Investiture Of The Gods Chapter 100: King Wu Forms The Provinces
By order of Jiang Ziya, Fei Lian and E Lai were led out to have their
heads cut off. Jiang Ziya reentered the Terrace Of God Confirmation, knocked on
his desk, and shouted, “Where is Bai Jian? Lead the ghosts of Fei Lian and
E Lai to the terrace.”
When the ghosts of Fei Lian and E Lai came forward to kneel down,
Jiang Ziya declared, “Fei Lian and E Lai were bootlickers by birth. They
cheated the king, causing him to lose his nation and his life. Though these
crimes were their own, it had all been destined by fate. I now confirm
them as Gods To Dissolve Frozen Ice.”
Fei Lian and E Lai kowtowed and left the terrace. After all the
ceremonies were completed, Jiang Ziya led his ministers back to West Qi.
The next morning King Wu appeared at a court conference. The
atmosphere is always different when a virtuous ruler ascends the throne.
Fragrant mist filled the air, and the sun shone brightly over all. Auspicious
clouds floated above, and the tinkling of jade worn by the ministers was
as sweet as music. The bells were rung 3 times, and the court
conference began with cheers of “Long Live His Majesty!”
When King Wu had ascended the throne, his attendants asked, “Is
there anyone who has something important to report? If not, the court
conference shall be dismissed at once.”
Jiang Ziya immediately left his line, bowed, and reported, “By order
of my master, your old minister has confirmed as gods all the loyal ministers, brave
generals, good gods and bad gods who were killed in the war. They are to be
worshiped by the people. They are to protect the nation and all its citizens
and to regulate the wind and rain. They are authorized to bless the people,
to do good deeds, and to punish the wicked. Peace shall reign forever in
this world. Further, there are many nobles, generals, and Taoist disciples
who bravely risked their lives in the war effort, some falling to the enemy’s
arrows. They have accomplished great deeds for the nation, and as the
whole country is settling down now, we should grant them
honorable titles and land. In recognition of their efforts, let their descendants
be eligible for inheritance forever. To strengthen the royal family, the
royal sons and grandsons should also enjoy the same privileges, and the
descendants of the 3 ancient emperors and 5 renowned emperors
should be granted the same in recognition of their ancestors’ good works.
These important matters should all be settled as quickly as possible.”
“I had been considering this for a long time, but we had to wait until
the confirmation of the gods was finished. Now that you have returned, you may do
things as you wish.” King Wu replied.
Before King Wu could finish speaking, Li Jing, Jinzha, Muzha, Nezha,
Yang Jian, Wei Hu, and Thunderbolt moved up and said, “We are not
highly cultured, having come from the mountains and valleys. Following
our masters’ orders, we left our mountain homes to help you put an end
to the disturbances. Now that there is peace, we must all return to report
to our masters. We cannot accept honor, riches, or high rank in this ordinary
world. We say farewell to you today, and we beg you, Your Majesty, to
allow us leave. Your favor will be appreciated forever.”
“With your help, all has been settled, and the sun shines brightly again.
Your good works for the people and nation are boundless. Nothing can
ever repay your favor. How can you leave us now and return to the
mountains? How can I see you go without great sorrow?” King Wu said
sadly.
“We have bathed in your kindness and virtue for so long already, and
we are used to simple living. We would rather have springs and rocks in the
mountains than honor and riches here. Besides, it would be difficult for us
to go against our masters and the will of Heaven. We beg for your mercy
to allow us to retum to our mountains,” Li Jing and his colleagues replied
in unison.
King Wu was greatly saddened to know that the Taoist disciples had
resolutely decided to leave him. He said, “At the onset of our expedition
against King Zhou, many loyal ministers and righteous generals joined
our efforts. How could I have known that so many would lose their lives
for the nation? Only a few are left, I cannot help but feel sentimental
when I compare the present with the past. But you wish to leave me now
instead of staying to enjoy happiness in this peaceful time. What shall I
do? If I do not agree with you, it would certainly be against your will. But
if I am compelled to agree, what a sad day for me! As there seems to be
no other way, will you not let us hold a farewell feast tomorrow in the
southern suburb to wish you on your way?”
Li Jing and his 6 colleagues thanked the king for his favor and left
the court, Jiang Ziya also felt sad to watch them go.
The next day, a grand feast was prepared on the southern suburbs of
the West Qi City. The civil and military ministers arrived first with Li Jing,
Jinzha, Muzha, Nezha, Yang Jian, Wei Hu, and Thunderbolt. Jiang Ziya
went to the palace to accompany King Wu. Their long procession
attracted great crowds along the way, everyone wanted to see His Majesty’s
farewell party to the Taoists.
