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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Sui （隋書）

Published: 10 January 2025

Created: 10 January 2025

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During the time of Emperor Gaozu of Han, there was a place in Shangdang where every night in the backyard of a house, there were cries for help, but no one could be seen. About a mile away from the house, there was a ginseng plant with lush leaves. They dug it out and found that the root was more than five feet long and resembled a human shape, and the cries for help disappeared. It turned out to be the work of a grass demon! It was a failure to see the truth clearly! At that time, the Prince of Jin secretly plotted to seize the throne, flattered the powerful, wanted to gain fame in this way, and then falsely accused the crown prince. Emperor Gaozu actually believed him. This ginseng incident shouldn’t be dwelled upon too much, as there was something sinister at play! Shangdang refers to the group of people around the Prince of Jin. Those powerful officials backed the Prince of Jin's false accusations against the crown prince. Emperor Gaozu did not see through the deception and listened to those malicious words, abolished the innocent, and promoted the guilty, which led to chaos.

In the first year of the Daitong era during the Liang Dynasty, Prince Shaoling, Xiao Lun, was working in South Xuzhou. Suddenly, hundreds of wild birds resembling eagles flew onto the roof beams, and they couldn’t be hit by arrows. After a while, the birds flew away and disappeared. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" says: "When wild birds fly into the ruler's house, the place will be empty, and the ruler will flee to another place." Later, Xiao Lun was attacked by the Prince of Xiangdong, and ultimately fled, only to be killed by Western Wei.

During the Liang Dynasty, when Hou Jing was about to be enfeoffed, the sacrificial items were set up in the courtyard. At this time, magpie-like wild birds with red beaks landed on the memorials, and an owl hooted in the hall. This was an omen similar to what occurred in the first year of Daitong. Hou Jing did indeed fail later, fleeing to the sea where he was killed by Yang Kan.

During the time of the last ruler of the Chen Dynasty, there were many birds on Jiang Mountain, flapping their wings and crying out, "Oh no, the emperor!" In Jingfang's "Yifei Hou," it says: "When birds call at the gate, as if speaking like humans, this place is destined for destruction." Jiang Mountain is a famous site of the Wu Kingdom. The birds calling above foreshadowed the impending downfall of the Wu Kingdom. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, Jiankang became a ruin. Furthermore, before the Chen Dynasty perished, a one-legged bird landed in the palace courtyard, using its beak to draw characters on the ground, writing: "A one-legged bird stands on a high platform, the lush grass turns to ashes." The one-legged bird refers to Chen Shubao being alone without assistance. The grass turning to ashes signifies the Chen Dynasty's regime, which, though pure, was consumed by the flames of the Sui Dynasty. When Chen Shubao arrived in Chang'an, he resided on the Dushuitai, which means high platform.

After Emperor Xiao of the Later Qi ascended the throne, a wild fowl landed on the imperial throne. This omen was similar to the similar event from the first year of the Zhongdatong era. Additionally, a bird with red plumage, resembling a duck but with nine heads, stopped in the back garden. That very year, the emperor passed away.

In the third year of the Tiantong era, in September, many birds flew to Xiandu Garden, a truly breathtaking sight! Jingfang's "Yifei Hou" states: "When unusual birds arrive and perch in the city, war is on the horizon." Indeed, the Zhou army attacked Ye City.

After Empress Hu of Wucheng gave birth to the last ruler, an owl flew into the back tent and hooted ominously. Owls are not good birds and signify ominous events. Later, when the last ruler took the throne, the various scandals surrounding Empress Hu came to light, and she was ultimately imprisoned in the Northern Palace.

In the seventh year of Wuping, a stork built a nest at the Taiji Palace and also at the Jiayang Palace in Bingzhou. A pheasant ran up to the throne of Jinyang Palace and was caught. Jing Fang's "Yifeihou" says: "If birds build nests in front of monarchs or on palace roofs for no reason, the country will decline." That year, the country indeed perished. In the second year of Zhou Daxiang, a vulture stopped at the Taiji Palace in Luoyang. That year, the emperor died, and the imperial harem was left vacant. In the early years of Kaihuang, Prince Liang Xiao Cong had just raised his army, and a kite stopped in the corner of his tent. Not long after, Xiao Cong was summoned to Chang'an, where he was left, and the Liang Kingdom came to an end. In the late years of Daye, many wild geese were flying back and forth in the palaces of the capital city, too many to count. Shortly thereafter, Chang'an was breached. In the eleventh month of the thirteenth year, crows and magpies nested in the emperor's tent and could not be chased away. Not long after, the emperor was killed. In the twelfth year of Kaihuang, in June, Fanchang's Yang Yue saw two things in the clouds, resembling small goats, yellow, about the size of a newborn puppy, fighting and then falling down. Yang Yue caught one, but it was gone in a few days. This was a disaster related to sheep! The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "If the monarch is ignorant, it is a violation of the fire virtue and political order." The one resembling a puppy was a lamb. The clouds obscured, symbolizing betrayal. Sheep represents the surname of the country, while lamb signifies a young sheep. Crown Prince Yonggang was just made crown prince, and the Prince of Jin secretly slandered him, which led to his downfall. Two lambs fighting, one falling down, this is the fulfillment. In the second year of Gongdi Yining, Sima Wu, the magistrate of Linyou County, presented a tailless lamb. At that time, it was said that this was a sign of the end of the Yang family's lineage. That year, Yang Guang died in Jiangdu, leading to Gongdi's abdication.

In the seventh month of the fifteenth year of Liang Tianjian, someone was killed in Jingzhou, but the body remained limp; the head fell to the ground, the mouth was still moving, the eyes were still open, and blood shot up like a bamboo arrow, more than ten feet high, before it began to fall down like rain. That year, Jingzhou experienced a devastating drought. This was a dire omen, caused by the grievances of the dead.

In the third month of the fourteenth year of Chen Taijian, the emperor saw something in the emperor's tent that looked like a wheel and was bright red. Not long after, the emperor fell ill, shouted out in confusion a few times, and then died.

In the twelfth month of the third year of Zhide, a bright red object fell in front of the Taiji Hall, and as soon as it landed, all the bells began to toll. There was also an offering of white wine that inexplicably transformed into blood. Blood dripped from the steps leading to the emperor's sleeping quarters. Not long after, the country was destroyed.

In the second year of Heqing during the Later Qi, there was blood rain in Taiyuan. Liu Xiang said, "Blood is the essence of yin energy, a sign of disaster, like something resembling a zombie." The following year, the Zhou army and the Turks invaded Bingzhou, and a great battle took place in the west of the city, with corpses piled up for more than a hundred miles. Jing Fang's "Yifei Hou" states, "Heaven sends down blood rain staining the garments red, the country perishes, and the monarch is killed." This was yet another omen of the Later Lord's downfall.

In the third month of the fourth year, something fell in the hall, shaped like a large vessel, with numerous star-like lights trailing behind it, resembling tiny bells. In April, Empress Dowager Lou died.

During the Wuping years, bloodstains began to appear on the ground, extending from the residence of Wang Huli Mingyue in Xianyang all the way to the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The general, a vital pillar of the nation, was killed by the Later Lord because he believed slanderous lies. It seemed that Heaven was warning that if Mingyue were killed, the ancestral temple would surely follow. The Later Lord failed to grasp this warning, leading to the nation's eventual downfall.

"The Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "Hearing without comprehension is akin to ignoring advice. The sin is serious; the punishment will be cold, leading ultimately to poverty. At this time, there will be the appearance of drum monsters, fish calamities, pig disasters, and black misfortunes, with only fire disasters and water disasters."

In the second month of the fourth year of the Eastern Wei Wuding, the weather was particularly cold. People and livestock froze to death, littering the roads. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" says: "The punishment is too severe; it is cold when it should be warm." At that time, Shenwu of the Hou Qi dynasty was the prime minister. Before this, Erzhu Wenchang and others conspired to kill Shenwu. After the plot was exposed, they were executed, and many others associated with them were also wrongfully executed.

In the first year of Heqing, it was an unusually cold year. Jing Fang's "Yi Zhuan" says: "When virtuous people encounter danger, this is considered a violation of the mandate of heaven, so abnormal cold will occur." Some say: "Killing innocent people will lead to this unusually cold weather." At that time, the emperor was infatuated with Empress Li Wenxuan, but she felt ashamed and regretful after giving birth to a child and did not raise him. The emperor was furious, killed his son Taiyuan Wang Shaode in front of the empress, who cried bitterly. The emperor stripped the empress and, in a fit of rage, killed her, throwing her into the water, and it took a lon

The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Thunder is attached to the clouds, just like a ruler relies on the people. If the ruler does not care about the common people, there will be resentment and rebellion among them." That year, Li Kai, the governor of Jiaozhou, raised an army and rebelled.

In the nineteenth year of the Liang Dynasty's Tianjian, in September, a sound like thunder faintly came from the northwest, and a red mist fell straight to the ground. That year, the governors of Dongguan and Langya were killed, and Qushan was used to entice the Wei army into an attack.

In the sixth year of the Zhongda Tong period of the Liang Dynasty, in December, thunder was heard from the southwest. That year, Lan Qin, the governor of Beiliangzhou, raised an army and rebelled.

In the second year of the Taijian period of the Chen Dynasty, in December, thunder was heard from the northwest. That year, Hua Jiao, the governor of Xiangzhou, raised an army and rebelled.

In the fourth year of the Tianbao period of the Qi Dynasty, in April, thunder was heard from the southwest. At that time, the emperor did not care about the people and escalated military activities.

In the sixth year of the Jiande period of the Later Zhou Dynasty, in January, thunder was heard from Lianyun Mountain in Kuozhou. Soon after, the Tuyuhun invaded the borders.

On the first day of the fourteenth year of the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty, thunder was heard from Lianyun Mountain in Kuozhou. At that time, five Qiang tribes rebelled together, disturbing the border towns. Twenty years later, thunder was heard in the clear sky. Jing Fang said in "Yifei Hou": "The country is about to change dynasties, the common people are restless, and the unscrupulous gain power. The country will face great troubles and there will be wars." A few years later, the emperor died, and Han Wang Liang raised an army and rebelled, fleeing with hundreds of thousands of families.

During the Daye period of the Sui Dynasty, the stone drum in Fuyang resounded continuously for several years. After that, the world fell into chaos, and wars broke out everywhere.

In the tenth year of the Datong period of the Liang Dynasty, in March, the emperor went to Zhu Fang to travel. When he arrived at the Four Trenches and Xuanwu Lake, the fish in the lake all surfaced, as if watching the emperor's carriage. The emperor returned to the palace and died. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "Fish are yin animals, representing the common people. Fish have scales, symbolizing the army." The common people were on the verge of rising up and surrounding the palace, and the fish surfacing was seen as an omen. Later, the Hou Jing Rebellion indeed occurred.

In the seventh year of the reign of the final ruler of the Qi dynasty, while cormorants rested in Xiangzhou, all the fish flew away, and the water dried up. The book clearly states, "This is the result of urgency; the fish are a metaphor for the common people." When the water dries up and the fish fly away, it is like the country perishing and the people being displaced. Sure enough, the country fell the following year.

In June of the first year of the Da Xiang era of the Later Zhou, in the place of Yangwu, there were even carp flying in the sky and fighting! This is like ministers rebelling, with the common folk joining in and causing a commotion. The emperor died the following year, and the country's governance fell into disarray. Wei Jiong rebelled in Xiangzhou, and it was only after Gaozu sent troops that he was defeated.

In the seventeenth year of the Kaihuang era, four li southwest of Daxing City, there was a village called Yuan where Buddhist ceremonies were held. An old man with white hair, dressed in white clothes and white pants, came and ate something before leaving. Since no one had seen him before, they chased after him for two li, but he disappeared. However, they discovered a pond with an exceptionally large white fish, over a zhang long, followed by countless small fish. Everyone competed to shoot it, with some bows breaking and their strings snapping, but they finally hit it. When they opened the fish's belly, they found it filled with rice! They soon realized that the giant fish was the old man transformed. A few days later, the canal suddenly overflowed, and those who had shot the fish ended up drowning.

In the twelfth year of Daye, the people of Huaiyang County were herded into the city, and the walls of Luolang Guo were broken. When they dug under the parapet, they found a hole; inside it was a carp measuring over seven feet long! Back in the fourth year of the Jia Ping era of the Wei Dynasty, there was also an incident of fish flying onto the roof of Wuku House. Wang Su said, "Fish belong in the water, but they have run to the roof. This indicates that a creature from the water has lost its rightful place, foreshadowing a potential rebellion." Later, the Battle of Dong Que indeed occurred. At that time, bandits from Changbai Mountain looted Henan, and a month later they reached the city. The county's soldiers went to fight back but were instead defeated, resulting in over ten thousand casualties, including men, women, and children.

During the Great Tong period of the Liang Dynasty, there was an especially devastating locust plague; even the leaves of the pine and cypress trees by the fence were completely devoured. It is said in books that this is an insect plague, similar to the fish disaster, both being bad omens. The Yi Fei Hou also states that if officials do not do their job properly and only seek enjoyment, heaven will unleash insect plagues. Insects may harm humans, but they consume everything. The ministers at that time all thought leisure was best, neglecting their duties and disregarding the needs of the common people, which is why there was a locust plague.

In the eighth year of Tianbao of Northern Qi, locust plagues broke out in six prefectures of Hebei and twelve prefectures of Henan, and the common people offered sacrifices to the locusts to pray for peace. The emperor asked Cui Shuzan, the governor of Wei County, "What is the cause of this locust plague?" Cui Shuzan replied, "The Records of the Five Elements states: 'If civil engineering does not keep pace with the seasons, it will lead to locust disasters.' Now you are building the Great Wall outside and constructing three platforms inside, which has brought about this disaster." Upon hearing this, the emperor became furious and slapped Cui Shuzan. He then pulled his hair and smeared feces from the toilet on his head. The forced labor projects continued without pause. By the ninth year, Shandong suffered another locust plague; in the tenth year, Youzhou also suffered a major locust disaster. The Commentary on the Five Elements of Hongfan says: "Harsh punishments, insatiable greed, mobilizing the masses, and constructing cities and palaces while losing the hearts of the people will lead to pestilence." This was precisely the retribution for the emperor's tyrannical rule and continuous forced labor during that period.

In the second year of the Jiande era of the Later Zhou, a severe locust plague occurred in the Guanzhong region. In the sixteenth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, there was a locust plague in Bingzhou. At that time, King Xiao of Qin, Yang Jun, extorted the people and engaged in large-scale construction of his residence. Ultimately, he was punished by the emperor and met his demise.

In the later years of the Kaihuang era, three monks in Weinan practiced the Touduo method in the fields. One night, they saw a large pig approach them, followed by over ten piglets. The large pig said to the monks, "A Lian, I want to attain the way of the wise and virtuous, but I still owe a life." After saying this, it left. This "way of the wise and virtuous" refers to the path of the emperor; "a life" refers to Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty. This foreshadowed that although Crown Prince Yang Yong should have inherited the throne, he was ultimately imprisoned and deposed.

During the later period of the Kaihuang era, a man in Weinan was staying overnight at someone else's house and heard two pigs talking in the middle of the night. One pig said, "The New Year is approaching, and tomorrow the owner will sacrifice me for a ritual. Where should I hide?" The other pig replied, "You can go to your sister's house to the north of the river." So they left together. As the dawn broke, the owner couldn't find the pigs and suspected that the guest had stolen them, so he questioned him. The guest recounted what he had overheard, and the owner found the pigs as he had described. Later, Yang Xiu, the King of Shu, fell out of favor with the Emperor, who wanted to kill him. Princess Le Ping pleaded for him multiple times and managed to save him. Several years later, the Emperor passed away, fulfilling the prophecy of the end of the year.

In the third year of the Chengsheng era of the Liang Dynasty, in June, a black mist resembling a dragon appeared in the palace, signifying an ominous portent. Black was a color revered in the Zhou Dynasty, and its appearance in the palace of the Liang Dynasty foretold an invasion by the Zhou Dynasty army. That year, the Liang Dynasty was indeed destroyed by the Zhou Dynasty, and the Emperor was also assassinated.

In the fifth year of the Taijian era of the Chen Dynasty, in June, a black cloud appeared in the northwest, connecting to the ground and then dispersing into more than ten pig-sized clusters. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" predicted, "An army will rise from the northwest." At that time, the forces of General Wang Gui from the Later Zhou were stationed at Mount Lu. The following year, Wang Gui captured Wu Mingche, but his army was ultimately defeated.

In April of the year 574 AD, the Yellow River and the Ji River were so clear that the bottom was visible. Xiang Kai said, "The Yellow River represents the vassal lords. Now that the Yellow River is clear, which was an unusual occurrence, it indicates that the feudal lords will replace the emperor and become the new rulers." More than a decade later, the Sui Dynasty successfully unified the realm.

In the year 607 AD, the river waters in Wuyang County were so clear that the bottom was visible for miles around, reflecting the surroundings like a mirror. By the year 614 AD, the Longmen area also experienced clear river water. Two years later, the Tang Dynasty was established, marking a new era.

In July of the year 589 AD, the Yangtze River turned red like blood, flowing from Jiankang (now Nanjing) all the way west to Jingzhou. During the Zhenming reign of the Sui Dynasty, the Yangtze River turned red once more, this time flowing from Fangzhou (present-day Chaohu, Anhui) eastward to the sea. "The Book of Hongfan Wuxing" says: "Fire harms water, this is because the rulers have strict laws and cruel punishments, harming the essence of water. The changes of the five elements, the interplay of yin and yang, if the qi is chaotic, it is a sign that the country is about to perish." Jing Fang's "Yi Zhan" also says: "When water turns into blood, war will erupt." At that time, Chen Houzhu had just ascended to the throne and was enforcing a brutal and tyrannical regime, fulfilling these omens. Later, the Chen Dynasty was indeed destroyed by the Sui Dynasty.

In April of the year 616 AD, the water in Nanpu, Yingzhou, turned black like ink. Black water had appeared in the Guanzhong region before, and now black water also appeared in the Huainan region, signifying that Jingzhou and Yangzhou were about to be conquered by the Guanzhong (Chang'an) army.

In June of the year 579 AD, the water in Xianyang Pool turned blood red. Similar to the situation in 589 AD when the Yangtze River turned red during the Chen Dynasty, these were all ominous signs. At that time, the rulers imposed harsh punishments, and shortly after, the country perished.

"The Book of Hongfan Wuxing" says: "If the rulers have confused thoughts and cannot accept different opinions, this is a manifestation of not being sage and wise. Their sins will be like fog, punishment will be like a violent wind, ultimately bringing disasters and death. Evil spirits will be at work, flowers and plants will wither, cattle diseases, internal diseases, yellow calamities and auspicious signs, wood, metal, water, fire will all bring disasters to the earth."

On August 8th, 511 AD, a strong wind blew, breaking many trees. Jing Fang's "Yi Feihou" says: "When Jiaoxiu appears, a strong wind blows, the world will descend into chaos, and within three months, war will erupt." That year, the Northern Wei forces invaded Zhongli.

In November of the year 552 AD, on the Guiwei day, the emperor inspected the army in the southern capital. Suddenly, a fierce north wind blew up, and the sky darkened. "The Book of Changes" said: "This is a sign of the ruler's incompetence." At that time, the emperor had just pacified the Hou Jing rebellion, and the ministers in the court advised him to return to Jiankang. However, he did not listen, and was suspicious and confused in his actions, so heaven used a strong wind to warn him. That year, the Liang Dynasty was destroyed by the Western Wei.

In July of the year 566 AD, on the Guiwei day, a strong wind blew from the southwest, blowing down the Lingtai Tower. "The Book of Changes" interpreted this as a sign of ministerial overreach. At that time, the crown prince was still young, and Prince Xu of Ancheng held power, but the emperor did not stop him in time. The next year, the emperor passed away, and the crown prince was deposed by Prince Xu of Ancheng.

In June of the year 586 AD (the twelfth year of the reign of Chen Taijian), on the Renxu day, a strong wind blew and damaged Gaomen's main gate. In the same year, in September, a strong wind blew at night, overturning houses and uprooting trees. All of this was caused by the arrogance and abuse of power of Chen Shuling at that time.

During the reign of Chen Zhide, a strong wind blew down the Zhuque Gate.

In June of the year 589 AD (the third year of Chen Zhenming), on the Dingsi day, a strong wind blew from the northwest, causing huge waves crashing into Shitoucheng and the Huai River. At that time, Chen Houzhu appointed Sima Shen as the prime minister, who executed loyal officials who dared to voice their concerns. Shen Keqing, Shi Wenqing, and others were arrogant and lawless. Jiang Zong, Kong Fan, and others indulged in pleasure-seeking, blocked the path of the virtuous, leading to chaos throughout the realm, all instigated by them.

In the second year of the He Qiheqing era, a fierce wind blew for thirty days before stopping. At that time, the emperor had just entrusted power to corrupt ministers, and his tyranny was growing. In May 570 AD (the third year of the Tianzong reign of Northern Zhou), a fierce wind blew, plunging the day into darkness, overturning houses, and uprooting trees. Strange celestial phenomena reemerged, yet the emperor remained oblivious, and he died the following year. Subsequently, all memorials had to be submitted to Heshikai for approval before reaching the emperor. Prince Rui and Prince Run were falsely accused by Heshikai, leading to Prince Rui's eventual execution. Heshikai wielded significant power over life and death, but was ultimately killed by Prince Yan of Langya.

In March 577 AD (the seventh year of the Jiande reign of Northern Zhou), a strong wind swept in from the northwest, overturning houses and uprooting trees for five days. This was also a consequence of the tyranny of Gao Anagui, Luoti Po, and their associates.

