During the Kaihuang period, palace maids were harassed every night in the Yeting Palace. The steward of the palace reported this matter to the emperor. The emperor said, "The palace gates are heavily guarded; how could anyone get in? It must be a demon at work!" He then advised the palace maids, "If you encounter it, just cut it!" Later, something that resembled a person climbed into bed at night, and the palace maid drew her knife to strike it, seemingly hitting a withered bone. The thing fell off the bed and ran away; the palace maid chased after it, and it ran into a pond and drowned. The next day, the emperor ordered the pond to be drained, and a turtle about a foot long was pulled out, with knife marks on its shell. The emperor ordered the turtle to be killed, and after that, the disturbances never happened again. This turtle lived in the water and was very spiritual, symbolizing schemes and tricks, said to be a sign of the Jin Prince flattering the emperor in the palace, seeking the emperor to give him a child.
In the second year of the Zhenming reign of the Chen Dynasty, in April, countless rats surged from the shore of Caizhou into the Huai River outside Shitou City, running all the way to both banks of the Qingtang. A few days later, the rats all died and were washed away by the current into the river near Qingxiang. The "Yifei Hou" by Jing Fang states: "Rats gathering in groups for no reason, without digging holes or building nests, is a sign that the ruler is about to die." Not long after, the Chen Dynasty fell.
In the sixth year of the Tianjia reign of the Chen Dynasty, in the autumn of July, the Yixian Hall inexplicably collapsed near the Jinque wood. At that time, the emperor was undertaking massive construction, building the Xiande Palace and four other palaces, claiming them to be extraordinarily magnificent, causing the common people to lose their livelihoods, and as a result, the wood lost its normal properties. The Yixian Hall represented the respect for talented individuals and the care for the elderly and children; its sudden collapse seemed to serve as a warning from heaven to the emperor: you only care about luxury and pleasure, and do not utilize talented individuals; what good are those empty titles? The emperor did not understand this meaning, and he died the following year.
In the sixth month of the first year of Zhenming, there seemed to be sounds of saws and axes in the water palace, and that palace inexplicably collapsed. In July, the Zhuque vessel also sank for no apparent reason. At that time, the later emperor extravagantly built gardens while neglecting ancestral temple sacrifices. The water palace was a place for the emperor's leisure and entertainment, and the Zhuque vessel was a crucial national route; their inexplicable destruction seemed like a warning from heaven: the palace has collapsed, the road has been severed. The later emperor did not understand this principle and was eventually overthrown by the Sui Dynasty, leaving the palaces and temples in ruins.
The Emperor Xiaozhao of the Later Qi wanted to kill Yang Yin, a notable figure. While riding in a carriage to the provincial capital, the carriage's canopy pole inexplicably broke as they entered the eastern gate. The emperor was very displeased with this incident and died more than a year later.
In the third year of Heqing, the beams of the official building in Changguang County suddenly began to peel away, taking on a shape resembling a person. The governor found it very unpleasant and had the peeling wood removed, but the very next day, it happened again. Changguang was originally the emperor's fief, and such changes in the beams were an ominous sign. That year, the emperor died.
In the autumn of the seventh year of Wuping, Empress Mu was to go to Jinyang and first went to bid farewell to Empress Dowager Hu in the Northern Palace. However, when she arrived at the palace gate, her seven-treasure carriage inexplicably sank into the ground, with all four legs of the ox sinking in. That year, the Northern Qi was destroyed, and the empress was captured and taken to Chang'an. This truly confirms the old saying that misfortune and fortune have no door; only people bring them upon themselves!
Next, let’s talk about the Later Zhou. In the sixth year of Jiande, the Qingcheng Gate inexplicably collapsed on its own. The color green represents the east and symbolizes the Eastern Palace, where the crown prince resides. At that time, the crown prince had no dignity or decorum, and the collapse of the Qingcheng Gate was a sign of his inability to shoulder the responsibility! Unfortunately, the emperor did not understand this. The following year, the crown prince ascended to the throne and indeed became a foolish ruler, signaling the decline of the Zhou Dynasty from that moment forward.