In the southem suburb, the ministers and all the disciples went out to
greet His Majesty King Wu.
Li Jing and his party kowtowed to express their thanks and said, “How
dare we expect that His Majesty trouble himself to come here to drink
and dine with us. We will appreciate your kindness forever.”
King Wu grasped their hands and said, “As you must return to your
mountains, you are not subject to our rule any longer. The relationship of
a king and his ministers does not exist between us. You must not be too
polite. Let us drink till we can forget the sorrow of our parting.”
Li Jing and the others kowtowed to thank King Wu. In a short while,
it was reported that the feast was ready. King Wu ordered his orchestra
to play, and everyone took their seats, with King Wu in the seat of honor.
‘The king and his ministers toasted one another and drank together happily.
The delicious feast, including dragon and phoenix, was enjoyed by all.
After drinking for a long time, the Taoists tried to leave, but King Wu
held them back and urged them to have more.
After several more cups, Li and his party got up again to bid the king
farewell. King Wu wept sadly when he realized that he could not detain
them any longer.
They all comforted King Wu, saying, “May Your Majesty enjoy good
health and live long so that we may meet again some day in the future.”
King Wu finally had to let Li Jing and the others leave, but Jiang Ziya
was still reluctant to see them go. He escorted them a long way and
finally saw them off in bitter tears. Not long after that, Li Jing, Jinzha,
Muzha, Nezha, Yang Jian, Wei Hu, and Thunderbolt all became
gods, free from the cycle of death and rebirth.
When King Wu ascended his throne the next morning, both Jiang Ziya
and Ji Dan moved forward and said, “We were delighted to see Your
Majesty kindly allow Li Jing and his colleagues return to their mountains
yesterday. However, we beg you to act immediately to grant land and
titles to those who have achieved great merit for the nation.”
“I was so sad to see the 7 disciples return to their mountains
yesterday, but now the prime minister and my brother may discuss how
to divide land and grant titles as proposed. Please implement these
measures as soon as possible,” King Wu replied.
Jiang Ziya and Ji Dan left the king and drafted a proposal to present to
King Wu. The king ascended the throne the next day and asked his brother,
Ji Dan, to read out the names of those to whom land and titles had been
granted. The draft first granted upon Tai Wang, Wang Ji and King
Wen, King Wu’s great grandfather, grandfather, and father, the title of
emperor. Next, 5 ranks: duke, marquise, count, viscount, and baron,
were granted to those ministers who had served the country as well as
the descendants of the past and present dynasties. Any petty province below
the 5th rank was called a vassal. The most important provinces and their
ministers were named as follows:
Province of Lu: surnamed Ji, marquis, the 4th son of King Wen,
named Ji Dan. He achieved great merit in his service to King Wen, King
Wu, and King Cheng. He was later appointed Grand Premier and the
head duke east of Shaanxi Province by King Cheng. His eldest son, Bo Qin, was
granted 700 square li in Qufu and gifted with precious jade and a
great bow to offer service to Zhou forever.
Province of Qi: surnamed Jiang, marquis. Bo Yi, grandson of Emperor
Yan, achieved great merit in helping Emperor Yu deal with floods and
was surnamed Jiang by the emperor. Jiang Ziya, honored as Jiang Taigong,
from Weishui River, helped King Wen and King Wu defeat King Zhou
and restore peace to the nation. Also honored as Father Prime Minister,
he was granted land at Yingqiu and given the title of Marquis Qi. As the
head of 5 marquises and 9 counts, his Province was situated in Qingzhou
(today’s Shandong Province).
Province of YanP surnamed Ji, count, named Ji Junshi. Having offered
his service to King Wen and King Wu in the struggle against King Zhou,
he was honored as the Grand Protector of Zhou, with land granted at
Shao but remained to serve in the royal court and supervise the nobles
west of Shaanxi Province. His son was given the title Count of North Yan (today’s
Hebei Province).
Province of Wei: surnamed Ji, count, named Bi Gongkao. He aided
King Wen and King Wu in the struggle to restore peace to the country.
He was granted the Province of Wei (in today’s Gaomi County, Kaifeng
Prefecture, Henan Province).
Province of Guan: surnamed Ji, marquis, brother of King Wu, named Ji
Shuxian. He was appointed to supervise Wu Keng, with land granted at
Guan (today’s Xinyang County, Henan Province).
