Chapter 95: Jiang Ziya Exposes King Zhou's Ten Crimes

诗曰： 纣王无道类穷奇，十罪传闻万世知。敲骨剖胎黎庶惨，虿盆炮烙鬼神悲。 西风夜吼啼玄鸟，暮雨朝垂泣子规。无限伤心题往事，至今青史不容私。

The poem says: King Zhou was without virtue, like Qiongqi; ten crimes were passed down in legend for all generations to know. They cracked bones and opened fetuses, causing suffering among the common people;虿盆 and pao luo were used, evoking sorrow even from ghosts and gods. The western wind howled at night, crying out the xuan niao; evening rain hung low in the morning, weeping with the cuckoo. Infinite sorrow lingers as past events are recorded; to this day, the green history does not permit private omissions.

话说子牙命左右将殷破败尸首抬出营去，于高阜处以礼安葬毕，令众将攻城。只见纣王在殿上与众文武议事，忽午门官来启奏：“殷破败因言触忤姜尚被害，请旨定夺。”纣王大惊。傍有殷破败之子哭而奏曰：“‘两国相争，不斩来使。’岂有擅杀天使，欺逆之罪，莫此为甚！臣愿舍死以报君父之仇。”纣王慰之曰：“卿虽忠荩可嘉，须要小心用事。”殷成秀点人马出城，杀至周营搦战。子牙在营中，正议攻城，只见报马报入城中：“有将讨战。”子牙问：“谁去见阵走一遭？”有东伯侯出班曰：“末将愿往。”子牙许之。姜文焕调本部人马，出了辕门，见是殷成秀，姜文焕乃曰：“来者乃是殷成秀？你父不谙时务，鼓唇摇舌，触忤姜元帅，吾故诛之。你今又来取死也！”殷成秀大怒，骂曰：“大胆匹夫！两国相争，不斩来使。’吾父奉天子之命，通两国之好，反遭你这匹夫所害。杀父之仇，不共戴天，定拿你碎尸万段，以泄此恨！”骂罢，纵马舞刀，飞来直取。姜文焕手中刀劈面交还。二马相交，双刀并举。有赞为证，赞曰： 二将交锋势莫当，征云片片起霞光。这一个生心要保真命主；那一个立志还从侠烈王。这一个刀来恍似三冬雪；那一个利刃犹如九陌霜。这一个丹心碧血扶周主；那一个赤胆忠肝助纣王。自来恶战皆如此，怎似将军万古扬。

It is said that Ziya ordered his attendants to carry out the corpse of Yin Pobai from the camp, and after burying him with proper rites at a high place, he commanded all the generals to attack the city. Just then, King Zhou was discussing matters with his ministers and officials in the hall when suddenly an official from Wumen came forward to report: "Yin Pobai was harmed by Jiang Shang due to words that offended him. Please issue orders for a decision." King Zhou was greatly shocked. Nearby, Yin Pobai's son wept and presented a report saying: "When two states contend, they do not behead envoys." How could there be an act of killing an imperial envoy on one's own authority? No crime is more heinous than this betrayal and defiance! I beg to lay down my life in order to avenge the grudge of my sovereign and father." King Zhou comforted him, saying: "Although your loyalty is commendable, you must still be cautious in handling affairs." Yin Chengxiu led his troops out of the city and attacked Zhou's camp to challenge for battle. Ziya was in the camp discussing the siege of the city when suddenly a scout galloped into the camp and reported: "A general is demanding battle." Ziya asked, "Who will go to face the enemy for a while?" Dongbo Hou stepped forward and said: "I am willing to go." Ziya agreed. Jiang Wenhuan led his own troops out of the 辕门 (Yuanmen) and saw it was Yin Chengxiu. Jiang Wenhuan then said, "The one who has come is Yin Chengxiu?" Your father did not understand the times and stirred up words, offending General Jiang. Therefore, I had to execute him. Now you come here seeking death!" Yin Chengxiu became greatly enraged and scolded, saying: "You boldfaced ruffian!" "When two states contend, they do not kill envoys." My father was sent by the Son of Heaven to foster good relations between our two states, yet he was killed by you ruffian. The hatred for killing my father is such that we cannot share the same sky; I shall surely capture you and dismember your corpse into ten thousand pieces to vent this grudge!" After cursing, he spurred his horse, brandished his saber, and charged straight forward. Jiang Wenhuan parried with his saber directly in response. The two horses clashed, and both wielders raised their sabers together. There is a eulogy to attest: The eulogist says: When the two generals clashed, their might was unstoppable; battle clouds rose piece by piece beneath the glow of rosy dawn. One wished to protect the true sovereign with a loyal heart; The other was determined to follow King Xiaolie in his righteous cause. One's saber came down like snow of the third winter; The other's sharp blade was as if frost on the nine roads. One, with a loyal heart and crimson blood, supported King Zhou; The other, with a red-hearted and loyal liver, aided King Zhou. Since ancient times, fierce battles have been like this; how could they compare to the eternal glory of generals?

