The "Transmission of the Five Elements of the Flood" says: "Not being able to see the situation clearly is unwise. If governance is lax, the result will be prolonged heat as punishment, ultimately leading to disease. Sometimes, plants and trees take on spiritual forms and cause disturbances, and sometimes there will be rampant pests among birds, beasts, and insects. Thus, this will lead to disasters affecting sheep, various eye ailments, and ominous red signs. Only floods and fires are exceptions."
In the eighth year of the Tianbao era of the Later Qi, in March, the weather was particularly hot, and many people died from the heat. Liu Xiang's "Transmission of the Five Elements" notes: "Not being able to see the situation clearly, using only trusted confidants around oneself, capable people cannot be promoted, while incompetent ones cannot be removed; various positions are neglected, and nothing can be accomplished. The problem lies in the laxity of political education." This reflects the emperor's irritable and indulgent behavior during that period.
During Emperor Gaozu's reign, there was a place in Shangdang where people cried out in the backyard every night, but no one could find the source. A mile away from that house, a ginseng plant was discovered, with branches and leaves growing particularly lush. When it was dug up, the root was over five feet long and had a human-like shape, and the cries disappeared. This could be attributed to plants and trees taking on spiritual forms due to a failure to recognize the situation clearly. At that time, Prince Jin secretly wanted to usurp the throne, currying favor with the powerful, hoping to gain fame, and even slandering the crown prince. Emperor Gaozu was misled. This ginseng's appearance was unusual; something sinister was at play. Shangdang refers to party factions; those powerful figures were all part of Prince Jin's faction, and they slandered the crown prince. Emperor Gaozu did not understand the truth, believed the bad words, abolished the innocent, and reinstated the guilty, resulting in chaos throughout the kingdom.
In the first year of the Daitong era during the Liang Dynasty, Wang Lun of Shaoling was working in an official office in southern Xuzhou. Suddenly, hundreds of wild birds, resembling eagles, flew in and perched on the beams of the building, and no matter how hard they tried to drive them away, they could not be driven off. After a while, the birds disappeared. In Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou," it is said: "When wild birds fly into the government office, this place will soon be empty, and those in power will flee to another place." Later, Lun was attacked by the Wang of Xiangdong, ultimately fled, and was killed by the Western Wei.
During the Liang Dynasty, Hou Jing was about to receive the emperor's appointment and had set up sacrificial offerings in the courtyard. At that moment, a bird resembling a mountain magpie with a red beak flew in and perched on a book, while an owl hooted in the hall. This echoed the events of the first year of Daitong. Eventually, Hou Jing indeed failed, fled to the sea, and was killed by Yang Kun.
At the end of the Chen Dynasty, the birds on Jiang Mountain flew up together, calling out "Nai He Di" (Oh, Emperor!) This reminded people of what Jing Fang said in "Yi Fei Hou": "When birds cry at the city gates and palaces, like human voices, the place is about to perish." Jiang Mountain is the mountain of omens for the Wu Kingdom, and the birds calling there signified the decline and emptiness of Wu. Indeed, after the fall of the Chen Dynasty, Jian Kang became a ruin. Before the fall of the Chen Dynasty, a one-legged bird flew into the palace and drew a character on the ground with its beak that read: "One-legged bird on the high platform, flourishing grass turned to ash." (The one-legged bird stands on the high platform, and the flourishing grass turns to ashes.) The "one-legged" refers to Chen Shubao's isolation, lacking the support of any subjects; "flourishing grass turned to ash" indicates that although the rule of the Chen Dynasty appeared prosperous on the surface, it was ultimately consumed by the destructive force of the Sui Dynasty. After Shubao was captured, he was imprisoned on the Du Shui platform in Chang'an, and this "high platform" also came to symbolize the prophecy.
After Emperor Xiaozhao of the later Qi Dynasty ascended to the throne, a wild fowl flew onto the imperial throne. The diviners said it was the fulfillment of the prophecy from "The First Year of Datong." Another time, a red nine-headed bird (resembling a duck) stayed in the palace garden, and that year, the emperor passed away.
In the third year of Tian Tong, in September, thousands of birds gathered in Xiandu Garden. The book "Yi Fei Hou" by Jing Fang said: "Extraordinary birds come to stay in the city, and the city will have soldiers." This foretold the omen of the Zhou army attacking Ye City.
Shortly after Empress Hu of Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty gave birth to the Later Lord, an owl flew to the rear tent and cried out. The owl symbolizes disrespect, predicting misfortune. After the Later Lord ascended the throne, Empress Hu's licentious behavior was exposed, and she was imprisoned in the Northern Palace.
In the seventh year of Wuping, a stork built a nest in the Taiji Hall, and also in the Jiayang Hall in Bingzhou. A wild fowl flew onto the imperial throne at Jinyang Palace and was caught. "Birds nesting for no reason on the king's gate and palace roof, the city will fall into emptiness." That year, the Northern Zhou Dynasty perished.
In the second month of the second year of the Zhou Da Xiang, a bald eagle perched on the Taiji Hall of the Luoyang Palace. That year, the emperor died, and the palace fell into desolation.
In the early years of the Kaihuang era, Prince Xiao Cong of the Liang Dynasty had just raised his army when a night heron perched in the corner of his camp. Not long after, Xiao Cong entered the court and was left in Chang'an, and the Liang Kingdom was destroyed.
In the late years of the Sui Dynasty, countless swans were constantly flying about in the palace of Chang'an. Shortly after, Chang'an City was captured.
In the eleventh month of the thirteenth year of Deyuan, a magpie built a nest in the emperor's tent and could not be shooed away. Soon after, the emperor met his end.
In the twelfth year of the Kaihuang reign, in June in Fanchang, there was a man named Yang Yue who saw two things falling from the sky that looked like small lambs, yellow in color, about the size of a newborn puppy. They were fighting in the sky, and one fell down. Yang Yue picked up one, but soon it was lost. This incident was related to the large-scale sheep slaughter that later occurred. The "Book of the Five Elements of the Hongfan" says: "If the monarch is not wise and implements policies that go against the will of heaven, it will lead to such disasters." The things that looked like puppies referred to the lambs. The sight of such a scene in the sky signified the rampant evil forces. Sheep are a symbol of the royal family, and lambs refer to the crown prince. At that time, the crown prince had just been named heir, but the Prince of Jin secretly slandered him, leading to his eventual deposition. The two lambs fighting in the sky, with one falling down, fulfilled this event.
In the second year of the Yining era of Emperor Gong, the magistrate of Linyou County, Sima Wu, presented a lamb that was born without a tail. At that time, some people discussed that this was an omen of the end of the Yang family's lineage. That year, Emperor Yang of Sui was killed in Jiangdu, and Emperor Gong abdicated.
In the fifteenth year of the Tianjian era of Liang, in the seventh month, a strange incident occurred in Jingzhou: a person was killed, but the body did not stiffen, its head fell on the ground, its mouth opened and closed, its eyes were still open, and fresh blood shot up like a bamboo arrow, reaching over ten feet, before slowly falling like rain. That year, Jingzhou experienced a severe drought. This was a sign of disaster, caused by injustice.
In the fourteenth year of the Taijian era of Chen, in the third month, something resembling a wheel appeared on the emperor's tent, bright red in color. Shortly after, the emperor fell ill and died after inexplicably shouting.
In the third year of the Zhide era, in the twelfth month, a red object fell in front of the Taiji Hall, and when it hit the ground, all the bells tolled. There was also an offering of white wine that suddenly turned into blood. The steps in front of the hall were stained with blood that flowed all the way to the emperor's bed. Not long after, the kingdom fell.
