← Back to 漢書

卷二十七下之下 五行志

Volume 27e: Treatise on the Five Elements 5

Chapter 35 of 漢書 · Book of Han
← Previous Chapter
Chapter 35
Next Chapter →
1
使 祿
In Duke Yin year three: "In the second month, jisi day, the sun was eclipsed." The Guliang Tradition says that because the record names the day of the sun but not the new moon, the eclipse fell on the last day of the month. The Gongyang Tradition says the eclipse lasted two days. Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that afterward the Rong seized the Son of Heaven's envoy; Zheng captured Duke Yin of Lu and destroyed Dai; and Wei, Lu, and Song all killed their rulers. Liu Xin, following Zuo, held this was the second day of the first month, in the sectors of Yan and Yue. Whenever the sun passes through a celestial sector and an omen appears, the states assigned to that sector whose rulers have lost good governance suffer the consequences. If a ruler can repair governance and together ward off the punishment, disaster fades and blessing arrives; otherwise disasters breed and calamity follows. Thus the Classic records disasters but not their specific causes, for fortune and misfortune are not fixed; blessings and calamities form according to conduct. As Zhou declined, the Son of Heaven no longer promulgated the calendar. Lu's reckoning became inaccurate: intercalary months were misplaced, and the lengths of months lost their proper measure. The Records of the Grand Historian notes eclipses thus: sometimes it records the new moon when it was not, sometimes omits the new moon when it was, and sometimes leaves out both day and new moon—all failures of the calendar officials. Jing Fang's Yi Tradition says: "Lacking guidance is called failing to control; its anomaly is a solar eclipse. When it is total, combined eclipses do not occur in one place. If punishments of the masses are mishandled, this is called breeding rebellion; in a total eclipse, light scatters. If one indulges treachery, this is called lack of clarity; its eclipse is preceded by three days of heavy rain, then cold after the rain clears, and then the eclipse. If one monopolizes salaries and does not enfeoff, this is called instability; in a total eclipse, the sun first rises black and its light shines outward in reversal. If ruler and ministers do not communicate, this is called extinction; its eclipse totals three times. When same-surname lines encroach upward, this is called deceiving the ruler; during its eclipse there are clouds in the four quarters but no cloud at the center, and the day is very cold. When dukes seek to weaken the ruler's position, this is called ignorance; during its eclipse the center is white-blue and the four quarters red, and after the eclipse there is an earthquake. If feudal lords invade one another, this is called failure to uphold; its eclipse has three diminishings and three recoveries. If the ruler hates the good and inferiors plot against superiors, this is called disorder; in a total eclipse, hail and rain come first and kill running beasts. If one kills the ruler and seizes the throne, this is called rebellion; in a total eclipse, wind and rain first break trees, and the sun turns red. If inner ministers turn toward outsiders, this is called betrayal; at the eclipse there is rain, and the earth rumbles underground. If the chief minister monopolizes government, this is called usurpative continuation; before the eclipse comes great wind, and during the eclipse the sun sits in cloud while the four quarters are cloudless. If regional chiefs overstep office, this is called divided authority; in eclipse the sun splits at center. If feudal lords compete for display before the throne, this is called excess; in the eclipse the sun injures the moon, half is eaten, and Heaven rings and sounds. If taxation cannot be collected, this is called exhaustion; in eclipse stars follow and fall. If a commissioned minister conducts campaigns on his own, this is called trial; in the eclipse, though the light is invaded, it remains bright, like King Wen's minister alone executing King Zhou. When petty men obediently accept commands to attack their ruler, this is called killing; its eclipse shows five colors, followed by severe cold and falling frost, like King Zhou's ministers following King Wu in executing King Zhou. If feudal lords alter institutions, this is called rebellion; in the eclipse there are three recoveries and three eatings, followed by wind and movement of the earth. If the legitimate yields to the secondary, this is called rising desire; in the eclipse the sun loses its position, the light is dim and dark, and the moon's form is visible. If drinking lacks restraint, this is called dissipation; its eclipse turns blue, then black, then red; next day heavy rain, rising mist, and cold." In all there are twenty eclipse divinations and twenty-four forms; if one reforms, they are removed at once; if not in three years, then six; if not in six, then nine. For the Yin year three eclipse, a band ran through the center, black from top to bottom—the sign of ministers who finish killing their ruler from within. Afterward Zhou Xu of Wei murdered his ruler and installed himself on the throne.
2
In Duke Huan year three: "On renchen, first day of seventh month, the sun was eclipsed, total." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that when prior events are already great and later events to come are greater, the eclipse is total. Before this, Lu and Song had murdered rulers; Lu further deepened Song's disorder, exchanged the Xu fields, and lacked the heart to serve the Son of Heaven; Chu presumptuously claimed kingship. Afterward Zheng resisted the royal army and wounded Duke Huan of Zhou with an arrow; two rulers in succession each usurped the throne. Liu Xin held this was the sixth month, sector of Zhao and Jin. Before this, the earl of Quwo in Jin had twice murdered marquises of Jin; that year Jin fell into great chaos and extinguished its own ancestral state. Jing Fang's Yi Tradition held that the Huan year three eclipse ran through the center, yellow from top to bottom throughout—the sign of ministers who kill their ruler but do not finish the act. Afterward Chu solemnly styled itself king and annexed a thousand li.
3
In year seventeen: "On first day of tenth month, the sun was eclipsed." The Guliang Tradition says: mentioning first day but not day means an eclipse lasting two days. Liu Xiang held that then Marquis Shuo of Wei, guilty, fled to Qi, and the Son of Heaven installed another ruler of Wei. Shuo borrowed aid of five states, raised troops to attack, and reinstalled himself, so royal commands were broken. The lady of Lu became licentious with Qi and eventually killed Duke Huan. Dong Zhongshu held that mentioning the first day but not the day-stem condemned Duke Huan of Lu and signaled the coming disaster involving the lady, showing that he would not complete his days. Liu Xin held this belonged to the sectors of Chu and Zheng.
4
使 宿
In Duke Zhuang year eighteen: "In the third month, the sun was eclipsed." The Guliang Tradition says: not mentioning day and not mentioning first day means a night eclipse. Astronomical reconstruction places conjunction at night: at dawn the sun emerged eclipsed, then cleared after rising; this is called night eclipse. Liu Xiang held that in a night eclipse, yin takes advantage of the sun's waning brightness to seize its light, symbolizing the Zhou Son of Heaven's lack of clarity while Duke Huan of Qi was about to seize his authority, monopolize feudal meetings, and practice hegemony. Afterward he indeed convened feudal lords nine times, and the Son of Heaven sent the heir apparent to attend him; this was its fulfillment. The Gongyang Tradition says eclipse at month's end. Dong Zhongshu held the lodge was Eastern Wall, symbol of Lu. Afterward Prince Qingfu and Shuya indeed colluded with the lady to coerce the duke. Liu Xin held that month-end meant sectors of Lu and Wei.
5
宿
In year twenty-five: "On xinwei, first day of sixth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held the lodge was Bi, governing frontier armies and symbols of border tribes. Afterward the Di destroyed Xing and Wei. Liu Xin held this was the second day of fifth month, sectors of Lu and Zhao.
