Emperor, the virtues of emperors should match the heavens and earth, follow the principles of yin and yang, and issue commands that reach every corner. Thus, they must strive to cultivate themselves and govern the country, show reverence to Heaven and the deities; even in times of peace and prosperity, they must not let their guard down, nor show any signs of negligence. Because the will of Heaven responds, signs will definitely appear, and good and evil consequences will follow swiftly like echoes. These are all indicators of divine favor, foretelling blessings and misfortunes, so rulers should observe diligently, act with caution, eliminate disasters, and promote auspiciousness. Stories with happy endings ultimately stem from kindness and longevity. However, signs of order and chaos will vary with different regions, and their manifestations also differ, from the countless emperors of ancient times. Now, I have collected records of disasters and blessings since the beginning of the empire, compiled into this book called "Records of Spiritual Signs."
In the "Book of Documents," it says: when the earth's yin energy gathers, it symbolizes the ministers; the yin energy should be still and not in turmoil. If it is in turmoil, it means the ministers' power is strong, and they are about to cause trouble; this is a sign that disaster is about to occur.
In the fourth year of Taichang, on the day of Jiazi in February, an earthquake occurred in Sizhou, shaking the houses violently. Oh, this earthquake is really strong!
In the second year of Taiyan, on the day of Dingmao in November, an earthquake occurred in Bingzhou. These earthquakes keep occurring one after another, really making people fearful.
In the fourth year in March, on the day of Yiwei, an earthquake occurred in the capital. It seems that something serious is about to happen!
On the day of Dinghai in November, earthquakes occurred in Youzhou and Yuanzhou. The extent of this earthquake is quite broad; it seems like a major event is about to happen!
In the first year of Zhenjun, on the day of Bingwu in May, an earthquake occurred in Hedong. This earthquake is occurring with alarming frequency; it's uncertain when it will cease.
In the fifth year of Yanxing in May, Yamen Qicheng made a sound like thunder, spreading from the north to the west more than ten times, and after the sound stopped, an earthquake occurred. The sound and the earthquake are truly terrifying.
On the day of Jihai in October, the capital experienced another earthquake. The frequency of earthquakes in the capital is alarmingly high!
On the day of Xin-You in the fourth month of the first year of Taihe, an earthquake occurred in the capital city again. This capital city is really suffering from one disaster after another! In the fifth month, an earthquake occurred in Tongwan Town, the sound was thunderous. The rumble of this earthquake really left people feeling anxious. In the intercalary month, an earthquake occurred in Qinzhou, with a rumbling sound. In the first month of the fourth year, the Di tribe leader in Yongzhou, Qinan Wang, rebelled. Indeed, after the earthquake, rebellions just kept popping up.
On the day of Bing-Zi in the second month of the second year, an earthquake occurred in Yanzhou. This earthquake really made it hard for people to sleep or eat! In the tenth month of the fourth year, a man named Huan Fu from Lanling rebelled and killed the county magistrate. Rebellions just kept popping up.
On the day of Ding-Mao in the tenth month, an earthquake occurred in Bingzhou, accompanied by a sound. This earthquake really had everyone on edge! On the day of Wu-Chen in the third month of the third year, an earthquake occurred in Pingzhou, the sound was thunderous, sending even the wild chickens running. The range of this earthquake's impact is too wide!
On the day of Ding-Mao in the seventh month, an earthquake occurred in the capital city again. This capital city can’t catch a break! In the second month of the fifth year, the monk Fashou from Shaman plotted a rebellion. Indeed, after the earthquake, rebellion occurred.
On the day of Ji-You in the fifth month of the fourth year, an earthquake occurred in Bingzhou. Bingzhou has too many earthquakes! On the day of Wu-Xu in the second month of the fifth year, an earthquake occurred in Qinzhou. Qinzhou also has quite a few earthquakes!
On the day of Gui-Wei in the fifth month of the sixth year, an earthquake occurred in Qinzhou, accompanied by a sound. Qinzhou just can’t seem to catch a break from disasters! On the day of Jia-Wu in the eighth month, an earthquake occurred in Qinzhou, the sound was thunderous. Another earthquake occurred on the day of Yi-Wei. These earthquakes just keep coming, and it’s honestly terrifying!
On the day of Jia-Zi in the third month of the seventh year, an earthquake occurred in Qinzhou, accompanied by a sound. Qinzhou is truly plagued with disasters and troubles! On the day of Ding-Mao in the fourth month, an earthquake occurred in Sizhou, accompanied by a sound. This earthquake really made everyone's heart race!
On the day of Jia-Zi in the sixth month, an earthquake occurred in East Yongzhou, accompanied by a sound. This earthquake really had everyone losing sleep and appetite! On the day of Bing-Shen in the eleventh month of the eighth year, an earthquake occurred in Bingzhou. Bingzhou is really on a disaster roll!
On the day of Xin-Wei in the first month of the tenth year, an earthquake occurred in Bingzhou, with a rumbling sound. Bingzhou is really on a disaster roll!
In the year of Bingwu in the lunar leap month, an earthquake occurred in Qinzhou. In the second month of Jiazi, the capital was also struck by an earthquake, and there was another quake on the day of Bingyin. That year, the earthquake in Qinzhou was particularly intense. In the third month of Renzi, both the capital and Yingzhou experienced earthquakes. In the twelfth year of the cycle, during the third month, the officials of Zhongsan, led by Liang Zhongbao, conspired to rebel.
In the nineteenth year, during the second month of Yiwai, Guangzhou experienced an earthquake, and five locations in the Mouping area of Laizhou, Shandong, collapsed, with water bubbling up in one of those locations. In the twentieth year, in the first month of Xinwei, an earthquake occurred in Bingzhou. In the fourth month of Yuwei, Yingzhou experienced an earthquake. In December, the governor of Hengzhou, Mu Tai, and others plotted rebellion in the state, but they were ultimately executed.
In the twenty-second year, during the third month of Guiwei, Yingzhou experienced another earthquake. In the eighth month of Wuzi, Yanzhou had an earthquake. In the ninth month of Xinmao, Bingzhou experienced another earthquake. In the twenty-third year, during the sixth month of Yiwei, the capital was struck by yet another earthquake.
In the first year of the reign of Emperor Shizong, during the sixth month of Gengwu, Qinzhou had an earthquake. In the fourth year, during the first month of Xinyou, Liangzhou experienced an earthquake. In the year of Renshen, Bingzhou had an earthquake. In the sixth month of Dinghai, Qinzhou experienced another earthquake. In December, Xinsi, Qinzhou had yet another earthquake. In the third year of the Zhengshi era, during the first month, over two thousand commoners in Qinzhou, led by Wang Zhi, referred to themselves as "Wang Gong" and later elected the Qinzhou chief clerk, Lü Gou'er, as their leader.
