Hidden Army Qi

氣如赤杵幢節在烏雲中，或如烏人在赤氣中，或黑氣渾渾圓而赤氣在其中，或白氣紛沸起如樓狀，其下皆有伏兵。若軍行近山谷之間林坑，甚防之。

The appearance of the qi resembles a red wooden mallet, banners, and standards located within dark clouds; or like a person in black clothing within red qi; or like black qi forming a solid circle with red qi in the middle; or like white qi rising in abundance, forming the shape of pagodas: in all these cases, there are hidden enemy troops below. If the army is moving through forests and depressions between mountains, special vigilance is required.

雲紛紛綿綿相絞，及似蒿草長數尺者，以車騎為伏兵；如布席，似蒿草長尺許者，以步卒為伏兵。黑雲出營南，賊逃，我後有伏兵，謹候察之。

Clouds are dense and continuous, twisting and entangled, and some are as tall as several feet, indicating the enemy is ambushing with chariots and cavalry. If the clouds are like spread-out mats or like grass but only about a foot tall, it indicates the enemy is ambushing with infantry. Black clouds rising from the south of the camp indicate the enemy is retreating in large numbers, but there are enemy ambushes behind our own forces; we must be cautious and conduct thorough reconnaissance.

兩軍相當，赤氣，伏兵氣。若前有赤氣，則前有伏兵；後有赤氣，則後有伏兵；左右亦如之。黑雲變赤及白形如山者，有伏兵；雲如山林，或前黑氣，後有白氣者，有伏兵。

When two armies face each other, red clouds indicate the presence of hidden troops. If red clouds appear in front, there are hidden troops in front; if red clouds appear behind, there are hidden troops behind; the same applies to the left and right sides. If black clouds turn red or white and form the shape of a mountain, it indicates hidden troops. If the clouds resemble a forest, or if black clouds are in front and white clouds behind, it also indicates hidden troops.

白氣如瓜蔓連結，部隊相逐，須臾罷而復出，或如八九而來不絶者，有急賊至。白氣如仙人衣，千萬連結，部隊相逐，罷而復興，當有千里兵至。

White gas resembling gourds' tendrils connects and accumulates, with groups following one after another continuously coming, pausing briefly and then reappearing; or like eight or nine streams continuously rushing forward: this indicates an urgent bandit attack. White gas resembling the robe of immortals, with countless threads connected together, groups following one after another continuously coming, stopping and then rising again: this indicates an army arriving from a thousand miles away.

黑氣從彼來我軍者，欲襲我也，急宜備，不宜戰；敵還，從而擊之，必得小勝。

Black smoke coming from the enemy's side towards our army indicates the enemy's intention to attack us. We should be on high alert and avoid engaging in battle. Once the enemy retreats, we should follow closely to attack, ensuring a small victory.

天色蒼茫而有此氣，依支干數，內無風雨，所發之方，必有暴兵。日克時則凶，時剋日則自消散。此氣所發之方，當有事告急。一人來則氣一條，依數計之；若散漫一方，必有眾至。依日支干數，內有風雨，則不應。

The sky is dim and a certain kind of energy appears. According to the day branch and the stem, calculate the number of days. If there is no rain or wind during this period, the direction from which the energy arises will certainly have sudden military disaster. If the day branch overcomes the hour, it indicates misfortune; if the hour overcomes the day branch, the military disaster will dissipate on its own. The direction from which this energy arises will certainly have urgent military news. One person corresponds to one such energy, and the number of energies can be used to estimate the number of people. If the energy spreads widely, a large force is sure to arrive. If rain or wind occurs during the period calculated by the stem and branch, this divination will not come true.

伏兵氣，如人持刀盾，或有雲如坐人，赤色，所臨城邑，有猝兵至。赤氣如人持節，雲如方虹，或如赤虹，其下暴兵至。或如旌旗、如虎躍、如人行，或白氣如道帶竟天，或白虹所出，或赤雲如火，或雲如匹布，著天經丑未者，天下多兵，赤者尤甚。

The appearance of hidden troops resembles a person holding a knife and shield; or there is a cloud resembling a person sitting upright, appearing red: such an appearance indicates sudden military disaster in the city it affects. A red appearance resembling a person holding a symbol of authority, or a cloud resembling a square rainbow or a red rainbow, with its lower part indicates sudden military disaster. Or if the appearance resembles banners, a tiger leaping, or a person walking; or if white clouds resemble roads or bands stretching across the sky; or if a white rainbow appears; or if red clouds resemble fire; or if clouds resemble a piece of cloth, lying close to the sky and stretching across the direction of Chou and Wei: all these indicate widespread warfare in the world, with red appearances being especially severe.

