In the year 546 AD, Xiao Lun, the Prince of Shaoling, was serving as the governor of Southern Xu Prefecture in South Xu Province. While sitting in the main hall, suddenly hundreds of wild birds resembling eagles flew in and perched on the roof. Despite their attempts to shoot the birds with arrows, none were hit. After a while, the birds flew away, their destination a mystery. According to the ancient book "Yi Fei Hou," when wild birds fly into an official residence, it indicates that the place is about to be abandoned and the officials should escape to another location. Later, Xiao Lun was indeed defeated by the King of Xiangdong, fled, and was eventually killed by Western Wei.
During the time of the Liang Dynasty, Hou Jing was preparing to receive the emperor's appointment, with offerings set up in the courtyard. At that moment, several magpie-like birds with red beaks flew onto the official documents, and an owl was heard hooting in the palace. This echoed the situation Xiao Lun had faced years before. Subsequently, Hou Jing did fail, fled to the sea, and was ultimately killed by Yang Kan.
During the reign of the Chen Dynasty's last emperor, many birds on Jiang Mountain flapped their wings together and cried out, "It's over, Emperor!" According to "Yi Fei Hou," when birds cry out at the city gates and palaces in a manner resembling human speech, it signifies the impending downfall of the place. Jiang Mountain was a famous site in the Wu Kingdom, and the birds' cries foretold the kingdom's impending downfall. Later, the Chen Dynasty fell, and the city of Jiankang turned into ruins. Before the Chen Dynasty's fall, a one-legged bird landed in the palace courtyard and scratched a message into the ground with its beak: "Standing alone on a high platform, lush grass turns to ashes." The one-legged bird symbolized Chen Shubao standing alone without support, while the grass turning to ashes represented the clean political power of the Chen Dynasty being burned by the Sui Dynasty. Chen Shubao later went to Chang'an and lived on the Du Shui Terrace, which means "high platform."
After Emperor Xiaozhao of Qi just took office, a wild fowl flew onto the imperial throne. This was similar to what happened to Xiao Lun that year. There was also a red bird, resembling a duck but with nine heads, that landed in the backyard, and that year, the emperor died.
In September 570 AD, many birds gathered in Xiandu Garden. Historical texts say: "When rare birds come to stay in the city, war is imminent." Indeed, the Zhou army launched an attack on Ye City.
After Empress Hu gave birth to the Prince, an owl flew into the palace tent and hooted. The owl symbolizes unfilial behavior and portends bad luck. Later, when the Prince took the throne, Empress Hu's licentious behavior was exposed and subsequently imprisoned in the Northern Palace.
In 577 AD, a stork nested in Taiji Palace and also in Jiayang Palace in Bingzhou. A wild fowl also landed on the imperial throne of Jinyang Palace and was caught. According to "Yi Feihou": "When birds nest on government buildings or palaces without reason, that place will soon be abandoned." That year, the Northern Zhou Dynasty perished.
In the second month of the second year of Zhou Daxiang, a group of vultures suddenly flew into Taiji Palace in Luoyang. That year, the emperor died, and the palace was often empty. The appearance of the vultures seemed to herald misfortune.
In the early years of the Kaihuang period, shortly after Emperor Xiao Cong of the Liang Dynasty ascended the throne, an owl perched in the corner of the tent. Not long after, Xiao Cong was summoned to Chang'an and never returned to Liang. Thus, Liang fell. The appearance of the owl also seemed to hint at the fate of Liang.
In the late years of the Dali era, a large flock of wild geese always appeared in the palaces of Chang'an, flying in flocks. Not long after, Chang'an City was breached. The large flock of wild geese foreshadowed the fall of Chang'an.
In the eleventh month of the thirteenth year, a magpie nested in the emperor's tent, and no matter how hard they tried, they couldn't drive it away. Shortly thereafter, the emperor was assassinated. The magpie nesting is an ominous omen. In June of the twelfth year of Kaihuang, Yang Yue from Fanchang saw two things in the clouds that looked like lambs, yellow in color, about the size comparable to that of a newborn puppy. They fought with each other, and then one fell down. Yang Yue caught one, but it soon disappeared. After that, there was a disaster among the sheep. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "When the ruler is unclear, it is a violation of the fire virtue and political orders." The obscured clouds symbolize malevolence and deceit. Sheep represent the surname of the state; lambs refer to the young sheep. The crown prince Yong was just established as the heir, and Prince Jin secretly slandered him, resulting in his deposition. The fight between the two lambs, with one falling, perfectly echoed this event.
In the second year of Emperor Gong's Yining, Sima Wu, the county magistrate of Linyou, presented a lamb that was born without a tail. People at the time speculated this was a sign of the Yang family's impending extinction. That year, Emperor Yang of Sui was killed in Jiangdu, and Emperor Gong abdicated. The tailless lamb foreshadowed the end of the dynasty.
In July of the fifteenth year of Liang Tianjian, someone was killed in Jingzhou, yet the body did not stiffen; the head dropped to the ground, the mouth still moving, the eyes still open, and blood shot up like bamboo arrows, reaching over ten feet high, before slowly falling like rain. That year, Jingzhou suffered a severe drought. This blood that reached the sky was a manifestation of deep grievances.
In March of the fourteenth year of Chen Taijian, something resembling a wheel appeared on the emperor's royal tent, bright red in color. Shortly thereafter, the emperor fell ill and, inexplicably, shouted a few times before dying. The red wheel was a foreboding sign of the emperor's death.
In the twelfth month of the third year of the Zhide era, a red thing suddenly fell in front of the Taiji Hall, and as soon as it landed, all the bells rang. There had also been offerings of white wine that suddenly turned to blood. There were bloodstains on the hall's steps, flowing all the way to the emperor's bed. Soon after, the country fell. The red meteorite and bloodstains foreshadowed the country's demise.
In the second year of the Heqing era of the Later Qi, there was a phenomenon of blood rain in Taiyuan. Liu Xiang said, "Blood is the essence of Yin energy, a symbol of disaster, much like a zombie." The following year, the Zhou army and the Turks invaded Bingzhou, fighting a major battle in the city's west, with corpses piled up for miles. The "Yifei Hou" states: "Heaven sends blood rain to stain the clothes; the country perishes and the ruler dies." This was also a portent of the downfall of the last ruler.
In March of the year 544, something bright red suddenly fell in the palace, shaped like a large container, with many small, star-like objects that looked like little bells. In April, Empress Dowager Lou died.
After this, during the Wuping era, bloodstains appeared on the ground, stretching from the residence of Wang Huli Mingyue in Xianyang to the ancestral temple. Huli Mingyue was a great general, a pillar of the nation, but the last ruler, believing slanderous words, had him killed. This was obviously a warning from heaven: killing Mingyue would lead to the ruin of the royal ancestral temple! But the last ruler ignored the warning, and as a result, the country quickly perished. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Hearing but not listening means ignoring advice. The consequences are severe, and the punishment will be tough, ultimately leading to poverty. During this time, monsters and demons will wreak havoc, fish will flood, swine fever will rage, and there will be ominous black disasters, with only fires and floods."
In February of the year 550, it was particularly cold, with dead bodies and livestock all over the roads. Jing Fang's "Yifei Hou" states: "Too much slaughter causes it to be freezing when it should be warm." At that time, the Northern Qi's Emperor Shunwu Gao Huan was in power. Previously, Er Zhu Wenchang and others attempted to harm Gao Huan, but after their plot was exposed, they were taken out, and many related individuals were also implicated and executed.
