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卷21 志第16 天文下

Volume 21 Treatises 16: Astronomy 3

Chapter 21 of 隋書 · Book of Sui
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1
西
According to the Rites of Zhou's account of the Ten Splendors, the Officer of Omens oversaw the methods for reading the ten kinds of atmospheric phenomena, watching for portents and telling good fortune from bad. The first is called jin—when the five-colored vapors of yin and yang press upon and seep into one another. Some identify it with formations such as "embracing ears" or "back jades"—rainbow-like arcs, only shorter. The second is xiang, when cloud-vapor takes shape, as when clouds form a red bird flying on either side of the sun. The third is juan—vapor beside the sun that seems to pierce it, shaped like the small pendant boys wore at their belts. The fourth is jian, when cloud-vapor appears to press down upon the sun from above. The fifth is an—eclipses of the sun or moon, or a dimming of sunlight. The sixth is cao, a hazy, indistinct glow without clear brightness. The seventh is mi—a white rainbow spanning the sky and running through the sun. The eighth is xu, when vapor rises beside the sun like a mountain peak. Others describe it as crown, ear-pendants, and back-jades stacked in order around the sun. The ninth is yun—the halo-like vapor surrounding the sun or moon. Some simply call it a rainbow. This is the phenomenon meant in the Odes by "a morning rainbow in the west." The tenth is xiang—five-colored vapors with recognizable shapes: green foretells famine, red war, white mourning, black grief, and yellow a ripe harvest. Others explain xiang as "imagined form": when red vapor shapes itself into human or animal figures, the observer can read the omen. Since the Zhou dynasty, one diviner after another has appeared; here I collect the most authoritative accounts.
2
The sun represents the ruler, who reigns through the element earth; when governance is tranquil, the sun displays all five colors. Some also say that if the sun turns black, green, or yellow, armies will be broken. It is also said that drifting vapors shrouding the sky and the sun and moon losing their luster are all harbingers of wind and rain. When the sky is clear and still, with no drifting vapor, yet the sun and moon appear dull, that alone counts as loss of color. If heavenly vapor has fallen while earthly vapor has not yet risen, a thick layer turns the sun purple and a thin one red; at night a white moon means the same—rain is approaching. If earthly vapor has risen before heavenly vapor descends, a thick layer makes the sun yellow and a thin one white; a red moon at night signals drought and wind. These conditions also precede halos around the sun and moon—scant rain but prolonged cloud cover. If both vapors are present but have not yet joined, the sun turns green—or the moon green at night—heralding cold. If the two vapors meet but remain loose, the sun turns black and the moon green at night; rain threatens without falling, giving way to haze, halos, back-jades, and secondary rainbows. Some call this "sunken yin": sun and moon alike lose their light, the day sun invisible and night stars hidden behind clouds—two matched foes scheming in the dark. When the sun glows dim and murky, soldiers mutiny within their own army. A pale red sun with a crow visible inside it means a general takes the field and raises his banners—an ill omen promising defeat and death. Some also say that when several suns appear together as though fighting, the empire faces war on a vast scale. When suns appear to clash, a city below will be taken by storm.
3
西西
"Sun-wearing" takes the form of a straight rod, slightly lifted at the top, standing above the sun. Wearing signifies virtue—the realm may expect good fortune. Another account simply says that anything standing atop the sun is "wearing." When green and red vapor encircles the sun, the smaller arc is a crown, and the state will know happy events. Small green and red arcs crossing below the sun form a tassel. One or two small, round green and red patches to either side beneath the sun are called knots. Green and red vapor shaped like a small half-halo above the sun is called "bearing." For "bearing," gaining territory brings rejoicing. Some add that long green and red vapor slanting beside the sun forms a halberd. Small, round green and red patches flanking the sun are ear-pendants. Yellow and white colors portend good fortune. Some also read them as signs of mobilized armies. A single ear-pendant on the sun is auspicious: west of the sun, the western force wins; east of the sun, the eastern force wins. The same rule holds for north and south; if no army is in the field but ear-pendants appear, a general will be commissioned. A half-ring beside the sun, turned toward it, is called "embracing." Green and red vapor like a crescent moon behind the sun is called "back." Some say that green and red back-vapor, curved and turned outward, signals rebellion and the rise of rival strongholds. "Jade-belt" resembles a sash encircling the sun on all four sides. Long green and red vapor standing upright beside the sun is called "straight." When a single straight line stands beside the sun, an enemy on one flank seeks independence; the side that attacks along the line of the straight mark wins. Two straight lines and three embraces together mean that any force trying to break away will fail. The side that attacks in the direction of the embrace wins and slays the enemy general. Vapor forming three embraces on all four sides of the sun is called "lifting." Green and red vapor crossing above and below the sun forms a "frame." Vapor like a half-halo beneath the sun is called "support." "Support" signifies a minister upholding the ruler. Some also describe three layers of yellow vapor beneath the sun, embracing like a ring, called "receiving blessing"—the sovereign will know good fortune and gain land. Green and white vapor shaped like a shoe beneath the sun is called "footgear." When five embraces ring the sun, in battle the side that attacks along the embrace prevails. One embrace and one back together on the sun mean rout and flight. Embrace is compliant vapor; back is opposing vapor. When two armies face each other, the side that attacks along the embrace against the back wins—hence "rout and flight." If the sun is embraced with two ear-pendants and a rainbow runs through the embrace to the sun, the side that attacks along the rainbow wins. When the sun is doubly embraced with a jade-belt inside, the side attacking along the embrace wins; some also read this as rebellion brewing within the ranks. A doubly embraced sun with two ear-pendants and a white rainbow through the embrace: attack along the embrace and win, capturing two generals. Three rainbows mean three generals taken. An embrace of lustrous yellow and white, red inside and green outside, brings the Son of Heaven joy—marriage alliances and submissions follow. Armies need not fight; enemies surrender and forces stand down. Green color: the general will rejoice; red: generals clash; white: the general faces mourning; black: the general will die. A doubly embraced sun with a back formation: attack along the embrace, win, gain ground, and perhaps see armies withdraw. A doubly embraced sun with jade-belts inside and outside and two ear-pendants: strike along the embrace to win, shatter the enemy host, and sow discord within their ranks. Round vapor encircling the sun like a market ring, red inside and green outside, is called a halo. A solar halo mirrors an army in camp. A complete ring of even thickness around the sun means enemy and army are evenly matched. If no army is abroad when this appears, the Son of Heaven loses his grip and the people rise in rebellion. A halo showing all five colors brings rejoicing; if the five colors are incomplete, sorrow follows.
4
When reading omens for two matched armies, one must scrutinize the halos around sun and moon: where the vapor rises and stops, whether near or far, whether it responds, its speed and size, thickness and length, the number of embraces and backs, presence or absence, solidity and duration, density and moisture. When the signs correspond and match, the forces are equal. Near beats far, swift beats slow, large beats small, thick beats thin, long beats short, embrace beats back, many beats few, presence beats absence, solid beats hollow, lasting beats brief, dense beats sparse, moist beats dry. A double back signals crushing defeat; a double embrace, marriage alliance—the more embraces, the more alliances; a back means estrangement. For separation and parting: a back turned inward means division within; a back turned outward, division without.
5
西
When reading separation and parting: red inside and green outside means a harmonious parting; green inside and red outside means a hostile parting. A bright, long-lasting halo, red inside and green outside: the outside force wins; green inside and red outside: the inside force wins; yellow inside and green-black outside: the insider wins; yellow outside and green-black inside: the outsider wins; white outside and green inside: the outsider wins; white inside and green outside: the insider wins; yellow inside and green outside: the outsider wins; green inside and yellow outside: the insider wins. A full halo thicker in the northeast favors that quarter: victory in the northeast, defeat in the southwest. A yellow-white halo: armies hold back from battle and the conflict remains unsettled; green-black: truce and a partition of land; yellow: public works on earth ramp up and the people grow restless; When the sun turns black, floods follow and the northern states grow strong. A halo lasting seven days without wind or rain foretells major war—do not take the field, or the army will be shattered. Short of an actual eclipse, a bright solar halo means war across the realm, then armies stand down; if no army is abroad, forces mobilize but never clash. When a halo first appears, the forward edge fading as the rear takes shape, the side where the rear forms wins. If armies are in the field when a halo appears, the defending force will not prevail. A halo red inside and green outside means courtiers lean toward outsiders; red outside and green inside means ministers favor their own faction—their bodies at court, their loyalty elsewhere. Halos at both dawn and dusk on the same day signal lost territory—the home force is doomed.
6
西 滿
A halo with ear-pendants means the ruler schemes, armies are abroad, and the expeditionary force will rue its mission. An embrace and ear-pendant stacked above a halo means the commanding general will be changed. Ear-pendants shaped like a well-curb on a halo mean the state falls and great armies collide. A halo rising in the western sky means a change of general and two evenly matched foes. Two ear-pendants of equal size and color rising together mark equal forces—the side with the thicker, moister color wins favor. Straight ear-pendants on a halo foretell breaking the enemy host; if they reach the sun, the enemy general dies. A full halo with "wearing" above brings national rejoicing; in battle, attack from the wearing and win land. A halo with back and ear-pendants like a chariot rim means war, lost cities, armies swarming the countryside—and yet cities may be retaken.
7
西西
One embrace inside the halo means the besieger is within—the inside force prevails. A double embrace with a back behind: attack along the embrace, win, gain ground, and armies take the field. One compliant embrace piercing the halo: west of the sun, the western force wins and armies mobilize.
8
西
One contrary back on the halo: west of the sun, the eastern force wins. The same rule applies to the other directions. A halo with a back means war and lost cities in the affected quarter. A contrary back on a halo signals surrender, rebellion, and rival strongholds. East of the sun, rebellion rises in the east. The same holds for the other directions. Back-vapor inside the halo means discord, separation, and estrangement. Green outside and red inside means a minister sets out on royal business. Two backs above and below a halo: without armies in the field, war begins; with armies abroad, enemy forces invade. Four backs inside the halo, called "discord," mean civil strife. Four backs like chariot rims and four "liftings" mean that if the people are abroad, a minister will rebel. Four liftings on a halo guarantee that a senior general will desert. Four back-jades whose tips extend beyond the halo mean revolt from inside the court.