In the first year of the Zhengshi era, during the fourth month of Gengchen, the capital experienced an earthquake. In the sixth month of Yisi, the capital had another earthquake. In the second year, during the ninth month of Jichou, Hengzhou experienced an earthquake. In the third year, during the seventh month of Jichou, Liangzhou experienced an earthquake that produced a loud rumbling sound, causing the city gates to collapse. In the eighth month of Gengshen, Qinzhou experienced an earthquake. In September, the chief of Xiazhou, Cao Ming, plotted rebellion.
In the first year of Yongping, during the first month of Gengyin, Qinzhou experienced an earthquake. In the third year, during the second month, a monk from Taizhou named Liu Guangxiu plotted rebellion. In the ninth month of Renchen, Qingzhou experienced an earthquake, with a loud rumbling sound. In the second year, during the first month of Renyin, Qingzhou had an earthquake. In the fourth year, during the fifth month of Gengxu, Hengzhou and Dingzhou experienced earthquakes, with a loud rumbling sound. In the tenth month of Jisi, Hengzhou experienced an earthquake, the sound resembling thunderclaps.
In the fourth month of the first year of Yanchang, on the day of Gengchen, earthquakes occurred in the capital city as well as in the six provinces: Bing, Shuo, Xiang, Ji, Ding, and Ying. The earthquakes in Hengzhou's Fanzhi, Sanggan, and Lingqiu areas, as well as in Sizhou's Xiurong and Yanmen regions, caused mountains to collapse and springs to gush forth, resulting in the deaths of 5,310 people, injuries to 2,722 people, and the death or injury of over 3,000 cattle and horses. Following this, Erzhu Rong became increasingly tyrannical and aggressive, waging wars everywhere. In the tenth month, Qinzhou experienced an earthquake accompanied by a loud rumble. In the eleventh month, there were earthquakes in Dingzhou and Sizhou.
In the twelfth month of the year of Xinyou, Beijing experienced an earthquake, with the tremors coming from the northeast. In the third month of the second year, Jizhou also experienced an earthquake, with noticeable tremors. Some time later, Beijing experienced another earthquake; the exact date is unclear, but it was on the day of Bingxu. In the first month of the third year, someone reported to the court that there had been continuous earthquakes in Xiurong County and Fucheng County in Sizhou since the fourth month of the second year of Yanchang! At that time, Erzhu Rong was still leading troops into battle.
In the first month of the fourth year, Huazhou experienced an earthquake. In the eleventh month, there was another earthquake, this time coming from the northwest, with strong tremors. Just a few days later, on the day of Dingyou, another earthquake occurred, this time coming from the northeast.
In the twelfth month of the second year of Suping Xiping, Qinzhou experienced an earthquake, with noticeable tremors. In the sixth month of the second year of Zhengguang, Qinzhou experienced another earthquake, this time coming from the northeast. Five years later, Mo Zheniansheng rebelled.
In the sixth month of the third year, Xuzhou experienced an earthquake. In the first year of Xiaochang, the rebel Yuanfaseng emerged. In the third year of Xiaojing Wuding, during the winter, there was an earthquake in Bingzhou. In the summer of the seventh year, all the counties surrounding Bingzhou also experienced earthquakes.
The "Hongfan Lun" states: "Mountains represent yang, symbolizing the monarch; water represents yin, symbolizing the people." Heaven warns that when the way of the monarch is corrupted, the people will lose their safe haven.
In the spring of the sixth year of Taizu's reign, in the third month, Mount Heng collapsed. In the fourth year of Shizu's reign, in the fourth month (Jiyou), Mount Hua collapsed. The ancients said: mountains correspond to the heavens, just like the relationship between feudal lords and the emperor. The collapse of mountains foretells the downfall of feudal lords. This foretold the destruction of Juqu Mujian.
In the first year of Shizong's reign, in the fifth month of the year of Yichou, Mount Taiyin collapsed in Shangchi County, Qizhou, causing a hundred and fifty-nine deaths. In the fourth year, in the eleventh month of Dingsi, Mount Heng collapsed again. In the first year of Zhengshi, in the eleventh month of Guihai, Mount Heng collapsed once more.
In the third year of Yanchang, in the eighth month of Xinsi, Yanzhou reported that Mount Tai collapsed, with seventeen places showing collapsed rocks and gushing springs. Mount Tai is the site where emperors perform heaven sacrifices and conduct the Fengshan ceremony, but now it has collapsed and springs have gushed out, signifying a decline in yang energy and a rise in yin energy. Since Mount Tai is in the land of Qi, it seems that the heavens are signaling the rise of a dynasty that will inherit Qi and accept the abdication. This was a sign of Qi replacing Wei.
Jing Fang's "Yi Zhuan" says: "When people stray from unity and virtue, the highest moral values become obscured, and various abnormal signs will appear."
In the third year of Yongxing, in the second month of Jiawu, a strong wind swept through the capital. In the fifth month of Jisi, King Murong Bo'er of Changli plotted a rebellion and was executed. In the eleventh month of Bingwu, a strong wind swept through the capital again. Five years later, the Hu people in Hexi revolted, led by Cao Long and Zhang Datou, each commanding twenty thousand troops to attack Puzi.
On the first day of a certain year, a strong wind blew and darkened the sky, leading to the cancellation of the New Year celebration.
In the eleventh month of the fifth year, a strong wind blew through the imperial capital from the west.
In the first month of Shenrui's reign, a strong wind swept through the imperial capital.
In the second year, another strong wind swept through the imperial capital in the first month. In the third month, the starving Hu people in Hexi revolted, gathering in Shangdang and electing Bai Yalisi as their leader.
