Chapter 9: Shang Rong Dies with Loyalty at the Nine-Intercept Hall

诗曰： 忠臣直谏岂沽名，只欲君明国政清。不愿此身成个是，忍教今日祸将盈？ 报储一念坚金石，诛佞孤忠贯玉京。大志未酧先碎首，令人睹此泪如倾。

The poem says: A loyal minister who gives straightforward advice does so not for reputation, but only to see the ruler wise and state affairs clear. Does not wish this body to become a mere thing, How can one endure that today calamity is about to overflow? Reporting the heir's single resolve as firm as gold and stone, Exterminating villains with solitary loyalty piercing through Yu Jing. Great aspirations unfulfilled before the head is shattered, Seeing this makes people weep as if pouring out tears.

话说雷开领五十名军卒，往南都追赶，似电走云飞，风驰雨骤。赶至天晚，雷开传令：“你们饱餐，连夜追赶；料去不远。”军士依言，饱吃了战饭又赶。将及到二更时分，军士因连日跋涉劳苦，人人俱在马上困倦，险些儿闪下马来。雷开暗想：“夜里追赶，只怕赶过了，倘或殿下在后，我反在前，空劳心力；不如歇宿一宵，明日精健好赶。”叫左右：“往前边看，可有村舍？暂宿一宵，明日赶罢。”众军卒因连日追赶辛苦，巴不得要歇息。两边将火把灯球高举，照得前面松阴密密，却是村庄。及至看时，乃是一座庙宇。军卒前来禀曰：“前边有一古庙，老爷可以暂居半夜，明早好行。”雷开曰：“这个却好。”众军到了庙前，雷开下马，抬头观看，上悬乃是“轩辕庙”，里边并无庙主，军卒用手推门，齐进庙来，火把一照，只见圣座下一人，鼾睡不醒。雷开向前看时，却是殿下殷洪。雷开叹曰：“若往前行，却不错过了！此也是天数。”雷开叫曰：“殿下，殿下！”殷洪正在浓睡之间，猛然惊醒，只见灯球火把，一簇人马拥塞。殿下认的是雷开。殿下叫：“雷将军！”雷开曰：“殿下，臣奉天子命，来请殿下回朝。百官俱有保本，殿下可以放心。”殷洪曰：“将军不必再言，我已尽知，料不能逃此大难。我死也不惧，只是一路行来，甚是狼狈，难以行走。乞将军把你的马与我骑一骑，你意下如何？”雷开听得，忙答曰：“臣的马请殿下乘骑，臣愿步随。”彼时殷洪离庙上马，雷开步行押后，往三叉路口而来。不表。

It was said that Lei Kai led fifty soldiers, heading south to chase after the city of Nandu. They moved as swiftly as lightning through clouds and wind through a sudden rainstorm. By dusk, Lei Kai gave orders: "You all have your fill to eat, then chase after them overnight; they must not be far ahead." The soldiers followed his words, ate heartily of their battle rations, and continued the pursuit. By the time it was nearly two hours past midnight, the soldiers, exhausted from days of arduous travel, were all drowsy on their horses and almost fell off. Lei Kai thought to himself, "Chasing at night might lead us past them. If the prince is behind while I am ahead, all this effort will be in vain; better we rest for a night and chase with vigor tomorrow." He called to those on his side, "Look ahead. Is there any village or house? We can stay for a night and continue chasing tomorrow." The soldiers, tired from days of pursuit, were eager to rest. They raised torches and lanterns on both sides, illuminating the dense pines ahead—there was a village. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a temple. The soldiers came forward and reported, "There is an ancient temple ahead; my lord may stay there for the night and proceed early tomorrow morning." Lei Kai said, "This place will do well." When the soldiers arrived at the temple, Lei Kai dismounted and looked up. A plaque above read "Xuanyuan Temple." There was no temple master inside. The soldiers pushed open the door with their hands and entered together. When they lit a torch, they saw one person sleeping soundly beneath the shrine of the deity, completely unresponsive. When Lei Kai stepped forward to look, he recognized it was Prince Yin Hong. Lei Kai sighed and said, "If we had gone further ahead, we would have missed him! This is also the will of Heaven." Lei Kai called out, "Your Highness! Your Highness!" Prince Yin Hong was in a deep sleep when he suddenly woke up, only to see torches and lanterns, with a crowd of soldiers crowding around. The prince recognized it as Lei Kai. The prince called, "General Lei!" Lei Kai said, "Your Highness, I have been commissioned by the Son of Heaven to escort you back to court. All officials have submitted petitions in your defense; Your Highness may rest assured." Prince Yin Hong said, "General, there is no need to say more. I already know everything and realize that I cannot escape this great calamity. I fear not death, but the journey has been so wretched and difficult to travel. I beg you, General, lend me your horse for a while—what do you think?" Lei Kai heard this and quickly replied, "Your Highness may ride my horse; I am willing to follow on foot." At that time, Prince Yin Hong left the temple and mounted the horse, while Lei Kai walked behind as escort, heading toward a three-way crossroads. Details are omitted here.

