殷本紀

Xie, the ancestor of the Yin, had a mother named Jiandi, a woman of the Yousong clan, who was a secondary consort of Emperor Ku. Three women went out to bathe. They saw a dark bird drop its egg. Jiandi picked it up and swallowed it, and thereby conceived and bore Xie.

When Xie grew up, he assisted Yu in controlling the flood and rendered great merit. Emperor Shun then commanded Xie: "The hundred clans are not close and the five relationships are not in order. You shall serve as Minister of Education and reverently spread the five teachings. Let the five teachings be carried out with leniency." He was enfeoffed at Shang and given the surname Zi.

Xie flourished during the time of Tang, Yu, and the Great Yu. His achievements were renowned among the people, and the people were at peace.

When Xie died, his son Zhaoming succeeded him. When Zhaoming died, his son Xiangtu succeeded him. When Xiangtu died, his son Changruo succeeded him. When Changruo died, his son Caoyu succeeded him. When Caoyu died, his son Ming succeeded him. When Ming died, his son Zhen succeeded him. When Zhen died, his son Wei succeeded him. When Wei died, his son Baoding succeeded him. When Baoding died, his son Baoyi succeeded him. When Baoyi died, his son Baobing succeeded him. When Baobing died, his son Zhuren succeeded him. When Zhuren died, his son Zhugui succeeded him. When Zhugui died, his son Tianyi succeeded him — this was Cheng Tang.

Cheng Tang: from Xie to Tang, the capital was moved eight times. Tang first settled at Bo, following the residence of the former kings, and composed the Emperor's Proclamation.

Tang campaigned against the feudal lords. The Earl of Ge did not perform sacrifices, so Tang first attacked him. Tang said: "I have a saying: when a man looks at water, he sees his own reflection; when he looks at the people, he knows whether there is good government or not." Yi Yin said: "Brilliant! When words can be heeded, the Way advances. To be lord of a state and father of the people — let all who do good serve in the king's government. Strive on! Strive on!" Tang said: "Those who will not respect my commands, I will punish severely, and there shall be no pardon." He composed the Campaigns of Tang.

Yi Yin's personal name was A Heng. A Heng wished to gain access to Tang but had no way in. He therefore became a retainer accompanying the bride from the Youshen clan, carrying tripod and cutting board, and used the art of cooking to persuade Tang, leading him to the kingly way.

Another account says that Yi Yin was a recluse scholar. Tang sent men to invite him, but it took five attempts before he consented to come and serve Tang. He spoke of the Uncrowned King and the Nine Types of Rulers. Tang raised him up and entrusted him with the government of the state.

Yi Yin left Tang and went to the Xia. Finding the Xia hateful, he returned to Bo. Entering by the north gate, he encountered Nü Jiu and Nü Fang, and composed the text Nü Jiu Nü Fang.

Tang went out and saw someone in the countryside who had spread nets on all four sides, praying: "Let all from the four quarters of All-Under-Heaven enter my nets." Tang said: "Alas, that would take them all!" He removed three of the four sides and prayed instead: "Those that wish to go left, go left. Those that wish to go right, go right. Only those that refuse their fate shall enter my net."

When the feudal lords heard of this, they said: "Tang's virtue reaches its utmost — it extends even to the birds and beasts."

At that time, Jie of the Xia ruled with cruelty, licentiousness, and excess, and the feudal lord Kunwu had caused disorder. Tang then raised his armies and led the feudal lords, with Yi Yin accompanying him. Tang personally grasped the battle-axe and attacked Kunwu, then marched against Jie.

Tang said: "Come, all you multitudes! Come and hear my every word. It is not that I, a small man, dare to raise rebellion. The Xia has committed many crimes. I have heard the words of you, the multitudes: the house of Xia is guilty. I stand in awe of the Supreme Deity and dare not fail to act justly. Now the Xia has committed many crimes, and Heaven has commanded its destruction.

"Now you, the multitudes, say: 'Our lord has no pity on us. He abandons our farming and imposes harsh government.' And you say: 'He is guilty — what can we do?' The Xia king has exhausted the people's strength and plundered the Xia state. The people are all weary and discontented, saying: 'When will this sun perish? We will die together with you!'

