Chapter 98: King Wu of Zhou Distributes Wealth at Lutai

诗曰： 纣王聚敛吸民脂，不信当年放桀时。积粟已无千载计，盈财岂有百年期。 须知世运逢真主，却笑贪淫有阿痴。今日还归民社去，从来天意岂容私！

The poem says: King Zhou hoarded wealth and drained the people's fat, He did not believe in the time when Jie was exiled. Accumulated grain no longer has a plan for a thousand years, Abundant wealth how could have a promise of a hundred years. One must know that the course of the world meets its true ruler, And yet laugh at greedy and lustful fools. Today I return to the people's community, For from the beginning, Heaven's will cannot be private!

话说众诸侯俱上了九间殿，只见丹墀下大小将领、头目等众，跻跻跄跄，簇拥两傍。子牙传令：“军士先救灭宫中火焰。”武王对子牙曰：“纣王无道，残虐生灵，而六宫近在肘腋，其宫人、宦寺被害更惨，今军士救火，不无波及无辜；相父首先严禁，毋令复遭陷害也。”子牙闻言，忙传令：“凡军士人等止许救火，毋得肆行暴虐，敢有违令妄取六宫中一物，妄杀一人者，斩首示众，决不姑惜！汝宜悉知。”只见众宫人、宦寺、侍卫、军官齐呼：“万岁！”武王在九间殿驻跸，与众诸侯看军士救火。武王猛抬头，看见殿东边有黄邓邓二十根大铜柱摆列在傍，武王问曰：“此铜柱乃是何物？”子牙曰：“此铜柱乃是纣王所造炮烙之刑。”武王曰：“善哉！不但临刑者甚惨，只今日孤观之，不觉心胆皆裂。纣天子可谓残忍之甚！”子牙引武王入后宫，至摘星楼下，见虿盆里面蛇蝎上下翻腾，白骨暴露，骷骸乱滚；又见酒池内阴风惨惨，肉林下冷露凄凄。武王问曰：“此是何故？”子牙曰：“此是纣王所制虿盆，杀害宫人者；左右正是肉林、酒池。”武王曰：“伤哉！纣天子何无仁心一至此也！”不胜伤感，乃作诗以纪之，诗言： “成汤祝网德声扬，放桀南巢正大纲。六百年来风气薄，谁知惨恶丧疆场！”

The story goes that all the feudal lords had ascended to the Jiuguan Hall, and they saw under the red terrace a crowd of officers, commanders, and subordinates, both great and small, bustling about and crowding on either side. Zi Ya issued an order: "The soldiers should first extinguish the flames in the palace." King Wu said to Zi Ya, "King Zhou was tyrannical and cruel to living beings. The six palaces are close at hand; the palace attendants and eunuchs there suffered even more brutal harm. Now that soldiers are fighting the fire, it is inevitable that innocent people will be affected." "Father-in-law, you should first strictly prohibit this and not allow them to suffer further harm." Upon hearing these words, Zi Ya immediately issued an order: "All soldiers are only allowed to fight the fire and must not commit any acts of violence. Anyone who dares violate this order by taking even a single item from within the six palaces or killing one person will be beheaded in public; there will be no leniency!" "You should all take note of this." At that moment, the palace attendants, eunuchs, guards, and officers all cried out together: "Long live the King!" King Wu halted his entourage at the Jiuguan Hall and watched with the feudal lords as soldiers fought the fire. King Wu suddenly looked up and saw, to the east of the hall, twenty large bronze pillars arranged beside it. King Wu asked, "What are these bronze pillars?" Zi Ya said, "These bronze pillars were the Pao Luo punishment devices made by King Zhou." King Wu said, "Good!" Not only was the scene of execution extremely 惨 (cǎn), but even now as I look at it, my heart and 胆 (dǎn) seem to shatter. "King Zhou can truly be called extremely cruel!" Zi Ya led King Wu into the inner palace and arrived at the foot of Zaising Lou. They saw within the scorpion-shaped basin snakes and scorpions writhing up and down, white bones exposed, and skulls rolling about in disorder; They also saw within the wine pool a bleak and desolate wind blowing, while beneath the meat forest cold dews dripped with melancholy. 漋 King Wu asked, "What is the reason for this?" Zi Ya said, "This is the scorpion-shaped basin made by King Zhou to kill palace attendants; the meat forest and wine pool are right here." King Wu said, "How tragic!" "Why has King Zhou become so devoid of compassion as to this extent!" Overcome with sorrow, he composed a poem to record it. The poem says: "King Cheng Tang prayed for the nets and virtue spread far and wide; Exiling Jie to Nanchao upheld the great principles." "For six hundred years, the customs have grown thin; Who could know that such cruelty would lead to the loss of territory!"

又伤炮烙之刑，作诗以纪之，诗言： “苦陷忠良性独偏，肆行炮烙悦婵娟。遗魄常傍黄金柱，楼下焚烧业报牵。”

He was also moved by the Pao Luo punishment and composed another poem to record it. The poem reads: "Endlessly suffering loyal and virtuous men, his nature is uniquely twisted; Wantonly carrying out Pao Luo for pleasure, delighting in beauty." "Their lingering souls often linger by the golden pillars, Beneath the tower, burning retribution binds them."

话说武王来至摘星楼，见馀火尚存，烟焰未绝，烧得七狼八狈，也有无辜宫人遭在此劫，尚有馀骸未尽，臭秽难闻。武王更觉心中不忍，忙分付军士：“快将这些遗骸检出去埋葬，无令暴露。”因谓子牙曰：“但不知纣王骸骨焚于何所？当另为检出，以礼安葬，不可使其暴露于天地；你我为人臣者，此心何安！”子牙对曰：“纣王无道，人神共愤，今日自焚，实所以报之也。今大王以礼葬之，诚大王之仁耳。”子牙分付军士：“检点遗骸，毋使混杂；须寻纣王骸骨，具衣衾棺椁，以天子之礼葬之。”后人有诗叹成汤王业如斯而尽： 天丧成汤业，敌兵尽倒戈。积山尸遍野，漂杵血流河。 尽去烦苛法，方兴时雨歌。太平今日定，衽席乐天和。

The story continues that King Wu arrived at Zaising Lou and saw that the remaining fire was still burning, with smoke and flames not yet extinguished. The scene was in utter chaos; some innocent palace attendants had perished in this disaster, and there were still bones left unburned, emitting a foul and unbearable stench. King Wu felt even more pained in his heart and quickly ordered the soldiers, "Quickly collect these remains and bury them outside; do not allow them to remain exposed." He then said to Zi Ya, "But I wonder where King Zhou's bones have been burned?" They should be separately collected and properly buried with rites; it is not acceptable to leave them exposed under heaven and earth; how could our hearts as subjects feel at ease!" Zi Ya replied, "King Zhou was tyrannical; both people and gods were enraged. Today he burned himself to death, which is indeed the retribution for his deeds. Now that Your Majesty wishes to bury him with rites, it truly demonstrates Your Majesty's benevolence." Zi Ya ordered the soldiers: "Sort out the remains carefully and do not let them become mixed together; you must find King Zhou's bones, prepare clothes, shrouds, and a coffin, and bury him with the rites befitting an emperor." Later generations composed a poem lamenting how King Cheng Tang's achievements came to an end like this: "Heaven has destroyed the legacy of King Cheng Tang, and enemy soldiers all reversed their spears. Mountains piled with corpses, fields covered in bodies; Drifting pestles, blood flowing down the river." All oppressive laws are abolished, and timely rain songs flourish once more. Peace is now established in this world; On the soft couch, joyous harmony with Heaven prevails.

话说子牙令军士寻纣王遗骸，以礼安葬，不表。

The story continues that Zi Ya ordered soldiers to search for King Zhou's remains and bury them properly, which will not be detailed here.