9
穿
Two outer ear-pendants with clouds massed inside and outside the halo: within three days a besieged city breaks out to fight. Back, ear-pendants, and straight lines pierced by a rainbow: attack along the rainbow for a crushing victory and captured land. A white rainbow running through the halo to the sun: fight where it points—win, break the host, slay the general. A rainbow through the halo that stops short of the sun: attack along its line, win, and capture a subordinate commander. One rainbow piercing inside the halo: attack along it to win and kill the enemy general. Two white rainbows through the halo mean battle—and the invading force prevails. A double halo with four or five white rainbow arcs radiating outward: in a siege, the defender wins and the city holds. Some also say a double halo means sieges of cities and towns fail. A double halo, clear outside and murky inside, that does not fade means armies are massing. A triple halo foretells cities taken by assault. Interlocking halos of even thickness mean matched rivals—the thicker halo wins. Interlocking halos mean rivals flanking the throne and armies clashing in the field. When the sun sits above the halo, armies stand down. Interlocking halos running through the sun mean shattered armies and dead generals across the land. When interlocking halos contend, whichever side dims first loses, and the two foes stand locked in confrontation. Interlocking halos touching sun and moon: attack along the favorable arc to win and kill the general. One rule holds that whichever formation holds the sun above it wins. Solar "interlockings" appear as red and green halo-like rings, joined backs, or upright crossings—partial overlaps where two vapors meet, pierce, face, or turn away from each other. Interlocking formations signal internal disorder and discord in the ranks. Interlocking halos like chain links mean two armies mobilize and the ruler fights for land. Three halos around the sun mean armies split into three forces. A fresh halo with two backs massed above and below means defeated generals and dead soldiers. A halo shaped like a well-curb or wheel means both kingdoms lose their armies. Some also read this simply as armies taking the field.
10
西西 西 西
An incomplete halo: half in the east favors the eastern force; half in the west, the western force. The same rule applies north and south. A half-wheel halo means expeditionary forces withdraw. A half-halo turned eastward means western tribes, Qiang, and Hu invade the realm. A half-halo turned westward means eastern peoples rise in rebellion and pour into the country. A half-halo turned northward means southern peoples rebel and invade. A half-halo turned southward means northern peoples rebel and invade.
11
祿 西
Some also say that with armies in the field, a lunar halo above the host guarantees victory for its commander. A yellow lunar halo means the general wins promotion, pay, and office. Two ear-pendants on a lunar halo pierced by a white rainbow mean war on a vast scale. Ear-pendants on a lunar halo: attack from their direction and profit. Rainbow-clouds on a lunar halo: fight along their path for a great victory. A rainbow or secondary rainbow running straight through the halo to the moon means a shattered army and a dead general. The Son of Heaven's mixed vapor—red inside, yellow outside, aligned to the four quarters—marks wherever a true king will rise. If the Son of Heaven plans to visit a place, that region shows this vapor first. It may resemble a city gate half-seen in mist, always tinged with killing vapor; or a royal canopy in fog; or five colors, most often at dawn and dusk. It may look like a granary holding a thousand shi in the mist, always edged with killing vapor; or a tower in fog; or a mountain stronghold. When the Green Emperor ascends, green clouds brace the sun. When the Red Emperor ascends, red clouds brace the sun. When the Yellow Emperor ascends, yellow clouds brace the sun. When the White Emperor ascends, white clouds brace the sun. When the Black Emperor ascends, black clouds brace the sun. Or the sun's vapor takes the form of a handless man in green robes west of the sun—the Son of Heaven's own sign. Enemy vapor like dragon-steeds or many-colored surges reaching heaven is imperial qi—do not attack it. If it hangs over our own host, battle brings overwhelming victory. Imperial vapor generally ascends to heaven and appears on days when the throne is strong.
12
Fierce generals send up vapor shaped like dragons. When two hosts face each other, vapor rising above one marks a commander who is bold and keen. Or like a tiger wrapped in killing vapor. Before a fierce general moves, this vapor appears first; even without a planned campaign, sudden war may break out. It may look like smoke and flame, white froth, or firelight at night; white ringed with red; like bamboo groves on a hillside; purple-black like a gate-tower; black above and red below like a dark banner; like a strung bow; or dust with a sharp low front and a broad high base. When armies meet, enemy vapor like a white granary brighter than the sun, or green-white like ointment, marks a brave commander. Battle vapor rising slowly like clouds and shifting into these forms means the general is plotting deeply.
13
Vapor linking the host to heaven means a steadfast—or, as some say, a worthy—commander leads the army.
14
Victorious army vapor rolls like an embankment or hillside, scraping the earth before and behind—a host too strong to assault. Firelight vapor above an army means a bold general and fierce troops hungry for battle—do not engage. Vapor like a wooded mountainside above the camp marks officers and men of exceptional valor. Yellow-white boiling dust above the host, banners rippling windless and pointing at the foe—that army will surely win. White frothing vapor like a tower above the enemy, circled with red, means razor-sharp troops. Yellow-white camp vapor, dense, thick, and glistening—avoid battle. When rivals are evenly matched, vapor like a man raising an axe at the foe promises a great victory in battle. When two foes face off, vapor like a snake lifting its head toward the enemy means victory for whoever strikes. Enemy vapor like a bolt of silk marks a disciplined host—do not attack it. Enemy vapor like an overturned boat, Lead-Ox clouds, white banners above the host, or red and white clouds like sparring cocks—even yellow bursts—all mean fierce, eager troops; do not engage. Red and yellow vapor above the camp rising to heaven is likewise a sign not to attack.
15
Five-colored camp vapor linking to heaven marks a host heaven itself favors—do not strike it. Vapor narrow above and broad below means the army grows day by day. Embankment-like vapor covering the host, red in front and white behind, is victorious qi. If that vapor covers our own force, attack at once for a great victory. Sharp yellow-white heavenly vapor, round and glistening, means a bold enemy general and strong fighters—do not attack. Sun-and-moon clouds ringed with red light like halos mean the side beneath them wins overwhelmingly—do not assault.
16
Among cloud formations, whichever host has a beast-shaped vapor above it wins. Dust-like vapor above the army, low in front and high behind, marks sharp officers and men. Enemy vapor like a nursing leopard lying in wait is hard to assault. An army that constantly shows vapor above is difficult to attack. Canopy-shaped clouds over the host mean: stay out of battle. Banner-like clouds or bee-swarm clouds rushing toward men mean: do not fight. When armies meet, birds hovering or rising high above the enemy mark razor-sharp troops—do not attack. Horse-shaped clouds above the camp, head down and tail up, mean: do not fight. Dog-shaped clouds over the army mean: do not engage. Red birds in black vapor, black figures in red vapor, red pestles in black mist, men in clusters of ten or five, banners in dark qi—with red vapor in front, the foe is ferocious and unstoppable. Mountain-like vapor above the enemy means no talk will move them. Silk-like clouds, sharp in front like a battle line, one or four in number: black signals conspiracy, red famine, green mutiny, yellow flight.
17
退 退
Vapor yellow above and white below is called "good qi." The army beneath it seeks peace and withdrawal. If the vapor rises from the north and the force tries to retreat north, the host dies and scatters. A turn eastward cannot be trusted; they will harm you in the end. A turn southward means the commander dies. Enemy vapor appears trapped, wasted, withered, and scattered. Horse-liver color, corpse gray, overturned canopy, or dead fish—all mean the general will fall. Vapor flickering in and out like rising mist is declining qi—attack it. Vapor broad above and narrow below means troops dwindle day by day.
18
退 西 鹿
If no vapor rises above a camp for ten days, that army will surely win. Red and white vapor that flashes and fades means they talk of battle but mean to flee and disperse. Black vapor like a collapsing mountain falling on the host is "camp-head qi"—certain defeat. Dim vapor above the camp glowing all night on the men means the ranks will break in disorder. Half-formed vapor that breaks off once means one defeat; twice, two defeats; thrice, three defeats. White vapor rising in the east signals deep disaster. Black ox- or pig-shaped clouds in the army's vapor mean disintegration and certain defeat. Enemy vapor like powder, churning smoke, chaotic five colors, or shifting without direction means their army is ready to collapse. Sheep and pig shapes in the army's vapor mark decline—attack and win. Red vapor above the host with blazing fire falling from heaven means the general dies and the troops mutiny. Red light streaming from heaven into the army means mutiny and the commander's death. Green vapor above the enemy that quickly fades away—strike and you will win. If it hangs over our own force, stand firm and defend. Black ox- or horse-shaped vapor descending from mist into the host is the "Heavenly Dog" come to drink blood—the army is shattered. Birds in chaotic flight, hanging garments, men trailing one another, tumbling thistledown, raised dust, rolled mats, or tangled bolts of cloth—all are signs of defeat. Vapor appearing and fading, gathering and breaking like fresh mist, is defeat-qi. Tethered ox, reclining man, broken cart, twin serpents, flying birds, breached dike, ruined house, men pointing at one another, headless figures, panicked deer, facing cocks—all are defeat-qi.
19
退 宿
Vapor of surrendering troops looks like men in clusters of ten or five, hands folded and heads bowed. Some also describe it as men with folded hands facing one another. White bird-like vapor rushing into camp, linking for a hundred li yet hovering and vanishing, means a foreign state will submit. Black mountain vapor edged with yellow means the foe wishes to surrender. Green enemy vapor rising high and turning black means the general will die and the army disperse. Vapor like smoke from burning grass looks fierce in front but promises retreat. Black camp vapor gathering and breaking like roosting birds means the enemy fears you, wavers, and will flee—press them for a great victory.
