The sixth chapter is about choosing the right gate for military campaigns.

出陣吉門宜善擇，子孫為我報仇時。更兼命門相生吉，一鼓擒王只在茲。出師以聞驚日為母，宜以子孫時，出子孫門擊之，大勝。

The favorable gate for going out to battle should be carefully chosen, taking the hour and direction of the "Son and Grandson" element. This is equivalent to avenging our side. If the superior deity of the gate used for departure also generates with the deity associated with the general's birth, it will be even more auspicious. We can capture the enemy king in one swift move. The day when the alarm is heard is considered the "Mother," and it is advisable to act during the hour of its "Son and Grandson" element, departing from the gate corresponding to the "Son and Grandson" element to attack, which will surely lead to a great victory.

假如甲乙聞賊寇境，取火命人舉紅旗，或巳午時，從南門出兵，乃是子孫為報仇，火為木之子也。忌金命人、申酉時、出西門，俱不利。餘仿此。若所出之門上神與大將命上神相生，更吉。

For example, on a Jia day or a Yi day, if news comes that enemies are entering the territory, since Jia and Yi belong to wood, and wood generates fire, one should send people with a fire destiny holding a red flag, or march out at the Si or Wu hours from the southern gate. This is using the son to avenge me, because fire is the son of wood. Conversely, one should avoid using people with a metal destiny, avoid marching out at the Shen or You hours, and avoid departing from the western gate, as metal overcomes wood, which is unfavorable. The same principle applies to other stems. Additionally, if the god at the gate where one departs is in mutual generation with the god of the general's destiny, it is even more auspicious.

行擇吉道看玄神，玄神受克最堪嗔。月將加時罡指處，前行通利自安平。凡行兵，看玄武受克之方，不可往。假如玄武乘巳午，則亥子方不可往。惟斗罡所指之地大吉。如甲子日巳將午時，罡指東南巳地，宜行。

When choosing a route for military movement, one should look at the "Xuanwu." The direction where Xuanwu is weakened should be avoided. Using the month general added to the time on the rotating plate, the direction indicated by the Tiangang is favorable for moving forward, ensuring smooth and safe passage. In all military movements, first examine the direction where Xuanwu is weakened, as that direction should not be used. For example, if Xuanwu is in the fire signs of巳 or午, which are afraid of water, then the directions亥 and子, which belong to water, should be avoided. Only the direction indicated by the Tiangang is highly auspicious. For instance, on a Jiazi day with the巳 general added to the午 time, the Tiangang points to the southeast direction of巳, which is suitable for military movement.

軍行擇路豈多途？更以陰陽作歲模。陽年大吉加干上，陰歲還將小吉鋪。丙壬之下為人道，甲庚之下是天居。其法又論歲之陰陽擇吉，陽歲以大吉加太歲，陰年以小吉加太歲，尋天上丙壬甲庚之下為行兵之路，吉。假如甲午年以大吉加子，向未戌辰丑方，合甲庚丙壬之方。癸卯年以小吉加卯，向未辰戌丑方，合甲庚丙壬之方。蓋甲課在寅，庚課在申，丙課在巳，壬課在亥，寅申巳亥所臨之方是也。餘俱不利。

Military routes are not limited to a single path; they can also be determined by the yin and yang of the year. In a yang year, the "Great Favor" (Chou) is added to the heavenly stem of the sovereign year, while in a yin year, the "Minor Favor" (Wei) is placed on the sovereign year. After turning the Heaven Plate, the positions under Bing and Ren are "Human Path," and those under Jia and Geng are "Heavenly Path." This method selects auspicious directions based on the yin and yang of the sovereign year: in a yang year, "Great Favor" is added to the sovereign year, and in a yin year, "Minor Favor" is placed on the sovereign year. Then, the directions under Bing, Ren, Jia, and Geng on the Heaven Plate are chosen as the military route, which is auspicious. For example, in the Jiawu year, "Great Favor" is added to Zi on the rotating plate, and the directions of Wei, Xu, Chen, and Chou are chosen, which align with the positions of Jia, Geng, Bing, and Ren. In the Guimao year, "Minor Favor" is placed on Mao, and the directions of Wei, Chen, Xu, and Chou are chosen, which also align with the positions of Jia, Geng, Bing, and Ren. This is because Jia's lodging palace is in Yin, Geng's is in Shen, Bing's is in Si, and Ren's is in Hai, so these directions point to the directions of Yin, Shen, Si, and Hai. Directions outside of these are not favorable.

出行日吉陸宜之，支吉宜舟水路施。干忌卯辰卯忌子，尤防支上克干時。日，日干也。支，支辰也。日吉，日上見吉神吉將也。支吉，是辰上見吉神吉將也。日為陸路，辰為水路。日吉宜陸，辰吉宜水。若支吉干有傷，只宜水，不宜陸。《兵將賦》云：“支吉干傷，水面通船而地陰是也。”

When going out, if the day stem is auspicious, it is suitable to travel by land; if the day branch is auspicious, it is suitable to travel by boat on water. The day stem should avoid seeing the卯 and 辰 branches, and the earth plate should avoid having the卯 branch with the子 branch. Especially be cautious of the situation where the spirits on the day branch harm the day stem. Here, the term 「日」 refers to the day stem, and 「支」 refers to the day branch. 「日吉」 means the day stem has auspicious spirits and generals, while 「支吉」 means the day branch has auspicious spirits and generals. The day stem represents land travel, and the day branch represents water travel: if the day stem is auspicious, travel by land; if the day branch is auspicious, travel by water. If the day branch is auspicious but the day stem is harmed, then only water travel is suitable, and land travel is not advisable. The "Military General's Assignment" says: "If the day branch is auspicious but the day stem is harmed, then travel by water, which is exactly the image of earth yin."

