Chapter 2

Wikipedia entry: *Investiture of the Gods* *The Investiture of the Gods*, commonly known as *The Fengshen Bang*, also titled *The Complete Tale of the Kingdoms of Shang and Zhou*, *The Unofficial History of King Wu's Campaign Against King Zhou*, or *The Tale of the Investiture*. It is a Chinese *shenmo* (gods-and-demons) novel, authored by Chen Zhonglin (or Xu Zhonglin) of the Ming dynasty. Another theory holds that it was written by the Ming-dynasty Daoist priest Lu Xixing (the text of *The Investiture of the Gods* quotes the Daoist classic *Huangting Jing* [Yellow Court Classic] in over a dozen places). It was likely completed during the Longqing and Wanli eras. The book comprises one hundred chapters, using the historical backdrop of Jiang Ziya assisting the Zhou house (King Wen of Zhou and King Wu of Zhou) in their campaign against the Shang tyrant King Zhou. It depicts the schemes, battles, formation-breaking, and conferral of divine titles among the immortals of the Chan and Jie sects. The story incorporates a wealth of folk legends and mythology, featuring vivid and distinctive characters such as Jiang Ziya and Nezha, and concludes with Jiang Ziya enfeoffing the gods and King Wu of Zhou enfeoffing the feudal lords. A poem says: > The Prime Minister straightly remonstrates before the Golden Throne, > His loyal heart and righteous gall—who could match his own? > Had he known the lords would come to court so soon, > He'd have spared the words that waste like sunflower seeds strewn. Now, King Zhou, hearing the memorial, was greatly pleased and immediately returned to the palace. A night passed. The next morning at court, after the two assembled rows of civil and military officials had finished their congratulations, King Zhou asked the attending officer: "Immediately convey My imperial decree to the Four Marching Lords. For each of My lords' territories, select one hundred maidens from good families—whether rich or poor, noble or humble matters not—only seeking those of dignified countenance, gentle nature, virtuous bearing, and proper deportment, to serve as attendants in the rear palace." Before the Son of Heaven had finished issuing his decree, a man from the left civil row responded aloud and prostrated himself, saying: "Your old minister, Shang Rong, begs to address Your Majesty: When a ruler possesses the Way, the myriad people find joy in their work, and they follow without being commanded. Moreover, Your Majesty's rear palace already has no fewer than a thousand beauties; above the concubines and attendants, there are also imperial consorts and empresses. Now, to suddenly and without cause select more maidens would surely disappoint the people's hopes. Your minister has heard: 'He who delights in the people's delight, the people also delight in his delight; he who worries over the people's worries, the people also worry over his worries.' At a time when floods and droughts come in succession, to indulge in women's charms is truly unworthy of Your Majesty. Thus Yao and Shun shared joy with the people, transforming the realm with benevolence and virtue—they waged no wars, executed no killings. Auspicious stars shone in the heavens, sweet dew fell from above, phoenixes alighted in their courtyards, and magic mushrooms grew in the wilds. The people prospered and goods abounded; travelers yielded the road, dogs gave no bark; rains fell by night and cleared by day; rice sprouted double ears—these are the signs of a flourishing and righteous rule. Now, if Your Majesty seeks only immediate pleasures, your eyes will be dazzled by many colors, your ears will hear wanton music; steeped in wine and lust, roaming in parks and gardens, hunting in mountain forests—these are the signs of a decadent and ruinous rule. Your old minister, though unworthy of his post as chief minister, standing among the court ranks and having served three sovereigns, cannot but speak. Your minister prays that Your Majesty will: advance the worthy, withdraw the unworthy, cultivate benevolence and righteousness, and comprehend the Way and its virtue—then harmonious *qi* shall permeate the realm, and naturally the people shall grow rich and goods abundant, the empire be at peace, the four seas live in harmony, and all share in boundless fortune with the common folk. Moreover, now that the weapons of war in the Northern Sea have not yet ceased, it is precisely the time to cultivate virtue, cherish the people, be sparing of expenditures, and weigh your commands with care—even Yao and Shun would do no more than this. Why must you go to the trivial trouble of selecting attendants before you can find your joy? Your minister, in his ignorance, knows no taboos, and only hopes for Your Majesty's forbearance." King Zhou pondered for a long while, then said: "Your words are most good. We shall immediately cancel this order." With that, the courtiers withdrew, and the imperial carriage returned to the palace. No more of this. It happened that in the eighth year of King Zhou's reign, in the fourth month of summer, the Four Great Lords of the realm, leading eight hundred feudal lords, came to pay court to Shang. Those four lords were: Jiang Huanchu, Lord of the East; E Chongyu, Lord of the South; Ji Chang, Lord of the West; and Chong Houhu, Lord of the North. All the lords of the realm entered the capital, Zhaoge. Now, Grand Preceptor Wen Zhong was not in the capital at the time, and King Zhou favored Fei Zhong and You Hun. All the lords knew well that these two men held the reins of government and wielded power with arrogance, so they could not avoid first sending gifts and bribes to win their favor—as the saying goes: "Before going to pay court to the Son of Heaven, first pay respects to the ministers." Among the lords there was one, the Marquis of Jizhou, whose surname was Su and given name Hu. This man was by nature like blazing fire—unyielding, upright, and straightforward—he knew nothing of currying favor or seeking advancement through connections. Whenever he saw matters that were even slightly unjust or unlawful in his daily dealings, he would enforce the law and render judgment, showing no leniency whatsoever. For this reason, he had sent