Province of Cai: surnamed Ji, marquis, brother of King Wu, named Ji
Shudu. He was appointed to supervise Wu Keng, with land granted at
Cai (today’s Shangcai County, Henan Province).
Province of Cao: surnamed Ji, count, brother of King Wu, named Ji
Shuzhenduo. Granted the Province of Cao (today’s Dingtao County, Shandong Province).
Province of Cheng: surnamed Ji, count, brother of King Wu, named Ji
Shuwu. He was granted the Province of Cheng (today’s Yanzhou, Shandong
Province.
Province of Huo: surnamed Ji, count, brother of King Wu, named Ji
Shuchu, He was granted the Province of Huo (today’s Pingyang Prefecture,
Shanxi Province).
Province of Wei: surnamed Ji, marquis, brother of King Wu by the same
mother. He was appointed Grand Minister of National Public Safety and
was known as Uncle Kang, because he had a piece of land there. He
was granted land at Wei (today’s Jizhou, Hebei Province).
Province of Teng: surnamed Ji, marquis, brother of King Wu, named Ji
Shuxiao. He was granted land at Teng (today’s Zhangqiu County,
Shandong Province).
Province of Jin: surnamed Ji, marquis, the youngest son of King Wu.
He was called Tang Shuyu as he was granted land at Tang, but was soon
regranted land at Jin (today’s Pingyang Prefecture, Shanxi Province).
Province of Wu: surnamed Ji, viscount, grandson of Taibo, the eldest
son of Tai Wang. He was granted land at Wu (today’s Suzhou, Jiangsu
Province).
Province of Yu: surnamed Ji, duke, grandson of Zhong Yong, son of Tai
Wang. He was granted land at Yu, in Taiyang County of Hedong District.
Province of Guo: surnamed Ji, duke, named Guo Zhong, son of
Emperor Wang Ji, brother of King Wen. Both brothers, Guo Zhong and Guo
Shu, were ministers in King Wen’s court. He loved them very much and
called them the 2 Guos. Guo Zhong was granted land at Hongnong (in
today’s southeast of Shaanxi Province).
Province of Chu: surnamed Mi, viscount, descendant of the ancient
Emperor Zhuan Xu, named Yu Xiong. He served as tutor for both King
Wen and King Wu. He was granted land at Jinmen (somewhere in today’s
Hubei Province).
Province of Xu: surnamed Jiang, baron, descendant of Emperor Yao.
For his ancestors achievements, Wen Shu was granted land at Xu (today’s
Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province).
Province of Qin: surnamed Ying, count, descendant of the ancient
Emperor Zhuan Xu. For his ancestor’s achievements, Bai Yi was granted
land at Qin (today’s Xian, Shaanxi Province).
Province of Ju: surnamed Ying, viscount, descendant of the ancient
Emperor Shao Hao. For his ancestor’s achievements, Shu Wuqi was granted
land at Ju (today’s Ju County, Shandong Province).
Province of Ji: surnamed Jiang, marquis, second son of Jiang Ziya. In
recognition of his father’s service, He was granted land at Ji (today’s
Dongguanju County).
Province of Zhu: surnamed Cao, viscount, named Cao Xie, descendant
of Yan An. He was granted land at Zhu (today’s Zou County, Shandong
Province).
Province of Xue: surnamed Shi, marquis, descendant of the ancient
Yellow Emperor. For his ancestor’s achievements, Xi Zhong was granted
land at Xue (today’s Yizhou, Shandong Province).
Province of Song: surnamed Zi, duke, named Wei Ziqi, the eldest son of
King Diyi of the Shang Dynasty. As King Zhou was improper and not
virtuous, Prince Wei Zi took the sacrificial utensils to West Qi. He was
later granted land at Song (today’s Suiyang County, Henan Province).
Province of Qi: surnamed Si, count, descendant of the ancient Emperor
Yu. After subduing Shang, King Wu searched for the descendants of
Emperor Yu. He found Dong Lougong and granted him land at Qi (today’s
Yongqiu County, Henan Province).
Province of Chen: surnamed Wei, marquis, descendant of the ancient
Emperor Shun, named Yu Fu. He served King Wu as an artisan of
pottery. King Wu married his eldest daughter to Yu Fu’s son and granted
him land at Chen (today’s Chen County, Henan Province).
Province of Jiao: surnamed Yi Qi, marquis, descendant of the ancient
Emperor Shen Nong. For his ancestor’s achievements, he was granted
land at Jiao (today’s Hongnong in Shan County, Shandong Province).