During the Daye era, Prince Qi Yang Jian built a palace in the eastern capital. Just after the bedroom was completed, the beams broke inexplicably. At that time, the emperor had yet to appoint a crown prince, and everyone believed Yang Jian was the most qualified to inherit the throne. The court officials were all eager for him, so he grew arrogant and domineering, even consulting fortune tellers and dabbling in sorcery. The sudden break of the bedroom beams, with the wood losing its normal properties, was a sign of treachery. Heaven was warning him through this omen, but he failed to heed the warning and was eventually punished by the emperor.
In the "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan," it states: "If no one listens to what is said, it indicates poor governance. The fault lies in usurpation, and the punishment will be prolonged drought, ultimately leading to calamity. Sometimes there are demonic poems, sometimes there are insect plagues, sometimes there are disasters caused by dogs. Therefore, there will be disputes and signs of good and bad fortune that are difficult to discern. Only wood can overcome metal."
Prince of Wuling Xiao Ji usurped the throne and proclaimed himself emperor with the reign title Tianzheng. Marquis of Yongfeng Xiao Hui said, "Your Highness, this won't work! Previously, Huan Xuan's reign title was Daheng, and the wise believed that 'it will be over in the second month,' and indeed, Huan Xuan's downfall came in early spring. Today is Tianzheng, and the interpretation of 'zheng' means 'to stop,' can it last long?" Sure enough, a year later he failed.
During the reign of Emperor Wenxuan of the Later Qi dynasty, Crown Prince Gao Yin was to hold a coronation ceremony, and the emperor ordered Xing Zicai to inscribe the characters on the crown for him. Xing Zicai inscribed the characters '正道' (zheng dao, meaning 'righteous path'). The emperor said, "'Zheng' means to stop. My son is doomed!" Xing Zicai requested a modification, but the emperor disagreed, saying, "This is the will of heaven!" He then turned to King Changshan Gao Yan and said, "If the time comes, it will be up to you, but make sure not to kill him!" After the emperor died, the crown prince took the throne, and King Changshan indeed deposed him and took the throne, while Gao Yin was soon killed.
During the time of Emperor Wu Cheng, the chancellor, Shi Kai, told the emperor: "From ancient times to the present, emperors ultimately turn to dust. Yao, Shun, Jie of the Xia Dynasty, and Zhou, in the end, aren't they all the same? You should take advantage of your youth and strength to enjoy pleasure to the fullest; one day of pleasure is worth a thousand years. Don't waste your efforts trying to restrain yourself." The emperor was very pleased to hear this and became even more indulgent in pleasure. Shi Kai led the emperor down a dangerous path, and he himself abused power and caused chaos in governance, eventually being killed by the Deputy Censor-in-Chief.
During the years of Wu Ping, the army of Chen attacked Pengcheng, and the emperor, referred to as the Later Emperor, was terrified. The courtier Han Changluan advised him: "Even if you lose Henan, you can still be a king of the state of Kucha! Losing Huainan now, what is there to worry about? Life lasts only a few decades, just seek enjoyment and don't fret unnecessarily!" The emperor was very pleased to hear this, and thus became even more immersed in wine and women, completely ignoring state affairs. Before long, he was overthrown by the Zhou Dynasty.
In the seventh year of Wu Ping, the Later Emperor was defeated by the Zhou army and fled to Ye City, proclaiming himself the Retired Emperor, passing the throne to Crown Prince Heng, and renaming the era to Longhua. At that time, someone broke down the term "Longhua" and combined it to say "to surrender," and as a result, he really died after surrendering to the Zhou Dynasty.
Emperor Wu of Zhou renamed the era to Xuan Zheng. The emperor of the Liang Dynasty, Xiao Kui, broke down the characters of "Xuan Zheng" and combined them to say "Yuwen Wang Ri." That June, Emperor Wu of Zhou died.
When Emperor Xuan was still the crown prince, he did not abide by the rules, and Emperor Wu often beat him. When Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, he ran his fingers over his scars and swore: "You brat have such a long life!" He also renamed the era to Da Xiang, and Xiao Kui again broke down the characters of "Da Xiang" and combined them to say "Tian Zi Zhong." The following year, Emperor Xuan died.
