Investiture of the Gods/Chapter 29.5
From Wikibooks, the open-content textbooks collection
[edit] General Summary
Once Wei Zi, the secretarait of Morning Song, obtained word that Chong Houhu had been executed while his younger brother, Chong Heihu, took control over the former's territory, he realized that the threat of Ji Chang would become even more greater due to Heihu's independence from the capital -- and thus informed King Zhou immediately less any further trouble evolved. Seething with rage at the north grand duke's death upon the hearing of such an incident, King Zhou ordered a contigent of soldiers to bring back both Ji Chang and Chong Heihu for trial. However, Li Ren moved forward from the ministers present and stated that if he were to effectively act in the benefit of Chong Houhu--who was widely dispised by the ministers and people alike--then they naturally would feel great malace towards him for supporting one of criminal traits rather than the loyal. Realizing the rationality in his words, King Zhou decided to abandon the idea of attacking Heihu altogether. Unfortunately back at the Western Foothills however, Prince Wen's health worsened day by day forcing constant medical attention from doctors within the capital. As Jiang Ziya knelt before his master one day upon the former's request, Prince Wen calmly told him from his bed to never ally the Western Foothills with the rebelling nobles at any costs whatsoever; due to the many unroyal actions that had been taken earlier that proved a level of disloyalty towards the king's wishes, peace must always remain between the west and Morning Song as atonement for their past defiance.
Gazing at the tear-filled eyes of Prince Wen, and seeing the undomitable spirit of loyalty that surges through the former's heart, Jiang Ziya ensured that he shall eternally obey such instructions. With Ji Fa's sudden entrance, Prince Wen told his son that he shall take his place as governor over the Western Foothills following his death -- but at no account should he dare listen to any words that may harm the king during his succession. After telling the prime minister and Ji Fa to instill virtue and true loyalty to both the king and the people so that the future generations can possess eternal happiness, Prince Wen breathed his last, dying at the age of 97 and being given the title of King Wen of Zhou. Following King Wen's funeral, Jiang Ziya proposed to all ministers present that Ji Fa should succeed his father with the title of West Grand Duke and King Wu. As all ministers were risen one rank with additional benefits, the 200 marquises came constantly to offer their obeisance to the new king over the Western Foothills. Once Commander Han Rong of Sishi Pass had obtained word on Ji Fa's succession to the throne, and the unexpected death of Ji Chang, a messenger was immediately sent before the capital's secretariat. With both Yao Zhong and Prince Wei Zi being the first to hear of such urgant news, Yao Zhong declared that he shall see the king on such a matter no matter what the outcome may be.
-- Arc 4 - END --