卯太沖，辰天罡，干忌卯辰，謂干上忌見太沖、天罡也。子神后也，卯忌子，謂地盤卯上忌見神后；蓋有舟揖，故忌水神在上覆之。《兵帳賦》云：“日忌罡沖”是也。又云：“欲渡江河，支傷莫入。”故支上莫克支。

Mao is called Taichong, and Chen is called Tiangang. The statement that the day stem dislikes Mao and Chen means that the day stem should not be seen with Taichong and Tiangang. Zi is called Shenhou. The statement that Mao dislikes Zi means that the earth plate's Mao position should not be seen with Shenhou. Because Mao represents boats and rafts, it fears the water god covering it. The "Bingzhang Fu" says "the day dislikes the Tiangang and Taichong," referring to this. It also says "when crossing rivers, if the day branch is injured, do not go into the water," so the god above the day branch should not be able to overcome the day branch.

畏河臨井子加歲，亥季宜舟孟神稽。己卯戊寅二日惡，水龍三日避休趨。壬癸子為三河，卯酉辰為三井，三河有一河加井，不可渡。歲，太歲也。神后忌加太歲之上。《兵帳賦》曰：“天河加井以沉波，太歲遭虛而禍起。”假令亥臨酉，為河覆井，防有沉溺之災。亥即壬也，不看課傳。四季，辰戌丑未，亥加四季，被土制之，則水路吉，故宜舟。若途聞有以羊酒犒軍者，若白虎乘魁罡加日，主有強人當路。

The worst situation is when the Milky Way is placed over the Earth Well, or when "Shenhou" (Zi) is added to the Tai Sui. If亥 is placed on the position of the four seasons, it is suitable for sailing, but if it is placed on the four primary positions, it is better to pause. The days of Ji Mao and Wu Yin are not good, and the three days of "Touch Water Dragon" should be avoided. The three rivers in the sky are Ren, Gui, and Zi, while the three wells on the earth are Mao, You, and Chen. If any of the three rivers is placed over a well, one should not cross water. "Tai Sui" refers to the Tai Sui, and Shenhou should not be placed over Tai Sui. The "Bingzhang Fu" says: "When the Milky Way is placed over the Earth Well, ships will sink and waves will rise; when Tai Sui is affected by the void, misfortunes will arise." For example, if亥 is placed over You, it means the river covers the well, and one should be cautious of drowning disasters. Here,亥 refers to Ren water. Only the Heaven and Earth plates are considered, not the lesson and transmission. The four seasons refer to Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei. When亥 is placed over the four seasons, it is restrained by earth, so the water path is favorable, thus suitable for sailing. If on the way someone is heard to be using sheep and wine to entertain the army, and "Baihu" is riding on Hekui and Tiangang, and is placed over the day stem, it indicates that there are robbers blocking the way.

野宿行疲欲建營，干支怕墓及三刑（卯辰巳兵家所忌）。將逢龍虎多生恐，神遇魁罡定有驚。若還大吉臨干上，急往他圖莫遽停。安營之際，干支乘墓，主士卒不寧。墓神，春未、夏戌、秋丑、冬辰。

When camping outdoors and setting up camp after a weary march, one should be most cautious if the day stem and day branch encounter theTomb Spirit (mùshén) and the three punishments (sān xíng). The branches 卯 (mǎo), 辰 (chén), and 巳 (sì) are particularly disliked by military strategists. If the heavenly generals (tiānjiàng) meet 龙 (lóng) and 虎 (hǔ), fear is likely to arise. If the heavenly spirits (tiānspirit) meet Hekui (Xu) (Hekui) and Tiangang (Chen) (Tiangang), there will certainly be disturbances. If 「大吉」 (Daji, Chou) appears on the day stem, one should quickly plan an alternative and not remain. When setting up camp, if the day stem and day branch are accompanied by theTomb Spirit, the soldiers will not rest peacefully. TheTomb Spirit are 未 (wèi) in spring, 戌 (xū) in summer, 丑 (chǒu) in autumn, and 辰 (chén) in winter.

兵家以卯辰巳為三刑，若臨日辰上，主本夜有賊兵至劫營，宜防之。外又有五行三刑。如子日忌卯，卯日忌子；丑日戌，戌日未，未日丑；寅日巳，巳日申，申日寅；辰午酉亥自見。此等亦並忌之。兵書云：“五刑五墓，日辰逢而夜防賊至。”

In military divination, the Earthly Branches卯 (Mao), 辰 (Chen), and 巳 (Si) are considered the Three Punishments. If any of these appear on the Day Stem or Day Branch, it indicates that there will be enemy troops attacking the camp during the night, and one should be on guard. Additionally, there are the Three Punishments of the Five Phases: on a 子 (Zi) day, one should avoid 卯 (Mao); on a 卯 (Mao) day, one should avoid 子 (Zi); on a 丑 (Chou) day, one should avoid 戌 (Xu); on a 戌 (Xu) day, one should avoid 未 (Wei); on a 未 (Wei) day, one should avoid 丑 (Chou); on a 寅 (Yin) day, one should avoid 巳 (Si); on a 巳 (Si) day, one should avoid 申 (Shen); on a 申 (Shen) day, one should avoid 寅 (Yin). The branches 辰 (Chen), 午 (Wu), 酉 (You), and 亥 (Hai) are self-punishing, and if they appear on their own branch, one should also be cautious. The military text states: "If the Five Punishments or the Five Tombs appear on the Day Stem or Day Branch, one should be on guard against enemy attacks during the night."