"Such is the virtue of the Xia. Now I must march against it. Join with me, the One Man, in carrying out Heaven's punishment, and I shall greatly reward you. Do not disbelieve me — I do not eat my words. If you do not follow this oath, I will enslave and execute you, without pardon."

With this he proclaimed the oath to his troops — this was the Oath of Tang. Thereupon Tang said: "I am greatly martial," and took the title King Wu, the Martial King.

Jie was defeated at the ruins of Yousong. He fled to Mingtiao and the Xia army was routed. Tang then attacked Sanzong, captured its treasures and jade. Yibo and Zhongbo composed the Record of the Treasures.

Having defeated the Xia, Tang wished to relocate the Xia altar of earth but found it could not be done. He composed the Xia Altar. Yi Yin reported the outcome. Thereupon all the feudal lords submitted, and Tang ascended the throne of the Son of Heaven and pacified all within the seas.

Tang returned as far as Taijuantao. Zhonglei composed a proclamation. Having abrogated the Xia mandate and returned to Bo, he composed the Proclamation of Tang:

"In the third month, the King came in person to the eastern suburbs. He addressed the feudal lords and assembled rulers: 'None of you shall fail to render service to the people. Be diligent in your tasks. If you do not, I will punish you severely — do not resent me for it.'

"He said: 'In ancient times, Yu and Gaoyao labored long abroad and rendered service to the people, so that the people gained security. To the east was the Yangtze, to the north the Ji, to the west the Yellow River, to the south the Huai — the four great rivers were regulated, and the myriad people had places to dwell. Houji came down and sowed, and agriculture planted the hundred grains. These three ministers all rendered service to the people, and therefore their descendants received positions of authority. In former times Chiyou and his ministers brought chaos to the people, and the Supreme Deity refused to grant them success — as the record shows. The words of the former kings cannot be neglected.'

"He said: 'Those who do not follow the Way shall have no place in the state. Do not resent me for it.'" With this he issued orders to the feudal lords.

Yi Yin composed All Possess One Virtue. Jiu Dan composed Illuminating the Dwelling.

Tang then reformed the calendar, changed the ritual colors — honoring white — and held court assemblies in the daytime.

When Tang died, his crown prince Taiding had already died before ascending the throne. Taiding's younger brother Waibing was therefore enthroned — this was Emperor Waibing. Emperor Waibing reigned three years and died. His younger brother Zhongren was enthroned — this was Emperor Zhongren. Emperor Zhongren reigned four years and died.

Yi Yin then enthroned Taiding's son Taijia. Taijia was the eldest legitimate grandson of Cheng Tang — this was Emperor Taijia. In the first year of Emperor Taijia, Yi Yin composed the Instructions of Yi, the Charge of Responsibility, and the Former Rulers.

After three years on the throne, Emperor Taijia was unenlightened, cruel and tyrannical. He did not follow the laws of Tang and brought disorder to virtue. Yi Yin therefore exiled him to Tong Palace. For three years, Yi Yin served as regent, governing the state and receiving the feudal lords at court.

Emperor Taijia resided at Tong Palace for three years. He repented of his errors, reproached himself, and turned back to goodness. Yi Yin then welcomed Emperor Taijia and returned the government to him. Emperor Taijia cultivated virtue, and the feudal lords all submitted to the Yin. The people were at peace. Yi Yin commended him, and composed the three chapters of the Instructions of Taijia, praising Emperor Taijia. He was given the temple name Taizong, 'Grand Ancestor.'

When Taizong died, his son Woding succeeded him. During Emperor Woding's reign, Yi Yin died. After Yi Yin was buried at Bo, Jiu Dan composed a record of Yi Yin's deeds — this was the text Woding.

When Woding died, his brother Taigeng succeeded him — this was Emperor Taigeng. When Emperor Taigeng died, his son Emperor Xiaojia succeeded him. When Emperor Xiaojia died, his brother Yongji succeeded him — this was Emperor Yongji. The Way of the Yin declined, and some feudal lords stopped coming to court.