During the first year of the Heqing era, it was an unusually cold year. "Jing Fang Yi Zhuan" says: "When a virtuous person encounters danger, it is called going against the will of heaven, which is why an unusual coldness will occur." Some say: "When innocent lives are taken, the cold will be particularly harsh." At that time, the emperor was enraged and, before Empress Li, executed their son, Prince Shaode of Taiyuan. Empress Li cried out as the emperor stripped her bare, brutally beat her, and ultimately threw her into the water, only retrieving her after some time. This was retribution—so tragic!
In March of 504 and 507 AD, frost killed all the grass. "Jing Fang Yi Zhuan" says: "Raising troops to fight and killing innocent people is against the law, so it will be punished by frost." During that time, the Liang Dynasty launched a major military campaign, battling the Northern Wei forces in Zhongli for several years.
In June of the third year of Datong, frost fell on Mount Xu.
In August of the tenth year of Taijian in the Chen Dynasty, there was also frost, and the rice and beans were completely frozen. At that time, the Chen Dynasty mobilized a large number of troops and sent General Wu Mingche to confront the Zhou Dynasty army in Luliang.
In November of 505 AD, the weather was clear, and lightning suddenly appeared in the southwest direction, followed by two peals of thunder. The "Book of Changes" says: "Use thunder to intimidate." This thunder heralds the chaos of demons and spirits.
The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "Thunder is attached to clouds, just like a monarch is attached to the people. If the monarch does not care about the people, the people will have resentment and rebellious thoughts." That year, Li Kai, the Governor of Jiaozhou, led a rebellion.
In September of the nineteenth year of the era, faint sounds like thunder echoed from the northwest, and red gas was rising straight to the ground. That year, someone killed the prefects of Dongguan and Langye counties and used Mount Xu (a place name) to attract the Wei army. This suggests that the situation was turbulent, with signs of rebellion emerging everywhere.
In the twelfth month of the sixth year of the Zhongda Tong reign, a thunderous sound came from the southwest. That year, Lan Qin, the governor of Beiliang Prefecture, led a rebellion. In the twelfth month of the second year of the Chen Taijian reign, a thunderous sound came from the northwest. That year, Hua Jiao, the governor of Xiangzhou, led a rebellion. In the fourth month of the fourth year of the Qi Tianbao reign, a thunderous sound came from the southwest. At that time, the emperor was indifferent to the suffering of the common people and continued to mobilize troops for war, which foreshadowed impending turmoil for the country. In the first month of the sixth year of the Jiande reign of the Later Zhou, a thunderous sound came from the west. Soon after, the Tuyuhun launched an invasion across the border.
On the first day of the first month of the fourteenth year of the Kaihuang reign, a thunderous sound came from the Lianyun Mountains in Kuo Prefecture. At that time, five Qiang tribes rebelled and disturbed the border towns. Twenty years later, thunder rumbled in a cloudless sky. The "Yifei Hou" by Jing Fang said: "The country is about to change dynasties, the common people are restless, and the unscrupulous will rise to power first. When the country is about to have trouble, there will be war." A few years later, the emperor died, and Han Wang Liang raised an army to rebel, fleeing with hundreds of thousands of families.
During the Daye period, the stone drum in Fuyang resounded continuously for several years. After that, the realm descended into chaos and conflict erupted. The sound of this stone drum also foretold that the country was about to undergo a major upheaval.
In the third month of the tenth year of the Liang Datong reign, the emperor went to Zhu Fang for leisure and, when he reached Siqian (a place name) and Xuanwu Lake, the fish gazed upon the emperor, as if anticipating the emperor's arrival. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" said: "Fish symbolize the common people, embodying yin energy. Fish also have scales, which is a sign of war." The common people were on the verge of rising up to surround the palace, and the fish gazing up at the carriage symbolizes this impending uprising. Later, the Hou Jing rebellion indeed broke out.
In the seventh year of the reign of Qi's last ruler, the fish in Xiangzhou's cormorant pond flew away, and the water dried up. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "This is caused by a critical situation. Fish are yin creatures, representing the common people." Yan Zi once said: "The River God governs the country with water and the fish represent the people." The drying up of water and the flight of fish symbolize the nation's downfall and the dispersal of its people. The following year, the state of Qi indeed perished.
In the first year of the Da Xiang era under the Later Zhou, in June, carp in Yangwu flew into the air and fought with each other. This was like ministers rising up, with petty individuals joining in to stir up chaos and brawl. The following year, the emperor passed away, and the state lost its authority. Wei Jiong raised an army in Xiangzhou, and Gaozu dispatched troops to defeat him.
In the seventeenth year of the Kaihuang era, there was a Buddhist event held in Yuan Village, four li southwest of Daxing City. An old man with gray hair, wearing a white skirt and a short shirt, came, ate something, and left. Nobody recognized him, so they chased after him for about two li, but he quickly disappeared. However, they saw a pond, and in the pond was a large white fish, more than ten feet long, with countless small fish following it. People scrambled to shoot it, some even broke their bows and strings. Finally, they hit it, and when they cut open its belly, they discovered it was stuffed with rice. It was only then that they realized the fish was the transformed old man. A few days later, the canal suddenly swelled, and all those who had shot the fish drowned.
In the twelfth year of the Daye era, Huaiyang Commandery forced the common people to move into the city, and the walls of Luolang Guo were broken through. As they dug beneath the parapet, they discovered a hole containing a carp that was over seven feet long. Previously, in the fourth year of Wei Jiaping, fish had gathered on the roof of the armory. Wang Su believed that the fish, which lived in water, appearing on the roof suggested that creatures of the water had strayed from their rightful place, foreboding that the border troops might lose their armor and helmets. Consequently, the defeat at the Battle of the Eastern Gate indeed came to pass. At this time, bandits from Changbai Mountain plundered Henan, and a month later, the bandits reached the city walls. The troops of the commandery resisted but were instead defeated, leading to the deaths of more than ten thousand men, women, and children.
In the early years of Liang Datong, a great locust plague occurred, and the leaves of the pines and cypress trees along the fence were entirely consumed. The "Hong Fan Wu Xing Zhuan" states: "This is the work of the locusts' doing." Like the fish, it is also an ominous sign. In the "Yi Fei Hou," Jing Fang said: "If the ruler does not implement benevolent governance, Heaven will use insect disasters to warn. Insects bring no benefit to people but consume everything." At that time, court officials prized simplicity, neglecting to handle state affairs seriously and not paying attention to the suffering of the people.
In the eighth year of the Tianbao era of Later Qi, locust plagues occurred in six states of Hebei and twelve states of Henan. People in the capital went to worship the locusts. The emperor asked Wei Yin Cheng Cui Shuzan, "What's happening?" Cui Shuzan replied: "The 'Wu Xing Zhi' mentions: 'If civil engineering is not done in a timely manner, locust plagues will occur.' Now the court is building the Great Wall outside and constructing three platforms inside, which has caused this disaster." The emperor was furious, slapped him, yanked his hair, and rubbed filth from the toilet onto his head. The forced labor continued unabated. In the ninth year, another locust plague occurred in Shandong, and in the tenth year, a great locust plague also occurred in Youzhou. The "Hong Fan Wu Xing Zhuan" states: "If punishments are cruel, greedy, mobilizing large forces to build cities and towns while losing the hearts of the people, locust plagues will occur." At that time, the emperor's brutal punishments and relentless forced labor proved this saying true.
