Two armies facing each other, the twenty-fifth.

兩軍對陣欲交鋒，先看軍容用計攻。陣是圓形宜用火，若教方體木當從。旗幟忽然青作色，也須白旄往前沖。更審八方誰出馬，克刑擇吉誰張弓。

Two armies are facing each other about to engage in battle. First, I examine the enemy's formation to decide which strategy to use. If the enemy's formation is circular, it belongs to the metal element, so I will use a fire formation to counter it. If the enemy's formation is square, it belongs to the earth element, so I will use a wooden formation with long lines to attack from the middle. If the enemy's banners suddenly all turn green, that signifies the wood element, so I must charge forward with white flags and white armor. I also need to determine from which of the eight directions the enemy will advance, then select a favorable gate based on mutual control and mutual restriction, and position my archers accordingly.

主客既定，勝負已明，則於交陣欲戰之時，夫得無作用哉？於是觀其軍容若何，始出奇以應之。軍容者，軍之陣勢與旗幟形色也。如敵陣作圓形，此金陣也，我則排尖陣以破之（尖者火也，取火克金）；如敵陣方形，如土陣也，我則排成長陣以破之（長者木也，取木克士）；如敵陣所張旗幟衣服，皆純青色，則是木氣，我即用白旗白甲以應之（白，金色，金克木）；五方之色，以克彼者為勝。

The opposing forces have already been determined, and the outcome is clear. So when the two armies are about to engage in battle, is there no way to take action? Therefore, one must observe the enemy's military formation and banners to achieve a surprising victory. Military formation refers to the shape of the army's array and the colors of their banners and armor. For example, if the enemy's formation is circular, and circle belongs to metal, I would arrange a pointed formation to counter it, as pointed shape belongs to fire, and fire overcomes metal. If the enemy's formation is square, and square belongs to earth, I would arrange a long formation to counter it, as long shape belongs to wood, and wood overcomes earth. If the enemy's banners and armor are all bright blue, representing wood energy, I would use white banners and white armor to counter them, as white belongs to metal, and metal overcomes wood. In general, the five colors should be used to overcome the opposing side's color.

四方，八卦之方位也。當用奇門休、生、傷、杜、景、死、驚、開，如八卦位，看敵在何方出馬，我則取克彼刑，彼出吉門以接刃（如彼自死門來，我從生門出應，是擇吉也。如彼自兌位出馬，我從離位張弓，是克他也）。刑是十二支之三刑。

The "eight directions" mentioned in the song诀 refer to the positions of the Eight Trigrams. They should be combined with the eight gates of the Qimen system: Xiu, Sheng, Shang, Du, Jing, Si, Jing, and Kai. Each gate should face directly the position of the Eight Trigrams. When observing from which direction the enemy approaches, I should choose the direction that can overcome or punish them, and depart from the auspicious gate to engage in battle. For example, if the enemy comes from the Si gate, I should depart from the Sheng gate to confront them, which is choosing auspiciousness. If the enemy approaches from the Dui position, I should take position at the Li position and draw my bow, as the fire of Li overcomes the metal of Dui. Here, the term "xing" refers to the Three Punishments among the twelve Earthly Branches.

以實擊虛虛擊實，因奇用正正還奇。彼勞我逸攻宜急，我眾他微可用圍。兵法云：“實者虛之，虛者實之。”如敵空虛，我以實擊之，是實擊虛也，如敵實我設虛以擊，是虛擊實也（如玄德因劉璋之弱而得益州，是以實擊虛之事。張飛以二十騎拖柴揚塵退曹兵百萬，是以虛擊實之事）。

In warfare, one should attack the weak points and defend the strong ones. If the enemy uses a surprise attack, I should respond with a conventional strategy; if they use a conventional approach, I should counter with a surprise tactic. If the enemy comes from a long distance and is exhausted while my forces are fresh and waiting, I should attack quickly. If my forces are numerous and the enemy is few, I should surround and trap them. The military strategy says: "Make the real seem false and the false seem real." When the enemy is weak, I attack with my full strength, which is attacking the real with the real. When the enemy is strong, I appear weak to lure them in, which is attacking the false with the real. For example, Liu Bei took Yizhou because Liu Zhang was weak, which is an example of attacking the real with the real. Zhang Fei frightened Cao Cao's millions of troops with twenty horsemen dragging branches and raising dust in the trees, which is an example of attacking the false with the real.

敵設奇，我因其奇而擊之以正（如曹操遣蔡瑁詐降周瑜，而周瑜遂因以奇破曹操）。敵用正來，我破其正而擊之以奇（如韓信拔趙之類）。彼軍遠來，是勞也，我宜急攻之。彼兵寡將微，是我宜圍之，以俟其自敗。其虛虛實實、奇奇正正，妙用多端，不可一言而盡也。

The enemy sets up a strange plan, and I follow his strange plan to defeat him with regular troops. For example, Cao Cao sent Cai Mao to feign surrender to Zhou Yu, but Zhou Yu took advantage of this to use a surprise strategy and defeated Cao Cao. If the enemy attacks with regular troops, I break his regular troops and win with my surprise forces, as in the case of Han Xin's campaign against the State of Zhao. If the enemy comes from a long distance, it is "laborious," so I should attack urgently. If the enemy has few troops and weak generals, I should surround them and wait for them to collapse on their own. Within this, there are many changes of reality and illusion, and the use of strange and regular strategies is extremely varied, not something that can be fully explained in one sentence.

