Re-examining the divination case: Defending the western gate, predicting warfare and defense (Yiyou year, fourth lunar month, Dingchou day)

乙酉年四月立夏酉將丁丑日甲辰時，甲戌旬，因大兵攻城，將士守西門索占吉凶，重審、鑄印。 蛇貴 朱 戌亥子丑 后 貴青 空后 兄 辛巳 空 六 酉 寅 陰 亥午 巳子 子 甲戌 蛇 勾 申 卯 玄 午丑 子丁 父 己卯 常 青 未午巳辰 常 空虎

In the year of Yi You, after the beginning of summer in the fourth lunar month, the month general was "Congkui" (From Qu) applied to the hour of You. On the day of Dingchou and the hour of Jiachen, the divination was performed. This falls within the Jiaxu decade, with the empty branch in Shen and You. At that time, a large army was attacking a city, and the soldiers defending the western gate came to inquire about fortune and misfortune. The lesson pattern was "Chongshen" (Repeated Review) and "Zhu yin" (Casting the Seal). The month general You was applied to the hour of divination. The four lessons were: Ding was placed in the Wei palace, with Zi on Wei, forming the first lesson (Zi was riding on "Tianhou" (Heavenly Empress)); Zi had Si on it, forming the second lesson (Si was riding on "Tiankong" (Heavenly Void)); the day branch You had Wu on it, forming the third lesson (Wu was riding on "Qinglong" (Azure Dragon)); Wu had Hai on it, forming the fourth lesson (Hai was riding on "Guiren" (Nobleman)). The three transmissions were: the first transmission was Si (hidden stem Xinsi, riding on "Tiankong", representing brothers on the day of Ding); the middle transmission was Xu (hidden stem Jiaxu, riding on "Tengshe" (Teng Snake), representing children); the final transmission was Mao (hidden stem Jimao, riding on "Tai Chang" (Tai Chang), representing parents). The term "Zhu yin" refers to Xu being applied to Si, forming the initiating transmission, which resembles the image of casting an official seal.

斷曰：游都建旺發用，忌臨畏地，主敵人迫於不得已而死戰也。今日干支雖旺相，然旺相之氣在外，休囚之地在於內，城安能保乎？嫌中傳被支所刑，辰時又來沖破鑄印，見刑沖則為破印矣。且戌為州城牢獄，勾陳又剋日上神，屠城放獄，應在咫尺。飯後步入舊城，而城已破。

Master Wu Shiqing interpreted: The "You Du" which signifies thieves and weapons is at its prosperous and strong state, aligning with the Month Builder and initiating transmission. However, it is unfavorable when it falls in a place of fear, indicating the enemy is cornered and must fight desperately. At present, although the Day Stem and Day Branch are in a prosperous and strong state, this strength lies outside the city, while the weak and confined state is within the city, making it impossible to defend the city. Moreover, the Middle Transmission's戌 is punished by the Day Branch, and the time of the divination clashes with the "Zhu Yin" (seal), causing the seal to be broken. Furthermore,戌 represents the state's prison, and "Gou Chen" is attacking the Day Stem's superior god, indicating the imminent destruction of the city and the prison. After finishing his meal, he walked leisurely through the old city, and indeed, the city had already been captured.

游都： 甲 乙 丙 丁 戊 己 庚 辛 壬 癸 丑 子 寅 巳 申丑 子 寅 巳 申 曰游都建旺發用，因四月建巳，而丁日巳為游都。此游都而值建也。鑄印是戌加巳發用，為鑄印。

The "Youdu" is determined by the day stem: Jia day is Chou, Yi day is Zi, Bing day is Yin, Ding day is Si, Wu day is Shen, Ji day is Chou, Geng day is Zi, Xin day is Yin, Ren day is Si, Gui day is Shen. Why is this lesson called "Youdu Jianwang Fayong"? Because in the fourth month, the month builder is Si, and the Youdu for Ding day is also Si. The Youdu coincides with the month builder, thus being in the flourishing phase, and is selected as the initiating transmission. Why is it called "Zhu Yin"? Because the Heaven Plate Wu is placed on the Earth Plate Si and Si is used as the initiating transmission. Wu earth covers Si fire, resembling the state of mold soil casting a seal, hence it is called "Zhu Yin lesson."

戊子年二月京直亥將，乙亥日癸未時，甲戌旬，興占慮金兵東下，重審、曲直。 朱蛇 六 酉戌亥子 貴 龍玄貴勾 財 癸未 貴 勾 申 丑 后 未卯子申 父 乙亥 蛇 青 未 寅 陰 卯亥申乙 兄 己卯 空 空 午巳辰卯 玄 虎常

In the year of Wuzi, during the second lunar month after the beginning of the storm (which is the time of the Awakening of Insects), the month general is "Dengming" (亥). The divination is made on the day of Yihai and the hour of Guiwei. The day belongs to the Jiaxu decade, with the void of the decade in Shen and You. The person seeking divination is worried that the Jin army will advance southward and eastward, so this lesson is cast. The lesson pattern is "Chong Shen" and "Qu Zhi." The three transmissions form a wood trinity with亥,卯, and 未, hence the name "Qu Zhi." The month general,亥, is placed on the hour of 未. The four lessons are: the day's stem, Yi, is placed in the Chén palace, with Chén having the trigram Shen, forming the first lesson (Shen is "Gou Chen"); Shen has the trigram Zi, forming the second lesson (Zi is "Nobleman"); the day's branch,亥, has the trigram Mao, forming the third lesson (Mao is "Black Tortoise"); Mao has the trigram Wei, forming the fourth lesson (Wei is "Azure Dragon"). The three transmissions are: the first transmission is Wei (the hidden stem Guiwei, riding "Nobleman," representing wife and wealth) on the day of Yi; the second transmission is亥 (the hidden stem Yihai, riding "Teng Snake," representing parents); the third transmission is卯 (the hidden stem Jimao, riding "Tian Kong," representing brothers).

斷曰：金兵不但不能東下，且不能待久。游都子為游都加申金而戀金生，居西南戀生，且離日辰遠。賊符臨干支，水陸布有伏兵。然乘死絕之氣，且初傳休囚夾克，末傳健旺制劫，是守堅敵弱，故知必不能東下而又不能持久也。但太歲合木局以生春令之木，只今頗能堅守，一交丑年，巳酉丑金局破壞傳中之木，即難支吾矣。次年正月果驗。

Master Wu Shiqing interpreted that the Jin troops not only could not advance eastward but also could not sustain the current stalemate for long. On the day of Yi, the wandering spirits are in Zi. Now Zi is placed on Sheng metal, showing a desire for metal to generate water, and it is stationed in the southwest direction, far from the day branch. This indicates that the enemy is not close. The贼符 (treacherous symbol) is located on the day stem and day branch, meaning there are hidden troops both by land and water. However, it is riding on a dead and exhausted qi, and the first transmission is weak and confined, being restricted by the夹克 (clamping and binding). The final transmission, however, is strong and powerful enough to control the Jiesha (destructive evil). This shows that our defense is strong while the enemy's strength is weak, so it is known that the enemy cannot come and cannot sustain the effort. However, the Tai Su (sovereign star) and the three transmissions form a wood formation, generating wood of spring, so the current situation can still be held. But once the year of Chou arrives, the巳酉丑 (Snake, Rooster, Ox) formation will form a metal formation, breaking the wood formation of the three transmissions, and at that time, it will be difficult to hold on. In the following year's January, this prediction was indeed fulfilled.

