In the first month of the first year of Yongping, on the day of Dingyou in April, oh, a meteor appeared in the sky, as big as a bowl! It emerged from Tian Shi Tower and flew to the southwest, lighting up the ground! This meteor signifies an invading army heading southwest, which refers to the southwestern barbarians! At that time, the troops from Yizhou went to attack the Gu Fu barbarians and achieved complete victory, sending all the severed heads to Luoyang.
In the sixth month of the third year of Dingmao, another incident occurred: a comet appeared in the sky, emerging from the north of Tian Chuan, about two feet in length, slowly moving north until it disappeared south of Kang Su. It appeared for a total of thirty-five days. Tian Chuan represents water; the appearance of a comet foretells a great flood. That year, the Yi River and Luo River flooded, the water reached the gates of Jincheng, and the Yi Bridge was washed away! Several prefectures and dozens of counties suffered major flooding.
In the eighth month of the fourth year of Xinyou, another guest star appeared in the sky, appearing northwest of the Geng River, pointing towards the Guan Suo star, and disappeared seven days later. Geng River represents the army of the Hu people. In the eleventh month of the fifth year, seven thousand Xiongnu cavalry invaded Wuyuan Pass, and in the twelfth month, they reached Yunzhong and continued to Yuanyang. Guan Suo star, that is where noble figures are detained. Coincidentally, in that twelfth month, Liang Song, the Marquis of Lingxiang, resentful of the court, secretly wrote letters slandering the court, was arrested and imprisoned, and eventually died; his wife and children were all exiled to Jiuzhen.
In the first month of the seventh year of Wuzi, another meteor appeared in the sky, this time, as big as a cup, flying from the west of the Zhinu star, illuminating the ground. Zhinu star, representing a true celestial woman, the appearance of a meteor from her forebodes trouble for the empress. In the month of Guimao, Empress Guanglie passed away.
In the sixth month of the eighth year of the Renwu era, a long comet appeared between the constellations of Liu and Zhang, at thirty-seven degrees. It collided with Xuan Yuan, pierced Tian Chuan, and grazed Tai Wei, its light reaching the Upper Stage, visible for a total of fifty-six days. Liu represents the land of the Zhou Dynasty. That year, there was particularly heavy rainfall, and crops in several counties suffered from disasters.
In the first month of the ninth year of the Wushen era, a comet appeared near the Cowherd star, eight feet long, disappearing only at the south of the Jian and Fang constellations, visible for fifty days in total. The Cowherd star governs the states of Wu and Yue, while the Fang and Xin constellations represent the state of Song. Later, Prince Jing of Guangling, Shen Liang, Prince Ying of Chu, and Yan Zhong all conspired to rebel, but their plans were exposed, and they all committed suicide. Guangling belonged to the state of Wu, and Pengcheng was the land of the ancient state of Song.
In the intercalary month of the thirteenth year of the Dinghai era, Mars collided with the Yu Gui star, signifying a great funeral, with the Zhi star representing the death of a high-ranking official. In that twelfth month, Prince Ying of Chu, Yan Zhong, and others forged a demonic book, conspired to rebel, but their plans were exposed. Ying committed suicide, while Zhong and others were executed.
In the first month of the fourteenth year, a comet appeared near the Pleiades constellation, lasting for sixty days before disappearing near the right horn of Xuan Yuan. Ancient texts say that the Pleiades represents the border military. The following year, the Han Dynasty sent troops led by General Dou Gu, Marshal Geng Bing, Cavalry Commander Geng Zhong, Qin Peng, and Taipu Ji Shou Luo to attack the Xiongnu. Some say that the right horn of Xuan Yuan represents the court's senior officials, while the Pleiades represents prisons and lawsuits. The comet lingering there foretells a major case. At that time, the case of Prince Ying of Chu had not been thoroughly investigated. Minister Yu Yan, Ying's accomplice Huang Chu, and Gongsun Hong conspired and either committed suicide or were imprisoned and executed.
In the eleventh month of the fifteenth year, Venus entered the vicinity of the moon, indicating the killing of a great general and an ominous sign of the emperor's death, which was foretold to occur within three years. Three years later, Emperor Xiaoming indeed passed away.
In the sixteenth year of the era, in January, Jupiter violated the two stars on the right side of the Fang constellation; the first star in the north disappeared and reappeared after a few days. According to ancient texts, the two stars on the right side of the Fang constellation represent important court officials, and the appearance of Jupiter suggests that these officials are in danger of being killed. Later, Minister Xing Mu, having conspired with Prince Yan of Fuling, committed suicide.