In the second year of the Hou Qi period, blood rain fell in Taiyuan. Liu Xiang once said: "Blood is the essence of yin energy, a symbol of disaster, like a zombie." The following year, the Zhou army and the Turks invaded Bingzhou, engaging in a great battle west of the city, with corpses littering the ground for over a hundred miles. The "Yifei Hou" states: "Heaven sends blood rain to stain the garments red; the nation will perish, and the ruler will be killed." This was also an omen of the later ruler's downfall.
In March of the fourth year, a red object fell in the palace courtyard, shaped like a measuring vessel used for rice, followed by many star-like objects, resembling numerous small bells. In April, Empress Dowager Lou died.
During the Wuping years, bloodstains appeared on the ground, extending from the residence of the Prince of Xianyang, Huli Mingyue, all the way to the ancestral temple. The general was a pillar of the nation, yet the later ruler believed slander and killed him. Heaven warned that killing Mingyue would lead to the destruction of the ancestral temple. The later ruler ignored the advice, ultimately leading to the nation's downfall.
The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Not heeding advice means not considering the consequences. The consequences are dire, and the punishment severe, ultimately leading to poverty and ruin. At such times, there are often evil spirits causing havoc, fish floods become disasters, swine fever spreads, and various ominous signs appear, especially paying attention to fires and floods."
In the second month of the fourth year of Eastern Wei's Wuding, it was particularly cold, with dead bodies and livestock scattered along the roads. Jing Fang noted: "The slaughter is excessive, and it is cold when it should be warm." At that time, Gao Huan was serving as Prime Minister. Previously, Er Zhu Wenchang and others plotted against Gao Huan, but when their plot was exposed, they were executed, and many others connected to them were wrongfully executed.
In the first year of the Heqing era, it was also particularly cold. Jing Fang's "Yi Zhuan" says, "A person with virtue encounters danger; this is seen as going against the will of heaven. That's why it's so cold." Some say, "Only the slaughter of innocents can lead to such unnatural cold." At that time, the emperor was infatuated with Empress Li Wenxuan, who gave birth to a child but later regretted it and did not raise the child. The emperor was furious and killed the child, Taiyuan Wang Shaode, in front of the empress. The empress wept inconsolably, and the emperor even stripped her of her clothes and beat her, throwing her into the water before finally rescuing her. This truly fulfills the saying, "there's a reason for every grievance."
In the third month of the third year and the sixth year of Liang Tianjian, frost killed the crops. Jing Fang's "Yi Zhuan" says, "Raising troops and killing recklessly goes against the laws; that's why there is frost." At that time, the Liang Dynasty sent out many troops to resist the Wei army in Zhongli, fighting for years on end.
In the sixth month of the third year of Datong, frost descended upon Xushan.
In the eighth month of the tenth year of Chen Taijian, frost also fell, freezing the rice and beans. At that time, the Chen Dynasty mobilized a large force and sent General Wu Mingche to resist the Zhou army in Luoyang.
In the eleventh month of the fourth year of Liang Tianjian, the weather was clear, with lightning in the southwest direction, and thunder struck twice. The "Book of Changes" says, "Use thunder and lightning to intimidate." This thunder is reminiscent of demonic activity.
The "Hongfan Five Elements Biography" says, "Thunder and lightning cling to the clouds, just like a monarch relies on the people. If the monarch does not care about the people, the common people will have resentment and rebellious intentions." That year, Li Kai, the Governor of Jiaozhou, led a rebellion.
In the ninth month of the nineteenth year of Liang Tianjian, there were faint rumblings of thunder in the northwest, and red vapors shot straight down to the ground. That year, someone killed the magistrates of Dongguan and Langye counties and used Xushan to hold back the Wei army.
In December of the sixth year of Zhongdatong, there was thunder in the southwest direction. That year, Lan Qin, the Governor of Beiliangzhou, led a rebellion.
In December of the second year of Chen Taijian, there was thunder in the northwest direction. That year, Hua Jiao, the Governor of Xiangzhou, led a rebellion.
In April in the fourth year of the Qitianbao era, a thunder-like sound came from the southwest. At that time, the emperor did not care about the suffering of the people, but instead raised troops for war. In the first month of the sixth year of Jiande in Houzhou, a thunder-like sound came from the west. Shortly after, the Tuyuhun launched an invasion at the border. In the first month of the fourteenth year of Kaihuang, a thunder-like sound came from Lianyun Mountain in Kuozhou. At that time, five Qiang tribes rebelled and raided the border towns. By the twentieth year of Kaihuang, thunder was heard in a cloudless sky. Jing Fang said in "Yifeihou" that the country was about to change dynasties, the common people were restless, and the villains were gaining power. There would be major events and wars. A few years later, the emperor died, and Prince Liang rebelled, fleeing with tens of thousands of families. During the Daye period, the stone drum in Fuyang sounded continuously for several years. Afterwards, chaos spread throughout the country, with wars everywhere. In the tenth year of Daitong in the Liang Dynasty, the emperor went to play in Zhufang. When he reached Siqian and Xuanwu Lake, the fish lifted their heads to gaze at the emperor, as if waiting for the emperor's chariot. When the emperor returned to the palace, he died. "Hongfan Wuxingzhuan" said: "Fish, being yin, represent the common people. Fish have scales, which are a sign of war." The common people were on the verge of surrounding the imperial palace with weapons, and the fish looking up at the emperor's chariot meant this. Later, the rebellion of Hou Jing indeed occurred. In the seventh year of Wuping of the Later Qi Dynasty, the fish in the Lu Ci Po in Xiangzhou flew away and the water dried up. "Hongfan Wuxingzhuan" said: "This is caused by an emergency situation. Fish, being yin, represent the common people." Yanzi said: "The River Lord treats water as his country and fish as his people." When the water dries up and the fish vanish, it signals the destruction of the country and the scattering of its people. The following year, the Qi Kingdom was destroyed. In the first month of the first year of Daxiang in the Later Zhou Dynasty, carps flew into the air and fought. This resembles subjects rebelling, with petty officials stirring up trouble. The following year, the emperor died and the country lost its power. Wei Jiong rebelled in Xiangzhou, but was ultimately defeated by Gaozu.
In the seventeenth year of the Kaihuang era, there was a village named Yuan Village four miles southwest of Daxing City, where Buddhist ceremonies were held. An old man with white hair, wearing a white skirt and a short coat, came to eat and left after his meal. No one recognized him, so they decided to follow him, running for about two miles before losing sight of him. However, there was a pond nearby, and in the pond, there was a large white fish over a foot in length, followed by countless small fish. People rushed to shoot it; some broke their bows and snapped their strings. Finally, they managed to hit it, and when they cut it open, they found it was filled with rice, realizing that the fish had been delivering food to the old man. A few days later, the canal suddenly surged, and those who had shot the fish drowned.
In the twelfth year of the Daye era, the people of Huaiyang County forced the common people into the inner city and even dug through the walls of Luolang Guo. While digging beneath the parapet, they uncovered a hole containing a carp over seven feet long! In the fourth year of the Wei Jiaping era, there was also a strange incident where schools of fish gathered on the roof of the armory. Wang Su believed that the appearance of fish, typically found in water, on rooftops indicated that aquatic creatures were leaving their natural habitat, foreshadowing a military defeat and a loss of armor at the borders. Eventually, the disastrous defeat at the Eastern Gate did indeed happen. At that time, bandits from Changbai Mountain raided Henan, and a month later, they reached the city walls. The county's troops resisted but were instead defeated, with over ten thousand men, women, and children dead or injured.