有雲如番人列陣；或白氣廣五六丈，東西竟天；有雲如豹五六枚相聚；或如狗四五枚相聚；四方清明，獨有赤雲赫然者︰所見之地，兵起。四望無雲，獨有黑雲極天，名曰「天溝」，主兵起。

There are omens such as clouds resembling foreign troops arrayed; or white clouds spanning five or six zhang in width, stretching from east to west across the sky; or clouds resembling five or six leopards gathered together; or clouds resembling four or five dogs gathered together; or clear skies in all directions except for a single bright red cloud appearing prominently: these phenomena indicate the outbreak of warfare in the area where they appear. If there are no clouds in all directions but a black cloud stretches straight across the sky, this is called "heavenly channel," which signifies the rise of warfare.

壬子日候，四方無雲，獨有雲如旌旗，其下兵起；徧四方，天下兵起。雲氣一道，上白下黃，白色如布匹，長數丈；或上黃下白，如旗狀，長二三丈；或長氣純如赤而委曲，一道如布匹︰皆謂之「蚩尤旗」，見，兵大起。

On the day of Renzi, if there is no cloud in all directions but only a single cloud resembling a banner, warfare will arise in the area below it; if such clouds appear in all directions, warfare will break out across the land. If there is a cloud with a white upper part and a yellow lower part, the white part resembling a piece of cloth several zhang long; or if it is yellow on top and white below, shaped like a banner, two or three zhang long; or a long red cloud that twists and coils, resembling a piece of cloth: these are all called "Chiyu Flag." Once they appear, they indicate the outbreak of large-scale warfare.

氣如人無頭、如死人、如丹蛇，赤氣隨之，必有大戰，殺將。四望無雲，獨有赤雲如狗，入營，其下必有流血；或獨見赤雲如立蛇，或赤雲如覆舟，其下大戰。

The atmosphere resembles that of a headless person, a dead person, or a red snake, with red clouds following closely behind, indicating a certain great battle and the death of a general. Looking in all directions, there are no clouds, but only a single red cloud resembling a dog floating toward the military camp, which will surely result in bloodshed below. Alternatively, if only a red cloud resembling a vertical snake or an overturned boat is seen, there will certainly be a great battle below.

白虹或赤屈虹見城營上，其下大戰流血。白氣如車，入北斗中轉移者，大戰。雲如耕隴，大戰。

White rainbow or curved red rainbow appearing over cities or camps indicates there will be a great battle with bloodshed below. White vapor resembling a chariot entering the middle of the Big Dipper and moving around indicates a great battle. Clouds shaped like plowed furrows also indicate a great battle.

日旁黑氣如虹，或白氣如虹，交見，兩軍相當，必交戰；無軍，兵起。四、五、六虹見，大戰。

The Star of brightness and prestige accompanied by black clouds resembling a rainbow, or white clouds resembling a rainbow, appearing alternately: if two armies are facing each other in battle formation, a fight is certain; even if there are no armies outside, warfare will arise. When four, five, or six rainbows appear simultaneously, it indicates a major battle.

日月有赤雲，截之如大杵，軍在外，萬人戰死；兩軍相當，不利先舉。月初滿而蝕，有軍必戰。

When the sun or moon has a red cloud across its upper part, forming the shape of a large wooden mallet: if there are troops outside, the ruler will have ten thousand soldiers die in battle; if two armies are facing each other, the side that attacks first will suffer disadvantage. If a lunar eclipse occurs when the moon is nearly full, there will certainly be a battle involving troops outside.

蒼白雲氣經天，其下有拔城大戰。赤氣漫漫如血色，有大戰流血。

Pale clouds stretch across the sky, indicating a great battle involving the capture of cities below. Red clouds spread widely like blood, signifying a fierce battle with heavy casualties.

氣白而群行徘徊，結陣而來者，他國人來相圖謀也，不可忽；應視其所往，隨而伐之，得利。黑氣如幢，出於營中，上黑下黃，敵欲來求戰，而無誠實，言信相反，七日內必覺，備之，吉。

The appearance of white qi gathering in groups, moving around and not dispersing, forming an array, indicates people from another country coming to plot against us; we must not neglect it. We should observe where it is heading and then send troops to attack, which will bring us benefit. Black qi resembling banners rising from the camp, with the upper part black and the lower part yellow, shows that the enemy although wanting to fight, has no genuine intention, their words contradict their true intentions; within seven days we will certainly become aware of this, and prior preparation will be auspicious.

