《皇極經世》Vol. 11

Interpretation

Huangji Jingshi, juan 4, part 2: Yi 5

Composed by Shao Yaofu of Sanchuan

Using the Hui to Chart the Yun, section 9 · Observing Things, chapter 21

This passage records the ordinal positions of “regular days,” “regular months,” “regular stars,” and “regular periods” in the calendar: the regular day is Jia at position one; the regular month is Wu at position seven; the regular star is Geng at position 187. The regular period reaches Zi at position 2,233 and Chou at position 2,234. “Regular period” is a marker of time sequence in this system of chronological calculation.

The entries below are arranged by the sexagenary cycle, recording the corresponding year numbers; era names used in each year appear in parentheses. The first year of the Chuyuan era under Emperor Yuan of Han is Guiyou. The stems, branches, and year numbers of the following years are listed in sequence:

Jiazi, year 17 (Feng); Yichou, year 18; Bingyin, year 19; Dingmao, year 20; Wuchen, year 21 (Ganlu); Jisi, year 22; Gengwu, year 23; Xinwei, year 24; Renshen, year 25 (Huanglong).

Guiyou is the first year of the Chuyuan era under Emperor Yuan of Han; Jiaxu, year 2; Yihai, year 3; Bingzi, year 4; Dingchou, year 5; Wuyin, year 6 (Yongguang); Jimao, year 7; Gengchen, year 8; Xinsi, year 9; Renwu, year 10; Guiwei, year 11 (Jianzhao); Jiashen, year 12; Youyou, year 13; Bingxu, year 14; Dinghai, year 15; Wuzi, year 16 (Jingning).

Jichou is the first year of the Jianshi era under Emperor Cheng of Han; Gengyin, year 2; Xinmao, year 3; Renchen, year 4; Guisi, year 5 (Heping).

The regular period reaches Chou at position 2,234. The sequence continues as follows:

Jiawu, year 6; Yiwei, year 7; Bingshen, year 8; Dingyou, year 9 (Yangshuo); Wuxu, year 10; Jihai, year 11; Gengzi, year 12; Xin-chou, year 13 (Hongjia); Renyin, year 14; Guimao, year 15; Jiachen, year 16; Yisi, year 17 (Yongshi); Bingwu, year 18; Dingwei, year 19; Wushen, year 20; Jiyou, year 21 (Yuanyan); Gengxu, year 22; Xinhai, year 23; Renzi, year 24; Guichou, year 25 (Suihe); Jiayin, year 26.

Yimao is the first year of the Jianping era under Emperor Ai of Han; Bingchen, year 2; Dingsi, year 3; Wuwu, year 4; Jiwei, year 5 (Yuanshou); Gengshen, year 6.

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Interpretation

In the year Xinyou, Emperor Ping of Han was on the throne, and the era name was Yuanshi.

In the year Renxu, the second year.

In the year Guihai, the third year.

At the Yin of the Chen cycle, 2235. (This is a chronological marker used in the Huangji Jingshi.)

In the year Jiazi, the fourth year.

In the year Yichou, the fifth year.

In the year Bingyin, the Han ruler Ruzi Ying was on the throne, during the regency period (when Wang Mang governed before replacing the Han).

In the year Dingmao, the second year.

In the year Wuchen, the third year, and the era name was Chushi.

In the year Jisi, Wang Mang founded the Xin dynasty, proclaimed himself ruler of the Xin house, and changed the era name to Jianguo, the first year.

In the year Gengwu, the second year.

In the year Xinwei, the third year.

In the year Renshen, the fourth year.

In the year Guiyou, the fifth year.

In the year Jiaxu, the sixth year, and the era name was Tianfeng.

In the year Yihai, the seventh year.

In the year Bingzi, the eighth year.

In the year Dingchou, the ninth year.

In the year Wuyin, the tenth year.

In the year Jimao, the eleventh year.

In the year Gengchen, the twelfth year, and the era name was Dihuang.

In the year Xinsi, the thirteenth year.

In the year Renwu, the fourteenth year.

