Lao Tzu is Ji Gong

Chapter 1107 Disloyalty and Distrust

But he glanced at Shang Rong again, and Shang Rong exchanged a look with him, so Mei Bo didn't say anything more.

King Zhou spoke again: "Do any of you ministers still have something to report? If not, I will not linger any longer. I have other matters to attend to, so let's adjourn the court."

The capricious King Zhou swaggered away, leaving his many ministers behind, and hurriedly went to see Daji.

Meibo watched helplessly as King Zhou left the court. He then went to Shang Rong, and the two discussed the matter. "Lord Shang, what should we do? I didn't even finish speaking before the king refused and has now adjourned the court. Do you think the two of us can really succeed in giving him our honest advice?"

“Mei Bo, how about we go to the inner palace to ask the King for an audience? Otherwise, I can’t bring myself to say it, and I’m really feeling uneasy,” Shang Rong suggested to Mei Bo.

“That’s excellent. I should have done it sooner. Let’s go now. This matter should be done as soon as possible. Du Yunxian is still locked up in prison. We need to rescue him quickly, or we don’t know what kind of torture he will suffer.” Mei Bo thought it was a good idea and immediately agreed to go with Shang Rong to find King Zhou.

King Zhou was still in Daji's palace, the two of them deeply in love. Daji was dancing for King Zhou, and just as he was getting into the swing of things, someone came to report: "Your Majesty, Lord Meibo and Lord Shangrong request an audience. Please grant them your permission."

"That Mei Bo is truly a persistent ghost. Because of him, I have no peace at all. He's always posing difficult questions to me in court, making me lose face. Today, he insisted that I release that woman, the Queen, in court. You old scoundrel!" King Zhou of Shang said to Daji.

“If Your Majesty dislikes him, you can simply kill him. Why are you so troubled?” Daji said, massaging King Zhou’s back while “understandingly” urging him to kill Mei Bo.

"I wish I could, but you don't know, this Mei Bo is also a member of my royal family, and he's related to my grandfather by blood. I can't kill him easily," King Zhou said, as he had someone invite Mei Bo and his companion in. Daji, being very perceptive, retreated behind the screen without uttering a sound.

After Mei and Bo entered, they first bowed to King Zhou: "Your Majesty, we pay our respects. May Your Majesty be well." "Alright, rise. What do you want to see me about? Speak," King Zhou said casually, sitting there and looking at the two men below.

"Your Majesty, I have come regarding Du Yunxian's matter. Please grant me a word," Mei Bo cut straight to the point, stating his purpose directly. Shang Rong stood there without saying anything more.

"Oh? Because of Du Yunxian's matter, wasn't he already convicted by me and imprisoned? What else could he possibly be involved in?" King Zhou asked Mei Bo, feigning ignorance.

“Your Majesty, you are mistaken. I have heard about his affairs and know that he has displeased Your Majesty. However, Your Majesty, you also know that Du Yunxian is not that kind of person. What he said to Your Majesty must have been based on facts. He has served as our court's diviner for many years, and all these years he has been conscientious and diligent, never making any mistakes. I beg Your Majesty to investigate this matter thoroughly and punish him leniently, so as not to disappoint the hearts of us ministers.”

Mei Bo spoke frankly to King Zhou of Shang. He always spoke directly to the king, and this time, he once again expressed his true feelings. Shang Rong, standing beside him, kept his head down and remained silent, but it was not difficult to see from his straight back that he also hoped that King Zhou would be lenient and that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.

"Shang Rong, what do you think? Do you think what Mei Bo said makes sense?" King Zhou of Shang asked Shang Rong abruptly.

"Your Majesty, I believe that what Mei Bo said does have some merit. Du Yunxian is indeed a pillar of our Shang Dynasty. Over the years, he has worked tirelessly for the sake of the people and Your Majesty. As a diviner, he is in charge of a series of matters concerning the sacrifices of our Great Shang Dynasty, from ancestral temple sacrifices to calculating auspicious times. He is an indispensable figure for our dynasty. Therefore, I urge Your Majesty to think carefully and make a prudent decision!"