no gifts to either of the two men. And so it happened that on that day, when the two examined the gifts sent by all the lords of the realm, they found that Su Hu alone had sent no gift list. Greatly enraged, they nursed a deep grudge against him. No more of this for now. It was the felicitous morn of New Year's Day. The Son of Heaven held morning court, the two ranks of civil and military officials arrayed in their places; and when all the officers had completed their obeisance and congratulations, the Palace Gate Officer came forward and reported: "Your Majesty, this year is the year of the great court audience. The feudal lords of all under Heaven stand outside the Meridian Gate to tender their congratulations, awaiting the Jade Voice's decree." King Zhou thereupon asked the Chief Minister Shang Rong. Rong replied: "Your Majesty need but summon before the throne the chief lords of the Four Garrisons, to inquire of them the folkways and customs of the land—whether the people be simple and honest or frivolous and contentious—and so secure good governance of the state and peace throughout the realm; the remaining lords shall all tender their congratulations outside the Meridian Gate." Hearing this, the Son of Heaven was greatly pleased: "Your words are most excellent indeed." He then bade the Palace Gate Officer proclaim the decree: "Summon the lords of the Four Garrisons to appear before the imperial presence; let the rest offer their congratulations outside the Meridian Gate." Now the lords of the Four Garrisons, clad in full court array, their jade pendants gently swaying, entered the Meridian Gate, crossed the Nine-Dragon Bridge, and came to the vermilion steps; there they performed the mountain-shout of obeisance, and having done so, prostrated themselves. The King consoled and commended them, saying: "You ministers have for Us proclaimed wise counsel and furthered the civilizing transformation, comforted and pacified the common folk, garrisoned the distant wilds, overawing the far and bringing peace to the near. Your toils have been many—all this is your merit, and Our heart rejoices." The Marquis of the East memorialized: "We your ministers, bathed in sacred grace, hold office as chief governors. Since unworthily assuming our charges, we have kept vigilant watch day and night, ever fearing lest we fail to bear our burden and disappoint the sacred heart; though we have rendered such trifling toils as those of dogs and horses, these are no more than a subject's proper duty—insufficient by ten thousandfold to repay a mere trickle of that boundless ocean. How then should the sacred heart deign to remember it! We are utterly overwhelmed with gratitude!" The dragon countenance of the Son of Heaven beamed with great joy, and he commanded the Chief Minister Shang Rong and the Deputy Prime Minister Bi Gan to prepare a banquet at the Xianqing Hall for their entertainment. The four ministers kowtowed in thanks for the grace, withdrew from the vermilion steps, and proceeded to the Xianqing Hall, where they took their places in due order at the feast. Of this we shall say no more. The Emperor withdrew from court to the side hall and summoned Fei Zhong and You Hun, asking them, "Previously you two memorialized to me, wishing to order the four great lords of the four border regions to present beauties. I was about to issue the decree when Shang Rong remonstrated and stopped it. Now the four border lords are here. Tomorrow morning I shall summon them and issue the decree in person, so that when the four return to their domains they may proceed with the selection and tribute, sparing the trouble of dispatching envoys back and forth. What think you two?" Fei Zhong prostrated himself and memorialized, "When the Chief Minister remonstrated against the selection of beauties, Your Majesty accepted his counsel at the time and immediately halted the decree—this was a virtuous act. All your ministers know it, all the common people know it, and all under Heaven look up to it. If now you were to revive the matter, Your Majesty would lose the trust of your subjects and people—this absolutely cannot be done. I have recently learned that Su Hu, Marquis of Jizhou, has a daughter of exquisite beauty and heavenly grace, chaste and gentle in disposition. If she were chosen to enter the palace and attend upon Your Majesty, she would be fit for service. Moreover, selecting one man's daughter would not disturb the people of the realm, nor would it attract notice." King Zhou was greatly pleased upon hearing this and said, "Your words are most excellent!" He then ordered his attendant to transmit the decree: "Summon Su Hu." The envoy proceeded to the lodgings and delivered the decree: "Summon Su Hu, Marquis of Jizhou, to discuss matters of state." Su Hu immediately followed the envoy to the Dragon Virtue Hall for an audience. After the ceremonial rites were complete, he prostrated himself to receive the imperial command. The King said, "I have heard that you have a daughter of virtuous and gentle nature, whose comportment is measured and proper. I wish to select her to attend upon the rear palace. You would become a relative of the imperial house, enjoy the emoluments of Heaven, hold an honored position, and forever safeguard Jizhou, sitting in peace and prosperity, your fame spreading throughout the Four Seas, and all under Heaven would envy you. What say you?" Su Hu listened, then with stern countenance memorialized, "Your Majesty's palace already has empresses and consorts above, and concubines and handmaidens below, no fewer than several thousand. Are their alluring charms and seductive graces insufficient to delight Your Majesty's eyes and ears? Yet you heed the sycophantic words of those about you, leading Your Majesty into unrighteousness. Moreover, my daughter is of mean and vulgar quality like a willow or cattail; she has never been versed in propriety, and is wholly lacking in virtue or beauty—unworthy of consideration. I beg Your Majesty to attend to the foundation of the state, and summarily behead these petty slanderers who offer treacherous counsel, so that all generations to come may know that Your Majesty rectifies his heart and