In April, Venus violated the Bi constellation, which represents the border military. Later, the Northern Xiongnu launched an invasion, reaching Yunzhong commandery and even Yuyang commandery. The court sent envoy Gao Hong to lead troops from three commanderies to pursue, but did not achieve any significant results. Due to the failure to report the situation in time, Minister Ji Rou was subsequently imprisoned.
In the eighteenth year of the era, in June, a comet, three feet long, appeared in the Zhang constellation, moving towards the Langjiang star and then descending into the Taiwei Palace. The Zhang constellation represents the territory of the Zhou Dynasty and the eastern capital Luoyang; the Taiwei Palace is the palace of the Heavenly Emperor. The entry of the comet into these constellations predicts war and casualties. Indeed, in August, Emperor Xiaoming passed away.
In January of the first year of Emperor Xiaozhang's Jianchu era, Venus appeared one foot west of the Ma constellation. In August, a comet appeared in the Tianji constellation, about two feet long, slowly drifting towards the Niulang star and disappearing after forty days. Venus in the Ma constellation represents the border military; the comet in the Tianji constellation represents foreign troops; and the Niulang star represents the region of Wu and Yue. At that time, the barbarian leader Chen Zong and his allies rebelled, attacking the city of Xitang. The Yongchang Prefect Wang Xun fled to Yeyu, and the Anyi Chief Song Yan was killed by the Qiang people. The court appointed Fu Yu as the Protector-General of the Qiang people 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 and were demoted to commoners, though they were not executed.
In a certain year on a day in September before the Common Era, a long comet appeared in the sky, several zhang in length, which later split into three segments before disappearing. On another day in December of that same year, another comet appeared, about eight to nine feet long, slowly approaching the Purple Palace, gradually vanishing after more than 160 days. These comets approaching the Purple Palace are all bad omens, signifying that misfortune is imminent for important figures. Four years later, Empress Mingde passed away.
In a certain year on a day in April, a guest star appeared in the eastern sky, about three feet long, passing through the pavilion and entering the Purple Palace, remaining for forty days before vanishing. Both the pavilion and the Purple Palace symbolize the royal family, and the prolonged presence of the guest star suggests that a significant funeral is forthcoming. Four years later, Emperor Xiaozhang passed away.
On a certain day in January of a certain year, a comet appeared near Canopus, four zhang long, radiating brightly in a yellowish-white hue. In February, another comet appeared near Altair, flying three zhang to the northeast before disappearing, with a bluish-white color. That night, another comet emerged from the eastern side of the Taiwei Wall, about three zhang long. On another day in March, a comet appeared near the Tianjin star. On another day of the same month, a comet appeared near the General of Heaven star and flew northeast. Canopus represents the border troops, Altair also represents troops, Taiwei represents the court, Tianjin represents water, and the General of Heaven also represents troops. The appearance of comets in these regions foretells impending war. In June of the same year, the Han Dynasty dispatched Generals Dou Xian, Geng Bing, and Deng Hong from Shuofang to campaign, all the way to the Beidi Sea, defeating over 10,000 enemy soldiers, capturing over a million head of cattle, horses, sheep, and more than 300,000 captives. Eighty-one tribes surrendered, chasing the Chanyu to the Western Sea. In July of the same year, there was a flood disaster, which validated the earlier celestial omens.
On a specific day in January of a certain year, both Venus and Jupiter were in the constellation of Kui; the next day, Mercury also arrived in Kui. Kui represents the arsenal and the military; the alignment of these three stars signifies war and death. On a certain day of the same month, Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter were all in the constellation of Lou, which also indicates war and covert plots. On a certain day in February, a peach-sized meteor emerged from the eastern side of the Purple Palace, traveling five zhang northwest before vanishing. On a certain day in April, a watermelon-sized meteor appeared from the northeast of the Wen Chang star, flying to the southwest near the Shao Wei star before disappearing. Soon after, a loud rumble was heard, and then Venus appeared two feet northeast of the Xuanyuan star. On a certain day in August, an egg-sized meteor appeared from the west of the Tai Wei wall, flying four zhang to the southeast before disappearing. On a certain day in October, a peach-sized meteor appeared near the Tianjin star, flying six zhang west before disappearing. On a certain day in November, a fist-sized meteor appeared from the Purple Palace, flying west to the constellation of Wei before disappearing. On a specific day in September of 84 BC, a large, bright meteor that looked like an egg appeared in the sky, traveling southwest before disappearing at the handle of the Big Dipper. The Purple Palace serves as the Heavenly Emperor's residence; the Wen Chang and Shao Wei stars are the close attendants of the Heavenly Emperor, the Tianjin star represents water, and the Big Dipper governs military matters. This meteor flew past the Purple Palace, Wen Chang, Shao Wei, and Tianjin constellations; according to celestial interpretations, the Wen Chang star symbolizes the emperor's envoy, and the meteor's passage through it foretells an impending military campaign and bloodshed.