戌為魁，辰為罡，二辰名為天羅地網，支干逢主士卒恐怖。更天將得蛇虎，重遽驚惶，本夜必有軍至，逢劫煞其害尤甚。故兵書云：“若但魁罡為恐怖，將兼蛇虎禍尤深。”此之謂也。大吉丑也。若支干上見丑字加臨，最凶，安營必被賊劫，急往尋善地可也。若非丑字，無妨。故《兵帳鉤玄》云：“不臨斯將盡堪停。”斯，將指大吉也；初傳亦忌之。

The Earthly Branches 戌 is Hekui and 辰 is Tiangang; these two branches together are called "Heavenly Net and Earthly Trap." If they appear on the Day Stem and Day Branch, it indicates soldiers experiencing fear and unease. If the Heavenly General is also Teng Snake and White Tiger, the fear becomes even greater, and enemies will definitely arrive that night. If this is further combined with Jiesha, the harm will be even worse. Therefore, military texts say: "Even the mere presence of Hekui and Tiangang is enough to cause terror; if the Heavenly General is also Teng Snake and White Tiger, the disaster will be even more severe." This refers precisely to the situation described. "Daji" refers to Chou. If the Day Stem and Day Branch encounter the character Chou, it is extremely dangerous, and the camp will certainly be attacked by enemies; one should quickly find a better location. If it is not Chou, there is no harm. Therefore, the text "Military Camp Insights" states: "If this general is not present, then one can safely stay." Here, "this general" refers to Daji; if it appears in the First Transmission, it should also be avoided.

主帥宜居貴旺臨，亭亭豹尾大將軍。登明卯酉青常後，除定開危與世明。太歲直居並月建，又宜歲後太陰神。玉前絳後明中利，百戰都能奏凱音。貴，天乙貴人也。旺臨，謂天乙臨地盤旺地。假令六月辛酉日陽貴在午，臨巳是為旺地，主將宜立巳地，向西北安營，中敵大勝。

The general should be stationed at the place where the Heavenly Stem Tianyi Nobleman is in a strong position, or at the positions of "Tingting," "Bao Wei," and "Da Jiangjun"; alternatively, he may choose "Dengming" (Hai),卯,酉, or the positions after the Azure Dragon, Tai Chang, and Nobleman. Adding the positions of Chu, Ding, Kai, and Wei, these are all universally recognized auspicious directions. The position of the Tai Su and the Month Builder, as well as the position of Tai Yin following the Tai Su, are also suitable. Moreover, the area before the Jade Hall, after the Crimson Palace, and in the center of the Bright Hall are all favorable. By following these directions, one can achieve victory in every battle. Here, "Gu" refers to the Tianyi Nobleman, and "Wang Lin" means that the Tianyi Nobleman is located in a strong position on the Earth Plate. For example, on the day of Xinyou in June, the Yang Nobleman is at Wu, and Wu's strong position is at Si. Therefore, the commander should be stationed at Si, facing the Northwest to set up camp and achieve a great victory against the enemy.

月將加時，神后落處為亭亭。豹尾者，申子辰年在戌，巳酉丑年在未，寅午戌年在辰，亥卯未年在丑。其沖名黃幡。大將軍，三年一移，孟歲以午、仲歲以未、季歲以申加太歲天罡不是也。捷法：寅卯辰年在子，巳午未年在卯，申酉戌年在午，亥子丑年在酉。

Using the month general and the rotating plate to determine the time of day, the position where 'Shenhou' (Zi) falls is called 'Tingting'. The arrangement of 'Bao Wei' is as follows: in years of Shen-Zi-Chen (Water triad), it is in Xu; in years of Si-You-Chou (Metal triad), it is in Wei; in years of Yin-Wu-Xu (Fire triad), it is in Chen; and in years of Hai-Mao-Wei (Wood triad), it is in Chou. The one that opposes 'Bao Wei' is called 'Huangpan'. 'Da Jiangjun' moves its position every three years. The old method was to use Wu in the first year, Wei in the second year, and Shen in the third year, adding them to the heavenly stem of the current year. Using Tiangang to add is incorrect. A simpler method is: in years of Yin-Mao-Chen (spring quarter), it is in Zi; in years of Si-Wu-Wei (summer quarter), it is in Mao; in years of Shen-You-Xu (autumn quarter), it is in Wu; and in years of Hai-Zi-Chou (winter quarter), it is in You.

以上三神俱宜大將居之，又以天上亥為大將軍，卯為左將軍，酉為右將軍，子為後將軍，五將各因時移居其位。如月將加時，天盤亥子臨酉上，正西安營吉，亥臨卯上，正東安營吉。但以亥所臨之方為主，不拘子午卯酉十二方也。如有事，大將居亥下，前後左右分兵總之，大勝。此法出《兵機總要》。

The three divine positions mentioned above can all accommodate the main general. Another method is to use the Heaven Plate:亥 (Hai) as the Grand General,卯 (Mao) as the Left General,酉 (You) as the Right General, and子 (Zi) as the Rear General. These generals move according to the time of day to their respective positions. For example, if the Month General is combined with the time of day, and the Heaven Plate's Hai and Zi arrive at You, then the camp should be set in Due West, which is auspicious; if Hai arrives at Mao, then the camp should be set in Due East, which is also auspicious. In general, the direction where Hai is located is the main consideration, and one need not be rigidly bound by the twelve fixed directions of Zi, Wu, Mao, and You. Once an event occurs, the main general should be positioned below Hai, with troops stationed in front, behind, left, and right to guard him, ensuring certain victory. This method is from the "Comprehensive Essentials of Military Strategy."

太陰，天乙後二位是也。月建前一日為除，四日為定，七日為危，十日為開日，為天上除定開危之方。《兵帳賦》云：“青常六合，大梁大火以同居；除定開危，主將其位而喜在。”大梁，酉也。大火，卯也。太陰在太歲後二位也。

The term "Tai Yin" refers to the second position after Tian Yi Guiren. The first day counted backward from the Month Builder is Chu Ri, the fourth day is Ding Ri, the seventh day is Wei Ri, and the tenth day is Kai Ri. These four days correspond to the positions of Chu, Ding, Kai, and Wei on the Heaven Plate. The "Bing Zhang Fu" states: "The Azure Dragon, Tai Chang, Liu He, and Da Liang, Da Huo are all in the same palace; if they also meet the four days of Chu, Ding, Kai, and Wei, the commander stationed there will have good fortune." Da Liang is You, and Da Huo is Mao. Tai Yin can also be determined by taking the second position after the Tai Su.

