On the Two Boundaries of Mountains and Rivers

按：唐一行以天下山河之象存乎兩戒。北戒自三危、積石，負終南地絡之陰，東及太華，逾河，並雷首、底柱、王屋、太行，北抵常山之右，乃東循塞垣，至濊貊、朝鮮，是謂北紀，所以限戎狄也。

According to the Tang dynasty monk Yixing, the forms of mountains and rivers throughout the world are contained within the northern and southern "two boundaries." The northern boundary begins at Sanwei Mountain and Jishe Mountain, runs along the northern side of the Zhongnan Mountains' terrain, proceeds eastward to Taishan Mountain, crosses the Yellow River, connects to Leishou Mountain, Dizhu Mountain, Wangwu Mountain, and Taixing Mountain, then goes north to the right side of Changshan Mountain, and continues east along the Great Wall's fortifications until it reaches the Huimo and Chosun regions. This section is called the "Northern Record," and it serves to demarcate the boundary of the Rongdi tribes.

南戒自岷山、嶓冡，負地絡之陽，東及太華，連商山、熊耳、外方、桐柏，自上洛南逾江、漢，攜武當、荊山，至於衡陽，乃東循嶺徼，達東甌、閩中，是謂南紀，所以限蠻夷也。故《星經》謂“北戒為‘胡門’，南戒為‘越門’。”

"The 'Southern Boundary' starts from Mount Min and Mount Bozhong, runs along the southern side of the Earth's meridian, and goes eastward to Mount Taihua, connecting with Mount Shang, Mount Xiong'er, Mount Waifang, and Mount Taoping. From Shangluo, it proceeds southward across the Yangtze River and Han River, including Mount Wudang and Mount Jing, all the way to Hengyang. Then it continues eastward along the borders of the Wuling Mountains to reach the eastern regions of Dong Ou and Minzhong. This route is called the 'Southern Record,' used to demarcate the boundary between the Huaxia and the southern barbarians. Therefore, the Star Classic states, 'The Northern Boundary is the 'Hu Gate,' and the Southern Boundary is the 'Yue Gate.'"

河源自北紀之首，循雍州北徼，達華陰，而地絡相會，並行而東，至太行之曲，分而東流，與涇、渭、濟瀆相為表裡，謂之“北河”。江源自南紀之首，循梁州南徼，達華陽，而與地絡相會，並行而東，及荊山之陽，分而東流，與漢水、淮瀆相為表裡，謂之“南河”。

The source of the Yellow River begins at the start of "North Ji," flowing along the northern border of Youzhou, reaching Hua Yin, where it meets the terrestrial meridian, then flows eastward together. It reaches the bend of the Taihang Mountains, splitting off to flow eastward, intermingling with the Jing River and Wei River as well as the Ji River, and this section is called "North River." The source of the Yangtze River begins at the start of "South Ji," flowing along the southern border of Liangzhou, reaching Huayang, where it meets the terrestrial meridian, then flows eastward together. It reaches the southern side of Jing Mountain, splitting off to flow eastward, intermingling with the Han River and Huai River, and this section is called "South River."

故於天象則弘農分陜為西河之會，五服諸侯在焉。自陜而西為溱涼。北紀山河之曲為晉、代，南紀山河之曲為巴、蜀。皆負險用武之國也。自陜而東，三川、中嶽用為成周。西距外方、大伾，北至於濟，南至於淮，東達鉅野，為宋、陳、鄭、蔡。河內及濟水之陽為都、衛；漢東濱淮水之陰為東隨。皆四戰用文之國也。

Therefore, in terms of celestial regions, the areas of Hongnong and Shangdi are where the western river meets, and the feudal states of the five ranks are located there. To the west of Shangdi is Qin and Liang; to the north, where the mountain rivers bend, is Jin and Dai, and to the south, where the mountain rivers bend, is Ba and Shu—these are all regions relying on natural fortifications and established by military strength. To the east of Shangdi, the area around San川 and Zhongyue becomes Chengzhou; to the west reaches Wafang Mountain and Da Pi Mountain, to the north reaches Ji River, to the south reaches Huai River, and to the east reaches Juyě—this area includes Song, Chen, Zheng, and Cai; within the Yellow River and north of Ji River is Yu and Wei, while east of Han River and south of Huai River is Dong Su—these are all regions surrounded on all sides and established by cultural virtue.

北紀之東，至北河之北，為邢、趙。南紀之東，至河南之南，為荊、楚。自北河下流，南距岱山，為三齊，夾右碣石為北燕。自南河下流，北距岱山，為鄒、魯。南渉江、淮，為吳、越。皆負海之國，貨殖之所阜也。自河源循塞垣北，東及海，為戎狄。自江源循嶺徼南，東及海，為蠻越。觀兩河之象，與雲漢之所終始，而分野可知矣。

To the east of the Northern River and extending north to the Northern Sea, there are Xing and Zhao; to the east of the Southern River and extending south to the south of the Yellow River, there are Jing and Chu. Starting from the lower reaches of the Northern River and extending south to Mount Tai, there is San Qi; to the right of which lies Beiyan, bordered by Jieshi. Starting from the lower reaches of the Southern River and extending north to Mount Tai, there are Zou and Lu; further south across the Yangtze and Huai River, there are Wu and Yue—these are all countries backed by the sea, places where commerce and wealth flourish. Following the source of the Yellow River along the frontier to the north and east to the sea, there are the Rongdi; following the source of the Yangtze River along the Wuling Mountains to the south and east to the sea, there are the Man Yue. Observing the forms of the Northern and Southern Rivers and the positions where the Milky Way begins and ends, one can determine the celestial regions to which each area belongs.

朱子曰：天下有三處大水，曰黃河，曰長江，曰鴨緑江。今以輿圖考之，長江與南海夾南條，盡於東南海。黃河與長江夾中條，盡於東海。黃河與鴨緑江夾北條，盡於遼海。按：鴨緑江，近時使朝鮮諸臣至其地見之。回，謂其源甚短淺，必別有一水來送北幹。然荒溟莫之能考矣。

Zhu Xi said: The world has three great rivers, namely the Yellow River, the Yangtze River, and the Yalu River. Now checking the map: the Yangtze River and the South Sea enclose the "South Dragon" main river, ending at the Southeast Sea; the Yellow River and the Yangtze River enclose the "Middle Dragon" main river, ending at the East Sea; the Yellow River and the Yalu River enclose the "North Dragon" main river, ending at the Liaodong Sea. Note: The Yalu River, as reported by officials who have recently visited there, is very short and shallow. Therefore, there must be another river to supply the North Dragon. However, that area is remote and vague, making it impossible to investigate further.

此則自其水原極遠者言之耳。若其分幹之條猶多，難以盡舉。如以江淮河漢四瀆論，則中幹又自分三條。大扺河源極長，江次之，淮漢又次之。故有三條四列之說，不過概論其大而已。

The above discussion refers only to the main sources of water. If we consider the branches and stems that branch out, there are many more, which cannot all be listed. For example, taking the four great rivers—Yangtze River, Huai River, Yellow River, and Han River—each main dragon line itself divides into three branches. Generally speaking, the Yellow River has the longest source, followed by the Yangtze River, then the Huai River and Han River. Therefore, there is a saying of "three branches and four lines," which is merely a general description of the overall trend.