In the early years of Kaihuang, King Xiao Cong of Liang renamed the era to Guangyun. The people of Jiangling said to each other: "The character 'yun' means 'to flee'! Is our ruler going to be driven away by the army?" Later, when Xiao Cong went to the capital to pay his respects, he was detained and never returned. His uncle, Xiao Yan, incited the people to revolt, leading to the downfall of the Liang state.
Emperor Wen named the princes Yong, Ying, Jun, and Xiu. In the early years of the Kaihuang era, someone wrote a memorial saying, "'Yong' is a term for an individual soldier; 'Ying' is the best among a thousand, and 'Jun' is the best among ten thousand. These are all praises from the common folk, not auspicious names for emperors!" The emperor did not listen. At that time, many people with the surname Yang were related to the surname Ying. Someone advised, "If Yang Ying rebels, it will become a disaster for the Ying clan!" The emperor was very unhappy to hear this and quickly changed the name of the prince. Later, the three princes Yong, Jun, and Xiu were all deposed, Yang Guang became emperor, eventually lost the throne, and the disaster of the Yang clan came to pass.
Yang Guang became emperor and changed the era name to Daye. Those in the know felt uneasy and said, "'Daye' can be interpreted as 'great suffering'!" Not long after, the world fell into chaos, suffering from wars all over.
Yang Guang often lightly remarked to his secretary Yu Shinan, "I don't like others advising me. If someone of high status advises me, it's just to seek fame, and that annoys me even more. As for those of low status, although I might be a bit more lenient, I still won’t really take their opinions seriously. Do you understand what I mean?" People back then talked about how wise ancient kings ruled the world, having sharp insight and being open to different opinions. They even set up boards for people to voice their criticisms, to make sure they heard various opinions, fearing that honest advice wouldn’t reach their ears. Only then could blessings spread throughout the world and benefit future generations. However, Yang Guang had a disdain for those who spoke their minds, suppressed ministers who advised him; could he really last? In the end, he ultimately faced execution.
In the first year of Liang Chao Tian's reign, there was a severe drought, and a dou of rice cost five thousand coins, resulting in widespread starvation. The "Hong Fan Wu Xing Zhuan" explains: "If a ruler excessively squanders yang energy, raises troops, overworks the people, engages in massive construction, and disregards the lives of the common folk, which led to widespread discontent among the people, and if the ruler cannot restrain himself, then the yang energy will become overly abundant and unbalanced, while the yin energy will weaken and sink. An excess of yang energy will lead to drought." When Yang Guang raised troops in Xiangyang, defeated Zhang Chong, vanquished Chen Bozhi, and pacified Jiankang, he fought many battles, causing great suffering among the people. After becoming emperor, he continued to wage war against Northern Wei, which contributed to the drought.
In the twelfth year of the Taijian era of the Chen dynasty, there was no rain from spring until April. Prior to this, the Northern Zhou army plundered the Huai North region, and the armies of King Shuling of Shixing and others were defeated, leading to the Huai North area falling into Northern Zhou's hands, which contributed to the drought.
In the fourth year of the Tianping era of Eastern Wei, there was a severe drought in areas such as Bingzhou, Sizhou, Fenzhou, Jianzhou, Jinzhou, Jiangzhou, Qinzhou, and Shanzhou, leaving many people homeless. That year, the Northern Qi's Emperor Shenwu fought a great battle against Western Wei at Shayuan, suffered defeat, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands.
In the second year of the Wuding era of Eastern Wei, there was a drought in the winter and spring seasons. Prior to this, the Western Wei army invaded Luoyang, and Emperor Shenwu personally led the army to battle against Western Wei at Mangshan, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands.
In the ninth year of the Tianbao era of Northern Qi, there was a drought in the summer. Previously, there was a large-scale mobilization of labor to build over four hundred miles of the Great Wall, which caused hardship and financial strain, leading to the drought.
In the first year of the Qianming era of Northern Zhou, there was a drought in spring. Previously, hundreds of thousands were mobilized to construct the Jin Feng, Sheng Ying, and Chong Guang platforms, living extravagantly while ignoring the plight of the common people, which caused the drought due to excessive yang energy.
In April 566, five states in western Shanxi and Hebei faced a severe drought. That year, the government conscripted laborers to build the Zhi Pass. The Turkic army of two hundred thousand destroyed the Great Wall and invaded Hengzhou, bringing calamity upon calamity.