且言殷破败望东鲁大道赶来，行了一二日，赶到风云镇，又过十里，只见八字粉墙，金字牌匾，上书“太师府”。殷破败勒住马看时，原来是商丞相的府。殷破败滚鞍下马，迳进相府，来看商容。──商容原是殷破败座主，殷破败是商容的门生，故此下马谒见商容，却不知太子殷郊正在厅上吃饭。──殷破败忝在门生，不用通报，迳到厅前；见殿下同丞相用饭。殷破败上厅曰：“千岁，老丞相，末将奉天子旨意，来请殿下回朝。”商容曰：“殷将军，你来的好。我想朝歌有四百文武，就无一员官直谏天子，文官钳口，武不能言，受爵贪名，尸位素餐，成何世界！”丞相正骂起气来，那里肯住！且说殿下殷郊，颤兢兢面如金纸，上前言曰：“老丞相不必大怒，殷将军既奉旨拿我，料此去必无生路。”言罢泪如雨下。商容大呼曰：“殿下放心！我老臣本尚未完，若见天子，自有说话。”叫左右槽头：“收拾马匹，打点行装，我亲自面君便了。”殷破败见商容自往朝歌见驾，恐天子罪责。殷破败曰：“丞相听启：卑职奉旨来请殿下，可同殿下先回，在朝歌等候；丞相略后一步。见门生先有天子而后私情也。不识丞相可容纳否？”商容笑曰：“殷将军，我晓得你这句话：我要同行，你恐天子责你容情之罪。也罢，殿下，你同殷将军前去；老夫随后便至。”却说殿下离了商容府第，行行且止，两泪不乾。商容便叫殷破败：“贤契，我响当当的殿下交与你，你莫望功高，有伤君臣大义，则罪不胜诛矣。”破败顿首曰：“门下领命，岂敢妄为！”殿下辞了商容，同殷破败上马，一路行来。殷郊在马上暗想：我虽身死不辞，还有兄弟殷洪，尚有申冤报恨之时。”行非一日，不觉来到三叉路口。军卒报雷开。雷开到辕门来看时，只见殿下同殷破败在马上。雷开曰：“恭喜千岁回来！”殿下下马进营，殷洪在帐上高坐，只见报说：“千岁来了。”殷洪闻言，抬头看时，果见殷郊。殷郊又见殷洪，心如刀绞，意似油煎，赶上前，一把扯住殷洪，放声大哭曰：“我兄弟二人，生前得何罪与天地！东南逃走，不能逃脱，竟遭网罗！两人被擒，父母戴天之仇，化为乌有。”顿足捶胸，伤心切骨：“可怜我母死无辜，子亡无罪！”正是二位殿下悲啼，只见三千士卒闻者心酸，见者掩鼻。二将不得已，催动人马望朝歌而来。有诗为证，诗曰： 皇天何苦失推详，兄弟逃灾离故乡。指望借兵申大恨，孰知中道遇豺狼。 思亲漫有冲霄志，诛佞空怀报怨方。此日双双投陷穽，行人一见泪千行。

Meanwhile, Yin Pobai hurried along the eastern Lu road. After traveling for one or two days, he arrived at Fengyun Town and passed another ten li, where he saw a gate with eight-character white walls and a golden plaque above it reading "Tai Shi Fu" (the residence of the Grand Tutor). When Yin Pobai pulled his horse to look, he realized that this was the residence of Chancellor Shang. Yin Pobai dismounted and rode straight into the chancellor's mansion to visit Shang Rong. Shang Rong was originally Yin Pobai's master, and Yin Pobai was Shang Rong's disciple. Therefore, he dismounted to pay a visit—unaware that Crown Prince Yin Jiao was dining in the hall at that moment. As an unworthy disciple, Yin Pobai did not need to announce his arrival and went directly to the front of the hall; he saw the prince dining with the chancellor. Yin Pobai entered the hall and said, "Your Highness, Chancellor, I have come by imperial decree to escort Your Highness back to court." Chancellor Shang Rong said, "General Yin, you have arrived just in time. I think that in Chao Ge there are four hundred civil and military officials, yet not a single one dared to give direct advice to the Son of Heaven. The civil officials kept their mouths shut, while the military could not speak out; they accepted titles and coveted fame, occupying positions without contributing—what kind of world is this!" The chancellor was in full rage and would not stop! Meanwhile, Prince Yin Jiao, trembling with a face as pale as gold paper, stepped forward and said, "Chancellor, there is no need for such anger. Since General Yin has come to take me by imperial order, I suppose this journey will lead to certain death." As he finished speaking, tears poured down like rain. Chancellor Shang Rong cried out in great emotion, "Your Highness, do not worry! My memorial to the throne is not yet complete. When I see the Son of Heaven, there will be words to say." He called out to those in charge at the stables: "Prepare the horses and pack our belongings. I shall personally present myself before the Son of Heaven." Yin Pobai, seeing that Chancellor Shang Rong intended to go in person to Chao Ge and present himself before the Son of Heaven, was afraid the emperor would hold him accountable. Yin Pobai said, "Chancellor, please allow me to speak: I have come here by imperial decree to escort the prince. You may return with him first and await there in Chao Ge; the chancellor can follow a little later." This is to show that as a disciple, one must first consider the Son of Heaven before personal feelings. I wonder if Chancellor will agree?" Chancellor Shang Rong smiled and said, "General Yin, I understand your words: you fear that if I travel with you, the Son of Heaven might hold you accountable for showing leniency. Very well, Your Highness, go ahead with General Yin; I shall follow shortly." Meanwhile, the prince left Chancellor Shang Rong's residence. He walked and paused repeatedly, his tears never drying. Chancellor Shang Rong then called to Yin Pobai, "Dear disciple, I am entrusting the prince into your hands. Do not seek great merit or harm the virtue of ruler and subject; otherwise, you will be guilty beyond redemption." Yin Pobai kowtowed and said, "Your disciple accepts the order. How dare I act recklessly!" The prince bid farewell to Chancellor Shang Rong, mounted his horse with Yin Pobai, and set off on the road. Prince Yin Jiao thought to himself while riding: Though I do not fear death, my brother Yin Hong still lives; there will yet be a time for him to clear our name and seek justice." They traveled for many days without rest until they unknowingly arrived at the three-way crossroads. The soldiers reported to Lei Kai. When Lei Kai arrived at the 辕门 (yuan men, a military gate), he saw Prince Yin Jiao and Yin Pobai on horseback. Lei Kai said, "Congratulations, Your Highness for returning!" The prince dismounted and entered the camp. Yin Hong was seated in the tent when he heard a report: "Your Highness has arrived." Yin Hong, upon hearing this, looked up and indeed saw Yin Jiao. Yin Jiao, seeing Yin Hong again, felt as if his heart were pierced by a knife and his mind tormented by oil. He rushed forward, grabbed Yin Hong tightly, and wept aloud: "What crime have my brother and I committed against heaven and earth to suffer thus in life! We fled southeast but could not escape the net of fate!" The two of us captured, our parents' grievous grudge now reduced to nothing." He stamped his feet and beat his chest in grief, heartbroken: "Alas! My mother died innocent, my son perished without guilt!" It was indeed a sorrowful wail from the two princes. The sight and sound moved the three thousand soldiers, many of whom felt heartache and turned away with their noses covered. The two generals had no choice but to urge their troops onward toward Chao Ge. There is a poem to attest to this, the poem says: Why does Heaven not ponder and deliberate? The brothers flee disaster from their hometown. They hoped to borrow troops to avenge great hatred, yet who knew they would encounter wolves on the way. Thinking of their parents, they had lofty aspirations reaching to the sky; Vowing to exterminate villains, they carried in vain plans for revenge. On this day both fell into a trap; passersby who saw wept rivers of tears.

