舱里来，就把武王吓了一跳。那鱼在舟中，左迸右跳，跳有四五尺高。武王问子牙曰：“此鱼入舟，主何吉凶？”子牙曰：“恭喜大王！贺喜大王！鱼入王舟者，主纣王该灭，周室当兴，正应大王继汤而有天下也。”子牙传令：“命庖人将此鱼烹来，与大王享之。”武王曰：“不可。”仍命掷之河中。子牙曰：“既入王舟，岂可舍此，正谓‘天赐不取，反受其咎’，理宜食之，不可轻弃。”左右领子牙令，速命庖人烹来。不一时献上，子牙命赐诸将。少顷，风恬浪静，龙舟已渡黄河。

Now, when King Wu saw the Yellow River with its white waves towering to the sky and stretching endlessly in all directions, he was so frightened that his face turned ashen. The dragon boat merely bobbed up and down within the waves. Suddenly, a whirlpool appeared; the water split apart with a loud sound. A white fish leaped into the boat's cabin, startling King Wu. The fish in the boat jumped left and right, leaping as high as four or five chi. King Wu asked Ziya: "What auspiciousness or ill omen does this fish entering the boat signify?" Ziya said, "Congratulations to Your Majesty! Rejoice and celebrate, Great King!" "When a fish enters the king's boat, it signifies that King Zhou is destined to fall and the Zhou dynasty will rise. This precisely corresponds to Your Majesty succeeding Tang and ruling over all under heaven." Ziya gave orders: "Command the cooks to prepare this fish, so that Your Majesty may partake of it." King Wu said, "No, do not do that." He then ordered it to be thrown back into the river. Ziya said, "Since it has entered the king's boat, how can we discard it? This is precisely what is meant by 'heaven grants but one does not take; to do so invites misfortune.' It should be eaten as a matter of principle and must not be lightly discarded." Those on the side accepted Ziya's order and quickly commanded the cooks to prepare it. In no time, the dish was presented; Ziya ordered it distributed among the generals. After a short while, the winds calmed and the waves stilled, and the dragon boat had already crossed the Yellow River.

只见四百诸侯知周兵已至，打点前来迎接武王。子牙知武王乃仁德之主，岂肯欺君；恐众诸侯尊称武王，以致中馁，则大事去矣。须是预先分付过，然后相见，庶几不露出圭角；俟破纣之后，再作区处。乃对武王曰：“今舟虽抵岸，大王还在舟中，俟老臣先上岸，陈设器械，严整军威，以示武于诸侯，立定营栅，然后来请大王。”武王曰：“听凭相父设施。”子牙先上了岸，率大队人马至孟津，立下营塞。众诸侯齐至中军，来见子牙。子牙迎接上帐，相叙礼毕，子牙曰：“列位君侯见武王不必深言其伐君吊民之故，只以观政于商为辞，俟破纣之后，再作商议。”众诸侯大喜，俱依子牙之言。子牙令军政官与哪吒、杨戬前去迎请武王。后面又有西方二百诸侯随后过黄河，同武王车驾而进。真个是天下诸侯会合，自是不同。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 今日诸侯会孟津，纷纷杀气满江尘。旌旗向日飞龙凤，剑戟迎霜泣鬼神。 士卒赳赳歌化日，军民济济庆仁人。应知世运当亨泰，四海讴吟总是春。

Now, upon learning that Zhou's forces had arrived, the four hundred feudal lords prepared to come forward and welcome King Wu. Ziya knew that King Wu was a ruler of benevolence and virtue, so he would never dare deceive the king; he feared that if the feudal lords were to respectfully address King Wu as their ruler, it might lead to arrogance and complacency, which would spell disaster for the great cause. Therefore, he must have given prior instructions beforehand so that when they met, it might avoid revealing any sharp edges of authority; he would deal with the matter properly only after King Zhou was defeated. He said to King Wu: "Now that the boat has reached the shore, Your Majesty still remains aboard. Let an old minister go ashore first to arrange equipment and displays of military might, demonstrating strength before the feudal lords, establish camp defenses, and then return to invite Your Majesty." King Wu said: "Proceed as you see fit, Father-in-law." Ziya went ashore first and led the main force to Mengjin, where he established a camp. The feudal lords all arrived at the central command to see Ziya. Ziya welcomed them into the tent, and after exchanging formalities, he said: "Esteemed lords, when you meet King Wu, do not speak in depth about his campaign to punish the tyrant and comfort the people. Simply use the excuse of observing Shang's governance. After King Zhou is defeated, we will discuss matters further." The feudal lords were greatly pleased and all followed Ziya's instructions. Ziya ordered the military officials, Nezha, and Yang Jian to go ahead and welcome King Wu. Behind them came another two hundred feudal lords from the west who crossed the Yellow River afterward, advancing together with King Wu's procession. Indeed, it was a gathering of all the feudal lords under heaven—truly an extraordinary event. How great was this gathering? A poem attests to it, the poem says: Today, feudal lords gather at Mengjin; killing intent fills the river with dust. Banners and flags fly like dragons and phoenixes toward the sun; swords and halberds, meeting frost, weep ghosts and gods. Soldiers march bravely singing of a transformed day; soldiers and civilians gather joyfully to celebrate the benevolent ruler. One should know that the world's fortune is now prosperous and harmonious, as all under heaven sings in praise—everywhere is spring.

