1
周后稷，名棄。 其母有邰氏女，曰姜原。 姜原為帝嚳元妃。 姜原出野，見巨人跡，心忻然說，欲踐之，踐之而身動如孕者。 居期而生子，以為不祥，棄之隘巷，馬牛過者皆辟不踐； 徙置之林中，適會山林多人，遷之； 而棄渠中冰上，飛鳥以其翼覆薦之。 姜原以為神，遂收養長之。 初欲棄之，因名曰棄。
The Zhou dynasty's Hou Ji was named Qi. His mother was a woman of the Youtai clan named Jiang Yuan. Jiang Yuan was Emperor Ku's chief consort. Jiang Yuan ventured into the wilderness and spied a giant's footprint. Her heart filled with delight, and she desired to step upon it. When she stepped on it, her body stirred as though with child. When her time came, she bore a son. Deeming it an ill omen, she abandoned him in a narrow alley. Horses and cattle passing by all shied away and spared him their hooves. She carried him to the woods and left him there. As it happened, many woodcutters were in the forest and relocated him. She abandoned him in a ditch atop the ice, but flying birds sheltered him and warmed him with their wings. Jiang Yuan deemed this miraculous and took him home, raising him with care. She had at first wanted to abandon him, so she named him Qi.
2
棄為兒時，屹如巨人之志。 其游戲，好種樹麻、菽，麻、菽美。 及為成人，遂好耕農，相地之宜，宜穀者稼穡焉，民皆法則之。 帝堯聞之，舉棄為農師，天下得其利，有功。 帝舜曰：「棄，黎民始饑，爾后稷播時百穀。」 封棄於邰，號曰后稷，別姓姬氏。 后稷之興，在陶唐﹑虞﹑夏之際，皆有令德。
As a boy, Qi stood as resolute as a giant's determination. In his games, he loved sowing hemp and soybeans, and they flourished splendidly. Upon reaching adulthood, he grew fond of tilling the soil. He surveyed the terrain to see what suited it, sowed and reaped where grain would thrive, and all the people emulated his ways. Emperor Yao learned of this and made Qi the master of agriculture. The empire prospered from his efforts, and he earned great merit. Emperor Shun declared: 'Qi, when the black-haired people first knew famine, you, Lord of Millet, planted the seasons of the hundred grains.' He enfeoffed Qi at Tai, bestowed upon him the title Hou Ji, and created the separate surname of the Ji clan. Hou Ji rose to prominence in the transitional era between Tao Tang, Yu, and Xia, and all possessed admirable virtue.
3
后稷卒，子不窋立。 不窋末年，夏后氏政衰，去稷不務，不窋以失其官而犇戎狄之間。 不窋卒，子鞠立。 鞠卒，子公劉立。 公劉雖在戎狄之間，復修后稷之業，務耕種，行地宜，自漆、沮度渭，取材用，行者有資，居者有畜積，民賴其慶。 百姓懷之，多徙而保歸焉。 周道之興自此始，故詩人歌樂思其德。 公劉卒，子慶節立，國於豳。
Hou Ji passed away, and his son Bu Xu ascended the throne. In Bu Xu's later years, the Xia Hou clan's rule grew feeble. They abandoned Ji's teachings and grew neglectful. Bu Xu forfeited his position and fled among the Rong and Di peoples. Bu Xu died, and his son Ju took his place. Ju passed away, and his son Gong Liu succeeded him. Though Gong Liu dwelt among the Rong and Di barbarians, he revived Hou Ji's legacy, dedicating himself to agriculture and cultivation. He adapted to the land's nature, forded the Wei from Qi and Ju, gathered materials for use. Wayfarers found sustenance, settlers built reserves, and the people depended on his bounty. The people held him dear, and many migrated to seek refuge under his protection. The rise of the Zhou way began here. Thus poets composed songs celebrating and pondering their virtue. Gong Liu died, and his son Qing Jie took the throne. Their realm was established at Bin.
4
慶節卒，子皇仆立。 皇仆卒，子差弗立。 差弗卒，子毀隃立。 毀隃卒，子公非立。 公非卒，子高圉立。 高圉卒，子亞圉立。 亞圉卒，子公叔祖類立。 公叔祖類卒，子古公亶父立。 古公亶父復修后稷、公劉之業，積德行義，國人皆戴之。 薰育戎狄攻之，欲得財物，予之。 已復攻，欲得地與民。 民皆怒，欲戰。 古公曰：「有民立君，將以利之。 今戎狄所為攻戰，以吾地與民。 民之在我，與其在彼，何異。 民欲以我故戰，殺人父子而君之，予不忍為。」 乃與私屬遂去豳，度漆、沮，踰梁山，止於岐下。 豳人舉國扶老攜弱，盡復歸古公於岐下。 及他旁國聞古公仁，亦多歸之。 於是古公乃貶戎狄之俗，而營筑城郭室屋，而邑別居之。 作五官有司。 民皆歌樂之，頌其德。
Qing Jie died, and his son Huang Pu succeeded him. Huang Pu passed away, and his son Cha Fu took the throne. Cha Fu died, and his son Hui Yu ascended. Hui Yu passed on, and his son Gong Fei was enthroned. Gong Fei died, and his son Gao Yu succeeded him. Gao Yu died, and his son Ya Yu took his place. Ya Yu passed away, and his son Gong Shu Zu Lei ascended the throne. Gong Shu Zu Lei died, and his son Gu Gong Dan Fu was established. Gu Gong Dan Fu revived the legacies of Hou Ji and Gong Liu, amassing virtue and practicing benevolence. All the people of the realm revered him. The Xunyu Rongdi attacked him, coveting wealth and possessions. He granted them their desires. They attacked once more, seeking to seize land and subjects. All the people were furious and yearned to battle. Gu Gong declared: 'When subjects raise up a lord, it is for their welfare. Now the Rongdi wage war to claim my territory and subjects. Whether the people belong to me or to them—what difference is there? If my people fight for my sake, slaying fathers and sons to enthrone me, I cannot bring myself to allow it.' Then, with his personal retinue, he departed Bin, forded the Qi and Ju rivers, scaled Liang Mountain, and halted at the base of Mount Qi. The entire population of Bin, supporting the aged and bearing the young, all returned to Gu Gong at the foot of Mount Qi. When neighboring states learned of Gu Gong's benevolence, many flocked to him as well. Thus Gu Gong discarded the ways of the Rong and Di, constructed walled cities and dwellings, and organized the settlements with distinct quarters. He instituted the five ministries with their overseers. All the people sang praises of him and lauded his virtue.
5
古公有長子曰太伯，次曰虞仲。 太姜生少子季歷，季歷娶太任，皆賢婦人，生昌，有聖瑞。 古公曰：「我世當有興者，其在昌乎？」 長子太伯、虞仲知古公欲立季歷以傳昌，乃二人亡如荊蠻，文身斷髪，以讓季歷。
Gu Gong had an eldest son named Tai Bo and a second named Yu Zhong. Tai Jiang bore the youngest son Ji Li. Ji Li wed Tai Ren. Both were exemplary women who gave birth to Chang, attended by auspicious signs. Gu Gong declared: 'My line shall produce one who rises to greatness—perhaps it will be Chang?' The eldest sons Tai Bo and Yu Zhong knew Gu Gong intended to establish Ji Li to transmit the succession to Chang. Thus the two fled to the Jing barbarians, tattooed their bodies and cropped their hair, yielding the throne to Ji Li.
6
古公卒，季歷立，是為公季。 公季修古公遺道，篤於行義，諸侯順之。
Gu Gong passed away, and Ji Li succeeded him. He was known as Gong Ji. Gong Ji upheld Gu Gong's legacy, was steadfast in benevolence, and the lords submitted to him.
7
公季卒，子昌立，是為西伯。 西伯曰文王，遵后稷、公劉之業，則古公、公季之法，篤仁，敬老，慈少。 禮下賢者，日中不暇食以待士，士以此多歸之。 伯夷、叔齊在孤竹，聞西伯善養老，盍往歸之。 太顛、閎夭、散宜生、鬻子、辛甲大夫之徒皆往歸之。
Gong Ji died, and his son Chang succeeded him. He was known as the Western Lord. The Western Lord became known as King Wen. He honored Hou Ji and Gong Liu's legacies, followed Gu Gong and Gong Ji's examples, practiced steadfast benevolence, honored the aged, and showed compassion to the young. He treated worthy men with humility. Even at midday he had no time to eat while awaiting scholars. Thus scholars came to him in great numbers. Bo Yi and Shu Qi dwelt in Guzhu. They heard the Western Lord excelled at caring for the elderly. Why not go and join him? Tai Dian, Hong Yao, San Yisheng, Yu Zi, and other nobles like Xin Jia all went to join him.
8
崇侯虎譖西伯於殷紂曰：「西伯積善累德，諸侯皆向之，將不利於帝。」 帝紂乃囚西伯於羑里。 閎夭之徒患之。 乃求有莘氏美女，驪戎之文馬，有熊九駟，他奇怪物，因殷嬖臣費仲而獻之紂。 紂大說，曰：「此一物足以釋西伯，況其多乎！」 乃赦西伯，賜之弓矢斧鉞，使西伯得征伐。 曰：「譖西伯者，崇侯虎也。」 西伯乃獻洛西之地，以請紂去炮格之刑。 紂許之。
Chong Hou Hu slandered the Western Lord to Emperor Zhou, declaring: 'The Western Lord amasses virtue and benevolence. All the lords incline toward him. This bodes ill for Your Majesty.' Emperor Zhou then imprisoned the Western Lord at Youli. Hong Yao and his followers were greatly concerned. They procured a beauty from the Youshen clan, patterned horses from the Li Rong, nine chariot teams from You Xiong, and other wondrous treasures. Through the Yin court favorite Fei Zhong, they presented them to Zhou. Zhou was delighted and exclaimed: 'Even one of these treasures would suffice to free the Western Lord, let alone so many!' Thus he pardoned the Western Lord and bestowed upon him bows, arrows, axes, and battle-axes, granting him authority to wage war. He declared: 'The slanderer of the Western Lord was Chong Hou Hu.' The Western Lord then ceded the lands west of the Luo River to petition Zhou to abolish the paoge tortures. Zhou consented.
9
西伯陰行善，諸侯皆來決平。 於是虞、芮之人有獄不能決，乃如周。 入界，耕者皆讓畔，民俗皆讓長。 虞、芮之人未見西伯，皆慚，相謂曰：「吾所爭，周人所恥，何往為，秖取辱耳。」 遂還，俱讓而去。 諸侯聞之，曰「西伯蓋受命之君」。
The Western Lord quietly practiced virtue, and all the lords came to him for judgments and arbitrations. Thus when the people of Yu and Rui had a dispute they could not settle, they went to Zhou. Upon crossing the border, farmers yielded their field boundaries to one another, and the people deferred to their elders. The people of Yu and Rui, before even meeting the Western Lord, were all ashamed. They said to one another: 'What we fight over, the Zhou people find disgraceful. Why go there? We would only humiliate ourselves.' Then they returned home, both parties yielding to each other. The lords heard of this and declared: 'The Western Lord is truly the ruler who has received the Mandate of Heaven.'