且说众诸侯同武王往鹿台而来。上了台时，见阁耸云端，楼飞霄汉，亭台叠叠，殿宇巍峨，雕栏玉饰，梁栋金装；又只见明珠异宝，珊瑚玉树，厢嵌成琼宫瑶室，堆砌就绣阁兰房，不时起万道霞光，顷刻有千条瑞彩，真所谓目眩心摇，神飞魄乱。武王点首叹曰：“纣天子这等奢靡，竭天下之财以穷己欲，安有不亡身丧国者也！”子牙曰：“古今之所以丧亡者，未有不从奢侈而败，故圣王再三叮咛垂戒者，‘宝已以德，毋宝珠玉’，良有以也。”武王曰：“如今纣王已灭，天下诸侯与闾阎百姓受纣王剥削之祸，荼毒之苦，征敛之烦，日坐水火之中，衽席不安，重足而立，今不若将鹿台聚积之货财，给散与诸侯、百姓，将钜桥聚敛之稻粟，赈济与饥民，使万民昭苏，享一日安康之福耳。”子牙曰：“大王兴言及此，真社稷生民之福也！宜速行之。”武王命左右去发财运粟，不表。只见后宫擒纣王之子武庚至，子牙命：“推来。”众诸侯切齿。少时，众将将武庚推至殿前，武庚跪下。众诸侯齐曰：“殷受不道，罪盈满贯，人神共怒，今日当斩首正罪，以泄天地之恨。”子牙曰：“众诸侯之言甚是。”武王急止之曰：“不可！纣王肆行不道，皆是群小、妖妇惑乱其心，与武庚何干？且纣王炮烙大臣，虽贤如比干、微子，皆不能匡救其君，又河况武庚一幼稚之子哉？今纣王已灭，与子何雠？且‘罪人不孥’，原是上天好生之德，孤愿与众位大王共体之，切不可枉行杀戮也。俟新君嗣位，封之以茅土，以存商祀，正所以报商之先王也。”东伯侯姜文焕出而言曰：“元帅在上：今大事俱定，当立新君以安天下诸侯、士民之心。况且天不可以无日，国不可以无君，天命有道，归于至仁，今武王仁德著于四海，天下归心，宜正天位，以安天下民心。况我等众诸侯入关，襄武王以伐无道，正为今日之大事也。望元帅一力担当，不可迟滞，有辜众人之心。”众诸侯齐曰：“姜君侯讲得有理，正合众人之意。”子牙尚未及对，武王惶惧逊谢曰：“孤位轻德薄，名誉未著，惟日兢兢，求为寡过以嗣先王之业而未遑，安敢妄觊大位哉！况天位惟艰，惟仁德者居之，乞众位贤侯共择一有德者以嗣大位，毋令有忝厥职，遗天下羞。孤与相父早归故土，以守臣节而已。”傍有东伯侯厉声大言曰：“大王此言差矣！天下之至德，孰有如大王者！今天下归周，已非一日，即黎民之箪食壶浆以迎王师，岂有他哉！谓大王能救民于水火也。且天下诸侯景从云集，随大王以伐无道，其爱戴之心，盖有自也。大王又何必固辞？望大王俯从众议，毋令众人失望耳。”武王曰：“发有何德，望贤侯无得执此成议，还当访询有众，以服天下之心。”东伯侯姜文焕曰：“昔帝尧以至德克相上帝，得膺大位；后生丹朱不肖，帝求人而逊位，群臣举舜。舜以重华之德，以继尧而有天下。后帝舜生子商均亦不肖，舜乃举天下而让之禹。禹生启贤明，能承继夏命，故相继而传十七世。至桀无道而失夏政，成汤以至德放桀于南巢，伐夏而有天下。传二十六世至纣，大肆无道，恶贯罪盈。大王以至德与众诸侯恭行天之讨，今大事已定，克承大宝，非大王而谁？大王又何必固逊哉！”武王曰：“孤安敢方禹汤之贤哲也。”姜文焕曰：“大王不事干戈，以仁义教率天下，化行俗美，三分天下有其二；故凤鸣于岐山，万民而乐业。天人相应，理不可诬。大王之政德，与二君何多让哉！”武王曰：“姜君侯素有才德，当为天下之主。”忽听得两傍众诸候一齐上前，大呼曰：“天下归心，已非一日，大王为何苦苦固辞？大拂众人之心矣！况吾等会盟此地，岂是一朝一夕之力，无非欲立大王，再见太平之日耳。今大王舍此不居，则天下诸侯瓦解，自此生乱，是使天下终无太平之日矣。”子牙上前急止之曰：“列位贤侯不必如此，我自有名正言顺之说。”正是： 子牙一计成王业，致使诸侯拜圣君。