6
宿
In year twenty-six: "On guihai, first day of twelfth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held that the lodge was Heart, and Heart is the Bright Hall. This signaled the abandonment of the civil and martial Way, with the central states not yet cut off but on the edge of collapse. Liu Xiang held that at that time the Rong invaded Cao, and the lady of Lu was licentious with Qingfu and Shuya and would murder their ruler; therefore eclipses came in successive years as warnings. Liu Xin held this was second day of tenth month, sectors of Chu and Zheng.
7
In year thirty: "On gengwu, first day of ninth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that afterward two rulers of Lu were slain, the lady was executed, two younger brothers died, the Di destroyed Xing, Xu took Shu, Jin killed its heir, and Chu destroyed Xian. Liu Xin held this was sectors of Qin and Zhou in the eighth month.
8
In Duke Xi year five: "On wushen, first day of ninth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that before this, Duke Huan of Qi practiced hegemony, and Jiang and Huang came of themselves; powerful Chu in the south was checked. Afterward he failed to correct himself within and instead seized a Chen grandee abroad; Chen and Chu then no longer adhered to him, and the earl of Zheng fled the covenant. The feudal lords would no longer follow Huan's policy, and so Heaven gave warning. Afterward Jin destroyed Guo, Chu reduced Xu, the feudal lords attacked Zheng, Jin murdered two rulers, the Di destroyed Wen, and Chu attacked Huang; Huan could not rescue them. Liu Xin held this was the sectors of Qin and Jin in seventh month.
9
In year twelve: "On gengwu, first day of third month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that then Chu destroyed Huang, Di invaded Wei and Zheng, and Ju destroyed Qi. Liu Xin held this was sectors of Qi and Wei in third month.
10
In year fifteen: "In fifth month, the sun was eclipsed." Liu Xiang held that this symbolized Duke Wen of Jin about to practice hegemony: he later attacked Wei, captured the earl of Cao, defeated Chu at Chengpu, convened the feudal lords twice, and summoned the Son of Heaven to receive homage. This was its fulfillment. A solar eclipse marks ministerial evil; a night eclipse conceals the crime. Liu held that when there was no enlightened king above, if Huan and Wen could practice hegemony, repel the tribes, and stabilize the central states, then although this was not fully orthodox it was still acceptable. The Spring and Autumn principle is to approve in substance while withholding approval in wording. Dong Zhongshu held that afterward Qin captured the marquis of Jin, Qi destroyed Xiang, and Chu defeated Xu at Loulin. Liu Xin held this was first day of second month, sectors of Qi and Yue.
11
In Duke Wen year one: "On guihai in second month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that before this, great ministers had begun to hold state power, and Prince Sui went to the capital; afterward the Chu heir Shangchen killed his father, the Qi prince Shangren murdered his lord, and each set himself up; Zi Ai of Song fled, Jin destroyed Jiang, Chu destroyed Liu, and the great ministers Gongsun Ao and Shu Pengsheng both monopolized alliance meetings. Liu Xin held this was first day of first month, sectors of Yan and Yue.
12
In year fifteen: "On xinchou, first day of sixth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that afterward, within eight years, five rulers were killed among Song, Qi, Ju, Jin, and Zheng, and Shu and Liao were exterminated. Liu Xin held this was the second day of fourth month, sectors of Lu and Wei.
13
In Duke Xuan year eight: "On jiazi of seventh month, the sun was eclipsed, total." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that before this, Shangchen of Chu killed his father and took the throne; by King Zhuang of Chu's time, the state had grown powerful. Among the Xia states, only Qi and Jin were major powers, yet both had recently suffered usurpation and regicide and remained unstable within, so Chu exploited their weakness and ran rampant, launching six invasions and destroying one state within eight years; it attacked the Luhun Rong and reviewed troops before Zhou's royal house; later it entered Zheng, and the earl of Zheng stripped his upper body to apologize; to the north it defeated Jin at Bi, with blood reddening the waters; it besieged Song for nine months, until they split bones for fuel and cooked them. Liu Xin held this was the second day of tenth month, sectors of Chu and Zheng.
14
In year ten: "On bingchen day of fourth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that afterward Xia Zhengshu of Chen killed his ruler; Chu destroyed Xiao; Jin destroyed two states; and Prince Zha killed Duke Zhao and Duke Mao. Liu Xin held this was sectors of Lu and Wei in second month.
15
貿
In year seventeen: "On guimao day of sixth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that afterward Zhu dismembered the ruler of Zeng, Jin defeated the royal army at Mao-Rong, and Jin defeated Qi at An. Liu Xin held this was month-end conjunction in third month, sectors of Lu and Wei.
16
In Duke Cheng year sixteen: "On bingyin, first day of sixth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that afterward Jin defeated Chu and Zheng at Yanling and captured the ruler of Lu. Liu Xin held this was the second day of fourth month, sectors of Lu and Wei.
17
In year seventeen: "On dingsi, first day of twelfth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that afterward Chu destroyed Shuyong, Jin murdered its ruler, Song's Yu Shi used Chu to seize the ruler's towns, Ju destroyed Zeng, Qi destroyed Lai, and the earl of Zheng was murdered. Liu Xin held this was sectors of Zhou and Chu in ninth month.
18
In Duke Xiang year fourteen: "On yiwei, first day of second month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that afterward Sun and Ning, grandees of Wei, jointly expelled Duke Xian and installed Sun Piao. Liu Xin held this was the second day of the previous year's twelfth month, sectors of Song and Yan.
19
In year fifteen: "On dingsi of eighth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that before this, Jin held the Jize assembly, where the feudal lords covenanted and then the grandees covenanted; later, at the Chouliang assembly, the feudal lords were present while the grandees covenanted by themselves, leaving the rulers like hanging tassels, unable to raise a hand. Liu Xin held this was the second day of fifth month, sectors of Lu and Zhao.
20
In year twenty: "On bingchen, first day of tenth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held that in Chen, Qing Hu and Qing Yin obscured their ruler's clarity, and in Zhu, Shuqi harbored rebellion; later Shuqi fled with Qi and Lüqiu, and Chen killed the two Qings. Liu Xin held this was sectors of Qin and Zhou in eighth month.
21
In year twenty-one: "On gengxu, first day of ninth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held that Luan Ying of Jin would offend the ruler; later he entered Quwo. Liu Xin held this was sectors of Qin and Jin in seventh month.
22
宿
"On gengchen, first day of tenth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held the lodge was Zhen and Jiao, symbols of the great state Chu. Afterward the Qu clan of Chu slander-killed Prince Zhuishu, and Qing Feng of Qi coerced his ruler and disordered the state. Liu Xin held this was sectors of Qin and Zhou in eighth month.
23
In year twenty-three: "On guiyou, first day of second month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held that afterward the marquis of Wei entered with Chen Yi, and Ning Xi murdered his ruler Piao. Liu Xin held this was the second day of the previous twelfth month, sectors of Song and Yan.
24
In year twenty-four: "On jiazi, first day of seventh month, the sun was eclipsed, total." Liu Xin held this was sectors of Lu and Zhao in fifth month.
25
"On guisi, first day of eighth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held that repeated eclipses, again including totality, symbolized yang nearing extinction and border peoples about to dominate the central states. Afterward six rulers were murdered; the ruler of Chu indeed joined the feudal lords in attacking Zheng, destroyed Shujiu, received court homage from Lu, ultimately led the central states, attacked Wu, and punished Qing Feng. Liu Xin held this was sectors of Jin and Zhao in sixth month.