In the spring of 570, there was another drought. This time, the court conducted a large-scale conscription of laborers to construct the Daming Palace, resulting in great suffering for the people.
Since the year 584 AD, the capital city has frequently experienced droughts. Later, the court moved to Dragon Head Mountain, built palaces, and the people were exhausted. All of this was a natural disaster and human calamity, truly fulfilling the consequences of excessive yang.
In the year 604 AD, the Yan region, Dai region, and various border counties all suffered from drought. The court conscripted over one million laborers to build the Great Wall, and the emperor personally inspected the border areas. The people were displaced and starving, with corpses strewn everywhere.
In the year 608 AD, there was a nationwide drought, and the people fled in droves. However, the court conscripted the entire national military, and the emperor personally led an expedition against Goguryeo. As a result, the army suffered from extreme cold and hunger, with nearly ninety percent of the troops suffering casualties. In the year 613 AD, there was another major drought nationwide, and people from various counties and towns were conscripted to build fortifications. Men, women, the elderly, and children were all conscripted into service, with no one spared.
On June 8, 506 AD, Emperor Wu of Liang was lecturing at the Chongyang Hall when Monk Zhigong suddenly started singing and dancing, then burst into tears, and recited a five-character poem: "Joyful for over thirty years, sorrowful for fifty leagues! But at the age of eighty-three, disasters arise in the land. Sycophants deceive, traitors destroy the righteous. If you do not believe my words, the dragon will rise. Even in the midst of horses, there is more sorrow than joy." From the Tianjian period to the Taiqing period of the Liang Dynasty, the Jiangbei region had enjoyed peace for over thirty years. In the second year of Taiqing, Taicheng was captured. Emperor Wu of Liang reigned for forty-eight years, which echoed the prophecy of "fifty miles" from the poem. On August 13, 548 AD, Hou Jing surrendered after coming from Xuanhu. Xuanhu was located north of Danyang and belonged to the "land of the dragon." Emperor Wu of Liang believed Zhu Yi's words and accepted Hou Jing, whose rebellion began in the year of Wuchen and ended in the year of Wuni, leading to Emperor Wu of Liang's death from despair.
On April 8, 550 AD, Zhigong recited a poem at a large gathering: "The tailless dog begins to go mad, wanting to die yet unable to, harming others while self-destructing in an instant. The disaster lies in Ruyin, three Xiangs dead, the bodies lie exposed." Hou Jing's nickname was Dog, originally surrendered from Xuanhu, which is the ancient Runan. South of Baling, there is a place called Sanxiang, which is where Hou Jing was defeated. During the Tianjian period of the Southern Dynasties, Tao Hongjing, a Taoist priest from Maoshan, wrote a five-character poem: "Yifu is wanton, Pingshu talks in vain, unexpectedly in the palace of Zhao Yang, suddenly becomes the palace of the Chanyu." The poem refers to Yifu and Pingshu, who were esteemed officials of the time. In the Datong era, there was a folk rhyme circulating among the people: "A white horse with green silk comes to Shouyang." Later, Hou Jing broke through Danyang, indeed riding a white horse with reins made of green silk. This folk rhyme turned out to be true! In the early days of the Chen Dynasty, another folk rhyme appeared: "Yellow class green horse, departing from Shouyang. Coming at the end of winter, leaving at the beginning of spring." This time it refers to Han Qinh; "Yellow class" is his real name "Qinh" as an alias. He rides a green horse, departing from Shouyang, arriving towards the end of winter, leaving at the beginning of spring. Later, Han Qinh defeated the Emperor of the Chen Dynasty. When he attacked Jiankang, he was still riding a green horse, completely in line with the folk rhyme. During the Chen Dynasty, the song "Peach Leaf," composed by Wang Xianzhi, was quite popular in the Jiangnan region: "Peach leaves and peach leaves, crossing the river without using oars. Just cross with ease; I’ll be here to greet you." Later, the Jin Dynasty attacked the Chen Dynasty and camped under Peach Leaf Mountain. After Han Qinh crossed the river, the general Ren Mannu welcomed the northern army in Xinlin, which echoed the sentiment of the song "crossing the river without using oars; I will welcome you myself."