Meanwhile, the feudal lords traveled with King Wu toward Lutai. When they reached the terrace, they saw pavilions towering toward the clouds and towers soaring into the sky. Terraces and pavilions were layered upon each other, halls and palaces stood majestic; carved railings adorned with jade, beams and rafters gilded in gold; They also saw precious pearls and rare treasures, coral trees and jade plants embedded in pavilions of jade and halls of crystal, arranged to form embroidered towers and fragrant chambers. At times, countless rays of rosy light would arise; in a moment, thousands of auspicious colors would appear—truly a scene so dazzling that it overwhelmed the eyes and unsettled the heart, causing one's spirit to fly and soul to be thrown into confusion. King Wu nodded and sighed, saying, "How extravagant King Zhou was! He drained the wealth of the entire world to satisfy his own desires. How could he not lose both his life and his kingdom!" Zi Ya said, "In both ancient and modern times, those who have perished or lost their states were never without having been ruined by extravagance. Hence why sage kings repeatedly warned with solemn admonitions: 'Treasure virtue, not pearls and jade.' This is indeed a sound principle." King Wu said, "Now that King Zhou has been destroyed, the feudal lords and common people throughout the land have suffered from his exploitation, endured his cruelty, and faced burdensome levies. They have long sat in water and fire, with no peace on their beds or rest for their feet. Therefore, we should now distribute the accumulated wealth at Lutai to the feudal lords and the people, and use the stored rice and grain at Juqiao to relieve the starving masses, allowing all the people to revive and enjoy even a day of peaceful happiness." Zi Ya said, "Your Majesty's words are truly a blessing for the state and its people! We should act on them immediately." King Wu ordered his attendants to distribute the wealth and transport the grain, which will not be described in detail here. At this moment, from the inner palace came Wu Geng, King Zhou's son, who had been captured. Zi Ya ordered, "Bring him forward." The feudal lords gnashed their teeth in anger. After a short while, the officers pushed Wu Geng forward to before the hall; Wu Geng knelt down. The feudal lords all cried together, "King Yin was tyrannical, his crimes overflowing and reaching the limit; both people and gods are enraged. Today he should be beheaded to punish him, in order to relieve Heaven and Earth's resentment." Zi Ya said, "The feudal lords' words are very reasonable." King Wu quickly stopped them and said, "No!" "King Zhou acted tyrannically; it was all due to the villains and wicked women who corrupted his mind. What does this have to do with Wu Geng?" Moreover, when King Zhou used the Pao Luo punishment on his ministers, even virtuous men like Bi Gan and Wei Zi could not correct or save their ruler. How much less could Wu Geng, a mere child, be expected to do so? Now that King Zhou is already destroyed, what grudge can there possibly be against his son? Furthermore, the principle that "the punishment of a criminal should not extend to his family" originates from Heaven's benevolent virtue of cherishing life. I wish all you great kings would share this understanding and must never carry out unjust killings." "Once the new ruler ascends the throne, he should be granted fiefdoms and land to preserve the ancestral rites of Shang. This is precisely how we repay the former kings of Shang." Dong Bo Hou Jiang Wenhuan stepped forward and said, "Commander-in-Chief above: now that the great matters are settled, we should establish a new ruler to pacify the hearts of all feudal lords, officials, and common people across the land. Moreover, Heaven cannot be without the sun, and a state cannot be without a ruler. Heaven's mandate follows virtue and belongs to the most benevolent. Now King Wu's benevolence and virtue are renowned throughout the four seas; all under heaven look up to him. He should ascend the throne of Heaven in order to pacify the people's hearts across the land." After all, we feudal lords entered the pass and assisted King Wu in punishing tyranny—this was precisely for today's great matter. We respectfully request that Commander-in-Chief take full responsibility and not delay, lest we disappoint the people's aspirations." The feudal lords all said together, "Lord Jiang has spoken with reason; this is exactly in line with our intentions." Before Zi Ya could respond, King Wu, in alarm and humility, declined saying, "My position is low and my virtue shallow; my reputation has not yet been established. I can only strive daily with utmost caution to minimize faults and continue the legacy of my predecessors—how dare I recklessly aspire to such a high position!" Moreover, the throne is a position of great difficulty and should be occupied only by one with virtue. I beg all you noble lords to jointly select someone virtuous to succeed this high office, so as not to disgrace the duty or bring shame upon the people of the land." "I and my father-in-law should return early to our native land merely to uphold our loyalty as ministers." At this moment, Dong Bo Hou loudly and sternly said from the side, "Your Majesty's words are mistaken!" "Who in the world possesses virtue as great as Your Majesty! "Now that all under heaven has submitted to Zhou, this is not a matter of one day. Even the common people offer their humble meals and water in baskets and pots to welcome Your Majesty's army—what other reason could there be! This is because only Your Majesty can rescue the people from water and fire. Moreover, feudal lords across the land have gathered like clouds in admiration, following Your Majesty to punish tyranny. Their affection and respect are not without reason. Why must Your Majesty refuse so firmly? We respectfully request that Your Majesty accept the will of the people and not let everyone's hopes be in vain." King Wu said, "What virtue do I possess? I hope the noble lords will not insist on this established opinion. We should still consult with many people to satisfy the hearts of all under heaven." Dong Bo Hou Jiang Wenhua said, "In ancient times, Emperor Yao, with his utmost virtue, was able to serve Heaven and thus received the great position; Later, when Dan Zhu, his son, proved unworthy, Emperor Yao sought a successor and abdicated, after which the ministers recommended Shun. Shun, with the virtue of Zhong Hua, succeeded Yao and ruled over all under heaven. Later, Emperor Shun's son Shangjun was also unworthy; thus, Shun recommended Yu to take over the throne and ceded the world to him. Yu's son Qi was virtuous and wise, capable of continuing the mandate of Xia; thus, they succeeded one another for seventeen generations. It was not until Jie became tyrannical and lost the Xia mandate that King Cheng Tang, with his utmost virtue, exiled Jie to Nanchao, overthrew Xia, and took control of all under heaven. The dynasty passed through twenty-six generations until King Zhou, who acted tyrannically on a large scale, his crimes overflowing like a full cup. Your Majesty, with your utmost virtue and the feudal lords, carried out Heaven's punishment. Now that great matters are settled, who else but Your Majesty is worthy of inheriting this great treasure? Why must Your Majesty insist on such modesty!" King Wu said, "How dare I compare myself to the sages Yu and Tang?" Jiang Wenhuan said, "Your Majesty has not wielded weapons or war; instead, you have taught and led the world with benevolence and righteousness, spreading virtue and cultivating a refined custom. You now hold two-thirds of the realm; thus causing phoenixes to sing on Qishan Mountain while all the people enjoy their livelihoods in happiness." Heaven and humanity correspond; this principle cannot be denied. "How much less can Your Majesty's virtue and governance compare to those two rulers!" King Wu said, "Lord Jiang has long possessed talent and virtue; he should be the ruler of all under heaven." Suddenly, from both sides came a chorus of feudal lords rushing forward and shouting together, "The people's hearts have long belonged to Your Majesty; why does the great king persist in refusing so stubbornly? This greatly goes against everyone's wishes! Moreover, our gathering here in an alliance was not achieved in a single day or night; it was solely to establish Your Majesty and witness the return of peaceful days. If now, Your Majesty refuses this position, then all feudal lords will disband and chaos will arise from hereon; thus, the world will never know peace again." Zi Ya stepped forward urgently and stopped them, saying, "Noble lords, there is no need for this; I have a just and reasonable explanation." Indeed: Zi Ya's single strategy secured the king's legacy, leading all feudal lords to bow before the sage ruler.

话说众诸侯在九间殿，见武王固逊，俱纷然争辨不一，子牙乃上之，对武王曰：“纣王祸乱天下，大王率诸侯明正其罪，天下无不悦服，大王礼当正位，号令天下。况当日凤鸣岐山，祥瑞现于周地，此上天垂应之兆，岂是偶然！今天下人心悦而归周，正是天下响应，时不可失。大王今日固辞，恐诸侯心冷，各散归国，涣无所统，各据其地，日生祸乱，甚非大王吊伐之意。深失民望，非所以爱之，实所以害之也。愿大王详察！”武王曰：“众人固是美爱，然孤之德薄，不足以胜此任，恐遗先王之羞耳。”东伯侯姜文焕曰：“大王不必辞逊，元帅自有主见。”乃对子牙曰：“请元帅速行，不得迟滞，恐人心解散。”子牙急忙传令：“命画图样造台，作祝文昭告天地社稷，俟后有大贤，大王再让位未迟。”众诸侯已知子牙之意，随声应诺。傍有周公旦自去造台。后人有诗诵之，诗曰： 朝歌城内筑禅台，万姓欢呼动八垓。沴气已随馀焰尽，和风方向太阳来。 岐山鸣凤缠祯瑞，殿陛赓歌进寿杯。四海雍熙从此盛，周家泰运又重开。

The story continues that at the Jiuguan Hall, as all the feudal lords saw King Wu persistently declining, they began to argue and debate among themselves. Zi Ya then stepped forward and addressed King Wu, saying, "King Zhou caused chaos throughout the world; Your Majesty led the feudal lords in clearly establishing his crimes, and people across the land are universally pleased and convinced. It is only proper for Your Majesty to ascend the throne and issue commands to all under heaven. Moreover, on that day when a phoenix sang atop Qishan Mountain and auspicious omens appeared in the land of Zhou—this was surely a sign from Heaven indicating its favor; it could not have been mere coincidence! Now, with people's hearts rejoicing and returning to Zhou, this is precisely the moment when all under heaven responds; such an opportunity must not be missed. If Your Majesty insists on declining today, the feudal lords may grow cold-hearted and disperse back to their states. Then they will scatter without a central authority, each occupying their own territory, leading to daily chaos and calamity, which would be contrary to Your Majesty's original intent of upholding justice and punishing tyranny. This will greatly disappoint the people's expectations; it is not a way to cherish them, but in fact harms them. I beg Your Majesty to carefully consider this!" King Wu said, "Although everyone's words are well-intentioned and kind, my virtue is shallow; I am not worthy of this responsibility. I fear it would bring shame to our ancestors." Dongbo Hou Jiang Wenhuan said, "Your Majesty need not decline; the general-in-chief has his own judgment." He then addressed Zi Ya and said, "Please, General-in-Chief, act swiftly without delay; otherwise, people's hearts may disperse." Zi Ya hurriedly issued orders: "Command the drawing of plans and construction of an altar, prepare a prayer to announce to Heaven, Earth, and the state granary. Should there later be a great sage, it will not be too late for Your Majesty to yield the throne again." The feudal lords already understood Zi Ya's intention and responded with assent. Meanwhile, the Duke of Zhou personally went to build the altar. Later generations composed a poem in praise of this, which says: Within the city of Chaoguo, an altar for abdication was built; The joyous cheers of ten thousand people shook the eight directions. Evil influences have perished with the remaining flames, and harmonious winds now come from the direction of the sun. The phoenix sang on Qishan Mountain entwined with auspicious signs, and at the palace steps songs continued as longevity cups were presented. From this moment onward, peace and prosperity spread across the four seas; the Zhou family's era of great fortune began anew.

