Six Relations Theory · Sixteen, Smooth Configuration

一出門來只見兒，吾兒成氣構門閭；從兒不管身強弱，只要吾兒又得兒。原注：此與成象、從象、傷官不同，只取我生者為兒。如木遇火，成氣象，如戊已日遇申酉戌成西方氣，或巳酉丑全會金局，不論日主強弱，而又看金能生水氣，轉成生育之意。此為流通，必然富貴。

As soon as I step out, everything I see is "child" (food and injury), and my child has become prominent, supporting the family. In the child pattern, regardless of whether the day master is strong or weak, as long as my child can produce a grandchild. The original note says: this is different from "forming a pattern," "following a pattern," and "injury and food." It only takes what I have produced as "child." For example, wood meets fire and forms a pattern; again, if a戊 or己 day meets申,酉,戌, it forms the western metal pattern, or if巳,酉,丑 are fully combined to form a complete metal pattern, regardless of the strength of the day master, it also needs to see whether metal can produce water, leading to a continuous cycle of generation. This is called "circulation," and it inevitably leads to wealth and honor.

任氏曰：順者，我生之也；只見兒者，食傷多也；構門閭者，月建逢食傷也，月為門戶，必要食傷在提綱也；不論身強弱者，四柱雖有比劫仍去生助食傷也；吾兒又得兒者，必要局中有財，以成生育之意也。如己身碌碌庸庸，無作無為，得子孫昌盛，振起家聲，又要運行財地，兒又生孫，可享兒孫這榮矣。故為順局。從兒與從財官不同也。然食傷生財，轉成生育，秀氣流行，名利皆遂。

Ren Shi explained: "Following" means following what I generate (food and injury); "seeing only sons" means there are many food and injury elements; "constructing the gate and courtyard" means that the month builder encounters food and injury elements - the month builder is the gate of the destiny, and the food and injury must occupy the main point; "not considering the strength of the body" means that even if there are brothers and sisters in the four pillars, they still help generate food and injury, and do not oppose food and injury; "my son also gets a son" means that the chart must have wealth, to form a continuous generation meaning. For example, if one is mediocre and does nothing, but has prosperous descendants, reviving the family reputation; and then the fortune moves to the wealth position, the son generates a grandson, thus enjoying the glory brought by the son and grandson. Therefore it is called "following the chart." The "from son" pattern is different from the "from wealth" and "from official" patterns. Food and injury can generate wealth, turning into a generation trend, with refined qi flowing continuously, achieving both fame and profit.

故以食傷為子，財即是孫，孫不能克祖，可以安享榮華。如見官星，謂孫又生兒，則曾祖必受其傷，故見官殺必為已害。如見印綬，是我之父，父能生我，我自有為，焉能容子？子必遭殃。無生育之意。其禍立至，是以從兒格最忌印運，次忌官運。官能洩財，又能剋日，而食傷又與官星不睦，忘生育之意，起爭戰這風，不傷人丁，則散財矣。

Therefore, using food and injury as children, and wealth as grandchildren; grandchildren cannot overcome the ancestor (wealth does not overcome the day master), so one can enjoy honor and prosperity. If official stars appear, that means the grandchildren have given birth to a son (wealth transforms into official stars), and the great-grandfather (day master) will certainly suffer harm, so seeing official stars in the from-son pattern inevitably brings one's own misfortune. If the jinshou (nurturing star) appears, the jinshou is my father, who can give birth to me; if I have my own affairs, how can there be room for a son? The son (food and injury) will certainly suffer, and the meaning of continuous generations will be lost, and misfortune will arrive immediately. Therefore, the from-son pattern most fears the jinshou period, and next is the official star period—official stars can drain the wealth's energy and also overcome the day master. Food and injury and official stars have always been at odds; they forget the meaning of giving birth, and instead incite conflict; either they harm people or ruin wealth.

丁卯、壬寅、癸卯、丙辰；辛丑、庚子、己亥、戊戌、丁酉、丙申。癸水生於孟春，支全寅、卯、辰，東方一氣，格成水木從兒，以時干丙火為用，所謂兒又生兒。只嫌月干壬水為病，喜丁火合壬化術，反生丙火，轉成生育之意，所以早登科甲，置身翰苑，仕至封疆；申運木火絕地，不祿。

Four Pillars: Dingmao, RENYIN, GUIMAO, BINGCHEN; Great Years: Xinchou, Gengzi, JIHAI, WUXU, DINGYOU, BINGSHEN. The癸water is born in the early spring month of寅, with the earthly branches寅, 卯, and 辰 all present, forming a single line of the eastern direction, creating the pattern of "water and wood following the child." The heavenly stem at the hour, 丙fire (wealth), is taken as the useful god, which is exactly what is meant by "the child gives birth to another child." The only drawback is the moon's heavenly stem, 壬water, which is a劫wealth thief, but it is fortunate that the year's heavenly stem, 丁fire, combines with 壬water and transforms into wood, which in turn supports 丙fire, creating a continuous cycle of generation. Therefore, he achieved success in the imperial examinations early on, entered the Hanlin Academy, and held high official positions. When he reached the Shen destiny, the Shen branch冲the寅wood, which is the绝place for fire, and he died.

丁巳、癸卯、癸卯、丙辰；壬寅、辛丑、庚子、己亥、戊戌、丁酉。癸水生於仲春，木旺乘權，四柱無金，亦水木從兒。寅運支類東方，甲戌年入泮，丙子年中鄉榜，其不及前造者，月干癸水爭財，無制合之美也。喜其財星有勢，仕路定可亨通。

Four Pillars: Dingsi, Guimao, Guimao, Bingchen; Grand Journey: RENYIN, XINCHOU, GENGZI, JIHAI, WUXU, DINGYOU. The癸water was born in the middle spring month of卯, when wood is strong and dominant. The Four Pillars have no metal, so it is the "from child" pattern of water and wood. When the journey reaches RENYIN, the earth branch will gather the eastern wood energy. In the year of Jiaxu, he entered the county school, and in the year of Bingzi, he passed the imperial examination as a juren. It is not as good as the previous case because the癸water in the month's dry branch has a fellow癸water competing for the wealth star, whereas the previous case had the wealth star being harmonized and transformed, which was more effective. The good point is that the wealth star (fire) is strong, so his official career will still be prosperous.

