In April of the 58th year, a meteor the size of a dipper appeared in the sky, rising near the Tian Shiyuan constellation and flying southwest, illuminating the earth. This meteor represented an invading army, with the southwest indicating the southwestern barbarians. At that time, the army of Yizhou launched an attack on the Gu Fu barbarians, achieving a great victory, killing many enemies, and sending their heads to Luoyang.
Three years later, in June, a comet appeared north of the Tian Chuan constellation, about two feet long, slowly moving north and finally stopping south of the Kang constellation. This comet appeared for a total of thirty-five days. The Tian Chuan constellation represents water, and the appearance of a comet foretold a great flood. That year, the Yi River and Luo River flooded, with water levels rising to the city gates and the Yi Bridge collapsing, and several counties suffering severe flooding.
In August of the fourth year, a comet appeared northwest of the Geng He constellation, pointing towards the Guan Suo constellation, appearing for seventy days. The Geng He constellation represents barbarian forces. In the fifth year of November, seven thousand Xiongnu cavalry invaded Wuyuan Pass, and in December, they invaded Yunzhong, advancing all the way to Yuanyang. The Guan Suo constellation is where nobles are imprisoned. In December of that year, the Marquis of Lingxiang, Liang Song, out of resentment towards the court, privately wrote letters slandering the court, resulting in his execution and the exile of his family to Jiuzhen Commandery.
On a specific day that month, a meteor the size of a goblet appeared in the sky, flying west from the Zhi Nü constellation, illuminating the earth. The Zhi Nü constellation represents the heavenly maiden, and the appearance of the meteor from there foretold misfortune for the empress. Indeed, on a specific day that month, Empress Guanglie passed away.
On a day in June of the eighth year, a long star appeared between the constellations of Willow and Zhang, at around thirty-seven degrees. It intruded upon the Xuanyuan constellation, pierced through the Tian Chuan constellation, and approached the Tai Wei constellation. Its light even reached the Shang Jie constellation, being visible for fifty-six days. The Willow constellation represents the territory of the Zhou Dynasty. That year, there was a lot of rain, and many counties suffered crop damage.
On a day in January of the ninth year, a comet appeared in the Cowherd constellation, measuring eight feet in length. It moved from the Jian constellation to the south of the Fang constellation before disappearing, being visible for a total of fifty days. The Cowherd constellation governs the states of Wu and Yue, while the Fang and Heart constellations represent the state of Song. Subsequently, Prince Jing of Guangling, Shen Liang, King Ying of Chu, and Yan Zhong separately conspired to rebel. After their plot was exposed, they all committed suicide. Guangling belonged to the state of Wu, while Pengcheng was the land of ancient Song.
On a day in the leap month of the thirteenth year, Mars invaded the Yu Gui constellation, signifying a major death, with the Zhi star representing the killing of high officials. In December of that year, King Ying of Chu and Yan Zhong forged documents to conspire to rebel. After their plot was exposed, Ying committed suicide, and Zhong and others were all executed.
In the first month of the fourteenth year, a comet appeared in the Pleiades, vanishing near the right edge of the Xuanyuan star sixty days later. Ancient texts say that the Pleiades represents the military forces of the border regions. The following year, the Han Dynasty dispatched Generals Dou Gu, Geng Bing, Geng Zhong, Qin Peng, and Ji Hou to fight against the Xiongnu. Some believe that the right edge of the Xuanyuan star symbolizes the court's high officials, while the Pleiades represents matters in the prison, with the appearance of a comet there indicating a major case. At that time, the investigation into the rebellion case of King Ying of Chu was not yet over, and Minister Yu Yan, along with Ying's accomplices Huang Chu and Gongsun Hong, conspired together and either committed suicide or were imprisoned and executed.
In November of the fifteenth year, the planet Venus appeared in the moon, foretelling that a great general would be slain, the emperor would die, and it would not exceed three years. Three years later, Emperor Ming of Han passed away.
In the sixteenth year of the reign, in the first month, Jupiter transgressed against the right star of the Fang constellation, and the northernmost star disappeared, only reappearing after a few days. The right star of the Fang constellation represents the court's nobles, and Jupiter's transgression against it foretells the death of the nobles. Later, Minister Xing Mu conspired with Prince Yan of Fuling, plotted rebellion, and committed suicide.
In April, Venus violated the Bi constellation. The Bi constellation represents the border army. Later, the Northern Xiongnu launched an invasion across the border, reaching Yunzhong Commandery and all the way to Yuyang Commandery. Envoy Gao Hong mobilized the armies of three commanderies to pursue, but they failed to apprehend any of the enemy. The Grand Minister Ji Rou was imprisoned for failing to report the battle situation in time.