10
明年，伐犬戎。 明年，伐密須。 明年，敗耆國。 殷之祖伊聞之，懼，以告帝紂。 紂曰：「不有天命乎？ 是何能為！」 明年，伐邘。 明年，伐崇侯虎。 而作豐邑，自岐下而徙都豐。 明年，西伯崩，太子發立，是為武王。
The following year, he campaigned against the Quanrong. The next year, he attacked Mixu. The following year, he defeated the state of Qi. Yin's ancestor Yi heard of this and grew fearful. He informed Emperor Zhou. Zhou replied: 'Is there not the Mandate of Heaven? What harm can he do!' The next year, he attacked Yu. The following year, he attacked Chong Hou Hu. Then he built the city of Feng and relocated his capital from the foot of Mount Qi to Feng. The next year, the Western Lord passed away. Crown Prince Fa succeeded him, and he was known as King Wu.
11
西伯蓋即位五十年。 其囚羑里，蓋益易之八卦為六十四卦。 詩人道西伯，蓋受命之年稱王而斷虞芮之訟。 後十年而崩，謚為文王。 改法度，制正朔矣。 追尊古公為太王，公季為王季：蓋王瑞自太王興。
The Western Lord had likely reigned for fifty years. During his imprisonment at Youli, he likely expanded the Book of Changes from eight trigrams to sixty-four hexagrams. The poets sang of the Western Lord: in the year he received the Mandate of Heaven, he was called king and adjudicated the Yu-Rui dispute. Ten years later he passed away and was posthumously honored as King Wen. He reformed the laws and institutions, establishing the proper calendar. He posthumously elevated Gu Gong to Tai Wang, Gong Ji to Wang Ji: truly the royal auspices arose with Tai Wang.
12
武王即位，太公望為師，周公旦為輔，召公、畢公之徒左右王，師修文王緒業。
When King Wu ascended the throne, Tai Gong Wang became his mentor, Zhou Gong Dan his chief counselor, and Zhao Gong, Bi Gong, and others served at the king's side. They all continued and brought to perfection King Wen's legacy.
13
九年，武王上祭于畢。 東觀兵，至于盟津。 為文王木主，載以車，中軍。 武王自稱太子發，言奉文王以伐，不敢自專。 乃告司馬、司徒、司空、諸節：「齊栗，信哉！ 予無知，以先祖有德臣，小子受先功，畢立賞罰，以定其功。」 遂興師。 師尚父號曰：「總爾眾庶，與爾舟楫，後至者斬。」 武王渡河，中流，白魚躍入王舟中，武王俯取以祭。 既渡，有火自上復于下，至于王屋，流為烏，其色赤，其聲魄云。 是時，諸侯不期而會盟津者八百諸侯。 諸侯皆曰：「紂可伐矣。」 武王曰：「女未知天命，未可也。」 乃還師歸。
In the ninth year, King Wu offered sacrifices at Bi. He mustered his forces eastward, reaching Mengjin. He prepared a wooden spirit tablet for King Wen and placed it on a chariot in the midst of the army. King Wu referred to himself as Crown Prince Fa, declaring he acted in King Wen's name to campaign, not presuming to act independently. Then he addressed the Marshal, the Ministers of Works and Instruction, and all officials: 'Be solemn and attentive, truly faithful! I am inexperienced, but my ancestors had virtuous ministers. This youth inherits their merits. I will establish rewards and punishments in full to secure their accomplishments.' Thus he mobilized the army. The venerable Jiang Ziya proclaimed: 'Muster your multitudes and provide you with boats and oars. Those who arrive late shall be put to death.' King Wu forded the river. In midstream, a white fish leaped into the royal barge. King Wu stooped, retrieved it, and offered it in sacrifice. Having crossed, fire descended from above and ascended from below, reaching Wangwu Mountain. It transformed into a crow, red in color, its cry powerful as thunder. At this moment, eight hundred lords assembled at Mengjin without prior summons. All the lords declared: 'Zhou may now be overthrown.' King Wu replied: 'You misunderstand the Mandate of Heaven. The time is not yet ripe.' Thus he withdrew the army and returned home.
14
居二年，聞紂昏亂暴虐滋甚，殺王子比干，囚箕子。 太師疵、少師彊抱其樂器而奔周。 於是武王遍告諸侯曰：「殷有重罪，不可以不畢伐。」 乃遵文王，遂率戎車三百乘，虎賁三千人，甲士四萬五千人，以東伐紂。 十一年十二月戊午，師畢渡盟津，諸侯咸會。 曰：「孳孳無怠！」 武王乃作太誓，告于眾庶：「今殷王紂乃用其婦人之言，自絕于天，毀壞其三正，離逖其王父母弟，乃斷棄其先祖之樂，乃為淫聲，用變亂正聲，怡說婦人。 故今予發維共行天罰。 勉哉夫子，不可再，不可三！」
Two years elapsed. He learned that Zhou's madness and cruelty had grown ever more extreme. He had slain Prince Bi Gan and imprisoned Ji Zi. Grand Master Ci and Junior Master Qiang clutched their musical instruments and defected to Zhou. Thus King Wu addressed all the lords: 'The Shang bear grievous sins. We must utterly overthrow them.' Then he honored King Wen's legacy and commanded three hundred war chariots, three thousand elite guards, and forty-five thousand armored troops to campaign eastward against Zhou. In the eleventh year, twelfth month, day wuwu, the entire army forded Mengjin, and all the lords gathered. He commanded: 'Be diligent and tireless!' King Wu then pronounced the Great Oath and declared to the assembled host: 'Now King Zhou of Yin heeds only the counsel of his women, severing himself from Heaven's favor. He demolishes the three cardinal principles, alienates his royal kin and siblings. He discards his ancestors' sacred music for lewd tunes that corrupt the proper harmonies, finding pleasure solely in gratifying women. Therefore now I, Fa, shall together execute Heaven's retribution. Strive on, my lords! This opportunity comes but once, not twice, not thrice!'
15
二月甲子昧爽，武王朝至于商郊牧野，乃誓。 武王左杖黃鉞，右秉白旄，以麾。 曰：「遠矣西土之人！」 武王曰：「嗟！ 我有國冢君，司徒、司馬、司空，亞旅、師氏，千夫長、百夫長，及庸、蜀、羌、髳、微、纑、彭、濮人，稱爾戈，比爾干，立爾矛，予其誓。」 王曰：「古人有言『牝雞無晨。 牝雞之晨，惟家之索』。 今殷王紂維婦人言是用，自棄其先祖肆祀不答，昏棄其家國，遺其王父母弟不用，乃維四方之多罪逋逃是崇是長，是信是使，俾暴虐于百姓，以姦軌于商國。 今予發維共行天之罰。 今日之事，不過六步七步，乃止齊焉，夫子勉哉！ 不過於四伐五伐六伐七伐，乃止齊焉，勉哉夫子！ 尚桓桓，如虎如羆，如豺如離，于商郊，不御克奔，以役西土，勉哉夫子！ 爾所不勉，其于爾身有戮。」 誓已，諸侯兵會者車四千乘，陳師牧野。
In the second month, day jiazi, at break of dawn, King Wu's host reached the Shang outskirts at Muye, and there he pronounced the oath. King Wu gripped a yellow battle-axe in his left hand and a white command pennant in his right, waving it to direct his forces. He called out: 'How distant you are, people of the western territories!' King Wu cried: 'Ah! I have the noble lords of realms, the Ministers of Works, War, and Instruction, the junior officers and commanders, the captains of thousands and hundreds, and the folk of Yong, Shu, Qiang, Mao, Wei, Lu, Peng, and Pu. Raise your spears, align your shields, plant your lances—I shall pronounce the oath.' The king declared: 'The ancients had a proverb: 'A hen should not crow at dawn. When a hen crows at dawn, the household comes to ruin.'' Now King Zhou of Yin heeds only women's counsel, forsaking his ancestors' generous rites unanswered. He recklessly abandons his realm and kin, neglecting his royal relations and siblings. He elevates and nurtures the countless criminals and outlaws from the four quarters, entrusting and employing them. He inflicts cruelty upon the populace, with wicked practices throughout the Shang domain. Now I, Fa, shall jointly execute Heaven's retribution. Today's battle requires no more than six paces, seven paces, then halt and form ranks. My lords, give your utmost! No more than four blows, five blows, six blows, seven blows, then halt and reform ranks. Strive on, my lords! Be fiercely brave, like tigers and bears, like panthers and wolves, upon the Shang fields. Spare those who surrender and flee, to serve the western territories. Press on, my lords! If you fail to strive, slaughter shall befall your bodies.' The oath concluded. The lords' assembled forces totaled four thousand chariots. The army deployed at Muye.
16
帝紂聞武王來，亦發兵七十萬人距武王。 武王使師尚父與百夫致師，以大卒馳帝紂師。 紂師雖眾，皆無戰之心，心欲武王亟入。 紂師皆倒兵以戰，以開武王。 武王馳之，紂兵皆崩畔紂。 紂走，反入登于鹿臺之上，蒙衣其殊玉，自燔于火而死。 武王持大白旗以麾諸侯，諸侯畢拜武王，武王乃揖諸侯，諸侯畢從。 武王至商國，商國百姓咸待於郊。 於是武王使群臣告語商百姓曰：「上天降休！」 商人皆再拜稽首，武王亦答拜。 遂入，至紂死所。 武王自射之，三發而後下車，以輕劍擊之，以黃鉞斬紂頭，縣大白之旗。 已而至紂之嬖妾二女，二女皆經自殺。 武王又射三發，擊以劍，斬以玄鉞，縣其頭小白之旗。 武王已乃出復軍。
Emperor Zhou learned of King Wu's advance and dispatched seven hundred thousand troops to oppose him. King Wu commanded the venerable Jiang Ziya and the commander of hundreds to lead the charge, hurling the main force against Emperor Zhou's army. Though Zhou's forces were vast in number, none possessed the will to battle. Their hearts longed for King Wu to enter swiftly. Zhou's soldiers all reversed their weapons and fought to clear the path for King Wu. King Wu charged forward, and Zhou's troops crumbled, turning against their ruler. Zhou fled, doubling back to ascend the Deer Terrace. He draped his garments with precious jade and immolated himself in flames. King Wu raised the great white banner to direct the lords. All the lords bowed to King Wu. King Wu then returned their salute, and all the lords followed. King Wu reached the Shang capital. All the Shang commoners awaited him in the outskirts. Thus King Wu commanded his ministers to proclaim to the Shang people: 'Heaven has bestowed its favor!' All the Shang folk bowed twice and prostrated themselves. King Wu returned their salute. Then he entered and reached the place where Zhou had perished. King Wu personally shot at the corpse. After three arrows, he alighted from his chariot, struck it with a light sword, severed Zhou's head with a yellow axe, and displayed it from the great white banner. Then he came to Zhou's two favored concubines. Both women had taken their own lives by hanging. King Wu shot three more arrows, struck them with his sword, severed their heads with a black axe, and displayed them from a small white banner. King Wu then departed and returned to his army.
