1
郎顗字雅光，北海安丘人也。 父宗，字仲綏，學《京氏易》，善風角、星算、六日七分，能望氣占候吉凶，常賣卜自奉。 安帝徵之，對策為諸儒表，後拜吳令。 時卒有暴風，宗占知京師當有大火，記識時日，遣人參候，果如其言。 諸公聞而表上，以博士徵之。 宗恥以占驗見知，聞徵書到，夜縣印綬於縣廷而遁去，遂終身不仕。
Lang Yi, courtesy Yaguang, came from Anqiu in Beihai commandery. His father Lang Zong (courtesy Zhongsui) studied the Jing interpretation of the Book of Changes, mastered wind-angle astrology, star calculation, and the six-day-seven-part calendar, read qi for omens, and made his living as a fortuneteller. Emperor An summoned him; he topped the policy examination among classicists and was later made magistrate of Wu. When a sudden gale struck, Lang Zong predicted a major fire in the capital, recorded the expected moment, and sent observers to confirm—events matched his forecast. The dignitaries reported his feat to the throne and secured an Erudite’s summons for him. Lang Zong disdained fame from fortune-telling; when the appointment arrived he hung his official seal in the yamen overnight and vanished, never serving again.
2
顗少傳父業，兼明經典，隱居海畔，延致學徒常數百人。 晝研精義，夜占象度，勤心銳思，朝夕無倦。 州郡辟召，舉有道、方正，不就。 順帝時，災異屢見，陽嘉二年正月，公正徵，顗乃詣闕拜章曰：
The younger Lang Yi inherited his father’s arts while mastering the classics; he lived reclusively on the coast and drew hundreds of students. He plumbed doctrine by day and scanned the skies by night, tireless from dawn to dusk. He turned down every provincial summons and recommendation for “possessed of the Way” or “forthright.” Under Emperor Shun, omens multiplied; in the first month of Yangjia 2, when the court called for candidacies, Lang Yi presented himself at the gates and offered this memorial:
3
臣聞天垂妖象，地見災符，所以譴告人主，責躬修德，使正機平衡，流化興政也。 《易內傳》曰：『凡災異所生，各以其政。 變之則除，消之亦除。 』伏惟陛下躬日吳之聽，溫三省之勤，思過念咎，務消祇悔。
I have learned that Heaven hangs strange signs and Earth shows warning marks to admonish the sovereign— urging self-scrutiny, moral cultivation, true balance in rule, and reform that spreads virtue. The Inner Commentary on the Book of Changes says: “Every disaster springs from the kind of governance that produced it.” Reform the policies and the omens lift; eliminate the faults and they lift as well.” “I trust Your Majesty hears petitions with the zeal of one who sits past midday, renews the thrice-daily self-scrutiny, weighs missteps, and works to clear enduring regret.”
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方今時俗奢佚，淺恩薄義。 夫救奢必於儉約，拯薄無若敦厚，安上理人，莫善於禮。 修禮遵約，蓋惟上興，革文變薄，事不在下。 故《周南》之德，《關雎》政本。 本立道生，風行草從，澄其源者流清，混其本者末濁。 天地之道，其猶鼓籥，以虛為德，自近及遠者也。 伏見往年以來，園陵數災，炎光熾猛，驚動神靈。 《易天人應》曰：『君子不思遵利，茲謂無澤，厥災孽火燒其宮。 』又曰：『君高臺府，犯陰侵陽，厥災火。 』又曰：『上不儉，下不節，炎火並作燒君室。 』自頃繕理西蒼，修復太學，宮殿官府，多所構飾。 昔盤庚遷殷，去奢即儉，夏後卑室，盡力致美。 又魯人為長府，閔子騫曰：『仍舊貫，何必改作。 』臣愚以為諸所繕修，事可省減，稟恤貧人，賑贍孤寡，此天之意也，人之慶也，仁之本也，儉之要也。 焉有應天養人，為仁為儉，而不降福者哉？
Today’s habits run to extravagance and ease; compassion is shallow and righteousness slight. Extravagance must be cured by austerity; moral thinness by earnest generosity; governing rulers and people alike begins with ritual. Ritual discipline must start with the throne; trimming display and shallow ways cannot be left to commoners alone. Hence the moral tone of the “Zhou South,” where “Guanju” stands as the foundation of policy. Establish the root and the Way grows; as wind bends grass, so pure springs flow from a clean headwaters and foul streams from a tainted source. Heaven and Earth work like a bellows and flute—power lies in modest emptiness, and influence spreads outward from the center. I note repeated fires at the mausolea—blazes fierce enough to disturb the imperial dead. The Changes’ “Heaven and Man Correlation” warns: “When rulers chase profit without reflection, grace dries up—and destructive fire consumes the palace.” It adds: “Lofty towers and lavish treasuries violate yin–yang balance—fire follows.” And: “When neither sovereign nor subjects practice restraint, fires rage through the ruler’s halls.” Lately the Western Granary has been rebuilt, the Imperial University restored, and countless offices and halls refurbished. Pan Geng left excess for simplicity when he moved the capital; the Xia founders kept modest rooms yet pursued true refinement. When Lu expanded its treasury, Min Ziqian objected: “Keep the old scale—why rebuild?” I urge cutting every repair still possible, easing taxes on the destitute, feeding orphans and widows—that answers Heaven, brings joy to men, anchors humanity, and embodies austerity. Who could heed Heaven, care for the people, embrace kindness and restraint, and still lack Heaven’s favor?
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土者地祇，陰性澄靜，宜以施化之時，敬而勿擾。 竊見正月以來，陰暗連日。 《易內傳》曰：『久陰不雨，亂氣也，《蒙》之《比》也。 蒙者，君臣上下相冒亂也。 』又曰：『欲德不用，厥異常陰。 』夫賢者化之本，雲者雨之具也。 得賢而不用，猶久陰而不雨也。 又頃前數日，寒過其節，冰既解釋，還復凝合。 夫寒往則暑來，暑往則寒來，此言日月相推，寒暑相避，以成物也。 今立春之後，火卦用事，當溫而寒，違反時節，由功賞不至，而刑罰必加也。 宜須立秋，順氣行罰。
Earth is the soil deity—yin, calm, and quiet; in seasons meant for nurturing growth it should be honored, not tormented. Since New Year’s month darkness has stretched day after day. The Inner Commentary says: “Persistent overcast without rain marks confused qi—Meng turning into Bi.” Meng pictures superiors and subordinates obscuring each other in chaos. It adds: “Wanted virtue left unused brings endless murk.” The worthy are transformation’s root; clouds hold the rain. Ignoring talent while claiming to seek it matches endless cloud with no downpour. Recently cold overshot its season—ice thawed, then locked tight again. Cold yields to heat and heat to cold—sun and moon alternate, seasons hand off, and creatures mature. After spring begins the fire phase should rule—yet chill persists. The fault lies in withholding rewards while inflicting harsh penalties. Defer executions until autumn so punishments align with seasonal qi.