In the second year of Shizu Taiyan, on the Jia Shen day of April, a storm swept through the capital, leading to the collapse of palace walls and dozens of fatalities. In December of the third year, a fierce wind swept through the capital, with sand swirling in the air and trees being uprooted. In the first year of Zhenjun, in February, a black gale swept through the capital, blocking out the sun and measuring over five zhang wide. On the Geng Chen day in April, Juqu Wuhui attacked Zhangye, while Tubo Baozhou was stationed at Shandan Ridge. On the Ren Wu day in March of the second year of Gaozong Heping, a fierce wind swept through the capital, and the sky darkened. In the fifth year of Gaozu Yanxing, in May, a red wind swept through the capital. On the Geng Shen day in July of the second year of Taihe, a fierce wind swept through Wuchuan Town, lifting the houses of six families into the air, like horns soaring into the sky, leaving everyone wondering where they ended up. On the Geng Xu day, a red wind also blew through Yongzhou. On the Ren Chen day in June of the third year, a fierce wind swept through Xiangzhou from the west, overturning houses and breaking trees. In April of the seventh year, both Xiangzhou and Yuzhou experienced strong winds. In March of the eighth year, a storm swept through the three states of Jizhou, Dingzhou, and Xiangzhou. In April, six states—Jizhou, Guangzhou, Youzhou, Sizhou, Yongzhou, and Qizhou—were hit by storms. On the Geng Xu day in June of the ninth year, storms hit four states: Jizhou, Luozhou, Sizhou, Xiangzhou, as well as Lingqiu and Guangchang Town, breaking trees. On the Ren Yin day in May of the twelfth year, the capital experienced several days of strong winds, especially on Jia Chen day, which saw houses overturned and trees uprooted. On the Ren Shen day in June, the capital was hit by strong winds again. On the first day of the seventh month in the fourteenth year, a fierce wind blew through the capital, uprooting trees and overturning houses. In August of the twenty-third year, from Jia Yin to Ji Wei, Xuzhou experienced continuous strong winds, toppling over trees. On the Geng Shen day in the leap month, a storm blew through Hezhou, along with heavy rain and hail. On the Gui Si day in February of the first year of Shizong Jingming, a storm hit Youzhou, leading to 161 fatalities.
On the leap month day of the third year of Jiawu, a strong wind swept through the capital, uprooting trees and overturning houses, even damaging the Changhe Gate.
On the day of Bingchen in September, strong winds swept through Youzhou, Qizhou, Liangzhou, and Dongqinzhou, casting a shadow over the sky and earth, uprooting trees and overturning houses.
On the day of Jiwai in the third month of the fourth year, strong winds blew in the Hebei, Hedong, Zhengping, and Pingyang regions of Sizhou, knocking down trees.
On the day of Wuchen in the seventh month of the first year of Zhengshi, a fierce storm hit Dongqinzhou, uprooting trees and overturning houses.
On a certain day in February of a certain year, a black whirlwind spiraled upward like a ram's horn, starting from Rouxuan Town and sweeping across a large area, knocking down many trees. The next day, the wind reached Yingzhou and finally blew into the sea.
On a certain day in May of the fourth year, a strong wind blew through the capital.
On a certain day in April of the first year of Yongping, another strong wind blew through the capital, knocking down trees. On a certain day in August, the governor of Jizhou, Wang Yu, rebelled in Jingzhao.
On a certain day in May of the third year, strong winds blew through Guangye and Qiuchi County in South Qinzhou, overturning houses and knocking down trees.
On a certain day in March of the fourth year of Yanchang, a storm blew through the capital from the northwest, overturning houses and breaking trees.
In the second year of Emperor Suzong's Xiping, in September, heavy rain poured down in Yingzhou, accompanied by strong winds that lasted for several days.
On a certain day in April of the third year of Zhengguang, heavy rain poured down in the capital, accompanied by a storm that overturned houses and knocked down trees.
On a certain day in April of the fourth year, a strong wind blew through the capital.
On a certain day in May of the second year of Xiaochang, a storm blew through the capital, knocking down trees and overturning houses, damaging Changmen, and breaking the nine-story pagoda of Yongning Temple. At that time, battles were raging across the land.
In the summer of the first year of the former Emperor Fei's Putai, a strong wind blew and heavy rain fell, knocking down the door and roof of Puguang Temple.
In March of the seventh year of Xiaojing's Wuding, strong winds swept through Yingchuan.
In the "Hongfan Lun," it is said: The great floods are all due to the mistakes of the rulers and ministers, with the excessive accumulation of negative energy leading to floods. In the fourth month of the second year of Taizu's reign, there was heavy rain for several days, and a major earthquake occurred, causing water to overflow from the valleys. In the third year of Taizong's reign, in the eighth month, there was a major flood in Henan. In the first year of Shizu's reign, on a day in the sixth month, there was a major flood in the capital city, destroying the homes of hundreds of families. In the eighth year of Zhenjun's reign, in the seventh month, there was a major flood in Pingzhou. In the fourth month of the second year of Gaozu's reign, there was heavy rain for several days in Nanyuzhou, Xuzhou, and Yanzhou. In June, there were floods in Qingzhou and Yongzhou. In August, there were floods in Xuzhou, Dongxuzhou, Yanzhou, Jizhou, Pingzhou, Yuzhou, Guangzhou, as well as Pingyuan, Fangtou, Guang'a, and Linji, four towns. In September, there were floods in Nanyuzhou and Shuozhou, causing the deaths of over a thousand people. In the twenty-second year of a certain reign, there were many days of rain in Yanzhou and Yuzhou. In the sixth month of the twenty-third year, there were floods in Qingzhou, Qizhou, Guangzhou, Nanyingzhou, Xuzhou, Yuzhou, Dongyuzhou, as well as Yingchuan and Jijun in Sizhou, with water depths of one zhang and five chi, destroying the homes of nearly 90% of the common people. In March of the year 241 AD, there was heavy rain in Qingzhou and Xuzhou, causing seawater to overflow the low-lying areas of Leling County in Qingzhou, washing away 152 people. Wow, this flood is really severe! In July of the year 57 AD, floods occurred in over twenty prefectures and counties, with a truly wide range! In the summer of the year 57 AD, floods occurred in the capital and throughout the country, with such a large impact! In May of the year 58 AD, there was also a flood in Shouzhou; the floods just keep coming! In June of the year 757 AD, Xuzhou experienced another flood; floods are happening way too often in this area! In September of the year 758 AD, the three provinces of Jizhou, Yingzhou, and Cangzhou all experienced floods; the scale is just massive! In the summer of the year 520 AD, the provinces of Dingzhou, Jizhou, Yingzhou, and Xiangzhou all experienced floods; the disaster is too severe! In the autumn of the year 523 AD, the capital experienced floods again; it's like a leaky roof in a downpour at night!
In June 531 AD, on the day of Gengwu, the capital was hit by a massive flood; the rivers overflowed, and more than three hundred households were destroyed. The loss was just heartbreaking!
In 534 AD, the four states of Dingzhou, Jizhou, Yingzhou, and Cangzhou experienced another great flood; this disaster just never seems to stop!
In 538 AD, Cangzhou suffered a great flood again; why does Cangzhou keep getting hit?
On the day of Renchen in December 575 AD, spring water gushed out in Pingcheng; that's a bit odd!
