During the time of Emperor Gaozu of Han, there was a place in Shangdang where every night in the backyard of a house, there were cries for help, but no one could be seen. About a mile away from the house, there was a ginseng plant with lush leaves. They dug it out and found that the root was more than five feet long and resembled a human shape, and the cries for help disappeared. It turned out to be the work of a grass demon! It was a failure to see the truth clearly! At that time, the Prince of Jin secretly plotted to seize the throne, flattered the powerful, wanted to gain fame in this way, and then falsely accused the crown prince. Emperor Gaozu actually believed him. This ginseng incident shouldn’t be dwelled upon too much, as there was something sinister at play! Shangdang refers to the group of people around the Prince of Jin. Those powerful officials backed the Prince of Jin's false accusations against the crown prince. Emperor Gaozu did not see through the deception and listened to those malicious words, abolished the innocent, and promoted the guilty, which led to chaos.
In the first year of the Daitong era during the Liang Dynasty, Prince Shaoling, Xiao Lun, was working in South Xuzhou. Suddenly, hundreds of wild birds resembling eagles flew onto the roof beams, and they couldn’t be hit by arrows. After a while, the birds flew away and disappeared. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" says: "When wild birds fly into the ruler's house, the place will be empty, and the ruler will flee to another place." Later, Xiao Lun was attacked by the Prince of Xiangdong, and ultimately fled, only to be killed by Western Wei.
During the Liang Dynasty, when Hou Jing was about to be enfeoffed, the sacrificial items were set up in the courtyard. At this time, magpie-like wild birds with red beaks landed on the memorials, and an owl hooted in the hall. This was an omen similar to what occurred in the first year of Daitong. Hou Jing did indeed fail later, fleeing to the sea where he was killed by Yang Kan.
During the time of the last ruler of the Chen Dynasty, there were many birds on Jiang Mountain, flapping their wings and crying out, "Oh no, the emperor!" In Jingfang's "Yifei Hou," it says: "When birds call at the gate, as if speaking like humans, this place is destined for destruction." Jiang Mountain is a famous site of the Wu Kingdom. The birds calling above foreshadowed the impending downfall of the Wu Kingdom. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, Jiankang became a ruin. Furthermore, before the Chen Dynasty perished, a one-legged bird landed in the palace courtyard, using its beak to draw characters on the ground, writing: "A one-legged bird stands on a high platform, the lush grass turns to ashes." The one-legged bird refers to Chen Shubao being alone without assistance. The grass turning to ashes signifies the Chen Dynasty's regime, which, though pure, was consumed by the flames of the Sui Dynasty. When Chen Shubao arrived in Chang'an, he resided on the Dushuitai, which means high platform.
After Emperor Xiao of the Later Qi ascended the throne, a wild fowl landed on the imperial throne. This omen was similar to the similar event from the first year of the Zhongdatong era. Additionally, a bird with red plumage, resembling a duck but with nine heads, stopped in the back garden. That very year, the emperor passed away.
In the third year of the Tiantong era, in September, many birds flew to Xiandu Garden, a truly breathtaking sight! Jingfang's "Yifei Hou" states: "When unusual birds arrive and perch in the city, war is on the horizon." Indeed, the Zhou army attacked Ye City.
After Empress Hu of Wucheng gave birth to the last ruler, an owl flew into the back tent and hooted ominously. Owls are not good birds and signify ominous events. Later, when the last ruler took the throne, the various scandals surrounding Empress Hu came to light, and she was ultimately imprisoned in the Northern Palace.
In the seventh year of Wuping, a stork built a nest at the Taiji Palace and also at the Jiayang Palace in Bingzhou. A pheasant ran up to the throne of Jinyang Palace and was caught. Jing Fang's "Yifeihou" says: "If birds build nests in front of monarchs or on palace roofs for no reason, the country will decline." That year, the country indeed perished. In the second year of Zhou Daxiang, a vulture stopped at the Taiji Palace in Luoyang. That year, the emperor died, and the imperial harem was left vacant. In the early years of Kaihuang, Prince Liang Xiao Cong had just raised his army, and a kite stopped in the corner of his tent. Not long after, Xiao Cong was summoned to Chang'an, where he was left, and the Liang Kingdom came to an end. In the late years of Daye, many wild geese were flying back and forth in the palaces of the capital city, too many to count. Shortly thereafter, Chang'an was breached. In the eleventh month of the thirteenth year, crows and magpies nested in the emperor's tent and could not be chased away. Not long after, the emperor was killed. In the twelfth year of Kaihuang, in June, Fanchang's Yang Yue saw two things in the clouds, resembling small goats, yellow, about the size of a newborn puppy, fighting and then falling down. Yang Yue caught one, but it was gone in a few days. This was a disaster related to sheep! The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "If the monarch is ignorant, it is a violation of the fire virtue and political order." The one resembling a puppy was a lamb. The clouds obscured, symbolizing betrayal. Sheep represents the surname of the country, while lamb signifies a young sheep. Crown Prince Yonggang was just made crown prince, and the Prince of Jin secretly slandered him, which led to his downfall. Two lambs fighting, one falling down, this is the fulfillment. In the second year of Gongdi Yining, Sima Wu, the magistrate of Linyou County, presented a tailless lamb. At that time, it was said that this was a sign of the end of the Yang family's lineage. That year, Yang Guang died in Jiangdu, leading to Gongdi's abdication.
In the seventh month of the fifteenth year of Liang Tianjian, someone was killed in Jingzhou, but the body remained limp; the head fell to the ground, the mouth was still moving, the eyes were still open, and blood shot up like a bamboo arrow, more than ten feet high, before it began to fall down like rain. That year, Jingzhou experienced a devastating drought. This was a dire omen, caused by the grievances of the dead.
In the third month of the fourteenth year of Chen Taijian, the emperor saw something in the emperor's tent that looked like a wheel and was bright red. Not long after, the emperor fell ill, shouted out in confusion a few times, and then died.
In the twelfth month of the third year of Zhide, a bright red object fell in front of the Taiji Hall, and as soon as it landed, all the bells began to toll. There was also an offering of white wine that inexplicably transformed into blood. Blood dripped from the steps leading to the emperor's sleeping quarters. Not long after, the country was destroyed.
In the second year of Heqing during the Later Qi, there was blood rain in Taiyuan. Liu Xiang said, "Blood is the essence of yin energy, a sign of disaster, like something resembling a zombie." The following year, the Zhou army and the Turks invaded Bingzhou, and a great battle took place in the west of the city, with corpses piled up for more than a hundred miles. Jing Fang's "Yifei Hou" states, "Heaven sends down blood rain staining the garments red, the country perishes, and the monarch is killed." This was yet another omen of the Later Lord's downfall.
In the third month of the fourth year, something fell in the hall, shaped like a large vessel, with numerous star-like lights trailing behind it, resembling tiny bells. In April, Empress Dowager Lou died.
During the Wuping years, bloodstains began to appear on the ground, extending from the residence of Wang Huli Mingyue in Xianyang all the way to the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The general, a vital pillar of the nation, was killed by the Later Lord because he believed slanderous lies. It seemed that Heaven was warning that if Mingyue were killed, the ancestral temple would surely follow. The Later Lord failed to grasp this warning, leading to the nation's eventual downfall.