且说武王同西方二百诸侯来至孟津大营，探马报入中军帐，子牙率领南、北二方四百诸侯，又有数百小诸侯，齐来迎接。武王迳进中军。先有： 南伯侯鄂顺

Meanwhile, King Wu and the two hundred western feudal lords arrived at Mengjin's main camp. Scouts reported to the central command tent, where Ziya led the four hundred feudal lords from south and north, along with hundreds of minor lords, who all came forward to welcome them. King Wu proceeded directly into the central command tent. First among them were: Duke E Shun of Nanbo Hou,

东南扬侯锺志明

Southeast Yang Hou Zhong Zhiming,

北伯侯崇应鸾

Northbo Hou Chong Yingluan,

西南豫州侯姚楚亮

Southwest Yu Zhou Hou Yao Chuliang,

东北兖州侯彭祖寿

Northeast Yan Zhou Hou Peng Zu shou,

夷门伯武高逵

Bin Zhou Bo Ding Jianji,

邠州伯丁建吉

The various feudal lords advanced into the camp; only Dongbo Hou Jiang Wenhuan had not yet entered Youhun Pass, so he proceeded to King Wu's command tent. King Wu refused, and after much mutual courtesy and humility between them, King Wu and the feudal lords bowed to each other in turn. The feudal lords of the realm prostrated themselves and said: "Now that Your Majesty has personally arrived at this place, it allows us, the feudal lords, to behold your imperial countenance and admire your majesty and virtue. You have come early to rescue the people from water and fire; what great fortune for the world!" What great fortune for all the people!" King Wu humbly and modestly said: "I, your humble servant Fa, have succeeded to the throne after my predecessor. I am isolated in virtue and lacking in knowledge; I fear greatly of failing to live up to the achievements of those before me; I have been mistakenly honored by the feudal lords of the realm, who sent proclamations to invite me. I specially pay homage to my esteemed father-in-law and convene all you virtuous feudal lords from the east to observe governance in Shang." "If it is said that I, your humble servant, rashly raised an army, then how could I dare to do so? I only hope the virtuous feudal lords will instruct me!" Among them, Yu Zhou Hou Yao Chuliang replied: "King Zhou was without virtue. He killed his wife and executed his son, burned and roasted loyal men, slaughtered high officials, indulged in wine and lust, did not revere Heaven, neglected sacrifices at the ancestral temples, abandoned the elderly and common people, and favored criminals." Heaven was furious and cut off Shang's mandate. We, your subjects, follow Your Majesty to carry out Heaven's punishment. We punish the guilty and comfort the people, rescuing ten thousand households from water and fire. This is a righteous act in accordance with Heaven and the will of the people, expressing the anger of both humanity and deities; there is no one under heaven who does not feel moved and delighted." "If we, your subjects, were to sit idly by with Your Majesty without taking action, our guilt would be equal. We hope Your Majesty will decide accordingly." King Wu said: "Although King Zhou did not follow the righteous path, it was all due to his ministers misleading and deceiving him. Now we shall merely observe governance in Shang, capture its favorites and corrupt officials, and have the ruler improve his corrupt policies; then peace will naturally return to the world." Peng Zu shou said: "Heaven's mandate is not constant; it belongs only to those with virtue. "In the past, Emperor Yao ruled over the world, but because his son was unworthy, he abdicated in favor of Shun. Shun also ruled over the world; yet because his son was likewise unworthy, he passed on the throne to Yu. Yu's son was virtuous and able to inherit his father's legacy, so the throne passed down until Jie, when virtue declined. He tyrannized the people of Xia, and Heaven and humanity resented him; thus King Tang was able to carry out Heaven's punishment, exiling Jie to Nan Chao, and overthrowing Xia to rule the world. Virtuous and sage rulers arose six or seven times, until the time of King Zhou. His crimes were so numerous they overflowed; he destroyed good governance and committed atrocities without morality. Heaven was furious and brought calamity upon Shang, thus commanding Your Majesty to punish Yin Tang. Your Majesty should not stubbornly refuse, lest it dampen the hearts of the feudal lords." King Wu remained humble and did not immediately respond. Zi Ya said: "Virtuous feudal lords, today is not the time to discuss important matters. Let us wait until we reach the outskirts of Shang before speaking further." The feudal lords all said: "What the Prime Minister has said is correct." King Wu ordered wine to be prepared in the camp and held a grand banquet for the feudal lords. Details are omitted.