In the second year of the Jian De era of Later Zhou, a great locust plague occurred in Guanzhong.
In the sixteenth year of the Kaihuang era, Bingzhou experienced a locust plague. At that time, King Xiao of Qin, Yu Wenjun, extorted the common people and undertook extensive construction to build his residence. He was later tried and executed by the court.
As the Kaihuang era was nearing its end, there were three monks practicing in Weinan. One night, they saw a large pig accompanied by more than ten piglets coming toward them. The large pig said, "A Lian (the monk's name), I want to obtain the path of the wise and virtuous, but I still owe a life." After saying that, it left. The "path of the wise and virtuous" refers to the emperor's actions. The crown prince Yong was supposed to inherit the throne and follow the emperor's path, but he ended up being imprisoned and deposed. "A life" refers to the life that Emperor Yang of Sui would later take.
As the Kaihuang era was nearing its end, a man in Weinan was lodging at someone else's home and heard two pigs talking in the middle of the night. One pig said, "The year's end is coming; tomorrow my father is going to kill me for a sacrifice. Where can I hide?" The other pig replied, "Go to your sister's house north of the water." Then they left together. As dawn approached, the owner noticed the pigs were gone and suspected that the guest had stolen them, so he questioned him. The guest recounted what had happened, and the owner went to search as he had said, and indeed found the pigs. Later, Prince Xiu of Shu committed a crime, and the emperor sought to execute him. Princess Le Ping constantly sought ways to save him and ultimately preserved his life. A few years later, the emperor died, confirming the saying "the year is about to end."
In the third year of the Chengsheng era of the Liang dynasty, in June, a dragon-like black mist appeared in the palace. This was an ominous sign! Black is a color revered by the Zhou dynasty, and now that black mist appeared in the palace, it signified that the Zhou army would attack the Liang dynasty. That year, the Zhou dynasty ultimately destroyed the Liang dynasty, and the emperor also died.
In June of the fifth year of the Taijian era of the Chen Dynasty, black clouds appeared in the northwest. After falling to the ground, they scattered into more than ten pieces, resembling pigs. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "This foreshadows that there will be a war outbreak in the northwest." At that time, General Wang Gui's army of the Later Zhou was stationed in Lüliang. The following year, Wang Gui captured Wu Mingche, and his army was completely annihilated.
In the first year of the Heqing era of the Later Qi Dynasty, in April, both the Yellow River and the Jishui were clear and bottom-visible. Xiang Kai said: "The Yellow River symbolizes the feudal lords; the water being clear when it should be muddy indicates that the feudal lords are about to symbolize the Son of Heaven." Several years later, the Sui Dynasty unified the world.
In the third year of the Daye era, the river in Wuyang County was crystal clear and bottom-visible, and one could see shadows several miles away. Twelve years later, there was also a phenomenon of crystal-clear river water at Longmen. Two years later, the Tang Dynasty was established.
In the fourteenth year of the Taijian era of the Chen Dynasty, in July, the Yangtze River turned blood-red, from Jiankang all the way to Jingzhou. During the Zhenming years, the Yangtze River also turned blood-red, from Fangzhou all the way to the sea. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Fire has reached the water; this is a sign of severe punishment and harm to the water's nature. The changes in the five elements, the interaction of yin and yang, and the chaotic colors are all omens of the nation's downfall." Jing Fang's "Yizhan" states: "When water turns to blood, there will be a war outbreak." At that time, the last ruler of the Chen Dynasty had just ascended the throne and enacted cruel and tyrannical rule, fulfilling this omen. Later, the Chen Dynasty was destroyed by the Sui Dynasty.
In April 586, the water in South Pu, Yingzhou, was as black as ink. The Guanzhong region had previously experienced black water, and now the water in Huainan has also turned black, affecting the areas of Jingzhou and Yangzhou, which were affected by the disasters in the Guanzhong region. What does this mean? Everyone knows deep down.
In June of 579 AD, the water in Xianyang Pond turned red, resembling blood. This was akin to the calamity that happened in the fourteenth year of the Taijian era of the Chen Dynasty. During that time, the court enforced harsh punishments, and shortly after, the country perished. The "Hong Fan Five Elements Biography" says: "Harboring improper thoughts is unwise. This will lead to incompetence, punishment, and ultimately danger and premature death. There will also be demonic disturbances, withering of flowers and plants, cattle diseases, internal illnesses, yellow disasters and auspicious signs. Disasters of the five elements of wood, metal, water, fire, and earth will manifest."
On the day of Wu Xu in August of 517 AD, a strong wind blew, breaking many trees. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" says: "When Jiaoxiu appears, a strong wind blows, and the world will fall into darkness. Within three months, a war will definitely break out." That year, the Wei army indeed invaded Zhongli.
On the day of Gui Wei in November of 573 AD, when the Emperor held a military review in the southern city, a north wind howled and the sky darkened. The "Hong Fan Five Elements Biography" says that this is a sign of the monarch's incompetence. At that time, the Emperor had recently quelled the Hou Jing rebellion, and the court ministers advised him to return to Danyang, but he did not listen, suspected many people, and behaved incompetently, so heaven used a strong wind to warn him. That year, the Liang Dynasty was destroyed by the Western Wei.
On the day of Gui Wei in July of 562 AD, a strong wind blew from the southwest, blowing down the Lingtai Pavilion. The "Hong Fan Five Elements Biography" believes that this indicated the usurpation of power by the ministers. At that time, the Crown Prince was still young, and Prince Ancheng Xu held power, and the Emperor did not stop him in time. The following year, the Emperor passed away, the Crown Prince ascended the throne, and Prince Ancheng Xu deposed the Crown Prince.
On the day of Ren Xu in June of 568 AD, a strong wind blew down the central gate of Gaomen. Later that year, in September, a strong wind blew at night, blowing down houses and uprooting trees. This indicated the usurpation of power by Prince Shuling of Shixing.
Subsequently, another strong wind toppled the Vermilion Bird Gate.
In June of the year 587, on the day of Ding Si, a great wind arose from the northwest, stirring up huge waves that flooded into the Stone City and the Huai River. At that time, the Later Ruler appointed Sima Shen as an official, who executed loyal ministers and those who offered honest counsel; Shen Keqing and Shi Wenqing were tyrannical and oppressive; Jiang Zong, Kong Fan, and others lived in luxury and debauchery, stifling free speech and acting with ignorance and cruelty, which led to the calamity from heaven.
In the second year of the Heqing period of the Later Qi, a great wind blew for a full thirty days before it stopped. At that time, the emperor had just handed power over to treacherous officials and Shi Kai, who grew more and more tyrannical.
In the third year of the Tian Tong era, in May, another great wind blew, plunging the day into darkness, toppling houses, and uprooting trees. This was yet another sign of celestial anomaly, but the emperor remained oblivious. The following year, the emperor passed away. Later, the Later Ruler ordered that all memorials must first be approved by Shi Kai before reaching him. Wang Rui of Zhao County and Wang Run of Fengyi felt that Shi Kai was too arrogant and inappropriate to serve in the palace, but they were falsely accused by Shi Kai instead, and Wang Rui was ultimately executed. Shi Kai moved freely in and out of the court with unchecked power over life and death until Wang Yan of Langya finally killed him.
