Jiang Ziya / Jiang Shang / Jiang Taigong 姜子牙 / 姜尚 / 姜太公
(Pre-Qin, Zhou Dynasty, 1128 BC - 1015 BC)
A near mythical figure in the early ages of the Zhou dynasty, often considered one of the best and wisest royal advisors.
One day, when a Lord Ji Chang (姬昌) read his fortune for a hunting trip, it was predicted that he would find no beast, but exceptional talent to support his ambitions.
Therefore, he paid special attention when he saw an old man fishing by the Wei river.
The man had a long fishing pole, but with a fish line that was noticeably short. The oddest thing was, the hook was not a hook, but straight as a needle, hovering above water without any bait.
Source: https://www.sohu.com/a/590923230_121124722
Lord Ji Chang recognised that this was no ordinary man, and so approached him. He was struck by the wisdom in the old man’s political ideology, based upon duty and obligations as rulers and consideration for the people. This especially roused Lord Ji Chang’s interest, given the decay of the reigning regime by the ruthless and corrupt King Zhou of Shang (商纣王). This old man was none other than Jiang Shang, or Ziya by his courtesy name.
With great sincerity Lord Ji Chang invited the old man to be his advisor. This old man went on to lead victories after victories for his lord. In one decisive battle, he advised restraint for his lord’s army, for the Shang King’s army, having much pent up resentment for their ruler, would easily defect to their side. His predictions came true, and Lord Ji Chang became King Wen of Zhou (周文王), the founder of the Zhou dynasty.
He was also granted the title of “Taigong Wang” (roughly translated as Great Lord).
Trivia:
A common Chinese saying goes: “Jiang Taigong goes fishing - only the willing takes the bait” (姜太公钓鱼——愿者上钩).
Jiang Ziya is also featured in the classical novel "Investiture of the Gods" (封神演义), a mixed historical-fantasy novel written around the 16th century, during the Ming dynasty.
Jiang Ziya as a character in the game and music production by “Wang Chuan Feng Hua Lu”. The official song 《归钓吟》is very crudely translated as “Song of the Returning Angler".
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