The old saying goes, "If you can't see what's going on, you're not being smart; the consequences are severe and swift. Sometimes, there are weird things happening with plants and trees, sometimes there are insect plagues, sometimes sheep go wild, sometimes there's eye trouble, and sometimes there are bad omens, but there may also be good omens. Only floods and fires are exceptions."
This means that failing to understand the situation leads to serious and swift consequences. Many disasters can strike, such as strange happenings with plants and trees, insect plagues, incidents with sheep, eye troubles, and various omens, both good and bad. However, floods and fires are relatively straightforward and not so complicated. "If you can't see what's going on, you're not being smart," means that being unwise is simply not knowing. The Book of Songs says, "If your virtue's unclear, your followers will die with you; if people don't understand your virtue, your betrayers will win." This implies that if upper-level leaders are clueless, they can't tell good from bad, reward the deserving, or punish the guilty. This leads to chaos and exposes their flaws.
The long days of high summer nourish all things in the hot weather, causing political affairs to be swept under the rug. When things are hushed up, winters are warm, and the seasons are out of whack, which can harm the people and ultimately lead to disasters. If punishments are not carried out, frost cannot kill weeds, and if officials do not punish in a timely manner, plagues will appear. These bad omens show up in their clothes, their poetry, the sounds they make, and the colours they use. This is the fundamental reason for the colorful changes in all things, related to good and bad luck, so sages believe that plagues are manifestations of losing the ability to discern right from wrong.
Warm and humid conditions breed insects, leading to disasters like locusts. Insects like moths that should die do not, or they are born when they shouldn't, or their numbers become excessive and cause disasters. Liu Xin believes this is due to not thinking things through. In the Book of Changes, a mix of strong and weak elements is called "Li," representing fire and eyes. The horns of a sheep point downwards, the hooves upwards, combining strength with weakness. Sheep have large, bright eyes, so mistakes in observing the weather can lead to disasters for sheep. It is said that in hot years, sheep are prone to disease and death, and that's the idea.
If it affects humans, there will be many eye problems from the heat. The color of fire is red, so there are red omens, good or bad. All diseases affecting the eyes are caused by fire, and fire damage can bring on floods. For serious illnesses, go with the flow, and you might live longer. Liu Xin thought that feathered insect plagues were actually about chickens. He based this on the idea that in astronomy, star constellations in the shape of bird beaks represent birds, hence feathered insects; disasters also come from feathers, hence chickens; chickens belong to the "Xun" hexagram in the Book of Changes. But that's not quite right.
Hidden and overt signs, Liu Xiang believed that the "Spring and Autumn Annals" did not record ice disasters as an example. Minor, hidden disasters went unrecorded; only the absence of ice was noted, as the focus was on major disasters. Jing Fang's "Yi Zhuan" states: "Failure to administer timely rewards and punishments is deception; its hidden consequence is rain, snow, and unseasonably warm weather. The people lived in ease and luxury; this is called chaos, and hidden corruption will fester. Unpunished wrongdoing is called slackness; resulting in scorching summer heat and unexpectedly lush winter growth. Not punishing major faults is called without signs; its consequence is that it should be cold but remains warm for six days."
In the spring of 685 BC, there was no ice. Liu Xiang believed it was the spring of the Zhou Dynasty, but it was actually winter. Prior to this, Duke Huan of Qi fought with neighboring countries three times and lost twice. The people at home complained, while the vassals abroad did not respect him, so he dared not punish others severely. Zheng's ruler murdered his brother to seize the throne, yet Duke Huan of Qi remained friendly, even supporting similar individuals, ignoring justice and failing to punish the guilty. Dong Zhongshu believed this was because Duke Huan of Qi's wife behaved improperly and made mistakes in secret.
In February of 684 BC, there was no ice. Dong Zhongshu believed it was because Duke Xuan of Qi had just died, and the ruler and ministers had no sadness, but were instead enthusiastically engaged in construction. Liu Xiang believed it was because the young ruler's reign was relatively lenient.
Spring 641 BC: no ice. Liu Xiang believed this was because Qi Xiangong had built up three armies, clearly planning for aggression and expansion, which soured relations with neighboring countries. Qi's borders were constantly raided, leading to over a decade of war, famine, widespread unrest, disloyal ministers, and a terrified Qi Xiangong who dared not crack down. Chu was stirring up trouble, and Xiangong was in cahoots with them, ignoring justice and fairness, and letting rewards and punishments slide. Another theory is that the weather varied regionally; 'no ice' in one place didn't mean the same everywhere. Qi Huangu murdered his brother and messed with Song and Zheng, betraying the Zhou dynasty by trading cities. Under Qi Chengong, Chu ran roughshod over the Central Plains, their prince slaughtering Zhaobo and Maobo; Jin crushed the Zhou army at Maorong, leaving the Zhou king helpless. By Qi Xiangong's time, the nobles held all the power; the king was a puppet. Things only got worse – no justice, no accountability. So, the Zhou fell in the cold years, the Qin in the hot.
During the winter of the sixth year of Emperor Wu of Han's Yuanshou reign, there was no ice. For several years before this, Emperor Wu of Han had sent General Wei Qing and Huo Qubing to attack the Qilian Mountains, cutting off the Xiongnu's passage, pursuing and slaughtering over 100,000 Xiongnu. Upon their triumphant return, the court rewarded them lavishly. However, considering the hardships of the people, Emperor Wu of Han sent six scholars, including Chu Da, to tour the country with the Emperor's orders, comforting the widowed and needy, and inviting scholarly recluses to court. If any prefectures or states had suitable suggestions, they were to report to the Prime Minister and the Imperial Censor. The whole country was thrilled.
During the winter of the second year of Emperor Zhao of Han's Shiyuan reign, there was no ice. At that time, the emperor was only nine years old, and the Grand General Huo Guang was in power, trying a softer approach to rule.
In the year 657 BC, in the twelfth month of the thirty-third year of Duke Xi's reign, there was frost, but the grass did not freeze. Liu Xin thought the grass had become sentient – quite strange. However, Liu Xiang had a different opinion. He said that what was referred to as October was actually the twelfth month of the Zhou Dynasty. According to the I Ching, the number five, associated with Heaven and the ruler, corresponds to the hexagram "Peeling Away," which symbolizes decline and the need for decisive action. In the ninth month, yin energy begins to prevail. This shows that yin energy must obey yang energy's command, and ministers must obey the king's command before taking action. Now, in October, there was frost but the grass did not freeze, indicating that the emperor's authority to punish was waning, and chaos was about to ensue in the world. At that time, a prince usurped power, and the three great families began to establish hereditary positions, as if Heaven itself seemed to be warning of chaos. Unfortunately, Duke Wen did not realize this, and later he killed his own son, Prince Chi, and the three families drove out Duke Zhao. Dong Zhongshu held a similar view. Jing Fang said in the Commentary on the I Ching, "A minister's procrastination is like frost not killing the grass – a sign of disloyalty."