按廖氏金璧玄文云：“大江以南之龍，其脈起自岷山在茂州岷山縣。遶行向西，自西而南，至雲南之境，又東趨夜郎，踰桂嶺，至零陵，為九疑山，入桂連。”《撼龍經》云“五嶺分星入桂連”是也。過大庚嶺，出南雄山汀，從邵武抵信走徽，東行為天目。

According to Liao's "Jinbi Xuanwen," the dragon vein in southern China flows from Mount Minshan (in Miao County, Maoshui Prefecture), winds westward, then turns southward into Yunnan Province, proceeds eastward toward Yelang, crosses Guilin Ridge, and becomes Jiuyi Mountain in Lingling, entering Guyang and Lianzhou. Yang Yunsong's "Hanging Dragon Classic" mentions "Five Ridges divide the stars entering Guizhou and Lianzhou," referring to this same section. It passes through Dayu Ridge, emerges in Nanxiong and Tingzhou areas, reaches Shaowu, then proceeds to Xinzhou and moves toward Huizhou, eventually turning eastward to become Tianmu Mountain.

一枝為錢塘。《經》云“一枝分送入海門”凡稱經者，即楊公三龍經。後仿此，又云“海門旺氣連閩粵，南隴支龍交相纏。此是海門南脈絡，貨財文武交相錯”是也。一枝為建康今南京應天府，盡江陰。《經》云“幹龍盡在江陰濱”是也。一枝逆長江盡鄱湖。其水源，自蜀岷山至於九江，會彭蠡，下而過秣陵，出京口，以入於海。

One branch became Qiantang. The Classic of Shaking the Dragon says, "A branch flows into the sea gate" (Whenever the term "Classic" is mentioned, it refers to Yang Yunsong's three Dragon Classics, and the following references will be to the same), and also says, "The sea gate's prosperous energy connects Fujian and Guangdong, the southern branch of the dragon intertwines with the southern ridge. This is the southern ridge of the sea gate, where wealth, military power, literature, and culture intersect," referring to this branch. Another branch became Jiankang (now Nanjing, Yingtianfu), and it stops at Jiangyin. The Classic says, "The dragon's ridge ends at Jiangyin's shore," referring to this. There is another branch that flows upstream along the Yangtze River, stopping at Poyang Lake. The water sources in this area flow from the Min Mountains in Sichuan to Jiujiang, where they meet the waters of Poyang Lake, then flow past Moling, exit through Jingkou, and flow into the sea.

大河以南，大江以北，乃中條幹龍。其脈起自西傾在洮州臨草縣，行隴右，《經》云“山來龍右尖如削，盡是貪狼更高卓”是也。過鳯翔，《經》云“行行退卻大散關在鳯翔府寳雞縣，百二山河在此間。大纏大護到函谷在宏農縣，水遶黃河如玦環”是也。為長安。

The central dragon runs through the area south of the Yellow River and north of the Yangtze River. Its ridge originates from the Xiqing Mountains (located in LinTan County, Taozhou), passes through Longyou, and as described in The Classic of Shaking the Dragon, "the dragon comes with a sharp tip on the right like a knife, entirely representing the greedy wolf, which is the highest and most prominent," refers to this section. It then proceeds through Fengxiang, where the Classic says, "proceeding step by step, retreating past the Dashanguan (located in Baoji County, Fengxiang Prefecture), the hundred and two mountains and rivers lie within this area. Great encircling and protection reach Hangu (located in Hongnong County), with water winding around the Yellow River like a jade ring," which describes exactly this region. Further down, it becomes Chang'an.

一枝出熊耳在高州，《經》云“低平漸漸出熊耳，萬里平洋漸如砥”是也。為嵩嶽，為汴，《經》云“大梁形勢亦無山，到此尋龍何處是？若無河流與淮水，渺渺茫茫不見山”是也。此處脈亂於河，《經》云“河流沖決山斷絶，又無石骨又無脈。君若到彼說星峰，一句不容三寸舌”是也。

Among them, one branch originates from Xiong'er Mountain (in Guo State), and the Classic says, "Gradually emerging from Xiong'er, a vast plain stretches for ten thousand li, gradually level as a grindstone," referring to this. It then becomes Song Mountain and eventually reaches Bianliang. The Classic states, "The terrain of Daliang has no mountains, where can one seek the dragon's body? Without the Yellow River and Huai River, the landscape is vast and indistinct without mountains," describing this area. The dragon line here is disrupted by the Yellow River. The Classic says, "The river's flood cuts off the mountains, neither stone bones nor mountain veins exist. If you go there to talk about star-shaped peaks, not even three inches of tongue can utter a word," precisely describing this place.

出兗為泰嶽，《經》云“黃河在北大江南，兩水夾行勢不絶。行到魯齊忽起峰，兗州東嶽揷天雄。分枝擘脈鍾靈氣，聖賢多在魯邦中”是也。一枝盡於滄棣，一枝盡於登萊。其水源則濟水出綘州垣曲縣，至孟州溫縣入河。復出河之南，溢而為滎。又東北，至於青州入海。自宋元以來，河水穿淮，黃河故道淤，而東嶽泰山今在河北矣。

The area around Yanzhou became the eastern mountain, Mount Tai. The classic text says, "The Yellow River flows to the north of the Yangtze River, with the two rivers enclosing a continuous course. When reaching Lu and Qi, peaks suddenly rise, with Mount Tai in eastern Yanzhou piercing the sky with its might. Branches and veins spread out, concentrating spiritual energy, and many sages and virtuous men are found in the state of Lu." This describes the region. Another branch ends at Cangzhou and Dizhou, while another ends at Dengzhou and Laihou. The water sources in this area come from the Ji River, which originates in Jiaoguan County, Juanshui County, Jiusong, flows into the Yellow River at Wenchuan County, Mengzhou, then rises again on the southern bank of the Yellow River, overflowing to form Xingze Lake, and flows northeast to Qizhou to enter the sea. Since the Song and Yuan dynasties, the Yellow River has taken the course of the Huai River, causing the old Yellow River channel to silt up. Therefore, Mount Tai, the eastern mountain, is now located to the north of the Yellow River.

又一枝自嶓冡西行湄州、漢水之間，出武闗，由裕過唐，抵信陽，行淮水之南，趨廬，行淮水之東，為揚，盡於通。其水源，漢水出嶓冡，至漢陽縣入江。淮水出桐柏山在唐州桐柏縣，至淮安入海。此中幹分而為二，故曰三條四列。

Another branch flows westward from the Baozhong Mountain, passing between Meizhou and the Han River, exiting the Wuguan Pass, passing through Yuzhou and Tangzhou, arriving at Xinyang, then proceeding south along the Huai River to Luzhou, and then continuing east along the Huai River to become the Yangzhou, finally ending at Tongzhou. The water sources in this area: the Han River originates from Baozhong Mountain and flows into the Yangtze River at Hanshanyang; the Huai River originates from the Taoping Mountain (in Tangzhou Taoping County) and flows into the sea at Huainan. This is the reason why the central dragon divides into two branches, hence it is said, "three lines and four rows."

大河以北之龍，其脈起自崑崙。《經》云“崑崙山腳出闐顏闐音田，西戎國名，只只都是破軍山。連綿走入瀚海北北海名，風俗強悍人粗頑。生兒五歲學騎射，骨鯁方剛是此間”是也。至白登山名，在大同府白登縣，西一枝為壺口在隰州吉鄉縣、太嶽在晉州霍邑。

The dragon of the Yellow River to the north originates from Kunlun Mountain. The Classic of Shaking the Dragon says, "At the foot of Kunlun Mountain lies Tianyan (Tian is read as Tian, a Western Rong state), where all the mountains are broken by the military mountain. They continue in a connected manner into the northern sea (the Northern Sea), where the customs are strong and the people are rough and stubborn. Children learn to ride and shoot at the age of five, and their bones are stiff and strong, which is the nature of this region." This describes exactly this section. It reaches Baoding Mountain (a mountain in Baitong County, Datong Prefecture), where a branch to the west becomes Hukou (located in Jixiang County, Xizhou) and Ta Yue (located in Huoyi County, Jinzhou).