己未、丁丑、丙戌、戊戌；丙子、乙亥、甲戌、癸酉、壬申、辛未。丙火生於季冬，滿局皆土，格成火土從兒，丑中辛財為用，謂「一個玄機暗裡存」也。所嫌丁火蓋頭，通根未戌，忌神深重，未能顯秩。妙在中運走癸酉壬申，喜用齊來，宦途順遂。

Four pillars: Jiwei, Dingchou, Bingxu, Wuxu; big years: Bingzi, Yihai, Jiaxu, Guiyou, Renshen, Xinwei. The fire is born in the third winter month, Chou, and the whole chart is filled with earth, forming the pattern of "following the child" of fire and earth. The wealth star, the hidden metal, in Chou is used as the useful god, which is what the "Dripping Heaven's Pearl" says, "a hidden key is stored secretly." However, the month's heavenly stem, Ding fire, covers the head and roots in Wei and Xu, making the劫财, the hostile god, very strong, so he could not achieve a prominent official position. Fortunately, in the middle years, the big years of Guiyou and Renshen come, bringing both the auspicious and the useful gods, so his official career is still smooth.

己未、辛未、丙戌、戊戌；庚午、己巳、戊辰、丁卯、丙寅。丙火生於季夏，滿局皆土，格取從兒，月干辛金獨發，所謂從兒又見兒也。大象觀之，勝於前造，其功名富貴反不及者何也？前造金雖不現，而丑內蓄藏三冬溼土，能晦火養金，此辛金顯露，而九夏熔金，根氣不固，未戌丁火當權，所謂「凶物深藏」也，兼之運走東南木火之地，雖中鄉榜，一教終身。

Four pillars: Jiwei, Xinwei, Bingxu, Wuxu; Grand Years: Gengwu, Jisi, Wuchen, Dingmao, Bingyin. The丙 fire is born in the late summer month of Wei, and the whole chart is full of earth, so the pattern is 'following the child'. The month's heavenly stem, Xin metal, is clearly visible, which is exactly what is meant by 'following the child and seeing the child'. Looking at the overall situation, it seems to be better than the previous case, but why is the fame and wealth less? Because in the previous case, although the metal was not clearly visible, the Chou is a damp earth of winter, which can obscure the fire and nourish the metal. In this case, the Xin metal is clearly exposed, and the fire of summer is strong enough to melt the metal, so the root energy is not firm. The fire of Ding is also in charge in the Wei and Xu, which is exactly what is meant by 'dangerous things hidden'. Moreover, the Grand Years go towards the southeast, which is wood and fire, so although he passed the imperial examination, he spent his whole life teaching.

甲午、丁丑、甲午、丙寅；戊寅、己卯、庚辰、辛巳、壬午、癸未。甲木生於季冬，火虛而幸通根有焰，格取從兒。木雖進氣，又逢祿比幫身，所謂從兒不論身強弱，非身弱論也。前造過於燥烈。此則溼土逢燥，地潤天和，生肓不悖。聯登甲第，仕至待郎。

Four pillars: Jiawu, Dingchou, Jiawu, Bingyin; big years: Wuyin, Jimao, Gengchen, Xinsi, Renwu, Guiwei. The wood of Jiawu is born in the third winter month, Chou. Although fire is weak, it is supported by the presence of Wu and Yin, thus having strength. The pattern is "following the child." Although the wood is in a period of increasing strength, it is further supported by the presence of Yin in the hour branch, which is the禄 and 比, helping the self. This is exactly what is meant by "following the child does not consider whether the self is strong or weak," and it should not be considered as weak. The previous case was too dry and fierce, but this case has wet earth (Chou) meeting dryness, with the earth moist and the sky harmonious, so the trend of nurturing and growing is not contradictory. Therefore, he consecutively passed the imperial examination and held the position of Vice Minister.

辛丑、辛丑、戊申、壬子；庚子、己亥、戊戌、丁酉、丙申、乙未。戊土生於季冬，辛金並透通根坐下申金壬水，旺而逢生，純粹可觀，早游泮水，至亥運，類聚北方，高攀秋桂；交戊戌通根燥土，奪去壬水，至丙寅年沖去申金壬水之根，體用兩傷，不祿。

Four Pillars: Xin Chou, Xin Chou, Wu Shen, Ren Zi; Grand Journeys: Geng Zi, Ji Hai, Wu Xu, Ding You, Bing Shen, Yi Wei. The Wu earth was born in the late winter month of Chou, with two Xin metal elements appearing on the surface and rooted in the earth. The day's main element is seated on Shen metal and has Ren water appearing on the top. Earth produces metal, and metal produces water. The element is strong and receives support, forming a pure and excellent pattern, and he entered the county school at an early age. When entering the Hai journey, Hai, Zi, and Chou gather together to form the northern water energy, and he passed the autumn examination to become a juren. When entering the Wu Xu journey, Wu earth is rooted in dry earth, taking away the Ren water; in the Bing Shen year, Yin冲Shen, which removes the root of Ren water, causing both the body and the use to be injured, and he died.

庚子、庚辰、戊申、辛酉；辛巳、壬午、癸未、甲申、乙酉、丙戌。此造戊生季春，局中層疊庚辛，格取從兒，喜其支會財局，生肓有情，與前大同小異，此因中年運土金，生助財星，所以甲第聯登，仕至郡守；前造之不祿不仕，實運之背也。

Four pillars: Gengzi, Gengchen, Wushen, Xinyou; major years: Xinsi, Renwu, Guiwei, Jiashen, Yiyou, Bingxu. In this case, the Wutu was born in the third month of spring, the Chen month, and the heavenly stems Geng and Xin are layered and repeated, forming the "following the child" pattern. It is fortunate that the earthly branches Shen, Zi, and Chen form a water trinity, which is the wealth for the Wutu. The food and injury generate wealth, and the relationship is harmonious. This case is very similar to the previous one, but because the major years in middle age are in the earth and metal elements, they support the wealth star, so he consecutively passed the imperial examinations and held the position of governor. The previous case could not serve the government and died early, because the fortune was contrary.