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臣伏案《飛侯》，參察眾政，以為立夏之後，當有震裂湧水之害。 又比熒惑失度，盈縮往來，涉歷輿鬼，環繞軒轅。 火精南方，夏之政也。 政有失禮，不從夏令，則熒惑失行。 正月三日至乎九日，三公卦也。 三公上應臺階，下同元首。 政失其道，則寒陰反節。 『節彼南山』，詠自《周詩》； 『股肱良哉』，著於《虞典》。 而今之在位，競托高虛，納累鐘之奉，忘天下之憂，棲遲偃仰，寢疾自逸，被策文，得賜錢，即復起矣。 何疾之易而愈之速』以此消伏災眚，興致升平，其可得乎？ 今選舉牧守，委任三府。 長吏不良，既咎州郡，州郡有失，豈得不歸責舉者？ 而陛下崇之彌優，自下慢事愈甚，所謂大網疏，小網數。 三公非臣之仇，臣非狂夫之作，所以發憤忘食，懇懇不已者，誠念朝廷欲致興平，非不能面譽也。
Reviewing the Flying Marquis charts and current policy, I forecast earthquakes and floods after summer begins. Mars wanders off course, swelling and shrinking as it crosses Ghost constellation and loops the imperial asterism. Fire’s essence rules the south—it governs summer’s administration. When summer governance goes awry, Mars strays from its path. The third through ninth days of the first month correspond to the Three Excellencies’ hexagram. The three dukes mirror the celestial Terraces and bind the ruler’s person. Misrule lets yin cold overturn seasonal order. “Lofty as those southern hills”—that ode belongs to the Zhou hymns; “Our limbs are worthy”—the Canon of Shun praises such ministers. Today’s officials strike grand poses, draw fat salaries, ignore the empire’s troubles, lounge about pleading sickness, yet leap up when bonus payments arrive. Can ailments vanish that conveniently if sincerity were real? With such conduct, can omens be banished and peace restored? Choosing governors rests with the three high offices. Bad magistrates indict their superiors; faulty provinces indict their nominators—should not the buck stop at the recommenders? The throne heaps favor on them while underlings grow lazier—wide meshes above, tight meshes below. The three dukes are not my foes and I am no fanatic; I speak because the court hungers for stable rule, not because flattery is impossible.
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臣生長草野，不曉禁忌，披露肝膽，書不擇言。 伏锧鼎鑊，死不敢恨。 謹詣闕奉章，伏待重誅。 書奏，帝復使對尚書。 顗對曰：
Raised in the backcountry, ignorant of court taboos, I lay my heart bare without polishing phrases. Let me face axe or cauldron—I die without complaint. I proffer this memorial at the gate and await whatever sentence you decree. After it was read, the emperor ordered him to respond before the Masters of Writing. Lang Yi answered:
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臣聞明王聖主好聞其過，忠臣孝子言無隱情。 臣備生人倫視聽之類，而稟性愚愨，不識忌諱，故出死亡命，懇懇重言。 誠欲陛下修乾坤之德，開日月之明，披圖籍，案經典，覽帝王之務，識先後之政。 如有闕遺，退而自改。 本文、武之業，擬堯、舜之道，攘災延慶，號令天下。 此誠臣顗區區之願，夙夜夢寤，盡心所計。 謹條序前章，暢其旨趣，條便宜七事，具如狀對：
Wise rulers welcome criticism; loyal servants hide nothing. I am but a common mortal, blunt and unaware of court prohibitions, so I risk death to repeat these truths. I pray you enlarge the virtues of Heaven and Earth, shine like sun and moon, study archives and canons, weigh ancient and modern rule. Where policy falters, amend it yourself. Ground yourself in Wen and Wu’s legacy, rise toward Yao and Shun’s standard, banish disaster, extend grace, and command the world. This humble wish consumes me waking or sleeping. I therefore expand my earlier argument and submit seven practical measures as follows:
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一事：陵園至重，聖神攸馮，而災火炎赫，迫近寢殿，魂而有靈，猶將驚動。 尋宮殿宮府，近始永平，歲時未積，便更修造。 又西苑之設，禽畜是處，離房別觀，本不常居，而皆條精土木，營建無已，消功單賄，巨億為計。 《易內傳》曰：『人君奢侈，多飾宮室，其時旱，其災火。 』是故魯僖遭旱，修政自敕，下鐘鼓之縣，休繕治之官，雖則不寧，而時雨自降。 由此言之，天之應人，敏於景響。 今月十七日戊午，徵日也，日加申，風從寅來，丑時而止。 丑、寅、申皆徵也，不有火災，必當為旱。 願陛下校計繕修之費，永念百姓之勞，罷將作之官，減雕文之飾，損皰廚之饌，退宴私之樂。 《易中孚傳》曰：『陽感天，不旋日。 』如是，則景雲降集，眚沴息矣。
First: imperial tombs are sacred, yet infernos licked the bedchambers—those spirits would tremble if conscious. Palaces date barely to Emperor Ming’s Yongping reign—few decades yet endless rebuilding. The Western Park pens game and fowl in villas never meant for permanent living, yet carpentry never stops—labor and treasure pour out by the hundred million. The Inner Commentary says: “Extravagant rulers who overbuild invite drought and fire.” So Duke Xi of Lu, facing drought, reformed himself, silenced county bells, and halted repairs—rain followed though troubles lingered. Heaven answers humanity faster than shadow or echo. On this month’s seventeenth, a wuwu day marked the zhi phase; when the sun stood at shen, wind rose from yin and stopped in chou. Chou, yin, and shen align with the fire note—expect either blaze or drought. Please audit construction expenses, remember popular labor, shutter the works bureau, strip gaudy carving, shrink palace kitchens, and end private revels. The Zhongfu commentary promises: “When yang stirs Heaven, change comes within a day.” Do this and auspicious clouds will gather while ill omens cease.
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二事：去年以來，《兌卦》用事，類多不效。 《易傳》曰：『有貌無實，佞人也； 有實無貌，道人也。 』寒溫為實，清濁為貌。 今三公皆令色足恭，外厲內荏，以虛事上，無佐國之實，故清濁效而寒溫不效也，是以陰寒侵犯消息。 占曰：『日乘則有妖風，日蒙則有地裂。 』如是三年，則致日食，陰侵其陽，漸積所致。 立春前後溫氣應節者，詔令寬也。 其後復寒者，無寬之實也。 夫十室之邑，必有忠信，率土之人，豈無貞賢，未聞朝廷有所賞拔，非所以求善贊務，弘濟元元。 宜采納良臣，以助聖化。
Second: since last year the Dui hexagram has governed, yet matching signs seldom appear. The Changes commentary says: “Show without substance—that is the sycophant.” Substance without display—that is the true man of the Way.” Temperature is substance; clarity or murk is outward show. Today’s three dukes look respectful yet hollow—stern in face, timid within—serving with empty show and no statecraft; omens of purity shift while seasons do not, so yin cold disrupts the cycle. Prognostication warns: “High sun brings freak winds; veiled sun splits earth.” Three years of this breed eclipses—yin eating yang, built layer on layer. If spring warmth arrives on schedule, your decrees are genuinely mild. If cold returns, the mercy was cosmetic. Even ten households yield loyal men; surely the empire hides talent—yet none win recognition. That cannot nurture virtue or save the people. Adopt worthy aides to advance sagely reform.