The preface of the "Shangshu" says: "When Yi Zhi assisted Tai Wu, Bo saw auspicious omens, where mulberry trees and millet sprang up together." It is explained that "they sprang up in the court, burgeoning to great size within a week. Yi Zhi reminded Tai Wu to improve his character, but as a result, the trees withered." Liu Xiang believed that the Yin Dynasty was already in decline, and Gao Zong inherited a troubled kingdom. He experienced the pain of losing loved ones, and grief spread through the land. Although he later achieved great honor, he neglected state affairs, putting the country in danger, leading to the appearance of the vision of mulberry and millet growing together. The characters for mulberry (桑, sāng) and millet (谷, gǔ) are phonetically similar to "mourning" and "empty," respectively. This indicates that power over life and death had fallen into the wrong hands, akin to weeds taking over. Another interpretation is that wild trees erupted in the court, as if ambitious underlings were seizing power, signaling the court's imminent collapse.
The "Preface" goes like this: when Emperor Gaozong was sacrificing to King Chengtang, a wild chicken flew onto the ear of the sacrificial tripod and crowed. Zu Ji said, "Only the kings of old can handle things properly." Liu Xiang believed that the crowing wild chicken was a rooster, mostly red. In the Book of Changes, the "Li" hexagram is the wild chicken, which belongs to the south and symbolizes auspiciousness. However, Liu Xin thought this was just a bad omen from the birds and beasts. In the Book of Changes, there is also the "Ding" hexagram, where the ding is a sacrificial vessel in the ancestral temple, and the eldest son, the heir, was in charge of the sacrifice. A wild bird flying in from outside and running to the ear of the ancestral temple's sacrificial vessel—doesn't that mean the heir was about to change? There is also a saying that the ding has three legs, symbolizing the three officials, and the ear of the ding represents the flow of power. If a wild bird occupies the ear of the ding, it is like a villain grabbing the three officials' jobs, which would ruin the sacrifice. Wild trees growing in the court and wild birds flying into the temple are all signs of the country about to fall apart!
Emperor Wuding was frightened by this incident and quickly consulted loyal ministers and wise men, worked on improving himself, and managed the country well. He promoted Fu Shuo domestically to handle state affairs and defeated the Guifang, stabilizing the world. This way, the bad luck from the wild trees and birds was finally calmed down, and he lived a long life, as the book says, "If you can beat back all six disasters, you'll get five blessings in return, and the whole country will benefit." There is also a saying that metal overcomes wood, and if wood is not upright, problems will arise.
In the 33rd year of Duke Xi in the "Spring and Autumn Annals," it is recorded: "In the twelfth month, the plum tree bore fruit." Liu Xiang thought that in the Zhou Dynasty, the twelfth month was equivalent to our October, and the plum tree should've withered and dropped its leaves by then. But instead, it bloomed and bore fruit, which meant an unnatural occurrence in the plant world. Blooming before bearing fruit, the book doesn’t mention the blooming, only the fruiting, emphasizing the main point. When it's supposed to be all gloomy and quiet, but then something vibrant and lively happens, it’s like a powerful minister getting away with murder. Winter is supposed to be a time when everything withers, yet there’s growth, just like an arrogant minister who should be punished but isn't. So, blooming in winter symbolizes that although the minister's evil plots didn’t succeed at first, they eventually did. That year, Gongzi Sui seized power, and Duke Wen didn’t realize it, leading to the rebellion of Zichai. Another theory is that if a ruler is too lenient, weird things, like a plum tree fruiting in winter, might start happening at court. Dong Zhongshu thought the plum tree's fruiting showed that the ministers were getting too powerful. The "Spring and Autumn Annals" record: "If flowers bloom when they shouldn't, the chief minister will be replaced; if fruits are borne when they shouldn't, the prime minister will be replaced." In winter, water is the king, wood is the minister – hence the symbolism. People saw all sorts of bad omens, mostly linked to insect plagues, and the plum tree's fruiting fell under the category of strange phenomena in plants.
In the fifth year of Emperor Han Huidi, in October, peach blossoms and plum blossoms were in full bloom, and the dates were ripe for the picking. During the reign of Emperor Han Zhaodi, a large willow tree in Shanglin Park broke and fell to the ground, but not long after, it somehow stood back up and grew new branches and leaves. Strangely, the leaves of the tree had been eaten into by insects to spell out the characters "公孙病已立" (Gongsun Bingyi Li, meaning "Gongsun is already standing"). At the same time, a withered tree in the temple of the Changyi Kingdom also sprouted new branches and leaves. A man named Suì Mèng believed that trees symbolize yin and yang forces, and this was an omen that the abandoned Gongsun family would receive the Mandate of Heaven and become the emperor. Although Emperor Han Zhaodi was well-read, Huo Guang, who held great power, considered Suì Mèng's words to be spreading false prophecies and had him killed. Later, Emperor Zhaodi passed away without a son, so he sent for Prince Changyi, Liu He, to inherit the throne. However, Liu He's behavior was wild and reckless, so Huo Guang deposed him and instead made the grandson of the Prince of Wei emperor, who became Emperor Han Xuandi. Xuandi's original name was Bingyi. The "Yi Zhuan" by Jing Fang states: "A withered poplar grows shoots, a withered tree regenerates, and a ruler loses his son." Doesn't this perfectly describe the situation? In the fourth year of Emperor Han Yuandi Chu Yuan, the wooden pillar on the tomb gate of the great-grandfather of the empress, King Bo of Dongpingling in Jinan, unexpectedly sprouted new branches and leaves, with the branches even reaching out beyond the roof! Liu Xiang believed this was a sign of the Wang family's rise to power. Later, Wang Mang usurped the throne and explained: "In the fourth year of Chu Yuan, the year I, Wang Mang, was born, the Han dynasty's nine generations of prosperity were ending, and this auspicious omen appeared on the tomb of our ancestor, Emperor Gaozu. The gate symbolizes a new beginning, and the zelkova tree resembles the character 'zi' (子, son), signifying that the Wang family would produce wise descendants who would restore the ancestral legacy, rise from humble beginnings, receive the Mandate of Heaven, and ultimately become emperors."
In the fifth year of Jianzhao, Yanzhou's governor, Haoshang, prohibited the common people from privately establishing shrines. In the temple of Tuomao Township in Shanyang, there was a large Sophora japonica that officials cut down, but that night, the tree somehow stood back up in its original place! In the second month of the first year of Emperor Chengdi of the Han Dynasty, a kind of tree in the postal station on Henan Street grew branches resembling a human head, with eyebrows, eyes, a beard, and even ears, though it lacked actual hair. In the tenth month of the third year of Emperor Aidi of the Han Dynasty, a pillar in Suoyang Township in Xiping, Runan, fell to the ground and also grew branches resembling a human, with a yellowish-green body, a white face, a beard, and hair, gradually growing to six inches and one fen (approximately 15.24 centimeters). Jing Fang's *Yi Zhuan* says, "When the virtue of the king declines and the lower people rise, trees will grow into human forms."
