Rebirth of Nezha in the Investiture of the Gods

The king said, "Prime Minister, although your petition states that King Zhou is tyrannical, abandoned by all under heaven and deserving of punishment, the former kings once left behind a saying: 'It is impermissible for a subject to wage war against his sovereign.'

Today's actions will serve as fodder for criticism among future generations. Moreover, I would be betraying the teachings of the former kings, thus rendering myself unfilial. Regardless of King Zhou's tyranny, he remains the ruler.

If I were to campaign against him, it would be deemed disloyal. Would it not be better for me and you, Prime Minister, to uphold the duties of loyal subjects and await King Zhou's repentance and return to virtue?"

Jiang Ziya replied, "I would never dare defy the wishes of the former kings. However, the lords of the realm have proclaimed far and wide the crimes of King Zhou, declaring him unfit to rule the kingdom. These lords have rallied together and assembled at Mengjin to display the divine authority of heaven, raising an army to deliver the people from suffering and punish evil. They seek to observe Shang's governance. The Eastern Marquis Jiang Wenhuan and the Southern Marquis E Shun have already submitted letters of notification. Should any lord fail to attend, they will first be charged with the crime of defiance, then punished for their unrighteousness. I am concerned that delaying this matter will bring harm to the state and therefore present this petition for your decision. I beseech the king to make his judgment."

King Wu said, "Since these three regions wish to campaign against Cheng Tang, let them proceed on their own. I, together with the Prime Minister, will hold our ground and defend our territory, fulfilling the duties of loyal subjects. In this way, I will neither neglect my obligations as a subordinate nor violate the decree of the former kings. Is that not praiseworthy?"

Jiang Ziya replied, "Heaven is the parent of all creation, and humanity is the spirit amongst all beings. The sovereign of the people must be supremely enlightened, serving as the progenitor of order and the guardian of the populace. Now, the king of Shang has inflicted suffering upon the people, plunging them into torment as if trapped in water and fire. His accumulated crimes have enraged the sovereign Heaven, which has granted our former kings a divine mandate that is yet to be fulfilled. Now, My King, by raising an army to deliver the people from suffering and punish evil, you represent Heaven in meting out divine justice and rescuing the people from water and fire. If we fail to comply with Heaven's will, the blame will fall equally upon us."

At that moment, Upper Doctor San Yisheng stepped forward and said, "The Prime Minister's counsel is a loyal strategy for the country; My King must heed it. Presently, the lords convene at Mengjin. Should My King fail to respond militarily, it would undermine trust among the people. They will refuse to submit and condemn our kingdom for aiding King Zhou's tyranny....."

King Wu, upon hearing San Yisheng's words, was filled with joy and said, "The Doctor speaks wisely. What scale of troops is required?"

Yisheng replied, "The army advancing to the Five Passes must have the Prime Minister appointed as Great General, entrusted with the Yellow Axe and White Banner, granted supreme authority to manage affairs beyond the borders, and given discretion to act as needed."

King Wu said, "Let the Doctor make all arrangements; I now appoint the Prime Minister as Great General with full command over the expeditionary forces."

Yisheng said, "In ancient times, the Yellow Emperor appointed Feng Hou, constructing a platform and offering prayers to Heaven, Earth, rivers, and mountains with ceremonial rites. Only then was the appointment of a general completed."

King Wu said, "All matters shall proceed exactly as advised by the Doctor."

King Wu concluded court. Yisheng went to the Prime Minister's Mansion to offer congratulations. Officials were overjoyed, and every staff member was delighted. The next day, Yisheng visited the Prime Minister's Mansion, instructing Nangong Shi and Xin Jia to oversee the construction of the General Platform at Qi Mountain. The two arrived at Qi Mountain, selected materials such as timber, bricks, and stones, and began construction within days.

