The Charge to the Prince of Wei

King Cheng abolished the mandate of Yin, executed Wu Geng, and commanded Qi, the Prince of Wei, to continue the line of Yin. Thereupon, he made "The Charge to the Prince of Wei." (This passage is not in the original text.)

The King spoke thus: "Oh, you, the eldest son of the kings of Yin! When I examine ancient times, I see that they honored those who were virtuous, imitated the worthy, continued the line of former kings, and made bright their ritual vessels and implements, so that they might be guests of the royal house and share in the blessings of the state for endless generations.

Alas! Your ancestor, Cheng Tang, was able to be reverent, wise, vast, and profound. High Heaven regarded him with favor and protected him, and thus bestowed on him the Heavenly Mandate. He used kindness to soothe the people, removed the evil and violent, and his achievements were added to his time, while his virtue flowed down to later generations.

You have been able to continue and cultivate his way, possessing from old a fine reputation. You are reverent and cautious, able to be filial, and with solemn respect serve the spirits and the people. I praise your virtue, saying that you are sincere and do not forget your roots. Therefore, High God has accepted your sacrifices, and the people below are respectful and harmonious. Hence, I have established you as a high duke to govern this eastern region of Hua Xia.

Be reverent! Go forward and carry out your teachings. Carefully receive your charge and your destiny. Follow the statutes and constant laws, so as to screen the royal house, bring to light the achievements of your great ancestor, be a model to your people, long maintain your position in peace, and assist me, the One Man. So shall your lineage enjoy virtue for generations, becoming an example to the myriad states, and causing our Zhou dynasty never to be rejected.

Alas! Go, and conduct your affairs well. Do not abandon my command."