In the third year of Jianping of Emperor Aidi of the Han Dynasty, a tree in the Lingling area fell to the ground, sixteen feet in circumference and seventeen feet long. The common people cut off the tree roots, leaving only a trunk more than nine feet long, and it withered. However, in the third month, the tree had somehow righted itself in its original place! Jing Fang's *Yi Zhuan* says, "Abandoning the right for the wrong, the demon tree breaks and returns to its original form. With the presence of a virtuous woman, the fallen tree stands up again, broken and withered but revived. Heaven dispels evil."
In August of 42 BC, it actually rained grass, with leaves entwining each other, growing to the size of marbles. In January of 4 BC, another grass rain fell, exactly like the first. Jing Fang wrote in his *Yi Zhuan* that such strange events, like grass falling from the sky, happened when rulers were miserly with their officials' salaries, lost the people's trust, and drove away talented people.
In the summer of 545 BC, a type of bird called "gūjī" (a footnote could explain that it is a species associated with omens) came here to build its nest. Liu Xin believed that the feathers of this bird were black, which is an ill omen, portending blindness and deafness. However, Liu Xiang had a different opinion. He said that strange phenomena, such as supernatural portents, appear silently and are ominous signs, while the gūjī coming to build its nest is observable, which is an auspicious sign. The gūjī is a bird that lives in remote areas; now it has come to the Central Plains to build nests directly without digging holes, with yin encroaching on yang, symbolizing that the Ji clan is going to expel Duke Zhao, forcing him to leave the palace and live in the wild. While white feathers are associated with good fortune in times of drought, its preference for caves and dark plumage suggests danger. This was interpreted as a divine warning to Duke Zhao: you have lost the people's hearts and cannot act recklessly anymore; if you persist in your own way, yin energy will overcome yang energy, driving you out of the palace and into the wilderness. Duke Zhao did not listen to advice, but instead attacked the Ji clan, was defeated by them, fled to the Qi state, and ultimately died in the wilderness. Dong Zhongshu offered a similar interpretation.
In November of 147 BC, in Lü County, Chu State, there was a massive brawl between white-necked crows and black crows. The white-necked crows were defeated by the black crows, killing several thousand of them. Liu Xiang believed that this indicated a mixing of black and white, a bad omen. At that time, King Wu of Chu was a brutal tyrant; he persecuted Lord Shengong and plotted with the King of Wu in rebellion. The crow fight represented warring armies; the white-necked crows' small numbers foretold the weak's defeat; their drowning presaged a watery death for the king. King Wu of Chu did not heed advice, eventually joining the King of Wu in rebellion against the Han, fought a major battle, and was defeated and fled to Dantu, where he was killed by the Yue people, proving the prophecy true of a watery death. Jing Fang said in his "Book of Changes Commentary": "Disrespecting your family brings about strange things, like crows fighting in the city."
In 77 BC, the first year of Emperor Zhao of the Han Dynasty, in the palace of the King of Yan, crows and magpies fought on the pond, and the crow fell into the pond and died. This was a bad omen, indicating disaster. At that time, the King of Yan was plotting a rebellion, but he never saw it coming and was eventually executed. Both the Chu and Yan states were royal relatives and vassal states, but due to their arrogance and resentment, they both planned rebellions and had omens of crows and magpies fighting, with similar behavior and matching omens. Talk about a divine warning! In Yan, a black crow died after fighting a magpie in the palace; in Chu, thousands of crows and magpies fought in the wild, and a white crow died. This meant the Yan plot hadn't been found out yet, so a black crow ended up dead in the pond; while Chu openly rebelled, resulting in a disastrous defeat on the battlefield, causing many white crows to die. That's some seriously weird coincidence! Jing Fang said in the "Yi Zhuan": "Crows and magpies fighting? That's a sign of arrogance, brutality, and murder."
During the reign of Emperor Zhao of the Han Dynasty, a heron, or some say an eagle, flew into the Changyi Palace, and the King of Changyi ordered it to be shot down. Liu Xiang believed that water birds with green feathers symbolize good luck, but at that time, the King of Changyi was a real party animal and a total jerk, insulting his ministers and disrespecting the emperor, which already indicated a disaster was imminent, hence the appearance of the auspicious green bird. A wild bird in the palace? Bad news for the king. The King of Changyi still did not repent and eventually died. Jing Fang also said that virtuous people who keep to themselves might go crazy – and if you see lots of water birds hanging around the capital, watch out!
In the second month of the year 28 BC, something weird happened in the Sanggu Valley of Mount Tai: a bird's nest caught on fire! At that time, a young man named Sun Tong and a few companions heard the birds and magpies in the mountains making a racket, so they ran over to see what was going on. They saw a bird's nest charred and fallen on the ground, with three baby birds burned to death inside. The tree was very large, with a surprisingly large circumference, and the nest was a full five zhang (approximately 10 feet) and five chi high off the ground! The local governor even reported it to the Emperor! In ancient times, a blackened bird's nest was considered an ominous sign, indicating misfortune for greedy and cruel individuals. The Book of Changes says: "A burning bird's nest – first the passers-by laugh, then they weep." Mount Tai, also known as Daizong, is the head of the Five Sacred Mountains and has always been a place where emperors change dynasties. It felt like a message from above: do not get too close to those greedy and cruel people, do not listen to their bad ideas, be careful like this bird's nest, self-destruct, harm your own children, and even cause a disaster of changing dynasties!
Later, a woman named Zhao Feiyan received the emperor's favor and was made empress, while her brother became a high-ranking consort. The two siblings had the emperor wrapped around their little finger, and when they heard that the imperial concubine Xu Meiren and Cao Wei might give birth to a prince, Zhao Zhaoyi flew into a rage and got the emperor to have them both bumped off, even their mother! As a result, the emperor died, Zhao Zhaoyi committed suicide, and all was revealed, leading to the execution of Empress Zhao. Wasn't that just like that saying about the bird's nest? Some also say it was all down to Wang Mang's greed and cruelty, which ultimately led to the disaster of changing dynasties. Jing Fang also mentioned in the Book of Changes: "When the ruler's a tyrant, birds burn their nests!"