说周公旦画了图样，于天地坛前造一座台。台高三层，按三才之象，分八卦之形。正中设“皇天后土之位”；傍立“山川社稷之神”；左右有“十二元神”旗唬，按子、丑 、寅、卯、辰、巳、午、未、申、酉、戌、亥立于其地；前后有“十干”旗号，按甲、乙、丙、丁、戊、己、庚、辛、壬、癸立于本位；坛上有“四季正神方位”；春日太昊，夏日炎帝，秋日少昊，冬日颛顼；中有黄帝轩辕；坛上罗列笾、豆、簠、簋、金爵、玉斝，陈设祭前，并生蒭炙脯，列于几席，鲜、酱、鱼、肉设于案桌，无不齐备。只见香烧宝鼎，花插金瓶，子牙方请武王上坛。武王再三谦让，然后登坛。八百诸侯齐立于两傍，周公旦高捧祝文，上台开读，祝文曰： “惟大周元年壬辰，越甲子昧爽三日，西伯侯西岐武姬发敢昭告于皇天后土神祇曰：呜呼！惟天惠民，惟辟奉天。有殷受弗克上天，自绝于命。臣发承祖宗累治之仁，列圣相沿之德，予小子曷敢有越厥志，恭天承命，底商之罪，大正于商。惟尔神祇，克成厥勋，诞膺天命。予小子方日夜祗惧，恐坠前烈，敬修未遑。无奈诸侯、军、民、耆老人等，疏请再三，众志诚难固违。俯从群议，爰考旧典，式诹吉日，祗告于天、地、宗庙、社稷暨我文考，于是日受册、宝，嗣即大位。仰承中外靖恭之颂，天人协应之符，庆日月之照临，膺皇天之永命。尚望福我维新，永终不替，慰兆人胥戴之情，垂累业无疆之绪。神其鉴兹！伏惟尚飨。”

It is said that the Duke of Zhou drew plans and built an altar before the Heaven and Earth Altar. The altar was three levels high, following the image of the Three Talents, divided into the forms of the Eight Trigrams. In the center was set up a "Seat for Huangtian and Houtu"; Beside it stood the "gods of mountains, rivers, state granaries, and ancestral altars"; On the left and right were banners of the "Twelve Primordial Deities," arranged according to Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai at their respective positions; In front and behind were banners marked with the "Ten Heavenly Stems," arranged according to Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui at their respective positions; On the altar were the "directions of the Four Seasons' True Deities"; In spring, Taihao; in summer, Yandi; in autumn, Shaohao; and in winter, Zhuanxu; Among them was the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan; On the altar were arranged 笾, 豆, 簠, 簋, golden cups, and jade jia vessels; they were placed before the altar for sacrifice. Along with fresh grass-fed roasted meat and dried meat, these offerings were laid out on tables and mats. Fresh vegetables, sauce, fish, and meat were set upon banquet tables—everything was complete and ready. One could see fragrant incense burning in the precious tripod, flowers inserted into golden vases; Zi Ya then invited King Wu to ascend the altar. King Wu repeatedly humbly declined before finally ascending the altar. The eight hundred feudal lords stood together on both sides. The Duke of Zhou held the prayer high and ascended the altar to begin reading it aloud. The prayer said: "In the first year of Great Zhou, Renchen year, on the third day after dawn on Jiazi, Xibo Hou Xi Qi Wu Ji Fa dares to solemnly announce to the gods of Huangtian, Houtu and all spirits: Alas! Heaven benefits the people; only the sovereign serves Heaven. King Yin Shou failed to heed Heaven's will and thus cut himself off from his destiny. I, Fa, have inherited the benevolence of our ancestors and the virtue passed down by successive sage rulers. How dare I, a mere child, deviate from their will? With reverence for Heaven's mandate, I accept this command to punish Shang's crimes and bring justice to the Shang dynasty. May you gods assist in completing this great feat and embrace Heaven's mandate. I, a humble child, can only fear and tremble day and night, dreading the failure to live up to my predecessors' legacy. I respectfully strive forward without rest. Yet, despite repeated earnest requests from the feudal lords, soldiers, people, and elder citizens, it is difficult to resist such united will. Thus, I have yielded to the people's will and followed ancient precedents. A favorable day has been chosen for this solemn occasion. I now respectfully announce before Heaven, Earth, ancestral temples, state granaries, as well as my late father Wen Wang that on this day I shall receive the seal of authority and assume the great throne. I humbly accept the harmonious praise from within and beyond, the auspicious signs of Heaven and humanity aligning. May this day be illuminated by sun and moon, and may I receive the eternal mandate of Huangtian. I earnestly hope for blessings upon my new reign, that it may endure without decline, fulfilling the heartfelt aspirations of all people and continuing our boundless legacy. May the gods bear witness to this! We humbly request your acceptance and enjoyment of these offerings."

话说周公旦读罢祝文，焚了，祝告天地毕，只见香烟笼罩空中，瑞霭氤氲满地，其日天朗气清，惠风庆云，真是昌期应运，太平景象，自然迥别。那朝歌百姓挤拥，遍地欢呼。

As the story continues, after the Duke of Zhou finished reading and burned the prayer, having completed his offerings to Heaven and Earth, one could see fragrant smoke enveloping the air above, auspicious mists swirling across the ground. On that day, the sky was clear and bright, with gentle winds and festive clouds—truly a flourishing era responding to destiny, presenting an image of peace and prosperity unlike anything before. The people of Chaoguo crowded together, cheering joyfully across the land.

武王受了册、宝，即天子位，面南垂拱端坐。乐奏三番，众诸侯出笏，山呼“万岁”。拜贺毕，武王传旨，大赦天下。众人簇拥武王下坛，来至殿廷，从新拜贺毕，武王传旨，命摆九龙饰席，大宴八百诸侯，君臣共乐。众人酒过数巡，俱各欢畅，百官觉已深沉，各辞阙谢恩而散。后人读史，见武王一戎衣而有天下，君臣和乐，作诗以咏之，诗曰： 坛下香风绕圣王，军民嵩祝舞霓裳。江山依旧承柴望，社稷重新乐裸将。金阙晓临仙掌动，玉阶时听佩环忙。熙熙皞皞清明世，万姓讴歌庆未央。

King Wu received the seal and treasures, ascended to the throne as Son of Heaven, and sat upright facing south with hands resting on his lap in a posture of serene authority. Music was played three times; the feudal lords presented their tablets and shouted in unison, "Ten thousand years!" After the ceremonies of congratulations were completed, King Wu issued an edict to grant a general amnesty throughout the realm. The crowd gathered around King Wu as he descended the altar and arrived at the palace courtyard. After a new round of congratulations, King Wu issued another order to arrange a grand banquet on dragon-decorated mats for the eight hundred feudal lords, where ruler and subjects would rejoice together. After several rounds of wine, everyone was joyfully content. As the officials sensed it had grown late, they each bid farewell and departed with gratitude. Later generations, reading history and seeing how King Wu gained the throne with a single campaign of arms, and how ruler and subjects lived in harmony and joy, composed poems to praise this. The poem says: A fragrant breeze circles the sacred king beneath the altar; soldiers and people dance gracefully in flowing robes. The rivers and mountains remain as before, continuing the legacy of Chaiwang; the state granaries are newly restored, bringing joy to those who till the land. At dawn, golden palaces gleam as celestial palms stir; on jade steps, one often hears the hurried clinking of pendants and rings. In this bright and peaceful era, people live in harmony and happiness; ten thousand subjects sing songs of joy without end.