《玉帳經》云：“入敵境下營，宜擇善地；上將宜太歲、太陰、大將軍、月建、豹尾、九天之上。”九天者，春寅、夏巳、秋申、冬亥，即戰雄是也。如大將在亥，春臨寅，夏臨巳，秋臨申，冬臨亥。在九天之上，臨雄位可以取勝者。其位分不便，則有背雄向雌之法，安營於戰雄天盤上神也。此為大將而言，若別將，取月支上神方向安營。

The *Yu Zhang Jing* says: "When entering enemy territory to set up camp, one must choose a good location; the main general should be stationed on the positions of the Tai Su, Tai Yin, Da Jiang Jun, Yue Jian, Bao Wei, and Jiu Tian deities." The "Jiu Tian" refers to the positions of Bing Yin in spring, Si in summer, Shen in autumn, and Hai in winter, which is also called "Zhan Xiong." For example, if Da Jiang Jun is at Hai, in spring it aligns with Bing Yin, in summer with Si, in autumn with Shen, and in winter with Hai. Stationing the main general on the Jiu Tian position and aligning with the Zhan Xiong position can lead to victory. If the terrain is inconvenient, there is a method called "Bei Xiong Xiang Ci," which involves setting up camp on the position of Zhan Xiong on the Heaven Plate. This applies to the main general; for other generals, they should set up camp in the direction indicated by the heavenly stem of the month.

以上十七神臨處，主將俱宜居之，是在擇者。若《運珠經》之所謂“繹宮利中，明堂利前，玉堂利後。”闕疑以俟高明。

The above mentions seventeen deities whose domains can be occupied by the general commander. As for which specific location to choose, it depends on the judgment of the person selecting the site. Regarding the statement in the "Yun Zhu Jing" that "the vermilion palace is favorable for the center, the Bright Hall is favorable for the front, and the Jade Hall is favorable for the back," its origin is unclear, so it is temporarily doubted and left for those with greater insight to determine.

行兵糧草最居先，月將加時方上看。堆積秦吳為美地，天盤丑未細詳端。兵行而糧食隨之，故大將居方既定，即料理糧草之處。法以天盤丑未下為吉，蓋丑為斗，未為井，糧草居此，永無耗渙之患。秦即未，吳即丑。又必玄武賊盜不臨之地為吉（盜神，正月在卯順行四仲。賊神，春卯、夏午、秋酉、冬子。劫殺，正月在亥，逆行四孟。天盜，春巳夏午秋酉冬子）。

When marching and fighting, securing food supplies is the top priority. Use the Month General combined with the time of the day to generate the Heaven Plate, and determine the direction accordingly. Storing supplies in the regions of Qin and Wu is considered favorable. The positions of the Heaven Plate at Chou and Wei should be carefully examined. Once the army moves, the food supplies must follow. Therefore, after the commander's location is fixed, the storage of food supplies should be arranged immediately. The method is to choose the positions under the Heaven Plate at Chou and Wei as auspicious, because Chou contains the Dipper mansion and Wei contains the Well mansion. Storing food supplies in these places ensures they will never be lost or wasted. Qin corresponds to Wei, and Wu corresponds to Chou. In addition, it is necessary to select places where the Black Tortoise and various thieves' deities do not appear. These thieves' deities are: the "Thief God" is in Mao in the first lunar month, and moves through the four intermediate positions in sequence; the "Robber God" is in Mao in spring, in Wu in summer, in You in autumn, and in Zi in winter; the "劫杀" (劫杀) is in Hai in the first lunar month, and moves in reverse through the four initial positions in sequence; the "Heaven Thief" is in Si in spring, in Wu in summer, in You in autumn, and in Zi in winter.

設伏如逢子丑神，可藏萬卒沒人尋。卯千酉百宜先備，歇息潛形望丙壬。太歲太陰與月建，又宜潛向大將軍。四神之下藏兵吉，主將亭亭候賊音。糧草既定，又當安歇士卒。天上神后、大吉之下，可藏萬人。太沖之下可藏千人。從魁之下可藏百人。

If setting an ambush and encountering the Zi and Chou deities, one can hide ten thousand soldiers without being detected; those under Mao can hide a thousand, and those under You can hide a hundred, all of which should be arranged in advance. If resting and hiding one's form, one should look towards Bing and Ren. In addition, the positions of Tai Su, Tai Yin, Yue Jian, and Da Jiangjun can also be used for concealment. Hiding troops under these four deities is auspicious; the main general should wait for enemy movements at the position called 'Tingting'. Once the provisions are arranged, the soldiers' resting places should be set: under Shenhou (Zi) and Daji (Chou) on the Heaven Plate, one can hide ten thousand soldiers; under Taichong (Mao), a thousand; and under Congkui (You), a hundred.

又法：凡欲伏兵及避害者，月將加時，可從天上大吉方出，至小吉方而止。轉向傳送上立定，又轉向太沖上處潛伏，敵雖強，莫奈我何。此亦踏罡步斗之意。丙即天盤之巳，壬即天盤之亥，不用遁干。欲安歇潛形，可從天上巳亥下去。《兵帳賦》云：“丙壬憩臥。”是也。

Another method: when one wants to hide troops or avoid danger, use the Month General combined with the Rotating Plate to determine the direction. Start from the Heaven Plate's "Daji" (Chou), walk to the "Xiaoji" (Wei) and stop there, then move to "Chuansong" (Shen) and stand firm. Finally, turn towards "Taichong" (Mao) to hide. In this way, even if the enemy is strong, they cannot harm you. This is the meaning of the Daoist practice of stepping on the罡 (gāng) and moving in the stars (步斗). In the song, "Bing" refers to the巳 (Si) of the Heaven Plate, and "Ren" refers to the亥 (Hai) of the Heaven Plate, without needing to use the concealed Heavenly Stems. If one wants to rest and hide, pass under the Si and Hai of the Heaven Plate. The "Bing Ren Qì Wò" (丙壬憩卧) in the "Bingzhang Fu" refers to this very method.