黑氣臨我軍上，如車輪行，敵人謀亂，國有小臣勾引，宜察之。黑氣如引，牽來如陣前銳者，有陰謀。

Black clouds are pressing down over our army, rolling forward like a chariot, indicating that the enemy is plotting rebellion, and there are disloyal ministers within our country secretly colluding and guiding them. We should investigate thoroughly. If the black clouds are dragged along as if being pulled and become sharp upon reaching the battlefield, this signifies that the enemy has secret schemes.

天沉陰不雨，晝不見日，夜不見星、月，三日以上者，陰謀也，將軍宜愼防左右。連陰十日，亂風四起，欲雨不雨，其名曰「濛」，為臣謀君。

The sky is overcast but no rain falls, the sun is not visible during the day, and the stars and moon are not visible at night, continuing for more than three days. This indicates there is a plot, and the general should be cautious and beware of those around him. If the continuous overcast weather lasts for ten days, with strong winds blowing from all directions and rain that does not fall, this celestial phenomenon is called "Meng," indicating that ministers and subordinates are plotting against the sovereign.

天陰沉，日月無光，有雲障之，不雨，此君臣俱有陰謀。兩敵相當，則陰謀也。若晝晴夜陰，臣謀君；晝陰夜晴，君謀臣。

The sky is dark and overcast, with the sun and moon not visible, and clouds blocking the light without rain. This indicates that both the sovereign and the ministers have secret plots. If two armies are facing each other, it means that both sides have their own schemes. If it is sunny during the day and overcast at night, it suggests that the ministers are plotting against the sovereign. If it is overcast during the day and clear at night, it indicates that the sovereign is plotting against the ministers.

東夷之氣如𣗳。西夷之氣如屋。南夷之氣如樓臺，或如舟航。北狄之氣如牛羊，或如穹廬。

The qi of the eastern夷people appears in the shape of trees; the qi of the western夷people appears in the shape of houses; the qi of the southern夷people appears in the shape of pavilions and towers, and sometimes like boats; the qi of the northern狄people appears in the shape of herds of cattle and sheep, and sometimes like the dome-shaped tents used by nomads.

氣初出桑榆一千五百里，平觀一千里，仰視中天一百里，平望桑榆二千里，登高下屬三千里。〈○此條依張刻本補。〉凡候氣之法：氣初出時，若雲非雲，似霧非霧，彷彿若可見，初出森森然，若高五六尺者，是千五百里以外氣也。

When the qi rises from the place where the sun sets, one can see circumstances as far as fifteen hundred li away; when looking straight ahead, one can see up to a thousand li; when looking upward toward the zenith, one can see only up to a hundred li; when looking horizontally toward the direction of the sun's setting, one can see up to two thousand li; and when standing on a high place and looking downward, one can see up to three thousand li. This passage is added according to the Zhang edition. In general, when observing qi: when qi first appears, it is neither cloud nor mist, but appears faintly visible, standing solemnly at first. If it rises about five or six feet high, then it is qi from fifteen hundred li away.

凡候敵上氣，敵在東，日出候之；敵在西，日入候之；敵在南，日中候之；敵在北，夜半候之。欲知我軍氣，常以甲己日及庚子戊午日、未日、亥日及八月十八日，去軍十里，登高望之，但百人以上，則皆有氣。

Whenever observing the aura above the enemy's army: if the enemy is to the east, observe at sunrise; if to the west, at sunset; if to the south, at noon; if to the north, at midnight. To observe one's own army's aura, usually go ten li away from the camp on the days of Jia, Ji, Gengzi, Wuwu, Wei, Hai, and the eighteenth day of the eighth month, climb to a high place and look far away. As long as the number is over one hundred, there will be an aura above the army.

凡氣欲似甑出炊氣，勃勃而上升，外積結成形，而後可占。氣不結積，散漫不定，不能為災祥，亦必和雜殺氣森森然，乃可論也。

All qi that can be used for divination should rise vigorously like the steam from a steamer, accumulating and condensing on the surface to form shapes, only then can it be used for prediction. If the qi does not condense and accumulate, but instead disperses and drifts aimlessly, it cannot indicate omens of good or ill. Moreover, it must be mixed with a solemn and sharp cutting qi before it is worth discussing.