壬寅、辛亥、辛亥、壬辰；壬子、癸丑、甲寅、乙卯、丙辰、丁巳。辛金生於孟冬，壬水當權，財逢生旺，金水兩涵，格取從兒。讀書一目數行，至甲寅運，登科發甲；乙卯運由署郎出守黃堂；一交丙辰，官印齊來，又逢戊戌年沖動印綬，破其傷官，不祿。

Four Pillars: Renyin, Xinhai, Xinhai, Renchen; Grand Years: Renzi, Guichou, Jiayin, Yimao, Bingchen, Dingsi. The person was born in the early winter month of Hai, with the water official star (Ren water) in charge. The wealth star (wood) also meets its strength and vitality. The metal and water complement each other, forming the "following the child" pattern. This person could read through a book in one glance, and during the Jiayin Grand Year, he passed the imperial examination and became a jinshi (imperial scholar). During the Yimao Grand Year, he served as a magistrate and was appointed as a prefect. When he entered the Bingchen Grand Year, the official star (Bing fire) and the minister star (the earth in Chen) both appeared, which directly violated the "following the child" pattern's greatest taboo of having the minister star and the next taboo of having the official star. He also encountered the Wuxu year, which disturbed the minister star and destroyed the official star, leading to his death.

壬子、辛亥、辛卯、辛卯；壬子、癸丑、甲寅、乙卯、丙辰、丁巳。辛金生於孟冬，水勢當權，雖天干三透辛金，而地支臨絕，格取從兒，讀書過目成誦，早年入泮，甲寅撥貢出仕縣宰，乙卯運仕路順遂，丙辰詿誤，至戌年旺土克水而歿。

Four pillars: Renzi, Xinhai, Xinmao, Xinmao; Great Destiny: Renzi, Guichou, Jiayin, Yimao, Bingchen, Dingsi. The person was born in the early winter month of Hai, when water is dominant. Although the heavenly stems have three Xin golds, the earthly branches are in the place of extinction for gold (Mao is the place of extinction for gold). The pattern is taken as "following the child." This person could memorize books by reading them once, and entered the county school at an early age. In the Jiayin Great Destiny, he was appointed as a county magistrate through the examination for outstanding talent. In the Yimao Great Destiny, his official career was smooth. In the Bingchen Great Destiny, he was implicated in official matters and suffered a setback. By the year Xu, the strong earth element overcame the water, injuring the following god, and he died.

凡從兒格，行運不背，逢財者未有不富貴者也；且透氣流行，人必聰明出類，學問精通。

In general, those with the child pattern (from儿格) will achieve wealth and honor if their fortune does not conflict with their birth chart. When they encounter a prosperous period, they will certainly attain wealth and status. Moreover, if they have a continuous flow of refined energy, they will certainly be intelligent, outstanding, and proficient in learning.

君賴臣生理最微，兒能救母洩天機，母慈滅子關因異，夫健何為又怕妻。原注：木君也，土臣也。水泛木浮，土止水則生木，木旺火熾，金伐木則生火，火旺土焦，水克火則土；土重金埋，木克土則生金旺則水濁，火克金則生水，皆君賴臣生也，其理最妙。

The principle of "the ruler depends on the minister to live" is most subtle, while "a son can save his mother" reveals heavenly secrets. The key to "a mother's kindness extinguishes her son" lies in differing circumstances, but why does "a strong husband" fear his wife? The original commentary says: wood is the ruler, earth is the minister. If water is too excessive, it floats the wood, so using earth to stop the water actually nourishes the wood; if wood is strong, fire becomes fierce, so using metal to cut the wood actually generates fire; if fire is strong, earth becomes scorched, so using water to overcome fire actually nourishes the earth; if earth is heavy, metal is buried, so using wood to overcome earth actually generates metal. All these belong to the principle of "the ruler depends on the minister to live," and the reasoning behind them is most marvelous.

任氏曰：君賴臣生者，印綬太旺之意也。此就日主而論，如日主是木為君，局中之土為臣，四柱重逢壬癸亥子，水勢氾濫，木氣反虛，不但不能生木，抑且木亦不能納受其水，木必浮泛矣；必須用土止水，則木中托根，而水方能生木亦受其水矣，破其印而就其財，犯上之意，故為反局也。雖就日主而論，四柱亦同此論，如水是官星，木是印綬，水勢太旺，亦能浮木，亦須見土而能受水，以成反生之妙，所以理最微也。火土金水，皆同此論。

Ren Shi explained: The phrase "the ruler relies on the minister for existence" refers to the situation where the印绶 (nurturing star) is too strong. This is discussed in relation to the day master: for example, if the day master is wood, then wood is the ruler, and the earth (the wealth of wood) is the minister. If the four pillars contain many instances of壬 and癸 (water) as well as亥 and子 (water), the water becomes excessive, and the wood becomes weak. The water does not nourish the wood, and the wood cannot bear so much water, so it will float away. Therefore, earth must be used to control the water, so that the wood can take root, and the water can truly nourish the wood, and the wood can bear the water. This is breaking the nurturing star and relying on the wealth star, which contains the meaning of a subordinate rising up against a superior, hence it is called "reverse situation." Although this is discussed in relation to the day master, the same principle applies to the other heavenly stems and earthly branches in the four pillars: for example, if water is the official star and wood is the nurturing star, an excessive amount of water will also float the wood, and similarly, earth must be present to control the water's strength, thus achieving the subtle effect of mutual nourishment. Therefore, this principle is very subtle. The same reasoning applies to fire, earth, metal, and water as well.

壬辰、壬子、甲寅、戊辰；癸丑、甲寅、乙卯、丙辰、丁巳、戊午。甲木生於仲冬，雖日坐祿支，不致浮泛，而水勢太旺；辰土雖能蓄水，喜其戊土透露，辰乃木餘氣，足以止水托根，謂君賴臣生也。所以早登科申，翰苑名高；更妙南方一路火土之運，祿位未可限量也。

Four Pillars: Renchen, Renzi, Jiayin, Wuwen; Grand Journey: Guichou, Jiayin, Yimao, Bingchen, Dingsi, Wuwu. The Jia wood is born in the middle of winter in the Zi month, although the day's main element is seated on the Yin wood branch, it does not float. However, the water is too strong. Although the Chen earth can hold water, it is even more favorable that the戊 earth appears in the hour pillar. The Chen is also the residual breath of wood, which can stop the water and allow the wood to take root. This is called "the ruler relies on the minister to be born." Therefore, he achieved success in the imperial examination early on and had a high reputation in the Hanlin Academy. Even better is the later journey, which continuously moves through southern fire and earth territories, supporting the Wu earth and warming the entire situation, leading to unlimited official rank and status.

