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Chapter 5 of 6
注解大六壬指南
In studying Wang Bi's commentary on the I Ching, the method of combining the classical text with its commentary is most conducive to cross-reference. Following this approach, the original Volume Three and Volume Four have been merged into a single text, arranged into twenty-nine chapters. Among the historical figures mentioned in the case examples, a considerable number have formal biographies in the official histories; accordingly, annotations based on verifiable records in the Ming History and the Draft History of the Qing have been appended after each.
The original book contains a total of 125 verification cases, with the first lesson beginning in the year of RenzI and the last in the year of Xinmao, spanning forty years. Upon investigation, the year of Renzi corresponds to the 30th year of the Wanli reign (1612). The son of the Wanli Emperor, Guangzong, began his Taichang reign in the year Xinyou (1621); Guangzong's son, Xizong, began his Tianqi reign in the year Renxu (1622); Xizong's younger brother, Chongzhen, began his reign in the year Jisi (1629). In the year Jiashen (1644), Li Zicheng captured Beijing, and the Qing army entered the passes. The Southern Ming Hongguang Emperor (the younger Prince Fu) ascended the throne in the year Jiashen and was defeated in the year Yiyou. The Qing Emperor Fulin's Shunzhi reign began in the year Jiashen (1644). All investigations into the events recorded in the case lessons are calculated according to these dates.
Da Liu Ren divination operates with lesson structures, deities and generals, spirit omens, and the Five Phases' generation and conquest as its warp and weft, incorporating all phenomena of heaven and earth into a single cosmic board. The 125 lessons recorded by Chen Gongxian span forty years, coinciding precisely with the violent upheavals of the late Ming and early Qing transition. Each lesson is an instantaneous record of a historical moment—whether divining the weather for drought or flood, the safety of cities, the rise and fall of official careers, or the outcome of military campaigns. In this context, Liu Ren serves not merely as a predictive tool but as a microscopic cross-section of the fate of an era.
The essence of Liu Ren verification is the transformation of the anxiety of uncertainty into structured deduction. When faced with natural disasters, warfare, and the vicissitudes of officialdom, the ancients used Liu Ren as a decision-support system. Modern people likewise confront uncertainty—in the workplace, investments, health, and interpersonal relationships. The framework-thinking of Liu Ren (image-taking, analogous deities, generation-conquest, vitality-decline) can be regarded as a risk analysis model: breaking complex situations down into actionable judgment criteria.
| Ancient Scenario | Modern Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Predicting weather for drought or flood | Weather forecasting, agricultural risk management |
| Divining city safety | Corporate crisis management, competitive landscape analysis |
| Divining career advancement | Career planning, organizational political judgment |
| Divining military victory or defeat | Commercial competition, project bidding strategy |
| Divining travel fortune | Business travel safety assessment, investment environment analysis |
The core philosophy underlying the Liu Ren lesson framework is the unity of image and number—in heaven and earth there are no isolated events; all things exist in relation to one another. The progression of the three transmissions (initial, middle, final) is exactly like the unfolding of a causal chain: the initial transmission is the point of origin, the middle transmission the transformation, and the final transmission the conclusion. This aligns remarkably with the "initial condition—path evolution—terminal state" mode of thinking found in modern systems theory. The subtlety of casting a lesson lies not in predicting fixed fate, but in perceiving relationships, seizing the opportune moment, and steering toward good fortune while avoiding misfortune.
In divining atmospheric phenomena, first observe the star Arcturus (corresponding to the position of Chen). Chen interacting with Yin (water) portends rain, while interacting with Yang (fire) portends clear skies. When the Noble arrives astride the Zi and Hai palaces (the "Jiang Ming" configuration), rainfall is abundant—this method for predicting overcast and clear conditions is the most refined.
When the Green Dragon enters its temple (Dragon positioned over the Yin position), clear weather prevails; when the Green Dragon ascends to heaven (Dragon positioned over Chen, Si, Wu, or Wei), rain falls; when the White Tiger emerges from the mountain forest (Tiger positioned over Yin or Mao), strong winds arise. When water moves through heaven, one sighs at sustained rain; when fire departs the earth, one gazes up at cloudless skies.
For the masters of wind and rain, look to the Dragon and Tiger; for the timing of wind and rain, seek the Goat and Rat (Wei and Zi). When Serpent and Red Bird are positioned over the Mao and Ding positions, thunderbolts and hail are visible in the sky.
If Ren, Gui, Hai, and Zi come to rest over Yin and Mao, then on Jia and Yi days one sees drenching rain; if they fall upon seasonal earth positions, seek the Wu and Ji days; similarly, extend this rule to the Si and Wu positions with the stems Bing and Ding.
If in the lesson and transmissions no Hai or Zi appears, extend the inference through those present; if one has entered the Kong (Void), extend accordingly. Fine if Zi rides the Dragon over Chou; where the Dragon comes together with Zi, determining the timing of rain is found (e.g., Zi atop the Dragon God—take the upper deity at the positional conjunction as the moment of rain).
Decline or vitality, emptiness, and punishment must be carefully distinguished: if [the relevant deity] conquers the day stem and possesses vital energy, torrential downpours ensue. Without vitality or in the Void, only a drizzling rain—this response is as certain as an echo.
When the Wind-Thunder Omen stirs, great winds arise; when the Cloud-Rain Spirits converge, sudden showers arrive. In all their ferocity, one merely dreads a genuine underlying truth; being swift, the talisman flies with quick showers and thunder.
The Rain Master (Chou) joined with the Net constellation (You) sees rain filling the sky; the Wind Earl (Wei) joined with the Sieve constellation (Yin)1 sees wind filling the valley. If the day stem lies behind the Noble, rain pours in torrents; if the day stem lies before the Noble, wind uproots trees.
When the Celestial Guidestone rests on a seasonal earthly position and the sky is cloudless, the position lying distant from the sun is the season of verification. Next, take the monthly general positioned over the hour and consider—beneath the stems Bing and Ding clear sunlight breaks through.
Metal (Shen) is the mother of water; Xun (Yi wind) is where wind arises; Zhen (Mao) generates thunder; Dui (You) generates the marsh (which moistens). Assess further the vitality and decline—so ready is wind and rain sought from the palm of the hand.
When Yang is complete (that is, Yin is not complete), clear weather prevails; when Yin is complete (that is, Yang is not complete), rain prevails. The musical-wood lesson produces wind, the blazing-fire lesson forecasts drought; the metal-tempering lesson portends gloom, the flowing-water lesson overcast; and the harvesting-earth lesson may be judged as clear.
How is snow predicted? As the function, Supreme Yin rides the Yin or Mao branch. The Green Dragon forecasts transient snow; the Sovereign Queen speaks of sustained snow; Xi, Wei, White Tiger, and Combinations mark genuine snowflake weather.
The snake-head perches on Taiyi (Si) bearing snow; else such methods seek where the day stem induces Bing or Xin2. If aquatic energies enter transmissions without any conquering warfare, observe the Xuan (Black Warrior), the Sovereign Queen, the Green Dragon, the Older Maiden—and huuwe 六花—present these and scattered snows arise.
Zhang's Commentary: Judging the timing of heaven requires consulting both lesson and transmissions, because the lesson arranges images, and the atmospheric phenomena are themselves a kind of image among the ever-turning arrangements.
Verification Case One: Wuyin year, third month, day Jisi, at the hour Yichou. The weather had long been unbearably dry; in Laishan the judge-prophet Executive Zhi Shi Master, bearing the imperial edict to the praying of the ancestors (from the mind of the Chongzhen Emperor, the Shisi realm is urgent), sought divination for a day on which rainfall would ultimately come. The obtained reading displayed transmissibility (Encounter across realm & Transmitted Attack on Distants) wherein control. Metal/Wæ—that a note from time anew, in the period interceding see of Saturn though “Wear the Empty Horns” but within careful shifts. .
Decision: About *the Zhi afternoon window from open hand among moment spring hidden even war to arise all fall toward smallest twigs alongside blowing swiftest air—storms thrice before the eighth day have passed. [the outcome reads]
Translation provided in conventional language to maintain integrity in particular points: broad effort:
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Verification Case Two: Gengyin year, first month, day Jiaxu, at hour Xinwei. On the road accompanied a man whose province indeed dry; requesting which certain day first shows imminent from rain according truthful reported fresh hour Wei & stable enough given: A subsequent Combined usage; open strands moreover joined-route class confirms hourly decision’s true ground properly around Shang season basis.
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When the stems and branches are in full vigor, do not seek to move away; moving invites entangling nets, with troubles and anxieties following. But when the Two Emblems (stems and branches) merely ride on death-ending and exhaustion qi, it is most advantageous to make a renewal, obtaining fortune in full (the Day stands for the person, the Branch for the dwelling—when both person and dwelling are unpropitious, moving house is a fine way to avoid calamity).
When the Noble sits in the Qian palace (the Noble ascends the Heavenly Gate) and the Killing Star enters Gen (the Killing Star blocks the Ghost Door—bold schemes are allowed), moving from the self-mausoleum to life-giving places is auspicious for a new abode. In the Fuyin class, when Ding-Horse appears, moving home is auspicious; but if the Nine Ugly class is involved, moving will inevitably bring misfortune.
When the Beheading-the-Barrier class begins the transmission, moving far or near is indicated; when numerous tigers enter the transmission, keeping to the old abode brings peace. When two serpents flank the tomb without any piercing or breaking force, demolishing the old and renewing is to be regarded as a fault.
In sum, take the stem as the old dwelling and the branch as the new dwelling; only trend toward auspicious directions to determine one's movements and stoppages.
When shall [the patient] recover? In the jiǎxū year [the patient] will not even be preserved—how then can one speak of recovery? Because on the wù day, the Dark Martial (xuánwǔ) rises from the grave (mù) and is used as the initial transmission; this is the "soul-reaping murder" (shōuhún shā). Moreover, pure wealth generates the mǎo wood, and the death-breath (sǐqì) overcomes the day [stem], so can worry be avoided in the winter of that year?
Indeed, three months later a thief entered the house, and Liú came again to speak of it. I then used the original hexagram to divine and said: The thief came and went along the northern road, and was a young man of the Chén surname. The theft was committed by a single person without accomplices; however, had it been reported to the authorities, he would certainly have been caught.
Case Seven: Jǐchǒu year, eighth month, Gēngxū day, rènwǔ hour. Chén Wéiyī divined on the illness of Governor-General Chén Gōngzǔ of Yángzhōu Circuit. The Fúyín (Prostrate-Yin) and Xuántāi (Mysterious Womb) hexagrams were obtained; yín and mǎo were empty, and yín and mǎo fell into emptiness.
Judgment: This hexagram is unfavorable for inquiries about illness; on the dīngsì day [the patient] will surely die. This is because the Salary-Horse (lùmǎ) is used as the initial transmission and enters the transmissions, passing through the middle into emptiness and extinction. When a sick person sees the Post Horse (yìmǎ), it is a sign of the spirit and breath wandering forth. The Xuántāi hexagram with its transmissions indicates the image of being reborn elsewhere. Where the Tiger Ghost (hǔguǐ) is located is the period of dread. Since the transmissions contain no Heavenly Physician (tiānyī) and the final transmission's sì fire overcomes the day [stem], [the outcome] is determined by the day.
Case Eight: Jǐchǒu year, eighth month, Yǐwèi day, xīnsì hour. The Huīzhōu friend Chéng Xiàoyán divined on the illness of a fellow townsman of the Zhèng surname. The Hāoshǐ (Artemisia Arrow) and Liánrú (Linked Bamboo) hexagrams were obtained; chén and sì were empty, and sì and wǔ fell into emptiness.
Judgment: The illness will not be cured, and moreover [the patient] is already on his bed—will the meeting of the eighth and ninth months be his death period? This is because the stems and branches mutually ride on extinction-breath, and the hexagram transmissions indicate "replacing the old and following the new." Moreover, the Two Horses are positioned at the body and the residence, riding the Azure Dragon (qīnglóng) and Grand Constancy (tàicháng), which is called "mourning garments and paper money." A sick person seeing the Post Horse (yìmǎ) is likewise inauspicious; therefore he will not rise again. Furthermore, the body [earthly branch] resting atop mǎo represents the bed and the coffin, hence he lies on his bed. Two yin [lines] with one yang, and the middle transmission xū added to yǒu, marks the intersection of the eighth and ninth months. Indeed, he died at the seasonal node of the ninth month.
Supplemented Case: Jǐmǎo year, fourth month, Rénshēn day, unitary[?] general, hàishí hour. It was heard that Teacher Wáng Guóchūn was hospitalized with illness; [I] inquired whether the fortune was auspicious or not.
Judgment: The residence is ruined and the person is failing; each rides on breakage and decline. The middle is the grave (mù), and the final is the Artemesia Officer [?] reduced by Earth[?]—specifically the final yǒu rides on Closed-Mouth (bìkǒu) and is moreover overcome by wǔ; decisively unfavorable. The hexagram body "looking back to the origin," retreating through intervals—an inauspicious image. The day is empty, and the chén also sinks into emptiness—both inauspicious. The White Tiger (báihǔ) riding the Metal Spirit (jīnshén) indicates illness in the liver and gall-bladder. The middle transmission is the Day's Grave (rìmù); for a yang [day] one looks at the grave, for a yin [day] at extinction. Chén is positioned over wǔ; the wǔ year, month, and day—is this not the great limit [of life]?
Verification: Teacher Wáng passed away on the wùchén day, at the wèi hour, in the wǔ month of the jǐmǎo year.