Province of Ji: surnamed Ji, marquis, descendant of the ancient
Emperor Yao. When the new dynasty was established, King Wu found a
descendant of Emperor Yao and granted him land at Ji (today’s Beijing).
Province of Korea: surnamed Zi, known as Ji Zi, descendant and
virtuous minister of the Shang Dynasty. As he was unwilling to serve King
Zhou, he moved far away to the Liaodong Peninsula. King Wu granted
him land in the place now known as Korea.
There were 72 Provinces granted in all. Nangong Kuo, San
Yisheng, Hong Yao, and many others were given land and honorable
titles as well.
That same day King Wu held a grand banquet to celebrate and
congratulate the new dukes, marquises, and others granted land. Finally, the
king’s treasure houses were opened to share out gold, silver, jewels, and
money among the nobles. They toasted each other and drank happily, not
dispersing until late that night.
The neat day, after all the newly appointed nobles sent King Wu
letters of thanks and farewell, they left to take up their various posts. Only
Ji Dan and Shao Shi, King Wu’s 2 younger brothers, remained in the
court to handle administrative affairs.
“Gaojing is located in the center of the country and is therefore the
most suitable place for the capital,” King Wu said to Ji Dan. The king
then ordered Shao Shi to arrange the transfer of the capital from West Qi
to Gaojing. Gaojing was located to the north of Xian in Shaanxi
Province (today’s Xianyang County, Shaanxi Province).
“Prime Minister!” King Wu said to Jiang Ziya one day, “You are old
now and may find it inconvenient to continue your service in the court. It
would do you good to relax in your own province.”
King Wu gave Jiang Ziya precious jewels, a yellow ax, and the white
scepter, representing leadership over all the dukes. Jiang was also
authorized to attack any province in a retaliatory expedition if necessary. The next
day, Jiang appeared at court to thank King Wu before leaving the capital.
King Wu and his ministers then escorted Jiang as far as the southern
suburb. Jiang kowtowed to thank the king and said, “As you have so
kindly granted me the Qi Province, I shall be unable to serve you and be at
your side day and night. I hate to leave you, for I do not know when we will
have the chance to meet again.”
King Wu comforted Jiang, saying “Prime Minister, you are old and
have already served the royal court for so many years. I think you should
return to your own province to rest and enjoy the blessings of peace and good
health. I do not expect you to work hard here any longer.”
Jiang Ziya thanked him again and again. “How can I ever repay your
magnificent favor? You are always so kind to me,” he said.
Thus, King Wu and Jiang Ziya separated that day. King Wu and his
ministers returned to the capital, while Jiang Ziya went on his way to the
Qi Province (in Shandong Province).
When he had settled in, Jiang Ziya thought, “Many years ago when I
left Mount Kunlun for Zhaoge, I was treated kindly by my sworn brother,
Song Yiren. I was so busy handling province affairs, | never had the chance
to express my thanks. Now that everything is settled, it would be most
ungrateful if I did not send him a letter with my best regards and a small
gift.”
Jiang Ziya sent a special messenger to Zhaoge with a letter and 1,000
catties of gold to pay his respects to Song Yiren and his wife.
A few days later, the messenger found that unfortunately both Song
and his wife had passed away. Song’s son, however, had taken over as
head of the family property and was managing their business enterprises
so well that he was more prosperous than ever. He received the letter
and gift, and sent the messenger back to express his thanks.
Jiang Ziya governed his province according to the law and directed the
people to work properly. After 5 months, everything was in good order,
and everyone was living peacefully and happily.
After Jiang Ziya passed away, his son Zhao succeeded him as ruler of
the province. Xiao Bai, his later descendant, appointed Guan Zhong as prime
minister, and Qi ruled superior over all the provinces during the Spring and
Autumn Period of the Zhou Dynasty. In the days of Kang Gong, the Qi
Province was taken over by the Tian family.
At Gaojing, King Wu ruled the country well, enabling all within the
4 seas to enjoy peace. The people lived happily and everyone
prospered. King Wu was a virtuous ruler just like the ancient emperors Yao
and Shun. After King Wu’s death, King Cheng succeeded to the throne,
with the assistance of his uncle, Ji Dan. The country continued to enjoy
peace and prosperity. The Zhou Dynasty lasted a full 800 years
from the days when Jiang Ziya launched his attacks against King Zhou
and Ji Dan succeeded him as prime minister.
written may 11, 2023.
revised may 14, 2023.
text license: public domain.
heads cut off. Jiang Ziya reentered the Terrace Of God Confirmation, knocked on
his desk, and shouted, “Where is Bai Jian? Lead the ghosts of Fei Lian and
E Lai to the terrace.”
