Cheng Tang

Also known as Zi Lu · Shang Tang · Wu Tang · Tian Yi

Cheng Tang, of the Zi clan, personal name Lu, also called Tianyi and in the oracle-bone inscriptions Da Yi or Tang, was the son of the Shang chief Zhugui. The Basic Annals of Yin in the Shiji says he lived at Bo, first punished the lord of Ge for neglecting sacrifices, and entrusted the government to Yi Yin; seeing a hunter netting on all four sides, he had three nets removed, and the lords said his virtue reached even birds and beasts. When Jie of Xia ruled cruelly and Kunwu rebelled, Tang led the lords against both, proclaiming the Oath of Tang; Jie was beaten at the ruins of Yousong and fled to Mingtiao, and Tang took the throne, revised the calendar and made white the court colour. The Shang hymns of the Book of Odes recall the conquest of Wei, Gu, Kunwu and Jie. His heir Taiding died before succeeding, so Taiding's brother Waibing followed him. The Great Learning quotes his washbasin inscription urging daily renewal.