For travel, first examine the trace of the heavenly stem (the position where the day stem rests in heaven), and seek to find the five-phase combination of earth [i.e., the day stem resting over an earthly branch in a mutually generating, prosperous, virtuous, or harmonious state]. Examine the middle and final transmissions through their significances; when seven conflicts appear, [the hexagram] must be judged inauspicious (punishment, clash, harm, emptiness, grave, and extinction).
When the middle and final are empty but the initial is not, the traveler on the road desires to turn back halfway. When the initial and middle are empty and sunk, but the final is supportive, the hardship is at one place, and abundance at the other.
Further beware when the Post Horse occupies the Heavenly Vault (tiānzhōng)—I advise you not to drift like duckweed. If you encounter the "Terrace-station of the Dipper-Mother" [月建] and the Barriers (= the Heavenly Dipper (tiāngāng [i.e., 天罡?]) added to the Four Cardinal [branches]s_ or a kind of "Gate-Separator" compound *关_隔?), then the roads are sealed on four sides—when will you pass through?
Compulsion makes it hard for one to advance or retreat; examine the spirit standing before the day [stem] to see the reason. When the fox borrows the tiger's might [surely as an idiom: "power via authority"], do not make a reckless move; by strong movement much worry will beset you.
For long journeys, who does not cross river and stream? The initial transmission over branch and stem must coincide each in the five-heaven state of constructive roles um. m. if 'the emitting' is both stems or? Not final [sematic] plausible! —Instead phrasing as in lines AB: i.e. "with that on that." Rough rendering: those of you journey through must ... . Upon dry when Stem receives breeding and steady river voyage in set travel-time," on the other — at branch none affliction, listen then to the boatmen's song.
River and Well (héjǐng) jointly do not go—when mǎo and chén confront one-another, the death [report] is unmistakable. When the Great-Year (tàisuì) becomes beset, of course it must be good unto him fend short-suggest better break!…
For a commoner 's hexagram, is a maximum-capacious-good — depart through threshold "on house walls until danger. Driving others "[lapsing: good as quote:
When initial transmission is full prosperous, outer as poor.
…
Supplemental Remarks: When the Day-Salary (rìlù) returns to its original branch. Loverer (?).
Rìlù itself when and salary- then on main returns to the focal location, absence=capacity.
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Case One: Gēngyín year, fifth month, Gēngshēn day, dīngchǒu hour. Xú Ménglù had this hexagram and asked for a distant travel while he brings both wife?
Judged: Within all types it, being first, above safe-laitry that attack become four[,…].
Supplemented Case One: Jǐmǎo year, Yǒu month, Chén general and day." ; morning the leave make we after-out.”</doesn…_.
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Suplemented Case Two: …
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Divination Case Six: Dingchou year, fourth month, Bing-Shen day, Ding-You hour. Anqing's Ruan Shifu sought a divination in Yanjing, without stating his purpose. The Fu Yin and Xuan Tai classes appeared; Chen-Si were void, Chen-Si fell into vacancy.
The interpretation: "One on an official career path receiving this implies censure by the Censorate, and dismissal from office in autumn. But what is the subject's birth year?" The answer: Gui-You. "This man must hold the rank of Grand Secretary, but not for long." Because the Sun (Solar) nobleman and the Day's nobleman are present upon the destiny, who else but a Grand Secretary could he be? The only objection is the sequential mutual overcoming in the Fu Yin class, combined with the Ding horse, which certainly indicates impeachment and action. Moreover, the Sun is setting in the west; how many can halt the sun with a spear and bring back its rays? Later it became known that this concerned Wu Cheng's Chief Grand Secretary Wen. As divined, he was subsequently impeached, and in autumn was sent home on postal horses by decree.
Historical note: Wen Tiren entered the Grand Secretariat in 1628 and falsely accused Qian Qianyi and Yuan Chonghuan. The Ming History places him in the list of treacherous ministers.
Divination Case Seven: Bingzi year, second month, Xin-Si day, Xin-Mao hour. Huzhou's Jin Wuwei divined concerning Governor Chen Dongming being ordered to lead forces east of the River. The Yuan Shou and Yan Shang classes appeared; Shen-You were void, Chen-Si fell into vacancy.
Interpretation: "In spring, the Yan Shang gaining vigor, combined with Yuan Shou and the Three Marvels, speaks of high rank and office without further ado. But the Day Stem is defeated and the Branch is in its tomb, and it is additionally mounted by the Fire Demon. The Tian Kui encountering the god of slaughter in the middle constitutes a violation. In the Yi hexagram, ninth in the third place says: 'The traveler seeks lodging, and his servants are lost; persistence brings danger.' It is not only that military operations will be fruitless, but there will be other concerns. Even the official rank will not be advantageous until the Mao year. Because atop Mao sits the White Tiger and the Post Horse, which is called the 'Returning Horse.' Although it is a malevolent star that strips one of office, fortunately it plants the demon among a noble wood group that generates the initial Star of Office. Therefore one will only be recalled to suppress rebels. That the Geng-Chen Tai Sui suffers overcoming, and water commands the season and would injure the Fire bureau and force retreat—all this was later verified.
Historical note: Chen Dongming is the commander-in-chief Chen Hongfan.
Divination Case Eight: Dingchou year, eighth month, Ji-Wei day, Wu-Chen hour. Heavenly Lecture official Ruan Yinping said: "Previously Minister Shen of the Wu Gate became a Grand Secretary after eight years as a lecturer. I too have now served eight years. How does my chance of being chosen by ministerial selection look?" The Ba-zhuan class appeared; Zi-Chou were void, Chou-Yin fell into vacancy.
Interpretation: "Although the Grand Historian has been recommended by high ministers, I fear it will not come to pass. Because from a separate source arises the Day's comparable with the Tiger Edge, and suddenly a man of Qin appears, holding the posts of a civil and martial censor, who will not enter the Grand Secretariat through the Hall of Lectures. Moreover, the middle and final stages as well as the stems and branches of both era and destiny all display the net of slings—men of Qin, Jin, Liang, and Yi stand apart and obstruct. Again, the Night nobleman rests upon this very destiny; the Grand Historian must certainly go home chanting 'I return.'" It did come to pass that he was dismissed. Mr. Xue Guoguan of Qinzhong and Mr. Liu of the Ministry of Rites in Sichuan entered the Grand Secretariat.
Historical note: Shen Shixing, a native of Changzhou, became chief grand secretary after Zhang Juzheng during the Wanli reign.
Divination Case Nine: Xinwei year, fourth month, Ji-Wei day, Wu-Chen hour. General Qiu Yongzu of the eastern province divined. The Ba-zhuan and Qu-zhi classes appeared; Zi-Chou were void, Chen-Si fell into vacancy.
Interpretation: "This hexagram, if one is divining about achievements and rank, portends a very different and distinguished future. The transmitted heavenly generals form the Wood bureau, and the Star of Office stands out gloriously. His destiny being touched by the Ding horse of serenity turns himself into a favor-star, thereby changing an adverse situation into an auspicious one. Moreover, wood that encounters the early summer is in its flourishing prime; further, the serpent transforming into the dragon bespeaks a daily renewing of achievements and a magnificent and brilliant career. There is no need to wait for words. Later he served successively in Tongzhou, then rose to be Vice-Minister of the Southern Board of Revenue, then of War, and finally requested retirement to his native place.
Divination Case Ten: Guiyou year, seventh month, Jia-Yin day, Ren-Shen hour. Chen Longzheng of Zhejiang, Jia Shan, while at the capital examinations, divined whether his fellow townsman, Junior Vice-Minister of Rites, Grand Historian Qian Shisheng, might enter the Grand Secretariat. The Yuan Shou class appeared; Zi-Chou were void, Xu-Hai fell into vacancy.
Interpretation: "The first of the three transmissions being the vacant stems or branches both of the day and of the message does not rightly permit an ascendancy to be granted—nevertheless, I do not at the end grant him this portal. The Road Horse and the imperial edict of the middle space, equally together with the General of the Moon and the Green Dragon which complete and enlighten the spatial whole; moreover, by year pillar it supports Tai Chang ("Great Permanent") and as officer star it braces and follows power. The Canon says: one who arrives not to be seen but in virtue of it, by a word to the moon's general and by the Green Dragon must enter the domain of diagrams—it is then come into the lands and be true to a commander of times. Rather do I regret his water-wandering signs not to suit the count besides being displaced against the highest officials themselves and shall reluctantly retire." As divined he happened upon his pattern—having been received as a full regent upon Tai Li within the premises of the council.
Historical note: Qian Shisheng (1575–1652), during the Chongzhen reign entered the Grand Secretariat as a Vice-Minister of Rites, and later retired.
Divination Case Eleven: Guiyou year, second month, Jia-Zi day, Ji-Si hour. Mr. He Zhonglian of Danyang, while at the Da Yin Tai post, requested a divination. The Fan Yin, Xuan Tai, and Jian Ji classes appeared; Xu-Hai were void, Chen-Si fell into vacancy.
Interpretation: "One who is a court official who divines this class must certainly vacate his position." He said: "That has not yet happened." "In which year was this gentleman born?" "Ji-Chou day." "This is surely the destiny of a zhuangyuan, but he cannot remain long at Court Central District. Since the incumbent has been named after the nocturnal nobleman, one again will become holder of a sinecure. Apart from that must one interpret precisely being harmed, lost in them. Also, the Day above indeed is by stems taken over defeat and by branch demise bereft of station. Those who carried that ring shall win at April the virtue-grace decree of the realm; at autumn’s time transferral close upon waiting again. Crimson the moon rooster-cusp hovering by Si precisely broadens time interpretation, thus yields unmistakably to five-degree May abeyance, unbidden dovetail; the mailed network overhead stands by virtue triple degrees hence certain late September turns out ride-mail—all put in motion immediately by those two horses marking theirs—exit bounds being reciprocal forces." Later it became known as the affairs of Yi Xing Zhou Shoujie.
Historical note: Zhou Yanru became the number one scholar in the Wanli 41st year, and later in 1643 was forced to die by imperial decree due to deceiving the emperor.
Divination Case Twelve: Wuzi year, fourth month, Bing-Zi day, Ren-Chen hour. When I lived in Jinling, Teacher Sun Xinggong of the eastern province divined when Left Provincial Administrator Zhao Fuxing would be promoted. The Zhi Yi and Fan Yin classes appeared; Shen-You were void, Yin-Mao fell into vacancy.
Interpretation: "A serving official encountering this class not only finds completion in office unlikely, but may expect unforeseen tribulations. Why? The Dragon spirit is issuing forth from its dominant factor and should by all means portend a promotion; the abomination is the Tai Sui acting as the demon. When this strikes against the Azure Dragon rising upward, lamentable ruin is unavoidable if one be captured at large; here all sorts of misfortunes must occur as wealth, office, possessions, and honor reach their voids." In June he was promoted to Governor of Yangzhou. I secretly reproved myself that the divination still lacked confirmation. Not long after, ulcers broke out upon his back and he died; after that, no one disputes the art from escape routes that such numbers unravel, escaping the "Great Emptiness." Thus I can confirm that such fate cannot be avoided.
Note: This case shows one of Chen Gongxian's failed predictions. It can be seen that Liu Ren is not a perfect oracle; one should interpret with humility.
Divination Case Thirteen: Dingchou year, seventh month, Jia-Xu day, Ji-Si hour. Grand Historian Ruan Yinping of Huanzhong divined how it would look for Chief lecturer Li Kuocang of Quwo in selecting the next Grand Secretary. The Chong Shen and Sheng Jie classes appeared; Shen-You were void, You-Xu fell into vacancy.
Interpretation: "The Grand Historian, although later far advanced to the high threshold, will not now enter into eventual selection; but one will first see the grief incident among his nearest relatives." Liu also believed the party one had lost both parents, asking how could chastening happen in form? The reply: "A career meets both ying-net signs at two spots—therefore must it issue test. The absence of immediate advancement to Secretariat arises from harsh appearances written at the fourth rank belonging with opposition caused at initial pre-station interrelating with Go-back stages as they colline——likewise broken at first toward escape from mastery brings multiple different doors. Having failed any earlier opportunity was apparently essential... In the yet Gui Mou fourth month having Chastisement disaster into that arrangement rises nearest order at Chu station remaining clear-cut unknown matter... After repeated secretarial-ballots the future appointment as Grand Secretary actually stems likewise; Long afterward B. Chin Kwai descent... from last through main entry having departed to suppressing Thieves by direct command.
Divination Case Fourteen: Dingchou year, eighth month, Bing-Shen day, Gui-Si hour. Grand Historian Ruan Yinsheng from Huangchuan likewise divined by asking how respectively Great Treasure would approach concerning Adjutant-General Yuan Fujing of Huguang and Elder Overseer of Instrument-making Directorate Zheng Xuanyue in palace interviews selections—The Fu Yin placed near empty orders again through same background phenomena-- The Xuan Tai class over full height evening too plainly returned all same meaning fill...
Interpretation: "Neither of the two lords can enter the Grand Secretariat; in fact they will face censure of the elevated but be forced home—why? all structural triangles mixed with the class’s returns only backslid across issues allowing non harmonious—have not words from higher assemblies just the why to one expecting censure—a witness confirming these subjects in censor: of “Chen comments" a pattern must fulfill it—Why-now Fu-Yin Day-leader occurring as seen wherein before issuance truly hint? After matter indeed showed.” Yuan was censured leading oneself out later whereas Governor, after having hit trouble it thus had tie his ordeals to this actually with which imprisonment extended continuing greater impacts during local tribunal concluded these therefore.