銳氣勿攻衰氣勝，亂宜擊整懈精追。洿下正當澭水浸，順風切記逞炎威。兵法曰：“銳氣勿擊。”銳氣，朝氣也，士卒在朝，其氣方銳，至午後則衰矣，擊之則勝。亂，軍之行伍陣法紊，我以整擊之，則勝。懈，彼軍志氣懈怠，我軍精猛，擊之則勝。如彼軍站立洿下，我於上流空水以灌之。如臨陣以順風，宜用火燒，此人事之作用，不筮祝而知者。

When the enemy's morale is strong, do not attack; wait until their strength wanes and then strike, and you will win. If the enemy's formation is disordered, attack them with a well-disciplined force and you will win. If the enemy is lazy and unalert, attack them with a sharp and powerful force and you will win. If the enemy is stationed in a low-lying area, release water from the upper stream to flood them. If there is a favorable wind during battle, remember to set fire and show strength. The military saying says, "Do not attack when the enemy's morale is sharp." Sharp morale refers to the morning's energy: soldiers in the morning have strong morale, but by noon it weakens, and then attacking them will result in victory.the so-called "乱" refers to the enemy's formation and order being disordered; attacking them with a disciplined force will result in victory.所谓 "懈" refers to the enemy's spirit being slack; if your forces are sharp and brave, attacking them will result in victory. If the enemy is stationed in a low-lying area, release water from the upper stream to flood them. If there is a favorable wind during battle, set fire and show strength. All these are human actions and do not require divination to understand.

若用六壬，依《兵機總要》訣例占之：“發用雌雄定輸贏，勝負初傳天下評。年命支上空虎勝，本行貴旺武衰贏。勾陳玄武攻方利，陳覆攻方責克亨。日辰武傷時克武，季贏孟敗視罡星。”此總要占訣也，注見前《主客勝負》篇內。

If using the Six壬 system for divination, follow the诀例 from the "Comprehensive Essentials of Military Strategy": "Whether the initiating transmission is a male or female warrior determines the outcome of the battle; the result of victory or defeat is judged by the first transmission. The year of the person's birth, their destiny, and the day branch, if they fall into the empty void or encounter the White Tiger, will be on the side that wins. The side where the person's destiny is located, with the noble deity in its prime and the Black Tortoise weak, will win. The position of Gou Chen and Xuan Wu is favorable to the attacking side; if Gou Chen covers and suppresses the attacking side, it can overcome and thus be smooth. If the day stem and day branch are injured by Xuan Wu, one should consult the time to overcome Xuan Wu. If the Tiangang falls in the four seasons, it wins; if it falls in the four young months, it loses; it all depends on the star of Tiangang." This is the divination诀 from the "Comprehensive Essentials of Military Strategy," and its explanation is found in the previous section "Main and Guest Victory and Defeat."

急密發兵從急神，私門卯下用機深。旺與克玄方莫去，須向天罡與太陰。占者用兵遣將，約戰，此正體也。設未陣之先，猝有不虞，則速急發兵應之，當統兵向六合與太沖下（以備六合為私門，太沖卯也）。至干旺方與克我之方、玄武所立之方，都不可往，宜往天罡、太陰之下。

Send troops urgently and secretly by following the direction of the "Quick God," starting from the "Private Gate" under the branch of Mao. The strategy will then be deep and subtle. Do not go to the direction that is currently strong or the one that controls the Black Tortoise. Instead, move towards the direction of the Tiangang and Tai Yin. In general, when predicting military matters, dispatching generals and setting a date for battle is the normal approach. However, if the army has not yet formed up and an unexpected situation arises, troops must be sent immediately to deal with it. In such cases, the commander should move towards the directions of Liu He and Taichong, since Liu He is the Private Gate and Taichong is the branch of Mao. Do not go to the direction that is strong for the day stem, the direction that controls you, or the direction where the Black Tortoise is positioned. Instead, move towards the directions of Tiangang and Tai Yin.

賊兵去否斗罡尋，孟未仲季季遠奔。大吉過干賊已出，未過潛住欲來侵。夫既定勝負而後戰，則賊必棄甲曳兵而走矣。然猶疑其未去，則以斗罡定之。斗罡，即天罡也。月將加時，斗罡加孟，賊未去；加仲，將發；加季，已遠奔矣。《兵機總要》云：“加季如今過遠出”是也。

To determine whether the enemy troops have actually left, one should look at the "Doustang" (斗罡). If the Doustang is placed on the four initial months (四孟), the enemy has not yet departed; if placed on the four middle months (四仲), the enemy is about to set out; if placed on the four final months (四季), the enemy has already fled far away. If the "Daji" (大吉, Chou) crosses over the day stem, the enemy has already left the battlefield; if it does not cross over, the enemy is still hiding nearby, planning to attack again. Since the outcome has already been decided and the battle is about to take place, the enemy will surely flee with their armor and weapons. However, there is still doubt that they have not truly left, so one should use the Doustang to determine this. The Doustang is the same as the Tiangang. Using the Month General (月将) and the Rotating Plate (转盘) for the time of the divination: if the Tiangang is placed on the four initial months, the enemy has not yet gone; if placed on the four middle months, the enemy is about to depart; if placed on the four final months, the enemy has already fled far away. The "Military Essentials in General" (《兵机总要》) says "when placed on the final months, the enemy has already gone far away," which means exactly this.

