After Zi Shou discovered that Chinese Opera worked, he spent several days listening to performances and ignoring affairs of state, all so the feudal lords would give him a thorough scolding when they came to pay their respects.
Only after all eight hundred feudal lords had arrived in Chaoge did he stop and formally begin the audience.
They passed through the Meridian Gate and entered the Nine-Chamber Hall.
The feudal lords and all the civil and military officials were present.
After a round of polished formalities, Marquis Li stepped forward. He looked rather young.
The lands of Li lay in the west, making him something of a subordinate to the Marquis of the West, while still owing allegiance to Great Shang. But Zi Shou remembered that the Marquis Li who had come last year was an old fellow. This one must have been the old marquis's son, newly succeeded to the title.
Marquis Li glanced around, looked up at Zi Shou, then cast an unobtrusive glance at Ji Chang.
Zi Shou remained expressionless, though inwardly he was delighted. He reckoned this fellow was about to be the bird that stuck its head out first and launch the attack.
Now he felt reassured. His plan had not gone wrong.
Marquis Li said, "Your Majesty performed the Fengshan Sacrifice on Phoenix Mountain, declaring that your virtue encompassed that of the Three Sovereigns and your achievements surpassed those of the Five Emperors."
Here it comes! Here it comes!
Zi Shou said calmly, "Indeed. What is it, Marquis Li? Do you have some objection?"
Marquis Li said cautiously, "I would not dare. It is only that this act violates the rites of our ancestors and is rather disrespectful to the former kings..."
Zi Shou replied serenely, "It is simply the truth. What disrespect is