话说次日武王设朝，众诸侯朝贺毕，武王谓子牙曰：“殷纣因广施土木之功，竭天下之财，荒淫失政，故有此败。朕蒙众诸侯立之为君，朕欲将鹿台之货财给散与天下诸侯，颁赐各夷王衣袭之费，列爵惟五，分土惟三，建官惟贤，位事惟能，重民五教，惟食丧祭，敦信明义，崇德报功，命诸侯各引人马归国，以安享其土地。”又将摘星楼殿阁尽行拆毁，散鹿台之财，发钜桥之粟，释箕子之囚，封比干之基，式商容之闾，放内宫之人，大赉于四海，而万姓悦服。乃偃武修文，归马于华山之阳，放牛于桃林之野，以示天下大服。武王在朝歌旬月，万民乐业，人物安阜，瑞草生，凤凰现，醴泉溢，甘露降，景星庆云，熙熙皞皞，真是太平景象。有诗为证，诗曰： 八十公公杖策行，相逢欣笑话生平。眼中不识干戈事，耳内稀闻战鼓声。 每见麒鳞鸾凤现，时听丝竹管弦鸣。于今世上称宁宇，不似当年枕席惊。

The story continues that the next day, King Wu held court. After all feudal lords had paid their respects and congratulations, King Wu said to Zi Ya, "King Yin Zhou failed because he lavishly spent on construction projects, drained the wealth of the entire realm, indulged in debauchery, and neglected governance; thus came his downfall. I have been elevated to kingship by the feudal lords. I wish to distribute the wealth from Lutai to all the feudal lords, bestow clothing and expenses for various tribal rulers, establish five ranks of nobility, divide land into three categories, appoint officials based on virtue, assign positions according to ability, emphasize the Five Teachings for the people, focus on food, funerals, and sacrifices, encourage trust and clarify righteousness, honor virtue and reward merit. I hereby order all feudal lords to lead their troops back to their respective states so they may peacefully enjoy their lands." He also ordered the complete demolition of all pavilions and halls in Zhaixing Lou, distributed the wealth from Lutai, released the grain stored at Juqiao, freed Ji Zi from imprisonment, honored Bi Gan's tomb, respected Shang Rong's neighborhood, released those within the palace, and generously bestowed rewards across the four seas. Thus, all the people rejoiced and submitted willingly. He then laid down arms and focused on civil governance, returning horses to the southern slopes of Huashan Mountain and releasing cattle into Taolin's wilderness, as a sign that all under heaven had submitted. King Wu remained in Chaoguo for several months. The people lived happily and prosperously, with peace and abundance prevailing. Auspicious herbs sprouted, phoenixes appeared, sweet springs overflowed, nectarous dew fell from the sky, auspicious stars and festive clouds shone—truly a scene of perfect peace and prosperity. There is a poem to attest to this, which says: An eighty-year-old elder walks with his staff, joyfully exchanging stories of life when he meets others. In their eyes, there are no longer sights of war; in their ears, the sound of battle drums is rarely heard. Frequently they see qilin and phoenixes appearing; often they hear the melodies of silk and bamboo instruments ringing. Now, this world is called peaceful and tranquil, unlike those years when people were startled even in their sleep.

话说武王为天子，天人感应，民安物阜，天降祥瑞，万民无不悦服。只见天下诸侯俱辞朝，各归本国。子牙入内庭见武王，王曰：“相父有何奏章？”子牙奏曰：“方今天下已定，老臣启陛下，命官镇守朝歌。”武王曰：“俱听相父。著用何官？”子牙曰：“今武庚，陛下既待以不杀，使守本土，得存商祀，必用何人监守方可？”武王曰：“俟明日临朝商议。”子牙退朝，回相府。只至次日，武王早朝，诸臣朝见毕，武王曰：“朕今封武庚世守本土，以存商祀，必使人监国；当用何人而后可？”武王问罢，众臣共议：“非亲王不可。”遂议管叔鲜、蔡叔度二王监国。武王依允，随命二叔守此朝歌。武王分付：“明日大驾归国。”只见武王圣谕一出，朝歌军民暨耆老人等，俱谋议遮留圣驾。不表。话说武王次日，分付二叔监国，大贺随起行。只见那些百姓，扶老挈幼，遮拜于道，大呼曰：“陛下救我等于水火之中，今一旦归国，是使万姓而无父母也。望陛下一视同仁，留居此地，我等百姓不胜庆幸。”武王见百姓挽留，乃慰之曰：“今朝歌朕已命二叔监守，如朕一样，必不令尔等失所也。尔等当奉公守法，自然安业，又何必朕在此，方能安阜也？”百性挽留不住，放声大哭，震动天地。武王亦觉凄然；复谓二弟管叔鲜、蔡叔度曰：“民乃国之根本，尔不可轻虐下民，当视之如子。若是不体朕意，有虐下民，朕自有国法在，必不能为亲者讳也。二弟共勉之！”二叔受命。武王即日发驾起程，往西岐前进。百姓哭送一程，竟回朝歌。不表。

The story continues that as King Wu became Son of Heaven, there was a harmony between Heaven and humanity. The people lived in peace and prosperity; auspicious signs were bestowed from above, and all the people joyfully submitted without exception. One could see that all feudal lords across the realm bid farewell to court and returned to their own states. Zi Ya entered the inner palace to see King Wu, who asked, "Prime Minister Father, what is your memorial?" Zi Ya presented his report and said, "Now that the realm has been stabilized, I respectfully request of Your Majesty to appoint officials to garrison Chaoguo." King Wu replied, "All matters are entrusted to you, Prime Minister Father. Which official should be appointed?" Zi Ya said, "Now King Wu Geng—since Your Majesty has chosen not to execute him and allowed him to remain in his native land to preserve the Shang ancestral rites, which official should be entrusted with overseeing him?" King Wu said, "We shall discuss this tomorrow at court." Zi Ya withdrew from court and returned to his prime minister's residence. The next day, King Wu convened an early court session. After all officials had paid their respects, he said, "Today I have appointed Wu Geng to inherit and govern his native land in perpetuity so that the Shang ancestral rites may be preserved; however, it is essential to appoint someone to oversee him as regent; who should I choose for this task?" After King Wu asked, the ministers discussed together and said: "Only a royal prince can be entrusted with this." They then proposed that Princes Guan Shu Xian and Cai Shu Du should serve as regents. King Wu agreed, and immediately ordered the two uncles to govern Chaoguo. King Wu gave instructions: "Tomorrow, I shall return in grand procession to my capital." As soon as King Wu's decree was announced, the soldiers and civilians of Chaoguo along with elder citizens all began to plan how to intercept and request him to stay. Details are omitted here. The story continues that on the next day, King Wu entrusted his two uncles with overseeing the state and departed in a grand procession. One could see the common people, supporting their elders and leading their children, blocking the road to bow in farewell, shouting loudly: "Your Majesty has saved us from water and fire; now that you are leaving your homeland, it is as if we have lost our parents. We humbly beg Your Majesty to treat us all equally and remain here; your people would be overjoyed." King Wu, seeing the people pleading to keep him, comforted them and said, "Now I have already appointed my two uncles to oversee Chaoguo; they will treat you as I would. You shall not be left without shelter or care. You must simply serve the public and abide by laws; then you will naturally live in peace and prosperity. Why should I remain here for that to happen?" The people could not hold back their pleas, weeping aloud with such sorrow it seemed to shake Heaven and Earth. King Wu also felt deeply moved; he turned to his two younger brothers, Guan Shu Xian and Pian Shu Du, and said, "The people are the foundation of a state; you must not lightly oppress them. Treat them as your own children. If you fail to heed my words and mistreat the people, I will surely enforce the law of our state without leniency for kinship. "Both of you must strive together!" The two uncles accepted their orders. On the same day, King Wu departed in his procession and advanced toward Xiqi. The people wept as they saw him off for a distance before finally returning to Chaoguo. No further mention is made of this.

