Genesis of the Gods

The next morning, after he had received the respects from his ministers, King Zhou addressed his messengers,"Transmit my orders to the four grand dukes that they must each present me with 100 beautiful virgins to serve in the palace. Their family background, in terms of rank and wealth, may be ignored,but they must be gentle, virtuous, and above all beautiful."

But before the king had finished this announcement, a great minister stepped out from the ranks, and knelt down before him, "Your old ministerShang Rong begs to advise Your Majesty that if you rule the country properly the people will continue to take pleasure in their work and obey your wishes without having to be ordered . "Shang reminded him,"Your Majesty has already 1,000 beautiful women at least,who serve you in your chamber palace. If you now order the conscription of so many beautiful virgins, the people will be dissatisfied and oppose you. Remember the saying,'When a ruler rejoices with his people, they also rejoice with him; when he grieves at the sorrow of his people, they also grieve at his. 'Your people are now suffering seriously from floods and droughts. How can Your Majesty seek pleasure in women at a time like this? You must recall how emperors Yao and Shun rejoiced with the people and ruled the country with kindness and virtue, without resorting to violence and without bloodshed or war. During their reigns, lucky stars shone brightly over the sky and sweet dew drenched the earth. Phoenixes danced in the

palace courtyard and herbs of immortality grew in the fields.The people were rich and everything was in abundance.Rain fell at night and every day was sunny. Two ears would grow on each rice stalk. If Your Majesty seeks only short-lived pleasures: fixing your eyes on obscene events, filling your ears with lewd music, drinking until you become intoxicated, and hunting in the mountains and forests, this is a poor way to rule and will bring about the downfall of the dynasty. As prime minister in your government, and one who's served under three kings, I'm obliged to present Your Majesty with the truth and hope that you won't conscript the virgins and indulge in lascivious pleasure."

King Zhou remained silent for a long time. Finally he said,"You're right. I'll repeal my edict at once."

Annoyed by what had happened, he had little patience to remain in the hall discussing state affairs with his ministers and quickly retired to his chamber palace.

The following summer, all 800 marquises came to Zhaoge to pledge their allegiance to theShang Dynasty. As Grand Tutor Wen Zhong had been sent to the front to subdue the rebels of the North Sea,Fei Zhongand You Hun had become extremely influential at court and demanded of the dukes and marquises bribes and presents. But Su Hu, Marquis of Jizhou,refused to comply. Su Hu had an indomitable spirit and a fiery temper, but was a righteous man. He refused to ingratiate himself by dishonest means and would explode at the slightest injustice or wrongdoing. He did everything according to law, and refused to confer gifts upon Fei Zhong and You Hun, who as a result were very much annoyed.

At court that morning, after King Zhou had received the respects from his ministers, the gate guard came forward and reported,"To mark this year of celebration, all the dukes and marquises of the nation have arrived in the capital to make obeisance to Your Majesty. At present, they are waiting for your orders outside the palace gate."

When King Zhou discussed the matter with Shang Rong,the latter replied, "I suggest that Your Majesty grant an audience only to the four grand dukes, whom you can question about the livelihood of their people and about peace and security in their districts, and that the marquises make their obeisance outside the palace gate." 

 "You're right,Prime Minister,"King Zhou said in delight.

The four grand dukes, all splendidly dressed, entered the Meridian Gate and walked over the Nine Dragon Bridge to the Cinnarbar Terrace, where they knelt and prostrated themselves before King Zhou. The king, in turn, thanked them for their services.