凡軍城上，氣安，則人安；氣不安，則人不安；氣盛，則兵盛；氣衰，則中衰；氣散，則眾散。凡氣得旺相色，吉；休囚色，凶。軍上氣，高勝下，厚勝薄，實勝虛，長勝短，澤勝枯。

In a military camp or fortress, if the qi is stable, the people's minds are stable; if the qi is unstable, the people's minds are restless. If the qi is strong, the military strength is strong; if the qi is weak, the army is weak; if the qi is scattered, the troops are divided. If the qi shows the colors of "prosperity" and "reinforcement," it is auspicious; if it shows the colors of "decline" and "captivity," it is inauspicious. When comparing the qi of two armies, the one with higher qi overcomes the one with lower qi, the one with thicker qi overcomes the one with thinner qi, the one with solid qi overcomes the one with hollow qi, the one with longer qi overcomes the one with shorter qi, and the one with moist and nourishing qi overcomes the one with dry and withered qi.

凡占災祥，先推九宮分野，六壬日月，不應陰霧風雨，其占乃準。凡候氣，多假日月之光，照耀而形，故暈珥抱背，皆出日月之旁；虹蜺相象，莫不因日而見。是故晝候日旁，夜候月旁，輝光所燭，無得而隱矣。

When divining omens of calamity or auspicious signs, one must first calculate the nine palaces and their corresponding regions, as well as the day and month governed by the Six壬 system. The divination will be accurate only if there are no clouds, fog, rain, or wind. Most phenomena related to qi are usually visible only when illuminated by the light of the sun or moon. Therefore, phenomena such as halos,珥, embracing, and back-lighting appear around the sun and moon. Similarly, images like the primary rainbow and secondary rainbow are only visible due to sunlight. Hence, during the day, one should observe the area around the sun, and at night, the area around the moon. As long as the light reaches, the qi cannot be hidden.

凡氣見，近三日，遠七日，內有大風雨，則不應災祥。故曰：「風以散之，雨以解之。」凡軍行，先觀其氣。兵有勝負氣，有盛衰氣。銳兵強氣，伏兵弱氣。兵行氣行，兵止氣止，兵急氣急，兵散氣沒。故曰：「氣是兵主，風是兵苗。」為將者，不可不知也。

Whenever the qi appears, it will manifest within three days if it is near, or within seven days if it is far. During this period, if there is a strong wind or heavy rain, then the divination regarding calamity or auspiciousness will not come true. Therefore, it is said: "The wind disperses it, and the rain dissipates it." Whenever an army moves, one should first observe its qi. The army has a qi that determines victory or defeat, and a qi that determines prosperity or decline. A sharp and powerful army has strong qi; an ambushed army has weak qi. When the army advances, its qi also advances; when the army stops, its qi also stops; when the army moves quickly, its qi also moves quickly; when the army disperses, its qi also disappears. Therefore, it is said: "Qi is the master of the army, and wind is the sign of warfare." A general should not fail to understand this principle.

經曰：天有二十八宿，為十二次；在地為十二辰，配十二月。至於九州分野，各有攸繫，上下相應，故可得而占識之。

The *Bing Jing Shuo* says: There are twenty-eight star mansions in the sky, divided into twelve star periods; on the ground, these correspond to the twelve earthly branches, which are also matched with the twelve months. As for the regions of the nine provinces, each has its corresponding star mansion, so that heaven and earth correspond with each other. Therefore, one can use this to predict and discern auspicious and inauspicious events.

角、亢：鄭之分，於辰在辰，為壽星；於野，在潁川、父城、定陵、襄城、潁陽、陽翟、汝南、宏農、城父、新安、宜陽、河南、新鄭，屬兗州。氐、房、心：宋之分，於辰在卯，為大火；於野，在楚州、山陽、清平、濟陽、東郡、須昌、壽陽、睢陽、定陶等郡，屬豫州。

The constellations Guo Xu and Kang Xu correspond to the territory of the State of Zheng, belonging to the twelfth earthly branch Chen, with the star division called "Shou Xing" (Longevity Star); on earth, their territory includes places such as Yingchuan, Fu Cheng, Dingling, Xiangcheng, Yingyang, Yangzhi, Nanan, Hongnong, Chengfu, Xin'an, Yiyang, Henan, and Xinzheng, under the jurisdiction of Yanzhou. The constellations Di Xu, Fang Xu, and Xin Xu correspond to the territory of the State of Song, belonging to the twelfth earthly branch Mao, with the star division called "Da Huo" (Great Fire); on earth, their territory includes places such as Chuzhou, Shanyang, Qingping, Jiyang, Dongjun, Xuchang, Shouyang, Suyang, and Dingtang, under the jurisdiction of Yuzhou.

