Zhang Kui Asks the Way in Investiture of the Gods

The Battle of Chongcheng came to an end, and Ji Chang and Jiang Ziya, riding high on their victory, led their army back to Xiqi.

Although this battle demonstrated the power of Xiqi, Ji Chang felt little joy. He was kind-hearted by nature and disliked killing. Even though Chong Houhu's death and the decline of his clan were his own fault, he was still the Marquis of the North, a title bestowed by the imperial court. Ji Chang still felt a sense of sorrow for his own kind.

After returning to Xiqi, this nearly 100-year-old benevolent ruler was often restless, depressed, and exhausted. Soon after, he fell ill, and the illness progressed rapidly. Even with the best doctors in Xiqi providing the best medicines, his condition did not improve and he grew increasingly serious.

……

Chaoge, Nine-Room Palace

Wei Ziqi presented a memorial to the emperor, detailing the events of the Battle of Chongcheng, in which Chong Houhu was executed and his brother Chong Heihu surrendered the city to Xiqi.

Upon hearing the report, King Zhou was first taken aback, then flew into a rage, slamming his fist on the table and rising to his feet: "What? Chong Houhu was my right-hand man, who had repeatedly rendered meritorious service in battle, yet he was murdered by that old man Ji Chang and that traitor Chong Heihu in collusion. This is outrageous! Men, muster the troops! I will personally lead the army to conquer Xiqi and tear Ji Chang and Chong Heihu to pieces."

Upon seeing this, His Highness and his ministers all knelt down to dissuade him.

Some said that Xiqi was too powerful and needed careful consideration; others said that the Grand Tutor had not yet returned from his eastern expedition, leaving the court vulnerable; still others said that it might force the feudal lords of the four directions to rebel. Public sentiment was surging, and King Zhou had no choice but to suppress his anger and reluctantly give up, but his resentment towards Xiqi only deepened.

……

Xiqi, deep within the royal palace

Ji Chang's condition worsened daily, and he was on his deathbed. On this day, he mustered his strength and issued an edict summoning Prime Minister Jiang Ziya and Crown Prince Ji Fa to the palace.

The palace was filled with the fragrance of medicine, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Jiang Ziya hurried to the dragon bed, knelt down, and said in a choked voice, "This old minister Jiang Shang has come by imperial decree to wish Your Majesty a speedy recovery and a long and blessed life."

Ji Fa followed closely behind, kneeling down to pay his respects, tears welling in his eyes.

Ji Chang forced open his cloudy eyes, his gaze sweeping over the two men, a hint of relief appearing on his sallow face. He instructed Ji Fa, "My son... after my death, you are still young and inexperienced, so please... please do not listen to others' words, rashly take up arms, or lightly start a war..." He took a breath and continued, "Today, you should acknowledge Ziya as your 'Uncle-Father,' listening to his teachings morning and night. All matters of state and military affairs will be decided by your Uncle-Father. You should treat the Prime Minister as you would your own father, without the slightest negligence."

Ji Fa knew that his father was paving the way for him and consolidating the foundation of the state. He was heartbroken and kowtowed heavily, saying, "Your son obeys! I will regard my father as my own father and follow his teachings." After saying this, he turned to Jiang Ziya and respectfully performed the rites of a father to his son.

Jiang Ziya, tears streaming down his face, knelt before the bed, sobbing uncontrollably: "Your Majesty's kindness is boundless. Even if I were to give my life, it would be insufficient to repay even a fraction of your favor."

Ji Chang nodded slightly, then looked at Ji Fa and earnestly admonished him: "My son... remember, although the Shang dynasty is immoral, we, as subjects, must abide by our duties and not overstep our bounds... When you see good deeds, do not be negligent; when the opportunity arises, do not hesitate; when you have made a mistake, correct it quickly... These three principles are the great way to cultivate oneself, manage one's family, and govern the country..."

Ji Fa bowed again to receive the instruction, deeply imprinting his father's words in his heart.

After settling his affairs, Ji Chang seemed to have put an end to all his worries. His breath gradually weakened, and he eventually passed away peacefully at the age of ninety-seven.

This virtuous ruler, whose benevolence spread throughout the world and who laid the foundation for the Zhou dynasty, has now passed away.

The entire nation of Xiqi mourned King Wen, held a funeral for him, and announced his death to the world. All the feudal lords sent envoys to offer their condolences.

……

Meanwhile, in Mianchi, in the backyard of Jishantang.

Zhang Kui dismissed his attendants and secretly met with an old friend, Chong Yingbiao, son of Chong Houhu, in a quiet room. The old man looked weary and indignant.

Looking at the haggard young man before him, who had lost his former vigor, Zhang Kui felt a complex mix of emotions. Chong Houhu was a ruthless and wicked man who aided and abetted evil, oppressed the people, and formed cliques for personal gain; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he was utterly wicked and deserved to die. But considering his final arrangements—allowing Chong Yingbiao to escape right under Chong Heihu's nose and find his way here—his foresight was truly admirable, a testament to "parents' love for their children and their far-sighted plans."