In November of the year 580 (the twentieth year of the Sui Dynasty), a great wind swept through the capital, overturning houses and uprooting trees, with over a thousand people in Qinzhou and Longzhou crushed to death. The earth shook violently, and the sound of drums reverberated. The bell of Jingcha Temple rang three times, the door of the Buddha hall swung open on its own, and the bronze statue walked out of the door on its own. The bells and drums sounded of their own accord, which was all the work of evil spirits. Yang Xiong once said, "When a ruler is foolish and incompetent, misled by treachery, and gains a title without merit, signs of evil will appear." At that time, Empress Dugu intervened in state affairs, and the left chancellor Yang Su wielded great power. The emperor believed the slanders of these two and dismissed Chancellor Gao Jiang, deposed Crown Prince Yang Yong, reducing him to commoner status, and established Prince Jin as the new crown prince. This was a clear sign of the emperor's foolishness and the dominance of malevolent forces. The lock and the bronze statue were both made of gold; when gold moves and wood shakes, it is a sign that a flood is overcoming gold. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "This is all due to the loss of the people's hearts." Gao Jiang and Yang Yong were innocent but were dismissed, which was indeed a sign of losing the people's hearts!

In the second year of Renshou, a Hu man from Xihe was riding a mule on the road when suddenly a whirlwind swept him up, along with the mule cart, flying over a thousand feet before crashing down heavily, resulting in a terrible wreck. Jing Fang in the "Yizhuan" said: "When everyone goes against the same heart and shared virtue, the highest virtue will be hidden, which is an abnormal phenomenon." Two years later, Han Wang Liang secretly plotted a rebellion in Bingzhou, and wasn't the sight of the mule cart soaring into the sky only to crash back down a foreshadowing of his rebellion? It seemed the heavens were warning him: don't go messing around with your troops, or you'll just end up failing! Unfortunately, Han Wang Liang did not understand this lesson. After Emperor Gaozu died, Han Wang Liang gathered an army to revolt, and the counties responded one after another, with forces totaling hundreds of thousands. As a result, he was defeated in less than a month.

In the second year of the Liang Dynasty's Chengsheng era, on the Dingmao day of the tenth month, a strong wind arose. The day was as dark as night, with the world shrouded in darkness, a bad omen! Jing Fang wrote in "Yi Feihou": "When the sun is obscured and the world is dark, people will fall seriously ill, or thieves will abound." Three years later, the Liang Dynasty was destroyed by Western Wei.

In the third year of the Chen Dynasty's Zhenming era, on the first day of the first month, the sky was covered with dark clouds, mist filled the air, and a bitter smell lingered in the air. These signs indicated the ruler's incompetence, a clear omen! The "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "When the emperor loses the right path and the ministers become powerful, obscuring the emperor's vision, a scene of dark clouds will appear." At that time, the northern army was already approaching the Yangtze River, with Liu Zhuang and Ren Mannu seeking peace, but the ruler believed the treacherous adviser Kong Fan, which ultimately led to the country's downfall.

In the fourth year of the Eastern Wei's Wuding era, during the winter, a thick fog lingered for six days and nights. The "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "The day was as dark as night, indicating the encroachment of Yin energy upon Yang energy, a sign of ministers encroaching on the ruler!" The next year, Yuan Jin and Liu Siyi plotted to assassinate the Grand General, fulfilling the omen.

In the second year of the Zhou Dynasty's Daixiang era, Wei Jiong was defeated in Xiangzhou, where he executed tens of thousands of his followers in Youyu Garden. From that point on, ghostly cries were often heard at night in that area. Fan Hong wrote in "Wuxing Zhuan": "The sound of crying heralds death, a bad sign. When ghosts cry at night, there will be a large-scale death." Jing Fang also mentioned in "Yi Feihou": "When ghosts cry at night, the country is about to perish." The following year, all the nobles and ministers of the Zhou Dynasty were killed, leading to the downfall of the dynasty.

During the Renshou era, ghostly cries were frequently heard at Renshou Palace and at the foot of the Great Wall. Shortly afterwards, the Queen and Emperor both perished at Renshou Palace.

In the year 612 AD, Yang Xuangan led a rebellion in the Eastern Capital. The Minister of State Fan Zigai executed tens of thousands of his accomplices by burying them alive outside Changxia Gate. By the end of the year, the area was often filled with ghostly wails and moans, reminiscent of earlier ominous signs. Later, Wang Shichong killed King Dong of Yue in Luoyang.

In the year 550 AD, the locust trees bloomed but bore no fruit. The locust tree symbolizes the positions of the Three Dukes; its flowering without fruit signifies a decline. The following year, He Shikai, who was responsible for handling the affairs of the Ministry of State, was executed, and Wang Hu Changren of Longdong and Duke Wang Yan of Langya were also killed, while the Left Chancellor Duan Shao died as well.

During the reign of the last ruler of the Chen dynasty, there were two beauties, Concubine Zhang and Noble Consort Kong, both extremely beautiful and considered to be enchanting women. The ruler was captivated by them and lavished his favor upon them; they were always at his side, indulging in poetry and wine. Once they entered the inner palace, they remained inside for days on end, living in unrestrained debauchery and luxury. The national treasury was drained as they plundered the wealth of the people, leading to widespread grievances among the populace and disheartening the soldiers. When the enemies attacked, no one was willing to fight to the death, all due to the women's influence! As the Chen dynasty fell, the ruler and his two concubines jumped into a well to take their own lives. The Sui army captured Concubine Zhang and executed her as a way to appease the people of Jiangdong. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" notes: "'Hua' signifies glory and beauty. Because of beauty, the state descended into chaos; thus, it is referred to as 'Hua Nü.'"

During the Qi Dynasty, the last ruler of the Qi Dynasty had a favored concubine named Feng Xiaolian, who was both intelligent and beautiful and could play the pipa, especially excelling in singing and dancing. The ruler was captivated by her and granted her the title of Shufei. He also selected over a thousand beautiful women to serve as her maids, with each maid's adornments costing thousands of gold. While the emperor was out hunting, the Zhou army launched a large-scale attack, and the border officials sent urgent pleas for help, with messengers arriving one after another. The emperor wanted to withdraw his troops, but Xiaolian opposed this and urged the emperor to continue the attack. The emperor listened to her. As a result of this delay, Jinzhou was captured. Later, during the battle against the Zhou army outside Jinzhou, Feng Xiaolian repeatedly missed opportunities for victory, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Qi state. The people of the Qi state still blame her to this day.

When Emperor Wu of Liang was offering sacrifices to the City God, he prepared to kill a cow for the ritual, when suddenly a red snake appeared, coiling around the cow's mouth, foretelling disaster. Such occurrences were explained in ancient texts as the work of dragons and snakes, considered an ominous sign. In the third year of Duke Xuan of Lu, the sacrificial cow's mouth was injured, and at that time, people believed it was a sign from heaven that the sacrifice was not accepted, indicating that Duke Xuan was forsaken. The "Five Elements Chronicle" states: "When a ruler goes against the way of heaven, it leads to the mischief of dragons and snakes." Although General Ji claimed he was going to provide aid, he was actually arrogant and complacent. This prideful attitude resulted in heaven rejecting the sacrifice, fulfilling the prophecy that a ruler who defies heaven's way will fail. As a result, he was indeed defeated by Emperor Yuan.

Years later, in the second year of Qi Wu Ping, Bingzhou presented a five-legged cow, which was another ominous sign. The "Hongfan Five Elements Chronicle" states: "The abnormality of the cow symbolizes disaster for the palace." Subsequently, Emperor Wu of Qi embarked on extensive construction, creating ponds and hills in Xiandu Garden, constructing palaces and towers, indulging in extravagant luxury. Just as the project was completed, the state fell.

Later, in the sixth year of the reign of Zhou Jiande, a three-headed monster appeared in Yangwu, resembling a water buffalo, with one head yellow, one head red, and one head black. The three-headed monster fought each other, with the black head and the yellow head engaged in a prolonged battle. The yellow head attacked the black head from the side, resulting in the black head's death, and then the yellow head also ran to the river. This was a disaster closely resembling the omen of a cow. Black was the color favored by the Zhou Dynasty, and the death of the black monster symbolized the downfall of the Zhou Dynasty. Several years later, the Zhou Dynasty did fall, and the Sui Dynasty rose to power, marked by red flags and yellow military uniforms.

In the early days of the Sui Dynasty, a cow appeared at Mount Heng, each of its four legs sporting an extra hoof on the knee. Afterwards, the Sui Dynasty built the Eastern Capital, constructed the Great Wall, and dug canals.

In the third year of the Zhenming reign of the Chen Dynasty, the Sui army approached the river. However, the last ruler of the Chen Dynasty remained unfazed and said, "The army of Qi has come three times, and the Zhou army has come twice, but they have not been able to defeat us. What can they do now?" The Minister of Works, Kong Fan, said, "The Yangtze River is a natural barrier that has historically separated the north and south. How could the northern army possibly cross the Yangtze River? I have always worried that my position is too low, but if they do manage to cross, I could become the Grand Commandant!" The last ruler of the Chen Dynasty was very happy to hear this and celebrated with music, wine, and poetry. This numbness and indifference in his heart ultimately led to their downfall. In critical moments of life and death, both rulers and subjects should toil day and night, yet the last ruler of the Chen Dynasty displayed no fear. Kong Fan followed him in indulging in pleasure, and as a consequence, Heaven withdrew its favor from the Chen Dynasty, which led to its eventual downfall. The Chen Dynasty ultimately fell, and Kong Fan was exiled to a distant land.

During the time of Emperor Wenxuan of Qi, he was hosting a banquet at Dongshan when he suddenly threw his cup down in a fit of rage, issuing an edict for a western expedition and boasting about the strength of his army and horses. However, not long after, he cried to his ministers, saying, "This black clothing was not my choice!" Ultimately, the western expedition did not take place. Observant scholars noted that the emperor's spirit was in disarray and realized that his reign would not last long. Indeed, later the emperor developed heart troubles, became addicted to wine and pleasures, and became erratic and irritable, dying within a few years.

When Emperor Wucheng's mother passed away, he was still wearing a red robe. Soon after, he ascended the platform, hosted a banquet, and was in high spirits. At that moment, a servant brought him a white robe, which he angrily threw down the steps. Not long after, he too died.

In January of the first year of Datong in the Liang Dynasty, the world saw a rain of soil. The following year, there was a rain of ash that was yellowish. This yellow was somewhat resembling auspicious colors. Jingfang wrote in "Yifei Hou": "Hearing good omens without taking action indicates awareness without response. The appearance of yellow phenomena foretells disaster for the emperor, resulting in no descendants. This is caused by the obstruction of the virtuous and rejection of righteous paths." At that time, Emperor Wu of Liang considered himself exceptionally intelligent, could not stand anyone being better than him, and was particularly devoted to Buddhism, even viewing himself as a slave. This was precisely the obstruction of virtuous individuals and the punishment from heaven!

In January of the first year of Dabaos, there was a yellow sand rain. The following year, Emperor Jianwen dreamed of swallowing a lump of soil. Shortly after, he had Hou Jing remove him from power, and he was crushed to death by a soil bag. His sons were also killed, fulfilling the prophecy of "no descendants."

During the reign of Chen Houzhu, he was troubled by a dream of people in yellow clothing surrounding the city. Chen Houzhu disliked this dream and ordered the city's orange trees cut down. After Yang Jian, the founder of the Sui Dynasty, became emperor, people across the nation wore yellow clothing. Shortly after, the Sui army attacked and besieged the Chen Dynasty, fulfilling that dream.

In the second year of the Daxiang era of the Later Zhou, in the first month, there was a yellow earth rain that lasted for a while before stopping. This was similar to this event in the first year of the Datong era of the Liang Dynasty. At that time, the emperor was so incompetent and tyrannical that he died within a year, followed by Emperor Jing who abdicated the throne. This was yet another fulfillment of the prophecy of "no heir to the throne"!

In the second year of the Kaihuang era, there was a soil rain in the capital city. At that time, Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty learned from the lesson of the weak vassal states of the Zhou Dynasty that led to the downfall of the country, so he enfeoffed his sons to various regions and established administrative offices to allow them to control power in their respective regions. The soil rain in the world was a sign of "losing land," foreshadowing impending chaos. Indeed, eventually, his sons rebelled one after another. Jing Fang wrote in "Yi Fei Hou": "When the soil rain falls, the people toil hard but gain nothing." At that time, Emperor Wen of Sui was busy building the capital city and later the Renshou Palace, carrying out extensive construction projects, moving mountains and filling valleys, resulting in the deaths of countless craftsmen.

In the first year of the Taiqing era of the Liang Dynasty, there was a family in Danyang with the surname Mo. His wife gave birth to a male infant with eyes on top of his head, and his eyes were as large as a two-year-old's. As soon as the child was born, he spoke: "I am the drought demon; I can't stay here." His mother said, "You have to let me live first." The drought demon said, "There are officials above watching; how can I act recklessly? Hurry up and make a crimson hat, then everything will be fine." His mother did not have time to make a hat, so she tied a red cloth strip to his hair. From that point on, the drought persisted for two years, particularly severe in Yangzhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and Yuzhou. Many people near the Mo family used red items to ward off the epidemic, which proved effective, but it was not effective when others tried to imitate it.

In the second year of the Daobao era, there was a man named Yu Cang in Jingkou. His five-year-old son climbed up the tower at the southwest corner of the city and played the drum, performing "Changjiang Lei." The drum symbolized the military. At that time, Hou Jing was causing turmoil in Jiangnan.

In the third year of Chen Yongding, a giant appeared, standing three zhang tall. Someone saw him on Mount Luofu, entirely white and dressed in luxurious clothing. Jing Fang predicted, "The appearance of a giant signifies the fall of a nation." Two years later, the emperor passed away.

When Chen Houzhu was still the crown prince, a woman burst into the Eastern Palace shouting, "The ruler of the Bi state!" Eventually, Chen Houzhu took the throne, leading to the downfall of the Chen dynasty, fulfilling the woman's words.

In the third year of Zhide, in August, a maidservant of a family in Jiankang died, and after being buried for nine days, she miraculously returned to life. A nearby cowherd heard the commotion and dug her out.

In the second year of Zhenming, a ship was launched, and suddenly someone heard a voice saying, "Next year there will be chaos." When people looked, they found a dead infant in the ship, two feet long, without a head. The next year, the Chen dynasty fell.

During the Qi Tianbao period, a woman in Linzhang gave birth to a child with two heads sharing one body. After that, the court was dominated by treacherous officials, with no distinction between ranks, which was a grim fulfillment of the omen associated with the two-headed child.

During this time of Chen Houzhu, a person dressed in mulberry clothes appeared, appearing quite mad. He would salute crows and beat monks. Crows were symbolic of the Zhou dynasty. Not long after, the Qi dynasty was destroyed by the Zhou dynasty, and Buddhism was also suppressed.

In the third year of the Later Zhou Baoding, a person gave birth to a boy whose genitals were on his back like a tail, and whose toes resembled claws. Genitals should not be on the back, but there they were; this indicated a disturbing reversal of yin and yang, and the inversion of the ruler and the subjects. Toes should not grow claws, but they did; this was a portent of impending brutality. During this time, Duke Yuwen Hu of Jin was in power, waging wars everywhere and secretly plotting to usurp the throne. Heaven's warning seemed to say: the natural order of rulers and subjects had been turned upside down, and brutal chaos was about to occur. The emperor recognized these omens and subsequently executed Duke Jin, took direct control of state affairs, practiced frugality, and ultimately subdued the Qi state, earning the title of Gaozu. This was truly a case of turning disaster into fortune!

During the time of Emperor Wu of Han, there was a man who trained in martial arts and pretended to be crazy. He carried a gourd in his hand, ran to the gate of the Duke of Jindang's house, broke down the door, and said, "I am still alive, you’re in for it!" At that time, the Duke of Jindang held great power, but when he went to meet the Empress Dowager, the Emperor had him executed on the spot. Soldiers were then dispatched to capture his sons, but they all took poison and ended their lives. This man then went to the market to beg for food. When someone gave him rice and wheat, he used a bag with no bottom to collect it, laughing and saying, "It's not full yet!" Not long after, the Western Han Dynasty fell, and Liu Bang's descendants relocated the capital, turning Chang'an into ruins.

In the sixth year of the Kaihuang era, an old man in Huozhou unexpectedly transformed into a fierce beast. In the seventh year, a mulberry tree in Xiangzhou transformed into a snake, with a tail that was two zhang long, coiling around the tree and striking itself. In the fourth year of the Renshou era, a person several zhang tall appeared at Yingmen, with footprints measuring four chi and five cun long. That year, the Emperor died.

In the first year of the Daye era, Fang Huian, a man from Yanmen who was one hundred years old, grew a horn on his forehead that was two cun long. The "Hongfan Five Elements Biography" says, "Women belong to Yin, horns belong to soldiers, and the lower corresponds to the upper." Later, chaos engulfed the realm, and soldiers surrounded the Emperor at Yanmen.

In the fourth year, a woman in Songgu Village in Yanmen gave birth to a fleshy egg the size of a fist. She buried the egg, and a few days later, dark clouds gathered over the spot where the egg was buried. There was a loud rumbling underground, and a large hole emerged from the ground, but the egg had vanished.

In the sixth year, a maid from the Li family in Zhao County gave birth to something the size of a chicken egg.

On the first day of the first month in the sixth year of the Daye era, a thief wearing a white practice skirt and jacket, holding incense flowers, claimed to be the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. He ran to Jianguo Gate, stole the guards' weapons, and tried to incite a rebellion. Prince Qi, Yang Jian, came across him and killed him on the spot. Three years later, Yang Xuangan rebelled, besieged Luoyang with his troops, and was ultimately defeated and killed.

Eight years after, a man named Cheng Gong shouted like a lunatic in the Eastern Capital, claiming there were thieves. The emperor was very angry to hear this. The next year, Yang Xuanguan really did raise an army to rebel and besieged Luoyang.

Twelve years later, Cheng Gong shouted about thieves again. Li Mi approached the Eastern Capital, and Meng Rang set Fengdu City ablaze and made his escape.

It is said that nine years ago, the emperor resided in Gaoyang Palace. In Tang County, there was a man named Song Zixian, known for his exceptional sleight of hand. Every night, his upstairs was always lit, and he could create Buddha statues, claiming to be the reincarnation of the Maitreya Buddha. He also hung a large mirror in his room, on which were pasted images of snakes, beasts, and people. When visitors came to see him, he would rotate the mirror and let them see their form in the next life. If the mirror showed a snake, Song Zixian would say, "You have committed too many wrongdoings in your past life; hurry and recite more scriptures!" He would then have the person bow again, and the mirror would reveal a human form. Nearby people believed him to be genuine, and hundreds or even thousands came to visit him every day. Eventually, Song Zixian secretly plotted a rebellion, planning to hold a large Buddhist event and then take the opportunity to raise an army and attack the palace. However, his plot was uncovered, and General Ying Yang led his troops to capture him. That night, they su

In the eleventh month of the fifth year of Liang Chao Tian's reign, an earthquake struck the capital, suggesting problems with the five elements: wood, metal, water, fire, and earth. The Book of Changes: Commentary on the Five Elements states, "When the power of the vassals is too great, they will rebel." In Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou," it says, "An earthquake in November during winter will lead to famine in that area." At that time, Li Kai, the governor of Jiaozhou, raised an army and revolted. The following year, frost fell, leaving everyone hungry.

In the first month of the third year of Ordinary, an earthquake occurred in Jiankang. At that time, the governor of Yizhou, Wen Senglang, led the people of the state in rebellion.

In December of the sixth year, there was another earthquake. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" states, "An earthquake in winter with sound occurring in December will lead to war in that area." At that time, the emperor dispatched Prince Cong of Yuzhang to lead a military campaign to the north.

In the first month of the fifth year of Zhong Da Tong, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" states, "An earthquake in spring will not yield a good harvest that year." That year saw a devastating flood, resulting in widespread hunger among the people.

In November of the third year of Da Tong, Jiankang was shaken by an earthquake. The classic text "Yi Fei Hou" states, "An earthquake in November will bring great mourning to the city and also lead to famine." Indeed, the following year brought devastating frost, leading to widespread hunger.

In October of the third year, Jiankang shook once again. That year, a bandit uprising broke out in the Kuaiji area. In February of the seventh year, Jiankang trembled once more. That year, Li Ben from Jiaozhou rebelled and drove away the governor, Xiao Zi. In the first month of the ninth year, during a leap month, there was yet another earthquake. Li Ben proclaimed himself emperor and set up a comprehensive bureaucratic system.

In April of the third year of Tai Qing, Jiankang experienced another earthquake. At that time, Hou Jing declared himself Grand Chancellor and controlled the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel, withholding essential supplies from the emperor. That month, the emperor passed away from grief and anger. In May of the second year of Chen Yongding, Jiankang was shaken by an earthquake. During this time, Wang Lin in Yingzhou backed Xiao Zhuang's claim to the throne.

In November of the fourth year of Tai Jian, there was an earthquake. Chen Baoying led a rebellion in Minzhong. In the first month of the first year of Zhenming, there was an earthquake. This confirmed the ominous signs of Shi Wenqing and Shen Keqing's tyrannical and chaotic rule.

In November of the second year of the Wu Ding era of the Eastern Wei, the Xihe region suffered from land subsidence and fires. The "Book of Changes" states: "When the earth sinks on its own, the ruler is destined to die." Zu Chen interpreted: "Fire represents Yang energy, and the earth represents Yin energy. When the earth burns, Yin energy is destroyed, and Yang energy causes chaos, indicating that ministers are overstepping their bounds, which will ultimately lead to their own demise." At that time, Gao Huan was in power, while Hou Jing was usurping authority in Henan. Two years later, Gao Huan eventually died, and Hou Jing rebelled, ultimately meeting with failure.

In the second year of the Heqing era of the Later Qi, Bingzhou experienced an earthquake. This signaled Shi Kai's rise to power. In the second year of the Jiande era of the Later Zhou, there were continuous earthquakes in Liangzhou, as city walls collapsed and springs burst forth. The "Book of Changes" warns: "When the earth cracks open, the Qiang and Yi will rebel." At that time, the Tuyuhun frequently raided the Hexi region.

In May of the fourteenth year of the Kaihuang era, there was an earthquake in the capital. The "Book of Flying Omens" warns: "An earthquake in May means the people will flee." That year, there was a famine in the Guanzhong region, and the emperor commanded the people to head east of the Pass in search of food. In April of the second year of the Renshou era, there were earthquakes in Qizhou and Yongzhou. The "Book of Flying Omens" warns: "An earthquake in April means poor harvests and great famine among the people."

