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卷三十六 志第十六: 天文下

Volume 36 Treatises 16: Astronomy 2

Chapter 40 of 舊唐書 · Old Book of Tang
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1
宿 沿
Astronomy divides heaven into twelve celestial stations to distinguish celestial bodies and organize stellar phenomena—above, to verify the lodge-degrees of the seven luminaries; below, to match the territorial fields of the myriad regions; gazing upward at transformations and anomalies and testing them against the commanderies and kingdoms. The Commentary says: "The year stood in Xingji, yet strayed into Xuanxiao." "The Jiang and Ren clans in truth held those lands." When the Seven States contended, those skilled in stars included Gan De and Shi Shen, who reassigned the twelve territorial fields, hence there were the states of Zhou, Qin, Qi, Chu, Han, Zhao, Yan, Wei, Song, Wei, Lu, Zheng, Wu, Yue, and others. Zhang Heng and Cai Yong further matched them to Han commanderies. From this point they followed precedent, merely preserving the old texts without any reform. Moreover, the suspended signs above remain unchanged throughout heaven, while commanderies and kingdoms underwent successive changes and names were repeatedly altered, so that later students found it difficult to rely on them as standards. During the Zhenguan era, Li Chunfeng compiled the Record of Celestial Forms, first matching them to the prefectures and counties of Tang. At the beginning of the Kaiyuan era, the monk Yixing further revised and supplemented his book, making it still more detailed. Since it embraced matters from antiquity to the present and differed in places from earlier accounts, it greatly aided later students; therefore its text is recorded here in full. It also records the depth of conjunctions and eclipses since the Wude era, and eclipses in which the disk was not fully obscured, to chronicle the transformations of sun and moon.
2
西
Nü, Xu, and Wei—the station of Xuanxiao. At the beginning of zi it starts at Nü, five degrees, two thousand three hundred seventy-four minutes, four seconds slightly deficient. The midpoint is at Xu, nine degrees; it ends at Wei, twelve degrees. Its territorial field: from Jibei Commandery eastward across the Ji River, crossing Pingyin to Shanzhi—Shanzhi County of Han Mount Tai Commandery, on the southwestern border of Qi Prefecture. Southeastward to Gaomi—the Han Kingdom of Gaomi, now on the northern border of Mi Prefecture. From here upward belongs to the field of Xuanxiao. Eastward to the lands of Donglai—Han's Donglai Commandery and the Kingdom of Jiaodong, now Laizhou and Dengzhou. It also includes Han's Beihai, Qiancheng, Zichuan, Jinan, and Qi Commanderies, now Zi, Qing, and Qi prefectures, and the eastern border of Ji Prefecture. And Pingyuan and Bohai, to the south of the old course of the Nine Rivers, bordering Jieshi. Now Dezhou and Di Prefecture; Cang Prefecture forms its northern border. North of the old course of the Nine Rivers belongs to the field of Ximu.
3
西 西
Yingshi and Dongbi—the station of Zouzi. At the beginning of hai it starts at Wei, thirteen degrees, two thousand nine hundred twenty-six minutes slightly excess. The midpoint is at Shi, twelve degrees, five hundred fifty minutes, twenty-one and a half seconds. It ends at Kui, one degree. Its territorial field: from Wangwu and the Taihang eastward, encompassing all of Han's Henei lands, now the western borders of Huaizhou, Ming, and Wei prefectures. Northward it bears upon Zhang and Ye, eastward to Guantao and Liaocheng—Han lands from Liyang, Neihuang, Ye, Wei, and Wu'an east to Guantao and Yuancheng all belonged to Wei Commandery; from Dunqiu, Sancheng, and Wuyang east to Liaocheng all belonged to Dong Commandery. Now Xiang, Wei, and Wei prefectures. Eastward to the lands of Han's Dong Commandery—Han's Dong and Qinghe commanderies, southwest to Baima and Puyang, east to Donghe and Xuchang, bordering the Ji, reaching Yuncheng. Now Hua, Pu, and Yun prefectures. The lands of Xuchang and Jidong belong to Jianglü, not to Zhuwei.
4
Kui, Lou, and Wei—the station of Jianglü. At the beginning of xu it starts at Kui, two degrees, one thousand two hundred seventeen minutes, seventeen seconds slightly deficient. The midpoint is at Lou, one degree, one thousand eight hundred eighty-three. It ends at Wei, three degrees. Its territorial field: southward to Juye, eastward to Liangfu, bearing upon the Eastern Sea. Also eastward to Lüliang, then southeast to the Huai River, and eastward to the lands of the Xu Yi. Eastward is the station of Jianglü. It includes Han's Dongping and Lu. Han's Dongping was at Rencheng and Pinglu, now in Yanzhou. Kui is the Great Marsh, below the downstream of Zouzi, bordering the Huai and Si, bearing mountains to the northeast—the domain of Lou and Wei. It is in general the fertile heartland of China, where the hundred grains flourish. The Wei star receives the qi of horse pasture, sharing the same astrological correspondence as the northern lands of Ji.
5
鹿 西
Mao and Bi—the station of Daliang. At the beginning of you it starts at Wei, four degrees, two thousand five hundred forty-nine minutes, eight seconds slightly excess. The midpoint is at Mao, six degrees, one hundred seventy-four and a half minutes. It ends at Bi, nine degrees. Its territorial field: from the north of the muddy Zhang in Wei Commandery, it includes Han's Zhao, Guangping, Julu, and Changshan, east to Qinghe and Xindu, northward occupying Zhongshan and Zhending. Now Ming, Zhao, Xing, Heng, Ding, Ji, Bei, and Shen—the eight prefectures. Also dividing the northern borders of Xiang, Wei, and Bo and the west of Ying Prefecture—all belong to the field of Zhao. Also northward to the limits of Han's Dai, Yanmen, Yunzhong, and Dingxiang, and the northern states of the various Di—all belong to the field of Daliang.