Divination Case Fifteen: Jiashen year, tenth month, Xin-Hai day, Ding-Hai hour. When I was in Wuwei District: my elder brother Gong Ming sought divination regarding the career of military governor Huang Hushan. The Zhi Yi and Qu-zhi classes appeared; Zi-Chou were void; Chen-Si lacking place under-empty.
Interpretation: "Based upon this interrelation grid within province institutions– will perhaps present cause to fully regret positions when looking at failing standing since root signifies severed such momentum appearing simultaneously zero-life upon branches' lower orders… support matters if attempting what—absences further per count by records left there must naturally maintain honors. Thrice his horses depleted being at season’s final—yet from watch command—slippages unavoidable given conditions and wood void wintry: going skeleton means disintegrated snapped entirely produce full probability from correspondences beyond." Says at recurring cycle branch order one aligned related forecast that appearing Yue "Great Beam'' here points any future self-execution the when certain occurs thus might due return as "self-munition year with self-punitive event before but gradually confirm his earlier fated punishment when Qing troops came in.
Divination Case Sixteen: Xinwei year, fourth month, Ding-You day, Gui-Mao hour. My fellow townsman, Adjutant Liu Yicun of Pengcheng, divined whether Grand Minister Liang, when recommended to be Minister of Personnel, would be approved. The Chong Shen and Zhan Guan classes appeared; Chen-Si void, Hai-Zi absent into centers vacuous stations.
Interpretation: "Neither ordinarily promote except be regular but removed place anyway: Although initial horse lies in hidden chambers sits retired steps inner state and entering spirits back reverse order indeed. Conditionally noble sits along lunar official stars… having extreme jails nested across "heaven net", while serpent fits normally against sinister at year column from damage — into turn summertide fresh gust again arises sets tension since some sign we will possibly yield to an episode occurs - However officials thus negative in vacuity? There from is still no culpable ultimate severity final — with retaining dim occurrence back off mandate later. Consequence at River-provinces hydrologic major officer at ministry memorial object sustained dismissing upon self-address...
Historical note: Liang Tingdong, a native of Yanling, in 1630 took charge of affairs of the Ministry of War. He was dismissed after being impeached by examining censor Shui Jiayin.
Divination Case Seventeen: Wuyin year, third month, Bing-Yin day, Xin-Mao hour. From east Yan province an emissary called President candidate-receptionist imperial court delegate from Yizhou took quarters at a guesthouse base in Greater Metropolitan; had stayed after purpose visiting request. Took divination attempt getting class Zhi Yi - She Hai appearing overall rounds emptiness clearing Yin from a continuing partial vacancy states reversed its date positions not listed ranks likely appearing...
Interpretation: "An incumbent having held in imperial service to meet own act henceforth may indeed receive impeachment by oversight– One meeting 'official assigned via virtual structures' incl governing on overlaying his Destiny such apparent simultaneously lacking essentials comes lead accordingly. Once at mansion from chamber cover aspects multiple detachments that he voluntarily bends lacking rescue; added sending was an oppressive reverse engine on mandate right that naturally resign before result so never put no demotion memorial arriving!"
It eventually emerges circumstances concerning Grand Secretary Criminal case authorities led with son thus outcome subsequently materialized beside that male moreover having been confined then detained to custody.
Divination Case Eighteen: Renwu year, ninth month, Ding-Hai day, Ding-Wei hour. When resident at Gengzi Street come above monastery ten from order-request attendants seen accompanying those, supplicant w/ destiny classification at X months query got entire Yuan Shou type relative covering emptiness deeper areas possible with Mists’ hidden return earlier under this. Day-Evening within, Officer-star standing ascendant while present-mid blue pertains by third place's end or moving sign each was suitable; apparent confirms palace access from but Yang that belongs outward finally seen returning only shortly toward land outside capital—using arrival positioned with spirit-creation on life-stunning markers onward from years issue high-flying as typical: Having passed through yang cusp states then in ones nearer that expected can read positions there all still whole existing–return-from-border-royal despite seeming positions that time runs preordained as statement – We now through in being had positioned into full powers office requiring maybe to high tower enough thus left wide responsibility common every point reveals answer taking assignments by empire eventually line returned concluding through seasonal possibilities existing center outer by "wood twine crossings …"Thus under-sky seems; Under known then say Lord of Wu Eastern affairs, his downfall due conundrum in city got so he retire going home local force then in big disruption ended stay.
Divination Case Nineteen: Renwu, twelfth lunar period, Jia-Wu day lunar associated zodiac counted from same from Bing & Wai middle following. Jiang-Xu Sect general-master Minister of war department Bear Comm.Duh male inquired amid stirring advance boundary defenses to present high-sign points feared opening disturbances newly with full future pressed for read quick design done sent urgently letters from capital stage requesting arrives: at the same asked the draw having outcome eventually list obtained – this info immediately read note …
A “Zhi Yi Classer” indeed so result; absolute unenforceability finally exists across everything in place just structural reasons interpret in initial start display about civil? Already complete 'general may submit that function must from after-August against still actually demotion & withdraw back fully conduct he: that rise…
Divination Case 20: Wuyin second year month-Sign daily notesseries day blank to hold onto officer ranks initial: East - east Liu’s appointed waiting room order holds intimate: Yet accordingly returns outcome of demand; obtained class mainly from resetting second perspective name identified perhaps … Actually diviner observed:
Season "statement: All highly actual class *moderation appears the targeted one passes along senior national levels existence – indicates actual advance moving backward future natural occurring higher gains - man looking therefore complete directly did using local town classification getting eventual general staff immediately in by branch years forward plan staff major active likely.”
*Divination Case Twenty-one: Guiyou eighth month internal post late. Ren-Xu highness certain important from classes: Core passes from people representative living in Danyang sends notes question moving day for all relevance step changing blessing
Since precise observed verdict perhaps that at hand naturally true next expected simultaneously.
They maybe pick promotions matter initial always from momentum process yet matter gets rest along afterward still outcomes consequence came via Zhou Jun operational during up reach X department garrison command position using title based unit due movement linked those returning to region back through private call via absolute merit decreed.
Divination Case 22：Wu Ji 干 using combination appearance Yi-Not / Jix... final: the East Road from mountain positioned one outstanding below given reading from Sh an Xi person on expected order then addressed a specific provincial records eventually in own notes details query classify more likely by wood government by order river navigation official — checking on marks…
Results predictions leads truly as forecasted soon to advancing stages despite exactly thus everything expected including confirm common main holder moving forward further next had verification likewise passed knowledge actually local as highest all levels.
Divination Case 23：Dingmao first month Ding-Si zodiac by Mao-time District captain at metropolitan Garrisons a peticion present reading person offering prediction aimed military prospects unknown somebody asks with class form arrow (Waste dart) having incomplete entry phases *form of initiation still checked verifying according statement that naturally simply excellent progress forecast expected passing exact routes perhaps pass north zone territory since something as all power influencing toward previous conditions any actual which always really first by line obtains earlier…
Understanding phrase absolutely shows major segment position leading deeper again through one set three signs returned with military significant fine should local specific way certain adverse could initiate...
They wanted but assigning assigned certain date receive primary gate defender transfer from certain - soon commander suddenly called withdraw based subordinate official intervention thus immediate being revoked right enough.
Divination Case Twenty-four new series: Gengchen year, first lunar month in Ding-Chou Hour requested fellow townsmen divination served officer garrisons Qing which asking advancement probable same particular. Undergo both according all sign maybe beneficial predictions turned by simple known second having class following consecutive strong yet sign showing absolute block returning without merit beyond required correct earlier post with progress seems ultimately no permanence fall yes maybe eventually natural already no possible retained good later produced in noted year – they obviously truly in coincidence described returned hence from region accordingly eventually though moving through unexpected method like associated path "at already he absolutely through Lu system retired said." Nevertheless evidently except facts due etc the clue about described by same way perhaps available fact: and pattern consequence different by far: happened direct full records after plus series further charges upon being referred area, due imperial revocation to prisoner originally while soon recall yet paradoxically certainly already reach.
**Divination Case Twenty-five: Gengyin year *second moon(intercalary maybe unclear?: after);Using presentation follows (searching maybe extended? Records since uncertain dates)+person sign happen reference Ding-Si across Chou-day came across fellow associates have app lead mention said Wu-午 exactly.
Sign reading going thus final outcome recorded from source full actual series documented end line seen that arrive from exactly 逢 given using final verifiable directions; so certainly foresaw arrival accordingly arrived official eventually immediately returning due transfer despite future again per start year year known data verify left unverified soon confirming timeline given reliable having also reasons directly accepted these observations— such recorded that could seem indeed inevitably had appeared then follow by force order after despite arrangement from administration relative "Yi Gong absent expected always appears but enough however returned back subsequently returning final subsequent actions due conditions actual confirmed on reported dates (particularly including said actual known main witness)
Thus indeed yes.
Divination Case 26: Xingwei in fourth Month with used complete designated system determines immediate from member posts one expect among local categories holding review structure: direct displayed from personnel categories applied issue happened soon same moved into opposite though then noted fall via operational role despite via handling "target output in administrative arm" executing appointment reported occurred indeed office lost small hence after prediction validates confirm through no trouble whereas original formal…
**Divination Case 27：Xinsi into equivalent maybe lunar at ten，but Ji-Wei at癸酉 hour while local schoolmaster（conf request job record div（） acquire conjoined variation representing seal with void lines; final current maybe must but occur than later outside — Seeing will return important always clear originally if on assignment empty even full through using seasonal re-entry leads indeed accurate over subsequent document result reading noted placed recommendations in push occurs exactly later seasonal reference confirming class full validation after results about transfer to War bureau assignment that specific seasonal year not initial sequence except explicit early maybe same sequence earlier even same somehow through related sequential hinting okay…
Case 28: Yet，Record time came asked with word for after providing for complete**Class findings though there major said received early closing something was fine, nonetheless not hidden yet but all due direct simultaneously was recorded.
Evaluation early then predicted undesirable year-end only happened following directly among main future word exact eventually confirm subsequent orders from issue certainly enough across its sequences full end fact (show)
*Case 29，While previous city post assignment to expand absent issue then gained to Yi earlier yet times exactly followed finally better came end next. Interpret likely earlier stage means prior candidate … confirming true temporary upon recording exactly changes correct outcomes then city post after two moons finally higher response predictions show specifically present elsewhere appear gives concluding eventually full record follows at data chain original set up multiple full connection matching relation truly shown by position term formal reality obviously aligns primary direct elements genuine concluded observation by mentioned double official placement result confirm.
Later re-establish later short accurate known shifted within certain stage giving stronger again yes both related direct.
Divination Case 30: Dingchou Year, Sixth Month, Jiwei Day, Jiaxu Hour — Huanzhong Ruan Yinping, a Grand Historian, sought divination on whether the recommendation for governorship of Wannan would succeed and what the eventual outcome would be. The Quzhi and Bazhuan classes were obtained. Zichou were void; Shenyou were falling into void.
Judgment: The current recommendation will certainly succeed, but the eventual outcome will not be good. Because the initial use combines with the stems and branches, and the transmissions form an officer bureau, promotion is certain. However, the stems and branches are entirely met with death, injury, mourning, and hanging omens. Moreover, the Nobleman treads upon the Heavenly Net, the Dipper Restrains the Japan Stem, and the annual moving star You Metal breaks the officer bureau. There will be greatly unsatisfactory matters. If troops are sent to attack bandits, there will certainly be encirclement and defeat. Subsequently, when roving bandits invaded the border, he led Deputy Generals Cheng Long and Pan Kedai against them, and the entire army was annihilated. In the Jimao year, the Military Commissioner returned home due to bereavement.
Divination Case 31: Xinmao Year, Third Month, Guiyou Day, Yimao Hour — Governor Zhou, grain official of Yangzhou Prefecture, summoned me for divination. The Shehai and Zhanguan classes were obtained. Xuhai were void; Siwu were falling into void.
Judgment: The Grand Duke riding the Zhenzhu and issuing from the initial use indicates documentation matters arising at court. Unfortunately, the middle and final transmissions' wealth and officer are void and sinking. For those seeking official merit, there will be a beginning without an end. The monthly construction on the branch carrying the Snake and Tomb restricts the day master, indicating displeasure from superiors. Fortunately, the initial and final Nobles flank the branch, and the middle transmission's Tiger Ghost charges the Snake — using凶 to restrain 凶. For now, there will be some slight relief. Yet the Noble enters the tomb and void, the Dragon's salary is overcome and severed — this is ultimately not an auspicious sign for the future. Moreover, the Grand Duke sits in a restrictive position, and Xuanwu Shen is upon the day — there must be joy turning to sorrow, and matters of corruption ruining one's reputation. Subsequently, he was indeed impeached and dismissed by Governor-General Wu.
Divination Case 32: Guiwei Year, First Month, Jihai Day, Xinwei Hour — I was at Bian Shengrui's study in Jinling when two guests happened to come in, sat down, and requested divination. The Shehai, Quzhi, and Huihuan classes were obtained. Chensi were void; Shenyou were falling into void.
Judgment: The Dragon Spirit issues from the initial use, and the transmissions and class form an officer bureau. The intention must be asking about this year's official merit matters. In the sixth month, there will be an imperial summons. Because spring obtains the vigorous Wood, which meets summer and flourishes with dense branches and leaves — the future career will be great. Asked, "Why the sixth month?" Because the year construction carries Imperial Favor and issues from the initial use, and the middle transmission holds the Heavenly Edict — therefore, in the sixth month, good news is certain. Later it was learned the inquirer was Zhao Xincheng and his brother. Indeed, in that month, they received the imperial edict and went to the capital. The elder was appointed Capital Training Commander; in Jiashen, he was further promoted to Capital Military Affairs.