话说殷、雷二将获得殿下，将至朝歌，安下营寨。二将进城回旨，暗喜成功。有探马报到武成王黄飞虎帅府来，说：“殷、雷二将已捉获得二位殿下，进城回旨。”黄飞虎听报大怒：“这匹夫！你望成功，不顾成汤后嗣，我叫你千锺未享餐刀剑，功未褒封血染衣！”令黄明、周纪、龙环、吴炎：“你们与我传请各位老千岁与诸多文武，俱至午门会齐。”四将领命去了。黄飞虎上了坐骑，迳至午门。方才下骑，只见纷纷文武，往往官僚，闻捉获了殿下，俱到午门。不一时，亚相比干、微子、箕子、微子启、微子衍、伯夷、叔齐、上大夫胶鬲、赵启、杨任、孙寅、方天爵、李烨、李燧，百官相见。黄飞虎曰：“列位老殿下，诸位大夫，今日安危，俱在丞相、列位谏议定夺。吾乃武臣，又非言路，乞早为之计。”正议论间，只见军卒簇拥二位殿下来到午门。百官上前，口称“千岁”。殷郊、殷洪垂泪大叫曰：“列位皇伯、皇叔并众位大臣！可怜成汤三十一世之孙，一旦身遭屠戮。我自正位东宫，并无失德，纵有过恶，不过贬谪，也不致身首异处。乞列位念社稷为重，保救馀生，不胜幸甚！”微子启曰：“殿下，不妨。多官俱有本章保奏，料应无事。”

It was said that Generals Yin and Lei, having captured the prince, were approaching Chao Ge when they set up camp. The two generals entered the city to report their success and secretly rejoiced at their accomplishment. A scout arrived at the headquarters of General Huang Feihuo, the Duke of Wucheng, and reported: "Generals Yin and Lei have already captured the two princes and entered the city to deliver their report." Huang Feihuo was furious upon hearing this news: "This rascal! You seek success without regard for the descendants of Chengtang. I will see you never taste a thousand measures of grain, but only the sword and blade; your achievements will not be rewarded with honors, but your clothes stained in blood!" He ordered Huang Ming, Zhou Ji, Long Huan, and Wu Yan: "You all go at once to summon the various senior lords and many civil and military officials to gather at Wumen." The four generals accepted the order and left. Huang Feihuo mounted his horse and went directly to Wumen. No sooner had he dismounted than he saw a crowd of civil and military officials and various bureaucrats, having heard that the prince was captured, all arriving at Wumen. In no time, the Grand Minister Bi Gan, Weizi, Jizi, Weizi Qi, Weizi Yan, Bo Yi, Shu Qi, Senior Official Jiao Ge, Zhao Qi, Yang Ren, Sun Yin, Fang Tianjue, Li Ye, and Li Sui all arrived and greeted one another. Huang Feihuo said, "Esteemed lords and esteemed ministers, the safety or peril of today rests in the hands of the chancellor and your esteemed council. I am a military officer, not one who speaks for the court; I beg you to act swiftly." While they were still discussing, soldiers suddenly arrived at Wumen, surrounding and escorting the two princes. The officials stepped forward and respectfully addressed them as "Your Highness." Yin Jiao and Yin Hong wept loudly, calling out: "Esteemed uncles, aunts, and all esteemed ministers! Pitiful are the thirty-first generation descendants of Chengtang, who now face slaughter in an instant. I have held the position of Crown Prince and committed no moral failings. Even if I had some faults, they would at most lead to demotion or exile, not to losing my head." I beg you all, for the sake of the state and its people, to spare this wretched life. I would be most grateful!" Weizi Qi said, "Your Highness, there is no need to worry. Many officials have submitted memorials in your defense; I suppose you will be safe."