6
觿 西 西 西 觿
Zixī and Canfa—the station of Sishen. At the beginning of shen it starts at Bi, ten degrees, eight hundred forty-one minutes, fifteen seconds slightly excess. The midpoint is at Shen, seven degrees, one thousand five hundred twenty-six; it ends at Jing, eleven degrees. Its territorial field: it includes Han's Hedong Commandery, now Pu, Jiang, and Jin prefectures, and also the borders of Ze and Ci prefectures. And Shangdang—now Ze, Lu, Yi, and Qin prefectures. Taiyuan—now Bing and Fen prefectures. To the limits of Xihe lands. Now Xi, Shi, and Lan prefectures; westward across the river, reaching north of Yin Prefecture. Also the Rong and Di states of Xihe—all belong to the field of Sishen. Now Hedong Commandery's Yongle, Ruicheng, Hebei County, and the Hequ region of Feng, Sheng, and Xia prefectures all belong to the station of Sishen and the field of Dongjing. Canfa is the Rong cord, the domain of martial governance; therefore the Yin held Hedong and encompassed the ruins of Great Xia. Shangdang lies in the lower reaches, adjoining Zhao and Wei—the field of Zixī.
7
輿 西西西西 西 西西
Dongjing and Yuji—the station of Zhenshou. At the beginning of wei it starts at Jing, twelve degrees, two thousand one hundred seventy-two seconds, fifteen seconds slightly excess. The midpoint is at Jing, twenty-seven degrees, two thousand eight hundred twenty-eight minutes, one and a half seconds. It ends at Liu, six degrees. Its territorial field: from Han's Three Metropolises and Beidi, Shang, and Anding, west from Longqi to Hexi, southwest to the lands of Ba, Shu, and Hanzhong, and the southwestern Yi of Jianwei, Yuexi, and Yizhou commanderies, to the southern limit beyond the Yellow River, east to Zangke—all belong to the field of Zhenshou. The field of Zhenshou includes Yong and Liang of the Documents of Yu; its commanderies and counties are easy to identify, and therefore are not recorded in detail. The territorial field of the Wolf star lies west of the upper reaches of the Yangtze and Han rivers; the Lonely Arrow, Dog, and Rooster—all are signs beyond the frontier. Today's Western Qiang, Tibet, and the Fan and Hun, and the southwestern frontier Yi beyond the passes—all are signs of the Wolf star.
8
西 輿
Liu, Xing, and Zhang—the station of Zhenhuo. At the beginning of wu it starts at Liu, seven degrees, four hundred sixty-four, seven seconds slightly deficient. The midpoint is at the Seven Stars, seven degrees, one thousand one hundred three. It ends at Zhang, fourteen degrees. Its territorial field: north from Xingze and Xingyang, including Jing and Suo, and the southern mountains, reaching Xinzheng and Mi County to Fangyang. South of Fangyang it includes Han's Yingchuan Commandery—Yangzhai, Chonggao, Jiacheng, and Xiangcheng, south to Ye County. Now the borders of Deng, Ru, Tang, and Xian—the four prefectures. Also Han's Nanyang Commandery, north from Wan and Ye, south to Shen and Sui of eastern Han—generally bounded by the Tongbai source of the Huai, and Dongyang. Now Tang and Sui prefectures belong to Zhenhuo; Shen Prefecture belongs to Shouxing. Also from Luoyi south of the Yellow River, west to the southern limit at Hangu Pass, reaching the northern bank of the Wudang Han River, to the limits of Hongnong Commandery. Han's Hongnong—Lushi and Shan County, now Guo and Shan—the two prefectures. Shangluo and Shangluo are Shang Prefecture. The Danshui is Jun Prefecture. Yiyang, Mianchi, Xin'an, and Luhun—now belonging to Luo Prefecture. Ancient Chengzhou, Guo, Zheng, Guan, Kuai, Eastern Guo, Mi, Hua, Jiao, Tang, Shen, and Deng—all belong to the field of Zhenhuo, and to the capital of Zhurong. Xinzheng is the domain of Zhurong, belonging to Zhenhuo. Its eastern border enters Shouxing. Older accounts place them all at Hangu Pass—this is incorrect. East of Liu, Xing, and Yuji again adjoins the Han source; therefore the Yin held Shang and the south of Luo, adjoining the upper reaches of the southern Yellow River. The Seven Stars are tied to Xuanyuan, receiving the orthodox position of the Earth element—the image of the Central Peak; therefore they are the field of Henan. The Zhang star stands directly south of Henan and east of Han, sharing the same astrological correspondence as Zhenwei.