己丑年月寅將，丁亥日庚子時，甲申旬，佔有有賊兵攻城武昌，看城池安危，重審、極陰。 蛇貴 朱 未申酉戌 后 空常陰貴 財 乙酉 貴 六 午 亥 陰 卯丑亥酉 鬼 亥丁 陰 勾 巳 子 玄 丑亥酉丁 子 己丑 常 青 辰卯寅丑 常 空虎

In the year of Jichou, the month general was "Gongcao" (寅). The divination was made on the day of Dinghai and the hour of Gengzi, belonging to the Jiashen decade (the empty branches were in Wu and Wei). At that time, there was an attack by bandits on Wuchang, and the question was about the safety of the city. The lesson pattern was "Chongshen" and "Ji Yin". The month general寅 was placed on the hour of Zi. The four lessons were: Ding was placed in the Wei branch, with酉 on top, as the first lesson (酉 was riding "Nobleman", representing wife's wealth for the day of Ding);酉 had亥 on top, as the second lesson (亥 was riding "Tai Yin", representing official ghost); the day branch亥 had丑 on top, as the third lesson (丑 was riding "Tai Chang", representing son's fortune); and丑 had卯 on top, as the fourth lesson (卯 was riding "Tian Kong"). The three transmissions were: the first transmission was酉 (hidden stem Yiyou, riding "Nobleman", representing wife's wealth for the day of Ding); the middle transmission was亥 (hidden stem Dinghai, riding "Tai Yin", representing official ghost); and the final transmission was丑 (hidden stem Jichou, riding "Tai Chang", representing son's fortune).

斷：賊自西南而來，城必無虞。曰：游都離日辰甚遠，何以知賊之必來？曰：酉貴臨干發用，故知其來而自西南也。曰：有眾幾何？曰：游都臨日辰遠，干上貴又空。曰：城無虞者何？蓋貴臨干受克，故知賊不攻城而退也。但課是純陰，干上之陰神魯都亥為魯都剋日，主賊有埋伏。又亥支為城，上神克之，而上神又被陰神所克，主居守不仁且欲自相攻擊。又末傳生合初貴，主內有暗降之人也

Wu Shiqing interpreted: The enemy troops are coming from the southwest direction, and the city will certainly remain unharmed. Someone asked: The 'You' trigram is so far from the day branch, how can you know the enemy will definitely come? The answer is: Because 'You' is riding on the nobleman and is located on the day stem, thus being the initiating transmission. 'You' is located in the west, slightly to the south, so it is concluded that the enemy comes from the southwest. Another question: How many troops does the enemy have? The answer is: The 'You' trigram is far from the day branch, and the nobleman on the day stem is empty, indicating a limited number of troops. Another question: Why say the city will be untroubled? The answer is: The nobleman is on the day stem and is being overcome, so it is known that the enemy will not actually attack the city, and if they come, they will retreat. However, this divination is entirely yin, and the yin spirit 'Hai' on the day stem is the 'Lu Du', which is the 'Lu Du' trigram. The 'Lu Du' trigram comes to overcome the day stem, indicating that there is an ambush among the enemy. The day branch 'Hai' represents the city, which is overcome by the superior spirit, and this superior spirit is itself overcome by its own yin spirit, indicating that the defenders of the city cannot be at peace, and may even turn on each other. The final transmission generates and harmonizes with the initial transmission's nobleman, indicating that someone within the city is secretly planning to surrender.

游都： 甲 乙 丙 丁 戊 己 庚 辛 壬 癸 丑 子 寅 巳 申 丑 子 寅 巳 申 魯都：是游都所沖之支。 陰神：即地盤之支巳為上神而上神又載天盤之支是也。如此曰干上之陰神，即臨日干之酉，而酉載天盤之亥，而為陰神魯都民。又如亥支，日之上神是丑，而丑所載天盤之卯是陰神也。

The term "you du" is determined by the day stem: for Jia day, it is Chou; for Yi day, it is Zi; for Bing day, it is Yin; for Ding day, it is Si; for Wu day, it is Shen; for Ji day, it is Chou; for Geng day, it is Zi; for Xin day, it is Yin; for Ren day, it is Si; for Gui day, it is Shen. "Lu du" refers to the branch that is in opposition to "you du". As for "yin shen", it refers to a second layer of deity riding on top of a deity that is already riding on a particular branch of the earth plate. Therefore, the "yin shen" on the day stem refers to You (the branch) located on the day stem, with the heavenly branch Hai riding on top of You, and this Hai is the yin shen, which is also the Lu du. Similarly, the upper deity on the day branch Hai is Chou, and the branch Mao riding on top of Chou is the yin shen of the day branch.

己丑年三月清明戌將，乙丑日丁亥時，甲子旬，因半夜鴉鳴，占何吉凶，重審、退茹。 六朱 勾 辰巳午未 蛇 玄常空青 父 甲子 常 青 卯 申 貴 亥子寅卯 父 乙亥 玄 空 寅 酉 后 子丑卯乙 財 甲戌 陰 虎 丑子亥戌 陰 常玄

In the year of Jichou, third month, after Qingming, the month general is "River Chief" Xu. The divination is made on the day of Yichou and the hour of Dinghai, which falls in the Jiazi cycle (the empty positions are Xu and Hai). The cause is hearing crows at midnight, and the question is about what auspicious or inauspicious events may occur. The lesson pattern is "Re-examination" and "Retreating Vegetables" — the three transmissions descend in reverse order, hence called "Retreating Vegetables." The month general Xu is placed on the hour of Hai. The four lessons are: Yi is placed in the Chén palace, with Mǎo riding on it, forming the first lesson (Mǎo rides "Azure Dragon"); Mǎo is then placed on Yín, forming the second lesson (Yín rides "Sky Void"); the day branch Chǒu is placed with Zǐ, forming the third lesson (Zǐ rides "Tai Chang"); and Zǐ is placed on Hai, forming the fourth lesson (Hai rides "Black Tortoise"). The three transmissions are: the first transmission is Zǐ (riding "Tai Chang," representing parents), the middle transmission is Hai (riding "Black Tortoise," also representing parents), and the final transmission is Xu (riding "Tai Yin," representing wife and wealth).