壬戌、壬子、甲子、戊辰；癸丑、甲寅、乙卯、丙辰、丁巳、戊午。甲木生於仲冬，前造坐寅而實，此則從子而虛，所喜年支帶火之戌土，較辰土力量大過矣。蓋戊土之根固，足以補日主之虛，行運亦同，功名亦同，仕至尚書。

Four pillars: Renxu, Renzi, Jiazi, Wuchen; Great Destiny: Guichou, Jiayin, Yimao, Bingchen, Dingsi, Wuwu. Both cases have the day stem Jia wood born in the middle of winter in the Zi month. In the previous case, the day stem was sitting on Yin and had strong roots, while in this case, the day stem is sitting on Zi and has weak roots. What is favorable is the year branch, which is the fire-containing Xu earth (Xu contains Ding), which is much stronger than Chen earth. Since the Wu earth has strong roots, it is sufficient to compensate for the weakness of the day stem. The fortune path is the same as the previous case, and the achievements are also similar, with official rank reaching the position of Minister of State.

己巳、戊辰、辛酉、己亥；丁卯、丙寅、乙丑、甲子、癸亥、壬戌。陳提督造，辛生辰月，土雖重疊，春土究屬氣闢而鬆；木有餘氣，亥中甲木逢生，辰酉輾轉相生，反助木之根源，遙沖巳火，使其不生戊巳之土，亦君賴臣生也。其不就書香者，木之元神不透也，然喜生化不悖，運走東北不木之地，故武職超群。

Four pillars: Ji Si, Wu Chen, Xin You, Ji Hai; major years: Ding Mao, Bing Yin, Yi Chou, Jia Zi, Gui Hai, Ren Xu. This is the birth chart of Chen the Commander. Xin metal is born in the month of Chen, though the earth is heavy, the earth in spring is open and loose. There is still some wood left, and the甲wood in Hai is in its growth stage. Chen and You interact with each other through mutual generation (earth generates metal, metal generates water, water generates wood), which actually strengthens the root of wood. Hai also remotely conflicts with Si fire, preventing Si fire from generating Wu and Ji earth — this is called "the ruler relies on the minister for support." He was not able to take the path of reading and taking the imperial examinations because the original spirit of wood did not appear in the heavenly stem. However, the generation and transformation are not contradictory. When the major years go to the northeast, which is water and wood, the wealth star is nourished, so he excels in military positions.

戊午、丁巳、己卯、庚午；戊午、己未、庚申、辛酉、壬戌、癸亥。已土生於孟夏，局中印星當令，火旺土焦，又能焚木，至庚子年春闈奏捷，帶金之水足以制火之烈，潤土之燥也。其不能顯秩，仁路蹭蹬者，局中無水之故也。

Four Pillars: Wuwu, Dingsi, Jimao, Gengwu; Great Destiny: Wuwu, Jiwei, Gengshen, Xinyou, Renxu, Guihai. The earthy element Ji was born in the early summer month of Si, where the fire element (the nurturing star) is in command. The fire is strong and the earth is scorched, and even the wood of Miao is burned. In the year Gengzi, he passed the imperial examination, as Gengzi is water with metal, which can control the fierce fire and moisten the dry earth. The reason he could not rise to a prominent official position and his career was obstructed is because the original chart lacks water.

原注：木為母，火為子。木被金傷，火克金則生木；火遭水克，土克水則生火；土遇木傷，金克木則生土；金逢火煉，水克炎則生金；水因土塞，木克土則生水，皆兒能生母之意。此意能奪天機。

The original commentary says: Wood is the mother, fire is the child. Wood is harmed by metal, so using fire to overcome metal actually benefits wood; fire is overcome by water, so using earth to overcome water actually benefits fire; earth is harmed by wood, so using metal to overcome wood actually benefits earth; metal is refined by fire, so using water to overcome fire actually benefits metal; water is blocked by earth, so using wood to overcome earth actually benefits water—these are all examples of "the child nurturing the mother." This concept truly captures the essence of heavenly strategy.

任氏曰：兒能生母之理，須分時候而論也。如土生冬令，寒而且凋，逢金水必凍，不特金能克木，而水亦能克木也；必須火以克金，解水之凍，木得陽和而發生矣。火遭水克，生於春初冬盡，木嫩火虛，非但火忌水，而木亦忌水，必須土來止水，培木之精神，則火得生，而木亦榮矣。土遇木傷，生於冬末春初，木堅土虛，縱有火，不能生溼土，必須用金伐木，則火有焰而土得生矣。

Ren Shi explained that the principle of "son nourishing the mother" must be considered according to the seasons and time of year. For example, if wood is present in winter, it is cold and withered, and if it meets metal and water, it will surely freeze. At that time, not only can metal overcome wood, but water can also overcome wood. Only by using fire to overcome metal and to melt the frozen water can wood receive the yang energy and grow. If fire is overcome by water, and it occurs in early spring or late winter, the wood is tender and the fire is weak. In such a case, not only does fire fear water, but wood also fears water. Therefore, earth must be used to stop the water's flow and to nurture the wood's vitality, so that fire can be generated and wood can flourish. If earth is harmed by wood, and it occurs in late winter or early spring, the wood is strong and the earth is weak. Even with fire, it cannot generate that damp earth. Therefore, metal must be used to cut down the wood, so that fire can have a flame and earth can be generated.