9
西 西 西 西
Yi and Zhen—the station of Zhenwei. At the beginning of si it starts at Zhang, fifteen degrees, one thousand seven hundred ninety-five, twenty-two seconds slightly deficient. The midpoint is at Yi, twelve degrees, two thousand four hundred sixty-one, eight and a half seconds. It ends at Zhen, nine degrees. Its territorial field: from Fangling and Baidi eastward, to the limits of Han's Nan, Nan Commandery—Wu County, now in Kui Prefecture. Zigui is to the west; Yiling is in Xia Prefecture. Xiang, Kui, Ying, and Shen lie on the Xiang and Ying border; the remainder is Jing Prefecture. Jiangxia—Jiangxia: Jingling is now Fu Prefecture; An, E, Qi, Mian, and Huang—the five prefectures—are all within Han's Jiangxia border. Eastward to Lujiang and Nan Commandery. Han's Xunyang of Lujiang is now in Jiang Prefecture; in the image of mountains and rivers it ought to belong to Zhenwei. Bordering the west of Poyang, it includes Han's Changsha, Wuling, Guiyang, and Lingling commanderies. Lingling is now Dao and Yong prefectures. Guiyang is now Chen Prefecture. Generally from the upper reaches of the Yuan and Xiang, west connecting to the left of Qian'an—all belong to the field of Chu. Also crossing the southern limit, to the lands of Yulin and Hepu. Yulin County is now in Gui Prefecture. Dinglin County is now in Lian Prefecture. Hepu County is now Gui Prefecture. Now from Fu, Zhao, Meng, Gong, Xiu, Rong, Bai, and Han—the eight prefectures westward—all belong to the domain of Zhenwei. Jing, Chu, Yun, E, Luo, Quan, Ba, and Kui, and the southern Man and Mo—the Yin south of Henan. Among them one star governs the Kingdom of Changsha; crossing the ranges southward—all belong to the fields of Ou East and Green Hill. Now the various prefectures of Annan, east of the upper source of the Cloudy Han, ought to belong to Zhenhuo.
10
西 西
Jiao and Kang—the station of Shouxing. At the beginning of chen it starts at Zhen, ten degrees, eighty-seven, fourteen and a half seconds. The midpoint is at Jiao, eight degrees, seven hundred fifty, thirty seconds. It ends at Di, one degree. Its territorial field: from Yuanwu and Guancheng, south of the Yellow and Ji rivers, east to Fengqiu and Chenliu, to the lands of Chen, Cai, and Runan, crossing the Huai source to Yiyang. Han's Chenliu Commandery—from Fengqiu and Chenliu eastward—all enter the field of Great Fire. Han's Runan is now Yu Prefecture. Xihua, Nandun, and Xiangcheng counties are now Chen Prefecture. Ruyin County is now in Ying Prefecture. Yiyang County is in Guang Prefecture. Westward crossing Nanyang Commandery to Tongbai, and northeast reaching the Dongyang of Song. Han's Nanyang Commandery—Chunling and Huyang; Yangcai was later divided into Chunling Commandery; Later Wei made it Southern Jing Prefecture; now there is the old Yiyang Commandery on the eastern border of Shen—now Shen Prefecture. According to the terrestrial network of China, between the northern and southern Yellow Rivers, therefore Shen, Sui, and Guang—the three prefectures—all belong to the field of Yu in the Documents of Yu, and ought to belong to Zhenhuo and Shouxing. They are not lands of the south bearing upon the sea. Ancient Chen, Cai, Sui, and Xu—all belong to the field of Shouxing. The Di star crosses the station of Shouxing; therefore its territorial field is east of the many mountains of Luoyi, adjoining the lands of Bo.
11
西 西 西
Di, Fang, and Xin—the station of Great Fire. At the beginning of mao it starts at Di, two degrees, one thousand four hundred nineteen minutes, five seconds slightly excess. The midpoint is at Fang, two degrees, two thousand eight hundred five minutes, one and a half seconds. It ends at Wei, six degrees. Its territorial field: it includes Han's Chenliu County—from Yongqiu, Xiangyi, and Xiaohuang eastward, following Jiyin, bordering Qi and Lu, to the right of the Si River, reaching Lüliang, then southeast to the Huai, southwest connecting to the domain of Great Taihao, encompassing Jiyin, Shanyang, Chu, Feng, and Pei. Jiyin Commandery's Dingtao, Yuanqu, and Chengshi are now in Dong Commandery. Generally Cao, Song, Xu, Bo, and the western border of Yun Prefecture—all belong to the field of Great Fire. From Shang and Bo north of the northern Yellow River—where yang qi ascends—is the field of Xin. From Feng and Pei south of the southern Yellow River—where yang qi spreads—is the field of Fang. Therefore its lower reaches all share the same astrological correspondence as the Wei star, west connecting to Chen and Zheng—the field of the Di star.
12
涿 涿 涿
Wei and Ji—the station of Ximu. At the beginning of yin it starts at Wei, seven degrees, two thousand seven hundred fifty minutes, twenty-one seconds slightly deficient. The midpoint is at the Ji star, five degrees, three hundred seventy minutes, sixty-seven seconds. It ends at Dou, eight degrees. Its territorial field: from north of the Nine Rivers of Bohai, to the limits of Hejian, Zhuo, and Guangyang—Han's Fuyang of Bohai Commandery is now Qingchi County, belonging to Cang Prefecture. Raoyang of Zhuo Commandery now belongs to Ying Prefecture. Zhuo and Liangxiang counties and Ji County of Guangyang—all now in You Prefecture. And Shanggu, Yuyang, Youbeiping, Liaodong, Lelang, and Xuantu—Yuyang is in You Prefecture. Youbeiping is at Wuzhong of Bailang; in the Sui era it became Yuyang Commandery, the ancient state of Gushu; later Beiping Commandery was established—now Ping Prefecture. Liaodong is at Wulü County—the Yiwulü Mountain of the Rites of Zhou. Lelang is at Chaoxian County; Xuantu is at Gaogouli County—all now in the Eastern Yi. The ancient Northern Yan, Gushu, Wuzhong, and the states of the Nine Yi of the east—all belong to the field of Ximu; Wei receives the lower stream of the Cloudy Han, where the northern limit ends. Ji is close to the Southern Dipper; therefore its territorial field lies east of Wu and Yue.