In November 618 AD, spring water burst forth from the stones at Yanmen Pass; that feels a little off!
In the autumn of 618 AD, the wells in front of the Grand Warehouse of the Minister of Works overflowed. Someone divined, saying, "This is a sign of the people's migration." As a result, in October 619 AD, the capital was moved to Yecheng; that prediction turned out to be spot on!
In July 537 AD, the wells in Taizhou also overflowed; this flooding is getting out of hand!
In February 534 AD, several dry wells southwest of Yecheng overflowed; this is really weird!
The "Hongfan Lun" states: "When the yang energy is too strong, hail will fall; when the yin energy is too strong, sleet will fall. This indicates an imbalance between the excess of yang and the insufficient yin, or an excess of yin and insufficient yang, leading to disharmony and resulting in hail. This is similar to the discord between the opinions of the ministers and the will of the ruler." What this book says makes a lot of sense!
On the day of Gengwu in April 474 AD, hail fell in Jingzhou, and the crops were damaged; the hail was massive!
On the day of Xinyou in April 475 AD, strong winds swept through Qingzhou, Qizhou, Xuzhou, and Yanzhou, along with hail; there are just too many disasters!
On the day of Gengshen in August 475 AD, various towns and counties in Bingzhou experienced hail, with hailstones as thick as one foot, destroying all the grass and crops; this loss is just heartbreaking!
On the day of Guiwei in 475 AD, hail fell in Dingzhou, killing people, with hailstones having a diameter of two feet; that's just terrifying!
In June 500 AD, it poured rain and hail in Yongzhou and Qingzhou, killing many roe deer; this hail was incredibly powerful!
On the day of Guiyou in May 504 AD, it poured rain and hail in Fenzhou.
In the year 504, on the Yisi day in June, there was a heavy rain and hail in Fenzhou, killing grass, trees, crops, wild birds, and rabbits. This disaster was too severe!
In the year 504, on the Jixu day in July, a storm arose, bringing heavy rain and hail. Starting from Fenzhou, it passed through Bingzhou, Xiangzhou, Sizhou, and Yanzhou, finally stopping at Xuzhou, covering a vast extent of ten miles, destroying all vegetation in its path. This disaster was truly horrifying!
In the year 241, on the Dingchou day in March, there was heavy hail in Qizhou and Jizhou, and it even snowed. This was quite unusual!
In the year 57, on the Gengzi day in May, there was heavy rain and hail in Nanjin Guangye, killing many birds and beasts, and destroying all crops. This disaster was too tragic!
The "Hongfan Lun" states: Heavy rain and snow during the Spring and Autumn period were as frequent as ordinary rain, but this time it was particularly severe. The heavy rain and snow recorded in the "Spring and Autumn" were simply more intense. Rain is associated with yin energy, and snow is also associated with yin energy; heavy snow is a manifestation of the accumulation of yin energy. Some say that heavy snow is like heavy rain, but because it is winter, it falls as snow.
In the second year of Shiguang, in October, several feet of snow fell.
In the eighth year of Zhenjun, in May, Beizhen unexpectedly experienced heavy snow, freezing many people and livestock to death. At that time, the court's rule was quite harsh.
In the fourth year of Gaozu's Taihe, on the first day of September, there was a strong wind in the capital, and three feet of sleet fell.
In the first year of Shizong's Zhengshi, on the Renxu day in May, there was heavy rain mixed with snow in Wuchuan Town.
On the Yimao day in February of the fourth year, there was a storm in Sizhou and Xiangzhou, with heavy rain mixed with snow.
On the Renshen day in September, there was heavy snow.
In the second year of Suzong's Zhengguang, in April, there was heavy snow in Rouxuan Town.
Jing Fang in the "Yizhuan" said: Raising troops to wage war and indiscriminately killing the innocent is a violation of the law, which leads to frost disasters; crops may freeze in summer, while wheat may freeze in winter; senseless slaughter is a manifestation of inhumanity, which will cause heavy frost to appear in summer.
In the seventh month of the fifth year of Taizu's reign, there was frost in Jizhou. In the first year of Taizong's reign, on the Gengchen day in the seventh month, there was a heavy frost that killed many plants and trees. In the fourth month of the sixth year of Gaozong's reign, there was frost. In the seventh month of the third year of Gaozu's reign, there was heavy frost in Yongzhou, Shuozhou, as well as Fanghan, Tujing, Bogulu, Dunhuang, and Qiuchi, where crops such as rice and beans were killed by the frost. In the fourth month of the sixth year, there was frost in Yingchuan commandery. In the third month of the seventh year, frost occurred in Sizhou, killing the soybeans. In the fourth month of the ninth year, there was frost in Yongzhou and Qingzhou. In June, there was frost in Luozhou, Sizhou, Xiangzhou, and Lingqiu and Guangchang in Sizhou. On the Yiwu day in the eighth month of the fourteenth year, there was frost in Fenzhou. In the fourth month of the first year of Shizong's reign, there was frost in Xiaozhou, which resulted in the death of the grass. On the Dinghai day in the sixth month, there was frost in Jianxing commandery, which resulted in the death of the grass. On the Yihai day in the eighth month, frost and a violent storm struck Yongzhou, Bingzhou, Shuozhou, Xiaozhou, Fenzhou, and Zhengping and Pingyang in Sizhou. On the Xinhai day in the second year, there was frost in Qizhou, resulting in the death of mulberry trees and wheat. On the Renxu day in the fourth year, there was frost in Yongzhou, resulting in the death of mulberry trees and wheat. On the Xinsi day, there was frost in Qingzhou, resulting in the death of mulberry trees and wheat. On the Renxu day in the first year of Zhengshi, there was frost in Wuchuan town. On the Xinmao day in the sixth month, there was frost in Huaishuo town. On the Wuchen day in the seventh month, there was frost in Dongqinzhou.
In August of the Gengzi year, frost fell in Hezhou, and all the crops perished from the frost. Two years later in April, frost fell in Qizhou as well. In May of the Renshen year, frost fell in Hengzhou and Fenzhou, and the crops perished from the frost. In July of the Xinsi year, frost fell in Binzhou and Qizhou. In the Yiwei year, frost fell in Dunhuang. In the Wuxu year, frost fell again in Hengzhou. In June of the third year Bingshen, frost fell in Anzhou. In March of the fourth year Yichou, frost consecutively fell in Binzhou. In April of the Yimao year, frost fell again in Dunhuang. In August, frost fell again in Hezhou. In March of the first year of Yongping, the Yiyu year, frost fell in Qizhou and Binzhou. In the Jichou year, frost fell in Bingzhou. In April of the Wuwu year, frost fell in Dunhuang. Two years later in April of the Xinhai year, frost fell in Wuzhou Town. In March of the fourth year of Yihai in Yanchang, frost fell across all eight prefectures of Henan. In July of the first year of Sui Zong Xiping, frost fell in all eleven provinces of Henan and the northern frontier.