When Emperor Yongji died, his brother Taiwu succeeded him — this was Emperor Taiwu. Emperor Taiwu appointed Yi Zhi as chancellor. At Bo, an ominous mulberry and millet plant grew intertwined in the court, and in a single night they grew as large as a person could embrace. Emperor Taiwu was alarmed and consulted Yi Zhi. Yi Zhi said: "I have heard that portents cannot overcome virtue. Is there perhaps a deficiency in the Emperor's government? Let the Emperor cultivate his virtue." Taiwu followed this advice, and the ominous mulberry withered and died.

Yi Zhi commended Wu Xian to the court. Wu Xian managed the royal household with great success and composed the texts Xian Ai and Taiwu. Emperor Taiwu honored Yi Zhi at the ancestral temple and declared he would not treat him as a subject. Yi Zhi declined this honor, and composed the Original Mandate. The Yin revived and the feudal lords submitted. He was therefore given the temple name Zhongzong, 'Central Ancestor.'

When Zhongzong died, his son Emperor Zhongding succeeded him. Emperor Zhongding moved the capital to Ao. Hedanjia resided at Xiang. Zuyi moved to Xing. When Emperor Zhongding died, his brother Wairen succeeded him — this was Emperor Wairen. The records of Zhongding are incomplete. When Emperor Wairen died, his brother Hedanjia succeeded him — this was Emperor Hedanjia. In Hedanjia's time, the Yin declined again.

When Hedanjia died, his son Emperor Zuyi succeeded him. When Emperor Zuyi took the throne, the Yin revived. Wu Xian served in office.

When Zuyi died, his son Emperor Zuxin succeeded him. When Emperor Zuxin died, his brother Wojia succeeded him — this was Emperor Wojia. When Emperor Wojia died, the son of Wojia's elder brother Zuxin, Zuding, was enthroned — this was Emperor Zuding. When Emperor Zuding died, the son of his brother Wojia, Nangeng, was enthroned — this was Emperor Nangeng. When Emperor Nangeng died, the son of Emperor Zuding, Yangjia, was enthroned — this was Emperor Yangjia. In Emperor Yangjia's time, the Yin declined.

From Zhongding onward, the legitimate heirs were set aside and replaced by younger brothers and their sons. Brothers and nephews sometimes contested the succession, and for nine reigns there was disorder. The feudal lords ceased coming to court.

When Emperor Yangjia died, his brother Pangeng succeeded him — this was Emperor Pangeng. In Emperor Pangeng's time, the Yin had already established its capital north of the Yellow River. Pangeng crossed to the south of the river and returned to the former residence of Cheng Tang. In all, the capital had been moved five times with no fixed location. The Yin people murmured and complained among themselves, unwilling to move.

Pangeng addressed the feudal lords and great ministers: "In former times, the great ancestor Cheng Tang and your forefathers together pacified All-Under-Heaven. The laws and models they established can be maintained. To abandon them and make no effort — how can virtue be achieved!"

He then crossed to the south of the river, restored Bo, and carried out the government of Tang. Thereupon the people were at peace, and the Way of the Yin revived. The feudal lords came to court, for he followed the virtue of Cheng Tang.

When Emperor Pangeng died, his brother Xiaoxin succeeded him — this was Emperor Xiaoxin. Under Emperor Xiaoxin, the Yin declined again. The people longed for Pangeng, and the three chapters of Pangeng were composed.

When Emperor Xiaoxin died, his brother Xiaoyi succeeded him — this was Emperor Xiaoyi.

When Emperor Xiaoyi died, his son Emperor Wuding succeeded him. When Emperor Wuding took the throne, he wished to revive the Yin but had not yet found his minister. For three years he did not speak, and all government decisions were left to the chief steward, so that he might observe the ways of the state.

Wuding dreamed one night of a sage whose name was Yue. He compared the face he had seen in the dream against all his ministers and officials — none matched. He then sent his hundred artisans to search for the man in the countryside. They found Yue among the laborers at Fuxian. At that time, Yue was a convict laborer building walls at Fuxian.

When he was brought before Wuding, Wuding said: "This is the one." He spoke with him and found him to be truly a sage. He raised him up as chancellor, and the state of Yin was greatly ordered. He therefore gave him the surname Fu after Fuxian, and he was known as Fu Yue.