"The Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "Hearing without comprehension is akin to ignoring advice. The sin is serious; the punishment will be cold, leading ultimately to poverty. At this time, there will be the appearance of drum monsters, fish calamities, pig disasters, and black misfortunes, with only fire disasters and water disasters."
In the second month of the fourth year of the Eastern Wei Wuding, the weather was particularly cold. People and livestock froze to death, littering the roads. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" says: "The punishment is too severe; it is cold when it should be warm." At that time, Shenwu of the Hou Qi dynasty was the prime minister. Before this, Erzhu Wenchang and others conspired to kill Shenwu. After the plot was exposed, they were executed, and many others associated with them were also wrongfully executed.
In the first year of Heqing, it was an unusually cold year. Jing Fang's "Yi Zhuan" says: "When virtuous people encounter danger, this is considered a violation of the mandate of heaven, so abnormal cold will occur." Some say: "Killing innocent people will lead to this unusually cold weather." At that time, the emperor was infatuated with Empress Li Wenxuan, but she felt ashamed and regretful after giving birth to a child and did not raise him. The emperor was furious, killed his son Taiyuan Wang Shaode in front of the empress, who cried bitterly. The emperor stripped the empress and, in a fit of rage, killed her, throwing her into the water, and it took a lon
The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Thunder is attached to the clouds, just like a ruler relies on the people. If the ruler does not care about the common people, there will be resentment and rebellion among them." That year, Li Kai, the governor of Jiaozhou, raised an army and rebelled.
In the nineteenth year of the Liang Dynasty's Tianjian, in September, a sound like thunder faintly came from the northwest, and a red mist fell straight to the ground. That year, the governors of Dongguan and Langya were killed, and Qushan was used to entice the Wei army into an attack.
In the sixth year of the Zhongda Tong period of the Liang Dynasty, in December, thunder was heard from the southwest. That year, Lan Qin, the governor of Beiliangzhou, raised an army and rebelled.
In the second year of the Taijian period of the Chen Dynasty, in December, thunder was heard from the northwest. That year, Hua Jiao, the governor of Xiangzhou, raised an army and rebelled.
In the fourth year of the Tianbao period of the Qi Dynasty, in April, thunder was heard from the southwest. At that time, the emperor did not care about the people and escalated military activities.
In the sixth year of the Jiande period of the Later Zhou Dynasty, in January, thunder was heard from Lianyun Mountain in Kuozhou. Soon after, the Tuyuhun invaded the borders.
On the first day of the fourteenth year of the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty, thunder was heard from Lianyun Mountain in Kuozhou. At that time, five Qiang tribes rebelled together, disturbing the border towns. Twenty years later, thunder was heard in the clear sky. Jing Fang said in "Yifei Hou": "The country is about to change dynasties, the common people are restless, and the unscrupulous gain power. The country will face great troubles and there will be wars." A few years later, the emperor died, and Han Wang Liang raised an army and rebelled, fleeing with hundreds of thousands of families.
During the Daye period of the Sui Dynasty, the stone drum in Fuyang resounded continuously for several years. After that, the world fell into chaos, and wars broke out everywhere.
In the tenth year of the Datong period of the Liang Dynasty, in March, the emperor went to Zhu Fang to travel. When he arrived at the Four Trenches and Xuanwu Lake, the fish in the lake all surfaced, as if watching the emperor's carriage. The emperor returned to the palace and died. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "Fish are yin animals, representing the common people. Fish have scales, symbolizing the army." The common people were on the verge of rising up and surrounding the palace, and the fish surfacing was seen as an omen. Later, the Hou Jing Rebellion indeed occurred.
In the seventh year of the reign of the final ruler of the Qi dynasty, while cormorants rested in Xiangzhou, all the fish flew away, and the water dried up. The book clearly states, "This is the result of urgency; the fish are a metaphor for the common people." When the water dries up and the fish fly away, it is like the country perishing and the people being displaced. Sure enough, the country fell the following year.
In June of the first year of the Da Xiang era of the Later Zhou, in the place of Yangwu, there were even carp flying in the sky and fighting! This is like ministers rebelling, with the common folk joining in and causing a commotion. The emperor died the following year, and the country's governance fell into disarray. Wei Jiong rebelled in Xiangzhou, and it was only after Gaozu sent troops that he was defeated.
In the seventeenth year of the Kaihuang era, four li southwest of Daxing City, there was a village called Yuan where Buddhist ceremonies were held. An old man with white hair, dressed in white clothes and white pants, came and ate something before leaving. Since no one had seen him before, they chased after him for two li, but he disappeared. However, they discovered a pond with an exceptionally large white fish, over a zhang long, followed by countless small fish. Everyone competed to shoot it, with some bows breaking and their strings snapping, but they finally hit it. When they opened the fish's belly, they found it filled with rice! They soon realized that the giant fish was the old man transformed. A few days later, the canal suddenly overflowed, and those who had shot the fish ended up drowning.
In the twelfth year of Daye, the people of Huaiyang County were herded into the city, and the walls of Luolang Guo were broken. When they dug under the parapet, they found a hole; inside it was a carp measuring over seven feet long! Back in the fourth year of the Jia Ping era of the Wei Dynasty, there was also an incident of fish flying onto the roof of Wuku House. Wang Su said, "Fish belong in the water, but they have run to the roof. This indicates that a creature from the water has lost its rightful place, foreshadowing a potential rebellion." Later, the Battle of Dong Que indeed occurred. At that time, bandits from Changbai Mountain looted Henan, and a month later they reached the city. The county's soldiers went to fight back but were instead defeated, resulting in over ten thousand casualties, including men, women, and children.
During the Great Tong period of the Liang Dynasty, there was an especially devastating locust plague; even the leaves of the pine and cypress trees by the fence were completely devoured. It is said in books that this is an insect plague, similar to the fish disaster, both being bad omens. The Yi Fei Hou also states that if officials do not do their job properly and only seek enjoyment, heaven will unleash insect plagues. Insects may harm humans, but they consume everything. The ministers at that time all thought leisure was best, neglecting their duties and disregarding the needs of the common people, which is why there was a locust plague.
In the eighth year of Tianbao of Northern Qi, locust plagues broke out in six prefectures of Hebei and twelve prefectures of Henan, and the common people offered sacrifices to the locusts to pray for peace. The emperor asked Cui Shuzan, the governor of Wei County, "What is the cause of this locust plague?" Cui Shuzan replied, "The Records of the Five Elements states: 'If civil engineering does not keep pace with the seasons, it will lead to locust disasters.' Now you are building the Great Wall outside and constructing three platforms inside, which has brought about this disaster." Upon hearing this, the emperor became furious and slapped Cui Shuzan. He then pulled his hair and smeared feces from the toilet on his head. The forced labor projects continued without pause. By the ninth year, Shandong suffered another locust plague; in the tenth year, Youzhou also suffered a major locust disaster. The Commentary on the Five Elements of Hongfan says: "Harsh punishments, insatiable greed, mobilizing the masses, and constructing cities and palaces while losing the hearts of the people will lead to pestilence." This was precisely the retribution for the emperor's tyrannical rule and continuous forced labor during that period.
In the second year of the Jiande era of the Later Zhou, a severe locust plague occurred in the Guanzhong region. In the sixteenth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, there was a locust plague in Bingzhou. At that time, King Xiao of Qin, Yang Jun, extorted the people and engaged in large-scale construction of his residence. Ultimately, he was punished by the emperor and met his demise.