In March of the seventh year, the northwestern wind picked up again, toppling houses and uprooting trees, and it blew for five days before it stopped. This was tied to the tyranny and chaos wrought by figures like Gao Anagui and Luo Tipo.
In the 11th month of the 20th year of the Kaihuang era, a strong wind swept through the capital, causing houses to collapse and trees to be uprooted. Over a thousand people were killed in Qinzhou and Longzhou. There was also a major earthquake, and the city’s drums sounded on their own. The bell at Jingsha Temple rang three times on its own, the lock on the Buddha hall’s door opened on its own, and the bronze statue seemingly came to life and ran out. This phenomenon was referred to as the "drum demon." Yang Xiong once said that if the ruler is incompetent and easily influenced by treacherous individuals, those who only know how to flatter will rise to power, leading to the occurrence of strange events like the "drum demon." At that time, Empress Dowager Dugu intervened in politics, and the Left Chancellor Yang Su wielded immense power. The emperor fell for their slander and dismissed Chancellor Gao Feng, abolished Crown Prince Yang Yong, and installed Prince Jin, who had no real abilities and only sought fame. The emperor's mind was confused and filled with negative energy, which was a bad omen. The door lock and the bronze statue were both made of gold, and when gold moved, wood shook, indicating a conflict between water and metal. The "Book of the Five Elements" states, "This is because the hearts of the people have been lost!" Gao Feng and Yang Yong were innocent, yet they were dismissed, causing the people to lose their trust.
In the second year of the Renshou era, a man from the Hu ethnic group in Xihe was riding a mule when he was suddenly swept up by a whirlwind, along with a carriage, flying over a thousand feet high before crashing down and shattering into pieces. The "Yi Commentary" in the Jing Fang says, "If everyone does not obey, the highest virtue will be buried, and strange winds will arise." Two years later, Prince Liang of Han conspired to rebel in Bingzhou, and the flying mule and carriage served as an ominous sign. Flying up and then falling down was a sign of impending doom! It seemed as though heaven was warning him not to stir up military trouble, which would ultimately lead to his downfall, but Prince Liang of Han did not understand. After the death of Emperor Gaozu, Prince Liang of Han rebelled, with numerous counties and states rallying to his cause, amassing an army of tens of thousands. However, he was swiftly defeated within a month.
In the second year of Liang Chaosheng, on the Dingmao day in October, a strong wind blew, making the daytime as dark as night, with the sky and earth dim, which was extremely eerie! Jing Fang once said in "Yifeihou" that when there is a feathered sun and wind, the world will be dark, and the people will either suffer from severe illness or be plagued by bandits. As expected, three years later, Western Wei conquered the Liang Dynasty.
In the third year of Chen Chaozhenming, on the first day of the first month, the sky was filled with thick fog, gloomy, and the air carried a bitter taste, causing panic. Emperor Chen was incompetent and foolish, which was another ominous sign! In "Hongfan Wuxingzhuan," it is written that when the king is immoral and the ministers are powerful, deceiving the monarch will result in dark clouds gathering. At that time, the Northern Army was advancing, and Liu Zhuang and Ren Chieftain both sought peace, but Chen Houzhu believed the slander of the treacherous minister Kong Fan, leading to the country's ultimate demise.
In the fourth year of the Wuding period of Eastern Wei, dense fog lingered for six days and nights. It is said in "Hongfan Wuxingzhuan" that the day was as dark as night, a sign of yin invading yang, indicating that ministers would rebel against the monarch. The following year, Yuan Jin and Liu Siyi conspired to murder the Grand General, fulfilling the prophecy.
In the second year of the Daixiang period of the Zhou Dynasty, Wei Jiong was defeated in Xiangzhou and ordered the massacre of tens of thousands of his followers in Youyu Garden. Afterwards, cries of ghosts were often heard at night there. It is said in "Wuxingzhuan" that crying is a sign of death and an ominous phenomenon. Ghosts crying at night indicate a large-scale death. Jing Fang also said in "Yifeihou" that "when ghosts cry at night, the country will perish." Indeed, the following year, the nobles and ministers of the Zhou Dynasty were all killed, leading to the downfall of the Zhou Dynasty.
During the Renshou period, ghostly cries were repeatedly heard at Renshou Palace and at the foot of the Great Wall. Shortly afterwards, Empress Xian and the Emperor both died in Renshou Palace.
In the eighth year of the Dà Yè era of the Sui Dynasty, Yang Xuangan raised an army to rebel in the Eastern Capital. The Minister of State Fan Zigai executed tens of thousands of his followers in a mass grave outside the Changxia Gate. By the end of the year, the sounds of wailing ghosts and moaning could often be heard there, just as the previous omens had foretold. Later, Wang Shichong killed King Dong of Yue in Luoyang.
In the first year of the Wu Ping era of the Later Qi, the locust trees bloomed but did not bear fruit. The locust tree symbolizes the positions of the Three Dukes, and blooming without bearing fruit signifies decline. The following year, the Minister of State, Shi Kai, was executed, Prince Hu Changren of Longdong and Duke Wang Yan of Langya were both murdered, and the Left Chancellor Duan Shao also died.
The last emperor of the Chen Dynasty, Chen Shubao, was surrounded by two stunning beauties, Consort Zhang and Concubine Kong, both of whom were captivatingly beautiful. Chen Shubao was infatuated with their beauty, showering them with affection, drinking and reveling with them daily, composing poetry and songs. Once he entered the harem, he would often stay inside for days on end, indulging in sensual pleasures and excess, completely oblivious to moderation. The national treasury was depleted, yet he still forcibly collected taxes from the people, leading to public outrage and discontent among the troops. When the enemy attacked, not a single soldier was willing to fight for their lives. All of this stemmed from the emperor's obsession with women! In the end, when the nation fell, Chen Shubao and his concubines jumped into a well to take their own lives. The Sui army captured Consort Zhang and executed her as a way to atone to the people of Jiangdong. According to the "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan," the character 'Hua' signifies glory, wealth, and beauty. The nation's downfall due to an obsession with beauty is thus termed 'Hua Nìe.'
Emperor Xiao Baojuan of Southern Qi had a beloved concubine named Feng Xiaolian, who was intelligent and beautiful, and could also play the pipa, especially skilled in singing and dancing. Xiao Baojuan was enchanted by her and appointed her as a noble concubine. He even selected thousands of beautiful palace maids to serve her, with each maid's attire costing over a thousand gold coins. While the emperor was out hunting, the Zhou army launched a massive attack, causing a border crisis and the army was busy relaying messages on the road. The emperor wanted to withdraw his troops and return to the capital, but Feng Xiaolian refused and urged the emperor to continue the siege. Surprisingly, the emperor listened to her advice. As a result of the delay, Jinzhou was captured. Later, during an encounter with the Zhou army at Jinzhou, the emperor missed several battle opportunities because of Feng Xiaolian, which ultimately led to the country's downfall. The people of Southern Qi still blame Feng Xiaolian to this day.
