First of all, let's talk about this Sun Method, which is 81. It is calculated from the ninth day of the Yellow Bell at the Beginning of Yuan Shi, multiplied by one 龠 (yuè).
Next is the Leap Method, which is 19, derived from the sum of the heavenly and earthly numbers (one year).
Next is the Unified Method, which is 1539, calculated by multiplying the Leap Method by the Sun Method.
The Yuan Method is 4617, which is three times the Unified Method.
The Meeting Number is 47, obtained by adding the heavenly number 9 and the earthly number 10.
The Chapter Month is 235, calculated by multiplying 5 by the Meeting Number.
The Month Method is 2392, calculated based on the Great Transformation (Da Yanxiang).
The Common Method is 598, which is one quarter of the Month Method.
The Middle Method is 145030, calculated by multiplying the Chapter Month by the Common Method.
The Zhou Tian is 562120, calculated by multiplying the Chapter Month by the Month Method.
The Year Middle is 12, calculated by multiplying the Three Unifications by the Four Seasons (the four seasonal divisions of the year).
The Month Week is 254, calculated by adding the Chapter Month and the Leap Method.
The New Moon Conjunction is 135, obtained by adding the heavenly number 25 and the earthly number 30.
The Meeting Month is 6345, calculated by multiplying the Meeting Number by the New Moon Conjunction.
The Unified Month is 19035, which is three times the Meeting Month.
The Yuan Month is 57105, which is three times the Unified Month.
The Chapter Middle is 228, calculated by multiplying the Leap Method by the Year Middle.
The Unified Middle is 18468, calculated by multiplying the Sun Method by the Chapter Middle.
The Yuan Middle is 55404, which is three times the Unified Middle.
The Remaining Calculation is 8080, obtained by subtracting ten times the Yuan Middle from the Zhou Tian.
The Zhou Zhi is 57, which is three times the Leap Method.
Next is the Ji Mu (纪母)¹.
Wood and Metal multiplied is 12; this is the Year Star Small Week. The Small Week multiplied by the "Kun" strategy² gives 1728, which is the age of the Year Star.
The Middle Division is 2736.
The Accumulated Middle is 13, with a remainder of 157.
The Middle Method is 1583, which is the observed number.
The Leap Division is 1296.
The Accumulated Month is 13, with a remainder of 15779.
The Month Method is 3777.
The Middle Sun Method is 7308711.
The Month Sun Method is 2436237.
Metal and Fire multiplied is 8; then Fire multiplied by 8 is 16; this is the Small Duplication. The Small Duplication multiplied by the "Qian" strategy³ gives 3456, which is the age of the Venus star.
The Middle Division is 41472.
The Accumulated Middle is 19, with a remainder of 413.
The Middle Method is 2161, which is the Duplication.
Let's look at these numbers: the first sentence is "the Leap Division is 24,192," meaning the total number of Leap Divisions is 24,192.
¹ Ji Mu (纪母) refers to a specific term in this context, often related to a foundational concept in the calculation system.
² "Kun" (坤) refers to one of the eight trigrams in Chinese philosophy, representing earth and receptivity.
³ "Qian" (乾) refers to another trigram, symbolizing heaven and creativity.
Next, nineteen months have passed, leaving thirty-two thousand three hundred and thirty-nine. Then, the result of the moon calculation is forty-one thousand fifty-nine. The morning average is twenty-three thousand three hundred and twenty-eight. Accumulating seven middle values leaves one thousand seven hundred and eighteen. The evening average is eighteen thousand one hundred and forty-four. Accumulating eight middle values leaves eight hundred and fifty-six. The morning intercalary value is thirteen thousand six hundred and eight. Accumulating eleven months leaves five thousand one hundred and ninety-one. The evening intercalary value is fifteen hundred and eighty-four. Accumulating eight months leaves twenty-six thousand eight hundred and forty-eight. The result from the middle day method is nine hundred ninety-seven thousand seven hundred and thirty-seven. The result from the moon and day method is three hundred thirty-two thousand five hundred and seventy-nine.
Multiplying the Earth and Wood values, and combining the resulting longitude and latitude, yields thirty; this is the small cycle of Saturn. Multiplying this small cycle by the Kun coefficient yields four thousand three hundred and twenty, the age of Saturn.
"The middle value is fifty-one thousand eight hundred and forty. Twelve middles were accumulated, leaving a remainder of one thousand seven hundred and forty. The middle method yields four thousand one hundred and seventy-five; this is the final result. The intercalary value is thirty-two thousand two hundred and forty. Twelve months were accumulated, leaving a remainder of sixty-three thousand three hundred. The moon method yields seventy-nine thousand three hundred and twenty-five. The calculation of the middle and day gives one hundred and ninety-two million five thousand nine hundred and seventy-five. The calculation of the moon and day gives six hundred and forty-two million five thousand three hundred and twenty-five. Mars follows a unique orbital pattern; two years elapse before reaching the initial point, and after thirty-two cycles, totaling sixty-four years, it becomes a small cycle. This small cycle multiplied by a constant represented by 'Qián cè', the meaning of which is unknown from the source text, results in a Martian cycle of thirteen thousand eight hundred and twenty-four years."
"The midpoint is 165,888. After accumulating 25 midpoints, there are 4,163 remaining. The result of the midpoint calculation is 6,469, which is the final result. The leap value is 96,768. After accumulating 26 months, there are 52,954 remaining. The result obtained by calculating the moon is 122,911. The result obtained by calculating the middle and day is 28,673,373. The result obtained by calculating the moon and day is 9,955,791. The water cycle is unique; it reaches the initial point in one year, and after 64 years, the cycle repeats. Multiplying the repeated cycle by the 'Kun' constant (the meaning of 'Kun' is unclear in the original text) results in a Taiyin cycle of 9,216 years, which is the age of the Chen star. The midpoint is 115,902. After accumulating 3 midpoints, there are 23,469 remaining. The result obtained by calculating the middle values is 29,041, which is the final result. This ancient astronomical calculation is quite complex, so let's break it down step-by-step."
The first sentence, "见闰分六万四千五百一十二," means: the calculation yielded an intercalary month of sixty-four thousand, five hundred and twelve. The following lines represent similar calculation steps and results, all building towards the final astronomical data, such as "积月三，月余五十一万四百二十三," which means three months' accumulation left a remainder of fifty-one thousand, four hundred and twenty-three. In the same way, these are intermediate results in astronomical calculations, and their specific meanings need to be understood in conjunction with the calculation methods at that time. These numbers may seem intimidating, but they are actually results painstakingly calculated by ancient astronomers.
Next, "见月法五十五万一千七百七十九," "晨中分六万二千二百八," "积中二，中余四千一百二十六," "夕中分四万八千三百八十四," "积中一，中余一万九千三百四十三," "晨闰分三万六千二百八十八," "积月二，月余十一万四千六百八十二," "久闰分二万八千二百二十四," "积月一，月余三十九万五千七百四十一." These are similar calculation steps and results, all leading to the final calculation of some important astronomical data.
"见中日法一亿三千四百八万二千二百九十七," "见月日法四千四百六十九万四千九十九." These two figures are the final results of the calculations, likely representing key data on the sun and moon's cycles.
"合太阴太阳之岁数而中分之，各万一千五百二十." This passage explains the calculation method: adding the ages of the sun and moon and dividing by two gives fifteen thousand, five hundred and twenty for each. The sun's the yang, the moon's the yin, and subtracting the age from the rate of star movement leaves us with the observed value. It's pretty abstract stuff; you'd need some serious astronomy knowledge to get it.
"Nine times the number of years for the east, seven times for the west, and add the products of nine and seven times the number of years, equals one, which represents the number of morning and evening appearances of Venus and Mercury in a given year." This describes an algorithm for calculating the appearances of Venus and Mercury in the morning and evening by multiplying the age by nine and seven respectively, then adding the results together to determine how many times Venus and Mercury appear in the morning and evening throughout the year.
"The number of stellar appearances is calculated by multiplying the number of years by various factors: 'age in the year' for the average appearances, 'leap year' for leap year adjustments, 'chapter year' for monthly appearances, 'element law' for daily appearances, and 'universal law' for monthly and daily appearances." This paragraph outlines several astronomical calculation formulas, using different "ages," "sightings," and specific coefficients to derive various astronomical parameters. The terms "age in the year," "leap year," "chapter year," "element law," and "universal law" are specific astronomical concepts that require reference to contemporary literature for a clearer understanding.
The final paragraph describes the rules of planetary motion, detailing the speed, period, and some special phenomena of planetary motion, such as "stationary point" and "retrograde motion." This section involves more specific models of planetary motion and requires specialized knowledge to fully grasp. In summary, this text details the astronomical calculations of ancient astronomers, using complex numbers and specialized terminology.