26
使
In year twenty-seven: "On yihai, first day of twelfth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held this was an image that rites and righteousness were nearing complete extinction. At that time the ruler of Wu delighted in valor and put penal men as gate guards; the marquis of Cai had relations with his heir's wife; and Ju failed to establish succession early. Afterward gatekeepers killed the ruler of Wu, the heir Ban of Cai murdered his father, and in Ju too the people killed the ruler and secondary sons contended. Liu Xiang held that from year twenty to this year, seven eclipses occurred in eight years: disasters and disorder were about to rise heavily again, and so Heaven repeatedly gave warning. Afterward Cui Zhu of Qi murdered his ruler, Song killed its heir, the earl of Northern Yan fled, and a Zheng grandee entered from abroad and usurped the throne; in broad outline this agrees with Dong Zhongshu. Liu Xin held this was sectors of Zhou and Chu in ninth month.
27
宿
In Duke Zhao year seven: "On jiachen, first day of fourth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that before this, King Ling of Chu had murdered his ruler and taken the throne, convened the feudal lords, seized the ruler of Xu, and destroyed Lai; afterward Prince Zhao of Chen killed the heir, and Chu then destroyed Chen and then Cai; later King Ling himself was murdered. Liu Xin held this was sectors of Lu and Wei in second month. The Tradition says the marquis of Jin asked Shi Wenbo: "Who will bear this eclipse?" He replied: "Lu and Wei will bear it; Wei will suffer the greater harm, Lu the lesser." The duke said: "Why?" He replied: "From Wei's territory to Lu's territory, thus there is disaster. Will it be the ruler of Wei? Lu will lose its highest minister." That year, in eighth month Duke Xiang of Wei died; in eleventh month Jisun Su of Lu died. The marquis of Jin said to Shi Wenbo: "What I asked about eclipse was fulfilled. Can this be constant?" He replied: "It cannot. The six things differ, the people's hearts are not one, the order of affairs is not the same, and offices and duties do not follow one rule; with the same beginning but different ends, how could there be constancy? The Odes says: "Some dwell at ease in banquet-rest, others are worn out serving the state." Their endings differ just so." The duke said: "What are the six things?" He replied, “
28
He replied: "Year, season, day, month, stars, and constellations—these are the six." The duke said: "What is meant by constellation?" He replied: "It means where the sun and moon meet in conjunction." The duke said: "The poem says, 'On this day the sun was eclipsed—why was it not auspicious?' What does that mean?" He replied: "It means bad governance. If a state lacks governance and does not use the good, it draws onto itself the disasters of sun and moon. Therefore governance must be handled with care, and concerns only three tasks: first choosing people, second adapting to the people, third following the season." This infers from eclipse divination the key to cyclical change and return. The Changes says: "Of hanging signs made manifest, nothing is greater than sun and moon." Therefore sages gave them great weight and recorded them in the three classics. In the Changes, under Feng changing to Zhen, it says: "Abundance under heavy cover; at noon one sees dimness; his right arm is broken; no blame." In the Odes, "Crossing of the Tenth Month" names everyone from high ministers and the Minister of Works down to horse keepers and masters, all unfit for their offices. This matches the broken right arm and accords with the selection made through the three duties, showing petty men riding over gentlemen and yin invading yang at its root.
29
In year fifteen: "On dingsi, first day of sixth month, the sun was eclipsed." Liu Xin held this was sectors of Lu and Wei in third month.
30
宿
In year seventeen: "On jiaxu, first day of sixth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held the lodge then was Bi, symbol of Jin. Duke Li of Jin executed four great officers, lost the people's support, and was murdered. Afterward none dared again restrain grandees; the six ministers then allied and monopolized Jin, and rulers in turn served them. The sun was eclipsed repeatedly; since this occurred after the Spring and Autumn period, it was not recorded in the Classic. Liu Xin held this was sectors of Lu and Zhao. The Zuo Tradition records Zi Ping as saying: "Only when the sun is eclipsed on the new moon of the first month, before hidden evils have arisen, does the Son of Heaven suspend court and beat drums at the altar, while feudal lords present silks at the altar and beat drums in their courts—that is the proper rite. At other times, no." The Grand Historian said: "In this month, the sun has passed the division but has not yet arrived; if the three celestial bodies suffer anomaly, the hundred offices lower their insignia, the ruler suspends affairs and withdraws for a period, music and drums are played, invocators use offerings, scribes use formulas, tally officers hurry, and commoners run. This is what is meant by the first day of this month. By Xia reckoning this is fourth month, called early summer." The explanation says first month means Zhou sixth month, Xia fourth month, month of pure yang and pure Qian. Hidden evil means yin lines; at winter solstice the first yang line arises, therefore it is called Return. By the jisi month it becomes pure Qian, with no yin lines; yet if yin invades yang, the disaster is grave, and therefore drums and silk offerings are used as the ritual for reproaching yin. Lowering insignia means plain mourning dress. Not undertaking means removing music. Withdrawing for a time-shift means leaving the main hall, awaiting the time for disaster to pass and return. The sefu was the official in charge of tally silk offerings. Commoners means the laboring attendants. Liu Xin held this was the second day of sixth month, sectors of Lu and Zhao.
31
In year twenty-one: "On renwu, first day of seventh month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held that King Jing of Zhou was old, Liuzi and Danzi monopolized power, and Marquis Zhu of Cai was arrogant: an image of ruler and ministers not being in accord. Afterward Marquis Zhu of Cai indeed fled, and Liuzi and Danzi installed Prince Meng. Liu Xin held this was the second day of fifth month, sectors of Lu and Zhao.
32
宿
In year twenty-two: "On guiyou, first day of twelfth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held the lodge was Heart, symbol of the Son of Heaven. Afterward the Yin clan installed Prince Chao, and the Son of Heaven resided at Diquan. Liu Xin held this was sectors of Chu and Zheng in tenth month.
33
宿
In year twenty-four: "On yiwei, first day of fifth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held the lodge was Stomach, symbol of Lu. Afterward Duke Zhao was expelled by the Ji clan. Liu Xiang held that from year fifteen to this year, in ten years Heaven gave warning seven times, yet rulers still did not awaken. Afterward Chu killed the ruler of Rongmanzi; Jin destroyed the Luhun Rong; bandits murdered the elder brother of the marquis of Wei; the rulers of Cai and Ju fled; Wu destroyed Chao; Prince Guang killed King Liao; and three ministers of Song rebelled against their ruler with their fiefs. Other points are as in Zhongshu. Liu Xin held this was the sectors of Lu and Zhao on the second day. That month Jupiter was in Chen. The Zuo Tradition says Zishen said: "There will be great flooding." Zhaozi said: "It will be drought. The sun has passed its division, yet yang still cannot prevail; when it does prevail, it will be severe. How could there not be drought? If yang does not prevail, nothing can accumulate." That autumn there was Great Yu rain-prayer: it was drought. At the two solstices and two equinoxes, if there is a solar eclipse it is not counted as disaster. In the movement of sun and moon, at spring and autumn equinox day and night are equal, so their paths coincide; at winter and summer solstice length and shortness reach extremes, so they pass one another. When they pass and eclipse on coincident paths, the eclipse is light and not a great disaster, only flood or drought.
34
宿
In year thirty-one: "On xinhai, first day of twelfth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held the lodge was Heart, symbol of the Son of Heaven. At that time the royal capital was weak; later the feudal lords indeed jointly fortified Zhou. Song nearly lost all respect for the Son of Heaven and did not repair the walls. Liu Xiang held that then Wu destroyed Xu, Cai destroyed Shen, Chu besieged Cai, Wu defeated Chu and entered Ying, and King Zhao fled. Liu Xin held this was the sectors of Song and Yan on the second day.