At that time, Dou Xian was the Grand General, his younger brothers Dou Du and Dou Jing were senior officials of the court, and Dou Xian's brother-in-law Guo Ju was also a Palace Attendant and Archery Commander, often visiting the palace alongside Lady Yuan, the mother of Guard Commander Deng Die, plotting some dishonorable activities. In June of 83 BC, their conspiracy was finally exposed. Emperor He hurried to the Northern Palace, ordered the arrest of the Jinwu Guards and Five Schools soldiers, closed the city gates and searched for Guo Ju everywhere. Guo Ju's father, Guo Huang, Prefect of Changle, Deng Die, his brother Infantry Colonel Deng Lei, and their mother Lady Yuan were all arrested and executed. Dou Xian's younger brothers, Dou Du and Dou Jing, also committed suicide in succession. From the celestial signs, "Jin Offends Xuanyuan" symbolized a threat to the emperor's throne, and "Female Ruler Loses Power" indicated Empress Dowager Dou losing power. The Dou family was eradicated, resulting in the Empress Dowager losing power.
In April 83 BC, on Gui Si day, the bright star, Mars, and Saturn appeared simultaneously in the Dongjing constellation. On Ren Wu day in July, Saturn (Jupiter) conjured the Xuanyuan star. In September, Venus was in the Nandou Kuixing, and Mars invaded the northernmost star in the Fang constellation. The Dongjing constellation corresponds to the Qin land, representing the law. The simultaneous appearance of these three stars indicates that there will be internal and external wars, symbolizing both law and floods. Venus entering the Dou constellation foretells trouble for a high-ranking official. As expected, in January 82 BC, Ding Hong, the Minister of Works, passed away. In July, a devastating flood occurred, claiming many lives and causing severe crop damage. Xu Hou Maguang took his own life after committing a crime. In September, Deng Hong, acting as the General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Feng Zhu, the Commander of the Yue Cavalry, led a total of 40,000 cavalry soldiers from the Yulin Army, the Northern Army Five Schools, and the elite cavalry of eight counties, as well as the Wuhuan and Xianbei troops, to quell the rebellion of the Hu people. In December, General of Chariots and Cavalry Deng Hong was imprisoned and executed following a failed pursuit of the enemy; General of the Liaodong General Zhu Zheng and Lieutenant General Du Chong were also punished.
In January 137 BC, on Ding Wei day, a meteor appeared in the sky that night, flying from the Tianjin asterism and vanishing into the Purple Palace asterism. The meteor was greenish-yellow and shone brightly.
In the second month of the year of Gui You, Venus and Mars appeared simultaneously in Can Sū (constellation name). On the day of Wuyin (戊寅), Venus and Mars reappeared in Dongjing (constellation name). In the eighth month of Jiayin, Mercury, Saturn, and Venus appeared simultaneously in Zhi Sū (constellation name). In the eleventh month of Jiaxu, Venus and Mars appeared simultaneously in Xin Sū (constellation name). In the twelfth month of Jimao (己卯), another meteor flew from Wenchangxing (constellation name) and disappeared in the Purple Palace (紫微宫). On the day of Bingchen, Mars, Venus, and Mercury appeared simultaneously in Dou Sū (constellation name). These celestial phenomena, with meteors entering the Purple Palace (紫微宫), Venus and Mars both in Xin Sū, all foretell a great funeral. The simultaneous appearance of three stars in Zhi Sū foretells a funeral. The simultaneous appearance of Venus and Mars in Can Sū and Dongjing indicates the invasion of foreign enemies and the deaths of generals. The simultaneous appearance of three stars in Dou Sū foretells the killing of generals, all of which are ominous signs.
Sure enough, in the second year (136 BC), in the fourth month, the supporters of King Lecheng (son of Emperor Jing of Han) began to die one after another, and in the seventh month, many members of the Lecheng family also passed away. The Chief Commander responsible for leading the troops, Wu Shen, was arrested for misconduct and ultimately executed. In October, Prince Liu Wei of Beihai committed suicide. In December, Prince Liu Xian of Chen passed away. In the intercalary month of 135 BC (闰月), Empress Dowager Dou also passed away. The Xianbei tribe in Liaodong rebelled, and the Prefect Jishe failed to pursue the enemy and was subsequently arrested and executed. In September, Minister Liu Fang was dismissed for committing a crime and subsequently took his own life. The Qiang tribe in Longxi also rebelled, and the court sent the Commandant Liu Shang to serve as the General of the Western Expedition, mobilizing thirty thousand cavalry from the Northern Army, Liyang, Yongying, and the border Hu troops, led by Zhao Shi, to suppress the Western Qiang.