又太歲、太陰、月建、大將軍四神臨方藏兵，大吉，主將則宜居亭亭之下者，神后落處是也。

In addition, the directions where the four deities - the Tai Su, Tai Yin, Yue Jian, and Da Jiangjun - are located are also very auspicious, as they conceal troops. The commander himself should be stationed under the "Tingting," which refers to the position of "Shenhou" (Zi) on the Heaven Plate.

要知賊藏在何處，天目加臨識地分。伏吟兵近反吟遠，若識來方發用評。凡欲知賊何處，當以天目所臨之方定之。天目，春辰、夏未、秋戌、冬丑。假令二月占，戌將加巳，天目在辰加亥，其賊在西北方也。

To determine where the enemy is hidden, observe which palace the "Heavenly Eye" (天目) is placed upon, and identify the corresponding direction. If the divination shows a Hidden Chant (伏吟) lesson, the enemy is nearby; if it shows a Reversed Chant (返吟) lesson, the enemy is far away. If you want to know from which direction the enemy is coming, assess the First Transmission (初传) and Initiating Transmission (发用). In all cases, to determine where the enemy is, use the direction indicated by the Heavenly Eye. The Heavenly Eye is located at Spring's Chen, Summer's Wei, Autumn's Xu, and Winter's Chou. For example, if the lesson is cast in the second month with the戌 general placed on the巳 hour, the Heavenly Eye at Chen is placed on the亥 position, so the enemy is in the Northwest.

《玄黃歌》以伏吟課近兵，反吟課兵遠。第觀《兵機總要》云：“天魁加天為陰，反覆反吟也，占賊主立至。”則知反吟兵遠非當云也，“反吟兵近伏吟遠”為是。蓋伏吟者，十二宮各歸本家，兵常未動。反吟則神已離位，互相沖擊，非遠而伏。

The Xuanhuang Ge interprets Fu Yin as enemy troops being nearby and Fan Yin as enemy troops being far away. However, according to the Bing Ji Zong Yao, "When Tian Kuai is placed on Tian Shang, it is considered Yin. When there is mutual conflict, it is called Fan Yin, and the enemy leader will arrive immediately." This shows that the statement "Fan Yin indicates enemy troops are far away" is incorrect. It should instead be "Fan Yin indicates enemy troops are nearby, and Fu Yin indicates enemy troops are far away." Because Fu Yin has the twelve palaces each returning to their original positions, and the troops have not yet moved. In contrast, Fan Yin involves all deities leaving their positions and facing each other, which indicates an approaching situation rather than a distant one.

賊之來方，則初傳定之，如初傳見火從南來，見金從西來，見水從北來，見木從東來。《兵帳賦》云：“欲知賊方位，當看初傳五行，火作南兵，土神乃從於四季。初傳木位，其謀必於東瞑。”此法雖出古人，尚欠通順，不若以游都等神臨處定之為是。

To determine the direction from which the enemy comes, use the first transmission: if the first transmission belongs to fire, the enemy comes from the south; if it belongs to metal, from the west; if it belongs to water, from the north; if it belongs to wood, from the east. The "Tent Assignment" says: "To know the enemy's direction, look at the five phases of the first transmission: if it is fire, the enemy comes from the south; if it is earth, they come from the four corners of the seasons; if the first transmission falls on the wood position, the plot must originate from the east." Although this method comes from ancient times, it is not very smooth, and it is better to determine the direction by the place where the gods such as You Du are present.

途中前後疑逢賊，大吉加臨定識真。丑到坎離賊卯下，如臨辰戌伏登明。寅申定是居參宿，丑未應知匿軫星。卯酉從魁須隱伏，若臨巳亥丑中尋。他行旺相來沖擊，設法抽軍別路行。

When suspecting enemies ahead or behind during a military campaign, the place where "Daji" (Chou) is placed can help identify the enemy's position. If Chou falls on Kan (Zi) or Li (Wu), the enemy is below Mao. If Chou is on Chen or Xu, the enemy is hidden beneath Dengming (Hai). If Chou is on Yin or Shen, the enemy is definitely at Shen, which belongs to the Three Stars mansion. If Chou is on Chou or Wei, the enemy is hidden beneath the Si position belonging to Zhěn star. If Chou is on Mao or You, the enemy is hidden beneath Congkui (You). If Chou is on Si or Hai, look within Chou. If the enemy comes directly with prosperous and strong energy, move the troops and choose another route for the march.

《神樞經》云：“欲知賊方，以大吉推之。”《兵帳賦》並諸書俱視二吉，似太繁瑣，只看五字為捷：丑加子午賊卯下（子午，坎離之卦也），臨辰戌在或亥下（登明亥也），臨寅申賊在申（參，申中宿也），臨丑未賊在巳下（軫，巳中宿也），臨卯酉賊在酉下（從魁，酉也），臨巳亥賊在丑下。若賊之所在是當季旺相方來沖擊我，其鋒不可擋，最宜避之。假令夏占，丙寅日伏吟，大吉臨丑，賊居旺地，宜擇吉地避之，餘仿此。

The Shenshu Jing says: "To determine the enemy's position, use Daji." The Bingzhang Fu and other texts all consider both Daji and Xiaoji, which seems complicated. In reality, looking at only five characters is most convenient: when Chou is added to Zi and Wu, the enemy is below Mao; Zi and Wu are the positions of Kan and Li trigrams. When Chou is on Chen and Xu, the enemy is below Hai; Dengming is Hai. When Chou is on Yin and Shen, the enemy is at Shen; Sanxiu belongs to Shen. When Chou is on Chou and Wei, the enemy is below Si; Zhenxu belongs to Si. When Chou is on Mao and You, the enemy is below You; Congkui is You. When Chou is on Si and Hai, the enemy is below Chou. If the enemy comes from the direction that is prosperous and strong in the current season, its attack cannot be resisted, so it is best to avoid it. For example, if a class is cast on Bingyin day in summer and there is a Fuyin, with Daji on Chou, Chou earth is in its phase and strong in summer, one should choose another auspicious place to avoid, and other situations follow the same pattern.