又《靈匣經》云：“大吉加於干前一神，是謂過干，賊已過關；如未過，則賊潛住，尚欲來侵我”（假令甲子日，大吉加卯，是過干，賊已出界。若臨寅或臨丑，是未過關，賊尚未出）。

The Ling Xia Jing also states: "If Daji is placed on the first position of the day stem, it is called 'Guogan,' meaning the enemy has already passed the border. If Daji is not yet on the first position, the enemy is still nearby and intends to invade." For example, on a Jiazi day, Jia is located in theYin Palace. If Daji is on the卯, it is Guogan, meaning the enemy has already crossed the border. If Daji is on the寅 or the丑, the enemy has not yet crossed the border and is still within the territory.

魯都臨處知賊去，陰空臨之不可圍。魁罡如入遭囚繫，魯勾相生賂釋賊。兵言窮寇勿追，若欲追之，則當以魯都看賊之所息。《經》云：“游都察賊至，魯都察賊歸。”是也。游都沖處即魯都，魯都臨支，賊尚在近處；若臨干去日又遠，賊已遠去，不可追，即因天罡加孟仲季決之亦是。

The place where "Lu Du" falls indicates where the enemy has gone. If "Tai Yin" and "Kong Wang" fall upon it, one should not go to surround them. If "Lu Du" falls under "He Kui" or "Tian Gang," pursuing will result in being captured. If "Lu Du" mutually generates with "Gou Chen," it means someone has bribed to let the enemy go. The military strategy says "do not pursue a cornered enemy." If one must pursue, use "Lu Du" to find where the enemy rests. The classic says: "You Du observes the enemy coming, Lu Du observes the enemy returning." This is exactly what it means. The one conflicting with You Du is Lu Du. If Lu Du falls on the day branch, the enemy is nearby; if it falls on the day stem but is far from the day, the enemy has already gone far and should not be pursued further. Using Tian Gang combined with the first, second, and third positions to judge, the conclusion is the same.

若魯都入空地，並太陰之下，不可見；太陰為陰私藏匿；空亡，入空。斗者，天罡也，天罡為牢獄之所；魁，天魁也，天魁為幽禁河之地，賊入其下，必遭囚擊。至於分我軍之法，擇吉神將之方，並刑剋魯都之方便是。又有魯都生勾陳，為捉人受賂而釋賊之說。

If the Robe of the Enemy falls into the Kongwang position or under the Tai Yin, the enemy will not be seen. Tai Yin governs hidden and secret matters, while Kongwang signifies emptiness. "Dou" refers to Tiangang (Chen), which is a place of imprisonment; "Kui" refers to Tiankui (Xu), which is a place of confinement. If the enemy flees into these two positions, they will certainly be captured. As for the method of dividing forces to pursue, one should choose the direction where the auspicious spirits and generals are located, as well as the direction that can overcome the Robe of the Enemy. There is also another saying: if the Robe of the Enemy is generated by Gou Chen, it indicates that after capturing the enemy, one will accept bribes and then release them.

恐賊埋兵居要程，支干上決最通靈。巳申子卯來覆立，寇敵奸心布伏兵。旺相帶刑逢必戰，空亡體廢不來爭。干傷在前支傷後，支干俱損莫驚沖。日行險隘，恐人謀害，當以日辰時三處決之，日傷勿在前，辰傷勿在後，時傷勿在中（此與前《兵機》、《心鏡》合，但彼不取時耳）。

Worrying about enemies ambushing on a crucial route, using the day stem and day branch to judge is most reliable. If the four divine forces of Si, Shen, Zi, and Mao cover over, it indicates that the enemy has sinister intentions and has set up an ambush. If these four divine forces are prosperous and strong and accompanied by punishment, a battle is certain. If they fall into Kongwang or are in a state of decline, they will not come to fight. If the day stem is injured, the ambush is ahead. If the day branch is injured, the ambush is behind. If both the day stem and day branch are injured, do not rashly advance. When marching through a dangerous pass, fearing someone plotting harm, one should use the day stem, day branch, and the time of divination to judge. If the day stem is injured, do not lead the way. If the day branch is injured, do not follow behind. If the time of divination is injured, do not be in the middle. This is consistent with the previous statements in "The Essentials of Military Strategy" and "The Mirror of Six Rats," except that those two do not use the time of divination.

又曰，斗罡加孟勿在前，加仲勿在中，加季勿在後。若天罡加日辰，必有惡人躡我蹤跡，宜急去。

There is another saying: If the Tiangang falls on the four beginning months, it should not be in the front of the formation; if it falls on the four middle months, it should not be in the center; if it falls on the four end months, it should not be at the back. If the Tiangang is placed on the Day Stem and Day Branch, there must certainly be wicked people following our troops' movements, and we should leave quickly.

見賊行程渡關方，行年歲月日沖難。支干上將休囚惡，旺相相生去即安。魁罡蛇虎尤當忌，向國方門要細研。渡關，謂我軍欲渡彼境，覘聽賊所虛實，先看大將行年本命，不可與太歲日月沖破相剋，即在太歲日月沖破，亦不可輕去。《經》云：“凶不凶，視破沖。”是也。破神，子破酉、卯破子之類。沖，十二宮對沖。

To determine the movements of the enemy, one must cross borders and enter foreign territories; at this time, if the year pillar is conflicting with the Tai Sui, the month builder, or the day branch, there will be difficulties. If the heavenly stem and earthly branch of the day are occupied by spirits that are weak and confined, it is not good. However, if they are prosperous and strong, and also mutually generating, then there will be safety. The spirits of Hekui, Tiangang, Teng Snake, and Baihu should be especially avoided. The country being entered, the direction being faced, and the gate being used must all be carefully studied. By "crossing the border," it means that our army must cross into the enemy's territory to spy and gather information about their strengths and weaknesses. First, examine the main general's birth year. It must not be conflicting or being controlled by the Tai Sui, the month builder, or the day branch. Even if the general is merely in the direction that is conflicting with the Tai Sui, the month builder, or the day branch, he should not go there lightly. The classic says, "Whether it is凶 or not, look at breaking and conflicting," which means exactly this. "Breaking spirits" refer to things like Zi breaking You, Mao breaking Zi, and so on. "Conflicting" refers to the mutual opposition of the twelve palaces.