次一枝南出為析城在澤州陽城縣、而又西折為雷首在河中府河中縣。又次一枝為太行在懐夢河內，北至幽州，九嶺綿亙一十二州之界，有八陘。又次一枝為恆山在定州曲陽縣。又次一枝為燕山，盡於平灤碣石山在平州廬縣。《經》云“若以幹龍論大盡，太行碣石至海堧 ”是也。其水源則汾水，出管州管涔山，至綘州入於海。

The second branch extends southward to become Xicheng Mountain (located in Yangcheng County, Zezhou), then turns westward to become Leishou Mountain (located in Hezhong Fu, Hezhong County). The third branch becomes Taixing Mountain (located in Heinni County, Huaiqing), extending northward to Youzhou, with nine mountain ranges spanning twelve states, and eight passes through which one can travel. The fourth branch becomes Hengshan Mountain (located in Quyang County, Dingshou), and the fifth branch becomes Yanshan Mountain, ending at Jieshi Mountain in Pingzhou and Luoniu County (located in Pingzhou). The Classic says, "If considering the dragon-like mountain ranges, Taixing and Jieshi reach the coastal area," referring to this region. The water source here is Fen River, originating from Guanzhou Guancen Mountain, flowing to Jiaozhou and then into the Yellow River and the sea.

以上中國諸山，皆始崑崙，分脈四列，以遍九州島。北條出河北，入雲中，過雁門、代郡，復回南而太原帝邱，循太行、恆山，派九河。東北渡遼海以入於海，為冀燕之分。中條出河南，自秦、隴、三輔入豐、沛、汾、晉，派伊、洛，東而淮泗，以入於海，為雍、豫、青、徐之分。南條出江南，自陜右分出西鄙，回巴蜀，踰荊衡，入黔中。東而匡阜，南極嶺。復東北，渡閩粵，跨三吳，自浙右以入於海。為梁、荊、揚之分。此三干之佈於九州島也。

The mountains mentioned above all originate from Kunlun and branch out into four major mountain ranges spreading across the Nine Provinces. The northern range starts in Hebei, enters Yunzhong, passes through Yanshan and Dajun, then turns south to reach Taiyuan and Diqu, following the Taihang Mountains and Hengshan Mountains, branching out into nine rivers; it then goes northeast across Liao Sea and enters the sea, belonging to the territories of Jizhou and Yandì. The central range originates in Henan, starting from Qin, Long, and Sanfu regions, entering Feng, Pei, Fen, and Jin, branching out into Yi River and Luo River, then heading east through Huai River and Si River to enter the sea, belonging to the territories of Yong, Yu, Qing, and Xu. The southern range originates in Jiangnan, branching out from Shaanxi's western part to the western frontier, circling around Bashu, crossing Jing Mountain and Heng Mountain, entering Qianzhong; it then goes east to Lu Mountain, south to the end of the Wu Mountains; then turns northeast, crossing Fujian and Guangdong, spanning Sanwu regions, entering the sea from the western part of Zhejiang, belonging to the territories of Liang, Jing, and Yang. This is the general distribution of the three major dragon mountains across the Nine Provinces.

三干之龍，中幹為最尊。次北幹，又次南幹。歷代以來，如漢高祖之泗上，漢光武之白水村，宋太祖之夾馬營，我太祖之鍾離鄉，我世宗肅皇帝之龍飛承天，皆在中幹。而唐虞之君，俱為北產。南幹至宋高宗南渡來，運氣方興，萃產朱子，為萬世儒宗。而邇來人物，東南頗多，其最長者為金陵，我國朝根本重地，太祖高皇帝龍興之畿也。

Among the three dragon lines, the central dragon line is the most esteemed, followed by the northern dragon line, and then the southern dragon line. Throughout history, emperors such as Han Gaozu emerged from the泗上 region, Han Guangwu from Bai Shui Village, Song Taizu from Jia Ma Camp, and our dynasty's Taizu from Zhong Li Town, while our dynasty's Shizong Suzhu Emperor ascended the throne from Cheng Tian. All these were from the central dragon line. The northern dragon line produced the two sage-kings Yao and Shun. The southern dragon line only began to flourish after the Southern Song Emperor Gaozong's southern migration, gathering energy to produce Zhu Xi, who became the ancestor of Confucian scholars for all generations; in recent times, people have been more numerous in the southeastern region. The longest and most significant formation of the southern dragon line is Jinling, which is our dynasty's fundamental stronghold and the core area where Taizu Emperor ascended the throne.

中幹之最長者盡東泰，翻身顧祖，東海外蕩，河江前回。萃產孔聖，及賢貴凝聚。宋末河徙，截其來脈者三，會通河復加截之，其力遂微。而中幹之旺氣乃萃於四州鳯陽。我皇朝熙祖仁祖二陵在焉。

The longest branch of the central trunk ends at Mount Taishan, the Eastern Peak. There it turns back and looks toward the ancestral mountain, while the East Sea ripples outside. The Yellow River and the Yangtze River flow in front and encircle the area. Here, the gathering of vital energy produced Confucius, and throughout history, virtuous men and noblemen have gathered here. In the late Song dynasty, the Yellow River changed its course, cutting off its source at three places. Later, the excavation of the Huaitong River added another cut, thus weakening its strength. As a result, the vital energy of the central trunk shifted to the areas around Suzhou and Fuyang. The tombs of two imperial ancestors, the Xizu and Renzu, are located there.

按王文祿《龍興慈記》云：“泗州有楊家墩，墩有窩。熙祖嘗臥其中，有二道士過，指臥處曰：‘若塟此，出天子。’其徒曰：‘何也？’曰：‘此地氣暖。試以枯枝栽之，十日必生葉。’告煕祖起曰：‘汝聞吾言乎？’熙祖佯睡。乃以枯枝揷之去。熙祖候之十日，果生葉。熙祖拔去，另以枯枝揷之。二道士復來。其徒曰：“葉何不生？”是時熙祖在傍，睨之。道士指曰：‘此必人拔去矣。’熙祖知不能隱。道士謂之曰：‘汝有福，歿後當塟此，出天子。’

According to Wang Wenlu's "Longxing Ci Ji," it is said that in Sizhou there was a Yang family mound, and on top of the mound there was a hollow. Xi Zu once lay inside it. Two Daoists passed by and pointed at his lying place, saying, "If someone were buried here, a prince would emerge." His apprentice asked, "Why is that?" The master replied, "The earth qi here is warm. Try inserting a dry branch into it; in ten days it will certainly sprout leaves." Then he told Xi Zu to get up and said, "Have you heard my words?" Xi Zu pretended to be asleep. The Daoist then inserted a dry branch and left. After ten days, the branch indeed sprouted leaves, so Xi Zu pulled it out and inserted another dry branch. The two Daoists came again, and the apprentice asked, "Why haven't the leaves grown?" At that time, Xi Zu was watching from the side, and the Daoist pointed and said, "This must be because someone pulled it out." Xi Zu knew he could not hide it anymore. The Daoist then told him, "You have good fortune; after your death, you should be buried here, and a prince will emerge."