17
其明日，除道，修社及商紂宮。 及期，百夫荷罕旗以先驅。 武王弟叔振鐸奉陳常車，周公旦把大鉞，畢公把小鉞，以夾武王。 散宜生、太顛、閎夭皆執劍以衛武王。 既入，立于社南大卒之左，［左］右畢從。 毛叔鄭奉明水，衛康叔封布茲，召公奭贊采，師尚父牽牲。 尹佚筴祝曰：「殷之末孫季紂，殄廢先王明德，侮蔑神祇不祀，昏暴商邑百姓，其章顯聞于天皇上帝。」 於是武王再拜稽首，曰：「膺更大命，革殷，受天明命。」 武王又再拜稽首，乃出。
The following day, they cleared the roads and restored the altars and Shang palaces. When the appointed moment arrived, the commander of hundreds bore the Han banner to lead the vanguard. King Wu's younger brother Shu Zhenduo drove the ceremonial chariot. The Duke of Zhou wielded a large battle-axe, Duke Bi a small one, flanking King Wu on both sides. San Yisheng, Tai Dian, and Hong Yao all held swords to stand guard over King Wu. Having entered, he stood south of the altar to the left of the great host. On all sides, they followed. Mao Shuzheng presented the purified water. Duke Kang of Wei spread the purple mats. Duke Zhao of Shao assisted with the rites. The venerable Jiang Ziya led the sacrificial beast. Yin Qi beat the drum and pronounced the invocation: 'Yin's final descendant Ji Zhou extinguishes and rejects the former kings' luminous virtue, affronts and scorns the gods without offerings, savagely oppresses the people of Shang city. His notorious crimes are manifestly heard by the August Heavenly Emperor.' Thus King Wu bowed twice and prostrated himself, declaring: 'I accept the supreme mandate, transform the Shang, receive Heaven's luminous decree.' King Wu again bowed twice and prostrated himself, then departed.
18
封商紂子祿父殷之餘民。 武王為殷初定未集，乃使其弟管叔鮮、蔡叔度相祿父治殷。 已而命召公釋箕子之囚。 命畢公釋百姓之囚，表商容之閭。 命南宮括散鹿臺之財，發鉅橋之粟，以振貧弱萌隸。 命南宮括、史佚展九鼎保玉。 命閎夭封比干之墓。 命宗祝享祠于軍。 乃罷兵西歸。 行狩，記政事，作武成。 封諸侯，班賜宗彝，作分殷之器物。 武王追思先聖王，乃褒封神農之後於焦，黃帝之後於祝，帝堯之後於薊，帝舜之後於陳，大禹之後於杞。 於是封功臣謀士，而師尚父為首封。 封尚父於營丘，曰齊。 封弟周公旦於曲阜，曰魯。 封召公奭於燕。 封弟叔鮮於管，弟叔度於蔡。 餘各以次受封。
He enfeoffed Shang Zhou's son Lu Fu with the surviving Shang populace. Since the Shang realm was newly pacified but not yet fully unified, King Wu appointed his younger brothers Guan Shu Xian and Cai Shu Du to assist Lu Fu in administering the Shang territories. Then he ordered Duke Zhao to free Ji Zi from captivity. He commanded Duke Bi to free the people's prisoners and marked Shang Rong's alley with honor. He commanded Nan Gong Kuo to disperse the treasures of the Deer Terrace and open the granaries of Ju Bridge to succor the impoverished, the weak, and the enslaved. He commanded Nan Gong Kuo and Shi Yi to exhibit the nine tripods and safeguard the precious jade. He commanded Hong Yao to properly entomb Bi Gan's remains. He ordered the ritual officers to conduct sacrifices within the army camp. Then he demobilized the army and journeyed westward. He undertook the imperial hunt, documented state affairs, and composed the Completion of the Martial Achievements. He enfeoffed the regional lords, apportioned and bestowed the ritual bronzes, and crafted the vessels for apportioning the Shang territories. King Wu, reflecting upon the ancient sage rulers, graciously enfeoffed Shen Nong's descendants at Jiao, the Yellow Emperor's descendants at Zhu, Emperor Yao's descendants at Ji, Emperor Shun's descendants at Chen, and Great Yu's descendants at Qi. Thus he enfeoffed the worthy ministers and advisors, with the venerable Jiang Ziya receiving the first fief. He enfeoffed the venerable elder at Yingqiu, naming it Qi. He enfeoffed his younger brother the Duke of Zhou at Qufu, naming it Lu. He enfeoffed Duke Zhao of Shao at Yan. He enfeoffed his younger brother Shu Xian at Guan and younger brother Shu Du at Cai. The others each received their fiefs in due succession.
19
武王徵九牧之君，登豳之阜，以望商邑。 武王至于周，自夜不寐。 周公旦即王所，曰：「曷為不寐？」 王曰：「告女：維天不饗殷，自發未生於今六十年，麋鹿在牧，蜚鴻滿野。 天不享殷，乃今有成。 維天建殷，其登名民三百六十夫，不顯亦不賓滅，以至今。 我未定天保，何暇寐！」 王曰：「定天保，依天室，悉求夫惡，貶從殷王受。 日夜勞來定我西土，我維顯服，及德方明。 自洛汭延于伊汭，居易毋固，其有夏之居。 我南望三涂，北望嶽鄙，顧詹有河，粵詹雒、伊，毋遠天室。」 營周居于雒邑而後去。 縱馬於華山之陽，放牛於桃林之虛； 偃干戈，振兵釋旅：示天下不復用也。
King Wu summoned the governors of the nine provinces, climbed the hill at Bin, and surveyed the Shang capital. King Wu reached Zhou, and lay awake through the night. The Duke of Zhou approached the king's quarters and asked: 'Why do you not sleep?' The king replied: 'I shall tell you: Heaven no longer blesses the Shang. From before my birth until now, sixty years, deer roam the pastures and wild geese crowd the plains. Heaven has withdrawn its favor from the Shang, and thus now we achieve success. Heaven founded the Shang, and their registered populace numbered three hundred sixty men. Though undistinguished, they were not extinguished in obedience, enduring until now. I have not yet secured Heaven's safeguarding. How can I find rest!' The king continued: 'Establish Heaven's safeguarding, dwell in Heaven's sanctuary. Thoroughly identify the wicked, depose those who served and received from the Shang king. Day and night we labor to pacify our western territories. I am resplendent in governance, and virtue now shines forth. From the Luo River's bend extending to the Yi River's bend, reside comfortably without rigidity, holding Xia's ancient dwelling. I gaze south to the Triple Roads, north to the mountain outskirts. Behold the Yellow River, and the Luo and Yi—remain close to Heaven's sanctuary.' He laid out Zhou's capital at Luoyi and then departed. He set horses free on the sunny slopes of Mount Hua, released cattle into the open meadows of Tao Forest. He laid aside arms and demobilized the soldiers: demonstrating to the empire they would not be needed again.
20
武王已克殷，後二年，問箕子殷所以亡。 箕子不忍言殷惡，以存亡國宜告。 武王亦醜，故問以天道。
King Wu had already overthrown the Shang. Two years later, he inquired of Ji Zi the reasons for Yin's downfall. Ji Zi could not bring himself to speak of the Shang's wickedness, so instructed him in the principles of state survival and ruin. King Wu also found it distasteful, so inquired about the principles of Heaven.
21
武王病。 天下未集，群公懼，穆卜，周公乃祓齋，自為質，欲代武王，武王有瘳。 後而崩，太子誦代立，是為成王。
King Wu fell gravely ill. The empire remained unsettled, the nobles were terrified, they performed divination. The Duke of Zhou purified himself through ritual fasting, offered himself as pledge, desiring to take King Wu's place. King Wu regained his health. Shortly thereafter he passed away. Crown Prince Song ascended the throne. He was known as King Cheng.
22
成王少，周初定天下，周公恐諸侯畔周，公乃攝行政當國。 管叔、蔡叔群弟疑周公，與武庚作亂，畔周。 周公奉成王命，伐誅武庚、管叔，放蔡叔。 以微子開代殷後，國於宋。 頗收殷餘民，以封武王少弟封為衛康叔。 晉唐叔得嘉穀，獻之成王，成王以歸周公于兵所。 周公受禾東土，魯天子之命。 初，管、蔡畔周，周公討之，三年而畢定，故初作大誥，次作微子之命，次歸禾，次嘉禾，次康誥、酒誥、梓材，其事在周公之篇。 周公行政七年，成王長，周公反政成王，北面就群臣之位。
King Cheng was still a child. Zhou had only recently brought the empire under control. The Duke of Zhou feared the regional lords might revolt against Zhou, so he assumed the regency and ruled the state. The uncles Guan Shu and Cai Shu, along with their brothers, grew suspicious of the Duke of Zhou, allied with Wu Geng in insurrection, and rebelled against Zhou. The Duke of Zhou, acting on King Cheng's orders, campaigned against and executed Wu Geng and Guan Shu, banishing Cai Shu. He installed Wei Zi Kai as the legitimate successor to the Shang, establishing his realm at Song. He gathered many of the surviving Shang people to enfeoff King Wu's younger brother Feng as the Duke Kang of Wei. Jin Tang Shu discovered marvelous grain and presented it to King Cheng. King Cheng conveyed it to the Duke of Zhou at the military camp. The Duke of Zhou accepted the grain from the eastern territories and the mandate to rule Lu as the Son of Heaven. At first, Guan Shu and Cai Shu rebelled against Zhou. The Duke of Zhou put down their insurrection, and in three years order was fully restored. Thus he first composed the Great Pronouncement, then the Wei Zi Mandate, then the Return of Grain, then the Auspicious Grain, then the Kang Pronouncement, the Wine Pronouncement, and Zi Cai. These events are recorded in the Duke of Zhou's biography. The Duke of Zhou held the regency for seven years. King Cheng came of age. The Duke of Zhou returned governance to King Cheng and, in proper humility, assumed his place among the ministers.
23
成王在豐，使召公復營洛邑，如武王之意。 周公復卜申視，卒營筑，居九鼎焉。 曰：「此天下之中，四方入貢道里均。」 作召誥、洛誥。 成王既遷殷遺民，周公以王命告，作多士、無佚。 召公為保，周公為師，東伐淮夷，殘奄，遷其君薄泵。 成王自奄歸，在宗周，作多方。 既絀殷命，襲淮夷，歸在豐，作周官。 興正禮樂，度制於是改，而民和睦，頌聲興。 成王既伐東夷，息慎來賀，王賜榮伯作賄息慎之命。
King Cheng resided at Feng. He commanded Duke Zhao to rebuild Luoyi, fulfilling King Wu's original vision. The Duke of Zhou performed further divination and surveyed the site. In the end, they constructed the city and installed the nine sacred tripods there. He declared: 'This lies at the heart of the empire. Tribute routes from the four quarters are equally balanced in distance.' He composed the Proclamation of Duke Zhao and the Proclamation of Luo. King Cheng having resettled the surviving Shang people, the Duke of Zhou addressed them with the king's decree, composing the Many Officers and No Leisure documents. Duke Zhao served as guardian, the Duke of Zhou as mentor. They campaigned eastward against the Huai barbarians, destroyed Yan, and relocated their ruler Bo Chou. King Cheng returned from Yan and, residing in Zong Zhou, composed the Many Regions proclamation. Having terminated the Shang mandate and assaulted the Huai barbarians, he returned to Feng and composed the Zhou Offices. He revived proper ceremonies and music, reformed weights and measures, and the people lived in harmony as hymns of praise flourished. King Cheng having campaigned against the eastern barbarians, the Xishen came to offer congratulations. The king bestowed Rong Bo to compose the Xishen Tribute decree.