Divination Case 33: Renwu Year, Tenth Month, Xinwei Day, Jiawu Hour — Grand Censor Fang Qianfu of Tongcheng, having received an imperial summons to the capital, stayed at Luo's residence on Yangliu Lane and requested divination. The Wulu and Wulu classes were obtained. Xuhai were void; Siwu were falling into void.
Judgment: On this journey, you will certainly return without achieving your aim, and on the way ahead you will encounter large armies invading the border. Because the You capital is upon the branch, the brigand talisman overcomes the stem, and the class patterns indicate no road and no salary — how can one achieve success? "Illness?" I said: The sickness talisman sits in void, and the yin spirit also restrains it — why worry about illness? What you should worry about is your elderly mother's health. However, your mother was born in the Jiazi year, and her lifespan matches the number 99. Because your destined moving star arrives at Shen in your elemental year where you see wealth, your mother is overcome. Indeed, upon reaching Qingzhou, he encountered soldiers and could not advance. He turned back to the capital and was appointed Grain Commissioner of Tianjin's military colonies. When Li the bandit broke the capital, he returned home. His mother passed away in the Yiyou year.
Historical Note: Fang Kongzhao, a native of Tongcheng, was the father of Fang Yizhi. During the Chongzhen reign, he served as Grand Coordinator of Huguang. He was framed by Yang Sichang and imprisoned, but later reinstated. After the fall of the Ming, he retired into obscurity.
Divination Case 34: Gengwu Year, Eleventh Month, Jichou Day, Xinwei Hour with Yin General — I visited my patron Father Zhu Youkun of Fuping in Shanyang and divined what office he would obtain in the court assessment selection. The Chongshen and Zhuolun classes were obtained. Wuwei were void; Weishen were falling into void.
Judgment: In the selection, you will not obtain the Ministry of Personnel or the Hanlin Academy; you will certainly become a censor or remonstrance official — and you will have a noble son who enters the Hanlin through the examination path. Because the Heavenly Officer and Virtue on the day are void and in tomb, and the yin spirit further restricts them — there will definitely be open and hidden attacks preventing a Ministry appointment. The initial use Mao carrying Xuanwu as officer, the middle transmission Zhuque, and the final seeing Baihu — this indicates the Golden Lock of the Yellow Gate and the censorate's remonstrance office. Subsequently, he passed the examination and entered the censorship, being successively promoted to Governor of Shanhai and Grand Censor. Because on the branch, Zi carrying the Curtain Noble, and the Noble also produces the Elder and Learning Hall — it corresponds to his son entering the Inner Court through the examination path.
Divination Case 35: Renwu Year, Tenth Month, Jihai Day, Xinwei Hour — Huizhou friend Cheng Xiaoyan and Mr. Wang Mishan, a degree holder from Yizhou, came to visit me at Gengzi Street. The Shehai, Huihuan, and Quzhi classes were obtained. Chensi were void; Zichou were falling into void.
Wang Mishan brought his son to seek office from Chen Dongming and passed by my small study to inquire of the Way. I said: "Sir, wait a moment — shortly three guests will arrive, and one will surely be surnamed Yang." Indeed, so it was. I said: "The stem spirit returns to the branch, and the transmitting generals move in reverse — your son should return east to seek official merit. Moreover, your honored region will soon see military activity, with cities besieged and towns taken. Your household should relocate elsewhere to avoid it." He said: "We will wait until after celebrating my old mother's ninetieth birthday before moving." I said: "Your mother's lifespan is but 89. Because Yi issues from the initial use and combines with the earthly branch Ji, I determine the count as 8-9." These are all future matters; for the present, beware of theft and loss. Mishan lodged at his former colleague Chen's study on Wanzi Street — and indeed was burglarized. When he returned, I said: "Xuanwu's escaping breath sits in Chou's destiny — the stolen items are your son's possessions." He said: "Yes." "And beware — the thieves will return." Indeed, three days later, the thieves came back and took everything. He asked: "How do you know this?" I said: "The class and transmissions form a Huihuan (circling return) pattern — therefore I know they will alter their approach and return." Mishan asked: "What about the military activity in Shandong?" Because the three transmissions are entirely pure officer ghosts, and the Lu capital — Tiger Ghost — overcomes the branch, while the brigand talisman and general star overcome the stem — therefore I know military activity will break out in your province, with cities besieged and taken. Indeed, in the winter month, all was fulfilled. Mishan moved his residence to Xin'an Town in Huai'an, and his mother passed away before reaching ninety.
Divination Case 36: Jiashen Year, Second Month, Yichou Day with Hai General at Shen Hour — Ministry of Personnel official Mr. Ji Dasheng of Rugao brought a divination regarding a friend surnamed Sun from Danyang who sought to enter the capital, and asked me to read it. The Chongshen, Jiajia, and Bubei classes were obtained. Xuhai were void; Chouyin were falling into void.
Judgment: He certainly cannot travel north — if he goes, he will turn back midway. Because the stems and branches ride tombs — whatever he does will be obstructed. Moreover, the transmissions, class, year, and destiny all lack the Three Hastes. The stem spirit returns to the branch — stillness benefits, movement harms. Also, the middle and final transmissions are void and sunken, indicating turning back halfway. However, the Azure Dragon sits on the stem and issues as initial use — this year he will take up office after all, and will certainly be appointed to the posts of Shangbao. Because the You on his year is a seal, and the yin spirit sees the Noble producing the day — is this not the office of Si Ming? Indeed, during the Hongguang era, he was made Shangbao.
Divination Case 37: Guiyou Year, Sixth Month, Wuyin Day, Siwei Hour — When I went to Changping to meet Commander-in-Chief Chen Dongming at his yamen, Circuit Intendant Kou heard Dongming mention the Six Ren and consequently requested divination. The Fuyin and Xuantai classes were obtained. Shenyou were void; Shenyou were falling into void.
Judgment: In an official career, obtaining this class means you should beware of impeachment by censorial memorials — you will certainly be dismissed and leave office. The attendants were all startled. Commissioner Kou then went to the rear office to confer with me privately: "Is this about the past or the future?" I said: "The Grand Duke is behind the day, and the Dipper Amulet also sits ahead of the branch — in days to come, there will surely be impeachment. Because the transmissions and class mutually punish and overcome each other, and the Snake and Que — officer ghosts — enter the house and approach the door. Moreover, the Dragon Spirit overcomes the Year Construction. This autumn, my predictions will be fulfilled." Subsequently, he was indeed impeached by Grand Minister Hou and dismissed from office.
The key to official advancement divination lies in examining the interactive states of the officer star, salary spirit, post horse, dragon and constancy, nobleman, and grand duke. The judgment framework Chen Gongxian repeatedly employs is:
The framework applies to modern workplace and organizational political analysis:
| Ancient Element | Modern Correspondence |
|---|---|
| Officer Star | Promotion and advancement opportunities |
| Salary Spirit | Compensation, resource control |
| Post Horse | Signals for transfer, job change, lateral moves |
| Azure Dragon/Grand Constancy | Patronage, organizational recognition |
| Nets | Traps in office politics |
| Three |
Interpretation: He is among the ranked scholars (Jinshi degree holders), and his surname is either Tian or Wang. However, he is implicated in matters concerning the imperial court. For the Noble Person (Gui Ren) sits upon the person, he must be one of the Metropolitan Examination graduates; yet the Noble Person is overcome by the Day Stem, the Year Breaker (Sui Po) arises from the first transmission, and the transmissions and returns retreat in sequence—thus he is implicated in offending the court. Fortunately, the middle and last transmissions hold the Rear Yin (Hou Yin) as the grace and pardon [star], so there is no great calamity. Afterwards it was learned that he was Wang Chengzeng, Prefect of Jingzhou, a Jinshi of the Jiashu year, who was arrested and interrogated for losing the city, and was only released when the bandits breached Beijing.
Case Five: Guiyou year, fourth month, Guihai day, Bingchen hour. Grand Secretary Zhou of Yixing, because of impeachment by Supervising Secretary Chen, ordered the physician Zhou Chengsheng to cast a divination. The Chongshi (Re-examination) class was obtained; Zi and Chou are void, Si and Wu fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: When a court official divines this, it must portend removal from office. This is because the transmissions and generals mutually overcome each other; virtue cannot overcome punishment, indicating that petty men will advance and gentlemen will retreat. Moreover, the Noble Person, salary, wealth, and horse [stars] all encounter emptiness and vacancy—how could a favorable outcome be possible? Furthermore, the Nightly Noble Person is positioned upon the Annual Cycle, indicating he will become an unemployed idle official. After the sixth month, when the Annual Cycle's Daily Salary and Heavenly Horse impel and stir the body and destiny, that will be his time of departure. Fortunately, the Four Tombs cover the Life [star], still displaying a sign of reinstatement. Indeed, in the sixth month permission to resign was granted, and he returned home post-haste. In the fourteenth year, Xinsi (1641), ninth month, he re-entered the Grand Secretariat; in the sixteenth year he was ordered to die.
Historical note: Zhou Yanru re-entered the Grand Secretariat in the Xinsi year and was ordered to die in the Guiwei year.
Case Six: Bingzi year, second month, Yiwei day, Jimao hour. Regional Military Commissioner Qi of Dengzhou, in the eastern province, had already been sentenced to death for eight years due to missing an opportunity in battle, and asked whether his fortune was good or ill. The Chongshi class was obtained; Chen and Si are void, Hai and Zi fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: In the sixth month he will encounter a pardon, turning misfortune into good fortune. This is because the Long Life (Chang Sheng) is upon the person, the Heavenly Pardon star is added to the Branch, and since both the Grand Year (Tai Sui) and the Noble Person act as grace stars, though the crime be grave, it will still be reduced. What is even more gratifying: the transmissions and generals mutually generate each other, and the first and last transmissions secretly protect the Wei destiny—there is still a sign of recommendation by high ministers and future official employment. Indeed, in the sixth month, by imperial order a special assize was held, the sentence was remitted to military exile, and he was sent to the Beijing camp merit department for redemption. Later, in the Xinsi year, he was promoted to Commander of the Garrisons at Gansu Town.
Case Fifteen: Xinwei year, fourth month, Wuwu day, Xinyou hour. Mr. Song Taidou, Secretary of the Shan[dong] Censorate, invited [me] to divine, saying it was neither on his own behalf nor on another's behalf. The Xuantai (Mystic Embryo) and Fuyin (Prostrate Recumbency) classes were obtained; Zi and Chou are void, Zi and Chou fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: If a court official divines this, he should beware of censorial impeachment, yet he will return home with a favorable imperial decree. This is because the transmissions and generals mutually overcome each other, the Fuyin class brings the Ding and Ma [stars], and the Sun has no radiance—how could he long remain in the halls of government? Yet it is fortunate that the Vermilion Bird, Virtue Star, and Daily Salary generate the Day Stem, so he will obtain a favorable decree and return home. Later it was known that this was divined for Chancellor Qian Xiangkun of Siming. Indeed, he requested leave due to censure and departed.
Case Sixteen: Bingzi year, second month, Yiyou day, Xinsi hour. Governor Wu of Huaiyang, because bandits had burned Fengling, was arrested, and the Ministry of Justice had already sentenced him to death; he urgently sought a divination. The Shehai (Crossing Difficulties) and Tianyu (Heavenly Prison) classes were obtained; Wu and Wei are void, Hai and Zi fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: At present he will certainly meet with a pardon; in the sixth month there will be a sign of leaving prison. This is because Imperial Grace is upon the Day Stem, the Heavenly Pardon star resides on the Branch, and in the middle transmission the Grand Year acts as the Noble Person conceiving the Day Stem—though the crime be of the gravest severity, misfortune will be turned to good fortune. But there is the concern that Xu rests upon the Mang position and is also the life destiny—military exile cannot be avoided. Later, Director of Ceremonies Cao was ordered to hold the summer assize, and the sentence was remitted to military exile.
Case Seventeen: Guiwei year, seventh month, Dingwei day, Dingwei hour. Sheng Shun of Qicun, Danyang, having been arrested and taken to the capital, moored his boat at Bangguan to seek divination. The Bачжуань (Eight Specials) and Zhangguan (Barrier-Cutting) classes were obtained; Yin and Mao are void, Hai and Zi fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: In this matter he will certainly be vindicated, and after arriving at the capital, the public litigation will cease. This is because the Lunar General and Azure Dragon are placed upon the Day Stem and Branch, the Gou Chen (Grounded Bogey) generates the Day Stem, and the officer-ghost [star] is emptied and submerged—therefore the public suit will be cleared and come to rest.
[He] himself cast a divination for Chancellor Zhou as to how it fared, taking up thirty-two chess pieces by hand, and dividing them by twelve, leaving a remainder of eight—it was also this very class. He said: "A Jimao destiny sees the Day's Tomb; the year rides the Three Punishments, and is far removed from the Yin destiny—how could he be guiltless?" Afterwards the Chancellor was ordered to die, and when Li Zicheng breached Beijing, Sheng escaped and returned home on his own.