In the early years of the Liang Datong era, a severe locust plague struck, and even the cypress leaves on the fences were stripped bare. The "Hong Fan Wu Xing Zhuan" states: "This is the work of the locusts!" This, like the strange phenomenon with the fish, was an ominous sign. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" also states: "If the ruler does not emphasize wise education and the common people live in hardship, heaven will send down a plague of insects. Insects bring no benefit to people, but devour all things." At that time, the officials of the court valued simplicity and did not seriously handle political affairs or pay attention to the people's livelihood, which was the root cause of the locust plague.
In the eighth year of the Tianbao era of the Later Qi dynasty, locust plagues occurred in six states of Hebei and twelve states of Henan. The people went to worship the locusts, praying for peace. The emperor asked Minister Wei Yin, Cheng Cui Shuzan, "What is going on?" Cui Shuzan replied, "The 'Records of the Five Elements' says: 'If civil engineering is rushed, it will lead to locust disasters.' Now the court is building the Great Wall outside while simultaneously constructing the Three Platforms inside, which has led to this calamity." Hearing this, the emperor became furious, slapped Cui Shuzan, pulled his hair, and even smeared filth from the toilet on his head. However, the costly and laborious projects continued without pause. In the ninth year, there was another locust disaster in Shandong; in the tenth year, a major locust disaster occurred in Youzhou. The 'Commentary on the Great Plan' says: "If the ruler is cruel in punishment, greedy, arbitrarily mobilizes the people, builds cities and palaces, yet loses the hearts of the people, it will lead to insect disasters." At that time, the emperor was indeed cruel in punishment and labor was incessant, which proved this saying correct.
In the second year of the Jian De era of the Later Zhou dynasty, a major locust disaster also struck the Guanzhong region.
In the sixteenth year of Kaihuang, a locust disaster occurred in Bingzhou. At that time, King Xiao of Qin, Yang Jun, was siphoning off the people's wealth and extensively engaged in construction of his official residence. Eventually, he was condemned by the emperor and, as a result, died.
In the later years of the Kaihuang period, three wandering monks were meditating in the fields in Weinan. One night, they saw a big pig come before them, followed by more than ten piglets. The big pig said to them, "A Lian, I want to attain the path of the virtuous and sage, but I still owe a life debt." After saying this, it walked away. Here, "the path of the virtuous and sage" refers to the path a ruler should take; "a life debt" refers to the life that would be taken by Emperor Yang. The crown prince, Yong, was originally supposed to inherit the throne and follow the path of the ruler, but instead was imprisoned and deposed, which truly echoed the words of that pig.
During the final days of the Kaihuang era, a traveler from afar stayed at someone else's home in Weinan. In the middle of the night, he heard two pigs talking. One pig said, "The year's end is near; tomorrow the owner is going to kill me for a sacrifice. Where can I go to hide?" The other pig replied, "You can go to your sister's house to the north of the water." The two pigs then set off together. As dawn approached, the owner noticed the pigs were gone and suspected the guest of stealing them, so he questioned him. The guest recounted what he had heard the pigs say, and the owner went searching in the direction he mentioned, and indeed found the pigs. Later, King Xiu of Shu committed a grave mistake, and the emperor wanted to kill him. Princess Le Ping kept trying to find ways to save him, and in the end, she preserved his life. "The response of the end of the year" came to pass.
In the third year of the Chengsheng period of the Liang Dynasty, in June, a black mist resembling a black dragon appeared in the imperial palace. This was an ominous sign! Black was a color esteemed by the Zhou Dynasty, and with the appearance of this black mist in the palace, it signified that the Zhou army would attack the Liang Dynasty. That year, the Liang Dynasty was indeed destroyed by the Zhou Dynasty, and the emperor also died.
In the fifth year of the Taijian period of the Chen Dynasty, in June, a dark cloud appeared in the northwest, extending to the ground and then dispersing, resembling many pigs. The book "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "This indicates that there will be a war outbreak in the northwest." At that time, the Zhou general Wang Gui was leading his troops stationed at Luliang. The following year, Wang Gui captured Wu Mingche, and Wu Mingche's army was completely annihilated.
In the first year of the Heqing period of the Later Qi Dynasty, in April, the Yellow River and the Jishui River were crystal clear. Xiang Kai said: "The Yellow River symbolizes the feudal lords; the water is clear when it should be muddy, indicating that the feudal lords are set to become as powerful as the Son of Heaven." A dozen years later, the Sui Dynasty unified the world.
In the third year of the Daye period of the Sui Dynasty, the river water in Wuyang County was crystal clear, and one could see reflections for several miles. Twelve years later, the same phenomenon of clear river water appeared at Longmen. Two years later, the Tang Dynasty was founded.
In July of the fourteenth year of the Taijian era of the Chen Dynasty, the Yangtze River's water turned blood red, flowing westward from Jiankang to Jingzhou. During the Zhenming years, the Yangtze River's water also turned red, this time flowing eastward from Fangzhou to the sea. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Fire overcomes water, and water turns red, indicating that the ruler's harsh laws harm the nature of water. The changes in the five elements, the interplay of yin and yang, and chaotic colors are all signs of a nation's impending doom." Jingfang's "Yizhan" also says: "When water turns to blood, war is about to occur." At that time, the Chen Houzhu had just taken the throne, and he started to rule with cruelty and tyranny, fulfilling this omen. Later, the Chen Dynasty was destroyed by the Sui Dynasty.
In April of the second year of Zhenming, the river water in Nanpu of Yingzhou was as black as ink. The appearance of black water in the Guanzhong region foretold disaster; now the river water in Huainan has turned black as well, indicating that the Jingzhou and Yangzhou regions are about to be attacked by the Guanzhong region.
In June of the first year of the Daixiang era of the Later Zhou, the water in the pond of Xianyang turned blood red. This was akin to when the Yangtze River's water had turned red in the fourteenth year of the Taijian era of the Chen Dynasty. At that time, the Later Zhou's punishments were extremely harsh, and soon after, the state was destroyed.
The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Bad thoughts in the heart cannot be hidden, indicating a lack of wisdom. The consequences are foolishness, the punishment is a fierce wind, and the worst outcome is premature death. People will also face demons and monsters causing havoc, disasters to flowers, plants, and trees, calamities to cattle, diseases of trusted officials, as well as yellow disasters and omens, along with disasters related to wood, metal, water, fire, and earth."
On Wuxu day in August of the sixth year of the Tianjian era of the Liang Dynasty, a fierce wind blew, snapping trees. In "Yifei Hou," Jingfang says: "When the Horn Star is in position and a fierce wind blows, the world will be shrouded in darkness. War is sure to break out within three months." That year, the army of Wei captured Zhongli.
In the third year of Chengsheng, on the Guiwei day in November, the emperor reviewed the troops in the southern city. The north wind howled, darkening the sky. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "This is a sign of a ruler's incompetence and chaotic governance." At that time, the emperor had recently quelled the Hou Jing rebellion, and the ministers advised him to return to Danyang, but he ignored their advice. He was filled with suspicion and committed many acts of incompetent and chaotic governance, so Heaven used a great wind to warn him. That year, the Liang Dynasty was destroyed by the Western Wei.
In the sixth year of the Tianjia reign of the Chen Dynasty, on the Guiwei day in July, a great wind blew from the southwest, toppling the towers of Lingtai. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" considered this a sin of ministerial usurpation of power. At that time, the crown prince was just a child, and Wang Xu of Ancheng held power, while the emperor did not stop him in time. The following year, the emperor passed away, and the crown prince ascended the throne, but Wang Xu of Ancheng deposed him.
On the day of Rensu in June of the twelfth year of Taijian, a strong wind damaged the main gate of Gaomen. In September of that same year, a strong wind blew again at night, overturning houses and even uprooting trees. This indicated Wang Shuling of Shixing's usurpation of power.