In May of the year 134 BC, on the Bingwu day, a meteor appeared, as large as a melon, rising from the constellation of Di (the Dipper), moving towards the southwest, with a slightly weak white light. The soothsayers remarked: "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. If the meteor moves fast, things will happen quickly; if it moves slowly, things will happen slowly. A meteor as large as a melon indicates that things will happen quickly; a small meteor with weak light indicates that things will happen relatively slowly. And this happened on the emperor's birthday; there will be people in the border areas receiving the emperor's orders." In the second month of the following year, the leaders of Shu County, such as Maoniu Jiaowai, Yibaixing, Loubozhong, Wang Tangzeng, and others, led 170,000 people to submit to the court, and the court granted them golden seals, purple ribbons, as well as money and cloth.
In November of the year 133 BC, on the night of Guichou, a pale gas appeared, measuring three zhang in length, rising from the constellation of Tianyuan, pointing towards the northeastern military market, lasting for ten days. The soothsayers remarked: "This signifies that there will be a war breaking out, which will last for ten years." Indeed, in November of the second year (132 BC), the Xianbei tribe from Liaodong launched an attack with over two thousand cavalrymen on Right Beiping County.
In November of the year 132 BC, on the day of Yichou, a small star appeared close to the fourth star of the Xuanyuan constellation, with a greenish-yellow color. Xuanyuan represents the harem, and the unusual appearance of the star suggests that someone in the harem will lose power. Indeed, in June of the second year (131 BC), Empress Yin was dethroned.
It is said that on the day of Dingwei in April of the sixteenth year, a white gas appeared in the Forbidden City that looked like cotton fluff. The next day, on the day of Wuwu, a guest star appeared in the west of the Purple Palace, moving in the direction of the Miao constellation, vanishing by the Renshen day in May. In July, on the day of Gengwu, Mercury moved to the constellation of Yugui. In October, on the Xinhai day, a meteor rose from the Gouchen constellation, flying three zhang northward, shining brightly with a yellow color.
The appearance of white vapor in the Purple Palace indicates a funeral. The comet moving from the Purple Palace to the Pleiades refers to the Zhao Kingdom. The Yugei Star represents death and funerals. The Gouchen Star symbolizes the queen, and when a meteor appears from there, it signifies a messenger in the palace. One year later, in the twelfth month of the first year of Yuanxing, the emperor passed away, and the Shang Emperor ascended to the throne, but died a year later without leaving an heir. Empress Dowager Deng then sent people to welcome Liu Qing (Xiao'an Emperor) from Qinghe to inherit the throne, all of which fulfilled the previous omens. Qinghe, which is part of the Zhao Kingdom.
In the second month of the first year of Yuanxing, a meteor rose between the Jiaoxiu and Kangxiu Constellations, flying five zhang away. In the fourth month, another meteor rose from the Dou Constellation and flew northeast to the Xunü Constellation. In the seventh month, a meteor rose from the Tian Shi Constellation, flying five zhang away, shining red. In the intercalary month, Mercury and Venus simultaneously moved to the Di Constellation. The meteor that rose from the Dou Constellation and flew to the Xunü Constellation, which is within the territory of the Yan Kingdom. The Tian Shi Constellation signifies foreign armies. The conjunction of Mercury and Venus predicts war and slaughter. In that year, the Mo people of Liaodong revolted, capturing six counties. The court sent troops from Shanggu, Yuyang, Right Beiping, and Liaoxi Wuhuan to suppress the rebellion.
In the first month of the first year of Yanping, Venus and Mars aligned in the Lou Constellation. "The conjunction of Venus and Mars shines brightly, causing great concern for the people." The conjunction of Venus and Mars foretells disaster, indicating that the emperor will face significant challenges. Indeed, in the eighth month of that year, the Shang Emperor passed away.