13
西 西
The Southern Dipper and Ox Leader—the station of Xingji. At the beginning of chou it starts at Dou, nine degrees, one thousand four hundred twenty minutes, two seconds slightly excess. The midpoint is at Dou, twenty-four degrees, one thousand one hundred minutes, eight and a half seconds. It ends at Nü, four degrees. Its territorial field: from Lujiang and Jiujiang, south of the Huai River, to Linhuai and Guangling, reaching the Eastern Sea—Lu, Shou, He, Hao, and Yang all belong to Xingji. Also crossing the southern Yellow River, it includes Han's Danyang, Kuaiji, and Yuzhang commanderies, west bordering Poyang, south crossing Yue Prefecture, to the limits of Cangwu and Nanhai. Also crossing beyond the ranges, from Shao, Guang, Feng, Wu, Teng, Luo, and Lei prefectures, south to Zhuya—from the north eastward is Xingji; westward all belongs to the station of Zhenwei. The ancient Wu, Yue, and the hundred Yue states of the southeast—all belong to the field of Xingji. The Southern Dipper lies below the stream of the Cloudy Han, between the Huai and the sea—the field of Wu. Ox Leader grows distant from the southern Yellow River; therefore its territorial field from Yuzhang east to Kuaiji, south beyond the frontier ranges, is the field of Yue. The island Yi and Man and Mo peoples, where civilizing influence does not reach—all are tied to the Dog Country. Li Chunfeng edited and fixed the Sui Treatise; its commanderies and kingdoms were quite detailed, and the commanderies and counties he annotated were largely adopted. Afterward prefectures and counties again had different supervisory affiliations; they were divided only according to mountains and rivers.
14
退 退 滿
Suzong, tenth month, xinsi, first day of the month. Seventh month, guiwei, first day of the month—total eclipse; all the great stars were visible. Daizong, third month, yisi, first day of the month; fourth year, first month, fifteenth day, jiawu—eclipse. Thirteenth year, jiaxu—the responsible officials reported that an eclipse was due but did not occur. Fourteenth year, second month, bingyin, first day of the month. Dezong, eighth month, xinsi, first day of the month—solar eclipse. The responsible officials reported that according to ritual they requested beating drums at the altar of Earth; this was not permitted. Director of Ceremonies Dong Jin remonstrated: "Beating drums is to hold the multitude of yin accountable and assist yang virtue; the canonical rites ought to be followed." In the end there was no reply. Sixth year, first month, wuxu, first day of the month—the responsible officials reported that an eclipse was due but did not occur; the hundred officials offered congratulations. Seventh year, sixth month, gengyin, first day of the month—the responsible officials reported an eclipse; that night clouds obscured it and it was not seen; the hundred officials submitted congratulatory memorials. Eighth year, eleventh month, renzi, first day of the month—earlier the Director of the Astronomy Bureau Xu Chengsi reported: "According to the calendar, an eclipse of eight-tenths was due; now the retreating eclipse is three-tenths. According to divination, when the ruler is bright and enlightened, yin hides and silently retreats. I request that this be recorded in the history." This was approved. Tenth year, fourth month, guimao, first day of the month—the responsible officials reported that the sun was due to be obscured; after the si hour it was totally eclipsed, and five quarters after the wei hour it was full again. The Director of Ceremonies reported that according to ritual the emperor did not hold court. That day clouds obscured it and it was not seen; the hundred officials submitted congratulatory memorials. Seventeenth year, fifth month, renxu—eclipse.
15
西耀 西 輿 輿 輿 西 西 西 輿 輿 崿 輿 耀
Daizong ascended the throne. That month on the night of renzi, red light appeared in the northwest, blazing across heaven, piercing the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, gradually flowing eastward, spreading across the north, illuminating for several tens of li; after a long time it dispersed. On the night of xinwei, Jiangling saw red light piercing the Northern Dipper; soon Pugu Huai'en rebelled. The next year in the tenth month, Tibet captured Chang'an; Daizong fled the Di and went to Shaan Prefecture. Fifth month, dingyou, first day of the month—the sun ought to have been eclipsed but was not; the ministers congratulated him. Twelfth month, third day, night—stars fell like rain, from hai until dawn. Ninth month, xinmao—Venus crossed heaven; that month Tibet pressed upon the capital region. Second year, sixth month, dingwei—solar double halo; that night a lunar double halo; that year great floods. Twelfth month, jihai—a comet emerged from Paogua, more than a foot long, invading the Eunuch star. Second year, seventh month, guihai—Mars was red-yellow, moving direct into Di. On the night of yichou, Saturn was yellow, close to Mercury, at the first degree of Dongjing. Bingyin, shen hour—blue-red qi more than forty feet long appeared beside the sun; after a long time it dispersed. On the night of jisi, Jupiter moved direct, seven inches from Siguai. On the night of gengwu, the moon approached Tianguan. Renshen, twelfth month—red qi two zhang long stretched