In the Zhide era, a strong wind blew down the Zhuque Gate.
On the day of Dingsi in June of the third year of Zhenming, a strong wind blew from the northwest, stirring up huge waves that flooded Shicheng and the Huai River. At that time, the empress favored Sima Shen, who indiscriminately killed loyal ministers and capable generals. Shen Keqing and Shi Wenqing were overbearing and reckless. Jiang Zong, Kong Fan, and others indulged in luxury and debauchery, stifling honest speech; this was a sin of incompetent and chaotic governance.
In the second year of Heqing of the Later Qi, a strong wind blew for a full thirty days before finally stopping. At that time, the emperor had just entrusted power to treacherous officials and Shi Kai, who became increasingly overbearing.
In May of the third year of the Tian Tong era, a great wind arose, darkening the day, causing houses to collapse and trees to be uprooted. Heaven demonstrated its might once more, yet the emperor remained oblivious. The following year, the emperor died. Later, the emperor (later known as the Later Ruler) ordered that all memorials must first be shown to He Shikai before being submitted to him. Prince Rui of Zhao and Prince Run of Feng felt that He Shikai was excessively arrogant and overbearing, and it was inappropriate for him to hold an official position in the palace. Consequently, they were falsely accused by He Shikai, leading to Wang Rui's execution. He Shikai acted with impunity in the palace, wielding life and death at his whim, until he was killed by Wang Yan of Langya.
In the third month of the seventh year, a great wind arose from the northwest, causing houses to collapse and trees to be uprooted, and it blew for five days before it stopped. This was a confirmation of the signs of tyranny and chaos brought about by Gao An'gui and Luo Tipu.
In the twentieth year of the Kaihuang era, in November, a great wind blew through the capital, collapsing houses and uprooting trees, resulting in over a thousand deaths in Qinzhou and Longzhou provinces. The earth trembled violently, and the drums resonated in response. The bell at Jingcha Temple rang by itself three times, the doors of the Buddha hall unlocked on their own, and the bronze statue walked out of the door. The bell and drum ringing on their own is a sign of demonic mischief! Yang Xiong once stated that when a ruler is foolish and incompetent, misled by treacherous individuals, those who merely boast will gain power, leading to such demonic phenomena. At that time, Empress Dugu intervened in state affairs, and Left Minister Yang Su held great power. The emperor believed the slanderous words of these two individuals, dismissed Minister Gao Jiang, deposed Crown Prince Yang Yong, and established Prince Jin as the crown prince, who was nothing more than a figurehead. The emperor's thoughts were in disarray, which indicated an excess of yin energy! The door locks and bronze statues, being made of metal, moving while the wood shakes, signify a disaster where water overcomes metal. According to the 'Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan': 'This results from the loss of the people's hearts.' Gao Jiang and Yang Yong committed no wrongs yet were dismissed, which exemplifies the loss of the people's trust!
In the second year of Renshou, there was a Hu person in Xihe riding a mule on the road. Suddenly, he was swept up by a whirlwind, soaring up to a thousand feet in the air, and then falling down and shattering. Jing Fang's "Yi Zhuan" says: "When people betray each other with the same heart and virtue, the true virtue will be concealed, and this kind of strange wind will appear." Two years later, Han Wang Liang conspired to rebel in Bingzhou. Isn’t this scene of the carriage and mule a reflection of him? Soaring up to the sky and falling down, this is a sign of doom! Heaven was warning him through this, not to move the army recklessly, or he would ultimately fail, but he refused to heed the warning. After the death of Gaozu, Liang raised an army to rebel, and the prefectures responded one after another, with forces numbering in the hundreds of thousands. One month later, he was defeated.
On a certain day in October 506 AD, a strong wind blew, and it was as dark as night during the day; the sky and earth were dim, truly ominous! Just like Jing Fang said in "Yi Feihou": "When the feathered sun wind appears, the world will be dark, and the people will fall seriously ill; if not, it will be rampant thieves." Sure enough, three years later, Western Wei destroyed the Liang Dynasty.
On the first day of the first month of 557 AD, the sky was overcast with clouds, mist pervaded, and there was a hint of bitterness in the air, really eerie! Houzhu was both incompetent and corrupt; it was also the result of malevolent forces! "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "When the emperor loses the right way, and the ministers become powerful, deceiving the monarch, there will be a scene of overcast clouds." At that time, the Northern Qi army was approaching the Yangtze River, Liu Zhuang and Ren Mannu came to seek peace, but Houzhu believed the slander of the treacherous minister Kong Fan, was both incompetent and corrupt, ultimately leading to the country's downfall.
In the winter of 558 AD, heavy fog lasted for six days and six nights that seemed never to cease. "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "It was as dark as night during the day; this signals the invasion of Yin Qi over Yang Qi, the ministers will invade the monarch!" The next year, Yuan Jin and Liu Siyi indeed plotted to assassinate the Grand General.
In the year 577 AD, Yu Jiong was defeated in Xiangzhou and had tens of thousands of his followers executed in Youyu Garden. Since then, the sound of ghostly cries was often heard at night. Fan Hong said in "The Five Elements Biography": "The cry is a sign of death and evil spirits at work. When ghosts cry at night, there will be a large-scale death." Jing Fang also said in "Yi Fei Hou": "When ghosts cry at night, the country is about to perish." Indeed, the following year, the nobles and ministers of the Zhou Dynasty were all executed, leading to the fall of the Zhou Dynasty.
During the Renshou period, the sound of ghostly cries was often heard at Renshou Palace and at the foot of the Great Wall. Not long after, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor both passed away at Renshou Palace.
In the year 618 AD, Yang Xuangan rebelled in the Eastern Capital. Minister Fan Zigai had tens of thousands of his followers executed outside Changxia Gate. By the end of the Sui Dynasty, people frequently reported hearing ghostly cries and moans in that area, echoing earlier events. Later, Wang Shichong killed Prince Dong in Luoyang.
In the year 551 AD, the Sophora tree bloomed but did not bear fruit. The Sophora tree symbolized the ranks of the Three Excellencies, and blooming without bearing fruit was a sign of decline. The following year, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Shi Kai, was executed, Prince Hu Changren of Longdong and Prince Yan of Langye were both murdered, and Left Prime Minister Duan Shao also met his end.
The last emperor of the Chen Dynasty, Chen Shubao, had two stunning beauties by his side, Consort Zhang and Concubine Kong, both described as extraordinarily beautiful. Chen Shubao was captivated by them, favoring them over all other concubines in the palace, spending his days drinking, composing poetry, and indulging in pleasure with them. Once he entered the palace, he would not come out for dozens of days, recklessly squandering without restraint. The treasury was emptied, the people were heavily burdened, and discontent spread throughout the nation, leading to a loss of loyalty among the soldiers. When the enemy troops besieged the city, not a single soldier was willing to lay down their life. This was all due to the emperor's infatuation with women! When the Chen Dynasty fell, Chen Shubao and his two consorts jumped into a well together to end their lives. The Sui army captured Consort Zhang and executed her to quell the anger of the people in Jiangdong. The "Hong Fan's Five Elements" states: "'Hua' describes both glory and wealth, as well as the downfall brought about by beauty, hence it is called 'Hua Nie'."
