YiMatrix · Academy Journal
The Panorama of Wang Yangming's Life Stages (Part II): A Dream at Longchang, First Glimpse of the Unity of Knowledge and Action
📘 Preface The Intersection of Fate and Vocation In the perspective of traditional Chinese culture, a person's birth and fortune seem to presuppose a gifted structure. But this is
📘 Preface | The Intersection of Fate and Vocation
In the perspective of traditional Chinese culture, a person's birth and fortune seem to presuppose a gifted structure. But this is not a shackle of destiny; rather, it is a framework with a 'script-like' quality—reminding us that understanding oneself is the key to steering the ship of life.
Wang Yangming, a legendary figure spanning philosophy, military, and politics, presents a pure pattern of 'water and heaven as one, seamlessly integrated' in his natal chart. Guishui (癸水) born in the Hai month, with moist energy permeating heaven and earth, supplemented by Chen reservoir, three Hai, and Xin metal, forms a structure where the eight characters work in unison. This configuration is not merely the flow of natural energy but the underlying thread of his character, wisdom, and the philosophy of the School of Mind throughout his life.
Section 1 | Pacifying the Jiangxi Civil Uprisings and the Prince of Ning Rebellion: The Trial of Power and the Turning Point of Fate
1516 · Bingzi Year: Appointed to Southern Jiangxi, Taking Command in Crisis
Background: In the 11th year of Zhengde (1516), due to widespread civil uprisings in Jiangxi, Minister of War Wang Qiong recommended Wang Yangming as Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, tasked with pacifying Southern Jiangxi, replacing his predecessor who had resigned due to the severe situation.
Commentary: In this year, the Heavenly Stem Bing combined with Xin in the natal chart, symbolizing resource consolidation and busy affairs. The Earthly Branch Zi served as the Lu (禄) of Guishui, resonating with the natal chart, indicating that the chart's strength was activated. However, the 'discourteous punishment' between Zi and Mao suggested that this appointment, while authoritative, also came with urgency and challenges. It was not merely the addition of power but a summons in a crisis.
1518 · Wuyin Year: Quelling Chaos and Promoting Education
Background: In the 13th year of Zhengde (1518), after taking office as the Grand Coordinator of Southern Jiangxi, Wang Yangming quickly mobilized troops to suppress civil unrest. He proposed establishing Heping County, renovating the Confucian school, and began efforts to pacify the people and promote education.
Commentary: The combination of Yin and Hai further restrained the Chen Earth in the natal chart, allowing the Water-Wood energy to flow smoothly. This restraint symbolized the gradual control of turmoil, the organization of troops, and the stabilization of the situation. The trends initiated in the Mao year deepened this year, leading to the quelling of civil uprisings and laying the foundation for his governance and educational achievements.
1519 · Jimao Year: The Prince of Ning Rebellion, Turning the Tide
Background: In the 14th year of Zhengde (1519), Zhu Chenhao, the Prince of Ning, launched a rebellion, capturing Nanchang, Jiujiang, and other areas, creating a critical situation. Wang Yangming led his troops in a rapid counterattack, suppressed the rebellion, and successfully captured Zhu Chenhao.
Commentary: In this year, the Earthly Branch Mao served as the response period of the Mao Decade Luck, combining with the natal Hai to form Wood, which restrained Chen. The structure moved without chaos. Mao, seated under the Seven Killings, was not restrained but instead became a powerful breakthrough, representing 'killing with restraint'—a breakthrough and fulfillment granted by fate in crisis. The unity of power and military strategy was fully demonstrated this year.
Summary:
During 1518 and 1519, the three Hai in the natal chart were all hidden within Chen, which acted as a central hub, while Hai symbolized regional military forces. As Mao and Hai gradually combined to form a Wood structure, it was akin to transforming regional troops into a new force that restrained the central authority—the 'Chen' representing the old structure. This echoes the historical events of 'recruiting local troops and countering rebellion,' confirming the inherent tension and dynamic balance between fate and history.
Section 2 | Military Merit and Enfeoffment, and the Path to Seclusion: Glory and Finale
1521 · Xinsi Year: Enfeoffment and Establishment of a Mansion, Reaching the Peak
Background: In the 16th year of Zhengde (1521), the Ming Wuzong Emperor died. For his merits in pacifying the Prince of Ning rebellion, Wang Yangming was enfeoffed as Xinjian Bo (Count of Xinjian) by the Jiajing Emperor and appointed Minister of War in Nanjing, overseeing military affairs. The following year, he officially established his mansion in Shaoxing.