熙祖語仁祖。後果得塟，塟后土自壅為墳。半載，陳太后孕太祖，皆言此墩有天子氣。仁祖徙鳯陽，生太祖於盱眙縣鍾離靈鄉，方圓丈許，至今不生草木。仁祖崩，太祖奉神柩至中途九龍崗，風雨大作，索斷，土自壅成墳。人言塟九龍頭上。”

Xizuo told this to Renzu. Later, they indeed buried him there, and after the burial, the soil rose on its own to form a mound. After half a year, Chen太后 became pregnant with Taizu. People said that this mound had the aura of a heavenly ruler. Renzu moved to Fengyang, and in the Zhongli Ling village of Xuyi county, he gave birth to Taizu. That area was about one zhang in size, and to this day, no grass or trees grow there. When Renzu died, Taizu was carrying the coffin halfway to the Jiulonggang. Suddenly, a storm came, the ropes broke, and the soil rose on its own to form a mound. People said that this was burying on the head of Jiulong.

按松江徐長谷大地圖云：“熙祖陵龍脈發自中條，王氣攸萃。前瀦水成湖作內明堂。淮河、黃河合襟作外明堂。淮上九峰揷天，為遠案。黃河西遶。元末，東開會通河復遶之，而聖祖生矣。”仁祖陵即吳景鸞獻宋室者。宋不能用，葢天留以待我皇朝之厚福無疆也，豈偶然哉？

According to Song Jiang Xu Changgu's "Great Map," the dragon pulse of the Xizuo Mausoleum originates from the Zhongtiao dry dragon, and the imperial aura converges there. In front of the mausoleum, accumulated water forms a lake, serving as the "inner bright hall"; the Huai River and the Yellow River converge to form the "outer bright hall"; nine peaks upstream of the Huai River rise up to the sky, forming distant "case mountains"; the Yellow River encircles from the west. In the late Yuan dynasty, a canal was dug to the east, adding another encirclement, thus enabling the birth of the saintly ancestor. The site of the Renzu Mausoleum was the one presented by Wu Jingluan to the Song imperial family. The Song dynasty did not have the fortune to enjoy it; perhaps heaven was preserving it for the endless great fortune of our dynasty. Is this not a coincidence?

北幹最長，為燕京，今京師也。朱子曰：“冀都是正天地中間，好個大風水。山脈從雲中發來。雲中正高脊處，自脊以西之水，則西流入於龍門、西河；自脊以東之水，則東流入於海。前面黃河環遶。右畔是華山聳立，為虎。自華來至中為嵩山，是為前案。遂過去為泰山，聳於左，是為龍。淮南諸山是第二重案，江南諸山及五嶺南安大庾嶺、桂陽騎田嶺、九眞都龐嶺、臨賀萌治嶺、治安越城嶺是也。又為第三四重案。”正謂此也。

The longest formation of the northern ridge is Yancheng, which is today's capital city. Zhu Xi said, "The Ji capital is exactly in the center of heaven and earth, possessing excellent fengshui. Mountains originate from the clouds, and the clouds represent the highest ridge; the water to the west of the ridge flows westward to Longmen and Xihexi, while the water to the east flows eastward to the sea. In front there is the Yellow River encircling it; on the right, the Hua Mountains stand tall, forming the 'White Tiger'; from the Hua Mountains to the center is the Song Mountains, forming the front 'case mountain'; beyond that is the Taishan Mountains, standing tall on the left, forming the 'Azure Dragon'. The mountains of Huainan form the second layer of case mountains; the mountains of Jiangnan and the five岭 (Nan' an Daguiling, Guiyang Qitieling, Jiuzhen Doupangling, Linhe Mengzhuling, and Shian Yu Chengling) form the third and fourth layers of case mountains." This is precisely referring to this place.

吳興唐子鎮以燕京為枝結，謂朱子所論冀都指作堯都，非也。彼葢未考舜分冀東為幽州，而幽燕古通稱冀耳。徜如所指，則朱子又何復曰“堯都中原，風水極佳，左河東太行諸山相繞，海島諸山亦皆相向”云云？此不待辨說而明矣。故邱文莊公《循義補》直以朱子所稱為今京師，誠確見也。其以燕京為枝結者，不為妄談乎？

Wuxing's Tang Zi town believes that Yanjing is merely a branch, saying that Zhu Xi's reference to Ji Du refers to Yao's capital, which is incorrect. He probably did not investigate thoroughly that Yu and Shun divided the eastern part of Ji State to establish Youzhou, and that Youyan was originally called Ji in ancient times. If it were truly as he suggested, then why did Zhu Xi also say separately that "Yao's capital was in the Central Plains, with excellent风水, the mountains on the left such as Hedong and Taixing surrounding it, and the islands' mountains all facing it"? This point does not need to be argued; it is clear. Therefore, Qiu Jun (Wen Zhuang Gong) in his "Supplement to the Great Learning" directly regarded Zhu Xi's Ji Du as today's capital, which is indeed an accurate view. To say that Yanjing is merely a branch, is it not sheer nonsense?

夫南幹正結為南畿，及我大祖高皇帝孝陵在焉。中幹正結為我熙祖泗州、仁祖鳯陽二陵。中結為我承天獻宗皇帝顯陵。北幹正結為今日京師暨天壽山昌平州列聖陵寢。三干之盡，惟我朝獨會其全。回視唐虞以來，或得正幹之一，或得分幹之一者，亦能衍數百年之基，則我皇朝三大干之全福力量，眞億萬斯年可預卜於茲也。草茅之士，躬逢其盛，寍不為聖朝之深慶哉。

The main convergence of the southern dragon is Nanjing's capital region, where the Xiaoling, the mausoleum of the High Emperor of our dynasty, is located. The main convergence of the central dragon is the Xizuo Mausoleum of the dynasty's Xizu and the Rinzuo Mausoleum of the Renzu, with the middle convergence being the Xianling, the mausoleum of the Chengtian Xianzong Emperor. The main convergence of the northern dragon is the present capital and the tombs of the various sage emperors on the Tianshoushan mountain in Changping County. Among the three dragon lines, only our dynasty has fully attained their convergence. Looking back to the time of the Yao and Yu emperors, some only obtained one convergence from the main dragon, and others only one from the branch dragons, yet they could still establish dynasties lasting hundreds of years. Therefore, our dynasty, having fully inherited the blessings of the three dragon lines, can truly predict an imperial lineage lasting for millions of years. As an ordinary person from the countryside, I have personally witnessed such a prosperous era, how could I not deeply rejoice for the holy dynasty?

此一冊専論天下古今帝都及星垣所合形勢。頋草茅之士何敢僭議及此？且非人子求風水者之事。但欲論地，必先識大幹龍。而大幹龍之所鍾，必天下大都會大垣局，亦君子所當知者，爰輯其大概於左。

This volume specifically discusses the imperial capitals of the world throughout ancient and modern times, as well as the forms that correspond with the celestial constellations. However, I, a mere commoner, how dare I presume to discuss such matters? Moreover, this is not something needed by those seeking风水 for their descendants. Nevertheless, to discuss geography, one must first understand the great dragon lines; and where these great dragon lines converge, there must certainly be the great capitals and grand celestial formations of the world. This is also something that the virtuous should know, so I have compiled the general situation below.