The last emperor of the Qi Dynasty was also captivated by beauty. He favored a beautiful woman named Feng Xiaolian, who was not only beautiful but also smart and skilled at playing the pipa, especially talented in singing and dancing. The Emperor of Qi was enchanted by her and appointed her as a virtuous concubine. He selected thousands of beautiful women as her attendants, spending a small fortune on their outfits. While the emperor was hunting, the Zhou army was already at the gates, and the borders were under threat. The emperor wanted to pull back to the capital, but Feng Xiaolian disagreed and urged the emperor to continue the siege. Shockingly, the emperor took her advice. Due to the delay, Jinzhou fell. Later, the Qi and Zhou armies clashed at the gates of Jinzhou. Thanks to Feng Xiaolian, the emperor missed several key opportunities in battle, which ultimately led to the downfall of the Qi Dynasty. To this day, the people of Qi still blame Feng Xiaolian for their country's downfall and loss of homes.
King Wuling of Liang was performing a ritual to honor the City God and prepared to sacrifice a cow. Suddenly, a red snake wrapped around the cow's mouth, an ominous sign that disaster awaited the cow. Metaphorically speaking, this was also a calamity brought on by dragons and snakes. In the third year of Duke Xuan of Lu, the sacrificial cow was injured, and people at the time believed this signified that Heaven had rejected the sacrifice, abandoning Duke Xuan. The "Book of Five Elements" states: "When a ruler goes against the will of Heaven, calamities caused by dragons and snakes will occur." Although King Wuling claimed he was going to provide aid, in reality, he was arrogant and dismissive of others. Because of his improper intentions, Heaven did not accept his sacrifice, which was the deserved retribution for a ruler defying the will of Heaven. As a result, he was defeated by Emperor Yuan.
In the second year of Wu Ping of Later Qi, Bingzhou offered tribute in the form of a cow with five legs, which was yet another ominous sign. The "Hong Fan Five Elements" states: "Matters concerning cows correspond to symbols of palaces." The Emperor subsequently launched extensive construction projects, digging ponds and building mountains in Xiandu Garden, indulging in excess and luxury. Shortly after the projects were completed, the state fell.
In the sixth year of Jian De of Later Zhou, three strange beasts that looked like water buffaloes appeared in Yangwu: one yellow, one red, and one black. The black one fought with others for a long time, and the yellow one charged at it from the side, causing the black one to die, while the yellow one also ran into the river. This was reminiscent of the cow's calamity! The black one represented the color favored by the Zhou Dynasty; its death was a sign of destruction. A few years later, the Zhou Dynasty indeed perished, and the Sui Dynasty took over the world, with the Sui military flag in red and their uniforms in yellow.
In the early years of the Daye era, a cow was spotted on Mount Heng, each of its four legs sporting an extra hoof on the knee. Later, the Sui Dynasty developed the Eastern Capital, built the Great Wall, and dug canals.
In the third year of the Chen Dynasty, the Sui army arrived at the Yangtze River. The Chen Emperor said casually, "The Qi army has come three times, and the Zhou army has come twice, but they have all failed to defeat us. What do they want to do?" The Minister Kong Fan said, "The Yangtze River is a natural barrier, historically used to divide the north and south. How could the northern army possibly cross over? I have always worried about my low rank, but if they really do cross over, I might be promoted to General!" The Chen Emperor was very pleased to hear this, so he summoned singing girls, drank, made merry, and kept composing poetry. This was truly a grave concern! At the critical moment of life and death, the fate of everything can be decided in an instant. Rulers and ministers should seize the time to handle state affairs, yet the Chen Emperor showed no fear. Kong Fan also neglected state affairs, and even heaven seemed to have taken away his sanity. How could they not fail? Thus, the Chen Dynasty perished, and Kong Fan was also exiled.
Emperor Wenxuan of Qi once held a feast in Dongshan. Suddenly, he smashed a cup in anger and decreed a western expedition, boasting of his military might. However, later he cried to his ministers, "This black robe is not what I want." In the end, no troops were sent out. Those with insight believed that the emperor was already mentally disturbed, knowing that his reign would not last long. Later, the emperor did indeed fall ill, indulging in wine and women, with a volatile and violent temperament, and died a few years later.
Emperor Wucheng mourned the death of Empress Dowager Ding and continued wearing red court attire. Not long after, he ascended the Three Terraces, feasted and made merry, but when attendants brought him white court attire, the emperor flew into a rage and hurled the clothes off the platform. Before long, he died.
In the first year of the Liang Dynasty's Da Tong reign, there was a rain of soil across the land. In the second year, there was a rain of ash, and the ash fell in a yellow hue. This was an omen of yellow auspice. The "Yi Fei Hou" states: "If good advice is not heeded, it means that someone knows the situation but does not speak out; the appearance of an unusual yellow color foretells disaster, leading to the end of one's lineage. This is caused by hiding talents and stifling free speech." The emperor at that time considered himself intelligent and well-read, detesting those who were more outstanding than himself. He also strongly believed in Buddhism, even treating himself like a slave, which resulted in the punishment that comes from hiding talents and stifling free speech.
In the first month of the first year of the Da Bao reign, yellow sand literally fell from the sky! Two years later, Emperor Jianwen dreamed of swallowing a lump of mud. Not long after, he was deposed by Hou Jing, who had him crushed to death with sandbags. His sons also met with misfortune, truly fulfilling the saying "no heir will succeed"!
During Emperor Chen's reign, he dreamed of people wearing yellow clothes surrounding the city. Emperor Chen was disturbed by this dream and ordered all the orange trees in the city to be cut down. As a result, after Yang Jian, the founder of the Sui Dynasty, ascended the throne, everyone from top to bottom wore yellow clothes. Shortly thereafter, the Sui army besieged the Chen Dynasty. Could this also be a premonition from a dream?
In the first month of the second year of the Da Xiang reign of the Later Zhou Dynasty, yellow soil fell from the sky again, only stopping after a while. This mirrored the events of the first year of the Da Tong reign. At that time, the emperor had become utterly foolish and mad, dying within a year, followed by the Jing Emperor, who likewise abdicated in favor of a more capable successor. This is another manifestation of the saying "the end of one's lineage."
In the second year of the Kaihuang era, it rained dirt in the capital. At that time, Emperor Wen of Sui took lessons from the Zhou Dynasty, where the weakness of the feudal lords led to the fall of the state, so he divided his sons to various regions and established a xingtai, so they could each wield power in their own territories. This sign of "losing territory" coincided with "auspicious signs of soil," resulting in all these princes later plotting rebellions. Jing Fang mentioned in "Yifei Hou": "When heaven rains soil, the common people toil and gain nothing." At that time, Emperor Wen was busy building the capital, and later constructed the Renshou Palace, engaging in massive construction, moving mountains and filling valleys, resulting in many craftsmen working themselves to the bone.
In the first year of the Taiqing era of the Liang Dynasty, a woman from a family with the surname Mo in Danyang gave birth to a male infant with eyes on the top of his head and as large as those of a two-year-old child. The moment he was born, he said: "I'm the drought ghost; I can't stay here." His mother replied: "You have to let me live." The drought ghost said: "I have someone above me supervising, how can I act recklessly? Quick, make me a deep red hat, and then there will be no issue." His mother, unable to make a hat in time, tied a deep red cloth strip around his head. From then on, the drought continued for two years, with Yangzhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and Yuzhou suffering particularly severely. Many of the Mo family's neighbors avoided disaster by wearing deep red items, but imitations in other places proved ineffective.
In the second year of the Dabaos era, a five-year-old child named Yu Cang'er in Jingkou climbed to the roof of a tall building at the southwest corner of the city and beat a drum while playing "The Long River's Melody." The drum symbolizes the army! At that time, Hou Jing was causing chaos in the south.
In the third year of the Yongding era of the Chen Dynasty, a person appeared on Mount Luofu, standing three zhang tall, completely snow-white, and dressed in luxurious clothing. Jing Fang divined: "The appearance of a giant signifies death." Two years later, Emperor Chen's last ruler died.