尾、箕：燕之分，於辰在寅，為析木；於野，在漁陽、北平、遼東、遼西、上谷、代郡、雁門、涿郡、范陽、新城、固安、良鄕、涿州、昌黎、渤海、安定、朝那、樂浪、元菟、易、定，屬幽州。南斗牽牛：吳之分，木辰在丑，為星紀；於野，在會稽、九江、丹陽、豫章、廣陵、廬江、安陸、臨淮、蒼梧、鬱林、桂陽、合浦、交趾、九眞、日南、南海，屬揚州。

The Tail Mansion and Winnowing Basket Mansion correspond to the territory of Yan State, belonging to the寅 (Yin) in the twelve earthly branches, with the star sequence called "Xí Mù" (Split Wood). On earth, their territory includes Yuyang, Beiping, Liao Dong, Liao Xi, Shanggu, Dajun, Yamen, Zhuo Jun, Fan Yang, Xin Cheng, Gu'an, Liangxiang, Zhuozhou, Changli, Bohai, An Ding, Chaonuo, LeLang, Xuantu, Yizhou, and Dingzhou, all under the jurisdiction of Youzhou. The Southern Dipper and the Ox Star correspond to the territory of Wu State, belonging to the丑 (Chou) in the twelve earthly branches, with the star sequence called "Xing Ji" (Star Record). On earth, their territory includes Huaiji, Jiuxiu, Danyang, Yuzhang, Guangling, Lujiang, Anlu, Linhuai, Cangwu, Yulin, Guiyang, HePu, Jiaozhi, JiuZhen, Rizhan, Nanhai, all under the jurisdiction of Yangzhou.

須、女、虛：齊之分，於辰在子，為元枵；於野，在高密、城陽、泰山、濟南、平原，屬青州。危、室、壁：衛之分，於辰在亥，為娵訾；於野，在魏郡、黎陽、河內、朝歌、濮陽，屬幷州。

The constellations Xu, Nu, and Xu correspond to the territory of the state of Qi, belonging to the zodiac sign Zi in the twelve earthly branches, with the star position called "Xuanxiao" (written as "Yuanxiao" during the Tang dynasty to avoid taboo). On earth, their corresponding regions include GaoMi, ChengYang, Taishan, Jinan, and Pingyuan, which are under the jurisdiction of Qingzhou. The constellations Wei, Shi, and Bi correspond to the territory of the state of Wei, belonging to the zodiac sign Hai in the twelve earthly branches, with the star position called "Juzi". On earth, their corresponding regions include Wei Jun, Liyang, HeNei, Chaoguo, and Puyang, which are under the jurisdiction of Bingzhou.

奎、婁：魯之分，於辰在戌，為降婁；於野，在東海、泗州、陰陵、曲阜，屬徐州。胃、昴：趙之分，於辰在酉，為大梁；於野，在信都、眞定、常山、中山、鉅鹿、高陽、廣平、河間、武昌、文安、清河、內黃、斥邱、太原、定襄、雲中、五原、朔方、上黨、邯鄲，屬冀州。

The constellations Kuīxiù and Lóuxiù correspond to the territory of Lu State, belonging to the earthly branch Xu in the twelve divisions, with the star sequence called "Jiànglóu". On earth, their territory includes the Eastern Sea, Sizhou, Yingle, and Qufu, under the jurisdiction of Xuzhou. The constellations Wèixiù and Mǎoxiù correspond to the territory of Zhao State, belonging to the earthly branch You in the twelve divisions, with the star sequence called "Dàliáng". On earth, their territory includes Xindu, Zhen ding, Changshan, Zhongshan, Jilu, Gaoyang, Guangping, Hejian, Wuchang, Wenan, Qinghe, Neihuang, Chiqu, Taiyuan, Dingxiang, Yunzhong, Wuyuan, Shuofang, Shangtang, and Handan, under the jurisdiction of Jizhou.