金逢火煉，生於春末夏初，木旺火盛，必須水來克火，又能溼木潤土，而金得生矣。水因土寒，生於秋冬，金多水弱，土入坤方，而能塞水，必須木以疏土，則水勢通達而無阻隔矣。成母子相依之情。若木生夏秋，火在秋冬，金生冬春，水生春夏，乃休囚之位，自無餘氣，焉能用生我之神，以制克我之神哉？雖就日主而論，四柱之神，皆同此論。

If gold is subjected to fire, and it is born in late spring or early summer, when wood is strong and fire is vigorous, water must be used to control fire. Water can also moisten wood and nourish earth, allowing gold to thrive. If water is blocked by earth, and it is born in autumn or winter, with plenty of metal but weak water, earth located in the southwest direction can block the water's path. In this case, wood must be used to clear the earth, allowing the water to flow freely without obstruction. This creates a relationship of mutual support between mother and child. As for wood born in summer and autumn, fire born in autumn and winter, metal born in winter and spring, and water born in spring and summer, they are all in a state of weakness and confinement. They have no remaining strength, so how can they use the god that nourishes them to overcome the god that controls them? Although this is discussed in relation to the main heavenly stem, the other heavenly stems in the four pillars should also be considered in the same way.

甲申、丙寅、甲申、庚午；丁卯、戊辰、己巳、庚午、辛未、壬申。春初木嫩，雙沖寅祿，又時透庚金，木嫩金堅，金賴丙火逢生臨旺；尤妙五行無水。謂兒有救母，使庚申之金，不傷甲木。至巳運，丙火祿地，中鄉榜，庚午運發甲，辛未運仕縣宰。總嫌庚金蓋頭，不能升遷，壬申運不但仕路蹭蹬，亦恐不祿。

Four pillars: Jia Shen, Bing Yin, Jia Shen, Geng Wu; big years: Ding Mao, Wu Chen, Ji Si, Geng Wu, Xin Wei, Ren Shen. In early spring, the wood is still tender, and two Shen metals clash with the Yin branch in the month, which is the禄 (favorable position) for Yin. The time stem also reveals Geng metal, so the wood is tender while the metal is strong. Fortunately, the fire in the month stem, Bing, meets the growth stage in Yin and reaches its peak in Wu, so the fire can overcome the metal to save the wood. Especially remarkable is the absence of water in the five phases, allowing the fire to remain unimpeded. This is called "the child saves the mother," preventing the Geng and Shen metals from harming the Jia wood. When the巳 (Si) big year comes, which is the禄 of Bing fire, he passes the imperial examination. In the Geng Wu big year, he passes the imperial examination for the higher rank. In the Xin Wei big year, he becomes a county magistrate. However, the Geng metal covers the time stem, so he cannot rise further. When the Ren Shen big year comes, water overcomes the Bing fire, and the metal gains strength, so his official career stagnates, and he may even risk his life.

甲申、丙子、乙酉、丙戌；丁丑、戊寅、己卯、庚辰、辛巳、壬午。乙木生於仲冬，雖逢相位，究竟冬凋不茂，又支類西方，財殺肆逞，喜其丙火併透，則金不寒，水不凍，寒木向陽，兒能救母。為人性情慷慨。雖在經營，規模出俗，創業十餘萬。其不利於書香者，由戌土生殺壞印之故也。

Four Pillars: Jia Shen, Bing Zi, Yi You, Bing Xu; Great Destiny: Ding Chou, Wu Yin, Ji Mao, Geng Chen, Xin Si, Ren Wu. The wood of Yi was born in the middle of winter, in the month of Zi. Although it is in the position of water's strength and wood's growth, it is still a withered tree in winter, not flourishing. The branches of Shen, You, and Xu form the western metal energy, allowing wealth and killing stars to dominate. Fortunately, there are two Bing fire stars visible, so the metal is not cold and the water is not frozen. The cold wood is able to receive warmth, which is exactly the meaning of "the child saves the mother." This person is generous in nature, though engaged in business, his demeanor is different from the common. He has established a fortune worth over ten ten-thousand units. The reason he is not favorable for academic pursuits is due to Xu soil generating metal to assist the killing stars, and also disrupting the seal (water) star.

丙辰、乙未、壬辰、甲辰；丙申、丁酉、戊戌、己亥、庚子、辛丑、壬寅、癸卯。壬水生於季夏，休囚之地，喜其三逢辰支，通根身庫，辰土能蓄水養木，甲乙並透，通根制土，兒能生母。微嫌丙火洩木生土，功名不過一衿；妙在中晚運走東北水木之地，捐出納出仕，位至藩臬，富有百餘萬。

Four pillars: Bingchen, Yiwei, Renchen, Jiachen; great years: Bingshen, Dingyou, Wuxu, Jihai, Gengzi, Xinchou, Rennyin, Guimao. The壬water is born in the late summer month of Wei, which is a place where it is weak and confined; however, it is fortunate that the earth branches have three instances of Chen soil, allowing the day's main element to have its roots in the water reservoir. The Chen soil can both store water and nourish wood. The甲and乙wood are both visible and have their roots, thus controlling the earth, which is called 'the child can nourish the mother'. It is slightly regrettable that the year's dry branch, Bing fire, drains the wood and generates earth, so the achievements in fame are only that of a scholar. The good point is that in middle age and old age, the great years move towards the northeast, which is a land of water and wood. By means of donations and recommendations, he enters officialdom, attains positions such as the Minister of Revenue and the Inspector General, and accumulates wealth of over a hundred thousand.

癸卯、乙卯、己卯、辛未；甲寅、癸丑、壬子、辛亥、庚戌、己酉。己土生於仲春，四殺當令，日元虛脫極矣，還喜溼土能生木，不愁木盛，若戊土必不支矣。更妙未土，通根有餘，足以用辛金制殺，兒能生母。至癸酉年，辛金得祿，中鄉榜，庚戌出仕縣令。所嫌者，年干癸水，生木洩金，仕路不顯，宦囊如洗。為官清介，人品端方。

Four pillars: Guimao, Yimao, Jimao, Xinhui; major years: Jiayin, Guichou, Renzi, Xinhai, Gengxu, Jiyou. The day stem Ji earth is born in the middle of spring, with four killing forces (Yi wood and three Mao branches) in command, making the day stem extremely weak. Fortunately, Ji earth is a moist earth, capable of containing wood and nurturing wood, so it is not afraid of strong wood. If it were Wu earth instead, it would not be able to support itself. Even better is the hour branch Xun earth, which allows the day stem to have a root and sufficient strength, enabling it to use the hour stem Xinhui metal to control the killing forces. This is exactly "the son can nourish the mother." In the year Guichou, Xinhui metal gets its strength, and he passed the imperial examination. In the Gengxu period, he was appointed as county magistrate. However, the year stem Gu water nourishes wood and drains metal, harming the Xinhui metal, which is the son that saves the mother. Therefore, his official career was not prominent, and his treasury was empty. But he was honest and upright in office, with a decent character.

