The Outrage of Su Hu and the King's Decision

Once the imperial edict was issued, it spread like wildfire, and Su Hu was promptly summoned to appear before the king, allowing him no time to linger in the city. Su Hu returned to the inn after departing from the court, where his subordinates and generals awaited him.

They inquired, "General, His Majesty summoned you to the court. What did he discuss with you?"

Su Hu, filled with anger, exclaimed, "This unrighteous and foolish king has no regard for the virtues and achievements of our ancestors. He believes the deceitful counsel and flattery of his advisors, intending to select my daughter to serve as his consort.

"This must be the result of the influence of Fei Zhong and You Hun, who aim to control the court by exploiting the king's lust. I spoke honestly, giving my straightforward advice, but this foolish king deemed it disobedience and sent me to the legal authorities.

"The two villains then advised the king to pardon me and allow me to return home, knowing that I would be grateful for the king's mercy and willingly send my daughter to the court, thus fulfilling their sinister scheme. I have heard that the Grand Tutor is on a distant expedition, and these two villains have seized power.

"I can see that this foolish king will indulge in debauchery, disrupt the court, and plunge the kingdom into chaos, causing suffering for the people and destroying our nation.

"I have considered that if I don't send my daughter as a tribute, the king will likely raise an army to punish me. But if I do send her to the palace, it will tarnish my reputation for not acting wisely. My fellow generals, do any of you have a good plan?"

Hearing Su Hu's words, the generals responded, "We have heard the saying, 'When the ruler is unjust, the ministers flee to foreign lands.' Now that His Majesty values lust over virtue and shows signs of recklessness, it might be best for you to leave the court and protect our homeland. By doing so, you can safeguard our ancestral shrine and preserve your family's honor."

At this moment, Su Hu, still furious, impulsively declared, "A true man cannot engage in obscure matters. Fetch me the four writing tools; I will compose a poem to express my determination never to serve King Zhou again."

He then composed the following poem, which he ordered to be inscribed on the wall of the Wu Gate:

"Injustice from the ruler, disruption of the principles, Destroying the five virtues, Jizhou's Su Hu, Forever refusing to serve King Zhou!"

Su Hu had the poem inscribed and immediately led his generals away from the city of Chaoge, heading back to his homeland.

Meanwhile, King Zhou was displeased, as he wondered, "Although I accepted Fei Zhong and You Hun's advice, I wonder if they will succeed in having Su Hu send his daughter to the palace, thereby fulfilling my desire for pleasure?"

While he was still contemplating this matter, a palace attendant knelt and reported, "Your Majesty, while I was at the Wu Gate, I noticed that Su Hu had inscribed a rebellious poem consisting of sixteen characters on the wall. I dare not conceal this discovery and beseech Your Majesty's judgment."

He presented the poem on an inscribed tablet.

King Zhou, upon seeing the poem, furiously exclaimed, "These rebels dare to be so disrespectful! I have shown them kindness by not executing them, allowing them to return home. Yet, they dare to inscribe a poem on the Wu Gate, greatly insulting the court. Their crime is unforgivable!"

He immediately ordered, "Summon Yin Pobai, Chao Tian, Lu Xiong, and others to assemble the six armies. I shall personally lead the expedition to crush their state!"

The officials in attendance promptly conveyed the order, summoning Yin Pobai, Chao Tian, Lu Xiong, and others to the palace.

After paying their respects, King Zhou spoke, "Su Hu has rebelled against me and inscribed a poem on the Wu Gate, greatly dishonoring the court. His actions are deeply hateful, and the law cannot tolerate them. You will lead an army of twenty thousand as the vanguard, while I will personally lead the six armies to punish him and rectify his crimes."

Lu Xiong, hearing the king's orders, lowered his head in thought.

He whispered to himself, "Su Hu is a loyal and righteous man who has always upheld virtue and righteousness. Why would he provoke the wrath of the king and warrant a personal expedition? If the Four Great Regional Lords have not returned to their states yet, His Majesty could dispatch a small force to capture Su Hu, thereby upholding justice and preserving peace within the kingdom. Why go on such a distant campaign?"

King Zhou inquired, "Among the Four Regional Lords, who is suitable for the campaign?"

Fei Zhong, who was present, stepped forward and said, "Jizhou is located in the northern region, and it is under the jurisdiction of Lord Hou Huo. He can be tasked with leading the expedition."

King Zhou agreed to this suggestion and issued the necessary orders.

Lu Xiong, still contemplating, thought to himself, "Lord Hou Huo is known for his greed, brutality, and tyranny. If he leads an expedition, the regions he passes through will undoubtedly suffer devastation and harm, and the common people will be in distress.

"We have Lady Hou Chang in the western region, renowned for her benevolence, virtue, and outstanding character. If His Majesty entrusts her with the mission, there will be no need for arrows and stones, and Su Hu's capture will be certain, all while maintaining peace."