across the sun. Jiaxu, you hour—white qi stretched across heaven. Eighth month, renwu—the moon entered Di. Wuzi—the moon invaded Ox Leader, nine inches apart. On the night of jichou, the moon invaded Bi, four inches apart. Ninth month, wushen, first day of the month—Jupiter guarded Dongjing for seven days. Yimao—Tufan invaded, reaching Bianning. On the night of wuwu, white mist rose northwest of Wei, spreading across heaven. Yichou, daytime—a meteor as large as a one-sheng vessel, yellow and bright, with a tail trace sixty or seventy feet long, emerging from wu and flowing to chou. On the night of wuchen, Mars was five inches from the Southern Dipper. Yihai—blue-red qi stretched beside the sun. Eleventh month, xinyou, night—the moon was one foot from Dongjing. On the night of jiazi, the moon was one foot from Xuanyuan. Renxu—Chang'an earthquake, with a sound like thunder, coming from the northeast. Twelfth month, dingyou, night—Mars entered Bilei. Wuxu—black qi like mist stretched across the north; after a long time it dispersed. Third year, first month, renzi, night—the moon covered Bi. Dingsi, si hour—the sun had a yellow crown with blue-red ears. Third month, yisi, first day of the month—the sun was eclipsed; from wu it waned, until one quarter past, eclipsing six and a half tenths in all. On the night of guichou, Venus was eight inches from Tiantian. On the night of guiyou, Venus moved direct, two feet from Jupiter. Seventh month, renshen, night—the five planets aligned in Dongjing. Divination says: "Benefit to China." Eighth month, jiyou—the moon entered Bi. Xinyou—the moon entered Dongjing. Renxu—Mars was four inches from Venus. On the night of gengwu, Venus invaded the Left Enforcer, one foot apart. Ninth month, renshen, night—Jupiter entered Yuji. On the night of yihai, a great star like a dipper flowed from south to north; its light illuminated the ground. On the night of dingchou, Mars entered the Supreme Palace Enclosure. On the night of jimao, Venus invaded the Left Enforcer, six inches apart. On the night of wuzi, Jupiter was one foot from Yuji. On the night of jichou, the moon invaded Dongjing, five inches apart. Gengxu—Mars was five inches from the Supreme Palace; Venus was four inches from Jinxian. Guisi—the moon was one foot from Lingtai. Fourth year, first month, fifteenth day—the sun was eclipsed. Second month, bingwu, night—Mars had rays and horns, about two feet from the Fang star. On the night of bingchen, earthquake, with a sound like thunder three times. Third month, renwu—Mars had rays and horns, entering Di. Guiwei—the moon was one foot from Di. On the night of wuzi, Saturn approached Yuji. Fifth month, bingxu—Chang'an earthquake. Seventh month—Mars invaded the Deputy Minister star. Ninth month, dingmao—Mars invaded Langwei. That year from the fourth month continuous rain, until the end of autumn it ceased; rice in the capital was eight hundred cash per dou. Fifth year, fourth month, yisi, night—Jupiter entered Xuanyuan. On the night of jiwei, a comet emerged from the Five Chariots, broom-like, with rays three zhang long. Fifth month, jimao, night—a comet emerged in the north, white in color. On the night of guiwei, the comet followed heaven eastward, approaching the Eight Grains. Jiashen—white qi stretched across heaven in the northwest. Sixth month, bingshen—the moon was one inch from the Left Enforcer of the Supreme Palace. Dingyou—the moon was two inches from the Weeping star. Gengzi—the moon was seven inches from Di. Guimao—the comet was two feet from the Three Excellencies. Gengxu—Venus entered Dongjing. Jiayin—white qi emerged in the northwest, stretching across heaven. Jiwei—the comet was extinguished. Seventh month—rice prices in the capital soared; one dou was a thousand cash. Sixth year, seventh month, yisi, night—the moon covered Bi, entering within Mao and Bi. Renzi—the moon was two inches from the Supreme Palace. Eighth month, gengchen—the moon entered the Supreme Palace. Ninth month, renchen—Mars invaded the Weeping star, two inches apart. On the night of gengzi, Fire was four inches from the Sobbing star; the moon covered Bi. On the night of jiachen, a southwest meteor as large as a one-sheng vessel, with a tail trace, bright light illuminating the ground, pearls scattering, more than five zhang long, emerging from Xu Nü, entering the southern wall of the Celestial Market and extinguishing. Dingwei—the moon entered the Supreme Palace. Xinhai—Mars entered Bilei. Tenth month, dingmao—the moon covered Bi. Jiaxu—the moon entered Xuanyuan. Eleventh month, renyin—the moon entered the Supreme Palace. On the night of bingwu, the moon covered Di. Twelfth month, jisi—the moon entered the Supreme Palace. Seventh year, first month, yiwei, night—the moon approached Xuanyuan. Second month, wuwu—the moon covered Tianguan. Xinyou—the moon pressed upon Yuji. Jisi—Mars pressed upon Tiantian. Third month, xinmao—the moon pressed upon Lingtai. Fourth month, dingsi—Mars entered Dongjing. Xinwei—Jupiter entered the Eastern Horn. Renshen—the moon entered the Feathered Forest. Bingzi—Saturn approached the Supreme Palace. Fifth month, bingxu—the moon entered the Supreme Palace. Sixth month, yihai—the moon approached Dongjing. Twelfth month, jiazi—Venus entered the Feathered Forest. Bingyin—earth