且言殷、雷二将进寿仙宫回旨，纣王曰：“既拿了逆子，不须见朕，速斩首午门正法，收尸埋葬回旨。”殷破败奏曰：“臣未得行刑旨出，焉敢处决！”纣王即用御笔书“行刑”二字付与。殷、雷二将捧行刑旨意，速出午门来。黄飞虎一见，火从心上起，怒向胆边生，站立午门正中，阻住二将，大叫曰：“殷破败！雷开！恭喜你擒太子有功，杀殿下有爵！只怕你官高必险，位重者身危！”殷、雷二将还未及回言，只见一员官，乃上大夫赵启是也，走上前，劈手一把，将殷破败捧的行刑旨扯得纷纷粉碎，厉声大叫曰：“昏君无道，匹夫助恶，谁敢捧旨擅杀东宫太子！谁敢执宝剑妄斩储君！似今朝纲常大变，礼义全无！列位老殿下，诸位大臣，午门非议国事之所，齐到大殿，鸣其钟鼓，请驾临朝，俱要犯颜直谏，以定国本。”殷、雷二将见众官激变，不复朝仪，吓得目瞪口呆，不知所出。黄飞虎又命黄明、周纪等四将，守住殿下，以防暗害。这八名奉御官把二位殿下绑缚，只等行刑旨意，孰知众官阻住。这且不言。且说众官齐上大殿，鸣钟击鼓，请天子登殿。纣王在寿仙宫听见钟鼓之声，正欲传问，只见奉御官奏曰：“合朝文武请陛下登殿。”纣王对妲己曰：“此无别事，只为逆子，百官欲来保奏。如何处治？”妲己曰：“陛下传出旨意：今日斩了殿下，百官明日见朝。一面传旨，一面催殷破败回旨。”奉御官旨意下，百官仰听玉音： 　“诏曰：君命召，不俟驾；君赐死，不敢生。此万古之大法，天子所不得轻重者也。今逆子殷郊，助恶殷洪，灭伦藐法，肆行不道，仗剑入宫，擅杀逆贼姜环，希图无证：复持剑敢杀命官，欲行弑父。悖理逆常，子道尽灭。今擒获午门，以正祖宗之法。卿等毋得助逆佑恶，明听朕言。如有国家政事，俟明日临殿议处。故兹诏示，想宜知悉。”

Meanwhile, Generals Yin and Lei entered Shouxian Gong to deliver their report. King Zhou said, "Since the rebellious son has been captured, there is no need for him to see me. Execute his head at Wumen immediately as punishment, then bury the body and return with your report." Yin Pobai petitioned, "Your servant has not received an imperial decree for execution. How dare I carry out the sentence!" King Zhou immediately used his royal brush to write the two characters "hang xing" (execute) and handed it over. Generals Yin and Lei hurriedly took the execution order and quickly left Wumen. Huang Feihuo, upon seeing this, felt a fire rise in his heart and anger surge from his gallbladder. Standing right at the center of Wumen, he blocked the two generals and shouted, "Yin Pobai! Lei Kai! Congratulations to you for capturing the Crown Prince and earning merit, and for killing a prince of the blood and receiving noble rank! But I fear that high office brings danger, and great power endangers one's life!" Before Generals Yin and Lei could respond, a certain official, none other than Shang Dafu Zhao Qi, stepped forward, snatched the execution order from Yin Pobai's hands with one swift motion, tearing it into pieces, and shouted fiercely: "This tyrant is unjust, and you commoners aid in his wickedness—who dares to carry out an edict and kill the Crown Prince at will! Who dares wield a sword and recklessly behead the heir to the throne! On this day, the great order of the world has collapsed, and propriety and righteousness have vanished entirely! All esteemed princes and ministers, Wumen is not the place to discuss state affairs. Let us all go to the main hall together, sound the bells and drums, invite His Majesty to court, and boldly offer direct remonstrances in order to stabilize the foundation of the nation." Generals Yin and Lei, seeing the officials' sudden outburst and the collapse of court etiquette, were so frightened that they stood there with their eyes wide open in shock, not knowing what to do. Huang Feihuo then ordered Generals Huang Ming and Zhou Ji, among four others, to guard the prince's quarters and prevent any secret harm. The eight imperial attendants had bound the two princes, waiting only for the execution order. Little did they know that the officials would intervene and block it. This will not be mentioned further. Meanwhile, the officials all ascended the main hall together, rang the bells and struck the drums, and requested His Majesty to ascend the throne. King Zhou, hearing the sound of bells and drums from Shouxian Gong, was about to inquire when an imperial attendant reported, "All civil and military officials are requesting Your Majesty to ascend the throne." King Zhou said to Daji, "There is nothing unusual here; it's only about the rebellious son. The officials want to come and plead for him." How should we deal with this?" Daji said, "Your Majesty may issue an imperial decree: The prince will be executed today, and the officials shall appear at court tomorrow. While issuing the order, also urge Yin Pobai to return with his report." The imperial attendants delivered the decree, and all officials listened attentively to the royal command: "Edict says: When summoned by the Son of Heaven, one must not wait for a carriage; When death is granted by the ruler, life cannot be preserved. This is an eternal law of great importance, which even the Son of Heaven may not alter lightly. Now the rebellious son Yin Jiao, together with his accomplice Yin Hong, has destroyed moral order and defied the law, acting without restraint or virtue. Drawing a sword into the palace, he dared to kill the traitor Jiang Huan without evidence, hoping to cover up his crime; furthermore, he held a sword to slay an official appointed by imperial decree, attempting regicide. This is utterly against reason and violates all natural order; the son's filial duty has been completely extinguished. Now that he has been captured at Wumen, let us uphold the laws of our ancestors and punish him accordingly. You must not aid rebels or protect evildoers; heed my words clearly. If there are matters of state to discuss, await tomorrow's court session for deliberation and resolution. This is hereby proclaimed; I trust you will understand."

奉御官读诏已毕，百官无可奈何，纷纷议论不决，亦不敢散；不知行刑旨已出午门了。这且不表。

After the imperial attendants finished reading the decree, the officials had no choice but to remain, discussing among themselves without reaching a decision and also dared not disperse; they did not know that the execution order had already left Wumen. This will be set aside for now.