探賊消息從耳目，丑未之神天耳明，卯酉二神為地目，相探四處最為真。即之賊之所在，欲從旁察其端的，則以丑未所臨方下探之（以丑未為天耳故也）；探訪密事，須於卯酉神臨方下探之（以卯酉為地目故也）。

To gather information about the enemy, one relies on two groups of deities: Chou and Wei, known as the Heavenly Ears, which are most capable of hearing clearly; and Mao and You, known as the Earthly Eyes. Going to these four directions to investigate will yield the most accurate information. Once the enemy's location is known, if one wishes to further examine the situation from the sides, one should go to the directions where Chou and Wei are present, since Chou and Wei are the Heavenly Ears. If one wants to inquire about secret matters, one should go to the directions where Mao and You are present, since Mao and You are the Earthly Eyes.

外太陰下不可探，白虎、閉口下不可探，蓋太陰為陰私蔽匿之神，白虎為傳凶截路之殺，閉口則無有與我言者（旬尾加旬首為閉口）。

In addition, there are three places where one should not go to investigate: one should not investigate under Tai Yin, nor under White Tiger, nor under 'closed mouth'. Tai Yin is a spirit governing secrecy and concealment, while White Tiger is aInauspicious Sha (malevolent spirit) that spreads ominous news and blocks the way. When encountering 'closed mouth', no one is willing to speak to me.the so-called closed mouth refers to when the end of a ten-day period (旬尾) is placed over the beginning of the next ten-day period (旬首).

欲識賊來切要推，游都作限用占之。游都加日今將到，前之一位在明期，二三依次須防禦，若臨前四不侵圍。既得賊之消息，當決其來與不來、有害無害，以預備之。游都臨孟虛信，臨仲半途，臨季速來。天罡加孟仲季，亦如此類推之。若游都臨本支干上，賊本日到。臨前一辰，賊後一日到。臨前二辰，賊後二日到。臨前三辰，賊後三日到。臨第四辰，賊不來也。

To determine whether the enemy will come, one must calculate carefully, using "You Du" as the boundary for divination. If You Du is placed on the day stem, the enemy will arrive today; if placed on the previous stem, the enemy will arrive tomorrow; if placed on the stem before that, the enemy will arrive the day after; and if placed on the stem before that, the enemy will arrive the next day. If You Du is on the fourth stem ahead, the enemy will not attack. Once the enemy's presence is known, one should determine whether they will come or not, and whether it is harmful or not, in order to prepare in advance. If You Du is on the first quarter, the information is false; if on the second quarter, the enemy is on the way; if on the third quarter, the enemy will arrive soon. When Tiangang is on the first, second, or third quarter, it is also judged in the same way. If You Du is on the current stem and branch, the enemy will arrive today; if on the previous branch, the enemy will arrive tomorrow; if on the branch before that, the enemy will arrive the day after; if on the branch before that, the enemy will arrive the next day; if on the branch before that, the enemy will not come.

都神旺相支干畏，賊勢憑陵難守禦。游都和處喜降卒，畏下難侵大戰時。居在東南災稍重，臨於西北禍當微。不見游都視天乙，臨處還同都將推。子辰巳未加今日，盜賊猖狂疾走似飛。

The Flying Army gains the prosperity and strength of theprosperous and strong energy and is added to the day stem and day branch, which is exactly what our side fears, and the enemy's force is fierce and difficult to defend against. If the Flying Army falls in a harmonious and mutually generating position, it is pleasing to have enemy soldiers surrendering; if it falls in a place where it is afraid and controlled by subordinate deities, the enemy dares not invade, and it is appropriate to fight a major battle. If the Flying Army is located in the southeast, there will be somewhat severe military calamity; if it is located in the northwest, the disaster will be lighter. If the Flying Army is not present in the lesson, then we should look at the Heavenly Nobleman instead, and apply the same method as with the Flying Army. If the hours of Zi, Chen, Si, or Wei are added to the current day's stem and branch, it indicates that the enemy is coming with great force, moving swiftly and rapidly.

游都加支干旺相而又克干者，主賊勢憑陵，難以克守。若囚死不克，便無凶。《兵帳賦》云：“游都囚死，日辰不克以無凶，以干上下相制而來。”即此意也。若游都囚死，支干無剋制者，賊或不來，有剋制者亦來（假如春丙辰日亥將丑時，順數至辰，見寅為游都，加臨日辰；寅屬木正旺，又克辰土，正所謂“都神旺相支干畏”也。乙酉日丑將巳時，順數至辰見子為游都，子屬水冬旺，加在辰上被克為休地，主賊不來，安妥無虞。都將囚死又無剋制，主賊至，復自遁，如丁丑日子時辰將，巳為游都，加臨丑上，火土相生，游都既囚死又無剋制，故復自遁也）。

The concept of You Du is added to the Day Stem and Day Branch. If it is in a prosperous and strong position and also controls the Day Stem, it indicates a powerful and aggressive enemy that is difficult to resist. However, if it is in a state of captivity or death and does not control the Day Stem or Branch, there is no danger. The "Military Camp Treatise" states: "If You Du falls in a state of captivity or death and does not control the Day Stem or Branch, there is no danger; but if it is added to the Stem and Branch and there is mutual control between them, the enemy will come." This is exactly what is being discussed. If You Du is in a state of captivity or death and there is no mutual control between the Stem and Branch, the enemy may not come; but if there is mutual control, the enemy will still come. Let me give three examples: On a spring day with the Day Stem being Bing Chen, using the亥 general and adding the丑 hour, counting forward to the辰 position, we find the寅 as You Du, which is directly added to the Day Branch. The寅 belongs to wood, which is strong in spring and controls the辰 earth, which is "the spirit of the capital is strong and the stem and branch are afraid." On anYiyou day, using the丑 general and adding the巳 hour, counting forward to the辰 position, we find the子 as You Du; the子 belongs to water, which is strong in winter, but now it is added to the辰 and is controlled by earth, thus falling into a state of rest, indicating the enemy will not come and there will be no danger. As for cases where You Du is in a state of captivity or death and there is no mutual control, the enemy may come but then retreat on its own: for example, on aDingchou day at the子 hour, using the辰 general, the巳 is You Du, which is added to the丑. Fire and earth generate each other, and since You Du is in a state of captivity or death and there is no mutual control, the enemy comes but then retreats on its own.

