The Prince of Wei

The Yin-Shang has already lost the Mandate of Heaven. Weizi composed an advisory text to inform the Father-Master and the Junior-Master. (Not in the original text.)

Weizi spoke thus: Father-Master, Junior-Master. I fear that Yin-Shang can no longer govern the four quarters well. Our ancestors achieved great deeds and displayed them before Heaven above. Yet we have sunk into drunkenness. Through disorder we have corrupted our ancestors’ virtue here on the earth below.

In Yin-Shang, whether high or low in rank, all delight in thievery and lawlessness in the wilds. The ministers and officers imitate one another and do not uphold the laws and standards. Those who are guilty often cannot be caught and held. The common people rise up one after another and become mutual enemies. Now Yin-Shang is about to perish, like crossing a great river yet finding neither ford nor shore. Yin-Shang is on the verge of destruction, and it has come to this very day.

Weizi said: Father-Master, Junior-Master. I fear I am going mad. The old ministers of our house have all withdrawn to remote and desolate places. Now you do not instruct me on matters of collapse and downfall. What am I to do?

The Father-Master spoke thus: O Prince. Heaven sends down grave calamities again to lay waste the state of Yin-Shang. High and low alike rise up and sink into drunkenness. They do not fear what ought to be feared. They defy those aged, mature, and long-honored men of former standing.

Now the people of Yin-Shang even steal the pure-colored sacrificial victims and the whole offerings of the spirits, and use them for their own food, yet no calamity befalls them.

Heaven looks down and watches the people of Yin-Shang, who kill for gain and amass wealth, who invite enmity without slackening. Their crimes are heaped together in one place. The many who are weak and emaciated have nowhere to make their appeals known.

The House of Shang now faces calamity. I may well have to bear its ruin. If the House of Shang falls, I will not become a servant to others. I urge the Prince to flee. I spoke before of the matter of Jizi. If the Prince does not leave, we shall all be overturned and plunged down. Let each of us plan for his own safety. Let each man offer what he can to the former kings. I do not consider fleeing far away.