Grand Master Mei Pai stood inside the hall, while Prime Minister Shang Rong and Vice Prime Minister Bi Gan clasped their hands and said solemnly, "The Heavenly Son is sunk in wine, feasts, and feminine beauty. The Court System is in decline, and memorials are piled up like mountains. This is a sign that great calamity is about to strike! As Pillar Ministers, when advancing, we should support the state; when retreating, we should uphold our principles and fulfill our loyalty. How can we sit by and do nothing?
As the ancient saying goes: A ruler needs Upright Ministers, a father needs remonstrating sons, and a scholar needs honest friends. The three of us bear an undeniable responsibility today! Why not strike the drums and ring the bells, gather the Civil and Military Officials, respectfully invite the Imperial Carriage to come to court and hear affairs of state, and present our grievances in person, remonstrating with all our strength? Only then will we live up to the roles of ruler and subject and avoid disgracing the dignity of the Imperial Court!"
Shang Rong nodded in agreement. "What the Grand Master said accords with propriety and law." He immediately ordered the attendants before the hall to strike the bells and drums and summon the King to court.
At that moment, King Zhou was drinking and flirting with Daji when he suddenly heard the bells and drums in the main hall reverberate, shaking the rafters. The palace attendants on either side hurriedly reported, "The Imperial Carriage has entered the hall!" King Zhou could only rise sluggishly and say to Daji, "Beauty, wait here for a while. I'll be back shortly."
Daji lowered her head and gathered her skirts, respectfully seeing the Imperial Carriage off. King Zhou rode the Jade Chariot, climbed the