斷曰：主有賊八九人，自東北來劫鄰人衣物銀錢，遂渡河而去，汝庵無妨也。曰：亥時右鄰木客被劫。蓋因游都賊符臨干支，右見驛馬亥為驛馬玄武，左見劫煞寅為劫煞賊符，故此象，提防復至，然五日後獲。但子發用，賊必東北而來，因子加丑乃八九之數。五日獲者，因勾陳居支前五辰，遙克玄武，又魁渡玄陰，賊何所逃乎？果次日北關門外行劫，遂獲二名。

Master Wu Shiqing interpreted: There will be eight or nine thieves coming from the northeast, robbing the neighboring household's clothes and money, then crossing the river to escape. Your monastery will be unharmed. Indeed, that night at the hour of Hai, the wood merchant on the right was robbed. This interpretation was based on the fact that the 'You Du' and 'Zhe Fu' both fell on the day stem and day branch: on the right side, 'Hai' was seen, which is the Post-horse and sits on the Black Tortoise; on the left side, 'Yin' was seen, which is the Jiesha and holds the Zhe Fu - this is the image of theft and robbery. You should also be cautious of them returning, but they can be captured within five days. As for the thieves coming from the northeast, it is because 'Zi' is the starting point, 'Zi' is placed on 'Chou', and 'Zi' and 'Chou' combine to form the number eight and nine, thus indicating the number of people. The reason for saying they can be captured within five days is that 'Gou Chen' is exactly at the fifth position before the day branch, which is 'Chen', and it remotely controls 'Black Tortoise' from a distance; also, 'He Kuai' crosses over 'Black Tortoise' and 'Tai Yin', where can the thieves escape? Later, the next day, they committed another robbery at the northern gate outside the city, and two were caught on the spot.

解曰：何為游都？乙日游都在子。因日支上加子是也。何為賊符臨干，因卯日加干而卯為春令之賊神也。何為右見驛馬玄武？因丑日巳酉丑局馬在亥。又因玄武在亥，而右邊亥為驛馬玄武也。何為左見劫煞賊符？因丑日劫煞在寅，三月春令賊神在卯是也。何為左右？因丑位右邊見亥，左邊見寅卯也。何為子發用而賊自東北來？因子丑加日，乃八九之數也。何為五日獲者？因勾陳居日支前五位辰支。照貴人十二神行程已過日支為後，未過日支為前。此得辰位勾陳而遙克玄武水也。又河魁度玄武太陰，何謂也？因地盤亥為玄武，天盤戌為太陰，為河以戌臨亥位是也。

The concept of You Du refers to the wandering capital. On a Yi day, the You Du is in Zi. In this case, Zi is directly added above the day's branch. Why is the thief symbol (Zhe Fu) said to be on the day stem? Because Mao is added above the day stem, and Mao is the spring thief god. Why is it said that the right side shows the post-horse (Yi Ma) and Black Tortoise (Xuan Wu)? Because the day is Chou, which belongs to the Si You Chou trine, and the post-horse of this trine is Hai. The Black Tortoise is also on Hai, and the right side of the day's branch Chou is this Hai, which is both the post-horse and the Black Tortoise. Why is it said that the left side shows Jie Sha and the thief symbol? Because the Jie Sha of the day Chou is in Yin, and the spring thief god is in Mao. The left side of Chou is Yin and Mao. The terms left and right refer to looking from the position of Chou, with Hai on the right and Yin and Mao on the left. Why is it said that starting from Zi leads to the thief coming from the northeast? Because Zi is added on top of the day's branch Chou, and the northeast is the direction of Chou and Yin. The numbers of Zi and Chou together make up the number eight and nine. Why is it said that the thief will be captured within five days? Because Gou Chen is located on the fifth position before the day's branch, which is Chen. According to the direction of the twelve spirits of the nobleman, if it has passed the day's branch, it is considered 'after'; if it has not yet reached the day's branch, it is considered 'before'. In this case, Gou Chen is on Chen, which is a remote and indirect attack on Xuan Wu's water. As for 'He Kuai crossing over Xuan Wu and Tai Yin', it refers to the earth plate's Hai position being Xuan Wu, and the heaven plate's Xu position being Tai Yin. Xu is He Kuai, and now Xu is on the position of Hai, which means He Kuai has crossed over Xuan Wu and Tai Yin.

游都：主逢盜賊。魯都，即游都所沖之支是也。歌訣：甲己丑兮戊癸申，乙庚在子丙辛寅。丁壬居巳無差錯，欲識游都在此尋。若問魯都何處是？游都沖位是其身。

The star You Du indicates encountering thieves; Lu Du is the branch that is opposite to You Du. There is a verse that says: On Jia day and Ji day, You Du is in Chou; on Wu day and Gui day, You Du is in Shen; on Yi day and Geng day, You Du is in Zi; on Bing day and Xin day, You Du is in Yin; on Ding day and Ren day, You Du is in Si. This is accurate, so to find You Du, follow this rule. If someone asks where Lu Du is, simply take the opposite branch of You Du.

賊神奸盜，主奸私賊盜。春令乙卯，夏令丙午，秋令辛酉，冬令壬子。卯屬正東木，春亦屬木。午屬正南火，夏亦屬火。酉屬正西金，秋亦屬金。子屬正北水，冬亦屬水。觀此即兄弟比劫之意也。劫煞，即三絕位是也。 日支：子 丑 寅 卯 辰 巳 卯 未 申 酉 戌 亥 劫煞：巳 寅 亥 申 巳 寅 亥 申 巳 寅 亥 申 申子辰在巳，巳酉丑在寅，寅午戌在亥，亥卯未在申。

The thief god is also known as the god of treachery and theft, governing deceit and stealing. It is determined according to the four seasons: in spring it is Yimao, in summer it is Bingwu, in autumn it is Xinyou, and in winter it is Renzi. The branch Mao is located in the direction of due east and belongs to wood, which is also the element of spring; the branch Wu is located in the direction of due south and belongs to fire, which is also the element of summer; the branch You is located in the direction of due west and belongs to metal, which is also the element of autumn; the branch Zi is located in the direction of due north and belongs to water, which is also the element of winter. This shows that the thief god corresponds to the same element as the current season, which aligns with the meaning of brothers and rivals competing for wealth. Jiesha is the position of the absolute point in the triple harmony: the day branch Zi corresponds to Jiesha in Si, Chou corresponds to Yin, Yin corresponds to Hai, Mao corresponds to Shen, Chen corresponds to Si, Si corresponds to Yin, Wu corresponds to Hai, Wei corresponds to Shen, Shen corresponds to Si, You corresponds to Yin, Xu corresponds to Hai, and Hai corresponds to Shen. In summary, Jiesha is in Si for the Shen Zi Chen triple harmony, in Yin for the Si You Chou triple harmony, in Hai for the Yin Wu Xu triple harmony, and in Shen for the Hai Mao Wei triple harmony.