In the year 106 AD, on a certain day in May, Mars retrograded and stayed near Xinxiu. On a day in August, another comet appeared in the southwest of the East Well and Bow and Arrow constellations. Xinxiu represents the emperor, and Mars retrograding there indicated the emergence of treasonous officials. The comet appearing in the East Well 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. The Deng family wielded significant power, with Deng Zhi becoming the General of Chariots and Cavalry, and his brothers being appointed marquises, controlling the country's authority. Sikong Zhou Zhang, dissatisfied, conspired with Wang Zun, Shu Yuanmao, and others to seal the palace gates, capture the Deng brothers, kill the eunuchs Zheng Zhong and Cai Lun, abduct the imperial secretaries, depose Empress Dowager Deng, and reduce the emperor's status to that of a vassal king. The conspiracy was uncovered, and Zhou Zhang committed suicide. The East Well and Bow and Arrow constellations are both located in the direction of Qin. In that year, the Qiang people revolted, blocking the Long Mountain Pass, prompting the court to dispatch Deng Zhi to lead the Feathered Forest Army, the Northern Army's five divisions, and troops from various counties to suppress the rebellion. That year saw widespread flooding across the country, resulting in destroyed crops, collapsed city walls, and numerous deaths, all of which fulfilled the earlier omens.
In the year 107 AD, on an unspecified day in January, Venus was astonishingly visible in broad daylight!
In the year 108 AD, on a certain day in the first month of the year, the moon blocked the stars behind the Heart asterism. On another day of the same month, Venus entered the Dipper constellation. By the end of the year, a comet appeared south of the Tianyuan star, pointing northeast, six to seven feet long, with a pale hue. Seeing Venus during the day was a sign that a powerful minister would rise to prominence. At that time, the Deng family was gaining power, as the Heart constellation was associated with the Song dynasty. One day in May, Prince Pei passed away. Venus entering the Dipper constellation foreshadowed calamities for the nobles and ministers. The Tianyuan star represented foreign troops, and the comet's appearance south of it foreshadowed impending conflict in foreign territories. Subsequently, the court sent troops to suppress the rebellious Qiang and Di tribes under Li Gui's command, dispatched Zhonglang General Ren Shang and Qiang Protectorate Ma Xian to combat the Qiang tribe, and sent the Wuhuan to fight the Xianbei, all of which were victorious.
In June of the year 109 AD, a remarkably large guest star appeared one day, the size of a plum, with a beam of light two feet long, emitting a beam of light pointing to the upper stage star in the sky. On another day of the same month, Venus entered the Carriage and Ghost constellation. Pointing to the upper stage star, it forewarned of misfortune for the three senior ministers. Later, the Grand Commandant Zhang Yu and the Minister of Works Zhang Min were both relieved of their duties. Venus entering the Carriage and Ghost constellation foreshadowed calamities for the generals. Later, Zhonglang General Ren Shang was convicted of corruption and bribery, transported in a prison cart, and was ultimately executed.
In June of the year 190 AD, Venus could be seen during the day, spanning across the sky, a magnificent sight! In March of the year 191 AD, Mars entered the constellation of Yu Gui. In September of the following year, Mars entered the constellation of Yu Gui again. By March of the third year, Mars was still in the constellation of Yu Gui. In May, Venus entered the constellation of Bi. In July, Jupiter entered the constellation of Yu Gui. In the intercalary month, Venus was in conjunction with the Taiwei Zuo Zhifa star. In November, a comet appeared in the west, located between the Xu and Wei constellations, extending southward to the Wei and Mao constellations. In January of the year 194 AD, Jupiter stayed in the constellation of Yu Gui. In February, Venus was seen during the day in the Bing constellation. In April, Venus entered the constellation of Yu Gui. In June, Mercury entered the constellation of Yu Gui. In May, Mercury was in conjunction with Jupiter. In June, Mars entered the constellation of Yu Gui again, and on the day of Wuxu, was in conjunction with the Yu Gui major star. In September, Venus entered the constellation of Nan Dou. In March of the year 195 AD, Saturn was in conjunction with the Dong Jing Yue star. In May, Mercury was in conjunction with the Yu Gui Zhi star. In the same month, Venus was in conjunction with the Yue star. In April of the year 196 AD, Venus entered the constellation of Yu Gui. In June, Mars was in the constellation of Yu Gui. During that month, Saturn was also in the constellation of Yu Gui. In that month, Venus was in conjunction with the Zuo Zhifa star.