《玉門經》曰：“差人覘賊虛實，日辰上見旺相之神，更與日辰相生者吉；見休囚之神，又與日辰相剋，則不可去。”

The Yumen Classic says: "If you send someone to spy on the enemy's situation, and the Day Stem and Day Branch show a prosperous and strong god, and this god is mutually generated with the Day Stem and Day Branch, it is auspicious. But if a weak and confined god is seen, and this god mutually controls the Day Stem and Day Branch, then it is not advisable to send someone."

蛇，螣蛇；虎，白虎；魁罡，辰戍也；若辰戌乘蛇虎二神加支干年命上，或加去方門上尤最忌（方，所至之方也；門，去使所出之門也）。

In the song verses, "snake" refers to Teng Snake, and "tiger" refers to White Tiger. "Kui Gang" refers to the branches Chen and Xu. If Chen or Xu are accompanied by Teng Snake and White Tiger, and these are added to the day stem and day branch, or to the person's birth year, or added to the direction being traveled and the gate through which the messenger departs, it is most to be avoided. Here, "direction" refers to the direction being traveled, and "gate" refers to the gate through which the messenger departs.

行年歲月日沖否。若向沖陰有慶還，亥午罡臨人宅吉，出軍玄武畏方難。主將行年若在太歲、月建、日沖下，不可去（一作差人行年）。此《玉門經》斷法，《玉曆鈐》作“本命行年，忌見日辰上對沖之神。”

One still needs to check whether the person's year of birth is conflicting with the Tai Su, the Month Builder, or the Day Branch. If the direction is towards 'Taichong' and 'Taiyin', there will be good fortune. If the亥 (Hai), 午 (Wu), or Tiangang is present on the Day Stem or Day Branch, it is favorable. Military actions will face difficulties in the direction feared by the Black Tortoise. If the general's year of birth falls under the conflict of the Tai Su, the Month Builder, or the Day Branch, he should not proceed. Another version states that it refers to the year of birth of the person appointed. This is the method of interpretation from the 'Yumen Jing'; the 'Yilie Qian' states that 'the person's true destiny and year of birth should avoid conflicting deities on the Day Stem and Day Branch.'

沖，太沖也；陰，太陰。歲後二位是太陰，太沖臨處可去，有喜。還，回還也。《玉帳經》云：“令人探賊，出天上太沖下，則人鬼不見，又宜太陰之上探之。”正此意也。

In the song, "chong" refers to "Taichong" (Mao), and "yin" refers to "Tai Yin"; Tai Yin is taken as the second position after the Tai Su. The place where Taichong is located can be left, and going there brings good fortune. "Huan" means returning. The "Yuyang Jing" says: "Send people to scout the enemy, departing from the Taichong position on the Heaven Plate, where both people and ghosts cannot see them; it is also suitable to scout from the Tai Yin position." This is exactly what is meant.

人宅，即日辰也。《玉門經》云：“日辰上得登明、天罡、勝光，宜急去。”玄武畏方，是克玄武之方也。《靈匣經》曰：“玄武乘神能制所往之方，出兵大勝。乘神畏所往之方，凶。假令武乘勝光，不宜往北方。”

In the song verses, "person's dwelling" refers to the day stem and day branch. The "Yumen Jing" says: "If the day stem and day branch are accompanied by 'Dengming' (Hai), 'Tiangang' (Chen), or 'Shengguang' (Wu), one should hurry to move." The phrase "Xuanwu fears the direction" refers to the direction that can overcome Xuanwu. The "Lingxia Jing" states: "If the deity riding Xuanwu can control the direction one is going to, then military campaigns will be victorious; but if the deity riding Xuanwu is afraid of the direction one is going to, then it will be disastrous. For example, if Xuanwu rides Shengguang (Wu fire), it is not advisable to go to the northern direction, which belongs to water."

迷路申辰下可從，三途罡孟左宜沖。仲中季右依之法，陽左宜令陰右通。兩路日良趨左大，辰良右小斷無壅。我軍度關，去國已遠，一時嚮導不及，迷失路途，或二三路相雜，則不可不決也。

If lost, one should follow the path beneath Shen and Chen. When encountering three forked paths, if Tiangang is added to four Meng, one should take the left path; if added to four Zhong, take the middle path; if added to four Ji, take the right path. Another method is that if Tiangang falls on a Yang branch, take the left path; if on a Yin branch, take the right path. If only two paths are present, if the Day Stem is auspicious, take the left main path; if the Day Branch is auspicious, take the right minor path. There will be no difficulty in making the decision. After our army has crossed the pass, having already been far from our homeland, if we cannot find a guide and are lost, or if two or three paths are intertwined and hard to distinguish, we cannot avoid divination.