夫地理之大，莫先於建都立國。稽古之先哲王，將營都邑，罔不度其可居之地以審其吉凶。如公劉將居豳也，其《詩》曰：“於胥斯原”。太王將居岐也，其《詩》曰：“聿來胥宇。”武王將居鎬京，其《詩》曰：“宅是鎬京。”成王將營洛邑，《書》曰：“召公既相宅。”衛文公將營楚丘，其詩曰：“升虛望楚。”見於經者如此，則宅都誠不可不重也。

Among the greatest matters in geography, none is more important than establishing a capital and founding a state. When examining the wise ancient kings, those who planned to build a city always first measured suitable land to determine its auspiciousness. For example, when Gong Liu was about to settle in Bin, the Book of Songs, Gong Liu says, "Yu xu si yuan" (look at this plain); when Tai Wang was about to settle in Qi Mountain, the Book of Songs, Mian says, "Yu lai xu yu" (come and look at the dwelling place); when Wu Wang was about to settle in Haojing, the Book of Songs, Wen Wang You Sheng says, "Zhai shi Haojing" (establish this as Haojing); when Cheng Wang was about to build Luoyi, the Book of Documents says, "Zhao Gong ji xiang zhai" (Zhao Gong had already surveyed the site); when Wei Wen Gong was about to build Chuqiu, the Book of Songs, Ding Zhi Fang Zhong says, "Sheng xu wang Chu" (climb the old city to view Chu). As seen in the classics, it is clear that choosing the capital must be done with great care.

雖然，張子微有云：“帝王之興也，以德而不以力；其守也，以道而不以地。”堯舜聖人，其所建立，未必慮及於風水之說。但聖人之興，自合造化，聖人所作，動為法則，風水固不拘，而密協於龜卜，即天造地設之自然者也。故《易》曰：“王公設險以守其國”，此理固先天地而有，即風水之攸始矣。

Although this is the case, Zhang Ziwēi said, "The rise of a sovereign depends on virtue rather than force; the consolidation of a sovereign's rule depends on the Way rather than geographical advantage." Yao and Shun were sages, and they did not necessarily consider the principles of fengshui when establishing their capitals and states. However, the emergence of sages inherently conforms to the workings of nature, and their actions often become standards. Though not bound by fengshui, their deeds coincided mysteriously with the results of divination with turtle shells, which is precisely the natural order of heaven and earth. Therefore, the I Ching says, "Kings and princes set up defenses to guard their states," and the principle behind this has existed prior to heaven and earth, which is the beginning of fengshui.

予嘗稽諸歷代建都之地，得正龍之所鍾而合天星之垣局者，則傳代多，歷年久；非其正龍而不合星垣者，則皆隨建隨滅，豈非地理之明徵乎。謹將歷代建都之所詳録以備參考云爾。

I have examined the sites of ancient capitals: wherever the "correct dragon" (zhenglong) was concentrated and the celestial star formations were in harmony, the dynasties that ruled from there lasted longer and had more generations. But where the correct dragon was not present and the star formations were not in harmony, the dynasties usually collapsed soon after their establishment. Is this not clear evidence of the efficacy of geomancy? Now I carefully record the locations of the capitals of successive dynasties for reference.

伏羲都陳今河南開封府陳州，在位一百一十五年。神農都陳河南，徙曲阜今山東兗州府曲阜縣，在位一百四十年。黃帝都涿鹿今北直隸涿州，傳四世，共三百九十年。堯都平陽今山西平陽府，在位七十二年。舜都蒲坂今山西蒲州，在位六十一年。禹都安邑今山西安邑縣，傳十七世，共四百五十八年。湯都亳今河南歸德府，傳二十八世，共六百四十四年。周都鎬闗中，東遷洛陽，傳三十七世，共八百七十三年。

Fuxi established his capital in Chen (now Henan Kaifeng Fu Chenzhou), ruling for 115 years. Shen Nong established his capital in Chen (in Henan), later moved his capital to Qufu (now Shandong Yanzhou Fu Qufuxian), ruling for 140 years. The Yellow Emperor established his capital in Zhuolu (now Beizhilu Zhuozhou), passed through four generations, totaling 390 years. Yao established his capital in Pingyang (now Shanxi Pingyang Fu), ruling for 72 years. Shun established his capital in Pusan (now Shanxi Puzhou), ruling for 61 years. Yu established his capital in Anyi (now Shanxi Anyixian), passed through seventeen generations, totaling 458 years. King Tang of Shang established his capital in Bo (now Henan Guide Fu), passed through twenty-eight generations, totaling 644 years. The Zhou dynasty established its capital in Hao (in Guanzhong), later moved east to Luoyang, passed through thirty-seven generations, totaling 873 years.

秦都咸陽今陜西西安府，傳三世，共稱帝一十五年。西漢都闗中今陜西西安府，傳十二世，共二百一十四年。東漢都洛陽今河南府，傳十二世，共一百九十六年。三國漢都成都四川，二主，四十三年；魏都鄴，五主，四十六年；吳都建康，四主，五十二年。西晉都洛陽今河南府，傳四世，共三十七年。東晉都建康今應天府，傳十一世，共一百四年。南朝宋、齊、梁、陳皆都建康，宋八帝，五十九年；齊五主，二十三年；梁四主，五十六年；陳五主，三十三年。

Qin established its capital at Xianyang (now in Shaanxi Xianfu), passed through three generations, and reigned as emperor for fifteen years. The Western Han established its capital in Guanzhong (now in Shaanxi Xianfu), passed through twelve generations, and reigned for two hundred and fourteen years. The Eastern Han established its capital at Luoyang (now in Henan Fu), passed through twelve generations, and reigned for one hundred and ninety-six years. During the Three Kingdoms period, Shu Han established its capital at Chengdu (in Sichuan), with two monarchs, ruling for forty-three years; Cao Wei established its capital at Ye, with five monarchs, ruling for forty-six years; Sun Wu established its capital at Jiankang, with four monarchs, ruling for fifty-two years. The Western Jin established its capital at Luoyang (now in Henan Fu), passed through four generations, and reigned for thirty-seven years. The Eastern Jin established its capital at Jiankang (now in Yingtianfu), passed through eleven generations, and reigned for one hundred and four years. The Southern Dynasties of Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen all established their capitals at Jiankang: Song had eight emperors, ruling for fifty-nine years; Qi had five monarchs, ruling for twenty-three years; Liang had four monarchs, ruling for fifty-six years; Chen had five monarchs, ruling for thirty-three years.

隋都長安今陜西，傳三世，共三十八年。唐都長安，傳一十八世，共二百六十九年；昭宗徙洛陽，傳二世，共十八年。宋都汴今河南，傳九世，共一百六十七年；高宗徙杭，傳九世，共一百五十三年。元都燕今京師順天府，傳九世，共八十八年。明太祖高皇帝都金陵今南京應天府，成祖文皇帝徙燕今京師即元故都。

Sui established its capital at Chang'an (now Shaanxi), passed through three dynasties, lasting thirty-eight years. Tang established its capital at Chang'an, passed through eighteen dynasties, lasting two hundred and sixty-nine years; Emperor Zhaozong moved the capital to Luoyang, passed through two dynasties, lasting eighteen years. Song established its capital at Bianjing (now Henan), passed through nine dynasties, lasting one hundred and sixty-seven years; Emperor Gaozong moved the capital to Hangzhou, passed through nine dynasties, lasting one hundred and fifty-three years. Yuan established its capital at Yanjing (now Beijing, the capital of Shunfeng Prefecture), passed through nine dynasties, lasting eighty-eight years. Our dynasty, the Taizu Emperor, established the capital at Jingling (now Nanjing, Yingtian Prefecture), and the Chengzu Emperor moved the capital to Yanjing (now Beijing, which was the former capital of the Yuan dynasty).