From the fifth year of Yongchu to the Yongning period, that is, within a span of ten years, Venus crossed the sky during the day once, entered the constellation of Yu Gui twice, stayed in Bi once, was in conjunction with the Zuo Zhifa star twice, entered the constellation of Nan Dou once, and was in conjunction with the Yue star once. Mars entered the constellation of Yu Gui five times. Saturn was in conjunction with the Dong Jing Yue star once and entered the constellation of Yu Gui once. Jupiter and Mercury each entered the constellation of Yu Gui twice. In conclusion, all five stars entered the constellation of Yu Gui, signifying death and sorrow. Mars and Venus seriously were in conjunction with the Yue star and Zhi star, indicating violence. The constellation of Nan Dou represents noblemen and generals. The Zuo Zhifa star represents close ministers. The emergence of a comet in the Xu and Wei constellations signifies funerals and mourning. The Ang and Bi constellations represent border soldiers, as well as matters of law.
In March of the first year of the Jianguang era, Empress Dowager Deng died; in May, General Deng Zhong, the Empress Dowager's brother, and six other marquises were dismissed from their positions, and then they all committed suicide, which fulfilled the earlier celestial omens. In August of the second year of the Yanguang era, in the Ji Hai year, Mars appeared at the Gate of the Great Chariot. In the third year, in the second month of the Xin Wei year, Jupiter crossed the Ang constellation. In the fifth month, in the Gui Chou year, Jupiter entered the Pi. In the ninth month, in the Ren Yin year, Saturn crossed the Left Law Star. In the fourth year, Jupiter entered the Carriage Ghost. In the sixth month, in the Ren Chen year, Jupiter left the Great Chariot. In the ninth month, in the Jia Zi year, Jupiter entered the Dipper. Finally, a guest star appeared in the Heavenly Market.
In the year XXX AD (specific year to be verified based on historical records), in these years, strange things kept happening in the sky! First, Mars appeared at the Gate of the Great Chariot, then Venus moved to the Ang and Pi constellations, followed by Saturn crossing the Left Law Star, Venus moving to the Ghost of the Carriage, then to the Great Chariot, and finally to the Dipper, and lastly, a guest star appeared in the Heavenly Market.
The ancients took these celestial phenomena seriously! They believed that when Mars appeared at the Gate of the Great Chariot, it signaled the rise of treacherous officials; Venus crossing the Ang and Pi constellations signaled trouble at the borders or the downfall of a prominent figure; Saturn crossing the Left Law Star meant someone would be executed; Venus entering the Ghost of the Carriage foretold the death of a prominent figure; Venus coming out of the Great Chariot indicated rebellion in the palace; Venus entering the Dipper meant a high-ranking official would be executed; and the appearance of a guest star in the Heavenly Market signified the death of a nobleman. Just hearing this makes one feel uneasy.
At that time, General Geng Bao, along with several eunuchs, Jiang Jing, Fan Feng, and a junior eunuch named Liu An, conspired against Crown Prince Liu Bao and mistreated his wet nurse and the kitchen supervisor, Bing Ji. In the ninth month of the third year of Emperor An's reign, Crown Prince Liu Bao was deposed and demoted to Prince of Ji, with Prince Liu Yi of Beixiang taking his place. They executed the wet nurse and Bing Ji and exiled their families to Rinan.
In the third month of the fourth year of Emperor An's reign, Emperor An went on a tour of inspection and fell ill on his way back from Nanyang. He passed away in Ye County. Empress Yan, her brother Yan Xian, and the eunuch Jiang Jing concealed the emperor's death from the courtiers. They dispatched Minister of Works Liu Xi and others to the suburban temples to offer prayers to the heavens and then transported the emperor's body to the Northern Palace. The funeral procession set out on the evening of Gengwu, and Empress Yan was honored as the Empress Dowager. Prince Liu Yi of Beixiang passed away due to illness, and Jiang Jing and his associates opposed crowning Liu Bao, so they informed the Empress Dowager and urged her to choose another prince for the throne.
On the second day of the second month in the second year of Yongjian, 78 AD, Venus appeared brightly in the daytime, shining for thirty-nine days straight. During the intercalary month of Yiyu, Venus appeared again in the southeast direction, shining for forty-one days before disappearing. In the eighth month of Yisi, Mars entered the constellation of Yu Gui. The appearance of Venus during the day foretold the downfall of the powerful ministers, Mars entering the constellation of Yu Gui predicted death and mourning, and the appearance of a comet signaled impending slaughter. At that time, the eunuchs Gao Fan and Zhang Fang, architect Zhai Pu, Prefect Gao Tangzhi, Supervisor Zhang Dun, Secretary Yin Jiu, Gentleman Jiang Shu, Yang Feng, and others, as well as Inspector of Yanzhou Bao Jiu, Colonel of the Xiongnu Zhang Guo, Administrator of Jincheng Zhang Du, and Administrator of Dunhuang Zhang Lang, colluded and leaked secrets. As a result, Yin Jiu and Jiang Shu were executed by being cut in half, while Gao Fan, Zhang Fang, Zhai Pu, Gao Tangzhi, Zhang Dun, Yang Feng, Bao Jiu, Zhang Guo, and others faced appropriate punishments. In addition, the wife of Marquis Dingyuan, Princess Yincheng, was beheaded for killing Jian De during a dispute, and her family members were also executed.