话说二将大战三十馀合，姜文焕乃东方有名之士，殷成秀岂是文焕敌手，早被文焕一刀挥于马下。可怜父子俱尽忠于国！姜文焕下马，将殷成秀首级枭回营来，见子牙备言前事。子牙大喜。且说报马报入午门，至殿前奏曰：“殷成秀被姜文焕枭了首级，号令辕门，请旨定夺。”纣王闻言，惊魂不定，忙问左右：“事已急矣，如之奈何？”左右又报：“周兵四门攻打，各架云梯、火炮，围城甚急，十分难支，望陛下早定守城之策！”纣王未及开言，傍有鲁仁杰出班奏曰：“臣亲自上城，设法防守，保护城池，且救燃眉，再作商议。”纣王许之。鲁仁杰出朝，上城守御。不表。且说子牙见守城有法，一时难下，随鸣金收兵回营。子牙与众将商议曰：“鲁仁杰乃忠烈之士，尽心守城，急切难下，况京师城郭坚固，若以力攻，徒费心力，当以计取可也。”众门人齐曰：“我等各遁进城，里应外合，一举成功，又何必与他较胜负于城下耶？”子牙曰：“不然。今众人进城，未免有杀伤之苦，百姓岂堪遭此屠戮；况都城百姓，近在辇毂之下，被纣王残虐独甚，惨毒备尝；今再加之杀戮，非所以救民，实所以害民也。”众门人曰：“元帅之见甚是。”子牙曰：“今百姓被纣王敲骨剖胎，广施土木，负累百姓，痛入骨髓，恨不能食其肉而寝其皮，不若先写一告示射入城中，晓谕众人，使百姓自相离析，人心离乱，不日其城可得矣。”众将曰：“元帅之言乃万全之策。”子牙援笔作稿。后人有诗单道子牙妙计，诗曰： 告示传宣免甲戈，军民日夜受煎磨。若非妙计离心旅，安得军民唱凯歌。

It is said that the two generals fiercely fought for more than thirty rounds. Jiang Wenhuan was a renowned figure in the east; Yin Chengxiu could not be his match and was early struck down from his horse by Wenhuan's saber. How pitiable, both father and son devoted their loyalty to the country! Jiang Wenhuan dismounted his horse, took Yin Chengxiu's head back to the camp on a pole, and reported all previous events to Ziya. Ziya was greatly pleased. Meanwhile, the scout galloped into Wumen and presented a report before the hall, saying: "Yin Chengxiu's head has been severed by Jiang Wenhuan and displayed at Yuanmen. Please issue an order for instructions." Upon hearing this, King Zhou was greatly shaken in spirit and hurriedly asked his attendants: "The situation is dire now. What should we do?" The attendants then reported: "Zhou's troops are attacking all four gates, each carrying cloud ladders and fire cannons. The city is under urgent siege and difficult to defend. We beg the Emperor to quickly decide on a strategy for defending the city!" Before King Zhou could speak, Lu Renjie stepped forward and presented a report: "I shall personally go to the city wall, devise methods for defense, protect the city, first relieve this urgent crisis, then we can discuss further." King Zhou agreed. Lu Renjie left the court and went to the city wall to defend it. Details are omitted here. Meanwhile, Ziya observed that the city was well defended and difficult to take at once, so he sounded the gong and withdrew his troops back to camp. Ziya discussed with his generals, saying: "Lu Renjie is a loyal and valiant man who has devoted himself to defending the city. It will be difficult to capture it in haste. Moreover, the capital's walls are strong; if we attack by force alone, we shall only waste our strength. We should take it through strategy instead." All the disciples spoke in unison: "Let each of us secretly enter the city, coordinate inside and outside to achieve success at one stroke. Why must we fight for victory or defeat beneath the walls?" Ziya said, "Not so." Now if many of you enter the city, there will inevitably be bloodshed and suffering. How could the common people endure such slaughter? Moreover, the citizens of this capital are under the emperor's immediate rule and have suffered uniquely cruel treatment by King Zhou, enduring every kind of cruelty. To add further slaughter now is not a way to save the people; it is in fact harming them." The disciples said, "General's insight is very correct." Ziya said: "Now the people have been subjected to King Zhou's bone-cracking and fetus-opening, forced into extensive construction projects, burdened by hardships that pierce their bones and marrow. Their hatred is so intense they wish to eat his flesh and sleep on his skin. Rather than this, we should first write a proclamation, shoot it into the city, inform all people within, cause the populace to turn against each other, create unrest in human hearts, and soon enough the city will fall." The generals said: "General's words are a perfect strategy." Ziya took up his brush and drafted the document. Later generations composed a poem to single out Ziya's clever strategy, the poem says: The proclamation spreads without arms or armor; soldiers and civilians suffer day and night. Were it not for this brilliant strategy to divide the enemy's hearts, how could troops and people sing songs of victory?

话说子牙作稿，命中军官写了告示数十章，四面射入城中，或射于城上，或射于房屋之上，或射于途路之中。军民人等拾得此告示，打开观看，只见告示上写得甚是明白。怎见得，只见书上写道： “扫荡成汤天保大元帅示谕朝歌万民知悉：天爱下民，笃生圣主，为民父母，所以保毓乾元，统御万国。岂意纣王荒淫不道，苦虐生灵，不修郊社，绝灭纲纪，杀忠拒谏，炮烙虿盆，淫刑惨恶，人神共怒。孰意纣王稔恶不悛，惨毒性成，敲骨剖胎，取童子肾命，言之痛心切骨！民命何辜，遭此荼毒！今某奉天讨罪，大会诸侯，伐此独夫，解万民之倒悬，救群生之性命。况我周武王仁德素著，薄海通知；本欲进兵攻城，念尔等万姓久困水火之中，望拯如渴，恐一时城破，玉石俱焚，甚非我等吊民伐罪之意。尔等宜当体此，速献都城，庶免杀戮之虞，早解涂炭之苦。尔等当速议施行，毋贻后悔。特示。”

