Moreover, King Zhou had been highly capable. If he had cast off his debauchery and devoted himself wholeheartedly to governing the country, Jiang Ziya would never have been able to defeat him.
During the Investiture of the Gods War, Yuanshi Tianzun had originally intended for Shen Gongbao to take charge, but Shen Gongbao chose King Zhou instead.
He chose King Zhou because he had happened to meet him and discovered that King Zhou was exceptionally capable and bold enough to carry out reforms within his own country, hoping to change its condition.
After all, the Shang Dynasty had already lasted several centuries. After developing for so many years, it had gradually entered a period of decline. All kinds of problems emerged one after another, internal conflicts were rife, and the feudal lords fought among themselves. Some even raised private armies, seeking independence, while the common people suffered unspeakably.
After ascending the throne, King Zhou faced a nation battered by storms. He had wholeheartedly wanted to reform it, but reform was exceedingly difficult. There were many conservatives within the court who opposed reform, and their power was particularly formidable.
Yet King Zhou was unafraid. With his trusted followers, he launched sweeping reforms and uprooted every force that stood in his way.
Several times, King Zhou had nearly died beneath assassins' blades, but he had not felt the slightest fear. Instead, he became even more valiant.
After King Zhou's reforms, the Shang Dynasty became far more stable.
The reforms also produced substantial results.
This was one of the reasons Shen Gongbao thought so highly of King Zhou.
However, no one was perfect. Although King Zhou had the courage to carry out reforms, he was excessively debauched.
Some conservatives bore a grudge against King Zhou, so they selected beautiful women from all over