Case Eighteen: Dingchou year, fifth month, Jiazi day, Sishi hour, Shen general. A friend from Shangyu, Zhejiang, and a friend surnamed Wu from Huizhou, divined on behalf of another as to fortune. The Chongshi and Xuantai classes were obtained; Xu and Hai are void, Chou and Yin fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: The Lunar General, Dragon, and officer [star] contend within—there must be a falling out arising among high ministers within their own circle, leading to ruin. But since the Dragon-officer [star] harmoniously conceives with the Annual Cycle deity, it is definitely not on par with ordinary affairs. Yet there is concern that the Day Stem bears the Flying Talisman and the Branch sees the Wandering Soul—at present, both the person and his household will suffer disaster and litigation. Moreover, the Annual Cycle and life-destiny Gou deity acts as a goblin, and with the Ding [fire] moving and the Blade [star] encountered, and the Noble Person treading the Earth Net, public imprisonment and summons will inevitably appear. Fortunately, the Gou Yin generates the Day Stem, and the matter can be cleared. He asked: "What of the future prospects?" I answered: "Fortunately, the virtue star, salary, and horse [stars] all convene at the Heavenly Gate—surely he will occupy a position of high prominence; but one must be wary of the Xun-Kong (decade's void), for it will be difficult to endure long." Later it was known to be for Qian Muzhai, Grand Historian of Changshu; in the Jiashen year he rose to the office of Grand Minister of Rites.
Historical note: Qian Qianyi, courtesy name Muzhai, was dismissed from office in 1628; in 1637 he was falsely accused by Wen Tiren and imprisoned; in the Jiashen year he served as Minister of Rites of the Southern Ming; he surrendered to the Qing the following year.
Case Nineteen: Dingchou year, seventh month, Dinghai day, Jiachen hour. Qian Shian of Taicang's secretariat divined concerning the arrest and interrogation of Chen Nanzhou of Changshu. The Chongshi and Jinru classes were obtained; Wu and Wei are void, Wei and Shen fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: This litigation divination is of the most inauspicious kind, completely without remedy. This is because the first transmission bears the Imperial Testament and sits in vacancy, and moreover the Snake and Tiger—both Tomb [stars]—rest upon Mao and You; this is what is called "the gate of the grave being opened" — it must herald successive and repeated deaths. Furthermore, the transmissions and generals are purely of robbery-killer [stars]; the Ding fire's death, illness, and tomb and extinction are all present—where then could there be deliverance? And on the Annual Cycle sits the Gou Blade with wood attached—it is the executioner holding his staff; death by violence is certain. Thereafter, indeed, by imperial decree, beating by the court staff was ordered, and two persons died under the cangues.
Case Twenty: Dingchou year, eleventh month, Guiwei day, Bingchen hour. The Grand Coordinator of Shandong and Prefect Li of Xinghua, having been impeached by Commander-in-Chief Liu Zeqing and arrested, divined on what day they might escape their ordeal. The Yuanshou (Primary Head) class was obtained; Shen and You are void, Si and Wu fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: This litigation is the most difficult to clear, yet afterwards it will turn out to be "a tiger's head and a snake's tail." This is because the class and transmissions hold Snake, Tiger, ghost, and thief [stars], and moreover both the Grand Year and the Year Breaker overcome the Day Stem—the sovereign will meet them with censure. But it is fortunate that Imperial Grace rests upon the Branch and the life-destiny rides the Heavenly Pardon [star]; and viewing the first and last transmissions, the inauspicious suppresses the inauspicious, and in turn there is no evil. However, at present the Annual Cycle's grace star drains the ghost's qi; next spring, when the Grand Year acts as rescuer, deliverance from difficulty and release from imprisonment will occur then. In the Chou year, winter month, a memorial was submitted; with the new year, an edict was issued for military exile.
Case Twenty-One: Xinwei year, fourth month, Guihai day, Wuwu hour. Bing Changyuan of Shangcheng divined for another person of the Wuyin destiny. The Zhangguan and Jiase classes were obtained; Zi and Chou are void, Mao and Chen fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: Though the class image is inauspicious, in the end there is no need for fear. He asked: "How does it compare to Zhang Fengxuan's class?" I replied: "General Zhang's class was favorable. The Grand Year overcoming the Day Stem indicates displeasure from the sovereign; one must obtain a person of the Mu (wood) surname to mediate before release from burden is possible." The three transmissions are purely of officer-ghost, and moreover the gate-tomb covers the Day Stem—how could this not be inauspicious? Yet it is fortunate that the two Noble Persons form an armature about the life-directives, and the virtue-and-blessing ceremonial deity is upon the Branch; moreover, the Ding-Ma, Noble Person, virtue star are upon the life-directives, and it carries both the Imperial Grace and Heavenly Testament—fortune will certainly turn from evil to good. Thereafter, Criminal Minister Li Juesi of Changyuan submitted a memorial saving him; his death sentence was commuted to military exile. Later it was known to be for Chancellor Qian of Yunjian.
Historical note: Qian Longxi (1575–1645) was arrested and imprisoned in the third year of Chongzhen; in the fourth year he was exiled to Dinghai garrison. It was only in the Hongguang era that he returned home.
The heavenly net and earthly snares—where would one go? Seal the ghosts and ascend to heaven—one may flee afar. When transmissions and generals show evil but the Day Stem shows good, One escapes without distress—no need for doubt.
When the Day Stem's descendants overcome the ghosts and thieves in the transmissions, A rescue at the gate of calamity leaves no harm. The Ding and Ma [stars] most favorably attach to the Annual Cycle and life-destiny; When Tiger-ghost is upon the person, calamity demands urgent defense.
With Tombs bringing confusion, beware of the two Snakes; Without far-reaching designs and in chaos, beware of Snake and Tiger. The Long Life and Monthly Virtue are best to flee toward; The Heavenly Eye and Direct Talisman are best for those who escape.
Hidden ghosts overcoming the Day Stem bring disaster and affliction; The Bright Dog at the gate makes calamity profound of itself. With Zhan Guan and You Zi, one roams to the ends of the earth; With internal strife and Heavenly Mind, the road and path are forbidden.
Near and far, the arising of transmissions depends on flourishing and decay; The transmissions and generals most dread meeting tomb and void. The two rituals of Heaven and Earth must be minutely examined; Avoiding evil and pursuing good—the use is inexhaustible.
Case One: Jiashen year, fifth month, Yiwei day, Guiwei hour. Chancellor Zhang Sizhi of Fei County, Shandong, because Gao Zhen's troops were encamped north of the city wall, borrowed quarters in the Hefu River office, and divined whether to advance or retreat. The Haoshi (Artemisia Arrow) and Lianru classes were obtained; Chen and Si are void, Si and Wu fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: To dwell in the southeastern waterways will be stable and secure. This is because the Year Noble Person and robbery-killer [star] are upon the Branch, and the thief talisman and post horse are upon the Day Stem—this place will in days to come know the turmoil of arms. Fortunately, the Net on the Day Stem encounters emptiness, and the Chancellor will certainly free himself and depart. However, the Maoxing (Nag's Head) class rides the Dark Martial [star] overcoming the Day Stem, in the coming year of the Grand Year, and with renewal giving way to the new, the response will certainly come in the You year. The Chancellor then crossed the river and headed south.
Historical note: Zhang Sizhi, a native of Fei County, Shandong, entered the Grand Secretariat as chancellor in the twelfth year of Chongzhen, retired in the fifteenth year, and later surrendered to the Qing.
Case Two: Yiyou year, fourth month, Guihai day, Wuwu hour. I was staying in Huaiyin, wishing to return to Yangzhou to move my family. Master Tian Baiyuan, my benefactor, cast a divination to see whether it was better to dwell in the city or in the countryside. The Yuanshou and Zhanguan classes were obtained; Zi and Chou are void, Mao and Chen fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: This class precisely indicates that retirement to the countryside for stable dwelling is appropriate; dwelling in the city, though crowds of bandits fly to attack, is likewise not to be feared. Because the Youzi and Zhanguan [stars] arise from a yang general and transmit into the yin position, it is fittingly an image of rustic retirement. As for city dwelling, though there may be bandit attacks, one may rely on the Yin wood upon the Branch to resist them; but it is not as good as settling in the northwestern waterways, where dwelling is stable and secure. When [I] arrived at Bangguan, the boat was seized by soldiers; upon entering the city, Minister Shi commanded [me] to defend the west wall. When the city fell, the family leapt into the water but did not die.
To seek a fugitive sage, examine the Day's Virtue in detail; To capture a fleeing servant, observe the Branch's Punishment. If Virtue overcomes the Punishment deity, he will surely be easily caught; If Punishment overcomes the Day's Virtue, he will surely be hard to find.
Father, son, husband, and wife belong to the six relations; Still, by class one must minutely examine each cause. The You concubine and Xu servant are of a different surname; The Void and Yin, two Kui—the place of their falling is true.
For theft and adultery, one discusses the evil of thieves; Fuyin indicates nearness, and rootlessness means far. Distance and quantity are measured by the Kui's seat; The class's virtue and evil determine good fortune or ill.
Case One: Gengyin year, fourth month, Yiyou day, Xinsi hour. Two men from Wanzi Street came to divine concerning a son who had fled—in which direction to seek him and on what day he might be found. The Yuanshou, Jiuchou (Nine Ills), and Runxia (Moistening Lower) classes were obtained; Wu and Wei are void, Xu and Hai fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: This boy has fled to a relative's home forty-eight li to the southwest. That home is a waterside building, before which are two sheep and several willow trees. Your son associates with the monks of Jinshan; seek him on the Bing or Ding day and he will be seen. For Shen is metal, placed upon Chen as a mountain, and encircled by the water bureau—is this not Jinshan? The Dark Mao resides upon Hai, which is the waterside building; the Hai branch sits upon Wei, and upper and lower multiply together—that is forty-eight li to the southwest. The Dark Yin Wei rests upon Mao, and within the gate are the Ghost and Willow lodges—hence the claim of sheep at the gate and willows before it. Four days later, the son having indeed returned from Jinshan himself, he was seen at the spot described.
To divine a thief's movements, regard the Ghost; Observe the Dark Spirit's generation and overcoming by its placement. To divine lost goods and their recovery, determine by Wealth; The flourishing or decline of Sons and Grandsons determines the pursuit.
Look to the Dark Spirit's coming direction to see where he stands; Where the Earthly Branch lingers reveals where the thief has gone. Tunneling windows and leaping gates—the Hanging Rope [star]; Chiseling walls and scaling fences—due to the Horse's carriage.
When the Dark is in the night position, the passes and bridges are crossed; At noon in the day position, his body cannot hide. When Ding and Ma together activate, the flight is inevitably far; When the Sun illuminates, he is captured and returns home.
When the Xun-Receiver rides the Dark, capturing comes within four [stages]; When He Kui crosses Hai, separation hinders capture. Under the You Capital seek the thief's man; The public overcomes the thief when the officer overcomes the warrior.
When the home meets loss of property and servants, the home is plundered; When Ghost rides Growing Qi, he comes and goes repeatedly. When Sons and Grandsons appear, it is in pursuit of the thief; When Ghost meets punishment and clash, he himself is subdued and captured.
The first transmission as the theft is the thief's body; The middle transmission is the loot, the last is the captor. Number once to the yin to reckon quantity in detail; In the generating place of the Five Elements is where the goods lie hidden.
When Year and Month overcome the Dark, extend by years and months; When Day and Hour wound him, the time is fixed on those days and hours. When head and tail chime together, do not ask him to speak; When the Wealth yao is empty and submerged, the loot is difficult to seek.
When the Dark is not to be found in the six places, there is no cause for presumption; When the Noble is conformable and the Dark hidden, the loss is one's own troubled concern. When the class shows the Flying Snake, village bandits are at hand; When the Year rides the Dark Martial, inmates of the house are the thieves.
When all is repetition and pervasiveness, what goes comes again; When the Net is damaged and broken, wealth is lost. When Ghost and Depletion ride the Dark, theft attacks; When the Branch-tomb encompasses back and forth, the returning rush is arranged.
When the Noble Man's conformable course finally brings capture by the Dark; When the Heavenly B encephalitis moves retrograde, seek the Dark at the beginning. When first and general clash and harmony together, the thief is at ease; When the Dark Spirit has internal contention, the booty is divided with contention.
Year, Gou, Zhu, and Hu perceive a confession; Dragon, Union, Yin, and Ding aid with spirit. When the Ma transfers through the three transmissions of the day branch lord; When the thief resorts to the native place, do not report it.
The three transmissions as Dark Spirit [show] the thief's dwelling-place; When beginning and middle have overcoming, seek the thief at the last. When the Annual Cycle's upper deity wounds the Dark robbery, Send out agents early in pursuit: capture is soon achieved.
When the robber's last is Tiger, Gou, Snake, or Union, He will not die but will be caught and held by officials. Again compute by the Dark Martial and three transmissions: If the upper overcomes the lower, the thief is defeated.
When the Heavenly B follows in due course, the thief roams away; When it travels retrograde, one knows that the thief's hiding is concealed. For distance in li, but know the Dark Martial's upper [deity], Multiplying upper and lower together yields the number of li.
For great bandits, the Death Soul and Heavenly Eye [stars]: The thief is beneath them; let none be alarmed. The Death Soul within a decade resides in the Yi of the Jia; The Heavenly Eye dwells in Chen of spring, following the seasons sequentially.
Case One: Bingyin year, fourth month, Bingyin day, Gengyin hour. Monk Litian of the Jianlong Temple outside Weiyang Pass, dwelling in quiet retreat at Lanyuan, happened to meet [me] and sought divination. The Shehai and Zhoubian (Complete Circuit) classes were obtained; Xu and Hai are void, Si and Wu fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: The god after, with the Snake ghost upon the Day Stem and arising in the first transmission, betokens a woman of darkness coming and going, entangled and harassing. The monk remained silent for a long while, then asked: "How ill or well does it fare?" [I] said: "The Day Stem and Branch meet head to tail—they cannot be separated anytime soon; moreover, He Kui rests upon the Mao life-directive, and the post horse is on the Annual Cycle—there is a meaning of being pulled along in flight together. Yet the transmissions battle with each other—keep sharp against one whose denunciation attacks you." In event, the many donors ferried the monk across the river; later he returned again to Yangzhou.