Xiao Ji, son of Emperor Wu of Liang, was sacrificing to the City God when he had to kill a cow for the ritual. Suddenly, a red snake appeared entwined around the cow's mouth, a bad omen indicating disaster. Symbolically, this was a sign of a dragon and snake causing mischief. In the third year of Duke Xuan of Lu, the cow's mouth was injured during the suburban sacrifice, and people believed it was a sign of the heavens rejecting the sacrifice and abandoning Duke Xuan. The "Five Elements Transmission" states: "When a king goes against the will of heaven, disasters like dragons and snakes will occur." Although Xiao Ji claimed he was going to save the day, he was actually arrogant and self-conceited. Due to his pride, heaven rejected his sacrifice, which was the inevitable consequence of defying heaven. As a result, he was indeed defeated by Emperor Yuan.
In the second year of Wuping of Later Qi, Bing Province presented a five-legged cow, another ill omen. According to the "Hongfan Five Elements Transmission," cows symbolize palaces. The emperor then mobilized a large army, dug ponds, built mountains, and constructed palaces in Xian Du Yuan, indulging in lavish luxury. Just after the project was completed, the country fell.
In the sixth year of the Later Zhou Dynasty, a three-headed creature appeared in Yangwu, resembling a water buffalo, with one head yellow, one head red, and one head black. The black buffalo fought with the other buffalo for a long time, and the yellow buffalo rushed over and killed the black buffalo, then jumped into the river to commit suicide. This foreshadowed calamity for the Zhou. Black was the color revered by the Zhou Dynasty, and the death of the black buffalo symbolized the downfall of the Zhou Dynasty. Several years later, the Zhou Dynasty did indeed fall, replaced by the Sui Dynasty, whose military flag was red and soldiers wore yellow clothing.
During the early years of the Daye period, a cow appeared at Mount Heng, with an extra hoof on each of its knees. Later, the Sui Dynasty built the Eastern Capital, repaired the Great Wall, and dug canals, all of which were related to the appearance of the cow, foreshadowing a time of extensive construction.
In the third year of the Zhenming reign of the Chen Dynasty, Sui troops arrived at the riverbank. Chen Houzhu was at ease and said, "The Qi army has come three times, and the Zhou army has come twice, and we defeated them all. What can they possibly do?" The official Shangshu 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 about my low rank, but if they really cross the river, I could become a high-ranking official!" Chen Houzhu was very happy to hear this, so he called for singers and dancers, indulged in revelry, drank and made merry, and continued to compose poetry. This was truly a sign of being beyond redemption! At a critical moment of national survival, with the fate of the nation hanging by a thread, the monarch and his subjects should be working day and night, worrying about the country and the people. Yet Chen Houzhu remained unafraid, and Kong Fan followed his lead in behaving recklessly. When even heaven took away his wits, how could they not fail? In the end, the Chen Dynasty fell, and Kong Fan was also exiled.
Emperor Wenxuan of Qi once hosted a banquet in Dongshan. He suddenly threw down his wine cup, grew furious, issued an edict for a westward campaign, and boasted about how powerful his army was. However, after a while, he cried to his ministers, "This black robe is not fit for me." In the end, no military action was taken. Those in the know believed that the emperor's spirit was already in disarray, knowing that his reign would not last long. Later, the emperor fell ill, succumbed to the vices of wine and women, had a volatile temperament, was irritable, ultimately dying a few years later.
Emperor Wucheng mourned the death of Empress Dowager Ding, but he was still wearing red court attire. Not long after, he ascended the Three Terraces, feasted, and enjoyed himself. A servant brought him a white court attire, and he grew furious, throwing the clothing down from the terrace. Not long after, he died.
In the first year of the Daitong era of the Liang Dynasty, there was a rain of soil across the land. The following year, there was ash-colored rain, and the ash was yellow. This signaled impending misfortune. The word "yellow" is ominous. Jing Fang said in "Yi Fei Hou": "The absence of good counsel suggests that someone knows but chooses to remain silent; the appearance of abnormal yellow indicates the disaster of the dragon and the disaster of the descendants. This is because of suppressing the wise and forsaking the righteous path." At that time, Emperor Wu of Liang believed himself to be wise and knowledgeable, disliked those who were stronger than him. He also devoutly believed in Buddhism, even treating himself like a slave, which was the retribution for suppressing the wise and forsaking the righteous path.
In the first month of the inaugural year of Dabao, yellow sand rained down from the sky! Two years later, Emperor Jianwen dreamt of swallowing a mud pill. Not long after, he was deposed by the usurper Hou Jing, crushed to death beneath sandbags, and his sons were all killed, fulfilling the ominous prophecy of "no heirs"!
When Emperor Houzhu of Chen was in power, he dreamt of figures clad in yellow encircling the city. Emperor Houzhu disliked this dream, prompting him to cut down all the orange trees within the city. As a result, after Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, ascended the throne, everyone, from the highest officials to the common folk, donned yellow garments. Not long after, the Sui army attacked and besieged the Chen Dynasty. Could this not be a manifestation of his dream's omen?
In the second year of Daizong's reign in the Later Zhou dynasty, in the first month, yellow dust fell from the sky for a while before stopping. This was reminiscent of the events in the first year of Da Tong. At that time, the emperor was already extremely incompetent and died after just one year. The next emperor abdicated the throne as well, fulfilling the prophecy of "no successors"! In the second year of Kaihuang, there was a rain of soil in the capital. At that time, Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, learned from the lesson of the Zhou dynasty's downfall due to the weakness of the vassals, so he enfeoffed his sons to different regions and established provincial governments for them to govern independently. This scene of "losing soil" appeared as an auspicious sign of "having soil energy," but later these princes rebelled against each other. Jing Fang wrote in "Yi Fei Hou": "When the earth rains, the people toil but have no harvest." At that time, the Sui dynasty was busy constructing the capital and later built the Renshou Palace, engaging in extensive construction, resulting in the deaths of many workers. In the first year of Taiqing of the Liang dynasty, a woman named Mo from Danyang gave birth to a son whose eyes were on the top of his head, as large as those of a two-year-old. As soon as the child was born, he spoke: "I am the drought ghost; I cannot stay here." His mother said: "You have to let me live." The drought ghost replied: "There are people above me in charge; how can I be free? Quickly make a top red hat; then everything will be fine." His mother did not have time to make the hat, so she tied a red cloth strip to his hair. Following that, the drought persisted for two years, with severe disasters in Yangzhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and Yuzhou. Many of Mo's neighbors were spared from disaster by wearing red, but this remedy proved ineffective in other places. In the second year of Daibao, a five-year-old boy named Yu Zanger from Jingkou climbed to the top of a tower in the city's southwest corner and played the drum and performed "Changjiang Lei." The drum symbolized the military. At that time, Hou Jing was causing chaos in the south of the Yangtze River. In the third year of Yongding of the Chen dynasty, a man three zhang tall appeared on Mount Luofu, with a snow-white body and wearing gorgeous clothes. Jing Fang's divination said: "The appearance of a giant signifies the impending downfall of the nation." Two years later, the last emperor of the Chen dynasty died.
When Chen Houzhu was still the Crown Prince, a woman burst into the Eastern Palace shouting, "Master Bi!" Later, Chen Houzhu ascended the throne and ultimately the country fell. Isn't this an omen?
In the third year of the Zhide reign, in August, a servant girl in Jiankang died and was buried for nine days before coming back to life after nine days! A cowherd heard noises and dug her out.
In the second year of the Zhenguan reign, someone on a boat suddenly heard someone say, "There will be chaos next year!" Upon closer look, they found a dead infant, about two feet long, without a head. The following year, the Chen dynasty indeed perished. It truly fulfilled that saying!