庚寅年七月處暑巳將甲申日丙寅時，甲申旬，占府院試可入泮否，交車、重審、玄胎 勾六 龍 申酉戌亥 朱 后朱 龍常 鬼 甲申 龍 空 未 子 蛇 寅亥 申巳 父 丁亥 朱 虎 午 丑 貴 亥申 巳甲 兄 庚寅 后 常 巳辰卯寅 后 玄陰

In the year of Gengyin, during the seventh lunar month after the start of the autumn equinox, the month general is "Taiyi" (Too-yi) on the巳 branch. The divination is made on the day of Jiashen and the hour of Bingyin. This falls within the Jiashen decade (the empty branch is in Wu and Wei). The question is about whether the candidate can pass the local examination and the academy examination to start school. The lesson pattern is "Jiaochē" (Meeting Vehicle), "Chongshen" (Re-examination), and "Xuanyai" (Mysterious Embryo). The month general巳 is placed on the寅 of the time. The four lessons are: the Jia stem is placed in the寅 branch, with巳 on top, forming the first lesson (巳 is riding on "Tai Chang"); the巳 branch has申 on top, forming the second lesson (申 is riding on "Qinglong"); the day branch申 has亥 on top, forming the third lesson (亥 is riding on "Zhuque"); and the亥 branch has寅 on top, forming the fourth lesson (寅 is riding on "Tianhou"). The three transmissions are: the first transmission is申 (the hidden stem is Jia Shen, riding on "Qinglong", representing official ghosts on the day of Jia); the middle transmission is亥 (the hidden stem is Ding Hai, riding on "Zhuque", representing parents); and the final transmission is寅 (the hidden stem is Geng Yin, riding on "Tianhou", representing brothers).

斷曰：不但府試高取，院考定然首薦。蓋因七月申建發用，龍朱乘旺相現於初中，末傳寅為德祿驛馬。又干支交車生合，傳將進引，斗罡天喜加行年，朱雀乘丁神進氣，文字必貼主司之意。且格合天心，主非常喜慶也，是以首薦。

Wu Shiqing predicted: Not only will he be among the top in the prefectural examination, but he will certainly rank first in the provincial examination. How do we know this? The month builder in July is Shen, and now Shen is the initiating transmission. The two literary stars, "Azure Dragon" and "Vermilion Bird," are both in a prosperous and strong state and appear in the first and middle transmissions. The final transmission of Yin also combines the day's virtue, day's fortune, and the post-horse. Furthermore, the day stem and day branch interact with each other, generating and harmonizing. The three transmissions are guided step by step by the heavenly general. The Dipper mansion, Heavenly Gang, and Heavenly Joy all join on this person's year pillar. "Vermilion Bird" is also riding the Ding spirit and riding the advancing energy—his article will certainly meet the examiner's mind. Moreover, the pattern secretly matches "Heavenly Heart," indicating an extraordinary celebration, so he is predicted to win the top prize.

天喜： 月：正 二 三 四 五 六 七 八 九 十 十一 十二 戌 亥 子 丑 寅 卯 辰 巳 午 未 申 酉

The Heavenly Joy deity used in the previous text rotates according to the month: in the first month it is in Xu, in the second month in Hai, in the third month in Zi, in the fourth month in Chou, in the fifth month in Yin, in the sixth month in Mao, in the seventh month in Chen, in the eighth month in Si, in the ninth month in Wu, in the tenth month in Wei, in the eleventh month in Shen, and in the twelfth month in You. This divination was cast in the seventh month, so the Heavenly Joy deity falls on Chen. It coincides exactly with the斗罡 (dou gang) added to the personal year, thus indicating joy from academic success.

辛巳九月寒露辰將，丁亥辛丑時，甲申旬，占病吉凶。重審、鑄印。 貴后 蛇 戌亥子丑 陰 朱白空后 比 癸巳 空 朱 酉 寅 玄 酉辰巳子 子 丙戌 蛇 六 申 卯 常 辰亥子丁 印 辛卯 常 勾 未午巳辰 虎 龍空

In the year Xinsi, during the ninth month after the Cold Dew, the month general is "Heavenly Gang" on the辰 branch. On the day Dinghai and the hour Xinchou, the divination is made, belonging to the Jiashen decade (the empty branches are in Wu and Wei). The question concerns the auspiciousness of a sickness. The lesson pattern is "Re-examination" and "Casting Seal." The four lessons are: Ding is located in the Wei branch, with Wei carrying Zi, forming the first lesson (Zi carries "Heavenly Empress"); Zi carries Si, forming the second lesson (Si carries "Heavenly Void"); the day branch Hai carries Chen, forming the third lesson (Chen carries "White Tiger"); and Chen carries You, forming the fourth lesson (You carries "Vermilion Bird"). The three transmissions are: the first transmission is Si (hidden stem Guisi, carrying "Heavenly Void," which is a fellow in the day of Ding), the middle transmission is Xu (hidden stem Bingxu, carrying "Teng Snake," which is a son), and the final transmission is Mao (hidden stem Xinmao, carrying "Tai Chang," which is an official seal). Xu is placed on Si, and Si initiates the transmission, which is exactly the image of "Casting Seal."

斷曰：課得鑄印，占病不吉，三日必死。不久，又一人代他復占，占得未亥卯三傳，白虎發用，喪吊全逢，用木空則折，病主風寒後三日內果如其應。

Wu Shiqing interpreted the divination: although this lesson formed the "casting seal" pattern, it was not auspicious for predicting illness, and the person would surely die within three days. Soon after, another person divined again and obtained the three transmissions of Wei, Hai, and Mao, with the White Tiger as the initiating transmission, and the Mourning-and-Condolence spirit and the Guest spirit both appearing together. The wood in the initiating transmission fell into the empty旬, and emptiness signifies breaking, indicating the illness was caused by wind and cold invasion. Both divinations pointed to the same outcome, and indeed, the prediction came true within three days.