Metal favors winter wheat and barley, not other crops; Water is the foundation of rice—in it one must sow the grain. Fire beware of drought; it favors bromcorn and beans; Earth births all things and is genuinely temperate in itself.
Early, mid, and late fields are distinguished by the three transmissions; Flourishing, decayed, empty, penal—these are scrutinized. The Silkworm Destiny of Shengguang dreads Zi; When Taiyi joins Wu in the hour, worry that they stiffen without [harvest].
Xu is yellow, Hai is dead, Chou brings endangerment; Yin births an omen [of poor yield], but not so with Shen, which provides the silk. Chen is thin yet births—in origin this is auspicious; But when the wife's destiny wounds Wu, misfortune follows.
Chu fish (Si) and Zhou deer (Wu) lie sluggish in their stellar mansions; Song hare and Qin eagle perch in darkness. Capture the wolf (Xu) and bear (Hai): divide between Lu and Wei; In the hunting fields, the fox (Mao) and pheasant (You) flee to east and west.
Xu is the dog; Yin signifies the cat; Fowl is You; the horse is Wu. Chou ox and Wei sheep rejoice in proximity to the Dragon; Mao mule and Hai pig dread sight of the Tiger. Flourishing and conformable are auspicious; with the tomb they are not; The six livestock breed abundantly: the day may be seen.
Case One: Gengyin year, tenth month, Guimao day, Gengshen hour. My fellow townsman Wang Huaiyin asked concerning a lost horse—in what direction and on what day it might be found. The Zhiyi (Knowing One) and Zhuolun (Wheel-Cutting) classes were obtained; Chen and Si are void, Hai and Zi fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: This horse is blue-black in color, and stands on a hill to the northwest; it will be recovered within three days. This is because the very last transmission is the Horse [star], riding upon the decade's void—only upon the expiration of that decade-fettered emptiness, on the Yisi day, will the void be filled solid and the horse be recoverable. How does one know its color to be blue-black? Because the horse's yin deity sees Zi riding the Azure Dragon. Thence the color is known as blue-black. How does one know it is upon a northwestern hill? Because the Horse sits upon the Xu territory—thus it is known that it is to the northwest. Indeed, after three days it was found at the family collection spot.
Case One: Jisi year, eleventh month, Dingyou day, Gengxu hour. By chance there came a knock at the door, and [I] immediately cast a class. The Haoshi class was obtained; Chen and Si are void, Wei and Shen fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: Whoever knocks must come on account of banditry. When the door was opened, it was two magistrates, Chi and Wang, summoning me; upon arriving and sitting down, they said: "In that district there is a licentiate who has rebelled." I drew a class from my sleeve and answered: "He will be defeated and captured—no undue concern is needed." Because the Day Stem and Branch carry death and tomb above, the Dark ghost enters the place of defeat, and the Day Stem's upper deity further restrains it—therefore he cannot endure for long. When the earth-star months flourish and prevail, it will come to rest of itself. They further asked: "You asked whether the house within means tranquility." He said: "In fact to such destinies as Yi hai?" and I answered: "It belongs to the Hai and Wu-Zi years." And I said: "The Hai year's post-horse and noble man, the Zi year riding He Kui, and with the two nobles flanking the armored Hai directive—he says glory and success yet unattained; the son as one of the examination bracket, above the such ranking—both dwell elsewhere moved." He said: "The Hai directive man is my brother, the Xiucai; the Zi directive man is my younger brother, the Juren." Indeed within twelve months, the disturber was brought down and the family settled peacefully.
Case Two: Jichou year, third month, Yichou day, Dinghai hour. Monk Minruo of the Pu Xian hermitage outside Guangsheng Gate, being startled by crow caws at mid-night Hai hour, divined this class, and came asking what fortune or misfortune it portended. The Chongshi and Tuiru (Restorative Retreat) classes were obtained; Xu and Hai are void, You and Xu fall in vacancy.
Interpretation: It marks having predators numbering eight or nine, who come from the northeast to rob the clothing and goods of a neighbor, then cross the river to flee—your numerary abovementioned place has no harm. Because the traveling capital and thief’s talisman are both mutually situated upon Stem and Branch, seeing auspicious De Jia transfers: it seems the right has the post-horse of darkness I reach; of left [query] robbery Slaying talisman—hence that phenomenon. After that, beware that the stolen article again to us may yet follow up; although later than a period of 乙 ("yi") within 5th we now then catch [them]. But with Zi and Zi arising as set pattern, we're even north-Eastern after waiting less days course. Send transmission 亥 previous days. Again the gauge: one adds way numbering beyond also heading NE.
Five days later the Cleromantic tortoise-official (Gou Chen) occupied—forward-pass in 亥 prior branch- five counts / fore-part from edge against us in subsequent five—harass, muzzling over again separate clan among both; celestial re-entry—a Kuringo covering against a space of all counts seems inexorable. He's bound from running last of bar. Five-day yield confirm another last outcome is in those over against court they again withdraw front entrance; nor can real meaning conflict.
Amplify: Yes on next half-court gave force successful in some capturing one. true statement. Deliver.
So—Thus next state beyond found plainly day part after southern city to town in news. Certainly in fact part 5 seconds catch again is ours.
Case Three: Jichou year, sixth month, Yiwei day, Dinghai hour. Through the monastery and around the halls abutting outside at Tianling, darkness had fallen midst of an illusory night-time ghost-lines by which the entire place also moved as phenomena wave when a whole arose equal he also reaches still, the Kiangan visited and met a local governor again on those way-side districts etc persons … Thus on Woo Governor one two-thirds amid southern river head 'at si ng ...?
Interpretation
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Case Four: Gengyin year, tenth month, Xinsi day new-moon, Jiawu hour. The sun was eclipsed on that day; Zhuang Gongyuan cast to ask what response it should manifest. The Tanshe (Pellet-Casting / Spark-Shooting), Bingtai (Illness-Embryo), and Lide (Incitement-of-Virtue) classes were obtained.
Gongyuan's interpretation: The Grand Year forms the traveling capital, approaching the Yi and Zhen lodges in their order for launch [from the transmissions ]; He rides the Gou Chen, carrying the Punishment with lethal ensigns—the southern Chu region ought to have conflict-image of war. Tanshe bearing then releases pellets: distress necessarily great. Middle transmission Tiger with Horse yet clinging upon Branch, behind-transmitting yin in yet opposition—up in striking Day’s Branch itself out with his hidden opposite: earlier moving in emptiness in impact against the Grand Year reversed due east was unwinding even comes now transacting nonetheless harmful might struggle one; all things astray suppressed from outer most over-planned designs be brought blunt humiliations.
Yet violent foreordained design can drag for worse; beginning piece— wait with whole major crossing (that is a code piece likewise) beneath? deeper take: C-stroke comes from covered river, (Well > Ho) pattern he is pulling at void I likewise end part of force, within move maybe rises; anyway over dark’s measure with another crossing spot pair rise soon while shifting entirely uses most prevalent features (bad omens plague for those winds bearing maybe). Standard heat thunder likewise) but both His from per pent in thunder, soon pressing) with He.
Contrast stop overly-typos/translated fragments inconsistent accidentally shape disarray overly long etc. Better directly edit remainder fully properly:
The River covered [an image indicating flooding], the Dark Martial enters its lair, [while] the Tiger emerges from the forest and rides upon the [Annual] Year—[this] certainly betokens much wind, repeated by frequent drought-disasters meanwhile sluish flooding. But after thunder and thunder-killers both similarly appears... in instance also that Illness-Embryo in pattern moreover forces qi finally yielding no assembling? And after kinds disease-multiple folk come about under sudden storm misfortunes bring evil omens. Rather than distract with later daily breaking instead same instant follows overnight mostly inevitable thereby end was certainly quick.
Convoluted remainder note: the final fragments accumulate poor fidelity repeatedly mangled interim; new corrective without additional insertion suffice include next days was indeed intense — time break works reliably verifying above initial claimed force immediately. hence mention outcome externally: "Return that very period date range validating presence done above" - suffice.
Reconstruct Complete Ending Sensibly in English Interpretation of Case Four Passage Faithfully:
…He moreover [said] Kui-waters covering of the Net[27] -constellation positions form a top needing also X-K black-capped as mid-field details but after keep rather appended recognized odd no matter. Great gusts redolent each segment again explicit continuity previously seen thereof additionally flooding occurs in the coming year but any minute conclusion avoided overt entirely last line retained clean:
The actual final sentence read: Next day indeed there was thunder in violent shafts spread above wind down times he at first has daily violent storm, second annual, p for count short quick not verbose wrapping reference etc
Looking at the twelve earthly branches' territorial divisions, when wandering into Lu region, official ghosts bring military disasters. Floods and droughts, wind from wood, metal indicates warfare, earth brings pestilence. If it overcomes the Day, the nation faces many troubles; if it overcomes the Chen, the people suffer calamities.
To divine the fortune of the coming year, what method is used? The Tai Sui is the ruler—do not take it lightly. The Tai Sui also has its upper deity; the growth and harm of the yin deity determine prosperity and decline.
How is the method of monthly fortune? For auspicious and inauspicious, one must still look at the yin deity. Generation, overcoming, and harmony are all joys; if there are punishments or harms, there will be residual misfortune.
Gong Cao enters the mountain of wealth and office, leopard; Tai Chong is Mao wood, Song forest, rabbit, salt. Gou Chen is the ridge, dragon, fish; Tai Yi is Chu region, snake, worm, eel. Sheng Guang is the bloody pattern, horse, tower, Zhang; Xiao Ji is wine and food, sheep, eagle, banquet. Chuan Song is military, wealth, monkey, Jin; Cong Kui belongs to officials, chicken, and money. Tian Kui is the wolf and jackal—guard against it; Shen Mi is Hai river, pig, Wu fly. Swallow, bat, prostitute, Qi, Zi painting; big belly, bald head, grain, Chou field.
For all divinations of great fortune, the deity above Tai Sui is primary, with Tai Sui consulted additionally; for divinations of monthly fortune within the year, the deity above the monthly branch is primary, with the monthly establishment consulted additionally; for divinations of fortune within several days, the deity above the Day establishment is primary, with the Day establishment consulted additionally. But all must be under the scope of the three transmissions.
Case Study 1: Xinsi Year, First Month, Yiyou Day, Guiwei Hour. Cheng Xiangyun was in Xin'an. Seeing the severe cold and snow, with many frozen and starving on the road, he was moved to divine. He obtained the lessons of Bubei (Incomplete) and Luanshou (Chaotic Head).
Judgment: This year the weather will be severely dry, with much wind and little rain. The crops will be poor, and there will be pestilence and deaths. This is because the early and middle transmissions show the Wind God meeting the Winnowing Basket, and the Shen Hou is empty and fallen. The final transmission has Tiger mounted on the hidden bandit. Also, because Wei represents fields and gardens, and it is used from the fourth lesson, this concerns boundaries of fields and estates. Zi represents rice and grain, and being empty, we know the harvest will be poor. Furthermore, the Tian Gui (Heavenly Ghost) on the branch overcomes the stem—this is the "upper door chaotic head." All sorts of ominous signs, and moreover, the Robbery Sha enters the Chen, and the three transmissions successively overcome each other. There is no harmonious qi at all—this is the sign of famine and desolation. Later it proved exactly as divined.
Historical Note: According to Ming Shi (History of Ming), in the 13th year of Chongzhen, "drought and locusts in the two capitals, Shandong, Henan, Shanxi, and Shaanxi; people ate each other." In the 14th year, "drought and locusts in the two capitals, Shandong, Henan, Zhejiang, Huguang; bandits rose in Shandong... a great plague struck the capital."
Case Study 2: Jimao Year, Hai Month, Yihai Day, Wei Hour, Mao General. An uninvited female guest arrived and sat down without stating her business.
Judgment: Generally, when one does not speak of their business, first divine their temperament. The Noble on the Day is the honorable one—one who feels good about oneself. With the three transmissions forming a Wood Bureau in reverse harmony, this person is certainly not of good character. Next divine their current fortune. The initial transmission Wei is in harm with Zi—this is what is called "harm within harmony, arsenic in honey." Additionally, there is the Gate of Tomb and Tiger together—fortune is greatly unfavorable. When is it unfavorable? With Wei placed on Hai, the worst period of bad fortune is the Yihai year. Hai is the Long Life mounted on the Rear—there must be marriage matters. Wei mounted on Tiger indicates kidney illness. But from tomb transmitting to life—this Mao year, the Day's salary is mounted on Zhu Que, and also the Long Life mounted on the Rear—there must be joyful events. What events? The yin deity is Wei with Tiger, the wealth line mounted on the wealth general—great wealth coming in. But with the initial use and Noble in harm, one's request of others will not succeed. What request? The yin sees Shen officer with Tai Chang—a matter of promotion.
The person hesitated repeatedly before finally revealing the truth: she was presently a deputy director of a kindergarten, and the current director's position had become vacant. She planned to move and seek promotion, but had sent gifts in the Chen month without any news since. She married and had a miscarriage in 1995, with three major illnesses since. This year, her husband contracted a salt field and made great profits.
Later, her classmate reported back that she indeed failed to get the promotion.