In the third month of the year 7 BC, court officials held a large archery ceremony. A wild chicken flew into the archery field, walked up the steps, flew into the house, and then started calling. After that, the wild chicken flew to the mansions of the Commander-in-Chief, Minister of Rites, and Imperial Censor, and finally flew to the roof of the Chengming Hall in the Weiyang Palace. At that time, General Wang Yin and others reported to the emperor, saying, "Heavenly signs often mirror earthly events, subtly foretelling the fate of the ruler. The chicken is sensitive to sound and can hear thunder in advance; it is also referenced in the ancient seasonal calendars to record changes in seasonal energy. Historical records mention the phenomenon of the chicken crowing during the reign of Emperor Gaozong, indicating that disasters can be transformed into blessings. Now this wild chicken flew to the archery field when the officials were holding the ceremony; everyone gathered together, stepped onto the steps, flew into the house, and they were all very surprised, discussing it for days, causing widespread astonishment and speculation. It even flew over the mansions of the Commander-in-Chief, Minister of Rites, and Minister of War, who were in charge of ancestral temple sacrifices and were close relatives of the emperor, before flying into the palace. Its prolonged presence and calls were deeply ominous, and despite our warnings, what could we do?"
Later, the emperor sent Chao Hong, a eunuch, to deliver a message to Wang Yin, saying, "I hear you've caught a wild chicken—its feathers are all ruffled. Was this… deliberate?" Wang Yin replied, "Your Majesty, 'the country's doomed'? Really? I don't know who is scheming behind the scenes, trying to butter you up! You're surrounded by yes-men, Your Majesty. You know this. Everyone's too busy looking out for themselves to tell you the truth. Wake up, Your Majesty! Disaster's looming. Punish us—start with me! What more needs saying? Fifteen years on the throne, no heir, and you're always gallivanting about. Word's spread far and wide. You risk assassination on your outings. The palace is plagued by illness. The heavens themselves are warning you, yet you ignore them. If heaven can't reach you, what hope do we have? I'm playing with fire. If things really get out of control, what will happen to my elderly mother? What will happen to the Empress Dowager? To whom will the great achievements of our ancestors be passed on? You should seek advice from wise people, cultivate yourself, restore etiquette, to conform to the will of heaven. Only then can you establish an heir and eliminate disasters!"
In March, 7 BC, near Pingxiang, someone saw a swallow raise a chick that looked like a jiao bird. It grew huge, then they flew off together. Jing Fang, in his commentary on the *I Ching*, wrote: "When treacherous ministers hold sway, swallows bear jiao birds, and the princes fall." This means that if there are traitorous ministers causing chaos in the country, strange phenomena like swallows giving birth to jiao birds will appear, and the princes will also decline as a result. Another interpretation is that this bird is not a normal species, and its descendants will not inherit the title.
The *Records of the Grand Historian* tells us that during Duke Ding of Lu's reign, Ji Huanzi had a well dug, and they found a clay pot with a worm that looked like a lamb inside. This was seen as a bad omen for Lu: a sheep, a creature of the earth, found underground, symbolized Duke Ding's folly in favoring the Ji clan over Confucius. Others interpreted it as the ruler of Lu being trapped, like the lamb, losing power to the Ji clan, who would themselves fall under the control of their own men. That year, Ji Huanzi was imprisoned by his own men. Three years later, Yang Hu kidnapped Duke Lu and led an attack on the Meng clan, resulting in defeat. He stole precious jade treasures and a large bow before fleeing.
The *Zuo Zhuan* recounts that during Duke Xiang of Lu's reign, the state of Song had a girl born covered in red hair, abandoned beneath a dike. A maid of Gongji, Duke Ping's mother, found the baby and named her "Abandoned." This girl grew up to be very beautiful, and Duke Ping of Song took her as his concubine, giving birth to a son named Zuo. Later, Song officials falsely accused and murdered Crown Prince Chong. Before this, Song's ministers – Huayuan, Huaruo, Huachen, and Huahaobi – fled to Jin, Lu, Chen, and Wei, respectively. Liu Xiang saw this as a clear sign of fire and other red-hued calamities. The *Jing Fang Yi Zhuan* says that such monstrous red-haired women appear when social order collapses.
In the second year of Emperor Hui of Han, Yiyang experienced a blood rain covering a large area, comparable to a football field, which Liu Xiang believed to be a sign of disaster. During that time, there were strange occurrences such as thunder in winter and peach and plum blossoms blooming, seen as a punishment for the emperor's bad governance. The court was politically lax, and the ruthless Lü clan ran the show, with gossip flying like wildfire. Emperor Hui killed three princes, chose a completely unsuitable successor, and dismissed Wang Ling, Zhao Yao, Zhou Chang, and others. After the death of Empress Dowager Lü, the ministers butchered the Lü clan, resulting in a literal river of blood. According to the *Jing Fang Yi Zhuan*, an ancient text on divination, "When cases are left unresolved, leading to accountability, blood rain will fall from the heavens; this is because the emperor was out of touch with his people, causing resentment. Within three years, his clan will be destroyed." The text also mentions: "When villains rise to power and loyal officials are treated like dirt, blood rain will fall from the heavens."
In the fourth month of the fourth year of Jianping of Han Emperor Ai, Shanyang Huling experienced a blood rain with drops three feet across and five feet long, some as large as copper coins and some as small as sesame seeds. Two years later, Emperor Ai kicked the bucket. Wang Mang usurped the throne, executed nobles like Ding and Fu, and exiled ministers like Dong Xian, similar to the situation during the Lü clan's dominance, albeit with fewer casualties and less blood rain.
Old wives' tales say that not listening to advice leads to severe consequences, freezing their butts off and starving. Sometimes evil spirits cause trouble, fish populations explode, swine fever spreads, ears develop problems, and various disasters and ominous signs occur, except for fires and floods.
The saying goes: "If you ignore good advice, you're asking for trouble. You'll be cold, broke, and miserable." This means that ancient people believed that not heeding advice results in serious consequences, enduring punishment by suffering from extreme cold and poverty.
"Sometimes there are demon-led disturbances, sometimes there are fish plagues, sometimes there are pig plagues, sometimes there are ear ailments, and sometimes there are dark omens. Only fire and water are conspicuously absent." This passage describes various natural disasters and strange occurrences beyond human-made disasters, such as demons causing chaos, mass breeding of fish leading to calamities, swine fever, ear problems, and other disasters and ill omens. However, only fires and floods do not seem to be included in this list.
Hey, as the ancients said, "If those in power are deaf to counsel, it leads to poor governance." This means that if the people at the top do not listen to others' opinions, the demands of those below cannot be conveyed, and the country's major affairs cannot be properly planned. In emergencies, it is easy to make mistakes, leading to dire consequences.