When the ghosts of Fei Lian and E Lai came forward to kneel down,
Jiang Ziya declared, “Fei Lian and E Lai were bootlickers by birth. They
cheated the king, causing him to lose his nation and his life. Though these
crimes were their own, it had all been destined by fate. I now confirm
them as Gods To Dissolve Frozen Ice.”
Fei Lian and E Lai kowtowed and left the terrace. After all the
ceremonies were completed, Jiang Ziya led his ministers back to West Qi.
The next morning King Wu appeared at a court conference. The
atmosphere is always different when a virtuous ruler ascends the throne.
Fragrant mist filled the air, and the sun shone brightly over all. Auspicious
clouds floated above, and the tinkling of jade worn by the ministers was
as sweet as music. The bells were rung 3 times, and the court
conference began with cheers of “Long Live His Majesty!”
When King Wu had ascended the throne, his attendants asked, “Is
there anyone who has something important to report? If not, the court
conference shall be dismissed at once.”
Jiang Ziya immediately left his line, bowed, and reported, “By order
of my master, your old minister has confirmed as gods all the loyal ministers, brave
generals, good gods and bad gods who were killed in the war. They are to be
worshiped by the people. They are to protect the nation and all its citizens
and to regulate the wind and rain. They are authorized to bless the people,
to do good deeds, and to punish the wicked. Peace shall reign forever in
this world. Further, there are many nobles, generals, and Taoist disciples
who bravely risked their lives in the war effort, some falling to the enemy’s
arrows. They have accomplished great deeds for the nation, and as the
whole country is settling down now, we should grant them
honorable titles and land. In recognition of their efforts, let their descendants
be eligible for inheritance forever. To strengthen the royal family, the
royal sons and grandsons should also enjoy the same privileges, and the
descendants of the 3 ancient emperors and 5 renowned emperors
should be granted the same in recognition of their ancestors’ good works.
These important matters should all be settled as quickly as possible.”
“I had been considering this for a long time, but we had to wait until
the confirmation of the gods was finished. Now that you have returned, you may do
things as you wish.” King Wu replied.
Before King Wu could finish speaking, Li Jing, Jinzha, Muzha, Nezha,
Yang Jian, Wei Hu, and Thunderbolt moved up and said, “We are not
highly cultured, having come from the mountains and valleys. Following
our masters’ orders, we left our mountain homes to help you put an end
to the disturbances. Now that there is peace, we must all return to report
to our masters. We cannot accept honor, riches, or high rank in this ordinary
world. We say farewell to you today, and we beg you, Your Majesty, to
allow us leave. Your favor will be appreciated forever.”
“With your help, all has been settled, and the sun shines brightly again.
Your good works for the people and nation are boundless. Nothing can
ever repay your favor. How can you leave us now and return to the
mountains? How can I see you go without great sorrow?” King Wu said
sadly.
“We have bathed in your kindness and virtue for so long already, and
we are used to simple living. We would rather have springs and rocks in the
mountains than honor and riches here. Besides, it would be difficult for us
to go against our masters and the will of Heaven. We beg for your mercy
to allow us to retum to our mountains,” Li Jing and his colleagues replied
in unison.
King Wu was greatly saddened to know that the Taoist disciples had
resolutely decided to leave him. He said, “At the onset of our expedition
against King Zhou, many loyal ministers and righteous generals joined
our efforts. How could I have known that so many would lose their lives
for the nation? Only a few are left, I cannot help but feel sentimental
when I compare the present with the past. But you wish to leave me now
instead of staying to enjoy happiness in this peaceful time. What shall I
do? If I do not agree with you, it would certainly be against your will. But
if I am compelled to agree, what a sad day for me! As there seems to be
no other way, will you not let us hold a farewell feast tomorrow in the
southern suburb to wish you on your way?”
Li Jing and his 6 colleagues thanked the king for his favor and left
the court, Jiang Ziya also felt sad to watch them go.
The next day, a grand feast was prepared on the southern suburbs of
the West Qi City. The civil and military ministers arrived first with Li Jing,
Jinzha, Muzha, Nezha, Yang Jian, Wei Hu, and Thunderbolt. Jiang Ziya
went to the palace to accompany King Wu. Their long procession
attracted great crowds along the way, everyone wanted to see His Majesty’s
farewell party to the Taoists.