When I first saw it in the morning, it was about half a day later. Then it moved in reverse, covering about half a degree each day. It stopped after six days and started to rotate again after eight days. It began moving forward, covering 46 1/3 degrees each day for forty-six days. Its forward speed was quite fast, covering 92.5 degrees each day, and it stopped after one hundred eighty-four days. In total, it was seen for two hundred forty-four days, and excluding the time it moved in reverse, it actually covered two hundred forty-four degrees. After stopping, it moved about 92.5 degrees each day. It stopped for 83 days, then moved 113 and 1/4,365,220 degrees. From the first time I saw it in the morning until it stopped, a total of three hundred twenty-seven days, it covered three hundred fifty-seven degrees and 1/4,365,220 degrees.
When I first saw it at night, it was also about half a day later. Then it moved forward, covering 92.5 degrees each day for 181 and 45/170 days. After that, the forward speed slowed down, covering 46 1/3 degrees each day for another forty-six days. Then it stopped, and after 7 and 62/170 days, it started moving in reverse. Moving in reverse, it covered about half a degree each day and stopped after six days. In total, it was seen for two hundred forty-one days, and excluding the time it moved in reverse, it actually covered two hundred forty-one degrees. After stopping, it moved in reverse, covering about 7/8 of a degree each day. It stopped for sixteen days and covered 14 and 1/369,868 degrees. From the first time I saw it at night until it stopped, a total of two hundred fifty-seven days and 1/129,531 days, it covered two hundred twenty-six degrees and 1/690,746 degrees.
In this back and forth, the total time was five hundred eighty-four days and 1/129,531 days. Its degree of movement was consistent, so on average, it moved about a degree a day.
The first time I saw Saturn in the morning, it took about half a day. When Saturn is in direct motion, it moves fifteen and one-fifteenth degrees each day for eighty-seven days. Then it appears to come to a standstill, and after thirty-four days, it begins retrograde motion. During this retrograde phase, it moves eighty-one and one-fifth degrees each day for one hundred and one days. After stopping again, thirty-three days and fifty-three minutes later, it starts moving direct once more. During this period, it moves fifteen and one-fifteenth degrees each day for eighty-five days before becoming unobservable. In total, I observed Saturn for three hundred and forty days and fifty-three minutes, excluding the retrograde time. Ultimately, the calculation shows that Saturn has moved five degrees and four hundred and forty-seven minutes. When it becomes unobservable, Saturn moves less than fifteen and three-fifths degrees each day. After thirty-seven days and one million seven hundred and seventeen thousand one hundred and seventy minutes, Saturn has moved seven degrees and eight hundred and seventy-three minutes. From the first time I saw it to the next time I saw it, a total of three hundred and seventy-seven days and eighteen million three hundred and twenty-six thousand two hundred and fifty minutes have passed, and Saturn has moved twelve degrees and one thousand three hundred and twenty-one minutes. Considering its movement pattern, it can be said that Saturn moves approximately four thousand three hundred and twenty minutes for each degree of its orbit each day.
The first time I saw Mars in the morning, it took about half a day. When Mars is in direct motion, it moves 92.53 degrees per day, lasting for 276 days. Then it begins to stop, and after ten days, it starts moving backward. During retrograde motion, it moves 62.17 degrees per day, lasting for 62 days. After another ten days, it resumes direct motion. During this direct motion, it again moves 92.53 degrees per day, lasting for another 276 days before it becomes invisible. In total, Mars is visible for 634 days, and after excluding the retrograde time, it is calculated that Mars has traveled 301 degrees. During retrograde, Mars moves less than 92.73 arcminutes per day, and it retrogrades for 146 days, totaling 114 degrees 49.35 arcminutes. From the first sighting to the next, a total of 780 days and 1,568,097 arcseconds, Mars has traveled a total of 415 degrees 49.35 arcminutes. Based on its movement pattern, Mars' average daily movement is approximately 13,824/7,355 of a degree.
When I first saw it in the morning, it took about half a day. During retrograde, it moves two degrees in a day, lasting for one day. Then it stops for two days before turning back. During direct motion, it moves 7/6 degrees per day, lasting for seven days. Direct motion is fast, moving one and 1/3 degrees per day, and it goes into hiding after eighteen days. It appears for a total of 28 days, and after excluding the retrograde time, it actually moves 28 degrees. During the hiding period, it moves a little over 1.9 degrees per day, and after 37 days, it has traveled 68 degrees 46.61 arcminutes. From the first appearance in the morning to hiding, a total of 65 days, Mars has traveled 96 degrees 46.61 arcminutes.
When I first saw it at night, it was probably half a day later. The forward speed is very fast, walking about one-third of a degree per day, covering roughly one and a half degrees in sixteen days. When the forward speed is slow, it walks six-sevenths of a degree per day for seven days. After a day or so, it reverses course. When moving backwards, it walks two degrees a day, and after a day, it goes into hiding. It appeared for a total of twenty-six days; excluding the time moving backwards, it actually traveled twenty-six degrees. During the hiding period, moving backwards, it walks a little more than four-fifteenths of a degree a day; after twenty-four days, it traveled approximately 164,602,050.5 degrees. From the first appearance at night to hiding, a total of fifty days, it traveled approximately 19.188,799.94 degrees. A complete cycle lasts one hundred and fifteen days, during which it traveled approximately 300,574,912.5 degrees. The number of degrees traveled is consistent every day, so it walks one degree each day.
To calculate the rules of the sun and moon movement, starting from the Taiji Shangyuan (a reference point in traditional Chinese cosmology), subtract the surplus element method from the year to be calculated; the remainder represents how many years have passed since the Tian Tong Jiazi year. If the year exceeds the surplus element, subtract it; the remainder represents how many years have passed since the Di Tong Jia Chen year. Subtract the surplus element again, and the remainder represents how many years have passed since the Ren Tong Jia Shen year. Perform calculations based on the first day of these three eras.
To calculate the Tian Zheng, multiply the total months by the total number of years. If this exceeds the chapter year, you get an accumulated month; if it does not exceed, the remainder is the leap remainder. If the leap remainder exceeds twelve, that year has a leap month. To calculate the Di Zheng, add one to the total months; to calculate the Ren Zheng, add two to the total months.
To calculate the first day of the first month, multiply the month method by the total months. If this exceeds the day method, you get an accumulated day; if it does not exceed, the remainder is the small remainder. If the small remainder exceeds thirty-eight, the month is a long month (30 days). If the accumulated day exceeds sixty, subtract sixty; the remainder is the big remainder. Starting from the first day of the era, add the big remainder, and that is the first day of the month. To calculate the first day of the next month, add twenty-nine to the big remainder and forty-three to the small remainder. If the small remainder exceeds the day method, start from the big remainder and calculate in the same way. To calculate the crescent day, add seven to the big remainder and thirty-one to the small remainder. To calculate the full moon day, it is twice the crescent day.
Let's start by discussing how to calculate the intercalary month. First, calculate the remainder, then multiply the remainder by 12, add 7, and this gives you the end date of the intercalary month. If a solar term occurs within two days of the new moon, it means that the previous month was an intercalary month.
Next, we need to calculate the date of the winter solstice. Multiply the remainder by the number of days in a year, and use a specific calculation method to find a number. This number is called the "big remainder" if it is large, and the "small remainder" if it is small. Then, using a certain algorithm, you can determine the date of the winter solstice.
To calculate the twenty-four solar terms, you need to use the big remainder and the small remainder. For the eight solar terms, add 45 to the big remainder and 1010 to the small remainder; for the twenty-four solar terms, multiply the small remainder by 3, add 15, and then add 1010 to the small remainder.
The calculation of the intermediate solar terms among the twenty-four solar terms is done using the yuan method.
The calculation method of the five elements (referring to metal, wood, water, fire, earth) is also quite special. Each of the four elements, except for the central element, has 73 days, which is divided by 77; the central element has 18 days, divided by 440. After the winter solstice, the central element has 27 days and 1/666th of a day.
To find the constellation at the conjunction, first, record the days that have passed, then multiply by the unity method, and add 19 times the small remainder. If it exceeds one year, subtract one year; if it does not exceed, keep adding until it exceeds one year, and you can calculate the degree of the constellation at the conjunction.
To find the constellation at midnight, multiply the number of days in a year by the small remainder of the month, and then subtract from the degree of the conjunction. If the small remainder of the month is not enough to subtract, then split the degree of the conjunction and subtract again.
To find the constellation at the midpoint of the month, multiply the number of days in a month by the small remainder of the month, keep adding until it exceeds the unity method, and then subtract from the degree of the conjunction.
To calculate additional time, multiply 12 by the small remainder as the numerator, use the denominators of each full part, and start calculating from Zi (the first of the twelve Earthly Branches), and you can find out how much additional time there is.
To calculate a lunar eclipse, first record the result obtained from the cumulative lunar months, then multiply it by 23. If the result exceeds 135, divide by 135; otherwise, keep adding 23 until it exceeds 135. Use the resulting number to calculate from the first day of the lunar month to determine the day on which the lunar eclipse occurs. The lunar eclipse occurs on the full moon day (the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar) during the hour of Chongchen (one of the four two-hour periods of the day).