cultivates his person, hearkens to remonstrance and accepts advice, and is no lustful sovereign—would that not be most excellent!" King Zhou laughed loudly and said, "Your words show no understanding of the greater principles. From antiquity to the present, who has not wished for a daughter to grace the family portal? When a daughter becomes empress or consort, her honor rivals the Son of Heaven himself. You would become a relative of the imperial house, illustrious and exalted beyond compare! Do not be deluded—consider the matter carefully." Upon hearing this, Su Hu could not help but raise his voice and said, "I have heard that when a sovereign cultivates virtue and attends diligently to governance, the myriad people submit in joy, the Four Seas follow in reverence, and his Heavenly mandate endures forever. In former times, the Xia dynasty lost its rule, indulging in wine and women; but our ancestral house kept far from music and beauty, did not accumulate wealth, rewarded virtue with office, rewarded merit with bounty, and was both magnanimous and benevolent—only thus could they correct the Xia, make their good faith manifest to the multitudes, and cause the state to flourish, eternally preserving the Heavenly mandate. Now Your Majesty does not take the ancestors as your model, but imitates that Xia king—this is the path to ruin. Moreover, when a sovereign loves beauty, he will surely overturn the altars of state; when a minister loves beauty, he will surely extinguish his ancestral temple; when a commoner loves beauty, he will surely destroy his own person. The sovereign is the model for his ministers; if the sovereign does not pursue the Way, his ministers will follow suit, conspiring in wickedness—how unbearable even to speak of the affairs of the realm! I fear that the six-hundred-year foundation of Shang will surely be thrown into chaos at Your Majesty's hands." King Zhou, hearing Su Hu's words, flew into a rage and declared, "When the sovereign summons, one does not wait for the carriage; when the sovereign decrees death, one dares not disobey. How much less when I merely select your daughter for the rear palace! Yet you dare with blunt words to defy my will, reproach me to my face, and liken me to a lost sovereign—is there any greater disrespect than this! Attendants, take him out to the Meridian Gate and deliver him to the judiciary for interrogation and execution!" The attendants immediately seized Su Hu. At that moment Fei Zhong and You Hun came forward, prostrated themselves upon the steps, and memorialized: "Su Hu has defied the imperial will and should indeed be interrogated; but because Your Majesty has sought his daughter for attendance, he has thus incurred guilt. If the realm should hear of this, they would say Your Majesty belittles the worthy and favors beauty, blocking the path of remonstrance. It would be better to pardon him and send him back to his domain. Grateful for Your Majesty's mercy in sparing his life, he will naturally offer this daughter to the palace to serve Your Majesty. Thus the common people will know Your Majesty's broad magnanimity, your acceptance of counsel and tolerance of criticism, and your protection of meritorious ministers. This is a plan of twofold gain. We beg Your Majesty to permit our proposal." Upon hearing this, the King's countenance cleared somewhat and he said, "I shall follow your counsel. Issue the pardon at once and let him return to his domain; he shall not be detained long at the capital." Having spoken, the imperial decree descended swifter than beacon-fire, immediately pressing and urging Su Hu to leave the city, allowing no pause. Su Hu took leave of the court and returned to the post-station, where all his family generals came to receive him and offer consolation: "The Sovereign summoned the General to court—what matter was there for discussion?" Su Hu flew into a rage and cursed, saying: "This unprincipled, benighted sovereign! He gives no thought to the virtuous deeds of his ancestors, but rather heeds the fawning words of slanderous ministers, and wishes to select my daughter to enter the palace as his consort. This must surely be Fei Zhong and You Hun, who with wine and beauty have besotted the sovereign's heart and seek to monopolize the court's governance. Upon hearing the decree, I could not help but remonstrate bluntly; the benighted sovereign said I had defied his will and ordered me seized and delivered to the judicial tribunal. Those two villainous ministers then memorialized the benighted sovereign to pardon me and send me back to my own state, thinking that, grateful for the sovereign's mercy in not slaying me, I would surely deliver my daughter to the court of Zhaoge, thus fulfilling their treacherous scheme. I reflect that Grand Preceptor Wen is on a distant campaign, while these two villains manipulate power—plainly the benighted sovereign will sink into wine and women, throwing the court into chaos, the realm will fall into desolation, and the common people will hang upside down in misery. Alas, the ancestral altars of Cheng Tang's line will dissolve into nothingness. I think to myself: if I do not offer this daughter as tribute, the benighted sovereign will surely raise an army of punitive expedition; but if I send this daughter into the palace, then in days to come the sovereign will lose his virtue, and all under heaven will mock my lack of wisdom. My generals, you must have good counsel to give me." When all the generals heard this, they said in unison: "We have heard it said, 'If the sovereign is not righteous, then his subjects should flee to foreign states.' Now the lord above belittles the worthy and prizes beauty—plainly he is sinking into chaos. It would be better to rebel and leave Zhaoge, holding our own state. Above, we may preserve the ancestral altars; below, we may protect the family." At this moment Su Hu was in the heat of rage, and upon hearing these words he could not contain his fury—indeed he gave no thought to the matter, but declared: "A great man does not do things that are not clearly understood." He ordered his attendants: "Bring the four treasures of the study." Then he wrote a poem upon the wall of the Meridian