35
退
In Duke Ding year five: "On xinhai, first day of third month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that afterward Zheng destroyed Xu, Yang Hu of Lu created disorder and stole the treasured jade and great bow, Ji Huanzi dismissed Confucius, and three ministers of Song rebelled with their towns. Liu Xin held this was the second day of first month, sectors of Yan and Zhao.
36
In year twelve: "On bingyin, first day of eleventh month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that afterward three grandees of Jin rebelled with their towns; Xue murdered its ruler; Chu destroyed Dun and Hu; Yue defeated Wu; and Wei expelled its heir. Liu Xin held this was the second day of twelfth month, sectors of Chu and Zheng.
37
宿
In year fifteen: "On gengchen, first day of eighth month, the sun was eclipsed." Dong Zhongshu held the lodge was Willow, image of the Zhou house greatly collapsing and the border peoples ruling the Xia states. The next year, feudal lords of the central states indeed followed Chu in numbers to besiege Cai; Cai, fearful, moved to Zhoulai. Men of Jin captured Rongmanzi and returned him to Chu; the capital authority was now Chu. Liu Xiang held that bandits killed the marquis of Cai, Chen Qi of Qi murdered his ruler and installed Yangsheng, and Confucius was ultimately never employed. Liu Xin held this was sectors of Jin and Zhao in sixth month.
38
In Duke Ai year fourteen: "On gengshen, first day of fifth month, the sun was eclipsed." This was after the capture of the qilin. Liu Xin held this was the second day of third month, sectors of Qi and Wei.
39
Across the twelve dukes of Spring and Autumn, over 242 years, there were 36 solar eclipses. Guliang counts 26 on first day, 7 at month-end, 2 night eclipses, and 1 lasting two days. Gongyang counts 27 on first day, 7 lasting two days, and 2 at month-end. Zuo counts 16 on first day, 18 lasting two days, 1 at month-end, and 2 without day recorded.
40
In the tenth month of Emperor Gao's third year, on jiaxu at month-end, the sun was eclipsed at 20 degrees of Dou, the territory of Yan. Two years later, King Zang Tu of Yan rebelled and was executed; Lu Wan was made king of Yan, and later he too rebelled and was defeated.
41
On guimao at month-end in eleventh month, the sun was eclipsed at 3 degrees of Xu, territory of Qi. Two years later King Han Xin of Qi was transferred to be king of Chu; the next year he was reduced to marquis, and later he rebelled and was executed.
42
In sixth month of year nine, on yiwei at month-end, the sun was eclipsed, total, at 13 degrees of Zhang.
43
In first month of Emperor Hui year seven, on xinchou first day, the sun was eclipsed at 13 degrees of Wei. Gu Yong held that at year's first month first day, one of the three court mornings, the honored should fear it.
44
宿
On dingmao of fifth month, one day before month-end, the sun was eclipsed nearly to totality at the beginning of Seven Stars. Liu Xiang held that in fifth month slight yin first rises and infringes utmost yang, so this divination is weighty. By that eighth month, the imperial carriage had passed away, and there was the Lü clan's false placement of a successor. Jing Fang's Yi Tradition says: "Any eclipse not at new moon or month-end is called bo (encroachment). The ruler will punish generals without due principle, or traitorous ministers will suddenly rise. Though the sun and moon are in different lodges, yin qi is excessive and dims the sun's light."
45
In second year of Empress Gao, on bingxu at month-end in sixth month, the sun was eclipsed.
46
In year seven, on jichou at month-end in first month, the sun was eclipsed, total, at 9 degrees of Encampment, within palace-sector. At that time Empress Gao disliked it, saying: "This is for me!" The next year it was fulfilled.
47
In Emperor Wen year two, on guimao at month-end in eleventh month, the sun was eclipsed at 1 degree of Wunü.
48
In year three, on dingyou at month-end in tenth month, the sun was eclipsed at 23 degrees of Dou.
49
In eleventh month, on dingmao at month-end, the sun was eclipsed at 8 degrees of Xu.
50
Four years later, on bingchen at month-end in fourth month, the sun was eclipsed at 13 degrees of Eastern Well.
51
In year seven, on xinwei first day of first month, the sun was eclipsed.
52
In Emperor Jing year three, on renwu at month-end in second month, the sun was eclipsed at 2 degrees of Stomach.
53
In year seven, on gengyin at month-end in eleventh month, the sun was eclipsed at 9 degrees of Xu.
54
In Zhongyuan year one, on jiayin at month-end in twelfth month, the sun was eclipsed.
55
In Zhongyuan year two, on jiaxu at month-end in ninth month, the sun was eclipsed.
56
In year three, on wuxu at month-end in ninth month, the sun was eclipsed nearly total at 9 degrees of Tail.
57
In year six, on xinhai at month-end in seventh month, the sun was eclipsed at 7 degrees of Zhen.
58
In Houyuan year one, on yisi in seventh month, one day before month-end, the sun was eclipsed at 17 degrees of Wing.
59
In Jianyuan year two under Emperor Wu, on bingxu first day of second month, the sun was eclipsed at 14 degrees of Kui. Liu Xiang held Kui signifies low-status women; later Empress Wei rose from very humble origins and in the end suffered harm before natural completion.
60
In year three, on bingzi at month-end in ninth month, the sun was eclipsed at 2 degrees of Tail.
61
In year five, on jisi first day of first month, the sun was eclipsed.
62
In Yuanguang year one, on bingchen at month-end in second month, the sun was eclipsed.
63
便殿
On guiwei in seventh month, one day before month-end, the sun was eclipsed at 8 degrees of Wing. Liu Xiang held that the previous year's fire at the side hall of Gao Garden corresponded to the Spring and Autumn pattern of a granary fire followed by an eclipse in Wing and Zhen. Its divination: internally female change, externally troubles from feudal lords. Afterward Empress Chen was deposed, and the kings of Jiangdu, Huainan, and Hengshan plotted rebellion and were executed. At noon the eclipse began from the northeast, passed half, and recovered by late afternoon.
64
In Yuanshuo year two, on yisi at month-end in second month, the sun was eclipsed at 3 degrees of Stomach.
65
In year six, on guichou at month-end in eleventh month, the sun was eclipsed.
66
In Yuanshou year one, on yisi at month-end in fifth month, the sun was eclipsed at 6 degrees of Willow. Jing Fang's Yi Tradition infers that at this time the eclipse came from the right side; by rule this means ruler losing ministers. The next year Chancellor Gongsun Hong died. If the eclipse comes from the left side, this also means ruler losing ministers; from above means ministers losing the ruler; from below means ruler losing the people.
67
In Yuanding year five, on dingchou at month-end in fourth month, the sun was eclipsed at 23 degrees of Eastern Well.
68
In Yuanfeng year four, on jiyou first day of sixth month, the sun was eclipsed.
69
In Taishi year one, on yisi at month-end in first month, the sun was eclipsed.
70
In year four, on jiayin at month-end in tenth month, the sun was eclipsed at 19 degrees of Dou.
71
西
In Zhenghe year four, on xinyou at month-end in eighth month, the sun was eclipsed, not total and hook-shaped, at 2 degrees of Kang. By late afternoon the eclipse came from the northwest, and recovered as the sun lowered in late afternoon.