In the eighteenth year of the reign, in June, a comet appeared in the Zhang constellation, three feet in length, rotating near the Langjiang star, then moving south into the Taiwei Palace, all within the range of the Zhang constellation. The Zhang constellation represents the territory of the Zhou Dynasty, the eastern capital of Luoyang; Taiwei Palace is the palace of the Heavenly Emperor. The appearance of the comet here portends war and death. In August of that year, Emperor Ming of Han passed away.
In the first year of Emperor Zhang of Han's Jianchu reign, Venus appeared one foot west of the Ma constellation. In August, a comet appeared in the Tian Shi constellation, about two feet long, slowly moving near the Cowherd star, disappearing after forty days. Venus in the Ma constellation represents the border army, the comet appearing in the Tian Shi constellation represents foreign troops, and the Cowherd star represents the region of Wuyue. At that time, the barbarian leaders Chen Zong and others, as well as King Ailao Lei, rebelled and attacked the city of Xitang. The Yongchang Prefect Wang Xun escaped to Yeyu, and the Anyi Chief Song Yan was killed by the Qiang people. The court appointed Fu Yu, the Prefect of Wuwei, as the Protector of the Qiang, and Ma Fang as the General of Chariots and Cavalry to suppress the Western Qiang. In addition, Prince Yan of Fuling and his son plotted rebellion, having committed grave offenses. Although not executed, his title was abolished and he was demoted to a marquis.
In September of a certain year, a long meteor appeared in the sky, several zhang in length, before splitting into three segments and vanishing. In December, another comet appeared near the Lou constellation, eight or nine chi long, slowly approaching the Ziwei Palace, gradually disappearing after more than 160 days. These meteors and comets flying over the Ziwei Palace are all ominous signs, signifying that the emperor would face calamities. Four years later, Empress Mingde passed away.
In April of the second year of Yuanhe, a guest star appeared in the eastern sky near the Wei constellation, about three chi long, passing through the Ge Dao, entering the Ziwei Palace, and disappearing after forty days. Both Ge Dao and Ziwei Palace are symbols of the royal family. The long stay of the guest star invading the Ziwei Palace suggests that a significant funeral will take place. Four years later, Emperor Xiaozhang passed away.
On a certain day in January of the first year of Yongyuan, a meteor four zhang long rose from the Shen constellation, radiating brightly in yellow and white. In February, another meteor rose from the Tianheng star, flew three zhang northeast, and disappeared, with a light blue color. That night, another meteor rose from the eastern boundary of the Taiwei Palace, about three zhang long. On a day in March, a meteor rose from the Tianjin star, and another meteor rose from the General Tian star, flying northeast. The Shen constellation represents border soldiers, Tianheng also represents the military, Taiwei represents the court, Tianjin represents water, and General Tian also represents the military. The appearance of these meteors foreshadows impending war. Sure enough, in June of that year, the Han Dynasty dispatched General Dou Xian of the Chariot Corps, the Imperial Guard Geng Bing, and the Liaodong General Deng Hong, starting from Shuofang, heading north, reaching the North Di Sea, killing over 10,000 enemy troops, capturing over a million cattle, horses, sheep, and more than 300,000 people. They pursued the Chanyu all the way to the Western Sea. However, in July of the same year, there was heavy rain, destroying houses and flooding the people, fulfilling the earlier celestial omens.
On a certain day in January of a certain year, Venus and Jupiter appeared simultaneously in the constellation Kui; the next day, Mercury also appeared in Kui. Kui represents the arsenal and the army; the convergence of the three stars foretells war and death. On another occasion, Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter appeared simultaneously in the constellation Lou, also foretelling war and secretly plotted conspiracies. In February, a peach-sized meteor rose from the east fence of Ziwei Palace and traveled northwest for five zhang before vanishing. In April, a watermelon-sized meteor rose from the northeast of Wen Chang Star and flew southwest near Shao Wei Star before disappearing. After a while, thunder-like sounds could be heard in the sky, and then Venus appeared two feet northeast of Xuanyuan Da Star. In August, an egg-sized meteor rose from the west side of Taiwei, flew southeast for four zhang, and disappeared. In October, a peach-sized meteor rose from Tianjin Star, flew west for six zhang, and disappeared. In November, a fist-sized meteor rose from Ziwei Palace and flew west to the constellation of Stomach before disappearing.