Commentary: This year marked the beginning of the new Xinsi Decade Luck. The combination of Bing and Xin in the decade luck formed a Wealth image. Xin metal activated the Xin star in the natal chart, and Si also combined with Bing in the decade luck, symbolizing the blending of wealth and honor. However, Si clashed with the three Hai in the natal chart, representing roots, emotions, and possibly family concerns. Indeed, his father fell seriously ill this year. The three Earthly Branch clashes also implied family turmoil, unfavorable to his spouse, though not explicitly recorded, representing a 'cost' in the fate pattern.
1525 · Yiyou Year: Death of His First Wife and Remarriage
Background: Lady Zhu, who had been in poor health and unable to bear children for many years, passed away in the 4th year of Jiajing (1525). After observing a year of mourning, Wang Yangming remarried Lady Zhang the following year and had a son, Wang Zhengyi.
Commentary: This year was at the end of the Bingchen Decade Luck. In the Yiyou year, the Heavenly Stem Yi emerged, and You combined with Chen, severing the root of Yi. Yi, floating without support, symbolized an unstable marital relationship. Since the natal chart had no explicit Wealth star, the Food God was used to represent the wife. Yi was hidden in Chen, and the marriage occurred in the Wushen year (1488), when Wu activated Chen, and the Earthly Branches Shen, Zi, and Chen formed a combination. This year, the combination of Chen and You severed the root, marking the response period. The remarriage occurred in the Bingxu year, when Chen and Xu clashed, opening the Wealth reservoir, and the Heavenly Stem Bing appeared as the direct Wealth star, restructuring the family and producing an heir, restarting the rhythm of fate.
1527 · Dinghai Year: Rebellion in Guangdong and Guangxi, Taking Up Arms Again
Background: In the 6th year of Jiajing (1527), rebellion erupted again in the border regions of Guangdong and Guangxi. Wang Yangming was once again ordered to lead the campaign, serving as Minister of War in Nanjing and Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, overseeing military affairs in both provinces.
Commentary: Although this year was within the Chen Decade Luck, Chen served as the tomb of Water. In the early part, Water combined to restrain Earth, achieving merit. Now, the Water energy was gradually weakening due to control by Chen, making it difficult to use. The activation of Hai again represented disturbances from old forces, also indicating that the fate pattern was nearing its end. His life trajectory entered another climax, but it already hinted at seclusion and the final curtain.
1529 · Wuzi Year: Passing Away on a Boat, 'This Heart Is Bright'
Background: After the campaign in Guangdong and Guangxi, Wang Yangming's lung disease worsened. He submitted a memorial requesting retirement but, knowing he could not wait, returned home without imperial approval. On the 29th day of the 11th month in the 7th year of Jiajing (January 9, 1529), he died on a boat in Nan'an, Jiangxi, at the age of 56.
Commentary: In the Wuzi year, the Heavenly Stem Wu activated Chen, and the Earthly Branch Zi combined with Chen, finally opening the 'lock' of the natal chart. The wheel of fate turned layer by layer, from the natal chart to the decade luck and then to the annual cycle, with response periods interlocking like a combination lock. When the final key turned, Wang Yangming's life script came to an end. Fifty-six years of life, with a bright heart throughout, left behind the swan song 'This heart is bright; what more can be said?'—showcasing the spiritual height of a great thinker.
📙 Conclusion | Knowing Fate Without Fear, Establishing Destiny in the World
Wang Yangming's early life was almost a perfect enactment of the 'life script.' His Guishui essence was clear, penetrating, and persistent; Xin metal appeared without roots, displaying talent but easily constrained; the surging Water energy of three Hai and Chen gave him the momentum of 'winning three consecutive top honors' in favorable times, while in adversity, he had to 'wield a solitary sword and break through the siege.'
But what is more intriguing is that he was not confined by the script. On the contrary, at every turning point indicated by the script, he completed a psychological self-adjustment—facing exile, he delved deep into his inner self and realized the ontology of 'the mind is principle'; facing power, he did not seek personal gain but aimed for 'extending innate knowledge.'