20
White vapor issuing north and south from a city means do not attack—the city cannot be sacked. Black star-like clouds in the city, called "army essence," mean lift the siege at once—sortie troops will break the besiegers. Banner-like white vapor or green clouds over the city mean celebration within. Yellow clouds over the city bring great rejoicing; green vapor issuing north and south from within means the city cannot be taken. Green vapor like an ox head charging the besiegers means the city cannot be sacked. Yellow vapor rising eastward from the city is the sign of the Great One. White vapor from within and green vapor entering from the north and turning back mean the army cannot enter. If thunder and rain come after ten days of siege, the city has allies. Withdraw at once; do not assault it. Smoke-and-fire vapor above the city means the defenders mean to break out and fight. If the vapor shows no bounds, the city cannot be attacked. Twin serpent vapor above the city makes assault difficult. Red pestle-shaped vapor bursting outward from the city means defenders sally forth and win. Clouds splitting into two comet shapes above the city mean assault will fail. Red vapor on the walls and yellow vapor encircling the city mean the chief defender dies and the city submits. Red bird- or broken-cart vapor above the city, or no cloud-vapor at all, means the garrison will scatter. Red-black mottled vapor like raccoon pelts in the city camp means total destruction. Red-above-white-below vapor on the walls, or tower-like vapor within showing outside, means the city can be sacked. Red head-shaped clouds above the camp mean mass death, mourning, and bloodshed below. Ash-like vapor above the city means it can be sacked. Vapor issuing toward the north means the city can be captured. Vapor that rises and sinks back in means the people inside wish to escape. Vapor that rises and covers the besieging army means disease in the ranks. Vapor rising high with no end in sight means a long siege. White serpent vapor pointing at the city means attack at once. White vapor from the city pointing at the besiegers means dig in and defend urgently. Rain, fog, and killing winds during a siege mean victory for the besiegers. A sun drained of light is called "sun-death." Pheasant-shaped cloud-vapor over the city means surrender below. Haze wrapping the city and flowing inside means the besiegers win and enter. Clouds like five standing men or three oxen mean border cities face siege.
21
Long, round, turbid black vapor with red inside above the army means ambush below. White frothing tower-vapor means ten thousand hidden troops below—do not attack lightly. Ambush vapor appears as banners in black clouds, red pestles in black mist, or dark figures in red clouds.
22
Sudden-army vapor like linked melon vines, units chasing one another, stopping and returning eight or nine times without pause, means raiders are near—fortify at once. White vapor like immortal robes, endlessly linked, units pursuing one another in eight or nine cycles, means an army from a thousand li away—prepare where it rises. Black clouds moving from above the enemy toward our camp mean a surprise attack. The enemy has declared and mobilized—prepare, do not fight. On a renzi day, if the four horizons are clear except for red banner-clouds with troops rising beneath them—or spread in all directions—war engulfs the realm. If the four horizons are cloudless except for black vapor filling the sky, war rises on a vast scale. Half the sky covered means war in half the realm. Rain within three days lifts the omen. When foes approach, their vapor shows clouds above and scattered mist below descending from mid-heaven—the enemy will arrive. Banner-like cloud-vapor means bandit armies rise suddenly. Sudden-army vapor like shield-bearing men, red man-shaped clouds over a town, means raiders arrive, terrify the place, and quickly leave. Red vapor like a man bearing an insignia of office means war continues without end. Square-rainbow clouds mean sudden armies. Fire-red clouds mark wherever armies will march. White cloth-like vapor crossing the chou and wei quarters means war throughout the land.
23
Green-white paste-like battle vapor marks a brave commander. Great-battle vapor shaped like headless or prostrate corpses. Cinnabar serpent vapor above the enemy, trailing red qi, means great battle and dead generals. Clear skies except for red dog-vapor entering camp mean bloodshed below.
24
西
Ten days of overcast with invisible sun and moon, wild winds, and promised rain that never falls is called meng—ministers plot against the throne. Hence the saying: prolonged cloud cover without rain means ministers conspire against their sovereign. Day-night fog shifting green and yellow, merging and breaking, means ministerial plots—and doomed rebels. Mountain winter fog lasting ten days signals imminent collapse. Great five-colored clouds always visible in the four directions mean a worthy man hides below. Moist green clouds veiling the sun in the northwest mean worthy men will be elevated. Tangled-hemp cloud-vapor means a great wind is coming—watch its origin and take shelter. Very moist, thick clouds promise a sudden downpour. On the four seasonal beginnings, heavy black battle-line clouds mean heavy rain. Fog-like vapor that wets clothing without rain means the city below arms and marches out. Clouds cutting across the sun at dawn or dusk: white means mourning, black alarm. Rain within three days clears each omen. Black vapor entering camp means armies turn on one another. Red and green vapor entering camp weakens the army. Dragon clouds wherever seen mean generals lose heart. Wild-goose-tail clouds shading the capital mean destruction within three days. Red halo-like clouds mean ill fortune for the state. Green-white color foretells great floods. Dragon-moving clouds mean great floods and wandering refugees. Red-yellow clouds sealing the four quarters day and night mean great ministers run unchecked. Dim, turbid cloud-vapor means worthy men leave and petty men take office.
25
White rainbows are the root of countless calamities and the seed of rebellion. Fog is the vapor of many evils—yin pressing down upon yang.
26
西
Never fight facing the flourishing qi of any quarter. On jia/yi days green qi fills the east; bing/ding, red in the south; geng/xin, white in the west; ren/gui, black in the north; wu/ji, yellow at the center. In seasonal battles on such days, fighting with your back to that qi is auspicious. Black vapor in the sun means the ruler errs slightly while ministers flatter instead of remonstrating, hiding faults and praising virtues—hence the sun dims.
27
White rainbows and fog mean treacherous ministers plot against the throne and seize power. Day fog with bright night lets ministers succeed; night fog with bright day blocks them. Fog lasting a full day or watch brings the ruler sorrow. Yellow color means light rain. White signals military losses; green, disease; black, sudden floods; red, military mourning; yellow, public works or great wind.
28
Night fog with a white rainbow means sorrow for ministers. Day fog with a white rainbow means sorrow for the ruler. A rainbow whose head and tail touch the ground foretells bloodshed.
29
Season-defying fog with crossing winds and drizzle shows yin and yang in disorder. Fog cycling from yin through chen and si means rebels fail. Days of unbroken dim fog mean the realm is splitting apart.
30
Fog on all sides with rainbows in each quarter: seasonal colors are lucky; unseasonal colors, ill. Green-yellow vapor merging and breaking means ministerial plots—and self-destructing rebels.
31
Fog on all four sides with visibility under a hundred paces is "day-darkness"—if no state falls, a clan is wiped out.
32
Haze like falling dust for days on end, rain that does not wet clothes yet leaves grit—this is mai. Hence: heaven and earth in mai mean estranged ruler and ministers and great drought.
33
西
Coastal mirages like towers, open-country vapor like palaces, northern barbarian vapor like herds and yurts, southern barbarian vapor like ships and banners. South of Mount Hua, vapor is black below and red above. At Mount Song and the Three Rivers region, vapor is pure red. North of Mount Heng, vapor is green. Between Bo, Jie, the coast, and Mount Tai, vapor is pure black. Between the great rivers and lakes, vapor is white. Eastern sea vapor resembles a round bamboo hat. At Fuhan and the Yellow River, vapor is like drawn silk. Along the Yangtze and Han, vapor is vigorous like a shuttle. Ji River vapor resembles a black pig. Hua River vapor looks like a wolf with a white tail. Huai River vapor is like silk. Mount Shaoshi vapor resembles a white rabbit with a green tail. Mount Heng vapor looks like a black ox with a green tail. Eastern barbarian vapor is tree-like; western, house-like; southern, tower- or ship-like. Battle-line clouds stand like walls; spindle clouds like axle hubs, sharp at both ends. Rope-like hooked clouds span heaven—half the sky at a time; their curves resemble gate banners. When these clouds appear, judge them by color, moisture, and density. When they appear with armies abroad, war and battle are certain. Straight cloud-vapor like three bolts of silk, broad in front and sharp behind, marks a great army marching. Han vapor is cloth-like, Zhao ox-like, Chu sun-like, Song chariot-like, Lu horse-like, Wei dog-like, Zhou wheel-like, Qin traveler-like, Wei rat-like, Zheng and Qi crimson-robed, Yue dragon-like, Shu granary-like. Chariot vapor rises and falls, often clustering. Cavalry vapor lies low and spread; infantry vapor is tightly massed. Low front and high back means speed; square high front and sharp low rear means retreat. Level vapor means slow movement. High front and low back means no advance—only return. Scout vapor is dark green, hundreds of zhang long; roaming-army vapor sweeps like a comet, hundreds of zhang without root. Joy-vapor is yellow above, white below; anger, red throughout; sorrow, black throughout; earthworks, yellow-white; migration, white.
34
仿
To observe qi: when it first rises, neither quite cloud nor fog, barely visible. Dense vapor first appearing on mulberry and elm trees five or six chi high marks an army fifteen hundred li away. At eye level, a thousand li; looking upward, five hundred li. Vapor at mid-heaven means within a hundred li. Level sight between mulberry and elm marks two thousand li; from a height reaching to earth, three thousand li.
35
To read our army's vapor, on jia/ji days and geng, zi, chen, xu, wu, wei, hai days—and the eighteenth of the eighth month—climb a height ten li from camp and judge by the manuals. Any force of a hundred men or more gives off vapor.
36
西
To read calamities, first calculate the Nine Palaces, territorial divisions, and six ren cycles; only when fog appears contrary to weather may one interpret omens. Facing the enemy, vapor coming very low and covering men and roads means great raiders are near. Enemy to the east: observe at sunrise. Enemy to the south: observe at noon. Enemy to the west: observe at sunset. Enemy to the north: observe at midnight. Prosperous colors are lucky; imprisoned and dead colors, ill.
37
西西西西
Army vapor: high beats low, thick beats thin, solid beats hollow, long beats short, moist beats dry. Our force west, enemy east: thicker, longer, higher, moister vapor in the west means we will win.
38
姿
Fresh vapor rises like steam from a cauldron, surging upward. Accumulated vapor becomes fog; fog is yin; yin coalescing forms rainbows, halos, ear-pendants, and the like.
39
西西
Vapor that never gathers and coalesces, scattered in one quarter, cannot bring disaster. It must mingle with killing vapor, rising dense and swift—only then may one interpret omens. Calm army vapor means a calm host; restless vapor, a restless host. Vapor to north and south means the army moves north and south; vapor east and west, the army moves likewise. Dispersed vapor means a broken, defeated army.