In the southem suburb, the ministers and all the disciples went out to
greet His Majesty King Wu.
Li Jing and his party kowtowed to express their thanks and said, “How
dare we expect that His Majesty trouble himself to come here to drink
and dine with us. We will appreciate your kindness forever.”
King Wu grasped their hands and said, “As you must return to your
mountains, you are not subject to our rule any longer. The relationship of
a king and his ministers does not exist between us. You must not be too
polite. Let us drink till we can forget the sorrow of our parting.”
Li Jing and the others kowtowed to thank King Wu. In a short while,
it was reported that the feast was ready. King Wu ordered his orchestra
to play, and everyone took their seats, with King Wu in the seat of honor.
‘The king and his ministers toasted one another and drank together happily.
The delicious feast, including dragon and phoenix, was enjoyed by all.
After drinking for a long time, the Taoists tried to leave, but King Wu
held them back and urged them to have more.
After several more cups, Li and his party got up again to bid the king
farewell. King Wu wept sadly when he realized that he could not detain
them any longer.
They all comforted King Wu, saying, “May Your Majesty enjoy good
health and live long so that we may meet again some day in the future.”
King Wu finally had to let Li Jing and the others leave, but Jiang Ziya
was still reluctant to see them go. He escorted them a long way and
finally saw them off in bitter tears. Not long after that, Li Jing, Jinzha,
Muzha, Nezha, Yang Jian, Wei Hu, and Thunderbolt all became
gods, free from the cycle of death and rebirth.
When King Wu ascended his throne the next morning, both Jiang Ziya
and Ji Dan moved forward and said, “We were delighted to see Your
Majesty kindly allow Li Jing and his colleagues return to their mountains
yesterday. However, we beg you to act immediately to grant land and
titles to those who have achieved great merit for the nation.”
“I was so sad to see the 7 disciples return to their mountains
yesterday, but now the prime minister and my brother may discuss how
to divide land and grant titles as proposed. Please implement these
measures as soon as possible,” King Wu replied.
Jiang Ziya and Ji Dan left the king and drafted a proposal to present to
King Wu. The king ascended the throne the next day and asked his brother,
Ji Dan, to read out the names of those to whom land and titles had been
granted. The draft first granted upon Tai Wang, Wang Ji and King
Wen, King Wu’s great grandfather, grandfather, and father, the title of
emperor. Next, 5 ranks: duke, marquise, count, viscount, and baron,
were granted to those ministers who had served the country as well as
the descendants of the past and present dynasties. Any petty province below
the 5th rank was called a vassal. The most important provinces and their
ministers were named as follows:
Province of Lu: surnamed Ji, marquis, the 4th son of King Wen,
named Ji Dan. He achieved great merit in his service to King Wen, King
Wu, and King Cheng. He was later appointed Grand Premier and the
head duke east of Shaanxi Province by King Cheng. His eldest son, Bo Qin, was
granted 700 square li in Qufu and gifted with precious jade and a
great bow to offer service to Zhou forever.
Province of Qi: surnamed Jiang, marquis. Bo Yi, grandson of Emperor
Yan, achieved great merit in helping Emperor Yu deal with floods and
was surnamed Jiang by the emperor. Jiang Ziya, honored as Jiang Taigong,
from Weishui River, helped King Wen and King Wu defeat King Zhou
and restore peace to the nation. Also honored as Father Prime Minister,
he was granted land at Yingqiu and given the title of Marquis Qi. As the
head of 5 marquises and 9 counts, his Province was situated in Qingzhou
(today’s Shandong Province).
Province of YanP surnamed Ji, count, named Ji Junshi. Having offered
his service to King Wen and King Wu in the struggle against King Zhou,
he was honored as the Grand Protector of Zhou, with land granted at
Shao but remained to serve in the royal court and supervise the nobles
west of Shaanxi Province. His son was given the title Count of North Yan (today’s
Hebei Province).
Province of Wei: surnamed Ji, count, named Bi Gongkao. He aided
King Wen and King Wu in the struggle to restore peace to the country.
He was granted the Province of Wei (in today’s Gaomi County, Kaifeng
Prefecture, Henan Province).
Province of Guan: surnamed Ji, marquis, brother of King Wu, named Ji
Shuxian. He was appointed to supervise Wu Keng, with land granted at
Guan (today’s Xinyang County, Henan Province).