Instead of directly addressing King Zhou's problems, Shang Rong analyzed the pros and cons for him from a broader perspective, stating that it was entirely for the sake of the country and was not influenced by any other personal factors.

It must be said that Shang Rong's approach was more likely to be accepted by King Zhou than Mei Bo's. According to King Zhou's personality, if you want to accomplish something, you must have the skills, and you can't just bluntly point out King Zhou's shortcomings. Doing so would only lead to King Zhou's wrath.

Shang Rong also advised King Zhou, but he used a roundabout tactic, subtly drawing people in without them even realizing it. Mei Bo, however, was different. He always made King Zhou feel like he had lost face, and King Zhou could never suppress his anger when he heard Mei Bo's words.

"Your words are reasonable, but Du Yunxi has indeed gone too far. He actually came here at the Queen's behest to slander and ridicule Daji, saying that all the strange phenomena were caused by Daji, and that the recent dark clouds were all because of Daji. Tell me, how could I tolerate this? Is it that as long as she is a woman I favor, you and the Queen will make things difficult for me? I know who Daji is; she doesn't have the power to cause such strange phenomena. That's why I asked the Queen to reflect on her actions in seclusion. She has gone too far lately, always targeting Daji, showing no grace of a queen. She's just a jealous woman, which makes me very angry."

As expected, King Zhou of Shang was quite pleased with Shang Rong's skillful advice. Instead of flying into a rage, he told Shang Rong about Du Yunxian's crimes.

"Your Majesty is in a difficult position," said Mei Bo, speaking to King Zhou of Shang. "I know Your Majesty is in a difficult position, but I think Your Majesty should reconsider. Regardless of whether the Queen and Du Yunxian are colluding, there must be something going on. I believe that based on the Queen's usual conduct, she would not do something so unbecoming of her status. Du Yunxian is usually an upright person, and this is not something he would do." At this moment, Mei Bo stepped forward and began to speak with King Zhou of Shang again. Shang Rong stood aside with a keen eye, and upon hearing Mei Bo's interjection, she did not say anything more.

Chapter 1108 The Torture of Branding

"Hmph! Don't try to exonerate the Queen and Du Xianxian. I questioned the Queen before, and she didn't deny it, which is why I'm so certain. You're clearly doubting me. What right do you have to question me? Can't you stop going against me all the time?" King Zhou of Shang looked at Mei Bo with a furious expression. Undoubtedly, Mei Bo's words had enraged King Zhou of Shang.

"Your Majesty, I have no doubts about you. However, I know the Queen and Du Yunxian to some extent. Your Majesty and the Queen have been husband and wife for many years and have supported each other for many years. I believe Your Majesty also knows the Queen's character. I really can't believe she would do such a thing. Your Majesty cannot treat the country and the country as a game just because you love Daji. Your Majesty, please think it over!"

At this moment, Meibo did not shy away from King Zhou's sharp edge, but instead charged at him even more fiercely on the rapids. However, King Zhou was still furious at this time, so how could he listen to such words? Thus, as you can imagine, but it was indeed a very frightening thing that happened.

Shang Rong, who was standing to the side, had already tugged at Mei Bo's sleeve when he started to speak, trying to stop him from continuing.

However, Mei Bo broke free. He thought that he was, after all, half a descendant of the royal family, and he couldn't watch King Zhou of Shang continue to act arrogantly, blinded by his own power, and cruel and inhumane. So he insisted on saying the words mentioned above. Therefore, the tragedy happened as expected, and even Shang Rong couldn't stop it.

“Meibo, you are incredibly audacious. In all my years of life, since I ascended the throne, no one has ever dared to point their finger at me and accuse me of treating the country and its people as a joke. You are truly audacious. If I don’t punish you, do you think I’m too easy to talk to?”