Three years later, there was a landslide in Gushan, Liangzhou. The "Five Elements of the Flood Canon" states: "A landslide signifies betrayal among the subjects and a failure to serve the ruler." Liangzhou is within the territory of Han. The next year, Han Wang Liang raised an army in rebellion.

In the seventh year of the Daye era, the Zhi Zhu Mountain collapsed, blocking the Yellow River, causing the river to backflow for dozens of miles. Liu Xiang in the "Five Elements of the Flood Canon" stated: "Mountains symbolize the ruler; water represents Yin energy and also symbolizes the people. Heaven warns that if the ruler's power is too heavy, he will collapse, and the people will be displaced." At that time, Emperor Yang of Sui was mobilizing troops to attack Liaodong, and the common people could not endure such heavy corvée labor, resulting in widespread discontent and uprisings. Emperor Yang failed to grasp this, ultimately leading to the downfall of the state.

The Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan also says: "Emperors cannot be perfect; this is what is meant by 'not establishing'. Its fault is incompetence, its punishment is years of darkness, its result is weakness. At this time, there will be the phenomenon of 'demon shooting', as well as dragons and snakes causing chaos, and disasters of horses injuring people." In the twentieth year of the Kaihuang era, there was persistent heavy rain. Liu Xiang said: "If the emperor loses the path of righteousness, and the ministers' power blinds the monarch's judgment, there will be a continuous rain phenomenon." At that time, Empress Dowager Dugu and Yang Su secretly accused Crown Prince Yang Yong and reduced his status to that of a commoner.

In the fourth year of the Wu Ding era of Eastern Wei, Gao Huan was the prime minister, leading the army to attack Western Wei at Yubi. In November of that year, Gao Huan fell ill and returned to the capital. The soldiers were filled with fear, saying: "Wei Xiaokuan used the Dinggong crossbow to shoot and kill the Prime Minister." Western Wei issued a nationwide order: "With one shot of the strong crossbow, the wicked shall perish." Gao Huan was very angry when he heard this, and his condition worsened; this is likely the so-called 'demon shooting'. The Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan says: "Shooting is a symbol of military disaster; when the energy goes against the heavens, disaster will arise." When Gao Huan was marching, General Cao Weizu advised: "Your Majesty, you are using stagnant energy to counteract vibrant energy, which is harmful to guests but beneficial to the host." Gao Huan did not listen; the army stagnated for fifty days and suffered repeated defeats. He also listened to the false advice and cut off the Fen River to the north of the city, building up earthworks. The terrain was steep, over a thousand feet high; the project was left unfinished, and seventy thousand people died. This is the consequence of defying the will of heaven! Gao Huan died that year. The next year, Wang Sizheng stirred up trouble in the Henan region.

During the Wuping years of the Northern Wei Dynasty, the emperor was returning to Ye City from Bingzhou. As he passed by Bagong Ridge, he was walking and singing at night. Suddenly, a man went mad, believing that the emperor was enchanted by a fox spirit, so he concealed himself in the bushes and loosed his arrows. He ended up injuring several people and almost shot the emperor. The emperor swiftly apprehended him and ordered his execution, yet the man remained oblivious to his actions. This notion of fox spirits misleading people is, in fact, a manifestation of malevolent forces at play! Back then, the emperor was indifferent to state matters, preoccupied only with singing, drinking, and entertaining himself with the palace maids and eunuchs. He even donned ragged clothing and amused himself by begging on the streets, all signs of evil spirits! Someone shooting arrows at him indicated that turmoil and war were imminent. Not long after, the country perished.

In the second year of the Tianjian era of the Liang Dynasty, dragons were seen fighting in the Tan River in Beiliangzhou, with water mist covering several miles. This was a clear sign of dragons wreaking havoc! The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "Dragons are difficult animals to deal with, symbolizing the heavens and monarchs. If disasters appear in the heavens and the monarch's morality is damaged, then the dragons will also be affected and cause chaos. Dragons fighting indicate that war is about to happen." Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" also says: "When people's hearts are uneasy, the phenomenon of dragons battling will manifest." Shortly after the emperor ascended the throne, the rebellions of Chen Bozhi and Liu Jilian occurred, instilling widespread panic and fear among the populace.

In the summer of the fifth year of the Ordinary Era, in June, a dragon fought at Qu'a Wangbei and then moved westward, reaching Jianling City. Wherever the dragon passed, the trees were broken, some extending for dozens of zhang. This was similar to what happened in the second year of the Tianjian era; both were ominous signs. The broken trees foretold impending war for the country, and the imperial tombs would likely be damaged. At that time, the emperor was preoccupied with hollow theoretical pursuits and paid no attention to agriculture and military affairs; the army had become lax and careless. The ruler's morality was compromised, leading to the emergence of monstrous phenomena like dragons fighting. Yet, the emperor remained completely oblivious. In the first year of the Taiqing era, dragons appeared fighting in the waters of Lizhou again, with waves surging and clouds swirling. People saw a white dragon racing south, pursued by a black dragon. That year, Hou Jing arrived with his troops to surrender, which caused panic nationwide. Before long, chaos broke out, and the emperor, overcome with worry, ultimately died from illness.

In the summer of the tenth year of Datong, there was thunder at night, and a dragon fell into a well in Yanling! The next morning, it turned out to be as big as a donkey. Someone wanted to stab it with a halberd, but suddenly discovered many large snakes appeared in the yard and house, as large as boats carrying hundreds of hu! The whole family was terrified and scattered in all directions. According to the "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan," "The dragon is yang, representing nobility. It should be in the sky or on the ground, not appearing in the towns and homes of common people. A well represents depth. The dragon appearing in a well suggests that the lords may face the calamity of being imprisoned, which reflects the emperor's poor judgment!" Later, when Hou Jing staged his rebellion, he indeed imprisoned Emperor Jianwen in the wine cellar and killed him, and royal relatives and nobles met the same fate of imprisonment and death.

In the eleventh year of the Taian reign of the Chen Dynasty, a dragon appeared in Chizi Pool, South Yanzhou, just like the omen of the dragon that appeared in the tenth year of the Datong reign of the Liang Dynasty. Soon after, Chen's last emperor ascended the throne. He was arrogant and self-indulgent, neglecting state affairs and unable to do anything right. Ultimately, the state fell, and he was imprisoned and died.

In the first year of the Wuding reign of the Eastern Wei Dynasty, a giant serpent appeared in Wulao City. At that time, the beautiful and intelligent wife of Gao Zhongmi, the governor of Northern Yuzhou, caught the attention of Crown Prince Gao Cheng. Feeling uneasy, Gao Zhongmi rebelled and colluded with the Western Wei Dynasty, which led to a fierce battle against the Eastern Wei army in Heyang. Gao Huan (Emperor Shenwu) was nearly defeated by the Western Wei army, barely escaping with the loss of thousands of lives.

In the ninth year of the Tianbao reign of the Northern Qi Dynasty, a dragon measuring seven to eight zhang long appeared in the main hall of Qizhou, similar to the omen of the dragon that appeared in the tenth year of the Datong reign. At that time, Princes Changshan and Changguang wielded significant power, but the emperor did not want to suppress them. Tragically, the following year, the emperor died, and Crown Prince Gao Yin ascended the throne. Changshan Prince Gao Yan indeed deposed Gao Yin, demoting him to King of Jining, and then imprisoned and killed him.

In the first year of the Heqing reign, a dragon was seen in the bathhouse of Jizhou, similar to the omen of the ninth year of Tianbao. Previously, Prince Pingqin Gao Guiyan had accepted the posthumous edict of Emperor Zhao to appoint Crown Prince Gao Baiyan as his successor. However, Gao Guiyan chose Prince Changguang Gao Zhan, who later became Emperor Wucheng. Gao Baiyan was deposed to King of Leling and ultimately imprisoned and killed.

In the fourth year of the Tiantong reign, someone in Guixiang cut down a dead tree and discovered a yellow dragon with broken legs, dead in a tree hole. At that time, the Qi Dynasty prided itself on its reverence for wood. The dragon symbolized the monarch, and the death of the dragon in the withered tree was an ominous omen. That year, Emperor Wucheng died.

In the third year of Wuping, a dragon appeared in a well in Handan, with colorful dragon aura soaring into the sky. A dragon also appeared in a dry well of a Buddhist temple in Jijun, just like the omen in the first year of Heqing. Later, Gao Wei, the last ruler of Northern Qi, surrendered to Northern Zhou and was eventually killed.

In the seventh year of Wuping, a red snake and a black snake fought under Zhaoyuan Tower in Bingzhou for many days, and the red snake finally died. Red is the color of Qi, and black is the color of Zhou. The death of the two fighting snakes is a sign of impending doom! Later, the emperor surrounded himself with treacherous individuals, fought against the Zhou army in Jinzhou, and even handed over the army to the treacherous Gao Anagong. As a result, Gao Anagong colluded with the enemy forces, causing a disaster due to the emperor's lack of caution. Eventually, the emperor was captured by the Zhou army.

Prince Yan of Langye demolished a white horse pagoda in the Northern Palace, built by Chengong during the Stone Zhao period. He saw a large white snake several feet long, which disappeared after turning around. At that time, Prince Yan of Langye was tyrannical and cruel; the appearance of unusual phenomena was a harbinger of his downfall. He did not heed the warnings and ultimately led to disaster.

In the fifth year of Jiande in Later Zhou, a black dragon fell dead in Bozhou. The dragon is a symbol of the king, and black is the symbolic color of the Zhou Dynasty. The dragon's fall and subsequent death is a very ominous sign! At that time, the crown prince proved to be incompetent, and the emperor was deeply concerned. Honest ministers like Wang Gui and Yuwen Xiaobo repeatedly requested the removal of the crown prince, but the emperor did not listen. Two years later, the emperor died, the crown prince ascended the throne, brutally executed the Prince of Qi, Yuwen Xiaobo, and others, ultimately leading to the destruction of the country.

In the fourth year of Renshou, a dragon appeared in the well of the Governor's Office in Daizhou. This dragon sometimes transformed into an iron horse, and sometimes into a soldier wearing armor, drawing a bow and aiming arrows, reminiscent of shooting demons. Turning into an iron horse foreshadowed an impending disaster involving horses; drawing the bow to shoot arrows foretold of wars between feudal lords, ultimately leading to imprisonment. At that time, Prince Liang of Han secretly plotted a rebellion, so this was a divine warning! Prince Liang failed to understand, eventually rebelled, and after his failure, he was demoted to commoner status, imprisoned for a few years, and died.

Hou Jing declared himself emperor in Jiangnan, and every time he engaged in battle, if his white horse neighed loudly and restlessly stamped the ground, the battle would surely be won; if the horse hung its head, the battle would surely be lost. In the Battle of Xizhou, his white horse lay on the ground and refused to get up, despite Hou Jing's desperate pleas and attempts to force it up. This was another disaster brought by the horse! "Hong Fan's Five Elements Biography" says: "The horse is a symbol of the army, and when enemies invade, strange phenomena with horses will occur." As a result, Hou Jing faced a catastrophic defeat.

In the fifth year of Taijian of Chen, horses in Hengzhou began to grow horns. "Hong Fan's Five Elements Biography" says: "Horse horns are a symbol of war and a sign of destruction!" At that time, Emperor Chen Xuan dispatched Wu Mingche to lead troops to confront the Zhou army in Lu Liang. After many years of fighting, the army endured significant losses, and Wu Mingche was eventually captured by the Zhou army.

In the Tianbao era of Northern Qi, a horse with horns appeared in Guangzong County, with a horn growing between its ears, resembling a sheep's tail. Jing Fang noted in the "Book of Changes" that "when the emperor personally goes to war, horses will grow horns." Four years later, the Khitan people invaded the border, and Emperor Wenxuan personally led the army to battle, which indeed proved to be true.

In the fourth year of Daye, many horses died in the stables in Taiyuan, nearly half of them! When the emperor heard the news, he was furious and ordered an investigation. The stablemaster said, "Every night, the horses in the stables inexplicably frightened themselves, which is why so many died." The emperor summoned a wizard to investigate. Knowing that the emperor wanted to attack Liaodong, the wizard, aligning with the emperor's desires, said, "The late emperor sent Yang Su and Shi Wansui to attack Liaodong, saying they were going to use ghost soldiers to conquer it!" When the emperor heard this, he was overjoyed; he released the stablemaster. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" writes: "Going against the will of heaven is why so many horses died." During that time, the emperor traveled extensively each year, sometimes near the Great Wall, sometimes to the west in Qiemo, exhausting the country's vast resources. It seemed heaven was warning him: stop raising so many horses and wandering around! However, the emperor failed to grasp this, which ultimately led to chaos across the realm. By the eleventh year of Daye, long-horned horses appeared in Henan and Fufeng, mirroring the situation during the Tianbao period! At that time, the emperor had personally led troops against Goryeo for several years. In the first year of Yining, in the Longma Stables of Jiangdu Palace, many horses died inexplicably—hundreds in just ten days! This situation mirrored that of the fourth year of Daye!

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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Sui （隋書）

Published: 10 January 2025

Created: 10 January 2025

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In the third month of the eighth year of the Tianbao era, the weather was unbearably hot, causing many people to die from heat. Liu Xiang wrote in "The Five Elements": "The leaders cannot see the situation clearly, only favoring the petty individuals around them. Talented individuals cannot rise, while the incompetent cannot be removed. Positions are chaotic, and nothing gets done. The problem stems from overly lenient court policies and lax management." This perfectly illustrates the consequences of the emperor's incompetence, tyranny, and rampant indulgence.

During Emperor Gaozu's reign, in a place called Shangdang, every night, cries echoed from the backyard of a house, yet no one could be found. About a mile away from the house, a ginseng plant with particularly lush foliage was found. They dug it up, and the root was over five feet long, resembling a human form, after which the cries ceased. It was suspected that the mischief of a spiritual plant was to blame, which was also a result of the leadership's failure to grasp the situation. At that time, Prince Jin secretly plotted to usurp the throne, currying favor with the powerful to gain fame, while also falsely accusing the crown prince. Emperor Gaozu was misled, believing the words of unscrupulous individuals. This ginseng incident ties into the political struggles, with someone scheming in the shadows. Shangdang refers to political factions; those powerful figures were all allies of Prince Jin, conspiring against the crown prince. Emperor Gaozu was misled, believing the words of unscrupulous individuals, deposed the innocent crown prince, and favored the unscrupulous, leading to national turmoil.

In the first year of the Datong era during the Liang Dynasty, Prince Shaoling, Xiao Lun, was working in his official residence in South Xuzhou. Suddenly, hundreds of wild birds resembling eagles flew in and perched on the beams of the house, evading capture no matter how hard they tried. After a while, the birds eventually flew away. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" says: "Wild birds flying into the official residence indicate that the place is going to be empty, and officials should flee to other places." Later, Xiao Lun was defeated by Prince Xiangdong, ultimately fled, and was killed by the Western Wei.

During the Liang Dynasty, Hou Jing was about to accept the court's appointment and had prepared sacrificial offerings in the courtyard. At this time, a bird that looked like a magpie with a red beak flew in and landed on the memorial tablet, while an owl was hooting in the hall. This was an omen similar to the one involving Prince Shaoling in the first year of Datong. Later, Hou Jing failed, escaped to the sea, and was killed by Yang Kan.

During the reign of the last emperor of the Chen Dynasty, there were many birds on Jiangshan Mountain, flapping their wings and crying out together, "It's over, Emperor!" Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" states, "When birds cry at the gate of the official residence, sounding like human speech, that place is about to perish." Jiangshan was a famous place in the state of Wu, and the birds crying there indicated that the state of Wu was about to fall. After the fall of the Chen Dynasty, Jiankang City turned into ruins. Before the fall of the Chen Dynasty, a one-legged bird landed in the palace and used its beak to draw a few words on the ground: "A one-legged stands on a high platform, lush grass turns to ash." The one-legged referred to the lonely and helpless Uncle Bao of the last emperor; the grass turning to ash referred to the Chen Dynasty's downfall at the hands of the Sui Dynasty. When Uncle Bao arrived in Chang'an, he lived on the "high platform," which also fulfilled the prophecy.

After Emperor Xiaozhao ascended to the throne of the Later Qi Dynasty, a wild fowl flew onto the emperor's throne. The fortune teller said this was an omen of the first year of Datong. Later, a red bird with nine heads that looked like a duck landed in the backyard. That year, the emperor died.

In September of the third year of Tian Tong, many swallows flew to Xiandu Garden. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" states, "Unusual birds flying and landing in the city indicate that a war is about to happen in the city." This was an omen of the Zhou army's attack on Ye City.

Shortly after Empress Hu gave birth to the last emperor, Emperor Wucheng, an owl flew into the tent and began hooting. Owls are considered inauspicious birds and are seen as bad omens! Later, after the last emperor became emperor, the scandalous actions of Empress Hu were revealed, and she was then imprisoned in the Northern Palace.

In the seventh year of Wuping, a stork bird built a nest on the Tai Chi Hall and another nest on the Jiayang Hall in Bingzhou. A wild chicken flew onto the emperor's throne in the Jinyang Palace and was captured. The "Yifeihou" by Jingfang states: "When birds build nests in front of the ruler's door or on the palace, that place will soon be empty." That year, the country fell.

In the second year of the Zhou Dynasty's Daxiang, in February, a bald vulture perched on the Tai Chi Hall of the Luoyang Palace. That year, the emperor died, and the harem was often empty.

In the early years of Kaihuang, the emperor of the Liang Dynasty, Xiao Cong, had just established his regime when an owl perched in the corner of his tent. Soon after, Xiao Cong was summoned to Chang'an and stayed there. Thus, the Liang state perished.

In the last years of Daye, the palaces in the capital were filled with countless wild geese and other birds flying back and forth. Before long, the city of Chang'an was breached.

In November of the thirteenth year, crows and magpies nested in the emperor's tent, but they couldn’t be shooed away. Later, the emperor was killed.

In June of the twelfth year of Kaihuang, the prosperous Yang Yue saw two things in the clouds that looked like small, yellow goats, about the size of newborn puppies. They fought each other and then fell down. Yang Yue captured one of them, but after several dozen days, it could not be found. This signified that disaster would occur. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "When the ruler is unclear, this is caused by violating the virtues of fire governance." The one that looked like a newborn puppy was actually a lamb. The clouds blocking the sky symbolize evil and treachery. The sheep represent the surname of the state; the lamb means a young sheep. The Crown Prince Yong had just been established as the heir, and Prince Jin secretly slandered him, resulting in his deposing. The two lambs fighting, with one falling, confirmed this event.

In the second year of the Yongning reign of Emperor Gong, Sima Wu, the governor of Linyou, presented a tailless lamb. At the time, some believed this was an omen of the Yang family's impending doom. That year, Emperor Yang of Sui was killed in Jiangdu, and Emperor Gong abdicated.

In the fifteenth year of the Tianjian era of the Liang Dynasty, in July, a strange incident occurred in Jingzhou: someone was murdered, but the body remained limp, the head fell to the ground, the mouth was still open, the eyes were wide open, and blood spurted up like bamboo arrows, reaching over a foot high, then slowly fell like rain. That year, Jingzhou experienced a severe drought, which was clearly an ominous sign, a retribution for wronged souls!

In the fourteenth year of the Taijian era of the Chen Dynasty, in March, a wheel-like object appeared on the canopy above the imperial throne in the palace, glowing red all over. Not long after, the emperor fell ill and, inexplicably, let out a few cries before dying.

In the third year of the Zhide era of the Tang Dynasty, in December, a red object fell in front of the Taiji Hall, and when it hit the ground, all the bells rang. Furthermore, white wine that had previously been offered suddenly turned into blood. There were also bloodstains on the steps in front of the hall, dripping onto the emperor's bed. Soon after, the country perished.

In the second year of the Heqing era of the Northern Qi, blood rain fell in Taiyuan. Liu Xiang once said: "Blood is the essence of yin energy, a symbol of disaster, like omens of zombies." The following year, the Zhou army and the Turks invaded Bingzhou, engaging in a great battle west of the city, with corpses littering the fields for over a hundred miles. The "I Ching" states: "Heaven sends blood rain to stain the clothes; the country perishes, and the ruler dies." This was truly an omen of the downfall of the last ruler of Northern Qi.

In the fourth year of the Heqing era of the Northern Qi, in March, a red object fell in the hall, shaped like a large container, followed by many small, bell-like objects. In April, Empress Dowager Lou died.

During the reign of Wu Ping in the Northern Zhou, bloodstains were found on the ground, extending from the residence of Wang Huli Mingyue in Xianyang to the ancestral temple. Huli Mingyue was a great general, a pillar of the state, but was killed by the subsequent ruler due to the slanders of treacherous ministers. This was clearly a warning from heaven; the killing of Mingyue would bring about the downfall of both the state and its ancestral temple! The subsequent ruler did not understand this principle, ultimately leading to the nation's demise.

The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Hearing but not listening means lacking strategy. The crime is urgent, the punishment is cold, and ultimately leads to poverty. At that time, there will be demonic drums, fish disasters, pig calamities, along with ominous misfortunes and bad omens, with only fires and floods."

In February of the fourth year of Wuding in the Eastern Wei, the weather was extremely cold, with dead bodies and livestock littering the roads. Jing Fang in "Yifei Hou" said: "The punishment is too severe, and it is cold when it should be warm." At that time, Emperor Shenzu of the Northern Qi was serving as prime minister. Prior to this, Er Zhu Wenchang and others conspired to kill Emperor Shenzu, and once their plot was uncovered, they were executed, and many who were connected to them died unjustly.

In 71 BC, that winter was particularly cold. Jing Fang in "Yizhuan" said: "Virtuous people encountering danger is called going against heaven, which is why abnormal cold appears." Some said: "Killing innocent people leads to such abnormal cold." At that time, the emperor was infatuated with Empress Li of Wenshu, and after the empress gave birth, she did not raise the child out of guilt. The emperor was furious and killed his son, Prince Shaode of Taiyuan, in front of the empress. The empress wept bitterly, and the emperor even stripped her naked, beat her to death, and then tossed her into the water, only for her to wake up after a long time. This truly fulfilled the saying "the consequences of unjust cruelty"!