Province of Cai: surnamed Ji, marquis, brother of King Wu, named Ji
Shudu. He was appointed to supervise Wu Keng, with land granted at
Cai (today’s Shangcai County, Henan Province).
Province of Cao: surnamed Ji, count, brother of King Wu, named Ji
Shuzhenduo. Granted the Province of Cao (today’s Dingtao County, Shandong Province).
Province of Cheng: surnamed Ji, count, brother of King Wu, named Ji
Shuwu. He was granted the Province of Cheng (today’s Yanzhou, Shandong
Province.
Province of Huo: surnamed Ji, count, brother of King Wu, named Ji
Shuchu, He was granted the Province of Huo (today’s Pingyang Prefecture,
Shanxi Province).
Province of Wei: surnamed Ji, marquis, brother of King Wu by the same
mother. He was appointed Grand Minister of National Public Safety and
was known as Uncle Kang, because he had a piece of land there. He
was granted land at Wei (today’s Jizhou, Hebei Province).
Province of Teng: surnamed Ji, marquis, brother of King Wu, named Ji
Shuxiao. He was granted land at Teng (today’s Zhangqiu County,
Shandong Province).
Province of Jin: surnamed Ji, marquis, the youngest son of King Wu.
He was called Tang Shuyu as he was granted land at Tang, but was soon
regranted land at Jin (today’s Pingyang Prefecture, Shanxi Province).
Province of Wu: surnamed Ji, viscount, grandson of Taibo, the eldest
son of Tai Wang. He was granted land at Wu (today’s Suzhou, Jiangsu
Province).
Province of Yu: surnamed Ji, duke, grandson of Zhong Yong, son of Tai
Wang. He was granted land at Yu, in Taiyang County of Hedong District.
Province of Guo: surnamed Ji, duke, named Guo Zhong, son of
Emperor Wang Ji, brother of King Wen. Both brothers, Guo Zhong and Guo
Shu, were ministers in King Wen’s court. He loved them very much and
called them the 2 Guos. Guo Zhong was granted land at Hongnong (in
today’s southeast of Shaanxi Province).
Province of Chu: surnamed Mi, viscount, descendant of the ancient
Emperor Zhuan Xu, named Yu Xiong. He served as tutor for both King
Wen and King Wu. He was granted land at Jinmen (somewhere in today’s
Hubei Province).
Province of Xu: surnamed Jiang, baron, descendant of Emperor Yao.
For his ancestors achievements, Wen Shu was granted land at Xu (today’s
Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province).
Province of Qin: surnamed Ying, count, descendant of the ancient
Emperor Zhuan Xu. For his ancestor’s achievements, Bai Yi was granted
land at Qin (today’s Xian, Shaanxi Province).
Province of Ju: surnamed Ying, viscount, descendant of the ancient
Emperor Shao Hao. For his ancestor’s achievements, Shu Wuqi was granted
land at Ju (today’s Ju County, Shandong Province).
Province of Ji: surnamed Jiang, marquis, second son of Jiang Ziya. In
recognition of his father’s service, He was granted land at Ji (today’s
Dongguanju County).
Province of Zhu: surnamed Cao, viscount, named Cao Xie, descendant
of Yan An. He was granted land at Zhu (today’s Zou County, Shandong
Province).
Province of Xue: surnamed Shi, marquis, descendant of the ancient
Yellow Emperor. For his ancestor’s achievements, Xi Zhong was granted
land at Xue (today’s Yizhou, Shandong Province).
Province of Song: surnamed Zi, duke, named Wei Ziqi, the eldest son of
King Diyi of the Shang Dynasty. As King Zhou was improper and not
virtuous, Prince Wei Zi took the sacrificial utensils to West Qi. He was
later granted land at Song (today’s Suiyang County, Henan Province).
Province of Qi: surnamed Si, count, descendant of the ancient Emperor
Yu. After subduing Shang, King Wu searched for the descendants of
Emperor Yu. He found Dong Lougong and granted him land at Qi (today’s
Yongqiu County, Henan Province).
Province of Chen: surnamed Wei, marquis, descendant of the ancient
Emperor Shun, named Yu Fu. He served King Wu as an artisan of
pottery. King Wu married his eldest daughter to Yu Fu’s son and granted
him land at Chen (today’s Chen County, Henan Province).
Province of Jiao: surnamed Yi Qi, marquis, descendant of the ancient
Emperor Shen Nong. For his ancestor’s achievements, he was granted
land at Jiao (today’s Hongnong in Shan County, Shandong Province).