"Let me tell you, I will no longer have any scruples with you. Even if you have royal blood, it won't matter. Don't try to act tough just because you're old. Do you really think I'm afraid of you?" King Zhou of Shang stood up angrily and glared fiercely at Mei Bo standing below. Mei Bo's expression was very serious because of what he had just said.

Shang Rong stood to the side, her heart pounding with anxiety, fearing that something bad might happen.

King Zhou of Shang cursed Mei Bo like that. Although Mei Bo did not retort, he stood up straight and looked at King Zhou of Shang with no fear in his eyes. He stood there upright. Although he was old, at that moment he still had the feeling of a tough man. It was as if he could stand there alone and block the swords and spears in front of you. No matter how heavy the burden was, it could not break his shoulders.

Seeing Mei Bo's appearance, King Zhou of Shang became even angrier. He was furious at Mei Bo's stubbornness. "Guards! Drag this old scoundrel Mei Bo to the Heavenly Prison and lock him up. He will await my judgment. Without my permission, no one is allowed to visit him or bring him food until he bows his head."

In an instant, a group of people rushed in. Three or four of them were dressed as soldiers. Upon hearing King Zhou's order, they immediately grabbed Mei Bo's arm and prepared to escort him to the prison.

"Your Majesty, please make a careful decision. Your Majesty, Mei Bo is a minister of the country, holding a high position. Please reconsider." Shang Rong bowed and pleaded with King Zhou of Shang on behalf of Mei Bo.

"My mind is made up. No one is allowed to plead for me. I will spare you this time, but if you say anything to me again, I will never let you go. Whoever pleads for me will be punished for treason. Alright, you may leave. I am tired and want to rest for a while." King Zhou of Shang ignored Shang Rong's pleas and directly said that he wanted to rest, thus sending Shang Rong away.

"Then...then I will say no more and take my leave. I...I take my leave." Just like that, Shang Rong, who was driven away, resigned and left. Mei Bo's fate was to be imprisoned.

At this moment, Daji, who had been standing behind the screen, gracefully walked out and approached King Zhou. She slowly sat down on his lap. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, there's no need to be so angry. I'm fine. I know Your Majesty has become like this because I was wronged. Why don't you release Du Yunxian? I'll pretend nothing happened. As long as the Queen doesn't treat me like this again, I'll be content. Your Majesty doesn't need to be so troubled." As she spoke, Daji stroked King Zhou's arm and lowered her head to speak softly to him.

When King Zhou saw the beauty in this state, a feeling of pity welled up in his heart. He unconsciously embraced her and gently comforted her, saying, "My beloved, don't be like this. I will not let you suffer. They went too far this time. I will not let them off easily. How dare they slander you like this! Don't worry, my beloved, I will protect you. That old scoundrel Mei Bo, I will not let him get away with it."

"Since Your Majesty has said so, then I, your humble servant, will allow Your Majesty to decide for me. Your Majesty, please don't be angry, lest you harm your health." Daji, feigning indifference, won King Zhou's favor, then looked at him with an expression that seemed to say, "Don't always get angry because of me; I'll worry about you," exuding an aura of unparalleled beauty. Putting aside her scheming and character, Daji's beauty was undeniably praiseworthy. As a demon incarnate, she was naturally far more beautiful than any mortal woman; otherwise, King Zhou wouldn't have doted on her so much.

Furthermore, Nuwa sent Daji down to earth to punish King Zhou of Shang for his rudeness. If she hadn't chosen someone with decent looks, she probably wouldn't have been able to teach King Zhou a profound lesson as she wished.

"My beloved consort still cares for me the most. Unlike those ministers, they don't consider my feelings at all. They just give me advice every day, telling me I can't do this or that. They say everything is for the sake of the country and the people. But what about me? Who cares for me?" King Zhou looked at Daji with great satisfaction and expressed his dissatisfaction from the bottom of his heart.