Wang Yangming's trajectory of fate did not stop there. He responded to life's ups and downs with greater mental strength and tension; his thoughts, like a beam of light piercing through the fog, illuminated not only the darkness of that era but also continue to guide our direction today.
☯ Those who know fate are not afraid; those who establish destiny are unyielding.
Pacifying the Jiangxi Civil Uprisings and the Prince of Ning Rebellion
1516: First Year of Mao Decade Luck, Bingzi Year, Civil Uprisings in Jiangxi, Appointed Grand Coordinator
Background: In the 11th year of Zhengde (1516), Minister of War Wang Qiong recommended Wang Shouren as Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, tasked with pacifying Southern Jiangxi. Commentary: This year, the Heavenly Stem Bing combined with Xin in the natal chart, obtaining a direct Wealth star Bing. Below it sat the Lu of Guishui, Zi, which activated the Chen officer in the natal chart. The discourteous punishment between Zi and Mao indicated that this position was not easily obtained; it came due to civil uprisings and the previous Grand Coordinator's resignation on grounds of illness.
1518: Wuyin Year, Pacified the Jiangxi Civil Uprisings
Background: In the 1st month of the 13th year of Zhengde (1518), Wang Shouren pacified the forces of Chi Zhongrong (Chi Dabin), petitioned to establish Heping County, and built the county school. In the 3rd month, he arrived in Jiangxi to assume office. He quickly mobilized troops from three provinces to suppress civil uprisings in Xinfeng and other areas. In the 7th month, considering the great destruction of war, he petitioned the court for permission to offer amnesty. The court granted him authority over local military and civil affairs, allowing him to act as necessary. In the 10th month, Wang Shouren led troops to attack and capture the strongest rebel stronghold at Zuoxi, Chongyi County, Jiangxi, held by Lan Tianfeng and Xie Zhishan, and joined forces at Zuoxi. He personally went to persuade them to surrender. In the 11th month, he sent envoys to offer amnesty and broke through Lan Tianfeng's forces. Commentary: Mao combined with Hai to restrain Chen. In the Yin year, Yin and Hai increased the power to restrain Chen. At the same time, Yin combined with the natal Hai to transform into Wood, restraining Chen.
1519: Jimao Year, Yihai Month, Prince of Ning Rebellion
Background: In the Jimao year of Zhengde, in the Yihai month (June), Zhu Chenhao, the Prince of Ning, rebelled in Nanchang, marching toward the capital. He captured Nankang, Jiujiang, and attacked Anqing, shaking the region. In the Xinhai month (July), Wang Shouren, with troops from various prefectures, recaptured Nanchang, captured Zhu Chenhao, and pacified the remaining rebels. At that time, the emperor, enraged by the news, personally led the imperial army to campaign and brought Zhu Chenhao back as a captive. The imperial might was awe-inspiring, divine and invincible. Like a thunderbolt, it struck without breaking. The sacred vessel had its rightful owner; who dared to covet? Heaven witnessed Zhu Chenhao's rebellion, manifesting the imperial spirit, to bring peace to our state. Written on the last day of the 1st month of the Gengchen year of Zhengde by Wang Shouren, Commander-in-Chief of Military Affairs. The officials who accompanied the campaign are listed on the left.
Commentary: This year, Jimao, the Seven Killings appeared weakly. This was the response period of the Mao Decade Luck in the Mao year. If the previous year was a Shangguan (Hurting Officer) with different yin-yang nature, this year's Mao response period was extraordinary. Mao combined with the natal Hai to transform into Wood, restraining Chen.
Summary:
Note that in 1518 and 1519, because the three Hai in the natal chart originated from Chen, Chen was like a king, while Hai represented troops. The combination of Mao and Hai into a Wood structure was equivalent to transforming the local soldiers from the original chart and then turning them to restrain the king. This closely corresponds to the actual events of civil uprisings and amnesty.
Military Merit and Enfeoffment && The Final Journey
1521: First Year of the Last Decade Luck, Xinsi Year
Background: In the 16th year of Zhengde (1521), the Ming Wuzong Emperor died without issue. His cousin Zhu Houcong succeeded the throne. For Wang Yangming's merits in pacifying the Prince of Ning rebellion, the Jiajing Emperor specially enfeoffed him as Xinjian Bo, appointed him Minister of War in Nanjing, and retained him to oversee military affairs. In the 2nd year of Jiajing (1523), he established his mansion in Shaoxing.