24
成王將崩，懼太子釗之不任，乃命召公、畢公率諸侯以相太子而立之。 成王既崩，二公率諸侯，以太子釗見於先王廟，申告以文王、武王之所以為王業之不易，務在節儉，毋多欲，以篤信臨之，作顧命。 太子釗遂立，是為康王。 康王即位，遍告諸侯，宣告以文武之業以申之，作《康誥》。 故成康之際，天下安寧，刑錯四十餘年不用。 康王命作策畢公分居里，成周郊，作《畢命》。
King Cheng neared his end, worried that Crown Prince Zhao might prove unequal to the task, so commanded Duke Zhao and Duke Bi to lead the lords in supporting the crown prince and enthroning him. King Cheng having passed away, the two dukes led the lords and presented Crown Prince Zhao at the ancestral shrine, solemnly instructing him on why King Wen and King Wu's royal undertaking was arduous, stressing moderation and self-restraint over excessive desires, to rule with unwavering sincerity. They composed the Testamentary Charge. Crown Prince Zhao then ascended the throne. He was known as King Kang. King Kang ascended the throne and addressed all the lords, proclaiming the legacies of Wen and Wu to reinforce them, composing the Kang Proclamation. Thus during the reigns of Cheng and Kang, the empire enjoyed profound peace. The instruments of punishment gathered dust, unused for more than forty years. King Kang commanded the composition of a decree for Duke Bi to apportion dwellings and districts in the outskirts of Cheng Zhou, creating the Bi Mandate.
25
康王卒，子昭王瑕立。 昭王之時，王道微缺。 昭王南巡狩不返，卒於江上。 其卒不赴告，諱之也。 立昭王子滿，是為穆王。 穆王即位，春秋已五十矣。 王道衰微，穆王閔文武之道缺，乃命伯臩申誡太仆國之政，作臩命。 復寧。
King Kang passed away, and his son King Zhao Xia ascended the throne. During King Zhao's reign, the royal way began to falter. King Zhao journeyed south on inspection and never returned, meeting his end upon the Yangtze River. His passing was not immediately announced, out of deference to ritual propriety. King Zhao's son Man ascended the throne. He was known as King Mu. King Mu ascended the throne already fifty years of age. The royal path grew somewhat dim. King Mu lamented the fading of Wen and Wu's teachings, so commanded Bo Xiang to reinforce admonitions to the Grand Steward regarding governance, composing the Xiang Mandate. Order was restored.
26
穆王將征犬戎，祭公謀父諫曰：「不可。 先王燿德不觀兵。 夫兵戢而時動，動則威，觀則玩，玩則無震。 是故周文公之頌曰：『載戢干戈，載櫜弓矢，我求懿德，肆于時夏，允王保之。』 先王之於民也，茂正其德而厚其性，阜其財求而利其器用，明利害之鄉，以文修之，使之務利而辟害，懷德而畏威，故能保世以滋大。 昔我先王世后稷以服事虞、夏。 及夏之衰也，棄稷不務，我先王不窋用失其官，而自竄於戎狄之閒。 不敢怠業，時序其德，遵修其緒，修其訓典，朝夕恪勤，守以敦篤，奉以忠信。 奕世載德，不忝前人。 至于文王、武王，昭前之光明而加之以慈和，事神保民，無不欣喜。 商王帝辛大惡于民，庶民不忍，訢載武王，以致戎于商牧。 是故先王非務武也，勸恤民隱而除其害也。 夫先王之制，邦內甸服，邦外侯服，侯衛賓服，夷蠻要服，戎翟荒服。 甸服者祭，侯服者祀，賓服者享，要服者貢，荒服者王。 日祭，月祀，時享，歲貢，終王。 先王之順祀也，有不祭則修意，有不祀則修言，有不享則修文，有不貢則修名，有不王則修德，序成而有不至則修刑。 於是有刑不祭，伐不祀，征不享，讓不貢，告不王。 於是有刑罰之辟，有攻伐之兵，有征討之備，有威讓之命，有文告之辭。 布令陳辭而有不至，則增修於德，無勤民於遠。 是以近無不聽，遠無不服。 今自大畢、伯士之終也，犬戎氏以其職來王，天子曰『予必以不享征之，且觀之兵』，無乃廢先王之訓，而王幾頓乎？ 吾聞犬戎樹敦，率舊德而守終純固，其有以御我矣。」 王遂征之，得四白狼四白鹿以歸。 自是荒服者不至。
King Mu prepared to campaign against the Quanrong. The Earl of Ji, Mou Fu, counseled: 'This must not be done. Our ancestors illuminated virtue, not brandished arms. Weapons are sheathed and deployed only when timely. When deployed they inspire dread. When merely displayed they become toys. Toys inspire no fear. Thus the Duke of Zhou's hymn declares: 'They sheathed the spears and shields, they covered the bows and arrows. I seek perfect virtue, to spread through the Xia of our age. May the true king safeguard it.' Our ancestors treated the people by abundantly rectifying their morals and enriching their character, multiplying their prosperity and improving their tools, clarifying the paths of advantage and detriment, refining them through civilization, directing them to seek benefit and shun harm, to embrace virtue and revere authority. Thus they preserved their legacy and grew mighty. In ancient times our forebears, following Hou Ji's example, served the regimes of Yu and Xia. When the Xia fell into decay, they forsook Ji's teachings and grew neglectful. Our forefather Bu Xu thereby forfeited his position and concealed himself among the Rong and Di peoples. He dared not slacken in his enterprise, methodically cultivated virtue, preserved and enhanced his heritage, refined his doctrines and institutions, remained respectfully diligent from dawn till dusk, guarded with steadfast sincerity, served with unwavering loyalty and good faith. Generation after generation bore virtue aloft, bringing no shame upon their forebears. Coming to King Wen and King Wu, they illuminated past glories and infused them with benevolence and concord, served the gods and safeguarded the people, leaving nothing but delight. The Shang king Di Xin grievously oppressed the people. The common folk could bear it no longer, united behind King Wu, bringing war to the Shang plains. Thus our ancestors did not pursue militarism, but fostered sympathy for the people's sufferings and eliminated their afflictions. Our ancestors' system indeed: within the realm, the Dian domain; beyond the borders, the Hou domain; guarding the Hou, the Bin domain; binding the Yi and Man, the Yao domain; restraining the Rong and Di, the Huang domain. The Dian domain offers sacrifices. The Hou domain performs ancestral rites. The Bin domain presents tribute. The Yao domain sends contributions. The Huang domain acknowledges the king. Daily rites, monthly sacrifices, seasonal presentations, annual contributions, culminating in allegiance to the king. Our ancestors' ritual order: when sacrifices are neglected, refine the will; when rites are omitted, refine speech; when offerings fail, refine culture; when tribute ceases, refine reputation; when kingship is denied, refine virtue. When the hierarchy is established yet some fail to appear, then apply punishment. Hence punishment for those who sacrifice not, conquest for those who perform rites not, expedition for those who offer not, rebuke for those who contribute not, proclamation for those who acknowledge the king not. Thus exist the statutes of punishment, the armies of conquest, the instruments of expedition, the commands of authority, the declarations of civilization. When edicts are promulgated and statements proclaimed yet some fail to appear, then redouble efforts in virtue, spare the distant people exertion. Thus the nearby all obey, the distant all submit. Now since the passing of Da Bi and Bo Shi, the Quanrong people have fulfilled their obligations and acknowledged the king. The Son of Heaven declared 'I must campaign against them for failing to present offerings, and moreover inspect their forces.' Might this not discard our ancestors' doctrines, causing the royal foundation to crumble? I have heard the Quanrong cultivate integrity, uphold ancient virtues and maintain their commitments with steadfast purity. They possess the means to resist us.' The king proceeded with the campaign, acquiring four white wolves and four white deer as trophies. Henceforth the distant tributaries ceased to appear.
27
諸侯有不睦者，甫侯言於王，作修刑辟。 王曰：「吁，來！ 有國有土，告汝祥刑。 在今爾安百姓，何擇非其人，何敬非其刑，何居非其宜與？ 兩造具備，師聽五辭。 五辭簡信，正於五刑。 五刑不簡，正於五罰。 五罰不服，正於五過。 五過之疵，官獄內獄，閱實其罪，惟鈞其過。 五刑之疑有赦，五罰之疑有赦，其審克之。 簡信有眾，惟訊有稽。 無簡不疑，共嚴天威。 黥辟疑赦，其罰百率，閱實其罪。 劓辟疑赦，其罰倍灑，閱實其罪。 臏辟疑赦，其罰倍差，閱實其罪。 宮辟疑赦，其罰五百率，閱實其罪。 大辟疑赦，其罰千率，閱實其罪。 墨罰之屬千，劓罰之屬千，臏罰之屬五百，宮罰之屬三百，大辟之罰其屬二百：五刑之屬三千。」 命曰甫刑。
When lords fell into discord, the Marquis of Fu addressed the king, composing the Revised Penal Code. The king exclaimed: 'Ah, approach! You lords of realms and territories, I proclaim to you the benevolent laws. In these times you pacify the populace—what to select is not the right person, what to honor is not the proper law, what to inhabit is not the appropriate dwelling, is it not? When both sides are present, the judge hears the five statements of testimony. The five statements of testimony are clear and credible, verified by the five penalties. The five punishments lack clarity, verified by the five fines. The five fines are unacceptable, verified by the five offenses. The defects in the five offenses, between official courts and private tribunals, verify the reality of their crimes, but balance their faults. When the five punishments are doubtful, grant amnesty; when the five fines are doubtful, grant amnesty. Investigate thoroughly to resolve them. Clear credibility has witnesses, interrogation alone provides verification. Without clarity there is suspicion; together revere Heaven's majesty. When tattooing is doubtful, grant amnesty; the fine is one hundred liu; verify the reality of the crime. When nose-cutting is doubtful, grant amnesty; the fine is double sa; verify the reality of the crime. When hamstringing is doubtful, grant amnesty; the fine is double cha; verify the reality of the crime. When castration is doubtful, grant amnesty; the fine is five hundred liu; verify the reality of the crime. When execution is doubtful, grant amnesty; the fine is one thousand liu; verify the reality of the crime. Tattooing fines comprise one thousand categories, nose-cutting fines one thousand categories, hamstringing fines five hundred categories, castration fines three hundred categories, execution fines comprise two hundred categories: the five punishments total three thousand categories.' It was named the Fu Penal Code.
28
穆王立五十五年，崩，子共王繄扈立。 共王游於涇上，密康公從，有三女奔之。 其母曰：「必致之王。 夫獸三為群，人三為眾，女三為粲。 王田不取群，公行不下眾，王御不參一族。 夫粲，美之物也。 眾以美物歸女，而何德以堪之？ 王猶不堪，況爾之小醜乎！ 小醜備物，終必亡。」 康公不獻，一年，共王滅密。 共王崩，子懿王艱立。 懿王之時，王室遂衰，詩人作刺。
King Mu reigned fifty-five years, then passed away. His son King Gong Yi Hu ascended the throne. King Gong was boating on the Jing River when the Marquis Kang of Mi accompanied him, and three beautiful women took refuge with the marquis. His mother counseled: 'You must offer them to the king. Indeed, three beasts form a herd, three people form a crowd, three women form a bevy of beauty. The king on hunts does not take entire herds, nobles in procession do not descend below crowds, kings in marriage do not wed within the same clan. Indeed, such beauty is a precious thing. The people bring you these beauties, and what merit do you possess to deserve them? Even the king cannot properly handle such allure, let alone a minor lord like you! A petty lord possessing such treasures will surely come to ruin.' The Marquis Kang refused to surrender them. One year later, King Gong destroyed the state of Mi. King Gong died, and his son King Yi Jian ascended the throne. During King Yi's reign, the Zhou house began its decline, and poets composed critical verses.
29
懿王崩，共王弟辟方立，是為孝王。 孝王崩，諸侯復立懿王太子燮，是為夷王。
King Yi died, and King Gong's younger brother Pi Fang ascended, known as King Xiao. King Xiao died, and the lords reinstated King Yi's crown prince Xie as King Yi.