40
Observe vapor at dawn, late afternoon, and sunrise or sunset to read the larger omen. If great wind, rain, or prolonged cloud cover falls within the predicted period, the disaster fails to materialize. Wind disperses the omen, overcast warns against it, clouds signal it, and rain quells it. Calamities matching the omen of Mars in the Southern Dipper on renyin day, eighth month, first year of Liang Wudi's Tianjian reign: The reading says: "Grain grows costly, crops fail, drought and fire multiply; Wu and Yue face grief; the chief minister dies. That year brought severe drought; rice cost five thousand cash per dou and many starved. In the second year, fifth month, Fan Yun, Minister of the Secretariat, died.
41
Second year, fifth month, bingchen: the moon crossed the Heart constellation. The reading says: "A rebellious minister appears; within three years a state falls. In the fourth year, Li Kai, Inspector of Jiaozhou, rebelled with an army. Seventh month, bingzi: Venus crossed the Chariot's great star.
42
竿
Fourth year, sixth month, renxu: Jupiter appeared in daylight. The reading says: "Yellow, moist Jupiter with visible pole shadow means a great harvest. That year brought great abundance; rice cost thirty cash per hu. It also says: "When a star rivals the sun in brightness, military power weakens and civil power grows. From then on the emperor favored letters and Confucian learning, lecturing in person, and until the Taiping era neglected military readiness. Eighth month, gengzi: the Old Man star appeared. The reading says: "The Old Man star's appearance brings the ruler long life and prosperity. Thereafter it appeared south of Shen after each autumn equinox and vanished at the spring equinox. A sign of Emperor Wu's longevity.
43
Seventh year, ninth month, jihai: the moon crossed the Eastern Well. The reading says: "Flood disaster follows. That year the capital region flooded severely.
44
西
Tenth year, ninth month, bingshen: thunder rolled in the northwest and red vapor reached the ground. The reading says: "The Heavenly Dog; blood flows where it passes; the ruler loses land. That year, twelfth month, Ma Xianbi crushed the Wei army, beheading over a hundred thousand and retaking Xiongshan. Twelfth month, renxu new moon: solar eclipse at four degrees of the Ox.
45
Thirteenth year, second month, bingwu: Venus strayed from its course at the Celestial Gate. The reading says: "Crossings and bridges are blocked; armies also rise. That year Saturn stood in the Celestial River. The reading says: "Rivers clog, burst, and overflow; public earthworks follow. That year vast forces built the Floating Mountain weir to dam the Huai. By the fourteenth year Saturn left the Celestial River, the weir collapsed, and the waters burst forth.
46
Fourteenth year, tenth month, xinwei: Venus crossed the Southern Dipper.
47
Seventeenth year, intercalary eighth month, wuchen: the moon occulted the Pleiades.
48
Putong first year, spring, first month, bingzi: solar eclipse. The reading says: "Solar eclipse: yin invades yang; yang cannot overcome yin. Great floods follow. That year, seventh month, the Yangtze, Huai, and sea flooded. Ninth month, yihai: a star appeared at dawn in the east, blazing like fire. The reading says: "The National Sovereign star appears: internal turmoil and urgent rebellion follow. In the third year, Wen Senglang, Inspector of Yizhou, rebelled with his province.
49
Fourth year, eleventh month, guiwei new moon: solar eclipse; Venus visible by day.
50
Sixth year, third month, bingwu: Jupiter entered the Southern Dipper. Gengshen: lunar eclipse. Fifth month, jiyou: Venus visible by day. Sixth month, guiwei: Venus crossed the meridian by day. Ninth month, renzi: Venus crossed the Right Law-enforcer.
51
Seventh year, first month, guimao: Venus and Jupiter clashed in the Ox. The reading says: "The ruler is doomed; the regime changes. The following year, third month, the era name changed and a general amnesty followed. Datong first year, eighth month, jiashen: the moon occulted Saturn. Intercalary month, guiyou: it occulted Saturn again. The reading says: "Great mourning follows; the realm lacks a ruler; government changes. Later, Zhongdatong first year, ninth month, guisi, the emperor again "abdicated" at Tongtai Temple; princes paid a hundred million cash to ransom him. Tenth month, jiyou, he returned to the palace, amnestied the realm, and changed the era name. Zhongdatong third year the crown prince died—fulfilling the omens of a lordless realm, regime change, and great mourning.
52
Zhongdatong first year, intercalary month, renxu: Mars crossed the Ghost Heap of Corpses. The reading says: "Great mourning, great war, shattered armies, and slain generals follow. Second year, Xiao Wan led troops to relieve Bazhou, was beaten by Wei forces of Liang Province, and was killed.
53
Fourth year, seventh month, jiachen: stars fell like rain. The reading says: "Falling stars mean yang loses its place—the first sprouting of disaster. It also says: "Stars falling like rain: the people rebel and punitive campaigns follow." It also says: "The great man grieves." Afterward Hou Jing's rebellion, the emperor died of grief, and the people scattered—all as foretold.
54
Fifth year, first month, jiyou: a long-tailed star appeared.
55
Sixth year, fourth month, dingmao: Mars stood in the Southern Dipper. The reading says: "Mars entering, leaving, or dwelling in the Southern Dipper: a treacherous minister rebels; the realm changes rulers and era names. That year, twelfth month, Lan Qin, Inspector of Northern Liangzhou, rebelled; the next year the era became Datong.
56
Datong third year, third month, yichou: Jupiter occulted the Establishment star. The reading says: "A rebellious minister appears. That year bandits rose on Mount Kuaiji. In the seventh year, Li Ben, Inspector of Jiaozhou, rebelled with an army.
57
Fifth year, tenth month, xinchou: a comet issued from the Southern Dipper, over a chi long, pointing southeast, gradually stretching to more than a zhang. Eleventh month, yimao: it reached Lou and disappeared. The reading says: "Someone in the realm plots to become king. Eighth year, first month, Liu Jinggong of Ancheng rebelled through heterodox cults with tens of thousands of followers. Ninth year, Li Ben declared himself emperor in Jiaozhou.
58
Taiqing second year, fifth month: two moons appeared. The reading says: "The state falls into disorder; this omen appears as kingdoms collapse. (This closes the omen text cited above.)
59
Third year, first month, renwu: Mars guarded the Heart. The reading says: "Kings dread this omen. Yiyou: Venus visible by day. The reading says: "Within three years: great mourning, regime change, strong states weaken and small states grow strong. Third month, bingzi: Mars again guarded the Heart. The reading says: "The sovereign changes regime; the ruler leaves his palace. It also says: "People starve; the realm weeps; the empire collapses." That year the emperor was imprisoned by Hou Jing and died. Seventh month, Jiujiang suffered famine so severe that fourteen or fifteen people in ten resorted to cannibalism. Ninth month, wuwu: the moon in the Dipper occulted Jupiter. The reading says: "The realm loses its ruler. Afterward Hou Jing usurped power and murdered the emperor.
60
Emperor Jianwen, Dabao first year, first month, bingyin: the moon was visible by day. The reading says: "Daylight moon: hidden plots; the state's power flees. It also says: "A bright moon by day: villains seize the court." Afterward Hou Jing usurped and killed—all the chaos of a fallen state. Fulfillments of great mourning and regime change.
61
Emperor Yuan, Chengsheng third year, ninth month, jiawu: the moon crossed the Heart's central star. The reading says: "A rebellious minister appears; kings dread it; a state falls. Within three years the emperor was captured by Zhou forces, Chen seized the realm, and the Liang dynasty ended.
62
Chen Wudi, Yongding third year, ninth month, xinmao new moon: the moon entered the Southern Dipper. The reading says: "The moon in the Southern Dipper brings grief to the great man. Another account says: "The crown prince faces disaster." Two years later the emperor died; Crown Prince Chang remained a Zhou hostage while Emperor Wen took the throne. When Chang returned, Hou Andu sent assassins to kill him on the road.
63
Third year, fifth month, bingchen new moon: solar eclipse. The reading says: "Solar eclipse: the ruler is harmed. It also says: "Solar eclipse: imperial virtue wanes." Sixth month, gengzi: Saturn's Halberd and Venus conjoined. The reading: "Venus and Saturn conjoined mean plague and civil war. (This closes the omen text cited above.)
64
Emperor Wen, Tiancheng first year, fifth month, xinhai: Mars crossed the Right Law-enforcer. The reading says: "Great ministers face sorrow; law-enforcers are put to death. Four years later, Hou Andu, Minister of Works, was forced to kill himself.
65
西
Ninth month, guichou: a four-chi comet with a tail appeared, pointing southwest. The reading says: "Comets bring enemy armies; the side where it rises wins. That year Zhou general Dugu Sheng marched on Ba and Xiang; Hou Tian ambushed and routed him.
66
Second year, fifth month, jiyou: Jupiter guarded the Southern Dipper. Sixth month, bingxu: Mars crossed the Eastern Well. Seventh month, yichou: Mars entered the Ghost. Wuchen: Mars crossed the Axe-sentence star. Tenth month: Mars moved inside the Supreme Palace's Right Crotch Gate.
67
輿
Third year, intercalary second month, jichou: Mars retrograded and crossed the Upper Minister. Jiazi: Venus crossed the Five Chariots and Saturn. Seventh month: Venus crossed the Chariot Ghost. Eighth month, guimao: the moon crossed the Southern Dipper. Bingwu: the moon crossed the Lead Ox. Gengjia: Venus entered the Supreme Palace. Eleventh month, dingchou: the moon crossed the left thigh of Net. Xinsi: Mars crossed Jupiter. Wuzi: the moon crossed Horn. Gengyin: the moon entered Dipper.
68
祿
Fourth year, sixth month, guichou: Venus crossed the Right Law-enforcer. Seventh month, wuzi: Mars crossed Saturn. Eighth month, jiawu: Mars crossed the Chariot's great star. Dingwei: Venus crossed Room. Ninth month, wuyin: Mars entered the Supreme Palace and crossed the Right Law-enforcer. Guiwei: Venus entered the Southern Dipper. The reading says: "Venus in the Dipper: realm-wide chaos, ministerial rebellion, regime change. It also says: "The ruler dies—or if not, is deposed." It also says: "The realm receives ranks and salaries." Later the Prince of Ancheng became Grand Tutor, deposed the young emperor, and took the throne—fulfilling the omen of new offices and ranks. Xinmao: Mars crossed the Left Law-enforcer. Eleventh month, xinyou: Mars crossed the Right Law-enforcer. Jiaxu: the moon crossed the left thigh of Net.