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三事：臣聞天道不遠，三五復反。 今年少陽之歲，法當乘起，恐後年已往，將遂驚動，涉歷天門，災成戊巳。 今春當旱，夏必有水，臣以六日七分候之可知。 未災眚之來，緣類而應。 行有玷缺，則氣逆於天，精感變出，以戒人君。 王者之義，時有不登，則損滋徹膳。 數年以來，穀收稍減，家貧戶饉，歲不如昔。 百姓不足，君誰與足？ 水旱之災，雖尚未至，然君子遠覽，防微慮萌。 《老子》曰：『人之饑也，以其上食稅之多也。 』故孝文皇帝綈袍革舄，木器無文，約身薄賦，時致升平。 今陛下聖德中興，宜遵前典，惟節惟約，天下幸甚。 《易》曰：『天道無親，常與善人。 』是故高宗以享福，宋景以延年。
Third: Heaven’s pattern is near—the cycles of three and five repeat. This shaoyang year should build momentum; I fear after yi-year shocks will cross Heaven’s Gate and disaster climax in wu-ji. Spring will parch; summer will flood—the six-day-seven-part calendar proves it. Before calamity strikes, omens align by category. Faulted conduct reverses celestial qi, stirs essences into omens, and warns the throne. True kings, when harvests fail, thin palace kitchens and skip delicacies. Years of meager harvests have left homes hungry—each harvest poorer than the last. When the people lack sufficiency, how can the ruler claim plenty? Though drought and flood have not struck, the wise ruler looks ahead and checks threats at their birth. Laozi says: “The people hunger because their superiors tax too heavily.” Emperor Wen wore plain robes and leather shoes, kept utensils unadorned, tightened his own wants and cut taxes—peace followed. Your reign renews Han’s virtue; hold to the old standards with austerity and thrift, and the realm will rejoice. The Changes teaches: “Heaven’s Way is impartial—it always aids the good.” So King Wu Ding won fortune, and Duke Jing of Song won long life.
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四事：臣竊見皇子未立，儲宮無主，仰觀天文，太子不明。 熒惑以去年春分後十六日在婁五度，推步《三統》，熒惑今當在翼九度，今反在柳三度，則不及五十餘度。 去年八月二十四日戊辰，熒惑歷輿鬼東入軒轅，出後星北，東去四度，北旋復還。 軒轅者，後宮也。 熒惑者，至陽之精也，天之使也，而出入軒轅，繞還往來。 《易》曰：『天垂象，見吉凶。 』其意昭然可見矣。 禮，天子一娶九女，嫡媵畢縣。 今宮人侍御，動以千計，或生而幽隔，人道不通，郁積之氣，上感皇天，故遣熒惑入軒轅，理人倫，垂象見異，以悟主上。 昔武王下車，出傾宮之女，表商容之間，以理人倫，以表賢德，故天授以聖子，成王是也。 今陛下多積宮人，以違天意，故皇胤多夭，嗣體莫寄。 《詩》云：『敬天之怒，不敢戲豫。 』方今之福，莫若廣嗣，廣嗣之術，可不深思？ 宜簡出宮女恣其姻嫁，則天自降福，子孫千億。 惟陛下丁寧再三，留神於此。 左右貴幸，亦宜惟臣之言，以悟陛下。 蓋善言古者合於今，善言天者合於人。 願訪問百僚，有違臣言者，臣當受茍言之罪。
Fourth: no prince has been named heir; the Eastern Palace sits empty; the stars give no clear sign of an heir. Mars after last equinox sat five degrees in Bond; by the Triple Concordance it should now be nine degrees in Wings, yet it lingers in Willow—over fifty degrees behind prediction. Last year’s eighth month, day wuchen, Mars crossed Ghost Cart into the Chariot, slipped north of the Rear Star, jogged four degrees east, then swept north and returned. The Chariot signifies the inner palace. Mars embodies peak yang and acts as Heaven’s messenger—yet it shuttles through the harem stars. The Changes says: “Heaven displays signs—they disclose blessing or doom.” The meaning could hardly be clearer. Rite allows the emperor one wedding with nine consorts, each rank properly ordered. Thousands of palace women languish cut off from normal life; pent-up grievance moves Heaven, so Mars trespasses the harem stars—warning you to restore kinship and heed the omen. King Wu dismissed the harem captives and honored worthy men; Heaven answered with the sage heir King Cheng. You stock the harem beyond Heaven’s intent—hence royal children perish early and the throne lacks an heir. The Classic of Poetry warns: “Fear Heaven’s anger—never mock or slacken.” No blessing now exceeds abundant heirs; will you not weigh how to secure them? Dismiss surplus women to wed freely; Heaven will bless you with countless descendants. I beg you dwell on this counsel again and again. Your intimate attendants should echo these warnings until they reach you. Sound history illumines today; sound astronomy illumines human affairs. Question the bureaucracy; if I am wrong, punish me for reckless counsel.
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五事：臣竊見去年閏月十七日已醜夜，有白氣從西方天苑趨左足，入玉井，數日乃滅。 《春秋》曰：『有星孛於大辰。 大辰者何？ 大火也。 大火為大辰，伐又為大辰，北極亦為大辰。 』所以孛一宿而連三宿者，言北辰王者之宮也。 凡中宮無節，政教亂逆，威武衰微，則此三星以應之也。 罰者白虎，其宿主兵，其國趙、魏，變見西方，亦應三輔。 凡金氣為變，發在秋節。 臣恐立秋以後，趙、魏、關西將有羌寇畔戾之患。 宜豫宣告諸郡，使敬授人時，輕徭役，薄賦斂，勿妄繕起，堅倉獄，備守衛，回選賢能，以鎮撫之。 金精之變，責歸上司。 宜以五月丙午，遣太尉服幹戚，建井，書玉板之策，引白氣之異，於西郊責躬求愆，謝咎皇天，消滅妖氣。 蓋以火勝金，轉禍為福也。
Fifth: on jichou night of last year’s leap month, a white streak ran from the western park through the Left Foot into Jade Well and faded after days. The Annals records: “A broom star blazed in the Great Asterism.” What counts as the Great Marker? It means the Great Fire star. Great Fire, the Net constellation, and the pole—all serve as that great marker. One comet touching three lodges marks the polar palace of the true king. When the palace loses restraint, policy inverts, and military awe fails—the three markers flash response. White Tiger rules war over Zhao, Wei, and the western capital region—the sign appeared there. Metal omens surface in fall. I fear Qiang trouble along Zhao, Wei, and Guanzhong once autumn opens. Warn every district early: respect harvest times, cut labor and levies, halt needless building, fortify stores and jails, post guards, and assign able men to calm the west. Metal’s ill omen indicts those above. On the designated bingwu day dispatch the commander with ritual arms, record the covenant on jade, acknowledge the white qi sign at the western altar, and expunge baleful influence through fire-over-metal symbolism. Fire conquering metal converts peril into fortune.
