戮力同心 — “To work together with one heart and one mind”

The first dynasty in China was the Xia Dynasty, and its last monarch, King Jie, was a tyrannical ruler. His debauchery and cruelty caused widespread suffering and popular resentment.

Shang, a small vassal state located east of the Xia Dynasty, was led by a wise monarch named King Tang. He united various feudal lords, actively built up strength, and sought out virtuous individuals to overthrow King Jie's rule.

One day, King Tang was informed that the virtuous scholar Yi Yin was living in seclusion in the outskirts of the state of Shen. Upon hearing this, King Tang immediately sent envoys with lavish gifts to invite Yi Yin. Tang sent envoys twice, but Yi Yin did not accept. So, King Tang personally went to invite him. His sincerity deeply moved Yi Yin, who finally decided to assist King Tang in overthrowing the Xia Dynasty.

With Yi Yin's assistance, Shang's national power grew stronger day by day, leading King Tang to decide on a campaign against Xia. Before the army set out, King Tang issued an oath to his troops, stating: 'King Jie of Xia is guilty of monstrous crimes, and even Heaven has decided to eliminate him. Heaven has sent the virtuous scholar Yi Yin to assist me, asking me to work together with him with one heart and one mind to govern the world. You must fight bravely and help me complete the mission entrusted by Heaven.'

After the two armies clashed, the Shang army fought valiantly, while the Xia army had no morale and was eventually routed and scattered. Because King Tang and Yi Yin, as monarch and minister, worked together with one heart and one mind, they finally overthrew King Jie's tyrannical rule.