Chaoge.
Bi Gan stood below the steps of the palace's main hall, his white beard trembling faintly in the wind.
He had already been standing outside for half an hour. The guards had relayed the message that the king was in the Side Hall reviewing memorials and would not receive visitors, but he did not leave.
He had to see King Zhou today.
Half an hour later, the palace doors finally opened.
King Zhou walked out from inside, still holding a roll of bamboo slips in his hand. When he saw Bi Gan standing below the steps, his stride paused.
"Uncle, is something the matter?"
King Zhou's tone was filled with helplessness.
"Your Majesty."
Bi Gan took a step forward. He stood there, looking at the face he had watched grow up, and the sour ache in his throat could not be forced down no matter what.
"Now the court is in a state of panic, and many officials and generals have rebelled."
"This subject knows Your Majesty does not like hearing such words—"
He drew in a deep breath.
"But if Your Majesty does not rein yourself in, the Shang Dynasty will be finished."
King Zhou stood where he was. The bamboo slips in his hand slowly tightened, making a faint cracking sound. He listened until Bi Gan finished the last word, then fell silent for about five breaths.
"Finished?"
"I fought in Dongyi for three years. How many people died before I finally took those lands?"
"I reformed the tax system, reorganized the army and prepared for war, weakened the nobles, and gave important posts to men of humble birth—"
He took a step forward.
"Tell me. Which one of those things did I do wrong?"
Bi Gan's lips moved slightly, but no sound came out.
"I do