The task was not completed in a single day. Once the General Platform was finished, the two reported back to Jiang Ziya. Yisheng entered the inner court to inform King Wu, saying, "Your servant has completed the General Platform as instructed and chosen a favorable date: March 15th. We request My King to visit the Golden Platform and personally appoint the Prime Minister." King Wu approved the plan and awaited the appointed day to proceed with the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ziya, on March 13th, appointed Xin Jia as the head of the Military Administration and first hung the "Execution Order for Discipline" within the Commander's Mansion to inform all generals and soldiers. Xin Jia took the decree and displayed it at the Commander's Mansion.

The Grand Marshal Jiang's edict regarding Cheng Tang's campaign was conveyed to all officers and troops, as follows:

The terms and rules are listed below:

Clause One

Failure to march at the sound of the drum, retreat at the sound of the bell, raise the flag, or obey the falling flag is deemed insubordination; offenders will be executed.

Clause Two

Failure to respond when called, absence at roll call, tardiness, and neglect of discipline is deemed defiance; offenders will be executed.

Clause Three

Slothfulness in signaling through nocturnal watchposts, neglect in relaying messages, deviation from procedures, unclear commands and signals is deemed negligence; offenders will be executed.

Clause Four

Complaining excessively, slandering commanding officers, disregarding orders, and obstructing discipline is deemed disruption; offenders will be executed.

Clause Five

Loud laughter, disdain for regulations, and swearing at military headquarters is deemed insolence; offenders will be executed.

Clause Six

Sabotaging weapons, misappropriating funds, resulting in broken bows, unfeathered arrows, dull swords, and ruined standards is deemed greed; offenders will be executed.

Clause Seven

Spreading rumors, fabricating supernatural tales, claiming divine visions, preaching heresies, and misleading troops is deemed profanity; offenders will be executed.

Clause Eight

Inciting quarrels among soldiers, stirring discord through deceit, and causing chaos in the ranks is deemed provocation; offenders will be executed.

Clause Nine

Harassing civilians, violating women, and exploiting local populations is deemed atrocity; offenders will be executed.

Clause Ten

Stealing property for personal gain or falsely claiming combat achievements is deemed theft; offenders will be executed.

Clause Eleven

Gathering troops privately to discuss unauthorized matters or spying near the commander's tent is deemed espionage; offenders will be executed.

Clause Twelve

Disclosing military plans or revealing orders to outsiders so that the enemy becomes aware is deemed betrayal; offenders will be executed.

Clause Thirteen

Remaining silent or hesitant when summoned for duty, showing reluctance or unwillingness is deemed cowardice; offenders will be executed.

Clause Fourteen

Disrupting military formations, rushing ahead or staying behind, loud chatter, and ignoring military regulations is deemed disarray; offenders will be executed.

Clause Fifteen

Feigning illness or injury to shirk responsibilities, faking death to escape, is deemed treachery; offenders will be executed.

Clause Sixteen

Favoring relatives during distribution of rewards and rationing, fostering resentment among troops is deemed corruption; offenders will be executed.

Clause Seventeen

Failing to accurately observe and report enemy movements, exaggerating or minimizing the situation is deemed negligence; offenders will be executed.

Jiang Ziya displayed the "Execution Order for Discipline" at the Commander's Mansion, earning the respect and caution of all generals.

The next day, on March 14th, Yisheng entered the inner court to inform King Wu, saying, "Tomorrow morning, My King is requested to visit the Prime Minister's Mansion and escort the Prime Minister to the platform."

King Wu said, "How is the ceremony of appointing a general conducted?"

Yisheng replied, "It must proceed as the Yellow Emperor appointed Feng Hou, fulfilling the rites of general appointment." King Wu said, "Your words align perfectly with my intentions."

The appointed day, March 15th, dawned auspiciously. King Wu led the assembled civil and military officials to the entrance of the Prime Minister's Mansion.

After the music played three rounds inside, the officer from the Military Administration called out, "Fire the cannon and open the gate." Following three cannon blasts, the gates of the Prime Minister's Mansion opened. Yisheng guided the way, King Wu followed, and they entered the Silver Peace Palace.