In March 504 and March 507, there were frosts that killed the grass. Jing Fang in "Yizhuan" said: "Raising troops to kill recklessly is a violation of the law, so heaven sends down frost as punishment." At that time, the court mobilized troops in large numbers, resisting the Wei army in Zhongli, and fought continuously for several years.

In June of the year 537 AD, frost descended upon Qushan.

In August of the year 562 AD, frost fell and killed the rice and beans. At that time, the court launched a large-scale conscription, sending General Wu Mingche to resist the Zhou army in Luliang.

In November of the year 505 AD, the weather was clear, and lightning appeared in the southwest direction, followed by two peals of thunder. The Book of Changes states, "Use thunder as a warning." This thunder seemed to foretell ominous events.

The Book of Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan says: "Thunder is attached to the clouds, just like a monarch relies on the people. If the monarch does not care about the people of the world, then the people will harbor resentment and rebellion." In that year, the Governor of Jiaozhou, Li Kai, rebelled that year.

In September of the year 519 AD, a sound like thunder echoed faintly from the northwest direction, and red gas reached the ground. That year, someone killed the prefects of Dongguan and Langye counties and used Qushan to direct the Wei forces.

In December of the year 576 AD, a sound like thunder resounded from the southwest direction. That year, the Governor of Beiliangzhou, Lan Qin, rebelled.

In December of the year 564 AD, a sound like thunder resounded from the northwest direction. That year, the Governor of Xiangzhou, Hua Jiao, rebelled.

In April of the year 500 AD, a sound like thunder resounded from the southwest direction. At that time, the emperor did not care about the people of the world and waged war.

In January of the year 582 AD, a sound like thunder came from the west. Shortly after, the Tuyuhun tribe invaded the border.

On the first day of January in the year 584 AD, a sound like thunder came from the Lianyun Mountain in Kuozhou. At that time, five Qiang tribes rebelled and raided the border. In the year 590 AD, thunder rumbled in a cloudless sky. Jing Fang said in "Yifeihou": "The country is on the brink of a dynastic change, the people are restless, and villains will rise. The country is about to encounter disasters and wars." A few years later, the emperor died, and Prince Liang of Han rebelled, fleeing with tens of thousands of families.

During the reign of the Sui Dynasty, the stone drum in Fuyang resounded continuously for several years. Afterwards, chaos and warfare engulfed the land.

In the tenth year of the Daitong era under Emperor Liangwu, in March, the emperor went to Zhufang, then to the Four Moats, and arrived at Xuanwu Lake. The fish in the lake all surfaced to watch the emperor, as if they were waiting for the emperor's carriage. As a result, the emperor entered the palace and died. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "Fish are a yin entity, representing the common people. Fish also have scales and armor, symbolizing the army." The common people were about to rise up and surround the palace; the fish surfacing to watch the carriage symbolizes this. Later, the Hou Jing Rebellion did indeed take place.

This is similar to the seventh year of the Wuping era during the Later Qi, when the cormorants in Xiangzhou flew away, and the waters dried up. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "This is caused by a critical situation. Fish are a yin entity, representing the common people." Yan Zi once said: "The River God sees the water as his realm and the fish as his subjects." When the country falls, the common people scatter; this illustrates the principle. The following year, the Qi state fell.

In the first year of the Daxiang era during the Later Zhou, in June, in the Yangwu area, carp flew into the sky to battle. This is like ministers rebelling, with the common folk joining in the chaos. The next year, the emperor died, leading to the collapse of the government. Wei Jiong raised troops in Xiangzhou, and Gaozu sent troops to defeat him.

In the seventeenth year of the Kaihuang era, four miles southwest of Daxing City, there was a Buddhist ceremony held in Yuan Village. A white-haired old man wearing a white robe and short jacket came, ate something, and then left. No one recognized him, so they pursued him, running about two miles before they lost sight of him. They then spotted a pond containing a white fish over ten feet long, followed by countless small fish. People rushed to shoot it, with some even breaking their bows and strings. In the end, they finally hit it, opened the fish's belly, and found rice inside, only to realize that this fish had transformed from the old man they had just seen. A few days later, the canal suddenly swelled, and those who had shot the fish all drowned.

In the twelfth year of the Dà Yè era, people in Huaiyang County were driven into the inner city, and the Luolang Pass was severed. When they reached the base of the city wall, they found a hole, and inside, they discovered a carp over seven feet long. Previously, in the fourth year of the Wei Jiaping reign, fish had gathered on the roof of the armory. Wang Su believed that fish lived in water but had come to the roof, suggesting that creatures of the water had abandoned their natural habitat, which foreshadowed that the border would soon be stripped of its defenses and face rebellion. Indeed, the defeat at the Battle of the Eastern Gate soon followed. At that time, bandits from Changbai Mountain were plundering Henan, and a month later, the bandits reached the city walls. The county's army attempted to resist but was ultimately defeated, with over ten thousand men, women, and children dead. During the Da Tong era of the Liang Dynasty, a severe locust plague occurred, and even the cypress leaves on the fences were completely devoured. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "This is the work of the locusts." Both locust plagues and the abundance and scarcity of fish are related to celestial phenomena. Jing Fang also mentioned in "Yi Fei Hou": "If the ruler does not emphasize virtuous governance and education, and the common people only care about eating, drinking, and enjoying themselves, heaven will send down calamity. The pests are of no benefit to people, yet they consume everything." At that time, court officials believed that simplicity and minimal desires were virtuous; they did not seriously handle state affairs or prioritize food production, which was the root cause of the locust plague.

Later, in the eighth year of the Qi Dynasty's Tianbao era, there was a locust plague in the six provinces of Hebei and the twelve provinces of Henan. The common people flocked to worship the locusts. The emperor asked Cui Shuzan, the governor of Wei Prefecture, "What is the cause of this locust plague?" Cui Shuzan replied, "According to the Records of the Five Elements, if construction involving earth and wood is not done at the right time, it will result in locust plagues." Currently, the court is building the Great Wall outside and constructing three towers inside, and that’s why disaster has befallen us." The emperor flew into a rage upon hearing this, slapped Cui Shuzan across the face, pulled his hair, and even smeared filth from the privy on his head. Nevertheless, the construction continued unabated. In the ninth year, Shandong was hit by yet another locust plague; in the tenth year, Youzhou also experienced a major locust plague. The Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan warns: "If the ruler is cruel and greedy, frequently raises troops, engages in extensive construction, but loses the hearts of the people, it will lead to insect disasters." This was the emperor's just deserts for his tyrannical rule and squandering of resources.

Later, in the second year of Jiande in the Zhou Dynasty, the Guanzhong region also experienced a severe locust plague.

In the sixteenth year of the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty, there was a locust plague in Bingzhou. At that time, Prince Xiao of Qin, Yang Junke, was extorting money from the people to fund his lavish mansions. Eventually, he faced the emperor's wrath and paid with his life.

Towards the end of the Kaihuang period, three monks in Weinan were practicing their ascetic ways in the fields. One night, they saw a big pig come to them, followed by more than ten piglets. The big pig addressed the monks, "Ailian, I want to learn the way of the sages, but I still owe a life debt." After saying this, it trotted away. Here, "the way of the sages" signifies the righteous path the emperor ought to follow; "a life debt" refers to the future killing of Emperor Yang Guang (Emperor Yang).

During the Kaihuang period, as it was nearing its end, someone staying at another person's house in Weinan heard two pigs talking in the middle of the night. One pig said, "The New Year is approaching, and tomorrow the owner is going to sacrifice me. Where should I hide?" The other pig replied, "You can hide at your sister's place in Shuibei." So the two pigs left together. As dawn broke, the owner found he couldn't locate the pigs and suspected that the guest had stolen them, so he questioned him. The guest told the owner what had happened, and the owner found the pigs as the guest had described. Later, Shu King Yang Xiu offended the emperor, and the emperor sought his death. Princess Le Ping pleaded on his behalf several times, eventually saving him. Several years later, the emperor died, fulfilling the prophecy of the end of the year.

In the third year of the Chengsheng reign of the Liang Dynasty, in June, a dragon-like black gas suddenly appeared in the palace. This was a bad omen! Black was the color favored by the Zhou Dynasty, and the emergence of this black gas in the palace foretold an impending attack by the Zhou Dynasty's army on the Liang Dynasty. Indeed, that year, the Zhou Dynasty annihilated the Liang Dynasty, and the emperor perished.

In the fifth year of the Taijian reign of the Chen Dynasty, in June, black clouds appeared in the northwest, blanketing the sky before dispersing like a herd of pigs, with more than ten groups in total. In the book "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan," it is written: "This indicates that there will be a war outbreak in the northwest." At that time, General Wang Gui of the Later Zhou Dynasty was stationed in the Lu Mountains. The following year, he captured Wu Mingche, but his army was completely destroyed.

In the first month of the Heqing reign of the Later Qi Dynasty, the Yellow River and the Ji River were both crystal clear. A man named Xiang Kai said, "The Yellow River represents the vassals. If the water is clear, it signifies that the vassals will act like the emperor." Over a decade later, the Sui Dynasty unified the country.

In the third year of the Daye reign of the Sui Dynasty, the river in Wuyang County was also crystal clear, shimmering like a mirror for miles. By the twelfth year of Daye, the river near Longmen was also crystal clear. Two years later, the Tang Dynasty replaced the Sui Dynasty.

In the fourteenth year of the Taijian era of the Chen Dynasty, in July, the water of the Yangtze River turned a blood-red color, from Jiankang to Jingzhou. During the Zhenming era, the water of the Yangtze River turned red again, this time from Fangzhou to the seaside. "The Book of Hong Fan Five Elements" says: "When the water turns red, it means that the calamity of fire has befallen the water, indicating that the ruler's laws are oppressive, harming the nature of water. When the five elements are abnormal, yin and yang are imbalanced, various abnormal phenomena appear, all of which are signs of the country's impending doom." Jing Fang's "Yi Zhan" also says: "When the water turns into blood, war is about to break out." At that time, Chen Houzhu had just taken office and used extremely cruel punishment, which was a fulfillment of the prophecy in the book. Later, the Chen Dynasty was destroyed by the Sui Dynasty.

In the second year of the Zhenming era, in April, the river water at the southern port of Yingzhou turned pitch black. Black water appeared in the Guanzhong region, and now the river water in Huainan also turned black, suggesting that the Guanzhong forces would occupy the Jingzhou and Yangzhou regions.

In the first year of the Daxiang era of the Later Zhou Dynasty, in June, the water of the Xianyang Pool turned blood red, mirroring the events of the fourteenth year of the Taijian era of the Chen Dynasty. "The Book of Hong Fan Five Elements" writes: "If one's thoughts are lacking, they are not wise; this will lead to disasters, punishment, and ultimately the destruction of the country. There will be various disasters, such as evil spirits causing trouble, epidemics spreading, cattle diseases rampant, internal diseases, ominous signs and auspicious omens, as well as disasters brought by wood, metal, water, fire, and earth."

In the sixth year of the Tianjian era of the Liang Dynasty, on the Wuxu day in August, a strong wind blew, breaking many trees. Jing Fang's "Yi Feihou" says: "When a strong wind blows at the appearance of the Jiaoxiu constellation, chaos will ensue across the land, and within three months, war will definitely break out." That year, the Wei army invaded Zhongli.

On the day of Guichou in November of the third year of the Chengsheng era, the emperor reviewed the troops in the southern city, and a strong north wind blew, darkening the sky. "The Book of Hong Fan Five Elements" says: "This is a sign of the monarch's confusion." At that time, the emperor had just pacified the rebellion of Hou Jing, and the ministers in the court advised him to go back to Danyang, but he did not listen, became suspicious of people, and did many foolish things, so the heavens sent a fierce wind as a warning. That year, Western Wei was destroyed.

In the seventh month of the sixth year of the Chen Chaotian Jia, a strong wind blew from the southwest, causing the rooftops of Lingtai to collapse. "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" interpreted this as a sign of ministerial despotism. At that time, the Crown Prince was still young, and Prince Ancheng Xiao Xu monopolized power, which the emperor did not promptly stop. The following year, the emperor passed away, and the Crown Prince ascended the throne, but Xiao Xu deposed him.

In the twelfth year of Taijian, June, a strong wind damaged the Gaomen gates. In the same year, in September, another strong wind blew at night, causing houses to fall and trees to snap. This was considered a sign of the despotism of Prince Shuling of Shixing.

During the Zhide period, a strong wind blew down the Zhuque Gate.

In the third year of Zhenming, in June, a strong wind blew from the northwest, causing huge waves that flooded Shitoucheng and the Huai River. At that time, the empress favored Sima Shen, who unjustly killed loyal ministers and generals. Shen Keqing, Shi Wenqing, Hu Zuowei, Jiang Zong, Kong Fan, and others indulged in excess and corruption, obstructing proper governance and resulting in chaos.

In the second year of Heqing of Southern Qi, a strong wind blew for thirty days before stopping. At that time, the emperor had just entrusted power to corrupt officials, including Shi Kai, who grew increasingly tyrannical. In the third year of Tiantong, in May, another strong wind blew, plunging the day into darkness, causing houses to fall and trees to snap. Despite this divine warning, the emperor remained oblivious. The following year, the emperor passed away. Later, the emperor ordered that all memorials be reviewed by Shi Kai first before being presented to him. Prince of Zhaojun and Prince of Fengyi believed that Shi Kai was arrogant and unsuitable for palace affairs, but they were falsely accused by Shi Kai. Prince of Zhaojun was executed as a result. Shi Kai had the power of life and death at a whim in the court, until he was eventually killed by Prince of Langya, Xiao Yan.

In the third month of the seventh year, a strong wind blew from the northwest, causing houses to fall and trees to snap, lasting for five days. This was considered a sign of the despotism of Gao Anagui, Luoti Po, and others.

In the eleventh month of the 20th year of the Kaihuang era, a tremendous storm swept through Chang'an City. The wind was so strong that it could overturn houses and uproot trees, leading to the deaths of over a thousand people in Qinzhou and Longzhou! The ground shook along with it, and the drums began to beat on their own. The bell at Jingcha Temple rang three times by itself, and the doors of the Buddha hall mysteriously unlocked, and even the bronze statue appeared to walk out of the hall! The self-sounding bells and drums were said in the texts to be the work of a "demon of the drum." Yang Xiong once said that when an emperor is foolish and incompetent, deceived by treacherous officials, and only cares for false fame, strange occurrences will arise. At that time, Empress Dugu was meddling in politics, and Yang Su held sway over the court, leading the emperor to trust their slanders, dismissing Gao Qiang and even deposing the crown prince Yang Yong to install Prince Jin, who had no real abilities and relied solely on his false reputation to rise to power. The emperor was in a state of confusion; this was a sign of a strong presence of yin energy! Both the bell and the statue were made of metal, and the movement of metal and the shaking of wood indicated water overcoming metal. The "Hong Fan Wu Xing Zhuan" states: "This is all because the people's hearts have been lost!" Gao Qiang and Yang Yong were dismissed without having committed any wrongdoing, which would certainly lead to a loss of the people's hearts.

In the second year of Renshou, a Hu person in Xihe was riding a mule on the road when he was suddenly caught up in a whirlwind, along with a cart, soaring a thousand feet high before crashing down violently and shattering. In Jing Fang's "Yi Zhuan," it says: "When everyone disobeys, the holy virtue will be hidden, and strange winds will appear." Two years later, Han Wang Liang plotted a rebellion in Bingzhou. Wasn't the sight of that cart and mule a portent of his uprising? Soaring into the sky and then falling down foreshadowed his failure. It seemed Heaven was warning him: don't recklessly deploy your troops, or you'll end up failing! But he refused to listen. When Emperor Gaozu died, Han Wang Liang raised an army to rebel, and the states and counties responded to him, amassing a force of hundreds of thousands. But just a month later, he was defeated.

In the second year of the Chengsheng era of the Liang Dynasty, on the Dingmao day of the tenth month, a strong wind arose, turning the day as dark as night, with the whole world dim and gloomy. This was the doing of the "night demon"! According to Jing Fang's "Yi Feihou," "When the feathered sun rises and the wind blows, the world will fall into darkness, and the people will suffer from great illnesses, or there will be rampant banditry." Three years later, the Liang Dynasty was destroyed by the Western Wei.

In the third year of the Zhengming era of the Chen Dynasty, on the first day of the first month, the sky was filled with mist, dark and gloomy, with a pungent smell in the air. The Chen Houzhu was incompetent and weak, also under the influence of the "night demon"! The "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "When the emperor is incompetent and weak, the ministers become powerful, blinding the emperor's eyes, leading to a scene of dark clouds." At that time, the northern army was already approaching the Yangtze River, with Liu Zhuang and Ren Mannu coming to seek peace, but Chen Houzhu believed the treacherous minister Kong Fan, resulting in his incompetence and ultimately the downfall of the state.

In the winter of the fourth year of the Wuding era of the Eastern Wei Dynasty, a thick fog enveloped the land for six days and nights, turning day into night. The "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "When the day turns as dark as night, it is a sign of yin energy invading yang energy, a sign of ministers infringing on the monarch." As expected, the next year, Yuan Jin and Liu Siyi plotted to assassinate the Grand General.

In the second year of the Zhou Daxiang era, Yu Jiong was defeated in Xiangzhou, and he massacred tens of thousands of his followers in Youyu Garden. Later, the place was often filled with ghostly cries at night. The "Fan Hong Wuxing Zhuan" states: "The sound of crying signals impending death, approaching the night of demons. Ghosts cry at night, signaling impending death." Jing Fang's "Yi Feihou" also states: "When ghosts cry at night, the country will perish." The following year, all the royal ministers of the Zhou Dynasty were killed, and the Zhou Dynasty was also destroyed.

During the Renshou era, ghostly cries frequently echoed near the Renshou Palace and at the foot of the Great Wall. Not long after, both Empress Xian and the Emperor died in the Renshou Palace.

In the eighth year of the Dà Yè era, Yang Xuangan launched a rebellion in the Eastern Capital. The Minister Fan Zigai had tens of thousands of his followers buried alive outside the Changxia Gate. By the end of the year, eerie sounds of ghostly cries and moans often came from that place, echoing earlier omens. Later, Wang Shichong caused the death of King Dong of Yue.

In the first year of the Wuping era of the Later Qi, the locust trees bloomed without bearing fruit. The locust tree symbolizes the office of the Three Dukes; blooming without fruit is a sign of decline. The following year, the Minister of Personnel, He Shi, was executed, and Wang Hu Changren of Longdong and Duke Wang Yan of Langya were both killed, as was Left Chancellor Duan Shao.

During the reign of Chen Houzhu, there were two concubines, Zhang Guifei and Kong Guipin, who were both stunningly beautiful and renowned for their enchanting allure. The Houzhu became utterly captivated by them, favoring them above all the other concubines in the harem, having them serve him daily while indulging in poetry and wine. He would spend more than ten days in the harem without stepping outside, living a life of debauchery and extravagance, completely unrestrained. The national treasury had been depleted, the people were filled with grievances and discontent, and the soldiers were disheartened and disloyal. When enemies invaded, not a single soldier dared to fight to the death in defense of the realm. All of this stemmed from the distractions of women leading to the country’s ruin! When the Chen dynasty fell, the Houzhu and his two concubines jumped into a well to take their own lives. The Sui army captured Zhang Guifei and killed her to appease the elders of Jiangdong. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" notes: "Flowers symbolize glory, wealth, and beauty. When a country falls into chaos due to the influence of women, this is referred to as 'Huanie' (floral disaster)."

The emperor of the State of Qi was especially fond of a concubine named Feng Xiaolian. Feng Xiaolian was beautiful, intelligent, could play the pipa, dance, and had an exceptional singing voice. The emperor became infatuated with her and granted her the title of Noble Consort. He also selected many palace maids to serve her, and each maid's attire cost a small fortune. At this time, the army of the State of Zhou invaded, and the border was under siege, with refugees fleeing everywhere. The emperor wanted to withdraw his troops and return to the capital, but Feng Xiaolian disagreed and urged the emperor to continue fighting. The emperor listened to her, which caused him to miss a critical opportunity, and Jinzhou City was breached by the enemy. Later, the armies of Qi and Zhou clashed at Jinzhou City, and due to Feng Xiaolian, the emperor missed several key chances, ultimately leading to the downfall of the State of Qi. Even now, the common people of Qi still blame Feng Xiaolian.

Emperor Liang Wu went to honor the city god and prepared to sacrifice a cow. Suddenly, a red snake coiled around the cow's mouth. In ancient Chinese culture, this was considered an ominous sign, a sign of dragons and snakes bringing misfortune. Just like in the third year of Duke Xuan of Lu, when the mouth of the sacrificial cow was injured, people believed that this was heaven rejecting the sacrifice, abandoning Duke Xuan. The "Book of Five Elements" states: "If the ruler does not follow the righteous path, dragons and snakes will cause trouble." Although Emperor Liang Wu claimed to be going to provide aid, in reality, his misguided arrogance led to heaven rejecting the sacrifice, fulfilling the consequence of the ruler not following the righteous path, and he was ultimately defeated by Emperor Yuan.

Later, in the second year of Qi Wuping, the province of Bingzhou offered a cow with five legs, which was also an ominous sign. The "Hongfan Five Elements" states: "The cow's deformity symbolizes impending disaster for the palace." The emperor then embarked on extensive construction, digging ponds and piling up mountains in Xiandu Garden, building palaces to the utmost extravagance. As soon as the project was completed, the nation fell.

Later, in the sixth year of the Jiande era of the Zhou Dynasty, three-headed beasts resembling water buffaloes appeared in Yangwu, one yellow, one red, and one black. They fought each other, with the yellow water buffalo crashing into the black one from the side, causing the black water buffalo to die, while the yellow one ran into the river. This was a portent of disaster related to the ox. Black was the color revered by the Zhou Dynasty, and the death of the black water buffalo symbolized doom. Several years later, the Zhou Dynasty did indeed perish, and the Sui Dynasty unified the realm, with red banners and yellow uniforms.

In the early days of the Sui Dynasty, a cow with a hoof on each of its four knees appeared on Mount Heng. Later, the Sui Dynasty established its eastern capital at Luoyang, built the Great Wall, and dug canals.