Next, we will discuss the calculation method for the five stars (the five planets: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth).
To calculate the appearance and disappearance of the five stars, start from the Taiji Shangyuan (an ancient era) and calculate to the year in question. Multiply that year by the cycle of the five stars' appearance and disappearance. If this value exceeds the number of years, divide by the number of years to determine the exact number of appearances and disappearances. If it does not exceed, this is referred to as the remainder. If the remainder exceeds the cycle, it indicates that the five stars appeared in recent years; if it exceeds twice the cycle, it indicates earlier appearances; if it does not exceed, it means they appeared this year.
To determine the position of the five stars in the sky, multiply the midpoint of their appearance (the moment when the five stars reach the center of the sky) by the determined number of appearances and disappearances. If this product exceeds the method for determining the midpoint, divide by that method to obtain the middle value; otherwise, this is called the remainder. Divide the middle value by the middle value to get the middle element remainder; then divide by the middle element remainder to obtain the number of chapters. Finally, divide by 12 to find the position of the five stars in the sky. When calculating positions, start from the winter solstice and count using the lunar mansions (one of the twenty-eight constellations) to determine the position of the five stars in the sky.
First, let's look at how to calculate the time of the moon's appearance. Multiply the number of days in a leap month by the number of leap months that have passed, then multiply the average number of days in a year (approximately 365.25 days) by the remaining days. Add these results together to get the total number of days. If it's not enough for a month, the remaining days are called "remaining days." Divide the total number of days in the first month of the lunar cycle by the "remaining days" to get the "adjusted remainder." Then, divide the number of days in a month by the "adjusted remainder" to determine which month it is. If there is a leap month in a year, divide by 13 instead of 12. Leap months occur roughly every three years, with variations of two, three, four, five, six, or seven leap months over six, nine, eleven, fourteen, seventeen, and nineteen-year cycles respectively. If the calculated number of days is not enough for a month, start counting from the first day of the first month, and the result will be the time of the moon's appearance.
Next, calculate the winter solstice. Multiply the average number of days in a year by the "middle remainder" (the method for calculating this "middle remainder" is not provided in the source text). If it exceeds the average number of days in a year, subtract the average number of days in a year; the remaining will be the total number of days. If the remaining days exceed 2597, it's a special year in the lunar calendar, and you'll get the winter solstice.
Then, calculate the new moon day (the first day of the lunar month). Multiply the number of days in a month by the "adjusted remainder." If it exceeds the number of days in a month, subtract the number of days in a month; the remaining will be the total number of days. If the remaining days exceed 38, it's a long month, and you'll get the first day of the lunar month.
To calculate the position of a star on the ecliptic, multiply the average number of days in a year by the "middle remainder," then multiply the average number of degrees in a day (360 degrees) by the remaining days. Add these two results together; if it exceeds 360 degrees, subtract 360 degrees, and the remaining will be the position of the star. "Middle" refers to the winter solstice, while "next" refers to the spring equinox, summer solstice, and autumn equinox.
The method for calculating the date of a star on the ecliptic is similar. Multiply the number of days in a month by the "remaining days," then multiply the number of days in a day by the remaining days. Add the two results together; if it exceeds the number of days in a month, subtract the number of days in a month, and the remaining will be the date of the star's appearance.
To calculate the time when a star will appear in the future, add the total number of days previously calculated to the "middle remainder" or "adjusted remainder," then use the corresponding method to determine the future appearance time.
Calculating the winter solstice, the position of a star on the ecliptic, the first day of the lunar month, and the date of a star's appearance all follow the same method.
The method for calculating the appearance of stars in the morning and evening is also the same.
The final step is to calculate the positions of the stars. Starting from the first appearance of a star, calculate the star's daily movement in degrees until the day you want to determine. Multiply the daily movement by the number of days and sum these results. If there are fractions in the degrees, let's illustrate with an example: multiply the numerator by the whole number part and use the denominator as the divisor. If both the numerator and denominator are fractions, multiply the denominator by the whole number part of the degrees, use the numerator as the dividend, then multiply the numerator and denominator separately, and finally calculate the result. Add this result to the position of the star at its first appearance to determine the star's position on that day.
**Yearly Astrology:**
Firstly, we need to calculate which year it is. Calculate the number of days since the start of the year to today, subtract the total days in a year, and the remaining days are the days less than a year. If the remaining days are fewer than 145, multiply 145 by the remaining days, then divide by 144. The quotient is called *Ji Ci* and the remainder is *Ci Yu*. If *Ji Ci* exceeds twelve, subtract twelve, and the remainder is *Ding Ci*. Then, starting from *Xing Ji*, the corresponding celestial position of *Ding Ci* indicates the position for that year. Finally, divide *Ji Ci* by sixty, and the remainder, starting from *Bing Zi*, will reveal the day of the year's *Tai Sui*.
Next, let's talk about the issue of "Ying Suo." Ancient texts say that years will "spill over into the next year's position," meaning that at the end of the year, some days will be "carried over" to the next year, which affects bird breeding. Both the Zhou Dynasty and the Chu State believed this was undesirable. However, the "Ying Suo" of the five stars is a normal phenomenon. If it exceeds the normal range, disasters will be severe; if it slightly exceeds, the disasters will be minor; if it does not exceed, then there will be no issues. *Ci Du* refers to the six celestial cycles: year, hour, day and night, sun and moon, and stars. "Chen" refers to the position where the sun and moon intersect.
Next, let's look at the specific dates and corresponding celestial positions of each solar term. *Xing Ji*: Starting from *Xing Ji*, twelve degrees mark the Major Snow solar term. In the middle is the starting position of the Cowherd Star, corresponding to the Winter Solstice. During the Xia Dynasty, this occurred in November, in the Shang Dynasty in December, and in the Zhou Dynasty in January. Finally, it reaches the seven degrees of the Wunu Star.
The following describes the alignment of specific star positions with traditional Chinese solar terms during the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties.
Xuan Xiao: Starting from the eighth degree of the Wu Nu star, which lines up with the Minor Cold. In the middle is the first degree of the Wei Su star, associated with the Major Cold. The corresponding months in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties were the twelfth, first, and second months, respectively. Finally, it reaches the fifteenth degree of the Wei Su.
Zou Zi: Starting from the sixteenth degree of the Wei Su, which corresponds to the Start of Spring. In the middle is the fourteenth degree of the Ying Shu star, associated with the Awakening of Insects. The corresponding months in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties were the first, second, and third months, respectively. Finally, it reaches the fourth degree of the Kui Su.
Jiang Lou: Starting from the fifth degree of the Kui Su, which corresponds to the Rain Water. In the middle is the fourth degree of the Lou Su star, associated with the Vernal Equinox. The corresponding months in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties were the second, third, and fourth months, respectively. Finally, it reaches the sixth degree of the Wei Su.
Da Liang: Starting from the seventh degree of the Wei Su, which corresponds to the Grain Rain. In the middle is the eighth degree of the Mao Su star, associated with Qingming. The corresponding months in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties were the third, fourth, and fifth months, respectively. Finally, it reaches the eleventh degree of the Bi Su.
Shi Shen: Starting from the twelfth degree of the Bi Su, which corresponds to the Start of Summer. In the middle is the first degree of the Jing Su star, associated with Minor Fullness. The corresponding months in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties were the fourth, fifth, and sixth months, respectively. Finally, it reaches the fifteenth degree of the Jing Su.
Chun Shou: Starting from the sixteenth degree of the Jing Su, which corresponds to the Grain Buds. In the middle is the thirty-first degree of the Jing Su, associated with the Summer Solstice. The corresponding months in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties were the fifth, sixth, and seventh months, respectively. Finally, it reaches the eighth degree of the Liu Su.
Chun Huo: Starting from the ninth degree of the Liu Su, which corresponds to the Minor Heat. In the middle is the third degree of the Zhang Su, associated with Major Heat. The corresponding months in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties were the sixth, seventh, and eighth months, respectively. Finally, it reaches the seventeenth degree of the Zhang Su.
Chun Wei: Starting from the eighteenth degree of the Zhang Su, which corresponds to the Start of Autumn. In the middle is the fifteenth degree of the Ji Su, associated with the Limit of Heat. The corresponding months in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties were the seventh, eighth, and ninth months, respectively. Finally, it reaches the eleventh degree of the Zhen Su.
So, let's talk about this birthday star. It starts at the Zhēn xiù (轸宿) constellation at twelve degrees, which corresponds to the White Dew solar term. Halfway through, around ten degrees in the Jiǎo xiù (角宿) constellation, it's the Autumn Equinox. This corresponds to the eighth, ninth, and tenth months in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, respectively, and it ends at the Di xiù (氐宿) at four degrees.