Gate, to proclaim his resolve never again to pay court to Shang. The poem said: "The sovereign breaks his subjects' bonds, And ruins the Five Constant Virtues. Su Hu of Jizhou here swears: He'll never more pay court to Shang!" Su Hu having written the poem, he took his family generals and went straight out of Zhaoge, speeding toward his own state. Now, Lord Zhou, having been rebuffed to his face by Su Hu's remonstrance, could not have his wish fulfilled: "Though I have approved the memorials of Fei and You, I cannot know whether he will indeed send his daughter into the deep palace, to satisfy my joy of flying side by side." While he was brooding in displeasure, he saw a courtier on duty at the Meridian Gate prostrate himself and report: "Your servant, at the Meridian Gate, saw upon the wall a rebellious poem of sixteen characters written by Su Hu. I dare not conceal it, and beg Your Majesty's judgment." The attendant then took the poem and laid it upon the imperial table. When Lord Zhou saw it, he cursed loudly: "How utterly insolent is this villain! I, embodying Heaven's love of life, refrained from killing that rat of a rebel, and pardoned him to return to his state—yet he in turn writes a poem upon the Meridian Gate, greatly insulting the court! His crime admits no pardon!" He immediately ordered: "Summon Yin Popai, Chao Tian, Lu Xiong, and others, to command the Six Armies—I myself shall lead the campaign, and must surely destroy his state!" The attending officers then summoned Lu Xiong and the others to appear before the sovereign. In no time, Lu Xiong and the others came to court, and after the rites were completed, the King said: "Su Hu has rebelled against Shang and written a poem upon the Meridian Gate, greatly insulting the court's dignity. This is most hateful and cannot be tolerated by the law. You, my ministers, shall lead two hundred thousand men as the vanguard; I myself shall command the Six Armies to proclaim his crimes." When Lu Xiong heard this, he bowed his head and secretly reflected: "Su Hu is a loyal and worthy man, always devoted to loyalty and righteousness. What offense could he have committed against the Son of Heaven, that he should wish to lead an expedition in person? Jizhou is doomed!" Lu Xiong, for the sake of Su Hu, prostrated himself and memorialized: "Su Hu has offended Your Majesty—why should the imperial carriage trouble itself to campaign in person? Moreover, the four great lords of the border garrisons are all in the capital and have not yet returned to their states. Your Majesty need only appoint one or two of them to march and capture Su Hu, bringing him to justice for his crime, and thereby not lose the awe of punitive might. Why should the sacred carriage journey to that distant place?" Lord Zhou asked: "Among the four lords, who may be sent to campaign?" Fei Zhong, standing nearby, stepped out of the ranks and memorialized: "Jizhou is under the jurisdiction of Lord Chong Houhu of the North—he may be ordered to conduct the campaign." Lord Zhou immediately approved. Lu Xiong, standing at the side, thought to himself: "Lord Chong Houhu is a greedy, base, tyrannical, and violent man. If he leads troops on a distant campaign, the lands he passes through will surely suffer devastation—how can the common people find peace? Now there is Xi Bo Jichang, whose benevolence and virtue extend in all directions, and whose good faith and righteousness have long been renowned. Why not recommend this man, and perhaps both sides may be preserved." Lord Zhou was about to issue the decree when Lu Xiong memorialized: "Although Lord Houhu guards the northern lands, his favor and trust have not yet won the people's hearts—I fear this campaign will not manifest the court's majesty and virtue. It would be better to send Xi Bo Jichang, whose benevolence and righteousness are well known. If Your Majesty entrusts him with the ceremonial axes and insignia, he will subdue Su Hu without need of arrows and stones, and bring him to justice." Lord Zhou pondered for a long while, then approved all. By special decree, the two lords were invested with the ceremonial axes and insignia, granting them full authority to conduct the campaign. The messenger bore the decree to the Xianqing Hall to proclaim it—of this no more. Now the four border lords and the two chief ministers had not yet dispersed from their banquet, when suddenly word came that "a decree has arrived"—none knew what matter it concerned. The angel said: "The Earl of the West and the Earl of the North, receive the decree." The two lords arose from their seats, received the decree, and knelt to hear it read: "Edict: We have heard that the distinction between cap and shoe is ever strict, and in the way of service and command there can be no duality. Therefore when the sovereign issues a summons, one does not wait for the carriage to be yoked; when the sovereign decrees death, one dare not refuse the command. Thus is the high and the low exalted, and the trust of office honored. Now this unrighteous Su Hu, insolent and devoid of propriety, stood in the hall and defied his sovereign—the bonds of discipline are already broken. Yet though pardoned and sent back to his state, he harbors no thought of self-renewal, but dares to inscribe a poem at the Meridian Gate, resolute in treason against his lord. His crime admits no pardon. We grant to you, Ji Chang and others, the axes and tally of command, with authority to act as circumstances require, and to punish his defiance. Let there be no leniency or indulgence, for the guilt has its proper reckoning. Therefore this edict is made known to you, that you may proceed. Revere this! Express your gratitude." The heavenly envoy having finished reading, the two marquises gave thanks and rose. Ji Chang spoke to the two prime ministers and the three marquises and earls, saying: "When Su Hu came to court at Shang, he had not yet entered the palace hall, nor had he paid homage to His Majesty. Yet now the edict speaks of 'stood in the hall and defied his sovereign'—I know not from whence these words arise. Moreover, this man has ever cherished loyalty and righteousness, and has accumulated military merit. The poem