Winter days are short, and cold weather can freeze many things to death. Strict government policies bring a harsh winter of punishment. Cold weather kills the crops, leaving everyone hungry and poor. A harsh ruler keeps his ministers terrified and silent, stifling dissent. This breeds rumors, like wildfire, of demons and monsters. When the weather is cold, fish and shrimp are also prone to problems, and other strange phenomena may occur. Turtles can come ashore, so it is not considered a particularly serious evil omen; but fish cannot survive out of water, which highlights the devastating effects of extreme yin. The Book of Changes says that the "Kan" hexagram represents a pig, with large ears but poor hearing, hence the pig plague. Others believe winter kills pigs, turning them into monstrous things—the same principle applies. People with poor hearing are prone to ear diseases. Black water foretells disaster. In short, hearing problems often lead to dampness illnesses, which can cause fires. An impoverished nation, by heeding the ways of heaven, can rise from the ashes to prosperity.
Liu Xin said that there are records in the book of insect plagues, which is a sign of long-term cold weather. Liu Xiang believes that there are no similar records in the Spring and Autumn Period. At the end of the Zhou Dynasty, the country was relatively loose, power was decentralized, and it was relatively warm, so he used the Qin Dynasty as an example. When Qin Shihuang ascended the throne, he was still young, and power was in the hands of the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager was romantically involved with both Lv Buwei and Lao Ai, and even appointed Lao Ai as the Changxin Marquis, giving him the Taiyuan County as his fief. In the palace, they built whatever they pleased, causing delays in national affairs. Therefore, thunder would strike from the sky, indicating that the yang energy was suppressed, leading to frequent disasters, reflecting the change from strict to lenient government orders. After Qin Shihuang reached adulthood, a powerful faction was afraid of being killed, so it rebelled, and as a result, it was suppressed by Qin Shihuang, with hundreds of people beheaded, more than 20 ministers executed by being ripped apart, and the entire family exterminated, with more than 4,000 households relocated to Fangling. In that year, in April, it was freezing cold, and many people froze to death. Within a few years, the government's policies swung wildly between harsh and lax, and the cold and warm weather changed accordingly; this is the consequence. Liu Xin believed that heavy rain, heavy snow, or snowfall when it shouldn't, hail, and frost are signs of prolonged cold. Liu Xiang believed that frequent rain is a sign of a weak emperor. Jing Fang said in the "Yi Zhuan": "People of virtuous conduct encounter danger; this is called defying Heaven, which will result in cold weather. If the punishment is too severe, it will result in cold weather lasting for six days, and there will be hail; if the bad people are not punished, it is called harboring enemies, resulting in cold weather for seventy-two days, and birds and beasts will freeze to death. Reforms always bring casualties; cold weather will cause crops to wither prematurely. Fighting without assessing the enemy's strength will result in cold weather, and even if it rains, the crops will not flourish. Ignoring good advice will lead to ruin."
In the eighth year of Duke Huan, in October, there was a rain-snow mix. This was the tenth month of the Zhou calendar, which is our current August, so where did the snow come from? Liu Xiang thought this was an omen that Duke Huan's wife had an improper relationship with a Qi woman, and Duke Huan, green with envy, wanted her dead, so this weird weather happened. Duke Huan initially didn’t pay much attention to it, but later he really did go to Qi with his wife, resulting in her death. The rain and snow were ominous. See? That's gotta mean something! Dong Zhongshu believed this was because the wife was too domineering and there was too much negative energy.
In the tenth year of Duke Li, in winter, there was also a heavy sleet. Liu Xiang believed this happened because Duke Li married his concubine, leading to too much negative energy. In the "Gongyang Commentary," it was recorded as "heavy rain and hail," and Dong Zhongshu explained that Duke Li was forced by the Qi Duke to make a concubine his wife, not daring to take any other concubines, hence the hailstorm—this was all because he was threatened and had to stick to only having one wife.
In the fourth year of Duke Zhao, in January, there was another heavy sleet. Liu Xiang believed that Duke Zhao married a woman with the same family name from the state of Wu, which was called "Wu Mengzi." The king was acting crazy, so his ministers followed suit. Moreover, at that time, the three big families in Lu hated Duke Zhao and treated him like dirt. Dong Zhongshu thought this was because Jisun Su wielded too much power, leading to excessive negative energy.
Four years into Emperor Wen's reign, in June, there was also heavy sleet. Three years later, the King of Huainan tried to rebel, got caught, and died on his way to exile. Jing Fang's "Yi Zhuan" said: "Summer snow means the ministers are gonna rebel." This prophecy came true!
In the sixth year of Emperor Jing's reign, in the third month, there was a mix of rain and snow. In the sixth month, the Xiongnu invaded Shang County, looting horses, and more than two thousand soldiers died in battle. The following year, Zhou Yafu, the Marquis of Taiyuan, was imprisoned and executed.
In the first year of Emperor Wu's Yuanshou reign, in the twelfth month, a blizzard killed many people. That year, the Prince of Huainan and the Prince of Hengshan conspired to rebel. After the plot was exposed, both of them committed suicide. The court sent envoys to investigate those implicated in various places, and tens of thousands of people were executed!
In the second year of Yuanding, in the third month, it snowed, with snow accumulating up to five feet on flat ground! That year, the Imperial Inspector, Zhang Tang, committed suicide after committing a crime. Prime Minister Yan Qingzhai conspired with three chief clerks to frame Zhang Tang and also committed suicide. The three chief clerks were executed.
In the third year of Yuanding, in the third month, the river froze, and in the fourth month, there was a mix of rain and snow. People in more than ten counties in the eastern region began to kill and eat each other! That year, the common people did not pay enough taxes, and those who reported them could receive half of the tax amount.
In the second year of Jianzhao, in the eleventh month, there was a heavy snowfall in the Qi and Chu regions, with snow five feet deep. That was really thick! In the same year, the Prefect of Weijun, Jing Fang, was accused by Shi Xian of conspiring with his father-in-law, Uncle Zhang Bo of the Prince of Huaiyang, and Zhang Bo's brother Zhang Guang to advise the Prince of Huaiyang in an improper manner. Zhang Bo was sentenced to death, while Zhang Guang and Jing Fang were subjected to abandonment in the market (a brutal public execution). The Imperial Inspector, Zheng Hong, was dismissed and demoted to a commoner because of this incident. Later, when Emperor Cheng ascended the throne, Shi Xian confessed, and the Prince of Huaiyang pleaded for Zhang Bo's pardon, making a strong case for his innocence. Consequently, their exiled family members were allowed to return home.
In the fourth year of Jianzhao, in the third month, it started to rain and snow mixed, and lots of swallows died. Gu Yong said to the emperor, "The empress is performing the sericulture rites, preparing the robes for the Heaven and Earth sacrifice. Unfortunately, on this day, a northwest wind blew and a heavy snowfall occurred, delaying the ceremony. This is a bad omen! We should fast and reflect, take responsibility. Please ask the empress to stay in the palace, close the doors and windows, and not come out casually. Also, have the concubines take turns sleeping with the emperor to spread some good luck. Perhaps in this way, heaven may be pleased, and we can hope for a good heir. If my suggestion is not followed, disasters will become more severe, and God's gonna be pissed. By then, it will be too late for people to pledge their loyalty!" Later, Empress Xu was deposed because she cursed the emperor.