72
In Emperor Zhao's third Shiyuan year, on the renchen first day of the eleventh month, the sun was eclipsed at 9 degrees of Dou, the territory of Yan. Four years later the Prince of Yan plotted rebellion and was executed.
73
In Yuanfeng year one, on jihai at month-end in seventh month, the sun was eclipsed nearly to totality at 12 degrees of Zhang. Liu Xiang held that because it was jihai and nearly total, its divination was weighty. Six years later the imperial carriage passed away and the line ended without heir.
74
In Dijie year one under Emperor Xuan, on guihai at month-end in twelfth month, the sun was eclipsed at 15 degrees of Encampment.
75
In Wufeng year one, on yiyou first day of twelfth month, the sun was eclipsed at 10 degrees of Wunü.
76
In year four, on xinchou first day of fourth month, the sun was eclipsed at 19 degrees of Bi. This was first day of proper month before hidden evils arose; Zuo regarded it as a grave anomaly.
77
In Yongguang year two under Emperor Yuan, on renxu first day of third month, the sun was eclipsed at 8 degrees of Lou.
78
In year four, on wuyin at month-end in sixth month, the sun was eclipsed at 7 degrees of Zhang.
79
In Jianzhao year five, on renshen at month-end in sixth month, the sun was eclipsed, incomplete and hook-shaped, then entered cloud.
80
殿 殿
In Emperor Cheng's third Jianshi year, on the wushen first day of the twelfth month, the sun was eclipsed; that night the ground shook inside Weiyang Hall. Gu Yong replied: "An eclipse at 9 degrees of Wunü is a divination aimed at the empress. An earthquake inside the inner walls places blame on favored consorts. The two occurring together makes clear one affair involving different persons: together they would cover and constrain yang and harm succession. If only an eclipse occurs, the consort is not implicated; if only an earthquake occurs, the empress is not implicated. If they occur on different days, they seem separate matters; if change stirs without cause, people may fail to understand. In this month empress and consorts should have had a failing in proper conduct, so Heaven displayed both anomalies through this. It is as if saying: those who violate women's duty, keep the many consorts apart, and block succession are these two women." Du Qin likewise replied: "The eclipse fell on wushen with the hour at wei. Wu and wei are earth, the central palace sector. An earthquake in the palace that night means the principal wife and favored concubine would contend for favor and harm each other, becoming calamity. When human affairs fail below, changing signs appear above. If one responds through governance in virtue, blame and anomaly are dispelled; if one neglects warning, disaster and ruin arrive. To respond, sincerity must stand and trust must be carried out."
81
西
In Heping year one, on jihai at month-end in fourth month, the sun was eclipsed, incomplete and hook-shaped, at 6 degrees of Eastern Well. Liu Xiang replied: "The fourth month crossing into fifth shares month with Emperor Xiaohui and day with Emperor Zhao. Eastern Well is the capital's sector, and with this near-totality the divination likely threatens succession." The eclipse began early in daylight from the southwest.
82
In year three, on yimao at month-end in eighth month, the sun was eclipsed in Fang.
83
In year four, on guichou first day of third month, the sun was eclipsed in Mao.
84
In Yangshuo year one, on dingwei at month-end in second month, the sun was eclipsed in Stomach.
85
使
In Yongshi year one, on dingsi at month-end in ninth month, the sun was eclipsed. Gu Yong, using Jing Fang's Yi divination, replied: "The eclipse in ninth month of year one was caused by lack of restraint in drink. That only the capital knew while the four quarters did not see it is as if saying: sunk in drink, with no distinction between ruler and ministers, the calamity lies within."
86
使
In Yongshi year two, on yiyou at month-end in second month, the sun was eclipsed. Gu Yong, using Jing Fang's Yi divination, replied: "This year's second-month eclipse came from taxation and levies exceeding measure, producing popular sorrow and resentment. That all directions saw it while the capital was clouded is as if saying: the ruler delights in building palaces and grand tombs, exactions grow heavy, the people are exhausted, and the calamity lies outside."
87
In year three, on jimao at month-end in first month, the sun was eclipsed.
88
In year four, on xinwei at month-end in seventh month, the sun was eclipsed.
89
In Yuanyan year one, on jihai first day of first month, the sun was eclipsed.
90
In Emperor Ai's first Yuanshou year, on the xinchou first day of the first month, the sun was eclipsed, incomplete and hook-shaped, at 10 degrees of Encampment, the same month and day as in Emperor Hui's seventh year.
91
In year two, on renchen at month-end in third month, the sun was eclipsed.
92
In Yuanshi year one under Emperor Ping, on dingsi first day of fifth month, the sun was eclipsed in Eastern Well.
93
In year two, on wushen at month-end in ninth month, the sun was eclipsed, total.
94
Across twelve recorded Han reigns over 212 years, there were fifty-three solar eclipses: fourteen on the new moon, thirty-six at month-end, and three one day before month-end.
95
西
In Emperor Cheng's first Jianshi year, on wuwu in the eighth month, at dawn before three quarters had run out on the water-clock, two moons were seen together. Jing Fang's Yi Tradition says: ""A woman's constancy is peril; the moon almost full; if a gentleman campaigns, misfortune. It means when ruler is weak and wife strong, with yin riding over it, then double moons appear. Seeing the moon in the west at month-end is called tiao; seeing the moon in the east at new moon is called ze-te. With ze-te, feudal lords should be stern; with tiao, they should be relaxed." Liu Xiang held that tiao means haste: when ruler is lax, ministers grow arrogant, so the sun moves slowly and moon quickly. Ze-te means unwillingness to advance: when the ruler is severe and urgent, ministers are fearful, so the sun moves quickly and the moon slowly, not daring to press close to the ruler. When one is neither lax nor urgent yet still misses the mean, eclipse comes on new-moon day. Liu Xin held that in "relaxed," feudal lords stretch out their intentions and monopolize affairs while ministers below become tense and hurried; hence the moon moves quickly. In "stern," kings and lords shrink back and fail to take up affairs while ministers below become loose and indulgent; hence the moon moves slowly. In the Spring and Autumn era, feudal rulers mostly shrank from responsibility; therefore there were eighteen two-day eclipses with ze-te and one month-end tiao eclipse. This is the verification. Examined against Han: month-end tiao eclipses are thirty-six, and there are no two-day ze-te eclipses at all; thus Xin's explanation is trustworthy. All these are cases of sun and moon moving disorderly.
96
In Emperor Yuan's first Yongguang year, in the fourth month, the sun's color turned bluish-white and cast no shadow; at true noon there was shadow but no light. That summer was cold; only by ninth month did the sun regain light. Jing Fang's Yi Tradition says: "When merit does not rise to others, this is called weakness above; its anomaly is a white sun and seven days without warmth. When compliance has no controlling principle, this is called weakness; the sun is white for sixty days, and things die without frost. When the Son of Heaven campaigns personally, this is called not knowing; the sun is white, body trembling and cold. When weak yet still bearing burdens, this is called not perishing; sun white and not warm, brightness unmoving. When the ruler's conduct is disordered and public, this is called not stretching forth; its anomaly is a black sun, great wind rising, a cloudless sky, and dim sunlight. Not finding governance difficult is called seeing fault; the black sun sits to the side, as large as a pellet."
