11 Facts About Yi Yin

Yi Yin, was a Chinese politician who served as a minister of the early Shang dynasty and one of the honoured officials of the era.

Yi Yin helped Tang of Shang, the founder of the Shang dynasty, to defeat King Jie of Xia.

Yi Yin was gifted in cooking, so Tang made him his chef.

Yi Yin earned Tang's trust, became Tang's right-hand man and was made 'Yin'.

Yi Yin explained to Tang that the noblemen who served Jie still had strong armies.

Yi Yin explained that the army needed a boost in morale, so Tang gave a speech to the soldiers, which became known as 'Tang's pledge'.

Therefore, Yi Yin was ruled as a regent by Tang's grandson, Taijia of Shang.

Yi Yin started to rule as he pleased and no longer followed any of the laws that the ancients had followed.

Yi Yin started to use less oppressive laws and ruled the kingdom correctly.

Woding arranged a funeral for Yi Yin, which was made for the king.

Yi Yin sacrificed cattle, sheep and swine and mourned for three years.