In the fourth month of the sixth year of the era, Mars entered the central area of the Taiwei constellation, encroaching six inches northwest of the Left and Right Law Enforcement constellations. "On the second day of the tenth month, Venus was seen during the day." In the twelfth month of the ninth year, a guest star appeared, shining with a light that extended over two feet, pointing to the southwest, pale in color, located at six degrees of the Cowherd constellation. The white light of the guest star foretells impending war, particularly involving cattle and horses, and the Cowherd constellation is associated with the Wuyue region. The following year, pirates from the Kuaiji region, led by Zeng, burned down Juzhang County, killed the county magistrate and those of Yinxian and Meixian, looted weapons and gear from the officials and soldiers, captured and killed officials and civilians, and attacked the eastern commandant. Rebels from the six counties of Yangzhou, led by Zhang He and his followers, declared themselves generals, raided forty-nine counties, and looted officials and civilians on a large scale.
In the year 84 AD, on the day of the intercalary month in the first year of the Yangjia era, a guest star appeared, shining with a white light, two feet wide and five zhang long, in the southwest of the Tian Wan constellation. This foretells impending war, particularly involving cattle and horses, with the white light indicating a disaster. At this time, the Dunhuang Prefect Xu Bai dispatched the King of Shule, Pan, to lead twenty thousand soldiers into the border, killing and plundering, leading to over three hundred beheadings. The Wuhuan Colonel Geng Ye dispatched Wuhuan Han Prefect Rong Mo Li and others to attack the Xianbei, capturing many people and goods; the Xianbei, harboring resentment, launched attacks on Liaodong and Daijun, killing many officials and civilians. Subsequently, the Western Rong and Northern Di tribes continued to invade, utilizing cattle and horses in warfare, leading to heavy casualties. This turmoil persisted for over a decade before it finally subsided.
In the year 137 AD, on the fifth day of the fifth month, Venus was actually seen in the daytime! This is an ominous sign. On the seventh day of the eighth month, Mars was in conjunction with the Southern Dipper, which represents the Wu region! As expected, in May of the following year, Yang Zhen, the official of Wu County, colluded with a soldier from the Yue region named Ye and more than two hundred commoners, and actually rebelled! They killed officials and civilians, burned down government buildings and homes, and even attacked the official's residence! The official Wang Heng defended the residence, and the officials and soldiers fought bravely, finally defeating Yang Zhen and his followers. Meanwhile, bandits from Jiujang, led by Cai Bolui and others, with several hundred men and horses, attacked Guangling and Jiujang, burning the cities and walls, and even killed the county magistrate of Jiangdu. In the year 138 AD, on the seventh day of the second month, Venus was seen during the day again! On the fifth day, Venus and Mars were very close, their light intertwined. On the eighth day, a meteor appeared in the sky, as large as the Southern Dipper, flying from the northwest to the east, approximately eight or nine feet long, with a reddish-yellow color, and emitting a rumbling sound, like thunder! On the eleventh day of the third month, Venus was seen during the day again! On the seventh day of the sixth month, Venus was seen during the day again! On the ninth day of the eighth month, Venus was seen during the day again! In the leap month, the star entered the Yuguixiu asterism. On the twelfth day, Mars entered the Taiweigong. On the ninth day, Venus was seen during the day again! The ancients said that Venus symbolizes generals and represents the western region; seeing Venus during the day means the Yin energy is strong and will compete with the king; the conjunction of Mars and Venus foretells war and death; a meteor symbolizes a messenger and the rumbling sound indicates anger; the star entering the Yuguixiu asterism suggests the demise of a minister; Mars entering the Taiweigong indicates the presence of corrupt officials in the court. At that time, the powerful general Liang Shang and his son wielded significant influence in the court, which is why Venus was often seen during the day.