It is said that Ziya drafted the proclamation, ordered the central military officer to write dozens of copies of the notice, and launched them in all directions into the city—some shot onto the walls, some on rooftops, others along the roads. Soldiers and civilians who picked up these proclamations opened them to read, only to find the content clearly written. What was written? It read: "Grand General Tianshou Da, sweeping away Chengtang, issues this notice to all the people of Chao Ge for their knowledge: Heaven loves its subjects and has given birth to a holy ruler who serves as parents to the people. Thus, he protects and nurtures the heavens' essence, unifying and ruling over all nations." How could it be expected that King Zhou would indulge in debauchery and act without virtue, causing suffering to living beings? He neglected ancestral rites, destroyed the moral order, killed loyal ministers, rejected advice, used pao luo and chie pen, imposed cruel punishments, evoking anger from both men and gods. Who could have expected King Zhou to persist in his evil without repentance, becoming cruel by nature? He cracked bones and opened fetuses for the kidneys of children, a practice so heinous it pierces one's heart with sorrow! What crime have the people committed to suffer such cruelty? Now I, acting on Heaven's mandate, have gathered feudal lords to punish this tyrant and relieve the people from their dire plight, saving all lives. Moreover, our King Wu of Zhou has long been known for his benevolence and virtue, recognized throughout the seas; Originally, we intended to march and attack the city; however, considering that you, the countless people, have long been trapped in water and fire, yearning for salvation as if thirsty, I fear that once the city falls suddenly, both jade and stones will be burned together, which would contradict our intent of rescuing the people and punishing the guilty. You should understand this well, quickly surrender the capital city to avoid the danger of slaughter and soon relieve yourselves from suffering. You must quickly deliberate and act accordingly; do not leave regret for later. This is the notice."

话说众军民父老人等看罢，议曰：“周主仁德著于海内，姜元帅吊伐，诚为至公。吾等遭昏君凌虐，深入骨髓，若不献城，是逆民也。”满城哄然，真是民变难治。合城军民人等俱要如此。直等至三更时分，一声喊起，朝歌城四门大开，父老军民人等齐出，大呼曰：“吾等俱系军民百姓，愿献朝歌，迎迓真主！”喊声动地。且说子牙在寝帐中静坐，忽闻外面云板响，子牙忙令人探问，左右回报曰：“军民人等已献朝歌，请元帅定夺。”子牙大喜，忙传令众将：“各门止许进兵五万，其馀俱在城外驻札，不可入城搅扰。如入城者，不可妄行杀戮，擅取民间物用；违者定按军法枭首！”子牙令人马夜进朝歌，俱按辔而行，各按方位，立于东、南、西、北，虽然杀声大振，百姓安堵如故。子牙将兵马屯在午门，诸侯俱各依次序扎寨。

It is said that after reading this, the soldiers, civilians, elders and others discussed among themselves: "King Zhou's benevolence and virtue are renowned throughout the land. General Jiang's campaign to rescue and punish is indeed most just. We have suffered under this tyrant, with cruelty piercing our bones and marrow; if we do not surrender the city, we are traitors to the people." The whole city erupted in commotion, truly a difficult situation of civil unrest. All the soldiers and civilians within the city wished for this outcome. They waited until the third watch of the night, when suddenly a cry rang out. The four gates of Chao Ge city burst open, and elders, soldiers, and civilians all rushed out shouting: "We are all soldiers, people, and common folk! We wish to surrender Chao Ge and welcome the true ruler!" The shouts shook the earth. Meanwhile, Ziya was quietly seated in his tent when suddenly he heard the sound of a cloud board outside. Ziya quickly ordered someone to investigate. His attendants reported back: "The soldiers and civilians have already surrendered Chao Ge; please decide what action to take, General." Ziya was greatly delighted and immediately ordered his generals: "Only five thousand troops are allowed to enter through each gate. The rest must remain outside the city and not enter to cause disturbances." Those who enter the city must not recklessly kill or arbitrarily take items from the people. Anyone who disobeys will surely be executed according to military law and have their head displayed!" Ziya ordered his troops to enter Chao Ge at night, all riding in an orderly manner and positioning themselves according to directions—east, south, west, and north. Although the sounds of battle were loud, the people remained undisturbed as before. Ziya stationed his troops at Wumen, and all feudal lords set up their camps in order.