原注：木母也，火子也，太旺謂之慈母，反使火熾百焚滅，是謂滅子。火土金水亦如之。任氏曰：母慈滅子之理，與君賴臥生之意相似也，細究這，均是印旺，其關異者，君賴臣生，局中印綬雖旺，柱中財星有氣，可用財破印也。母慈滅了。縱有財星無氣，未可以財星破印也。只得順母之性，助其子也。歲運仍行比劫之地，庶母慈而子安；一見財星食傷之類，逆母之性，無生育之意，災咎必不免矣。

The original commentary says: Wood is the mother, fire is the son; when the mother is too strong, it is called "慈母" (a compassionate mother), which causes the fire to become excessively strong and eventually burn itself out, which is called "灭子" (extinguishing the son). The same principle applies to the four other elements, fire, earth, metal, and water. Ren Shi explains: the principle of "mother's compassion extinguishing the son" is similar to the meaning of "the ruler relies on the minister for survival." Upon closer examination, both are cases of strong印 (nourishing element). The key difference lies in the fact that in the case of "the ruler relies on the minister for survival," although the印 is strong, there is some strength in the财 (wealth element) in the chart, so the wealth element can be used to overcome the印. In the case of "mother's compassion extinguishing the son," even if there is a财 element, it lacks strength and cannot be used to overcome the印. Therefore, one must follow the nature of the mother (印) and help her son (the day master). The year and ten-thousand-year cycles still need to be in the realm of 比劫 (same elements) to achieve a situation where the mother is compassionate and the son is secure. If one encounters the财 element or 食伤 (food and injury) elements, it goes against the mother's nature, losing the meaning of continuation and reproduction, and disasters and misfortunes are inevitably unavoidable.

癸卯、甲寅、丁卯、甲辰；癸丑、壬子、辛亥、庚戌、己酉、戊申、丁未、丙午。此造俗謂殺印相生，身強殺淺，金水運名利雙收，不知癸水之氣，盡歸甲木，地支寅、卯、辰全，木多火熄，初運癸丑壬子，生木克火，刑傷破耗；辛亥、庚戌、巳酉、戊申，土生金旺，觸卯木之旺神，顛沛異常，夫存生之地，是以六旬以前，一事無成。丁未運助起日元，順母這性，得際遇，娶妾連生兩子；及丙午二十年，發財數萬，壽至九旬外。

Four pillars: Guimao, Jiayin, Dingmao, Jiachen; Great Years: Guichou, Renzi, Xinhai, Gengxu, Jiyou, Wushen, Dingwei, Bingwu. This fortune is commonly interpreted by ordinary diviners as a situation where the killing star and the printing star mutually generate, and the body is strong with a weak killing star. Walking through the metal and water years can bring both fame and fortune. However, they fail to realize that the qi of Guiwater has already been fully absorbed by Jiawood. The earth branches of寅,卯, and辰 are all present, so there is an excess of wood which suppresses the fire. In the early years of Guichou and Renzi, the wood is generated and the fire is harmed, leading to injuries, losses, and disruptions. In the subsequent years of Xinhai, Gengxu, Jiyou, and Wushen, the earth generates the metal and the metal becomes strong, which activates the strong wood of卯, causing instability and hardship, making the person different from ordinary people and almost without a place to stay, so nothing is achieved before the age of sixty. In the year of Dingwei, the day stem is supported, which follows the nature of the mother (wood), and the person meets opportunities, marries a concubine, and has two sons consecutively. In the twenty years of Bingwu, the person becomes wealthy with tens of thousands of taels and lives to be over ninety.

戊戌、丙辰、辛丑、戊戌；丁巳、戊午、己未、庚申、辛酉、壬戌。辛金生季春，四柱皆土，丙火官星，元神洩盡，土重金坦，母多滅子。初運火土，刑喪破敗，蕩焉無存；一交庚申，助起日元，順母之性，大得際遇；及辛酉，拱保辰丑，捐納出仕；壬戌運，土又得地，詿誤落職。

Four Pillars: Wuxu, Bingchen, Xinchou, Wuxu; Great Years: Dingsi, Wuwu, Jiwei, Gengshen, Xinyou, Renxu. The辛 metal is born in the third month of spring, the third month being the辰 month. The Four Pillars are full of earth, and the丙 fire official star's origin god is completely drained by the earth. The earth is heavy and the metal is buried, which is exactly the saying 'too many mothers will destroy the child'. In the early years, the fire and earth are in operation, causing injuries, losses, and complete ruin, leaving the family's business in ruins. When the Gengshen Great Year begins, it supports the day stem, harmonizes with the earth's nature, and brings great opportunities. In the Xinyou Great Year, it forms an alliance with the辰 and丑, leading to official positions through donations. In the Renxu Great Year, the earth gains strength again, and the Xuxu is a dry earth that further buries the metal, resulting in losing office due to official matters.

丙戌、戊戌、辛丑、戊戌；己亥、庚子、辛丑、壬寅、癸卯、甲辰。此與前只換一戌字，因初己亥、庚子、辛丑金水，丑土養金，出身富貴，辛運加捐；一交壬運，水木齊來，犯母之性，彼以土重逢木必佳，強為出仕，犯事落職。

Four pillars: Bingxu, Wuxu, Xinchou, Wuxu; great years: Jihai, Gengzi, Xinchou, RENYIN, GUIMA, JIACHEN. This chart differs from the previous one only by the replacement of one "Xu." In the early great years, Jihai, Gengzi, and Xinchou, which are metal and water, are favorable, and the Chou earth can nourish metal, so the person was born into wealth and status. During the XIN year, he obtained an official position through donations. However, when the REN year came, water and wood arrived together, which offended the earth (mother). He mistakenly thought that heavy earth with wood was a good combination, and he forced himself into officialdom, resulting in a crime and losing his position.

