“Royal Decree: Upholding Ancient Virtue”
In ancient China, during the reign of King Cheng of Zhou, there arose a desire to establish a new capital at Luo Yi. He tasked the esteemed Duke of Zhou to oversee the construction, which led to the creation of the “Decree of the Duke of Zhou.” The chronicle begins in the second month, nearing the sixth day of Yimao, when the king departed from his residence in Zhou and arrived at Feng.
The Duke of Zhou, entrusted as the Great Protector, commenced his journey three months later, on the day of Bingwu. Arriving at Luo on the third day of Wushen, he proceeded to divine the auspicious location for the new capital. Once the site was chosen, preparations for construction began. By the fifth day of Jiayin, the foundation was completed. On the following day, Bingmao, the Duke of Zhou returned to Luo, overseeing the ceremonies to honor the land. Two oxen were sacrificed at the outskirts, followed by a solemn ritual involving one ox, one sheep, and one pig within the new city on the day of Jiazi, seven days later.
The Duke of Zhou then summoned the feudal lords, officials, and nobles to attend the royal court, proclaiming, “Behold! The Son of Heaven has decreed a new destiny for the great land of Yin. Under his rule, may there be boundless peace and prosperity. Let us not forget to honor the divine mandate entrusted upon us. We must remain steadfast in our reverence for the ancestors and their teachings, ensuring the stability and harmony of the realm. Through wisdom and compassion, we shall guide the people through the challenges of our times.”
In reflection upon the traditions of ancient rulers, the Duke continued, “We must uphold the principles laid down by our forefathers, from Emperor Yu of the Xia to the sage kings of Yin. Their wisdom guided them through the trials of their eras. Let us emulate their virtues and seek guidance from the heavens in all our endeavors. It is our solemn duty to preserve the legacy entrusted to us and to govern with fairness and justice.”
The Duke of Zhou further emphasized, “Let us not falter in our respect for virtue. As we embark on this new era, we must remain vigilant against corruption and maintain the dignity of our office. Our actions must reflect the divine mandate bestowed upon us. We must ensure that the people thrive under our rule, and our governance is a beacon of hope and stability.”
Reflecting on his responsibilities, the Duke concluded, “I pledge to serve with integrity and humility, to safeguard the well-being of the people, and to honor the trust placed in me by the Son of Heaven. May our efforts bear fruit, and may the heavens bless our endeavors as we establish this new capital and secure the future prosperity of our kingdom.”
This historical account exemplifies the enduring values of Chinese culture, where leadership is guided by ancestral wisdom and a deep sense of duty towards the people. Through the Duke of Zhou’s leadership, the establishment of Luo Yi stands as a testament to the commitment to virtue and the pursuit of harmony within the realm. His actions resonate through the ages, inspiring future generations to govern with integrity and compassion, ensuring the continuity of a prosperous and harmonious society.