When Emperor Chen was still the crown prince, a woman burst into the Eastern Palace shouting loudly: "Lord of the Bi nation!" Later, when Emperor Chen ascended the throne, his reign ended right there, which really fulfilled the prophecy!
In August of the third year of the Zhide era, a maid in a family in Jiankang died and was buried for nine days, but surprisingly, she came back to life! A cowherd heard some noises and dug her up.
In the second year of the Zhenguan era, a boat was floating downstream when suddenly someone said, "Next year will be chaotic!" Everyone looked and found a dead infant on the boat, two feet long, without a head. The following year, the Chen Dynasty indeed fell. This incident sounds pretty eerie.
During the Qitianbao era, a woman in Linzhang gave birth to a child with two heads growing on one body! Later, the court was controlled by corrupt officials, where there was no distinction between ranks, reflecting the situation of the child with two heads.
During the reign of the last emperor of Northern Qi, there was a monk who appeared to be crazy, bowing to crows and hitting and scolding monks. Crows are associated with the Zhou Dynasty. Not long after, Northern Qi was destroyed by Northern Zhou, and Buddhism also suffered.
In the third year of the Baoding era of Northern Zhou, a man had a boy with reproductive organs growing on his back, that looked like a tail, with toes resembling animal claws. Reproductive organs should not be on the back, and toes should not have claws, indicating a disruption of yin and yang and chaos between the ruler and his subjects. This child felt like a warning from above: the order between the ruler and his subjects was thrown into chaos, and major events were about to happen! The emperor woke up, killed Yuwen Hu, took charge of the court himself, practiced frugality, and pacified the Qi state, later being known as Gaozu. This truly turned a crisis into safety!
During the reign of Emperor Wu, there was a muscular man who practiced martial arts. He feigned madness, carrying a gourd, and ran to the gate of Prince Yuwen Hu's residence, smashed the gourd, and shouted, "You can still live, but your son is doomed!" At that time, Yuwen Hu was in power and went to see the Empress Dowager, only to be killed by the Emperor. The Emperor sent troops to capture Yuwen Hu's sons, who all poisoned themselves. Later, that strong man begged for food in the streets; when someone gave him grain, he used a bag with no bottom to catch it, laughing heartily and exclaiming, "What an empty act!" Shortly after, the Northern Zhou dynasty collapsed, and the founding emperor moved the capital, turning the city of Chang'an into ruins.
In the sixth year of the Kaihuang reign, an old man in Huozhou turned into a fierce beast. In the seventh year, a monk in Xiangzhou transformed into a snake, with his tail wrapped around a tree as he whipped himself, measuring two zhang in length. In the fourth year of the Renshou era, a person over several zhang tall appeared at the door, leaving footprints that were four feet five inches long. That year, the Emperor died.
In the first year of the Daye era, the mother of Fang Huian from Yanmen turned a hundred years old, and a horn, two inches long, grew on her forehead. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Women are yin, horns are soldiers, and the lower responds to the upper." Later, chaos indeed erupted across the land, and the ghostly soldiers surrounded the Emperor at Yanmen.
In the fourth year, a woman from Songgu Village in Yanmen gave birth to a flesh egg, the size of a rooster. She buried the egg. A few days later, the spot where she buried the egg became shrouded in clouds and mist, and suddenly there was a loud thunder, revealing a hole, and the flesh egg disappeared.
Six years ago, in Zhao County, a maid from the Wang family named Li came across a strange thing, about the size of a chicken egg. This was no ordinary occurrence!
On the first day of the first month six years ago, a little thief suddenly appeared, dressed in a white training robe and carrying fragrant flowers, claiming to be the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha! He even dared to run to the Jianguo Gate, robbing the guards of their weapons and threatening to rebel! Coincidentally, Prince Qi, Yang Yan, encountered him and killed him on the spot. Three years later, Yang Xuangan rebelled again, leading troops to besiege Luoyang, ultimately was defeated and killed.
In the eighth year, a fellow named Cheng Gong appeared, acting mad and shouting in the Eastern Capital that there were thieves planning a rebellion. The emperor felt quite uncomfortable upon hearing this. The following year, Yang Xuan really did raise an army and besiege Luoyang! By the twelfth year, Cheng Gong was at it again, shouting "thieves"! This time, Li Mi brought his troops close to the Eastern Capital, and Meng Rang set fire to Fengdu City and fled.
In the ninth year, the emperor was in Gaoyang. There was a man from Tang County named Song Zixian, who was particularly good at performing magic tricks. Every night, light would shine from the top of his house, and he could even conjure the shape of a Buddha, claiming to be the reincarnation of Maitreya! He also hung a large mirror in the hall, reflecting images of snakes, beasts, and people drawn on paper. When someone visited him, he would turn the mirror to show them visions of their past lives. If a snake appeared in the mirror, Song Zixian would declare, "This is your sin, you must recite more scriptures!" Then he would have them bow again and look in the mirror, this time showing them a human shape. People from near and far believed him, with hundreds or even thousands coming to see him every day. Song Zixian secretly planned a rebellion, intending to hold a "Buddha Uncovered Gathering" and then attack the emperor. However, his plan was exposed, and the imperial troops led by Yang Yang Lang went to arrest him. When they arrived at his house at night, they saw only a fire pit spinning around the house, and the soldiers dared not enter. Lang said, "There was never a pit here before, this must be sorcery!" After they entered, the fire pit disappeared. In the end, Song Zixian was captured, beheaded, and more than a thousand households were implicated.
Later, a monk named Xiang Haiming emerged in Fufeng, claiming to be the reincarnation of Maitreya and secretly planning a rebellion. Those who believed in him would have good dreams. Therefore, everyone believed him, and people in the Guanzhong region called him "Great Sage." When he raised an army, he surprisingly had tens of thousands of followers! However, he was ultimately defeated by the imperial forces. Jing Fang's work, "Yi Fei Hou," states, "Deceiving the masses with false words," referring to things that were hard for people to believe, and no one walked the roads. From then on, chaos reigned across the land, and truly, no one traveled the roads!
In November 506 AD, the capital Jiankang experienced an earthquake, and the five elements—wood, metal, water, fire—were all affected by disasters. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "The ministers have gained considerable power and are about to stir up trouble, endangering the state." Jing Fang's "Yifei Hou" also says: "An earthquake in winter, in November, will lead to famine in that place, causing many deaths." At that time, Li Kai, the governor of Jiaozhou, raised an army and rebelled. The following year saw a heavy frost, leading to widespread hunger among the people.
Another earthquake struck Jiankang in January 508 AD. At this time, Wen Senglang, the governor of Yizhou, also rebelled. In December 510 AD, Jiankang shook again. "Yifei Hou" states: "An earthquake in winter that makes a sound, in December, will lead to war in that place." At that time, the emperor ordered Prince Xiao Cong of Yuzhang to lead troops on a northern expedition.
In January 512 AD, Jiankang shook again. "Yifei Hou" says: "An earthquake in spring will result in a poor harvest that year." That year saw a great flood, leading to widespread hunger among the people. In November 515 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. "Yifei Hou" states: "An earthquake in November will lead to significant funerals in that place and also cause famine." The following year, frost became a disaster, and the people suffered from hunger.
In October 517 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. That year, bandits arose in Kuaiji. In February 519 AD, Jiankang shook again. That year, a man from Jiaozhou, Li Ben, raised an army to rebel and drove away the governor Xiao Zi. In the intercalary month of January 521 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. Li Ben declared himself emperor and set up a full bureaucratic system.
In April 523 AD, Jiankang shook again. At that time, Hou Jing declared himself Grand Chancellor, recording the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel, and he refused to give the emperor anything he requested. That month, the emperor died from grief and anger. In May 550 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. At that time, Wang Lin backed Xiao Zhuang as emperor in Yingzhou.
