After Xiqi learned that Great Shang's fortunes were in turmoil and its court was falling apart,
everyone was invigorated. Ji Chang and Ji Fa, father and son, were overjoyed, their eyes gleaming with a sharpness ready to strike.
Previously, King Zhou had summoned the four great feudal lords to Zhaoge for discussions. Through a cruel scheme, he had not only imprisoned Ji Chang, but also caused his eldest son, Bo Yikao, to die tragically in Zhaoge while trying to save his father, suffering every humiliation.
The pain of losing his son and the disgrace of imprisonment had long since taken deep root in Ji Chang's heart. They had also made all of Xiqi's officials and people hate Zhaoge and King Zhou to the bone. Never for a single day had Xiqi forgotten this blood-deep hatred.
Now, Great Shang was destroying its own foundations. Loyal ministers had all perished, treacherous officials held power, and the nation's strength was steadily declining. It was the perfect time for Xiqi to raise an army against Shang and avenge its wrongs.
Ji Chang and Ji Fa plotted day and night, their thoughts filled with overthrowing Yin Shang's tyranny and avenging Bo Yikao. Yet after calmly considering the matter, they could only suppress their impatience for the time being.
Though Xiqi harbored rebellious intentions, its strength was still insufficient. Its civil and military officials were few, while its troops and provisions were far from enough to contend directly against Great Shang.
King Zhou still controlled most of the realm's forces, and Wen Zhong, the Grand Preceptor, guarded the borders as an unparalleled fierce general. If Xiqi rashly raised an army, it would be no different from smashing eggs against stone.
After discussing it again and again, father and son ultimately decided to endure in silence. They