In the year 83 BC on the day of Ding Mao in September, an egg-sized meteor appeared in the sky, rising from Ziwei Palace (the emperor's residence) and vanishing after reaching the handle of the Big Dipper. Ziwei Palace is the emperor's palace; Wen Chang and Shao Wei stars represent the emperor's close attendants, Tianjin Star represents water, and the Big Dipper represents killing and fighting. The meteor passed sequentially through Ziwei Palace, Wen Chang, Shao Wei, and Tianjin. Astrologically, Wen Chang Star represents the emperor's messenger, and its passage foretells impending disaster and loss of life.
At that time, Dou Xian held the title of Grand General; his brothers, Dou Du and Dou Jing, were high-ranking officials in the court. Dou Xian's brother-in-law, Guo Ju, served as a palace attendant and the commander of the archers, often visiting the palace alongside Yuan Shi, the mother of Deng Die, who was a commander of the guards. They conspired to rebel. In June 82 BC, their conspiracy was uncovered. Emperor He fled to the Northern Palace to seek refuge and ordered the Jinwuwei and the troops from the Five Armies to secure the Southern and Northern Palaces, close the city gates and arrest Guo Ju. Guo Ju's father, Guo Huang, the Prefect of Changle, Deng Die, his brother Deng Lei, the infantry commander, and their mother Yuan Shi were all arrested and executed. Dou Xian's brothers, Dou Du and Dou Jing, along with others, all committed suicide. "The Jin family has violated Xuanyuan, and the empress has lost her power," the Dou family was annihilated, and the empress dowager lost her influence as well.
In April of 81 BC, on the Guisi day, the planets Jupiter, Mars, and Mercury were all in the Dongjing asterism. On the Renwu day in July, Jupiter aligned with the Xuanyuan star. In September, Venus was in the Nandou Kuixing asterism, and Mars violated the first star in the Fang constellation. The Dongjing asterism corresponds to the Qin region, representing law. The simultaneous appearance of these three stars indicates that there will be wars at home and abroad, as well as representing law and floods. When Venus enters the Dou asterism, it foretells trouble for important figures. As predicted, in January of 80 BC, Minister Dinhong passed away. In July, a major flood occurred, resulting in many deaths and significant crop damage. Xuhou Maguang took his own life due to his crimes. In September, Deng Hong, acting as the General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Feng Zhu, the Lieutenant of Yueqi, led a total of 40,000 cavalry from the Yulin Army, five battalions of the Northern Army, elite cavalry from eight counties, and troops from the Wuhuan and Xianbei to join forces with General Zhu Zheng of Douliao, Protector Ren Shang of Wuhuan, and Jiang Du Chong of Langjiang to suppress the rebellion of the Hu people. In December, General of Chariots and Cavalry Deng Hong was imprisoned and executed after a failed pursuit of the enemy; General Zhu Zheng of Douliao and Jiang Du Chong of Langjiang were also punished.
In January of 137 BC, on Dingwei day, a meteor appeared in the sky that night; it flew from the Tianjin star and vanished into the Purple Palace. The meteor shone with a greenish-yellow hue.
In the second month of the year of Gui You, both Venus and Mars are in Shen constellation. On the day of Wuyin, Venus and Mars appeared together once more in Dongjing constellation. In the eighth month of Jiayin, Mercury, Saturn, and Venus all appeared simultaneously in Zhen constellation. In the eleventh month of Jiaxu, Venus and Mars appeared together again in Xin constellation. In the twelfth month of Jimao, another meteor flew from Wenchang star and disappeared in Ziwei Palace. On the day of Bingchen, Mars, Venus, and Mercury appeared simultaneously in Dou constellation. These celestial phenomena, with meteors entering Ziwei Palace, Venus and Mars in Xin constellation, all foreshadow a great funeral; three stars in Zhen constellation signal a gathering in white cloth (a type of funeral ceremony); Venus and Mars appearing simultaneously in Shen and Dongjing constellations signal an invasion by foreign enemies, leading to generals dying in battle; three stars appearing simultaneously in Dou constellation signal the killing of generals, all of which are bad omens.
Sure enough, in the second year (136 BC), during the fourth month, the followers of King Lecheng, the son of Emperor Jing of Han, died one after another; in the seventh month, all of King Lecheng's family died. The Chief Historian responsible for leading the troops, Wu Shen, was arrested for his offenses and was eventually executed. In the tenth month, Prince of Beihai, Liu Wei, took his own life. In the twelfth month, Prince of Chen, Liu Xian, died. In the intercalary month of 135 BC, Empress Dowager Dou died. The Xianbei people in Liaodong rebelled, and the Governor Jishe was unable to pursue the enemy, resulting in his capture and execution. In the ninth month, Minister Liu Fang was dismissed for his offenses and subsequently took his own life. The Qiang people in Longxi rebelled, and the court appointed General Liu Shang as the General of the Western Expedition, leading 30,000 cavalry including the Yueqi Xiaowei Zhao Shi and five northern army schools, Liyang, Yongying, and border Hu troops to suppress the Western Qiang.