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六事：臣竊見今月十四日乙卯巳時，白虹貫日。 凡日傍氣色白而純者名為虹。 貫日中者，侵太陽也； 見於春者，政變常也。 方今中官外司，各各考事，其所考者，或非急務。 又恭陵火災，主名未立，多所收捕，備經考毒。 尋火為天戒，以悟人君，可順而不可違，可敬而不可慢。 陛下宜恭已內省，以備後災。 凡諸考察，並須立秋。 又《易傳》曰：『公能其事，序賢進士，後必有喜。 』反之，則白虹貫日。 以甲乙見者，則譴在中臺。 自司徒居位，陰陽多謬，久無虛已進賢之策，天下興議，異人同咨。 且立春以來，金氣再見，金能勝木，必有兵氣，宜黜司徒以應天意。 陛下不早攘之，將負臣言，遺患百姓。
Sixth: at si hour on yimao the fourteenth, a white rainbow pierced the solar disk. Pure white solar halo counts as this “rainbow.” A halo that cuts the disk means yin is encroaching on the great yang. An appearance in spring means policy has strayed from the proper course. Court eunuchs and ministries keep grilling cases—often trivial ones. Since the imperial tomb fire, unnamed blame has driven mass arrests and brutal interrogation. Fire warns the throne: heed it, never dismiss it. Withdraw into scruple and self-scrutiny to forestall more omens. Defer harsh inquiries until autumn trials. The Yi commentary promises joy when rulers elevate talent in due order. Neglect that and you get the white rainbow across the sun. Appearances on jia/yi days implicate the central ministry. Under the current minister cosmic order errs and talent goes ignored; popular outrage everywhere agrees. Metal doubled since spring—metal cuts wood, auguring arms—remove the minister to placate Heaven. Delay will prove my counsel false and leave the commoners suffering.
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七事：臣伏惟漢興以來三百三十九歲。 於《詩三基》，高祖起亥仲二年，今在戌仲十年。 《詩汜歷樞》曰：『卯酉為革政，午亥為革命，神在天門，出入候聽。 』言神在戌亥，司候帝王興衰得失，厥善則昌，厥惡則亡。 於《易雄雌秘曆》，今值困乏。 凡九二困者，眾小人欲共困害君子也。 《經》曰：『困而不失其所，其唯君子乎！ 』唯獨賢聖之君，遭困遇險，能致命遂誌，不去其道。 陛下乃者潛龍養德，幽隱屈厄，即位之元，紫宮驚動，歷運之會，時氣已應。 然猶恐妖祥未盡，君子思患而豫防之。 臣以為戌仲已竟，來年入季，文帝改法，除肉刑之罪，至今適三百載。 宜因斯際，大蠲法令，官名稱號，輿服器械，事有所更，變大為小，去奢就儉，機衡之政，除煩為簡。 改元更始，招求幽隱，舉方正，徵有道，博采異謀，開不諱之路。
Seventh: the Han house has stood three hundred thirty-nine years. By the “Three Foundations” chronology Gaozu began in hai zhong 2; we are now xu zhong 10. Apocrypha says mao/you and wu/hai mark revolutions; spirits at Heaven’s Gate watch and listen. Spirits stationed in xu/hai watch each reign’s merit—virtue thrives, vice dies. The secret Yi calendar places us in Kun’s “trapped” phase. Kun’s second yang pictures petty men besieging their betters. The canon asks: “Trapped yet steadfast—is this not the gentleman?” True kings endure danger yet honor their mandate. You formerly cultivated virtue in concealment; omens stirred your first year—the cosmic pivot already shifted. Yet omens may remain; wise rulers anticipate disaster early. Xu zhong ends as we enter the final third; three centuries have passed since Wen curtailed corporal law. Use the turn to slash redundant laws, retitle offices, simplify regalia, shrink ritual excess, and streamline the pivot of government. Proclaim a new reign year, call hidden worthies, recruit the upright, invite debate, and welcome blunt advice.
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臣陳引際會，恐犯忌諱，書不盡言，未敢究暢。
I cited these turns timidly—taboos bind me from saying more.
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臺詰顗曰：『對云「白虹貫日，政變常也。 」朝廷率由舊章，何所變易而言變常？ 又言「當大蠲法令，革易官號」。 或云變常以致災，或改舊以除異，何也？ 又陽嘉初建，復欲改元，據何經典？ 其以實對。 』顗對曰：
Censors asked: “You said the spring rainbow meant policy was irregular.” They protested that court follows precedent—what changed? They quoted your demand to overhaul statutes and titles. Some link irregular policy to omens; others say reform fixes them—which holds? They challenged a second era change so soon after Yangjia. They demanded plain proof. Lang Yi answered:
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方春東作，布德之元，陽氣開發，養導萬物。 王者因天視聽，奉順時氣，宜務崇溫柔，尊其行令。 而今立春之後，考事不息，秋冬之政，行乎春夏，故白虹春見，掩蔽日曜。 凡邪氣乘陽，則虹霓在日，斯皆臣下執事刻急所致。 殆非朝廷優寬之本。 此其變常之咎也。 又今選舉皆歸三司，非有周、召之才，而當則哲之重，每有選用，輒參之掾屬，公府門巷，賓客填集，送去迎來，財貨無已。 其當遷者，競相薦謁，各遣子弟，充塞道路，開長奸門，興致浮偽，非所謂率由舊章也。 尚書職在機衡，宮禁嚴密，私曲之意，羌不得通，偏黨之恩，或無所用。 選舉之任，不如還在機密。 臣誠愚戇，不知折中，斯固遠近之論，當今之宜。 又孔子曰：『漢三百載，鬥歷改憲。 』三百四歲為一德，五德千五百二十歲，五行更用。 王者隨天，譬猶自春徂夏，改青服絳者也。 自文帝省刑，適三百年，而輕微之禁，漸已殷積。 王者之法，譬猶江河，當使易避而難犯也。 故《易》曰：『易則易知，簡則易從，易簡而天下之理得矣。 』今去奢即儉，以先天下，改易名號，隨事稱謂。 《易》曰：『君子之道，或出或處，同歸殊塗，一致百慮。 』是知變常而善，可以除災，變常而惡，必致於異。 今年仲竟，來年入季，仲終季始，歷運變改，故可改元，所以順天道也。
Spring’s eastern work awakens yang and fosters creation. Sovereigns echo Heaven—spring calls for mild rule and seasonal justice. Yet punishments roll on in spring—autumn severity in spring skies—hence the rainbow across the sun. Yin riding yang paints halos—because clerks torment the people. That is not the mercy the throne should show. That is the “irregular government” I meant. Personnel power sits with the three offices—not Zhou-level sages—yet every hire runs through clerks, corridors clog with favor-seekers, and gifts never stop. Candidates flood recommendations with kin—breeding fraud—hardly “following the models.” The secretariat sits at the hinge—sealed against graft. Let appointments return to the Masters of Writing. I am crude, yet consensus says this fits the age. Confucius predicted Han’s calendar shift at three hundred years. Each virtue-cycle lasts 304 years; five cycles span 1,520—elements take turns. Sovereigns track Heaven the way seasons swap colors. Three centuries after Wen’s mercy code, petty bans still accumulate. Royal law should flow like a river—easy to steer clear of, hard to violate. The Changes praises clarity: simple laws reveal Heaven’s pattern. Lead by austerity, rename offices to match reality. The sage’s way exits and enters—many routes, one goal. Reform done right ends calamity; done wrong summons omens. The cycle’s pivot invites a new reign motto—aligning with cosmic timing.