众诸侯进营，止有东伯侯姜文焕未曾进游魂关，乃序武王上帐。武王不肯，彼此固逊多时，武王同众诸侯交相下拜。天下诸侯俯伏曰：“今大王大驾特临此地，使众诸侯得睹天颜，仰观威德，早救民于水火之中，天下幸甚！万民幸甚！”武王深自谦让曰：“予小子发，嗣位先生，孤德寡闻，惟恐有负前烈；谬蒙天下诸侯传檄相邀，特拜相父东会列位贤侯，观政于商。若曰予小子冒昧兴师，则予岂敢，惟望列位贤侯教之！”内有豫州侯姚楚亮对曰：“纣王无道，杀妻诛子，焚炙忠良，杀戮大臣，沉湎酒色，弗敬上天，郊庙下祀，播弃黎老，昵比罪人。皇天震怒，绝命于商。予等奉大王恭行天之罚，伐罪吊民，拯万姓于水火，正应天顺人之举，泄人神之愤，天下无不感悦。若予等与大王坐视不理，厥罪惟均，望大王裁之。”武王曰：“纣王虽不行正道，俱臣下蔽惑之耳。今只观政于商，擒其嬖幸，令人君加改其敝政，则天下自平矣。”彭祖寿曰：“天命靡常，惟有德者居之。昔尧有天下，因其子不肖，而禅位于舜。舜有天下，亦因其子之不肖，而禅位于禹。禹之子贤，能承继父业，于是相传至桀而德衰，暴虐夏政，天人怨之；故汤得行天之罚，放桀于南巢，伐夏而有天下。贤圣之君六七作，至于纣，罪恶贯盈，毁弃善政，戕贼不道，皇天震怒，降灾于商，爰命大王以伐殷汤，大王幸毋固辞，以灰诸侯之心。”武王谦让未遑。子牙曰：“列位贤侯，今日亦非商议正事之时，俟至商郊，再有说话。”众诸侯佥曰：“丞相之言是也。”武王命营中治酒，大宴诸侯。不表。

Meanwhile, Yuan Hong in the camp saw a scout report: "Now King Wu's army has encamped at Mengjin and is holding a grand assembly of feudal lords. Please, Commander-in-Chief, decide what to do." Yan Pobai hearing this, hurried forward and said: "King Wu of Zhou is the chief rebel against Heaven. Since he raised his army to this place, wherever he has gone, he has achieved victories; his military might is very sharp. Commander-in-Chief cannot be careless; you must prepare your troops strictly to meet him." Yuan Hong said: "What the military advisor has said is certainly wise, but I estimate that Jiang Shang is no more than a rustic villager from Panxi. What ability could he possibly have? This must be due to the negligence of our gate generals, allowing him to succeed by luck." "Advisor, rest assured. Watch as I send one army and make them return not a single piece of armor." The next day, Zi Ya ascended his command tent. The feudal lords came to pay their respects when Yi Men Bo Wu Gaokui spoke up: "Your Excellency, the six hundred feudal lords have stationed troops here and dared not take independent military action; they merely hold this position waiting for King Wu's arrival so that he may decide what is to be done. "If we do not capture Yuan Hong first today, then the entire realm will still dare to show strength and remain unaware that Heaven's officials are invincible in battle. I hope Your Excellency will quickly grant orders for action." Zi Ya said: "What the virtuous feudal lord has said is very wise. I must first issue a challenge, and then assemble the troops at Mengjin; only in this way can we demonstrate to the world that evil can be overcome only by virtue. All were greatly pleased. Zi Ya quickly drafted a letter and sent Yang Jian to deliver the challenge into the camp of King Tang. Yang Jian accepted his orders and, upon reaching in front of the camp of King Tang, dismounted and shouted: "By command of General Jiang, I have come to deliver a challenge!" A scout reported this to the central camp. Upon hearing that a challenge had arrived from King Wu's camp, Yuan Hong quickly ordered his attendants: "Bring him in." Soon the military official came to the camp gate and ordered Yang Jian inside for an audience. Yang Jian arrived at Yuan Hong's central command tent, presented the challenge letter, and met with Yuan Hong. After reading it, Yuan Hong said: "I will not write a reply; let us simply agree to meet in battle tomorrow." Yang Jian returned to the central camp and reported to Zi Ya, saying that they had agreed to a battle the next day. Zi Ya issued orders to all the feudal lords: "Assemble for battle tomorrow morning." All of them prepared accordingly and departed. The next day, the cannons of Zhou's camp roared. Zi Ya deployed his main force; six hundred feudal lords marched out together, with Zi Ya's troops in the center, all bearing large red banners; on the left was Nanbo Hou E Shun, and on the right was Northbo Hou Chong Yingluan. All were adorned with banners of five colors; it was as if a mountain of helmets and an ocean of armor had appeared, their might fierce like leopards and heroes valiant like tigers. The formation was set, and the three armies shouted in unison as they charged toward the front. Scouts reported this to Yuan Hong, who then emerged from camp with his generals to observe Zi Ya's large army. They saw the feudal lords of the world spread out like wild geese wings on either side, with Commander-in-Chief Jiang Shang at the center, General E Shun on the left and General Chong Yingluan on the right. There is a poem to attest to this, which says: The feudal lords united to break Chao Ge; it was truly when immortals encountered calamity and demons. A million valiant troops stirred the universe, achieving wondrous feats right at Mengjin River. Jiang Shang marched east to eliminate tyrannical rule; feudal lords submitted with folded hands, respecting his commands. Evil mists surged as all vied for dominance; Yang Jian on Meishan captured the Seven Saints.