单言上天垂象，定下兴衰，二位殿下乃“封神榜”上有名的，自是不该绝命。当有太华山云霄洞赤精子，九仙山桃源洞广成子，只因一千五百年神仙犯了杀戒，昆仑山玉虚宫掌阐道法宣扬正教圣人元始天尊闭了讲筵，不阐道德；二仙无事，闲乐三山，兴游五岳，脚踏云光，往朝歌迳过，忽被二位殿下顶上两道红光把二位大仙足下云光阻住。二仙乃拨开云头观看，见午门杀气连绵，愁云卷结。二仙早知其意。广成子曰：“道兄，成汤王气将终，西岐圣主已出。你看那一簇众生之内，绑缚二人，红气冲霄，命不该绝；况且俱是姜子牙帐下名将，你我道心，无处不慈悲，何不救他一救。你带他一个，我带他一个回山，久后助姜子牙成功，东进五关，也是一举两得。”赤精子曰：“此言有理，不可迟误。”广成子忙唤黄巾力士：“与我把那二位殿下抓回本山来听用！”黄巾力士领法旨，驾起神风，只见播土扬尘，飞沙走石，地暗天昏，一声响喨，如崩开华岳，折倒泰山，吓得围宿三军，执刀士卒，监斩殷破败用衣掩面，抱头鼠窜；及至风息无声，二位殿下不知何往，踪迹全无。吓得殷破败魂不附体，异事非常。午门外众军一声呐喊。黄飞虎在大殿听读诏，才商议纷纷；忽听喊声，比干正问何事呐喊，有周纪到大殿，报黄飞虎曰：“方才大风一阵，满道异香，飞沙走石，对面不能见人。只一声衔喨，二位殿下不知刮往何处去了。异事非常，真是可怪！”百官闻言，喜不自胜。叹曰：“天不亡衔冤之子，地不绝成汤之脉。”百官俱有喜色。只见殷破败慌忙进宫，启奏纣王。后人有诗感叹此事，诗曰： 仙风一阵异香生，播土扬尘蔽日明。力士奉文施道术；将军失守枉持兵。 空劳铁骑追风影，漫有谗言害鶺令。堪叹废兴皆定数，周家八百已生成。

Let us instead speak of the heavens' signs, which determine rise and fall. The two princes are named on the "Fengshen Bang" (List of Invested Gods); naturally, their lives should not be cut short. At that time, there were two immortals: Chizigen of Yunxiao Dong on Taihua Mountain and Guangchengzi of Taoyuan Dong on Jiuxian Mountain. Because these immortal beings had violated the precept against killing over 1,500 years ago, the Sage Yu Xu Gong, who presided over the propagation of righteous teachings at Kunlunshan's Yuxu Palace, closed his lectures and ceased to expound morality; the two immortals, having no duties to attend to, leisurely enjoyed the three mountains and five great peaks. As they traveled on clouds of light toward Chaoguo, suddenly a pair of crimson beams from above the two princes blocked the cloud-light beneath their feet. The two immortals parted the clouds to look down and saw a continuous aura of killing intent at Wumen, with sorrowful clouds swirling together. The two immortals had long known what was about to happen. Guangchengzi said, "My Daoist elder brother, the mandate of King Chengtang is about to end; a holy ruler from Xiqi has already emerged. Look at those two bound figures among the crowd—red qi surging toward heaven; their lives were not meant to end. Moreover, they are both renowned generals under Jiang Ziya's command. Our Daoist hearts are filled with compassion in every corner; why not save them?" You take one, and I will take the other back to our mountains. In time, they can assist Jiang Ziya in achieving success and advancing eastward through the five passes—it would be a win for both sides." Chizigen said, "This makes sense; we must not delay." Guangchengzi immediately called out to the Huangjin Lishi: "Go and bring those two princes back to our mountain for use!" The Huangjin Lishi received the decree and summoned divine winds. At once, dust rose, stones flew, the earth darkened, and the sky turned gloomy. A deafening roar erupted, as if Mount Hua had split apart and Mount Tai had collapsed, terrifying the encamped troops, sword-bearing soldiers, and executioner Yin Pobai, who covered their faces in fear and fled like rats with heads held close to their bodies; When the winds finally ceased and all fell silent, the two princes had vanished without a trace. Yin Pobai was so frightened that his soul seemed to have left his body; it was an extraordinary and terrifying event. Outside Wumen, the soldiers let out a loud shout. Huang Feihuo was in the main hall listening to the decree being read when he had just been engaged in heated discussions; when suddenly he heard the shouts. Bi Gan was just asking what had happened when Zhou Ji arrived at the main hall and reported to Huang Feihuo: "Just now, a strong wind blew through, carrying strange fragrances along with flying sand and rolling stones; people could not see each other even across the street. With a single deafening roar, the two princes were suddenly gone, swept away to an unknown destination." This was truly an extraordinary and bizarre event!" The officials, upon hearing this, were overjoyed. They sighed and said, "Heaven does not allow the wrongfully accused son to perish, nor will the earth let the lineage of Chengtang be extinguished." All the officials wore expressions of joy. Just then, Yin Pobai hurriedly entered the palace to report to King Zhou. Later generations composed a poem lamenting this event, which goes: A gust of divine wind brings strange fragrance; dust rises and clouds the sun. The immortal attendants carry out their Daoist arts by imperial decree; the general failed to defend and in vain held his troops. In vain did iron-clad riders chase shadows; all the slanderous words could not harm the jieling. Alas, rise and fall are all predestined; the Zhou dynasty's eight hundred years of rule were already set in motion.