When Emperor Wuding was performing sacrifices to Cheng Tang, the next day a pheasant flew up and perched on the ear of a sacrificial tripod, crying out. Wuding was alarmed. Zuji said: "Let the King not worry — first attend to matters of government."

Zuji then instructed the King: "It is only that Heaven watches over those below and judges them by their righteousness. Whether it grants long life or short is not because Heaven cuts off the people or prematurely ends their mandate. When the people do not act according to virtue and do not heed punishment, Heaven has already bestowed its mandate to correct their virtue — how then can they say 'What can be done?'

"Alas! Let the King reverently succeed to the care of the people. Everything follows from Heaven's continuity. In regular sacrifices, do not treat with ceremony those who have abandoned the Way."

Wuding reformed his government and practiced virtue. All-Under-Heaven rejoiced, and the Way of the Yin revived.

When Emperor Wuding died, his son Emperor Zugeng succeeded him. Zuji commended Wuding for taking the omen of the pheasant as an occasion for cultivating virtue, established his temple as Gaozong ('Exalted Ancestor'), and composed the Gaozong Rong Ri and the Instructions.

When Emperor Zugeng died, his brother Zujia succeeded him — this was Emperor Jia. Emperor Jia was licentious and dissolute, and the Yin declined again.

When Emperor Jia died, his son Emperor Linxin succeeded him. When Emperor Linxin died, his brother Gengding succeeded him — this was Emperor Gengding. When Emperor Gengding died, his son Emperor Wuyi succeeded him. The Yin again left Bo and moved north of the Yellow River.

Emperor Wuyi was without principle. He made a wooden puppet and called it the Heavenly Spirit. He gambled with it, having a man make the moves on its behalf. When the Heavenly Spirit lost, he abused and humiliated it. He made a leather bag, filled it with blood, suspended it high, and shot arrows at it — this he called 'shooting at Heaven.' Wuyi was hunting between the Yellow River and the Wei when a sudden thunderstorm struck. Wuyi was killed by lightning.

His son Emperor Taiding succeeded him. When Emperor Taiding died, his son Emperor Yi succeeded him. Under Emperor Yi, the Yin declined further.

The eldest son of Emperor Yi was Weizi Qi. Because Qi's mother was of low status, he could not inherit the throne. The youngest son was Xin, whose mother was the principal consort, and so Xin became heir. When Emperor Yi died, Xin succeeded him — this was Emperor Xin. All-Under-Heaven called him Zhou.

Emperor Zhou was naturally eloquent, quick-witted, and sharp of hearing and sight. His physical strength exceeded that of other men, and he could fight wild beasts with his bare hands. His intelligence was enough to reject remonstrance; his rhetoric was enough to gloss over wrongdoing. He intimidated his ministers with his abilities and exalted himself above All-Under-Heaven by his reputation, considering everyone beneath him.

He was fond of wine and debauchery, and besotted with women. He loved Daji and followed her every word. He had the music master Shijuan compose new licentious melodies, the dances of Beili, and languorous music. He imposed heavy taxes to fill the treasury at Lutai with coins and the granary at Juqiao with grain. He amassed dogs, horses, and rare objects, filling his palaces with them. He expanded the parks and terraces at Shaqiu, stocking them with wild beasts and exotic birds. He was contemptuous of the spirits.

He held great feasts and entertainments at Shaqiu, making pools of wine and forests of hanging meat. He had men and women chase each other naked among them, drinking through the night.

The people murmured with resentment and some feudal lords rebelled. Zhou then imposed ever harsher punishments, including the roasting pillar.

He appointed the Earl of the West Chang, the Lord of Jiu, and the Lord of E as his three highest ministers. The Lord of Jiu had a beautiful daughter and presented her to Zhou. The daughter of the Lord of Jiu did not take pleasure in debauchery. Zhou was furious, killed her, and had the Lord of Jiu minced into paste. The Lord of E remonstrated fiercely and argued vehemently — Zhou had him dried into jerky. When the Earl of the West Chang heard of this, he sighed in private. Chong Houhu learned of it and reported it to Zhou. Zhou imprisoned the Earl of the West at Youli.