申傳送也，辰天罡也，二神臨方有路，黃帝云：“軍行迷路，若功曹、傳送臨日辰，前路通；天罡蛇虎臨日辰，前路不通。”《兵帳賦》云：“洿泥之地，天罡指處堪行。”又云：“錯迷失路，參角堪前。”參，申宿；角，辰宿。

Shen is "Chuansong", Chen is "Tiangang", and the directions governed by these two deities are passable. The Yellow Emperor said: "If 'Gongcao' (Yin) and 'Chuansong' (Shen) are present at the day stem and day branch, the path ahead is clear. If 'Tiangang' and Teng Snake, White Tiger are present at the day stem and day branch, the path is blocked." The "Military Camp Essay" says: "In low-lying muddy areas, the path is passable from where Tiangang points." It also says: "If one is lost, relying on the Three Stars mansion and Horn mansion can lead the way." The Three Stars mansion belongs to Shen, and the Horn mansion belongs to Chen.

逢三路，未知從何路，則以天罡加宜孟左去，加仲宜中去，加季右去。《七十二占》同此。陽，六陽之神也，子、寅、辰、午、申、戌，天罡臨此六位，宜往左。陰，六陰之神也，丑、卯、巳、未、酉、亥，天罡臨此六位，宜往右。此又一法。

When encountering three岔 roads and unsure which path to take, one should refer to the Tiangang: if the Tiangang falls on the four beginning months (四孟), one should take the left path; if it falls on the four middle months (四仲), one should take the central path; if it falls on the four ending months (四季), one should take the right path. The "Seventy-Two Divinations" (《七十二占》) states this in the same way.the so-called "Yang" refers to the six Yang branches: Zi, Yin, Chen, Wu, Shen, Xu. When the Tiangang is on these six branches, one should take the left path.the so-called "Yin" refers to the six Yin branches: Chou, Mao, Si, Wei, You, Hai. When the Tiangang is on these six branches, one should take the right path. This is another method.

設逢兩路可疑，日上吉可向左道，或大道去，吉。辰上吉，可向右路，或小路去，吉。《兵帳賦》云：“兩歧惑意，日辰左右。”即此之謂也。

If faced with two difficult choices, if the Day Stem is favorable, take the left path or the main road, which is auspicious; if the Day Branch is favorable, take the right path or the minor road, which is auspicious. The "Tent Assignment" states, "When confronted with two diverging paths and unsure which to choose, use the Day Stem and Day Branch to determine left and right," referring precisely to this principle.

昴星俯視關梁杜，猴虎干支有路蹤。若見罡魁蛇虎阻，未虛臨處更休攻。陽日昴星課為仰視，載在起例。凡遇此等課，主關梁杜塞不通。

The divination result is "昴星" lesson, indicating an obstruction at a pass or bridge. If "猴" (申) and "虎" (寅) fall on the day stem or day branch, there will be a traceable path ahead. If "天罡," "河魁," and "螣蛇" are obstructing, and the place where "虚宿" is located is also involved, one should not prepare to move forward. On a yang day, the "昴星" lesson is also called "仰视," as recorded in the general principles of the lesson. Whenever this type of lesson occurs, it indicates obstruction at a pass or bridge.

猴，傳送之屬；虎，寅也。二神臨日辰，前去有路。魁、罡、蛇、虎四神加臨日辰上，前路不通。《兵帳賦》云：“神后多池，小吉阻道。”蓋神后子也，臨處必有水池。小吉臨方有井泉。未，小吉。虛，子中宿也。攻，治，謂治裝前行也。

In the song, "monkey" belongs to "Chuansong" (Shen), and "tiger" is Yin. When these two deities approach the day stem and day branch, there is a path ahead. However, if "Hekui," "Tiangang," and "Teng Snake" and "White Tiger" all approach the day stem and day branch, the path ahead will be blocked. The "Bingzhang Fu" says: "Where Shenhou is, there are many ponds; where Xiaoji is, there will be obstacles." Shenhou is Zi, and wherever it approaches, there will be ponds. Xiaoji, which is Wei, when it approaches, there will be wells and springs. In the song, "Wei" is Xiaoji, and "Xu" is the host name of Zi. "Gong" means to prepare and proceed, indicating the act of setting out and moving forward.

遠涉途間怕賊邀，加時占測好推敲。巳申子卯臨支後，立於前路欲指挑。不臨支干兵離遠，如到干支近我巢。旺相帶刑逢必戰，空亡休廢且虛跑。干為大路支為小，勝光之下看哮咆。

When traveling far away and fearing enemy interception, use the Month General combined with the time of divination to carefully calculate the situation. If the hours of巳, 申, 子, and 卯 are approaching the Day Branch, the enemy is behind me. If they approach the Day Stem, the enemy is standing in front challenging me for battle. If none of these four spirits approach the Day Stem or Day Branch, the enemy is still far away. If they have already reached the Day Stem or Day Branch, then the enemy is approaching my camp. If they are prosperous and strong and accompanied by conflict, battle is certain. If they are in empty and wasted condition, or in decline and without vitality, it is just a show of strength without real confrontation. The Day Stem represents the main road, and the Day Branch represents the side road. Also check whether there is a fierce momentum beneath Shengguang (午).