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臣顗愚蔽，不足以答聖問。 顗又上書薦黃瓊、李固，並陳消災之術曰：
I lack wit to answer every royal query. Lang Yi next recommended Huang Qiong and Li Gu and outlined remedies:
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臣前對七事，要政急務，宜於今者，所當施用。 誠知愚淺，不合聖聽，人賤言廢，當受誅罰，徵營惶怖，靡知厝身。
The seven measures I offered fit present needs. I risk execution for blunt counsel and tremble without refuge.
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臣聞刳舟剡楫，將欲濟江海也； 聘賢選佐，將以安天下也。 昔唐堯在上，群龍為用，文、武創德，周、召作輔，是以能建天地之功，增日月之耀者也。 《詩》云：『赫赫王命，仲山甫將之。 邦國若否，仲山甫明之。 』宣王是賴，以致雍熙。 陛下踐祚以來，勤心庶政，而三九之位，未見其人，是以災害屢臻，四國未寧。 臣考之國典，驗之聞見，莫不以得賢為功，失士為敗。 且賢者出處，翔而後集，爵以德進，則其情不茍，然後使君子恥貧賤而樂富貴矣。 若有德不報，有言不酬，來無所樂，進無所趨，則皆懷歸藪澤，修其故誌矣。 夫求賢者，上以承天，下以為人。 不用之，則逆天統，違人望。 逆天統則災眚降，違人望則化不行。 災眚降則下呼嗟，化不行則君道虧。 四始之缺，五際之厄，其咎由此。 豈可不剛健篤實，矜矜栗栗，以守天功盛德大業乎？
One hollows hulls and trims oars to ride the rivers and seas; one hires worthies and picks aides to bring peace to the realm. Yao deployed many dragons; Wen, Wu, Zhou, and Shao built dynastic glory. The Poetry cries: “Sovereign majesty—Zhong Shanfu enacted it.” How the regional states fared—Zhong Shanfu read each case aright. King Xuan leaned on him, and good order followed. Your reign has been diligent, yet the chief posts still lack the right men—hence omens pile up and the realm stays unsettled. The archives and my own observation agree—states thrive by gaining talent and fail by losing it. The worthy hesitate before serving; when promotion tracks merit, gentlemen gladly trade poverty for honorable station. If merit goes unrewarded and counsel unheard, men drift home to the wilds and cling to private purpose. Seeking talent serves Heaven above and the people below. To spurn them defies cosmic order and popular hope. The first invites disaster; the second blocks moral sway. Calamity breeds popular outcry; failed reform costs the throne its moral authority. The breaks in the seasonal cycles—fault lies here. You must stand steadfast and vigilant, guarding Heaven’s charge and the dynasty’s great work.
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臣伏見光祿大夫江夏黃瓊，耽道樂術，清亮自然，被褐懷寶，含味經籍，又果於從政，明達變復。 朝廷前加優寵，賓於上位。 瓊入朝日淺，謀謨未就，因以喪病，致命遂誌。 《老子》曰：『大音希聲，大器晚成。 』善人為固，三年乃立。 天下莫不嘉朝廷有此良人，而復怪其不時還任。 陛下宜加降崇之恩，極養賢之禮，徵反京師，以慰天下。 又處士漢中李固，年四十，通遊、夏之藝，履顏、閔之仁。 潔白之節，情同敫日，忠貞之操，好是正直，卓冠古人，當世莫及。 元精所生，王之佐臣，天之生固，必為聖漢，宜蒙特徵，以示四方。 夫有出倫之才，不應限以官次。 昔顏子十八，天下歸仁； 子奇稚齒，化阿有聲。 若還瓊徵固，任以時政，伊尹、傅說，不足為此，則可垂景光，致休祥矣。 臣顗明不知人，伏聽眾言，百姓所歸，臧否共嘆。 願泛問百僚，核其名行，有一不合，則臣為欺國。 惟留聖神，不以人廢言。
Huang Qiong of Jiangxia—grand counselor—loves learning, stays humble while packing talent, knows the canon, governs decisively, and reads shifting signs. The court once honored him and gave him a seat among the highest. Huang Qiong had little time at court; mourning and illness cut short his service before his designs ripened. Laozi says the greatest voice is barely heard; the greatest vessel finishes late. Solid virtue needs years to take root. All praise the court for Huang Qiong—yet wonder why he was not brought back sooner. Raise his honors, fulfill the ritual of fostering talent, recall him to Luoyang, and reassure the empire. Li Gu of Hanzhong, forty, commands the disciples’ learning and the moral gravity of Yan and Min. His integrity gleams like noon; his loyalty cleaves to the right—he outshines antiquity. Heaven bred Li Gu to aid sage Han—summon him specially as a sign to the realm. Extraordinary gifts must not be shackled to rank and seniority. Yan Hui at eighteen drew the world toward virtue; the boy magistrate Ziqi reformed his district while scarcely grown. Restore Huang Qiong, call Li Gu, and give them real power—rivals to Yi Yin and Fu Yue—and blessing will follow. I am no judge of character, but the people sing one verdict on these men. Poll the bureaucracy—if any charge fails, execute me for deceit. Do not dismiss truth for the messenger’s rank.
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謹復條便宜四事，附奏於左：
I submit four more practical items below:
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一事：孔子作《春秋》，書『正月』者，敬歲之始也。 王者則天之象，因時之序，宜開發德號，爵賢命士，流寬大之澤，垂仁厚之德，順助元氣，含養庶類。 如此，則天文昭爛，星辰顯列，五緯循軌，四時和睦。 不則太陽不光，天地混濁，時氣錯逆，霾霧蔽日。 自立春以來，累經旬朔，未見仁德有所施布，但聞罪罰考掠之聲。 夫天之應人，疾如景響，而自從入歲，常有蒙氣，月不舒光，日不宣曜。 日者太陽，以象人君，政變於下，日應於天。 清濁之占，隨政抑揚。 天之見異，事無虛作。 豈獨陛下倦於萬機，帷幄之政有所闕歟？ 何天戒之數見也！ 臣願陛下發揚乾剛，援引賢能，勤求機衡之寄，以獲斷金之利。 臣之所陳，輒以太陽為先者，明其不可久暗，急當改正。 其異雖微，其事甚重。 臣言雖約，其旨甚廣。 惟陛下乃眷臣章，深留明思。
Confucius dated the Annals from the first month to sanctify the new year. Model Heaven’s rhythm: proclaim virtue, enfeoff talent, shower mercy, nurture vital qi, and shelter the people. Do this and the sky clears, planets align, and seasons cooperate. Otherwise the sun dulls, weather fouls, and smog masks daylight. Since spring opened I hear only torture and sentence—not mercy. Heaven reacts instantly, yet haze has veiled moon and sun since New Year. The sun mirrors the throne—earthly misrule dims it. Clear or murky solar omens track good and bad rule. Heaven’s signs never appear without reason. Are you worn by endless affairs while inner counsel falters? Why so many celestial warnings? Summon steadfast virtue, recruit talent, fill the ministry’s hinge posts, and forge united rule. I stress the sun because its eclipse cannot stand—you must reform now. Small omen, enormous stakes. Few words, wide meaning. Please study this memorial closely.