话说武王离朝歌，一路行来，也非一日，不觉来至孟津。思想昔日渡孟津时，白鱼跃舟，兵戈扰攘；今日又是一番光景，不胜嗟叹。后人有诗咏之： 驾返西岐龙入海，与民欢忭乐尧年。归牛桃圃开新运，牧马华山洗旧膻。 箕子囚中先解释，比干墓上有封笺。孟津昔日曾流血，无怪周王念往贤。

Now, King Wu had left Chaoguo and traveled along the way for many days; before he realized it, he had arrived at Mengjin. He recalled how on his previous crossing of Mengjin, a white fish leaped into his boat and weapons clashed in turmoil; today the scene was entirely different, and he could not help but sigh with emotion. Later generations composed a poem about this: Returning to Xiqi in his carriage, the dragon enters the sea; joy shared with the people as in Yao's golden age. Returning oxen to peach groves begin a new era, horses grazing on Huashan Mountain cleanse old stench. Ji Zi was first released from imprisonment; Bi Gan's tomb now bears an official decree. Once blood had flowed at Mengjin, no wonder King Zhou recalled past virtuous men with longing.

话说武王同子牙渡了黄河，过渑池，出五关，子牙一路行来，忽然想起一班随行征伐阵亡的将官，心下不胜伤悼。一日来至金鸡岭，兵过首阳山。只见大队方行，前面有二位道者阻住，对旗门官曰：“与我请姜元帅答话。”左右报进中军，子牙忙出辕门观看，却是伯夷、叔齐。子牙忙躬身问曰：“二位贤侯见尚，有何见谕？”伯夷曰：“姜元帅今日回兵，纣王致于何地？”子牙答曰：“纣王无道，天下共弃之。吾兵进五关，只见天下诸侯已大会于孟津。至甲子日，受率其旅若林，罔敢敌于我师，前徒倒反戈攻于后，以北，至血流漂杵，纣王自焚，天下大定。吾主武王散鹿台之财，发钜桥之粟，封比干之基，式商容之闾，诸侯无不悦服，尊武王为天子。今日之天下，非纣王之天下也。”子牙歌罢，只见伯夷、叔齐仰面涕泣，大呼曰：“伤哉！伤哉！以暴易暴兮，予意欲何为！”道罢，拂袖而回，竟入首阳山，作“采薇”之诗，七日不食周粟，饿死首阳山。后人有诗吊之，诗曰： 昔阻周兵在首阳，忠心一点为成汤。三分已去犹啼血，万死无辞立大纲。 水土不知新世界，江山还念旧君王。可怜耻食甘名节，万古常存日月光。

Now, King Wu and Jiang Ziya had crossed the Yellow River, passed through Mianchi, and exited five passes. As they traveled along the way, Jiang Ziya suddenly recalled a group of generals who had died in battle while accompanying them on their campaign, and could not help but feel deeply grieved. One day they arrived at Jinji Ling, where the troops passed through Shouyang Mountain. Just as the main force was moving forward, two Daoist sages suddenly blocked their path and said to an officer in charge of the standard: "Please summon General Jiang for us." The attendants reported this to the central camp, and Jiang Ziya hurriedly left his tent to look. They were none other than Bo Yi and Shu Qi. Jiang Ziya immediately bowed respectfully and asked, "Esteemed Lords Bo and Shu, what message do you have for me?" Bo Yi said, "General Jiang, now that your troops are returning today, where has King Zhou been sent?" Jiang Ziya replied, "King Zhou was tyrannical and without virtue; he was abandoned by all under Heaven. Our troops advanced through the five passes, and we saw that all the feudal lords of the world had already gathered at Mengjin. On the Jiazi day, Shou led his troops like a forest of trees but dared not resist our forces. The vanguard turned their weapons against those behind them and fled northward; blood flowed so much it could float pestles. King Zhou set himself on fire, and thus all under Heaven was pacified. Our sovereign, King Wu, distributed the wealth from Lutai, released the grain stored at Juqiao, built a foundation for Bi Gan's tomb, honored Shang Rong's neighborhood with rites, and all feudal lords were pleased and submitted. They thus revered King Wu as Son of Heaven. The world today is no longer the world of King Zhou." After Jiang Ziya finished singing, he saw Bo Yi and Shu Qi weeping with their faces upturned to the sky and cried out in anguish: "How sorrowful!" How sorrowful! How sorrowful! To replace tyranny with violence—what is the purpose of my intent!" After speaking these words, they turned away with a sweep of their sleeves and entered Shouyang Mountain. There they composed the poem "Cai Wei" (Gathering Wild Vetch), refusing to eat grain from the Zhou for seven days until they starved to death in Shouyang Mountain. Later generations composed a poem to mourn them, which said: Once they opposed Zhou troops at Shouyang, their loyal hearts were devoted solely to Cheng Tang. Though three parts of the land had already fallen, they still wept blood; even in ten thousand deaths, they stood firm for righteousness. The rivers and soil knew nothing of the new world; mountains and rivers still remembered their old sovereign. Alas, they chose to starve rather than betray their honor and virtue, and through the ages their name shines as brightly as sun and moon.

话说子牙兵过首阳山，至燕山，一路上，周民箪食壶浆迎武王。一日，兵至西岐山，忽有上大夫散宜生、黄滚前来接驾，领众官俱在道傍俯伏。武王在车中见众弟与黄滚老将军后随孙儿黄天爵，武王曰：“朕东征五载，今见卿等，不觉满腔凄惨，愁怀勃勃也。”宜生近前启曰：“陛下今登大位，天下太平，此不胜之喜。臣等得复睹天颜，正是龙虎重逢，再庆都喜起之风，陛下与万姓同乐太平，又何至凄惨不悦也！”武王曰：“朕因会诸侯而伐纣，东进五关，一路内损朕许多忠良，未得共享太平，先归泉壤；今日卿等，老者、少者、存者、没者，俱不一其人，使朕不胜今昔之感，所以郁郁不乐耳。”散宜生启曰：“以臣死忠，以子死孝，俱是报君父之洪恩，遗芳名于史册，自是美事。陛下爵禄其子孙，世受国恩，即所以报之也，又何必不乐哉？”武王与众臣并辔而行。西岐山至岐州只七十里，一路上，万民争看，无不欢悦。武王銮驾簇拥，来至西岐城，笙簧嘹亮，香气氤氲。武王至殿前下辇，入内庭，参见太姜，谒太姙，会太姬，设筵宴在显庆殿，大会文武。正是： 太平天子排佳宴，龙虎风云聚会时。