The "Hongfan Lun" says: Thunder is yang, clouds are yin. There can only be thunder with clouds, just as there can only be a ruler with subjects. Thunder relies on clouds, and rulers rely on subjects; this is the principle of yin-yang harmony. Therefore, if there is thunder without clouds, it indicates that the ruler is isolated, lacking subjects. In the first year of Xianzu Huangxing, in July, there was thunder without clouds in the northeast. Two years later in July, there was a sound resembling thunder in the northeast. In the second month of the first year of Sizong Yanchang, in February, there was a sound similar to thunder in the northeast, moving south, producing a deep and resonant sound that ceased after two echoes.
Gu Yao. In the fourth year of Taizong Taiyan, in October of the Xinyou year, a sound resembling a great drum emanated from the north, moving towards the northwest. The "Hongfan Lun" says: The yang energy governs for one hundred and eighty-three days, and the yin energy also governs for one hundred and eighty-three days; thunder emerges from the earth for one hundred and eighty-three days and then returns to the earth, staying for one hundred and eighty-three days before emerging again; this represents its natural cycle. Therefore, when thunder follows its natural course, all is well; when thunder is abnormal, all things suffer calamity. The same principle applies to the state: if the ruler is at peace, the state is at peace; if the ruler faces calamity, the state suffers. Thunder occurring at inappropriate times signifies abnormal conditions.
In the first year of Emperor Shizu, in October, on the Jiyou day, it rained, and there was thunder and lightning. In the third year of Taiyan, in October, on the Guichou day, there was thunder. In the fourth year, in November, on the Dinghai day, there was thunder again. In the third year of Emperor Gaozu's Taihe, in November, on the Gengxu day, there was thunder and rain in Yuzhou. In the Wushen year, there was a heavy thunderstorm in Yuzhou, with standing water three inches deep on the flat ground. In the fourth year, in October, on the Wuxu day, there was thunder. In the seventh year, in November, on the Xinsi day, there was thunder and lightning in Youzhou, lighting up the city in red. In the second year of Emperor Shizong's Jingming, in November, on the Xinmao day, there was thunder in Liangzhou, that sounded seven times. In the third year, in December, on the Jisi day, there was thunder at night, that sounded nine times.
On a certain day in November of the year 243, there was a thunderstorm in Qinzhou, Qizhou, Jingzhou, and Shuozhou, with flashes of lightning and thunder; it was a magnificent sight!
On a certain day in the first month of the year 477, there was a loud clap of thunder from the sky. The "Spring and Autumn Annals" recorded an incident where the Temple of Yibo was struck by lightning. Zuo Qiuming said this was a warning from heaven to the Zhan family for their improper actions! Liu Xiang also believed that this was because the Yibo family held hereditary official positions, and heaven's intention was: do not let official positions be hereditary, as it would lead to tyranny!
In April of the year 496, lightning struck the east wing of the Hall of Heavenly Peace. The emperor was very angry and ordered the demolition of both wings of the hall with a battering ram. As a result, not long after that, the emperor died unexpectedly.
On a night in November of the year 502, there was more thunder and lightning.
On a certain day in May of the year 505, lightning struck the roof of the middle gate on the east side of the East Temple.
Ban Gu once said: If an emperor cannot be tolerant and understanding of his subjects, he cannot be a wise ruler. A person's appearance, speech, actions, and listening are all reflections of their inner thoughts. If these four aspects are problematic, that person becomes muddled and lacks insight, which invites disaster.
On a certain day in the first month of the year 510, there was a dust rain in Luoyang, resembling mist.
On a certain day in November of the year 518, dust and fog filled the sky, lingering for six days without dispersing. By the seventh night, it was still thick as smoke, making it uncomfortable for people's noses.
On a certain day in February of the year 519, yellow fog appeared in Qinzhou, and the dust rain blanketed the ground.
In August of the year 519 AD, there was a thick fog everywhere, and one couldn't see their hand in front of their face. In August of the year 520 AD, a dust rain fell in Liangzhou, covering the earth like fog. One night in January of the year 244 AD, a thick mist filled the area, starting off black and then turning red. In January of the year 245 AD, dust hung in the air. In September of the year 245 AD, a black fog enveloped the area. In February of the year 521 AD, a yellow fog enveloped the area. At that time, Gao Zhao was favored because of his royal blood, and his brothers were also appointed as officials, making them as distinguished as the Five Marquises of the Han Dynasty. Liu Xiang and Ban Gu believed that the frequent abnormal weather was caused by the lack of frost in winter, preventing plants from dying. Jing Fang said in the "Yi Zhuan" that extreme heat in summer would lead to death, and that winter was the time for all things to flourish, but the abnormal weather disrupted this balance. In August of the year 515 AD, the fruit trees in Hualin Garden burst into bloom. In August of the year 521 AD, the peach and plum trees in Zhongshan blossomed. In September of the year 522 AD, the pear trees at the home of a man named Qi Yuan in Youzhou bore fruit, but all the fruit fell overnight. Then the flowers and leaves grew back, and within seven days, the scene transformed back to spring. In November of the year 520 AD, the peach and plum trees in Dongqinghe County, Qizhou also blossomed. On a certain day in the intercalary tenth month of the year 524 AD, the pear trees in the capital city also blossomed. In the "Hong Fan Zhuan," it is said that if laws are abandoned, meritorious officials are ostracized, the crown prince is murdered, and a concubine is made empress, fires will break out. This means that fire, when deviating from its normal course, can turn into a disaster. In the third month of the fifth year of the reign of Emperor Gaozong Tai'an, a large fire broke out in Feiru City, destroying nearly all the homes of officials and citizens, with only the Buddha statues and the two temples in the east and west spared.
In the eighth year of Emperor Gaozu's reign, on the Wu Yin day in May, a fire broke out in the fields of Qinxian County in Hanoi. The flames slowly spread, extending over more than a hundred paces, and it took five days to extinguish. In the first year of Emperor Shizong's reign, on the Yi Si day in March, a temple on Mount Heng caught fire. In the first year of Emperor Suzong's reign, in May, a fire also occurred in the Goudu Forbidden Zone. In the second year of Emperor Xiaochang's reign, during the summer, the fields in Qiuxian County in Youzhou caught fire as well. In the spring of the third year, a great fire broke out in the city of Yingzhou, burning over three thousand households.