《玄女經》曰：“間關千里，須防邀截。則以月將加時，看丑申卯子。臨支主有兵在我後，臨干主有兵在我前，相挑欲戰也。若此四神不臨支干，兵離我遠，即無邀截矣。如到支干，是欲近我巢穴，宜備之。且看賊神在何方上，如抵旺相，又帶刑殺，此大戰之兆。如抵空亡休廢，不過虛咆一番耳。”勝光，午也，主道路，加干，賊從大路來邀截；加支，賊從小路來劫（此出《兵機天鏡》）。

The *Xuannü Jing* says: "When traveling a thousand miles, one must be cautious of interception. Use the Month General added to the time of divination to examine the four spirits: Chen, Shen, Mao, and Zi. If one of these spirits is adjacent to the Day Branch, there are troops behind me; if adjacent to the Day Stem, there are troops ahead, challenging me to fight. If none of these four spirits are adjacent to the Day Stem or Branch, the enemy is still far away and there is no danger of interception. If they have already reached the Day Stem or Branch, the enemy is approaching my camp and should be guarded against. Also, observe where the enemy's spirit is located. If it is in a prosperous and strong position and accompanied by punishment and calamity, this indicates a major battle. If it is in Kongwang or in a state of rest and decline, it is just empty shouting without real danger." 'Shengguang' refers to Wu, which governs roads. If Wu is added to the Day Stem, the enemy comes from the main road to intercept; if added to the Day Branch, the enemy comes from a side path to plunder. This passage is from the *Bingji Tianjing*.

覓水須求未卯方，劫糧戊已吉臨藏。玄神克處克干得，丑未臨方也最良。

To find water, one should look in the directions of Wei and Mao. To determine the劫粮, one should check the positions of Wu and Ji that are hidden in the current ten-day cycle. If the spirit governed by Xuanwu is able to overcome another, or if Xuanwu overcomes the day stem, then one can successfully obtain the劫粮. The directions governed by Chou and Wei are also the best places to look.

孫子云：“因糧於敵。”則迢迢關外，非劫何以取足？於是取水則向卯未方大吉。蓋未中有井宿，其下有井泉。其為天漢之源，其下有河，故卯為天河，未為地井。《兵帳賦》云：“尋房井之清泉。”又云：“欲掠他鄉，戊己須逢吉將。”戊已，是以月將加時尋本旬天上戊己，上乘吉將，主得糧也（假如甲子旬戊己在辰巳，若天乙青龍等吉將臨於天盤辰巳之上，出掠必得財）。

Sunzi said, "Obtain supplies from the enemy," so if the enemy is far away, thousands of miles away, how can we obtain sufficient supplies without plundering? Therefore, when seeking water, go toward the directions of卯 and 未, which is considered very auspicious. Because 未 contains the mansion of Well, and there is well water beneath it; 卯 is the source of the Milky Way, and there are rivers beneath it. Therefore, 卯 is called the Milky Way and 未 is called the Earth Well. The "Tent Assignment" says, "Seek clear springs beneath the mansions of Room and Well," and also says, "If you plan to plunder elsewhere, the positions of 戊 and 己 must meet a favorable general." The 戊 and 己 refer to the positions of 戊 and 己 hidden on the Heaven Plate of the current ten-day period, after the Moon General is added to the Rotating Plate. If these positions are occupied by favorable generals, it indicates that we will be able to obtain food supplies. For example, in the Jiazi ten-day period, 戊 and 己 are hidden in 辰 and 巳. If favorable generals such as Tianyi or Qinglong are present on the Heaven Plate's 辰 or 巳, then going out to plunder will certainly yield results.

玄武，賊神也，我要行劫，我即是賊，故要玄武乘神克處劫之；若玄武乘神剋日干，亦可得也。《兵帳賦》云：“潛起掠地，玄武須旺。能制干支，我軍大獲。若居四季，忌甲乙東征；若乘功曹太沖，忌庚辛酉向。”餘同此。

The Black Tortoise is the deity in charge of thieves. If our side is going to raid, I myself am the thief, so we should attack the place that the deity the Black Tortoise is riding upon is able to overcome. If the deity that the Black Tortoise is riding upon overcomes the day stem, it is still possible to succeed. The "Military Camp Assignment" states: "When secretly moving to raid territory, the Black Tortoise must be prosperous and strong; if it can control the day stem and day branch, our army will have great success. If the Black Tortoise is on the seasons of earth—Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei—it is advisable to avoid marching east on Jia or Yi days. If it is riding on the deity Gongcao (寅) or Taichong (卯), then it is advisable to avoid moving west on Geng or Xin days." Other situations follow the same pattern.

若丑未臨方，亦可劫掠。《兵帳賦》云：“欲劫軍糧，向秦吳大獲。”秦，未之分野；丑，吳之分野。我有糧有水，兵有所恃，自此而潛伏劫掠，自此而拔邑攻城，自此而遣行間諜，與敵往來，無有不豫矣。

If the Earthly Branches 丑 or 未 are present in a certain direction, that direction can be used for raiding. The "Military Camp Treatise" says: "If you want to raid military supplies, head towards the territories of Qin and Wu, and you will certainly achieve great success." Qin corresponds to the territory of 未, and Wu corresponds to the territory of 丑. Our side has grain and water, so the soldiers have something to rely on; from here, we can secretly raid, capture cities, attack fortifications, send spies, and engage with the enemy, none of which are not prearranged.