In the third year of the Zhengming reign of the Chen Dynasty, the Sui army reached the banks of the Yangtze River. Chen Houzhu remarked casually, "The Qi army has come three times, and the Zhou army has come twice, and we’ve defeated them every time. What can they do?" At that time, the Minister of the Imperial Clan, Kong Fan, said, "The Yangtze River is a natural barrier that has separated the north and south since ancient times. How could the northern army ever cross it? I’ve been worried about my low position, but if they really do cross the river, I’ll get promoted to General!" Chen Houzhu was very pleased to hear this, so he ordered music, summoned courtesans, drank wine, and kept composing poetry. This was truly a sign of impending doom! At a crucial moment for the nation’s survival, everything is decided in an instant, and both the ruler and his subjects should labor day and night. Yet, Chen Houzhu showed no fear, and Kong Fan followed him in indulging in pleasure. Even heaven seemed ready to take his heart away, so how could the Chen Dynasty possibly survive? As a result, the Chen kingdom perished, and Kong Fan was exiled to a distant place.

Emperor Wenxuan of Qi once hosted a banquet at Dongshan, suddenly threw down his wine cup in a rage, issued a decree for a western expedition, and boasted about how powerful his army was. However, shortly after, he lamented to his ministers, "This black robe is not one I should wear." In the end, the western expedition was ultimately abandoned. Scholars believed that the emperor's mental state was already unstable, knowing that his reign would not last long. Later, Emperor Wenxuan of Qi really fell ill, became addicted to wine and women, had a fickle temperament, was prone to irritability and anger, and died a few years later.

Emperor Wucheng mourned the death of his mother, but he still wore a red official robe. Soon after, he ascended the San Tai, held banquets, and enjoyed himself. The attendants brought him a white official robe, which angered him, and he threw the white robe down the steps. Not long after, he died.

In the first year of the Daitong era of the Liang Dynasty, there was rain mixed with soil across the land. The next year, there was gray rain throughout the world, and the gray had a yellow hue. This yellow hue is reminiscent of auspiciousness. Jing Fang said in "Yi Feihou": "Hearing good omens without taking action suggests awareness without response. The emergence of an unusual yellow hue foretells impending disaster, resulting in the extinction of one's lineage. This is caused by obstructing the wise and cutting off the path." At that time, Emperor Wu of Liang saw himself as wise and learned, hating those stronger than himself. He also devoutly believed in Buddhism, even regarding himself as a servant to honor the Buddha, which was the retribution for obstructing the wise and cutting off the path.

In the first month of Daobao's first year, there was yellow sand rain throughout the world. The next year, Emperor Jianwen dreamt he swallowed a clump of dirt. Shortly afterwards, he was overthrown by Hou Jing, who suffocated him with a sandbag, and his sons were also killed, fulfilling the prophecy of having no heirs.

During the reign of Chen Houzhu, he dreamed of people in yellow clothing besieging the city. Chen Houzhu disliked this dream, so he had all the orange trees in the city cut down. After Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty proclaimed himself emperor, the court and the populace all donned yellow attire. Shortly afterwards, the Sui army attacked and besieged Jiankang, realizing the omen from Chen Houzhu's dream.

In the second month of the second year of the Later Zhou Dynasty, there was a rain of yellow earth throughout the realm, which stopped after a while. This was similar to the events that transpired in the first year of Datong. At that time, the emperor was very foolish and insane, and he died less than a year later. When it came to Emperor Jing, he took the initiative to abdicate the throne, which was a manifestation of the omen of national decline and the absence of a successor.

In the second year of Kaihuang, there was also a rain of earth in the capital. At this time, the emperor learned from the lesson of the weakness of the vassals of the Later Zhou that led to the fall of the country, so he granted fiefs to his sons in various places and allowed them to establish their own administrative offices, giving them significant power. The occurrence of this earth rain signified that the land's energy was out of balance, and indeed, later on, these princes plotted rebellions and disturbances. Jing Fang said in "Yi Fei Hou": "When heaven sends down earth rain, the common people toil but do not benefit." During that time, the court was busy undertaking extensive construction projects, which wore out many craftsmen.

In the first year of the Taiqing period of the Liang Dynasty, a woman from the Mo family in Danyang gave birth to a baby boy whose eyes were located on the top of his head, and his eyes were as large as those of a two-year-old child. Upon his birth, he immediately spoke: "I am the spirit of drought and plague; I cannot stay here." His mother replied, "You have to let me live my life first." The spirit of drought and plague said, "There are people above who are in charge; how can I go anywhere freely? You quickly make a scarlet hat; then everything will be fine." His mother, unable to make a hat in time, tied the child's hair with a red cloth strip. From then on, for two years, drought and plague spread, especially severe in Yangzhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and Yuzhou. Many of the Mo family's neighbors escaped disaster by wearing red, but imitation in other places proved ineffective.

In the second year of the Dabaо period, in Jingkou, a five-year-old boy climbed to the top of a tall building and played a drum to mimic the sound of the Yangtze River's waves. The drum represents the military. At that time, Hou Jing was wreaking havoc in the south of the Yangtze River.

In the third year of the Yongding era of the Chen dynasty, a giant appeared, standing three zhang tall, near Mount Luofu, entirely snow-white and clad in extravagant garments. The divination by Jingfang said, "The appearance of a giant signifies the fall of a nation." Two years later, the emperor died.

When Chen Houzhu was the crown prince, a woman burst into the East Palace shouting, "The master of the nation!" Later, when Chen Houzhu ascended the throne, this prophecy was fulfilled, foreshadowing the eventual downfall of his dynasty.

In the third year of the Zhide era, in Jiankang, a maidservant at home died and astonishingly came back to life nine days later. A cowherd, drawn by the commotion, unearthed her.

In the second year of the Zhenming era, a boat was launched, and suddenly someone said, "Next year there will be chaos." People looked and found a dead infant in the boat, two feet long but without a head. The Chen dynasty met its demise the following year.

During the Tianbao era of the Qi dynasty, a woman in Linzhang gave birth to a child with two heads joined together. After that, the government fell under the control of treacherous officials, blurring the lines between ranks, which fulfilled the omen of "two heads."

While Chen Houzhu was in power, there was a monk who looked like a madman; he honored crows while berating the monks. Crows were the color of the Zhou dynasty. Not long after, the Qi dynasty was destroyed by the Zhou dynasty, and Buddhism was also suppressed.

In the third year of the Baoding era of the Later Zhou, a person gave birth to a boy, but his penis was on his back, like a tail; his toes resembled the claws of a wild beast. The penis should not grow on the back, and toes should not have claws, indicating a reversal of yin and yang and disorder among rulers and subjects! At that time, Prince Jin, Yuwen Hu, was monopolizing power and creating chaos, ambitious to usurp the throne. Heaven was sending a warning: the order between ruler and subjects had been thrown into disarray, and a great disaster was about to occur! The emperor understood this omen, killed Yuwen Hu, took charge of the government himself, practiced frugality, and pacified the Qi state, earning the title of Gaozu, truly transforming peril into safety!

During the reign of Emperor Wu, there was a formidable martial artist who pretended to be crazy and foolish. He ran to the house of Yuwen Hu, smashed a gourd, and shouted, "You can still live, but your son is doomed!" At that time, Yuwen Hu was in a position of great power and was on his way to meet the Empress Dowager, but he was killed by the Emperor. The Emperor then sent soldiers to arrest Yuwen Hu's sons, who all took poison and committed suicide. The martial artist later went begging on the streets, and when someone gave him food, he used a bottomless bag to receive it, laughing and saying, "It's empty!" Not long after, the Zhou Dynasty fell, the Emperor moved the capital, and Chang'an City became a ruin.

In the sixth year of the Kaihuang era, an old man in Huozhou transformed into a ferocious beast.

In the seventh year, a monk in Xiangzhou turned into a snake, with its tail wrapped around a tree, lashing at itself, reaching over six meters in length.

In the fourth year of the Renshou era, a person over ten feet tall appeared at the Ying Gate, with footprints measuring four feet five inches long. That year, the Emperor died.

In the first year of the Daye era, a man named Fang Hui'an from Yanmen, who was a hundred years old, grew a horn on his forehead two inches long. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Women symbolize yin, horns symbolize weapons, and the lower opposes the upper." Later, the country fell into chaos as enemy troops surrounded 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 gathered over the burial site, thunder shook the ground, and a hole opened up, but the egg had vanished.

In the sixth year, a maid from the Li family in Zhaojun gave birth to something roughly the size of a chicken egg.

On the first day of the first month in the sixth year, a thief wearing a white training skirt and holding incense claimed to be the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. He broke into Jianguo Gate, stole weapons from the guards, and attempted to incite a rebellion. Prince Qi, Yang Jian, encountered him and killed him. Three years later, Yang Xuan rebelled, surrounded Luoyang with his troops, and was ultimately defeated and killed.

It is said that eight years ago, there was a fellow named Cheng Gong, who was acting like a lunatic, shouting "We’re gonna rebel!" everywhere on the streets of the Eastern Capital. The emperor was very unhappy after hearing this. As a result, the following year, Xuan Gan actually rebelled and surrounded Luoyang city.

Twelve years later on, Cheng Gong started shouting "We’re gonna rebel!" again. This time, Li Mi approached the Eastern Capital, and Meng Rang set fire to Fengdu city and ran away.

Nine years later, the emperor was in Gaoyang. There was a man named Song Zixian in Tang County, who was especially skilled at magic tricks. His upstairs room was always lit, and he could even conjure Buddha statues, claiming he was the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. He also hung a large mirror in the hall, with images of snakes, beasts, and humans on it. When someone came to visit him, he would turn the mirror and let visitors see their future. If the image of a snake appeared in the mirror, Song Zixian would say, "This is your karma, better start reciting more scriptures!" Then he would let them bow again, and the mirror would then show a human image. People near and far believed him, and hundreds or even thousands of people came to visit him every day. Later, Song Zixian secretly planned a rebellion, intending to stage a large-scale Buddhist event and take the opportunity to attack the emperor. The plan was exposed, and General Yangyang led troops to arrest him. When they arrived at Song Z

In the eleventh month of the fifth year of the reign of Emperor Liang Chao Tian, an earthquake struck the capital, causing disasters to wood, metal, water, and fire, as well as to the land. The "Hong Fan Wu Xing Zhuan" states: "When officials gain too much power, they will stir up trouble and harm a region." Jing Fang in "Yi Fei Hou" said: "An earthquake in winter in the eleventh month will lead to famine in that place." At that time, Li Kai, the governor of Jiaozhou, rebelled. The following year, frost fell, the harvest was meager, and the people suffered from hunger.

In the first month of the third year of the Ordinary Era, an earthquake occurred in Jiankang. At that time, Wen Senglang, the governor of Yizhou, rebelled with the provincial government.

In the twelfth month of the sixth year, there was another earthquake. Jing Fang in "Yi Fei Hou" said: "An earthquake in winter with sound occurring in December will lead to military action in that place." At that time, the emperor ordered Prince Cong of Yuzhang to lead troops for a northern expedition.

In the first month of the fifth year of the Zhong Da Tong Era, an earthquake occurred in Jiankang. According to Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" records: "The earth moves in spring, and the year will not prosper." That year, there was also a great flood, and the people suffered from hunger.

In the eleventh month of the third year of the Great Unity Era, Jiankang experienced another earthquake. Jing Fang in "Yi Fei Hou" said: "An earthquake in November will lead to great losses and famine in the city." The following year, frost wreaked havoc, and the people suffered from starvation.

In the tenth month of the third year, Jiankang shook again. That year, a bandit uprising broke out in the Kuaiji region.

In the second month of the seventh year, Jiankang had another earthquake. That year, Li Ben of Jiaozhou raised an army to rebel and drove away the governor, Xiao Zi.

In the leap first month of the ninth year, there was an earthquake. Li Ben proclaimed himself emperor and established a complete bureaucratic system.

In the fourth month of the third year of the Taiqing Era, there was another earthquake in the Jiankang region. At that time, Hou Jing declared himself Grand Chancellor and took charge of the Ministry of Personnel, ignoring the emperor's orders. During this month, the emperor died from grief and anger.

In the fifth month of the second year of Chen Yongding, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. At this time, Wang Lin supported Xiao Zhuang as emperor in Yingzhou.

In the eleventh month of the fourth year of the Tai Jian Era, there was an earthquake. Chen Baoying raised troops in Fujian and launched a rebellion.

In the first month of the first year of the Zhenming Era, there was an earthquake. This was linked to the tyranny and chaos instigated by Shi Wenqing and Shen Keqing.

In the eleventh month of the second year of the Wu Ding era of the Eastern Wei Dynasty, the Xihe region sank and caught fire. Jing Fang's "Book of Changes and Portents" states, "When the earth sinks, its ruler will perish." Zu Xie explained, "Fire represents yang energy; earth represents yin energy. When the earth burns, the yin energy is disrupted, and the yang energy becomes dominant, suggesting that subordinates will usurp power and ultimately bring about their own downfall." At that time, Gao Huan was in power, while Hou Jing consolidated power in Henan. Two years later, Gao Huan indeed died, and Hou Jing rebelled and ultimately perished.

In the second year of the Heqing era of the Later Qi Dynasty, an earthquake struck the Bingzhou region. This was connected to Shi Kai's consolidation of power.

In the second year of the Jiande era of the Later Zhou Dynasty, frequent earthquakes rocked the Liangzhou region, causing city walls to fall and springs to burst forth from the ground. Jing Fang's "Book of Changes and Portents" says, "When the earth splits, the Qiang and Yi tribes rebel." At that time, the Tuyuhun tribe regularly troubled the Hexi region.

In the fourteenth year of the Kaihuang era, there was an earthquake in the capital city. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" records, "The earth trembles in the fifth month of summer, and people flee in panic." That year, there was a severe famine in the Guanzhong region, and the emperor commanded the common people to head to Guandong in search of food.

In the second year of the Renshou era, there were earthquakes in Qizhou and Yongzhou. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" records, "The earth shakes in the fourth month of summer, the grains failed to ripen, leading to widespread hunger."

In the third year, there was a landslide in Gushan, Liangzhou. "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says, "The collapse and scatter signify betrayal and rebellion against the upper class." Liangzhou was an old Han territory. The following year, Prince Liang rose in rebellion.

In the year 607, Dizhu Mountain collapsed, blocking the Yellow River and causing the river to backflow for miles. Liu Xiang in "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" said, "The mountain symbolizes the king; water represents yin energy and the people. Heaven warns that if the king's power becomes too oppressive, disaster will follow, and the people will suffer." At that time, Emperor Yang of Sui was leading troops to conquer Liaodong, and the common people could not bear the heavy labor, leading to widespread rebellions. Emperor Yang of Sui failed to grasp the underlying reasons, ultimately resulting in the Sui Dynasty's downfall.

In the "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan," it is also said: "Emperors cannot achieve perfection; this is known as 'not establishing'; its sin is incompetence, its punishment is long-lasting darkness, its result is weakness. At this time, signs of shooting demons will appear, disasters caused by dragons and snakes, and disasters caused by horses rioting." In October of 590 AD, it rained continuously for a long time. Liu Xiang said: "If the ruler is immoral, and the ministers' power blinds the monarch, there will be a phenomenon of prolonged overcast and no rain." At that time, Empress Dugu and Yang Su secretly framed Crown Prince Yang Yong, demoting him to the status of a commoner. In 550 AD, during the fourth year of the Wuding reign of Eastern Wei, Gao Huan held power and personally led his troops to attack the army of Western Wei at Yubi. In November of that year, Gao Huan fell ill and returned to the capital. The soldiers were terrified, claiming, "Wei Xiaokuan shot and killed the prime minister with the Dinggong crossbow." Western Wei issued an order within the country, saying: "With one shot of the strong crossbow, calamity will befall oneself." Upon hearing this, Gao Huan became furious, and his condition worsened, likely a sign of shooting demons. The "Hong Fan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "Shooting is a symbol of military disasters; when the energy goes against the heavens, disasters will arise." On the march, General Cao Weizu in the palace advised Gao Huan, "You are using dead energy to fight against living energy, which is detrimental to the enemy but beneficial to you." Gao Huan did not listen; the army remained stagnant for fifty days, and multiple battles failed. He then believed in the empty advice, diverted the Fen River north of the city, and built up an earthen mound. The terrain was steep and rose over a thousand feet; the project ultimately failed, resulting in the deaths of seventy thousand people. These were the consequences of defying the will of heaven! Gao Huan died that year. The next year, Wang Sizheng led a rebellion in Henan.

During the reign of Emperor Wuping of the Northern Wei, the emperor was on his way back to Ye City from Bingzhou. While passing through Bagong Ridge, he was singing as he walked through the night. Suddenly, a madman who believed the emperor was under the spell of a fox spirit hid in the bushes and drew his bow to shoot arrows. As a result, he injured several people and nearly hit the emperor. The emperor captured him on the spot and had him killed; the man was completely unaware of his actions. This shows that the fox spirit's enchantment is truly the work of animal demons! At that time, the emperor neglected state affairs, spending his days reveling with palace maids and eunuchs, singing and drinking, even wearing tattered clothes to beg on the streets for amusement. This was a clear sign of demonic influence! When someone shot arrows at him, it signaled an even greater omen of military disaster! Before long, the state was destroyed.

In the second year of the Tianjian era of the Liang Dynasty, dragons were spotted battling in a pool in Northern Liang Prefecture, with mist spreading for several miles. This was undoubtedly a sign of chaos caused by dragons and snakes! According to the "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan," dragons are formidable creatures to contend with. In the sky, they are celestial phenomena, and on earth, they symbolize kings. If celestial phenomena lead to disaster, the ruler's reign will suffer; then dragons will also be affected. Dragons fighting signify war. Jing Fang's "Yifei Hou" also states: "When the hearts of the people are unsettled, demons of dragon fights will appear." At that time, the emperor had just ascended the throne, and the rebellions led by Chen Bozhi and Liu Jilian erupted, instilling widespread fear and unease in the populace.

In the ordinary year of the fifth month, a dragon fought at Wangbei at Qu'a in Daliang, then moved westward, arriving at Jianling City. Everywhere it passed, tree trunks were broken for dozens of zhang. This was similar to the events of the second year of Tianjian. As the dragon passed through Jianling, the broken trees signaled impending war for the country and that the royal tombs would be damaged. At that time, the emperor was more focused on empty theoretical discussions, neglecting agriculture and military matters. The generals underestimated the situation, the soldiers had grown lazy, and the ruler's governance was already in trouble, leading to the ominous signs of the dragon’s unrest. However, the emperor was completely unaware. In the first year of Taiqing, another dragon appeared fighting in the waters of Lijzhou, as waves surged and clouds swirled. People saw a white dragon running south, followed by a black dragon. That year, Hou Jing surrendered with his troops, and the emperor, caught off guard, welcomed him, causing nationwide panic. Soon after, chaos ensued, and the emperor died from excessive worry.

In the summer of the tenth year of Datong, there was thunder at night, and a dragon unexpectedly fell into a well in Yanling! The next morning, it turned out to be as big as a donkey. Some tried to stab it with a halberd, but suddenly discovered several large snakes in the courtyard and house, as large as boats carrying hundreds of hu! The entire family was terrified and ran in all directions. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "The dragon, a yang symbol, represents nobility. It should be in the sky or on the ground, not to be found in the towns and homes of common folk. A well is a deep place, signifying that nobles may face imprisonment, a sign of the emperor's loss of virtue!" Later, when Hou Jing staged a rebellion, he indeed imprisoned and orchestrated the death of Emperor Jianwen, and many royal relatives and nobles were also imprisoned and died.

In the first month of the eleventh year of Taijian of the Chen Dynasty, a dragon also appeared in the pond of Nanyanzhou, similar to the incident in the tenth year of Datong of the Liang Dynasty. Shortly after, Chen Houzhu ascended to the throne; he was extravagant and indulgent, neglecting state affairs and failing in all his duties. Ultimately, the country fell, and he was captured and imprisoned.

In the first year of the Wu Ding era of the Eastern Wei Dynasty, a giant serpent appeared in the city of Wulao. At that time, Li, the wife of Gao Zhongmi, the Governor of Beiyu Province, was beautiful and intelligent. The eldest son, Gao Cheng, became infatuated with her. Gao Zhongmi was uneasy, so he led a rebellion in Wulao City, secretly colluded with the Western Wei, and fought a major battle with the Eastern Wei in Heyang. Gao Huan (Emperor Shenwu) was almost defeated by the Western Wei army, resulting in the deaths of several thousand men, and he barely escaped.

In the ninth year of the Tianbao reign of the Northern Qi Dynasty, a seven or eight zhang long dragon appeared in the great hall of Qizhou, similar to the omen in the tenth year of Datong. At that time, Prince Changshan and Prince Changguang held great power, but the emperor did not control them. The next year, the emperor died, and Crown Prince Gao Yin succeeded to the throne. Prince Changshan, Gao Yan, did indeed depose Gao Yin, demoted him to the King of Jinan, and ultimately orchestrated his death.

In the first year of Heqing, a dragon appeared in the bathing hall of Jizhou, similar to the one in the ninth year of Tianbao. Previously, Prince Pingqin, Gao Guiyan, following the imperial decree of Emperor Zhao, wanted to establish Prince Gao Bainian as the heir. However, Gao Guiyan established Prince Changguang, Gao Zhan, who later became Emperor Wucheng. Gao Bainian was deposed as the Prince of Leling and eventually imprisoned to death.

In the fourth year of Tiantong, someone in Guixiang cut down a dead tree and found a yellow dragon with a broken leg, dead in the tree hole. At that time, the Qi Dynasty was renowned for its association with Wood Virtue. The dragon symbolizes the emperor, and a dead tree dragon is a very ominous omen. That year, Emperor Wucheng died.

In the third year of Wuping, a dragon appeared in a well in Handan, radiating vibrant dragon energy that soared into the sky. A dragon also appeared in the dry well of a Buddhist temple in Jijun. This was similar to the omen in the first year of Heqing. Later, the last ruler, Gao Wei, surrendered to the Northern Zhou and was eventually killed.

