Abstract: Most documents have recorded that Zhou replaced the Shang Dynasty in the name of destiny, but how they got the divine rights from heaven was rarely mentioned. According to Cheng Wu in Tsinghua Bamboo Slips,, in Tai Si’s dream, the court of Shang was filled with thrones while the prince Ji Fa planted one of the trees of Zhou in the court and it grew into a pine, which had become an important symbol of Zhou obtaining the destiny. This year was thus recognized as the first year of Emperor Wei. Xi Nian emphasized the Shang dynasty being disrespectful to heaven, so Zhou was responsible to overthrew it, which was another symbol. Elaborating their obtaining of destiny through dreams and succeeding to the right to sacrifice, Zhou had expressed their pursuit of providence. This appeal is a kind of political propaganda and rendering, which played an important role in overthrowing the Shang Dynasty.

Key words: Tsinghua Bamboo Slips, Cheng Wu, Xi Nian, demise of the Shang Dynasty, pursuit of providence