As for the Great Fire, it begins at five degrees in the Di xiù, which is the Cold Dew solar term. At the midpoint, around five degrees in the Fáng xiù (房宿) constellation, it reaches Frost Descent. This corresponds to the ninth, tenth, and eleventh months in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, respectively, and it ends at the Wèi xiù (尾宿) at nine degrees.
Next is the Xi Mu (析木) constellation, starting at ten degrees in the Wèi xiù, which marks the Start of Winter. Halfway through, at seven degrees in the Jī xiù (箕宿) constellation, it reaches Minor Snow. This corresponds to the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth months in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, respectively, and it ends at the Dòu xiù (斗宿) at eleven degrees.
Now, here are the degrees of each constellation:
- Jiǎo xiù: 12 degrees
- Kàng xiù: 9 degrees
- Di xiù: 15 degrees
- Fáng xiù: 5 degrees
- Xīn xiù: 5 degrees
- Wèi xiù: 18 degrees
- Jī xiù: 11 degrees
The total degrees in the east are seventy-five:
- Dòu xiù: 26 degrees
- Niú xiù: 8 degrees
- Nǚ xiù: 12 degrees
- Xū xiù: 10 degrees
- Wēi xiù: 17 degrees
- Yíng Shì: 16 degrees
- Bì xiù: 9 degrees
The total degrees in the north are ninety-eight:
- Kuí xiù: 16 degrees
- Lóu xiù: 12 degrees
- Wèi xiù: 14 degrees
- Mǎo xiù: 11 degrees
- Bì xiù: 16 degrees
- Zī xiù: 2 degrees
- Shēn xiù: 9 degrees
The total degrees in the west are eighty:
- Jǐng xiù: 33 degrees
- Guǐ xiù: 4 degrees
- Liǔ xiù: 15 degrees
- Xīng xiù: 7 degrees
- Zhāng xiù: 18 degrees
- Yì xiù: 18 degrees
- Zhēn xiù: 17 degrees
The total degrees in the south are one hundred and twelve.
This nine-year cycle totals 171 years, which is considered a small cycle. Nine small cycles, amounting to 1539 years, are regarded as a large cycle. Three large cycles equal the length of one Yuan cycle. It oscillates about four and a half degrees around Altair (Niúxīng). There are a total of nine conjunction cycles, as the solar calendar is based on nine large cycles. Combining lunar and solar cycles results in a 19-year Metonic cycle. The solar calendar has been successfully calculated, marking the conclusion of the nine conjunction cycles. Four seasons correspond to a hexagram in the I Ching, so there will be one year left in four years, and one day left in four new moon phases, serving as the beginning of a section, with eighty-one chapters marking the end of a calendrical cycle.
The first cycle is the Year of Jiazi (甲子), which is the first year of the Han Dynasty. The tenth cycle is the Year of Xinyou (辛酉). The nineteenth cycle is the Year of Jiwei (己未). The twenty-eighth cycle is the Year of Dingsi (丁巳). The thirty-seventh cycle is the Year of Yimao (乙卯). The forty-sixth cycle is the Year of Renzi (壬子). The fifty-fifth cycle is the Year of Gengxu (庚戌). The sixty-fourth cycle is the Year of Wushen (戊申). The seventy-third cycle is the Year of Bingwu (丙午), which is the middle cycle.
The Year of Jiachen (甲辰) marks the beginning of the second cycle. Following that are the Year of Xinchou (辛丑), the Year of Jihai (己亥), the Year of Dingyou (丁酉), the Year of Yiwei (乙未), the Year of Renchen (壬辰), the Year of Gengyin (庚寅), the Year of Wuzi (戊子), and the Year of Bingxu (丙戌), which is the last year of the second cycle.
The Year of Jiashen (甲申) signifies the start of the third cycle. This is followed by the Year of Xinsi (辛巳), the Year of Yimao (乙卯), the Year of Dingchou (丁丑), the forty-second year of King Wen, the Year of Yihai (乙亥), [the twenty-sixth year of Wei], the Year of Renshen (壬申), the Year of Gengwu (庚午), the Year of Wuchen (戊辰), and the Year of Bingyin (丙寅), which is the last year of the third cycle and also the twenty-second year of Emperor Min.
The following is a transcription of a personal journal entry detailing the dates of civil service exams taken by an individual, along with other significant dates.
This record documents the dates of someone's civil service exams, starting from the second day of the second month, recording multiple exam days, and finally passing the exam on the day of Yǐyǒu in the seventy-fourth year. The following records from Guǐwèi to Yǐchǒu should be different days after passing the exam, possibly recording some important dates or solar terms.
Second paragraph:
The following dates were also recorded:
* Guǐhài day
* Xīnyǒu day
* Jǐwèi day
* Dīngsì day
* Fifth year of Zhōugōng (presumably referring to a historical era or reign)
* Jiǎyín day
* Rényín day
* Gēngxū day
* Wùshēn day
* Fourth year of Yuán (likely referring to a specific era or reign)
* Yǐsì day, spring of this year.
This section continues to record more days, mentioning "Fifth year of Zhōugōng" and "Fourth year of Yuán," which may refer to a particular calendar or reign. Finally, "Yǐsì day, spring of this year" indicates the season of this set of dates.
Third paragraph:
Third day of March, Guǐwèi day; Twelfth day of Xīnsì day; Twenty-first day of Jǐmǎo day; Thirtieth day of Bǐngzǐ day; Thirty-ninth day of Jiǎxū day; Forty-eighth day of Rénshēn day; Fifty-seventh day of Gēngwǔ day; Sixty-sixth day of Dīngmǎo day; Seventy-fifth day of Yǐchǒu day, passed the exam this year.
Guǐhài day; Xīnyǒu day; Jǐwèi day; Bǐngchén day; Jiǎyín day; Rényín day; Gēngxū day; Dīngwèi day; Yǐsì day, autumn of this year.
Guǐmǎo day; Xīnchǒu day; Jǐhài day; Bǐngshēn day; Jiǎwǔ day; Rénchén day; Gēngyín day; Twelfth year of Chéng; Dīnghài day; Yǐyǒu day, spring of this year.
This section is similar to the first paragraph, recording exam dates but in March. It also records the days after passing the exam and divides them into spring and autumn. "Twelfth year of Chéng" may refer to a particular calendar or reign.
Fourth paragraph:
Fourth day of the fourth month, Guǐhài day, second year of Chūyuán; Thirteenth day of Xīnyǒu day; Twenty-second day of Wùwǔ day; Thirty-first day of Bǐngchén day; Fortieth day of Jiǎyín day; Forty-ninth day of Rénzǐ day; Fifty-eighth day of Jǐyǒu day; Sixty-seventh day of Dīngwèi day; Seventy-sixth day of Yǐsì day, passed the exam this year.
Guǐmǎo day; Xīnchǒu day; Wùxū day; Bǐngshēn day; Jiǎwǔ day; Rénchén day; Jǐchǒu day; Dīnghài day; Yǐyǒu day, autumn of this year.
Guǐwèi day; Xīnsì day; Wùyín day; Bǐngzǐ day; Jiǎxū day; Rénshēn day; Huì thirty-eighth year; Jǐsì day; Dīngmǎo day; Yǐchǒu day, spring of this year.
This passage still records the dates of the examinations, mentioning "the second year of Chuyuan" and "the thirty-eighth year of Hui," which may be reign titles. It also records the days after passing the exam, divided by seasons.
**Fifth paragraph:**
- May 5th, Guimao day, Heping 1st year
- 14th day, Gengzi day
- 23rd day, Wuxu day
- 32nd day, Bingshen day
- 41st day, Jiawu day
- 50th day, Xinmao day
- 59th day, Jichou day
- 68th day, Dinghai day
- 77th day, Yiyou day (passed the exam this year)
Guwei day; Gengchen day; Wuyin day; Benzhi day; Jiaxu day; Xinwei day; Jisi day; Dingmao day; Yichou day (it was autumn this year).
This is the last paragraph, still recording the examination dates and mentioning "Heping 1st year." It also records the days after passing the exam, divided by seasons. This shows the dates of this person's participation in the imperial examinations over many years, as well as some important days.
He spent fifteen years taking the exam (1895, 1903, 1907, 1910, 1913). In 1908, 1901, 1898, 1893, early summer. The third year of Chu Yuan.
He was six years old in 1914, fifteen in 1923, twenty-four in 1932, thirty-three in 1941, forty-two in 1950, fifty-one in 1959, sixty in 1968, sixty-nine in 1977, seventy-eight in 1986, Ghost Festival.
In 1918, 1910, 1907, 1903, 1900, 1908, 1901, 1898, 1895, late autumn.
In 1920, 1918, 1916, 1914, Emperor Yang's reign lasted twenty-four years. In 1911, 1909, 1907, 1905, the fourth year of Kang. In 1915, early summer.