69
西
Fifth year, first month, jiazi: the moon crossed Net's great star and Kui. Dingmao: the moon crossed a star. Fourth month, gengzi: Venus and Jupiter conjoined in Kui, metal south and wood north, about two chi apart. Renchen: the moon entered Dipper and crossed Mars again; Venus and Jupiter conjoined again in Bond, about one chi apart. Guimao: the moon crossed the upper star of Room. Fifth month, gengwu: Mars retrograded twenty-one days, crossing Dipper's southeast and southwest stars. The reading says: "The moon marks a treacherous minister. It also says: "The ruler must not leave the palace; hidden troops lurk in the corridors." It also says: "The ruler dies; amnesty follows." Two years later came the deposing of the young emperor. Sixth month, bingshen: the moon crossed Neck. Seventh month, wuyin: the moon crossed Net's great star. Intercalary tenth month, gengshen: the moon crossed the Lead Ox. Bingzi: it crossed the Left Law-enforcer again. Eleventh month, yiwei: lunar eclipse of Net's great star.
70
西
Sixth year, first month, jihai: Venus crossed Mars, about two cun apart. The reading says: "War and mourning in that quarter; marquis-kings are replaced. Third month, dingmao: after sunset, before stars appeared, a white meteor the size of a dou shot south from the Supreme Palace, tail over a chi long. The reading says: "War and mourning follow. Fourth month, dingsi: the moon crossed the Chariot. The reading says: "The chief consort faces sorrow. Fifth month, dinghai: Venus crossed the Chariot. The reading says: "The chief consort loses power. It also says: "Disaster rises on all sides." The next year the young emperor was deposed; afterward Empress Dowager Cixun died. Sixth month, jiwei: the moon crossed Dipper. Xinyou: a comet over a zhang long appeared. The reading says: "Secret plots and treachery arise. Another account says: "Fire breaks out in the palace." Later the Prince of Ancheng, as chief minister and commander, deposed the young emperor and seized the throne—the fulfillment of secret plotting. Eighth month, wuchen: the moon occulted Net's great star. Bingzi: the moon and Venus conjoined, lights touching, three chi south of the Supreme Palace's western rampart. Ninth month, xinsi: Mars crossed the Left Law-enforcer. Guiwei: Venus crossed the Right Law-enforcer. Xinmao: it crossed the Left Law-enforcer. Yisi: the moon crossed the Upper Minister; Venus crossed Mars. That night the moon crossed Venus again. The reading says: "War and mourning at home and abroad; marquis-kings are replaced. The next year the emperor died—again fulfilling the omen of the young emperor's deposition.
71
Seventh year, second month, gengwu: the sun lost its light and crows appeared. The reading says: "Kings dread this omen. That gengwu day fell in the Wu-Chu territorial division. Fourth month, jiazi: the sun showed interlocking halos pierced by a white rainbow. That month, guiyou, the emperor died.
72
Deposed Emperor, Tiankang first year, fifth month, gengchen: the moon crossed the Chariot Woman Attendant's great star. The reading says: "The chief consort grieves. The next year Empress Dowager Cixun died. Guiwei: the moon crossed the Left Law-enforcer.
73
Guangda first year, first month, jiayin: the moon crossed the Chariot's great star. The reading says: "The chief consort will suffer for it. Eighth month, wuyin: lunar eclipse of the Weeping star. The reading says: "Mourning and weeping follow. The next year the empress dowager and the Prince of Linhai died—the fulfillment of weeping omens. Renwu: Saturn and the Chronos star conjoined in Chariot Shaft. Ninth month, wuwu: Mercury and Venus crossed each other. The reading says: "Marquis-kings are replaced. Jiwei: the moon crossed Jupiter. The reading says: "The state loses its ruler. Twelfth month, xinsi: the moon crossed Jupiter again. Xinmao: the moon crossed the Establishment star. The reading says: "The great man dreads this omen. (This closes the omen text cited above.)
74
Second year, first month, wushen: the moon occulted Jupiter. The reading says: "The state loses its ruler. Fifth month, yiwei: the moon crossed Venus. Sixth month, bingyin: Venus crossed the Right Law-enforcer. Renzi: a guest star appeared east of Dipper. Eighth month, gengyin: the moon crossed the Supreme Palace. Ninth month, gengxu: Venus retrograded and conjoined Saturn in Horn. The reading says: "This marks a gathering of mourners in white. It also says: "The state where they meet loses land and faces plague armies." Wuwu: Venus appeared in daylight. The reading says: "Daylight Venus means regime change. Eleventh month, bingwu: Jupiter guarded the Right Law-enforcer; jiashen, the moon crossed the Supreme Palace's southeast star. Wuzi: Venus entered Dipper. Twelfth month, jiayin: Empress Dowager Cixun deposed the emperor as Prince of Linhai; he died in Taijian second year, fourth month—all as foretold.
75
Emperor Xuan, Taijian seventh year, fourth month, bingxu: a broom star appeared at the Great Horn. The reading says: "The ruler perishes. Fifth month, gengchen: Mars crossed the Right Law-enforcer. Renzi: it crossed the Right Law-enforcer again.
76
Tenth year, second month, guihai: back-vapor appeared above the sun. The reading says: "Territory is lost; rebel armies rise. Jiazi: Wu Mingche's army was crushed at Lüliang; officers and men were captured by Zhou. The next year the entire Huai region fell to Zhou. Tenth month, guimao: lunar eclipse of Mars. The reading says: "State defeated, ruler dead, great war, shattered armies, slain generals. Next year, third month, Wu Mingche fell at Lüliang; thirteenth year the emperor died—fulfilling defeat and dynastic collapse.
77
Eleventh year, fourth month, jichou: Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury conjoined in the Eastern Well.
78
西 西
Twelfth year, second month, renyin: a white rainbow appeared in the west. The reading says: "Mourning follows. Afterward, thirteenth year, the emperor died. Tenth month, wuwu: the moon crossed the Lead Ox in the Wu-Yue region. The reading says: "That state falls; the ruler grieves. The next year the emperor died. Xinyou: Jupiter crossed the Law-enforcer. Twelfth month, guiyou: Mercury stood above Venus. Jiaxu: Mercury and Venus occulted each other. The reading says: "Great armies in the field; great battle. Xinsi: a comet appeared in the southwest. The reading says: "War and mourning follow. The next year the emperor died and Prince Shiling of Shixing rebelled.
79
Chen Last Ruler, Zhide first year, first month, renxu: the Wandering star appeared. The reading says: "A fallen state and rebellious ministers are certain. Later the emperor "sold himself" as a temple slave at Taichang, neglected government, was led astray by Shi Wenqing and others, and lost the realm.
80
Wei, Putai first year, tenth month: Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and Venus gathered at Beak and Three Stars, bright and large. The reading says: "A true king is about to rise. That month Northern Qi's founder rose at Xindu; by Zhongxing second year he broke Erzhu Zhao and began his rise.
81
Wei Wuding fourth year, ninth month, dingwei: besieging Yubi, a star fell in camp and every donkey brayed. The reading says: "Armies shattered, generals slain. The Grand Ancestor fell ill and died fifth year, first month, bingwu.
82
Northern Qi Wenxuan, Tianbao first year, twelfth month, jiashen: Mars crossed Room's north head star and the Hooked Clasp. The reading says: "Great ministers rebel. Second year, second month, renchen: Grand Marshal Peng Le plotted rebellion and was executed.
83
Eighth year, second month, jihai: Jupiter guarded Lesser Supreme for sixty-three days. The reading says: "The Five Offices fall into disorder. Fifth month, guimao: Jupiter crossed the Supreme Palace's Upper General. The reading says: "Great generals grieve; great ministers die. Tenth year, fifth month, forty Yuan clans were executed; Ganming first year Yang Zunyan and others were killed—fulfilling the omen of court chaos and ministerial death.
84
Eighth year, seventh month, jiachen: the moon occulted the Heart star. The reading says: "The ruler dreads this omen. Tenth year, tenth month, the emperor died.
85
Ninth year, second month: Mars crossed the Ghost Sentence. The reading says: "The executioner's axe is used; great mourning follows. Third month, jiawu: Mars crossed the Chariot. The reading says: "The chief consort dreads this omen. Tenth year, fifth month, the Wei clan was executed; tenth month the emperor died—fulfilling the axe and mourning omens.
86
Tenth year, sixth month, gengzi: Saturn crossed the Well Halberd and conjoined Venus. The reading says: "Zi marks Qi's division—the ruler loses men to the axe; great ministers are executed. Next year, second month, yisi: Grand Preceptor Constant Mountain Wang executed Yang Zunyan, Yan Zixian, Kezhuhun Tianhe, Song Qindao, and others. Eighth month, renwu: the young emperor was deposed as Prince of Jinan.
87
Deposed Emperor, Ganming first year, third month, jiawu: Mars entered the Chariot. The reading says: "The chief consort faces ill fortune. Afterward, Taining second year, fourth month, the empress dowager died.
88
Emperor Suzong, Huangjian second year, fourth month, bingzi: solar eclipse. Zi marks Dark Eminence—Qi's territorial division. Seventh month, yichou: Mars entered the Ghost; wuchen, it crossed the Ghost Sentence. The reading says: "Great mourning follows. Eleventh month, the emperor died suddenly.
89
輿 西
Emperor Wucheng, Heqing first year, seventh month, yihai: Venus crossed the Chariot Ghost. The reading says: "Military plots; great ministers executed; the axe is used. That year, tenth month, renshen, Gao Guiyan rebelled; Duan Xiaoxian captured and beheaded him in market—fulfilling the axe omen. Eighth month, jiayin: the moon occulted Net. The reading says: "The ruler dies; ministers executed; border war; shattered armies and slain generals. Tenth month Gao Guiyan was executed; third year Zhou and Turks fought at Bingzhou with corpses for a hundred li—all as foretold.
90
Fourth year, first month, jihai: Venus crossed Mars in Kui, two cun apart. Jiachen: Venus, Mars, and Jupiter conjoined in Bond. The reading says: "Jia marks Qi. Three-star conjunction means alarm and severed movement—war, mourning, replaced marquis-kings, and regime change in that quarter. Third month, wuzi: a comet appeared. The reading says: "Old order removed, new order spread; kings change. By fourth month he abdicated to the crown prince and changed the era name.