话说殷破败进寿仙宫，见纣王奏曰：“臣奉旨监斩，正候行刑旨出，忽被一阵狂风，把二殿下刮将去了，无踪无迹。异事非常，请旨定夺。”纣王闻言，沉吟不语，暗想曰：“奇哉！怪哉！”心下犹豫不决。

Now, when Yin Pobai entered Shouxian Gong and presented his report to King Zhou, he said: "Your servant was ordered to oversee the execution and had been waiting for the decree of execution. Suddenly a fierce wind arose and carried away the two princes; they have vanished without a trace or sign. This is an extraordinary event, Your Majesty. I humbly request your decree to decide what should be done." King Zhou, upon hearing this, fell into deep thought and remained silent. Secretly he mused: "How strange! How bizarre!" His mind wavered, unable to decide.

且说丞相商容，随后赶进朝歌，只听得朝歌百姓俱言“风刮去二位殿下”，商容甚是惊异。来到午门，只见人马拥挤，甲士纷纷。商容迳进午门，过九龙桥，时有比干看见商容前来，百官俱上前迎接，口称：“丞相。”商容曰：“众位老殿下，列位大夫，我商容有罪，告归林下未久；孰意天子失政，杀子诛妻，荒淫无道，可惜堂堂宰府，烈烈三公，既食朝廷之禄，当为朝廷之事，为何无一言谏止天子者，何也？”黄飞虎曰：“丞相，天子深居内宫，不临大殿，有旨皆系传奉。诸臣不得面君，真是君门万里。今日殷、雷二将把殿下捉获，进都城回旨，绑缚午门，专候行刑旨意，幸上大夫赵先生扯碎旨意，百官鸣钟击鼓，请天子临殿面谏。只见内宫传旨，俟斩了殿下，明日看百官奏章。内外不通，君臣阻隔，不得面奏。正无可奈何，却得天从人愿，一阵狂风，把二位殿下刮将去了。殷破败才进宫回旨，尚未出来。老丞相略等一等，俟他出来，便知端的。”只见殷破败走出大殿，看见商容，未及言说。商容向前曰：“殿下被风刮去了，恭喜你的功高任重，不日列土分茅！”殷破败欠身打躬曰：“丞相罪杀末将了！君命点差，非为己私，丞相错怪我了。”商容对百官曰：“老夫此来，面见天子，有死无生，今日必犯颜直谏，舍身报国，庶几有日见先王于在天之灵。”叫执殿官鸣钟击鼓。执殿官将钟鼓齐鸣，奉御官奏乐请驾。纣王正在宫中，因风刮去殿下，郁郁不乐。又闻奏乐临朝，钟鼓不绝，纣王大怒，只得命驾登殿，升了宝座。百官朝贺毕。天子曰：“卿等有何奏章？”商容在丹墀下，俯伏不言。纣王观见丹墀下俯伏一人，身穿缟素，又非大臣，王曰：“俯伏何人？”商容奏曰：“致政首相待罪商容朝见陛下。”纣王见商容，惊问曰：“卿既归林下，复往都城，不遵宣诏，擅进大殿，何自不知进退如此！”商容肘膝行至滴水檐前，泣而奏曰：“臣昔居相位，未报国恩；近闻陛下荒淫酒色，道德全无，听谗逐正，紊乱纪纲，颠倒五常，污蔑彝伦，君道有亏，祸乱已伏。臣不避万刃之诛，具疏投天，恳乞陛下容纳，直拨云见日，普天之下瞻仰圣德于无疆矣。”商容将本献上，比干接表，展于龙案。纣王观之： 　　“具疏臣商容奏：为朝廷失政，三纲尽绝，伦纪全乖，社稷颠危，祸乱己生，隐忧百出事：臣闻天子以道治国，以德治民，克勤克戒，毋敢怠荒，夙来祗惧，以祀上帝，故宗庙社稷，乃得磐石之安，金汤之固。昔日陛下初嗣宝位，修仁行义，不遑宁处，罔敢倦勤，敬礼诸侯，优恤大臣，忧民劳苦，惜民货财，智服四夷，威加遐迩，雨顺风调，万民乐业，真可轶尧驾舜，乃圣乃神，不是过也。不意陛下近时信任奸邪，不修政道，荒乱朝政，大肆凶顽，近佞远贤，沉湎酒色，日事声歌。听谗臣设谋，而陷正宫，人道乖和；信妲己赐杀太子，而绝先王宗嗣，慈爱尽灭；忠谏遭其炮烙惨刑，君臣大义已无。陛下三纲污蔑，人道俱垂，罪符夏桀，有忝为君。自古无道之君，未有过此者。臣不避斧钺之诛，献逆耳之言，愿陛下速赐妲己自尽于宫闱，申皇后、太子屈死之冤，斩谗臣于藁街，谢忠臣义士惨刑酷死之苦。人民仰服，文武欢心，朝纲整饬，宫内肃清。陛下坐享太平，安康万载。臣虽死之日，犹生之年。臣临启不胜惶悚待命之至！谨疏以闻。”