畢、觜、參：魏之分，於辰在申，為實沈；於野，在高陵、河東、河內、陳留、汝南、新野、舞陽、河南、開封、陽武，屬益州。井、鬼：秦之分，於辰在未，為鶉首；於野，在弘農、京兆、扶風、馮翊、北地、上郡、西河、安定、天水、隴西、蜀郡、廣漢、武威、張掖、酒泉、燉煌，屬雍州。

Bixiu, Zui Xiu, and Cen Xiu correspond to the territory of the State of Wei, belonging to the branch of Shen in the twelve earthly branches, with the star sequence called "Shi Shen"; on earth, their territory includes Gao Ling, He Dong, He Nei, Chen Liu, Ru Nan, Xin Ye, Wu Yang, He Nan, Kaifeng, Yang Wu, and belongs to Yizhou. Jing Xiu and Gui Xiu correspond to the territory of the State of Qin, belonging to the branch of Wei in the twelve earthly branches, with the star sequence called "Chun Shou"; on earth, their territory includes Hongnong, Jingzhao, Fufeng, Fengyi, Beidi, Shangjun, Xihex, An Ding, Tian Shui, Longxi, Shujun, Guanghan, Wudi, Zhangye, Jiuyuan, and Dunhuang, belonging to Yuzhou.

柳、星、張：周之分，於辰在午，為鶉火；於野，在河南、洛陽、平陰、偃師、鞏縣、三河，屬豫州。翼、軫：楚之分，於辰在巳，為鶉尾；於野，在南郡、江陵、零陵、桂陽、武陵、長沙、漢中、汝南、南中，屬荊州。

Willow Mansion, Star Mansion, and Extended Net Mansion correspond to the territory of the Zhou dynasty, belonging to the hour of午 in the twelve earthly branches, with the stellar position called 「Chun Fire」. Their terrestrial territory includes Henan, Luoyang, Pingyin, Yanshi, Gongxian, and Sanhe, under the jurisdiction of Yu State. Wings Mansion and Chariot Mansion correspond to the territory of the State of Chu, belonging to the hour of巳 in the twelve earthly branches, with the stellar position called 「Chun Tail」. Their terrestrial territory includes Nanjun, Jiangling, Lingling, Guiyang, Wuling, Changsha, Hanzhong, Ruzhong, and Nanzhong, under the jurisdiction of Jingzhou.

㢲為風，申明號令，陰陽之使也，發示休咎，動彰神教。《春官》，保章氏以十二風察天地之妖祥。故金縢未啟，表拔木之徵；玉帛方交，起偃禾之異。宋襄失德，六鷁退飛；仰武將焚，異鳥先唱。此皆一時之事。

The trigram Xun represents wind. Wind can proclaim commands and is the messenger of yin and yang; it issues warnings of good or ill fortune, and once it moves, it reveals the divine commands. The "Rites of Zhou · Spring Officials" records that the keeper of astronomical records used the winds of the twelve directions to observe strange occurrences and auspicious signs in the heavens and earth. Therefore, before the golden sealed book of Duke Zhou was opened, heaven first showed the omen of a great wind uprooting trees; and during the time when the feudal lords presented jade and silk as offerings, there appeared the strange phenomenon of all the millet lying down. When Duke Song Xiang was lacking virtue, six herons flew backwards over the capital of Song; before the "Yangwu" temple was to be burned, strange birds had already cried out as a warning. These were all immediate fulfillments of omens.

且興師十萬，相持數年，日費千金，而爭一旦之勝負。鄕導之說、間諜之詞，取之於人，尚猶不信，豈一風動葉、獨鳥鳴空，而舉六軍投不測之國，欲幸全勝，未或可知。謀既在人，風鳥參驗，亦存而不棄。

Now, sending an army of ten thousand, holding out for several years, spending thousands every day, just to fight for a temporary victory. The accounts from guides and spies come from living people, yet they are not entirely reliable; how can we rely on a gust of wind moving leaves or a lone bird calling in the air to commit the entire army to an unpredictable foreign land, hoping for a complete victory by chance? That is unpredictable. Since the fundamental planning lies in people, then methods like wind divination and bird omens should only be used as references for verification, temporarily retained but not completely discarded.