In the Ming Dynasty, except for imperial relatives, no military merit meant no title. Civil officials granted titles were rare. Wang Yangming was the second civil official since the founding of the Ming Dynasty to receive a title for military merit (the first was Wang Yue). The position of Minister of War in Nanjing with the concurrent duty of overseeing military affairs, together with the eunuch in charge of defense and the Nanjing Defense Commander, was responsible for Nanjing's military affairs.
Commentary: The combination of Bing and Xin in the decade luck. Previously, every Bing year brought good fortune. With the arrival of the Bing decade luck, in the Xinsi year, Xin activated the Xin in the natal chart, and Si activated Bing in the decade luck, obtaining direct Wealth. However, Si also clashed with the Earthly Branch Hai, which was not good. The three Earthly Branch clashes were significant. The Heavenly Stem Xin represented the father star emerging and combining, as Bing combined with Xin, creating a relationship. Bing could also be seen as the father, but the Earthly Branch clashed. Records show that his father fell seriously ill this year. The Si-Hai clash also affected the day branch, which, although not recorded, was unfavorable to his wife.
1525: Yiyou Year, Death of His Wife Lady Zhu
Background: Lady Zhu was in poor health and, after many years of marriage, had not borne any children. When Wang Yangming was 41, she became pregnant but unfortunately miscarried. Due to her weak health, Lady Zhu died before Wang Yangming. In the 4th year of Jiajing (1525), Lady Zhu passed away. After observing a year of mourning, Wang Yangming remarried Lady Zhang and had a son, named Wang Zhengyi. At that time, Wang Yangming was already 55 years old.
Commentary: The Yiyou year was the last year of the Bing decade luck within the Bingchen Decade Luck. This was a transition period. Bing clashed with Ren. The Yiyou year was particularly notable for the combination of You and Chen, with Yi appearing weakly. The combination of Chen and You severed the root of Yi. The source of generating Wealth was lost. Since the natal chart had no explicit Wealth star, the Food God was used to represent the wife. Yi was hidden in Chen. The marriage occurred in the Wushen year (1488), when Wu activated Chen, and the Earthly Branches Shen, Zi, and Chen formed a triple combination. The remarriage occurred the following year, the Bingxu year. Chen and Xu clashed, opening the Wealth reservoir, and the Heavenly Stem Bing appeared as the direct Wealth star.
1527: Dinghai Year, the Guangdong-Guangxi Incident
Background: In the 6th year of Jiajing (1527), an incident arose in Guangdong and Guangxi. Censor-in-Chief Yao Mo was unable to resolve it. The Jiajing Emperor ordered Yao Mo to retire and appointed Wang Shouren to his original position as Minister of War in Nanjing and Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, overseeing military affairs in both provinces, to suppress the Yao and Zhuang uprisings.
Commentary: It seems that every military uprising was triggered by the dynamics of the Water element in the Earthly Branches of the natal chart. But now, he had entered the Chen Decade Luck. Chen is also the tomb of Water. Success came from Water, and failure came from Water, foreshadowing the end a few years later.
1529: Wuzi Year, Yichou Month, Dingmao Day, the Passing of a Sage
Background: After the campaign in Guangdong and Guangxi, Wang Yangming's lung disease worsened. He submitted a memorial requesting retirement. Later, knowing he could not wait, he returned home without imperial approval. On the 29th day of the 11th month in the 7th year of Jiajing (January 9, 1529), Wang Shouren died of illness on a boat in Nan'an, Jiangxi, at the age of 56. On his deathbed, when his students asked for his last words, he said, 'This heart is bright; what more can be said?' After his death, the court granted him the posthumous title Wencheng, posthumously awarded the titles of Grand Master for Splendid Happiness and Pillar of State. During the reign of the Ming Muzong Emperor, he was posthumously promoted to Xinjian Hou. In the 12th year of Wanli (1584), he was enshrined in the Confucian Temple.
Commentary: This year, Wuzi, the Heavenly Stem Wu activated Chen, doing work. The Earthly Branch Zi also combined with Chen. A person's life is like an old combination lock: the natal chart is the core, the decade luck is the ring, turning layer by layer, with response periods. As the script unfolds, when the final lock is opened, the life of a great sage comes to an end.