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二事：孔子曰：『雷之始發《大壯》始，君弱臣強從《解》起。 』今月九日至十四日，《大壯》用事，消息之卦也。 於此六日之中，雷當發聲，發聲則歲氣和，王道興也。 《易》曰：『雷出地奮，豫，先王以作樂崇德，殷薦之上帝。 』雷者，所以開發萌牙，辟陰除害。 萬物須雷而解，資雨而潤。 故《經》曰：『雷以動之，雨以潤之。 』王者崇寬大，順春令，則雷應節，不則發動於冬，當震反潛。 故《易傳》曰：『當雷不雷，太陽弱也。 』今蒙氣不除，日月變色，則其效也。 天網恢恢，疏而不失，隨時進退，應政得失。 大人者，與天地合其德，與日月合其明，璇璣動作，與天相應。 雷者號令，其德生養。 號令殆廢，當生而殺，則雷反作，其時無歲。 陛下若欲除災昭祉，順天致和，宜察臣下尤酷害者，亟加斥黜，以安黎元，則太皓悅和，雷聲乃發。
Confucius tied first thunder to hexagram Dazhuang and ministerial dominance to Jie. Days nine through fourteen belong to Dazhuang—the hexagram of rise and fall. Thunder should roll in that span—harmony of qi and ascent of the royal Way. The Yi praises thunder from earth—sage kings answered it with ritual music. Thunder wakes sprouts and scourges harmful yin. Creation needs thunder’s push and rain’s soak. The canon pairs thunder’s stir with rain’s nurture. Merciful spring rule draws timely thunder; cruelty drives thunder into winter silence. Missing thunder means weak sovereign yang. Murky air still cloaks the luminaries—that proves the text. Heaven’s mesh is wide yet catches all—omens track policy faithfully. Great rulers mirror Heaven and rotate policy with the seasons. Thunder embodies imperial command and the nurture of life. When edicts fail and life turns to slaughter, thunder answers awry and harvests fail. Purge cruel officials, ease the people, and thunder will roll as Heaven intends.
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三事：去年十月二十日癸亥，太白與歲星合於房、心。 太白在北，歲星在南，相離數寸，光芒交接。 房、心者，天帝明堂布政之宮。 《孝經鉤命決》曰：『歲星守心年穀豐。 』《尚書洪範記》曰：『月行中道，移節應期，德厚受福，重華留之。 』重華者，謂歲星在心也。 今太白從之，交合明堂，金木相賊，而反同合，此以陰陵陽，臣下專權之異也。 房、心東方，其國主宋。 《石氏經》曰：『歲星出左有年，出右無年。 』今金木俱東，歲星在南，是為出右，恐年穀不成，宋人饑也。 陛下宜審詳明堂布政之務，然後妖異可消，五緯順序矣。
Third: last year’s tenth month, day guihai, Venus and Jupiter met in Fang and Xin. Venus north, Jupiter south, their beams touching. Those lodges mark the celestial hall where policy is proclaimed. Apocrypha promises bumper crops when Jupiter guards the Heart. The Documents’ Hong Fan notes lunar omens and Chong Hua’s halt. “Chong Hua” names Jupiter in the Heart lodge. Venus joins Jupiter in the hall of state—metal and wood clash yet merge: yin ministers eclipse the sovereign. Those eastern lodges align with Song. The Shi manual reads Jupiter’s left exit as plenty, right as famine. Both planets east with Jupiter south signals “right exit”—famine may stalk Song. Audit Bright-Hall governance and planetary order will right itself.
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四事：《易傳》曰：『陽無德則旱，陰僭陽亦旱。 』陽無德者，人君恩澤不施於人也。 陰僭陽者，祿去公室，臣下專權也。 自冬涉春，訖無嘉澤，數有西風，反逆時節。 朝廷勞心，廣為禱祈，薦祭山川，暴龍移市。 臣聞皇天感物，不為偽動，災變應人，要在責已。 若令雨可請降，水可攘止，則歲無隔並，太平可待。 然而災害不息者，患不在此也。 立春以來，未見朝廷賞錄有功，表顯有德，存問孤寡，賑恤貧弱，而但見洛陽都官奔車東西，收系纖介，牢獄充盈。 臣聞恭陵火處，比有光曜，明此天災，非人之咎。 丁丑大風，掩蔽天地。 風者號令，天之威怒，皆所以感悟人君忠厚之戒。 又連月無雨，將害宿麥。 若一穀不登，則饑者十三四矣。 陛下誠宜廣被恩澤，貸贍元元。 昔堯遭九年之水，人有十載之蓄者，簡稅防災，為其方也。 願陛下早宣德澤，以應天功。 若臣言不用，朝政不改者，立夏之後乃有澍雨，於今之際未可望也。 若政變於朝而天不雨，則臣為誣上，愚不知量，分當鼎鑊。
Fourth: weak sovereign yang or dominant ministerial yin both parched the land. Weak yang means royal grace never reaches the fields. Usurping yin means revenue leaks from the throne to ministerial cliques. Winter into spring brought no healing rain—only ill-timed west winds. The court prayed everywhere—mountains, rivers, dragon rites, market shifts. Heaven ignores sham ritual—true reform begins with the throne’s self-blame. If prayer alone fixed weather, drought would never plague us. Calamity persists because the fault lies elsewhere. Since spring I see no rewards for virtue—only capital police hauling petty suspects until jails burst. Fresh light over Gongling proves Heaven’s fire, not arson. On dingchou a gale blackened sky and land. Wind carries Heaven’s command—warning the throne toward steadfast rule. Month-long drought threatens the winter wheat. Lose one crop and a third of the people starve. Spread mercy and aid the commoners. Yao’s flood lasted nine years yet granaries stayed full—light taxes and planning. Issue generous relief now to match Heaven’s mandate. Ignore reform and rain waits till summer—hope nothing sooner. If reform fails to bring rain, boil me for lying.
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書奏，特詔拜郎中，辭病不就，即去歸家。 至四月京師地震，遂陷。 其夏大旱。 秋，鮮卑入馬邑城，破代郡兵。 明年，西羌寇隴右。 皆略如顗言。 後復公車徵，不行。
The emperor named him gentleman of the palace; feigning illness he fled home. Fourth month: the capital quaked and sank in places. Summer brought crushing drought. Autumn: Xianbei took Mayi and routed Dai’s army. Next year western Qiang struck Longyou. Events unfolded much as Lang Yi predicted. Later summons by state carriage went unanswered.
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同縣孫禮者，積惡凶暴，好遊俠，與其同里人常慕顗名德，欲與親善。 顗不顧，以此結怨，遂為禮所殺。
Sun Li, local bully and knight-errant fan, courted Lang Yi’s fame with a neighbor. Lang Yi snubbed him; Sun Li nursed a grudge and murdered him.
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襄楷字公矩，平原隰陰人也。 好學博古，善天文陰陽之術。
Xiang Kai (courtesy Gongju) came from Xiyin in Pingyuan commandery. He was bookish, steeped in ancient lore, and adept at celestial and yin-yang calculation.