Meanwhile, Chancellor Shang Rong hurried into Chaoguo afterward. He heard the people of Chaoguo all saying that "the wind had carried away the two princes," and he was greatly surprised and astonished. When he arrived at Wumen, he saw crowds of people and horses jostling together, with armored soldiers bustling about in confusion. Shang Rong proceeded directly into Wumen and crossed the Jiulong Bridge. At that moment, Bi Gan saw Chancellor Shang Rong approaching; all the officials hurried forward to greet him, respectfully addressing him as "Chancellor." Shang Rong said: "Esteemed princes and esteemed ministers, I, Shang Rong, have committed a crime. I recently requested to retire from court life; Little did I expect that His Majesty has lost his virtue, killing sons and wives, indulging in debauchery without morality. How pitiable is the grand chancellor's office and the noble Three Dukes! Having received the court's salary, we should have spoken out for its affairs—why is there not a single minister who dared to remonstrate with His Majesty? Why?" Huang Feihuo said, "Chancellor, the Son of Heaven resides deep within the inner palace and does not appear in court. All imperial decrees are issued through intermediaries. Ministers cannot personally address His Majesty; it is truly as if the gates of the Son of Heaven lie ten thousand miles away." Today, Generals Yin and Lei captured the prince, brought him to the capital with their report, bound him at Wumen, and awaited the execution order. Fortunately, Grand Counselor Zhao Shi tore up the decree; all officials rang bells and struck drums, requesting His Majesty to appear in court for direct remonstration. Just then an imperial decree was issued from the inner palace: "After the prince is executed, listen to the memorials of all officials tomorrow." Communication between inside and outside has been cut off; ruler and ministers are separated. Direct petitions cannot be made. Just as they were at a loss, Heaven granted their wish: a sudden fierce wind carried the two princes away. Yin Pobai had just entered the palace to deliver his report and had not yet emerged. "Esteemed Chancellor, please wait a moment; once he comes out, we will know the truth." Just then Yin Pobai exited the main hall and saw Shang Rong. Before he could speak a word, Shang Rong stepped forward and said, "The prince was carried away by the wind. Congratulations on your great merit and heavy responsibilities; soon you will be granted land and fiefdoms!" Yin Pobai bowed respectfully and said, "Chancellor, I have sinned gravely as a lowly general! I carried out the royal command faithfully; it was not for my own selfish gain. Chancellor, you have wrongly accused me." Shang Rong addressed the officials: "I have come here to see His Majesty in person, prepared to die rather than live. Today I must boldly remonstrate and sacrifice my life for the nation, hoping that one day I may meet our late kings in their spirits above." He ordered the court attendants to ring the bells and strike the drums. The court attendants rang the bells and struck the drum in unison, while the imperial attendants played music to invite His Majesty's presence. King Zhou was in his palace at that moment; because the prince had been carried away by the wind, he felt deeply 郁闷 and unhappy. He also heard the music signaling a court session, with bells and drums ringing continuously. King Zhou was furious but had no choice but to ascend his carriage and go to court, taking his seat on the throne. The officials completed their formal greetings. His Majesty asked, "What memorials do you have to present?" Shang Rong knelt on the red-tiled courtyard below and remained silent. King Zhou saw a man prostrated on the red-tiled courtyard, dressed in plain white robes, and not one of his high ministers. The king asked, "Who is this person prostrating himself?" Shang Rong presented a memorial: "The former prime minister, Shang Rong, who awaits punishment for his crimes, pays homage to Your Majesty." King Zhou, upon seeing Shang Rong, was startled and asked, "You have already retired to private life. Why did you return to the capital city without heeding the imperial summons and 擅自 entered this grand hall? How could you be so unaware of proper conduct?" Shang Rong crawled forward on his elbows and knees to the eaves of the dripping water, weeping as he presented a memorial: "In my past position as prime minister, I failed to repay the nation's grace; recently I heard that Your Majesty indulges in wine and lust, has completely abandoned morality, listens to slander while driving out the upright, disrupts discipline and order, upsets the Five Constants, stains the fundamental human relationships, and thus fails as a ruler. Calamity already lurks beneath." I fear no punishment, even death by a thousand blades, and now present this memorial to Heaven. I humbly beg Your Majesty to accept it, so that clouds may be cleared away and the sun revealed once more, allowing all under heaven to admire your boundless virtue." Shang Rong submitted his memorial. Bi Gan received it and unfolded it on the dragon table. King Zhou read it: "Memorial submitted by Minister Shang Rong: Concerning the loss of governance in court, the complete collapse of the Three Bonds, the total disruption of human relationships and order, the kingdom now teeters on the brink of danger; calamity has already arisen, with countless hidden worries. I have heard that a Son of Heaven governs the state through virtue, rules the people by moral conduct, diligently and vigilantly, never daring to be idle or indulge in neglect, always reverently fearing Heaven's will, thus ensuring ancestral temples and the kingdom enjoy stability as firm as stone and security as solid as gold." In the past, when Your Majesty first ascended to the throne, you cultivated benevolence and practiced righteousness, never resting in ease, never daring to grow weary of diligence. You honored feudal lords with courtesy, showed kindness and concern for your ministers, worried over the people's hardships, cherished their wealth and resources, subdued all four barbarian tribes through wisdom, extended your authority far and wide, ensured timely rains and favorable winds, and brought joy and prosperity to the people—truly surpassing Yao and Shun in virtue and divinity. This was no exaggeration." Yet unexpectedly, in recent times Your Majesty has placed trust in villains and evildoers, neglected the path of governance, caused chaos in court affairs, openly indulged in cruelty and stubbornness, favored flatterers while distancing yourself from virtuous men, and immersed yourself in wine and lust, devoting each day to music and song. You have listened to the schemes of sycophants, leading to the downfall of upright officials, disrupting human harmony; you trusted Daji and ordered the killing of the crown prince, thus cutting off the descendants of our late kings, completely extinguishing compassion and love; loyal ministers who advised you were subjected to cruel punishment by fire branding, and the great virtue of ruler and minister has already vanished. Your Majesty has defiled the Three Bonds and corrupted human relationships, your crimes rival those of Xia Jie, and you are unworthy to be a ruler. Throughout history, no tyrant has exceeded Your Majesty in wickedness. I fear no execution by axe or 钺 and now offer this painful advice. I pray Your Majesty swiftly order Daji to commit suicide within the palace, clear the wrongs done to Empress Shen and Crown Prince who died unjustly, execute the sycophant ministers at Gao Street, and make amends for the cruel deaths of loyal officials and righteous men. The people will then look up in admiration, civil and military officials will rejoice, court discipline will be restored, and the palace will become orderly once more. Your Majesty may then enjoy peace and prosperity, living in safety for ten thousand years." Though I die today, it will be as if I have lived a full life. I, on the verge of presenting this memorial, am filled with awe and trepidation, awaiting Your Majesty's command!" With utmost respect, I submit this memorial for your knowledge."