壬子、壬寅、甲子、壬申；癸卯、甲辰、乙巳、丙午、丁未、戊申。此俗論木生孟春，時殺獨清。許其名高祿重，不知春初嫩木，氣又寒凝，不能納水；時支申金，乃壬水生地，又子申拱水，乃母多滅子也。惜運無木助，逢火運與水戰，猶恐名利無成也。初行癸卯甲辰，東方木地，順母助子，廕庇大好；一交乙巳，運轉南方，父母並亡，財散人離；丙行水火交戰，家業破盡而逝。

Four pillars: Renshi, Renyin, Jiazi, Renshen; Great years: Guimao, Jiachen, Yisi, Bingwu, Dingwei, Wushen. This case is commonly interpreted by ordinary masters as wood being born in the beginning of spring, with the seventh killer in the hour position alone being clear, allowing it to achieve high fame and great fortune. However, they do not realize that the tender wood in early spring is still cold and lacks the strength to hold so much water. The hour branch, Shen metal, is actually the place where Renshi water is born. Shen and Zi form a water trine, which is called 'too many mothers will destroy the child'. Unfortunately, the person's journey has not had wood to help, and when encountering fire years, water and fire fight each other, making it difficult to achieve fame and fortune. At first, the journey of Guimao and Jiachen is in the eastern wood direction, following the mother and helping the child, receiving the blessings of parents, which is very good. But when entering the Yisi journey, which is the southern direction, both parents die, wealth is scattered, and people are separated. In the Bingwu journey, water and fire fight each other, leading to the destruction of the family business and death.

原注：木是夫也，土是妻也。木雖蛙，土能生金而克木。是謂夫健而怕妻。火土金水和之，其有水逢烈火而生土，之逢寒金而生水。水生金者，潤地之燥；火生木者，解天之凍。火楚木而水竭，土滲水而木枯皆反局，學得須細詳其玄妙。

The original commentary says: Wood is the husband, and Earth is the wife. Although Wood is strong, Earth can generate Metal, and Metal in turn restrains Wood, which is called "the husband is strong but fears the wife." Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water each follow a similar pattern. There are cases where Water meets fierce Fire and instead generates Earth, or Fire meets cold Metal and instead generates Water. Water can generate Metal because it moistens the dry Earth; Fire can generate Wood because it thaws the frozen season. When Fire burns Wood and Water dries up, or when Earth absorbs Water and Wood withers, these are considered reverse situations. Scholars must carefully examine the subtle intricacies involved.

任氏曰：木是夫也，土是妻也。木旺土多，無金不怕，一見庚申辛酉字，金克木，是謂夫健而所妻也。歲運逢金，亦同此論。如甲寅乙卯日元，是謂夫健，四柱多土，局內又有金，或甲日寅月，乙日卯月，年時土多，干透庚辛之金。所謂夫健怕妻，如木無氣而土重，即不見金。夫衰妻旺，亦是怕妻，五行皆同此論。

Ren Shi explained: Wood is the husband, and Earth is the wife. If Wood is strong and Earth is abundant, as long as there is no metal, it is not a problem. However, once there is a presence of the characters Geng, Shen, Xin, or You, Earth generates Metal, and Metal turns torestrain Wood, which is called "the husband is strong and fears the wife." When the year or the ten-thousand-year cycle meets Metal, the same principle applies. For example, if the day stem is Jiayin or Yimao, it is called "the husband is strong." If the four pillars have abundant Earth and the chart contains Metal, or if someone born on the day of Ji (甲) in the month of Yin (寅) or on the day of Ji (乙) in the month of Mao (卯), and the year and hour pillars have abundant Earth with Metal appearing in the heavenly stem, these are all cases of "the husband is strong and fears the wife." If Wood itself is weak and Earth is strong, even without Metal, it is considered "the husband is weak and the wife is strong," which is also regarded as "fearing the wife." Each of the Five Phases follows this principle accordingly.

其有水生土得，制火之烈；火生水者，敵金之寒；水生金者，潤土之燥；火生木者，解水之凍。火旺逢燥土而水竭，火能克水矣；土燥遇金重而水滲，土能克木矣；金重見水泛而木枯，金能克木矣；水狂得木盛而火熄，水能克土矣；木眾逢火烈而土焦，木能克金矣。此皆五行顛倒之深機，故謂反局，學者宜細詳玄妙之理。命學之微奧，其盡洩於此矣。

Among these, water can generate earth because it controls the intensity of fire; fire can generate water because it resists the coldness of metal; water can generate metal because it moistens the dry earth; fire can generate wood because it thaws frozen water. When fire is strong and meets dry earth, water dries up, showing that fire can overcome water; when dry earth meets heavy metal, water leaks away, showing that earth can overcome wood; when heavy metal meets abundant water, wood withers, showing that metal can overcome wood; when water is rampant and wood is strong, fire is extinguished, showing that water can overcome earth; when wood is numerous and fire is fierce, earth cracks, showing that wood can overcome metal. These are the profound mechanisms of the Five Phases where the usual relationships are reversed, so they are called 'reverse patterns'. Scholars should carefully examine the subtle principles within—this is the essence and profound mystery of命学, and here it is fully revealed.

己亥、戊辰、甲寅、辛未；丁卯、丙寅、乙丑、甲子、癸亥、壬戌。甲寅日元，生於季春。四柱土多，時透辛金，土生金，金克木謂夫健怕妻。初運木火，去其土金，早游泮水，連登科甲；甲子癸亥，印旺逢生，日元足以任其財官，仕路超騰。

Four Pillars: Jihai, Wuchen, Jiayin, Xinwei; Great Destiny: Dingmao, Bingyin, Yichou, Jiayin, Guihai, Renxu. The day stem Jiayin was born in the third month of spring, in the month of Chen (Earth), and the Four Pillars have a lot of earth. The hour stem also reveals Xin metal. Earth produces metal, and metal then restrains wood, which is called "the husband is strong and fears the wife." In the early years, the destiny traveled through wood and fire, removing the earth and metal, and he entered the county school early, consecutively passing the imperial examination as a juren and then as a jinshi. In the years of Guihai and Jiayin, the water of the official star (ink star) was strong and received support, allowing the day stem to have strength to bear the wealth and official positions, leading to a rapid rise in his official career.