Now, Jiang Ziya's troops passed through Shouyang Mountain to Yanshan. Along the way, people of Zhou carried baskets of food and pots of soup to welcome King Wu. One day, the troops arrived at Xiqi Mountain when suddenly Shang Da Fu Sanyisheng and Huang Gun came to meet them. Leading a group of officials, they knelt on both sides of the road. From his chariot, King Wu saw his younger brothers and General Huang Gun's grandson, Huang Tianjue, following behind. He said, "I have been on eastern campaign for five years; now seeing you all again, I cannot help but feel my heart filled with sorrow and a deep sense of melancholy." Sanyisheng stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty now ascends the throne, bringing peace to all under Heaven—this is a joy beyond words. We, your subjects, are overjoyed to see Your Majesty's countenance once more. This is like the reunion of dragon and tiger, a celebration as grand as the capital itself. How can Your Majesty not share in this joy with all the people under Heaven?" King Wu said, "I gathered the feudal lords to attack King Zhou. Advancing through five passes in the east, I lost many loyal and virtuous men along the way who did not live to share this peace but returned to their graves first; today, among you officials, the old and young, those who still live or have passed away—none are the same as before. This evokes in me a deep sense of contrast between past and present, hence my sorrow and melancholy." Sanyisheng replied, "To die for loyalty as a subject or to die for filial devotion as a son is to repay the great grace of one's sovereign and father. Their names will be left in history books; this is surely a noble matter. If Your Majesty bestows titles and rewards upon their descendants, allowing them to receive the nation's grace for generations, this is sufficient repayment. Why then should there be sorrow?" King Wu rode alongside his ministers in harmony. From Xiqi Mountain to Qizhou was only seventy li; along the way, countless people gathered to watch, and none were not joyful. King Wu's imperial procession arrived at Xiqi City in a grand display, with flutes and reed pipes playing loudly and fragrances filling the air. King Wu descended from his palanquin before the hall, entered the inner court, paid respects to Tai Jiang, visited Tai Yin, and met with Tai Ji. A grand banquet was set up in Xianqing Hall, where he hosted a gathering of civil and military officials. Indeed: The Son of Heaven in peaceful times arranges a grand feast, when dragons and tigers gather amid clouds and winds.

话说武王宴赏百官，君臣欢饮，尽醉而散。

Now, King Wu held a banquet to reward his officials; sovereign and ministers drank joyfully together until they were all drunk and dispersed.

次日早朝，聚众文武参谒毕。武王曰：“有奏章出班见朕，无事早散。”言未毕，子牙出班奏曰：“老臣奉天征讨，灭纣兴周，陛下大事已定；只有屡年阵亡人、仙，未受封职。老臣不日辞陛下，往昆仑山，见掌教师尊，请玉牒、金符，封赠众人，使他各安其位，不致他怅怅无依耳。”武王曰：“相父之言甚是。”言未毕，午门官启驾：“外有商臣飞廉、恶来在午门候旨。”武王问子牙曰：“今商臣至此见朕，意欲何为？”子牙奏曰：“飞廉、恶来，纣之佞臣。前破纣之时，二奸隐匿；今见天下太平，至此欲簧惑陛下，希图爵禄耳。此等奸佞，岂可一日容之于天地间哉，但老臣有用他之处，陛下可宣入殿廷，俟老臣分付他，自有道理。”武王从其言，命：“宣入殿前来。”左右将二臣引至丹墀，拜舞毕，口称：“亡国臣飞廉、恶来愿陛下万岁！”武王曰：“二卿至此，有何所愿？”飞廉奏曰：“纣王不听忠言，荒淫酒色，以至社稷倾覆。臣闻大王仁德著于四海，天下归心，真可驾尧轶舜，臣故不惮千里，求见陛下，愿效犬马。倘蒙收录，愿执鞭于左右，则臣之幸也。谨献玉符、金册，愿陛下容纳。”子牙曰：“二位大夫在纣俱有忠诚，奈纣王不察，致有败亡之祸。今既归周，是弃暗投明，愿陛下当用二位大夫，正所谓舍珷玞而用美玉也。’”武王听子牙之言，封飞廉、恶来为中大夫；二人谢恩。后人有诗叹之，诗曰： 贪望高官特地来，金符玉册献金阶。子牙早定防奸计，难免封神剑下灾。

The next morning at court, after assembling the civil and military officials for their audience. King Wu said, "Ministers with memorials may step forward to address me; those without business may disperse early." Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Ziya stepped forward and presented a memorial, saying, "Your old servant was commissioned by Heaven to campaign against King Zhou, overthrowing his tyranny and establishing the Zhou. Your Majesty's great cause is now complete; only those loyal men and immortals who perished in battle over many years have yet to be honored with titles. I, your old servant, will soon bid farewell to Your Majesty and go to Kunlun Mountain to see the Master in Charge of Teaching. I shall request jade tablets and golden seals to bestow upon them so that each may find peace in their proper place, without feeling lost or abandoned." King Wu said, "Your words are most reasonable, Uncle Jiang." Before he could finish speaking, an official at Wumen announced: "Outside, there are Shang subjects Feilian and Elai waiting for Your Majesty's command at Wumen." King Wu asked Jiang Ziya, "Now these Shang subjects have come to see me—what do they intend?" Jiang Ziya presented a memorial and said, "Feilian and Elai were flatterers in the service of King Zhou. When we overthrew King Zhou earlier, these two villains had hidden themselves; now that the world is at peace, they have come here to flatter Your Majesty in hopes of titles and rewards. Such villains, how could they be allowed to exist even for a day in Heaven and Earth? Yet I, your old servant, have use for them. Your Majesty may summon them into the hall; wait until I give them their orders—there will be a way." King Wu followed his advice and ordered, "Summon them to the front of the hall." The attendants led the two officials to Danchi, where they performed their bows and prostrations before kneeling and declaring: "We, Feilian and Elai, subjects of a fallen state, wish Your Majesty ten thousand years of life!" King Wu said, "What is it that you two officials desire by coming here?" Feilian presented a memorial and said: "King Zhou did not heed loyal advice, indulged in wine and lust, which led to the downfall of his state. I have heard that Your Majesty's benevolence and virtue are renowned throughout the four seas, and all under Heaven submit to you. Truly, you surpass Yao and Shun. Therefore, I dared not hesitate for a thousand li in seeking an audience with Your Majesty, hoping to serve as your loyal dog or horse." If Your Majesty would be so gracious as to accept me, I would be honored to serve at your side, holding the reins of your chariot. That would be my greatest fortune." With humility, I present jade seals and golden tablets; I pray Your Majesty will accept them." Jiang Ziya said, "Both of you officials were loyal under King Zhou; it was only that King Zhou failed to discern this, which led to his downfall. Now that you have submitted to the Zhou, it is abandoning darkness for light. I pray Your Majesty employ these two officials; this would be like discarding a flawed jade and using a fine gem." King Wu, heeding Jiang Ziya's words, appointed Feilian and Elai as Zhong Da Fu (Middle Ministers); The two officials kowtowed in gratitude. Later generations composed a poem lamenting this, which said: Greedy for high rank, they came especially; jade seals and golden tablets presented on the golden steps. Jiang Ziya had long planned to guard against villains, yet disaster could not be avoided beneath the sword of divine judgment.

话说武王封了飞廉、恶来二人，子牙出朝，回相府，不表。

Now that King Wu had appointed Feilian and Elai, Jiang Ziya left court and returned to his prime minister's residence. No further mention is made of this event.