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桓帝時，宦官專朝，政刑暴濫，又比失皇子，災異尤數。 延熹九年，楷自家詣闕上疏曰：
Under Emperor Huan the castrates ran the court, justice turned savage, royal heirs kept dying, and omens multiplied. Yanxi 9: Xiang Kai left home, presented himself at the gates, and offered this memorial:
32
臣聞皇天不言，以文象設教。 堯、舜雖聖，必歷象日月星辰，察五緯所在，故能享百年之壽，為萬世之法。 臣竊見去歲五月，熒惑入太微，犯帝座，出端門，不軌常道。 其閏月良辰，太白入房，犯心小星，震動中耀。 中耀，天王也； 傍小星者，天王子也。 夫太微天廷，五帝之坐，而金火罰星揚光其中，於占，天子凶； 又俱入房、心，法無繼嗣。 今年歲星久守太微，逆行西至掖門，還切執漢。 歲為木精，好生惡殺，而淹留不去者，咎在仁德不修，誅罰太酷。 前七年十二月，熒惑與歲星俱入軒轅，逆行四十餘日，而鄧皇后誅。 其冬大寒，殺鳥獸，害魚鱉，城傍竹柏之葉有傷枯者。 臣聞於師曰：『柏傷竹枯，不出三年，天子當之。 』今洛陽城中人夜無故叫呼，云有火光，人聲正喧，於占亦與竹柏枯同。 自春夏以來，連有霜雹及大雨雷，而臣作威作福，刑罰急刻之所感也。
High Heaven is silent—it teaches through celestial signs. Even Yao and Shun tracked the luminaries and five planets—hence long life and an enduring pattern for posterity. Last May Mars entered the Supreme Turret, crossed the Emperor’s Seat, left the Vermilion Portal, straying from its track. That leap month Venus entered Bond, brushed the Heart’s minor stars, and rocked the central blaze. That central blaze is the celestial sovereign; the lesser sparks beside him stand for imperial sons. The Supreme Turret is the five emperors’ court—Venus and Mars flare there, portending the ruler’s danger; both intruding Bond and Heart forecast no heir. This year Jupiter lingered in the Supreme Turret, reversed west toward the Rear Gate, then swung back hugging the celestial Han. Jupiter cherishes life—its refusal to move indicts neglected mercy and brutal law. Seven years back, Mars and Jupiter entered the Chariot, reversed forty days—and Empress Deng fell. That winter froze wildlife and killed riverside bamboo and cypress. My teacher warned: withered bamboo and cypress within three years touches the ruler. Luoyang now shrieks at night of ghost fires—same omen as the plants’ death. Since spring, frost, hail, and thunderclap storms follow eunuch arrogance and harsh justice.
33
太原太守劉質、南陽太守成晉，志除奸邪，其所誅剪，皆合人望，而陛下受閹豎之譖，乃遠加考逮。 三公上書乞哀質等，不見采察，而嚴被譴讓。 憂國之臣，將遂杜口矣。
Liu Zhi and Cheng Jin executed villains the people endorsed—you trusted castrates’ slander and had both men hauled away. The three dukes pleaded for Liu Zhi—you ignored them and browbeat the ministers instead. Patriotic officials will soon fall silent.
34
臣聞殺無罪，誅賢者，禍及三世。 自陛下即位以來，頻行誅伐，梁、寇、孫、鄧，並見族滅，其從坐者，又非其數。 李雲上書，明主所不當諱，杜眾乞死，諒以感悟聖朝，曾無赦宥，而並被殘戮，天下之人，咸知其冤。 漢興以來，未有拒諫誅賢，用刑太深如今者也。
Murdering innocents and killing worthies curses three generations. Your reign has massacred the Liang, Kou, Sun, and Deng lines—collateral victims number beyond count. Li Yun and Du Zhong died for frank counsel—no pardon—and everyone knew it was wrong. Never in Han’s history has frank speech been punished this savagely.
35
永平舊典，諸當重論皆須冬獄，先請後刑，所以重人命也。 頃數十歲以來，州郡玩習，又欲避請讞之煩，輒托疾病，多死牢獄。 長吏殺生自己，死者多非其罪，魂神冤結，無所歸訴，淫厲疾疫，自此而起。 昔文王一妻，誕至十子，今宮女數千，未聞慶育。 宜修德省刑，以廣《螽斯》之祚。
The Yongping code kept capital cases for winter review—life mattered. For decades magistrates dodge capital review by feigning sickness—prisoners rot awaiting trial. Prefects play judge and executioner—innocent ghosts cry out and plague follows. King Wen’s one queen bore ten heirs—you house thousands yet sire none. Cultivate virtue, soften sentences, and earn the fertility hymned in ‘Locusts.’
36
又七年六月十三日，河內野王山上有龍死，長可數十丈。 扶風有星隕為石，聲聞三郡。 夫龍形狀不一，小大無常，故《周易》況之大人，帝王以為符瑞。 或聞河內龍死，諱以為蛇。 夫龍能變化，蛇亦有神，皆不當死。 昔秦之將衰，華山神操璧以授鄭客，曰『今年祖龍死』，始皇逃之，死於沙丘。 王莽天鳳二年，訛言黃山宮有死龍之異，後漢誅莽，光武復興。 虛言猶然，況於實邪？ 夫星辰麗天，猶萬國之附王者也。 下將畔上，故星亦畔天。 石者安類，墜者失勢。 春秋五石隕宋，其後襄公為楚所執。 秦之亡也，石隕東郡。 今損扶風，與先帝園陵相近，不有大喪，必有畔逆。
Seventh year, sixth month, day thirteen: a dragon carcass dozens of yards long lay on Yewang mountain in Henei. Fufeng watched a meteorite strike—thunder heard three counties away. Dragons shift shape—the Changes likens them to sages; dynasties read them as omens. Courtiers call the dead dragon a snake to hide the ill omen. Dragons and divine snakes should not simply die. Qin’s fall was foretold when Mount Hua’s spirit promised ‘the First Emperor dies this year.’ Wang Mang’s reign heard rumors of dead dragons—Han restored thereafter. If rumor fulfilled itself, how much more must reality? Stars ornament the sky as states cling to their ruler. When vassals mutiny, stars desert their stations. Stone stands for firmness—fallen stone means lost mandate. Five meteors in Song preceded Duke Xiang’s capture by Chu. Qin’s end saw meteorites in Dong commandery. Fufeng’s fall strikes near imperial tombs—expect death or revolt.
37
案春秋以來及古帝王，未有河清及學門自壞者也。 臣以為河者，諸侯位也。 清者屬陽，濁者屬陰。 河當濁而反清者，陰欲為陽，諸侯欲為帝也。 太學，天子教化之宮，其門無故自壞者，言文德將喪，教化廢也。 京房《易傳》曰：『河水清，天下平。 』今天垂盡，地吐妖，人厲疫，三者並時而有河清，猶春秋麟不當見而見，孔子書之以為異也。
History records no clear Yellow River nor self-ruined academy gate until now. The river images regional lords. Clear water is yang; muddy is yin. A muddy river running clear means regional powers aim at the throne. The university gate’s ruin signals collapsing moral education. Jing Fang promised peace when the river clears. Yet heaven dims, earth disgorges monsters, plague spreads—still the river clears—unnatural as Confucius’ unicorn.