话说纣王在宫内，正与妲己饮宴，忽听得一片杀声振天，纣王大惊，忙问宫官曰：“是那里喊杀之声？真惊破朕心也！”少时，宫官报人宫中：“启陛下：朝歌军民人等已献了城池，天下诸侯之兵俱扎在午门。”纣王忙整衣出殿，聚文武共议大事。纣王曰：“不意军民人等如此背逆，竟将朝歌献了，如之奈何？”鲁仁杰等齐曰：“都城已破，兵临禁地，其实难支。若不背城决一死战，雌雄尚在未定；不然，徒束手待毙，无用也。”纣王曰：“卿言正合朕意。”纣王分付整点御林人马。不表。且言子牙在中军聚众诸侯商议曰：“今大兵进城，须当与纣王会兵一战，早定大事。列位贤侯并大小众将，汝其勖哉。”众诸侯齐声曰：“敢不竭股肱之力，以诛无道昏君耶！但凭元帅所委，虽死不辞。”子牙传令：“众将依次而出，不可紊乱；违者，按军法从事。”只见周营炮响，喊声大振，金鼓齐鸣，如地覆天翻之势。纣王在九间殿听得如此，忙问侍臣，只见午门官启奏：“天下诸侯请陛下答话。”纣王听罢，忙传旨意，自己结束甲胄，命排仪仗，率御林军，鲁仁杰为保驾，雷鵾、雷鹏为左右翼，纣王上逍遥马，拎金背刀，日月龙凤旗开，锵锵戈战，整顿銮驾，排出午门。只见周营内一声炮响，排展两杆大红旗，一对对排成隧伍，循序而出，甚是整齐。纣王见子牙排五方队伍，甚是森严，兵戈整肃，左右分列，大小诸侯何止千数。又见门人、众将，一对对侍立两傍，威风凛凛，气宇轩昂。左右又列有二十四对穿大红的军政官，雁翅排开。正中央大红伞下，才是姜子牙，乘四不相而出。怎见得，有赞姜元帅一词，赞曰： 四八悟道，修身炼性。仙道难成，人间福庆。奉旨下山，辅相国政。窘迫八年，安于义命。收怪有功，仕纣为令。妲己献谗，弃官习静。渭水持竿，磻溪隐性。八十时来，飞熊入梦。龙虎欣逢，西岐兆圣。先为相父，托孤事定。纣恶日盈，周德隆盛。三十六路，纷纷相竞。九三拜将，金台盟正。捧毂推轮，古今难并。会合诸侯，天人相应。东进五关，吉凶互订。三死七灾，缘期果证。夜进朝歌，君臣赌胜。灭纣成周，武功永咏。正是：六韬留下成王业，妙算玄机不可穷。出将入相千秋业，伐罪吊民万古功。运筹帏幄欺风后，燮理阴阳压老彭。亘古军师为第一，声名直并泰山隆。

It is said that King Zhou was in the palace, dining with Daji, when suddenly he heard a loud cry of battle shaking the heavens. King Zhou was greatly startled and hurriedly asked the palace officials: "Where does this shouting for battle come from?" It truly shatters my heart!" After a short while, the palace official reported into the palace: "Your Majesty, the soldiers and civilians of Chao Ge have already surrendered the city. The troops of all feudal lords are stationed at Wumen." King Zhou quickly adjusted his robes, went out from the hall, and gathered ministers and officials to discuss important matters. King Zhou said: "I did not expect the soldiers and civilians to be so rebellious, actually surrendering Chao Ge. What should I do?" Lu Renjie and others spoke in unison: "The capital has already fallen, the enemy's troops have arrived at the forbidden area. It is truly difficult to resist." If we do not fight a final battle behind the city walls, victory or defeat remains uncertain; Otherwise, it is merely waiting to die with our hands bound—it would be useless." King Zhou said: "Your words align perfectly with my thoughts." King Zhou ordered the imperial guards to prepare their troops. Details are omitted here. Meanwhile, Ziya gathered the feudal lords in his central command and said: "Now that our troops have entered the city, we must engage King Zhou's forces in battle to quickly settle this matter. Esteemed feudal lords and all generals, great or small, you should strive diligently." All the feudal lords spoke in unison: "How dare we not exert our utmost strength to eliminate this tyrannical and unjust king!" We shall follow General's command without hesitation, even if it means death." Ziya issued orders: "All generals must proceed in order and must not create disorder; Those who disobey shall be dealt with according to military law." Just then, cannons roared from Zhou's camp, shouts echoed loudly, and the sounds of gongs and drums rang out together, creating a scene as if heaven and earth were overturned. King Zhou, hearing this from the Nine-Intersecting Hall, hurriedly asked his attendants. He saw an official at Wumen report: "Feudal lords from all under heaven request Your Majesty to respond." After hearing this, King Zhou immediately issued orders. He personally donned armor and helmet, commanded the arrangement of ceremonial guards, led his imperial guards, with Lu Renjie as his bodyguard, Lei Kun and Lei Peng serving as left and right wings respectively. King Zhou mounted a Xiaoyao horse, held a golden-backed sword in hand, raised the sun-and-moon dragon phoenix flag, brandished spears and weapons resoundingly, arranged the imperial procession, and marched out through Wumen Gate. Just then, a cannon roared from within Zhou's camp. Two large red flags were unfurled, and rows of soldiers lined up in formation, proceeding out in orderly fashion, very neat and disciplined. King Zhou saw that Ziya had arranged the five-directional formations, which were extremely imposing. The soldiers and weapons were neatly organized, with ranks on both sides clearly divided, and there must have been thousands of feudal lords present, great and small. He also saw Ziya's disciples and generals standing in pairs on both sides, exuding an imposing presence with dignified bearing. On either side were also arranged twenty-four pairs of military and civil officials in bright red robes, spread out like the wings of a wild goose. Right at the center, under a large red umbrella, was Jiang Ziya, riding out on a Si bushang (a mythical four-legged creature). How can this be described? There is an ode praising General Jiang, which says: At the age of forty-eight he attained enlightenment, cultivating his virtue and refining his nature. The path to immortality was hard-earned; blessings and prosperity for all mankind. Following imperial decree, he descended the mountain to assist in state affairs. Enduring eight years of hardship, he remained content with his righteous destiny. For subduing monsters and achieving merit, he served as an official under King Zhou. When Daji spread slander, he resigned from office to pursue tranquility. Holding a fishing rod by Weishui River, concealing his nature at Banxi, he lived in seclusion. At the age of eighty, a flying bear entered his dream. The meeting with dragon and tiger was joyous; Xi Qi foretold the coming of sainthood. First as regent, he entrusted the orphaned heir to ensure stability in state affairs. King Zhou's wickedness grew daily; the virtue of Zhou flourished and prospered. From thirty-six routes, feudal lords vied to join in. At the Ninth Three Altar, generals were enfeoffed; at Jintai, alliances were solemnly established. Supporting the chariot and pushing its wheels forward—rare in both ancient and modern times. Gathering feudal lords, heaven and humanity harmonized together. Advancing eastward through five passes, fortune and misfortune were intertwined. Three deaths and seven calamities—fate was ultimately fulfilled. Marching into Chaoge at night, the monarch and ministers vied for victory. Destroying King Zhou to establish the Zhou dynasty, martial achievements forever sung. Indeed: The Six 韬 left behind established the king's legacy; profound strategies and mysteries are inexhaustible. A thousand-year achievement of becoming a general or prime minister, an eternal merit of punishing the guilty and comforting the people. Strategizing from behind the curtain outwitted Fenghou; harmonizing yin and yang surpassed Lao Peng. Throughout history, he was the greatest military strategist; his fame equaled that of Mount Tai's grandeur.