单说当年马氏笑子牙不能成其大事，竟弃子牙而他适。乃至今日，武王嗣位，天下归周，宇宙太平，即茅檐蔀屋，穷谷深山，凡有人烟聚集之处，无有不知武王伐纣，俱是相父姜子牙之功。今日一统华夷，姜子牙出将入相，享人间无穷富贵，权牟人主，位极人臣，古今罕及，天下人无不赞叹：“当日子牙困穷之时，磻溪坐隐，此身已老于渔樵；执意八十岁方被文王聘请归国，今日做出这无大不大事业来。”今日讲，明日讲，一日讲到这马氏耳朵里来。马氏此时跟随了一个乡村田户之人。其日闻得邻家一个老婆子对马氏曰：“昔日你当时嫁的那个姜某，如今做了多大事业，……”如此长，如此短，说了一遍，说得那马氏满面通红，一腔热烘烘的起来，半目无语。那老婆子又促了他两句，说道：“当日还是大娘子错了，若是当时随了姜某，今日也享这无穷富贵，却强如在这里守穷度日。这还是你命里没福！”马氏越发心里如油煎火燎一般，追悔不及，越发怒恼。当时马氏辞了老婆子，自家归来，坐在房里，越想越恨：“我当初如何看不上他！这双眼睛，还生在世上！”自思：“便活一百岁，也只是如此；天下岂有这等一个大贵人错过了，还有什么好处！”又想：“适才这个老婆子说是我没福，不觉羞惭，再有何颜立于人世！不如寻个自尽罢！”乃大哭了一回。心里又想：“恐怕不是他。假如错听了，天下也有这个同名同姓的，却不是枉死了？”自己又自解叹：“且等到晚间，俟我这个丈夫来家，问他明白，再也未迟。”那日天晚，只见那农夫张三老往城中卖菜来家，马氏接著，收拾了晚饭与丈夫吃了，因问曰：“如今姜子牙，闻说他出将入相，百般富贵，果然真么？”张三老听说，忙陪笑脸答曰：“贤妻不问，我也不好说，果然是真的。前日姜丞相在朝歌，甚么样威仪！天下诸侯，俱各听命。我那时要与你说去见他一见，也讨个小小的富贵；我只怕他品位俱尊，恐惹出事来，故此一向不曾说得。今蒙娘子问及，只得说与你知道。如今迟了，姜丞相回国多时，只是当初在这里好的。”马氏闻言，半日无语。这张三老恐娘子著恼，又安慰了一回。马氏假意劝丈夫睡了，自己收拾浑身乾净，哭了数声，悬梁自缢而死。──一魂往封神台去了。及至张三老知觉，天已明了，马氏气绝，张三老只得买棺木埋葬。不表。后人有诗叹之： 痴死尚望享荣华，应悔当时一念差。三复垂思无计策，悬梁虽死愧黄沙。

Let us speak instead of how Ma Shi once mocked Jiang Ziya for being unable to accomplish great deeds, and thus abandoned him to go elsewhere. Now, today, King Wu has ascended the throne and all under Heaven submits to the Zhou; peace reigns across the universe. Even in thatched huts, poor valleys, and deep mountains—anywhere people gather—it is common knowledge that King Wu's campaign against King Zhou was entirely due to the merit of Uncle Jiang Ziya. Now, with the unification of China and its surrounding peoples, Jiang Ziya has served as both general and prime minister. He enjoys boundless wealth and honor in this world, wielding power equal to that of a sovereign and holding the highest rank among ministers—rare even in ancient or modern times. People throughout the land all praise: "In those days when Jiang Ziya was poor and destitute, he sat in seclusion at Banxi; his body had already aged as a fisherman and woodcutter; he insisted on remaining until the age of eighty before being personally invited by King Wen to return to his state. Today, he has accomplished this great and unparalleled feat." Day after day, people spoke of it—today, tomorrow—and eventually the story reached Ma Shi's ears. At this time, Ma Shi was following a man from a rural farming family. On that day, she heard an old woman from a neighboring house say to Ma Shi: "Long ago you married that Jiang family man; now look at the great achievements he has made..." She spoke of this and that in detail. The words left Ma Shi's face flushed red with heat rising through her chest, and for a moment she could not utter a word. The old woman added a few more words, saying: "Back then it was the lady who made the mistake. If you had followed Jiang at that time, today you would be enjoying boundless wealth and honor—far better than living in poverty here." This is simply because your fate lacks fortune!" Ma Shi's heart burned with anguish, like oil being scorched by fire; she regretted her past actions but could not undo them. Her anger and resentment only grew stronger. At that moment, Ma Shi bid farewell to the old woman and returned home alone. Sitting in her room, she grew more resentful with every thought: "How could I have looked down on him back then!" My eyes are still here in this world!" She thought to herself: "Even if I were to live a hundred years, it would all be the same; how could there be such a great fortune missed in this world? What else is left for me to look forward to!" She thought again: "Just now, that old woman said it was my lack of fortune. I feel ashamed and humiliated—how can I still have the face to stand among people in this world! I might as well find a way to end my life!" She then wept bitterly for a while. But in her heart, she thought again: "Perhaps it is not really him." If I have heard wrongly, there might be someone else with the same name in this world. Would that not mean my death would be in vain?" She then tried to console herself and sighed: "I will wait until evening, when my husband returns home. I can ask him clearly then; it is not too late." That evening, as the day ended, Zhang Sanlao, a farmer who had gone to sell vegetables in the city, returned home. Ma Shi greeted him and prepared dinner for her husband before eating herself. She then asked, "I have heard that Jiang Ziya is now serving as both general and minister, enjoying great wealth and honor—truly so?" Zhang Sanlao heard this and quickly replied with a smile: "If my dear wife had not asked, I would not have mentioned it. It is indeed true." The other day, Chancellor Jiang Ziya in Chaogu—what grandeur and dignity he displayed! All the feudal lords under heaven obeyed his commands. At that time, I wanted to tell you we should go see him and perhaps obtain a small measure of wealth and honor; I was only afraid that his rank is too high, and we might bring trouble upon ourselves. That's why I have never mentioned it before." Now that my dear wife has asked about this matter, I must tell you the truth. It is too late now; Chancellor Jiang Ziya returned to his country long ago. We were only good friends here at that time." Ma Shi heard this and remained silent for a while. Zhang Sanlao, fearing that his wife would become upset, comforted her again. Ma Shi pretended to urge her husband to sleep, then cleaned herself up and wept several times before hanging herself from a beam and dying. ——Her soul went to the Fengshen Pavilion. When Zhang Sanlao finally realized what had happened, it was already daylight and Ma Shi's breath had ceased. Zhang Sanlao had no choice but to buy a coffin for her burial. No further details are given. Later generations composed a poem lamenting this: In death, she still hoped for honor and wealth; She should regret the wrong thought of her time. Three times she pondered in deep thought without a plan, Hanging herself though dead, she was ashamed before the yellow sands.

话说次日子牙入朝见武王，奏曰：“昔日老臣奉师命下山，助陛下吊民伐罪，原是应运而兴，凡人、仙皆逢杀劫，先立有‘封神榜’在封神台上。今大事已定，人、仙魂魄无依，老臣特启陛下，给假往昆仑山见师尊，请玉符、金册，来封众神，早安其位，望陛下准老臣施行。”武王曰：“相父劳苦多年，当享太平之福；但此事亦是不了之局，相父可速宜施行，不得久羁仙岛，令朕凝望眼耳。”子牙曰：“老臣怎敢有辜圣恩而乐游林壑也！”子牙忙辞武王，回相府，沐浴毕，驾土遁往昆仑山而来。不知后事如何，且听下回分解。

Now, the next day, Jiang Ziya entered court to see King Wu and reported: "In the past, your old minister received my master's command to descend from the mountain and assist Your Majesty in comforting the people and punishing the guilty. This was all part of a destined rise. Both ordinary men and immortals encountered this killing calamity. Originally, there had been an 'Fengshen Bang' (List of Deified Immortals) established on the Fengshen Pavilion." Now that the great affairs have been settled, the souls of both men and immortals are homeless. Your old minister specially requests permission from Your Majesty to take leave and go to Kunlun Mountain to see my master, to request the jade talisman and golden scroll in order to deify all these spirits, assign them their positions early, and I hope Your Majesty will grant your old minister this authority." King Wu said: "For many years now, my prime father has toiled tirelessly; you should enjoy the blessings of peace and prosperity; but this matter remains unresolved. My prime father should proceed quickly with the task and not linger long on the immortal isles, lest you keep me waiting anxiously." Jiang Ziya said: "How could your old minister dare to be ungrateful for the royal favor and instead take pleasure in strolling through forests and valleys!" Jiang Ziya hurriedly bid farewell to King Wu, returned to the prime minister's residence, bathed and purified himself, then summoned up a soil 遁 (earth 遁) technique and traveled toward Kunlun Mountain. What happened afterward remains to be seen in the next chapter.