rained; that night, a long star emerged from Shen. Eighth year, fifth month, gengchen—Mars entered the Feathered Forest. Sixth month, wuchen—a meteor as large as a one-sheng vessel, with a tail trace three zhang long, flowing into the Supreme Palace. Seventh month, jimao—Venus entered Dongjing, remaining seven days before emerging. Gengyin, you hour—three bands of qi stretched across heaven. Xinmao—Mars approached the moon. Yiwei—the moon covered Bi within. Eighth month, wuwu, night—Mars approached the moon. That month, Zhu Tao from Youzhou entered court. Ninth month, guiwei—the moon entered the Feathered Forest. Jichou—the moon entered the Supreme Palace. Tenth month, guimao—Venus approached Saturn. On the night of bingwu, Venus approached Jinxian. On the night of dingsi, the moon covered Bi. On the night of renxu, the moon entered within Ghost. Gengwu—the moon approached Venus, both entering within Di. Eleventh month, jimao—the moon entered the Feathered Forest. Renwu—Saturn pressed upon Jinxian. Guiwei—Venus covered Fang. Guisi—the moon entered the Supreme Palace Enclosure. Intercalary eleventh month, renyin, night—Venus and Mercury met at Wei. Guichou—the moon covered Tianguan. Jiayin—the moon entered Dongjing. Yichou—the moon covered Tianguan. Bingyin—the moon entered Di. Twelfth month, guiyou—the moon entered the Feathered Forest. Ninth year, first month, guichou—Mars pressed upon the Princes' stars. Third month, dingwei—Mars entered Dongjing. Fourth month, yihai—the moon approached Xuanyuan. Dingchou—the moon entered the Supreme Palace. Fifth month, jiyou—Venus pressed upon Mars. On the night of yiwei, Venus entered Xuanyuan. Xinyou—Mercury pressed upon Xuanyuan. Sixth month, wuyin—the moon pressed upon Tiangang. Jimao—the moon covered the Southern Dipper. Gengchen—the moon entered the Supreme Palace. Wuzi—Venus approached the Left Enforcer. Seventh month, jiachen—the moon covered Fang. Xinhai—the moon entered the Feathered Forest. Renxu—the moon entered Yuji. Eighth month, xinmao—the moon covered Xuanyuan. Ninth month, gengzi—Zhu Ci from Youzhou entered court; that night, Venus entered the Southern Dipper. Jiazi—Mars entered Di. Tenth month, wuzi—Wood entered the Southern Dipper. Twelfth month, wuchen—the moon entered the Feathered Forest. Tenth year, first month—the Zhaoyi army rebelled and expelled Xue E; Tian Chengsi seized Hebei and rebelled. Wushen—the moon pressed upon Xuanyuan. On the night of jiayin, Mars and Jupiter conjoined at the Southern Dipper, both moving direct. Second month—the Heyang army rebelled and expelled Chang Xiuming. Third month—the Shanzhou army rebelled and expelled Li Guoqing. Gengxu—Mars entered Bilei. Fourth month, jiazi—Mars moved direct into the Feathered Forest. Gengwu—the moon approached Xuanyuan. Sixth month, guihai—Venus approached Dongjing. On the night of yichou, Mars entered Bi, approaching Tiankun. Wuchen—the moon entered the Supreme Palace. Yihai—the moon approached the Southern Dipper. Seventh month, gengzi—Mercury and Venus moved direct, both at Liu. Eighth month, yiyou—Mars moved direct, approaching Tiangao. Wuzi—the moon entered the Supreme Palace. Ninth month, jiawu—the moon approached Fang. Tenth month, xinyou, first day of the month—the sun was eclipsed. Twelfth month, bingzi, night—east of the moon above were more than ten white bands like bolts of cloth, piercing the Five Chariots, Dongjing, Yuji, Zi, Shen, Bi, Liu, and Xuanyuan; after the third watch they dispersed. Eleventh year, intercalary eighth month, dingyou—Venus was visible in daytime. That year in the seventh month, Li Lingyao rebelled at Bianzhou; in the tenth month he was executed. Twelfth year, first month, yichou, night—the moon covered Xuanyuan. On the night of guiyou, the moon covered the Fore Star of Xin. Bingzi—the moon entered within the Southern Dipper's head. Second month, yiwei—Saturn entered Di. On the night of xinhai, a meteor as large as a peach, with a tail ten zhang long, emerging from Paogua, entering the Supreme Palace. Third month, renxu—the moon entered the Supreme Palace. Wuchen—the moon pressed upon the Heart star. That month, the favored minister Yuan Zai was executed and Wang Jin was dismissed. Fourth month, gengyin—the moon approached the Left Enforcer. On the night of yiwei, the moon covered the Fore Star of Xin. Fifth month, bingchen—the moon entered the Supreme Palace. Sixth month, wuxu—the moon entered the Feathered Forest. Seventh month, gengxu—the moon entered the Southern Dipper. Guichou—Mars pressed upon Siguai. Jisi—Chief Minister Yang Guan died. Yihai—Mars moved direct, entering Dongjing. That year, drought in spring and summer; in the eighth month great rain; Henan great flood, five feet deep on level ground. Tibet invaded, reaching Fang Prefecture. Tenth month, jichou—the moon approached Jupiter. Renchen—the moon covered Mao. Yiwei—the moon approached the Five Lords. Gengzi—the moon approached the Left Enforcer, then entered the Supreme Palace Enclosure. Eleventh month, guichou—Venus approached the Weeping star. On the night of yimao, the moon entered the Feathered Forest. Wuchen—the moon approached the Left Enforcer. Twelfth month, xinsi—Saturn approached Guanjian. Renwu—the moon entered the Feathered Forest. Fourteenth year, fifth month, eleventh day—Daizong died.