乙酉正月立春子將，己亥己巳時，甲午旬，占病吉凶，重審、交車。 后陰 貴 子丑寅卯 玄 后空六陰 父 庚子 空 蛇 亥 辰 常 丑午酉寅 兄 辛丑 后 朱 戌 巳 虎 午亥寅己 子 丙申 勾 六 酉申未午 空 勾青

In the year Yiyou, after the beginning of spring in the first lunar month, the month general is "Shenhou" (Heavenly Empress) and is placed on the Zi branch. The divination is made on the day Jihai and the time Yiyou. This falls within the Jiawu decade, with the void in the branches of Chen and Si. The question concerns the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of a disease. The lesson pattern is "Chongshen" (re-examination) and "Jiaochē" (crossing a cart). The month general Zi is placed on the time branch Si. The four lessons are: Jisi is placed in the Wei branch, with the branch Wei carrying the Yin branch, forming the first lesson (Yin is carried by Tai Yin); the Yin branch carries the You branch, forming the second lesson (You is carried by Liu He); the day branch Hai carries the Wu branch, forming the third lesson (Wu is carried by Tian Kong); and the Wu branch carries the Chou branch, forming the fourth lesson (Chou is carried by Tianhou). The three transmissions are: the first transmission is Zi (hidden stem Gengzi, carried by Tian Kong, representing parents); the second transmission is Chou (hidden stem Xinchou, carried by Tianhou, representing siblings); the third transmission is Shen (hidden stem Bingshen, carried by Gou Chen, representing children).

斷曰：脾土受症，目今無慮。蓋木為官鬼，則脾土受克矣，必以平脾清心為上，切勿健脾理肺，七月恐有不測之憂。蓋祿臨絕地，馬入墓鄉巳加戌墓，且子巳相加子巳合成死字為陽臨陽絕，又卯臨申位是木被金雕，病人非宜，且年帶二死剋日，故斷其七月必死。果如其應。

Wu Shiqing interpreted: The illness is in the spleen earth, but it is not urgent at present. Because wood is the official ghost of the己 earth, when wood is strong, the spleen earth is attacked. The treatment should focus on calming the liver and spleen, and clearing the heart and reducing fire. It is absolutely not advisable to solely strengthen the spleen and regulate the lungs. By July, there is fear of unexpected worries. Why? The day stem is located in the place of extinction, and the post-horse has entered the tomb. The巳 is added to the戌, which is a tomb. Moreover, the characters 子 and 巳 overlap, forming the character 「死」, meaning a yang spirit is present in a yang extinction place. Also, the卯 is at the position of 申, where wood is cut by metal, which is most unfavorable for the patient. Moreover, the year of the person carries two layers of death qi to attack the day stem. All these factors lead to the conclusion that death will occur in July. Later, it indeed came true.

元首者，象天，主先喜而後憂。元首課四課中並無下賊上，惟一上神克下者，曰元首。若課中有二三四上神克下，非首矣。或上神有二三四同克下一位，勿論。總以直克下為用，旁側勿論。元首以為克之支神為用。

"The Yuan Shou lesson" is based on the heavens, representing initial joy followed by later sorrow. Its formation condition is that among the four lessons, there is no instance where a lower god steals and overcomes an upper god; instead, there is only one instance where an upper god overcomes a lower god. This is called Yuan Shou. If there are two or three instances of upper gods overcoming lower gods, it cannot be Yuan Shou. Also, if two or three upper gods jointly overcome one lower god, it does not matter. In any case, only the upper god that directly overcomes the lower god is considered the initiating transmission, and any others that appear beside it are not considered. The Yuan Shou lesson is determined by taking the upper god that directly overcomes as the initiating transmission.

甲申年五月芒種申將，己丑日庚午時，甲申旬，因偶見有大暈圍繞，占此祥瑞否，元首、迎陽。 勾六 青 未申酉戌 朱 白玄 蛇六 鬼 辛卯 玄 空 午 亥 蛇 巳卯 亥酉 父 癸巳 白 虎 巳 子 貴 卯丑 酉己 兄 乙未 龍 常 辰卯寅丑 后 玄陰

In the year of Jiashen, in the fifth lunar month after the Grain in Ear, the month general is determined as 'transmission' (shuochong) with the branch Shen. The day is Jichou and the hour is Gengwu. The divination is based on the Jiashen decade (the empty branch is Wu and Wei). The reason for the divination is that the person偶然 saw a large halo around the sun, asking whether it is a good omen. The lesson pattern is 'Original Head' and 'Welcoming Yang'. The month general Shen is placed on the hour branch Wu. The four lessons are: Jichou is placed in the Wei branch, with the branch You on top, forming the first lesson (You is accompanied by Liu He); You has the branch Hai on top, forming the second lesson (Hai is accompanied by Teng Snake); the day branch Chou has the branch Mao on top, forming the third lesson (Mao is accompanied by Black Tortoise); Mao has the branch Si on top, forming the fourth lesson (Si is accompanied by White Tiger). The three transmissions are: the first transmission is Mao (hidden stem Xinmao, accompanied by Black Tortoise, representing official ghost on the day of Jichou); the middle transmission is Si (hidden stem Guisi, accompanied by White Tiger, representing parents); the final transmission is Wei (hidden stem Yiwei, accompanied by Azure Dragon, representing brothers).

斷曰：發用玄武賊符，克干克支，蓋干為天位而乘敗氣酉為沐浴是敗，支為社稷而見死神卯為己日之死，且歲君臨滅沒之方，貴人又不得地，中州吳越必失封疆，君國敗亡之象也。後果如其應。

Master Wu Shiqing interpreted: The initiating transmission is on the卯 (Mao) which is occupied by the Black Tortoise, and it also coincides with the thief's symbol. It both overcomes the day stem and the day branch. The day stem represents the heavenly position; now the酉 (You) above it is the bathing and declining energy. The day branch represents the state; now the卯 (Mao) above it is the death deity for the己 (Ji) day. Moreover, the sovereign's year is in the direction of extinction and decline, and the nobleman is not in a favorable position. The central plain and the regions of Wu and Yue will certainly lose their territory. This is an omen of the king and state's downfall, not a good omen. Later events indeed confirmed his prediction.

丙子二月雨水亥將，辛巳日辛卯時，甲戌旬，占出師，元首、炎上。 勾六 青 丑寅卯辰 朱 玄青 勾貴 官 壬午 貴 空 子 巳 蛇 酉丑 寅午 財 戊寅 勾 虎 亥 午 貴 丑巳 午辛 印 甲戌 常 常 戌酉申未 后 玄陰

In the year Bingzi, during the second month after the rainwater season, the month general is "Dengming" (亥). The divination is made on the day Xinshi and the time Xinmao. It belongs to the Jiaxu decade (the empty branch is in Shen and You). The question is about military campaigns. The lesson pattern is "Yuan Shou" and "Yan Shang" — the three transmissions form the fire trinity (Yin, Wu, Xu), hence called "Yan Shang." The month general亥 is placed on the time branch卯. The four lessons are: Xin is placed in the Xu branch, with Wu on top of Xu, as the first lesson (Wu is accompanied by the Nobleman); Wu has寅 on top, as the second lesson (寅 is accompanied by Gou Chen); the day branch巳 has丑 on top, as the third lesson (丑 is accompanied by Qinglong); and丑 has酉 on top, as the fourth lesson (酉 is accompanied by Xuanwu). The three transmissions are: the first transmission is Wu (the hidden stem is Renwu, accompanied by the Nobleman, which is the official star on the day Xin); the middle transmission is寅 (the hidden stem is Wuyin, accompanied by Gou Chen, which is the wife's wealth); the final transmission is Xu (the hidden stem is Jiaxu, accompanied by Tai Chang, which is the seal).