纣王看完表章大怒，将本扯得粉碎，传旨命当驾官：“将这老匹夫拿出午门，用金瓜击死！”两边当驾官欲待上前，商容站立檐前，大呼曰：“谁敢拿我！我乃三世之股肱，托孤之大臣！”商容手指纣王大骂曰：“昏君！你心迷酒色，荒乱国政，独不思先王克勤克俭，聿修厥德，乃受天明命；今昏君不敬上天，弃厥先宗社，谓恶不足畏，谓敬不足为，异日身弑国亡，有辱先王。且皇后乃元配，天下国母，未闻有失德。昵比妲己，惨刑毒死，大纲已失。殿下无辜，信谗杀戮，今飘刮无踪，父子伦绝。阻忠杀谏，炮烙良臣，君道全亏。眼见祸乱将兴，灾异叠见。不久宗庙丘墟，社稷易主。可惜先王竭精掞髓遗为子孙万世之基，金汤锦绣之天下，被你这昏君断送了个乾乾净净的！你死于九泉之下，将何颜见你之先王哉！”纣王拍案大骂：“快拿匹夫击顶！”商容大喝左右：“吾不惜死！帝乙先君：老臣今日有负社稷，不能匡救于君，实愧见先王耳！你这昏君，天下只在数载之间，一旦失与他人！”商容望后一闪，一头撞倒龙盘石柱上面。──可怜七十五岁老臣，今日尽忠，脑浆喷出，血染衣襟，一世忠臣，半生孝子，今日之死，乃是前生造定的。后人有诗吊之，诗曰： 速马朝歌见纣王，九间殿上尽忠良。骂君不怕身躯碎，叱主何愁剑下亡。 炮烙岂辞心似铁，忠言直谏意如钢。今朝撞死金阶下，留得声名万古香。

King Zhou, after reading the memorial, was furious. He tore it into pieces and issued an order to the court attendants: "Drag this old rascal out of the Wumen Gate and kill him with a golden gourd!" The court attendants on both sides were about to step forward, but Shang Rong stood before the eaves and shouted loudly: "Who dares seize me!" "I am a pillar of three generations, a trusted minister entrusted with the orphaned prince!" Shang Rong pointed at King Zhou and shouted in anger: "Blind ruler! You are blinded by wine and lust, have caused chaos in state affairs, yet do you not think of how our late kings diligently and frugally cultivated virtue to receive Heaven's mandate? Now you, a blind ruler, do not revere Heaven, abandon your ancestors and the state, considering evil as nothing to fear and reverence as unnecessary. One day you will be killed by others, the nation destroyed, bringing shame upon our late kings. Furthermore, the empress is your legitimate wife and mother of the realm; I have heard no word of her moral failure. You favored Daji over her, causing her cruel punishment and death—thus abandoning the great principles. The crown prince was innocent yet you believed slander and had him killed; now he has vanished without a trace, severing the father-son relationship. You obstructed loyalty, executed those who advised you, and subjected virtuous ministers to fire branding—thus completely failing as a ruler. Disaster and chaos are about to erupt, with calamities appearing one after another. Before long, ancestral temples will become mounds of ruins, and the state will change hands. It is a pity that our late kings exhausted their wisdom and marrow to leave behind a foundation for generations, a golden and splendid realm of rivers and mountains, which you, this blind ruler, have squandered completely!" "When you die and descend to the netherworld, how will you dare face your ancestors?"! old King Zhou slammed his hand on the table in rage and shouted: "Seize this rascal and strike him on the head!" Shang Rong roared at those around him: "I fear not death! "King Di Yi, the late ruler: Minister Shang Rong has failed the state today and could not correct your Majesty's errors—this is indeed a shame to face you in the afterlife!" You blind ruler, the realm will fall into others' hands within mere years!" Shang Rong turned his back and dashed forward, colliding headfirst with a dragon-patterned stone pillar. —Alas, this seventy-five-year-old loyal minister gave his life today in devotion to the state. His brains spattered out and blood stained his robe; a lifetime of loyalty and filial piety ended thus. This death was destined from past lives. Later generations composed a poem to mourn him, which says: A swift horse galloped toward Chao Ge and saw King Zhou; in the Nine-Intercept Hall, loyal ministers gave their lives. They scolded the ruler without fearing death, and rebuked the monarch without fearing execution by sword. Fire branding could not break their iron will; loyal words of remonstration were as unyielding as steel. Today they died beneath the golden steps, leaving behind a name that perfumes history for all time.

话说众臣见商容撞死阶下，面面相觑。纣王犹怒声不息，吩咐奉御官：“将这老匹夫尸骸抛去都城外，毋得掩埋！”左右将商容尸骸扛去城外。不题。不知后事如何，且听下回分解。

Now it is said that when the ministers saw Shang Rong die by colliding with the steps, they looked at each other in stunned silence. King Zhou's rage still raged on, and he ordered the imperial attendants: "Throw this old rascal's corpse outside the capital city; do not allow it to be buried!" The attendants carried Shang Rong's body out of the city. No further mention is made. What happened afterward remains to be seen in the next chapter.