In the fourth month of the first year of Yangshuo, there was another rain and snow mixed, and every last swallow and sparrow froze solid. Twelve years later, Empress Xu committed suicide.
In the first year of Dinggong, in October, frost killed the beans. Liu Xiang believed that in the Zhou Dynasty, October was equivalent to the current August. The observation indicates that the disaster occurred before the arrival of Yin energy at the position of the ruler, which shows that the punishment did not come from the ruler, but from the actions of the subjects. At that time, the Ji clan drove away Duke Zhao, who died as a guest in a foreign land, and Dinggong was able to ascend the throne. Therefore, heaven sent disasters to warn Dinggong. In the second year of Ligong, in October, frost did not kill the grass, indicating that the new ruler who inherited the throne lacked the ability to control the overall situation. Later, Ligong died at the hands of his subjects, and disasters occurred as a result. When explaining disasters, if it is said that "killing the beans" means everything died; if it is said that "not killing the grass," it means even the toughest plants survived. Others say "beans" represent the strongest, so it's a warning to powerful ministers. Basically, blaming the "beans" was a subtle way to call out the Ji clan.
In April of the fourth year of Emperor Wu's Yuanguang reign, a sudden frost killed the grass and trees. Two years prior to this, he sent out five generals with 300,000 troops to ambush the Xiongnu Chanyu at Mayi, hoping to launch a surprise attack. But the Chanyu got wind of it and scarpered. Since then, Emperor Wu continuously campaigned against the barbarians, fighting for over thirty years, halving the country's population. Jing Fang stated in his "Commentary on the Book of Changes": "Unjust slaughter and mass mobilization is against the law; therefore, frost will occur, crops will freeze in summer, and wheat will freeze in winter. Killing without cause is wicked; therefore, frost will occur, there will be thunderstorms and strong winds in summer, rain in winter, followed by frost, and the frost will be sharp-edged. When good people suffer, frost clings to the trees without falling. Wicked men abusing the law are rebels, so frost will be found in grass roots and soil crevices. Killing without teaching is tyranny, so frost will be found beneath the grass."
In March of the first year of Emperor Yuan's Yongxing reign, frost killed mulberry trees; on the second day of the ninth month, frost killed crops, leading to a great famine. At that time, Shi Xian, the Imperial Secretary, ran riot, which was similar to the situation of frost occurring during Duke Ding's reign as recorded in the "Spring and Autumn Annals." After Emperor Cheng took the throne, Shi Xian was bumped off for his tyranny.
The *Spring and Autumn Annals*, 29th year of Duke Li: "Autumn: heavy rain and hail." Liu Xiang believed that if there's strong sunlight, plentiful rain, warm, humid weather, the yang energy overwhelms the yin, preventing them from balancing, and hail forms; if the yin energy prevails, with continuous rain and snow, cold, stagnant weather, and weak yang energy unable to merge, sleet forms. Like putting boiling water in a cold spring—it freezes. Same principle applies to snow and ice. Therefore, hail is the yin energy suppressing the yang energy, while sleet is the yang energy suppressing the yin energy. The *Spring and Autumn Annals* does not record sleet, just as it does not record lunar eclipses. In his later years, Duke Li put his faith in Prince Sui, who became power-hungry and nearly assassinated the Duke. This imbalance of power mirrored the yin overpowering the yang. Duke Li did not realize it, and Sui eventually took power, killing Duke Li's son Chì two years later and installing Duke Xuān as the ruler. The *Zuo Zhuan* says, "Under a wise ruler, hailstorms are rare, and even if they occur, they're not catastrophic." This means that events which do not lead to disasters are not recorded; recording significant disasters indicates they have become calamities. Hailstorms are a sign of weak yang energy in winter and hidden yin energy in summer. In the third year of Duke Zhao, there was "heavy rain and hail." At that time, the Jì clan held power, and the signs of suppressing the ruler were very obvious. Duke Zhao did not realize it, and the Jì clan eventually drove him out. December 108 BC: A thunderstorm unleashed hail the size of horses' heads! May 57 BC: Egg-sized hail hammered Shanyang and Jiyin, piling up two and a half feet deep. Twenty people died, and even the birds froze solid. That October, Grand Marshal Huo Yu's family's rebellion was crushed, and Empress Huo was deposed.
In April, 1 BC, the state of Chu experienced hail the size of axes, causing the death of birds. The "Zuo Zhuan" records that in December of the year 636 BC, on the day of Ji Mao, "Duke Wen of Jin passed away; on the day of Geng Chen, he was to be buried in Quwo. When the funeral procession left Jiang, a lowing like a cow emanated from the coffin." Liu Xiang believed this to be an omen of disaster. Funerals are bad luck, and the coffin mooing like a cow symbolizes anger, foretelling of trouble brewing and war on the horizon. At that time, Duke Mu of Qin sent troops to attack the state of Zheng, cutting a corner instead of following the proper route. The Jin statesman Xian Zhen advised Duke Xiang of Jin, "The Qin army crossed the border; we should attack!" Therefore, the Jin army set up an ambush at Mount Xiao, defeating the Qin army, scattering them and leaving them without their chariots, showing just how fierce the battle was. Jin ignored old alliances, believing in this intense strategy, which led to resentment towards a powerful state. As a result, they were invaded by Qin from all sides, leading to chaos for several generations, all because of that bad omen!
In 1 BC, on the first day of the fourth month of Yihai (Yihai, a cyclical stem-branch designation), the Grand Minister of Justice Zhu Bo was appointed Prime Minister, and the Minister of the Imperial Household Zhao Xuan was appointed Grand Minister of Justice. Upon their appointments, a loud noise suddenly rang out, like the sound of a bell, heard by all the palace officials present in the hall. The Emperor asked the Imperial Attendants Yang Xiong and Li Xun what this omen meant, and Li Xun replied, "This is an ominous portent referred to as 'drumming the demon' in the *Book of Changes*. According to ancient interpretations, this occurs when the ruler is not wise, misled by evil men, promoting unworthy individuals, hence this invisible sound from nowhere. The texts say that this phenomenon occurs on specific days of the year, affecting top ministers. It is now April, with the days of Chen and Si (a reference to the Chinese sexagenary cycle), meeting the conditions. 'Top ministers' refer to the highest-ranking officials. Therefore, the Prime Minister and Grand Minister of Justice should be dismissed in response to the changes in heavenly signs. Even if they are not dismissed, within a year, they will face their own consequences." Yang Xiong also believed it was a sign of immorality. Zhu Bo was strong, overbearing, and cunning, suited to be a military general but not as Prime Minister, and trouble was brewing. Indeed, in the same year in August, Zhu Bo and Zhao Xuan were charged with treason; Zhu Bo committed suicide, and Zhao Xuan's punishment was reduced. In the *Book of Changes*, Jing Fang said, "If the foundation is not repaired, unrest will follow, and metals will inexplicably move, as if making a sound."