In May of 134 BC, on the day of Bingwu, a meteor appeared, the size of a melon, rising from the constellation of Di, flying towards the southwest, with a slightly dimmer brightness and white in color. The diviners declared, "A white meteor signifies the arrival of a messenger; a large meteor signifies a large-scale messenger; a small meteor signifies a small-scale messenger. The faster the meteor moves, the sooner the event will occur; the slower the meteor moves, the later the event will occur. A meteor as big as a melon indicates that the event will happen quickly; a small and faint meteor indicates that the event will happen relatively slowly. This day coincided with the emperor's birthday, so there will be people in the border regions receiving orders from the emperor." In the following February, the leaders of Maoniu Jiaowai, Yibaixing, Loubozhong, Wangtangzeng, and others led 170,000 tribesmen to surrender to the court, and the court granted them a golden seal, purple silk, and money along with cloth. In November of 133 BC, on the night of Guichou, a pale mist appeared, three zhang in length, rising from the constellation of Tianyuan, pointing towards the military district in the northeast, lasting for ten days. The diviners said, "This indicates the outbreak of war, which will happen in ten days." In the following November, over two thousand Xianbei cavalry launched an attack on the Right Beiping commandery. In November of 132 BC, on the day of Yichou, a small star appeared near the constellation of Xuanyuan fourteen stars, with a greenish-yellow color. The appearance of this star signifies the fall of the harem. Indeed, in June of 131 BC, Empress Yin was deposed. On the day of Dingwei in the sixteenth year of April, a white mist appeared in the Forbidden City, resembling cotton. The next day, on the day of Wuwu, a comet appeared on the western side of the Forbidden City, moving in the direction of the constellation Miao, and vanished by the day of Renshen in May. In July of Gengwu, Mercury entered the constellation of Yugui. In October of Xinhai, a meteor appeared from the constellation of Gouchen, flying north for three zhang, shining brightly and yellow in color.
These days, celestial phenomena are predicting disasters: a white mist appearing in the Purple Palace predicts funerals; the comet moving from the Purple Palace westward to the Pleiades predicts disaster for the Zhao family; Mercury in the Yuhui Star also predicts death and funerals; a meteor rising from the Hook Star predicts trouble for the queen, while the meteor itself represents a palace messenger. Sure enough, the following year, in December of Yuanxing Year One, Emperor Jing passed away, and his son, the Shang Emperor, ascended the throne, only to die a year later without leaving an heir. Empress Dowager Deng then sent someone to welcome the son of the King of Qinghe to inherit the throne, who became Emperor Xiao'an. All of this came to pass as foretold by the omens! Qinghe is indeed the land of the Zhao Kingdom!
In the second month of Yuanxing Year One, a meteor rose between the Jiao and Kang constellations and flew five zhang away. In the fourth month, another meteor rose from the Dou constellation and flew to the northeast towards Xu Nu, which is associated with the Yan Kingdom! In the seventh month, a meteor rose from the Tian Shi constellation and flew five zhang away, shining red. In the intercalary month, Mercury and Venus simultaneously moved to the Di constellation. The Tian Shi represents foreign armies, and the conjunction of Mercury and Venus foretells war and bloodshed. That year, the Mo people in Liaodong did indeed rebel, plundering six counties, forcing the court to mobilize troops from Shanggu, Yuyang, Youbeiping, and Liaoxi Wuhuan to quell the rebellion.
In the first month of Yanping Year One, the conjunction of Venus and Mars in the Lou constellation foretold disaster for the ruler. Indeed, in August of that year, the Shang Emperor passed away.
In the year 106 AD, on a certain day in May, Mars was in retrograde and lingered near the star Antares. On a day in August, another comet appeared in the southwest of the stars Dubhe and Alkaid. Antares represents the emperor, and Mars retrograding there indicated rebellion by traitors. The comet appearing in Dubhe foretold a great flood. At that time, Emperor An of Han was still young and had not yet taken power, with Empress Dowager Deng in charge and the Deng family wielding immense power. Deng Zhi was appointed as a general, while his brothers were all made feudal lords and military commanders, wielding great political power. Sikong Zhou Zhang, who was unhappy with this situation, conspired with Wang Zun, Shu Yuanmao, and others to close the palace gates, capture the Deng brothers, kill the eunuchs Zheng Zhong and Cai Lun, seize the imperial records, depose Empress Dowager Deng, and exile the emperor as a king of a distant land. Unfortunately, the conspiracy was exposed, leading Zhou Zhang to take his own life. The stars of the Qin region indeed fulfilled the prophecy - at that time, the Qiang tribes rebelled, blocking the Long Mountain Pass, prompting the court to dispatch Deng Zhi to quell the rebellion, utilizing the Yulin Army, the Northern Army, and troops from various regions. That year, many parts of the country suffered from severe flooding, crops were submerged, city walls collapsed, and countless casualties occurred, which truly matched the celestial omen.