潛兵劫掠最為強，先察三傳端的詳。初為本國中為將，未為外虜乃他邦。初中克末無人境，獲功無劫得財糧。初生末處人逃彼，末若生初賊虜降。三傳獲克休囚位，兩家敵戰盡遭傷。初中囚死末旺相，退兵自守莫驚張。初中旺相末傳死，直搗巢邱鎖逆王。

Hidden troops raiding and plundering are most effective when the three transmissions are carefully examined. The first transmission represents the homeland, the middle transmission represents the general, and the final transmission represents foreign lands. If the first and middle transmissions overcome the final transmission, it is like entering an unoccupied territory, obtaining supplies and provisions without the need for plundering. If the first transmission generates the final transmission, our soldiers may instead flee to the enemy's side. If the final transmission generates the first transmission, the enemy will come forward to surrender. If the three transmissions mutually overcome each other and are in a weak and confined position, both sides will suffer injuries. If the first and middle transmissions are strong and vigorous while the final transmission is in a dying state, then we should attack directly at the enemy's stronghold and capture the rebellious king.

此以初傳為中國，中傳為主將，末傳為所攻之國。如初克末傳，是我克他，如入無人之境一般，獲財無數。初傳生末，則我之士卒反有逃入彼陣者。末傳生初，主賊虜自來投降，不但得財而已。若三傳戰相剋賊，彼此俱有傷敗。初中囚死，末反旺相，宜按兵不動。末傳囚死，初中旺相，則直搗丘巢，以鎖叛逆之王來。

Here, the first transmission represents the original country, the middle transmission represents the commander, and the final transmission represents the country to be attacked. If the first transmission overcomes the final transmission, it means I overcome him, like entering an uninhabited area, and can obtain abundant wealth. If the first transmission generates the final transmission, then the enemy soldiers may flee to the enemy's camp. If the final transmission generates the first transmission, the enemy will come to surrender on their own, not just gaining some wealth. If the three transmissions fight and overcome each other, both sides will suffer casualties and defeat. If the first and middle transmissions are in a state of captivity or death, while the final transmission is prosperous and strong, then one should hold back and not act. If the final transmission is in a state of captivity or death, while the first and middle transmissions are prosperous and strong, then one should directly attack the enemy's stronghold and capture the rebellious leader.

此出《兵機天鏡》，只以三傳分主客勝負，全不計較日辰。愚謂日辰乃三傳本也，豈可只用傳而不用日辰哉？宜照《神樞經》，以日為彼，以辰為我，辰剋日上神與辰上神剋日上神者，可肆兵劫掠；若日克辰，與日上神克辰上神者，不可劫掠，且防賊來劫我。月將臨玄武，可擒盜不可劫掠；太陰乘玄武，可劫掠而不可擒賊。

The above statement comes from the "Military Mirror of Heaven," which uses only the three transmissions to determine friend and foe and胜负, completely ignoring the day stem and day branch. I believe the day stem and day branch are the foundation of the three transmissions, so how can one use only the three transmissions without considering the day stem and day branch? We should follow the method from the "Divine Pivot Classic": use the day stem to represent the enemy and the day branch to represent ourselves. If the day branch overcomes the day stem's upper god, or if the day branch's upper god overcomes the day stem's upper god, then we can boldly launch attacks and plunder. If the day stem overcomes the day branch, or if the day stem's upper god overcomes the day branch's upper god, then we should not plunder and must be on guard against enemy attacks. When the month general is located at "Xuanwu," it is suitable for capturing thieves but not for plundering; when "Tai Yin" is combined with "Xuanwu," it is suitable for plundering but not for capturing enemies.

追兵既去，我亦可渡關覘賊矣，但恐賊兵尚有伏吾前後者，未可知也，於是則以巳申子卯覆立支干為有埋伏，不覆則無。若賊神旺相帶刑，逢之必戰；休廢空亡，則不來矣。巳申子卯四神傷干，賊伏在前；四神傷支，賊伏在後；支干俱傷，前後有賊，豈可妄行沖擊哉？

The enemy troops have already retreated, so our side can now cross the pass to spy on the enemy's situation. However, we still fear that the enemy may have hidden troops both in front and behind us, and we cannot know for sure. Therefore, we use the four divine animals,巳, 申, 子, and 卯, to check: if they cover the day stem and day branch, there are hidden troops; if they do not cover them, there are none. If the enemy's divine animals are prosperous and strong and also involve a刑 (a harmful relationship), then a battle is certain. If they are in a state of rest, decline, or kongwang, the enemy will not come. If these four divine animals injure the day stem, the enemy is hidden in front of us; if they injure the day branch, the enemy is hidden behind us; if both the day stem and day branch are injured, then enemies are hidden both in front and behind. How can we rashly attack in such a situation?

此出《兵機天鏡》，若《玄黃一秤金》說又不同，再詳之：前後巳申子卯看，臨支在後落干前。日臨辰上前防寇，支若臨干後備奸。亥子臨干居大路，如加辰上小衢潛。

The above statement also comes from the "Military Mirror of Heaven"; the explanation in "The Golden Scale of Yin and Yang" is different, and is recorded below for reference: to determine if there are hidden troops in front or behind, look at the four divine positions of巳, 申, 子, and 卯. Those that are in the day branch are hidden behind, and those that fall on the day stem are hidden in front. If the day stem is added to the day branch, be cautious of enemies in front; if the day branch is added to the day stem, be prepared for spies behind. If 亥 or 子 are adjacent to the day stem, the enemy is on the main road; if 亥 or 子 are adjacent to the day branch, the enemy is hidden in alleys and narrow paths.