97
In Emperor Cheng's first Heping year, on the renyin first day of the first month, the sun and moon were both in Encampment; at sunrise the sun was red. On guiwei in second month, the sun was red at dawn and red again at setting; at night the moon was red. On jiashen, the sun rose blood-red and lightless; only after four and a half water-clock quarters did it gain some light, casting red-yellow illumination on the ground, and only after the eclipse did it recover. Jing Fang's Yi Tradition says: "When rulers do not hear the Way, this is called extinction; its anomaly is a red sun." On yiwei in third month, the sun rose yellow with a black vapor as large as a coin at its center. Jing Fang's Yi Tradition says: "If sacrifice to Heaven is not aligned, this is called rebellion; its anomaly is a red sun with black at the center. Hearing the good but not granting it, this is called loss of knowledge; its anomaly is yellow sun." Now the great person joins his virtue with Heaven and Earth and his brightness with the sun and moon. Thus when a sage king is above and gathers worthy ministers to complete Heaven's work, the sun's light is bright, complete in five colors, and shines without irregularity; if there is an irregularity, it is anomaly, a response and change to conduct. Color does not change in vain, form is not damaged in vain. Observing the sun's five transformations is enough for scrutiny. Therefore it is said, "Of hanging signs made manifest, none are greater than sun and moon"; this is what it means.
98
宿 宿 宿 使使
In Duke Zhuang year seven: "On xinchou night of fourth month, regular stars were not seen, and at midnight stars fell like rain." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that the regular stars and twenty-eight lodges symbolize rulers; the multitude of stars are of the same class as the myriad people. The lodges not appearing symbolizes feudal lords becoming weak; the many stars falling signifies people losing their place. Midnight signifies the central states. Not reaching the ground and then returning symbolizes Duke Huan of Qi rising to rescue and preserve them. Once Duke Huan was gone, stars reached the ground; the central states' good order was truly cut off. Liu Xiang held that "at midnight" means they could not complete their allotted lives and failed halfway. Another view says it symbolized rebellion, meaning they would rebel against superiors halfway through. Heaven hangs down signs to show those below, wishing rulers to guard against evil, keep far from wrong, be cautious about lowly beginnings, and examine the subtle, thereby preserving their own safety. If a ruler has worthy and clear ability and fears Heaven's awesome command, then like Gaozong consulting Zu Ji and King Cheng weeping over the metal-bound casket, he corrects faults and rectifies conduct, establishes trust and spreads virtue, preserves what is about to perish and continues what has been cut off, restores what is abandoned and raises the overlooked, learns below to reach above, reduces taxes to one-tenth, restores three-day corvée, and uses resources frugally and dresses plainly to benefit the people. Then the feudal lords cherish virtue, scholars and commoners return to benevolence, disasters vanish, and blessings rise. Yet none would awaken and reform: they invoked ancient models while each followed private intentions, ending in estrangement between ruler and ministers and mutual resentment above and below. After this, the rulers of Qi and Song were murdered; Tan, Sui, Xing, and Wei were destroyed; Su was moved to Song; Cai was captured by Chu; and Jin ministers killed one another. Only in the fifth generation did things settle. This was the effect. The Zuo Tradition says: "Regular stars not seen means the night was bright; stars falling like rain means they fell together with rain." Liu Xin held day images the central states, and night images the border peoples. With night bright, the stars usually seen were all not seen, symbolizing weakness of the central states. In "stars fell like rain," ru means "and": stars fell and rain also fell, hence "fell together with rain," showing that the two anomalies completed one another. The Great Plan says: "The common people are the stars." The Changes says: "Thunder and rain arise: Release." That year Jupiter was in Xuanxiao, sector of Qi. Stars falling at midnight symbolizes common people separating from superiors. Rain to release excessive measures and restore from above to below symbolizes Duke Huan of Qi practicing hegemony and reviving the Zhou house. Zhou fourth month is Xia second month, with the sun in Jianglou, sector of Lu. Before this, Marquis Shuo of Wei fled to Qi and Prince Qianmou was established in Wei; Qi led the feudal lords to attack him, and the Son of Heaven sent envoys to rescue Wei. Prince Ni of Lu monopolized governance and joined Qi in violating the royal command. Duke Zhuang could not stop him and ultimately joined the attack on Wei, expelling the ruler established by the Son of Heaven. The unrighteousness was extreme, yet he took it as merit. When the title loses what stands above it, governance is made from below; this is especially manifest, and so stars fell in Lu, the usual image of Heaven's affairs.
99
使
In Emperor Cheng's second Yongshi year, on guiwei in the second month, after midnight, stars fell like rain, each one or two zhang long, trailing in succession and vanishing before reaching the ground; this continued until cockcrow. Gu Yong replied: "Sun, moon, and stars shine down upon the earth; when anomalies of eclipse or falling stars occur, all can see them, whether near or far, hidden or exposed. Stars are attached and aligned with Heaven, just as common people are attached and aligned with the king. When the king loses the Way and the framework of order collapses, those below will rebel and depart; therefore stars rebel from Heaven and fall, displaying this image. Spring and Autumn records anomalies, and star-fall is among the greatest. Since Duke Zhuang of Lu, it has appeared twice down to now. I have heard the reason the Three Dynasties perished was always women and petty men in groups, sunk in drink. The Documents says: "Then they used the words of their women, and those fleeing from the four quarters, many guilty, were trusted and employed." The Odes says: "Brilliant ancestral Zhou, Bao Si destroyed it." They overturned their virtue and sank into drink." As for Qin perishing in only two generations, it came from extreme luxury in life and excessive lavishness in funerary service. At present the state combines both; this is the great worry of altars of soil and grain and ancestral temples." Jing Fang's Yi Tradition says: "When the ruler does not employ the worthy, its portent is stars raining from Heaven."
100
穿
In Duke Wen year fourteen: "In seventh month, a broom star entered the Northern Dipper." Dong Zhongshu held that broom stars are generated by malignant qi. It is called "bo" because its bristling aspect veils and obstructs, dark and disorderly, lacking clarity. The Northern Dipper is image of great states. Afterward Qi, Song, Lu, Ju, and Jin all had rulers murdered. Liu Xiang held that when ruler and ministers are chaotic at court and policies are deficient abroad, then above they foul the essences of the three lights: the five planets expand and contract, change color, and move in reverse; in extreme cases this becomes a broom star. The Northern Dipper is image of the ruler; the broom star is of the type of disorderly ministers, a sign of usurpation and regicide. The Star Tradition says, "Kui is the prison of noble men." It also says, "When a broom star appears in the Northern Dipper, there are great ministers or feudal lords who receive punishment." Another view says Kui stands for Qi and Jin. Now a conspicuous broom star within the Dipper shows that Heaven's warning to men was clear and the historian's divination was explicit, yet the rulers of the time still did not reform. After this, six states - Song, Lu, Ju, Jin, Zheng, and Chen - all had rulers murdered, and Qi had two rulers murdered. Once the central states were in chaos, border peoples invaded together and warfare spread everywhere; Chu rode its momentum and victories, drove deep into the Xia states, launched six invasions, destroyed one state, and reviewed troops before the Zhou royal house. Jin destroyed two states abroad and defeated the royal army at home; then, with the forces of three states, it crushed Qi at An, pursued the fugitives east to the sea, overawed the capital, and broke mighty Qi's military power. All this lay within the blaze reached by the broom star, extending to year twenty-eight. The Star Tradition also says: "If a broom star enters the Northern Dipper, there will be great war. If its tail enters the Dipper, named men are gained; if it does not enter, named men are lost." Hua Yuan of Song was a worthy and renowned grandee; in the battle of Daji, Hua Yuan was captured by Zheng, and the Tradition cites this as fulfillment. The Zuo Tradition says that there was a broom star in the Northern Dipper, and Zhou historian Fu said, "Within seven years, the rulers of Song, Qi, and Jin will all die in disorder." Liu Xin held that the Northern Dipper has a circled domain into which four stars entered. The Dipper is one of Heaven's three standards, the star of governing order. Song, Qi, and Jin were the Son of Heaven's regional lords, the governing framework of the central states. A broom star serves to sweep out the old and distribute the new. The Dipper has seven stars, hence "within seven years." By year sixteen, men of Song murdered Duke Zhao; in year eighteen, men of Qi murdered Duke Yi; and in Duke Xuan year two, Zhao Chuan of Jin murdered Duke Ling.