He was seven years old in 1918, the third year of the founding of the country. He was sixteen in 1927, twenty-five in 1936, thirty-four in 1945, forty-three in 1954, fifty-two in 1963, sixty-one in 1972, seventy in 1981, seventy-nine in 1990, Ghost Festival.
In 1920, 1918, 1916, 1914, 1911, 1909, 1907, 1905, 1915, late autumn.
He was eight years old in 1919, seventeen in 1928, twenty-six in 1937, thirty-five in 1946, forty-four in 1955, fifty-three in 1964, sixty-two in 1973, seventy-one in 1982, eighty in 1991, Ghost Festival.
1919, 1923, 1937, 1946, 1955, 1964, 1973, 1982, 1991, autumn.
Nine years old in 1920, eighteen in 1929, twenty-seven in 1938, thirty-six in 1947, forty-five in 1956, fifty-four in 1965, sixty-three in 1974, seventy-two in 1983, eighty-one in 1992, Mid-Autumn Festival.
1920, 1929, 1938, 1947, 1956, 1965, 1974, 1983, 1992, autumn.
This passage records some important years in life, noted according to the traditional Chinese sexagenary cycle, and marked with age and solar terms. From age six to eighty-one, these years chart a life course. The phrases "dedicating fifteen years," "founding the country in the third year," "reigning for twenty-four years," "reigning in the fourth year," "establishing in the seventh year," "reigning in the fifth year," etc., likely reference specific historical events or rulers and require further contextual understanding.
The years Renyin, Jihai, Dingyou, Yiwei, Guisi, Yiji, Gengyin, Wuzi, Bingxu, Jiaxin (all years in the Chinese sexagenary cycle), and the sixth year of Mengyuanshuo.
To understand the dates, one must consider the following calculation method: first, set the day of the winter solstice as the first day of the month (lunar calendar); the large remainder is 39, and the small remainder is 61. When calculating, according to the rules, start from their respective initial numbers. To calculate the following days, add 39 to the large remainder and 61 to the small remainder, adding until 81 chapters are calculated.
When calculating the chapters, the large remainder is calculated similarly, and the small remainder is increased by 1. To calculate the end of a cycle, add 59 to the large remainder and 21 to the small remainder.
Next, let's discuss the main topic. In the 17th year of Duke Zhao of the "Spring and Autumn Annals," it is recorded that Tanzi paid a visit to Duke Zhao of Qi. The book states that Duke Zhao asked Tanzi why the Xiaohao clan took birds as their totem. Tanzi replied, "That is our ancestor; of course I know. In the past, the Huangdi clan, whose emblem was the cloud, were known as the Cloud Ancestors; the Yandi clan, whose emblem was fire, were known as the Fire Ancestors; the Gonggong clan, whose emblem was water, were known as the Water Ancestors; the Taihao clan, whose emblem was the dragon, were known as the Dragon Ancestors. When my ancestor Xiaohao Zhi ascended the throne, a phoenix appeared, so we took birds as our totem, the Bird Ancestors."
Tanzi explained that the lineage went: Xiaohao descended from Huangdi, who descended from Yandi, and so on, tracing back to Taihao. According to the "Book of Changes," Fuxi, Shennong, and Huangdi were emperors one after another in the same era. The "Book of Changes" states, "Fuxi clan ruled the world," meaning that Fuxi succeeded heaven and became king, the ancestor of all emperors, with his virtue beginning with wood, so he was called Emperor Taihao. He invented nets and fishing gear for hunting and to provide sacrificial offerings, so everyone called him Fuxi clan. The "Ji Dian" states, "Gonggong clan ruled the nine domains," indicating that although Gonggong had the virtue of water, he was positioned between fire and wood, not in order. He used severe laws to consolidate his rule, allowing him to govern the world, but he could not be called a king. The Qin Dynasty also had the virtue of water, situated between the wood virtue of the Zhou Dynasty and the fire virtue of the Han Dynasty. The Zhou people altered this order, so it is not recorded in the "Book of Changes." The "Book of Changes" also states, "After Fuxi clan passed away, Shennong clan succeeded," which means that although Gonggong ruled the nine domains, he had the virtue of water, but it was not in order. Shennong succeeded the wood virtue with the fire virtue, earning him the title Yandi. He taught the people to cultivate, so everyone called him Shennong clan.
The *Book of Changes* says: "After Shen Nong passed away, Huang Di took over." Huang Di was associated with earth, as fire generates earth. He battled the descendants of Yan Di at Banquan and won, unifying the land. He started wearing the Xuanyuan crown, and so people called him Xuanyuan Shi.
Next came Shaohao Di, as recorded in the books, he was known as Shaohao Qing. This "Qing" refers to Qing Yang, the son of Huang Di, whose descendants succeeded him. Shaohao represented the element of metal, as earth generates metal. He was known as Jintian Shi by the people. Zhou dynasty changes to music and dance mean the *Book of Changes* only gives a brief account.
Following was Zhuang Xu Di. The book says that during the reign of Shaohao, there was a decline, with the Jiuli tribe causing trouble and breaking the rules. Zhuang Xu Di then took over, appointing Chong Li as an official. Chong Li was the son of Canglin Changyi. Zhuang Xu Di represented the element of water, as metal generates water. He was known as Gaoyang Shi by the people. Zhou dynasty changes to music and dance also mean the *Book of Changes* only gives a brief account.
Afterwards came Di Ku. The book says that the territories conquered by Zhuang Xu Di were later passed down to Di Ku. Di Ku was the grandson of Qing Yang Xuanxiao. Di Ku represented the element of wood, as water generates wood. He was known as Gaoxin Shi by the people. His son, Di Zhi, succeeded him, but the exact length of his reign was not clearly mentioned in the books. During the Zhou Dynasty, their music and dances were also altered, so the *Book of Changes* only gives a brief account, but the people of the Zhou Dynasty still worshipped him.
Next was Tang Yao. The book says that Di Ku had four wives, among whom Chen Feng gave birth to Di Yao, who was given the Tang lands. With the Gaoxin Shi weakening, the whole land accepted Yao as their ruler. Yao represented the element of fire, as wood generates fire. He was known as Taotang Shi by the people. He passed the throne to Yu Shun and made his son Zhu a lord, giving him Danyuan. Yao ruled as emperor for seventy years.
Next is Yu Shun. According to historical accounts, five generations after the descendants of Zhuan Xu was Gu Sou, who gave birth to Shun, who lived in the land of Yu, by the Gui River. Yao ceded the emperorship to Shun. Shun possessed the virtue of earth, representing the element of earth in the five-element cycle, as fire gives birth to earth. He was known as Yu Shun Shi, also referred to as You Yu Shi. He passed the world to Yu and made his son Shang Jun a vassal prince. Shun reigned as emperor for fifty years.
Next is Da Yu. Ancient texts state that five generations after Zhuan Xu was Gun, who gave birth to Yu. Shun ceded the emperorship to Yu. Yu possessed the virtue of metal, representing the element of metal in the five-element cycle, as earth gives birth to metal. He was known as Xia Hou Shi. The Xia Dynasty had a total of seventeen kings, lasting four hundred and thirty-two years.
Finally, there is Tang of Shang. The book "Tang's Oath" records that Tang overthrew Xia Jie. Tang possessed the virtue of water, representing the element of water in the five-element cycle, as metal gives birth to water. He was called Shang, later also known as Yin.
It is said that in the "Three Dynasties Calendar," from the ancient Upper Yuan to Xia Jie's defeat, more than one hundred and forty thousand years passed, coinciding with the year of the Great Mars. Ancient texts identified the Great Mars as the star of E Bo, associating it with the history of the Shang Dynasty. When the founding monarch of the Shang Dynasty, Cheng Tang, passed away, he had been the emperor for thirteen years. In the twelfth lunar month of the Shang Dynasty, the first day of the month of Yi Chou was also the winter solstice. Therefore, in the "Book of Documents Preface," it is said: "After Cheng Tang's death, in the first year of Tai Jia, Yi Yin wrote the 'Yi Xun'." The "Yi Xun" records: "In the first year of Tai Jia, on the first day of the month of Yi Chou, Yi Yin offered sacrifices to the ancestors, holding a solemn ceremony." This means that despite the sacrificial attire of Cheng Tang, Tai Ding, and Wai Bing, it was still on the winter solstice that they held a solemn ceremony to worship the ancestors, in accordance with Heaven's mandate, on the first day of the winter solstice that year. Ninety-five years later, in the twelfth lunar month of the Shang Dynasty, the first day of the month of Jia Shen was also the winter solstice, with no leap month; this is called "Meng Tong." From Xia Jie's defeat to King Wu's defeat of King Zhou, a total of six hundred and twenty-nine years passed, and ancient texts thus record the Yin and Shang dynasties' six-hundred-year-long tradition of ancestor worship.