此以四神臨支，賊伏後；臨干，賊伏前；不臨干支，則無賊矣。《靈匣經》云：“只取子卯巳三神。”《兵機總要》曰：“太沖、勝光、河魁、登明四神加日辰，後有賊。”此與《靈匣經》、《兵機天鏡》俱背謬之至。

This theory states: if the four divine spirits are present on the day's branch, the enemy is behind; if they are present on the day's stem, the enemy is in front; if they are not present on either the day's stem or branch, there is no enemy. However, the "Lingxia Jing" says: "Only take the spirits of Zi, Mao, and Si." The "Bingji Zongyao" further states: "The four spirits, 'Taichong' (Mao), 'Shengguang' (Wu), 'Hekui' (Xu), and 'Dengming' (Hai), when added to the day's stem and branch, indicate enemies behind." These two schools of thought contradict each other, and their views are indeed very inconsistent.

日往加辰，賊在前；辰往加干，賊在後。《兵仗賦》云：“辰加於日，防賊兵於後驚；日覆於辰，備敵卒於前擾。”是也。若亥子臨干上，賊居大路；臨支辰，賊居小路。黃帝曰：“占盜，課得四上克下，不可劫，以禍從外至內也。四下賊上可劫，以禍從內至外也。課傳得六陽，宜潛匿行劫；得六陽不宜。干支上下，互相剋賊，我劫他，他亦來劫我。”

The day stem is added to the day branch, indicating enemies in front; the day branch is added to the day stem, indicating enemies behind. The "Military Implements Assignment" says: "If the day branch is placed above the day stem, one should beware of enemy troops disturbing from behind; if the day stem covers the day branch, one should beware of enemy soldiers harassing from the front." This is exactly the meaning. If亥 or 子 is on top of the day stem, the enemy is on the main road; if 亥 or 子 is on top of the day branch, the enemy is on the side road. The Yellow Emperor said: "When predicting theft, if all four lessons are upper gods controlling lower gods, one should not go to rob, because the disaster comes from outside to inside; if all four lessons are lower gods stealing from upper gods, one can go to rob, because the disaster comes from inside to outside. If the three transmissions and four lessons have six yang deities, it is suitable for secret robbery; if they have six yin deities, it is not suitable. If the day stem and day branch control each other, then I go to rob him, and he also comes to rob me."

陽城龍首亥宮求，巳尾申腹寅背周。陰城首尾背腹反，宜攻背腹莫攻頭。支干旺相賊當敗，初中克末有功收。末絕初中有氣勝，初中無氣主凶憂。

Yangcheng's dragon head is in the Hai palace, dragon tail in Si, abdomen in Shen, and back in Yin, forming a complete formation around. The Yin city's head, tail, back, and abdomen are exactly opposite. To attack the city, one should target its back and abdomen, not the dragon head. If the day stem and day branch are prosperous and strong, the enemy will be defeated. If the first transmission is overcome by the middle and final transmissions, the operation will succeed. If the final transmission is in a state of decline while the first and middle transmissions have strength, victory is assured. If the first and middle transmissions lack strength, the commander will face misfortune.

城，所攻之城也。陽，陽日也；陰，陰日也。凡攻城者，莫犯龍頭，宜擊背腹。陽日龍頭在亥，尾在巳，腹在坤，背在艮。坤，申中卦；艮，寅中卦。陰日龍頭在巳，尾在亥，腹在艮，背在坤。若支干旺相，更初中克未傳，必獲破賊殺將之勝。

Here, "cheng" refers to the city to be attacked; "yang" refers to a yang day, and "yin" refers to a yin day. When attacking a city, one must not violate the dragon's head. Instead, one should attack its back and abdomen. On a yang day, the dragon's head is at Hai, its tail at Si, its abdomen at Kun, and its back at Gen. Kun is the hexagram contained in the position of Shen, and Gen is the hexagram contained in the position of Yin. On a yin day, the dragon's head is at Si, its tail at Hai, its abdomen at Gen, and its back at Kun. If the day stem and day branch are prosperous and strong, and if the first and middle transmissions overcome the final transmission, a great victory of breaking the enemy's forces and cutting down their generals is certain.

絕謂囚死也，有氣旺相也，未傳囚死，初中有氣，攻城大勝。初中無氣，末更旺相，主將必有凶優，逢此者宜擇吉，保守營寨為上。《兵仗賦》云：“龍頭莫犯，支干以休囚；背腹宜攻，要日辰之旺相。”莫解。陽城陰城，非陽日明日，如我在南而城在北為之陰城，我在北而城在南為之陽城，我在東而城在西為坎陰，我在西而城在東為坎陽，當以此為正。

In the song verses, "绝" means being confined and dying, while "有气" means being prosperous and strong. If the final transmission is confined and dying while the first and middle transmissions are prosperous and strong, it indicates a great victory in a battle. However, if the first and middle transmissions are weak and confined while the final transmission is strong and prosperous, the commander will certainly face danger and worry. In such a case, it is best to choose another auspicious day and first adopt a defensive strategy. The "Military Implements Assignment" says: "Do not let the dragon head be violated, for it is dangerous when the day stem and day branch fall into a state of weakness and confinement; the back and abdomen should be attacked, relying on the prosperity and strength of the day stem and day branch." This statement is difficult to explain. As for Yang City and Yin City, they do not refer to Yang days and Yin days. If I am facing south while the city is to the north, it is called Yin City; if I am facing north while the city is to the south, it is called Yang City; if I am facing east while the city is to the west, it is called Kan Yin; if I am facing west while the city is to the east, it is called Kan Yang. This is the correct way to understand it.