In the year 107 AD, on a certain day in January, Venus surprisingly appeared in broad daylight!
In the year 108 AD, on a day in the first month, the moon was in the Xīnxiù constellation. On another day of the same month, Venus entered the Dǒu xiù constellation. At the end of the year, a comet appeared south of the Tiānyuàn star, pointing northeast, six to seven feet long, pale. The appearance of Venus during the day was seen as an omen that a powerful minister would rise to power. At that time, the Deng family was thriving, but the moon being in Xīnxiù was unfavorable for the emperor. Xīnxiù corresponds to the State of Sòng, and sure enough, on a day in May, Prince Pèi died. Venus entering Dǒu xiù foreshadowed the rise of a noble or minister who would encounter disaster. The Tiānyuàn star symbolizes foreign troops, and the appearance of the comet south of it indicated that there would be warfare in foreign lands. Subsequently, the court sent troops to suppress the rebellious Qiang and Dī tribes led by Lǐ Guì, dispatched the Wūhuán to fight the Xiānbēi, and sent General Rèn Shàng and Hù Qiāng Xiàowèi Mǎ Xián to fight the Qiang tribes, and all of these campaigns were victorious.
In June of the year 109 AD, a large comet appeared, about the size of a plum, pale, with a light beam extending two feet long, pointing southwest of the Shangjie star. On another day of the same month, Venus entered the Yúguǐ xiù. The Shangjie star symbolizes the Three Excellencies, and later both Tàiwèi Zhāng Yǔ and Sīkōng Zhāng Mǐn were dismissed from their positions. Venus entering Yúguǐ xiù indicated that generals would face disaster. Later, General Rèn Shàng was executed for corruption and bribery.
In June of the year 116 AD, on the day of Xīnchǒu, Venus could be seen during the day, spanning the sky with brilliant light. "Tàibái seen during the day, traversing the sky." In March of the year 117 AD, on the day of Guǐyǒu, Mars entered the Yúguǐ constellation.
Then, in September of the year 118 AD, on the day of Xīnyǒu, Mars once again entered the Yúguǐ constellation; by March of 119 AD, Mars was still in the Yúguǐ constellation; on the day of Bǐngyín in May, Venus entered the Bì xiù; on the day of Jiǎyín in July, Jupiter entered the Yúguǐ constellation; on the intercalary day of Jǐwèi, Venus violated the Tàiwēi Zuo Zhífǎ star; on the day of Jiǎwǔ in November, a comet appeared in the west, located between the Xū and Wēi constellations, south to the Wèi and Mǎo constellations.
In the first month of the year 120 AD, on the Bing Xu day, Jupiter was in the Yuguixing constellation; on the Yi Wei day, during the day, Venus reappeared in the Bing constellation; on the Ren Xu day in April, Venus entered the Yuguixing constellation; on the Ji Si day, Mercury entered the Yuguixing constellation; on the Ji Mao day in May, Mercury was in conjunction with Jupiter; on the Bing Shen day in June, Mars entered the Yuguixing constellation, and on the Wu Xu day, Mars was in conjunction with the Yuguixing constellation; on the Xin Si day in September, Venus entered the Nandou constellation. In 121 AD, on the Bing Shen day in March, Saturn was in conjunction with the Dongjingyue star; on the Geng Wu day in May, Mercury was in conjunction with the Yuguizhi star; on the Bing Xu day, Venus was in conjunction with the Yue star. In 122 AD, on the Gui Chou day in April, Venus entered the Yuguixing constellation; on the Bing Xu day in June, Mars was in the Yuguixing constellation; on the Ding Mao day, Saturn was in the Yuguixing constellation; on the Xin Si day, Venus was in conjunction with the Zuozhifaxing star.