The "Yin Calendar" states: During the thirteenth year of Cheng Tang's reign, on the day of Jia Zi in the eleventh month, it was the first day of the lunar month, also the winter solstice, and the first day of the six-divisional cycle. By the fifth year of Duke of Zhou, it had been four hundred and fifty-eight years since the fall of Xia Jie, which was one hundred and seventy-one years less than six hundred and twenty-nine. Some scholars claim the Xia calendar used the Yi Chou day as the starting point for calculating the years. According to this calculation, it was the fifth Jia Zi year after Meng Tong (a reference to the historical figure Meng Tong), with the day of Gui Hai as the first day of the lunar month, also the winter solstice. They believed that the Jia Zi day was the first day of the six-divisional cycle, but these statements are incorrect. In conclusion, the Shang Dynasty had a total of thirty-one kings and lasted six hundred and twenty-nine years.
The "Four-Fold Calendar" notes: From the Upper Yuan to the fall of Xia Jie, over 130,000 years had passed, experiencing a total of eighty-eight Jia Zi cycles, with the Jia Zi day as the first day of the six-divisional cycle, one hundred and twenty-seven years after the fall of Xia Jie.
The "Spring and Autumn Calendar" indicates: King Wen of Zhou reigned for forty-two years, and on the day of Ding Chou in the twelfth month, it was the first day of the lunar month, also the winter solstice, marking the second Jia Zi year of Meng Tong. Eight years later, King Wu attacked King Zhou.
The "Book of Documents: The Oath of the Royal Herder" states: King Wu attacked King Zhou of Shang. Following the principle of water generating wood, the Zhou Dynasty adopted wood as its symbolic virtue, becoming known as the Zhou dynasty.
It is recorded in the "Three Tong" that from the Upper Yuan to the fall of King Zhou of Shang, a total of one hundred and forty-two thousand one hundred and nine years had passed, and that year was the thirteenth degree of the Chun Huo Zhang constellation (a reference to a specific star configuration). King Wen received the mandate and reigned as emperor for nine years before passing away, and two years later, on the auspicious day of Da Xiang, King Wu attacked King Zhou. The "Preface" also states: "In the eleventh year, King Wu attacked King Zhou and wrote the 'Great Oath'." At that time, eight hundred vassals came to help. After King Wu destroyed the Shang Dynasty, he returned two years later, spending a total of thirteen years. The "Preface" further mentions: "King Wu defeated Yin, and Ji Zi returned, writing the 'Great Plan'." The "Great Plan" section also states: "In the thirteenth sacrifice, the king inquired of Ji Zi." From the year King Wen received the mandate to this thirteenth year, that year was still under the influence of the Chun Huo constellation, so the "Annals" state: "In the year of Chun Huo, then I will have the Zhou domain."
The army of King Wu's war against King Zhou first set out in the eleventh month, on the eleventh day of the Yin calendar, with the sun positioned at seven degrees within the Jisi constellation of Ximu. The records note the sun's position in Ximu. That night, the moon was at five degrees in the Fang constellation, known as the Celestial Steeds, prompting the records to state, "The moon is in Tian Si." Three days later, on the first day of the first month of the Zhou calendar, Mars was one degree in front of the Dou constellation, the position of the handle of the Dipper, as indicated by the records: "Mars is in the handle of the Dipper." The following day, on the Renchen day, the morning star appeared. On the Guisi day, King Wu officially set out, and on the Bingwu day, he returned, arriving at Mengjin on the Wuwu day. Mengjin lies nine hundred li from Zhou, and the army traveled thirty li each day, so they arrived in thirty-one days. The next day, Jiwei, marked the winter solstice, with the morning star and the Wunu star disappearing together, passing through Jianxing and the Qian Niu star, all the way to the apex of the Wunu star Tianwei, as the records state: "The star is in Tianwei." The chapter "Wu Cheng" in the "Book of Zhou" notes that King Wu's campaign began on the Renchen day of the first month, following a significant event; he departed Zhou on foot for the war against King Zhou the next day, Guisi. The "Preface" mentions, "On the Wuwu day of the first month, the army crossed at Mengjin."
On the day of Gengshen, it was the first day of the second month. After four days, on Guihai day, they arrived at the Battlefield of Muye, set up the formation in the evening, and started the battle at dawn on Jiazi day. The "Wai Zhuan" says, "Wang set up the formation on the night of Guihai in the second month." In the "Wu Cheng" chapter, it states, "If Yue comes in the third month, after the death of Ba, on the fifth day of Jiazi in Yue, Xian Liu Shang Wang Zhou." That year, there were eighteen extra days in the leap month, coinciding with the major cold solar term. The day of Jichou in the second month of the Zhou calendar marked the month's end, and the next day, Gengyin day of the leap month, was the first of the month. Gengshen on the second day of the third month is known as Insects Awakening. Jichou on the fourth day of the fourth month is the new moon day, which is also the death of Ba. The death of Ba is the new moon day, and the birth of Ba is the full moon day. The day of Jiachen in this month is the full moon day, and the day of Yisi is a day neither new moon nor full moon. The "Wu Cheng" chapter records, "Only in April, after the side birth of Ba, on the sixth day of Gengxu in Yue, King Wu burned offerings in the Zhou temple. The next day, Xinhai, he made sacrifices at the heavenly position. On the fifth day of Yimao in Yue, he made sacrifices to the Zhou temple for the vassal state." King Wen gave birth to King Wu at the age of fifteen, and he ruled for eleven years before passing away at eighty-six, four years after which King Wu destroyed the Shang dynasty. King Wu was eighty-six years old when he overthrew the Shang dynasty, and he passed away seven years later. In the "Li Ji · Son of King Wen," it states, "King Wen passed away at the age of ninety-seven, and King Wu passed away at the age of ninety-three." King Wu was emperor for eleven years, while Duke of Zhou served as regent for five years. The new moon day of the first month, Dingsi, was the winter solstice, calculated as the sixth year of Wuyou in the Yin calendar, seventy-six years after King Yang, which marks the beginning of Meng Tong's twenty-ninth chapter. Two years later, in the seventh year of Duke of Zhou's regency, it was the year of "Fu Ziming Bi." In that year, the new moon day was on Yihai in the second month, the full moon day was on Gengyin, and six days later was Yiwei day. The "Zhaogao" mentions, "Only in the second month, after the full moon, on the sixth day of Yiwei in Yue." Three days later, Jiachen in the third month was the new moon day, and three days after that was Bingwu day. The "Zhaogao" states, "Only in the third month, Bingwu is the third day of the moon." In the twelfth month, Wuchen marked the month's end when Duke of Zhou returned to power. In the "Luogao" chapter, it says, "On Wuchen, the king was in Xinyi, offering the yearly sacrifice. He commissioned the writing of the strategies, marking the seventh year since Zhou Gong's dedication to protecting the mandates of Wen and Wu."
In the first year of King Cheng, on the first day of the first month, it was the day of Ji-Si (己巳, [Gregorian date]). In that year, King Cheng ordered Bo Qin (伯禽) to go to the state of Lu to become the ruler. Thirty years later, on the first day of the fourth month, it was the day of Geng-Xu (庚戌, [Gregorian date]), and on the fifteenth day, it was the day of Jia-Zi (甲子, [Gregorian date]), when Duke Zhuang of Lu was born. The *Gu Ming* (顾命) records this event: "Duke Zhuang was born in the fourth month; the king fell ill and wrote the *Gu Ming* on the day of Jia-Zi." This means that King Cheng fell ill that day, washed at the Tao River (洮沬水), and then wrote the *Gu Ming*. The next day, it was the day of Yi-Chou (乙丑, [Gregorian date]), and King Cheng died.
In the twelfth year of King Kang, on the first day of the sixth month, it was the day of Wu-Chen (戊辰, [Gregorian date]), and three days later, on the day of Geng-Wu (庚午, [Gregorian date]), the *Bi Ming Feng Xing* (毕命丰刑) records: "In the tenth month of the second year of King Kang's reign, on the day of Geng-Wu, the king issued the *Feng Xing* decree." This indicates that King Kang promulgated the *Feng Xing* decree on that day.
The *Spring and Autumn Annals* (春秋) and the *Yin Li* (殷历) both use the Yin Calendar for dating. The state of Lu lost many years of accurate records after King Zhao of Zhou. Therefore, we must rely on records from the period after Duke Zhuang's reign to reconstruct the chronology. Duke Zhuang of Lu ruled for forty-six years and died in the sixteenth year of King Kang. The *Records of the Grand Historian* (史记) states, "Xie Fu (燮父) and Qin Fu (禽父) both served King Kang," meaning that the Marquis of Xie and Duke Bo Qin of Lu served King Kang simultaneously. After Duke Bo Qin died, his son Duke Kao (考公) succeeded him as ruler for four years, followed by Duke Yang of Lu (炀公). Duke Yang of Lu reigned for twenty-four years, and on the first day of the first month, it was the day of Bing-Shen (丙申, [Gregorian date]), which was also the winter solstice. The *Yin Li* gives the date as Ding-You (丁酉, [Gregorian date]), seventy-six years before Duke Wei (微公) ascended the throne.