During the reign of Emperor Qi Tianbao, a woman in Linzhang gave birth to a child with two heads sharing one body! Later, corrupt officials controlled the government, with no distinction between ranks, just like the child with two heads.
During the reign of Emperor Houzhu of Northern Qi, there was a monk who appeared deranged, bowing to crows and scolding monks. Crows were the color of the Zhou dynasty. Shortly thereafter, Northern Qi was destroyed by Northern Zhou, and Buddhism was suppressed.
In the third year of the Baoding era of Northern Zhou, a woman gave birth to a boy with reproductive organs on his back, like a tail, and toes like 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 in the ruler-subject relationship! At that time, Prince Jin, Yuwen Hu, abused his power, even waging war against himself and secretly plotting to usurp the throne. It seemed like the heavens were warning that the positions of ruler and subject had been reversed, and a cruel disaster was about to occur! The Emperor understood this omen, so he killed Yuwen Hu, personally handled state affairs, practiced frugality, and eventually pacified the Qi state, earning the title "Gaozu." This truly was a transformation from danger to safety!
During the reign of Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, there was a strong man who trained in martial arts. He acted crazy, carrying a gourd to the doorstep of Yuwen Hu's house. He smashed the gourd and shouted, "You may still live, but your son is doomed!" At that time, Yuwen Hu held great power and was on his way to meet the Empress Dowager, so Emperor Wu had him killed. He then dispatched soldiers to capture his sons, who all poisoned themselves. The strong man later went begging on the street, and when someone gave him food, he used a bag with no bottom to collect it and then laughed heartily, saying, "It's empty!" Not long after, Northern Zhou fell. The founding emperor moved the capital, and Chang'an City became a ruin.
In the sixth year of the Kaihuang era, an old man in Huozhou turned into a ferocious beast.
In the seventh year, a monk in Xiangzhou turned into a snake, with a tail that wrapped around a tree as he whipped himself, measuring about two zhang in length.
In the fourth year of the Renshou era, a person several zhang in height appeared at Yingmen, leaving footprints four feet and five inches long. That year, the emperor died.
In the first year of the Daye era, a person from Yanmen named Fang Hui'an, who was a hundred years old, grew a horn on his forehead that was two cun long. "The Book of Hongfan Five Elements" says, "Women are yin, horns are weapons, and the bottom counteracts the top." Later, chaos did indeed erupt, with yin soldiers surrounding the emperor at Yanmen.
In the fourth year, a woman in Songgu Village in Yanmen gave birth to a meat egg the size of a bushel, which she buried. A few days later, dark clouds covered the burial site, the earth shook, and a cave appeared, with the meat egg gone.
It is said that in the sixth year of the founding of the Sui Dynasty, in Zhaojun, a family's servant girl gave birth to a bizarre creature the size of an egg. This was ominous, foreshadowing trouble ahead.
On the first day of the first month of the sixth year, a thief dressed in white clothes and a white skirt, carrying incense and flowers, claimed to be the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. He strode confidently into the Jian Guo Gate of the imperial palace, even snatching weapons from the guards, intending to rebel. He happened to encounter Sui Yangdi Yang Guang, who swiftly beheaded him. Three years later, Yang Xuangan rebelled again, besieging Luoyang with troops and ultimately defeated and killed.
Let's talk about the eighth year of the Sui Dynasty. There was a man named Cheng Gong who was acting madly in the eastern capital (Luoyang), shouting "thieves" everywhere, which irritated Emperor Yang of Sui. Interestingly, the following year, Yang Xuangan really led troops to besiege Luoyang. By this time, in the twelfth year of the Sui Dynasty, Cheng Gong started shouting "thieves" again. Li Mi was approaching the eastern capital, and Meng Rang set fire to Fengdu City and ran away.
In the ninth year of the Sui Dynasty, Emperor Yang was in Gaoyang. There was a magician from Tang County named Song Zixian. There was always a bright light shining from his building at night, and he could even summon Buddha statues, claiming to be the reincarnation of the Maitreya Buddha. He also hung a large mirror in the hall with images of snakes, beasts, and people on it. When visitors came to see him, he would rotate the mirror to reveal to them scenes from their future lives. If the mirror reflected an image of a snake, Song Zixian would say, "You have committed grave sins, hurry up and recite more sutras!" Then he would make them bow again, this time showing an image of a person. This ruse was quite effective, and people from near and far believed it. Hundreds or even thousands of people came to see him every day. Song Zixian secretly planned a rebellion, intending to hold a large-scale Buddhist event and then seize the opportunity to attack the emperor. However, his plan was exposed, and a military officer called Yingyang Lang was sent to capture him. When they arrived at Song Zixian's residence at night, they found that they were surrounded by fire pits, and the soldiers were too afraid to approach. Lang said, "There were no fire pits here before, it must be some kind of sorcery!" When they ventured inside, the fire pits were gone. They captured Song Zixian and executed him, implicating over a thousand households in the process.
Later, a monk named Xiang Haiming appeared, claiming to be the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha in Fufeng County and secretly planning a rebellion. Those who followed him often had pleasant dreams. As a result, he gained widespread belief, and the people of Guanzhong hailed him as a "great sage." He raised an army and managed to gather tens of thousands of followers. Ultimately, he was defeated by the imperial forces. Jing Fang's "Yifeihou" states: "Deceiving the public with falsehoods, leading to widespread disbelief, the roads were deserted; in less than three years, there will be a rebellion." Since then, the world has been in chaos, and the roads were deserted.
In November 506 AD, the capital city of Jiankang was struck by an earthquake, and disasters related to the five elements—wood, metal, water, fire, and earth—occurred. "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" said: "The forces of the ministers are strong; they are about to cause trouble and commit many evils." Jing Fang's "Yifeihou" also recorded: "If an earthquake occurs in November in winter, that place will be hit by famine, and many people will die." During this time, Li Kai, the governor of Jiaozhou, launched a rebellion. The following year brought frost, leading to failed crops and widespread hunger among the people.
In January 508 AD, Jiankang experienced another earthquake. At this time, Wenseng Lang, the governor of Yizhou, also led a rebellion with the people of his state. In December 510 AD, Jiankang experienced another earthquake. "Yifeihou" by Jing Fang wrote: "An earthquake in winter, and there is a sound, occurring in December; that place will go to war." At that time, the emperor ordered Prince Cong of Yuzhang to lead an army northward.
In January 512 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. "Yifeihou" by Jing Fang said: "An earthquake in spring; that year's crops will not be good." That year, floods struck, causing widespread hunger among the common people. In November 515 AD, Jiankang experienced another earthquake. "Yifeihou" by Jing Fang said: "An earthquake in November; there will be a major funeral in that place, and there will be famine." The following year, frost caused disasters, and the common people went hungry.
In October 517 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. That year, bandits appeared in Mount Kuaiji. In February 519 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. That year, Li Ben, a man from Jiaozhou, rebelled and drove away the governor, Xiao Zi. In the leap month of the first lunar month in 521 AD, there was an earthquake. Li Ben declared himself emperor and appointed over a hundred officials.