It is said in the *Historical Records* that in the first year of the Second Emperor Qin, there were no clouds in the sky but thunder sounded. Liu Xiang explained, "Thunder needs clouds to sound, just as a ruler needs capable ministers. It's all about balance." However, the Second Emperor Qin did not care about the people, and the people were seething with resentment and ready to revolt. That year, Chen Sheng rebelled, causing chaos in the country, and Zhao Gao caused trouble, leading to the downfall of the Qin Dynasty. The *Book of Changes* says the Zhen hexagram represents thunder, symbolizing insubordination.
"Shiji" also states that in the eighth year of Qin Shi Huang, fish were everywhere in the Yellow River. Liu Xiang believed this was a sign of a plague of fish. That year, Chang'an Jun led troops to attack the state of Zhao, resulting in defeat and death, with the generals getting the chop and the people being relocated to Lintao. The following year, Lao Ai was executed. Fish represent the people, and being yin in nature, swimming upstream indicates that the people will resist the emperor's orders and commit rebellious acts. Looking at celestial omens, the appearance of fish in the Yellow River is like a swarm of locusts covering the plains. During the reign of Qin Er Shi, things got even worse, ultimately leading to the rapid downfall of the Qin Dynasty. Jing Fang said in the "Yi Zhuan": "When the people rebel and unite, disasters will manifest as fish swimming upstream in the river."
In the autumn of the fifth year of Emperor Wu of Han's Yuanding era, frogs and toads were at it hammer and tongs. That year, four generals led a hundred thousand troops to conquer Nanyue, carving out nine new counties.
In the autumn of the fourth year of Emperor Cheng of Han's Hongjia era, there was a rain of fish in Xindu, with the fish all being less than five inches long. In the spring of the first year of Emperor Cheng of Han's Yongshi era, a giant carp appeared in the North Sea, measuring about 18 feet in length, 10 feet in height, and having four fins. In the third year of Emperor Ai of Han's Jianping era, a massive fish also appeared in Donglai Pingdu, measuring about 24 feet in length, 11 feet in height, with seven fins, and these fish all eventually died. Jing Fang said in the "Yi Zhuan": "The frequent appearance of large fish in the sea is a sign that bad guys were in charge, and good guys were out of luck."
In the autumn of the fifth year of Emperor Huan of Han, there was a serious locust infestation. Liu Xin believed that this was caused by the greed and cruelty of the rulers, whose greed and cruelty led to the locust infestation, seen as a sign of insect outbreak, similar to the portent of excessive fish. Liu Xiang believed that the infestation of insects was due to rulers not listening to advice. That year, Emperor Huan received tributes from two countries, exchanged cities with a tripod, engaged in a major building spree, and constructed cities. Most explanations of the locust infestation adopted Dong Zhongshu's views.
In the twenty-ninth year of Yan Gong's reign, a disaster known as "fei" appeared. Liu Xin believed that "fei" was a type of insect called "fu zha," which does not eat food, but if it does, it will cause a disaster, being considered a particularly destructive insect. Liu Xiang believed that "fei" was green and similar to the omen of green disasters, and not a native species of China. The climate in the Southern Yue region was hot, where men and women lived together in a lax and promiscuous manner, and customs were licentious, which is why such pests were born. At that time, Yan Gong married a licentious woman from the Qi state as his wife. After she entered the house, she was secretly involved with Yan Gong's two uncles, which attracted the disaster of "fei." It was seen as a clear sign from Heaven, and dealing with them now would prevent further trouble; otherwise, even greater disasters and dishonor would arise in the future. However, Yan Gong did not realize this, and later his wife and two uncles indeed rebelled, his heir was killed, and everyone was eventually punished. Dong Zhongshu's explanation was similar as well.
In the fifteenth year of Li Gong's reign, in August, a locust infestation known as "zhong" appeared. Liu Xiang believed that before this, Li Gong had held big religious ceremonies multiple times, later reinforced city walls, and built tombs. That year, he also called a military muster in Muqiu, where he sent Gongsun Ao to lead the army and rescue the state of Xu together with the princes and ministers, but Gongsun Ao remained away on campaign for three years.
In the third year of Duke Wen's reign, in the autumn, the State of Song experienced a locust infestation. Liu Xiang believed that this was due to the unjust execution of a nobleman by the State of Song, which was retribution brought about by tyranny and harsh taxation. The Commentary of Gu Liang stated that everyone was involved in this, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Dong Zhongshu believed that within the past three generations of the State of Song, people had been killed, the nobles acted arrogantly and abused their power, and innocent people had been killed indiscriminately, which is why the locust infestation occurred. Liu Xin believed that the locust plague was due to poor harvests, and they eventually encountered thieves, causing the locusts to perish.
In the eighth year of Duke Wen's reign, in October, there was another locust infestation. At that time, Duke Wen attacked the State of Zhu and captured Xuju, a strategic location, and built Wucheng, a new city.
In the sixth year of Duke Xuan's reign, in August, there was a locust infestation. Liu Xiang believed that before this, Duke Xuan attacked the State of Ju, and later went to the State of Qi twice, planning to attack the State of Lai.
In the thirteenth and fifteenth years of Duke Xuan's reign, in the autumn, there were locust infestations. During Duke Xuan's reign, the country's strength weakened, and wars frequently occurred.
In the seventh year of Duke Xiang's reign, in August, there was a locust infestation. Liu Xiang believed that before this, Duke Xiang raised troops to rescue the State of Chen, and the lords of Teng, Tan, and Xiaozhu all came to court. In the summer, Duke Xiang also built the city of Fei.
In the twelfth year of Duke Ai's reign, in December, there was a locust infestation. At that time, Duke Ai implemented a land tax system. Liu Xiang believed that the spring implementation of the land tax was followed by a locust plague in the winter.
A further account from the Lu annals highlights a significant correlation between locust plagues and societal hardship. It is recorded that in the thirteenth year, there were many locusts in the autumn and winter. This metaphorically refers to three years of severe drought, where the common people were cruelly oppressed. Liu Xin believed that in the Zhou Dynasty, there were twelve months in a year, while in the Xia Dynasty, there were ten months in a year. Mars had already fallen, and the dormant insects had finished their activities, indicating changes in celestial phenomena. Therefore, the calendar should be based on actual circumstances, and not on the comparison of locusts to poor harvests. This year, an intercalary month was missed. The ninth month of the Zhou Dynasty corresponds to the seventh month of the Xia Dynasty, so ancient texts stated, "Mars is still moving in the west, and the calendar masters had erred."