101
西 西西
In Duke Zhao year seventeen: "In winter, a broom star appeared at Great Chen." Dong Zhongshu held Great Chen is Heart; Heart is in the Bright Hall, image of the Son of Heaven. Afterward the royal house fell into great disorder and three kings contended; this was its fulfillment. Liu Xiang held the Star Tradition says: "Heart—the great star is the Heavenly King. Its front star is the heir apparent; its rear star is the secondary son. Tail signifies ruler and ministers at odds." A broom star upon Heart symbolized the legitimate Son of Heaven and a secondary son about to contend. Among the feudal lords, Horn, Neck, and Root correspond to Chen and Zheng; Room and Heart correspond to Song. Five years later King Jing of Zhou died, and the royal house fell into disorder: the great officers Liuzi and Danzi installed Prince Meng, while the Yin clan, Duke of Shao, and Duke of Mao installed Prince Chao. Prince Chao was a Chu exile. At that time Chu was strong, and Song, Wei, Chen, and Zheng all attached themselves to Chu in the south. After Prince Meng died, King Jing took the throne; Prince Chao entered the Royal City while the Heavenly King dwelt at Diquan, and none dared admit him. Five years later King Ping of Chu died; Prince Chao fled to Chu, and the royal house was then settled. Afterward Chu led the six states to attack Wu; Wu defeated them at Jifu, killing and capturing their rulers and ministers. Cai resented Chu and destroyed Shen; Chu grew angry and besieged Cai. Wu came to the rescue, and the battle of Boju followed; Wu defeated the Chu army, slaughtered the capital Ying, took King Zhao of Chu's mother as wife, and flogged King Ping's tomb. These were all effects reached by broom stars, comets, and streaming blaze. The Zuo Tradition says: "There was a broom star at Great Chen, reaching west to the Han River. Shen Xu said: 'A comet is what sweeps away the old and spreads the new; celestial affairs are constantly imaged. Now the sweeping is at Fire; when Fire emerges it must spread. Will the feudal lords have fire calamity?' Zi Shen said: 'In former years I saw it—this is its sign. Fire emerged and was seen; now Fire emerges and is manifest. It must enter Fire and hide; it has dwelt long at Fire, has it not? When Fire emerges, in Xia it is third month, in Shang fourth month, in Zhou fifth month. Xia's reckoning accorded with Heaven; if fire arises, the four states that should bear it—are they Song, Wei, Chen, and Zheng? Song is the void of Great Chen; Chen is the void of Great Taihao; Zheng is the void of Zhurong: all are Fire lodges. The broom star reached the Han River; the Han is a water omen. Wei is the void of Zhuanxu; its star is great water. Water is the mate of fire. Will it arise on bingzi or renwu? This is how water and fire join. If fire enters and hides, it must be on renwu, no later than the month it is seen.'" The next year: "In summer, fifth month, Fire first appeared at dusk; on bingzi there was wind. Zi Shen said: 'This is called melting wind—the beginning of fire. In seven days will fire arise?' On wuyin the wind was severe; on renwu it was extremely severe, and Song, Wei, Chen, and Zheng all had fire." Liu Xin held that Great Chen consists of Room, Heart, and Tail; in the eighth month Heart was in the west, and the broom passed west of it, east of Heart, reaching the Han River. Song is the void of Great Chen, meaning Song's ancestors presided over sacrifice to the Great Chen star. Chen is the void of Great Taihao; Fuxi's wood virtue is what fire generates. Zheng is the void of Zhurong; Gaoxin's Director of Fire. Therefore all were lodges where fire dwelt. Wei is the void of Zhuanxu; its star is great water, Encampment. The celestial stars being thus manifest, the four states' loss of government was alike, and their falling into royal-house disorder was the same.
102
宿宿
In Duke Ai year thirteen: "In winter, eleventh month, a broom star appeared in the east." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held that not naming a lodge means it was not fixed to one lodge. Emerging while riding the sun means disorderly qi veiling rulerly brightness. The next year, Spring and Autumn affairs came to an end. Another view: Zhou eleventh month is Xia ninth month, with the sun in Di. Appearing in the east means Zhen, Jiao, and Kang. Zhen is Chu; Jiao and Kang are Chen and Zheng. Another says Jiao and Kang symbolize great states, namely Qi and Jin. Afterward Chu destroyed Chen, the Tian clan usurped Qi, and the six ministers divided Jin; this was its fulfillment. Liu Xin held that the broom star was Great Chen in the east. The text did not say Great Chen because it appeared at dawn, contending with the sun's light; even after the star entered, the broom-tail was still visible. That year intercalation was missed twice, so eleventh month was actually eighth month. The sun was in Quail Fire, sector of Zhou. In winter of year fourteen, "there was a broom star," after the capture of the qilin. Liu Xin held that not stating its position was an official omission.
103
In year three under Emperor Gao, in seventh month, there was a broom star at Great Horn, entering after more than ten days. Liu Xiang held that at the time Xiang Yu was king of Chu and hegemon over the feudal lords, while Han had already pacified the Three Qins and faced Xiang at Xingyang; hearts under Heaven were turning to Han, Chu was about to perish, and so the broom swept away his kingship. Another view: Xiang Yu buried alive Qin troops, burned palaces, and murdered Emperor Yi, disrupting royal order, so the broom came upon him.
104
西 宿
In the seventh year of Emperor Wen's later period, in the ninth month, there was a broom star in the west. Its root lay straight at Tail and Basket, its tip pointed to Void and Rooftop, and it was over one zhang long, reaching the Milky River before disappearing after sixteen days. Liu Xiang held Tail is Song territory, now Pengcheng of Chu. Basket is Yan, and also Wu, Yue, and Qi. This lodge lay within Han and touched sea-facing states and marshy lands. At that time Emperor Jing was newly enthroned and trusted Chao Cuo, preparing to punish and rectify the feudal kings; the sign appeared first. Three years later, Wu, Chu, the four Qi states, and Zhao, seven states in all, raised troops in rebellion, and all were executed and destroyed.
105
In Jianyuan year six under Emperor Wu, in sixth month, there was a broom star in the north. Liu Xiang held that the next year King An of Huainan came to court and had illicit plots with Grand Commandant Tian Fen, Marquis Wu'an, while Empress Chen was arrogant and unrestrained; later Empress Chen was deposed, and the King of Huainan rebelled and was executed.
106
In eighth month, a long star emerged in the east, spanning to the end of heaven, and departed after thirty days. The divination says: "This is Chi You's banner; when seen, the king campaigns in all directions." Afterward troops punished the four border peoples for decades in succession.