Emperor Chen built the Qiyun Temple, and the people sang a folk song: "Qiyun Temple, invaders without end." This song means that after the completion of the Qiyun Temple, enemies would invade. Before it was completed, the Chen Dynasty was overthrown by the Sui Dynasty army, and Chen Houzhu was captured.
During the Zhenming period, Chen Houzhu composed a new song, with lyrics that were very sorrowful, which even the palace beauties learned to sing. The lyrics were: "The flowers in the garden of the jade tree, the flowers do not last long." At that time, people believed this was an ominous omen, and sure enough, the Chen Dynasty soon perished.
When Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi just moved the capital to Ye City, there was a nursery rhyme circulating among the people: "Poor little green sparrow, flying into Ye City. The nest is still unbuilt, raising its head and losing its homeland. Sending letters to the wife and mother figure, looking forward to the new bride." This nursery rhyme refers to Emperor Xiaojing of Wei, who was the son of the King of Qinghe, and later married the daughter of Emperor Shenwu. The palace in Ye City was not yet completed, and Emperor Xiaojing abdicated to Emperor Shenwu, just like "the nest is still unbuilt." Xiaojing Emperor died soon after, and the daughter of Emperor Shenwu, Princess Taiyuan, later married Yang Yin. At that time, Empress Dowager Lou was still alive, so the nursery rhyme mentioned "sending letters to the wife and mother figure," and the "new bride" referred to the deposed empress.
During the Wuding period of Northern Qi, a nursery rhyme circulated among the people: "A hundred feet high pole breaking, the lamp burning under the water extinguishes." This "high" refers to the powerful of the Qi clan, and "Cheng" refers to Emperor Wenxiang, Gao Cheng. This nursery rhyme predicted the decline of the Gao clan. Five years later, Emperor Shenwu died, fulfilling the line about "breaking"; seven years later, Emperor Wenxiang Gao Cheng was assassinated by a killer, fulfilling the line about "extinguishing." This nursery rhyme proved to be remarkably accurate!
Then, during the Tianbao era, there was a man named Lu Fahe who wrote these words on someone’s wall: “A ten-year emperor is still tolerable; a hundred-day emperor is as risky as fire; a yearly emperor will be replaced.” The meaning of this is that when an emperor has ruled for ten years, it is still bearable; after a hundred days, it becomes risky; and after a year, there is no need to say more, as a change is imminent. Consequently, Emperor Wenxuan died after ten years of reign, the Disgraced Emperor was overthrown after just over a hundred days, and Emperor Xiaozhao also died after one year. This rhyme is just eerie!
In the first year of Wuping, another nursery rhyme emerged: “The fox cuts its tail; you want to remove me, I will remove you.” In April of that year, Wang Huchangren of Longdong wanted to send assassins to kill He Shikai, but the plot was uncovered, and instead, he was falsely accused by He Shikai and ended up dead. This nursery rhyme was also very accurate!
The following year, another nursery rhyme appeared: “He Shikai, on July 30, will be sent to the southern platform.” After the children sang this nursery rhyme, they clapped their hands and shouted, “Kill him!” In the end, on July 25, the Inspector General from Langya, Wang Yan, captured He Shikai and sent him to the southern platform for execution. In the same year, there was another nursery rhyme: “In July, cutting the grain is harmful; in September, eating cake is just right. In October, washing the rice jar; in November, Zhao Laozhang will be sent out.” In July, He Shikai was killed; in September, Wang Yan died; in November, Zhao Yanshen was sent to be the prefect of Xiyanzhou. This nursery rhyme also came true!
As the Wuping era was coming to an end, another nursery rhyme appeared: “The yellow flower is about to fall; the clear cup is only filled to drink.” At that time, Empress Dowager Mu and her son held power and intervened in state affairs, causing the common people to suffer immensely. Empress Dowager Mu’s nickname was Huanghua (yellow flower), and later, when the Northern Qi was destroyed, the saying “the yellow flower is about to fall” also came true.
In Ye City, there was also a nursery rhyme circulating: “A broom made of gold, a handle made of jade; clean the hall and welcome the western family.” Soon after, the Zhou army stormed into Ye City.