In the seventh year of Wuping, under the Zhao Yuan Tower in Bingzhou, a red snake and a black snake fought for several days, resulting in the death of the red snake. Red is the color of the Qi state, while black is the color of the Zhou state. The death of one snake in the fight is an ominous sign of impending doom! Later, the emperor heavily relied on treacherous and corrupt officials and fought against the Zhou army in Jinzhou. He entrusted the army to the treacherous minister Gao Anagong, who ended up colluding with the enemy, which was a mistake due to the emperor's own lack of caution. In the end, the emperor was captured by the Zhou army.

King Yan of Langya demolished a white horse stupa in the Northern Palace, which was built by Duke Cheng during the Stone Zhao period. As a result, he saw a large white snake several zhang long, coiling and disappearing. At that time, King Yan of Langya was tyrannical and cruel, killing innocents at will, which was the reason for his failure! He did not recognize the abnormal phenomenon and failed to be vigilant, ultimately leading to disaster.

In the fifth year of the Zhou Dynasty's Jian De, a black dragon fell and died in Bozhou. The dragon is a symbol of the king, and black is a color favored by the Zhou state. The dragon's fall and death is an extremely inauspicious omen. At that time, the crown prince was unfit, and the emperor was very worried. The loyal ministers Wang Gui and Yu Wen Xiaobo repeatedly requested the emperor to depose the crown prince, but the emperor did not heed their advice. Two years later, the emperor died, the crown prince ascended the throne, and brutally killed the Qi king and Xiaobo among others, ultimately leading to the downfall of the state.

In the fourth year of Renshou, a dragon appeared in the well of the governor's office in Daizhou. The dragon transformed into an iron horse and then into armored soldiers who were drawing bows and shooting arrows. Transforming into an iron horse signifies that there will be horse disasters; drawing bows and shooting arrows resembles shooting at monsters, which foreshadows wars among the feudal lords, ultimately leading to imprisonment. At that time, the Han king Liang was secretly plotting rebellion, so this was a divine warning! King Liang did not awaken to this, and as a result, he raised an army in rebellion but failed, was reduced to commoner status, and died after several years of imprisonment.

Hou Jing proclaimed himself emperor in Jiangnan. Whenever he was about to go into battle, if his white horse let out a loud neigh and stomped its hooves, it was certain they would win; if it hung its head and looked downcast, they would definitely lose. During the Battle of Xizhou, his white horse lay down and wouldn't get up. Hou Jing tried bowing and hitting the horse, but it still wouldn't move. This was a bad omen for him! The Book of Hongfan states: "A horse is a symbol of soldiers; when there are external enemies invading, strange phenomena will occur with horses." Consequently, Hou Jing faced a crushing defeat.

In the fifth year of the reign of Chen Taijian, a horse in Hengzhou was reported to have grown horns. The Book of Hongfan says: "A horse growing horns is a symbol of war and a harbinger of destruction." At that time, Emperor Xuan of Chen sent Wu Mingche with troops to Luliang to confront the forces of the Zhou army. After years of fighting, the army had taken heavy losses, and Wu Mingche was ultimately captured by the Zhou army.

During the Tianbao era of Northern Qi, a horse with horns appeared in Guangzong. The horns grew between its two ears and resembled a sheep's tail. The ancient text "Jingfang Yizhuan" states, "When the emperor personally leads troops into battle, there will be phenomena of horses growing horns." Four years later, the Khitan invaded the border, and Emperor Wenxuan personally led his army into battle, which indeed proved to be a fulfilled prophecy.

In the fourth year of the Daye era, many horses died in the stables of Taiyuan, over half of them! When the emperor heard this, he was furious and quickly sent someone to investigate. The stable manager said, "Every night, the horses in the stables inexplicably frighten themselves, which is why so many have died." The emperor then called for a shaman to take a look. The shaman, upon seeing this, realized the emperor intended to attack Liaodong, so he played along with the emperor’s ideas: "The previous emperor sent Yang Su and Shi Wansui to attack Liaodong because there are ghost soldiers planning to attack Liaodong!" Upon hearing this, the emperor was overjoyed and immediately released the person in charge of the stables. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" records: "It is because of defiance against the will of Heaven that so many horses have died." At that time, the emperor traveled around every year, sometimes going near the Great Wall and other times to Qiemu in the west, causing great suffering among the people. Heaven was warning him: stop traveling so much and quit messing with the stables! But the emperor just wouldn’t listen, and in the end, chaos ensued in the world.

By the eleventh year of Daye, three counties in Henan and Fufeng had horses with long horns, some several inches long. This was exactly like the situation during the Tianbao era! During that time, the emperor had personally led troops to attack Goryeo for several years.

In the first year of Yining, while the emperor was at the Jiangdu Palace, the horses in the Longma stable inexplicably began to die, and within ten days, several hundred had died! This was nearly identical to the fourth year of Daye!

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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Sui （隋書）

Published: 10 January 2025

Created: 10 January 2025

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The "Transmission of the Five Elements of the Flood" says: "Not being able to see the situation clearly is unwise. If governance is lax, the result will be prolonged heat as punishment, ultimately leading to disease. Sometimes, plants and trees take on spiritual forms and cause disturbances, and sometimes there will be rampant pests among birds, beasts, and insects. Thus, this will lead to disasters affecting sheep, various eye ailments, and ominous red signs. Only floods and fires are exceptions."

In the eighth year of the Tianbao era of the Later Qi, in March, the weather was particularly hot, and many people died from the heat. Liu Xiang's "Transmission of the Five Elements" notes: "Not being able to see the situation clearly, using only trusted confidants around oneself, capable people cannot be promoted, while incompetent ones cannot be removed; various positions are neglected, and nothing can be accomplished. The problem lies in the laxity of political education." This reflects the emperor's irritable and indulgent behavior during that period.

During Emperor Gaozu's reign, there was a place in Shangdang where people cried out in the backyard every night, but no one could find the source. A mile away from that house, a ginseng plant was discovered, with branches and leaves growing particularly lush. When it was dug up, the root was over five feet long and had a human-like shape, and the cries disappeared. This could be attributed to plants and trees taking on spiritual forms due to a failure to recognize the situation clearly. At that time, Prince Jin secretly wanted to usurp the throne, currying favor with the powerful, hoping to gain fame, and even slandering the crown prince. Emperor Gaozu was misled. This ginseng's appearance was unusual; something sinister was at play. Shangdang refers to party factions; those powerful figures were all part of Prince Jin's faction, and they slandered the crown prince. Emperor Gaozu did not understand the truth, believed the bad words, abolished the innocent, and reinstated the guilty, resulting in chaos throughout the kingdom.

In the first year of the Daitong era during the Liang Dynasty, Wang Lun of Shaoling was working in an official office in southern Xuzhou. Suddenly, hundreds of wild birds, resembling eagles, flew in and perched on the beams of the building, and no matter how hard they tried to drive them away, they could not be driven off. After a while, the birds disappeared. In Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou," it is said: "When wild birds fly into the government office, this place will soon be empty, and those in power will flee to another place." Later, Lun was attacked by the Wang of Xiangdong, ultimately fled, and was killed by the Western Wei.

During the Liang Dynasty, Hou Jing was about to receive the emperor's appointment and had set up sacrificial offerings in the courtyard. At that moment, a bird resembling a mountain magpie with a red beak flew in and perched on a book, while an owl hooted in the hall. This echoed the events of the first year of Daitong. Eventually, Hou Jing indeed failed, fled to the sea, and was killed by Yang Kun.

At the end of the Chen Dynasty, the birds on Jiang Mountain flew up together, calling out "Nai He Di" (Oh, Emperor!) This reminded people of what Jing Fang said in "Yi Fei Hou": "When birds cry at the city gates and palaces, like human voices, the place is about to perish." Jiang Mountain is the mountain of omens for the Wu Kingdom, and the birds calling there signified the decline and emptiness of Wu. Indeed, after the fall of the Chen Dynasty, Jian Kang became a ruin. Before the fall of the Chen Dynasty, a one-legged bird flew into the palace and drew a character on the ground with its beak that read: "One-legged bird on the high platform, flourishing grass turned to ash." (The one-legged bird stands on the high platform, and the flourishing grass turns to ashes.) The "one-legged" refers to Chen Shubao's isolation, lacking the support of any subjects; "flourishing grass turned to ash" indicates that although the rule of the Chen Dynasty appeared prosperous on the surface, it was ultimately consumed by the destructive force of the Sui Dynasty. After Shubao was captured, he was imprisoned on the Du Shui platform in Chang'an, and this "high platform" also came to symbolize the prophecy.

After Emperor Xiaozhao of the later Qi Dynasty ascended to the throne, a wild fowl flew onto the imperial throne. The diviners said it was the fulfillment of the prophecy from "The First Year of Datong." Another time, a red nine-headed bird (resembling a duck) stayed in the palace garden, and that year, the emperor passed away.

In the third year of Tian Tong, in September, thousands of birds gathered in Xiandu Garden. The book "Yi Fei Hou" by Jing Fang said: "Extraordinary birds come to stay in the city, and the city will have soldiers." This foretold the omen of the Zhou army attacking Ye City.

Shortly after Empress Hu of Emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou Dynasty gave birth to the Later Lord, an owl flew to the rear tent and cried out. The owl symbolizes disrespect, predicting misfortune. After the Later Lord ascended the throne, Empress Hu's licentious behavior was exposed, and she was imprisoned in the Northern Palace.

In the seventh year of Wuping, a stork built a nest in the Taiji Hall, and also in the Jiayang Hall in Bingzhou. A wild fowl flew onto the imperial throne at Jinyang Palace and was caught. "Birds nesting for no reason on the king's gate and palace roof, the city will fall into emptiness." That year, the Northern Zhou Dynasty perished.

In the second month of the second year of the Zhou Da Xiang, a bald eagle perched on the Taiji Hall of the Luoyang Palace. That year, the emperor died, and the palace fell into desolation.

In the early years of the Kaihuang era, Prince Xiao Cong of the Liang Dynasty had just raised his army when a night heron perched in the corner of his camp. Not long after, Xiao Cong entered the court and was left in Chang'an, and the Liang Kingdom was destroyed.

In the late years of the Sui Dynasty, countless swans were constantly flying about in the palace of Chang'an. Shortly after, Chang'an City was captured.

In the eleventh month of the thirteenth year of Deyuan, a magpie built a nest in the emperor's tent and could not be shooed away. Soon after, the emperor met his end.

In the twelfth year of the Kaihuang reign, in June in Fanchang, there was a man named Yang Yue who saw two things falling from the sky that looked like small lambs, yellow in color, about the size of a newborn puppy. They were fighting in the sky, and one fell down. Yang Yue picked up one, but soon it was lost. This incident was related to the large-scale sheep slaughter that later occurred. The "Book of the Five Elements of the Hongfan" says: "If the monarch is not wise and implements policies that go against the will of heaven, it will lead to such disasters." The things that looked like puppies referred to the lambs. The sight of such a scene in the sky signified the rampant evil forces. Sheep are a symbol of the royal family, and lambs refer to the crown prince. At that time, the crown prince had just been named heir, but the Prince of Jin secretly slandered him, leading to his eventual deposition. The two lambs fighting in the sky, with one falling down, fulfilled this event.

In the second year of the Yining era of Emperor Gong, the magistrate of Linyou County, Sima Wu, presented a lamb that was born without a tail. At that time, some people discussed that this was an omen of the end of the Yang family's lineage. That year, Emperor Yang of Sui was killed in Jiangdu, and Emperor Gong abdicated.

In the fifteenth year of the Tianjian era of Liang, in the seventh month, a strange incident occurred in Jingzhou: a person was killed, but the body did not stiffen, its head fell on the ground, its mouth opened and closed, its eyes were still open, and fresh blood shot up like a bamboo arrow, reaching over ten feet, before slowly falling like rain. That year, Jingzhou experienced a severe drought. This was a sign of disaster, caused by injustice.

In the fourteenth year of the Taijian era of Chen, in the third month, something resembling a wheel appeared on the emperor's tent, bright red in color. Shortly after, the emperor fell ill and died after inexplicably shouting.

In the third year of the Zhide era, in the twelfth month, a red object fell in front of the Taiji Hall, and when it hit the ground, all the bells tolled. There was also an offering of white wine that suddenly turned into blood. The steps in front of the hall were stained with blood that flowed all the way to the emperor's bed. Not long after, the kingdom fell.

In the second year of the Hou Qi period, blood rain fell in Taiyuan. Liu Xiang once said: "Blood is the essence of yin energy, a symbol of disaster, like a zombie." The following year, the Zhou army and the Turks invaded Bingzhou, engaging in a great battle west of the city, with corpses littering the ground for over a hundred miles. The "Yifei Hou" states: "Heaven sends blood rain to stain the garments red; the nation will perish, and the ruler will be killed." This was also an omen of the later ruler's downfall.

In March of the fourth year, a red object fell in the palace courtyard, shaped like a measuring vessel used for rice, followed by many star-like objects, resembling numerous small bells. In April, Empress Dowager Lou died.

During the Wuping years, bloodstains appeared on the ground, extending from the residence of the Prince of Xianyang, Huli Mingyue, all the way to the ancestral temple. The general was a pillar of the nation, yet the later ruler believed slander and killed him. Heaven warned that killing Mingyue would lead to the destruction of the ancestral temple. The later ruler ignored the advice, ultimately leading to the nation's downfall.

The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Not heeding advice means not considering the consequences. The consequences are dire, and the punishment severe, ultimately leading to poverty and ruin. At such times, there are often evil spirits causing havoc, fish floods become disasters, swine fever spreads, and various ominous signs appear, especially paying attention to fires and floods."

In the second month of the fourth year of Eastern Wei's Wuding, it was particularly cold, with dead bodies and livestock scattered along the roads. Jing Fang noted: "The slaughter is excessive, and it is cold when it should be warm." At that time, Gao Huan was serving as Prime Minister. Previously, Er Zhu Wenchang and others plotted against Gao Huan, but when their plot was exposed, they were executed, and many others connected to them were wrongfully executed.

In the first year of the Heqing era, it was also particularly cold. Jing Fang's "Yi Zhuan" says, "A person with virtue encounters danger; this is seen as going against the will of heaven. That's why it's so cold." Some say, "Only the slaughter of innocents can lead to such unnatural cold." At that time, the emperor was infatuated with Empress Li Wenxuan, who gave birth to a child but later regretted it and did not raise the child. The emperor was furious and killed the child, Taiyuan Wang Shaode, in front of the empress. The empress wept inconsolably, and the emperor even stripped her of her clothes and beat her, throwing her into the water before finally rescuing her. This truly fulfills the saying, "there's a reason for every grievance."

In the third month of the third year and the sixth year of Liang Tianjian, frost killed the crops. Jing Fang's "Yi Zhuan" says, "Raising troops and killing recklessly goes against the laws; that's why there is frost." At that time, the Liang Dynasty sent out many troops to resist the Wei army in Zhongli, fighting for years on end.

In the sixth month of the third year of Datong, frost descended upon Xushan.

In the eighth month of the tenth year of Chen Taijian, frost also fell, freezing the rice and beans. At that time, the Chen Dynasty mobilized a large force and sent General Wu Mingche to resist the Zhou army in Luoyang.

In the eleventh month of the fourth year of Liang Tianjian, the weather was clear, with lightning in the southwest direction, and thunder struck twice. The "Book of Changes" says, "Use thunder and lightning to intimidate." This thunder is reminiscent of demonic activity.

The "Hongfan Five Elements Biography" says, "Thunder and lightning cling to the clouds, just like a monarch relies on the people. If the monarch does not care about the people, the common people will have resentment and rebellious intentions." That year, Li Kai, the Governor of Jiaozhou, led a rebellion.

In the ninth month of the nineteenth year of Liang Tianjian, there were faint rumblings of thunder in the northwest, and red vapors shot straight down to the ground. That year, someone killed the magistrates of Dongguan and Langye counties and used Xushan to hold back the Wei army.

In December of the sixth year of Zhongdatong, there was thunder in the southwest direction. That year, Lan Qin, the Governor of Beiliangzhou, led a rebellion.

In December of the second year of Chen Taijian, there was thunder in the northwest direction. That year, Hua Jiao, the Governor of Xiangzhou, led a rebellion.

In April in the fourth year of the Qitianbao era, a thunder-like sound came from the southwest. At that time, the emperor did not care about the suffering of the people, but instead raised troops for war. In the first month of the sixth year of Jiande in Houzhou, a thunder-like sound came from the west. Shortly after, the Tuyuhun launched an invasion at the border. In the first month of the fourteenth year of Kaihuang, a thunder-like sound came from Lianyun Mountain in Kuozhou. At that time, five Qiang tribes rebelled and raided the border towns. By the twentieth year of Kaihuang, thunder was heard in a cloudless sky. Jing Fang said in "Yifeihou" that the country was about to change dynasties, the common people were restless, and the villains were gaining power. There would be major events and wars. A few years later, the emperor died, and Prince Liang rebelled, fleeing with tens of thousands of families. During the Daye period, the stone drum in Fuyang sounded continuously for several years. Afterwards, chaos spread throughout the country, with wars everywhere. In the tenth year of Daitong in the Liang Dynasty, the emperor went to play in Zhufang. When he reached Siqian and Xuanwu Lake, the fish lifted their heads to gaze at the emperor, as if waiting for the emperor's chariot. When the emperor returned to the palace, he died. "Hongfan Wuxingzhuan" said: "Fish, being yin, represent the common people. Fish have scales, which are a sign of war." The common people were on the verge of surrounding the imperial palace with weapons, and the fish looking up at the emperor's chariot meant this. Later, the rebellion of Hou Jing indeed occurred. In the seventh year of Wuping of the Later Qi Dynasty, the fish in the Lu Ci Po in Xiangzhou flew away and the water dried up. "Hongfan Wuxingzhuan" said: "This is caused by an emergency situation. Fish, being yin, represent the common people." Yanzi said: "The River Lord treats water as his country and fish as his people." When the water dries up and the fish vanish, it signals the destruction of the country and the scattering of its people. The following year, the Qi Kingdom was destroyed. In the first month of the first year of Daxiang in the Later Zhou Dynasty, carps flew into the air and fought. This resembles subjects rebelling, with petty officials stirring up trouble. The following year, the emperor died and the country lost its power. Wei Jiong rebelled in Xiangzhou, but was ultimately defeated by Gaozu.

In the seventeenth year of the Kaihuang era, there was a village named Yuan Village four miles southwest of Daxing City, where Buddhist ceremonies were held. An old man with white hair, wearing a white skirt and a short coat, came to eat and left after his meal. No one recognized him, so they decided to follow him, running for about two miles before losing sight of him. However, there was a pond nearby, and in the pond, there was a large white fish over a foot in length, followed by countless small fish. People rushed to shoot it; some broke their bows and snapped their strings. Finally, they managed to hit it, and when they cut it open, they found it was filled with rice, realizing that the fish had been delivering food to the old man. A few days later, the canal suddenly surged, and those who had shot the fish drowned.

In the twelfth year of the Daye era, the people of Huaiyang County forced the common people into the inner city and even dug through the walls of Luolang Guo. While digging beneath the parapet, they uncovered a hole containing a carp over seven feet long! In the fourth year of the Wei Jiaping era, there was also a strange incident where schools of fish gathered on the roof of the armory. Wang Su believed that the appearance of fish, typically found in water, on rooftops indicated that aquatic creatures were leaving their natural habitat, foreshadowing a military defeat and a loss of armor at the borders. Eventually, the disastrous defeat at the Eastern Gate did indeed happen. At that time, bandits from Changbai Mountain raided Henan, and a month later, they reached the city walls. The county's troops resisted but were instead defeated, with over ten thousand men, women, and children dead or injured.

In the early years of the Liang Datong era, a severe locust plague struck, and even the cypress leaves on the fences were stripped bare. The "Hong Fan Wu Xing Zhuan" states: "This is the work of the locusts!" This, like the strange phenomenon with the fish, was an ominous sign. Jing Fang's "Yi Fei Hou" also states: "If the ruler does not emphasize wise education and the common people live in hardship, heaven will send down a plague of insects. Insects bring no benefit to people, but devour all things." At that time, the officials of the court valued simplicity and did not seriously handle political affairs or pay attention to the people's livelihood, which was the root cause of the locust plague.

In the eighth year of the Tianbao era of the Later Qi dynasty, locust plagues occurred in six states of Hebei and twelve states of Henan. The people went to worship the locusts, praying for peace. The emperor asked Minister Wei Yin, Cheng Cui Shuzan, "What is going on?" Cui Shuzan replied, "The 'Records of the Five Elements' says: 'If civil engineering is rushed, it will lead to locust disasters.' Now the court is building the Great Wall outside while simultaneously constructing the Three Platforms inside, which has led to this calamity." Hearing this, the emperor became furious, slapped Cui Shuzan, pulled his hair, and even smeared filth from the toilet on his head. However, the costly and laborious projects continued without pause. In the ninth year, there was another locust disaster in Shandong; in the tenth year, a major locust disaster occurred in Youzhou. The 'Commentary on the Great Plan' says: "If the ruler is cruel in punishment, greedy, arbitrarily mobilizes the people, builds cities and palaces, yet loses the hearts of the people, it will lead to insect disasters." At that time, the emperor was indeed cruel in punishment and labor was incessant, which proved this saying correct.

In the second year of the Jian De era of the Later Zhou dynasty, a major locust disaster also struck the Guanzhong region.

In the sixteenth year of Kaihuang, a locust disaster occurred in Bingzhou. At that time, King Xiao of Qin, Yang Jun, was siphoning off the people's wealth and extensively engaged in construction of his official residence. Eventually, he was condemned by the emperor and, as a result, died.

In the later years of the Kaihuang period, three wandering monks were meditating in the fields in Weinan. One night, they saw a big pig come before them, followed by more than ten piglets. The big pig said to them, "A Lian, I want to attain the path of the virtuous and sage, but I still owe a life debt." After saying this, it walked away. Here, "the path of the virtuous and sage" refers to the path a ruler should take; "a life debt" refers to the life that would be taken by Emperor Yang. The crown prince, Yong, was originally supposed to inherit the throne and follow the path of the ruler, but instead was imprisoned and deposed, which truly echoed the words of that pig.