inscribed at the Meridian Gate must surely be a matter of falsehood or treachery. Whose words has the Son of Heaven hearkened to, that he would dispatch a punitive expedition against a meritorious subject? I fear the lords of the realm will not be content. I beg that the two prime ministers will attend court tomorrow morning and entreat an audience, that they may investigate the details. What crime has Su Hu truly committed? If the words are just and upright, then let him be punished; but if the words are not just, then it is fitting to desist." Bi Gan said: "What the marquis says is reasonable." Chong Houhu, who stood nearby, said: "'The king's words are like silk; when spoken, they become like woven cord.' Now that the edict has been issued, who dares resist and disobey? Moreover, since Su Hu inscribed a poem at the Meridian Gate, there must surely be evidence. How could the Son of Heaven stir up such a dispute without cause? Now if the eight hundred lords all refuse to obey the king's command and give themselves over to violence, then the king's command cannot be enforced among the lords—this is the very path to chaos." Ji Chang said: "Though your words are good, they grasp only one aspect. You do not know that Su Hu is a loyal and worthy man, ever upholding his sincere heart, loyal and devoted to the state. He instructs the people with proper methods and governs his troops with discipline. For years past, he has committed no fault. Now the Son of Heaven, deluded by who knows whom, raises an army to call an upright man to account. I fear this matter bodes no good fortune for the realm. I would only wish that our present sovereign refrain from arms and warfare, and that we may all enjoy the peace of the Yao era. Moreover, war is an inauspicious sign; wherever it passes, there must be disturbance and alarm. It exhausts the people and squanders wealth, indulges in military aggression, and launches expeditions without just cause—none of which are fitting for an age of prosperity." Chong Houhu said: "Your words are indeed reasonable, but have you not considered that the sovereign's command is sent forth, and that it is not for us to act of our own will? Moreover, these are the glorious words of Heaven—who would dare defy them and thereby incur the crime of deceiving the sovereign?" Chang said: "If that is so, you may lead your troops forward first; my forces will follow shortly after." At that they parted ways. The Earl of the West then said to the two prime ministers: "Houhu will go ahead; I, Ji Chang, shall return for the time being to Xiqi and lead my troops to follow." So each took their leave and departed. No more of this for now. The next day, Chong Houhu went to the drill grounds, mustered his men and horses, took leave of the court, and set out on his march. Now let us speak of Su Hu, who left the court of Zhaoge and, together with his soldiers, arrived in Jizhou after no more than a few days. Su Hu's eldest son, Su Quanzhong, led the generals out of the city to welcome him. Father and son met and entered the city, then dismounted at the commander's headquarters. The generals came before the hall and paid their respects. Su Hu said: "The present Son of Heaven has lost the art of governance, and the lords of the realm come to court. I know not which treacherous minister secretly reported my daughter's beauty, for the benighted ruler summoned me to the hall, intending to select my daughter as a palace consort. At that time I remonstrated face to face, but the benighted ruler flew into a rage and had me seized and questioned on the charge of defying his will. Then Fei Zhong and You Hun interceded on my behalf and had me pardoned, intending that I should send my daughter as tribute. At that time my heart was greatly displeased, and I happened to inscribe a poem on the Meridian Gate, thereby breaking with Shang. Now the benighted ruler will surely dispatch the lords to call me to account. Hear my command, all you generals: train the men and horses, and stock the city walls with rolling logs and catapult stones, as precaution against attack." The generals received the command and maintained vigilant defenses day and night, not daring to slacken, awaiting the coming battle. Now it is said that Chong Houhu led fifty thousand men and horses, and on that very day set out from Zhaoge, heading toward Jizhou. Behold:     Heaven-shaking cannon-thunder roared,     Earth-vibrating gongs resounded—     Cannon-thunder like spring thunder bursting from the vast ocean;     Gong-clangor like thunderbolts hurled before ten-thousand-ren peaks.     Banners and pennants fluttered wide,     Like the mingled willows of third spring;     Streamers and standards waved aloft,     Like seven-evening rainbow clouds veiling the sun.     Blades and spears gleamed and glittered,     Like winter snows spread afresh;     Swords and halberds stood in grim array,     Like autumn frost covering the earth.     Rolling wrathful vapors shrouded the Terrace of Heaven,     Dim crimson clouds obscured the azure shore.     For ten li the waves rolled and churned,     And a mountain of soldiery rose from the earth. The great army marched on, passing through prefectures, departments, and counties—more than a single day passed thus. The forward scouts rode back to report: "The troops have arrived at Jizhou. We await your highness's command." Houhu gave the order to make camp. How was this encampment, you ask? East they arrayed the reed-leaf-tipped steel spears; south they set the moon-shaped painted battle-axes; west they placed the horse-gate wild-goose-feather sabres; north they arranged the yellow-flower hard-handled crossbows; the centre, under the stems of Wu and Ji, followed the Chen Constellation, and the aura of slaughter stood forty-five li from the camp. Below the辕 gate they arranged according to the Nine Palace stars; within the great stockade they secretly laid out the Eight Trigrams diagram. Having settled his camp, Houhu was soon reported by a scout to the court of Ji Province. Su Hu asked: "Which feudal lord leads the troops?" The scout replied: "It is the North伯侯 Chong Houhu." Su Hu flew into a rage and said: "Had it been some other lord, there