话说纣王见子牙皓首苍颜，全装甲胄，手执宝剑，十分丰彩；又见东伯侯姜文焕、南伯侯鄂顺、北伯侯崇应鸾，当中乃武王姬发，四总督诸侯，俱张红罗伞，齐齐整整，立在子牙后面。子牙见纣王戴冲天凤翅盔，赭黄锁子甲，甚是勇猛。有赞纣王一词，赞曰： 冲大盔盘龙交结，兽吞头锁子连环。滚龙袍猩猩血染，蓝鞓带紧束腰间。打将鞭悬如铁塔，斩将剑光吐霞斑。坐下马如同獬豸，金背刀闪灼心寒。会诸侯旗开拱手，逢众将力战多般。论膂力托梁换柱，讲辩难舌战群谈。自古为君多孟浪，可怜总赖化凶顽。

Now, King Zhou saw Ziya with his white-haired and aged appearance, fully clad in armor and helmet, holding a precious sword in hand; he was extremely dignified and impressive. He also saw Dongbo Hou Jiang Wenhuan, Nanbo Hou E Shun, Beibo Hou Chong Yingluan, and in the center was King Wu Ji Fa. The four overall supervisors of feudal lords all held red silk umbrellas, standing neatly behind Ziya. Ziya saw that King Zhou was wearing a sky-piercing phoenix-crest helmet and chestnut-yellow scale armor, appearing extremely valiant. There is an ode praising King Zhou, which says: The great helmet surging upward features interwoven dragons; the scale armor has a beast's mouth at its head and linked rings. The dragon robe, dyed with vivid red like blood of xingxing; the blue belt tightly fastened around his waist. The whip for slaying generals hung like an iron tower; the sword for beheading generals gleamed with flashes of rosy light. His steed beneath him was as fierce as a xiezhi (a mythical unicorn); the golden-backed sword flashed, sending chills to one's heart. When meeting feudal lords, he raised his hands in salute with flags unfurled; when facing many generals, he fought fiercely and skillfully. In terms of physical strength, he could support beams and replace pillars; in debate, his eloquence silenced all opposing arguments. Since ancient times, many rulers have been reckless; how pitiable that they always relied on transforming the wicked and stubborn.

话说子牙见纣王，忙欠身言曰：“陛下，老臣姜尚甲胄在身，不能全礼。”纣王曰：“尔是姜尚么？”姜子牙答曰：“然也。”纣王曰：“尔曾为朕臣，为何逃避西岐，纵恶反叛，累辱王师。今又会天下诸侯，犯朕关隘，恃凶逞强，不遵国法，大逆不道，孰甚于此。又擅杀天使，罪在不赦！今朕亲临阵前，尚不倒戈悔过，犹自抗拒不理，情殊可恨！朕今日不杀你这贼臣，誓不回兵！”子牙答曰：“陛下居天子之尊，诸侯守拒四方，万姓供其力役，锦衣玉食，贡山航海，何莫非陛下之所有也。古云：‘率土之滨，莫非王臣。’谁敢与陛下抗礼哉。今陛下不敬上天，肆行不道，残虐百姓，杀戮大臣，惟妇言是用，淫酗沉湎，臣下化之，朋家作仇，陛下无君道久矣。其诸侯、臣民，又安得以君道待陛下也？陛下之恶，贯盈宇宙，天愁民怨，天下叛之。吾今奉天明命，行天之罚，陛下幸毋以臣叛君自居也。”纣王曰：“朕有何罪，称为大恶？”子牙曰：“天下诸侯，静听吾道纣王大恶素表著于天下者。……”众诸侯听得，齐王前，听子牙道纣王十大罪。子牙曰： “陛下身为天子，继天立极，亶聪明，作元后，元后作民父母；今陛下沉湎酒色，弗敬上天，谓宗庙不足祀，社稷不足守，动曰：‘我有民，有命。’远君子，亲小人，败伦丧德，极古今未有之恶，罪之一也。 皇后为万国母仪，未闻有失德；陛下乃听信妲己之谗言，断恩绝爱，剜剔其目，炮烙其手，致皇后死于非命，废元配而妄立妖妃，纵淫败度，大坏彝伦。罪之二也。 太子为国之储贰，承祧宗社，乃万民所仰望者也；轻信谗言，命晁雷、晁田封赐尚方，立刻赐死；轻弃国本，不顾嗣胤，忘祖绝宗，得罪宗社。罪之三也。 黄耇大臣，乃国之枝干；陛下乃播弃荼毒之，炮烙杀戮之，囚奴幽辱之，如杜元铣、梅伯、商容、胶鬲、微子、箕子、比干是也。诸君子不过去君之非，引君于道，而遭此惨毒，废股肱而昵此罪人，君臣之道绝矣。罪之四也。 信者人之大本，又为天子号召四方者也，不得以一字增损；今陛下听妲己之阴谋，宵小之奸计，诳诈诸侯入朝，将东伯侯姜桓楚、南伯侯鄂崇禹，不分皂白，一碎醢其尸，一身首异处，失信于天下诸侯，四维不张。罪之五也。 法者非一己之私，刑者乃持平之用，未有过用之者也；今陛下悉听妲己惨恶之言，造炮烙，阻忠谏之口，设虿盆，吞宫人之肉，冤魂啼号于白昼，毒焰障蔽于青天，天地伤心，人神共愤。罪之六也。 天地之生财有数，岂得妄用奢靡，穷财之力，拥为己有，竭民之生？今陛下惟污池台榭是崇，酒池肉林是用，残宫人之命，造鹿台广施土木，积天下之财，穷民物之力，又纵崇侯虎剥削贫民，有钱者三丁免抽，无钱者独丁赴役，民生日促，偷薄成风，皆陛下贪剥有以倡之，罪之七也。 廉耻者乃风顽惩钝之防，况人君为万民之主者；今陛下信妲己狐媚之言，诓贾氏上摘星楼，君欺臣妻，致贞妇死节，西宫黄贵妃直谏，反遭摔下摘星楼，死于非命，三纲已绝，廉耻全无。罪之八也。 举措乃人君之大体，岂得妄自施张；今陛下以玩赏之娱，残虐生命，斮朝涉者之胫，验民生之老少，刳剔孕妇之胎，试反背之阴阳，民庶何辜，遭此荼毒！罪之九也。 人君之宴乐有常，未闻流连忘反。今陛下夤夜暗纳妖妇喜媚，共妲己在鹿台日夜宣淫，酗酒肆乐，信妲己以童男，割炙肾命，以作羹汤，绝万姓之嗣脉，残忍惨毒，极今古之冤，罪之十也。

