殷本纪 — Shiji

The Yin lineage began with Xie. His mother was Jiandi, a woman of the Youxun clan, who served as the secondary consort of Emperor Ku. One day while bathing with two others, Jiandi saw a black bird descend and lay an egg. She picked it up and swallowed it, and as a result became pregnant and gave birth to Xie. Xie grew up and assisted Yu in controlling floods, earning great merit. Emperor Shun then commanded Xie: 'The people are not united, and the five relationships lack proper guidance. You shall serve as Minister of Education and propagate the five teachings with care and breadth.' He was enfeoffed at Shang and granted the surname Zi.

Xie flourished during the reigns of Tang, Yu, and the Great Yu, and his achievements benefited the people, bringing peace to all. Upon Xie's death, his son Zhaoming succeeded him. Zhaoming was followed by his son Xiangtu. Xiangtu was succeeded by his son Changruo. Changruo was succeeded by Caoyu. Caoyu was succeeded by Ming. Ming was succeeded by Zhen. Zhen was succeeded by Wei. Wei was succeeded by Baoding. Baoding was succeeded by Baoyi. Baoyi was succeeded by Baobing. Baobing was succeeded by Zhuren. Zhuren was succeeded by Zhugui. Zhugui was succeeded by Tianyi, who became King Cheng Tang. From Xie to Tang, the capital was moved eight times. Tang first settled at Bo, following the dwelling place of the former kings, and composed the Di Gao.

Tang summoned the feudal lords. The Duke of Ge neglected the ancestral sacrifices, so Tang moved against him first. Tang declared: 'I have a saying—a man looking at water sees his own reflection; a ruler looking at his people knows whether his government succeeds.' Yi Yin responded: 'How wise! When words are heeded, the way advances. To govern the state and nurture the people, those who do good should be found in the royal officials. Work diligently, work diligently!'

Tang warned: 'If you cannot reverence this command, I shall inflict severe punishment without mercy.' He composed the Punitive Expedition of Tang.

Yi Yin, whose title was Ah Heng, sought an audience with Tang but had no means of approach. He therefore became a servant of the clan of Xin, carrying a cooking vessel, and persuaded Tang with fine flavors, presenting the principles of righteous rule. Some accounts say Yi Yin was a recluse whom Tang summoned with gifts; after five attempts, Yi Yin finally agreed to join him, speaking of the former king and the nine rulers. Tang appointed him to state affairs.

Yi Yin later left Tang for Xia. Finding Xia hateful, he returned to Bo. Entering by the north gate, he encountered Women Jiu and Woman Fang, composing 'Women Jiu and Woman Fang.'

Tang went out and saw someone spreading a net in all four directions. He pronounced a blessing: 'May creatures from heaven and earth, from all directions, enter my net.' Tang said: 'Ah, that captures everything!' He ordered three sides removed, saying: 'Those who wish to go left, go left. Those who wish to go right, go right. Only those who do not obey shall enter my net.' The feudal lords remarked: 'Tang's virtue extends even to birds and beasts.'

At this time, Xia's King Jie ruled with tyranny and excess. The lord of Kunwu created disorder. Tang raised an army with the feudal lords, Yi Yin accompanying him. Tang himself grasped the battle-axe and attacked Kunwu, then turned against Jie.

With this proclamation to the army, Tang composed the 'Punitive Oath of Tang.' Then Tang declared: 'My armory is strong,' and took the title Martial King.

'Yu and Gao Yao toiled long in service to the people, and the people found peace. The four rivers—Yangzi to the south, Ji to the north, Yellow River to the west, Huai to the south—were restored; the people found places to live. Hou Ji taught agriculture and the hundred grains flourished. These three officials served the people well and are honored in posterity.'

'Once Chiyou and his ministers stirred rebellion among the people, and the emperor would not permit it—there is always cause. The former kings' words must not be neglected.'

Tang reformed the calendar, changed the colors of dress—elevating white—and held audiences in daylight.

Taijia was Cheng Tang's eldest grandson. In his first year, Yi Yin composed the 'Instructions for Taijia,' 'On Carrying Out Commands,' and 'Following the Former Kings.' After three years, Taijia proved ignorant, tyrannical, and disorderly, abandoning Tang's laws. Yi Yin therefore exiled him to the Tong palace.

For three years, Yi Yin administered the government and received the feudal lords. Taijia, in Tong, repented and blamed himself, reforming his conduct. Yi Yin then welcomed him back and restored the throne to him. Taijia governed virtuously, and all feudal lords submitted to Yin while the people found peace. Yi Yin praised him and composed the 'Three Chapters of Instructions for Taijia,' honoring him as Emperor Taijia, known as Grand Ancestor.

Upon Grand Ancestor's death, his son Woding succeeded. During Woding's reign, Yi Yin died and was buried at Bo. Jiushan composed the 'Annals of Yi Yin' in the 'Woding' chapter.

Woding was followed by his brother Taigeng, then Taigeng's son Xiaojia, then Xiaojia's brother Yongji—during whose reign Yin's governance declined, and some feudal lords ceased to attend court.

Hejuan's son Zuyi became emperor, and Yin revived once more. Wu Xian held office. Upon Zuyi's death, his son Zuxin took the throne. Zuxin was succeeded by his brother Wujia. Wujia's death brought to the throne Zuxin's son Zuding. Zuding's death brought Wujia's son Nan Geng. Nan Geng's death brought Zuding's son Yangjia, under whom Yin declined.

Yangjia's brother Pangeng then ascended. By now Yin had already moved to the northern bank of the Yellow River. Pangeng crossed south, returning to the old capital of Cheng Tang. This was the fifth relocation—there was no fixed seat. The Yin people complained and resented; none wished to move. Pangeng therefore addressed the feudal lords and ministers:

'Former High Rulers and Cheng Tang established the realm with your ancestors. The laws and principles can still be followed. If you abandon them and do not strive, how can virtue be achieved?'

He crossed the Yellow River, restored Bo, and implemented Cheng Tang's governance. Then the people found peace, and the Way of Yin revived. Feudal lords came to court, acknowledging his adherence to Cheng Tang's virtue.

Upon Pangeng's death, his brother Xiaoxin succeeded. Under Xiaoxin, Yin declined again. The people missed Pangeng and composed the three chapters bearing his name. Xiaoxin's brother Xiaoyi became emperor. Xiaoyi's son Wuding ascended.

Presented to Wuding, the king recognized him immediately. Speaking with him, Wuding confirmed he was indeed a sage and appointed him minister. Yin was greatly governed. The king therefore gave Yue the surname of that place, Fu, known as Fu Yue.