Chapter 3: Ji Chang's Imprisonment
Bab 3: Penjara Ji Chang
In the western lands, Ji Chang, the Duke of Zhou, ruled with wisdom and compassion. His territory flourished under his just governance, and the people lived in peace and prosperity. Word of his virtue reached even the distant capital of the Shang Dynasty.
Di tanah barat, Ji Chang, Adipati Zhou, memerintah dengan kebijaksanaan dan kasih sayang. Wilayahnya berkembang di bawah pemerintahannya yang adil, dan rakyat hidup dalam damai dan kemakmuran. Kabar tentang kebajikannya bahkan mencapai ibu kota Dinasti Shang yang jauh.
King Zhou, hearing of Ji Chang's growing reputation, felt a mixture of jealousy and fear. His advisors, seeing an opportunity to eliminate a potential rival, suggested that the duke be summoned to the capital. They whispered that Ji Chang's popularity threatened the king's authority.
Raja Zhou, mendengar reputasi Ji Chang yang berkembang, merasakan campuran kecemburuan dan ketakutan. Penasihatnya, melihat peluang untuk menghilangkan saingan potensial, menyarankan agar adipati dipanggil ke ibu kota. Mereka membisikkan bahwa popularitas Ji Chang mengancam otoritas raja.
Ji Chang, knowing the danger but unable to refuse the royal summons, journeyed to the capital with a heavy heart. He brought with him gifts and tributes, hoping to demonstrate his loyalty to the throne. But his fears were well-founded.
Ji Chang, mengetahui bahaya tetapi tidak dapat menolak panggilan kerajaan, melakukan perjalanan ke ibu kota dengan hati yang berat. Dia membawa serta hadiah dan upeti, berharap untuk menunjukkan kesetiaannya kepada takhta. Tapi ketakutannya beralasan.
Upon arrival, Ji Chang was immediately imprisoned in the infamous Youli prison. The king's guards stripped him of his titles and honors, leaving him in a dark cell with only his thoughts for company. The conditions were harsh, designed to break even the strongest spirit.
Setibanya, Ji Chang segera dipenjarakan di penjara Youli yang terkenal. Penjaga raja mencopot gelar dan kehormatannya, meninggalkannya di sel gelap dengan hanya pikirannya sebagai teman. Kondisinya keras, dirancang untuk mematahkan bahkan semangat terkuat.
During his imprisonment, Ji Chang devoted himself to the study of the I Ching, the ancient book of changes. He meditated on the hexagrams and their meanings, seeking wisdom in the patterns of the universe. His time in prison became a period of profound spiritual growth.
Selama penjaranya, Ji Chang mengabdikan dirinya untuk mempelajari I Ching, buku perubahan kuno. Dia bermeditasi pada heksagram dan maknanya, mencari kebijaksanaan dalam pola alam semesta. Waktunya di penjara menjadi periode pertumbuhan spiritual yang mendalam.
His followers in the west worked tirelessly to secure his release. They gathered rare treasures and beautiful women, presenting them to King Zhou as gifts. The king, always susceptible to bribes and flattery, eventually agreed to free the duke.
Pengikutnya di barat bekerja tanpa lelah untuk mengamankan pembebasannya. Mereka mengumpulkan harta langka dan wanita cantik, mempersembahkannya kepada Raja Zhou sebagai hadiah. Raja, selalu rentan terhadap suap dan sanjungan, akhirnya setuju untuk membebaskan adipati.
After seven long years, Ji Chang was released from prison. He returned to his western territory a changed man, carrying with him the wisdom he had gained through suffering. His people welcomed him with tears of joy, and his reputation grew even stronger. The seeds of the Zhou Dynasty's rise had been planted during those dark years of imprisonment.
Setelah tujuh tahun yang panjang, Ji Chang dibebaskan dari penjara. Dia kembali ke wilayah baratnya sebagai orang yang berubah, membawa kebijaksanaan yang telah dia peroleh melalui penderitaan. Rakyatnya menyambutnya dengan air mata sukacita, dan reputasinya tumbuh semakin kuat. Benih kebangkitan Dinasti Zhou telah ditanam selama tahun-tahun gelap pemenjaraan itu.