30
夷王崩，子厲王胡立。 厲王即位三十年，好利，近榮夷公。 大夫芮良夫諫厲王曰：「王室其將卑乎？ 夫榮公好專利而不知大難。 夫利，百物之所生也，天地之所載也，而有專之，其害多矣。 天地百物皆將取焉，何可專也？ 所怒甚多，不備大難。 以是教王，王其能久乎？ 夫王人者，將導利而布之上下者也。 使神人百物無不得極，猶日怵惕懼怨之來也。 故《頌》曰『思文后稷，克配彼天，立我蒸民，莫匪爾極』。 大雅曰『陳錫載周』。 是不布利而懼難乎，故能載周以至于今。 今王學專利，其可乎？ 匹夫專利，猶謂之盜，王而行之，其歸鮮矣。 榮公若用，周必敗也。」 厲王不聽，卒以榮公為卿士，用事。
King Yi died, and his son King Li Hu ascended the throne. King Li had reigned thirty years when he grew enamored of profit and favored the Duke Rong Yi. The noble Rui Liang Fu counseled King Li: 'Is the Zhou house about to be brought low? Indeed, the Duke Rong loves to monopolize profits and fails to foresee great disaster. Indeed, wealth is the source from which all things spring, borne by Heaven and Earth themselves. Yet to monopolize it brings great harm. Heaven, Earth, and all creation draw from it—how can one person claim it exclusively? Many will be enraged, unprepared for catastrophe. Teaching the king thus—how long can he endure? Indeed, a true king guides wealth and distributes it throughout high and low alike. Ensuring that gods, men, and all things each receive their due, yet still daily vigilant against the rise of grievances. Thus the Hymn declares: 'Remember cultured Hou Ji, who matched Heaven itself, established our myriad folk, none failing of his perfect guidance.' The Greater Odes proclaim 'Displayed bounty and carried Zhou.' This means distributing wealth while fearing disaster, thus sustaining Zhou until the present day. Now the king learns to monopolize wealth—is this acceptable? Even a commoner monopolizing wealth is called a thief. For a king to do so—his fate will be grim indeed. If Duke Rong is given power, Zhou will surely perish.' King Li paid no heed and ultimately appointed Duke Rong as Chief Minister to govern affairs.
31
王行暴虐侈傲，國人謗王。 召公諫曰：「民不堪命矣。」 王怒，得衛巫，使監謗者，以告則殺之。 其謗鮮矣，諸侯不朝。 三十四年，王益嚴，國人莫敢言，道路以目。 厲王喜，告召公曰：「吾能弭謗矣，乃不敢言。」 召公曰：「是鄣之也。 防民之口，甚於防水。 水壅而潰，傷人必多，民亦如之。 是故為水者決之使導，為民者宣之使言。 故天子聽政，使公卿至於列士獻詩，瞽獻曲，史獻書，師箴，瞍賦，矇誦，百工諫，庶人傳語，近臣盡規，親戚補察，瞽史教誨，耆艾修之，而後王斟酌焉，是以事行而不悖。 民之有口也，猶土之有山川也，財用於是乎出：猶其有原隰衍沃也，衣食於是乎生。 口之宣言也，善敗於是乎興。 行善而備敗，所以產財用衣食者也。 夫民慮之於心而宣之於口，成而行之。 若壅其口，其與能幾何？」 王不聽。 於是國莫敢出言，三年，乃相與畔，襲厲王。 厲王出奔於彘。
The king grew tyrannical, extravagant, and arrogant, and the people began to criticize him openly. Duke Zhao counseled: 'The people can no longer endure these decrees.' The king flew into a rage, procured a sorcerer from Wei, and had him spy on critics, executing those he reported. Criticism dwindled, but the lords ceased attending court. In his thirty-fourth year, the king grew ever more severe. The people dared not speak, communicating only with glances on the roads. King Li was delighted and told Duke Zhao: 'I have silenced the critics—they now dare not speak.' Duke Zhao replied: 'This is damming them up. Damming the people's mouths is more dangerous than damming a river. When dammed water bursts forth, it injures many. The people are the same. Thus for water, breach the dam to let it flow; for the people, open channels to let them speak. Thus the Son of Heaven in governing ensures that nobles and ministers down to the scholars offer poems, blind musicians offer songs, scribes offer writings, tutors offer admonitions, sighted poets compose verses, blind reciters chant hymns, artisans remonstrate, commoners convey opinions, close advisors give full counsel, kin supplement and scrutinize, blind historians teach and instruct, elders refine the wisdom—and only then does the king deliberate. Thus governance proceeds without contradiction. The people's voices are like mountains and rivers in the soil—from them wealth and resources emerge. Like plains, marshes, expanses, and fertile lands—from them clothing and food are produced. Through open speech, both virtue and vice emerge. Practice virtue while preparing for failure—thus wealth, resources, clothing, and food are produced. The people ponder in their hearts and express through their mouths, then form plans and act. If you dam their mouths, how long can such repression endure?' The king paid no heed. Thus no one in the realm dared speak. After three years, they united in rebellion and assaulted King Li. King Li fled into exile at Zhi.
32
厲王太子靜匿召公之家，國人聞之，乃圍之。 召公曰：「昔吾驟諫王，王不從，以及此難也。 今殺王太子，王其以我為讎而懟怒乎？ 夫事君者，險而不讎懟，怨而不怒，況事王乎！」 乃以其子代王太子，太子竟得脫。
King Li's crown prince Jing took refuge in Duke Zhao's home. When the people learned of this, they besieged it. Duke Zhao said: 'I repeatedly counseled the king before. He would not listen, and thus brought about this disaster. If they kill the king's heir now, will the king regard me as his foe and harbor lasting resentment? Those who serve a ruler face peril without becoming bitter enemies, harbor resentment without rage. How much more so when serving a king!' He offered his own son as substitute for the crown prince. The heir at last got away safely.
33
召公、周公二相行政，號曰「共和」。 共和十四年，厲王死于彘。 太子靜長於召公家，二相乃共立之為王，是為宣王。 宣王即位，二相輔之，修政，法文、武、成、康之遺風，諸侯復宗周。 十二年，魯武公來朝。
Dukes Zhao and Zhou, the two ministers, jointly governed, naming the era 'Gong He.' In the fourteenth year of Gong He, King Li died in exile at Zhi. Crown prince Jing came of age in Duke Zhao's home. The two ministers jointly enthroned him as king. He was known as King Xuan. King Xuan ascended the throne with the two ministers as his advisors. They reformed governance, following the legacies of Wen, Wu, Cheng, and Kang. The lords once more acknowledged Zhou's supremacy. In the twelfth year, Duke Wu of Lu came to pay homage.
34
宣王不修籍於千畝，虢文公諫曰不可，王弗聽。 三十九年，戰于千畝，王師敗績于姜氏之戎。
King Xuan neglected the field boundaries at Qianmu. Duke Wen of Guo warned this was unwise. The king paid no heed. In the thirty-ninth year, they fought at Qianmu. The royal army was routed by the Jiang Rong barbarians.
35
宣王既亡南國之師，乃料民於太原。 仲山甫諫曰：「民不可料也。」 宣王不聽，卒料民。
After losing the southern army, King Xuan conducted a population census at Taiyuan. Zhong Shan Fu counseled: 'The people should not be counted.' King Xuan refused to listen and proceeded with the census.
36
四十六年，宣王崩，子幽王宮湦立。 幽王二年，西周三川皆震。 伯陽甫曰：「周將亡矣。 夫天地之氣，不失其序； 若過其序，民亂之也。 陽伏而不能出，陰迫而不能蒸，於是有地震。 今三川實震，是陽失其所而填陰也。 陽失而在陰，原必塞； 原塞，國必亡。 夫水土演而民用也。 土無所演，民乏財用，不亡何待！ 昔伊、洛竭而夏亡，河竭而商亡。 今周德若二代之季矣，其川原又塞，塞必竭。 夫國必依山川，山崩川竭，亡國之徵也。 川竭必山崩。 若國亡不過十年，數之紀也。 天之所棄，不過其紀。」 是歲也，三川竭，岐山崩。
In the forty-sixth year, King Xuan died. His son King You Gong Shen ascended the throne. In King You's second year, all three rivers in Western Zhou suffered earthquakes. Bo Yang Fu declared: 'Zhou is doomed to fall. The vital energies of Heaven and Earth maintain their proper sequence. When they transgress this order, it is because the people have thrown them into chaos. Yang energy lies dormant unable to rise, yin energy is compressed unable to circulate—hence earthquakes occur. Now all three rivers tremble—this means yang has lost its proper domain and yin has overrun it. With yang displaced into yin's realm, the springs must become obstructed. Springs obstructed, the nation must fall. Water and soil flow freely for the people's benefit. If soil cannot spread, people lack resources and livelihood. If the nation does not fall, what are we waiting for! In ancient times, when the Yi and Luo rivers ran dry, Xia fell; when the Yellow River dried up, Shang perished. Now Zhou's moral standing resembles the final days of those two dynasties. Their rivers and springs are obstructed once more. Obstructed, they must run dry. Nations depend upon mountains and rivers. When mountains crumble and rivers run dry—these are omens of a doomed state. When rivers run dry, mountains inevitably crumble. The nation's fall will come within ten years—a cyclical limit ordained by fate. Those whom Heaven has forsaken do not outlast their allotted span.' That very year, all three rivers ran dry and Mount Qi crumbled.
37
三年，幽王嬖愛褒姒。 褒姒生子伯服，幽王欲廢太子。 太子母申侯女，而為后。 後幽王得褒姒，愛之，欲廢申后，并去太子宜臼，以褒姒為后，以伯服為太子。 周太史伯陽讀史記曰：「周亡矣。」 昔自夏后氏之衰也，有二神龍止於夏帝庭而言曰：「余，褒之二君。」 夏帝卜殺之與去之與止之，莫吉。 卜請其漦而藏之，乃吉。 於是布幣而策告之，龍亡而漦在，櫝而去之。 夏亡，傳此器殷。 殷亡，又傳此器周。 比三代，莫敢發之，至厲王之末，發而觀之。 漦流于庭，不可除。 厲王使婦人裸而譟之。 漦化為玄黿，以入王後宮。 後宮之童妾既齔而遭之，既笄而孕，無夫而生子，懼而棄之。 宣王之時童女謠曰：「厭弧箕服，實亡周國。」 於是宣王聞之，有夫婦賣是器者，宣王使執而戮之。 逃於道，而見鄉者後宮童妾所棄妖子出於路者，聞其夜啼，哀而收之，夫婦遂亡，奔於褒。 褒人有罪，請入童妾所棄女子者於王以贖罪。 棄女子出於褒，是為褒姒。 當幽王三年，王之後宮見而愛之，生子伯服，竟廢申后及太子，以褒姒為后，伯服為太子。 太史伯陽曰：「禍成矣，無可奈何！」
In the third year, King You became infatuated with Bao Si. Bao Si bore him a son named Bo Fu. King You desired to set aside the crown prince. The crown prince's mother was the daughter of the Marquis of Shen, and served as queen. Later King You acquired Bao Si and became enamored of her. He desired to depose Queen Shen and remove Crown Prince Yi Jiu, installing Bao Si as queen and Bo Fu as heir. The Zhou Grand Historian Bo Yang perused the ancient records and declared: 'Zhou is doomed.' In ancient times, during the decline of the Xia dynasty, two divine dragons appeared in the Xia emperor's courtyard and declared: 'We are the two rulers of Bao.' The Xia emperor consulted the oracle about killing them, driving them away, or letting them stay. None of the divinations proved favorable. The divination for requesting their saliva and preserving it proved favorable. Thus they spread silken offerings and notified the dragons with inscribed tablets. The dragons vanished but left their saliva behind. They sealed it in a casket and stored it away. When Xia fell, this relic was passed to the Shang dynasty. When Shang fell, this relic was passed once more to the Zhou dynasty. Throughout the three dynasties, none dared to open it. Only at the end of King Li's reign was it opened and examined. The saliva spread across the courtyard and could not be cleared away. King Li commanded women to bare themselves and clamor at the substance. The saliva metamorphosed into a dark tortoise that entered the king's inner chambers. A young concubine in the inner palace, having just reached puberty, encountered the tortoise. She became pregnant and, without a husband, bore a child. Terrified, she abandoned the infant. During King Xuan's reign, young girls sang a rhyme: 'The curved bow and winnowing basket's garb will surely ruin Zhou.' Thus King Xuan learned of the prophecy. A couple was selling the relic. King Xuan had them arrested and put to death. They fled along the road and encountered villagers—the inner palace concubine's abandoned monstrous child lying in the path. Hearing its nighttime wailing, they took pity and gathered it up. The couple then absconded, fleeing to the state of Bao. The people of Bao, guilty of some offense, offered to present the abandoned girl to the king as atonement for their crime. The abandoned girl originated from Bao. She became known as Bao Si. In King You's third year, the women of his inner palace beheld her and adored her. She bore him a son named Bo Fu. Ultimately he deposed Queen Shen and the crown prince, installing Bao Si as queen and Bo Fu as heir. The Grand Historian Bo Yang declared: 'Disaster is upon us—nothing can be done about it now!'