In the first month of the year 140 AD, the emperor conducted sacrificial rites in the southern suburbs. During the evening ceremony, the eunuchs Zhang Kui, Qu Zheng, and Yang Ding, along with officials such as Shi Guang and Fu Fu, were actually vying for power against the eunuchs Cao Teng and Meng Ben! Someone reported to the emperor that Cao Teng, Meng Ben, and Liang Shang were plotting a rebellion, prompting the emperor to order their arrest. Meng Ben defended himself, leading Emperor Shun Di to finally see the truth and release both Cao Teng and Meng Ben from custody. Zhang Kui and others, realizing their plot had been exposed, fled; some committed suicide, while others stripped off their fur coats and hid in the bushes to evade capture, ultimately avoiding punishment. In 142 AD, General Ma Xian engaged the Western Qiang at the foot of Shagu Mountain in Beidi, and he and his son were both killed by the Western Qiang, which fulfilled the earlier omens.
In July 147 AD, Mars entered the Southern Dipper, transgressing the third star. In April 148 AD, Venus could be seen during the day. In August, Mars entered the Great Bear. The Southern Dipper represents the emperor's auspicious star and also represents Yangzhou. The entry of Mars signifies impending military disasters and funerals. Indeed, six years later, Grand General Shang Guang died; bandits from Jiujiang and Danyang, including Zhou Sheng and Ma Mian, instigated a rebellion and captured numerous counties; the Liang family once again rose to power in the court.
In the year 148 AD, on the second day of the second lunar month, a comet appeared in the east, about six or seven feet long, with a bluish-white color. Its tail pointed towards the royal barracks and tombs in the southwest. On the day of Dingchou, the comet passed through the constellation of Kui, measuring six feet in length. On the day of Guiwei, it became visible in the evening, passing through the Ang and Bi constellations from the northwest. On the day of Jiashen, it passed through the Dongjing constellation, then through the Yu Gui, Liu, Qi Xing, and Zhang constellations, its brightness reaching all the way to the Santai constellation before disappearing in the Xuanyuan constellation. The barracks symbolize the emperor's palace, while the tombs symbolize death. With the appearance of the comet near the royal barracks and tombs, a major calamity would strike the realm within five years. Four years later, the filial emperor had passed away. The Ang constellation represents border soldiers and the Zhao state, while the Qiang tribe, Zhou Sheng, and the father and son Ma Mian later became bandits. Liu Wen kidnapped the Qinghe magistrate She Gao, intending to make Wang Suan emperor. She Gao disagreed and was killed; Wang Suan resisted Liu Wen, who was captured and executed by the officials. Having been coerced by wicked men, Wang Suan was demoted to the Marquis of Weishi, then relocated to the Marquis of Du Xiang in Jianyang, where he eventually died, and his title was extinguished. As the comet passed through Dongjing and Yu Gui, it symbolized the Qin state being attacked and plundered by the Qiang tribe. The brightness reaching Santai symbolized the Three Excellencies. At that time, the Grand Commandant Du Qiao and former Grand Commandant Li Gu were framed by Liang Ji and died due to false charges. The comet disappearing in the Xuanyuan constellation at the end symbolized the imperial harem. Later, the Empress Yi Xian died of melancholy, and the Liang family was exterminated, all fulfilling the previous omens.
In the year 149 AD, on the day of Jihai in the first month, Venus could also be seen during the day. On the day of Dinghai in May, Mercury violated the Yu Gui constellation. On the day of Yichou in June, Mars' brightness invaded the Zhen Xing constellation. On the day of Jiahsen in July, Venus could also be seen during the day. Mercury violating Yu Gui indicated a major calamity, while Mars violating Zhen Xing indicated that the powerful would suffer calamity. In the following year in August, the filial emperor passed away, and the filial emperor Xiaochong also passed away in the first month of the second year.
In the early days of March 148 AD, I can't recall the specific dates for April and May, but that day Mars moved to Yuguixing; in April, Venus also moved to Yuguixing. Both of these events signified that something significant was about to occur, namely the death of a high-ranking official. In May, I can't recall the specific date, but Venus clashed with Mars, which was an ominous sign, indicating rebellion was on the horizon! Then, a few months later, on the first day of the intercalary month, Emperor Xiaozhi was poisoned by Liang Ji and passed away.
In those days, changes in celestial phenomena were closely linked to the rise and fall of the royal family, and people found it quite mysterious. The simultaneous appearance of Mars and Venus in Yuguixing, along with their clash, were seen as very bad omens by people at the time, indicating that the Emperor was in trouble. Sure enough, not long after, the Emperor passed away, and everyone felt that the celestial omens were eerily accurate! "In the early days of March of the first year of Xiaozhi, Mars entered Yuguixing; in April, Venus entered Yuguixing, both indicating a great mourning. In May, Venus clashed with Mars, indicating treachery. On the first day of the intercalary month, Emperor Xiaozhi was poisoned by Liang Ji and passed away." This is a historical record that no one can dispute.