又游都休囚加旺相地，賊攻城池；若得勾陳剋制游都者，賊兵必敗，不剋制亦不敗（假如二月甲子日子時戌針，以戌加子，順數至卯見丑為游都土死木旺，是游都以死加旺地，主賊攻城池，幸而太沖乘勾陳克游都之土，賊所以敗）。

Another situation is when the You Du itself is weak and confined, but is placed on a prosperous and strong position, indicating that enemies will attack the city. In this case, if "Gou Chen" restrains the You Du, the enemy will certainly be defeated; if there is no restraint, the enemy may not necessarily be defeated. For example: on the second month, Jiazi day and Zi hour, using Xu as the general, place Xu on top of Zi and count forward in sequence, arriving at Mao position where Chou is the You Du. Chou earth is in a dead position in spring, while Mao wood is in its prime, meaning the You Du is in a dead position added to a strong position, indicating enemy attack on the city. Fortunately, at Mao position, "Taichong" is riding on Gou Chen, with wood restraining the You Du earth, so the enemy eventually retreats.

上下相生為喜，游都加臨上下相生，主有降卒。若游都加支干，為下所克，便是畏下，宜戰鬥。《兵帳賦》云：“好鄉不戰，畏則交鋒。”是也（如丙辛二日以寅為游都，臨亥子地，水木相生喜也，主不戰而降。若游都被下神剋制可戰，戰必賊敗，故曰“難侵”、“畏下”，是賊難來侵我也）。

The presence of the "Youdu" trigram in a position where it generates the elements below it is a favorable omen, indicating that enemy troops may surrender without battle. If the "Youdu" is placed on the day stem or day branch and is then overcome by the element below, this is called "Wei Xia" (fearing the lower), which is an appropriate time for battle. The "Bingzhang Fu" states, "If it falls in a favorable place, do not fight; if it falls in a place it fears, engage in battle," referring to this very situation. For example, on a Bing day or Xin day, with寅 (Yin) as the "Youdu," if寅 is located in亥 (Hai) or 子 (Zi), which are water elements, water nourishes wood, forming a favorable generation, indicating that the enemy will surrender without fighting. However, if the "Youdu" is overcome by the element below, it is suitable for battle, and the enemy will surely be defeated. Thus, it is said "Nan Qin" (difficult to invade) and "Wei Xia" (fearing the lower), meaning the enemy will find it difficult to invade us.

又月將加時，干支上與課傳不見游都，謂離日遠也。則視天乙臨處，一如游都之法，若天乙又離日遠，主賊已往他境不來。又月將加時，干支上見子、辰、巳、未臨日辰，主賊到自回。

There is another situation: after the month general is added to the rotating plate, if neither the day stem nor the day branch, nor the four lessons and three transmissions contain the youdu, this is called "distance from the day." In this case, one should look at the place where Tianyi Guiren is located, and the method of interpretation is exactly the same as that for youdu. If even Tianyi Guiren is far from the day stem and day branch, it indicates that the enemy has already gone to another place and will not come. Additionally, if after the month general is added to the rotating plate, the day stem and day branch show Zi, Chen, Si, or Wei under pressure, it suggests that although the enemy has arrived, they will retreat on their own.

疾如飛，言疾走如飛也。“居在東南災稍重，臨於西北禍當輕。”此二句不知所謂，蓋出自《兵機總要》，故存之。

The song诀 says "疾如飞," which describes the enemy moving as fast as a flying object. As for the lines "Residing in the Southeast brings greater calamity, facing the Northwest brings lesser misfortune," I do not know the basis for these statements. It seems they were probably copied from the "Comprehensive Essentials of Military Strategy," so they are left here for now.

欲知敵至是何兵，來處乘神作準衡。子乃輕驃丑步隊，寅為猛健卯車營。旌旗掩映推辰是，騎馬飛奔自午鳴。機械巳多蛇作陣，干戈未妙有羊擎。申善鬥爭酉畫計，戌軍武勇亥雄英。

To determine the type of enemy troops coming, take the divine ruler of their starting point. Those who ride on Zi are lightly armed cavalry; those on Chou are infantry. Those on Yin are fierce and strong; those on Mao are mostly chariot formations. If the banners are covering the sky, it is Chen; if the horses are galloping swiftly, it is Wu. Those on Si have many weapons and can form a snake-like formation; those on Wei have exquisite weapons and a sheep-horned lifting formation. Those on Shen are good at fighting; those on You are good at planning. Those on Xu have brave soldiers; those on Hai have heroic generals.

欲知敵勢形狀，則以來處乘神決之，如來處乘子，則為輕驃之兵；乘丑，則為步隊；乘寅猛健；乘卯車營，謂營中多車也，卯又為天駟，若驛馬天馬乘之，則又主馬壯多，則卯又為船；辰龍也，來則旌旗蔽空；午馬也，來則騎馬飛奔；巳主兵多機械，能作蛇陣，以巳蛇也；未主器械精妙，又羊擎，未屬羊也；申善爭鬥，在途間；酉善畫計，在門中；戌為天魁，主武勇；亥為將首，主英雄。

To know the appearance and momentum of the enemy's forces, one should use the divine beings associated with the directions to judge. If the enemy comes under the influence of Zi, it indicates light cavalry; under Chou, it signifies infantry; under Yin, it indicates fierce and strong forces; under Mao, it represents chariot camps, as Mao is also called "Heavenly Horse," and if Heavenly Horse or Post-horse are associated with it, it indicates many and strong horses. Mao can also be considered as a ship. Chen belongs to the dragon, and when it arrives, banners and flags block the sky. Wu belongs to the horse, and when it arrives, horses gallop swiftly. Si is associated with many weapons and machinery, capable of forming a snake-like formation, as Si belongs to the snake. Wei is associated with excellent weapons and has the image of a ram's horn lifting up, as Wei belongs to the ram. Shen is good at fighting, often engaging in battles on the way; You is good at planning, often using strategies within gates. Xu is "Hekui," indicating martial bravery; Hai is the leader of generals, indicating heroes and outstanding individuals.