Chong Yingbiao's feelings were equally complex and difficult to describe. Spoiled since childhood, he had no goodwill towards people like Zhang Kui, who had opposed his father and was favored by the Grand Tutor, and even harbored hostility towards them. He simply could not understand why his father, at the last moment, chose to send him to Zhang Kui, his former "enemy," instead of seeking refuge with the powerful and influential people in the court with whom he had previously been on good terms.

Fortunately, Chong Yingbiao was not a fool. He knew that his father would never harm him and that there must be a deeper meaning behind it. Therefore, he suppressed all his doubts and followed the instructions in the secret letter, venturing to Mianchi.

Zhang Kui carefully read Chong Houhu's handwritten secret letter, the words brimming with a sense of entrustment. He raised his head, his gaze calm as he looked at Chong Yingbiao, and spoke directly: "Your father said in the letter that he hoped I could spare your life and take you under my protection. What are your thoughts on this?"

Chong Yingbiao was taken aback upon hearing this, and subconsciously replied, "I...I will listen to my father."

"I'm asking about your own thoughts," Zhang Kui said, his tone unchanged. "Putting aside your father's arrangements, Chong Yingbiao, what do you want to do now? What are you capable of doing?"

Chong Yingbiao fell silent. He lowered his head, his hands clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force. After a long while, he suddenly raised his head. Although grief and indignation still lingered in his eyes, a hint of clarity and determination had emerged. He solemnly replied, "I want to live! To live well, for my father's sake too. Perhaps... perhaps one day..." He didn't finish his sentence, but his resentment and restraint were very clear.

Zhang Kui looked at the burning will to survive in his eyes, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "Good! Only with unwavering determination and a clear understanding of reality can one forge ahead. Since you want to live, I'll give you that chance."

He paused, then instructed, "From now on, forget your identity as the son of the Marquis of the North. Go to the army and serve under my younger brother Zhang Shan, starting as the lowest-ranking officer. No one will know your background, and you must not reveal it to anyone. Remember, until you have enough power, survival is your only task."

Chong Yingbiao took a deep breath and clasped his hands in a deep fist salute: "Your subordinate understands, thank you... General for taking me in!"

Zhang Kui summoned his personal guards and instructed them to take Chong Yingbiao to the military camp to report for duty, while strictly ordering them to keep it a secret.

Shortly after Chong Yingbiao left, a guard rushed in, bowed, and reported: "General, an urgent official document has arrived."

"Bring it here." Zhang Kui took the official document bearing the special seal, opened it, and found that it was an obituary for the passing of Ji Chang, the Marquis of Xibo.

Looking at the cold words on the silk scroll, Zhang Kui saw in his mind the kind and benevolent elder who remained calm and composed in the Youli prison, discussing scriptures and philosophy with him, and who had the world in his heart. Although their positions were different, Zhang Kui sincerely admired that wisdom and benevolence.

Now that his old friend has passed away, he couldn't help but feel a sense of loss and melancholy, as if things had changed.

"Husband, what's wrong?" Gao Lanying came over with a freshly brewed cup of tea. Seeing Zhang Kui's strange expression, she asked with concern and refilled the empty cups with hot tea.

Zhang Kui snapped out of his reverie, suppressed his melancholy, and handed the obituary to Gao Lanying. "It's nothing, I'm just a little sad about the passing of an old friend."

Gao Lanying quickly glanced at the obituary, lost in thought: "This Marquis of Xibo, is he the sage of the human race you mentioned before, the one who wrote the Book of Changes and possessed a heart of benevolence? I never imagined he would pass away." She looked up at Zhang Kui, "Husband, are you... going to Xiqi to participate in the sacrificial ceremony and send him off on his final journey?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Kui's fingers unconsciously traced the rim of the teacup. His eyes gleamed as he weighed the pros and cons. After a moment, he said decisively, "I will go. A true friend is hard to find in life. Although we walk different paths, his character is truly admirable. It is only right and proper for me to see my friend off on his final journey. Besides..." He changed the subject slightly, lowering his voice, "The power transition in Xiqi is at a delicate juncture. I need to witness it firsthand before deciding on my next move."

Gao Lanying nodded knowingly, gently patted the dust off Zhang Kui's shoulder, and said softly, "Then I will go and prepare a sacrificial offering immediately. We will set off later. Going early will not only express our sincerity, but also avoid most of the mourners, so as to avoid any further complications."

"Alright, thank you for your trouble, Madam." Zhang Kui grasped her hand and said with a smile.

After Gao Lanying had prepared everything, the two of them didn't linger any longer. They arrived at an open space in the courtyard, and with a thought, Zhang Kui's golden core began to rotate slightly, his magical power flowing. He then used the Cloud Ascension Technique, and the two of them transformed into an inconspicuous streak of light, speeding towards Xiqi.