From the fifth year of Yongchu to the Yongning years, within ten years, Venus crossed the sky during the day "Tai Bai Zhu Jian, Jing Tian," entered the Yuguixing constellation twice, stayed in the Bi constellation once, was in conjunction with the Taiwei Zuozhifaxing star once, entered the Nandou constellation once, and was in conjunction with the Yue star once; Mars entered the Yuguixing constellation five times; Saturn was in conjunction with the Dongjingyue star once and entered the Yuguixing constellation once; Jupiter and Mercury each entered the Yuguixing constellation twice. In conclusion, the alignment of all five stars in the Yuguixing constellation foretells impending deaths; the serious conjunctions of Mars and Venus with the Yue and Zhi stars suggest impending violence; the Nandou constellation represents noble people and leaders; the Zhifaxing star represents close officials; the appearance of a guest star in the Xu and Wei constellations signals funerals and mourning; the Ang and Bi constellations symbolize border troops as well as legal affairs.
In 125 AD, on the Gui Si day in March, Empress Dowager Deng passed away; on the Geng Chen day in May, the Empress Dowager's brother, General Cheqi Deng Zhi, and six other marquis were all dismissed from their positions, and then committed suicide, all of which fulfilled the earlier celestial omens.
In the second year of Yan Guang, on a certain day in August, Mars appeared at the end of the Taiwei Gate. In the third year, in February, Venus transgressed against Ang. In May, Venus entered Bi. In September, the Star of Zhen violated the Left Law. In the fourth year, Venus entered the Ghost of the Chariot. In June, Venus left Taiwei. In September, Venus entered Dou. In November, the guest star was observed in Tian Shi.
In the XX year (specific year to be verified according to historical records), on a certain day in August, Mars appeared at the Taiwei Gate. Three years later, in February, Venus transgressed against Ang. In May, Venus entered Bi. In September, the Star of Zhen violated the Left Law. In the fourth year, Venus entered the Ghost of the Chariot. In June, Venus left Taiwei. In September, Venus entered Dou. In November, the guest star was observed in Tian Shi. These are ancient astronomical records; in modern terms, they document the positional changes of several stars.
Mars appearing at Taiwei foretells the rise of traitorous courtiers. Venus transgressing against Ang and Bi signifies border conflicts, or that a senior official will face misfortune. The Star of Zhen violating the Left Law signifies the execution of a high-ranking minister. Venus entering the Ghost of the Chariot signifies a significant funeral. Venus leaving Taiwei signifies military presence in the palace; entering Dou signifies the execution of a high-ranking general or official. The guest star appearing in Tian Shi signifies the death of a high-ranking official. These are interpretations based on ancient astrology and lack a scientific basis.
At that time, General Geng Bao, Imperial Eunuch Jiang Jing, Fan Feng, Palace Attendant Liu An, along with Queen Mother Wang Sheng and her son, conspired against Crown Prince Liu Bao and harbored resentment against the Crown Prince's wet nurse and the chef Bing Ji. In the ninth month of the third year, the Crown Prince was deposed and reduced to the status of Prince of Jiyin, replaced by Marquis Liu Yi. Bing Ji and the wet nurse were executed, while their families were exiled to Rinan (modern-day southern Vietnam). This indicates the intense power struggles in the court at that time, with the Crown Prince being deposed and even innocent people being implicated.
In the fourth year, in the third month, Emperor An went on an inspection tour, returned from Nanyang, fell gravely ill during the journey, and died in Ye. Empress Yan, along with her brother Weiwei Yan Xian, Imperial Eunuch Jiang Jing, and others concealed the Emperor's death from the officials. They sent Minister Liu Xi and others to the nearby temples to pray for guidance before finally bringing the Emperor's body back to the Northern Palace. The funeral procession set out that evening, and Empress Yan was elevated to Empress Dowager. This passage describes the palace intrigues and power struggles.
Marquis Liu Yi of Beixiang fell ill and soon passed away. Jing and his associates were reluctant to have Liu Bao ascend the throne, so they suggested to the Empress Dowager that another prince be chosen. Nineteen individuals, including Sun Cheng, Wang Guo, and Wang Kang of the Central Yellow Gate, conspired to assassinate Yan Xian, Jing, and their allies, ultimately crowning Liu Bao as Emperor, who would later be known as Emperor Shun of Han. This account summarizes the events, asserting that corrupt officials and powerful ministers disrupted the court, which led to bloodshed and a palace coup, all foretold by celestial omens. On the Guiwei day of the second month in 78 AD, Venus appeared in broad daylight and shone brightly for thirty-nine days! During the intercalary month of Yiyu, Venus made another appearance, this time in the southeast, shining for forty-one days! In the eighth month of Yisi, Mars moved to the Yuguixing constellation. The daytime appearance of Venus signaled misfortune for the powerful ministers, while Mars entering the Yuguixing constellation meant death and injury. Such celestial phenomena were ominous, foretelling misfortune and even death.