In November 556 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. Chen Baoying rebelled in Minzhong. In January 557 AD, Jiankang shook again. This marked the beginning of the power struggle between Shi Wenqing and Shen Keqing.
In November of the year 528 AD, the Xihe region sank and caught fire. The "Yi Yao Zhan" says: "When the earth sinks, the king will die." Zu Xuan said: "Fire is yang, and the earth is yin. When the earth catches fire, the yin is destroyed, the yang is disturbed, the ministers will gain power, and in the end, they will self-destruct." At that time, Emperor Gao Huan of Northern Qi was in power, while Hou Jing was gaining power in Henan. Two years later, Gao Huan indeed died, and Hou Jing rebelled, ultimately meeting a disastrous end.
In the year 532 AD, there was an earthquake in Bingzhou. This was a sign of the rise of He Shi's power.
In the year 573 AD, in the second year of the Jiande era of the Later Zhou Dynasty, there were continuous earthquakes in Liangzhou, with a large area of city walls and houses collapsing, many cracks appearing on the ground, and springs gushing out. Jing Fang said in "Yi Yao Zhan": "When the earth cracks, the Qiang and Yi tribes will rebel." At that time, the Tuyuhun tribe kept harassing Hexi, which indeed came to pass.
In May during the summer of the year 594 AD, there was an earthquake in the capital city. Jing Fang wrote in "Yi Fei Hou": "In May during the summer, when earthquakes occur, people will go into exile." That year, there was a famine in Guanzhong, and the emperor ordered the people to go to Guandong to beg for food, which echoed Jing Fang's prediction.
In April of the year 602 AD, there were earthquakes in Qizhou and Yongzhou. Jing Fang said in "Yi Fei Hou": "In April during the summer, when earthquakes occur, the crops will fail, and the people will go hungry." This prediction also came true.
In the year 603 AD, Mount Gushan in Liangzhou collapsed. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" wrote: "When the mountain collapses and the earth cracks, it is a sign of subjects rebelling against their rulers." Liangzhou was the territory of the Han Dynasty, and the following year, Prince Liang indeed led a rebellion.
In the year 617 AD, Dizhu Mountain collapsed, blocking the Yellow River and causing the river to flow backwards for several miles. Liu Xiang notes in "The Book of Master Hong Fan": "Mountains represent monarchs, water represents yin energy, and also represents the common people. Heaven warns that if a monarch's prestige is too great, it will collapse, and the people will be displaced." At that time, Emperor Yang of Sui was launching a military campaign in Liaodong, and the common people were overwhelmed by the heavy corvée labor. Everywhere, complaints arose, and rebellions erupted. Emperor Yang of Sui did not understand this warning, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Sui Dynasty.
"The Book of Master Hong Fan" also states: "If an emperor fails to govern effectively, the political order will be unstable. This will lead to continuous disasters, punishment, and weakening of national strength. At this time, monsters will emerge, and strange phenomena, such as dragons and serpents, will manifest, along with disasters like epidemics."
In October of the year 590 AD, the sky was overcast and had not rained for a long time. Liu Xiang said: "If the emperor acts immorally, and powerful ministers deceive him, the heavens will darken." At that time, Empress Dowager Dugu and Yang Su conspired to slander Crown Prince Yang Yong, ultimately resulting in Yang Yong's deposition as a commoner.
In the year 550 AD, Gao Huan of the Eastern Wei became chancellor and personally led troops to attack the Western Wei at Yubi. In November of that year, Gao Huan felt unwell and returned with the troops. The soldiers were all very afraid and said, "Wei Xiaokuan of the Western Wei used a specially made strong crossbow to shoot the chancellor." The Western Wei also proclaimed throughout the nation, "With one arrow from the strong crossbow, Gao Huan killed himself." Gao Huan was deeply troubled by this news, fell increasingly ill, and felt that it was the work of evil spirits. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says, "Shooting is a sign of military disaster; when the energy goes against the heavens, disaster will arise." When Gao Huan continued to lead the troops forward, the general in the palace, Cao Weizu, advised him, "You are now using stale energy to confront living energy, which is not good for the enemy, but it is good for yourself." Gao Huan did not listen, remained in position for fifty days, and failed in multiple battles. He also believed in those unreliable suggestions, diverted the Fen River to the north of the city, and built up an earthen mound. The terrain was steep, over a thousand feet high, and as a result, the project was not completed, and seventy thousand people died. All of this was due to their defiance of the heavens! Gao Huan died that year. The following year, Wang Sizheng came to disturb Henan again.
During the Wuping period, the final ruler of the Northern Qi returned from Bingzhou to Ye City. When he reached Bagongling, he sang while walking at night. Suddenly, a person went mad. The emperor believed he had been enchanted by a fox spirit and took cover in the bushes and shot at him with a bow. Several people were injured, and the emperor was almost hit. The emperor caught the man and killed him. The man himself did not know what had happened. Fox spirits are known to deceive, and this is a case of animal mischief! At that time, the emperor was indifferent to national matters, only indulging in singing, drinking, and reveling with palace maids and eunuchs. Sometimes he even wore tattered clothes and pretended to be a beggar for amusement. These were all ominous signs of evil spirits. Someone shot at him again; this foreshadows military disaster! Shortly thereafter, the Northern Qi dynasty fell.
In the year 502 AD, during the second year of the Tianjian era of the Liang Dynasty, a dragon appeared fighting in the waters of the Tan Shui River in North Liangzhou, with mist spreading for several miles. This was a manifestation of dragons and snakes. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Dragons are difficult creatures to deal with. They symbolize heaven and also the monarch. When heaven is harmed, the ruler's reign will be compromised, and the dragon will also be harmed. Dragons fighting is a sign of war." Jing Fang's "Yifei Hou" states: "When people's hearts are unsettled, strange phenomena like dragons fighting will appear." At that time, Emperor Wu of Liang had just ascended to the throne, and the rebellions led by Chen Bozhi and Liu Jilian had broken out, causing widespread fear among the people.
In June of the fifth year of the ordinary era, the dragon fought at Qu'a Wangbei and then moved westward, reaching Jianling City. Wherever it passed, trees were broken, with breakages measuring dozens of zhang in length. This was similar to the omens that appeared in the second year of the Tianjian era. The dragon's passage through Jianling, where trees were broken, foreshadowed impending war disasters for the country and the destruction of the imperial tombs. At that time, the emperor was preoccupied with lectures and discussions, neglecting agriculture and military affairs, causing the state to become frivolous and lax. The ruler's moral authority was compromised, which led to the occurrence of such strange dragon phenomena. However, the emperor remained completely oblivious to this. By the first year of Taiqing, the sight of dragons fighting was seen again in the waters of Lizhou, with waves rolling and mist enveloping the area. People saw a white dragon running south, closely pursued by a black dragon. That year, Hou Jing surrendered with his troops, and the emperor, caught off guard, accepted him, striking fear across the nation. Soon, war broke out, and the emperor, overwhelmed with worries, ultimately succumbed to melancholy.
In the summer of the tenth year of Datong, a dragon fell into a well in the home of a Yanling resident because of a thunderstorm. The next morning, people went to see it and found it was about the size of a donkey. The villagers wanted to kill it with spears, but suddenly saw several large snakes appear in the yard and inside the house, as large as several hundred boatloads, sending the family running in fear. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "The dragon is masculine and a symbol of nobility. It should be in the sky or on the ground, and should not appear in the towns, houses, and homes of common people. A well is a deep place, which foreshadows that the feudal lords will suffer the calamity of imprisonment, a sign of the emperor's failure to govern diligently." Later, Hou Jing rebelled, and indeed imprisoned and killed Emperor Jianwen in the wine cellar, while the royal family and lords also suffered imprisonment and death.