In the later years of the Kaihuang era, three monks in Weinan practiced the Touduo method in the fields. One night, they saw a large pig approach them, followed by over ten piglets. The large pig said to the monks, "A Lian, I want to attain the way of the wise and virtuous, but I still owe a life." After saying this, it left. This "way of the wise and virtuous" refers to the path of the emperor; "a life" refers to Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty. This foreshadowed that although Crown Prince Yang Yong should have inherited the throne, he was ultimately imprisoned and deposed.
During the later period of the Kaihuang era, a man in Weinan was staying overnight at someone else's house and heard two pigs talking in the middle of the night. One pig said, "The New Year is approaching, and tomorrow the owner will sacrifice me for a ritual. Where should I hide?" The other pig replied, "You can go to your sister's house to the north of the river." So they left together. As the dawn broke, the owner couldn't find the pigs and suspected that the guest had stolen them, so he questioned him. The guest recounted what he had overheard, and the owner found the pigs as he had described. Later, Yang Xiu, the King of Shu, fell out of favor with the Emperor, who wanted to kill him. Princess Le Ping pleaded for him multiple times and managed to save him. Several years later, the Emperor passed away, fulfilling the prophecy of the end of the year.
In the third year of the Chengsheng era of the Liang Dynasty, in June, a black mist resembling a dragon appeared in the palace, signifying an ominous portent. Black was a color revered in the Zhou Dynasty, and its appearance in the palace of the Liang Dynasty foretold an invasion by the Zhou Dynasty army. That year, the Liang Dynasty was indeed destroyed by the Zhou Dynasty, and the Emperor was also assassinated.
In the fifth year of the Taijian era of the Chen Dynasty, in June, a black cloud appeared in the northwest, connecting to the ground and then dispersing into more than ten pig-sized clusters. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" predicted, "An army will rise from the northwest." At that time, the forces of General Wang Gui from the Later Zhou were stationed at Mount Lu. The following year, Wang Gui captured Wu Mingche, but his army was ultimately defeated.
In April of the year 574 AD, the Yellow River and the Ji River were so clear that the bottom was visible. Xiang Kai said, "The Yellow River represents the vassal lords. Now that the Yellow River is clear, which was an unusual occurrence, it indicates that the feudal lords will replace the emperor and become the new rulers." More than a decade later, the Sui Dynasty successfully unified the realm.
In the year 607 AD, the river waters in Wuyang County were so clear that the bottom was visible for miles around, reflecting the surroundings like a mirror. By the year 614 AD, the Longmen area also experienced clear river water. Two years later, the Tang Dynasty was established, marking a new era.
In July of the year 589 AD, the Yangtze River turned red like blood, flowing from Jiankang (now Nanjing) all the way west to Jingzhou. During the Zhenming reign of the Sui Dynasty, the Yangtze River turned red once more, this time flowing from Fangzhou (present-day Chaohu, Anhui) eastward to the sea. "The Book of Hongfan Wuxing" says: "Fire harms water, this is because the rulers have strict laws and cruel punishments, harming the essence of water. The changes of the five elements, the interplay of yin and yang, if the qi is chaotic, it is a sign that the country is about to perish." Jing Fang's "Yi Zhan" also says: "When water turns into blood, war will erupt." At that time, Chen Houzhu had just ascended to the throne and was enforcing a brutal and tyrannical regime, fulfilling these omens. Later, the Chen Dynasty was indeed destroyed by the Sui Dynasty.
In April of the year 616 AD, the water in Nanpu, Yingzhou, turned black like ink. Black water had appeared in the Guanzhong region before, and now black water also appeared in the Huainan region, signifying that Jingzhou and Yangzhou were about to be conquered by the Guanzhong (Chang'an) army.
In June of the year 579 AD, the water in Xianyang Pool turned blood red. Similar to the situation in 589 AD when the Yangtze River turned red during the Chen Dynasty, these were all ominous signs. At that time, the rulers imposed harsh punishments, and shortly after, the country perished.
"The Book of Hongfan Wuxing" says: "If the rulers have confused thoughts and cannot accept different opinions, this is a manifestation of not being sage and wise. Their sins will be like fog, punishment will be like a violent wind, ultimately bringing disasters and death. Evil spirits will be at work, flowers and plants will wither, cattle diseases, internal diseases, yellow calamities and auspicious signs, wood, metal, water, fire will all bring disasters to the earth."
On August 8th, 511 AD, a strong wind blew, breaking many trees. Jing Fang's "Yi Feihou" says: "When Jiaoxiu appears, a strong wind blows, the world will descend into chaos, and within three months, war will erupt." That year, the Northern Wei forces invaded Zhongli.
In November of the year 552 AD, on the Guiwei day, the emperor inspected the army in the southern capital. Suddenly, a fierce north wind blew up, and the sky darkened. "The Book of Changes" said: "This is a sign of the ruler's incompetence." At that time, the emperor had just pacified the Hou Jing rebellion, and the ministers in the court advised him to return to Jiankang. However, he did not listen, and was suspicious and confused in his actions, so heaven used a strong wind to warn him. That year, the Liang Dynasty was destroyed by the Western Wei.
In July of the year 566 AD, on the Guiwei day, a strong wind blew from the southwest, blowing down the Lingtai Tower. "The Book of Changes" interpreted this as a sign of ministerial overreach. At that time, the crown prince was still young, and Prince Xu of Ancheng held power, but the emperor did not stop him in time. The next year, the emperor passed away, and the crown prince was deposed by Prince Xu of Ancheng.
In June of the year 586 AD (the twelfth year of the reign of Chen Taijian), on the Renxu day, a strong wind blew and damaged Gaomen's main gate. In the same year, in September, a strong wind blew at night, overturning houses and uprooting trees. All of this was caused by the arrogance and abuse of power of Chen Shuling at that time.
During the reign of Chen Zhide, a strong wind blew down the Zhuque Gate.
In June of the year 589 AD (the third year of Chen Zhenming), on the Dingsi day, a strong wind blew from the northwest, causing huge waves crashing into Shitoucheng and the Huai River. At that time, Chen Houzhu appointed Sima Shen as the prime minister, who executed loyal officials who dared to voice their concerns. Shen Keqing, Shi Wenqing, and others were arrogant and lawless. Jiang Zong, Kong Fan, and others indulged in pleasure-seeking, blocked the path of the virtuous, leading to chaos throughout the realm, all instigated by them.
In the second year of the He Qiheqing era, a fierce wind blew for thirty days before stopping. At that time, the emperor had just entrusted power to corrupt ministers, and his tyranny was growing. In May 570 AD (the third year of the Tianzong reign of Northern Zhou), a fierce wind blew, plunging the day into darkness, overturning houses, and uprooting trees. Strange celestial phenomena reemerged, yet the emperor remained oblivious, and he died the following year. Subsequently, all memorials had to be submitted to Heshikai for approval before reaching the emperor. Prince Rui and Prince Run were falsely accused by Heshikai, leading to Prince Rui's eventual execution. Heshikai wielded significant power over life and death, but was ultimately killed by Prince Yan of Langya.