In the third year of Emperor Chudi's Yongxi reign, in February, the nine-story pagoda at Yongning Temple caught fire. Later, people said they saw the pagoda fly into the East Sea. The pagoda of Yongning Temple is a place of divinity, and it seemed like Heaven was saying: the fire at Yongning Temple means that the Northern Wei will become unstable! The Bohai Sea was the fief of King Xian of Qi, and the deities returning to the sea is a sign of Qi's prosperity! In March, the southern gate of the Sanji Temple in Bingzhou was on fire. In the fourth year of Emperor Xiaojing's Tianping reign, during the autumn, the eastern tower of the Changhe Gate in Ye City caught fire. In the third year of Emperor Wuding's reign, in the winter, a fire broke out quietly at the foot of the Xihe River in Fenzhou, with heat rising from underground.
In the second year of Emperor Shizu's Shiguang reign, on the night of Jia Yin in January, black smoke appeared in the southeastern sky, about ten feet wide and a hundred feet long. Divination predicted that war was coming. In February, Murong Keshi's neighboring territory in Beiping rebelled. In the third year of Emperor Xianzu's Huangxing reign, in January, black clouds loomed over the Heji region, several miles wide, casting a dark shadow over Dongyang City, as dark as night. Soon after, Dongyang City collapsed. In the third year of Emperor Shizong's Jingming reign, on the Ji Mao day in September, black smoke was everywhere. On Jia Chen day, Yangzhou defeated the general Zhang Xiao of Xiao Yan, beheading two thousand.
In the eleventh month of the second year of Gaozu's Taihe reign, on the night of Dingwei, three streams of white mist rose from the ground and quickly transformed into a yellowish-red hue, lighting up the earth. On the evening of the Dingsi day in the ninth month of the sixteenth year, a red vapor appeared in the northwest, approximately twenty zhang long and about eight or nine feet wide, vanishing shortly afterwards. On the Bingshen day in the third month of the first year of Shizong Yanchang, a red vapor appeared in the sky from the hour of Mao to the hour of Xu. On the Xinsi day in the eleventh month of the first year of Suzong Zhengguang, a red vapor appeared in the northwest, stretching all the way to the horizon, resembling flames. The capital did not see it, but it could be seen in Liangzhou.
In the early years of BCE, one night in early September, a red mist emerged in the northwest, extending a little over a zhang from east to west. This was a precursor to the rebellion in Beizhen.
A few years later, between 3 and 5 pm in early May, red gas appeared in the north, stretching from east to west across the sky like flames.
In the early years of BCE, on one day in November, a red mist appeared, stretching diagonally from the southwest corner of the imperial palace's Xianyang Hall staircase to the corridor, approximately a zhang high, looking like a red curtain, persisting from the hour of Wei (1-3 pm) to the hour of Xu (7-9 pm) without fading away. The emperor was disturbed by it and eventually met a tragic end.
In the early years of BCE, at the hour of Xu (7-9 pm) on one day in January, red gas appeared in the east, approximately three zhang long, disappearing after three hours.
In the early years of BCE, at the hour of Shen (3-5 pm) on one day in June, a blue mist appeared in the Chen area (northeast), four feet wide, extending along the mountain to the east and northwest, reaching halfway into the sky. In the Xud area (northwest), black, red, and yellow clouds looked like mountain peaks, with blue mist at the top, four feet wide, extending to the southeast into the sky, linking the two streams of mist. The mist in the southeast dissipated first, followed by the mist in the northwest. This too was a sign of the emperor's tragic end.
Ban Gu said: The strange phenomena at night seem dim and indistinct when clouds and wind appear together, similar to regular winds. When the weather is warm and windy, disasters such as moths and locusts will occur.
On a certain day in June of a certain year, the sky was as dark as night.
On a certain day in August, the daytime was as dark as night.
Liu Xin said: Disrespectful behavior lacks dignity. When the upper class oppresses the lower class, and the lower class becomes cruel, dark forces will prevail, causing floods to destroy crops, leading to food shortages. Villains will rise and cause chaos, so this is a very bad omen. Another saying is that when the people suffer many punishments, their faces will become ugly. Ban Gu believed that when livestock experience disasters, it is called "misfortune," signifying a grave misfortune; if it happens to a person, it is called "zhuàn zhuàn," describing a sickly appearance, indicating a serious illness.
In a certain year, a bone shaped like a goat's horn, over a foot long, grew under the name Wulanhou.
In May of a certain year, the official Li Chong reported that Li Banhu's daughter Xianrong from Wuji County, Zhongshan Prefecture, grew nine hairs under her right thumb nail on September 20th last year, which had grown to one foot two inches by October 20.
On a certain day in November of a certain year, the report from Bingzhou stated that Han Sengzhen's daughter Lingji's mother gave birth to an unusual object under her right rib. Empress Dowager Ling ordered it to be sent to the imperial palace.
On a certain day in May of a certain year, a giant footprint appeared in Xiacai County, Nanyanzhou, measuring one foot eight inches long and seven and a half inches wide after walking seven steps.
In the autumn of the third year of Yanxing by Gaozu, a woman in Xiurong Prefecture gave birth to four sons in one breath, and these four sons each had four sons of their own, totaling sixteen. This woman was incredibly fertile!
On the day of Dingmao in November of the third year of Yong'an by Zhuangdi, a family in the capital gave birth to a child with one head, two torsos, four hands, four feet, and three ears! This child was truly bizarre!
In the sixteenth year of Taihe, on the day of Yihai in November, Emperor Gaozu and the monk Dao Deng were together in the Shizhong Palace. At around the sixth watch of the evening, they saw a ghost dressed in yellow pleated pants standing at the door wanting to come in. The emperor thought it was a person and scolded it, scaring it away. The emperor asked those around him if they had seen it, and everyone said they had not; only the emperor and Dao Deng had seen it. This was truly a strange occurrence!
In the second year of Xianzu's reign, in October, a plague broke out in Yuzhou, killing approximately 140,000 to 150,000 people. This plague was indeed severe!
In the third year of Shizong's Yongping reign, in April, the counties of Chang and Xiangling in Pingyang also experienced a plague, resulting in 2,730 deaths from January to April. This plague truly spread everywhere!
In the sixth month of the nineteenth year of Taihe, Xu Province reported that a copper statue over eight zhang high was actually sweating! What could the sweating of this copper statue signify?
During the years of Yong'an, Putai, and Yongxi, the golden statue of Dingguang in the Equal Temple of the capital often sweated. Whenever major events occurred in the country, it would sweat, and people at the time were genuinely frightened, believing it to be an ominous sign.