Province of Ji: surnamed Ji, marquis, descendant of the ancient
Emperor Yao. When the new dynasty was established, King Wu found a
descendant of Emperor Yao and granted him land at Ji (today’s Beijing).
Province of Korea: surnamed Zi, known as Ji Zi, descendant and
virtuous minister of the Shang Dynasty. As he was unwilling to serve King
Zhou, he moved far away to the Liaodong Peninsula. King Wu granted
him land in the place now known as Korea.
There were 72 Provinces granted in all. Nangong Kuo, San
Yisheng, Hong Yao, and many others were given land and honorable
titles as well.
That same day King Wu held a grand banquet to celebrate and
congratulate the new dukes, marquises, and others granted land. Finally, the
king’s treasure houses were opened to share out gold, silver, jewels, and
money among the nobles. They toasted each other and drank happily, not
dispersing until late that night.
The neat day, after all the newly appointed nobles sent King Wu
letters of thanks and farewell, they left to take up their various posts. Only
Ji Dan and Shao Shi, King Wu’s 2 younger brothers, remained in the
court to handle administrative affairs.
“Gaojing is located in the center of the country and is therefore the
most suitable place for the capital,” King Wu said to Ji Dan. The king
then ordered Shao Shi to arrange the transfer of the capital from West Qi
to Gaojing. Gaojing was located to the north of Xian in Shaanxi
Province (today’s Xianyang County, Shaanxi Province).
“Prime Minister!” King Wu said to Jiang Ziya one day, “You are old
now and may find it inconvenient to continue your service in the court. It
would do you good to relax in your own province.”
King Wu gave Jiang Ziya precious jewels, a yellow ax, and the white
scepter, representing leadership over all the dukes. Jiang was also
authorized to attack any province in a retaliatory expedition if necessary. The next
day, Jiang appeared at court to thank King Wu before leaving the capital.
King Wu and his ministers then escorted Jiang as far as the southern
suburb. Jiang kowtowed to thank the king and said, “As you have so
kindly granted me the Qi Province, I shall be unable to serve you and be at
your side day and night. I hate to leave you, for I do not know when we will
have the chance to meet again.”
King Wu comforted Jiang, saying “Prime Minister, you are old and
have already served the royal court for so many years. I think you should
return to your own province to rest and enjoy the blessings of peace and good
health. I do not expect you to work hard here any longer.”
Jiang Ziya thanked him again and again. “How can I ever repay your
magnificent favor? You are always so kind to me,” he said.
Thus, King Wu and Jiang Ziya separated that day. King Wu and his
ministers returned to the capital, while Jiang Ziya went on his way to the
Qi Province (in Shandong Province).
When he had settled in, Jiang Ziya thought, “Many years ago when I
left Mount Kunlun for Zhaoge, I was treated kindly by my sworn brother,
Song Yiren. I was so busy handling province affairs, | never had the chance
to express my thanks. Now that everything is settled, it would be most
ungrateful if I did not send him a letter with my best regards and a small
gift.”
Jiang Ziya sent a special messenger to Zhaoge with a letter and 1,000
catties of gold to pay his respects to Song Yiren and his wife.
A few days later, the messenger found that unfortunately both Song
and his wife had passed away. Song’s son, however, had taken over as
head of the family property and was managing their business enterprises
so well that he was more prosperous than ever. He received the letter
and gift, and sent the messenger back to express his thanks.
Jiang Ziya governed his province according to the law and directed the
people to work properly. After 5 months, everything was in good order,
and everyone was living peacefully and happily.
After Jiang Ziya passed away, his son Zhao succeeded him as ruler of
the province. Xiao Bai, his later descendant, appointed Guan Zhong as prime
minister, and Qi ruled superior over all the provinces during the Spring and
Autumn Period of the Zhou Dynasty. In the days of Kang Gong, the Qi
Province was taken over by the Tian family.
At Gaojing, King Wu ruled the country well, enabling all within the
4 seas to enjoy peace. The people lived happily and everyone
prospered. King Wu was a virtuous ruler just like the ancient emperors Yao
and Shun. After King Wu’s death, King Cheng succeeded to the throne,
with the assistance of his uncle, Ji Dan. The country continued to enjoy
peace and prosperity. The Zhou Dynasty lasted a full 800 years
from the days when Jiang Ziya launched his attacks against King Zhou
and Ji Dan succeeded him as prime minister.
written may 11, 2023.
revised may 14, 2023.
text license: public domain.
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