When the Zhou Dynasty was just established, a children's rhyme emerged: "The golden rooster crows atop the poplar tree, only the uncle has no nephew." The last emperor of Northern Qi, Gao Wei, was a nephew of the Sui Dynasty's royal family; he died shortly after abdicating, while his uncles remained powerful. Emperor Xuan of Zhou used to hold hands with the palace maids to dance and sing at midnight, singing: "I know my life is short, wandering through the candlelit night." As a result, this emperor died after three years in power. In the tenth year of the Kaihuang era, the emperor inspected Bingzhou and hosted a banquet for King Xiao of Qin and his son Zixiang. The emperor composed a four-line poem on the spot: "How rare are the beautiful faces, how fleeting is youthful beauty. One day the flowers fall, and the white hair is hard to hide. In the coming year, who will have whom?" This poem was quite touching, and the next year Zixiang died, followed by King Xiao of Qin eighteen years later. This poem truly proved prophetic. In the eleventh year of the Daye era, Emperor Yang of Sui traveled from the capital to the Eastern Capital, arrived at Chang Le Palace, got drunk, and wrote a five-character poem. The last line read: "With a heart longing to return, but no longer helped by the wind." He had the beauties repeatedly recite this line, crying with tears streaming down, while those around him sighed in sympathy. Later, he went to Jiangdu and wrote another five-character poem: "Seeking to return but unable to leave, I've truly met my fate. The birds urge me to drink, the plum blossoms laugh at the people." This poem was quite melancholic, and by March he was killed, which indeed echoed the phrase "met my fate." That year, banditry surged, and transportation was cut off; he got scared and stopped thinking about going back. He even dreamed of two young guys singing: "Staying is death, leaving is death. Better to take a boat across the river." Thus, he built Danyang Palace, planning to live there. But before the palace was finished, he was killed.
In the Daye era, a folk rhyme circulated: "Peach and plum, the swan circles around Yang Mountain, twisting through the flower grove. Don't speak carelessly; who says 'Xu'?" Later, Li Mi was arrested for his involvement in Yang Xuangan's rebellion but managed to escape. He secretly gathered bandits, emerged from Yangcheng Mountain, stormed the Luokou granary, and then stationed in the garden. "Don't speak carelessly; it is also Mi," this folk rhyme refers to Li Mi! Yu Wenhua proclaimed himself Xu Guo but was ultimately defeated. "Who says Xu, is merely an expression of surprise and doubt," the "who says Xu" in this rhyme probably expresses a sense of astonishment and skepticism.
In the first year of the Daxing era, Prince of Shaoling, Xiao Luan, was in his bedroom in South Xuzhou during the day when two raccoon cats fought on the windowsill and fell down, which he caught. By the time of the Taiqing years, during the chaos of Hou Jing, he took troops to rescue Taicheng. Upon reaching Zhongshan, a bear that had just awakened from hibernation suddenly appeared and bit his horse. This was simply a disaster star in the flesh, the scourge of caterpillars! Later, Xiao Luan was defeated by Wang Sengbian, fled to Nanyang, and was killed by the Western Wei.
In the Daxing era, every night foxes cried beneath the palace, and it lasted for several years before stopping. Jing Fang’s "Yifei Hou" states: "Wild beasts cry in groups, the city is empty." Soon after, the country fell into chaos, and the death toll in Danyang City was staggering.
In the following year of the Chen Dynasty's reign, suddenly a fox ran under the emperor's bed, but it couldn't be caught. Jing Fang's "Yifei Hou" says: "When a fox runs into the ruler's room, this country will not last long." Shortly after, the Chen Dynasty fell.
In the third year of the Wu Ding era of the Eastern Wei dynasty, September, a leopard broke into the southern gate of Ye city and was killed by the locals. In August of the fifth year, the leopard appeared at the Copper Jue Terrace. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" states, "When wild animals run into the city, even onto the main road of the court, or to the gates of the government offices, it is a sign of impending disaster, a premonition that the ruler is doomed!" That year, Eastern Wei suffered a disastrous defeat in the Battle of Yubi, and Emperor Gao Huan also died of illness.
In the second year of the Wuping era of the Later Qi dynasty, a rabbit ran out of the temple. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" states, "When a rabbit runs into the royal court, the ruler is doomed." The temple is where the ancestors' spirits reside. Five years later, the Zhou army attacked Ye city, and the last ruler was forced to flee.