In March 577 AD (the seventh year of the Jiande reign of Northern Zhou), a strong wind swept in from the northwest, overturning houses and uprooting trees for five days. This was also a consequence of the tyranny of Gao Anagui, Luoti Po, and their associates.
In November of the year 580 (the twentieth year of the Sui Dynasty), a great wind swept through the capital, overturning houses and uprooting trees, with over a thousand people in Qinzhou and Longzhou crushed to death. The earth shook violently, and the sound of drums reverberated. The bell of Jingcha Temple rang three times, the door of the Buddha hall swung open on its own, and the bronze statue walked out of the door on its own. The bells and drums sounded of their own accord, which was all the work of evil spirits. Yang Xiong once said, "When a ruler is foolish and incompetent, misled by treachery, and gains a title without merit, signs of evil will appear." At that time, Empress Dugu intervened in state affairs, and the left chancellor Yang Su wielded great power. The emperor believed the slanders of these two and dismissed Chancellor Gao Jiang, deposed Crown Prince Yang Yong, reducing him to commoner status, and established Prince Jin as the new crown prince. This was a clear sign of the emperor's foolishness and the dominance of malevolent forces. The lock and the bronze statue were both made of gold; when gold moves and wood shakes, it is a sign that a flood is overcoming gold. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "This is all due to the loss of the people's hearts." Gao Jiang and Yang Yong were innocent but were dismissed, which was indeed a sign of losing the people's hearts!
In the second year of Renshou, a Hu man from Xihe was riding a mule on the road when suddenly a whirlwind swept him up, along with the mule cart, flying over a thousand feet before crashing down heavily, resulting in a terrible wreck. Jing Fang in the "Yizhuan" said: "When everyone goes against the same heart and shared virtue, the highest virtue will be hidden, which is an abnormal phenomenon." Two years later, Han Wang Liang secretly plotted a rebellion in Bingzhou, and wasn't the sight of the mule cart soaring into the sky only to crash back down a foreshadowing of his rebellion? It seemed the heavens were warning him: don't go messing around with your troops, or you'll just end up failing! Unfortunately, Han Wang Liang did not understand this lesson. After Emperor Gaozu died, Han Wang Liang gathered an army to revolt, and the counties responded one after another, with forces totaling hundreds of thousands. As a result, he was defeated in less than a month.
In the second year of the Liang Dynasty's Chengsheng era, on the Dingmao day of the tenth month, a strong wind arose. The day was as dark as night, with the world shrouded in darkness, a bad omen! Jing Fang wrote in "Yi Feihou": "When the sun is obscured and the world is dark, people will fall seriously ill, or thieves will abound." Three years later, the Liang Dynasty was destroyed by Western Wei.
In the third year of the Chen Dynasty's Zhenming era, on the first day of the first month, the sky was covered with dark clouds, mist filled the air, and a bitter smell lingered in the air. These signs indicated the ruler's incompetence, a clear omen! The "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "When the emperor loses the right path and the ministers become powerful, obscuring the emperor's vision, a scene of dark clouds will appear." At that time, the northern army was already approaching the Yangtze River, with Liu Zhuang and Ren Mannu seeking peace, but the ruler believed the treacherous adviser Kong Fan, which ultimately led to the country's downfall.
In the fourth year of the Eastern Wei's Wuding era, during the winter, a thick fog lingered for six days and nights. The "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "The day was as dark as night, indicating the encroachment of Yin energy upon Yang energy, a sign of ministers encroaching on the ruler!" The next year, Yuan Jin and Liu Siyi plotted to assassinate the Grand General, fulfilling the omen.
In the second year of the Zhou Dynasty's Daixiang era, Wei Jiong was defeated in Xiangzhou, where he executed tens of thousands of his followers in Youyu Garden. From that point on, ghostly cries were often heard at night in that area. Fan Hong wrote in "Wuxing Zhuan": "The sound of crying heralds death, a bad sign. When ghosts cry at night, there will be a large-scale death." Jing Fang also mentioned in "Yi Feihou": "When ghosts cry at night, the country is about to perish." The following year, all the nobles and ministers of the Zhou Dynasty were killed, leading to the downfall of the dynasty.
During the Renshou era, ghostly cries were frequently heard at Renshou Palace and at the foot of the Great Wall. Shortly afterwards, the Queen and Emperor both perished at Renshou Palace.
In the year 612 AD, Yang Xuangan led a rebellion in the Eastern Capital. The Minister of State Fan Zigai executed tens of thousands of his accomplices by burying them alive outside Changxia Gate. By the end of the year, the area was often filled with ghostly wails and moans, reminiscent of earlier ominous signs. Later, Wang Shichong killed King Dong of Yue in Luoyang.
In the year 550 AD, the locust trees bloomed but bore no fruit. The locust tree symbolizes the positions of the Three Dukes; its flowering without fruit signifies a decline. The following year, He Shikai, who was responsible for handling the affairs of the Ministry of State, was executed, and Wang Hu Changren of Longdong and Duke Wang Yan of Langya were also killed, while the Left Chancellor Duan Shao died as well.
During the reign of the last ruler of the Chen dynasty, there were two beauties, Concubine Zhang and Noble Consort Kong, both extremely beautiful and considered to be enchanting women. The ruler was captivated by them and lavished his favor upon them; they were always at his side, indulging in poetry and wine. Once they entered the inner palace, they remained inside for days on end, living in unrestrained debauchery and luxury. The national treasury was drained as they plundered the wealth of the people, leading to widespread grievances among the populace and disheartening the soldiers. When the enemies attacked, no one was willing to fight to the death, all due to the women's influence! As the Chen dynasty fell, the ruler and his two concubines jumped into a well to take their own lives. The Sui army captured Concubine Zhang and executed her as a way to appease the people of Jiangdong. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" notes: "'Hua' signifies glory and beauty. Because of beauty, the state descended into chaos; thus, it is referred to as 'Hua Nü.'"
During the Qi Dynasty, the last ruler of the Qi Dynasty had a favored concubine named Feng Xiaolian, who was both intelligent and beautiful and could play the pipa, especially excelling in singing and dancing. The ruler was captivated by her and granted her the title of Shufei. He also selected over a thousand beautiful women to serve as her maids, with each maid's adornments costing thousands of gold. While the emperor was out hunting, the Zhou army launched a large-scale attack, and the border officials sent urgent pleas for help, with messengers arriving one after another. The emperor wanted to withdraw his troops, but Xiaolian opposed this and urged the emperor to continue the attack. The emperor listened to her. As a result of this delay, Jinzhou was captured. Later, during the battle against the Zhou army outside Jinzhou, Feng Xiaolian repeatedly missed opportunities for victory, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Qi state. The people of the Qi state still blame her to this day.
When Emperor Wu of Liang was offering sacrifices to the City God, he prepared to kill a cow for the ritual, when suddenly a red snake appeared, coiling around the cow's mouth, foretelling disaster. Such occurrences were explained in ancient texts as the work of dragons and snakes, considered an ominous sign. In the third year of Duke Xuan of Lu, the sacrificial cow's mouth was injured, and at that time, people believed it was a sign from heaven that the sacrifice was not accepted, indicating that Duke Xuan was forsaken. The "Five Elements Chronicle" states: "When a ruler goes against the way of heaven, it leads to the mischief of dragons and snakes." Although General Ji claimed he was going to provide aid, he was actually arrogant and complacent. This prideful attitude resulted in heaven rejecting the sacrifice, fulfilling the prophecy that a ruler who defies heaven's way will fail. As a result, he was indeed defeated by Emperor Yuan.