夫帝都者，天子之京幾，萬方之樞會。於以出政行令，蒞中國，撫四夷，宰百官，統萬民，天下至尊之地也。地理之大，莫先於此。必上合天星垣局，下鍾正龍王氣，然後可建立焉。葢在天為帝座星宮，在地為帝居都會，亦天象地形自然理耳。楊公云：“大抵山形雖在山，地有精光屬星次。體魄在地光在天，識得星光眞精藝。”故為地學，奚直俯察地理已哉！又須仰觀天文，始盡其奧。

The so-called imperial capital is the territory surrounding the Son of Heaven, the central hub where the entire realm converges. Here, imperial decrees are issued, the Son of Heaven rules over China, pacifies the four barbarian regions, commands the officials, and governs the people. It is the most exalted place in the world. Among all matters related to geography, nothing is more important than this. The capital must harmonize with the celestial constellations above and gather the "central dragon" aura below, only then can it be established. Because in the heavens, it corresponds to the star palace where the throne of the emperor is located; on earth, it is the imperial capital where the emperor resides. This is the natural correspondence between celestial phenomena and terrestrial forms. Yang Yunsong said, "Generally, although the mountain shape is in the mountains, the land's essence shines according to the stellar sequence. The body is on the earth, but the light is in the sky; recognizing the starlight is the true skill." Therefore, studying geography is not merely about observing the land below; one must also observe the heavens above to fully understand its mysteries.

按《天文志渾象》：中外官星凡二百四十六名，千二百八十一星。微星萬一千五百二十，分佈中外為垣者，曰紫薇、太薇、天市。垣之中皆有帝座，凡建都處，山川形勢，須與此合。楊公云：“要識垣中有帝星，皇都坐定甚分明。”廖氏云“帝都必要合星垣，紫薇在中天。其次太微與天市，皆有帝座位”是也。

According to the "Celestial Officials and Outer Officials" section of the "Astronomical Annals ·浑象": there are a total of 246 names of stars and 1,281 stars, plus 11,520 small stars. Those distributed inside and outside to form the "Enclosure" (yuan) are the Purple Micro Enclosure, Taiwei Enclosure, and Tianshi Enclosure. Among the three enclosures, there is always an "Imperial Seat." Whenever a capital city is established, the mountains and rivers must correspond with it. Yang Yunsong said, "To recognize the Imperial Star within the Enclosure, the imperial capital is clearly determined." Liao Yu said, "The imperial capital must correspond with the star enclosures; the Purple Micro is in the middle of the sky. Next are Taiwei and Tianshi, which also have Imperial Seats," which explains this principle.

今以三垣天星地形述後。外少微垣為士大夫權天帝文章之府。天苑、天園為天子養獸植菓之所。雖亦有垣，而無帝座正位，地形縱合，亦非統一寰宇，享有久遠之都在。

Now the celestial stars of the Three Enclosures and their corresponding terrestrial features are described below. In addition, there is the Xiaowei Enclosure, which is the office where officials of the scholar-official class manage the imperial documents; Tianyuan and Tianyuan are the places where the Son of Heaven keeps animals and plants fruit trees. These areas, although they form enclosures, do not have the central position of the Imperial Seat. Although their terrain may correspond, they are not the capitals that can unify the country and ensure a long-lasting reign.

按《天文志》，中天北極紫薇星垣，天皇之宸極，太乙之常居也。北極五星正臨亥地，為天帝之最尊，所以南面而治者也。三光迭運，極星不移。孔子所謂“北辰居其所而眾星拱之”是也。

According to the "Astronomical Records," the Purple Micro Constellation in the middle of the sky, the Northern Celestial Pole, is the dwelling place of the Heavenly Emperor's throne and the permanent abode of the Taiyi deity. The five stars of the Northern Pole face the earthly position of Hai, and they are the most esteemed among the heavenly deities, hence sitting facing south from the north to govern the world. The sun, moon, and stars rotate ceaselessly, but the pole star remains unmoving, which is exactly what Confucius said, "The northern star remains in its place while all the other stars revolve around it."

後有四輔四星居壬，勾陳六星居幹，天綱八星居戌，華葢九星居北，閣道五星居癸，咸池五星居丑，八轂八星居艮，天將軍四星居寅，內陛六星居甲，司命六貴人在震，三師三星在乙。

Behind it are four assistants and four stars located at the Ren position, six stars of Gou Chen located at the Qian position, eight stars of Tian Gang located at the Xu position, nine stars of Hua Gai located to the north, five stars of Ge Dao located at the Gui position, five stars of Xian Chi located at the Chou position, eight stars of Ba Gu located at the Gen position, four stars of Tian General located at the Yin position, six stars of Nei Bi located at the Jia position, six noblemen including the Director of Destiny located at the Zhen position, and three teachers located at the Yi position.

又有天理四星居辰，五諸侯五星居巽，內廚二星居巳，四貴人四星臨丙，帝座二星居午，大理二星居丁，天槍三星居未。天床三星居坤。天梧五星居申，陽德、陰德二星居庚。內屏二星居兌。天乙、柱史、女史三星居辛。而有左衛七相、右衛七將以藩屏帝室。泰階、六符輔治北斗七政以翼垣。此紫微垣星局之懸象於天者也。

There are four stars of Heavenly Principle located at the position of Chen, five stars of the Five Ministers located at the position of Xun, two stars of the Inner Kitchen located at the position of Si, four stars of the Nobleman located at the position of Bing, two stars of the Imperial Seat located at the position of Wu, two stars of the Great Justice located at the position of Ding, three stars of the Heavenly Spear located at the position of Wei, three stars of the Heavenly Bed located at the position of Kun, five stars of the Heavenly Willow located at the position of Shen, two stars of Yang Virtue and Yin Virtue located at the position of Geng, two stars of the Inner Screen located at the position of Dui, and three stars of Tianyi, Column Historian, and Female Historian located at the position of Xin. In addition, the seven ministers of the Left Guard and the seven generals of the Right Guard are used to guard the imperial court; Taijie and the Six Symbols assist in governing the seven affairs of the Big Dipper, used to protect the star enclosures. This is the image of the Purple Micro Enclosure hanging in the sky.

《步天歌》：中元北極紫微宮，北極五星在其中。大帝之座第二珠，第三之星庶子居。第一號曰為太子，四為後宮五天樞。左右四星是四輔，天以太乙當門路。左樞右樞夾南門，兩面營衛一十五。上宰少尉兩相對，少宰上輔次少輔。上衛少衛次上丞，後門東邊大讚府。門西喚作一少丞，以次卻向前門數。

The "Step-by-Step Song of the Heavens" says: The Middle Heaven is the Purple Micro Palace of the Northern Pole, where the Five Stars of the Northern Pole are located. The throne of the Heavenly Emperor is the second star, the third star is the position of the common son, the first star is called the Crown Prince, the fourth star is the palace of the Empress, and the fifth star is the Heavenly Pivot. The four stars on both sides are the Four Ministers, and on the heavenly realm, Taiyi is regarded as the gate. The Left Pivot and Right Pivot enclose the Southern Gate, with a total of fifteen stars on both sides. The Chief Minister and the Deputy Commander face each other, followed by the Deputy Chief Minister, the Chief Assistant, and the Deputy Assistant; then comes the Chief Guard, the Deputy Guard, and the Chief Chancellor. To the east of the rear gate is the Grand Praise Office, and to the west of the gate is called the Deputy Chancellor—proceeding in order towards the gate.