might have been room for discussion; but this man has always acted without the Way, and there is no way to settle matters with him through courtesy. Better to take this chance and smash his army, to bolster our martial might, and rid the common folk of a scourge." He gave the order: "Muster the troops and go out of the city to battle!" All the generals obeyed the command, each making ready his weapons and marching out of the city. At the sound of a cannon, the killing aura shook the heavens. When the city gates opened, the general’s horse and men were drawn up in a single line. Su Hu called out loudly: "Pass word into the camp and ask the commanding general to come to the辕 gate for a parley!" The scout galloped back into the camp with the message. Houhu ordered his troops to be arrayed. Then the gate-flags parted, and Houhu, riding his carefree horse, led his generals out of camp, bearing two embroidered banners of dragon and phoenix. Behind him his eldest son, Chong Yingbiao, held the rear in formation. Su Rang saw Houhu’s flying-phoenix helmet, his golden-linked armour, his great crimson robe, his jade belt, his purple steed, and his general-slaying great sabre resting across the saddle. At the sight, Su Hu bowed from his horse and said: "Noble Marquis, I trust you have been well since we last met. I am clad in armour and cannot perform full ceremony. Now, the Son of Heaven is without the Way: he belittles the worthy and prizes beauty, giving no thought to the foundations of the state; he heeds slanderous and fawning words, and forcibly takes a subject’s daughter as his consort, wallowing in wine and women. Before long, the realm will fall into chaos. I, for my part, merely guard my own border. Why, noble Marquis, do you raise this unwarranted army against me?" When Chong Houhu heard this, he flew into a towering rage and said: "You disobeyed the imperial edict and inscribed a seditious poem on the Meridian Gate—you are a traitorous minister, guilty of a crime beyond forgiveness. Now I am commanded to call you to account, and you ought to come with elbows and knees to the辕 gate; yet you dare to bandy words and make excuses, bearing arms and donning armour to flaunt your violence!" Houhu looked back at his attendants and said: "Who will seize this rebel for me?" Before he had finished speaking, a general from the left flank, wearing a phoenix-wing helmet, golden armour, a crimson robe, a lion-and-phoenix belt, and riding a green-grey horse, cried out in a stern voice: "Let me capture this traitor!" And with horse and man he rolled forward to the front of the ranks. On this side, Su Quanzhong, son of Su Hu, saw that general charging ahead from the enemy array, and he spurred his horse at an angle, shaking his halberd, and shouted: "Slow down!" Quanzhong recognised him as the lieutenant Mei Wu. Mei Wu said: "Su Quanzhong, you and your father have rebelled and offended the Son of Heaven. Instead of laying down your arms and submitting to punishment, you obstinately resist the imperial troops—this is to court the destruction of your whole clan!" Quanzhong struck his horse and brandished his halberd, thrusting straight at his chest. Mei Wu raised his axe to meet him head-on. Thus: The two generals fought before the ranks, Gongs and drums resounded, men were aghast. For in this world the clash of arms arose, Making heroes vie with one another. This one knew no upper from lower, That one could scarcely keep his eyes wide. You seize me—your name is inscribed on the Lingyan Pavilion; I catch you—your image is painted before the Danfeng Tower. Axe comes, halberd parries—around the body a single point, the phoenix shakes its head; Halberd goes, axe meets—never leaving the cheek, over the crown and forehead. When the two horses crossed, after twenty rounds, Su Quanzhong had already thrust his halberd and pierced Mei Wu, throwing him from his horse. Seeing his son victorious, Su Hu ordered the drums to roll. From the Ji Province side, the great generals Zhao Bing and Chen Jizhen spurred their horses and whirled their sabres, charging into the fray. With a great shout, they fought until the dreary clouds rolled and the bright sun shone—corpses strewn across the wilds, blood spilt into channels. Under Houhu’s banner, Jin Kui, Huang Yuanji, and Chong Yingbiao fought and retreated, giving way, and were defeated to a distance of ten li and more. Su Hu ordered the recall to be sounded and withdrew his troops, returning to the city and the commander's headquarters. Ascending the hall, he took his seat and rewarded the various officers who had distinguished themselves in battle: "Though we have won a great victory today, they will certainly regroup their forces and seek revenge. If not that, they will surely request more troops and generals—then Jizhou will surely be in peril. What is to be done?" Before he had finished speaking, the deputy general Zhao Bing stepped forward and said: "My lord marquis, although you have won today, this campaigning seems to have no end. First you composed that seditious poem, and now you have slain their generals and troops, resisting the royal command—all unpardonable crimes. Moreover, the lords of the realm are not limited to Hou Hu alone; if the court, in its fury, should dispatch several more armies against us, Jizhou is but a tiny speck of land—truly, it is like throwing a stone into water, disaster will appear in an instant. If your humble subordinate may offer a foolish proposal: 'Having begun, there is no turning back.' Hou Hu has just been defeated and is no more than ten li away. While he is unprepared, let our men go with gags in their mouths and our horses with bridles removed, and launch a surprise attack on his camp, slaughtering him to the last man, so that he may know our might. Then we can seek out some worthy and virtuous lord of the realm, attach ourselves to him, and thus be able to advance or retreat, and also preserve our ancestral altars. What does my lord marquis think of this?" Su Hu was greatly pleased upon hearing these words and said: "Your words are most excellent; they accord perfectly with my own thoughts." Thereupon he issued his orders: he commanded his son Quanzhong to lead