38
褒姒不好笑，幽王欲其笑萬方，故不笑。 幽王為烽燧大鼓，有寇至則舉烽火。 諸侯悉至，至而無寇，褒姒乃大笑。 幽王說之，為數舉烽火。 其後不信，諸侯益亦不至。
Bao Si never smiled. King You desperately wanted to make her laugh, but she remained unsmiling. King You constructed beacon towers and great drums. When enemies approached, the beacons would be lit. All the lords rushed to his aid. When they arrived to find no enemy, Bao Si burst into laughter. King You was thrilled by this and repeatedly lit the beacons as a joke. Henceforth the beacons were not trusted, and the lords increasingly failed to respond.
39
幽王以虢石父為卿，用事，國人皆怨。 石父為人佞巧善諛好利，王用之。 又廢申后，去太子也。 申侯怒，與繒、西夷犬戎攻幽王。 幽王舉烽火徵兵，兵莫至。 遂殺幽王驪山下，虜褒姒，盡取周賂而去。 於是諸侯乃即申侯而共立故幽王太子宜臼，是為平王，以奉周祀。
King You appointed Guo Shi Fu as Chief Minister to govern affairs. All the people grew resentful. Shi Fu was a cunning flatterer who excelled at sycophancy and loved gain. The king relied upon him. He further deposed Queen Shen and banished the crown prince as well. The Marquis of Shen, enraged, allied with Zeng and the western Quanrong barbarians to attack King You. King You lit the beacons and called for troops. No soldiers came. Thus they slew King You at the foot of Mount Li, abducted Bao Si, plundered all Zhou's treasures, and departed. Thus the lords went to the Marquis of Shen and jointly enthroned the former King You's crown prince Yi Jiu. He became King Ping, to maintain the Zhou ancestral rites.
40
平王立，東遷于雒邑，辟戎寇。 平王之時，周室衰微，諸侯彊并弱，齊、楚、秦、晉始大，政由方伯。
King Ping ascended and moved the capital eastward to Luoyi to escape the barbarian invaders. During King Ping's reign, the Zhou house grew feeble. The regional lords—the strong absorbed the weak. Qi, Chu, Qin, and Jin began their rise to greatness. Governance passed to the provincial rulers.
41
四十九年，魯隱公即位。
In the forty-ninth year, Duke Yin of Lu ascended the throne.
42
五十一年，平王崩，太子洩父蚤死，立其子林，是為桓王。 桓王，平王孫也。
In the fifty-first year, King Ping died. The crown prince Xie Fu had died prematurely. His son Lin was enthroned as King Huan. King Huan was King Ping's grandson.
43
桓王三年，鄭莊公朝，桓王不禮。 五年，鄭怨，與魯易許田。 許田，天子之用事太山田也。 八年，魯殺隱公，立桓公。 十三年，伐鄭，鄭射傷桓王，桓王去歸。
In King Huan's third year, Duke Zhuang of Zheng came to pay homage. King Huan treated him discourteously. In the fifth year, Zheng grew resentful and traded the Xu fields with Lu. The Xu fields were the Son of Heaven's sacrificial lands at Mount Tai. In the eighth year, Lu assassinated Duke Yin and installed Duke Huan. In the thirteenth year, he campaigned against Zheng. Zheng archers wounded King Huan. King Huan withdrew and returned home.
44
二十三年，桓王崩，子莊王佗立。 莊王四年，周公黑肩欲殺莊王而立王子克。 辛伯告王，王殺周公。 王子克奔燕。
In the twenty-third year, King Huan died. His son King Zhuang Tuo ascended the throne. In King Zhuang's fourth year, the Duke Hei Jian plotted to assassinate King Zhuang and enthrone Prince Zi Ke. Xin Bo alerted the king. The king executed the Duke. Prince Zi Ke fled to Yan.
45
十五年，莊王崩，子釐王胡齊立。 釐王三年，齊桓公始霸。
In the fifteenth year, King Zhuang died. His son King Xi Hu Qi ascended the throne. In King Xi's third year, Duke Huan of Qi began his hegemony.
46
五年，釐王崩，子惠王閬立。 惠王二年。 初，莊王嬖姬姚，生子穨，穨有寵。 及惠王即位，奪其大臣以為囿，故大夫邊伯等五人作亂，謀召燕、衛師，伐惠王。 惠王犇溫，已居鄭之櫟。 立釐王弟穨為王。 樂及徧舞，鄭、虢君怒。 四年，鄭與虢君伐殺王穨，復入惠王。 惠王十年，賜齊桓公為伯。
In the fifth year, King Xi died. His son King Hui Lang ascended the throne. King Hui's second year. At first, King Zhuang favored his concubine Yao. She bore him a son named Sui, who was much beloved. When King Hui ascended the throne, he seized his ministers' lands to create a royal park. Thus five nobles led by Bian Bo rebelled, plotting to summon troops from Yan and Wei to attack King Hui. King Hui fled to Wen, then took refuge at Zheng's Yue. They enthroned King Xi's younger brother Sui as king. The music and universal dancing enraged the lords of Zheng and Guo. In the fourth year, the lords of Zheng and Guo attacked and killed King Sui, restoring King Hui to the throne. In King Hui's tenth year, he granted Duke Huan of Qi the title of Bo (hegemon).
47
二十五年，惠王崩，子襄王鄭立。 襄王母蚤死，後母曰惠后。 惠后生叔帶，有寵於惠王，襄王畏之。 三年，叔帶與戎、翟謀伐襄王，襄王欲誅叔帶，叔帶奔齊。 齊桓公使管仲平戎于周，使隰朋平戎于晉。 王以上卿禮管仲。 管仲辭曰：「臣賤有司也，有天子之二守國、高在。 若節春秋來承王命，何以禮焉。 陪臣敢辭。」 王曰：「舅氏，余嘉乃勳，毋逆朕命。」 管仲卒受下卿之禮而還。 九年，齊桓公卒。 十二年，叔帶復歸于周。
In the twenty-fifth year, King Hui died. His son King Xiang Zheng ascended the throne. King Xiang's mother died young, and his stepmother was known as Queen Hui. Queen Hui bore a son named Uncle Dai, who was favored by King Hui. King Xiang lived in fear of him. In the third year, Uncle Dai conspired with the Rong and Di barbarians to attack King Xiang. King Xiang sought to execute Uncle Dai, who fled to Qi. Duke Huan of Qi dispatched Guan Zhong to pacify the Rong threat at Zhou, and sent Xi Peng to settle the Rong disturbances in Jin. The king honored Guan Zhong with the ceremonies due a chief minister. Guan Zhong declined, saying: 'I am but a humble official. The Son of Heaven's two guardians, Guo and Gao, are present. If I come in the proper seasons to receive the king's commands, then treat me accordingly.' This humble servant dares to decline the honor.' The king replied: 'My maternal uncle, I commend your achievements. Do not defy Our decree.' Guan Zhong ultimately accepted the honors of a junior minister and departed. In the ninth year, Duke Huan of Qi passed away. In the twelfth year, Uncle Dai returned once more to Zhou.
48
十三年，鄭伐滑，王使游孫、伯服請滑，鄭人囚之。 鄭文公怨惠王之入不與厲公爵，又怨襄王之與衛滑，故囚伯服。 王怒，將以翟伐鄭。 富辰諫曰：「凡我周之東徙，晉、鄭焉依。 子穨之亂，又鄭之由定，今以小怨棄之！」 王不聽。 十五年，王降翟師以伐鄭。 王德翟人，將以其女為后。 富辰諫曰：「平、桓、莊、惠皆受鄭勞，王棄親親翟，不可從。」 王不聽。 十六年，王絀翟后，翟人來誅，殺譚伯。 富辰曰：「吾數諫不從。 如是不出，王以我為懟乎？」 乃以其屬死之。
In the thirteenth year, Zheng attacked Hua. The king dispatched You Sun and Bo Fu to petition for Hua's release. The Zheng imprisoned them. Duke Wen of Zheng resented King Hui's restoration for not granting Duke Li his title, and resented King Xiang's gift of Wei Hua to Zheng. Thus he imprisoned Bo Fu. The king grew furious and prepared to use Di forces to attack Zheng. Fu Chen counseled: 'Since our Zhou moved eastward, Jin and Zheng have been our chief supports. During the Sui rebellion, Zheng helped settle matters. Now to abandon them over petty grievances!' The king paid no heed. In the fifteenth year, the king commanded Di forces to attack Zheng. The king grew fond of the Di people and planned to take their daughter as his queen. Fu Chen counseled: 'Kings Ping, Huan, Zhuang, and Hui all benefited from Zheng's efforts. For the king to abandon kin for Di allies is inadvisable.' The king refused to listen. In the sixteenth year, the king deposed the Di queen. The Di came seeking vengeance and killed Lord Tan. Fu Chen declared: 'I counseled repeatedly but was ignored. If I remain hidden like this, will the king think me disloyal?' Thus he perished along with his followers.
49
初，惠后欲立王子帶，故以黨開翟人，翟人遂入周。 襄王出奔鄭，鄭居王于汜。 子帶立為王，取襄王所絀翟后與居溫。 十七年，襄王告急于晉，晉文公納王而誅叔帶。 襄王乃賜晉文公珪鬯弓矢，為伯，以河內地與晉。 二十年，晉文公召襄王，襄王會之河陽、踐土，諸侯畢朝，書諱曰「天王狩于河陽」。
At first, Queen Hui desired to enthrone Prince Zi Dai, so through her faction she invited the Di people. The Di then invaded Zhou. King Xiang fled to Zheng. Zheng provided him refuge at Si. Zi Dai enthroned himself as king, took King Xiang's discarded Di queen and lived with her at Wen. In the seventeenth year, King Xiang sent desperate pleas to Jin. Duke Wen of Jin welcomed the king and executed Uncle Dai. King Xiang then bestowed upon Duke Wen of Jin the ritual jade, libation vessels, bows and arrows, appointing him hegemon, and ceded the lands south of the Yellow River to Jin. In the twentieth year, Duke Wen of Jin summoned King Xiang. King Xiang met him at Heyang and Jiantu. All the lords paid homage. The chronicles delicately recorded: 'The Son of Heaven hunted at Heyang.'