91
西
Last Ruler, Tiantong first year, sixth month, renxu: a comet at Literary Refinement, entered it, crossed the Upper General, passed the Purple Palace's western wall, entered Rooftop, grew to over a zhang pointing toward Room and Wall. After a hundred-odd days it vanished in Void and Rooftop. The reading says: "Great mourning, fallen state, and regime change follow. Fourth year, twelfth month, the retired emperor died.
92
西 西
Third year, fifth month, wuyin, first watch: red vapor filled the northwest sky until midnight. Tenth month, bingwu: red vapor repeatedly filled the northwest sky. The reading says: "War on a vast scale follows. Later Zhou Wudi invaded at the head of a great host—fulfilling the omen of vast war.
93
Fourth year, sixth month: a comet appeared at the Eastern Well. The reading says: "Great disorder and regime change follow. Seventh month: a broom star at Heart, white as cotton, dou-sized, moving east. Eighth month: it entered the Celestial Market, grew to four zhang, crossed Gourd, Void, Rooftop, and Room, violating the Detached Palace. Ninth month: it entered Kui, reached Bond, and vanished. A broom star is vapor of sweeping disorder. The reading says: "War and mourning together; state chaos, regime change, and executed ministers follow. Afterward the retired emperor died. By Wuping second year, seventh month, Kudi Fulian and Wang Ziyi, obeying Prince Langya Yan, forged an edict and executed He Shikai at the Southern Terrace; they were executed the same day and Feng Zicong was forced to kill himself. This fulfilled the omen of national disorder.
94
Fifth year, second month, wuchen: Jupiter retrograded, occulting the Supreme Palace's Upper General. The reading says: "The realm is greatly alarmed; one of the Four Supports is executed. Fifth month, jiawu: Mars crossed the Ghost Heap of Corpses. Jia marks Qi. The reading says: "Ministers executed, vast armies, the axe used, great mourning. By Wuping second year, ninth month, Prince Langya Yan was executed; third year fifth month Hulu Yueguang; fourth year seventh month Gao Changgong—all royal kin and famed generals. Fourth year, tenth month, Cui Jishu and others were executed—fulfilling the axe omen.
95
西
Wuping third year, eighth month, guiwei: Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus conjoined in Dipper, Song's division. The reading says: "War and mourning at home and abroad; marquis-kings replaced. Fourth year, tenth month, Wu Mingche invaded Pengcheng; Cui Jishu, Zhang Diao, Pei Ze, Guo Zun, and Feng Xiaoyan urged the emperor not to go north to Bingzhou; he executed them all—fulfilling war and mourning at home and abroad. Ninth month, gengshen: the moon in Bond; total eclipse until dawn. The reading says: "The chief consort faces ill fortune." Third year, eighth month, Empress Hulu was deposed and Empress Mu enthroned. Fourth year, Empress Hu was deposed to commoner status. Eleventh month, yihai: the Heavenly Dog descended in the northwest. The reading says: "Great battle and flowing blood follow below." Later Zhou Wudi attacked Jinzou and pacified Bingzhou—great battle and bloodshed. Third year, twelfth month, xinchou: solar eclipse of Jupiter.
96
The reading says: "A state falls." By the seventh year, Qi fell. Fourth year, fifth month, guisi: Mars crossed the Right Law-enforcer.
97
The reading says: "Great generals die; law-enforcers executed for guilt." That year Hulu Yueguang was executed; next year Gao Changgong; the year after Cui Jishu—all fulfilling the omen of dead generals and executed law-enforcers. Zhou, Emperor Min first year, fifth month, guimao: Venus crossed the Chariot.
98
The reading says: "Venus in the Chariot: great ministers issue orders." It also says: "The empress loses power. Xinhai: Mars crossed the second star at the Eastern Well's north end. The reading says: "That state falls into disorder." It also says: "Great drought follows. That year, ninth month, Regent Hu forced abdication, confined the emperor, and killed him after a month; Li Zhi, Sun Heng, and Yifu Feng were executed. That winter brought great drought—fulfilling ministers seizing power, ministerial deaths, and drought. Emperor Ming second year, third month, jiawu: Mars entered the Chariot. The reading says: "Kings dread it; the chief consort is doomed."
99
That month Empress Dowager Dugu died. Sixth month, gengzi: Saturn crossed the Well Halberd and conjoined Venus. The reading says: "The halberd completes the killing; the ruler loses men to execution." That year Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu was poisoned at a meal and the emperor died. Emperor Wu, Baoding first year, ninth month, yisi: a guest star appeared at Wings. Tenth month, jiaxu: solar eclipse.
100
Wuyin: Mars crossed the Supreme Palace's Upper General and merged with it. Second year, intercalary first month, guisi: Venus entered the Hairy Head. Second month, renyin: Mars crossed the Supreme Palace's Upper Minister.
101
輿
Third month, renwu: Mars crossed the Left Law-enforcer. Seventh month, yihai: Venus crossed the Chariot Ghost. Ninth month, wuchen: total solar eclipse. Eleventh month, renwu: Mars crossed Jupiter south of Rooftop. Third year, third month, yichou new moon: solar eclipse. Ninth month, jiazi: Mars crossed the Supreme Palace's Upper General.
102
The reading says: "The upper general is executed." Tenth month, renchen: Mars crossed the Left Law-enforcer. Fourth year, second month, gengyin new moon: solar eclipse. Jiawu: Mars crossed Room's right side-horse.
103
Third month, jiwei: Mars again crossed Room's right side-horse. The reading says: "Upper minister executed; chariots flee; war engulfs the realm." That year, tenth month, Duke of Jin Hu led an army against Qi. Twelfth month, Wang Xiong, Prince of Yong, died fighting; the army withdrew. Fulfillment of war rising and generals dying. Eighth month, dinghai new moon: solar eclipse. Fifth year, first month, xinmao: a white rainbow pierced the sun. The reading says: "War and mourning follow."
104
西
Jiachen: Venus, Mars, and Jupiter conjoined in Bond. Sixth month, gengshen: a comet from the Three Platforms crossed Literary Refinement and the Upper General, passed the Purple Palace's western wall into Rooftop, grew to over a zhang pointing at Room and Wall, then shrank and vanished in Void and Rooftop—Qi's division. Seventh month, xinsi new moon: solar eclipse. Tianhe first year, first month, jimao: solar eclipse. Tenth month, yimao: Venus visible by day, crossing the meridian.
105
Second year, first month, guiyou new moon: solar eclipse. Fifth month, jichou: Jupiter and Mars conjoined at Well, five chi apart.
106
宿 西
Both marked Qin's territorial division. The reading says: "Armies, famine, drought, ministerial plots, rebels below, lost territory." Intercalary sixth month, dingyou: Jupiter and Venus conjoined at Willow, one chi seven cun apart. Willow marks Zhou's division. The reading says: "Internal warfare follows." It also says: "The ruler grieves; cities are lost." That year Chen's Xiangzhou inspector Hua Jiao surrendered; Duke of Wei Zhi marched south to aid him. Ninth month, Duke of Wei Zhi lost to Chunyu Liang at Dunhou. Yuan Ding and Wei Shichong crossed ahead with thousands of troops and were lost in Chen. Seventh month, gengxu: Venus crossed the Chariot's great star, seven cun apart. The reading says: "The chief consort loses power; great ministers suffer for it." It also says: "Disaster rises in the west." Eleventh month, guichou, Grand Guardian Yuwen Gui died—fulfilling the omen of ministers bearing calamity. Tenth month, xinmao: black vapor the size of a cup appeared in the sun. Jiawu: another appeared; after six days both vanished. The reading says: "Ministers obscure the ruler's light." Eleventh month, wuxu new moon: solar eclipse. The reading says: "Ministers obscure the ruler's light. Eleventh month, wuxu new moon: solar eclipse. Gengzi: Mars crossed the Hooked Clasp, six cun away. The reading says: "Kings face sorrow. It also says: "Chariots and cavalry alarmed; the Three Dukes plot." (This closes the omen text cited above.)
107
輿
Third year, third month, jiwei: Venus crossed the Well's north axle first star. The reading says: "Generals dread this omen. Seventh month, renyin: Duke of Sui Yang Zhong died. Fourth month, xinsi: Venus entered the Chariot Ghost and crossed the Heap of Corpses. The reading says: "Great ministers are executed. It also says: "Rebels within; a city is sacked." Sixth month, jiaxu: a comet at the Eastern Well, one zhang, white above and red below, moved east; seventh month, guimao, it vanished north of the Ghost. The reading says: "War; government collapses. It also says: "Generals die; ministers executed." Seventh month, jiwei: a guest star at Heart, white as cotton, dou-sized, growing, moving east; Eighth month: it entered the Celestial Market, cloth-length, moving east, crossing the Drum's Right General; Guiwei: it crossed Gourd, entered Room, violating the Detached Palace; Ninth month, renyin: it entered Kui and shrank; Renxu: it vanished one chi north of Bond. It lasted sixty-nine days in all. The reading says: "Armies rise; mourning, white-robed gatherings, famine, drought, regime change. It also says: "Armies breach outer walls; ministers executed." (This closes the omen text cited above.)
108
輿
Fourth year, second month, wuchen: Jupiter retrograded, occulting the Supreme Palace's Upper General. The reading says: "Realm alarmed, state unsettled, Four Supports executed, war certain, great amnesty. Gengwu: a dou-sized meteor from Left Sheti flowed to Celestial Ford and vanished with a thunderous roar. Fifth month, guisi: Mars crossed the Chariot Ghost. Jiawu: it crossed the Heap of Corpses. The reading says: "Wu marks Qin. Great ministers are executed; armies rise on a vast scale. Three years later Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu was executed for treason—all as foretold.
109
Fifth year, first month, yisi: the moon in Dipper with a halo; a one-zhang white rainbow pierced it with two linked ear-pendants encircling the Big Dipper's fourth star. The reading says: "Vast armies, great battle, generals dead in the field. That winter Qi general Hulu Yueguang raided the border and built a wall north of the Fen from Huagu to Longmen. Next year, first month, Duke of Qi Xian was ordered to lead troops against him. Third month, jiyou, Xian crossed at Longmen and took five new fortresses—fulfilling war and great battle.