In April of the year 526 AD, Jiankang experienced two earthquakes. At that time, Hou Jing declared himself Grand Chancellor and refused to provide the emperor with what he needed. That month, the emperor died in despair. In May of the year 551 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. At that time, Wang Lin in Yingzhou proclaimed Xiao Zhuang as emperor. In November of the year 556 AD, there was an earthquake. Chen Baoying launched a rebellion in Minzhong. In January of the year 557 AD, there was an earthquake. This was a sign of Shi Wenqing and Shen Keqing's abuse of power. In November of the year 529 AD, the Xihe region experienced subsidence and caught fire. Jing Fang's "Yi Yao Zhan" says: "When the earth sinks, the ruler is destined to die." Zu Xian said: "Fire is yang energy, and the earth is yin energy. When the earth catches fire, it is the destruction of yin energy, the disturbance of yang energy, the abuse of power by officials, and ultimately self-destruction." At that time, Gao Huan, the Emperor of Northern Qi, held power, while Hou Jing was abusing power in Henan. Two years later, Gao Huan indeed died, and Hou Jing rebelled, eventually leading to his own downfall. In the year 537 AD, Bingzhou experienced an earthquake. This foretold the abuse of power by He Shikai. In the second year of the Jiande period of Later Zhou, Liangzhou experienced a series of frequent earthquakes. Numerous city walls and buildings collapsed, and many cracks opened up on the ground, gushing spring water. "Jing Fang Yi Yao Zhan" says: "When the earth splits, the Qiang and Di tribes rebel." At that time, the Tuyuhun tribe kept harassing the Hexi region. In May of the fourteenth year of the Kaihuang period, the capital city experienced an earthquake. "Jing Fang Yi Feihou" writes: "The earth shakes in May, causing people to flee." That year, there was a famine in Guanzhong, so the emperor ordered the people to go to the Guandong region to find food. In April of the second year of the Renshou period, Qizhou and Yongzhou also experienced earthquakes. "Jing Fang Yi Feihou" says: "The earth shakes in April, the grains failed to ripen, leading to starvation among the people." In the third year, Gu Mountain in Liangzhou experienced a landslide. "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" explains: "The collapse and scattering signify betrayal and neglect by the ruling class." Liangzhou was part of the Han Dynasty's territory. In the following year, Prince Liang launched a rebellion.
In the seventh year of Daye, Dizhu Mountain collapsed, blocking the Yellow River and causing the river to flow backward for dozens of miles. Liu Xiang's "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "Mountains are the symbol of the ruler; water is the embodiment of yin, representing humanity. If heaven warns and says the ruler and people are oppressive and about to collapse, the common people will not have a place to live." At that time, the emperor was mobilizing troops to campaign against Liaodong, and the common people could no longer endure such heavy burdens, causing complaints and rebellions throughout the country. The emperor failed to comprehend, ultimately leading to the downfall of the country.
In the "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan," it also says: "If the emperor does not reach the extreme, it is called not establishing. Blame is in the dark, punishment is constant yin, reaching the extreme is weak. At that time, there will be shooting of monsters, there will be the spawn of dragons and snakes, there will be horse disasters."
In October of the twentieth year of Kaihuang, the sky remained overcast without a drop of rain. Liu Xiang said: "When the king loses balance, the ministers become powerful and obscure the king's brightness, then clouds appear dark." At that time, Empress Dugu and Yang Su secretly plotted against Crown Prince Yong, deposing him and reducing him to commoner status.
In the year 550 AD, the Prime Minister Gao Huan of Eastern Wei led troops to attack Western Wei at Yubi. In November of that year, Gao Huan fell ill and withdrew his troops. The soldiers were terrified and exclaimed: "Wei Xiaokuan of Western Wei used a specially made strong crossbow to shoot the Prime Minister." Western Wei even ordered the whole country to say: "With one arrow shot, Gao Huan will die." When Gao Huan heard this news, he felt increasingly unwell, and his condition deteriorated, believing it was the work of malevolent forces. The "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "Shooting is a sign of military disaster; when the qi goes against the heavens, disaster and chaos will arise."
When Gao Huan continued to advance with his troops, General Cao Weizu in the palace advised him: "Right now, the stagnant energy is overpowering the vital energy, which is not good for the enemy, but it is good for yourself." Gao Huan did not listen, remained stationary for fifty days, fought many battles, and all failed. He also believed in those unreliable suggestions, cutting off the Fen River in the north of the city and building up a soil mountain; the place was very steep, over a thousand feet high. As a result, the project was left unfinished, leading to the deaths of seventy thousand people. All this happened because they defied the will of heaven! Gao Huan died that year. The following year, Wang Sizheng returned to wreak havoc in Henan once more.
After Gao Huan's death, Eastern Wei renamed itself Northern Qi. The last ruler of Northern Qi, Gao Wei, returned from Bingzhou to Ye City. Upon reaching Bagong Ridge, he sang songs with the people around him while walking at night. Suddenly, someone went crazy. The last ruler thought he had been bewitched by a fox spirit. The man hid in the grass and shot arrows, injuring several people and nearly striking the last ruler. The last ruler caught the man and beheaded him. At that time, the man had no idea what he was doing. Fox spirits that bewitch people are considered evil beings. At that time, the last ruler didn't care about state affairs, focusing instead on singing, drinking, and seeking pleasure with palace women and eunuchs, and sometimes even went out begging in ragged clothes. All of these were signs of evil, and someone shooting him was a sign of military disaster. It wasn't long before Northern Qi fell.
In the year 502 AD, during the second year of Tianjian in the Liang Dynasty, in the Tan River of Northern Liangzhou, dragons were fighting, and water mist spread for several miles. This was a portent of dragons causing trouble. The "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Dragons are difficult animals to deal with, they are a symbol of heaven and also a symbol of kings. If heaven is harmed, the king's authority will suffer, and the dragon will also be harmed. Dragon fighting is a sign of warfare." Jing Fang's "Yi Feihou" also states: "When people's hearts are uneasy, there will be strange phenomena of dragons fighting." At that time, Emperor Wu of Liang had just ascended the throne, and the rebellions of Chen Bozhi and Liu Jilian occurred, instilling fear throughout the realm.
In June in the fifth year of Emperor Wen of Jin's reign, a dragon fought at Qu'a King's Pond and then headed west to Jianling City. Everywhere it passed, trees were knocked down several dozen zhang away, similar to what occurred in the second year of Tianjian. The dragon knocked down trees in Jianling, signaling that the country was on the brink of war and the imperial tomb faced destruction. At that time, the emperor was only concerned with academic debates, neglecting agriculture and military affairs, causing the country to become increasingly lax. The monarch's principles had decayed, leading to the emergence of this bizarre dragon phenomenon. The emperor was completely unaware of this. In the first year of Taiqing, there was another dragon fight in the water of Lizhou, with rolling waves and swirling clouds. A white dragon was seen heading south, followed by a black dragon. That year, Hou Jing surrendered with his troops, and the emperor unwittingly accepted him, instilling fear across the nation. Not long after, disaster soon followed, leading to the emperor's death from overwhelming anxiety.
In the summer of the tenth year of Daitong, during a thunderstorm at night, a dragon was struck by lightning and plunged into a well in Yanling. The next morning, the dragon was found to be the size of a donkey. Some people wanted to kill it with a spear, but suddenly several large snakes appeared in the courtyard and house, the size of boats carrying hundreds of bushels, which sent the family fleeing in terror. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "The dragon embodies yang and symbolizes nobility. It should be in the heavens or on the earth, not in the towns and houses of common people. Wells are deep and dark places, and the feudal lords will face calamities of imprisonment due to the emperor's moral failings." Later, Hou Jing rebelled, and indeed imprisoned Emperor Jianwen in a wine cellar, leading to his death, while members of the royal family and nobles faced imprisonment and tragic ends.