50
二十四年，晉文公卒。
In the twenty-fourth year, Duke Wen of Jin passed away.
51
三十一年，秦穆公卒。
In the thirty-first year, Duke Mu of Qin passed away.
52
三十二年，襄王崩，子頃王壬臣立。 頃王六年，崩，子匡王班立。 匡王六年，崩，弟瑜立，是為定王。
In the thirty-second year, King Xiang died. His son King Qing Ren Chen ascended the throne. In King Qing's sixth year, he died. His son King Kuang Ban ascended the throne. In King Kuang's sixth year, he died. His younger brother Yu ascended. He was known as King Ding.
53
定王元年，楚莊王伐陸渾之戎，次洛，使人問九鼎。 王使王孫滿應設以辭，楚兵乃去。 十年，楚莊王圍鄭，鄭伯降，已而復之。 十六年，楚莊王卒。
In King Ding's first year, King Zhuang of Chu attacked the Rong of Luhun, encamped at Luo, and dispatched envoys to inquire about the nine sacred tripods. The king dispatched Wangsun Man to reply with carefully chosen words. The Chu army then withdrew. In the tenth year, King Zhuang of Chu besieged Zheng. Duke Zheng surrendered, but Chu later restored him. In the sixteenth year, King Zhuang of Chu passed away.
54
二十一年，定王崩，子簡王夷立。 簡王十三年，晉殺其君厲公，迎子周於周，立為悼公。
In the twenty-first year, King Ding died. His son King Jian Yi ascended the throne. In King Jian's thirteenth year, Jin assassinated their ruler Duke Li, retrieved Zi Zhou from Zhou, and enthroned him as Duke Dao.
55
十四年，簡王崩，子靈王泄心立。 靈王二十四年，齊崔杼弒其君莊公。
In the fourteenth year, King Jian died. His son King Ling Xie Xin ascended the throne. In King Ling's twenty-fourth year, Cui Zhu of Qi assassinated their ruler Duke Zhuang.
56
二十七年，靈王崩，子景王貴立。 景王十八年，后太子聖而蚤卒。 二十年，景王愛子朝，欲立之，會崩，子丐之黨與爭立，國人立長子猛為王，子朝攻殺猛。 猛為悼王。 晉人攻子朝而立丐，是為敬王。
In the twenty-seventh year, King Ling died. His son King Jing Gui ascended the throne. In King Jing's eighteenth year, the crown prince Sheng of the queen died prematurely. In the twentieth year, King Jing favored his son Zhao and desired to enthrone him. He died unexpectedly. Zi Kai's faction disputed the succession. The people established the eldest son Meng as king. Zi Zhao attacked and killed Meng. Meng became King Dao. The Jin attacked Zi Zhao and enthroned Kai. He became known as King Jing.
57
敬王元年，晉人入敬王，子朝自立，敬王不得入，居澤。 四年，晉率諸侯入敬王于周，子朝為臣，諸侯城周。 十六年，子朝之徒復作亂，敬王奔于晉。 十七年，晉定公遂入敬王于周。
In King Jing's first year, the Jin installed King Jing. Zi Zhao enthroned himself. King Jing could not enter the capital and resided at Ze. In the fourth year, Jin led the lords to install King Jing in Zhou. Zi Zhao became a vassal. The lords fortified Zhou's walls. In the sixteenth year, Zi Zhao's partisans rebelled again. King Jing fled to Jin. In the seventeenth year, Duke Ding of Jin restored King Jing to Zhou.
58
三十九年，齊田常殺其君簡公。
In the thirty-ninth year, Tian Chang of Qi assassinated their ruler Duke Jian.
59
四十一年，楚滅陳。 孔子卒。
In the forty-first year, Chu annihilated Chen. Confucius passed away.
60
四十二年，敬王崩，子元王仁立。 元王八年，崩，子定王介立。
In the forty-second year, King Jing died. His son King Yuan Ren ascended the throne. In King Yuan's eighth year, he died. His son King Ding Jie ascended the throne.
61
定王十六年，三晉滅智伯，分有其地。
In King Ding's sixteenth year, the three Jin states destroyed Zhi Bo and divided his territories.
62
二十八年，定王崩，長子去疾立，是為哀王。 哀王立三月，弟叔襲殺哀王而自立，是為思王。 思王立五月，少弟嵬攻殺思王而自立，是為考王。 此三王皆定王之子。
In the twenty-eighth year, King Ding died. His eldest son Qu Ji ascended. He became known as King Ai. King Ai reigned three months. His younger brother Shu assassinated him and enthroned himself. He became known as King Si. King Si reigned five months. His youngest brother Wei assassinated him and enthroned himself. He became known as King Kao. All three of these kings were sons of King Ding.
63
考王十五年，崩，子威烈王午立。
In King Kao's fifteenth year, he died. His son King Wei Lie Wu ascended the throne.
64
考王封其弟于河南，是為桓公，以續周公之官職。 桓公卒，子威公代立。 威公卒，子惠公代立，乃封其少子於鞏以奉王，號東周惠公。
King Kao enfeoffed his younger brother at Henan. He became Duke Huan, to continue the Duke of Zhou's administrative functions. Duke Huan passed away. His son Duke Wei succeeded him. Duke Wei died. His son Duke Hui succeeded him. He then enfeoffed his youngest son at Gong to attend the king, known as Duke Hui of Eastern Zhou.
65
威烈王二十三年，九鼎震。 命韓、魏、趙為諸侯。
In King Wei Lie's twenty-third year, the nine sacred tripods trembled. He elevated Han, Wei, and Zhao to the status of regional lords.
66
二十四年，崩，子安王驕立。 是歲盜殺楚聲王。
In the twenty-fourth year, he died. His son King An Jiao ascended the throne. That same year, assassins killed King Sheng of Chu.
67
安王立二十六年，崩，子烈王喜立。 烈王二年，周太史儋見秦獻公曰：「始周與秦國合而別，別五百載復合，合十七歲而霸王者出焉。」
King An reigned twenty-six years, then died. His son King Lie Xi ascended the throne. In King Lie's second year, the Zhou Grand Historian Dan met Duke Xian of Qin and declared: 'Originally Zhou and Qin were united then divided. After five hundred years of separation they will reunite. Seventeen years after reuniting, a hegemon king will arise.'
68
十年，烈王崩，弟扁立，是為顯王。 顯王五年，賀秦獻公，獻公稱伯。 九年，致文武胙於秦孝公。 二十五年，秦會諸侯於周。 二十六年，周致伯於秦孝公。 三十三年，賀秦惠王。 三十五年，致文武胙於秦惠王。 四十四年，秦惠王稱王。 其後諸侯皆為王。
In the tenth year, King Lie died. His younger brother Bian ascended. He became known as King Xian. In King Xian's fifth year, he congratulated Duke Xian of Qin. Duke Xian assumed the title of Bo (hegemon). In the ninth year, he presented the sacrificial meats of Wen and Wu to Duke Xiao of Qin. In the twenty-fifth year, Qin convened the regional lords at Zhou. In the twenty-sixth year, Zhou conferred the title of Bo upon Duke Xiao of Qin. In the thirty-third year, he congratulated King Hui of Qin. In the thirty-fifth year, he presented the sacrificial meats of Wen and Wu to King Hui of Qin. In the forty-fourth year, King Hui of Qin assumed the title of wang (king). Henceforth all the regional lords assumed the title of wang.
69
四十八年，顯王崩，子慎靚王定立。 慎靚王立六年，崩，子赧王延立。 王赧時東西周分治。 王赧徙都西周。
In the forty-eighth year, King Xian died. His son King Shenjing Ding ascended the throne. King Shenjing reigned six years, then died. His son King Nan Yan ascended the throne. During King Nan's reign, Eastern and Western Zhou were governed separately. King Nan relocated his capital to Western Zhou.
70
西周武公之共太子死，有五庶子，毋適立。 司馬翦謂楚王曰：「不如以地資公子咎，為請太子。」 左成曰：「不可。 周不聽，是公之知困而交疏於周也。 不如請周君孰欲立，以微告翦，翦請令楚（賀）［資］之以地。」 果立公子咎為太子。
The crown prince of Duke Wu of Western Zhou died. He had five sons by concubines. None was legitimate to succeed. Sima Jian counseled the King of Chu: 'It would be better to provide territories to support Prince Jiu, and petition to make him crown prince.' Zuo Cheng replied: 'This must not be done. Zhou will not heed this. The duke foresees trouble and seeks to distance himself from Zhou. It would be better to ascertain which Zhou lord desires the throne, then discreetly inform Jian. Jian can petition Chu to provide territories in support.' Indeed, Prince Jiu was established as crown prince.
71
八年，秦攻宜陽，楚救之。 而楚以周為秦故，將伐之。 蘇代為周說楚王曰：「何以周為秦之禍也？ 言周之為秦甚於楚者，欲令周入秦也，故謂『周秦』也。 周知其不可解，必入於秦，此為秦取周之精者也。 為王計者，周於秦因善之，不於秦亦言善之，以疏之於秦。 周絕於秦，必入於郢矣。」
In the eighth year, Qin attacked Yiyang, and Chu came to its rescue. But Chu, holding Zhou responsible for Qin's actions, prepared to attack it. Su Dai, acting for Zhou, persuaded the King of Chu: 'Why treat Zhou as Qin's accomplice? Those who claim Zhou serves Qin more than Chu do so to force Zhou into Qin's camp. That's why they speak of 'Zhou and Qin' as allies. Zhou realizes the situation cannot be resolved and will have no choice but to join Qin. This serves Qin by draining Zhou's vital strength. The wisest course for Your Majesty is to praise Zhou whether it joins Qin or not, so as to drive a wedge between Zhou and Qin. If Zhou breaks with Qin, it will surely turn to Ying.'
72
秦借道兩周之閒，將以伐韓，周恐借之畏於韓，不借畏於秦。 史厭謂周君曰：「何不令人謂韓公叔曰『秦之敢絕周而伐韓者，信東周也。 公何不與周地，發質使之楚』？ 秦必疑楚不信周，是韓不伐也。 又謂秦曰『韓彊與周地，將以疑周於秦也，周不敢不受』。 秦必無辭而令周不受，是受地於韓而聽於秦。」
Qin requested passage through the territory between the two Zhou states to attack Han. Zhou feared that granting passage would offend Han, but refusing would provoke Qin. Shi Yan advised the Zhou lord: 'Why not have someone tell Han Gongshu: "Qin's boldness in isolating Zhou to attack Han comes from trusting Eastern Zhou." Why not give Zhou some territory and send a hostage to force it to side with Chu?' Qin will surely suspect Chu's distrust of Zhou. This means Han will not be attacked. Also tell Qin: 'If Han gives Zhou land, it will sow suspicion between Zhou and Qin, and Zhou will not dare refuse.' Qin will have no choice but to pressure Zhou not to accept, thus Han gains land from Qin while Zhou remains obedient to Qin.'
73
秦召西周君，西周君惡往，故令人謂韓王曰：「秦召西周君，將以使攻王之南陽也，王何不出兵於南陽？ 周君將以為辭於秦。 周君不入秦，秦必不敢踰河而攻南陽矣。」
Qin summoned the Western Zhou lord, but he dreaded going. So he had someone tell the Han king: 'Qin is summoning the Western Zhou lord to use him in an attack on Your Majesty's Nanyang territory. Why not station troops in Nanyang? The Zhou lord will use this as an excuse to defy Qin. If the Zhou lord does not go to Qin, Qin will not dare cross the river to attack Nanyang.'