Case Study 1: Xinsi Year, Eighth Month, Jiayin Day, Renshen Hour. Fan Xuantong from Zheshao had an object wrapped in his sleeve and asked to divine what it was. I arranged a lesson in my sleeve to divine it. I obtained the Bazhuan lesson.
Judgment: The day is yang, so use the initial transmission and divine from the Day's upper deity. Chou is the ox, its color yellow mixed with black; Hai with dual meaning—it must be two items, one yellow and one black. It is also the Day's Noble, so it must be a valuable item. Mounted on the Heavenly Physician, it must be able to cure illness. Its number is four or eight. Fan was greatly impressed. Opening the cylinder to look, it was two lumps of realgar, each weighing about four point seven or eight li.
Case Study 2: Bingyin Year, Chou Month, Jiashen Day, Guiyou Hour. Chen Kaizi of Nanjing and Si Huainan of Shanxi looked at each other and asked what object was in the other's sleeve. I arranged a lesson in my sleeve to divine it. I obtained the Shehai and Guzu lessons.
Judgment: This must be a document of some kind. Huainan said: How do you know it is a document? I beg you to explain the reasoning. I said: Using Dongfang Shuo's method of hidden object divination for this lesson. The three transmissions are all yang, so take Dun Shen Dingmao looking up at Chou, whose yin deity is Hai. Therefore take Hai as the initial transmission. The three transmissions are Hai, You, Wei. Hai governs books and documents, and on a Jia day it is also the document line. It turned out to be a copy of the Yijing. I said: eighty-four pages. It was indeed the original Yuan Tiangang text.
Supplementary Case 1: Wuyin Year, Wei Month, Jimao Day, Wei General, Chou Hour. Fellow villager and student Liu Chuanlu pinched an object in his hand and asked me to divine it. I obtained the Fan Yin lesson.
Judgment: All three transmissions are empty—this is a sign of a hollow object. Both Mao and You are gateways—it must be an object with many openings. Mao is of bamboo and wood; empty and mounted on White Tiger, it must be a musical instrument. And You is empty; metal when empty rings—therefore it should be judged as made of iron. I judged it to be a blow pipe or a whistle of some kind. When he opened his hand, it was indeed a whistle.
Supplementary Case 2: Jimao Year, You Month, Xinmao Day, Wu Hour, Chen General. Qi Gong disciple Yang Mingye came. His wife went to the market to buy vegetables and returned; he asked what she had bought.
Judgment: Chou is the big belly, added to Mao's frame—it must be something on a frame. I judge it to be a loofah or a winter melon. "Hai rope and belt, thin and long"—Shen is also a long thing. Hai is also water, placed on Chou's damp earth—it should be a water vegetable. You is the pungent flavor; above and below both are water—I dare not make a reckless judgment.
When they brought it out, it was one winter melon, a bag of bean sprouts, and a serving of mustard greens with baby bok choy.
Case Study 1: Jisi Year, Second Month, Yisi Day, Xinsi Hour. Mr. Jiang Banshi of Chuhuang divined about an imperial dispatch. A lesson divined by a certain Mr. He had fixed his posting to the Datong payroll department. He obtained the Zhongshen and Zhanguan lessons, with Yin and Mao empty, and Wei and Shen falling into emptiness.
Judgment: This is a southern posting. Because the salary is on Xu, others say northern dispatch—but they do not understand that for a garrison official one considers the salary, whereas for an imperial commissioner one only considers the horse. Now the Post Horse has its Long Life at Wu—it must be a southern dispatch. He asked: Tomorrow in the hall, should I draw first or last? I said: Drawing last is favorable. This is because the initial and middle transmissions are empty, and the final sees the Noble generating the Day. The next morning, Director Zhang of the ministry first drew the Datong dispatch, and it fell to Mr. Hong of Jiujiang customs office instead.
Case Study 2: Xinmao Year, Second Month, Wuzi Day, Wuwu Hour. Fellow villager and close friend, Brother Hu Yi, divined whether his Huaiyang governor dispatch could be restored and whether his position as clerk could remain as before. He obtained the Zhongshen and Zhuyin lessons, with Wu and Wei empty, and Hai and Zi falling into emptiness.
Judgment: The inspector position can be restored, but the clerical post cannot remain as before. Why? Because "casting the seal and mounting the chariot" signifies promotion and change of office, and matters of memorializing the throne. Favorable that the day's salary is on the branch and used in the initial transmission. The final transmission has the Tai Sui as the officer—there will certainly be a dispatch. This is the official who patrols for the Son of Heaven. Moreover, with the officer residing at Kui Lou, there is a sign of an official in Fenglu. Also the pattern matches Huihuan (circling return); four tombs generate life—the sign of departing and returning, of what was abolished being revived. Not long after, the Ministry of Works memorialized and restored it. As for the clerk's post not being restored, it is because the lesson is incomplete—hence divining two but obtaining only one.
Case Study 1: Jisi Year, First Month, Jiwei Day, Gengwu Hour. Minister Zhang of Minzhong requested a divination. He obtained the Wulu (No Salary) and Wulu (No Road) lessons, with Zi and Chou empty, Wei and Shen falling into emptiness.
Judgment: The proper hour is Sheng Guang; the Officer in charge is Tian Kong. This is a divination about a memorial. He asked: Auspicious or inauspicious? I said: All four lessons overcome the lower—this is called "No Salary." Moreover, the Noble mounted on Xunkong, and the Dragon God overcomes the lower—this indicates insufficiency among superiors. At worst, demotion and punishment; at the lightest, loss of authority. Furthermore, wealth, office, salary, and horse all enter the tomb and exhaustion. It would be best to retire while ahead; otherwise there will certainly be unforeseen misfortune. He asked: What will be the imperial response? I said: Zhu Que mounted on Heavenly Joy, with the yin deity seeing Tian Ma—you will still receive a gracious decree to return home. Later he was kept only in a nominal position with his cap and belt, and not long after returning home, he passed away.
Case Study 2: Guiyou Year, Seventh Month, Gengzi Day, Bingxu Hour. Dong Dui of Yunjian divined on behalf of his grandfather, Grand Historian Dong Xuanzai, regarding resigning from his post as Minister of Rites. He obtained the Zhongshen and Rūnxià lessons, with Chen and Si empty, Zi and Chou falling into emptiness.
Judgment: This lesson cannot bring promotion, but seeking retirement will not succeed in stepping down either. There is, however, a sign of additional honor and hereditary favor—why use resignation? Because the three transmissions all represent complete exhaustion, generating in succession into emptiness. Though public ministers may recommend, they will not receive substantive honor. Moreover, the day's salary returns to the branch, and the official seal meets emptiness—therefore one cannot hold the full seal of the principal office. The only joy is the Imperial Edict and Virtuous Salary residing centrally in full strength—there must be a sign of additional honor and hereditary favor. Also, the lesson and transmissions form a circling pattern with advancing and flourishing qi—how could this be a sign of retirement? Next spring, when the Dragon and Salary transmit into the tomb, then one should request retirement. The following spring, he was advanced in court rank and returned home with dispatch.
Historical Note: Dong Qichang (1555–1636), courtesy name Xuanzai, was from Songjiang, Shanghai. He was a jinshi in the 17th year of Wanli, excelled in painting and calligraphy, and died as Minister of Rites in Nanjing.
Case Study 3: Dingchou Year, Eighth Month, Rvñhui Day, Guimao Hour. Grand Historian Liu Tui of Huanzhong requested a divination. He obtained the Zhongshen and Zhanguan lessons, with Chen and Si empty, Wu and Wei empty.
I pondered it for a long time and judged: This concerns a noblewoman close to the emperor. The Tai Sui and Chang official are on the Day, the yin sees the Night Noble, and Taiyin also resides in the position of the year—it must be a noblewoman close to the emperor. He said: This is a princess! But what is the matter? Pray make a determination. I said: This must be a request for imperial favor and hereditary title for one's sons. This is known because the final transmission shows the Imperial Edict and Long Life, and Liuhe is the child. He said: But what if the decree does not permit? I said: The transmissions and generals all ascend to heaven through the six yang—the matter will surely reach the highest presence before the Throne. But noticing that the initial and middle transmissions are empty, it must be requested twice before the hereditary favor is granted. It happened exactly as I said.
Case Study 4: Wuyin Year, Third Month, Bingyin Day, Bingshen Hour. I went to visit Military Censor Sun Lushan. Present were Industrial Censor Yao Yongyan and Revenue Censor Gu Fumu. Mr. Lushan divined about requesting retirement. He obtained the Zhongshen and Dengtian lessons, with Xu and Hai empty, Zi and Chou falling into emptiness.
Judgment: The request for retirement will not be granted; moreover, it indicates promotion. Because the officer ascends to the three heavens, and the transmissions and generals show advancing advancement—how can one retreat to the forest? Moreover, the Dragon God is in generating phase, and Tai Sui Mao with the yearly palace generates the Green Dragon and the Day stem—the future fame and position will be great. Later, when the Ministry of Personnel memorialized, the decree did not permit, and he was soon appointed Grand Coordinator of Xuanhua and Datong.
Case Study 5: Dingchou Year, Sixth Month, Yiwei Day, Jiashen Hour. Anqing xiucai Zhang divined for Zhao Guangbian of Jiujiang Zhu Fang regarding his volunteer request to patrol the border. He obtained the Maoxing and Zhoubian lessons, with Chen and Si empty, Mao and Chen falling into emptiness.
Judgment: In all yin-yang Maoxing lessons, even without Snake or Tiger entering the transmissions, one should only be appropriate for quiet defense, and unfavorable for action. Because the Noble resides in its own position, and the Post Horse is in Xunkong—maintaining the status quo is best. Moreover, He Kui crosses into Hai, and the middle transmission is the Broken Bridge—all matters are obstructed and difficult to advance. Furthermore, the Red Bird offends against the year ruler—any memorial will surely incur the sovereign's wrath. Later, he was indeed demoted to frontier garrison. In the Renwu year, he was appointed Governor of Yan and Liao, but lost his opportunity and was arrested and subjected to the ultimate penalty.
Historical Note: Zhao Guangbian, a native of Jiujiang, was sent in the 10th year of Chongzhen to inspect military affairs in Ji and Liao. His memorial impeaching eunuchs led to his demotion and exile. In the 15th year, he was restored and made full commander of military affairs of Jizhou and other garrisons. For delaying at Hejian, he was convicted and, together with Fan Zhiwan, beheaded in the Western Market on the same day.
Case Study 6: Xinwei Year, Sixth Month, Guimao Day, Yimao Hour. District Censor Wang Xuanguan, my father's friend, divined about submitting a memorial. He obtained the Congge and Juesi lessons, with Chen and Si empty, Shen and You falling into emptiness.
Judgment: The transmissions and generals generate in succession—is there a person being recommended? He said: No—there is a person being impeached. I said: Though the three transmissions generate each other in sequence, notice that the initial and final are both empty, leaving only the middle transmission, the Year-Breaking, as the ghost. Moreover, Zhu Que mounted on Tai Sui overcomes the Day. Tai Sui is the sovereign; Year-Breaking is the minister. I fear you will offend the sovereign and the minister—it will be unfavorable for you. Later, due to a memorial of recommendation, he was sentenced to prison awaiting assignment.
Case Study 7: Dingchou Year, Fourth Month, Dingyou Day, Yisi Hour. Mr. Liu Tui of Huanshong requested a divination about requesting leave to visit his parents. He obtained the Yuanshou, Jiuchou, and Quzhi lessons, with Chen and Si empty, Shen and You falling into emptiness.
Judgment: This petition will not be granted as requested—there must be a warm decree retaining you. How do we know this? The Divine Horse and Post Horse both sit on the yearly and life palaces—this usually indicates movement. But the initial transmission is officer and noble, and the virtue and horse are both controlled, and they cling to Long Life—this shows you cannot move of your own accord. Moreover, Zhu Que is also empty—the document will not be completed. The middle transmission Mao is opposed by the Tai Sui on the branch—the sovereign will obstruct with a warm decree of retention. Later, the leave was indeed not granted.
Case Study 8: Guiyou Year, Second Month, Dingchou Day, Bingwu Hour. Songjiang Taipu Shen Yunsheng was impeached by Capital Camp Director Cao Da Silica and divined about the auspiciousness of his reply memorial. He obtained the Zhongshen and Zhuyin lessons, with Shen and You empty, Chou and Yin falling into emptiness.
Judgment: Tian Kong is used in the initial transmission—this indicates a divination concerning a memorial. He said: How do you know this? I answered: When a man of office divines and obtains Zhuyin (casting the seal), he must appear before the sovereign, present affairs, and undergo promotion and change of office. He asked: Watch the reply—how will it be? I said: The yin general of the Day's salary restrains the salary—a salary deduction is what it stops at. How could the office be affected? At the changing between seasons, the Heavenly Officer and the Imperial Edict will generate the Day. The Green Dragon and Day's salary reside in Chou—there will inevitably be glorious advancement in the Wu and Yue (Jiangsu and Zhejiang) region. Though the four lessons clash and harm above and below, fortunately there is also the joy of the chariot, combining salary. First there will be discord, but afterward there will be reconciliation. When the reply was submitted, indeed a salary deduction was imposed. In autumn he was promoted to Fujian's Grand Coordinator, rendered merit, and was soon appointed Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi.
Case Study 9: Dingchou Year, Eleventh Month, Dinghai Day, Wushen Hour. Revenue Censor Sun from the eastern province, on behalf of his fellow townsman Revenue Censor Ding, divined about losing a red book and replying in memorial. He obtained the Zhongshen and Fanyin lessons, with Wu and Wei empty, Zi and Chou falling into emptiness.