110
輿 宿
Sixth year, second month, jichou night: green cloud three zhang wide spanned heaven from xu through chen. Fourth month, wuyin new moon: solar eclipse. Jimao: Mars retrograded and crossed the Chariot Ghost. The reading says: "War, mourning, executed ministers, vast armies. That month troops again took nine Qi cities including Yiyang. Sixth month, a Qi general captured Fenzhou. Sixth month, gengchen: Mars and Venus conjoined at Extended Net, one chi apart. The reading says: "The home army cannot win; the conjoined state suffers calamity. (This closes the omen text cited above.)
111
Jiande first year, third month, bingchen: Mars and Venus conjoined at Wall. The reading says: "That quarter faces war and mourning; do not act; armies will suffer. It also says: "Marquis-kings replaced; the virtuous rise, the wicked fall." That month Duke of Jin Hu and his sons were executed; general amnesty followed. Guihai: Duke of Qi Xian was appointed Grand Regent—the fulfillment. Seventh month, bingwu: Chronos and Venus conjoined at Well, seven cun apart. The reading says: "The state below will win the realm through heavy virtue. Four years later the emperor conquered Qi—fulfilling the omen of winning the realm. Ninth month, jiyou: the moon crossed the Heart's central star, one cun apart. The reading says: "Rebels at the ruler's side; within five years a state falls. Later Zhou Wudi conquered Qi—fulfilling the fallen-state omen.
112
西 西
Second year, second month, xinhai: a white rainbow pierced the sun. The reading says: "Ministers plot against the ruler; within three years. It also says: "Close ministers raise disorder." Next year, seventh month, Prince of Wei Zhi rebelled in the capital. Guihai: Mars occulted the Ghost's northwest star. The reading says: "Great bandits stand beside the great man. It also says: "Great ministers are executed." Fourth month, jihai: Venus occulted the northwest star; renyin, the northeast star. The reading says: "The state grieves; ministers executed. Sixth month, bingchen: the moon crossed the second and third stars behind the Heart. The reading says: "Rebels at the side; within three years a state falls. It also says: "The ruler dreads it." September guiyou: Venus crossed the Left Law-enforcer. The reading says: "Ministers grieve; law-enforcers executed for guilt. Eleventh month, renzi: Venus occulted Saturn in Tail. The reading says: "Saturn is the chief consort; Tail is the inner palace. Next year the empress dowager died.
113
滿
Third year, second month, wuwu: a peach-sized green-white guest star three chi south of the Five Chariots moved east, growing to two chi; By fourth month, renchen, it entered Literary Refinement; Dingwei: it entered the Dipper's handle, exited, and shrank. It was visible ninety-three days in all. The reading says: "War engulfs the realm; cavalry fills the fields; the ruler grieves. It also says: "Realm-wide disorder, vast armies, ministers plot against the throne." Seventh month, yiyou, Prince of Wei Zhi rebelled in the capital, was captured and deposed. By tenth month Wang Yang of Shizhou rebelled and was suppressed. Fourth month, yimao: a fist-sized red-white broom star outside the Purple Palace wall pointed at the Five Emperors' Seat, moving southeast to one zhang five chi; Fifth month, jiazi: it vanished north of the Upper Platform. The reading says: "Regime change; the wicked perish. Two years later the emperor destroyed Qi with the Six Armies. Eleventh month, bingzi: Jupiter and Venus clashed, lights touching, in Rooftop. The reading says: "Armies in that quarter; the ruler doomed; cities lost. Rooftop marks Qi's division. Two years later Yuwen Shenju took five cities including Luhun. Twelfth month, gengyin: the moon crossed Jupiter in Rooftop, two cun apart. The reading says: "That state's people wander in exile; within three years. Xinmao: the moon in Encampment eclipsed Venus. The reading says: "That state falls by war; generals die in battle. Encampment is Wei; the territory lies in Qi's border. Afterward Qi fell and was absorbed into Zhou.
114
Fourth year, third month, jiazi: the moon crossed the Chariot's great star. The reading says: "The chief consort grieves; the Five Offices fall into disorder. (End of this section of omen records.)
115
西
Fifth year, tenth month, gengxu: Mars crossed the Supreme Palace western rampart's Upper General. The reading says: "Realm unsettled; upper general executed for guilt, then it ends. (This closes the omen text cited above.)
116
西
Sixth year, second month: the crown prince toured the west and attacked Tuyuhun. Eighth month: he reached Fuqi city and returned. Tuyuhun raided the border—fulfilling the omen of realm-wide unrest. Sixth month, gengwu: Mars entered the Ghost. The reading says: "Mourning and drought follow. Seventh month, the capital region suffered drought. Tenth month, wuwu: Jupiter crossed Great Tomb. Also jiwei and gengshen: the moon showed consecutive halos around the Pleiades, Net, Five Chariots, and Three Stars. The reading says: "Armies rise fighting for land. It also says: "The king leads armies in person." It also says: "General amnesty throughout the realm." Guihai: the emperor led the host against Jinzhou. That day a rainbow arched above Jinzhou, head south and tail entering the Purple Palace, over ten zhang long. Gengwu: the city was taken. Dingmao night: a white rainbow over ten zhang long, head south and tail in the Purple Palace. The reading says: "Battle and bloodshed follow below. It also says: "Without armies, great mourning is certain." By sixth year, first month, Qi was pacified after great battles. Eleventh month the Ji-hu rebelled; the Prince of Qi suppressed them.
117
西 西 殿
Sixth year, fourth month: before this Mars had spent two hundred days in the Supreme Palace, crossing eastern Upper Minister and western Upper General. This month, jiazi: it exited the End Gate. The reading says: "Great ministers replace the ruler. It also says: "Ministers rebel; traitors appear." It also says: "Great mourning is certain." Afterward Emperors Xuan and Wu died in turn; Sui Gaozu rose to power. Tenth month, guimao: lunar eclipse; Mars in the Dipper. The reading says: "State defeated, ruler dead, great war, shattered armies, slain generals. The Dipper marks Wu and Yue—Chen's division. Eleventh month, Chen general Wu Mingche invaded Lüliang; Xuzhou inspector Liang Shiyan was defeated. Next year, third month, Wang Gui captured Wu Mingche and beheaded over thirty thousand. Eleventh month, jiachen, afternoon: black spots cup-sized appeared in the sun. The reading says: "The ruler errs while ministers stay silent—the ruler dreads this omen. Twelfth month, guichou: a moon-sized meteor flowed west with sound, serpent-like, lighting the ground. The reading says: "Vast armies rise; battlefields spread below. Xuchen dawn: a red three-dou meteor issued from the Purple Palace, hung in heaven, then fell north. The reading says: "The ruler leaves his palace. That month, Gao Baoning, Inspector of Yingzhou, rebelled holding his province. Next year, fifth month, the emperor led a northern campaign in person. The year after, Emperor Wu died.
118
西
Xuanzheng first year, first month, bingzi: lunar eclipse of the Hairy Head. The reading says: "A gathering of mourners in white follows. It also says: "The Xiongnu invade the border." That month Turks raided Youzhou, killing and capturing officials and people. Fifth month: the emperor led a northern campaign in person. Sixth month: the emperor fell gravely ill, returned, stopped at Yunyang, and died. Sixth month, renwu and guichou: Wood, Fire, and Metal stars conjoined at the Well. The reading says: "That state achieves hegemony. It also says: "War and mourning at home and abroad; marquis-kings replaced." That month Lu Changqi of Youzhou rebelled at Fanyang and enthroned a rival king—fulfilling war and mourning. Seventh year, xinchou: the moon crossed the Heart's front star. The reading says: "The crown prince dreads it; he may lose his place. Later Emperor Jing was enthroned—a sign his reign would not last. Bingchen: Mars and Venus conjoined at Seven Stars, two chi eight cun apart. The reading says: "The ruler grieves. It also says: "Armies rise; marquis-kings replaced; the virtuous rise, the wicked fall." Next year the Four Supports were reorganized and the throne passed to the crown prince—fulfilling replaced marquis-kings. Jiwei: Venus crossed the Chariot's great star. The reading says: "The chief consort is doomed. Two years later Emperor Xuan died; Empress Yang made her father Yang Jian Grand Chancellor and regent. Sui took the Mandate; the empress became Princess Leping; the other four empresses became nuns. Eighth month, gengchen: Venus entered the Supreme Palace. The reading says: "Alarm throughout the realm. It also says: "Close ministers rebel; ministers slay one another; the state grieves." Afterward Princes Zhao, Chen, and others were executed by the regent—fulfilling ministerial slaughter. Ninth month, dingyou: Mars entered the Supreme Palace's western crotch gate; gengshen, it crossed the Left Law-enforcer, three cun apart. The reading says: "Realm unsettled; great ministers grieve. It also says: "Law-enforcers executed for guilt." That month Ji-hu rebelled in Fenzhou and were suppressed. Eleventh month, Turks besieged Jiuquan and killed and captured officials and people. Next year, second month, Wang Gui, Duke of Teng, was executed. All were fulfilled as foretold. Twelfth month, guiwei: Mars entered Dipper and guarded it for thirty days. The reading says: "The Son of Heaven loses his palace. It also says: "Traitors within; rebels below." It also says: "The ruler is imprisoned, starves, or is poisoned." Emperor Jing abdicated; Sui Gaozu had him secretly killed.
119
Emperor Xuan, Dacheng first year, first month, bingwu and guichou: both days the sun showed back-vapor. The reading says: "Ministers rebel; rebellion rises; border generals defect. It also says: "Ministers and grandees seek the throne." Afterward Duke of Sui seized power; Wei Cong, Wang Qian, and Sima Xiaonan rebelled.