During the final days of the Kaihuang era, a traveler from afar stayed at someone else's home in Weinan. In the middle of the night, he heard two pigs talking. One pig said, "The year's end is near; tomorrow the owner is going to kill me for a sacrifice. Where can I go to hide?" The other pig replied, "You can go to your sister's house to the north of the water." The two pigs then set off together. As dawn approached, the owner noticed the pigs were gone and suspected the guest of stealing them, so he questioned him. The guest recounted what he had heard the pigs say, and the owner went searching in the direction he mentioned, and indeed found the pigs. Later, King Xiu of Shu committed a grave mistake, and the emperor wanted to kill him. Princess Le Ping kept trying to find ways to save him, and in the end, she preserved his life. "The response of the end of the year" came to pass.

In the third year of the Chengsheng period of the Liang Dynasty, in June, a black mist resembling a black dragon appeared in the imperial palace. This was an ominous sign! Black was a color esteemed by the Zhou Dynasty, and with the appearance of this black mist in the palace, it signified that the Zhou army would attack the Liang Dynasty. That year, the Liang Dynasty was indeed destroyed by the Zhou Dynasty, and the emperor also died.

In the fifth year of the Taijian period of the Chen Dynasty, in June, a dark cloud appeared in the northwest, extending to the ground and then dispersing, resembling many pigs. The book "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "This indicates that there will be a war outbreak in the northwest." At that time, the Zhou general Wang Gui was leading his troops stationed at Luliang. The following year, Wang Gui captured Wu Mingche, and Wu Mingche's army was completely annihilated.

In the first year of the Heqing period of the Later Qi Dynasty, in April, the Yellow River and the Jishui River were crystal clear. Xiang Kai said: "The Yellow River symbolizes the feudal lords; the water is clear when it should be muddy, indicating that the feudal lords are set to become as powerful as the Son of Heaven." A dozen years later, the Sui Dynasty unified the world.

In the third year of the Daye period of the Sui Dynasty, the river water in Wuyang County was crystal clear, and one could see reflections for several miles. Twelve years later, the same phenomenon of clear river water appeared at Longmen. Two years later, the Tang Dynasty was founded.

In July of the fourteenth year of the Taijian era of the Chen Dynasty, the Yangtze River's water turned blood red, flowing westward from Jiankang to Jingzhou. During the Zhenming years, the Yangtze River's water also turned red, this time flowing eastward from Fangzhou to the sea. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Fire overcomes water, and water turns red, indicating that the ruler's harsh laws harm the nature of water. The changes in the five elements, the interplay of yin and yang, and chaotic colors are all signs of a nation's impending doom." Jingfang's "Yizhan" also says: "When water turns to blood, war is about to occur." At that time, the Chen Houzhu had just taken the throne, and he started to rule with cruelty and tyranny, fulfilling this omen. Later, the Chen Dynasty was destroyed by the Sui Dynasty.

In April of the second year of Zhenming, the river water in Nanpu of Yingzhou was as black as ink. The appearance of black water in the Guanzhong region foretold disaster; now the river water in Huainan has turned black as well, indicating that the Jingzhou and Yangzhou regions are about to be attacked by the Guanzhong region.

In June of the first year of the Daixiang era of the Later Zhou, the water in the pond of Xianyang turned blood red. This was akin to when the Yangtze River's water had turned red in the fourteenth year of the Taijian era of the Chen Dynasty. At that time, the Later Zhou's punishments were extremely harsh, and soon after, the state was destroyed.

The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Bad thoughts in the heart cannot be hidden, indicating a lack of wisdom. The consequences are foolishness, the punishment is a fierce wind, and the worst outcome is premature death. People will also face demons and monsters causing havoc, disasters to flowers, plants, and trees, calamities to cattle, diseases of trusted officials, as well as yellow disasters and omens, along with disasters related to wood, metal, water, fire, and earth."

On Wuxu day in August of the sixth year of the Tianjian era of the Liang Dynasty, a fierce wind blew, snapping trees. In "Yifei Hou," Jingfang says: "When the Horn Star is in position and a fierce wind blows, the world will be shrouded in darkness. War is sure to break out within three months." That year, the army of Wei captured Zhongli.

In the third year of Chengsheng, on the Guiwei day in November, the emperor reviewed the troops in the southern city. The north wind howled, darkening the sky. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "This is a sign of a ruler's incompetence and chaotic governance." At that time, the emperor had recently quelled the Hou Jing rebellion, and the ministers advised him to return to Danyang, but he ignored their advice. He was filled with suspicion and committed many acts of incompetent and chaotic governance, so Heaven used a great wind to warn him. That year, the Liang Dynasty was destroyed by the Western Wei.

In the sixth year of the Tianjia reign of the Chen Dynasty, on the Guiwei day in July, a great wind blew from the southwest, toppling the towers of Lingtai. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" considered this a sin of ministerial usurpation of power. At that time, the crown prince was just a child, and Wang Xu of Ancheng held power, while the emperor did not stop him in time. The following year, the emperor passed away, and the crown prince ascended the throne, but Wang Xu of Ancheng deposed him.

On the day of Rensu in June of the twelfth year of Taijian, a strong wind damaged the main gate of Gaomen. In September of that same year, a strong wind blew again at night, overturning houses and even uprooting trees. This indicated Wang Shuling of Shixing's usurpation of power.

In the Zhide era, a strong wind blew down the Zhuque Gate.

On the day of Dingsi in June of the third year of Zhenming, a strong wind blew from the northwest, stirring up huge waves that flooded Shicheng and the Huai River. At that time, the empress favored Sima Shen, who indiscriminately killed loyal ministers and capable generals. Shen Keqing and Shi Wenqing were overbearing and reckless. Jiang Zong, Kong Fan, and others indulged in luxury and debauchery, stifling honest speech; this was a sin of incompetent and chaotic governance.

In the second year of Heqing of the Later Qi, a strong wind blew for a full thirty days before finally stopping. At that time, the emperor had just entrusted power to treacherous officials and Shi Kai, who became increasingly overbearing.

In May of the third year of the Tian Tong era, a great wind arose, darkening the day, causing houses to collapse and trees to be uprooted. Heaven demonstrated its might once more, yet the emperor remained oblivious. The following year, the emperor died. Later, the emperor (later known as the Later Ruler) ordered that all memorials must first be shown to He Shikai before being submitted to him. Prince Rui of Zhao and Prince Run of Feng felt that He Shikai was excessively arrogant and overbearing, and it was inappropriate for him to hold an official position in the palace. Consequently, they were falsely accused by He Shikai, leading to Wang Rui's execution. He Shikai acted with impunity in the palace, wielding life and death at his whim, until he was killed by Wang Yan of Langya.

In the third month of the seventh year, a great wind arose from the northwest, causing houses to collapse and trees to be uprooted, and it blew for five days before it stopped. This was a confirmation of the signs of tyranny and chaos brought about by Gao An'gui and Luo Tipu.

In the twentieth year of the Kaihuang era, in November, a great wind blew through the capital, collapsing houses and uprooting trees, resulting in over a thousand deaths in Qinzhou and Longzhou provinces. The earth trembled violently, and the drums resonated in response. The bell at Jingcha Temple rang by itself three times, the doors of the Buddha hall unlocked on their own, and the bronze statue walked out of the door. The bell and drum ringing on their own is a sign of demonic mischief! Yang Xiong once stated that when a ruler is foolish and incompetent, misled by treacherous individuals, those who merely boast will gain power, leading to such demonic phenomena. At that time, Empress Dugu intervened in state affairs, and Left Minister Yang Su held great power. The emperor believed the slanderous words of these two individuals, dismissed Minister Gao Jiang, deposed Crown Prince Yang Yong, and established Prince Jin as the crown prince, who was nothing more than a figurehead. The emperor's thoughts were in disarray, which indicated an excess of yin energy! The door locks and bronze statues, being made of metal, moving while the wood shakes, signify a disaster where water overcomes metal. According to the 'Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan': 'This results from the loss of the people's hearts.' Gao Jiang and Yang Yong committed no wrongs yet were dismissed, which exemplifies the loss of the people's trust!

In the second year of Renshou, there was a Hu person in Xihe riding a mule on the road. Suddenly, he was swept up by a whirlwind, soaring up to a thousand feet in the air, and then falling down and shattering. Jing Fang's "Yi Zhuan" says: "When people betray each other with the same heart and virtue, the true virtue will be concealed, and this kind of strange wind will appear." Two years later, Han Wang Liang conspired to rebel in Bingzhou. Isn’t this scene of the carriage and mule a reflection of him? Soaring up to the sky and falling down, this is a sign of doom! Heaven was warning him through this, not to move the army recklessly, or he would ultimately fail, but he refused to heed the warning. After the death of Gaozu, Liang raised an army to rebel, and the prefectures responded one after another, with forces numbering in the hundreds of thousands. One month later, he was defeated.

On a certain day in October 506 AD, a strong wind blew, and it was as dark as night during the day; the sky and earth were dim, truly ominous! Just like Jing Fang said in "Yi Feihou": "When the feathered sun wind appears, the world will be dark, and the people will fall seriously ill; if not, it will be rampant thieves." Sure enough, three years later, Western Wei destroyed the Liang Dynasty.

On the first day of the first month of 557 AD, the sky was overcast with clouds, mist pervaded, and there was a hint of bitterness in the air, really eerie! Houzhu was both incompetent and corrupt; it was also the result of malevolent forces! "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "When the emperor loses the right way, and the ministers become powerful, deceiving the monarch, there will be a scene of overcast clouds." At that time, the Northern Qi army was approaching the Yangtze River, Liu Zhuang and Ren Mannu came to seek peace, but Houzhu believed the slander of the treacherous minister Kong Fan, was both incompetent and corrupt, ultimately leading to the country's downfall.

In the winter of 558 AD, heavy fog lasted for six days and six nights that seemed never to cease. "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says: "It was as dark as night during the day; this signals the invasion of Yin Qi over Yang Qi, the ministers will invade the monarch!" The next year, Yuan Jin and Liu Siyi indeed plotted to assassinate the Grand General.

In the year 577 AD, Yu Jiong was defeated in Xiangzhou and had tens of thousands of his followers executed in Youyu Garden. Since then, the sound of ghostly cries was often heard at night. Fan Hong said in "The Five Elements Biography": "The cry is a sign of death and evil spirits at work. When ghosts cry at night, there will be a large-scale death." Jing Fang also said in "Yi Fei Hou": "When ghosts cry at night, the country is about to perish." Indeed, the following year, the nobles and ministers of the Zhou Dynasty were all executed, leading to the fall of the Zhou Dynasty.

During the Renshou period, the sound of ghostly cries was often heard at Renshou Palace and at the foot of the Great Wall. Not long after, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor both passed away at Renshou Palace.

In the year 618 AD, Yang Xuangan rebelled in the Eastern Capital. Minister Fan Zigai had tens of thousands of his followers executed outside Changxia Gate. By the end of the Sui Dynasty, people frequently reported hearing ghostly cries and moans in that area, echoing earlier events. Later, Wang Shichong killed Prince Dong in Luoyang.

In the year 551 AD, the Sophora tree bloomed but did not bear fruit. The Sophora tree symbolized the ranks of the Three Excellencies, and blooming without bearing fruit was a sign of decline. The following year, the Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Shi Kai, was executed, Prince Hu Changren of Longdong and Prince Yan of Langye were both murdered, and Left Prime Minister Duan Shao also met his end.

The last emperor of the Chen Dynasty, Chen Shubao, had two stunning beauties by his side, Consort Zhang and Concubine Kong, both described as extraordinarily beautiful. Chen Shubao was captivated by them, favoring them over all other concubines in the palace, spending his days drinking, composing poetry, and indulging in pleasure with them. Once he entered the palace, he would not come out for dozens of days, recklessly squandering without restraint. The treasury was emptied, the people were heavily burdened, and discontent spread throughout the nation, leading to a loss of loyalty among the soldiers. When the enemy troops besieged the city, not a single soldier was willing to lay down their life. This was all due to the emperor's infatuation with women! When the Chen Dynasty fell, Chen Shubao and his two consorts jumped into a well together to end their lives. The Sui army captured Consort Zhang and executed her to quell the anger of the people in Jiangdong. The "Hong Fan's Five Elements" states: "'Hua' describes both glory and wealth, as well as the downfall brought about by beauty, hence it is called 'Hua Nie'."

The last emperor of the Qi Dynasty was also captivated by beauty. He favored a beautiful woman named Feng Xiaolian, who was not only beautiful but also smart and skilled at playing the pipa, especially talented in singing and dancing. The Emperor of Qi was enchanted by her and appointed her as a virtuous concubine. He selected thousands of beautiful women as her attendants, spending a small fortune on their outfits. While the emperor was hunting, the Zhou army was already at the gates, and the borders were under threat. The emperor wanted to pull back to the capital, but Feng Xiaolian disagreed and urged the emperor to continue the siege. Shockingly, the emperor took her advice. Due to the delay, Jinzhou fell. Later, the Qi and Zhou armies clashed at the gates of Jinzhou. Thanks to Feng Xiaolian, the emperor missed several key opportunities in battle, which ultimately led to the downfall of the Qi Dynasty. To this day, the people of Qi still blame Feng Xiaolian for their country's downfall and loss of homes.

King Wuling of Liang was performing a ritual to honor the City God and prepared to sacrifice a cow. Suddenly, a red snake wrapped around the cow's mouth, an ominous sign that disaster awaited the cow. Metaphorically speaking, this was also a calamity brought on by dragons and snakes. In the third year of Duke Xuan of Lu, the sacrificial cow was injured, and people at the time believed this signified that Heaven had rejected the sacrifice, abandoning Duke Xuan. The "Book of Five Elements" states: "When a ruler goes against the will of Heaven, calamities caused by dragons and snakes will occur." Although King Wuling claimed he was going to provide aid, in reality, he was arrogant and dismissive of others. Because of his improper intentions, Heaven did not accept his sacrifice, which was the deserved retribution for a ruler defying the will of Heaven. As a result, he was defeated by Emperor Yuan.

In the second year of Wu Ping of Later Qi, Bingzhou offered tribute in the form of a cow with five legs, which was yet another ominous sign. The "Hong Fan Five Elements" states: "Matters concerning cows correspond to symbols of palaces." The Emperor subsequently launched extensive construction projects, digging ponds and building mountains in Xiandu Garden, indulging in excess and luxury. Shortly after the projects were completed, the state fell.

In the sixth year of Jian De of Later Zhou, three strange beasts that looked like water buffaloes appeared in Yangwu: one yellow, one red, and one black. The black one fought with others for a long time, and the yellow one charged at it from the side, causing the black one to die, while the yellow one also ran into the river. This was reminiscent of the cow's calamity! The black one represented the color favored by the Zhou Dynasty; its death was a sign of destruction. A few years later, the Zhou Dynasty indeed perished, and the Sui Dynasty took over the world, with the Sui military flag in red and their uniforms in yellow.

In the early years of the Daye era, a cow was spotted on Mount Heng, each of its four legs sporting an extra hoof on the knee. Later, the Sui Dynasty developed the Eastern Capital, built the Great Wall, and dug canals.

In the third year of the Chen Dynasty, the Sui army arrived at the Yangtze River. The Chen Emperor said casually, "The Qi army has come three times, and the Zhou army has come twice, but they have all failed to defeat us. What do they want to do?" The Minister Kong Fan said, "The Yangtze River is a natural barrier, historically used to divide the north and south. How could the northern army possibly cross over? I have always worried about my low rank, but if they really do cross over, I might be promoted to General!" The Chen Emperor was very pleased to hear this, so he summoned singing girls, drank, made merry, and kept composing poetry. This was truly a grave concern! At the critical moment of life and death, the fate of everything can be decided in an instant. Rulers and ministers should seize the time to handle state affairs, yet the Chen Emperor showed no fear. Kong Fan also neglected state affairs, and even heaven seemed to have taken away his sanity. How could they not fail? Thus, the Chen Dynasty perished, and Kong Fan was also exiled.

Emperor Wenxuan of Qi once held a feast in Dongshan. Suddenly, he smashed a cup in anger and decreed a western expedition, boasting of his military might. However, later he cried to his ministers, "This black robe is not what I want." In the end, no troops were sent out. Those with insight believed that the emperor was already mentally disturbed, knowing that his reign would not last long. Later, the emperor did indeed fall ill, indulging in wine and women, with a volatile and violent temperament, and died a few years later.

Emperor Wucheng mourned the death of Empress Dowager Ding and continued wearing red court attire. Not long after, he ascended the Three Terraces, feasted and made merry, but when attendants brought him white court attire, the emperor flew into a rage and hurled the clothes off the platform. Before long, he died.

In the first year of the Liang Dynasty's Da Tong reign, there was a rain of soil across the land. In the second year, there was a rain of ash, and the ash fell in a yellow hue. This was an omen of yellow auspice. The "Yi Fei Hou" states: "If good advice is not heeded, it means that someone knows the situation but does not speak out; the appearance of an unusual yellow color foretells disaster, leading to the end of one's lineage. This is caused by hiding talents and stifling free speech." The emperor at that time considered himself intelligent and well-read, detesting those who were more outstanding than himself. He also strongly believed in Buddhism, even treating himself like a slave, which resulted in the punishment that comes from hiding talents and stifling free speech.

In the first month of the first year of the Da Bao reign, yellow sand literally fell from the sky! Two years later, Emperor Jianwen dreamed of swallowing a lump of mud. Not long after, he was deposed by Hou Jing, who had him crushed to death with sandbags. His sons also met with misfortune, truly fulfilling the saying "no heir will succeed"!

During Emperor Chen's reign, he dreamed of people wearing yellow clothes surrounding the city. Emperor Chen was disturbed by this dream and ordered all the orange trees in the city to be cut down. As a result, after Yang Jian, the founder of the Sui Dynasty, ascended the throne, everyone from top to bottom wore yellow clothes. Shortly thereafter, the Sui army besieged the Chen Dynasty. Could this also be a premonition from a dream?

In the first month of the second year of the Da Xiang reign of the Later Zhou Dynasty, yellow soil fell from the sky again, only stopping after a while. This mirrored the events of the first year of the Da Tong reign. At that time, the emperor had become utterly foolish and mad, dying within a year, followed by the Jing Emperor, who likewise abdicated in favor of a more capable successor. This is another manifestation of the saying "the end of one's lineage."

In the second year of the Kaihuang era, it rained dirt in the capital. At that time, Emperor Wen of Sui took lessons from the Zhou Dynasty, where the weakness of the feudal lords led to the fall of the state, so he divided his sons to various regions and established a xingtai, so they could each wield power in their own territories. This sign of "losing territory" coincided with "auspicious signs of soil," resulting in all these princes later plotting rebellions. Jing Fang mentioned in "Yifei Hou": "When heaven rains soil, the common people toil and gain nothing." At that time, Emperor Wen was busy building the capital, and later constructed the Renshou Palace, engaging in massive construction, moving mountains and filling valleys, resulting in many craftsmen working themselves to the bone.

In the first year of the Taiqing era of the Liang Dynasty, a woman from a family with the surname Mo in Danyang gave birth to a male infant with eyes on the top of his head and as large as those of a two-year-old child. The moment he was born, he said: "I'm the drought ghost; I can't stay here." His mother replied: "You have to let me live." The drought ghost said: "I have someone above me supervising, how can I act recklessly? Quick, make me a deep red hat, and then there will be no issue." His mother, unable to make a hat in time, tied a deep red cloth strip around his head. From then on, the drought continued for two years, with Yangzhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, and Yuzhou suffering particularly severely. Many of the Mo family's neighbors avoided disaster by wearing deep red items, but imitations in other places proved ineffective.

In the second year of the Dabaos era, a five-year-old child named Yu Cang'er in Jingkou climbed to the roof of a tall building at the southwest corner of the city and beat a drum while playing "The Long River's Melody." The drum symbolizes the army! At that time, Hou Jing was causing chaos in the south.

In the third year of the Yongding era of the Chen Dynasty, a person appeared on Mount Luofu, standing three zhang tall, completely snow-white, and dressed in luxurious clothing. Jing Fang divined: "The appearance of a giant signifies death." Two years later, Emperor Chen's last ruler died.

When Emperor Chen was still the crown prince, a woman burst into the Eastern Palace shouting loudly: "Lord of the Bi nation!" Later, when Emperor Chen ascended the throne, his reign ended right there, which really fulfilled the prophecy!

In August of the third year of the Zhide era, a maid in a family in Jiankang died and was buried for nine days, but surprisingly, she came back to life! A cowherd heard some noises and dug her up.

In the second year of the Zhenguan era, a boat was floating downstream when suddenly someone said, "Next year will be chaotic!" Everyone looked and found a dead infant on the boat, two feet long, without a head. The following year, the Chen Dynasty indeed fell. This incident sounds pretty eerie.

During the Qitianbao era, a woman in Linzhang gave birth to a child with two heads growing on one body! Later, the court was controlled by corrupt officials, where there was no distinction between ranks, reflecting the situation of the child with two heads.

During the reign of the last emperor of Northern Qi, there was a monk who appeared to be crazy, bowing to crows and hitting and scolding monks. Crows are associated with the Zhou Dynasty. Not long after, Northern Qi was destroyed by Northern Zhou, and Buddhism also suffered.

In the third year of the Baoding era of Northern Zhou, a man had a boy with reproductive organs growing on his back, that looked like a tail, with toes resembling animal claws. Reproductive organs should not be on the back, and toes should not have claws, indicating a disruption of yin and yang and chaos between the ruler and his subjects. This child felt like a warning from above: the order between the ruler and his subjects was thrown into chaos, and major events were about to happen! The emperor woke up, killed Yuwen Hu, took charge of the court himself, practiced frugality, and pacified the Qi state, later being known as Gaozu. This truly turned a crisis into safety!