Now, Ziya saw King Zhou and quickly bowed to say: "Your Majesty, your old servant Jiang Shang is clad in armor; I am unable to perform the full courtesy." King Zhou said: "Are you indeed Jiang Shang?" Jiang Ziya replied: "Indeed I am." King Zhou said: "You were once my minister. Why did you flee to Xi Qi, harbor evildoers, rebel against me, and repeatedly bring disgrace upon the royal army?" Now you have gathered feudal lords from all under heaven, breached my passes and barriers, relied on violence to show strength, defied national law, committed great treason and impiety—what could be worse than this? You also dared to kill imperial envoys without authorization; your crime is unforgivable! Now I have personally come to the front, yet you still refuse to turn your weapons against me and repent; instead, you stubbornly resist without heeding reason—how hateful this is! If I do not kill you, the traitorous minister today, I shall never withdraw my troops!" Ziya replied: "Your Majesty holds the supreme position of Son of Heaven. The feudal lords defend all directions, and millions of commoners provide labor and service for you to wear fine clothes and eat delicacies, with mountains and seas offering tribute—what is not already yours? Ancient saying: "All within the borders of the land are Your Majesty's subjects." Who dares to defy your majesty? Now, Your Majesty has not respected Heaven above, but acted with impiety and cruelty, oppressing the people, killing ministers, heeding only the words of a woman, indulging in wine and debauchery. Ministers have been corrupted by this; families have turned into enemies. For long you have abandoned the way of being a true ruler. How then can feudal lords and subjects still regard Your Majesty as their rightful sovereign? Your Majesty's wickedness has filled the heavens and earth; Heaven mourns, people resent you, and all under heaven have rebelled against you. Now I act in accordance with Heaven's clear mandate to carry out its punishment; Your Majesty should not regard me as a traitorous subject rebelling against you." King Zhou said: "What crime have I committed that you call me so wicked?" Ziya said: "All feudal lords under heaven, listen carefully as I recount King Zhou's great evils, which have long been notorious throughout the land. ..." The feudal lords heard this and all approached to listen as Ziya recounted King Zhou's ten great crimes. Ziya said: "Your Majesty, as the Son of Heaven, you inherited the mandate from Heaven to establish supreme authority. You were endowed with wisdom and became the chief ruler; a chief ruler is the parent of the people; now you indulge in wine and lust, showing no reverence for Heaven. You say ancestral temples are not worth honoring, the state is not worth defending, and constantly declare: 'I have the people; I have destiny.' You distance yourself from virtuous men and favor villains, corrupting morality and destroying ethics—this is the worst evil in ancient or modern times. This constitutes your first crime. The empress is the moral exemplar for all nations; there has been no report of her misconduct; Your Majesty, however, believed the slander of Daji and cut off affection and love. You gouged out her eyes and burned her hands with fire, causing the empress to die a tragic death. You discarded your lawful wife and recklessly elevated an evil concubine, indulging in lust and breaking decorum, gravely damaging moral order. This is your second crime. The crown prince is the heir to the throne, entrusted with continuing the ancestral line and state; he is what all the people look up to; you lightly believed slanderous words, ordered Chao Lei and Chao Tian to deliver imperial orders of execution, and had him executed immediately; You lightly discarded the foundation of your state, disregarded the succession line, forgot ancestors and cut off lineage, committing a grave offense against ancestral temples. This is your third crime. Elder and virtuous ministers are the pillars of the state; Your Majesty, however, cast them aside and poisoned them; you executed or tortured them with fire and branding, imprisoned them as slaves and humiliated them. These include Du Yuanxi, Mei Bo, Shang Rong, Jiao Ge, Wei Zi, Ji Zi, and Bi Gan. These virtuous men merely wished to correct your Majesty's faults and guide you toward the right path, yet they suffered such cruel treatment. You have abandoned your loyal ministers in favor of criminals—thus, the way between ruler and subject is completely severed. This constitutes your fourth crime. Trust is the foundation of human relationships and especially for a Son of Heaven to command all under heaven; it cannot be altered by even one word; now, Your Majesty heeded Daji's secret plots and the treacherous schemes of petty villains, deceiving feudal lords to attend court. You executed Dongbo Hou Jiang Huanchu and Nanbo Hou E Chongyu without distinguishing right from wrong, crushing their bodies into paste or beheading them, thus breaking trust with all under heaven. The four cardinal virtues have collapsed. This is your fifth crime. Laws are not for one's private interest; punishments serve to maintain fairness and have never been misused before; now, Your Majesty has fully heeded Daji's cruel and evil words. You created the fire branding punishment to silence loyal advice, set up 虿盆 (a torture device) that devoured palace attendants' flesh; innocent souls wailed in daylight, while toxic flames obscured the blue sky—Heaven and Earth are heartbroken, and both men and gods are enraged. This is your sixth crime. Heaven and Earth provide resources in limited measure; how can one recklessly squander wealth, exhaust the people's strength to hoard for oneself, and drain the lives of the common folk? Now, Your Majesty only values foul pools and pavilions, uses wine lakes and meat forests, takes the lives of palace attendants, builds Luxu Terrace with extensive construction projects, amasses wealth from all under heaven while exhausting the people's resources. You also allowed Chong Hou Hu to exploit poor peasants: those with money could avoid conscription by paying three men's worth; those without had to serve alone. People's livelihoods have deteriorated daily, and corruption has become rampant—this is due entirely to Your Majesty's greed and exploitation. This constitutes your seventh crime. Shame and integrity are the defenses against corruption and moral decay; how much more so for a ruler, who is the leader of all people; now, Your Majesty believed Daji's sly flattery and lured Jia Shi to Zhaixing Tower. You, as a ruler, insulted the wife of your subject, causing this virtuous woman to die in loyalty. When Empress Huang Gui of Xigong Palace directly advised you, she was instead thrown from Zhaixing Tower and died unjustly—thus, the Three Bonds have been severed, and shame and integrity are completely lost. This is your eighth crime. Actions and conduct are the essence of a ruler's dignity; how can they be recklessly displayed? Now, Your Majesty indulges in entertainment at the expense of cruelly torturing lives. You amputated the legs of a morning traveler to test people's age and vitality; you carved out unborn fetuses from pregnant women to examine yin-yang balance—what crime have the common people committed to suffer such cruelty! This is your ninth crime. A ruler's feasts and pleasures have their limits; it has never been heard of that one would linger so long as to forget returning. Now, Your Majesty secretly takes in a bewitching woman at night and indulges with Daji in debauchery day and night on Luxu Terrace. You drink heavily and revel without restraint; you trust Daji to have young boys killed, roast their kidneys for soup—thus cutting off the lineage of all common people. Your cruelty is so extreme that it has caused unprecedented injustice throughout history and today. This constitutes your tenth crime.