According to the *Records of the Grand Historian*, Duke Yang of Lu ruled for sixty years, and then his son Duke You (幽公) succeeded him. Duke You ruled for fourteen years, and then Duke Wei (微公) succeeded him. Duke Wei ruled for twenty-six years, and on the first day of the first month, it was the day of Yi-Hai (乙亥, [Gregorian date]), which was also the winter solstice. The *Yin Li* gives the date as Bing-Zi (丙子, [Gregorian date]), seventy-six years before Duke Xian (献公) ascended the throne.
"The Records of the Grand Historian" records that Duke Wei ruled for fifty years, and then his son Duke Li Zhai succeeded him. Duke Li reigned for thirty-seven years, and then Duke Xian Ju took the throne. Duke Xian ruled for fifteen years, and on New Year's Day, which was also the winter solstice, according to the Yin calendar it was Yi Mao (乙卯), seventy-six years before Duke Yi became ruler.
"The Records of the Grand Historian" notes that Duke Xian ruled for fifty years, and then his son Duke Shen succeeded him. Duke Shen reigned for thirty years, and then Duke Wu Ao took the throne. Duke Wu ruled for two years, and then his son Duke Yi succeeded him. Duke Yi ruled for nine years, and on New Year's Day, which was also the winter solstice, according to the Yin calendar it was Jia Wu (甲午), seventy-six years before Duke Hui became ruler.
Duke Yi ruled for nine years, and then his brother's son, Duke Bai Yu, succeeded him. This is recorded in the Genealogy. Duke Bai ruled for eleven years, and then his uncle Duke Xiao took the throne. This is also noted in the Genealogy. Duke Xiao ruled for twenty-seven years, and then his son Duke Hui succeeded him. The Genealogy records that Duke Hui reigned for thirty-eight years, on New Year's Day it was Ren Shen (壬申), according to the Yin calendar it was Gui You (癸酉), seventy-six years before Duke Li took the throne.
Duke Hui ruled for forty-six years, and then his son Duke Yin succeeded him. This is recorded in the Genealogy. From Duke Qin to the Spring and Autumn period, a total of three hundred and eighty-six years passed.
During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Yin ruled for eleven years, and then Duke Huan succeeded him. This is noted in the Spring and Autumn Annals. This was four hundred years after King Wu defeated King Zhou. The Spring and Autumn Annals record that Duke Huan reigned for eighteen years, and then his son Duke Zhuang took the throne. Duke Zhuang ruled for thirty-two years, and then his son Duke Min succeeded him. The Spring and Autumn Annals state that Duke Min ruled for two years, and then Duke Li took the throne. Duke Li reigned for five years, on New Year's Day it was Xin Hai (辛亥), according to the Yin calendar it was Ren Zi (壬子), seventy-six years before Duke Cheng became ruler.
It has been 142,577 years since the Shangyuan era, and the beginning of Chapter 53 of Meng Tong's chronicle marks this year. According to the "Spring and Autumn Annals," in the fifth year of spring, on the xin hai day of the king's first month, the sun reaches the south. In the eighth month, on the jia wu day, the Marquis of Jin besieged Shangyang. At that time, there was also a nursery rhyme: "On the bing zi day, the dragon's tail hides, robes are waving, taking Guo's flag. The quail shines bright, the heavenly strategy glows, forming an army in the fire, Guo Gong fled." Bu Yan remarked, "It must have been around the ninth and tenth months. On the bing zi day, the sun is in the Tail constellation, the moon in the Strategy constellation, and the quail fire is in the middle; it has to be that time." In the twelfth month of bing zi, the state of Jin destroyed the state of Guo. Those who calculated dates used the Xia calendar, so the twelfth month of the Zhou calendar corresponds to the tenth month of the Xia calendar. That year, Jupiter was in the Heart constellation (Antares). Thus, the "Spring and Autumn Annals" notes that the Marquis of Jin sent a court official to attack Pucheng, and Chong'er fled to the Di state. Dong Yin said, "Your Majesty, your escape coincided perfectly with Jupiter being in the Heart constellation."
Twelve years later, in the year when Li Gong turned sixteen, Jupiter was in the Shou Xing constellation. The "Spring and Autumn Annals" records that Chong'er lived in the Di state for twelve years before leaving, passing through the Wey country of Wulü, where he begged for food from the villagers, who gave him a piece of food. Zi Fan said, "This is a gift from heaven. Twelve years later, you'll surely reclaim this land. When Jupiter returns to the Shou Xing constellation, you'll definitely have the support of the princes." Eight years later, in the twenty-fourth year of Li Gong, Jupiter was in the Shi Chen constellation, and Duke Mu of Qin accepted him. The "Spring and Autumn Annals" records: Dong Yin said, "Your Majesty, you fled when the morning star appeared, and now with Jupiter in the Shen constellation, you'll definitely gain the support of the princes."
The *Spring and Autumn Annals*, a historical text that chronicles the events of the Spring and Autumn period of Chinese history, say that Duke Li ruled for 33 years before being succeeded by Duke Wen. In the first year of Duke Wen's reign, 29 years had passed since the winter solstice of the Xinhai year (referring to a specific year in the Chinese calendar). That year, there was an intercalary month in the thirteenth lunar month, during Minor Snow. The intercalary month should have been after November, but it appeared in March, which violated ritual practice. Five years later, the intercalary month occurred in the tenth month, and although there was no intercalary month that year, one was forcibly added. Intercalary months adjust the first day of the lunar month, but adding one when it shouldn't exist and failing to officially declare it meant that, according to the *Spring and Autumn Classic*, "The intercalary month wasn't officially declared," indicating that this month should not be counted. The *Spring and Autumn Annals* also state, "Not announcing the first day of the month goes against the rites."
After 18 years of Duke Wen's rule, Duke Xuan Wo succeeded him, as recorded in the *Spring and Autumn Annals*.
Following 18 years of Duke Xuan's reign, Duke Cheng Hei (Hei being his given name) took the throne. In the twelfth year of Duke Cheng's rule, on the first day of the first month of the Gengyin year, which coincided with the winter solstice, the *Yin Calendar* indicated it was Xinmao, and seventy-six years had passed since Duke Ding's seventh year.
"The Spring and Autumn Classic" records that after 18 years of reign by Duke Cheng, Duke Xiang succeeded to the throne. Duke Xiang reigned for 27 years, and it had been 109 years since the Xin Hai year. The first day of the ninth lunar month fell on a Shen day – this is known as the Jian Shen month. According to the Lu records, "On the first day of the twelfth month, a solar eclipse occurred." The commentary explains that the eclipse happened on the first day of the eleventh month, a Shen day. The calendar keepers had made a mistake, missing two leap months. This means that the eleventh month was actually used, without carefully checking the solar terms or verifying based on celestial phenomena. In the 28th year of Duke Xiang's reign, 110 years had passed since the Xin Hai year, and that year was a Xing Ji year, so "The Spring and Autumn Classic" records, "no ice in the spring." The commentary adds, "That year was a Xing Ji year, but there were relentless rains." Duke Xiang's 30th year was the year of Ju Zi, and the 31st year was the year of Jiang Lou. By that time, 113 years had passed since the Xin Hai year, with the day of Gui Wei in the second month. Starting from the year when Duke Wen held the alliance meeting in the summer of the eleventh year of Cheng Kuang, a total of 445 Jia Zi cycles had passed, with an excess of 20 days, totaling 26,660 days. Therefore, the commentary records: "An old man from Jiang County said: 'I was born on the first day of the first month, a Jia Zi day. That was 445 Jia Zi cycles ago. I've got about a third of my life left.'" Shi Kuang said, "Xi Cheng Zi has been 73 years since the Cheng Kuang alliance meeting." Shi Zhao said, "Hai represents two heads and six bodies, with two more below – that's the number of days." Shi Wen Bo said, "So that's 26,660 days."
"The Spring and Autumn Classic" records that Duke Xiang ruled for thirty-one years, after which Duke Zhao Chou succeeded to the throne. Duke Zhao ruled for eight years, during the year known as the Wood Splitting (a year named for the splitting of wood), and the tenth year was the year of Zhuānxū (also known as Xuānxiāo). One hundred and thirty-one years after the Xīnhài year, in Duke Zhao's eighteenth year, the days bǐngzǐ, wùyín, and rénwǔ appeared in May, and in the evening, fires were seen in the states of Song, Wei, Chen, and Zheng. In the twentieth year of Duke Zhao's reign, during the spring in the first month, it had been one hundred and thirty-three years since the year Xīnhài; this marks the beginning of the eighth chapter after Xīnhài. On the first day of the first month, jǐchǒu day, which was also the winter solstice, a leap month was missed. Thus, the "Spring and Autumn Classic" states: "In the second month, jǐchǒu, the winter solstice occurs." In the thirty-second year of Duke Zhao's reign, which was the year of the Star Calendar, one hundred and forty-five years had passed since the year Xīnhài, and an extra leap month was accounted for. Therefore, the "Spring and Autumn Classic" remarks: "Yue enjoyed a bountiful harvest, but Wu's attack would prove disastrous."
