“Duke of Zhou’s Sacrifice”

The Duke of Zhou, known as Dan, was the younger brother of King Wu of Zhou. He was granted the title of Duke due to his feudal estate in the land of Zhou, a place where the grandfathers of the Zhou dynasty had resided. Dan was renowned for his filial piety, kindness, and loyalty to his elder brother.

When King Wu ascended to the throne, the Duke of Zhou was his most trusted advisor and often assisted in the administration of the kingdom. In the ninth year of King Wu’s reign, the king launched an eastern expedition and reached Mengjin. During this expedition, the Duke of Zhou accompanied him.

In the eleventh year, they waged war against the Shang dynasty and reached Muye. The Duke of Zhou played a crucial role in assisting King Wu. He was instrumental in composing the “Mu Shi” (Mu Declaration) and leading the troops to victory. After defeating the Shang, they entered the Shang palace and executed King Zhou of Shang. The Duke of Zhou held a ceremonial large axe, while another official, Zhao Gong, held a smaller axe, flanking King Wu as they made sacrifices to the gods and announced the crimes of the fallen Shang dynasty to both heaven and the people of Yin (Shang).

They released Ji Zi from imprisonment and appointed King Zhou’s son, Wu Geng, as a successor to continue the Shang rituals. They also distributed lands and titles to meritorious officials and royal family members, with the Duke of Zhou himself being enfeoffed at Qufu, the homeland of Shaohao. However, the Duke of Zhou did not go to his fiefdom; instead, he stayed to assist King Wu.

Two years after the conquest of Shang, King Wu fell seriously ill. The Duke of Zhou, worried about the stability of the kingdom, took drastic measures. He conducted a sacrificial ceremony, offering himself in place of the king, praying to the ancestors and the heavens. He performed the ritual with utmost sincerity, wearing ceremonial jade and holding a jade tablet. The Duke of Zhou prayed to the spirits of Tai Wang, Wang Ji, and King Wen, expressing his willingness to take on the king’s illness himself.

Despite his prayer, he remained faithful and continued to assist King Wu. The king’s condition improved, which was seen as a favorable sign from the heavens.

After King Wu’s death, his son, King Cheng, was still a child. The Duke of Zhou, fearing unrest, took on the role of regent, governing the state on behalf of the young king. He faced slander and rebellion from some nobles, including Guan Shu and Cai Shu, who spread rumors that the Duke of Zhou intended to usurp the throne.

The Duke of Zhou explained his actions to Taigong Wang and Zhao Gong Shi, stating that he governed solely to stabilize the kingdom and to honor the legacy of the three kings. He reassured them that his intentions were noble and selfless.

Despite the internal strife, the Duke of Zhou managed to suppress the rebellion led by Guan Shu, Cai Shu, and Wu Geng. He re-established order and continued the sacrifices to the ancestors and the gods, ensuring the kingdom’s stability.

As a reward for his loyalty and service, King Cheng appointed the Duke of Zhou’s son, Bo Qin, as the ruler of Lu. Before sending Bo Qin to his fiefdom, the Duke of Zhou advised him to remain humble and not to become arrogant because of his noble status.

The Duke of Zhou’s regency lasted for seven years. During this time, he also initiated the construction of the new capital, Chengzhou (modern Luoyang), to solidify the kingdom’s central administration.

Eventually, King Cheng came of age and was able to govern. The Duke of Zhou ceremoniously returned the reins of power to the king, ensuring a smooth transition. He continued to serve as a loyal minister, always demonstrating humility and respect for the young king.

In the later years, when King Cheng fell ill, the Duke of Zhou once again performed a sacrificial ritual, offering himself to the gods in place of the king. His prayers were sincere, reflecting his deep sense of duty and loyalty to the royal family.

The Duke of Zhou’s legacy is one of unwavering loyalty, humility, and dedication to the well-being of the state. His actions laid the foundation for the Zhou dynasty’s stability and prosperity, making him a revered figure in Chinese history.