Years later, in the second year of Qi Wu Ping, Bingzhou presented a five-legged cow, which was another ominous sign. The "Hongfan Five Elements Chronicle" states: "The abnormality of the cow symbolizes disaster for the palace." Subsequently, Emperor Wu of Qi embarked on extensive construction, creating ponds and hills in Xiandu Garden, constructing palaces and towers, indulging in extravagant luxury. Just as the project was completed, the state fell.
Later, in the sixth year of the reign of Zhou Jiande, a three-headed monster appeared in Yangwu, resembling a water buffalo, with one head yellow, one head red, and one head black. The three-headed monster fought each other, with the black head and the yellow head engaged in a prolonged battle. The yellow head attacked the black head from the side, resulting in the black head's death, and then the yellow head also ran to the river. This was a disaster closely resembling the omen of a cow. Black was the color favored by the Zhou Dynasty, and the death of the black monster symbolized the downfall of the Zhou Dynasty. Several years later, the Zhou Dynasty did fall, and the Sui Dynasty rose to power, marked by red flags and yellow military uniforms.
In the early days of the Sui Dynasty, a cow appeared at Mount Heng, each of its four legs sporting an extra hoof on the knee. Afterwards, the Sui Dynasty built the Eastern Capital, constructed the Great Wall, and dug canals.
In the third year of the Zhenming reign of the Chen Dynasty, the Sui army approached the river. However, the last ruler of the Chen Dynasty remained unfazed and said, "The army of Qi has come three times, and the Zhou army has come twice, but they have not been able to defeat us. What can they do now?" The Minister of Works, Kong Fan, said, "The Yangtze River is a natural barrier that has historically separated the north and south. How could the northern army possibly cross the Yangtze River? I have always worried that my position is too low, but if they do manage to cross, I could become the Grand Commandant!" The last ruler of the Chen Dynasty was very happy to hear this and celebrated with music, wine, and poetry. This numbness and indifference in his heart ultimately led to their downfall. In critical moments of life and death, both rulers and subjects should toil day and night, yet the last ruler of the Chen Dynasty displayed no fear. Kong Fan followed him in indulging in pleasure, and as a consequence, Heaven withdrew its favor from the Chen Dynasty, which led to its eventual downfall. The Chen Dynasty ultimately fell, and Kong Fan was exiled to a distant land.
During the time of Emperor Wenxuan of Qi, he was hosting a banquet at Dongshan when he suddenly threw his cup down in a fit of rage, issuing an edict for a western expedition and boasting about the strength of his army and horses. However, not long after, he cried to his ministers, saying, "This black clothing was not my choice!" Ultimately, the western expedition did not take place. Observant scholars noted that the emperor's spirit was in disarray and realized that his reign would not last long. Indeed, later the emperor developed heart troubles, became addicted to wine and pleasures, and became erratic and irritable, dying within a few years.
When Emperor Wucheng's mother passed away, he was still wearing a red robe. Soon after, he ascended the platform, hosted a banquet, and was in high spirits. At that moment, a servant brought him a white robe, which he angrily threw down the steps. Not long after, he too died.
In January of the first year of Datong in the Liang Dynasty, the world saw a rain of soil. The following year, there was a rain of ash that was yellowish. This yellow was somewhat resembling auspicious colors. Jingfang wrote in "Yifei Hou": "Hearing good omens without taking action indicates awareness without response. The appearance of yellow phenomena foretells disaster for the emperor, resulting in no descendants. This is caused by the obstruction of the virtuous and rejection of righteous paths." At that time, Emperor Wu of Liang considered himself exceptionally intelligent, could not stand anyone being better than him, and was particularly devoted to Buddhism, even viewing himself as a slave. This was precisely the obstruction of virtuous individuals and the punishment from heaven!
In January of the first year of Dabaos, there was a yellow sand rain. The following year, Emperor Jianwen dreamed of swallowing a lump of soil. Shortly after, he had Hou Jing remove him from power, and he was crushed to death by a soil bag. His sons were also killed, fulfilling the prophecy of "no descendants."
During the reign of Chen Houzhu, he was troubled by a dream of people in yellow clothing surrounding the city. Chen Houzhu disliked this dream and ordered the city's orange trees cut down. After Yang Jian, the founder of the Sui Dynasty, became emperor, people across the nation wore yellow clothing. Shortly after, the Sui army attacked and besieged the Chen Dynasty, fulfilling that dream.
In the second year of the Daxiang era of the Later Zhou, in the first month, there was a yellow earth rain that lasted for a while before stopping. This was similar to this event in the first year of the Datong era of the Liang Dynasty. At that time, the emperor was so incompetent and tyrannical that he died within a year, followed by Emperor Jing who abdicated the throne. This was yet another fulfillment of the prophecy of "no heir to the throne"!
In the second year of the Kaihuang era, there was a soil rain in the capital city. At that time, Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty learned from the lesson of the weak vassal states of the Zhou Dynasty that led to the downfall of the country, so he enfeoffed his sons to various regions and established administrative offices to allow them to control power in their respective regions. The soil rain in the world was a sign of "losing land," foreshadowing impending chaos. Indeed, eventually, his sons rebelled one after another. Jing Fang wrote in "Yi Fei Hou": "When the soil rain falls, the people toil hard but gain nothing." At that time, Emperor Wen of Sui was busy building the capital city and later the Renshou Palace, carrying out extensive construction projects, moving mountains and filling valleys, resulting in the deaths of countless craftsmen.
In the first year of the Taiqing era of the Liang Dynasty, there was a family in Danyang with the surname Mo. His wife gave birth to a male infant with eyes on top of his head, and his eyes were as large as a two-year-old's. As soon as the child was born, he spoke: "I am the drought demon; I can't stay here." His mother said, "You have to let me live first." The drought demon said, "There are officials above watching; how can I act recklessly? Hurry up and make a crimson hat, then everything will be fine." His mother did not have time to make a hat, so she tied a red cloth strip to his hair. From that point on, the drought persisted for two years, particularly severe in Yangzhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and Yuzhou. Many people near the Mo family used red items to ward off the epidemic, which proved effective, but it was not effective when others tried to imitate it.
In the second year of the Daobao era, there was a man named Yu Cang in Jingkou. His five-year-old son climbed up the tower at the southwest corner of the city and played the drum, performing "Changjiang Lei." The drum symbolized the military. At that time, Hou Jing was causing turmoil in Jiangnan.
In the third year of Chen Yongding, a giant appeared, standing three zhang tall. Someone saw him on Mount Luofu, entirely white and dressed in luxurious clothing. Jing Fang predicted, "The appearance of a giant signifies the fall of a nation." Two years later, the emperor passed away.
When Chen Houzhu was still the crown prince, a woman burst into the Eastern Palace shouting, "The ruler of the Bi state!" Eventually, Chen Houzhu took the throne, leading to the downfall of the Chen dynasty, fulfilling the woman's words.
In the third year of Zhide, in August, a maidservant of a family in Jiankang died, and after being buried for nine days, she miraculously returned to life. A nearby cowherd heard the commotion and dug her out.