陰德門裡兩黃聚，尚書以次其位五。女史柱史各一戶，御女四星五天柱。大理兩星陰德邊，勾陳尾指北極顛，勾陳六星六甲前。天皇獨在勾陳裡，五帝內座後門是。華蓋並槓十六星，槓作柄象蓋傘形。蓋上連連九個星，名曰傳舍如連丁。垣外左右各六珠，右是內階左天廚。階前八星名八轂，廚下五個天棓宿。

In the Yin De gate, two yellow stars are gathered. The Minister of Works has five stars arranged in order. The female historian and the official recorder each occupy one position. The four stars of the imperial concubine and the five stars of the heavenly pillar are each in their own place. The two stars of the Grand Court are located beside Yin De. The tail of Gou Chen points to the top of the North Pole. The six stars of Gou Chen are positioned before the six Jia. A single star of the Heavenly Emperor is alone within Gou Chen. The five Emperors' inner seats are located at the rear gate. The Huagai is connected with the Gang star, making a total of sixteen stars. The Gang forms the handle and the Huagai forms the umbrella shape. On top of the Huagai, there are nine connected stars called Chuan She, arranged like the character "丁". Outside the enclosure, there are six stars on each side. On the right side is the Inner Stair, and on the left side is the Heavenly Kitchen. Before the Inner Stair, there are eight stars called Ba Gu. Below the Heavenly Kitchen, there are five stars called Tian Bang.

天床六星左樞右，內廚二星右樞對。文昌斗上半月形，稀疏分明六個星。文昌之下曰三公，太尊只向三公明。天牢六星太尊邊，太陽之守四勢前。一個宰相太陽側，更有三公相西偏。即是天戈一星圓，天理四星斗裡暗。輔星近著闓陽淡，北斗之宿七星明。第一主宰名樞精，第二第三璇璣星，四曰權星第五衡，闓陽搖光六七星，搖光左三天槍明。

The six stars of Tianchuang are located to the right of the left pivot. The two stars of Neichu are opposite the right pivot. The Wen Chang stars are above the Big Dipper, forming a crescent shape, sparse and distinct, with six stars. Below Wen Chang is San Gong. Tai Zun shines only towards San Gong. The six stars of Tianlao are beside Tai Zun, with the sun guarding before the four directions. A minister star is on the side of the sun guard, and three ministers are located to the west, forming the round star Tian Ge. The four stars of Tianli are hidden within the handle of the Big Dipper. The Fu star is close to Kaiyang, with a fainter light. The seven stars of the Big Dipper are all bright: the first star is Zhujing (Tianshu), the second and third are Xuan and Ji, the fourth is Quan (Tianquan), the fifth is Heng (Yuheng), the sixth and seventh are Kaiyang and Yao Guang. The three stars of Tianqiang on the left side of Yao Guang are also bright.

左紫微垣列形於地之局勢大略也。楊公云：“紫微垣外前後門，華蓋三臺前後衛。中有過水名御溝，抱城屈曲中間流。”又云“直朝射入紫垣氣”。廖氏云“紫垣西藩星有七，東藩八星出。華蓋槓星在後門，天床前面陳。中央一水直朝入，抱城九回屈。萬山簇擁晝朝迎，拱極不虛稱”是也。

The above describes the general layout of the Purple Micro垣 on the ground. Yang Yunsong said, "The Purple Micro垣 has front and rear gates, with the Huagai and Sanchai stars forming its front and rear guards. In the middle there is a stream called the Imperial Ditch, which embraces the city and flows in a winding manner." He also said, "A straight line of energy shoots into the Purple Micro垣." Liao Yu said, "The Western Fence of the Purple Micro垣 has seven stars, while the Eastern Fence has eight. The Huagai star is located behind the rear gate, and the Tianchuang stars are in front. In the center, a body of water flows straight into the area, winding around the city nine times. Mountains surround it on all sides, welcoming the morning light, and the concept of 'all stars bowing to the pole' is truly justified." These statements all refer to the same pattern: there must be a straight flowing body of water in the center that enters the area, winding around the city nine times, with surrounding mountains gathering to welcome it, which is what makes the phrase "all stars bowing to the pole" appropriate.

右南宮太微星垣，三光之庭，天帝受釐告功之室也。中有五帝座，正居北地。太乙、五尚書正居巽地。內有郎官、即位、三公、謁者、九卿、五侯以輔導帝極。

The next is the Taiwei Star Enclosure of Nan Gong, which is the courtyard of the three luminaries, the sun, moon, and stars, and also the hall where the heavenly emperor receives the sacrificial offerings and announces the completion of his deeds. Within the enclosure there are the thrones of the Five Emperors, located directly corresponding to the earthly north; Taiyi and the Five Grand Secretaries are located directly corresponding to the direction of Xun. Inside the enclosure there are stars representing officials such as the attendants, the ministers of state, the Three Dukes, the petitioners, the Nine Ministers, and the Five Marquises, used to assist and guide the imperial throne.

前有明堂三星居巳，靈臺三星居午，常陳為耳目之官，西將、東相各四星為藩垣。東華、西華為門掖。掖左右二星為執法。後有太陽守、太陰守各二星，為衛。前有張、翼、軫三宿為侍，此太微垣星局之懸象於天者也。

The Bright Hall has three stars located at the Si position, and the LingTai has three stars at the Wu position. The Chang Chen stars serve as the emperor's eyes and ears. On the west side, there are four general stars, and on the east side, four minister stars, acting as barriers around the enclosure. The East Hua and West Hua are the two side gates, with two stars on each side of the gates serving as officials who enforce the law. Behind the enclosure, there are two stars each of the Sun Guardian and the Moon Guardian, acting as guards. In front of the enclosure, the Zhang Su, Yi Su, and Chen Su constellations serve as attendants. This is the celestial image of the Taimei Enclosure star formation hanging in the sky.

《步天歌》：上元天庭太微宮，昭昭列象在蒼穹。端門只是門之中，左右執法門西東。門左皂衣一謁者，以次則是烏三公。三黑九卿公背旁，五黑諸侯卿後行。四個門星主後屏，五帝內座於中正。倖臣太子並從官，烏列帝后從東定。郎將虎賁居左右，常陳郎位屈其後。常陳七星勿相誤，郎位陳東一十五。兩面宮垣十星布，左右執法是其數。宮外明堂布政宮，三個靈臺候雲雨。

"The Step Heaven Song" says: The celestial court of the Upper Origin is the Taiwei Palace, with bright stars arranged in the vast sky. The main gate is in the center of the main door, with the left and right officials living apart to the west and east. To the left of the gate is a black star called the Envoy, followed by three black stars representing the Three Excellencies. Behind the Three Excellencies are three black stars representing the Nine Ministers, and behind the Nine Ministers are five black stars representing the feudal princes. Four gate stars govern the rear barrier, with the Five Emperors seated inside the palace, occupying the central position. The favored ministers, the crown prince, and their attendants are arranged behind the throne of the emperor, positioned from the east. The Commander of the Guards and the Tiger's Banner soldiers live apart on the left and right, with the Regular Guards and the Officer's Position following behind them in a winding manner. The Seven Stars of the Regular Guards should not be mistaken, and the Officer's Position is located to the east of the Regular Guards, totaling fifteen stars. On both sides of the palace walls are ten stars, with the left and right officials included in this number. The Bright Hall outside the palace is the Palace of Administration, with three stars of the Ling Platform waiting for clouds and rain.