74
東周與西周戰，韓救西周。 或為東周說韓王曰：「西周故天子之國，多名器重寶。 王案兵毋出，可以德東周，而西周之寶必可以盡矣。」
Eastern Zhou fought with Western Zhou, and Han came to Western Zhou's rescue. Someone acting for Eastern Zhou persuaded the Han king: 'Western Zhou was formerly the Son of Heaven's domain, rich in ceremonial vessels and precious treasures. If Your Majesty keeps your troops at home, you can win Eastern Zhou's gratitude while Western Zhou's treasures will surely be depleted.'
75
王赧謂成君。 楚圍雍氏，韓徵甲與粟於東周，東周君恐，召蘇代而告之。 代曰：「君何患於是。 臣能使韓毋徵甲與粟於周，又能為君得高都。」 周君曰：「子茍能，請以國聽子。」 代見韓相國曰：「楚圍雍氏，期三月也，今五月不能拔，是楚病也。 今相國乃徵甲與粟於周，是告楚病也。」 韓相國曰：「善。 使者已行矣。」 代曰：「何不與周高都？」 韓相國大怒曰：「吾毋徵甲與粟於周亦已多矣，何故與周高都也？」 代曰：「與周高都，是周折而入於韓也，秦聞之必大怒忿周，即不通周使，是以獘高都得完周也。 曷為不與？」 相國曰：「善。」 果與周高都。
King Nan addressed Lord Cheng. Chu besieged Yongshi. Han demanded armor and grain from Eastern Zhou. The Eastern Zhou lord, terrified, summoned Su Dai and informed him. Dai replied: 'My lord, why worry about this? I can prevent Han from demanding armor and grain from Zhou, and I can even secure Gaodu for you.' The Zhou lord said: 'If you can accomplish this, I will entrust the entire state to you.' Dai met with Han's prime minister and said: 'Chu has besieged Yongshi for three months now, but after five months still cannot capture it. This shows Chu is weakening. Now if the prime minister demands armor and grain from Zhou, it will reveal Chu's weakness.' The Han prime minister said: 'Excellent. The envoy has already been dispatched.' Dai suggested: 'Why not give Gaodu to Zhou?' The Han prime minister flew into a rage: 'I've already done enough by not demanding armor and grain from Zhou. Why should I give them Gaodu?' Dai explained: 'Giving Gaodu to Zhou will force Zhou to submit to Han. When Qin hears of this, they will rage against Zhou and cut off their envoys. Thus with a weakened Gaodu, you preserve Zhou.' Why not give it?' The prime minister agreed: 'Very well.' And so Gaodu was given to Zhou.
76
三十四年，蘇厲謂周君曰：「秦破韓、魏，撲師武，北取趙藺、離石者，皆白起也。 是善用兵，又有天命。 今又將兵出塞攻梁，梁破則周危矣。 君何不令人說白起乎？ 曰『楚有養由基者，善射者也。 去柳葉百步而射之，百發而百中之。 左右觀者數千人，皆曰善射。 有一夫立其旁，曰「善，可教射矣」。 養由基怒，釋弓搤劍，曰「客安能教我射乎」？ 客曰「非吾能教子支左詘右也。 夫去柳葉百步而射之，百發而百中之，不以善息，少焉氣衰力倦，弓撥矢鉤，一發不中者，百發盡息」。 今破韓、魏，撲師武，北取趙藺、離石者，公之功多矣。 今又將兵出塞，過兩周，倍韓，攻梁，一舉不得，前功盡棄。 公不如稱病而無出』。」
In the thirty-fourth year, Su Li advised the Zhou lord: 'Qin defeated Han and Wei, captured Shi Wu, and took Lin and Lishi from Zhao in the north - all achieved by Bai Qi. He is a master of warfare and enjoys heaven's favor. Now he is leading troops beyond the passes to attack Liang. If Liang falls, Zhou will be in grave danger. Why not send someone to persuade Bai Qi? Tell him: 'In Chu there was Yang Youji, a master archer. He could shoot willow leaves from a hundred paces away, hitting his target with every shot. Thousands of spectators on all sides praised his skill. But one man standing nearby said: 'Excellent. Now you can be taught how to shoot.' Yang Youji grew furious, dropped his bow and grasped his sword: 'How dare this stranger presume to teach me archery?' The stranger replied: 'I cannot teach you to draw the bow left or bend it right. You shoot willow leaves from a hundred paces with perfect accuracy every time. But if you do not rest after success, soon your breath will fail and strength tire. Your bow will warp, your arrows hook - one miss and all your previous shots are wasted.' You have broken Han and Wei, captured Shi Wu, taken Lin and Lishi from Zhao - your achievements are already great. Now you lead troops beyond the passes, through both Zhou states, past Han, to attack Liang. If this campaign fails, all your past victories will be lost. You would do better to feign illness and not undertake this campaign.'
77
四十二年，秦破華陽約。 馬犯謂周君曰：「請令梁城周。」 乃謂梁王曰：「周王病若死，則犯必死矣。 犯請以九鼎自入於王，王受九鼎而圖犯。」 梁王曰：「善。」 遂與之卒，言戍周。 因謂秦王曰：「梁非戍周也，將伐周也。 王試出兵境以觀之。」 秦果出兵。 又謂梁王曰：「周王病甚矣，犯請後可而復之。 今王使卒之周，諸侯皆生心，後舉事且不信。 不若令卒為周城，以匿事端。」 梁王曰：「善。」 遂使城周。
In the forty-second year, Qin shattered the Huayang alliance. Ma Fan advised the Zhou lord: 'Please have Liang fortify Zhou's defenses.' He then told the King of Liang: 'If the Zhou king dies of illness, then Fan will surely die. Fan will personally deliver the nine tripods to the king. When the king accepts them, he can plot against Fan.' The King of Liang agreed: 'Excellent.' He then provided troops, ostensibly to garrison Zhou. He then told the King of Qin: 'Liang is not garrisoning Zhou - they intend to attack it. Your Majesty should send troops to the border to observe the situation.' Qin indeed deployed troops. He then told the King of Liang: 'The Zhou king's illness is grave. Fan requests that when possible, return the troops. Now that Your Majesty has sent troops to Zhou, the other lords are growing suspicious. Any future undertakings will lack credibility. It would be better to have the troops fortify Zhou to conceal our true intentions.' The King of Liang agreed: 'Very well.' He then had Zhou's defenses fortified.
78
四十五年，周君之秦客謂周（最）［聚］曰：「公不若譽秦王之孝，因以應為太后養地，秦王必喜，是公有秦交。 交善，周君必以為公功。 交惡，勸周君入秦者必有罪矣。」 秦攻周，而周聚謂秦王曰：「為王計者不攻周。 攻周，實不足以利，聲畏天下。 天下以聲畏秦，必東合於齊。 兵獘於周。 合天下於齊，則秦不王矣。 天下欲獘秦，勸王攻周。 秦與天下獘，則令不行矣。」
In the forty-fifth year, a Zhou envoy to Qin told Zhou Ju: 'My lord, you should praise the Qin king's filial devotion and offer Ying as land to support the dowager queen. The Qin king will be pleased, giving you influence in Qin.' If relations improve, the Zhou lord will credit you with the achievement. If relations sour, those who advised the Zhou lord to ally with Qin will be blamed.' Qin attacked Zhou, but Zhou Ju advised the Qin king: 'The wisest course for Your Majesty is not to attack Zhou. Attacking Zhou brings little real benefit, but creates a fearsome reputation worldwide. The world, fearing Qin's reputation, will unite with Qi in the east. Troops will be depleted fighting Zhou. Uniting the world under Qi means Qin will never achieve kingship. The world wishes to weaken Qin, which is why they urge Your Majesty to attack Zhou. If Qin fights the entire world, your commands will go unheeded.'
79
五十八年，三晉距秦。 周令其相國之秦，以秦之輕也，還其行。 客謂相國曰：「秦之輕重未可知也。 秦欲知三國之情。 公不如急見秦王曰『請為王聽東方之變』，秦王必重公。 重公，是秦重周，周以取秦也； 齊重，則固有周聚以收齊：是周常不失重國之交也。」 秦信周，發兵攻三晉。
In the fifty-eighth year, the three Jin states opposed Qin. Zhou sent its prime minister to Qin, but Qin treated him with disdain, so he returned. A guest advised the prime minister: 'We cannot yet know Qin's true intentions. Qin wishes to learn about the three states' conditions. You should urgently meet the Qin king and say: 'Allow me to monitor developments in the east for Your Majesty.' The Qin king will surely value you. If they value you, Qin values Zhou, and Zhou gains influence over Qin; If Qi gains power, Zhou Ju can still win them over. Thus Zhou maintains alliances with major powers.' Qin, trusting Zhou, sent troops to attack the three Jin states.
80
五十九年，秦取韓陽城負黍，西周恐，倍秦，與諸侯約從，將天下銳師出伊闕攻秦，令秦無得通陽城。 秦昭王怒，使將軍摎攻西周。 西周君犇秦，頓首受罪，盡獻其邑三十六，口三萬。 秦受其獻，歸其君於周。
In the fifty-ninth year, Qin captured Yangcheng and Fushu from Han. Western Zhou, terrified, betrayed Qin and allied with the other lords, leading the world's finest troops out of Yique Pass to attack Qin, blocking their access to Yangcheng. King Zhao of Qin, enraged, sent General Liu to attack Western Zhou. The Western Zhou lord fled to Qin, prostrated himself and admitted guilt, surrendering all thirty-six of his cities and thirty thousand subjects. Qin accepted the surrender and restored the lord to Zhou.
81
周君、王赧卒，周民遂東亡。 秦取九鼎寶器，而遷西周公於憚狐。 後七歲，秦莊襄王滅東（西）周。 東西周皆入于秦，周既不祀。
The Zhou lord and King Nan died. The Zhou people then fled eastward. Qin seized the nine sacred tripods and precious vessels, relocating the Western Zhou duke to Danhu. Seven years later, King Zhuang Xiang of Qin destroyed Eastern Zhou. Both Eastern and Western Zhou fell to Qin. The Zhou sacrifices ceased.
82
太史公曰：學者皆稱周伐紂，居洛邑，綜其實不然。 武王營之，成王使召公卜居，居九鼎焉，而周復都豐、鎬。 至犬戎敗幽王，周乃東徙于洛邑。 所謂「周公葬（我）［於］畢」，畢在鎬東南杜中。 秦滅周。 漢興九十有餘載，天子將封泰山，東巡狩至河南，求周苗裔，封其後嘉三十里地，號曰周子南君，比列侯，以奉其先祭祀。
The Grand Historian remarks: Scholars all claim Zhou attacked Zhou and settled at Luoyi, but comprehensively this is not the case. King Wu planned it. King Cheng had Duke Zhao divine the site and placed the nine tripods there, but Zhou made its capital Feng and Hao once more. Only when the Quanrong defeated King You did Zhou move eastward to Luoyi. The saying 'the Duke of Zhou was buried at Bi' - Bi is in the middle of Du southeast of Hao. Qin destroyed Zhou. The Han dynasty arose ninety years later. The Son of Heaven, about to perform the Feng sacrifice on Mount Tai, traveled east on inspection to Henan. He sought Zhou descendants and enfeoffed their descendant Jia with thirty li of land, titled Zhou Zi Nan Jun, ranking as a marquis, to maintain their ancestral sacrifices.