16
西 西 西西 西 退西 西
Dezong ascended the throne. The next year the era name was changed to Jianzhong. By the fourth year of the tenth month, Zhu Ci rebelled; the imperial carriage went to Fengtian. Fifth month, dingmao—the moon invaded Jupiter. Yihai—Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter gathered at Yingshi for more than thirty days. Eighth month, xinmao, first day of the month—the sun was eclipsed. Tenth year, third month, yihai—yellow mist filled the four quarters; the sun had no light. Fourth month—Venus was visible in daytime. First month, xinwei—the moon covered Mars. Sixth month, yihai—the moon was five inches northwest of the fourth star of the Southern Dipper's head. Eighth year, seventh month, fourth day, night—the moon was one foot south of the southern head star of the Supreme Palace's eastern wall. On the night of guiyou, the moon was seven inches south of the fourth star west of the Five Lords. Tenth month, jichou—Mars moved direct, seven inches northwest of the southern head star of the Supreme Palace's western wall. Ninth year, second month, dingyou—the moon was seven inches northeast of the great star of Xin. Fourth month, xinsi—a great meteor in the north, with a tail trace five zhang long, light illuminating the ground, reaching three feet south of Right Sheti. Ninth month, jichou—the moon covered Xuanyuan. Twelfth year, first month, wuzi—a comet emerged south of Bi, more than two feet long, pointing southwest; after three days it approached Canqi and was extinguished. Thirteenth year, first month, yiwei—Jupiter moved retrograde, approaching the first star of the Supreme Palace's western wall. Eighth month, jiwei—the moon approached the Southern Dipper's head. Renxu—Venus moved direct, approaching the Supreme Palace. Fourteenth year, first month, jichou—the moon approached the northern axle star of Dongjing. On the night of guimao, the moon approached the star of the Southern Dipper's head. Fifth month, gengyin—the moon invaded the great fore star of Xin, one foot southwest. Fifteenth year, first month, twenty-seventh day—Xianzong died.
17
退 西 西西 西 西 西 西 西 西
Muzong ascended the throne. Seventh month, gengshen—Mars moved retrograde, entering the Feathered Forest. On the night of guihai, a great star emerged from Gouchen, flowing south to north of Lou and extinguishing. Eighth month, jimao—the moon covered Ox Leader. First month, bingwu—the moon covered the Battle-Axe star; after the second watch, the moon was seven inches south of the first southern axle star of Dongjing. Bingchen—a great southern meteor, red in color, with a tail trace three zhang long, light illuminating the ground, emerging two feet north of the Wolf star, flowing northeast to seven feet from the Seven Stars and extinguishing. On the night of jiwei, a broom star appeared at Yi. On the night of dingmao, a broom star was above Chen, seven inches from the first star of the Supreme Palace's western wall. Second month, eighth day, night—Venus invaded Mao, five inches southeast. On the night of dinghai, the moon invaded Jupiter, six inches south, at the thirteenth degree of Wei. Third month, gengxu—Venus invaded the Five Chariots, seven inches southeast. Seventh month, renyin—the moon covered the Deputy Minister star of Fang. On the night of yichou, a great eastern meteor, yellow in color, with a tail trace six or seven zhang long, light illuminating the ground, emerging northwest of Shen, flowing west, extinguishing northeast of the Feathered Forest. That month the Youzhou army rebelled, imprisoned its commander Zhang Hongjing, and installed Zhu Kerong. That month on the twenty-eighth day, the Zhenzhou army rebelled and killed its commanders Tian Hongzheng and Wang Tingcou. At the end of Yuanhe, the three Hebei circuits all returned their territories to the court; now You and Zhen were both lost. Soon Shi Xiancheng rebelled at Weizhou; the three circuits again became bandit strongholds, and warfare did not cease. On the night of xinsi, a great northeastern star emerged flowing from within clouds, white light illuminating the ground, one zhang two feet five inches long before and after, entering Shu in the northwest and extinguishing; Venus was one foot northwest of the left horn of Xuanyuan. That month on the night of renchen, Venus was one foot from the first star of the Supreme Palace's southern wall. Ninth month, wuxu, night—Venus moved direct, entering the Supreme Palace, one foot northwest of the Left Enforcer star. On the night of yisi, two inches from the Left Enforcer. Xinhai—the moon was eight inches northwest of Tianguan. Second year, first month, wushen—Wei commander Tian Bu died by his own sword; Shi Xiancheng seized the commandery and rebelled. Second month, jiaxu, night—Mars was seven inches south of Jupiter. Fourth month, xinyou, first day of the month—the sun was eclipsed, at the twelfth degree of Wei; one-fourth remained uneclipsed; Yan and Zhao saw it total. Seventh month, bingzi, night—a great eastern star flowed west to Mao and extinguished; its sound was like thunder. Tenth month, jiazi, night—the moon covered the middle star of Ox Leader. On the night of yichou, Venus was one inch west of the fourth star of the Southern Dipper's head. Eleventh month, dingchou—the moon covered the Left Horn. Gengchen—the moon was one foot from Fang. Twelfth month, dinghai—the moon covered the Left Horn. On the night of gengxu, the moon approached the Fang star. After the fifth watch of renzi, the moon approached Venus, one foot apart. Fourth year, first month, twenty-second day—Muzong died.