The Earl of the West's ministers — Hong Yao and others — sought out beautiful women, rare objects, and fine horses to present to Zhou. Zhou then pardoned the Earl of the West. After his release, the Earl of the West offered to cede the lands west of Luo, requesting in return the abolition of the roasting pillar punishment. Zhou agreed, granted him bows, arrows, axes, and battle-axes, and authorized him to conduct punitive campaigns — thus he was the Earl of the West.

Zhou then employed Fei Zhong in the government. Fei Zhong was skilled at flattery and greedy for profit; the Yin people had no affection for him. Zhou also employed E Lai. E Lai was skilled at slander; and the feudal lords grew ever more distant.

After the Earl of the West returned, he quietly cultivated virtue and practiced good government. Many feudal lords abandoned Zhou and turned to the Earl of the West. The Earl of the West grew steadily more powerful, and Zhou gradually lost his authority.

The prince Bigan remonstrated, but Zhou would not listen. Shang Rong was a worthy man beloved by the people — Zhou dismissed him. When the Earl of the West attacked the state of Ji and destroyed it, Zhou's minister Zuyi was alarmed. He blamed Zhou and rushed to report to him:

"Heaven has already ended the mandate of our Yin. When we consult the great tortoise, no divination dares show good fortune. It is not that the former kings do not aid us their descendants — it is that the King's debauchery and cruelty have brought this upon himself. Therefore Heaven has abandoned us. We have no peace even in eating. We do not know Heaven's nature or follow the established laws. Now our people all wish for our destruction, saying: 'Why does Heaven not send down its punishment? Why does the great mandate not come?' What will the King do now?"

Zhou said: "Was I not born with the mandate of Heaven!"

Zuyi withdrew and said: "Zhou cannot be remonstrated with."

After the Earl of the West died, King Wu of Zhou marched east. When he reached Mengjin, eight hundred feudal lords who had rebelled against the Yin assembled to join Zhou. The feudal lords all said: "Zhou can be attacked now." King Wu said: "You do not yet understand the Mandate of Heaven." And he returned home.

Zhou's debauchery and disorder only intensified. Weizi remonstrated repeatedly to no avail. He consulted with the Grand Music Master and Junior Music Master, and then departed.

Bigan said: "A man who serves as minister has no choice but to remonstrate at the risk of his life." He then pressed his remonstrances forcefully upon Zhou. Zhou was furious and said: "I have heard that the heart of a sage has seven apertures." He had Bigan cut open and examined his heart.

Jizi was terrified. He feigned madness and made himself a slave. Zhou imprisoned him nonetheless. The Grand Music Master and Junior Music Master of Yin took their ritual instruments and music and fled to Zhou.

King Wu of Zhou thereupon led the feudal lords to attack Zhou of Yin. Zhou also raised his troops and opposed them at Muye. On the jiazi day, Zhou's army was defeated. Zhou fled into the city, climbed Lutai, donned his robes adorned with precious jade, and threw himself into the fire and died.

King Wu of Zhou then cut off Zhou's head and hung it on the great white banner. He killed Daji. He freed Jizi from prison, sealed Bigan's tomb with a mound, and honored the gate of Shang Rong's neighborhood. He enfeoffed Zhou's son Wugeng Lufu to continue the Yin sacrifices and ordered him to carry out the government of Pangeng. The Yin people were greatly pleased.

Thereupon King Wu of Zhou became Son of Heaven. His descendants later reduced the title of 'emperor' (帝) and called themselves 'kings' (王). They enfeoffed the Yin descendants as feudal lords under the Zhou.

When King Wu of Zhou died, Wugeng joined with the Duke of Guan and the Duke of Cai in rebellion. King Cheng commanded the Duke of Zhou to put them down, and Weizi was established at Song to continue the line of the Yin.

The Grand Historian says: I have arranged the deeds of Xie according to the Hymns, and from Cheng Tang onward I have drawn from the Documents and the Odes. Xie's surname was Zi. His descendants were enfeoffed and took their states as surnames. Thus there arose the clans of Yin, Lai, Song, Kongtong, Zhi, Beiyin, and Muyi.

Confucius said that the Yin excelled in their road chariots, and their ritual color was white.