In the first month of the eleventh year of Taijian in Chen, a dragon appeared in a pond in South Yanzhou, mirroring events from the tenth year of Daitong during the Liang Dynasty. Not long after, the last emperor came to power, indulging in luxury and debauchery, neglecting state affairs and failing at every turn. Ultimately, the nation fell, and he was imprisoned.
In the first year of the Wu Ding era of Dong Wei, a giant serpent appeared in Wulao City. At that time, the beautiful and intelligent wife of Gao Zhongmi, the Governor of Northern Yuzhou, named Li, caught the eye of the eldest son Gao Cheng, causing Gao Zhongmi to feel uneasy. He then rebelled with Wulao City, secretly colluding with Western Wei, and fought a major battle in Heyang. Gao Huan (Emperor Shenwu) was almost defeated by the Western Wei army, barely escaping, with the deaths of several thousand people.
In the ninth year of the Tianbao era of Hou Qi, a dragon measuring seven to eight zhang long appeared in the main hall of Qizhou, similar to what happened in the tenth year of Datong. At that time, the Princes of Changshan and Guangling had great power, but the Emperor did not consider weakening their influence. The next year, the Emperor died, and Crown Prince Yin succeeded to the throne. Prince of Changshan, Xiao Yan, indeed deposed the Emperor, imprisoning and killing him.
In the first year of Heqing, a dragon appeared in the bathhouse of Jizhou, foreshadowing events akin to those of the ninth year of Tianbao. Before this, Ping Qin Prince Gao Guiyan accepted the imperial edict of Emperor Zhao to appoint Prince Gao Bainian as the heir. However, Gao Guiyan appointed Gao Zhan, the Prince of Changguang, as Emperor, who became Emperor Wucheng. Gao Bainian was demoted to Prince of Leling and eventually imprisoned and died.
In the fourth year of Tiantong, someone in Guixiang felled a dead tree and discovered a yellow dragon with broken legs dead in a tree hole, which the people of Qi interpreted as a sign of wood virtue. The dragon symbolizes the monarch, and a dead dragon in a dead tree is a very ominous omen. That year, Emperor Wucheng died.
In the third year of Wuping, a dragon appeared in a well in Handan, with colorful dragon qi soaring into the sky. A dragon also appeared in a dried-up well at a Buddhist temple in Xijun. This was a sign similar to the first year of Heqing. Later, the last emperor of Qi ultimately surrendered to the Zhou dynasty, whereupon he was killed.
In the seventh year of Wuping, at the foot of Zhaoyuan Tower in Bingzhou, a red snake and a black snake appeared in a fight, which lasted several days before the red snake was killed. Red is the symbolic color of the Qi Kingdom, while black is the symbolic color of the Zhou Kingdom. The death of the red snake in the fight between the two snakes is an ominous sign! Later, the Qi ruler began to rely on treacherous individuals and fought against the Zhou army in Jinzhou. He handed over the army to the treacherous minister Gao Anagong, who ended up surrendering to the enemy, a mistake caused by the emperor's carelessness. Eventually, the Qi monarch was captured by the Zhou army.
Prince Gaoyan of Langye demolished the White Horse Pagoda in the Beigong, which was constructed by Duke Cheng during the Stone Zhao period. During the demolition, a giant white snake several zhang long appeared, coiled and moved around before disappearing. At that time, Gaoyan was tyrannical and oppressive, and this was a sign of his moral decay! Not being alert to such omens led to disaster in the end.
In the fifth year of Jiande in the Later Zhou Dynasty, a black dragon fell and died in Bozhou. The dragon symbolizes the monarch, and black is the symbolic color of the Zhou Dynasty. The dragon's death upon falling is an extremely ominous omen. At that time, the crown prince of the Zhou Dynasty was unfit, which greatly troubled the emperor. Honest ministers such as Wang Gui and Yuwen Xiaobo repeatedly requested the removal of the crown prince, but the emperor ignored their counsel. Two years later, the emperor died, the crown prince took the throne and ruthlessly executed the Prince of Qi and Xiaobo, resulting in the nation's eventual downfall.
In the fourth year of Renshou, a dragon appeared in the well of the Governor's Office in Daizhou. This dragon occasionally transformed into iron-clad cavalry, and at other times, bent a bow and shot arrows towards the sky. The transformation into iron-clad cavalry symbolized an impending disaster involving horses, while bending a bow and shooting arrows indicated the chaos caused by evil spirits, resulting in war among the feudal lords and eventual imprisonment. At that time, Prince Gao Liang of Han was secretly plotting a rebellion, hence the appearance of this omen predicting military upheaval. Gao Liang failed to heed this warning, ultimately rebelled, was stripped of his title, and died after several years of imprisonment.
Hou Jing, that guy Hou Jing in Jiangnan who declared himself king, every time he went to battle, if the white horse he rode on held its head high and neighed proudly, prancing, then they would surely win; but if it appeared dejected with its head hanging low, then they would definitely lose. Once in Xizhou during a battle, his white horse just lay on the ground and wouldn't get up, no matter how much Hou Jing pleaded and struck it. It was later revealed that this was a sign the horse was about to have an accident! *Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan* says: "Horses represent the army; when unusual signs appear in horses, it foretells impending war." It was because of this that Hou Jing suffered a major defeat.
In the fifth year of the Taijian era of the Chen Dynasty, the horses in Hengzhou unexpectedly grew horns! According to *Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan*: "When horses grow horns, it is a sign of war, indicating failure and destruction." At that time, Emperor Chen Xuan sent Wu Mingche to lead troops to fight against the Zhou Dynasty army in Luliang. After years of prolonged fighting, the entire army was wiped out, and Wu Mingche was captured by the Zhou Dynasty army.
During the Tianbao era of the Northern Qi Dynasty, there was a horse in Guangzong County with a horn growing between its ears, resembling a sheep's tail. According to Jing Fang's *Yi Zhuan*: "When the emperor personally leads the army into battle, horses will grow horns." Four years later, the Khitan invaded the border, and Emperor Wenxuan personally led a large army into battle.
In the fourth year of the Sui Dynasty, a large number of horses died in the stables of Taiyuan. The emperor was furious and sent people to investigate. The stablemaster reported, "Every night the horses in the stables inexplicably scare themselves, which is why they died." The emperor then had a wizard look into it, and the wizard, aware of the emperor's intention to attack Liaodong, responded in line with the emperor's wishes, "The late emperor sent Yang Su and Shi Wansui to lead troops to Liaodong; these are ghostly soldiers going into battle!" The emperor was delighted to hear this and freed the stablemaster. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "By going against the will of heaven, the horses died in large numbers." During that period, the emperor traveled extensively each year, running to the Great Wall in the north and to Qiemo in the west, resulting in widespread suffering among the populace. It seemed as though heaven was warning: all the horses in the stables have died, yet you continue to run around! The emperor ignored the warning, which ultimately led to chaos throughout the realm.
In the eleventh year of Daye, in the three counties of Henan and Fufeng, horses with horns several inches long began to appear. This mirrored the occurrences during the Tianbao era. At that time, the emperor personally led troops to attack Goguryeo for several years.
In the first year of Yining, in the Longma stables at Jiangdu Palace, many horses died inexplicably within ten days, hundreds of them. This echoed the circumstances of the fourth year of Daye.