As the Wuping era came to an end, wolves appeared everywhere in areas such as Bingzhou and Sizhou, and they even started attacking people. The "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" states, "Wolves are greedy and violent beasts, mostly white, symbolizing war. Wolves are also like dogs, indicating that there will be trouble." Jing Fang's "Yi Zhuan" also states, "The sovereign is about to implement tyrannical policies, disasters will affect the people, and only by hiding in the deep mountains can one save their lives. Wolves attacking people are a sign of this kind of disaster." At that time, the emperor favored villains, became greedy and cruel, and harmed the people, fulfilling the prophecy of people being attacked by wolves. Shortly afterwards, Later Qi was destroyed by the Zhou army, confirming the omen of wolves symbolizing war.
During the Wuping era, outside the gate of Shuozhou Prefecture, child footprints appeared for no apparent reason, and soil was piled up to resemble a city wall. At that time, people found it very strange, and upon careful investigation, they discovered that it was the work of a fox spirit, and this supernatural presence gradually spread to Bingzhou and Ye city. This was reminiscent of the leopard entering the city in the third year of the Wuding era. That year, Prince Nan'an Si Hao rebelled and marched straight to Bingzhou, but was ultimately defeated by the imperial forces. Zheng Zirao, Yang Fahao, and others also rebelled in the Shandong region.
In the fourth year of the Tianbao era of the Later Qi, the bizarre phenomenon of dogs mating with women appeared in Ye City and Dunqiu. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Mating between different species, which should not occur, is a sign of great chaos in the world. The mating of dogs and humans foretells dog calamities." This 'dog calamity' signifies an overabundance of yang energy and a disconnect from the people's sentiments. At that time, the emperor was indifferent to state affairs, and his grace did not benefit the common people.
During the reign of the Later Emperor, he even conferred titles on dogs, appointing them to positions equivalent to the Three Excellencies, while female dogs were made ladies and county lords. They were provided with soldiers for protection, fed fine rice and grains, and slept on soft beds with fine quilts. Heaven was preparing to punish him by bestowing titles upon dogs, which was a dire omen of impending dog calamities! It seemed Heaven was saying that the noblemen were just like dogs! The Later Emperor did not understand this principle, which ultimately led to the fall of the state.
In the third year of the Baoding era of the Later Zhou, a litter of puppies was born, and one of the dogs had its waist split into two, with two tails and six legs. Dogs are inherently fierce animals, armed like warriors. At that time, Yu Wenhu and others such as Hou Fu and Hou Long'en harbored treacherous intentions and plotted rebellion. The division of that dog's body was an ominous sign!
In the first year of the Daye era, the residents near Yanmen Pass noticed that many dogs had fled their homes, flocking to the wilderness, taking on a wolf-like appearance, and even biting and eating people, causing unrest for several years. The "Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Dogs are meant to guard homes, but now they have left their masters; this is a sign of disloyalty among ministers. The dogs appearing wolf-like, with white fur, is a portent of impending war." Later, the emperor engaged in reckless military campaigns, continuously burdening the common people. It seemed Heaven was warning him: do not further exhaust the people and deplete resources, for those responsible for defending the state would rebel! The emperor ignored the warnings and stubbornly initiated the construction of the Great Wall, followed by campaigns against the Western Regions and Liaodong. The populace was rife with grievances, and ultimately, a military coup erupted in Jiangdu, with even the emperor's own guards taking part.
In the second year of Liang Datong, white fur appeared on the ground, measuring two feet long; this is probably an auspicious sign. Sun Sheng believed this strange phenomenon was a result of the common people’s excessive labor. Previously, there had been a large-scale mobilization of the populace to build the Fushan Weir, which drained immense resources. Just as it neared completion, it collapsed repeatedly, leaving the people in great suffering and filled with complaints.
In the first year of Qi Heqing, in September, many hairs appeared on the ground at the foot of the Great Wall in Cangzhou, some white and some black, measuring four to five inches long; this too might be an auspicious sign. At that time, construction of the Great Wall was ongoing in the north, and three platforms were being built domestically, causing the people to suffer and toil.