右太微垣列形於地之局勢大略也。楊公云“方正之垣號太微”。又云“橫城水繞太微勢”。又云“東華西華門水橫，水外四圍列峰位。此是垣前執法星，卻分左右為兵衛。”廖金精《洩天機》云“太微垣局最方正，左右執法並。西藩上將次將先，次相上相連。東藩上相及次相，次將與上將。兩藩九門分十星，一水繞城橫”是也。

The above describes the general formation of the Taiwei Yuan (Celestial Palace) as it is arranged on the ground. Yang Yunsong said, "The square-shaped Taiwei Yuan is called Taiwei," and also said, "A horizontal city with water surrounding the Taiwei formation." He further stated, "The eastern and western gates of the Eastern and Western Palaces are crossed by water, with peaks surrounding the water on both sides. This is the Taiwei formation in front of the legal stars, with the left and right sides serving as guards." Liao Jinjing's "Xie Tianji" says, "The Taiwei Yuan formation is most square, with the legal stars on both sides. The western guard includes the chief general and the deputy general, followed by the deputy minister and the chief minister connected in sequence. On the eastern side, there are the chief minister and deputy minister, followed by the deputy general and chief general. The two guards have nine gates divided into ten stars, with a single body of water flowing horizontally around the city." All these descriptions refer to the same pattern: the Taiwei formation should be square, with opposing features on both sides like the legal stars, and a body of water flowing horizontally in front of the city.

右東府天市星垣，天帝泉貨之府也。中有帝座，正臨艮地。有秤、斗、車、舟、府庫、市樓、市肆以貫其中，貫索、宗人、左右侍衛。匡衛《列國分野二十二星》曰：宋、南海、燕、東海、徐、吳越、齊、中山、九河、河間、晉、鄭、周、秦、巴、蜀、梁、楚、韓、西河等藩以列四方。

The next is the Eastern Palace's Tianshi Star Cluster, which is the treasury managed by the Heavenly Emperor for wealth and goods. Within the cluster there is the Imperial Seat, corresponding to the earthly position of Gen. The cluster includes stars representing scales, measures, carts, boats, treasuries, market buildings, and market stalls, connected together. There are also stars representing the捆绑索 (binding rope), the clan, and the left and right attendants. According to "Lieguo Fenyi Ershiwushixing," the stars of the states of Song, Nanhai, Yan, Donghai, Xu, Wuyue, Qi, Zhongshan, Jiuhé, Hejian, Jin, Zheng, Zhou, Qin, Ba, Shu, Liang, Chu, Han, and Xihé are arranged around, surrounding and protecting the area.

貴人一星旁照庚地，為捍衛庫之宮。司命一星正臨丁位，為五福壽命之司。此天市垣星局之懸象於天者也。

The Nobleman star is positioned beside the Geng position, illuminating and guarding the palace of the treasury; the Director of Destiny star is directly at the Ding position, overseeing the five blessings and lifespan. This is the image of the celestial market垣 star formation hanging in the heavens.

《步天歌》：下元一宮名天市，兩扇垣牆二十二。當門六個黑市樓，門左兩星是車肆。兩個宗正四宗人，宗星一雙亦依次。帛度兩星屠肆前，侯星還在帝座邊。帝座一星常光明，四個微茫宦者星。以次兩星名列肆，斗斛帝前依其次。斗是五星斛是四，垣北九個貫索星。索口橫者七公成，天紀恰似七公形。數著分明多兩星，紀北三星名女床。此座還依織女旁，三元之象無相侵。二十八宿隨其陰，火水木土並與金，以次別有五行吟。

"The Stepping Heaven Song" says: The first palace of the lower heaven is called Tian Shi, with two walls containing twenty-two stars. Right at the gate, six black stars are the Shi Lou, and two stars on the left of the gate are the Che Si. The Zong Zheng has two stars, Zong Ren has four stars, and Zong Xing has a pair of stars arranged in order. Bo Du has two stars before Tu Si, and Hou Xing is still beside Di Zuo. Di Zuo is one bright star, while four faint stars are the Huan Zhe stars. Then two stars are called Lie Si, and Dou and Hu are arranged in order before Di Zuo: Dou consists of five stars, and Hu consists of four stars. To the north of the wall there are nine Guan Suo stars, with seven Gong stars arranged horizontally above the mouth of Guan Suo. The shape of Tian Ji is exactly like seven Gong, but it clearly has two more stars. To the north of Tian Ji, three stars are called Nu Cang, and this palace is still beside Zhi Nu. The star patterns of the three periods do not interfere with each other, and the twenty-eight constellations are arranged according to their yin positions. Fire, water, wood, earth, and metal are arranged in order, and there is another poem called "The Five Phases Song" to sing about them.

右天市垣列形於地之局勢大略也。楊公云“垣有四門號天市。”又云“百源來聚天市垣。”廖公云“天市垣星二十二，名參國與地。國地中間有四門，東西南北分。眾水分流來此聚，大河在東注。帝座居北市樓南，垣局總為祥”是也。

The above describes the general formation of the Tian Shi Yuan (Heavenly Market Enclosure) as it is arranged on the ground. Yang Yunsong said, "The Tian Shi Yuan has four gates called Tian Shi (Heavenly Market)." He also said, "Numerous sources converge into the Tian Shi Yuan." Liao Yu said, "The Tian Shi Yuan consists of twenty-two stars, named Cang Guo and Di (Celestial State and Earthly State). Between Cang Guo and Di, there are four gates, located in the east, west, south, and north. Numerous streams flow and converge here, with a great river flowing in from the east. The Imperial Seat is located to the north, and the Tian Shi Building is to the south. The overall structure of the Tian Shi Yuan is auspicious." All these statements refer to the same pattern: the four sides must have gates, with numerous streams converging here, and a major river flowing in from the east. Such a structure of the Tian Shi Yuan is always considered auspicious.

已上三垣天星之圖則本於《天文志》，地形之圖則本於廖氏《金璧玄文》，茲特合而一之，庶易於考索。然亦不必深泥圖局形象，膠柱鼓瑟。但依經文，以山形水勢取之。

The three enclosures above, the star charts of the celestial phenomena are taken from the "Tianwen Zhi" (Records of Celestial Phenomena), and the terrestrial forms are taken from Liao Yu's "Jinbi Xuanwen" (The Secret Text of Gold and Jade). Here they are specially combined into one for reference. Although the original text included star maps of the three enclosures—Ziwei, Taimei, and Tianshi—and their corresponding terrestrial forms, now only the textual description remains, and the images are no longer visible. However, one need not be overly concerned with the specific shapes and configurations of the stars on the map, like being stuck to a zither's pillar while playing the se. It is sufficient to follow the classic text and use the shape of the mountains and the flow of the water to achieve harmony.

如曰“紫微垣外前後門”，“華蓋三臺前後衛”，“方正之垣號太微”，“垣有四門號天市”。又曰“直城射入紫微氣”，“橫城水繞太微勢”，“百源來聚天市垣”之類，則以山水形勢之大象言之，楊筠松固已說得明白。其它星宿形象，又不必盡泥也。

For example, phrases such as "the front and back gates outside the Purple Micro Enclosure," "the three platforms and their guards before and after the Huagai," "the square enclosure called Taiwei," and "the four gates of the enclosure called Tianshi," as well as statements like "straight city shooting into the Purple Micro energy," "horizontal city water surrounding the Taiwei form," and "a hundred sources converging into the Tianshi enclosure," all refer to the grand forms and structures of mountains and waters. Yang Yunsong has already explained clearly that Purple Micro should have front and back gates and protective surroundings, Taiwei should have a square enclosure shape with water circling around it, and Tianshi should have all four gates and numerous converging sources. As for the specific forms of other star mansions, there is no need to rigidly apply them one by one.