After much contemplation, King Zhou finally approved their counsel and issued a special edict, granting authority to Lord Hou Huo and Lady Hou Chang to lead the expedition. A messenger was dispatched to the Grand Audience Hall to deliver the decree.

While the Four Regional Lords and the two prime ministers were still enjoying their feast, they received sudden news of an imperial edict, leaving them puzzled about its contents.

A celestial messenger announced, "Lord of the West and Lord of the North, His Majesty's edict has arrived." The two lords promptly left the banquet to receive and listen to the edict.

The edict read as follows: "Decree: We have heard that the distinction between sovereign and subject is a grave matter, and the way of delegating responsibilities should be without ambiguity. Therefore, when summoned by the ruler, there is no need to wait for the chariot, and when granted death by the ruler, one should not delay. This is how the exaltation of the high and low, and the elevation of the entrusted officials are to be honored. Yet, Su Hu has acted improperly, displaying unruly behavior within the court, disrupting the established order. Even after being pardoned and allowed to return to his homeland, he has shown no intention of reforming, audaciously inscribing a poem on the Wu Gate, betraying his allegiance to the ruler. His crimes are unpardonable. We grant you, Ji Chang and others, the authority of the imperial jade seal and the command to carry out this mission. You shall punish his insubordination without leniency, and the responsibility for his crimes shall rest with you. This is the decree for your guidance. Respect it."

After the celestial messenger finished reading the edict, the two lords expressed their gratitude and bowed respectfully.

Ji Chang spoke to the two prime ministers and the other regional lords, saying, "Su Hu had not yet entered the court or participated in an audience with His Majesty before the edict was issued. However, the edict states 'disrupting the established order.' I do not understand the origin of this phrase.

"Furthermore, Su Hu is known for his loyalty and righteousness. He has accumulated military achievements and has always upheld virtue and justice. In the case of the poem inscribed at the Wu Gate, there may be deception involved.

"Which advisor has His Majesty listened to, leading to the punishment of a meritorious general? I fear that this may cause unrest among the various regional lords.

"I request that both prime ministers attend the early court session tomorrow to investigate the matter thoroughly. What is Su Hu's true crime? If his words are just, he should be punished accordingly. However, if they are unjust, he should be spared."

Bi Gan concurred, "Your Lordship's words are wise."

Lord Hou Huo, standing nearby, remarked, "The king's words are as fine as silk, and his decrees are like strands of yarn. Now that the edict has been issued, who would dare to oppose it? Besides, Su Hu inscribed a poem at the Wu Gate, and he must have had a basis for doing so. Would His Majesty issue such a decree without reason? Currently, there are eight hundred regional lords, and none of them are following the king's command, acting brazenly and without restraint. This could lead to chaos within the kingdom."

Ji Chang responded, "Your Lordship, while your words hold merit, you seem to overlook the fact that Su Hu is a loyal and virtuous gentleman, consistently adhering to his principles.

"He has been loyal to the country, educated the people, and maintained military discipline and regulations for several years without any transgressions.

"Now, His Majesty, for reasons unknown, has gathered the regional lords to question him. This situation may be ominous for the state. I hope that in these peaceful times, we can avoid the use of armed forces, avoid bloodshed, and enjoy the harmony of the Yao era.

"Furthermore, deploying troops is an ill omen. Wherever they go, there will be turmoil and disturbances. Additionally, it will consume the people's wealth and harm the nation's resources. Excessive military might and warfare are not suitable for a prosperous era."

Lord Hou Huo countered, "Your Lordship, your words are reasonable, but have you considered that when the king issues an order, it must be obeyed without question?

"Furthermore, 'brilliant words from the heavens'—who would dare to disobey? By issuing this edict, His Majesty must have had good reasons. If Su Hu was insincere in his actions, he would be punished accordingly. But if His Majesty's order is not obeyed, it would be tantamount to disrespecting the king, potentially inviting accusations of treason."

Ji Chang replied, "In that case, Your Lordship may lead the army in advance, and our forces will follow shortly."

At that moment, they all dispersed. Lord Hou Huo informed the two prime ministers, "I will depart first, and Ji Chang will return temporarily to Western Qi. We will lead our troops subsequently."

The following day, Lord Hou Huo organized his troops and set out from Chaoge, heading toward Ji Province. The sight was awe-inspiring:

Explosions from the cannons shook the heavens,

Drums resonated, shaking the earth.

Thunderous cannon fire echoed like spring thunder over the vast sea,

Resounding drums created a colorful cloud canopy on the seventh night.

Blades and spears gleamed like winter's heavy snowfall,

Swords and halberds stood tall like autumn frost on the ground.

Ferocious killing intent sealed the celestial altar,

Faintly, red clouds veiled the azure shore.

Ten miles of surging waves and billowing turbulence,

A military mountain emerged from the earth.