且说袁洪在营中，只见报马启曰：“今有武王兵至孟津下寨，大会诸侯，请元帅定夺。”殷破败听得，忙上前言曰：“周武乃天下叛逆元首，自兴兵至此，所在获捷；军威甚锐，元帅不可轻忽，务要严兵以待。”袁洪曰：“参军之言固善，料姜尚不过一磻溪村夫，有何本领，此皆诸关将士不用心，以致彼侥幸成功。参军放心，看吾一阵令他片甲不回。”次日，子牙升帐，众诸侯上帐参见，有夷门伯武高逵言曰：“启元帅：诸侯六百驻兵于此，俱未敢擅于用兵，止在此拒住，只候武王大驾来临，以凭裁夺。今日若不先擒袁洪，则匹天尚自逞强，犹不知天吏之不可战也。望元帅早赐施行。”子牙曰：“贤侯之言甚善。吾必先下战书，然后会兵孟津，方可以示天下之恶惟天下之德可以克之。”众皆大喜。子牙忙修书，差杨戬往汤营内来下战书。杨戬领命，往成汤营前下马，大呼曰：“奉姜元帅将令，来下战书！”探事小校报与中军，袁洪听得周营来下战书，忙命左右：“令来。”只见军政官来至营门，令杨戬进见。杨戬至中军帐见袁洪，呈上战书。袁洪观看毕，乃曰：“吾不修回书，约定明日会兵便了。”杨戬回至中军，见子牙，言明日会兵。子牙传令与众诸侯：“明早会兵。”俱各各准备去了。次日，周营炮响，子牙调出大队人马，有六百诸侯齐出，当中是子牙人马，俱是大红旗；左是南伯侯鄂顺，右是北伯侯崇应鸾，尽是五色旛幢，真若盔山甲海，威势如彪，英雄似虎。布成阵势，三军呐喊，冲至军前，哨马报与袁洪，袁洪与众将出营观看子牙大兵队伍，只见天下诸侯雁翅排开，分于左右，当中是元帅姜尚，左有鄂顺，右有崇应鸾。有诗为证，诗曰： 诸侯共计破朝歌，正是神仙遇劫魔。百万雄师兴宇宙，奇功立在孟津河。 姜尚东征除虐政，诸侯拱手尊号令。妖氛滚滚各争先，杨戬梅山收七圣。

Now, Yuan Hong on horseback saw Jiang Zi Ya wearing a Taoist robe and riding the Si Bu Xiang as he approached the front of the army. On either side were arranged many of his disciples. Following this, King Wu rode a Xiaoyao horse, with feudal lords from north and south lined up behind him. Yuan Hong was seen wearing a silver helmet and plain armor, riding a white horse. He carried a Bin Tie staff across his saddle, exuding an imposing air of heroism. How could one describe Yuan Hong's excellence? A eulogy attests to this: A silver helmet and plain armor, with red tassels glistening. On the left hung a wolf-toothed arrow; on the right dangled the sharp edge of a precious sword. He carried horizontally across his shoulder the Bin Tie staff. His white horse moved as if by divine speed. He grew up under Meishan and achieved success within an ancient cave. He once received the secrets of Yin and Yang, and also gained the spirit of Heaven and Earth. Skilled in many transformations, his mysteries resemble human form. He was the number one at Meishan, defending Zhou and destroying Shang's troops.