斷曰：春得炎上，氣進，又合元首三奇，高爵宰官不復言矣。但日干敗在午，日支墓在丑，且日干乘火鬼，剋日干，不惟興師無濟，且有他虞。即官至卯年亦不見利。蓋卯上所加之亥是白虎驛馬，名為回馬。雖是剝官之煞，幸結成木局生起初傳午火官星，故僅撤回剿賊。庚辰年太歲受克，子水司令制傷火局退位俱驗。

Wu Shiqing explained: In spring, the situation is "Inflaming and Ascending," with a forward-moving momentum; it also combines with the first heavenly stem and the Three Marvels, so achieving high rank and ministerial position is not surprising. Unfortunately, the day stem is Xin, and its weak point is at Wu; the day branch is Si, and its storage is at Chou; also, the day stem is being attacked by a fire ghost. Thus, not only is there no success in military campaigns, but there are other worries as well. Even if the official fortune lasts until the year of Mao, it may not be beneficial. Why? The year of Mao has the亥 branch, which is occupied by the White Tiger and the Post-horse, called "Returning Horse," which is aInauspicious Sha that removes official positions. Fortunately, it forms a wood trinity, which instead nourishes the initial transmission's fire official star at Wu. Therefore, only the troops are recalled to suppress the rebels. In the year of Gengchen, the sovereign is attacked, and the water of Zi is in command, restraining the fire trinity, so he resigns. Later, all these events were fulfilled.

癸酉七月立秋午將，甲寅日壬申時，甲寅旬，占太史可能入相否，元首。 六勾 朱 卯辰巳午 青 玄后 玄后 財 壬戌 玄 蛇 寅 未 空 戌子 戌子 鬼 庚申 虎 貴 丑 申 虎 子寅 子甲 子 戊午 龍 后 子亥戌酉 常 陰玄

In the year Guiyou, after the beginning of autumn in the seventh month, the month general is "Shengguang" (winning light) on the horse (wu) branch. The divination is made on the day Jiayin and the time Renshen. The day belongs to the Jiayin decade, with the empty branch in zi and chou. The question is about whether a certain historian can be appointed as a minister. The lesson pattern is "Yuanshou" (head of the state). The month general wu is placed on the time branch shen. The four lessons are: jia is placed in the yin branch, with yin branch carrying zi, forming the first lesson (zi carries "Tianhou" (Heavenly Empress)); zi carries xu, forming the second lesson (xu carries "Xuanwu" (Black Tortoise)); the day branch yin still carries zi, making the third lesson the same as the first; xu carries zi, making the fourth lesson the same as the second, so in reality there are only two distinct lessons. The three transmissions are: initial transmission xu (hidden stem renxu, carrying "Xuanwu" (Black Tortoise), representing wife and wealth on the day jia); middle transmission shen (hidden stem gengshen, carrying "Baihu" (White Tiger), representing official ghosts); final transmission wu (hidden stem wuwu, carrying "Qinglong" (Azure Dragon), representing son and grandson).

斷：發用干支乘敗子為沐浴，而子又值旬空，本不許入相。然餘以入相許之。何也？因中傳寅日之驛馬皇詔申為驛馬皇詔，末傳月將青龍午為青龍，又歲建酉為太常作官星加臨年命。經曰；太常入官鄉當朝執政太常值酉為官，月將乘青龍片言入相傳送載青龍。但嫌龍神午火克歲君歲君是酉，將來未必不獲意於君上而退位。後如其占。

Wu Shiqing explained: The initiating transmission's god and the day stem and day branch are all riding on declining energy. Zi is the place of bathing, and Zi is also exactly in the旬空, which by principle should not be allowed to enter the position of a minister. Yet I allowed him to enter the position of a minister. Why? Because the middle transmission's Shen is both the post-horse of Yin day and the imperial decree of autumn; the final transmission's Wu is the current month general and is riding on the Azure Dragon. Moreover, the sovereign's year酉 is occupied by Tai Chang, which transforms into an official star and comes to rest on this person's birth year. The ancient classics say: "Tai Chang entering the official's territory, will be in charge of the court." In this divination, Tai Chang is at the position of酉, which is the official star. It also says: "The month general riding the Azure Dragon, a single word leads to becoming a minister." In this divination, the transmission position is exactly carrying the Azure Dragon. The only regret is that the dragon god Wu fire is counteracting the sovereign's year酉 metal, so in the future he may not be able to maintain his favor with the sovereign and may be forced to step down. Later events proved exactly as predicted.

皇詔，即皇書也，春寅、夏巳、秋申、冬亥。

The reference here to the imperial decree is the imperial edict, which is selected according to the four seasons: in the spring it is used in the寅 (Yin) position, in the summer in the巳 (Si) position, in the autumn in the申 (Shen) position, and in the winter in the亥 (Hai) position. This divination was performed in the seventh month, during the autumn season, so the imperial decree falls on the申 (Shen) position. This coincides with theThe Post-horse (Yi Ma) position of the寅 (Yin) day, thus indicating a response of being summoned by an imperial decree.

壬午九月寒露辰將，丁亥日丁未時，甲申旬，有一僧人偕同十餘人相顧，丙午命人索占，元首、玄胎。 勾青 六 寅卯辰巳 空 空玄 朱龍 比 癸巳 空 朱 丑 午 虎 巳申 丑辰 父 庚寅 六 蛇 子 未 常 申亥 辰丁 鬼 丁亥 貴 貴 亥戌酉申 玄 后陰

In the year Renwu, during the ninth month after the Cold Dew festival, the month general was "Heavenly Gang" (Chen). On the day Dinghai and at the hour Dingwei, a divination was made, belonging to the Jiashen decade (the empty branch was in Wu and Wei). At that time, a monk came with more than ten people, among whom a guest born in the year Bingwu asked him to cast the divination. The lesson pattern was "Original Head" and "Black Tortoise's Embryo". The month general Chen was placed on the hour Wei. The four lessons were: Ding was placed in the Wei branch, with Chen on top of it, forming the first lesson (Chen riding the Azure Dragon); Chen was on top of Chou, forming the second lesson (Chou riding the Vermilion Bird); the day branch Hai had Shen on top of it, forming the third lesson (Shen riding the Black Tortoise); and Shen had Si on top of it, forming the fourth lesson (Si riding the Sky Void). The three transmissions were: the first transmission was Si (hidden stem Guisi, riding the Sky Void, which was a peer on the day Ding); the middle transmission was Yin (hidden stem Gengyin, riding the Liu He, representing parents); and the final transmission was Hai (hidden stem Dinghai, riding the Nobleman, representing official ghosts).