"Since Your Majesty is so troubled, and I just saw that Mei Bo was indeed very disrespectful to Your Majesty, if Your Majesty does not want to suffer from him any longer, why not punish him once and for all? This would save Your Majesty's face and also serve as a warning to the court officials, so that they will not dare to slander Your Majesty at will in the future. This way, we can make an example of him and let Your Majesty rest easy." Daji looked at King Zhou of Shang with a sincere expression, as if she was really considering his best interests.

Chapter 1109 Shang Rong Resigns from Office

"What my beloved consort says... makes some sense. In this way, no one will dare to offend my authority. In the long run, I can rest easy. My beloved consort is truly clever. I will give the order now, but how exactly should he be punished?" King Zhou of Shang agreed with Daji's suggestion and prepared to kill Mei Bo, but he did not know how to kill him.

"I've made up my mind," King Zhou said, "I'll use the golden mace to strike Mei Bo on the head. This punishment will surely intimidate my ministers and prevent them from easily angering me again." Before Daji could reply, King Zhou himself announced his plan for Mei Bo's execution. Thus, King Zhou decided Mei Bo's fate, stating that he would be executed by striking him on the head with a golden mace.

"My dear consort, what do you think we should do with Du Yunxian? He's been locked up in prison for so many days, and he's already endured all the punishments he deserves. Should we release him?" King Zhou asked Daji for her advice.

"Your Majesty, since he has already received the punishment he deserves, there is no need to let him go, lest he leave behind future troubles. If Du Yunxian holds a grudge after he gets out, he will definitely threaten Your Majesty. Your Majesty should eliminate him completely to prevent future problems," Daji said ruthlessly.

"My beloved consort is right, she is right. I will order him to be killed, but what method should be used?"

"I've heard that there's a kind of cruel torture that's quite interesting, but I've never heard of any dynasty or era that used it. It's a very cruel torture. I wonder if Your Majesty would like to know about it?" Daji offered another suggestion.

"My beloved concubine, tell me, I want to know what this cruel torture is all about?"

"Legend has it that this torture is called the 'branding torture,' and its cruelty is truly shocking. I wonder if Your Majesty will use it?"

"Then let's give it a try. Give the order to have Du Yunxian subjected to this punishment. It will be good for me to see how powerful this legendary punishment is." King Zhou of Shang ruthlessly agreed. Daji's seemingly unintentional words determined Du Yunxian's fate in such a short time.

The punishment was delivered to the court, causing an uproar among the officials. They discussed how to deal with King Zhou's cruelty. When Shang Rong heard about this, he was greatly alarmed. He did not expect that King Zhou would be so indiscriminate in his judgment of good and evil, loyalty and treachery, and so cruel as to kill Mei Bo and Du Yunxian.

Shang Rong then gathered a group of ministers to petition King Zhou, proposing in his own name that King Zhou rescind his decree. However, to everyone's surprise, King Zhou didn't even glance at the memorial, nor did he say another word, as if the matter had never happened.

Shang Rong felt a chill in his heart and lost all interest in serving the country and its people. In his mind, King Zhou was no longer capable of supporting the country. So the next day, he submitted a memorial to the throne, in which he expressed his intention to resign and return to his hometown.

King Zhou said to Daji, "Today, Shang Rong presented me with a memorial, in which he expressed his desire to resign from his post and hoped that I would agree. Tell me, why don't these ministers understand me at all?"

"Since Shang Rong is so ungrateful, Your Majesty might as well agree to his request. Anyway, he will only oppose Your Majesty if he stays in court, so why should Your Majesty worry about him? Let him resign, and Your Majesty will be more at ease." Daji said to King Zhou nonchalantly, secretly hoping that the Shang Dynasty would be without anyone.

In the palace, Queen Jiang was kneeling respectfully on the ground. She never imagined that in just one night she would become a heinous person who murdered her king and her husband.