夫占風角，取雞羽八兩，懸於五丈竿上，置營中，以候八風之雲。凡風起，初遲後疾，則遠來；風初疾後遲，則近來。風動葉十里，搖枝百里，鳴枝二百里，墜葉三百里，折小枝四百里，折大枝五百里，飛石千里，拔木五千里。三日三夜，遍天下；二日二夜，半天下；一日一夜，及千里；半日半夜，五百里。

The method of divining by wind direction and cloud movement involves taking eight taels of chicken feathers and hanging them on a pole five zhang high, placed in the camp to observe the wind coming from the eight directions and the corresponding clouds. Whenever the wind arises, if it starts slowly and then becomes stronger, it indicates the wind is coming from afar; if it starts strong and then weakens, it indicates the wind is coming from nearby. If the wind only moves the leaves, it comes from within ten li; if it shakes the branches, it comes from within a hundred li; if it makes the branches make a sound, it comes from within two hundred li; if it blows off the leaves, it comes from within three hundred li; if it breaks small branches, it comes from within four hundred li; if it breaks large branches, it comes from within five hundred li; if it blows stones into the air, it comes from a thousand li away; if it uproots a big tree, it comes from five thousand li away. If the wind blows continuously for three days and three nights, its influence reaches the whole world; if it blows for two days and two nights, it reaches half the world; if it blows for one day and one night, it reaches a thousand li; if it blows for half a day and half a night, it reaches five hundred li.

宮風聲如牛吼空中。　　　徵風聲如奔馬。商風聲如離群之鳥。　　　羽風聲如擊濕鼓之音。角風聲如千人之語。

The wind belonging to the 'Gong' tone sounds like an ox roaring in the air; the wind belonging to the 'Zheng' tone sounds like a galloping horse. The wind belonging to the 'Shang' tone sounds like a lonely bird separated from its flock; the wind belonging to the 'Yu' tone sounds like a drum that has become damp being struck. The wind belonging to the 'Jue' tone sounds like thousands of people speaking at the same time.

子、午為宮。　　　丑、未、寅、申為徵。　　　卯、酉為羽。

The twelve Earthly Branches correspond to the five tones: the branches Zi and Wu belong to 'Gong'; the branches Chou, Wei, Yin, and Shen belong to 'Zhi'; and the branches Mao and You belong to 'Yu'.

辰、戌為商。巳、亥為角。宮風發屋折木，未年兵作。徵風發屋折木，四方告急。商風發屋折木，有急兵。羽風發屋折木，米價貴。角風發屋折木，有急盜賊、戰鬬。

The Earthly Branches Chen and Xu correspond to the musical tone "Shang," and Si and Hai correspond to "Jue." Together with the previous entries, Zi and Wu correspond to "Gong," Chou and Wei, as well as Yin and Shen, correspond to "Zhi," Mao and You correspond to "Yu." Thus, the twelve Earthly Branches are divided among the five tones. When predicting wind, if a wind of the "Gong" tone arises and causes great damage, such as overturning roofs and breaking trees, war will break out in the year of Wei. If a wind of the "Zhi" tone arises and causes such damage, alarms will come from all four borders. If a wind of the "Shang" tone arises and causes such damage, there will be urgent military news. If a wind of the "Yu" tone arises and causes such damage, grain prices will surely rise. If a wind of the "Jue" tone arises and causes such damage, there will be sudden bandit disturbances and fighting.

歲月日時，陰德陽德自處，陰德在十二干，陽德在天。歲月日時，子刑卯、卯刑子、丑刑戌、戌刑未、未刑丑、寅刑巳、巳刑申、申刑寅、辰午酉亥各自相刑。子、丑、寅、巳、申為刑上，卯、戌、未為刑下。風從刑下來，禍淺；刑上來，禍深。三刑：為刑上、刑下、自刑。

After arranging the four pillars of year, month, day, and hour, "Yin Virtue" and "Yang Virtue" each occupy fixed positions. Yin Virtue is calculated based on the ten heavenly stems, while Yang Virtue corresponds to the sky. Among the twelve earthly branches in the year, month, day, and hour, there is a relationship called "Three Punishments." Specifically, Zi (rat) punishes Mao (rabbit), and Mao punishes Zi; Chou (ox) punishes Xu (dog), Xu punishes Wei (sheep), and Wei punishes Chou; Yin (tiger) punishes Si (snake), Si punishes Shen (monkey), and Shen punishes Yin. The branches Chen (dragon), Wu (horse), You (rooster), and Hai (pig) each punish themselves, a situation called "Self-Punishment." Among these, Zi, Chou, Yin, Si, and Shen are called "Punishing Above," while Mao, Xu, and Wei are called "Punishing Below." Wind coming from the direction of "Punishing Below" brings light calamity, while wind coming from the direction of "Punishing Above" brings severe calamity. The term "Three Punishments" refers to these three categories: Punishing Above, Punishing Below, and Self-Punishment.