斷：來意必為功名，公乃未年甲榜。曰是。蓋因貴德官星臨年丁德在亥，官在亥，月將青龍居丁辰為龍，且羊角相加，故應未年高第。歲居干後午在未後，日生青龍丁火生辰龍，理宜先京城而後外任；嫌身祿不得地午祿臨丁之死位。此去身不安而祿不養，況歲君臨嗔怒之所，此番為國家起見耳。後知為錢大鶴。李賊破京遂歸。

Wu Shiqing explained: Your intention must certainly be to ask about fame and status. You became an imperial examiner in the year of Wei. The guest said: Exactly. Why did you come to this conclusion? Because the Nobleman, the Day Stem's virtue and the official star all appeared together on your birth year. The virtue of the Day Stem Ding is in Hai, and the official star is also in Hai. The current month general is riding on the Azure Dragon and sits on the Day Stem. Moreover, the image of the ram's horn is superimposed, so you should have success in the year of Wei. The heavenly stem Wu is located after the Lodging Palace of the Day Stem's year, which is Wei. The Day Stem Ding fire nourishes the earth of the Azure Dragon's riding position, which is Chen. By principle, you should first serve in the capital and then be assigned to an outer post. Unfortunately, your body and fortune are not in the right place. Although Wu is the fortune of Ding fire, it is located in the death position of Ding fire. This journey will be unstable for your body and fortune. Moreover, the heavenly stem is located in the direction of anger, this trip is merely to serve the country. Later it was known that this guest was Qian Dahè. After Li Zicheng captured the capital, he returned to his hometown.

曰：未年甲榜者，以青龍臨地盤未位也。

Why is he determined to have been an imperial examiner in the year of Wei? Because in the chart, the "Azure Dragon" is riding on the Chen branch, which is exactly positioned on the Earth Plate's Wei position. The Azure Dragon governs academic achievement and documents, so wherever it falls, it indicates the corresponding year. Therefore, it is concluded that he passed the imperial examination in the year of Wei.

庚辰正月雨水亥將，丁丑日癸卯時，甲戌旬，占升遷，元首、從革。 六勾 朱 丑寅卯辰 龍 空陰 貴勾 比 辛巳 空 蛇 子 巳 空 巳酉 亥卯 子 丁丑 朱 貴 亥 午 虎 酉丑 卯丁 財 乙酉 陰 后 戌酉申未 常 陰玄

In the year of Geng Chen, during the first lunar month after the rainwater season, the month general is "Dengming" (亥). The divination is made on the day of Ding Chou and the time of Gui Mao, which falls in the Jia Xu decade (the empty branch is in Shen and You). The question is whether a promotion is possible. The lesson pattern is "Yuan Shou" and "Cong Ge." The three transmissions form the metal trinity (巳, 酉, 丑), hence the name "Cong Ge." The month general,亥, is placed on the time branch,卯. The four lessons are: Ding is placed in the Wei palace, with卯 on Wei, forming the first lesson (卯 is multiplied by "Gou Chen");卯 has亥 on it, forming the second lesson (亥 is multiplied by "Nobleman"); the day branch,丑, has酉 on it, forming the third lesson (酉 is multiplied by "Tai Yin"); and酉 has巳 on it, forming the fourth lesson (巳 is multiplied by "Tian Kong"). The three transmissions are: the first transmission is巳 (the hidden stem is Xin Si, multiplied by "Tian Kong," which is a peer for the day stem Ding); the middle transmission is丑 (the hidden stem is Ding Chou, multiplied by "Vermilion Bird," which is a son or daughter); the final transmission is酉 (the hidden stem is Yi You, multiplied by "Tai Yin," which is a wife or wealth).

斷曰：不惟難以遷轉，且當請退。蓋傳送空亡申酉為空，太歲龍神落陷辰加申，互乘死氣，諸事只宜休息。況春得金局，為四時返本，定然官難滿任。一交巳年即宜請告。巳年果被參劾而回。

Wu Shiqing interpreted that not only would he not be promoted, but he should resign as soon as possible. Why? The empty position of this ten-day period is in Shen and You, with the 'Transmission' officer falling into emptiness. The dragon god on the year of Chen is also added to Shen and falls into a decline, with both sides multiplying death qi, so all matters are only suitable for rest. Moreover, in spring he obtained a metal formation, but metal in spring is returning to its original state and not in the proper season, so this official position must certainly not be completed. As soon as the year of Si arrives, he should submit a petition for resignation. In the year of Si, he indeed was impeached and dismissed from office.

丁丑日是甲戌旬，空亡在申酉。蓋酉為傳送之月將，今逢甲戌旬，乃是空亡。辰為太歲，此課青龍在辰，但辰加申位，而申為旬空，辰加申位，而辰為陷也。

The day of Dingchou belongs to the Jiaxu unit. In this unit, the empty position is at Shen and You. You is the place where the Month General of 'Transmission' resides, but now it falls into the empty position, so it is called Transmission empty. Chen is the Tai sui of the Gengchen year, and the 'Azure Dragon' in this divination is riding on Chen. However, Chen is placed at the position of Shen, which is the empty position of the unit. Since Chen is on the empty position, it naturally becomes weak and ineffective.

庚寅四月立夏酉將，乙酉辛巳時，甲申旬，占子逃往何方找尋、何日得見，元首、九丑。 朱蛇 六 酉戌亥子 貴 虎后 貴勾 官 甲申 勾 勾 申 丑 后 巳丑 子申 父 戊子 貴 龍 未 寅 陰 丑酉 申乙 財 壬辰 常 空 午巳辰卯 玄 虎常

In the year of Gengyin, in the fourth lunar month after the beginning of summer, the month general is "Congui" (From Qiu) on the酉 (You) branch. The divination is made on the day of Yiyou and the time of Xinsi, belonging to the Jiashen decade (the empty branches are in Wu and Wei). The person asking the question has a son who has run away, and he wants to know in which direction the son has gone and on which day he can be found. The lesson pattern is "Yuan Shou" (Head) and "Jiu Chou" (Nine Cows). The month general You is placed on the巳 (Si) branch at the time of divination. The four lessons are: Yi is placed in the Chen (Chen) branch, with Si (Si) on top, forming the first lesson (Si is accompanied by Gou Chen); on the Si branch, Zi (Zi) is placed, forming the second lesson (Zi is accompanied by the Nobleman); on the day branch You, Chou (Chou) is placed, forming the third lesson (Chou is accompanied by the Heavenly Empress); on the Chou branch, Si (Si) is placed, forming the fourth lesson (Si is accompanied by the White Tiger). The three transmissions are: the first transmission is Si (Si), with the hidden stem Jiashen, accompanied by Gou Chen, representing the official ghost on the day of Yi; the middle transmission is Zi (Zi), with the hidden stem Wuzi, accompanied by the Nobleman, representing the parents; the final transmission is Chen (Chen), with the hidden stem Renchen, accompanied by Tai Chang, representing the wife's wealth.