话说袁洪在马上见姜子牙身穿道服，乘四不相，来至军前，左右排列有众位门人，次后武王乘逍遥马，南北分列众位诸侯。只见袁洪银盔素铠，坐下白马，使一条宾铁棍，担在鞍鞽，英雄凛凛。怎见得袁洪好处，有赞为证： 银盔素铠，缨络红凝。左插狼牙箭，右悬宝剑锋。横担宾铁棍。白马似神行。幼长梅山下，成功古洞中。曾受阴阳诀，又得天地灵。善能多变化，玄妙似人形。梅山称第一，保纣灭周兵。

Now Zi Ya rode forward and asked: "Are you not Commander-in-Chief Yuan Hong of King Tang?" Yuan Hong said, "Are you indeed Jiang Shang?" Zi Ya replied: "I am the Heaven-appointed Commander-in-Chief tasked with sweeping away King Tang and eliminating its protector." "Now the world belongs to Zhou. King Zhou of Shang is without virtue, and all under heaven have abandoned their loyalty and virtue; it is only a matter of time before he is captured. I estimate that your cup of water cannot possibly quench the fire beneath a cartload of kindling!" "If you surrender and switch sides without delay, I will still spare your life; if you refuse to do so, then when the army is defeated in a single day or hour, both jade and stone will be burned together. Even if you wish for your own survival, it will be too late." "Do not remain stubbornly deluded; only bring about fruitless sorrow upon yourself." Yuan Hong laughed and said: "Jiang Shang, you only know how to fish at Panxi, knowing the depth of water. Fortunately for you, there were no capable generals at the five passes, allowing you to penetrate deep into our territory. How dare you use flattery and deceitful words to mislead my men?"! Turning to his attendants, he said: "Who will go with me and seize this vulgar man for me, so that I may vent the anger of all under heaven?" A voice from nearby shouted: "Commander-in-Chief, rest assured. Let me achieve success for you!" He galloped swiftly to the front of the formation and brandished his spear directly at Jiang Zi Ya. From nearby, Youbo Hou Yao Shuliang rode forward, brandishing his axe and shouting: "You lowly man, come no closer! I am here!" Without a word of reply, the two horses clashed. Spear and axe were raised together as they engaged in fierce battle. How was this scene? A poem attests to it, which says: The war clouds spread endlessly through the void; swords and spears clash in turmoil. Today General Jiang's first battle at Mengjin saw blood splatter, turning bamboo tips red.

话说子牙向前问曰：“来者莫非成汤元帅袁洪么？”袁洪曰：“你可就是姜尚？”子牙曰：“吾乃奉天征讨扫荡成汤天保大元帅。今天下归周，商纣无道，天下离心离德，只在旦夕受缚，料你一杯之水，安能救车薪之火哉！汝若早早倒戈纳降，尚待汝以不死；如若不肯，旦夕一朝兵败，玉石俱焚，虽欲求其独生，何可及哉。休得执迷，徒劳伊戚。”袁洪笑曰：“姜尚，你只知磻溪捕鱼，水有深浅，今幸而五关无有将才，让你深入重地，你敢于巧言令色，惑吾众听耶！”回顾左右先行曰：“谁与吾拿此鄙夫，以泄天下之愤？”傍有一人大呼曰：“元帅放心，待我成功！”走马飞临阵前，摇手中枪直取姜子牙。傍有右伯侯姚庶良纵马摇手中斧，大呼曰：“匹夫慢来，有吾在此！”也不答话，两马相交，枪斧并举，一场大战。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 征云荡荡透虚空，剑戟兵戈扰攘中。今日姜公头一战，孟津血溅竹梢红。

Now, as for Yao Shuliang, his axe moved like lightning. He did not know that Chang Hao was a snake spirit from Meishan; Yao Shuliang possessed genuine skill and had no idea—his only thought was to achieve victory. Chang Hao, unaware of his defeat, retreated from the battlefield, and Yao Shuliang spurred his horse in pursuit. Whether he would survive or not remains to be seen in the next chapter.

话说姚庶良手中斧转换如飞，不知常昊乃是梅山一个蛇精，姚庶良乃是真实本领，那里知道，只要成功。常昊不觉败下阵去，姚庶良便催马赶来。不知性命如何，且听下回分解。

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