Chapter 426: Bo Yikao’s Ritual Sacrifice! King Zhou’s Divination! (2)
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
What else could have inspired its colloquial name, the Pig Zun, otherwise? The artifact before them bore striking similarity to the previously excavated Pig Zun. It emanated an overpowering sense of artistic life, appearing so real one could easily mistake it for a genuine pig.
“After much contemplation, I am convinced this place must have been remarkable in its time,” Professor Li mused.
“Is this the only known location where a Pig Zun was used for sacrifices?” “Indeed, it is the first of its kind.”
“Let’s dig deeper, there might be other ritual vessels hidden beneath.”
“Moreover, there’s the presence of a ‘Yin’ here,” Professor Li added, recalling Luo Feng’s earlier discussion, causing him to ponder deeply.
Unearthing the Pig Zun signaled more than a vast scale; it represented high standards.
The concepts of scale and standard formed two distinct probabilities.
Consider scale as a fleet of ten thousand motorcycles.
On the other hand, standards were like nine Rolls-Royce Phantoms.
Whereas scale denoted quantity, standards represented grade.
High standards did not necessarily imply luxury, but often, high standards signified opulence, though not necessarily on a grand scale.
“Master Li, what brings you here?” Luo Feng asked, as he was busy translating oracle bone scripts alongside his harem of ladies, noticing Master Li approaching and listening in.
“I’m following your translations.”
“You’re listening to my translations? I’m just dabbling,” Luo Feng replied, taken aback.
“Haha, your level of understanding these scripts is far from mere dabbling, Luo Feng. Just a short while ago, we discovered a Pig Zun of a notably high standard. Your translation seems quite accurate! It’s not entirely improbable that King Di Xin might have visited this place for sacrificial offerings!” Mr. Li explained.
“Master Li, did you notice anything peculiar about the oracle bone script?” Luo Feng asked.
“What exactly have you found?” Mr. Li asked, flipping the question back.
“There is an abundance of tortoise shells, but animal bones are scant,” Luo Feng observed. “Though any bone could serve for divination, for significant national affairs, shamans from the Shang and Zhou dynasties favored tortoise shells for their superior nature.”
“That’s an accurate observation!” Mr. Li confirmed, nodding in agreement.
“Given that most of the found items here are tortoise shells with only a few bones, we can confidently conclude that the divinations were most likely pertaining to national matters of great import. To put it bluntly, the rituals held here were either offerings to the heavens or ceremonies preceding war!” Luo Feng reasoned.
“Can we identify who performed these ceremonies?”
“Unfortunately, we can’t,” Luo Feng shook his head. “There is no explicit text. However, I’ve managed to deduce certain facts through the oracle bone script from the Zhou Dynasty.”
With that, Luo Feng shared his deciphered segment of the oracle bone script.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Li could not confirm the accuracy of Luo Feng’s statements, but he did appreciate it as a significant reference.
His disbelief had vanished, unlike before.
Now, he understood that Luo Feng’s analysis direction aligned perfectly with the unearthed artifacts.
The mention of the Xia Dynasty within the oracle bone script, however, warranted careful scrutiny.
“Suppose we discovered written records from the Xia dynasty – wouldn’t that be remarkable?” Master Li expressed with a hint of longing.
“Indeed, such records will come to light. Look diligently, and you might stumble upon significant findings!” Luo Feng assured.
“In our country’s archaeological history, the existence of the Xia Dynasty is affirmed. The Erlitou site provides substantial evidence. Yet, the international community refuses to acknowledge it. Surprisingly, the Erlitou site isn’t recognized as a World Heritage Site.”
Intrigued, Luo Feng asked, “And why might they deny its existence?”
“The reason is plain to see: the absence of discovered Xia Dynasty artifacts to support the claim. It lacks empirical evidence!” Professor Li retorted, “The issue isn’t about recognition, we don’t need their validation. What truly matters is that despite us having definitive proof of the Xia Dynasty, others continue to deny its existence!”
“Ha! Allow me to continue with the translation then!” Luo Feng laughed, amused by Master Li’s frustration. He then said, “This collection of oracle bone script appears to document an event where King Xin offered sacrifices to heaven, seeking divine approval to substitute Zhou Fangbo’s son as a sacrificial offering in his place. The king gave his consent.”
“Hold on a moment, Luo Feng. Zhou Fangbo?”Master Li questioned.
“What seems to be the matter, Professor Li?” Luo Feng asked.
“Are you familiar with who Zhou Fangbo is?” Master Li probed further.
“Could that possibly be King Wen of Zhou?” Luo Feng speculated.
