After reading through the entire *Fengshen Yanyi* (Investiture of the Gods), what deeply impressed me is that Daji has received unfair treatment, and even today, she is still attacked and slandered by some people who don't know the truth. Therefore, I have written this article to set the record straight.
1. Overthrowing the Shang Dynasty through Indirect Means
If it weren't for Daji bewitching King Zhou, disintegrating and dividing the Shang Dynasty, and then arousing the indignation of the people and the turmoil of the world; the small Western Zhou state would have had no possibility of confronting the powerful Shang Dynasty. Daji complied with the will of heaven and carried out the great cause of overthrowing the Shang Dynasty. It can be said that the entire *Fengshen Yanyi* successfully proves the profound truth that fortresses are most easily breached from within.
2. Minor Flaws Do Not Overshadow the Merits
Even though Daji has done some things that harmed the people and brought disaster to the country and the people; these are just means, not the purpose. In fact, Daji has made great contributions to the cause of establishing Zhou and overthrowing Shang. Moreover, those as cruel and tyrannical as King Zhou, as crafty and mean as Feizhong, as base and despicable as Shen Gongbao, as vulgar and incompetent as Ma Shi, all can be enshrined as gods after their deaths; but only Daji cannot, where is the justice of heaven!!!
3. Enduring Insults and Shouldering the Burden
For a beautiful woman, for a thousand-year-old demon, having to face every day such a heartless, changeable, and low-brow mortal - King Zhou, how painful and boring it must be! Daji knew the will of heaven, understood right and wrong, pretended to be herself in front of King Zhou, dealt with him perfunctorily, and even had to endure his insults. Long-term emotional and mental suppression can drive normal beings crazy. Just think about Daji's sincere confession to Bo Yikao, and you will know that she had no feelings for King Zhou at all.
4. Dedicated to Her Duties
Since receiving the order from Nüwa, Daji has wholeheartedly devoted herself to the cause of bewitching King Zhou, establishing Zhou and overthrowing Shang in the following years. She did not waver in the face of worldly desires and emotions, and did not back down in the face of others' attacks and threats. She was dedicated and responsible, and successfully completed her mission.
5. Not Attached to the Mortal World
Daji has always taken cultivation as her ultimate goal, and has never had the thought of being attached to wealth and honor. When the other two demons proposed to enjoy wealth and honor forever, Daji resolutely refused their proposal. It is ironic that there are many people like Jiang Ziya who seek wealth and honor in the mortal world.
6. Smart and Virtuous
1. Overthrowing the Shang Dynasty through Indirect Means
If it weren't for Daji bewitching King Zhou, disintegrating and dividing the Shang Dynasty, and then arousing the indignation of the people and the turmoil of the world; the small Western Zhou state would have had no possibility of confronting the powerful Shang Dynasty. Daji complied with the will of heaven and carried out the great cause of overthrowing the Shang Dynasty. It can be said that the entire *Fengshen Yanyi* successfully proves the profound truth that fortresses are most easily breached from within.
2. Minor Flaws Do Not Overshadow the Merits
Even though Daji has done some things that harmed the people and brought disaster to the country and the people; these are just means, not the purpose. In fact, Daji has made great contributions to the cause of establishing Zhou and overthrowing Shang. Moreover, those as cruel and tyrannical as King Zhou, as crafty and mean as Feizhong, as base and despicable as Shen Gongbao, as vulgar and incompetent as Ma Shi, all can be enshrined as gods after their deaths; but only Daji cannot, where is the justice of heaven!!!
3. Enduring Insults and Shouldering the Burden
For a beautiful woman, for a thousand-year-old demon, having to face every day such a heartless, changeable, and low-brow mortal - King Zhou, how painful and boring it must be! Daji knew the will of heaven, understood right and wrong, pretended to be herself in front of King Zhou, dealt with him perfunctorily, and even had to endure his insults. Long-term emotional and mental suppression can drive normal beings crazy. Just think about Daji's sincere confession to Bo Yikao, and you will know that she had no feelings for King Zhou at all.
4. Dedicated to Her Duties
Since receiving the order from Nüwa, Daji has wholeheartedly devoted herself to the cause of bewitching King Zhou, establishing Zhou and overthrowing Shang in the following years. She did not waver in the face of worldly desires and emotions, and did not back down in the face of others' attacks and threats. She was dedicated and responsible, and successfully completed her mission.
5. Not Attached to the Mortal World
Daji has always taken cultivation as her ultimate goal, and has never had the thought of being attached to wealth and honor. When the other two demons proposed to enjoy wealth and honor forever, Daji resolutely refused their proposal. It is ironic that there are many people like Jiang Ziya who seek wealth and honor in the mortal world.
6. Smart and Virtuous
