Dat Ki is regarded as a prominent historical figure in Chinese history. Legend has it that Dat Ki was exceptionally beautiful, captivating the last king of the Shang Dynasty, King Zhou (also known as King Wu). This “beautiful person” is considered one of the key reasons for the downfall of the Shang Dynasty.
According to Historical Records and Records of the Grand Historian, the earliest records of Dat Ki depict her as the daughter of the nobleman Tô from the Shang Dynasty. When King Wu conquered this territory, Dat Ki’s father had already elevated her status within the royal court. Since entering the palace, Dat Ki was cherished by King Wu.
The king was so infatuated with Dat Ki that he would comply with her every whim, even to the extent of granting her the title of queen. Traditional pastimes such as hunting (deer hunting) and gardening were activities that both King Wu and Dat Ki enjoyed together. Additionally, he constructed the Green Palace at her behest to celebrate the beauty of this land.
According to Mythological Interpretations, the most popular narrative regarding Dat Ki’s character reveals that her true name is Tô Dat Ki, the daughter of Tô Hô. Initially, she was merely a common girl but became a significant figure through her beauty that caught King Wu’s attention. The purpose was to actualize the ambition of Queen Wu, aiming to captivate King Wu and lead to the downfall of the Shang Dynasty.
Legend states that Dat Ki’s beauty and charm deeply enchanted King Wu and made him infatuated with her. Her peculiar habit of dancing every night left King Wu both astonished and captivated. However, modern individuals may find it challenging to replicate such actions.
“Peculiar Habit” of Dat Ki Before Sleeping
Records in Historical Records indicate that every time she went to sleep, Dat Ki often engaged in a peculiar ritual before falling asleep. In reality, almost everyone had their own unique way of preparing for sleep. However, this beautiful figure incorporated a peculiar habit into her nightly routine. It involved an elaborate ritual that included fragrant herbs.
This ritual was not simply a common practice. Instead, it was created after a distinctive processing procedure. The ritual was as soft as silk, yet it could produce stunning aromas and captivating sounds that attracted others.
Dat Ki’s peculiar habit also gained recognition among intellectuals of the time, such as Dao Xuanyu, who mentioned it. According to scholars like Dao Xuanyu, Dat Ki often performed her ritual at midnight, making the atmosphere around her tranquil and relaxing. Additionally, this ritual could also produce sounds and fragrances that made the surrounding environment feel peaceful and inviting. However, as time passed, those who stayed near Dat Ki found themselves irresistibly drawn in by her captivating aura.
This very bad habit of Dat Ki made King Wu increasingly enamored, and he fell deeper in love with her.
Why Does Dat Ki’s Bad Habit Attract King Wu?
This question is not difficult to answer. Because Dat Ki is a unique figure. In ancient times, over 3,000 years ago, women had limited opportunities to demonstrate their talents. Dat Ki not only possessed captivating looks but was also intelligent and talented.
To win King Wu’s affection, she wielded significant influence at that time; Dat Ki even utilized her unique charm and skills that no other woman had previously employed. It was a skillful and highly refined ritual.
Legend has it that King Wu held Dat Ki’s bad habit in high esteem. He believed that only someone with exceptional charm would dare to adopt such a peculiar routine to capture his attention. The last king of the Shang Dynasty also sought to demonstrate his power and wealth through the strange habits of Dat Ki. In reality, this behavior was intended to create a ritualistic atmosphere that elevated the artistry of Dat Ki’s performance and incurred high costs.
However, in modern society, it is clear that this peculiar habit of Dat Ki before sleep cannot be replicated.
The reason is that this habit has generated a long-lasting effect, leading to significant changes in the perception and awareness of women today. Moreover, the act of surrounding oneself with people like Dat Ki not only creates discomfort but also leaves one feeling uncertain and restless. Furthermore, it seems that no one can perform such peculiar behaviors that have been established over thousands of years.
References: Sohu, Sina, Baidu