The "Spring and Autumn Classic" also records that after thirty-two years of Duke Zhao's reign, Duke Ding of Song (referring to the Duke of the state of Song) succeeded him. In the seventh year of Duke Ding, on the first day of the first month, jǐsì day, which was the winter solstice, the "Yin Calendar" indicated it was gēngwǔ day, seventy-six years since Duke Yuan's succession. The "Spring and Autumn Classic" notes that after fifteen years of Duke Ding's reign, Duke Ai Jiang succeeded. In the twelfth year of Duke Ai, during the winter in the twelfth month, shooting stars were seen, but this was not the expected phenomenon for the month of Jiànxū (a month named Jiànxū). There were also many locusts that month, prompting the "Spring and Autumn Classic" to state: "The falling stars should have subsided, signaling the emergence of hibernating insects. But they are still visible, indicating a calendrical error by the court astronomers." As the "Book of Songs" observes, "In July, the stars flow like fire."
The "Spring and Autumn Classic" covers a period of 242 years, ending with Duke Ai's fourteenth year.
After thirteen years in power, Duke Ai of Lu ceded the throne to Zhu, and he was succeeded by his son, Duke Dao, who brought stability to the country. Duke Dao ruled for thirty-seven years, and his son, Duke Yuan, then took the throne. Duke Yuan ruled for four years, and in the first month of the winter solstice, it was the year of Jiyou, seventy-six years after Duke Kang's reign (Note: all dates are according to the Yin calendar). Duke Yuan ruled for twenty-one years before his son, Duke Mu, succeeded him, expanding the strength of the country. Duke Mu ruled for thirty-three years, and his son, Duke Gong, then took over. Duke Gong ruled for twenty-two years, followed by his son, Duke Kang. Duke Kang ruled for four years, and in the first month of the winter solstice, it was the year of Wuzi, seventy-six years after Duke Min's reign (Note: all dates are according to the Yin calendar). Duke Kang ruled for nine years, and his son, Duke Jing, succeeded him. Duke Jing ruled for twenty-nine years, and then his son, Duke Ping, took the throne. Duke Ping ruled for twenty years, followed by his son, Duke Mu. Duke Mu ruled for twenty-two years, and in the first month of the winter solstice, it was the year of Dingmao, seventy-six years after King Yuan of Chu's reign (Note: all dates are according to the Yin calendar). Duke Mu ruled for twenty-three years, and his son, Duke Qing, succeeded him. According to historical records, Duke Qing ruled for eighteen years, in Qin's Zhao Wang's 51st year, when Qin destroyed the Zhou dynasty. The Zhou dynasty had a total of thirty-six emperors, lasting eight hundred and sixty-seven years.
King Zhaoxiang of Qin ruled for five years without an heir, and King Xiaowen ruled for one year. In the first year of King Xiaowen's reign, King Kao of Chu destroyed the state of Lu, and Duke Qing of Lu became a regular person. After the fall of the Zhou dynasty, the other six states quickly crumbled. King Zhuangxiang ruled for three years, Qin Shi Huang ruled for thirty-seven years, and Qin Ershi ruled for three years. From King Zhaoxiang to the Second Emperor, five Qin rulers reigned for a total of forty-nine years.
Han Gaozu Liu Bang, his deeds are recorded in the *Records*. He defeated the Qin Dynasty and inherited the orthodoxy of the Zhou Dynasty. Wood generates fire, so the Han Dynasty took the fire element as a symbol, and it was called "Han" throughout the world. Counting from the first year of ancient times, it has been 143,025 years. In this year, Jupiter was at 22 degrees in the Eastern Well constellation, and the Chunsou asterism was at six degrees. Therefore, the *Records of the Han* say: In this year, Jupiter is in the Eastern Well, named Dunlang, and the Tai Sui (Jupiter) was in the sign of noon (午). In the eighth year of Gaozu's reign, on the day of the winter solstice, it was the year when King Yuan of Chu had been in charge for three years. According to the Yin calendar, it was the Bingwu year, 76 years from the beginning of Gaozu's reign. According to historical records, Emperor Gaozu ruled for twelve years.
Emperor Huidi reigned for seven years, and his reign is detailed in the *Records*.
Empress Dowager ruled for eight years, as noted in the *Records*.
Before Emperor Wen was in charge for sixteen years, and after seven years, his reign is detailed in the *Records*, for a total of twenty-three years.
Emperor Jing was in charge for sixteen years, divided into seven years at the beginning, six years in the middle, and three years at the end, each period corresponding to historical records, combined into the *Record of Emperor Jing*.
During the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, the reigns of Jianyuan, Yuanguang, and Yuanshuo each lasted six years. On the day of the winter solstice in the eleventh month of the sixth year of Yuanshuo, the Yin calendar stated it was the Yiyou year, 76 years after the beginning of the Han Dynasty. This was followed by Yuanshou, Yuanding, and Yuanfeng, each lasting six years. By the first year of the Taichu era in the Han calendar, 143,127 years had passed since the ancient legendary first year. On the day of the winter solstice in the eleventh month of the first year of Taichu, Jupiter was at six degrees in the Wunu constellation, so the *Book of Han*, chapter on astronomy, records this year as "Kundun," with Jupiter appearing in the Wunu constellation in the first month. After Emperor Wu, the year titles of Taichu, Tianhan, Taishi, and Zhenghe each lasted four years, followed by an additional two years, totaling fifty-four years in charge, with the corresponding *Record of Emperor Wu*.
Emperor Zhaodi was in power for thirteen years, with the year titles of Shiyuan and Yuanfeng each lasting six years, and the Yuanping title lasting one year, also with the corresponding *Record of Emperor Zhaodi*.
Emperor Xuan reigned for twenty-five years, with the six era names of Benshi, Dijie, Yuankang, Shenjue, Wufeng, and Ganlu, each used for four years, and the Huanglong era name used for one year, with a corresponding chronicle. Emperor Yuan reigned for sixteen years, with the era names Chuyuan, Yongguang, and Jianzhao, each used for five years, and the Jingning era name used for one year. The first day of the eleventh month, the winter solstice, a day considered the beginning of the Jiazi year according to the Yin calendar, was intended as the starting point for the new era, but a solar eclipse occurred that October, making it an inauspicious day to mark the beginning. This year was seventy-six years after the first year of the Jianwu era. Emperor Cheng reigned for twenty-six years, with the six era names of Jianshi, Heping, Yangshuo, Hongjia, Yongshi, and Yuanyan, each used for four years, and the Suihe era name used for two years, with a corresponding chronicle. Emperor Ai reigned for six years, with the Jianping era name used for four years and the Yuanshou era name used for two years, also with a corresponding chronicle. During the reign of Emperor Ping, there is also a corresponding chronicle. He only reigned for five years before passing away. After that, Liu Ying, Emperor Xuan's great-grandson, succeeded to the throne, known as Ruzi Ying. During Ruzi Ying's reign, there are also corresponding historical records. Wang Mang, Marquis of Xindu, first took control of the court as a regent for three years, then seized the throne of the Han Dynasty, establishing the Xin Dynasty and calling himself the "Xin regime." The Xin Dynasty lasted for fourteen years, with the periods of Shijian Guo, Tianfeng, and Di Huang, all having corresponding historical records. Emperor Gengshi Liu Xuan overthrew Wang Mang's Xin Dynasty and restored the Han Dynasty, but he only reigned as emperor for two years before being overthrown by the Red Eyebrow Army, who then enthroned Liu Penzi of the Han imperial family as emperor. From the founding of the Han Dynasty to the end of the Gengshi reign, a total of two hundred and thirty years had passed. Emperor Guangwu wrote a book called "Ji," meaning "Records," which recorded his rise to power as the ninth generation descendant of Gaozu after the reign of Jingdi and the revival of the Han Dynasty. He changed the era name to Jianwu, with the year when the Zhang star in the constellation of Sagittarius was on duty. In the thirty-first year of Jianwu, also known as the second year of Zhongyuan, he had been emperor for thirty-three years.
So, Emperor Guangwu... this book details how he rose from the chaotic times and eventually restored the glory of the Han Dynasty. He is a direct descendant of Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang, a crucial factor in those turbulent times! He named his era Jianwu, meaning "rebuilding military might," a pretty badass name if you ask me! By the thirty-first year of Jianwu (also the second year of Zhongyuan), he'd been emperor for thirty-three years – quite a journey from being on the run to ruling the entire empire! Thinking about these thirty-three years, tsk tsk, wow, what a truly legendary experience!