臣虽能言之，陛下决不肯悔过迁善，肆行荼毒，累军民于万死，暴白骨于青天，独不思臣民生斯世者，竟遭陛下无辜之杀戮耶！今臣尚特奉天之明命，襄周王发恭行天之罚，陛下毋得以臣逆君而少之也。”纣王听姜子牙暴其十罪，只气得目瞪口呆。只见八百诸侯听罢，齐呐一声喊：“愿诛此无道昏君！”众人方欲上前，有东伯侯姜文焕大呼曰：“殷受不得回马！吾来也！”纣王见一员大将，金甲、红袍，白马、大刀，怎见得，有赞为证，赞曰： 顶上盔，朱缨灿；龟背甲，金光烂。大红袍上绣团龙，护心宝镜光华现。腰间宝带扣丝蛮，鞍傍箭插如云雁。打将鞭，吴钩剑，杀人如草心无间。马上横担斩将刀，坐下龙驹追紫电。铜心铁胆东伯侯，保周灭纣姜文焕。

Although I can speak of these crimes, Your Majesty will certainly not repent or turn to virtue. You recklessly commit cruelty and bring countless deaths upon soldiers and civilians; you leave white bones exposed beneath the blue sky. Do you not think that innocent people born into this world have suffered unjust slaughter at your hands! Now, I still specially carry the clear mandate of Heaven to assist King Wu of Zhou in executing Heaven's punishment. Your Majesty must not belittle me merely because a subject dares defy his ruler," said he. King Zhou, upon hearing Jiang Ziya enumerate his ten crimes, was so enraged that he could only stare in stunned silence. Just then, after the eight hundred feudal lords had listened to this, they all shouted in unison: "We wish to execute this tyrant without virtue!" Just as the crowd was about to move forward, Dongbo Hou Jiang Wenhuan cried out: "Yin Shou may not turn back his horse! I have arrived!" King Zhou saw a general in full armor, clad in golden mail and red robes, riding a white horse with a large saber. How could one describe his appearance? A eulogy serves as evidence: the eulogy says: On his head he wore a helmet; crimson tassels shone brilliantly; His shell-like armor gleamed with golden light. The crimson robe was embroidered with round dragons; the protective mirror on his chest shimmered brilliantly. A precious sash adorned his waist, fastened with a silk clasp from Shiman; beside the saddle, arrows were fletched like clouds of wild geese. A whip for battle, a Wugou sword—his heart knew no mercy as he cut down men like grass. Across his horse's saddle hung the great general's cleaver; beneath him, a dragon-like steed galloped as if chasing purple lightning. A man of bronze heart and iron courage—Dongbo Hou Jiang Wenhuan, who would protect Zhou and destroy King Zhou.