In the second month of the third year of Yong'an, in a household in the capital city, there were two copper statues, each over a foot in height. One of the statues had four white hairs growing under its chin, while the other had a black hair growing beside its cheek. The copper statues also grew hair; truly, strange events continued!
The "Hongfan Lun" states: "Dragons are scaled creatures that live in water. Clouds are also symbols of water; when yin energy is strong, the image of the dragon will appear. If a ruler goes against human morality and disrupts the heavenly way, there will surely be calamities of usurpation." What this book says is truly frightening!
In the third month of the third year of Shizong's Shenzong reign, two white dragons appeared in a well in a household in the capital city.
On the day of Bingchen in the second month of the sixth year of Zhenjun, another white dragon appeared in a well in a household in the capital city. Dragons are divine beings, yet they are trapped in a well; these are all ominous signs of Shizong's violent demise!
In the first year of Emperor Su's reign (Zheng Guang), in the eighth month, a black dragon that looked like a dog appeared, running from the south towards Xuan Yang Gate, jumping up and passing through the gate tower before running out. This was an omen of the Wei dynasty's decline!
In the second year of Emperor Zhuang's reign, a dragon appeared in a well in Jinyang and stayed for an extended period. This was a sign of Emperor Zhuang's tragic demise in Jinyang!
On the Jia Yin day of the fourth month of the first year of the former Emperor Fei's reign, traces of a dragon went out from the west side of Xuan Yang Gate and then returned to the city. The next day, on the Yi Mao day, the officials came to offer their congratulations to the emperor, who said: "When a country is about to prosper, it must listen to the opinions of the people; when a country is about to perish, it must heed the instructions of the deities. However, as long as we, the emperor and his ministers, practice self-discipline and serve the public good, and govern the country well, we need not take these strange occurrences as auspicious signs." The emperor's words were very reasonable!
The "Hong Fan Lun" states: "Horses are symbols of war; when war is imminent, strange phenomena will occur with horses." It seems that this horse also signifies something!
On the day of Xin Wei in the second year of Tang Emperor Su's reign, a foal was sent from Hengzhou, with an exceptionally long tail, measuring about a foot long, but strangely, there was no hair on its hindquarters.
In the ninth month of the first year of Zheng Guang, numerous official horses in Woye Town fell ill with an unusual ailment; insects had crawled into their ears, and fourteen or fifteen horses died. The insects looked like grubs, no longer than five inches, and as thick as chopsticks.
The book "Hong Fan Lun" states: "The 'I Ching' says 'Kun represents the cow'; Kun represents earth, and when the earth's energy is disturbed, strange phenomena will appear with cows, which is called calamity of cattle. This phenomenon signifies that the ancestral temple is about to decline. Another saying is that frequent changes in fortune can also lead to strange occurrences with cows."
In the second year of Emperor Shi's reign, in the fifth month, Jizhou reported that in Chang Le County, a cow gave birth to a calf, but this calf had two heads, two mouths, three eyes, and three ears.
The "Hong Fan Lun" states: This is a result of the emperor's lack of wisdom and political misjudgments.
In the twenty-third year of the Taihe era of Emperor Gaozu, in March, Shi Prefecture reported that a sheep in Yangqu County had given birth to a lamb, which had two bodies (one female and one male), three ears, and eight legs. Not long after, Emperor Gaozu passed away, and the six regents of the court began to seize power.
In September of the first year of the Zhengshi era of Emperor Shizong, Shanshan Town sent a lamb that had two bodies and eight legs.
In the following year, in January, Shanshan Town sent another sheep with eight legs.
In May of the fourth year of the Yanchang era, Bogu Town reported that a lamb had six legs and two tails.
Jing Fang said in the "Chuan": Any strange phenomena, where animals have extra legs, are due to being possessed by evil spirits. Jing Fang also stated in the "I Ching": A pig giving birth to a human-headed pig body foreshadows chaos and destruction in the cities.
In September of the first year of the Yanxing era of Emperor Gaozu, officials reported that the governor of Yuzhou, Duke Wang Rang of Linhuai, submitted a memorial stating that a pig had given birth to a piglet with two bodies and eight legs.
In September of the fourth year of the Jingming era of Emperor Shizong, Liangzhou reported that a dog and a pig had mated.
In August of the fourth year of Zhengshi, a pig in the capital gave birth to a piglet with four ears, two bodies, and eight legs.
In July of the fourth year of Yanchang, Xuzhou reported that a piglet from Yangping Garrison had a human-like head and face, with a flesh lump on its head and no fur on its body. This was a sign that Empress Ling and the young emperor were about to be deposed.
The "Hongfan Lun" states: Jing Fang said in the "Chuan": Chicks and small livestock are like junior officials; horns symbolize weapons, growing on top, representing the majesty of the king. This suggests that junior officials in charge of state affairs may exploit the king's authority to incite chaos, posing a significant challenge to governance.
In the first year of the Taihe era of Emperor Gaozu, in the summer of May, officials reported that there were two hens in the capital with combs that looked like horns, different from other chickens. At that time, Empress Wen was in power, which was a sign of her overreliance on treacherous and wicked people.
In April of the year 477 AD, a small chicken with four legs and four wings was reported in Henan. This incident was recorded in the "Biography of Cui Guang."
In August of the year 477 AD, it was reported in Sizhou that many chicks in the homes of the common folk in the region had two heads, each with eyes and a mouth. Behind each head were two pairs of wings, with two legs side by side. At that time, Emperor Wudi trusted some small figures and factions, and the signs of corrupt officials and malfeasance were becoming increasingly apparent.
In December of the year 484 AD, it was reported in Luozhou that the yellow hen in General Wei Xing's household, Chang Jiao, had a tumor on its head about the size of a jujube, one inch and three fen long, with hair one and a half inches long on the tumor.
In January of the year 520 AD, the roosters and hens in General Lan Dou's household all had two horns on their heads, with mottled feathers, and the horns stood high on top of their combs. At that time, Empress Dowager Ling was ruling the court.
The "Book of Great Order" states that blurred vision and decreased hearing are consequences of punishment.
In November of the year 532 AD, a white owl was captured in the capital.
On the day of Ji Mao in August of the year 521 AD, a bald buzzard was captured in the imperial palace.
In April of the year 527 AD, someone brought a dead duck which had one head but two bodies, four legs, four wings, and two tails.
In March of the year 530 AD, a male pheasant flew into the Ministry of Personnel and was caught in the hall.