107
西
In the fourth Yuanshou year, in the fourth month, a long star again emerged in the northwest; at this time campaigns against the Hu were especially intense.
108
In Yuanfeng year one, in fifth month, there was a broom star at Eastern Well, and again at Three Terraces. Afterward Jiang Chong raised disorder, and the capital was thrown into turmoil. This shows that Eastern Well and Three Terraces were omens for the Qin homeland.
109
西
In Dijie year one under Emperor Xuan, in first month, there was a broom star in the west, about two zhang from Venus. Liu Xiang held Venus is the great general; when broom-star falls upon it, it images sweeping annihilation. The next year Grand General Huo Guang died; two years later his household was exterminated.
110
In Emperor Cheng's first Jianshi year, in the first month, there was a broom star in Encampment, bluish-white, six or seven zhang long and over one chi wide. Liu Xiang and Gu Yong held that Encampment symbolizes the empress's quarters and pregnancy; a broom star falling there meant there would be harm to pregnancy and a cutting off of succession. Another view: the harem itself would suffer harm. Afterward Empress Xu was deposed for cursing those in the harem who were pregnant. Empress Zhao established her younger sister as Zhaoyi; she harmed two imperial sons, and the emperor ended without heir. In the end the Zhao sisters both met punishment.
111
西 西 西
In the first Yuanyan year, on xinwei in the seventh month, there was a broom star at Eastern Well, treading the Five Feudal Lords. Emerging north of River Guard, it led the way through Chariot Pivot and Supreme Palace Enclosure, lagged the sun by more than six degrees, and appeared in the morning in the east. On the thirteenth day it was seen in the west at evening, offending Secondary Consort, Long Autumn, Dipper, and Fill, its fiery tail twice piercing the Purple Palace. Great Fire followed behind, reaching the Celestial River, sweeping through the domain of consorts and empresses. Moving south, it crossed Great Horn and Sheti, reached Celestial Market, and proceeded slowly by measured pace; its blaze entered the market, and after mid-month it went west, vanishing together with Azure Dragon after fifty-six days. Gu Yong replied: "Since high antiquity, the extreme of great disorder—rare indeed. Observe its galloping and sudden steps, its fiery tail now long and now short, and the wicked offenses it traversed: within, harm to palace women and concubines; without, the calamity of rebellion among the central states." Liu Xiang also said: "When the Three Dynasties perished, Sheti shifted position; when Qin and Xiang were destroyed, broom stars at Great Horn." That year Zhaoyi Zhao harmed two imperial sons. Five years later Emperor Cheng died, and Zhaoyi killed herself. When Emperor Ai took the throne, the Zhao clan were all stripped of office and rank and exiled to Liaoxi. Emperor Ai died without heir. When Emperor Ping took the throne, Wang Mang held power; he posthumously deposed Emperor Cheng's Empress Zhao and Emperor Ai's Empress Fu, and both killed themselves. The maternal clans Ding and Fu were all stripped of office and rank, exiled to Hepu, and returned to their home commanderies. Emperor Ping died without heir, and Mang then usurped the state.
112
退 退退 退 退 退 退 退 退
In Duke Xi's sixteenth year: "On the wushen first day of the first month, five stones fell in Song; in that same month six yi birds flew backward past the Song capital." Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang held this warned Duke Xiang of Song, who wished to practice hegemony and would ruin himself. Stone is a yin kind; five is a yang number. Falling from above is yin acting as yang, seeking height but reversing downward. Stone is of the same kind as metal and chiefly white in color, near a white portent. Yi are water birds; six is a yin number. Flying backward means wishing to advance but instead retreating. Their color is blue, a blue portent, belonging to irreverent bearing. Heaven's warning seemed to say: with thin virtue and a small state, do not persist in overbearing yang and seek to dominate the feudal lords by contending with the great and strong; you will certainly suffer harm. Duke Xiang did not awaken. The next year Duke Wei of Qi died; Xiang attacked Qi during mourning, seized the ruler of Teng, besieged Cao, held the Meng assembly, contended with Chu for alliance, and was eventually captured by Chu. After returning to his state, he did not repent or blame himself, but again assembled the feudal lords to attack Zheng, fought Chu at Hong, was defeated and wounded, and became the laughingstock of the feudal lords. The Zuo Tradition says: fallen stones are stars; and yi flying backward is wind. Duke Xiang asked Zhou internal historian Shu Xing: "What omen is this? Where do fortune and misfortune lie?" He replied: "This year Lu has many great deaths; next year Qi will have disorder. You will gain the feudal lords but will not complete your end." After withdrawing he told others: "These are matters of yin and yang, not what gives rise to fortune and misfortune. Fortune and misfortune come from men; I dared not oppose my ruler, therefore I spoke so." That year Prince Jiyou of Lu, Ji Ji of Zeng, and Gongsun Zi all died. The next year Duke Wei of Qi died, and disorder broke out between legitimate and secondary heirs. Duke Xiang of Song attacked Qi to practice hegemony, but was ultimately defeated by Chu. Liu Xin held that that year Jupiter was in Shouxing, with its opposing position in Jianglou. Jianglou is Lu's sector, hence Lu suffered many great deaths. In first month, the sun was in Xingji, with opposition in Xuanxiao. Xuanxiao is Qi's sector. Stone is a mountain thing; and Qi descends from the line after the Great Peak. Five stones symbolized Duke Wei of Qi dying and five princes causing disorder, hence "next year Qi will have disorder." "The common people are stars"; stars fell in Song, symbolizing that Duke Xiang would obtain the following of the feudal lords and quell the disorder of the five princes. Since stars fell and yi birds flew backward, it signified obtaining the feudal lords yet not completing his end. The six yi birds symbolized that six years later his hegemonic enterprise would begin to decline, and he would be captured at Meng. When the people turn against virtue and produce disorder, portents and disasters arise; fortune and misfortune come from men, and only afterward do yin-yang opposition and affliction impose their blame. The calamities of Qi and Lu were not caused by the ruler of Song, and therefore he said, "I did not dare oppose my ruler, therefore I spoke so." Jing Fang's Yi Tradition says: "Rejecting remonstrance and strengthening oneself is called retrograde conduct; its anomaly is yi birds flying backward. When the legitimate should be demoted, yi birds fly backward."
113
綿
In Emperor Hui year three, one meteorite fell at Mianzhu.
114
On dingyou in the second month of Emperor Wu's fourth Zhenghe year, two meteorites fell in Yong; the sky was calm and cloudless, and the sound was heard for four hundred li.
115
On the Wuchen day of the first month in the first year of Jianzhao under Emperor Yuan, six meteorites fell in Liang.
116
On guimao day of first month, Jianshi year four under Emperor Cheng, four meteorites fell at Gao and one at Feilei.
117
On renxu day of second month, Yangshuo year three, eight meteorites fell at Baima.
118
On guiwei day of fifth month, Hongjia year two, three meteorites fell at Duyan.
119
In third month of Yuanyan year four, two meteorites fell at Duguan.
120
On dingwei day of first month, Jianping year one under Emperor Ai, ten meteorites fell in Beidi. That ninth month, on jiachen day, two meteorites fell at Yu.
121
鹿
In sixth month of Yuanshi year two under Emperor Ping, two meteorites fell in Julu.
122
From Emperor Hui through Emperor Ping there were eleven meteorite-fall events in all, all with flashes and thunderous sound, and they were especially frequent under Emperors Cheng and Ai.
← Previous Chapter
Back to Chapters
Next Chapter →