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殿 西 西 西 西 西 西穿 西 西 輿 使
Jingzong ascended the throne. Second month, guimao—Venus invaded Dongjing, near the northern axle. Third month, jiazi—Mars invaded Saturn. Renshen—Venus invaded Dongjing, near the northern axle. Fourth month, seventeenth day—the dye-house workers led by Zhang Shao, in a firewood cart carrying weapons, assaulted the Yintai Gate; thirty-seven men in all entered the inner palace and ate in the Hall of Pure Thought; that day the palace guard executed them. Seventh month, yimao, night—a great star emerged from the Celestial Boat, flowing to invade and extinguish southwest of the first star of the Dipper's head. Eighth month, dinghai—Mars invaded Saturn. Guiwei—Mars entered Dongjing. Jichou—Venus invaded the right horn of Xuanyuan. Twelfth month, wuzi, night—the moon covered Dongjing. On the night of jiawu, a northwest meteor emerged from Gedao, reaching the North Pole and extinguishing. Seventh month, yiyou—the moon invaded Xixian, seven inches apart. On the night of jiazi, the moon covered Bi. Intercalary seventh month, guisi, night—the moon left Xin, nine inches apart. Gengzi—a meteor left the North Pole, reaching the handle of the Southern Dipper and extinguishing. Eighth month, yimao—Venus invaded Fang, nine inches apart. Ninth month, guiwei—Venus invaded the Southern Dipper. Bingxu—the moon invaded Bi. Jiawu—the moon invaded the Left Enforcer of the Supreme Palace. Tenth month, xinmao—the moon invaded Tiankun, seven inches apart. Guihai—Venus approached the Weeping star, nine inches apart. Eleventh month, gengchen—Saturn invaded Dongjing, seven inches apart. On the night of guiwei, the moon was six inches from Dongjing. Wuxu—a great southwest meteor emerged from the Feathered Forest, entering Zhuo. Twelfth month, wushen, night—the moon invaded Bi. On the night of yiyou, mist rose in the northwest; in an instant it filled heaven. Above the mist was red qi, deep or pale in color; after a long time it dispersed. Second year, first month, jiaxu, night—a great northern meteor more than five zhang long emerged from the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, passing Zhen and extinguishing. Jiashen—the moon invaded the Right Enforcer, five inches apart. Second month, bingwu, night—the moon invaded Bi. Third month, jisi—a meteor emerged from the River Drum, passing east through the Celestial Market, entering Zhuo and extinguishing. Fourth month, jiazi, night—a great western meteor three zhang long pierced the Celestial Market Enclosure, reaching Fang and extinguishing. That month on the seventeenth day, a white rainbow pierced the sun in linked rings, extinguishing at wu. Fifth month, jiaxu—the moon was eight inches from the Supreme Palace. Guisi—a great northwest meteor three zhang long, light illuminating the ground, entering within the Celestial Market Enclosure and extinguishing. Jiawu, fifth watch. Mars invaded Mao. Sixth month, gengshen—Venus invaded Mao. Seventh month, renshen—a meteor two zhang long emerged north of Dou, entering Zhuo and extinguishing. That night, at the beginning of the month, above si a meteor flowed south and extinguished. That night, Chen invaded Bi. Eighth month, bingshen, night—a great northern meteor more than four zhang long emerged from Wangliang, flowing to the handle of the Northern Dipper and extinguishing. On the night of jiachen, Venus was eight inches from the Supreme Palace. On the night of dingwei, Mars approached Saturn northwest. Dingchou—Mars was seven inches from Yuji. Twelfth month, eighth day, night—Jingzong was murdered by the inner official Liu Keming; the Prince of Jiang was installed. Palace Secretariat Commissioner Wang Shoucheng and others killed the Prince of Jiang and installed Wenzong.
19
輿 宿 西 輿 宿
Wuzong ascended the throne. Sixth month, twenty-ninth day—from the first drum to the fifth drum, more than fifty small meteors crossed and scattered. Seventh month, second day—a northern meteor's light illuminated the ground; a northeastern meteor sounded like thunder. Ninth month, guisi—Mars invaded Yuji. Intercalary ninth month, dingyou—Mars pierced the Ghost lodge; Wuxu—it was within Ghost. Eleventh month, sixth day—a comet appeared in the southwest, at the first degree of Shi; after fifty-six days it was extinguished. That night above, a great meteor's light illuminated the ground; a northeastern meteor had sound. Second year, sixth month, yichou—Mars invaded Jupiter. Bingyin—Venus invaded Dongjing. That night, Mars was blue-red in color, stirring within Jing; until the sixteenth day of the eighth month it invaded Yuji. Fifth year, second month, fifth day—Venus covered the north side of Mao, at the first degree of the Mao lodge. Fifth month, xinyou—Venus entered the mouth of Bi, one foot southeast of the distance star. Eighth month, seventh day—Venus invaded the great star of Xuanyuan.
20
Former regulations: the Astronomy Bureau was subordinate to the Secretariat, supervising observation of heaven, the calendar, and celestial signs. In the reign of Empress Wu, the technician Shang Xianfu was skilled in calendar calculation and was summoned and appointed Director of the Astronomy Bureau. Xianfu declined: "I am a man of the mountains and wilds, by nature free and ungoverned; I cannot bow to serving official superiors." The Empress regretted losing his talent; on the nineteenth day of the fifth month she decreed that the Astronomy Bureau would no longer be subordinate to the Secretariat, becoming an independent office, and was renamed the Bureau of the Armillary Heaven. By the sixth day of the seventh month it was again renamed the Bureau of the Armillary Sphere. In the eighth month Xianfu died; it reverted to the Astronomy Bureau, subordinate to the Secretariat, and the officials he had advanced were all abolished. Sixth month—it was changed to the Astronomy Directorate, not subordinate to the Secretariat. Seventh month—it reverted to the Astronomy Bureau, subordinate to the Secretariat. Eighth month—it was again changed to the Astronomy Directorate. Eleventh month—it was again changed to the Astronomy Bureau. Second year, intercalary ninth month—it was changed to the Bureau of the Armillary Sphere. Second month—it was changed to the Astronomy Directorate. Fifteenth year, first month, it was changed to the Astronomy Bureau, subordinate to the Secretariat, and again changed to the Astronomy Directorate.
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