In the second year of Zhenming, a ship was launched, and suddenly someone heard a voice saying, "Next year there will be chaos." When people looked, they found a dead infant in the ship, two feet long, without a head. The next year, the Chen dynasty fell.
During the Qi Tianbao period, a woman in Linzhang gave birth to a child with two heads sharing one body. After that, the court was dominated by treacherous officials, with no distinction between ranks, which was a grim fulfillment of the omen associated with the two-headed child.
During this time of Chen Houzhu, a person dressed in mulberry clothes appeared, appearing quite mad. He would salute crows and beat monks. Crows were symbolic of the Zhou dynasty. Not long after, the Qi dynasty was destroyed by the Zhou dynasty, and Buddhism was also suppressed.
In the third year of the Later Zhou Baoding, a person gave birth to a boy whose genitals were on his back like a tail, and whose toes resembled claws. Genitals should not be on the back, but there they were; this indicated a disturbing reversal of yin and yang, and the inversion of the ruler and the subjects. Toes should not grow claws, but they did; this was a portent of impending brutality. During this time, Duke Yuwen Hu of Jin was in power, waging wars everywhere and secretly plotting to usurp the throne. Heaven's warning seemed to say: the natural order of rulers and subjects had been turned upside down, and brutal chaos was about to occur. The emperor recognized these omens and subsequently executed Duke Jin, took direct control of state affairs, practiced frugality, and ultimately subdued the Qi state, earning the title of Gaozu. This was truly a case of turning disaster into fortune!
During the time of Emperor Wu of Han, there was a man who trained in martial arts and pretended to be crazy. He carried a gourd in his hand, ran to the gate of the Duke of Jindang's house, broke down the door, and said, "I am still alive, you’re in for it!" At that time, the Duke of Jindang held great power, but when he went to meet the Empress Dowager, the Emperor had him executed on the spot. Soldiers were then dispatched to capture his sons, but they all took poison and ended their lives. This man then went to the market to beg for food. When someone gave him rice and wheat, he used a bag with no bottom to collect it, laughing and saying, "It's not full yet!" Not long after, the Western Han Dynasty fell, and Liu Bang's descendants relocated the capital, turning Chang'an into ruins.
In the sixth year of the Kaihuang era, an old man in Huozhou unexpectedly transformed into a fierce beast. In the seventh year, a mulberry tree in Xiangzhou transformed into a snake, with a tail that was two zhang long, coiling around the tree and striking itself. In the fourth year of the Renshou era, a person several zhang tall appeared at Yingmen, with footprints measuring four chi and five cun long. That year, the Emperor died.
In the first year of the Daye era, Fang Huian, a man from Yanmen who was one hundred years old, grew a horn on his forehead that was two cun long. The "Hongfan Five Elements Biography" says, "Women belong to Yin, horns belong to soldiers, and the lower corresponds to the upper." Later, chaos engulfed the realm, and soldiers surrounded the Emperor at Yanmen.
In the fourth year, a woman in Songgu Village in Yanmen gave birth to a fleshy egg the size of a fist. She buried the egg, and a few days later, dark clouds gathered over the spot where the egg was buried. There was a loud rumbling underground, and a large hole emerged from the ground, but the egg had vanished.
In the sixth year, a maid from the Li family in Zhao County gave birth to something the size of a chicken egg.
On the first day of the first month in the sixth year of the Daye era, a thief wearing a white practice skirt and jacket, holding incense flowers, claimed to be the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. He ran to Jianguo Gate, stole the guards' weapons, and tried to incite a rebellion. Prince Qi, Yang Jian, came across him and killed him on the spot. Three years later, Yang Xuangan rebelled, besieged Luoyang with his troops, and was ultimately defeated and killed.
Eight years after, a man named Cheng Gong shouted like a lunatic in the Eastern Capital, claiming there were thieves. The emperor was very angry to hear this. The next year, Yang Xuanguan really did raise an army to rebel and besieged Luoyang.
Twelve years later, Cheng Gong shouted about thieves again. Li Mi approached the Eastern Capital, and Meng Rang set Fengdu City ablaze and made his escape.
It is said that nine years ago, the emperor resided in Gaoyang Palace. In Tang County, there was a man named Song Zixian, known for his exceptional sleight of hand. Every night, his upstairs was always lit, and he could create Buddha statues, claiming to be the reincarnation of the Maitreya Buddha. He also hung a large mirror in his room, on which were pasted images of snakes, beasts, and people. When visitors came to see him, he would rotate the mirror and let them see their form in the next life. If the mirror showed a snake, Song Zixian would say, "You have committed too many wrongdoings in your past life; hurry and recite more scriptures!" He would then have the person bow again, and the mirror would reveal a human form. Nearby people believed him to be genuine, and hundreds or even thousands came to visit him every day. Eventually, Song Zixian secretly plotted a rebellion, planning to hold a large Buddhist event and then take the opportunity to raise an army and attack the palace. However, his plot was uncovered, and General Ying Yang led his troops to capture him. That night, they su
In the eleventh month of the fifth year of Liang Chao Tian's reign, an earthquake struck the capital, suggesting problems with the five elements: wood, metal, water, fire, and earth. The Book of Changes: Commentary on the Five Elements states, "When the power of the vassals is too great, they will rebel." In Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou," it says, "An earthquake in November during winter will lead to famine in that area." At that time, Li Kai, the governor of Jiaozhou, raised an army and revolted. The following year, frost fell, leaving everyone hungry.
In the first month of the third year of Ordinary, an earthquake occurred in Jiankang. At that time, the governor of Yizhou, Wen Senglang, led the people of the state in rebellion.
In December of the sixth year, there was another earthquake. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" states, "An earthquake in winter with sound occurring in December will lead to war in that area." At that time, the emperor dispatched Prince Cong of Yuzhang to lead a military campaign to the north.
In the first month of the fifth year of Zhong Da Tong, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" states, "An earthquake in spring will not yield a good harvest that year." That year saw a devastating flood, resulting in widespread hunger among the people.
In November of the third year of Da Tong, Jiankang was shaken by an earthquake. The classic text "Yi Fei Hou" states, "An earthquake in November will bring great mourning to the city and also lead to famine." Indeed, the following year brought devastating frost, leading to widespread hunger.
In October of the third year, Jiankang shook once again. That year, a bandit uprising broke out in the Kuaiji area. In February of the seventh year, Jiankang trembled once more. That year, Li Ben from Jiaozhou rebelled and drove away the governor, Xiao Zi. In the first month of the ninth year, during a leap month, there was yet another earthquake. Li Ben proclaimed himself emperor and set up a comprehensive bureaucratic system.
In April of the third year of Tai Qing, Jiankang experienced another earthquake. At that time, Hou Jing declared himself Grand Chancellor and controlled the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel, withholding essential supplies from the emperor. That month, the emperor passed away from grief and anger. In May of the second year of Chen Yongding, Jiankang was shaken by an earthquake. During this time, Wang Lin in Yingzhou backed Xiao Zhuang's claim to the throne.
In November of the fourth year of Tai Jian, there was an earthquake. Chen Baoying led a rebellion in Minzhong. In the first month of the first year of Zhenming, there was an earthquake. This confirmed the ominous signs of Shi Wenqing and Shen Keqing's tyrannical and chaotic rule.