斷曰：此子逃於西南四十八里親戚之家，其家近水樓房，門前有羊二隻，柳數株，爾子與金山僧往來，尋之兩丁日可見。蓋申為金，加辰為山又水局申子辰圍繞，豈非金山乎？玄為逃亡之子，玄卯加亥屬水，即即近水樓房。而天盤亥支加地盤未宮，由戌逆數至未有四位，由子順數至未有八宮，所謂四十八里也。何謂西南？未居西南也？何以有羊？因未加著地盤卯之位也。何以有柳，因未值鬼柳二宿也。後四日，其子自金山回。

Wu Shiqing explained: This child has fled to a relative's house forty-eight li southwest. That house is a building by the water, with two sheep tied in front and several willow trees planted; your son has had contact with monks from Jinshan Temple, and he will be found again after two Ding days. Why? The branch Shen belongs to metal, placed on Chen, which represents a mountain, and the three transmissions form a water pattern of Shen, Zi, and Chen, which together form the word "Jinshan" (Gold Mountain). "Xuanwu" represents the person who has fled; Xuanwu is associated with the branch Mao, which is placed on Hai, which belongs to water, so it is said that the house is by the water. The Heaven Plate's Hai is placed on the Earth Plate's Wei palace. Counting backward from Xu to Wei gives four positions, and counting forward from Zi to Wei gives eight positions, totaling forty-eight li. Why is it southwest? Because Wei is located in the southwest. Why are there sheep? Because Wei belongs to the sheep, and it is placed on the Earth Plate's Mao position. Why are there willows? Because the Wei palace is associated with the Ghost Mansion and Willow Mansion. Four days later, the child indeed returned from Jinshan.

九丑卦主災。其法如乙、己、戊、辛、壬五日干，而逢子、午、卯、酉為日支，又丑加酉支上，曰九丑。推之即乙己戊辛壬五日而見丑加四仲日是也。

The lesson "Nine Disgraces" indicates calamity. Its method is: if the day stem is one of the five, namely Yi, Ji, Wu, Xin, or Ren, and the day branch is one of the four central branches, namely Zi, Wu, Mao, or You, and the Heaven Plate's Chou is exactly placed on the day branch You, it is called Nine Disgraces. By extension, any of the five days Yi, Ji, Wu, Xin, or Ren encountering Chou placed on the four central branches are considered as Nine Disgraces.

己丑正月雨水亥將，辛巳日辛卯時，甲戌旬，占兵亂吉凶，元首、炎上。 勾六 青 丑寅卯辰 朱 玄青勾貴 官 壬午 貴 空 子 巳 蛇 酉丑寅午 財 戊寅 勾 虎 亥 午 貴 丑巳午辛 印 甲戌 常 常 戌酉申未 后 玄陰

In the year of Jichou, during the first lunar month after the rainwater season, the month general was "Dengming" (亥). On the day of Xinsi and at the hour of Xinmao, a divination was made. This fell in the Jiaxu decade, with the empty branch in Shen and You. At that time, there was widespread warfare, and the question was about fortune and misfortune. The lesson pattern was "Yuan Shou" and "Yan Shang". The month general,亥, was placed on the hour of卯. The four lessons were: Xin was placed in the戌 palace, with午 on top of戌, forming the first lesson (午 was riding on "Nobleman"). Then,午 had寅 on top, forming the second lesson (寅 was riding on "Gou Chen"). The day branch,巳, had丑 on top, forming the third lesson (丑 was riding on "Azure Dragon"). Then,丑 had酉 on top, forming the fourth lesson (酉 was riding on "Black Tortoise"). The three transmissions were: the first transmission was午 (the hidden stem was Renwu, riding on "Nobleman", which was the official star for the day of Xin); the middle transmission was寅 (the hidden stem was Wuyin, riding on "Gou Chen", which was the wife's wealth); the final transmission was戌 (the hidden stem was Jiaxu, riding on "Tai Chang", which was the official seal).

斷曰：游都居支前寅在巳日之前，賊符侵酉位，且貴人克干發用午火為貴人加臨西北，西北兵動據城無疑。初傳旺相生合寅之游都末傳，定主內外奸人勾連，中傳寅月建克末傳，必然破城殺將。但游都臨合，雖火局旺相於春夏，而死絕於秋冬，又日墓臨支，是主受客愚而墜客計，交秋事敗歸降。

Wu Shiqing interpreted: The wandering capital Yin is located before the day branch Si, and the thief symbol has invaded the You position. Moreover, the nobleman's riding horse, the Wu fire, is attacking the day stem and is taken as the initiating transmission. The Wu fire is located in the northwest area, indicating that the northwest military forces have already moved, and the situation of taking the city and causing chaos is certain. The first transmission rides on the prosperous and strong energy to generate and harmonize with the wandering capital Yin, and it also harmonizes with the final transmission, indicating that internal and external conspirators are collaborating. The middle transmission's Yin is exactly at the month builder and attacks the final transmission, leading inevitably to the fall of the city and the death of the general. However, although the wandering capital Yin is in the triple harmony, the fire formation is strong in spring and summer but dies in autumn and winter; the day's tomb is also located at the day branch, indicating that the native land is being deceived by the enemy and falling into the enemy's trap. After autumn comes, this matter will end in defeat.

游都：甲 乙 丙 丁 戊 己 庚 辛 壬 癸 丑 子 寅 巳 申 丑 子 寅 巳 申

The term "you du" is determined based on the day stem. For Jia day, it is Chou; for Yi day, it is Zi; for Bing day, it is Yin; for Ding day, it is Si; for Wu day, it is Shen; for Ji day, it is Chou; for Geng day, it is Zi; for Xin day, it is Yin; for Ren day, it is Si; and for Gui day, it is Shen. Since this lesson is on Xin day, "you du" is Yin. Yin is one step before the day branch Si, which is the position of the day. Therefore, there is an indication of military movement.