38
臣前上瑯邪宮崇受幹吉神書，不合明聽。 臣聞布穀鳴子孟夏，蟋蟀吟於始秋，物有微而誌信，人有賤而言忠。 臣雖至賤，誠願賜清閑，極盡所言。 書奏不省。
I earlier cited Gong Chong’s scripture from Gan Ji—you dismissed it. Small birds keep season; humble men may speak truth. Though lowest-born, I beg a hearing to finish my plea. The throne filed my memorial unread.
39
十餘日，復上書曰：
Ten days later he submitted again:
40
臣伏見太白北入數日，復出東方，其占當有大兵，中國弱，四夷強。 臣又推步，熒惑今當出而潛，必有陰謀。 皆由獄多冤結，忠臣被戮。 德星所以久守執法，亦為此也。 陛下宜承天意，理察冤獄，為劉質、成晉虧除罪辟，追錄李雲、杜眾等子孫。
Venus dipped north, rose east—great wars loom: China weak, frontier strong. Mars should shine yet hides—conspiracy stirs. Cause lies in unjust jails and murdered loyalists. Hence Jupiter lingers by the justice stars. Clear Liu Zhi and Cheng Jin, restore Li Yun’s and Du Zhong’s heirs.
41
夫天子事天不孝，則日食星鬥。 比年日食於正朔，三光不明，五緯錯戾。 前者宮崇所獻神書，專以奉天地順五行為本，亦有興國廣嗣之術。 其文易曉，參同經典，而順帝不行，故國胤不興，孝沖、孝質頻世短祚。
Impious service of Heaven brings eclipses and battling stars. Lately eclipses hit new moons—sun, moon, stars blur; planets stray. Gong Chong’s scripture teaches cosmic harmony and restoring heirs. Emperor Shun ignored it—hence short-lived child emperors Chong and Zhi.
42
臣又聞之，得主所好，自非正道，神為生虐。 故周衰，諸侯以力徵相尚，於是夏育、申休、宋萬、彭生、任鄙之徒生於其時。 殷紂好色，妲已是出。 葉公好龍，真龍遊廷。 今黃門常侍，天刑之人，陛下愛待，兼倍常寵，系嗣未兆，豈不為此？ 天官宦者星不在紫宮而在天市，明當給使主市裏也。 今乃反處常伯之位，實非天意。
Illicit royal passions invite divine wrath. Late Zhou’s obsession with brawn bred bully champions. Shang’s lust produced Daji. Lord Ye’s dragon hobby summoned real dragons. You pamper heaven-cursed eunuchs—no coincidence you lack sons. Astrology seats eunuch stars in the market—not the palace. Yet they hold ministerial rank—against Heaven’s design.
43
又聞宮中立黃、老、浮屠之祠。 此道清虛，貴尚無為，好生惡殺，省欲去奢。 今陛下嗜欲不去，殺罰過理，既乖其道，豈獲其祚哉！ 或言老子入夷狄為浮屠。 浮屠不三宿桑下，不欲久生恩愛，精之至也。 天神遺以好女，浮屠曰：『此但革囊盛血。 』遂不眄之。 其守一如此，乃能成道。 今陛下淫女艷婦，極天下之麗，甘肥飲美，單天下之味，奈何欲如黃、老乎？
Shrines to Huang-Lao and Buddha now fill the palace. Those teachings prize emptiness, non-action, life, and austerity. You indulge appetites and slaughter—contradicting the very shrines you built. Legend makes Laozi the Buddha among foreigners. Buddha avoids mulberry shade overnight—no lingering attachment. Heaven offered a beauty; Buddha called her a skin bag of blood. He never looked again. Such single-minded renunciation completes awakening. You hoard beauties and delicacies—hardly Huang-Lao detachment.
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書上，即召詣尚書問狀。 楷曰：『臣聞古者本無宦臣，武帝末，春秋高，數遊後宮，始置之耳。 後稍見任，至於順帝，遂益繁熾。 今陛下爵之，十倍於前。 至今無繼嗣者，豈獨好之而使之然乎？ 』尚書上其對，詔下有司處正。 尚書承旨奏曰：『其宦者之官，非近世所置。 漢初張澤為大謁者，佐絳侯誅諸呂； 孝文使趙談參乘，而子孫昌盛。 楷不正辭理，指陳要務，而析言破律，違背經藝，假借星宿，偽托神靈，造合私意，誣上罔事。 請下司隸，正楷罪法，收送洛陽獄。 』帝以楷言雖激切，然皆天文恒象之數，故不誅，猶司寇論刑。
The memorial brought immediate summons before the secretariat. Xiang Kai replied: antiquity had no eunuchs until aging Emperor Wu toured the harem. They grew through Shun’s reign into a blaze. You heap titles on them tenfold beyond old practice. Still no heir—is favoring them unrelated? The secretariat relayed his answers; the throne ordered trial. Officials answered: eunuch posts are ancient. Early Han’s Zhang Ze helped purge the Lüs. Wen used Zhao Tan—his line thrived. They charged Xiang Kai with twisting law and apocrypha to slander the throne. They sought prison under the metropolitan commandant. The emperor spared him—his stars matched nature—but referred sentence to the judiciary.
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初，順帝時，瑯邪宮崇詣闕，上其師幹吉於曲陽泉水上所得神書百七十卷，皆縹白素朱介青首朱目，號《太平清領書》。 其言以陰陽五行為家，而多巫覡雜語。 有司奏崇所上妖妄不經，乃收臧之。 後張角頗有其書焉。
Earlier Gong Chong offered Gan Ji’s 170-scroll Taiping scripture from the Quyang spring—lace-bound in pale silk. It mixes five-phase lore with shaman chatter. Courts ruled it heterodox and impounded it. Zhang Jiao later exploited that text.
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論曰：古人有云：『善言天者，必有驗於人。 』而張衡亦云：『天文歷數，陰陽占候，今所宜急也。 』郎顗、襄楷能仰瞻俯察，參諸人事，禍福吉凶既應，引之教義亦明。 此蓋道術所以有補於時，後人所當取鑒者也。 然而其敝好巫，故君子不以專心焉。
The historian notes: heavenly discourse needs human proof. Zhang Heng urged mastery of astronomy and omen lore. Lang Yi and Xiang Kai read heaven against human affairs, and their forecasts matched events; the morals they drew from those signs were plain enough. That is how omen lore can serve the age, and why posterity should study it as a warning. The trouble is their taste for occult shamanry, so a true gentleman does not treat such arts as the whole of wisdom.
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贊曰：仲桓術深，蒲車屢尋。 蘇竟飛書，清我舊陰。 襄、郎災戒，實由政淫。
Hymn: Yang Hou’s learning ran deep; the court sent the rush-wheeled cart again and again to call him in. Su Jing’s missive from afar dispelled the shadow that lay on the north. Xiang Kai and Lang Yi warned of calamity because policy had grown corrupt.