Yi Yin, said to have lived from 1649 B.C. to 1549 B.C., was one of the most respected ministers of early Chinese history. He served King Tang, the founder of the Shang Dynasty, and later advised successive Shang kings. His life became associated with wise governance, loyalty, and a mission believed to have been arranged by Heaven.
According to traditional accounts, Yi Yin also instructed Tai Jia, the grandson of Tang, when the young ruler became oppressive. Through Yi Yin’s guidance, Tai Jia eventually corrected his conduct and became a ruler who cared for his people. Few statesmen in Chinese history were remembered in such a way. After Yi Yin’s death, the Shang royal family honored him with rites befitting a Son of Heaven.
Yi Yin’s life was said to be linked to a heavenly mission. Strange signs accompanied both his birth and his death.
A warning dream
Before Yi Yin was born, his mother had a prophetic dream. In the dream, someone told her: “When you see water flowing from the mortar, go east at once, and do not look back.”
The next morning, she was shocked to see water welling up from the mortar in her home. After warning her neighbors, she hurried east for about three miles. Only then did she stop and look back. Her hometown had already been swallowed by floodwaters.
The child she carried was Yi Yin. According to the account, he still had a great mandate to fulfill and was not meant to perish. His mother received the warning dream in time, allowing the unborn child to escape danger.
At that time, the realm was ruled by King Jie, the last ruler of the Xia Dynasty. Jie was said to be cruel and depraved, spending his days and nights in pleasure and wine. He neglected affairs of state and refused to accept honest advice. Guan Longfeng, a brave and loyal minister, tried to persuade him to correct his conduct, but Jie would not listen and had him executed. After that, the officials were frightened, and virtuous men no longer dared to speak frankly.
A minister finds his ruler
Yi Yin saw the brutality and incompetence of King Jie. He also saw that Tang of Shang, one of the feudal lords, was a capable and virtuous ruler. Yi Yin wished to help Tang carry out Heaven’s mandate and bring order to the realm, but he had no way to approach him.
Tang had ties with the Youxin clan and later married one of its daughters. Yi Yin took this opportunity to enter the bride’s accompanying retinue as a servant, thereby coming to Tang’s side. Tang soon recognized his ability and entrusted him with important responsibilities.
To fulfill a great mission, Yi Yin was willing to endure hardship and humble himself. His wisdom was matched by sincerity, and he eventually earned the trust of a worthy ruler.
Yi Yin taught Tang that the foundation of kingly rule was self-cultivation. The ruler and minister shared the same concern for the nation and the same understanding of governance.
Tang once said: “A person can see his reflection in water. In the same way, one can judge a ruler by observing the condition of his people.”
Yi Yin praised and encouraged him, saying: “You are truly wise. The Way of governance advances when a ruler listens to counsel. The fortune of a nation depends on its king and officials. Please continue to examine and improve yourself.”
With Yi Yin assisting in government, those with cruel or corrupt intentions left of their own accord, while capable and virtuous people gathered around Tang.
The fall of Xia
As Tang cultivated himself and practiced benevolence and righteousness, King Jie became even more lawless. He oppressed the people, acted arrogantly, and used his power for his own pleasure. The people suffered greatly.
Among the common people, word spread: “Heaven no longer favors Xia. The Xia Dynasty is about to fall.”
When Tang learned of the situation, he made a covenant with Yi Yin and made clear his resolve to overthrow Xia.
By then, the last three vassal states supporting King Jie — Wei, Yuan, and Kunwu — had been defeated, leaving Jie isolated. Tang fulfilled his pledge to Yi Yin and led the armies of the six states against Xia. Before the two armies even met, Jie fled in defeat.
Supported by the feudal lords, Tang was enthroned as the Son of Heaven. The surviving people of Xia rejoiced as if they had gained a benevolent parent. The ideals of justice, peace, and trust were fulfilled through Yi Yin’s covenant and service. Beginning with Tang, Yi Yin served as minister to five Shang kings.
Honored after death
Yi Yin lived to be more than 100 years old and died in the eighth year of King Wo Ding’s reign, traditionally dated to 1549 B.C. Wo Ding, the fifth Shang king, arranged funeral rites for him according to the standard used for a Son of Heaven. He also personally observed mourning for three years, repaying Yi Yin’s great service to the Shang.
Until the end of the Shang Dynasty, Yi Yin continued to receive the highest standard of sacrificial rites.
A strange sign was also said to have appeared at the time of his death. The weather suddenly changed, and a thick fog covered the land for three straight days. Just as a mysterious dream had guided his arrival into the world, an unusual sign marked his departure.
Translated by Elaine
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