Next, in the winter of the fifteenth year of Xuan Gong, there appeared a kind of insect called pí (a type of insect).* Liu Xin believed that pí were flying insects that ate crops, causing serious disasters and were an ill omen. Dong Zhongshu and Liu Xiang, on the other hand, believed that pí were just beginning to appear as pests, and some said they were locusts just starting to emerge. At that time, ordinary people suffered heavy corvée and slogged away on the public land. Xuan Gong then began to implement the "tax per mu" system, which meant taxing them one-tenth of their best farmland. This violated the ancient practices of the former kings, driven by greed, which led to the appearance of the pí insect disaster because they disrupted the natural order.
In the autumn of the third year of Emperor Jing, a locust plague occurred. Before this, the Xiongnu invaded the border, and the Commandant, Bu Hai, led cavalry and foot soldiers stationed in Gao Liu in Dai Jun.
In the autumn of the fifth year of Emperor Wu Yuan Guang, a locust plague occurred; in the summer of the sixth year, another locust plague occurred. Before this, the Five Generals led more than 300,000 troops in ambush at Ma Yi, planning to attack the Chanyu. That year, the Four Generals fought against the Xiongnu.
In the autumn of the fifth year of Emperor Yuan Ding, a locust plague occurred. That year, the Four Generals fought against Nanyue and the southwestern Yi, opening up more than ten counties.
In the autumn of the sixth year of Emperor Yuan Feng, a locust plague occurred. Before this, the Two Generals fought against Korea, opening up three counties.
In the summer of the first year of Taichu, locusts flew from the east to Dunhuang; in the autumn of the third year, another locust plague occurred. In the first year of Taichu, the Second General campaigned against Dawan, and the whole country suffered years of forced labor because of it.
In the autumn of the third year of Zhenghe, a locust plague occurred; in the summer of the fourth year, another locust plague occurred. The year before, the Three Generals led more than 100,000 troops to fight against the Xiongnu. In the third year of Zhenghe, 70,000 of the Second General's men died in battle and never came back.
In the autumn of the second year of Emperor Pingdi Yuanshi, a locust plague occurred, spreading throughout the country. At that time, Wang Mang was in power.
*Note: The exact nature of the insect pí is debated among scholars.
The *Zuo Zhuan* recounts how, in the eighth year of Duke Xiang of Qi, while hunting in Beiqiu, he saw a pig. His attendants said, "They say that's Lord Peng's kid, come back as a pig!" Duke Xiang immediately got angry and shouted, "Kill it!" The pig stood up and cried, startling him, causing him to fall off the chariot, injuring his foot and losing his shoe. Liu Xiang believed this was some bad juju from that pig.
Before this incident, Duke Xiang had slept with the wife of Duke Huan of Lu and got Lord Peng to kill Duke Huan. Later, he killed Lord Peng to apologize to Lu. Duke Xiang's favorite courtier, Gongsun Wuzhi, was ticked off about being ignored. He led a group of people who had it in for Duke Xiang to attack him while he was hunting. Duke Xiang hid in a doorway with his foot exposed and was killed. He had injured his foot, lost his shoe, and died from the foot injury—all consequences of his nasty, hotheaded ways.
In the first year of Emperor Zhao's reign (Yuanfeng 1), a pig ran out from Yongxiang Alley in the palace of the King of Yan. It damaged the kitchen stove and carried six or seven clumps of ash from the stove to the front of the hall. Liu Xiang believed this was an omen of impending pig-related calamity. At that time, King Dan of Yan, in league with the Princess and the Left General, plotted high treason, murdering advisors and ruling with such brutality and lawlessness that his downfall was inevitable. The stove, the very foundation of life, being damaged by the pig and the ash being placed in the courtyard indicated that the hearth would fall into disuse, and the palace would be razed. King Yan Dan did not repent and ultimately suffered a catastrophic downfall. As Jing Fang wrote in his *Yi Zhuan*: "When the people's hearts are unsettled, the ruler's governance falters, and calamity, like a pig, invades the home." (According to the *Zuo Zhuan*.)
"Shiji" records that in the twenty-third year of Duke Xiang of Lu, a flood in the Luo River and Gu River threatened to wipe out the royal palace. Liu Xiang blamed a nearby fire for the flood. King Ling of Zhou wanted to forcefully block the river, but officials advised, "No! Rulers shouldn't mess with mountains, forests, rivers, or swamps. Shouldn't the powers that be be a little more careful? You're pissing off the river gods, endangering the palace, and then trying to cover it up? That's not going to work! This will only hurt your descendants and ruin the royal family." King Ling eventually listened to the advice and did not forcefully block the river.
The story shows the four main rivers are like the vassals, with the Gu and Luo Rivers representing the lesser nobles. The nobles were running the show, and Dan Kuang was plotting to kill the king and take the throne. If King Ling had woken up and changed course, this disaster could have been avoided. But he ignored the advice, acted like a jerk, blocked the river, pissed off the gods, and the whole thing backfired. Years later, five huge, dark sun-like things appeared in the sky. That year brought an early frost, and King Ling kicked the bucket.
Two years later, Dan Kuang tried to kill King Jing and put his brother Ning Fu on the throne. Ning Fu had no idea, and King Jing had him killed. After King Jing died, five ministers battled for power, some backing Prince Meng, others Prince Zhao – the royal family was in total meltdown. The *Jingfang Yi zhuan* says, "When the Son of Heaven is weak and the vassals hold power, there will be the phenomenon of water battles."
"Shiji" also records that in the third year of King Wu of Qin, the Wei River ran red for three days. In the thirty-fourth year of King Zhao, the Wei River ran red again for three days. Liu Xiang believed this was due to a nearby fire, polluting the river. Qin implemented collective punishment laws, where everyone was punished for the actions of one. Those who threw ashes on the road would be branded on the face. The punishments were brutal. Add to that King Wu's warmongering and attacks on neighbors, and you get a recipe for disaster. The five elements were thrown out of whack, and weird stuff started happening. It was like heaven was shouting, "Ease up, Qin, or you're toast!" Qin did not correct its ways, ultimately leading to the destruction of the six states by the First Emperor and the downfall of the Second Emperor.
Back in the days of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, many valuable books and documents were unearthed in the Heluo region, while the state of Qin lived on the north bank of the Wei River. The Wei River turned red multiple times, all of which were signs of fortune and misfortune in accordance with the will of Heaven. Jing Fang said: "If the king's boozing and chasing skirts while the smart guys are hiding, the country's done for – and the river turning red is a sure sign."