120
西 祿
Daxiang first year, fourth month, wuzi: Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury conjoined at the Well. The reading says: "Alarmed establishment, severed movement—war and mourning at home and abroad; kings and dukes replaced. It also says: "That state may hegemonize; the virtuous grow strong, the wicked suffer." Fifth month, the five princes Zhao, Chen, Yue, Dai, and Teng all entered the capital. Two years later Sui received the Mandate; the Yuwen clan was systematically executed. Sixth month, dingmao: an egg-sized meteor from Dipper flowed northwest with a one-zhang tail, entered the moon, and vanished. The reading says: "Within three years the ruler grieves. It also says: "A state falls." Fulfillment of Emperor Jing's confinement. Jichou: a green dou-sized meteor with bright ground-light issued from Encampment, reached Wall, and entered Turbid Waters. Seventh month, renchen: Mars occulted Room's north head first star. The reading says: "Warning of a doomed ruler. It also says: "Generals rebel; kings dread it; ministers betray; the Son of Heaven grieves." Twelfth month, the emperor drove relay horses at three hundred li per day. Four empresses and hundreds of attendants rode relays in pursuit. Room is the Heavenly Team; Mars governs disorder—Emperor Xuan's reckless racing was the warning of a falling throne. Eighth month, xinsi: Mars crossed the Southern Dipper's fifth star. The reading says: "Rebel ministers appear; roads are cut; armies shattered and generals slain. Omens of Wei Cong and Wang Qian raising armies and dying in defeat. Ninth month, jiyou: Venus entered the Dipper's handle. The reading says: "Realm-wide chaos, ministerial plots, regime change. It also says: "The ruler dies—or if not, falls ill." It also says: "Ranks and salaries spread across the realm." All omens of Gaozu taking the Mandate and ministers receiving fiefs. Tenth month, renxu: Jupiter crossed the Chariot's great star. The reading says: "The chief consort grieves; she may lose power. From Zhou Xuanzheng first year, Mars and Venus followed Jupiter gathering at the Eastern Well. Daxiang first year, fourth month, Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury again gathered at the Well. Tenth month: Jupiter guarded the Chariot. That year: it again guarded Wings. The Eastern Well is Qin, Wings is Chu, the Chariot the consort clan—Sui rising through in-laws in Qin while Zhou's empresses lost power. Yiyou: Mars stood in Void, conjoined with Saturn. The reading says: "Vast armies rise; generals rebel; the great man dreads it. That month Duan Degao of Xiangzhou plotted rebellion and was executed. Next year, third month, Yuwen Liang, Duke of Qi, rebelled and was captured and killed.
121
Second year, fourth month, yichou: a dou-sized star from the Celestial Kitchen flowed into the Purple Palace, reached Hooked Array, and vanished. The reading says: "Great mourning, vast armies, executed generals. It also says: "Ministers rebel against superiors; the ruler grieves." Fifth month the emperor died; Duke of Sui seized power—fulfilling mourning and ministerial rebellion. Princes Zhao and Yue were executed for plotting against the regent. Barbarians of Jing, Yu, and Xiang rebelled; Wei Cong, Wang Qian, and Sima Xiaonan revolted against the regent and were destroyed. All fulfilling vast armies and executed generals. Fifth month, jiachen: a three-dou meteor from the Supreme Palace End Gate flowed into Wings, green-white, lighting the ground, sounding like wind in banners. The reading says: "A king is enthroned or transferred. It also says: "The state loses its ruler." That month, jiyou, the emperor died; Liu Fang forged an edict making Duke of Sui regent—he took the Mandate—fulfilling enthronement and loss of ruler. Seventh month, renzi: Jupiter and Venus conjoined at Extended Net; a dou-sized meteor northeast from the Five Chariots lit the ground. Ninth month, jiashen: Mars and Jupiter conjoined at Wings.
122
Emperor Jing, Dading first year, first month, yiyou: Jupiter retrograded guarding the Right Law-enforcer; Mars occulted Room's north first star. The reading says: "Room is the Bright Hall of governance—the unvirtuous lose it. Second month, jiazi: Sui Wang assumed the imperial title.
123
Emperor Wen, Kaihuang first year, third month, jiashen: Venus visible by day. The reading says: "Daylight Venus on the meridian: ministers grow strong; government changes. Fourth month, renwu: Jupiter visible by day. The reading says: "Great ministers grow strong; treachery plots; kings are unsettled. Afterward Liu Fang and others plotted rebellion and were executed. Eleventh month, jisi: a meteor roared like a collapsing wall, lighting the ground. The reading says: "A bright, sounding meteor is Heavenly Protection; where it falls the state rejoices. Ninth year, Chen was pacified and the realm unified. Fifth year, eighth month, wushen: several hundred falling stars scattered in four directions. The reading says: "Small stars scattering in four directions—common people displaced. Ninth year, Chen fell and Jiangnan scholars were relocated to the capital.
124
Eighth year, second month, gengzi: Saturn entered the Eastern Well. The reading says: "Where Saturn dwells virtue gathers; raising armies is favorable. That year a great campaign conquered Chen. Tenth month, jiazi: a broom star appeared at the Lead Ox. The reading says: "Ministers kill rulers; the realm plots together. It also says: "If not great internal disorder, then great external war. The Ox marks Wu and Yue—Chen's division." The next year the Chen dynasty fell.
125
Ninth year, first month, jisi: a white rainbow flanked the sun. The reading says: "White rainbow gripping the sun—ministers betray their lord. It also says: "Rulers without virtue perish." That month Chen was destroyed.
126
Fourteenth year, eleventh month, guiwei: a comet broomed at Void, Rooftop, and Kui-Bond—Qi and Lu's divisions. Afterward Yu Qingze, Duke of Lu, was executed and Gao Jiong, Duke of Qi, was disgraced.
127
Nineteenth year, twelfth month, yiwei: stars fell in Bohai. The reading says: "Yang loses its place—the first sprouting of disaster. It also says: "The great man grieves." Twentieth year, tenth month: Venus visible by day. The reading says: "Great ministers grow strong; government changes; kings replaced. Right Vice Director Yang Su, with Mars alarming Gaozu and Empress Xian, urged deposing the heir for a lesser son. That month, yichou, Crown Prince Yong was deposed. Next year the era name changed—all fulfilling yang displaced and regime change. Renshou fourth year, sixth month, gengwu: a star entered the moon.
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The reading says: "Great mourning, great armies, fallen state, shattered armies, slain generals." Seventh month, yiwei: the sun turned green and dim; after eight days it recovered. The reading says: "The ruler's power is seized." It also says: "A sun without light means a dead king. It also says: "A sun without light means a dead king." Jiachen: the emperor fell gravely ill; dingwei, the imperial carriage halted forever. Prince of Han Liang rebelled; Yang Su suppressed him. All fulfilling war, mourning, fallen state, and dead king.
129
Emperor Yang, Daye first year, sixth month, jiazi: Mars entered the Supreme Palace. The reading says: "Mars is rebellion entering the palace—unrest within. (This closes the omen text cited above.)
130
西 宿 耀 使 使
Third year, third month, xinhai: a long-tailed star in the west spanned heaven, crossing Kui-Bond, Horn, and Neck and vanishing; By ninth month, xinwei, it reappeared in the south, again spanning heaven, sweeping the imperial seat and most lodges, stopping short of Three Stars and the Well. A full year passed before it vanished. The reading says: "Heaven removes the wicked and raises the worthy; long visibility means deep disaster; large size, great events; slow motion, distant timing. Vast armies rise; the state collapses in great disorder. Aftermath brings floods, drought, famine, public works, and plague. Afterward came the Great Wall, campaigns against Tuyuhun and Goguryeo, and armies abroad every year without rest. Floods, drought, famine, plague, and public works followed; bandits rose and towns emptied. Ninth year, fifth month, Yang Xuangan, Minister of Rites, rebelled at Liyang. Dingwei: Mars retrograded into the Southern Dipper, blood-red and blazing like a three-dou vessel, seven or eight chi long, hooked within the Dipper. The reading says: "Rebel ministers, blocked roads, state chaos, vast armies. The Dipper is Wu-Yue; Xuangan's father held Yue then Chu—heaven seemed to sweep his division with Mars. By seventh month Yuwen Shu suppressed him. His brothers were torn by chariots; tens of thousands of followers were beheaded. That year Zhu Can and Guan Chong rebelled in Wu commandery. Afterward bandits plundered counties; corpses filled the wilds; roads were cut; edict-bearers walked by night, avoiding the highways.
131
西
Eleventh year, sixth month: a black sharp broom star southeast of Literary Refinement moved northwest to the palace edge, retreated, and vanished. The reading says: "Urgent armies follow. Eighth month, Turks besieged the emperor at Yanmen; soldiers defended the walls as arrows fell before the throne. Seventh month: Mars guarded the Feathered Forest. The reading says: "Imperial guards rebel. Twelfth month, wuyin: a hu-sized meteor fell on bandit Lu Mingyue's camp, smashing his chariot frame and crushing ten men. The reading says: "Where a falling star strikes, armies break and generals die. That year Wang Chong stormed Lu Mingyue's city and destroyed him.
132
Twelfth year, fifth month, bingxu new moon: total solar eclipse. The reading says: "Total eclipse: the ruler dies; yin overwhelms yang; inferiors overthrow superiors. Afterward Yuwen Huaji and others murdered the emperor. Guisi: a great meteor fell in Wu commandery as stone. The reading says: "A state falls; a king dies; great war; shattered armies and slain generals. Afterward the imperial army broke rebel Liu Yuanjin in Wu commandery and beheaded him. Eighth month, renzi: a dou-sized meteor from Wang Liang's Skyway roared like a falling wall; Guichou: a vat-sized meteor issued from the Feathered Forest. Ninth month, wuwu: two Crooked Arrows issued from the Dipper's handle, serpent-winding toward the Southern Dipper. The reading says: "The ruler is driven out by armies—heaven's punishment. It also says: "Disorder punishes disorder; the archer himself is unjust." Two years later Huaji murdered the emperor and usurped power; Wang Chong killed Emperor Gong in the eastern capital and seized the title of Zheng. All fulfilling murderous usurpation and replacing disorder with disorder.
133
Thirteenth year, fifth month, xinhai: a vat-sized meteor fell at Jiangdu. The reading says: "Great battle, bloodshed, shattered armies, and slain generals follow below. Sixth month: a yellow-red broom star three or four chi long appeared at the Supreme Palace's Five Emperors' Seat and faded after several days. The reading says: "A state falls; the ruler is murdered. Third month next year, Yuwen Huaji and others murdered the emperor. Eleventh month, xinyou: Mars crossed the Supreme Palace; sunlight scattered like flowing blood. The reading says: "Bandits enter the palace; the ruler is attacked by urgent armies. It also says: "Ministers rebel against the ruler." Third month next year, Huaji and others murdered the emperor; princes and favored ministers were all slaughtered.
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