In November of the second year of the Wu Ding era of the Eastern Wei, the Xihe region suffered from land subsidence and fires. The "Book of Changes" states: "When the earth sinks on its own, the ruler is destined to die." Zu Chen interpreted: "Fire represents Yang energy, and the earth represents Yin energy. When the earth burns, Yin energy is destroyed, and Yang energy causes chaos, indicating that ministers are overstepping their bounds, which will ultimately lead to their own demise." At that time, Gao Huan was in power, while Hou Jing was usurping authority in Henan. Two years later, Gao Huan eventually died, and Hou Jing rebelled, ultimately meeting with failure.
In the second year of the Heqing era of the Later Qi, Bingzhou experienced an earthquake. This signaled Shi Kai's rise to power. In the second year of the Jiande era of the Later Zhou, there were continuous earthquakes in Liangzhou, as city walls collapsed and springs burst forth. The "Book of Changes" warns: "When the earth cracks open, the Qiang and Yi will rebel." At that time, the Tuyuhun frequently raided the Hexi region.
In May of the fourteenth year of the Kaihuang era, there was an earthquake in the capital. The "Book of Flying Omens" warns: "An earthquake in May means the people will flee." That year, there was a famine in the Guanzhong region, and the emperor commanded the people to head east of the Pass in search of food. In April of the second year of the Renshou era, there were earthquakes in Qizhou and Yongzhou. The "Book of Flying Omens" warns: "An earthquake in April means poor harvests and great famine among the people."
Three years later, there was a landslide in Gushan, Liangzhou. The "Five Elements of the Flood Canon" states: "A landslide signifies betrayal among the subjects and a failure to serve the ruler." Liangzhou is within the territory of Han. The next year, Han Wang Liang raised an army in rebellion.
In the seventh year of the Daye era, the Zhi Zhu Mountain collapsed, blocking the Yellow River, causing the river to backflow for dozens of miles. Liu Xiang in the "Five Elements of the Flood Canon" stated: "Mountains symbolize the ruler; water represents Yin energy and also symbolizes the people. Heaven warns that if the ruler's power is too heavy, he will collapse, and the people will be displaced." At that time, Emperor Yang of Sui was mobilizing troops to attack Liaodong, and the common people could not endure such heavy corvée labor, resulting in widespread discontent and uprisings. Emperor Yang failed to grasp this, ultimately leading to the downfall of the state.
The Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan also says: "Emperors cannot be perfect; this is what is meant by 'not establishing'. Its fault is incompetence, its punishment is years of darkness, its result is weakness. At this time, there will be the phenomenon of 'demon shooting', as well as dragons and snakes causing chaos, and disasters of horses injuring people." In the twentieth year of the Kaihuang era, there was persistent heavy rain. Liu Xiang said: "If the emperor loses the path of righteousness, and the ministers' power blinds the monarch's judgment, there will be a continuous rain phenomenon." At that time, Empress Dowager Dugu and Yang Su secretly accused Crown Prince Yang Yong and reduced his status to that of a commoner.
In the fourth year of the Wu Ding era of Eastern Wei, Gao Huan was the prime minister, leading the army to attack Western Wei at Yubi. In November of that year, Gao Huan fell ill and returned to the capital. The soldiers were filled with fear, saying: "Wei Xiaokuan used the Dinggong crossbow to shoot and kill the Prime Minister." Western Wei issued a nationwide order: "With one shot of the strong crossbow, the wicked shall perish." Gao Huan was very angry when he heard this, and his condition worsened; this is likely the so-called 'demon shooting'. The Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan says: "Shooting is a symbol of military disaster; when the energy goes against the heavens, disaster will arise." When Gao Huan was marching, General Cao Weizu advised: "Your Majesty, you are using stagnant energy to counteract vibrant energy, which is harmful to guests but beneficial to the host." Gao Huan did not listen; the army stagnated for fifty days and suffered repeated defeats. He also listened to the false advice and cut off the Fen River to the north of the city, building up earthworks. The terrain was steep, over a thousand feet high; the project was left unfinished, and seventy thousand people died. This is the consequence of defying the will of heaven! Gao Huan died that year. The next year, Wang Sizheng stirred up trouble in the Henan region.
During the Wuping years of the Northern Wei Dynasty, the emperor was returning to Ye City from Bingzhou. As he passed by Bagong Ridge, he was walking and singing at night. Suddenly, a man went mad, believing that the emperor was enchanted by a fox spirit, so he concealed himself in the bushes and loosed his arrows. He ended up injuring several people and almost shot the emperor. The emperor swiftly apprehended him and ordered his execution, yet the man remained oblivious to his actions. This notion of fox spirits misleading people is, in fact, a manifestation of malevolent forces at play! Back then, the emperor was indifferent to state matters, preoccupied only with singing, drinking, and entertaining himself with the palace maids and eunuchs. He even donned ragged clothing and amused himself by begging on the streets, all signs of evil spirits! Someone shooting arrows at him indicated that turmoil and war were imminent. Not long after, the country perished.
In the second year of the Tianjian era of the Liang Dynasty, dragons were seen fighting in the Tan River in Beiliangzhou, with water mist covering several miles. This was a clear sign of dragons wreaking havoc! The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "Dragons are difficult animals to deal with, symbolizing the heavens and monarchs. If disasters appear in the heavens and the monarch's morality is damaged, then the dragons will also be affected and cause chaos. Dragons fighting indicate that war is about to happen." Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" also says: "When people's hearts are uneasy, the phenomenon of dragons battling will manifest." Shortly after the emperor ascended the throne, the rebellions of Chen Bozhi and Liu Jilian occurred, instilling widespread panic and fear among the populace.
In the summer of the fifth year of the Ordinary Era, in June, a dragon fought at Qu'a Wangbei and then moved westward, reaching Jianling City. Wherever the dragon passed, the trees were broken, some extending for dozens of zhang. This was similar to what happened in the second year of the Tianjian era; both were ominous signs. The broken trees foretold impending war for the country, and the imperial tombs would likely be damaged. At that time, the emperor was preoccupied with hollow theoretical pursuits and paid no attention to agriculture and military affairs; the army had become lax and careless. The ruler's morality was compromised, leading to the emergence of monstrous phenomena like dragons fighting. Yet, the emperor remained completely oblivious. In the first year of the Taiqing era, dragons appeared fighting in the waters of Lizhou again, with waves surging and clouds swirling. People saw a white dragon racing south, pursued by a black dragon. That year, Hou Jing arrived with his troops to surrender, which caused panic nationwide. Before long, chaos broke out, and the emperor, overcome with worry, ultimately died from illness.
In the summer of the tenth year of Datong, there was thunder at night, and a dragon fell into a well in Yanling! The next morning, it turned out to be as big as a donkey. Someone wanted to stab it with a halberd, but suddenly discovered many large snakes appeared in the yard and house, as large as boats carrying hundreds of hu! The whole family was terrified and scattered in all directions. According to the "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan," "The dragon is yang, representing nobility. It should be in the sky or on the ground, not appearing in the towns and homes of common people. A well represents depth. The dragon appearing in a well suggests that the lords may face the calamity of being imprisoned, which reflects the emperor's poor judgment!" Later, when Hou Jing staged his rebellion, he indeed imprisoned Emperor Jianwen in the wine cellar and killed him, and royal relatives and nobles met the same fate of imprisonment and death.