During the reign of Emperor Wu, there was a muscular man who practiced martial arts. He feigned madness, carrying a gourd, and ran to the gate of Prince Yuwen Hu's residence, smashed the gourd, and shouted, "You can still live, but your son is doomed!" At that time, Yuwen Hu was in power and went to see the Empress Dowager, only to be killed by the Emperor. The Emperor sent troops to capture Yuwen Hu's sons, who all poisoned themselves. Later, that strong man begged for food in the streets; when someone gave him grain, he used a bag with no bottom to catch it, laughing heartily and exclaiming, "What an empty act!" Shortly after, the Northern Zhou dynasty collapsed, and the founding emperor moved the capital, turning the city of Chang'an into ruins.

In the sixth year of the Kaihuang reign, an old man in Huozhou turned into a fierce beast. In the seventh year, a monk in Xiangzhou transformed into a snake, with his tail wrapped around a tree as he whipped himself, measuring two zhang in length. In the fourth year of the Renshou era, a person over several zhang tall appeared at the door, leaving footprints that were four feet five inches long. That year, the Emperor died.

In the first year of the Daye era, the mother of Fang Huian from Yanmen turned a hundred years old, and a horn, two inches long, grew on her forehead. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Women are yin, horns are soldiers, and the lower responds to the upper." Later, chaos indeed erupted across the land, and the ghostly soldiers surrounded the Emperor at Yanmen.

In the fourth year, a woman from Songgu Village in Yanmen gave birth to a flesh egg, the size of a rooster. She buried the egg. A few days later, the spot where she buried the egg became shrouded in clouds and mist, and suddenly there was a loud thunder, revealing a hole, and the flesh egg disappeared.

Six years ago, in Zhao County, a maid from the Wang family named Li came across a strange thing, about the size of a chicken egg. This was no ordinary occurrence!

On the first day of the first month six years ago, a little thief suddenly appeared, dressed in a white training robe and carrying fragrant flowers, claiming to be the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha! He even dared to run to the Jianguo Gate, robbing the guards of their weapons and threatening to rebel! Coincidentally, Prince Qi, Yang Yan, encountered him and killed him on the spot. Three years later, Yang Xuangan rebelled again, leading troops to besiege Luoyang, ultimately was defeated and killed.

In the eighth year, a fellow named Cheng Gong appeared, acting mad and shouting in the Eastern Capital that there were thieves planning a rebellion. The emperor felt quite uncomfortable upon hearing this. The following year, Yang Xuan really did raise an army and besiege Luoyang! By the twelfth year, Cheng Gong was at it again, shouting "thieves"! This time, Li Mi brought his troops close to the Eastern Capital, and Meng Rang set fire to Fengdu City and fled.

In the ninth year, the emperor was in Gaoyang. There was a man from Tang County named Song Zixian, who was particularly good at performing magic tricks. Every night, light would shine from the top of his house, and he could even conjure the shape of a Buddha, claiming to be the reincarnation of Maitreya! He also hung a large mirror in the hall, reflecting images of snakes, beasts, and people drawn on paper. When someone visited him, he would turn the mirror to show them visions of their past lives. If a snake appeared in the mirror, Song Zixian would declare, "This is your sin, you must recite more scriptures!" Then he would have them bow again and look in the mirror, this time showing them a human shape. People from near and far believed him, with hundreds or even thousands coming to see him every day. Song Zixian secretly planned a rebellion, intending to hold a "Buddha Uncovered Gathering" and then attack the emperor. However, his plan was exposed, and the imperial troops led by Yang Yang Lang went to arrest him. When they arrived at his house at night, they saw only a fire pit spinning around the house, and the soldiers dared not enter. Lang said, "There was never a pit here before, this must be sorcery!" After they entered, the fire pit disappeared. In the end, Song Zixian was captured, beheaded, and more than a thousand households were implicated.

Later, a monk named Xiang Haiming emerged in Fufeng, claiming to be the reincarnation of Maitreya and secretly planning a rebellion. Those who believed in him would have good dreams. Therefore, everyone believed him, and people in the Guanzhong region called him "Great Sage." When he raised an army, he surprisingly had tens of thousands of followers! However, he was ultimately defeated by the imperial forces. Jing Fang's work, "Yi Fei Hou," states, "Deceiving the masses with false words," referring to things that were hard for people to believe, and no one walked the roads. From then on, chaos reigned across the land, and truly, no one traveled the roads!

In November 506 AD, the capital Jiankang experienced an earthquake, and the five elements—wood, metal, water, fire—were all affected by disasters. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "The ministers have gained considerable power and are about to stir up trouble, endangering the state." Jing Fang's "Yifei Hou" also says: "An earthquake in winter, in November, will lead to famine in that place, causing many deaths." At that time, Li Kai, the governor of Jiaozhou, raised an army and rebelled. The following year saw a heavy frost, leading to widespread hunger among the people.

Another earthquake struck Jiankang in January 508 AD. At this time, Wen Senglang, the governor of Yizhou, also rebelled. In December 510 AD, Jiankang shook again. "Yifei Hou" states: "An earthquake in winter that makes a sound, in December, will lead to war in that place." At that time, the emperor ordered Prince Xiao Cong of Yuzhang to lead troops on a northern expedition.

In January 512 AD, Jiankang shook again. "Yifei Hou" says: "An earthquake in spring will result in a poor harvest that year." That year saw a great flood, leading to widespread hunger among the people. In November 515 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. "Yifei Hou" states: "An earthquake in November will lead to significant funerals in that place and also cause famine." The following year, frost became a disaster, and the people suffered from hunger.

In October 517 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. That year, bandits arose in Kuaiji. In February 519 AD, Jiankang shook again. That year, a man from Jiaozhou, Li Ben, raised an army to rebel and drove away the governor Xiao Zi. In the intercalary month of January 521 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. Li Ben declared himself emperor and set up a full bureaucratic system.

In April 523 AD, Jiankang shook again. At that time, Hou Jing declared himself Grand Chancellor, recording the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel, and he refused to give the emperor anything he requested. That month, the emperor died from grief and anger. In May 550 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. At that time, Wang Lin backed Xiao Zhuang as emperor in Yingzhou.

In November 556 AD, Jiankang experienced an earthquake. Chen Baoying rebelled in Minzhong. In January 557 AD, Jiankang shook again. This marked the beginning of the power struggle between Shi Wenqing and Shen Keqing.

In November of the year 528 AD, the Xihe region sank and caught fire. The "Yi Yao Zhan" says: "When the earth sinks, the king will die." Zu Xuan said: "Fire is yang, and the earth is yin. When the earth catches fire, the yin is destroyed, the yang is disturbed, the ministers will gain power, and in the end, they will self-destruct." At that time, Emperor Gao Huan of Northern Qi was in power, while Hou Jing was gaining power in Henan. Two years later, Gao Huan indeed died, and Hou Jing rebelled, ultimately meeting a disastrous end.

In the year 532 AD, there was an earthquake in Bingzhou. This was a sign of the rise of He Shi's power.

In the year 573 AD, in the second year of the Jiande era of the Later Zhou Dynasty, there were continuous earthquakes in Liangzhou, with a large area of city walls and houses collapsing, many cracks appearing on the ground, and springs gushing out. Jing Fang said in "Yi Yao Zhan": "When the earth cracks, the Qiang and Yi tribes will rebel." At that time, the Tuyuhun tribe kept harassing Hexi, which indeed came to pass.

In May during the summer of the year 594 AD, there was an earthquake in the capital city. Jing Fang wrote in "Yi Fei Hou": "In May during the summer, when earthquakes occur, people will go into exile." That year, there was a famine in Guanzhong, and the emperor ordered the people to go to Guandong to beg for food, which echoed Jing Fang's prediction.

In April of the year 602 AD, there were earthquakes in Qizhou and Yongzhou. Jing Fang said in "Yi Fei Hou": "In April during the summer, when earthquakes occur, the crops will fail, and the people will go hungry." This prediction also came true.

In the year 603 AD, Mount Gushan in Liangzhou collapsed. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" wrote: "When the mountain collapses and the earth cracks, it is a sign of subjects rebelling against their rulers." Liangzhou was the territory of the Han Dynasty, and the following year, Prince Liang indeed led a rebellion.

In the year 617 AD, Dizhu Mountain collapsed, blocking the Yellow River and causing the river to flow backwards for several miles. Liu Xiang notes in "The Book of Master Hong Fan": "Mountains represent monarchs, water represents yin energy, and also represents the common people. Heaven warns that if a monarch's prestige is too great, it will collapse, and the people will be displaced." At that time, Emperor Yang of Sui was launching a military campaign in Liaodong, and the common people were overwhelmed by the heavy corvée labor. Everywhere, complaints arose, and rebellions erupted. Emperor Yang of Sui did not understand this warning, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Sui Dynasty.

"The Book of Master Hong Fan" also states: "If an emperor fails to govern effectively, the political order will be unstable. This will lead to continuous disasters, punishment, and weakening of national strength. At this time, monsters will emerge, and strange phenomena, such as dragons and serpents, will manifest, along with disasters like epidemics."

In October of the year 590 AD, the sky was overcast and had not rained for a long time. Liu Xiang said: "If the emperor acts immorally, and powerful ministers deceive him, the heavens will darken." At that time, Empress Dowager Dugu and Yang Su conspired to slander Crown Prince Yang Yong, ultimately resulting in Yang Yong's deposition as a commoner.

In the year 550 AD, Gao Huan of the Eastern Wei became chancellor and personally led troops to attack the Western Wei at Yubi. In November of that year, Gao Huan felt unwell and returned with the troops. The soldiers were all very afraid and said, "Wei Xiaokuan of the Western Wei used a specially made strong crossbow to shoot the chancellor." The Western Wei also proclaimed throughout the nation, "With one arrow from the strong crossbow, Gao Huan killed himself." Gao Huan was deeply troubled by this news, fell increasingly ill, and felt that it was the work of evil spirits. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" says, "Shooting is a sign of military disaster; when the energy goes against the heavens, disaster will arise." When Gao Huan continued to lead the troops forward, the general in the palace, Cao Weizu, advised him, "You are now using stale energy to confront living energy, which is not good for the enemy, but it is good for yourself." Gao Huan did not listen, remained in position for fifty days, and failed in multiple battles. He also believed in those unreliable suggestions, diverted the Fen River to the north of the city, and built up an earthen mound. The terrain was steep, over a thousand feet high, and as a result, the project was not completed, and seventy thousand people died. All of this was due to their defiance of the heavens! Gao Huan died that year. The following year, Wang Sizheng came to disturb Henan again.

During the Wuping period, the final ruler of the Northern Qi returned from Bingzhou to Ye City. When he reached Bagongling, he sang while walking at night. Suddenly, a person went mad. The emperor believed he had been enchanted by a fox spirit and took cover in the bushes and shot at him with a bow. Several people were injured, and the emperor was almost hit. The emperor caught the man and killed him. The man himself did not know what had happened. Fox spirits are known to deceive, and this is a case of animal mischief! At that time, the emperor was indifferent to national matters, only indulging in singing, drinking, and reveling with palace maids and eunuchs. Sometimes he even wore tattered clothes and pretended to be a beggar for amusement. These were all ominous signs of evil spirits. Someone shot at him again; this foreshadows military disaster! Shortly thereafter, the Northern Qi dynasty fell.

In the year 502 AD, during the second year of the Tianjian era of the Liang Dynasty, a dragon appeared fighting in the waters of the Tan Shui River in North Liangzhou, with mist spreading for several miles. This was a manifestation of dragons and snakes. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "Dragons are difficult creatures to deal with. They symbolize heaven and also the monarch. When heaven is harmed, the ruler's reign will be compromised, and the dragon will also be harmed. Dragons fighting is a sign of war." Jing Fang's "Yifei Hou" states: "When people's hearts are unsettled, strange phenomena like dragons fighting will appear." At that time, Emperor Wu of Liang had just ascended to the throne, and the rebellions led by Chen Bozhi and Liu Jilian had broken out, causing widespread fear among the people.

In June of the fifth year of the ordinary era, the dragon fought at Qu'a Wangbei and then moved westward, reaching Jianling City. Wherever it passed, trees were broken, with breakages measuring dozens of zhang in length. This was similar to the omens that appeared in the second year of the Tianjian era. The dragon's passage through Jianling, where trees were broken, foreshadowed impending war disasters for the country and the destruction of the imperial tombs. At that time, the emperor was preoccupied with lectures and discussions, neglecting agriculture and military affairs, causing the state to become frivolous and lax. The ruler's moral authority was compromised, which led to the occurrence of such strange dragon phenomena. However, the emperor remained completely oblivious to this. By the first year of Taiqing, the sight of dragons fighting was seen again in the waters of Lizhou, with waves rolling and mist enveloping the area. People saw a white dragon running south, closely pursued by a black dragon. That year, Hou Jing surrendered with his troops, and the emperor, caught off guard, accepted him, striking fear across the nation. Soon, war broke out, and the emperor, overwhelmed with worries, ultimately succumbed to melancholy.

In the summer of the tenth year of Datong, a dragon fell into a well in the home of a Yanling resident because of a thunderstorm. The next morning, people went to see it and found it was about the size of a donkey. The villagers wanted to kill it with spears, but suddenly saw several large snakes appear in the yard and inside the house, as large as several hundred boatloads, sending the family running in fear. The "Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan" states: "The dragon is masculine and a symbol of nobility. It should be in the sky or on the ground, and should not appear in the towns, houses, and homes of common people. A well is a deep place, which foreshadows that the feudal lords will suffer the calamity of imprisonment, a sign of the emperor's failure to govern diligently." Later, Hou Jing rebelled, and indeed imprisoned and killed Emperor Jianwen in the wine cellar, while the royal family and lords also suffered imprisonment and death.

In the first month of the eleventh year of Chen Taijian, a dragon appeared in a pond in Nanyanzhou, similar to the omen that appeared in the tenth year of the Datong period of the Liang Dynasty. Not long after, the new ruler took the throne, indulging in extravagance and debauchery, always making poor decisions. Eventually, the Chen Dynasty was destroyed, and the new ruler was also imprisoned.

In the first year of the Eastern Wei Wuding, a large snake appeared in Wulao City. At that time, the governor of Beiyuzhou, Gao Zhongmi, had a wife named Li, who was both intelligent and beautiful. The crown prince, Gao Cheng, took a liking to her, which left Gao Zhongmi feeling uneasy. Therefore, he rebelled using Wulao as his base, secretly colluding with the Western Wei, leading to a great battle in Heyang. Gao Huan (Emperor Shenwu) was forced into a corner by the Western Wei army and barely escaped, leading to the deaths of thousands.

In the ninth year of the Tianbao period of the Eastern Qi, a dragon about seven or eight zhang long appeared in the grand hall of Qizhou, similar to the omen that appeared in the tenth year of Datong. At that time, the princes of Changshan and Guangling were very powerful, yet the emperor was reluctant to suppress them. The following year, the emperor died, and Crown Prince Yin ascended to the throne. Sure enough, Prince Yuan Yan of Changshan deposed the emperor, imprisoned him, and had him executed.

In the first year of Heqing, a dragon appeared in the bathhouse in Jizhou. This was similar to the auspicious omen predicted in the ninth year of Tianbao. Prior to this, Prince Pingqin, Gui Yan, received the edict of the late Emperor Zhao to establish Crown Prince Bai Nian as the heir. However, Gui Yan appointed Prince Zhangguang, who later became Emperor Wucheng. Crown Prince Bai Nian was then deposed and became the King of Yueling, ultimately dying in depression.

In the fourth year of Tiantong, someone in Guixiang cut down a dead tree and discovered a yellow dragon, which had a broken leg and was found dead in a hollow of the tree. People said this symbolized the virtue of the wood element. The dragon symbolizes the monarch; a dragon dying in a dead tree is an ominous sign. That year, Emperor Wucheng died.

In the third year of Wuping, a dragon appeared in a well in Handan, its aura was multicolored and soared into the clouds. A dragon also appeared in a dried-up well at a Buddhist temple in Jijun. This was similar to the dragon that appeared in the first year of Heqing. Later, the last ruler ultimately surrendered to the Zhou dynasty and was eventually executed.

In the seventh year of Wuping, under the Zhao Yuan Tower in Bingzhou, a red snake and a black snake fought for several days, and the red snake died. Red is the color esteemed by the Qi state, while black is esteemed by the Zhou state. The death of the two snakes in battle is a sign of impending doom! Later, the last ruler heavily relied on the treacherous minister Gao Anagong and engaged in battle with the Zhou army near Jinzhou. He entrusted the army to Gao Anagong, who conspired with the enemy from within. This was a mistake that Heaven did not bless Qi! Ultimately, the last ruler was captured by the Zhou army.

King Yang of Langya demolished a white horse-shaped stupa in the Northern Palace, which had been built by Duke Cheng during the Shizhao period. During the demolition, a large white snake, several zhang long, appeared, coiling and swimming before quickly disappearing. At that time, King Yang of Langya was tyrannical and cruel, which signaled his loss of virtue! Failing to heed such an omen ultimately led to disaster.

In the fifth year of the Jian De reign of the Later Zhou, a black dragon fell and died in Bozhou. "The dragon symbolizes the ruler. Black is the color esteemed by the Zhou. Its falling and dying is an extremely ominous sign." The dragon is a symbol of the monarch, and black is the color revered by the Zhou dynasty; the dragon falling to the ground and dying is an extremely inauspicious omen. At that time, the crown prince was inept, and the emperor was very worried about it. The upright ministers, such as Wang Gui and Yu Wen Xiaobo, repeatedly requested to depose the crown prince and establish another, but the emperor ignored their advice. Two years later, the emperor passed away, and the crown prince ascended to the throne, brutally killing the King of Qi and Xiaobo, which ultimately led to the downfall of the state.

In the fourth year of the Ren Shou era, a dragon appeared in the well of the governor's office of Daizhou. This dragon transformed into armored cavalry one moment and then bent a bow and nocked an arrow, mimicking the action of shooting. The dragon turning into armored cavalry signaled impending turmoil; bending the bow and shooting seemed to target monsters, indicating that wars would break out among the feudal lords, ultimately leading to imprisonment. At that time, Wang Liang, a Han prince, was secretly plotting a rebellion, so these signs appeared to warn him. Wang Liang did not awaken to the warning and ultimately raised an army to rebel, but after failing, he was reduced to commoner status and died after being imprisoned for several years.

That guy Hou Jing declared himself king in Jiangnan. Before every battle, if his white horse neighed restlessly and pawed the ground, they were bound to win; if it hung its head, they were sure to suffer losses. Once, during a battle in the West, the horse lay down and refused to get up. Hou Jing bowed and struck it, but the horse remained unmoved. Later, Hou Jing ran into trouble because of this incident. According to the "Hong Fan Wu Xing Zhuan," "The horse symbolizes the army; when a general is about to go into battle, the horse will exhibit unusual behavior." This time, Hou Jing really suffered a major defeat because of the horse's issue.

In the fifth year of the Tai Jian era of the Chen Dynasty, horses in Hengzhou started growing horns. The "Hong Fan Wu Xing Zhuan" (The Book of Changes) states: "When horses grow horns, it is a sign of military defeat." At that time, Emperor Xuan of Chen sent Wu Mingche to battle in Luliang, confronting the Zhou army. After many years of conflict, the army faced devastating losses, and Wu Mingche was ultimately captured by the Zhou troops.

During the Tian Bao era of the Northern Qi, a horse in Guangzong grew a horn between its ears, resembling a sheep's tail. The "Jing Fang Yi Zhuan" says: "When the emperor personally leads troops into battle, horses will grow horns." Four years later, the Khitan invaders invaded the borders, and Emperor Wenxuan personally led the army to fight.

In the fourth year of the Daye era of the Sui Dynasty, many horses in Taiyuan died, and the emperor was furious, sending people to investigate. The stablemaster reported: "Every night, the horses in the stable are inexplicably frightened, and that’s why they died." The emperor then summoned a sorcerer to take a look. The sorcerer, knowing that the emperor was planning to send troops to Liaodong, said, aligning with the emperor's wishes: "His predecessor sent Yang Su and Shi Wansui to lead troops to Liaodong, and that was to fight with ghost soldiers!" The emperor was delighted to hear this and released the horse caretaker. The "Hong Fan Wu Xing Zhuan" states: "It is a violation of heavenly will, which is why so many horses died." At that time, the emperor traveled across the country every year, running from the northern borders to the Great Wall and west to Qiemu, leading to widespread suffering among the people, as if heaven were warning him: all the horses in the stable have died, yet you still roam around! Despite the warnings, the emperor ignored them, ultimately leading to great chaos in the world.

In the eleventh year of Daye, in the three counties of Henan and Fufeng, horses grew horns, some several inches long. This mirrored the situation in the fourth year of Daye. In the first year of Yining, while the emperor resided at Jiangdu Palace, many horses in the dragon horse stable died inexplicably. In just over ten days' time, hundreds of horses died. This mirrored the situation in the fourth year of Daye.

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Written by: Realhistories

Category: Book of Sui （隋書）

Published: 10 January 2025

Created: 10 January 2025

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In January of the twelfth year of Liang Datong, two Bixie stone statues were sent to Jianling. The one on the left, with two horns, arrived smoothly at the tomb. The one on the right, with a single horn, when it was close, jumped three times on the carriage! The carriage shaft was even broken by it! They had to change to another carriage. Before reaching two miles from the tomb, it jumped three times again! Each time it jumped, the people in the carriage were startled, leaping three to four feet off the ground, with the wheels sinking three inches into the soil! This is also a sign of wood overcoming metal! Liu Xiang once said: "Losing the support of the people, orders are not followed, words are not accepted; this is due to the chaos of metal energy." Stones belong to yin, representing ministers. When ministers change, it is a sign! In his later years, Liang Wudi neglected state affairs, focusing solely on chanting scriptures and discussing metaphysics with his courtiers, political affairs were in chaos, orders were not followed, words were not accepted; all of this was self-inflicted! This eventually led to the turmoil of Hou Jing.

In the first year of Zhou Jiande, there was a stone statue in Puyang County that the county officials wanted to transport to the prefecture, intending to scrape off the gold on top. However, on the way, the stone statue jumped down and fell to the ground on its own, twice! Later, they tied it to the carriage wall with a thick rope, but the rope broke, and the stone statue fell down again! At that time, the emperor had just conquered the Qi state and was attacking Huainan, with ongoing warfare, leaving the people exhausted; this was a sign of losing their support!