The "Book of Great Order" states that cruel punishments, exploitation of the people's resources, insatiable greed, raising troops, building cities, but losing the people's hearts, will lead to insect disasters.
In July of the year 475 AD, a locust plague occurred in the Dunhuang area, almost destroying all the crops harvested in autumn.
In July of the year 476 AD, locust and pest disasters occurred in Qingzhou and Yongzhou, resulting in significant crop damage.
In August of the year 476 AD, locust disasters occurred in seven states such as Xuzhou, Dong Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Jizhou, Pingzhou, Yuzhou, and Guangzhou, as well as four towns including Pingyuan, Fangtou, Guang'a, and Linji. In April of the year 477 AD, locust disasters were reported in Xiangzhou and Yuzhou. In March of the year 478 AD, locust disasters occurred in Jizhou, the name of a state that is missing in the text, and Xiangzhou. In April of the year 478 AD, locust disasters occurred in seven states, namely Jizhou, Guangzhou, Youzhou, Sizhou, Yongzhou, Qizhou, and Pingzhou. On the Yisi day in June of 478 AD, locust disasters occurred in four states including Xiangzhou, Qizhou, Guangzhou, and Qingzhou. On the day of Guisi in October of the year 486 AD, locust disasters occurred in the Baohan region, causing damage to crops. In May of the year 487 AD, six states, including Qingzhou, Qizhou, Xuzhou, Yanzhou, Guangzhou, and South Qingzhou, experienced locust disasters. On the day of Rengwu in March of the year 490 AD, a large-scale locust disaster occurred in Hezhou, leading to a complete loss of the wheat harvest. In May, Guangzhou suffered from locust infestations, causing damage to crops. In June of the first year of Zhengshi, both Xiazhou and Sizhou experienced severe locust infestations, resulting in no harvest of crops. In April of the fourth year, an insect known as Buqu attacked jujube flowers in Qingzhou. In August, Jingzhou was plagued by rats, locusts, and other pests; Hezhou suffered from locusts and bandits; Hengnong County in Liangzhou and Sizhou were also plagued by locusts, with disasters everywhere. In June of the first year of Yongping, Liangzhou was once again affected by locusts. In May of the fifth year, Buqu insects in Qingzhou returned to wreak havoc on jujube flowers. In July, locusts ravaged, and even the capital city was not spared from the disaster. In August, Qingzhou, Qizhou, and Guangzhou were all plagued by locusts, resulting in two-thirds of the crops being consumed.
In the first year of Xu Zong's Xiping era, in June, Qingzhou, Qizhou, Guangzhou, and Southern Qingzhou were plagued by locusts, and the crops were utterly devastated. In the first year of Xianzu's Tian'an era, in June, a remarkable sight of a battle between black ants and red ants unfolded in Yanzhou, with a front line sixty steps long and four inches wide; the red ants were all killed, with the black ants occupying the north and the red ants occupying the south. In November, the governor of Yanzhou, Bi Zhongjing, sent envoys to the court to offer their surrender, and the court appointed General Wei Yuan to receive them, defeating the rebel general Zhou Kai and others.
In the tenth year of Gaozu's Taihe era, in July, Zhang Wanshou, an official in Bingzhou, reported that in Jianxing's Huozecounty, a commoner named Jia Richeng discovered that while raising silkworms in April, the silk had formed a curtain, which held a roll of something that looked like a ribbon, four feet long and three inches wide, thin, with two yellow cocoons on top that resembled footprints.
In the second year of Shizong's Zhengshi era, in March, silkworm moths in Xuzhou began to bite people, injuring over one hundred and killing more than twenty.
The plague of caterpillars is believed to signify a transformation into something extraordinary.
During Taizu's reign, a large tiger appeared in Henan, lying by the river for three months before leaving. The following year, a large number of ants and white deer crossed the Yellow River. The year after that, the river water turned blood-red. This was a portent of the downfall of the Wei Chen family. Later, all members of the Wei Chen family were thrown into the river, and that place never had any more troubles.
In the first month of the first year of Xiaojing's Yuanxiang era, a wolf ran into the city and was caught near the Xiaoshi area. Note: The character for "Cao" is uncertain.
In the fifth year of Wuding, in December, a leopard was caught on the Copper Jue Platform in the north city.
In the first year of Gaozu's Taihe era, on the day of Xin Hai in May, a fox spirit cut people's hair and even wrote characters; at that time, Empress Wenming was presiding over the court, which was a clear indication of the court's political corruption.
In the second year of Emperor Su of Tang's Xiping, starting from spring, a strange occurrence appeared in the capital: a fox spirit appeared and started cutting people's hair, terrifying everyone. On the day of renchen in June, Empress Dowager Ling summoned those who had their hair cut and ordered Liu Teng, the commander of the Chongxun Guard, to publicly whip them outside Qianqiu Gate. This method mirrored the way similar incidents were handled during Emperor Taizong's reign.
The records state: "Ruitu": When local princes, officials, and magistrates are cruel to the people, and the common folk are filled with grievances, white mice will appear. This means that if local officials oppress the common people cruelly, causing widespread grievances, white mice will emerge.
In the third year of Yongxing in February, there was a commoner named Zhao Wen living in the capital, who found a white mouse in his home and brought it to the palace. That spring, a white mouse was also caught in the Northern Garden of the palace, but it died shortly after. Upon dissection, it was discovered that it had three small white mice inside its belly!
In March of the fourth year of Yongxing, the emperor went to the Western Palace to relax and caught yet another white mouse. In August, a commoner named Zhang An in the palace also caught one. In the second year of Shenrui in May, during a hunt at Kelong Mountain, the emperor caught a white mouse; three were also caught in Pingcheng. In June, two more were caught in Pingcheng. In August, Wang Kui of Yuzhang also caught one.
In November of Taichang's first year, someone in the capital caught a white mouse (or something that looked like one) and presented it to the emperor. In June of the second year of Taichang, two white mice were caught in the Zhongshan area. In March of the third year, another was caught in the capital. In November, yet another was caught in the capital. In August of the third year of Shiguang during Emperor Shizu's reign, a white mouse was caught in Wei County of Xiangzhou.
In the first year of the Taiyan era, in August, a white mouse was presented from the Yanmen region. In the twenty-third year of the reign of Emperor Gaozu, in August, a white mouse was caught in the capital city. In the fourth year of the Jingming era under Emperor Shizong, in May, a white mouse was caught in the capital city. In the first year of the Zhengshi era, in June, a white mouse was caught in the capital city. In the first year of Emperor Suzong's Xiping era, in April, a white mouse was also sent from the Sizhōu region.