At that time, the court eunuchs Gao Fan, Zhang Fang, the chief architect Zhai Pu, Chancellor Gao Tangzhi, Supervisor Zhang Dun, Secretary Yin Jiu, Gentleman Jiang Shu, Yang Feng, as well as the Inspector of Yanzhou Bao Jiu, the Colonel of the Xiongnu Zhang Guo, the Prefect of Jincheng Zhang Du, and the Prefect of Dunhuang Zhang Lang conspired to leak secrets. As a result, Yin Jiu and Jiang Shu were beheaded, while Gao Fan, Zhang Fang, Zhai Pu, Gao Tangzhi, Zhang Dun, Yang Feng, Bao Jiu, Zhang Guo, and others were also punished. There was also a man named Ban Shi, whose wife was Princess Yincheng Jian De. The two had a conflict, and Ban Shi ended up killing his wife! He was subsequently publicly executed, and his entire family was implicated.
In April of the year 82 AD, Mars moved to the center of the constellation Taiwei, encroaching six inches to the northwest of the Left and Right Law Stars. In the tenth month, Venus was seen during the day. In the twelfth month, a comet appeared in the sky, emitting a light over two feet long, pointing southwest, near the Cowherd constellation. The white light of the comet signified an impending war; the Cowherd constellation represented the area of Wuyue. Indeed, the following year, pirates in Kuaiji led by Zeng Yu and others, with over a thousand men and horses, burned Shuzhang County, killed the county magistrate, as well as the magistrates of Yinxian and Moxian, looted the weapons and equipment of the officials, captured and killed civilians, and attacked the eastern military commander; the bandits in the six counties of Yangzhou led by Zhang He and others proclaimed themselves as generals, captured forty-nine counties, and indiscriminately slaughtered civilians.
In the year 84 AD, in the intercalary month of the Wuzi year, another comet appeared in the sky, with a brightness of two feet wide and five zhang long, appearing in the southwest of the Tianyuan constellation. This comet heralded the outbreak of war between the Ma and Xiongnu tribes, with a pale color symbolizing war. During that time, the Dunhuang Prefect Xu Bai sent King Pan of Shule, leading twenty thousand troops, to invade the Xianbei border, resulting in the deaths of hundreds. The Wuhuan Colonel Geng Ye sent Wuhuan Han Prefect Rong Mohe and others to raid the Xianbei, achieving victory by beheading them and capturing many people and goods. The Xianbei harbored resentment and retaliated with attacks on Liaodong and Daijun, killing many civilians. For several years afterward, the Rongdi tribes from the west and the Xianbei from the north continued to harass, using the banner of the Ma and Xiongnu tribes, resulting in heavy casualties. This war lasted for more than ten years before finally calming down.
In the year 137 AD, on the Wushen day in May, Venus was seen! This was an ominous sign. On the Gengzi day in August, the planet Mars again entered the Southern Dipper, which corresponds to the land of Wu. As expected, the following year in May, the deputy prefect of Wu County, Yang Zhen, along with over two hundred soldiers from Yuedi such as Ye and Wu Tong, suddenly rebelled! They killed officials and civilians, set fire to government buildings and homes, and even attacked the prefect's residence. Prefect Wang Heng defended his residence, while officials and soldiers fought bravely, eventually quelling the rebellion and killing Yang Zhen and his followers. Meanwhile, bandits led by Cai Bolui from Jiujang attacked Guangling and Jiujang with several hundred troops, burning down city walls and killing the magistrate of Jiangdu. It was complete chaos!
In the year 138 AD, on Xin Si in the second month, I saw the planet Venus again during the day! On Wu Zi, Venus and Mars were still very close, their light intertwined. On Xin Chou, a meteor appeared in the sky, as large as a dipper, flying from northwest to east, about eight to nine feet long, glowing a reddish-yellow, and it made a thunderous sound like thunder! On Ren Zi in the third month, I saw Venus again during the day. On Bing Wu in the sixth month, I saw Venus again during the day. On Yi Mao in the eighth month, I saw Venus again during the day! In the leap month on Jia Yin, the star Chen entered the Chariot and Ghost constellation. On Ji You, Mars entered the Taiwei Palace. On Yi Mao, I saw Venus again during the day! These celestial phenomena, Venus represents the general's constellation and also signifies the Western region. Its appearance during the day indicates the strong presence of Yin energy competing with the king's light. The clash between Mars and Venus portends war and death. The appearance of the meteor and its loud sound is a sign of anger. The entry of the star Chen into the Chariot and Ghost constellation predicts injury or death to ministers. Mars entering the Taiwei Palace signifies treachery among officials in the court. At that time, General Liang Shang and his son held power over the court, which is why Venus appeared frequently during the day. In the year 140 AD, in the first month, the Emperor conducted a sacrificial ceremony at the Southern Altar and held a ceremony at night. As a result, the eunuchs Zhang Kui, Qu Zheng, and Yang Ding, along with the officials Shi Guang and Fu Fu, vied for power and profit against the eunuchs Cao Teng and Meng Ben. Someone informed the Emperor that Cao Teng and Meng Ben were conspiring with Liang Shang to rebel! The Emperor ordered the arrest of Cao Teng and Meng Ben. Meng Ben defended himself, and the Emperor realized his mistake and released Cao Teng and Meng Ben. Zhang Kui and others, realizing their scheme was uncovered, fled for their lives, some committing suicide, others removing their official robes and escaping into the bushes, ultimately evading capture. By the year 142 AD, General Ma Xian was killed in battle against the Western Qiang at the foot of Shagu Mountain in the Northern Territory, fulfilling the earlier omens!