In the sixth year of Kaihuang, in July, a light rain fell in the capital, resembling strands of hair, with some over three feet long and others six to seven inches. Jingfang's "Yifei Hou" states: "When hair falls from the sky, the country is bound to face a great famine." At that time, the Guanzhong region was experiencing severe drought, and rice prices soared.
In the early years of the Later Qi Tian Tong, a jade disc flew out from the sacrificial altar on Mount Dai, which was yet another auspicious sign. Mount Dai is a site where emperors would change dynasties, and the jade disc was used in sacrificial rites; its flying out signified an impending change of dynasty. Later, the Qi state was destroyed, and the land was incorporated into the Zhou dynasty. Emperor Gaozu accepted the abdication of the Zhou, unifying the world, fulfilling the omen of burning incense and offering sacrifices on Mount Tai.
In the third year of Wuping, on the blue stone wall beneath Baishui Rock, a line of words appeared: "Qi is falling." Someone changed the character for "falling" to "rising," and the ruler at the time considered this a good omen, prompting all the officials and military to come and congratulate him. As a result, the Later Zhou army invaded the Qi state, and the ruler at the time indeed fled from Ye City.
In the seventeenth year of Kaihuang, stones rained down from the sky, hitting the regions of Wuan and Fuyang, several pieces! The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" stated: "When stones fall from the sky, it indicates danger for those in power!" Seven years later, the emperor died.
At the end of the Kaihuang period, Emperor Gaozu buried two small stones in the palace to mark the position of his bed. Soon after, the stones transformed into jade! Liu Xiang once said, "Jade, that is the most precious thing! When common objects turn into something valuable, it signifies a change in the heavens!" As the Daye era came to a close, uprisings erupted everywhere, and many dared to proclaim themselves as emperors or kings.
In the thirteenth year of the Daye era, a stone was found in Xiping County inscribed with: "The Son of Heaven can rule for a thousand years!" The officials were overjoyed and congratulated each other. However, wise men warned, "A thousand years and ten thousand years are matters for after death! To claim one can rule for a thousand years now, disaster will soon follow!" The emperor was assassinated the following year.
In the twelfth year of the Datong era of the Liang Dynasty, the stone qilin at the entrance of the Qu'a tomb moved! The movement of these wooden and stone elements signifies a portent of relocation! It seemed heaven was warning that this imperial tomb would soon be without an owner, and the stone qilin would be taken away! Later, the Liang Dynasty indeed fell.
In the fourth year of the Heqing era of the Later Qi, the stones in the palace began moving on their own and crashing into each other! Sui Meng stated that stones are associated with yin and represent ministers; their movement in the palace is a sign that those close to the emperor are plotting rebellion! Later, the Zhou army launched an eastward campaign, and favored ministers like Wei Xiangyuan, Qi Fugui and his brothers, along with Han Jianye, all defected to the Zhou Dynasty.
In the twelfth year of the Da Tong era of the Liang Dynasty, in the first month, two stone statues of Beixie were sent to be placed in a tomb. The left one with two horns made it to the tomb without any issues. The one on the right with a single horn was about to leave, but it suddenly jumped three times on the carriage! The carriage shaft was broken! After switching to another carriage and continuing on, before they had traveled two miles from the tomb, it jumped three times again! Each time it jumped, the people in the carriage were so frightened they leapt three to four feet into the air, with the wheels sinking three inches into the ground! Wood is subdued by metal! Liu Xiang once said, "When the people's hearts are lost, no one pays heed to orders or believes in words; this is a sign of chaotic metal energy!" In his later years, Emperor Wu of Liang neglected state affairs, spending his days reciting scriptures and chatting about metaphysics with his ministers. The court was in chaos, with no one listening to orders or believing in words, all caused by him! And what was the result? The Hou Jing rebellion erupted!
In the first year of the Jiande era of the Zhou Dynasty, a stone statue was discovered in Puyang County. The county officials wanted to take it to the government office to scrape off some gold. However, this stone statue jumped off the carriage by itself, and did it twice! Eventually, they tied it to the side of the carriage with a thick rope, but the rope snapped! At that time, the emperor had just defeated the Qi state and was going to attack Huainan, constantly waging wars, leaving the people exhausted. This was a sign that the people's hearts were lost!