three thousand troops out of the west gate for ten li to lie in ambush at Wugang Town. Quanzhong received his orders and departed. Chen Jizhen would command the left camp, Zhao Bing the right camp, while Su Hu himself would command the central camp. As dusk fell, they furled their banners and silenced their drums. The men all had gags in their mouths, and the horses all had their bridles removed. They were to await the signal cannon, and all the officers received their commands. Of this we shall say no more. Now Chong Houhu, relying on his own talents and acting recklessly, had led his troops on a distant campaign, little knowing that today he would lose men and generals, and his heart was filled with shame. He could only gather his defeated and battered troops, pitch camp, and brood in his central command, deeply despondent. He said to his officers: "I have led campaigns for many years and have never suffered defeat. Today I have lost Mei Wu and damaged three divisions—what is to be done?" Beside him, the senior general Huang Yuanji remonstrated: "Does not my lord marquis know that 'victory and defeat are common occurrences for military commanders'? The great army of the Earl of the West will soon arrive, and breaking Jizhou will be as easy as turning one's hand over. My lord should set aside his worries and take care of his health." Wine was set out in Hou Hu's camp, and the officers drank merrily. Of this we shall say no more. There is a poem as testimony: Hou Hu led troops on a distant campaign, Before Jizhou's walls his banners were spread; After three thousand iron horsemen were crushed, He knew at last his fame had been but boastful words. Meanwhile, Su Hu quietly dispatched his troops out of the city, awaiting the moment to raid the camp. By the time of the first watch, they had marched ten li. The scouts reported back to Su Hu, who immediately gave the order to fire the signal cannon. With one thunderous blast, as if the sky had fallen and the earth collapsed, three thousand iron horsemen raised a great cry together and charged into the camp. How could they withstand this? It was a terrible onslaught—and how did it appear? The troops came at dusk, the army arrived in the night. The troops came at dusk—how could the ranks hold against their onslaught? The army arrived in the night—how could the camp gates stand? At the sound of war drums, men knew only to flee in panic; At the roar of heaven-shaking cannon, horses knew neither east nor west. Blades and spears thrust wildly—who could distinguish the clash of high and low? Officers and soldiers met—how could they tell friend from foe? The sleeping soldiers scattered east and west; The waking officers—how could they find their helmets? The vanguard had no time to mount; The commander-in-chief ran barefoot. The camp guards were thrown into chaos; The cavalry fled north and south. The raiders were fierce as tigers; The camp-storming troops like dragons. Those struck by blades were cut from shoulder to back; Those pierced by spears bled from both arms; Those met by swords had their armor split; Those met by axes had their skulls cleft. Man撞man, they trampled one another; Horse撞horse, corpses littered the ground. The wounded groaned in misery; The arrow-struck sobbed in lament. Drums and banners were cast upon the ground; Grain stores blazed red across the fields. They had only known they were sent on a punitive campaign— Who would have thought not a single man would remain? Dark clouds of sorrow rose to the ninth heaven, As a tide of routed soldiers surged across the earth. Now the three columns of stalwart troops—every man brave, each vying to be first, With one great cry of slaughter, they broke through seven rings of the camp's defenses And toppled the eight sides of tiger-wolves. Leaving aside all else, Su Hu alone, mounted on one horse and wielding a single spear, charged straight into the camp to seize Chong Houhu. At the left and right camp gates, war cries shook the earth. Chong Houhu was still in the midst of his dreams when he heard the clamor of battle. Throwing on his robe, he sprang up, mounted his horse, took up his saber, and rushed out of his tent. There in the torchlight he beheld Su Hu—golden helmet and golden armor, a crimson robe, a jade belt, a black-maned steed, and the Fire-Dragon Spear in his hand. Su Hu roared: "Houhu, do not flee! Dismount at once and surrender!" He leveled his spear and thrust straight at Chong Houhu's heart. In panic, Chong Houhu raised his saber to parry. Their horses clashed. Just as they were locked in combat, Chong Houhu's eldest son Yingbiao came charging in with Jin Kui and Huang Yuanji to join the fray. On the left grain-supply gate of Chong's camp, Zhao Bing came striking in; on the right grain-supply gate, Chen Jizhen came striking in. The two sides fell into chaos, locked in battle deep into the night. How did it appear? War-clouds shrouded the earth-gates, Killing-aura locked the sky-barriers. Heaven dimmed and earth darkened as troops deployed; Beneath the moon, before the stars, battle-lines were drawn. On all four sides torches were raised in unison, In all eight directions lantern-balls blazed wildly. Within that camp, several war generals fought; Within this camp, a thousand steeds charged like dragons. Lamplight shone on battle-horses, Fire-glow reflected on the warriors. Lamplight on battle-horses—a thousand tongues of flame lit up the giant bears; Fire-glow on warriors—ten thousand strands of crimson mist wrapped the unicorns. Bows were drawn and arrows loosed—beneath the stars and moon they spat cold gleams; Turning their backs and swinging sabers—within lamps and fire they flashed with dazzling brilliance. The gong-strikers, the junior officers—their weary eyes could scarcely open; The drum-beaters, the young lads—their hands slowly lost the strength to lift. Saber met spear—beneath the horses' hooves, heads rolled and tumbled; Sword met halberd—upon helmets, blood dripped and streamed. Hammers and whips rose together—before the lamps the young officers all fell; Axes and maces struck home—before their eyes the lads all lost their lives. Cries shook the heavens as brothers savaged each other; Lamentations