Empress Huang put down the imperial edict in her hand and said to Queen Jiang, "You ordered your general Jiang Huan to murder the king, intending to seize the Shang dynasty and give it to your father. This is a matter of great importance, and I dare not have any personal opinions. I hope Your Majesty will confess the truth." Empress Huang and Queen Jiang were friends in the palace, and she naturally did not believe that the queen would do such a treasonous thing. However, she could not disobey the imperial edict and could only do as it was ordered.

Queen Jiang said excitedly, "My dear sister, I have never known who Jiang Huan is. This is clearly a case of Jiang Huan framing me. Heaven can see that my Jiang family is full of loyal and virtuous people. This is clearly a case of being framed. I beg you, my sister, to investigate what I did, provide evidence for me, and help me clear my name!"

Empress Huang naturally knew that the Queen had no reason to murder the King, and there were many suspicious points in this matter. She stepped down and helped the Queen up, saying, "Sister, don't worry, I will go and inform the King right away."

"This matter is of utmost importance, my beloved consort, you cannot let personal feelings interfere." King Zhou rose from his throne and said to the kneeling Empress Huang, with the stunningly beautiful Daji standing beside him.

"Your Majesty, I dare not." Lady Huang knelt down again, lowering her body even further. Fortunately, King Zhou did not take his anger out on her. He stepped down and helped Lady Huang up. "My beloved consort, please rise. My beloved consort is knowledgeable and reasonable. Tell me your opinion."

Empress Huang rose and hurriedly said, “Your Majesty, I believe that the evidence in this case is insufficient and contrary to common sense. Please consider this: Queen Jiang is already the Empress and has given birth to the Crown Prince. After Your Majesty passes away, she will become the Queen Mother. If he were to assassinate her and hand over the throne to his father, even if the Queen is foolish, she would understand that she could never become the Queen Mother. Moreover, the Queen and Your Majesty have a deep and loving relationship and have been married for many years. Your Majesty should know her character. How could she risk the world's condemnation to assassinate Your Majesty?”

King Zhou hesitated after hearing what Consort Huang said. "According to my beloved consort's deduction, the Queen has nothing to do with this matter. She must be feeling wronged."

Daji sensed something was wrong and immediately stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, the crimes of regicide and treason are no small matter. How can the Queen confess so easily? Moreover, Jiang Huan is his father's man, and he has already confessed. How can we believe the Queen if she doesn't confess? Your Majesty, there are so many concubines in the harem. Why did Jiang Huan point to the Queen instead of someone else? For your safety and for the sake of the country, I believe that the Queen will not confess unless she is severely tortured."

Upon hearing this, Lady Huang immediately knelt down, pleading, "Your Majesty, the Queen is the mother of the harem; she cannot be tortured!"

Su Daji walked to King Zhou's side and said, "The emperor is subject to the same laws as the common people, let alone the queen who is the mother of the nation. Your Majesty, in my opinion, if the queen does not confess, gouge out one of her eyes. If the queen is afraid of the pain of having her eye gouged out, she will naturally confess."

Chapter 1110 Queen Jiang's Misfortune

Ever since the day she listened to Lady Huang's advice, the Queen has been worried and anxious all day long. However, she firmly believes that King Zhou and she have been husband and wife for many years, and he should not be too cruel to her. As long as she keeps an eye on Daji, she should be fine.

The next day, King Zhou went hunting with his ministers, and Daji used this as an excuse to come to Queen Jiang's palace. Daji entered the queen's inner chamber without being announced and said contemptuously, "Your Majesty has been unwell lately, so I came to see you."

Queen Jiang glared and said, "I'm sorry to trouble you, sister, but I'm not at ease receiving guests. You should go back." She then ordered a palace maid to escort Daji in and out. At this moment, Daji gestured to the eunuch to follow her. Suddenly, the eunuch shouted, "What is this? Such items are only found in the homes of traitors. Why does Your Majesty possess such a thing?"

Daji feigned anxiety and stepped forward to investigate, exclaiming, "Queen Jiang, I never imagined you would plot a rebellion! Guards, arrest her!" Queen Jiang cried out in panic, "Daji, you've framed me! The King won't believe you!" As she spoke, the guards hidden outside the door stormed into the palace and took the Queen away.