In the first month of the eleventh year of Chen Taijian, a dragon appeared in a pond in Nanyanzhou, similar to the omen that appeared in the tenth year of the Datong period of the Liang Dynasty. Not long after, the new ruler took the throne, indulging in extravagance and debauchery, always making poor decisions. Eventually, the Chen Dynasty was destroyed, and the new ruler was also imprisoned.
In the first year of the Eastern Wei Wuding, a large snake appeared in Wulao City. At that time, the governor of Beiyuzhou, Gao Zhongmi, had a wife named Li, who was both intelligent and beautiful. The crown prince, Gao Cheng, took a liking to her, which left Gao Zhongmi feeling uneasy. Therefore, he rebelled using Wulao as his base, secretly colluding with the Western Wei, leading to a great battle in Heyang. Gao Huan (Emperor Shenwu) was forced into a corner by the Western Wei army and barely escaped, leading to the deaths of thousands.
In the ninth year of the Tianbao period of the Eastern Qi, a dragon about seven or eight zhang long appeared in the grand hall of Qizhou, similar to the omen that appeared in the tenth year of Datong. At that time, the princes of Changshan and Guangling were very powerful, yet the emperor was reluctant to suppress them. The following year, the emperor died, and Crown Prince Yin ascended to the throne. Sure enough, Prince Yuan Yan of Changshan deposed the emperor, imprisoned him, and had him executed.
In the first year of Heqing, a dragon appeared in the bathhouse in Jizhou. This was similar to the auspicious omen predicted in the ninth year of Tianbao. Prior to this, Prince Pingqin, Gui Yan, received the edict of the late Emperor Zhao to establish Crown Prince Bai Nian as the heir. However, Gui Yan appointed Prince Zhangguang, who later became Emperor Wucheng. Crown Prince Bai Nian was then deposed and became the King of Yueling, ultimately dying in depression.
In the fourth year of Tiantong, someone in Guixiang cut down a dead tree and discovered a yellow dragon, which had a broken leg and was found dead in a hollow of the tree. People said this symbolized the virtue of the wood element. The dragon symbolizes the monarch; a dragon dying in a dead tree is an ominous sign. That year, Emperor Wucheng died.
In the third year of Wuping, a dragon appeared in a well in Handan, its aura was multicolored and soared into the clouds. A dragon also appeared in a dried-up well at a Buddhist temple in Jijun. This was similar to the dragon that appeared in the first year of Heqing. Later, the last ruler ultimately surrendered to the Zhou dynasty and was eventually executed.
In the seventh year of Wuping, under the Zhao Yuan Tower in Bingzhou, a red snake and a black snake fought for several days, and the red snake died. Red is the color esteemed by the Qi state, while black is esteemed by the Zhou state. The death of the two snakes in battle is a sign of impending doom! Later, the last ruler heavily relied on the treacherous minister Gao Anagong and engaged in battle with the Zhou army near Jinzhou. He entrusted the army to Gao Anagong, who conspired with the enemy from within. This was a mistake that Heaven did not bless Qi! Ultimately, the last ruler was captured by the Zhou army.
King Yang of Langya demolished a white horse-shaped stupa in the Northern Palace, which had been built by Duke Cheng during the Shizhao period. During the demolition, a large white snake, several zhang long, appeared, coiling and swimming before quickly disappearing. At that time, King Yang of Langya was tyrannical and cruel, which signaled his loss of virtue! Failing to heed such an omen ultimately led to disaster.
In the fifth year of the Jian De reign of the Later Zhou, a black dragon fell and died in Bozhou. "The dragon symbolizes the ruler. Black is the color esteemed by the Zhou. Its falling and dying is an extremely ominous sign." The dragon is a symbol of the monarch, and black is the color revered by the Zhou dynasty; the dragon falling to the ground and dying is an extremely inauspicious omen. At that time, the crown prince was inept, and the emperor was very worried about it. The upright ministers, such as Wang Gui and Yu Wen Xiaobo, repeatedly requested to depose the crown prince and establish another, but the emperor ignored their advice. Two years later, the emperor passed away, and the crown prince ascended to the throne, brutally killing the King of Qi and Xiaobo, which ultimately led to the downfall of the state.
In the fourth year of the Ren Shou era, a dragon appeared in the well of the governor's office of Daizhou. This dragon transformed into armored cavalry one moment and then bent a bow and nocked an arrow, mimicking the action of shooting. The dragon turning into armored cavalry signaled impending turmoil; bending the bow and shooting seemed to target monsters, indicating that wars would break out among the feudal lords, ultimately leading to imprisonment. At that time, Wang Liang, a Han prince, was secretly plotting a rebellion, so these signs appeared to warn him. Wang Liang did not awaken to the warning and ultimately raised an army to rebel, but after failing, he was reduced to commoner status and died after being imprisoned for several years.
That guy Hou Jing declared himself king in Jiangnan. Before every battle, if his white horse neighed restlessly and pawed the ground, they were bound to win; if it hung its head, they were sure to suffer losses. Once, during a battle in the West, the horse lay down and refused to get up. Hou Jing bowed and struck it, but the horse remained unmoved. Later, Hou Jing ran into trouble because of this incident. According to the "Hong Fan Wu Xing Zhuan," "The horse symbolizes the army; when a general is about to go into battle, the horse will exhibit unusual behavior." This time, Hou Jing really suffered a major defeat because of the horse's issue.
In the fifth year of the Tai Jian era of the Chen Dynasty, horses in Hengzhou started growing horns. The "Hong Fan Wu Xing Zhuan" (The Book of Changes) states: "When horses grow horns, it is a sign of military defeat." At that time, Emperor Xuan of Chen sent Wu Mingche to battle in Luliang, confronting the Zhou army. After many years of conflict, the army faced devastating losses, and Wu Mingche was ultimately captured by the Zhou troops.
During the Tian Bao era of the Northern Qi, a horse in Guangzong grew a horn between its ears, resembling a sheep's tail. The "Jing Fang Yi Zhuan" says: "When the emperor personally leads troops into battle, horses will grow horns." Four years later, the Khitan invaders invaded the borders, and Emperor Wenxuan personally led the army to fight.
In the fourth year of the Daye era of the Sui Dynasty, many horses in Taiyuan died, and the emperor was furious, sending people to investigate. The stablemaster reported: "Every night, the horses in the stable are inexplicably frightened, and that’s why they died." The emperor then summoned a sorcerer to take a look. The sorcerer, knowing that the emperor was planning to send troops to Liaodong, said, aligning with the emperor's wishes: "His predecessor sent Yang Su and Shi Wansui to lead troops to Liaodong, and that was to fight with ghost soldiers!" The emperor was delighted to hear this and released the horse caretaker. The "Hong Fan Wu Xing Zhuan" states: "It is a violation of heavenly will, which is why so many horses died." At that time, the emperor traveled across the country every year, running from the northern borders to the Great Wall and west to Qiemu, leading to widespread suffering among the people, as if heaven were warning him: all the horses in the stable have died, yet you still roam around! Despite the warnings, the emperor ignored them, ultimately leading to great chaos in the world.
In the eleventh year of Daye, in the three counties of Henan and Fufeng, horses grew horns, some several inches long. This mirrored the situation in the fourth year of Daye. In the first year of Yining, while the emperor resided at Jiangdu Palace, many horses in the dragon horse stable died inexplicably. In just over ten days' time, hundreds of horses died. This mirrored the situation in the fourth year of Daye.