rose to the skies, all crying out in bitterness. Such slaughter that cannon-thunder filled every camp and shook the Milky Way, Stars and moon grew dim, and the celestial mansions themselves were lost in confusion. Now, as the two armies fought bitterly, Su Hu had planned a night raid, while Chong Houhu had been entirely unprepared. The men of Jizhou fought as one against ten. Jin Kui was in the thick of battle when Zhao Bing cut him down from his horse with a single stroke of his saber. Seeing that the tide had turned against him, Houhu fought as he fell back. His eldest son Yingbiao shielded his father and hacked a path through to flee—like a stray dog that has lost its home, a fish that has slipped the net. The Jizhou forces were fierce as tigers, savage as wolves; they left corpses strewn across the wilds and blood filling the ditches. Houhu fled in desperate haste, deep in the night, not even heeding the road—only seeking to preserve his life. Su Hu pursued the routed remnant of Houhu's army for some twenty li, then ordered the gong struck to recall his troops. Su Hu returned to Jizhou with a complete victory. Leaving aside all else, Father and Son Chong led their defeated troops, winding their way forward, when Huang Yuanji and Sun Ziyu drove the rear guard up at a gallop. Houhu, from atop his horse, addressed his commanders: "Since I first raised troops, I have never suffered such a defeat. Now this rebel scoundrel has ambushed our camp under cover of night, and in the darkness of battle, without preparation, we have lost a great many officers and soldiers. How can this grievance go unavenged! And that Xibo Hou, Ji Chang—sitting idle and at ease in his own domain, defying the imperial command by holding his troops motionless, watching from the sidelines as victory and defeat play out—truly hateful!" His eldest son Yingbiao replied: "Our army has just been broken, our edge has been lost. Better to hold position and send a force to urge Xibo Hou to raise his troops and come to our aid—then we can decide what further measures to take." Houhu said: "My son's view is quite clear. At daybreak we shall regroup and discuss matters further." No sooner had he spoken than a cannon boomed, battle cries split the sky, and a voice called out: "Chong Houhu, dismount at once and accept your death!" Father and Son Chong and all their generals looked ahead hurriedly and saw a young commander. He wore a tight-fitting golden cap, a golden forehead-band, two pheasant tail-feathers swaying on either side, a crimson robe, golden-linked armor, a silver-white horse, and a painted halberd. His face was as full as the full moon, his lips red as vermilion. In a stern voice he cursed: "Chong Houhu, by my father's command I have waited here for you for some time. Throw down your arms and accept death at once! Why have you not dismounted—what are you waiting for!" Houhu roared back: "Wretched scoundrel! You and your father have plotted rebellion, defied the imperial court, slain imperial officials, and wounded the Son of Heaven's troops. Your crimes are heaped as high as a mountain. Even if your bodies were hacked to pieces, it would not atone for your offenses. By sheer chance you succeeded in a night scheme, yet you dare to prance and brandish your might here, boasting without shame. Soon the Heavenly Army will descend, and you and your father will find no ground even for burial. Who will seize this rebel for me?" Huang Yuanji spurred his horse, whirled his saber, and charged straight at Su Quanzhong. Quanzhong met him with his halberd, the two steeds clashed, and a great battle ensued: Earth-scraping cold wind howled like a gale, Rolling dust-clouds flew in purple snow, Horses' hooves thundered—clatter and clang, Robes and armor clashed—ding and dang. With united will, sabers hacked at embroidered war-robes; With steadfast intent, spears thrust at linked chain-armor. Such slaughter that the standard-bearers' hands shook without cease, And the drum-beating lads' hammers fell in wild disorder. The two generals fought in fierce contest, with victory yet hanging in the balance. Sun Ziyu urged his horse forward, brandishing his fork, and fell upon Quan Zhong, two against one. With a mighty shout Quan Zhong thrust Ziyu from his saddle. Then Quan Zhong, flush with valor, advanced to engage Hou Hu; father and son came at him together and held him fast in battle. Quan Zhong roused all his godlike might—like a fierce tiger sporting with the wind, like a flood dragon churning the sea—and held the three generals at bay. In the midst of the fray, Quan Zhong feigned an opening, and with a single thrust of his halberd tore half the golden armor clean from Chong Houhu's legs. Hou Hu was sorely alarmed; clamping his horse's flanks, he burst from the ring of battle and fled. Chong Yingbiao, seeing his father put to rout, grew frantic and desperate, his hands all confusion; caught off his guard, he let Quan Zhong's halberd come driving straight at his chest. As Yingbiao twisted aside in haste, the point caught his left arm, drenching robe and armor in blood, and he was all but unhorsed. The other generals rushed forward to ward off the blow and saved his life, and he fled onward. Quan Zhong would have given chase, but feared that amid the black of night the venture was not safe; so he could only draw in his troops and return within the city. By then the sky was beginning to lighten, and word of both sides came to report to Su Hu. Hu summoned his eldest son to the front hall and asked, "Have you taken that villain?" Quan Zhong replied, "By Father's command I lay in ambush at Wugang Town. Not until past midnight did the routed troops arrive. This your son fought with all his valor: I ran Sun Ziyu through and slew him; I tore away Chong Houhu's golden leg armor; I wounded Chong Yingbiao in the left arm and very nearly unhorsed him, but the generals rescued him and he escaped. Yet the night being dark, I dared not recklessly pursue, and so I brought my troops back." Su Hu said, "The old villain has slipped away! Rest yourself now, my son." But no more of this. As to by what road Chong Houhu went to seek borrowed troops, hear it told in the chapter to come.