On the day of the 7th month in 149 AD, Mars entered the Southern Dipper, affecting the third star. On the day of the 5th month in 150 AD, Venus was visible even during the day. On the day of the 6th month in 150 AD, Mars entered the Taiwei Palace. The Southern Dipper symbolizes the nobility of the nation and the region of Yangzhou; the entry of Mars signifies impending military disasters and funerals. As predicted, the following year, General Shang passed away. Bandits Zhou Sheng and Ma Mian, from Jiujiang and Danyang, led a rebellion, seizing control of numerous counties. The Liang family once again began to consolidate power in the court.
In the year 151 AD, on the day of Ding Si in February, a comet appeared in the east, measuring six to seven feet in length and appearing pale blue. Its tail pointed towards the emperor's camp and tomb to the southwest. On the day of Ding Chou, the comet was seen in the Kui constellation, measuring six feet long. On the day of Gui Wei, visible in the evening, it moved northwest through the Ang and Bi constellations. On the day of Jia Shen, it was in the Eastern Well constellation, before passing through the Yu Gui, Liu, Big Dipper, and Zhang constellations, its light reaching the Three Towers star, and finally disappeared near the Xuan Yuan star. The camp represents the emperor's palace, and the tomb symbolizes death. The appearance of the comet near the camp and tomb indicated a major funeral within five years. Four years later, the emperor Xiaoshun passed away. The Ang constellation represents border troops and the Zhao kingdom, later invaded by the Qiang, Zhou, and Ma clans who became bandits. Liu Wen kidnapped Shi Hao from Qinghe county and tried to make Wang Suan emperor. Shi Hao disagreed and was killed by Liu Wen. Wang Suan resisted Liu Wen behind closed doors, and later officials arrested and executed Liu Wen. Wang Suan, being a victim, was demoted to Viscount Weishi, then moved to Marquis of Duxiang in Jianyang, where he later passed away, extinguishing his title. The comet passing through the Eastern Well and Yu Gui represents the Qin kingdom, both attacked and plundered by the Qiang. Its light reaching the Three Towers star represents the Three Dukes. At that time, the Grand Commandant Du Qiao and former Grand Commandant Li Gu were framed by Liang Ji and executed for a written case. The comet disappearing near the Xuan Yuan star represents the imperial harem. Later, Empress Yi Xian succumbed to depression, and the Liang family was subsequently executed, fulfilling the celestial omens.
In August of the following year, on the day of Ji Hai in the first month, Venus could also be seen during the day. On the day of Ding Hai in May, Mercury transited Yu Gui. On the day of Yi Chou in June, Mars' light invaded Zhen Xing. On the day of Jia Shen in July, Venus appeared during the day again. Mercury transiting Yu Gui forecasts a major funeral, while Mars invading Zhen Xing forecasts calamities for high-ranking officials. In August of the following year, Emperor Xiaoshun passed away, and Emperor Xiaochong also passed away in the following year in the first month.
In March of the year 148 AD, on the tenth day, Mars entered the Yǔ Guǐ constellation; on the eighth day of April, Venus also entered the Yǔ Guǐ constellation. These were all ominous signs, foreshadowing the death of a significant figure. On the seventh day of May, Venus clashed with Mars again, signaling that a rebellion was imminent. By the first day of the intercalary month, Emperor Liu Zhi of Han was poisoned by Liang Ji. And just like that, the emperor was gone. Back then, the celestial omens were eerily accurate! "Mars enters Yǔ Guǐ; on the eighth day of April, Venus enters Yǔ Guǐ, both signified a great loss." "On the twentieth day of May, Venus clashes with Mars, indicating a conspiracy." Hearing these words now sends chills down my spine. The emperor's sudden death is a chilling thought.