“Indeed, he is the father of King Wu,” Professor Li confirmed. “Please, continue with your translation.”
Luo Feng scrutinized the turtle shell once more before proceeding, “According to the king’s decree, Zhou Fangbo had three sons, and it was the eldest who should be chosen for substitution.”
Luo Feng paused, deeply engrossed in the oracle bone script. He understood the historical significance of these events. The history of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties was largely enshrouded in mystery, replete with various tales. But what was the true state of affairs at that time? It was utterly convoluted.
Logically, an era with such scarce archaeological materials would usually garner limited interest. However, the novel “Investiture of the Gods” dramatically increased this historical period’s popularity, leading to a proliferation of TV dramas and films exploring the era.
The circumstances surrounding Bo Yikao’s demise are widely disputed in historical accounts. Some argue he died in battle, others insist King Xin live-sacrificed him, and still others blame Daji for his death. There are even suggestions that he succumbed to internal political conflicts in West Qi.
Yet, according to what was inscribed on this turtle shell, it seemed plausible that King Xin live-sacrificed him.
“So, are we to believe this is the burial site of King Wen of Zhou’s son?”
“Did King Zhou really kill Boyi Kao?”
“The son of King Wen of Zhou? Live-sacrificed by King Zhou? Surely you jest! Isn’t King Wu of Zhou, the founder of the Zhou dynasty, the son of King Wen of Zhou?”
“You appear to be misinformed. Bo Yikao was the elder brother of King Wu of Zhou, Ji Fa!”
Luo Feng added, “During the Shang Dynasty, live-sacrificing was a common practice. Many crucial sacrifices demanded the participation of tribal leaders or even kings! This tradition was echoed in subsequent dynasties. For instance, during Duke Mu of Qin’s reign, Duke Hui of Jin was live-sacrificed. If the Zhou emperor hadn’t intervened, Duke Hui of Jin would have faced the same fate.”
“Really? So the events depicted in ‘Emperor Century’ and ‘Sky Inquiry’ are accurate!”
“Whether it’s accurate or not, it doesn’t impact my monthly salary of 1200 yuan!”
“Luo Feng, please proceed with the translation. Do not halt!”
Luo Feng resumed translating, an endeavor that took two hours. He eventually completed the translation of a massive pile of Shang Dynasty oracle bone script.
The vast collection of oracle bone script primarily documented four significant events. Three of them were related to war sacrifices. The last one detailed Bo Yikao’s live-sacrifice in lieu of King Wen of Zhou.
Bo Yikao was the elder brother of Ji Fa and the eldest son of King Wen of Zhou. Luo Feng concluded, “If these records are accurate, this site might hold the remains of Bo Yikao! Being a substantial sacrificial offering, the presence of Bo Yikao would certainly draw considerable attention.”
Just then, another archaeologist approached, announcing, “Professor Li, we have discovered a large bronze ding!”
“Oh? A large one, you say? Shall we investigate?” Prompted by this news, Master Li glanced at Luo Feng, suggesting they proceed.
“Indeed, let’s go.” Rising to his feet, Luo Feng nodded and followed the archaeologist to the excavation pit’s edge.
It was a large, square bronze ding. The bronze artifacts of the late Shang Dynasty had already reached their peak. Future dynasties, from Zhou to Qin, showed little advancement in bronze craftsmanship as they transitioned to iron.
At a glance, Shang and Zhou bronzes bear a striking resemblance to those from the Qin and Han dynasties. However, the designs on the former are noticeably more solemn, more elaborate and opulent. This square ding, with an open top and a meter on each side, stood approximately eighty to ninety centimeters tall.
The ding’s patterns featured taotie, or monster mask, motifs, alongside cloud and thunder motifs. The four corners of the ding were fashioned like rhinoceros horns. The ding’s interior was filled with soil, but some bones were visible.
This ding was clearly used for sacrificial purposes, and the remains inside were undeniably that of a sacrificial offering.
“This surpasses the previously discovered Four-Sheep Square Zun in terms of both its completeness and design!” Qin Rubing exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. Even the medicine ding found in Zhao Gao’s tomb seemed less significant in comparison.
“Little Luo, examine this character closely!”
Suddenly, Master Li pointed at a character etched on the bronze.
“Is this ‘Jit?”
“Yes!” At that moment, Professor Li gave Luo Feng a meaningful look. Could it be possible that Luof Feng had translated accurately? Was this site truly where Bo Yikao was live-sacrificed?
If all this was factual, then could the records about the Xia Dynasty that Luo Feng had translated earlier also be true?
“Let’s return, Little Lup. We must delve deeper into the oracle bone script.. We have a lot to discuss!”
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