说苑/湯欲伐桀。

湯欲伐桀。

Eric Henry

Once, when [Cheng] Tang wanted to attack Jie, Yi Yin98 said, “I beg permission to cut off our tribute missions in order to see what action he will take.” Jie was angry and mobilized the nine tribes of the Yi99 to attack Shang.

伊尹曰：「請阻乏貢職，以觀夏動。

Eric Henry

Yi Yin said, “It is not yet time to act!

」桀怒，起九夷之師以伐之。

Eric Henry

He is still able to call up the Yi tribesmen. That will make it appear that the fault lies with us.” Tang thereupon apologized [to Jie] for his actions, requested to renew his submission, and resumed sending tribute to Xia.

伊尹曰：「未可！

Eric Henry

The following year he again offered no tribute.

彼尚猶能起九夷之師，是罪在我也。」

Eric Henry

Jie was angry and again sought to mobilize the Yi tribesmen, but their nine tribes would not send forces to his assistance.