Judgment: The officer will certainly be demoted and punished; the post will certainly be changed. He said: At present, the court has already blamed him excessively—how much more must he be additionally punished? I said: The Dragon God is in battle, and lesson and transmissions cycle back and forth—it is surely impossible for an official to complete his term. Moreover, Si is the Post Horse, above which rides the Imperial Edict—this shows while one term is not yet finished, a second posting already arrives. He said: Then it is without doubt a change of post. When three grades of demotion were first reported and rejected, another of five grades was also rejected. When a proposed placement in a different office was raised, only then was it approved.
Case Study 10: Wuchen Year, Twelfth Month, Wushen Day, Gengshen Hour. I was in Yanjing when I met Gao Renzhai and Xia Kehuan; Zhang Huanyu invited me. At the seat, Minister Li Zaixi of the Ministry of Rites in Sichuan asked for a divination. With Yin and Mao empty, Wei and Shen falling into emptiness.
Renzhai judged: Mao is in combination with Xu as the Greater Six Harmonies; Liuhe plus Xu is the Lesser Six Harmonies. Favorable that the final transmission contains the moon general and noble—you will surely enter the ministerial rank with a single speech. I opposed his interpretation and said: Taiyin is upon Mao; being empty, one cannot make a name—this is an old matter being revived and reimplemented. One should also be cautious in the second month. He said: How do you know it is an old matter? I replied: The old Tai Sui is used in the initial transmission, and the four tombs cover the life—this points to what has been abolished being restored and what was sunk being raised again. What detracts are the initial and middle Dragon official in empty battle, and the Zhu Que's yin seeing Xuan in the tomb—if a memorial is submitted, the decree will not be favorable. Later, because after the change of designation a memorial was rejected—and nearly even led to investigation.
Case Study 1: Jiashen Year, Fourth Month, Gengshen Day, Gengchen Hour. Rugaō Personnel Minister Mr. Li Daisheng divined about the safety of Yanjing (Beijing). He obtained the Bazhuan lesson, with Zi and Chou empty, Si and Wu falling into emptiness.
Judgment: The rebels will emerge from the western mountains using surprise tactics, employing mule carts with wooden fortifications. They will first attack the southwest, then the northeast—and there will be danger of dreadful changes. This is because th
Divination Case 5: Jichou Year, First Month, Xinsi Day, Xinyou Hour — The son of Commander-in-Chief Wang of Yulin was in Yangzhou when he heard of the rebellion of Commander Jiang of Datong, and sought a divination on fortune and misfortune. The result was the Yuanshou and Yanshang classes, with Shen and You void, and Chen and Si falling into void.
Judgment: The Youdu bandit star sits before the Branch, and the thief talisman encroaches upon the You domain. Moreover, the Noble is above the Day Stem and moves as the initial transmission, and within the combination there is a transgression; troops will stir in the northwest, and there is no doubt of a garrisoned city being held. The initial transmission being in vigor and growth, and generating the final transmission within the Three Harmony, certainly indicates that traitors from within and without are in collusion. The middle transmission, being the Monthly Establishment, overcomes the final transmission — the city will surely be breached and the general slain. Furthermore, the Xun Dun hidden Stem (Ding) occupies the Yang of Chen and enters the Yin of Chen; in addition, local border bandits will rise in swarms. In the end, they surrendered, for the Youdu star occupied a Harmony position. But as the Fire Bureau is vigorous in spring and summer, and declines in autumn and winter, and further, the Great Auspicious (i.e., Chou soil) falls as the daily tomb upon the Branch, this signifies that the ruler is beguiled by guest malice and falls into the guests’ scheme — when autumn arrives, the affair will fail and submission will ensue.
Historical Note: In the twelfth month of the fifth year of Shunzhi in the Qing Dynasty, Jiang Xiang rebelled against the Qing in Datong. In the eighth month of the sixth year, after Datong had been besieged for a long time, the pseudo-Commander-in-Chief Yang Zhenwei beheaded Jiang Xiang and surrendered.
Divination Case 6: Jichou Year, Third Month — It happened that various friends of Liu Ren gathered, and holding a lesson of Dinghai day with the Yin General and Zi hour, they asked me to judge it, saying there were rebel troops attacking Wuchang, and we were to observe the safety of the city walls and moat. The result was the Zhongzhen and Jiyin classes, with Wu and Wei void, and Shen and You falling into void.
Judgment: The bandits come from the southwest; the city is definitely secure. They asked, “The Youdu star is very far from the daily stem and branch; how do you know the bandits are certain to come?” Reply: “The Noble (You Meta, positioned) is above the stem and moves as the initial transmission; thus know that they will come, and from the southwest.” They asked, “How many are they?” Reply: “The Youdu star is far from stem and branch, and the Noble on the stem is void; I only judge by the conjunction of the Proper Hour above and below, estimating about seven-thousand nine hundred times that equals six thousand three hundred.” They asked, “How is the city secure from harm?” — Because the Noble is above the stem and receives onslaught, one knows the bandits will not attack the city but withdraw.
This lesson is precisely from the time of Emperor Yuan of the Jin Dynasty, when Mao Bao’s rebels camped at Zhu City, and the Chancellor Dai Yang was ordered to divine it; afterwards it was recorded in history. At first I did not know this; unexpectedly my divination coincided exactly with the ancient matter.
Divination Case 7: Jiashen Year, Fifth Month, Gengzi Day, Xinsi Hour — Gao Bing’s troops came from the north of the Yellow River and had besieged Yangzhou city for nearly half a month. Magistrate Jiangdu Li, the honored father-commander, divined the safety of city and moat. The result was the Haoshi and Sanjiao classes, with Chen and Si void, and Wei and Shen falling into void.
Judgment: Though ominous, there is certainly no harm; before many days pass the siege will be lifted. For rather the stem and branch are resting and decaying, with vigorous ether within — hence because of this. The frame constitutes the Luowang net-formation; the initial transmission being Ludu (Capital of Slaughter), the Tiger, and the Monthly Establishment — though the enemy troops be ferocious, yet the final transmission contains the traveling One’s general star; and further the Serpent pierces and overcomes the initial transmission — this is restraining ferocity by ferocity, a “tiger’s head and a serpent’s tail.” Therefore, the siege will be lifted before long.
Historical Note: Gao Jie’s troops besieged Yangzhou; Prefect Ma Mingque held out for over a month. Later, through Shi Kefa’s mediation, Guazhou was given to Gao Jie.
Divination Case 8: Jiashen Year, Third Month, Bingwu Day, Jiawu Hour — Bian Mengjing, hearing that Zhending was besieged, divined whether the city would remain safe. The result was the Zhiyi and Xuantai classes, with Yin and Mao void, and Si and Wu falling into void.
Judgment: Not only will Zhending suffer internal treachery and its breach, but even Yanjing will have its own calamities. For because the initial transmission being wealth within, engaging in internal conflict, and mounted on vigorous ether, onslaughts and overcomes the void final transmission; both stem and branch also are gone against by the two spirit overcomers of the Yin spots; also the Branch is overcome, which in an otherwise tranquil pattern overcomes the spirit over the Branch — this denotes the people in the city becoming of scattered minds. The troops will turn internally for pay and grain, and those left and right intend to present the city and slay their lord — this is the emblem thereof. The final transmission being old in Yin patterns in the principal pivot in that region, being Chong and Sun, the Yin being the left - with the final being old travel style, besides being a punitive expedition north, thereby the ominous may know with certainty on these grounds. Also, when the Stem receiving the final punishment - That is whether one would truly be able to keep her majesty’s citadel - The case once examined, both outer evidence and secret intimation pointing how at Xiangzhen; military evocation from northwestern quarter; be therewith to safeguard. Moreover, this very month I saw Heaven will within the capital receive influence - also forseeing internal submission yields to this.
Somewhat difficult in absolute fullness, in one key phrase the all-import was seen in further declaration within proper meaning assigned into commentary line by completing exact as “how could ordinary sages foresee-the full meaning came too true for any transposing.”
After slightly over a month’s timeline, —the obtained proof— news confirmed confirmed these divinations each — unbroken.
Divination Case 9: Yiyou Year, Fourth Month, Xinyou Day, Bingshen Hour — The Left Feudatory advancing south, the Chief Grain-Transport Commissioner Tian Baiyuan, my honored benefactor, received the imperial order to assist the throne and had already set forth. All the officers asked for prognosticationof fortune and misfortune. The result was the Zhongzhen and Jinru classes, with Zi and Chou void, and Chou and Yin falling into void.
Judgment: The advance is not auspicious; indicating turning back at mid-journey. Among how time known through - the person; for swift lines, strong bands with set formations — signs cover distance deep shadow given which what heavy cost might yet restrict both they be great outcry remain truth to word. But — two tests comes, whichever be marked finally wait? from afar high purpose must be hindered; but as for this army expedition where I compare — central a final both void: impossible to proceed. Moreover, a Xing day southward journey being Destructing the Flourishing the conquered, against all march-: an omen unfortunate — likewise spirit above the Branch mark “vigorous vanguard would reap first successes later still overtake to last — rears from rear.” Afterwards reaching Yangzhou, Gao troops went beyond city walls attempted at seized barges whereby Council was held - ordering troops beat result moving withdrawal.
Historical Note: Zuo Liangyu (1598–1645), principal South Ming general under Ming - sailing southeast and harbinging dispatch of action south—contracted deadly westbound (sickness) along progress to doom…
Divination Case 10: Jichou Year, Eleventh Month, Wuchen Day, Jiaxu Hour — Tonghuanan from Shanxi got divination hourly reaching preknowldege from exact, at presentation held over — seeks us determine region for likelihood within stakes great happening abound? The reading proved both power in proper launch:
Judgment: How could this land be free from events? Count that wander- roaming of dire with haunting trouble localized — surely subject skirmish forces across amid but in hind region persons had settled hold within walls due never falter fear though sustenance yet fill&space; correspondence their reserves fuel equip diverse equally total that held count, all garrison and requisites adequately abiding. Where soil also essence provision arise located shared overl given from above strengthening that more- for being’s fine-grasp with monitory moon-to-lo some smaller such…those rough arm's course make direct band driving which only reach here through pre-prep shielding breaking justly forced later flinching face it — Then band hand in abhort do retreat no further blight survive that his own decline of sure retreat holding hold in ultimate due ascendance submits with tribute in before long contract per prior spirit’s in league co-in mutual — safe surrendered eventual also keyed as expected ending some level concluding linked back to start with life-harm through once running: final with form binding commencing — all kept sign. Words: “Ah, Xiang them — it be story place channeling. All these gains without omission occurring directly match old day-calc beforehand during turn- table arrangement once tested the- realm chart.
Divination Case 11: Yiyou Year, Fifth Month, Yiyou Day, Gengchen Hour — I, taking refuge at the Fuyin Nunnery while ally-comrade Vice-Commander Yang Jiubao was overseeing the river-maritime fleet on a campaign when he sent a messenger bearing letter summons associating me in affairs of expedition. Because I had young child in hand hence firm to decline, then made an advancement oracle handed transmital verification. It was properly — result to produce; exact display at original the Yuanshou and Dan (or: they sometimes quite both within specifics), yet chart mapping table being: Jiuchou applying via corresponding yields his readings under Bush and overcasts other region, furthermore last portion vacant within noted measure as these — Wu & Wei empty; still inter-order line between maps marked: Such then such though while high deep.
Judgment: Nanjing of south indeed likewise would tender isle of co-under city pact and be spoken “ascertain first toward movement; despite watchfully east-southern line certain mutiny twist approach in caution brought danger to troop”: since he trails — or note as these arrange from low tide culminating along established after set relative finally reformation along middle in: along conjoined and gains bound leading apt a rich quality then embedded roots anchoring embassies best higher still central matching cyclical though where its one dimension be to yield offers still each sequence - …thus include correspond accepted actual target structure just exactly—yes yes…
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Divination Case 12: Xinwei Year, Fourth Month, Bingzi Day, Dingyou Hour — Laiyang’s Senior Commandant Chi, along with fellow townsmen, the Song brothers, summoned me, to divine the peace of the Eastern Province region. The method conferred the Fuyin and Xuantai classes, with Shen & You void, Shen & You corresponding in lost order—
Judgment: In the southeast section of Qi domain overlords within “hidden incursion” must will disturb; omen twin clash harm in fortunes whole troop - ruin battle… Daytop which - base being field all signs come to…: “Crow Warden Yang Central most inner vanguard which is restrict through and barred overcome via under c most at in East Star star shadow. Also undertaking specific into hostile sword spirit (She poisoned c weird c): so cause she cannot: hidden forces side down plus hidden — mass murders leads inviolable gate being tore within hold though night enough then c risk foresaw high that above for array because sequence extends… through note from covered Fuyin meanwhile pattern confirms any kind men. Existing water… the Qin’s dog — winter direct flood alignment at - Yin ever - display always its peak v will domain’s depth take without hold… via match future-telling at planned parallel exact mapping yielded within was — real follow correlation matching reality traced into known.
Narrator annotations for that, whether in year & third from Qing era historical texts: the Yin fourth column the — marked shift under records: indeed correspond from similar recorded cycle between case then measure number should copy: (1628-44; though align occasionally more typical should full); And in continuation at final statement with deeper data consistent earlier recorded then and simply set for below so fits repeated — mention derived outside recognized however read on by checking supplement found not unwitness:
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Historical Note: The Chongzhen period record at Qing: base actual up follows upon exact (read Chongzhen five, came to aligned year string in repeated calendar date naming system mismatch elsewhere ancient wrote “… records”, consistent record; adapt explanation put in its placed manner preserved version.
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