凡災風之來，多挾殺氣，尅日，濁塵飛埃。凡祥風之來，多興德氣，並日色晴朗，天氣溫涼，風氣索索不動，塵平行而過。

Whenever a wind bringing calamity blows, it is usually accompanied by a bleak and severe atmosphere, and its five phases attribute exactly controls the day's stem. The sky appears dim and murky, with dust swirling in the air. Whenever a wind bringing auspiciousness blows, it is usually accompanied by a harmonious and virtuous atmosphere, and the sun shines brightly, the weather is clear, cool and mild. The wind rustles softly, yet the grass and trees remain still, and the dust moves along the ground smoothly.

凡申、子為貪狼，主欺紿、不信、亡財、遇盜賊，主攻劫人。巳、酉為寛大，主福祿，主貴人、君子。亥、卯為陰賊，主戰鬬殺傷、謀反大逆。寅、午為廉貞，主賔客、禮儀、嫁娶。丑、戌為公正，主報仇怨，主兵。辰、未為奸邪，主驚恐。

The positions occupied by the branches Shen and Zi are called "Tanlang," which indicate deceit, fraud, broken finances, loss of property, and encounters with thieves or bandits. They also signify attacks and plunder. The branches Si and You are called "Kuanda," which indicate good fortune, official rank, meeting noblemen and gentlemen. The branches Hai and Mao are called "Yinzei," which indicate fighting and casualties, as well as rebellion and treason. The branches Yin and Wu are called "Lianzhen," which indicate guests, ceremonies, and marriage affairs for men and women. The branches Chou and Xu are called "Gongzheng," which indicate revenge and retribution, as well as military campaigns. The branches Chen and Wei are called "Jianxie," which indicate fear and alarm.

貪狼之日，風從寛大上來，〈○此下原衍「及寛大上來」五字，參《虎鈐經》刪。〉所主之言，〈○「言」疑「占」。〉仍以貪狼參說吉凶，他倣此。

On days belonging to the 'Star of Romance and Desire,' if the wind comes from the direction of 'Generosity,' the judgment should still take into account the nature of 'Star of Romance and Desire,' combining both to determine fortune or misfortune; other combinations are to be interpreted in the same way. (Note: Originally, the text below the phrase 'wind comes from the direction of Generosity' had an additional five characters 'and comes from the direction of Generosity,' which have been deleted following reference to the 'Tiger Bell Classic'; the character 'speech' in 'the subject of speech' is suspected to be a miswriting of 'divination.')

有旋風入幕，折干戈，壞帳幙，必有盜賊入營，將軍必死。旋風從三刑上來，其兵不可當。有風從王氣上來，官軍勝，大寒大勝，小寒小勝。凡風蓬勃四方起，或有觸地，皆為逆風，則有暴兵作。寅時作，主人逆；辰時作，主兵逆；午時發，左右逆；戌時發，外賊逆。

If a whirlwind enters the military camp, breaking weapons and damaging tents, there will certainly be thieves mixed among the troops, and the commander-in-chief may also be killed. If the whirlwind comes from the direction of the "Three Punishments," the invading enemy forces will be unstoppable. If the wind comes from the direction of the current prosperous position, the official army will win; if the wind is extremely cold, it indicates a great victory; if it brings just a little cold, it indicates a minor victory. Whenever a strong wind rises vigorously from all four sides at the same time, or rolls along the ground, it is considered "reverse wind," indicating a sudden outbreak of military disorder: if it starts at寅 (3 a.m.), it means internal changes within the main side; if it starts at辰 (5 a.m.), it means the soldiers of the own army may mutiny; if it starts at午 (1 p.m.), it means close associates may rebel; if it starts at戌 (7 p.m.), it means foreign bandits may invade.

宮日大風從角上來，有急兵來圍，至日中折木者，城陷。羽日大風，暝日無光，有圍城，客軍勝。陰賊日風，從陰賊上來，大寒有自相殺者。商日大風，從四季上來，有賊攻城，關梁不通。

On days belonging to the 'Gong' tone, if a strong wind blows from the direction associated with the 'Jiao' tone, enemy troops will swiftly arrive to besiege the city; if the wind continues until noon and breaks trees, the city will fall. On days belonging to the 'Yu' tone, if a strong wind blows and the sky is dark without light, there will be a siege battle, and the attacking forces will prevail. On days marked by 'Yin Zei', if a wind blows from the direction associated with 'Yin Zei', the wind will be bitterly cold, and there will be internal conflicts within the camp. On days belonging to the 'Shang' tone, if a strong wind blows from the directions of Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei, there will be attacks by bandits on the city, and the passes, bridges, and roads will be cut off.