占賊多寡有三般，或視游都或視干，或視地盤正時上，法亂相宗斷課難。都將近日只論都，都將遠日只論干。有時干上乘空者，正時加減不虛傳。

There are three methods to determine the number of enemy troops: one looks at the wandering capital, another at the day stem, and the third at the correct hour on the earth plate. These three methods are intertwined, making the divination process difficult. In reality, the choice is simple: if the wandering capital is close to the day stem and day branch, then only consider the wandering capital; if the wandering capital is far away, then only consider the day stem; and if the day stem is occupied by kongwang, then use the correct hour to add or subtract, and this principle is indeed reliable.

察賊多寡，有視游都者，有視干者，有視地盤正時者。雖以決斷，不如都近日則以都將上下盤定之。都將離日遠，則以日干上下盤定之；至於干上逢空，則以正時上下盤定之。其言加減者，謂看五行旺相休囚加減論也，如旺則進，相則倍，休言本數，死因減半。數甲己子午九，乙庚丑未八，丙辛寅申七，丁壬卯酉六，戊癸辰戌五，巳亥五之數。

To determine the enemy's strength, some look at the wandering palace, some at the day stem, and some at the earth plate's exact hour. Although all can judge, it is better to use this method: if the wandering palace is close to the day stem, use the numbers above and below the wandering palace on the heaven and earth plates; if the wandering palace is far from the day stem, use the numbers above and below the day stem's plate. If the day stem falls on an empty place, use the numbers above and below the exact hour's plate. The term 'addition and subtraction' refers to adjusting numbers according to the strength and weakness of the five elements: when strong, increase by one level; when in the phase of mutual generation, double the number; when weak, use the original number; when in the state of death, reduce by half. The original numbers of each branch are: Jia and Ji with Zi and Wu are nine, Yi and Geng with Chou and Wei are eight, Bing and Xin with Yin and Shen are seven, Ding and Ren with Mao and You are six, Wu and Gui with Chen and Xu are five, and Si and Hai are five.

《玄黃一秤金》專以游都決之，歌云：“戰賊多寡如何定，須看游都一決之。旺相休因分增減，先天上下合乘除。再兼亥子支干位，支上雖微干有餘。”假如春占，游都在寅，丑八數，寅七數，七八五十六，此先天數也。但在上無氣，減半言之，若五十六則作則二十八也。如旺則為五萬六千，相則為五千六百，本數五百六十，或只五十六。又亥子加干上，賊數寡也。後二法的。

The "Xuanyang Yichengjin" uses the Yu Du to determine the number of enemy troops. Its rhyme says: "To determine the number of enemy troops, one must rely on Yu Du. According to the prosperity, strength, weakness, and confinement, adjust the increase or decrease. Multiply and divide the earlier heaven numbers accordingly. Also, consider whether the亥 and 子 fall on the day stem or the day branch. If they fall on the day branch, the number is small; if they fall on the day stem, the number is greater." For example, when starting a lesson in spring, if Yu Du is in寅, the丑 under寅 is eight, and寅 itself is seven. Multiplying seven and eight gives fifty-six, which is the earlier heaven number. However, if it has no strength, it should be halved to twenty-eight. If it is in its prime, it becomes fifty-six thousand. If it is in its secondary strength, it becomes five thousand six hundred. If it is in its original number, it is five hundred sixty, or just fifty-six. Additionally, if亥 and 子 are added to the day stem, the number of enemy troops is smaller. These two methods are the most accurate.

游都旺剋日辰強，無克休囚弱不揚。蛇虎同臨主猛烈，都方互制定柔剛。乘凶更值空亡地，人馬雖多不是強。多寡，賊數也；強弱，賊勢也。不知強弱，何以禦敵？然亦不離游都決之，如都將乘旺剋日辰，主賊勢強大；不克日辰而又休囚，則賊勢弱而氣不揚矣。蛇虎乘都又日辰，將師士卒懼猛。若都方上下刑剋相乘，主賊半柔半剛。若雖乘蛇虎凶將而值空，則人馬雖多，亦終不足為強也。

When the general (you du) is strong and controls both the day stem and day branch, the enemy's strength is powerful; if it does not control them and is weak and confined, the enemy's strength is weak and its momentum is not strong. If both Teng Snake and White Tiger are present, the enemy is fierce and powerful. If the general (you du) and the direction it occupies are mutually controlling, we need to determine whether it is soft or hard. If it is accompanied byInauspicious General (evil generals) and falls in the Kongwang position, even though there are many troops, they are not considered strong. The term 'many or few' refers to the number of enemy troops, while 'strong or weak' refers to the enemy's momentum. Without knowing the strength and weakness, how can we resist the enemy? The method of judgment still relies on the general (you du): if the general (you du) is strong and controls both the day stem and day branch, it indicates a powerful enemy; if it does not control them and is weak and confined, then the enemy's strength is weak and its momentum is not strong. If Teng Snake and White Tiger are both riding on the general (you du) and the day stem and day branch, the enemy's generals and soldiers are all fierce and terrifying. If the general (you du) and the direction it occupies are mutually attacking and controlling, it indicates that the enemy is partly soft and partly hard. If although it is accompanied by Teng Snake and White Tiger these evil generals, it falls in the Kongwang position, then even though there are many troops, they are ultimately not considered strong.