己巳、戊辰、甲子、辛未；丁卯、丙寅、乙丑、甲子、癸亥、壬戌。甲木生於季春，木有餘氣，坐下印綬，中和之象；財星重疊當令，時透官星，土旺生金，夫健怕妻。初運木火，去其土金，早年入泮，科甲連登。仕路不能顯秩者，只因土之病也。前造有亥，又坐祿，支更健於此，此則子未相穿壞印，彼則寅能制土護印也。

Four pillars: Ji Si, Wu Chen, Jia Zi, Xin Wei; Great Destiny: Ding Mao, Bing Yin, Yi Chou, Jia Zi, Gui Hai, Ren Xu. The Jia wood is born in the third month of spring, the season of Chen, so the wood still has some remaining strength. The day's main element is seated on Zi water, which is the official star, forming a harmonious and balanced situation. However, the wealth star (earth) is heavy and dominant, and the official star (Xin metal) appears on the heavenly stem of the hour. The strong earth generates metal, which is referred to as 'the husband is strong and fears the wife'. In the early years of destiny, the path of wood and fire removes the earth and metal, allowing him to enter the county school early and achieve success in the imperial examinations consecutively. In his official career, he cannot rise to a prominent position because earth is his illness. In the previous destiny, the year branch had Hai and the day's main element was seated on寅禄, making the branches stronger than this destiny. In this destiny, Zi and Wei clash, damaging the official star, while in the previous destiny, the寅 wood could control the earth and protect the official star.

乙亥、辛巳、丁巳、庚戌；庚辰、乙卯、戊寅、丁丑、丙子、乙亥。戴尚書造。丁巳日元，生於孟夏，月時兩透庚辛，地支又逢生助，巳亥逢沖，去火存金，夫健怕妻。喜其運走東方木地，助印扶身，大魁天下，宦海無波；一交子運，兩巳愛制，不祿。

Four pillars: Yihai, Xinsi, Dingsi, Gengxu; major years: Gengchen, Yimao, Wuyin, Dingsi, Bingzi, Yihai. This is the birth chart of Dai Shushang. The day stem Dingsi was born in the early summer month of Si, with the month stem and hour stem both revealing Geng and Xing metal. The earth branch Wu earth also supports and strengthens the metal. The Si and Hai branches clash, removing the fire and leaving the metal. This is exactly "the husband is strong and fears the wife." Fortunately, the major years proceed through the eastern wood direction, assisting the printing and supporting the body, thus achieving high success in the imperial examination, ranking first in the country, and enjoying a smooth career in officialdom. However, upon entering the Zi major year, the two Si fires are restrained, leading to his death.

癸亥、甲子、戊戌、癸丑；癸亥、壬戌、辛酉、庚申、己未、戊午。戊戌日元，生於子月亥年，月透甲木逢生，水生木，木克土，夫健怕妻，最喜坐下戌之燥土，中藏丁火印綬，財雖旺，不能破印，所謂「玄機暗裡存」也。第嫌支類北方，財勢太旺，物極必反，雖位至方伯，宦資不豐。

Four Pillars: Guihai, Jiazi, Wuxu, Guichou; Grand Destiny: Guihai, Renxu, Xinyou, Gengshen, Jiwei, Wuwu. The day stem Wuwu is born in the month of Zi and year of Hai. The month stem Jia Wood is revealed and is supported by water, which nourishes wood, and wood then restrains earth. This is called 'the husband is strong but the wife is afraid'. It is most favorable that the day stem sits on Wu, a dry earth, which contains Ding Fire as the official. Although wealth (water) is strong, it does not break the official, which is exactly what is meant by 'the secret is hidden'. However, it is regrettable that the branches Hai, Zi, and Chou form the Northern Water trinity, making the wealth too strong, leading to an excess that inevitably leads to a reversal. Therefore, although he reaches the rank of a provincial governor, his treasury is not abundant.

癸亥、癸亥、戊午、甲寅；壬戌、辛酉、庚申、己未、戊午、丁巳。倉提督造。戊午日元，生於亥月亥年，時逢甲寅殺旺，財殺肆逞，財星足以破印，以致難就書香。幸而寅拱午印，克處逢生，以殺化印，所以武職超群。

Four Pillars: Guihai, Guihai, Wuwu, Jiayin; Grand Destiny: Renxu, Xinyou, Gengshen, Jiwei, Wuwu, Dingsi. This is the birth chart of Cang the Commander. The day stem Wuwu is born in the month and year of Hai, with the time stem Jiayin, which brings the seven killing stars in full strength. The wealth and killing stars are strong and unrestrained, and the wealth star is sufficient to destroy the intelligence star, making it difficult to pursue the path of scholarly examination. Fortunately, Yin and Wu form a mutual support, helping to generate the Ding fire intelligence star within Wu. This is a situation where a restriction is met with support, transforming the seven killing stars into a source of the intelligence star. Therefore, he excels in military positions.

任氏曰：予觀夫健怕妻之命，頗多貴顯著，少究其理，重在一「健」字之妙也。如主日主不健，為財多身弱，終身困苦矣。夫健所妻，怕而不怕，倡隨之理然也。運遇生旺扶身之地，自然出人頭地。若夫不健而怕妻，妻必恣性越理。男牽欲而失其剛，婦貪悅而忘其順，豈能富貴乎？

Ren Shi also said: I have observed many prosperous and distinguished people among those with the destiny pattern of "the husband is strong but fears his wife." Upon further examination, the key lies in the character "strong." If the day master himself is not strong, then it becomes a case of excessive wealth but weak body, leading to a lifetime of hardship. When the husband is strong but fears his wife, it is a fear that is not real, which actually conforms to the principle of harmony between husband and wife. When the fortune encounters a period of birth and strength that supports the body, one naturally rises above others. However, if the husband is not strong and fears his wife, the wife will certainly act recklessly and go beyond normal bounds: the man is led by desire and loses his strength, while the woman seeks pleasure and forgets her gentleness. How could such a situation lead to wealth and honor?