In the eleventh year of the Taian reign of the Chen Dynasty, a dragon appeared in Chizi Pool, South Yanzhou, just like the omen of the dragon that appeared in the tenth year of the Datong reign of the Liang Dynasty. Soon after, Chen's last emperor ascended the throne. He was arrogant and self-indulgent, neglecting state affairs and unable to do anything right. Ultimately, the state fell, and he was imprisoned and died.
In the first year of the Wuding reign of the Eastern Wei Dynasty, a giant serpent appeared in Wulao City. At that time, the beautiful and intelligent wife of Gao Zhongmi, the governor of Northern Yuzhou, caught the attention of Crown Prince Gao Cheng. Feeling uneasy, Gao Zhongmi rebelled and colluded with the Western Wei Dynasty, which led to a fierce battle against the Eastern Wei army in Heyang. Gao Huan (Emperor Shenwu) was nearly defeated by the Western Wei army, barely escaping with the loss of thousands of lives.
In the ninth year of the Tianbao reign of the Northern Qi Dynasty, a dragon measuring seven to eight zhang long appeared in the main hall of Qizhou, similar to the omen of the dragon that appeared in the tenth year of the Datong reign. At that time, Princes Changshan and Changguang wielded significant power, but the emperor did not want to suppress them. Tragically, the following year, the emperor died, and Crown Prince Gao Yin ascended the throne. Changshan Prince Gao Yan indeed deposed Gao Yin, demoting him to King of Jining, and then imprisoned and killed him.
In the first year of the Heqing reign, a dragon was seen in the bathhouse of Jizhou, similar to the omen of the ninth year of Tianbao. Previously, Prince Pingqin Gao Guiyan had accepted the posthumous edict of Emperor Zhao to appoint Crown Prince Gao Baiyan as his successor. However, Gao Guiyan chose Prince Changguang Gao Zhan, who later became Emperor Wucheng. Gao Baiyan was deposed to King of Leling and ultimately imprisoned and killed.
In the fourth year of the Tiantong reign, someone in Guixiang cut down a dead tree and discovered a yellow dragon with broken legs, dead in a tree hole. At that time, the Qi Dynasty prided itself on its reverence for wood. The dragon symbolized the monarch, and the death of the dragon in the withered tree was an ominous omen. That year, Emperor Wucheng died.
In the third year of Wuping, a dragon appeared in a well in Handan, with colorful dragon aura soaring into the sky. A dragon also appeared in a dry well of a Buddhist temple in Jijun, just like the omen in the first year of Heqing. Later, Gao Wei, the last ruler of Northern Qi, surrendered to Northern Zhou and was eventually killed.
In the seventh year of Wuping, a red snake and a black snake fought under Zhaoyuan Tower in Bingzhou for many days, and the red snake finally died. Red is the color of Qi, and black is the color of Zhou. The death of the two fighting snakes is a sign of impending doom! Later, the emperor surrounded himself with treacherous individuals, fought against the Zhou army in Jinzhou, and even handed over the army to the treacherous Gao Anagong. As a result, Gao Anagong colluded with the enemy forces, causing a disaster due to the emperor's lack of caution. Eventually, the emperor was captured by the Zhou army.
Prince Yan of Langye demolished a white horse pagoda in the Northern Palace, built by Chengong during the Stone Zhao period. He saw a large white snake several feet long, which disappeared after turning around. At that time, Prince Yan of Langye was tyrannical and cruel; the appearance of unusual phenomena was a harbinger of his downfall. He did not heed the warnings and ultimately led to disaster.
In the fifth year of Jiande in Later Zhou, a black dragon fell dead in Bozhou. The dragon is a symbol of the king, and black is the symbolic color of the Zhou Dynasty. The dragon's fall and subsequent death is a very ominous sign! At that time, the crown prince proved to be incompetent, and the emperor was deeply concerned. Honest ministers like Wang Gui and Yuwen Xiaobo repeatedly requested the removal of the crown prince, but the emperor did not listen. Two years later, the emperor died, the crown prince ascended the throne, brutally executed the Prince of Qi, Yuwen Xiaobo, and others, ultimately leading to the destruction of the country.
In the fourth year of Renshou, a dragon appeared in the well of the Governor's Office in Daizhou. This dragon sometimes transformed into an iron horse, and sometimes into a soldier wearing armor, drawing a bow and aiming arrows, reminiscent of shooting demons. Turning into an iron horse foreshadowed an impending disaster involving horses; drawing the bow to shoot arrows foretold of wars between feudal lords, ultimately leading to imprisonment. At that time, Prince Liang of Han secretly plotted a rebellion, so this was a divine warning! Prince Liang failed to understand, eventually rebelled, and after his failure, he was demoted to commoner status, imprisoned for a few years, and died.
Hou Jing declared himself emperor in Jiangnan, and every time he engaged in battle, if his white horse neighed loudly and restlessly stamped the ground, the battle would surely be won; if the horse hung its head, the battle would surely be lost. In the Battle of Xizhou, his white horse lay on the ground and refused to get up, despite Hou Jing's desperate pleas and attempts to force it up. This was another disaster brought by the horse! "Hong Fan's Five Elements Biography" says: "The horse is a symbol of the army, and when enemies invade, strange phenomena with horses will occur." As a result, Hou Jing faced a catastrophic defeat.
In the fifth year of Taijian of Chen, horses in Hengzhou began to grow horns. "Hong Fan's Five Elements Biography" says: "Horse horns are a symbol of war and a sign of destruction!" At that time, Emperor Chen Xuan dispatched Wu Mingche to lead troops to confront the Zhou army in Lu Liang. After many years of fighting, the army endured significant losses, and Wu Mingche was eventually captured by the Zhou army.
In the Tianbao era of Northern Qi, a horse with horns appeared in Guangzong County, with a horn growing between its ears, resembling a sheep's tail. Jing Fang noted in the "Book of Changes" that "when the emperor personally goes to war, horses will grow horns." Four years later, the Khitan people invaded the border, and Emperor Wenxuan personally led the army to battle, which indeed proved to be true.
In the fourth year of Daye, many horses died in the stables in Taiyuan, nearly half of them! When the emperor heard the news, he was furious and ordered an investigation. The stablemaster said, "Every night, the horses in the stables inexplicably frightened themselves, which is why so many died." The emperor summoned a wizard to investigate. Knowing that the emperor wanted to attack Liaodong, the wizard, aligning with the emperor's desires, said, "The late emperor sent Yang Su and Shi Wansui to attack Liaodong, saying they were going to use ghost soldiers to conquer it!" When the emperor heard this, he was overjoyed; he released the stablemaster. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" writes: "Going against the will of heaven is why so many horses died." During that time, the emperor traveled extensively each year, sometimes near the Great Wall, sometimes to the west in Qiemo, exhausting the country's vast resources. It seemed heaven was warning him: stop raising so many horses and wandering around! However, the emperor failed to grasp this, which ultimately led to chaos across the realm. By the eleventh year of Daye, long-horned horses appeared in Henan and Fufeng, mirroring the situation during the Tianbao period! At that time, the emperor had personally led troops against Goryeo for several years. In the first year of Yining, in the Longma Stables of Jiangdu Palace, many horses died inexplicably—hundreds in just ten days! This situation mirrored that of the fourth year of Daye!