After capturing Queen Jiang, Daji attempted to torture her to force a confession, hoping that the king would have no reason to release her upon his return and could instead order her execution. However, Queen Jiang refused to confess, and the king became her last hope. She firmly believed that the king would eventually see through Daji's true nature. Having exhausted all other options, Daji fabricated evidence to await the king's return.

Daji ordered people to place many items related to treason in Queen Jiang's bedchamber and found witnesses to frame Queen Jiang.

Seven or eight days later, the king returned to the palace with his ministers. Someone stepped forward and reported: "Your Majesty, Queen Jiang has been imprisoned by Daji, who says she has treasonous intentions."

Upon hearing that Queen Jiang had been imprisoned for treason, King Zhou was initially incredulous. He rushed to Daji's palace to ask her, "My beloved consort! How could the Queen possibly commit treason? She has been with me for so many years, and I still believe in her." Daji coquettishly replied, "Then Your Majesty does not believe me! During Your Majesty's absence, my sister colluded with foreign officials, and the evidence is irrefutable. If Your Majesty does not believe me, I can present the evidence one by one."

He then ordered his men to bring the so-called evidence. The king was horrified. Indeed, these “exquisite” pieces of evidence made it hard for the king to believe that his bedmate still cared about him.

Daji, adding fuel to the fire, urged King Zhou to interrogate Queen Jiang. This had already clouded King Zhou's judgment. Enraged by Daji's words, he ordered the queen to be handed over to Daji for punishment. Now, Daji could rightfully punish Queen Jiang.

When Queen Jiang heard that the King had handed her over to Daji for punishment, she was heartbroken and felt her days were numbered. She repeatedly told herself that she must not confess under any circumstances, lest this fabricated charge ruin her and the Shang Dynasty.

Daji offered a plan to King Zhou: "Sister, it's because you've seen too many bad people in the palace and heard too many foul words that you've developed rebellious intentions."

"Then what do you think my beloved consort should do to make the king regret his actions?" King Zhou asked. Daji pretended to ponder for a moment and replied, "How about letting my sister not see it? That way, she can stay in the palace in peace." King Zhou agreed. However, out of consideration for their past kindness, he was unwilling to watch any longer and entrusted everything to Daji before leaving alone.

The eunuch delivered the decree to the prison, where the executioners gouged out Queen Jiang's eyes. Blood flowed continuously from her eye sockets. Queen Jiang cried out, "Daji, why are you so cruel? My king, we have been husband and wife for so many years, why have I been treated like this?"

The eunuch presented the bloodshot eyeballs to Daji, who, upon seeing them, burst into laughter: "Does the Queen admit her guilt?" "Not yet," the eunuch replied. A hint of anger flashed in Daji's eyes. Seeing this, her subordinates stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, since the establishment of our dynasty's torture of branding with hot irons, few can endure it, let alone the Queen."

Having said that, Daji quickly went to King Zhou and said, "Your Majesty, it's truly remarkable that you still won't tell. Why not use the torture of branding with hot irons? I've never seen such a punishment before." "Alright, I'll let you see it today," the king replied.

Daji and King Zhou ordered, "Guards, bring the bronze censer." The Queen's first words to King Zhou were, "Your Majesty, Daji has ruined the country." Enraged by this, King Zhou roared, "Guards, use torture! Let's see when the Queen will repent!" With a hissing sound, the Queen was in excruciating pain. The red-hot bronze censer touched her hands, instantly sticking them to it. King Zhou's face was grave, while Daji's expression was fierce.

After being tortured several times, Queen Jiang's skin was almost unrecognizable. But Daji showed no mercy, ordering ice water, transported from afar, to be poured directly over the queen's body. She repeatedly fainted, was revived, and fainted again… until finally, even the cold water proved ineffective. Daji then ordered salt water to be brought and said to the king, "I've heard that salt water has detoxifying properties; could you please try it on me, sister?"