话说东伯侯走马至军前，大呼曰：“吾父王姜桓楚被你醢尸，吾姐姐姜后被你剜目烙手，俱死于非命。今日借武王仁义之师，仗姜元帅之力，诛此无道，以泄我无穷之恨！”只见南伯侯青鬃马冲出，厉声大叫：“无道昏君！杀父之仇，不共戴天，姜皇兄，留功与我鄂顺！”马至军前，叱曰：“你行无道，吾父王未曾犯罪，无故而诛大臣，情理难容也！”把手中枪一幌，劈胸就刺。纣王手中刀劈面交还。姜文焕手中刀使开，冲杀过来。二侯与纣王大战在午门。怎见得，有诗为证，诗曰： 龙虎相争起战场，三军擂鼓列刀枪。红旗招展如赤焰，素带飘颻似雪霜。纣王江山风烛短，周家福祚海天长。从今一战雌雄定，留得声名万古扬。

Now, as Dongbo Hou rode to the front of his troops, he cried out: "My father King Jiang Huanchu was dismembered and made into a stew by you; my elder sister Empress Jiang was blinded and had her hands burned—both died unjustly. Today, I borrow King Wu's army of benevolence and righteousness, relying on General Jiang's strength, to execute this tyrant and vent my endless hatred!" Just then, Nanbo Hou rode out on a dark-maned horse, shouting fiercely: "Tyrant without virtue! You killed my father; we cannot share the same sky. Brother Jiang Huang, leave this glory to me, E Shun!" Riding up to the front of the army, he shouted: "You have acted without virtue. My father-king had committed no crime; yet you executed a minister for no reason—this is beyond what reason and justice can tolerate!" He brandished his spear in hand and charged forward, thrusting straight at the chest. King Zhou parried with his saber, clashing blades face-to-face. Jiang Wenhuan wielded his saber and charged forward fiercely. The two feudal lords and King Zhou engaged in fierce battle at the Wu Gate. How was this battle? A poem serves as evidence: The poem says: Dragons and tigers clash on the battlefield; three armies beat drums, arranging swords and spears. Red banners flutter like crimson flames; white sashes drift as if snowflakes in frost. King Zhou's kingdom is but a candle in the wind, brief and fragile; while the Zhou dynasty's fortune endures as long as the sea and sky. From this battle forth, the victor shall be decided; may their name echo through eternity.

北伯侯崇应鸾见东、南二侯大战纣王，也把马催开，来助二侯。纣王又见来了一路诸侯，抖擞神威，力战三路诸侯，一口刀抵住他三般兵器，只杀得天昏地暗，旭日无光。武王在逍遥马上叹曰：“只因天子无道，致使天下诸侯会集于此，不分君臣，互相争战，冠履倒置，成何体统！真是天翻地覆之时！”忙将逍遥马催上前，与子牙曰：“三侯还该善化天子，如何与天子抗礼，甚无君臣体面。”子牙曰：“方才大王听老臣言纣王十罪，乃获罪于天地人神者，天下之人，皆可讨之，此正是奉天命而灭无道，老臣岂敢有违天命耶！”武王曰：“当今虽是失政，吾等莫非臣子，岂有君臣相对敌之理？元帅可解此危。”子牙曰：“大王既有此意，传令命军士擂鼓。”子牙传令：“擂鼓！”天下诸侯听的鼓响，左右有三十五骑纷纷杀出，把纣王围在垓心。不知纣王性命如何，且听下回分解。

Beibo Hou Chong Yingluan, seeing the two feudal lords from the east and south engaged in fierce battle with King Zhou, spurred his horse forward to assist them. King Zhou, seeing yet another feudal lord arrive, summoned his divine might and fought fiercely against the three lords. With a single saber, he held off their three weapons, slaying so furiously that it darkened the heavens and earth, leaving even the rising sun without light. King Wu, seated on his Xiaoyao horse, sighed and said: "It is only because the Son of Heaven has acted without virtue that all feudal lords have gathered here. Now there are no distinctions between ruler and subject, as they fight each other—this reversal of order is utterly disgraceful! This truly is a time when heaven and earth turn upside down!" He quickly spurred his Xiaoyao horse forward and said to Jiang Ziya: "The three feudal lords should still treat the Son of Heaven with kindness. How can they now oppose him in battle? This is most disrespectful toward ruler and subject." Jiang Ziya said: "Earlier, His Majesty heard from this old minister the ten crimes of King Zhou. He has committed offenses against Heaven, Earth, and all deities; thus, all under heaven may rise to punish him. This is precisely carrying out Heaven's mandate by destroying a tyrant without virtue. How could an old minister dare defy Heaven's will!" King Wu said: "Although the current ruler has lost his virtue, we are still subjects. How can there be a reason for ruler and subject to become enemies?" "Marshal, you must resolve this crisis." Jiang Ziya said: "If His Majesty has such an intention, please order the soldiers to beat the drums." Jiang Ziya gave orders: "Beat the drum!" The feudal lords of all under heaven, hearing the drumbeat, saw thirty-five riders charge from both sides and surround King Zhou at the center. Whether King Zhou's life would be spared or not—stay tuned for the next episode to find out.