In the year Guiwei, the fifteenth year, Liu Xuan proclaimed himself emperor and changed the era name to Gengshi.

In the year Jiashen, Emperor Guangwu of Han was enfeoffed as Prince of Xiao.

In the year Yiyou, the second year; Emperor Guangwu proclaimed himself emperor and changed the era name to Jianwu.

In the year Bingxu, the third year.

In the year Dinghai, the fourth year.

In the year Wuzi, the fifth year.

In the year Jichou, the sixth year.

In the year Gengyin, the seventh year.

In the year Xinmao, the eighth year.

In the year Renchen, the ninth year.

In the year Guisi, the tenth year.

At the Mao of the Chen cycle, 2236.

In the year Jiawu, the eleventh year.

In the year Yiwei, the twelfth year.

In the year Bingshen, the thirteenth year.

In the year Dingyou, the fourteenth year.

In the year Wuxu, the fifteenth year.

In the year Jihai, the sixteenth year.

In the year Gengzi, the seventeenth year.

In the year Xinchou, the eighteenth year.

In the year Renyin, the nineteenth year.

In the year Guimao, the twentieth year.

In the year Jiachen, the twenty-first year.

In the year Yisi, the twenty-second year.

In the year Bingwu, the twenty-third year.

In the year Dingwei, the twenty-fourth year.

In the year Wushen, the twenty-fifth year.

In the year Jiyou, the twenty-sixth year.

In the year Gengxu, the twenty-seventh year.

In the year Xinhai, the twenty-eighth year.

In the year Renzi, the twenty-ninth year.

In the year Guichou, the thirtieth year.

In the year Jiayin, the thirty-first year.

In the year Yimao, the thirty-second year.

In the year Bingchen, the thirty-third year.

In the year Dingsi, the thirty-fourth year.

In the year Wuwu, Emperor Ming of Han was on the throne, and the era name was Yongping.

In the year Jiwei, the second year.

In the year Gengshen, the third year.

In the year Xinyou, the fourth year.

In the year Renxu, the fifth year.

In the year Guihai, the sixth year.

At the Chen of the Chen cycle, 2237.

In the year Jiazi, the seventh year.

In the year Yichou, the eighth year.

In the year Bingyin, the ninth year.

In the year Dingmao, the tenth year.

In the year Wuchen, the eleventh year.

In the year Jisi, the twelfth year.

In the year Gengwu, the thirteenth year.

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Interpretation

The Xinwei year was the fourteenth year, the Renshen year the fifteenth, the Guiyou year the sixteenth, the Jiaxu year the seventeenth, and the Yihai year the eighteenth. The Bingzi year was the first year of the Jianchu era under Emperor Zhang of Han. The Dingchou year was the second year, the Wuyin year the third, the Jimao year the fourth, the Gengchen year the fifth, the Xinsi year the sixth, the Renwu year the seventh, the Guiwei year the eighth, the Jiashen year the ninth (the first year of the Yuanhe era), the Yiyou year the tenth, the Bingxu year the eleventh, the Dinghai year the twelfth (the first year of the Zhanghe era), and the Wuzi year the thirteenth.

The Jichou year was the first year of the Yongyuan era under Emperor He of Han. The Gengyin year was the second year, the Xinmao year the third, the Renchen year the fourth, and the Guisi year the fifth. This was the 2,238th year of the jīngchén cycle, in the Si position. The Jiawu year was the sixth year of Yongyuan, the Yiwei year the seventh, the Bingshen year the eighth, the Dingyou year the ninth, the Wuxu year the tenth, the Jihai year the eleventh, the Gengzi year the twelfth, the Xinchou year the thirteenth, the Renyin year the fourteenth, the Guimao year the fifteenth, the Jiachen year the sixteenth, and the Yisi year the seventeenth.

The Bingwu year was the first year of the Yanping era under Emperor Shang of Han. The Dingwei year was the first year of the Yongchu era under Emperor An of Han. The Wushen year was the second year, the Jiyou year the third, the Gengxu year the fourth, the Xinhai year the fifth, the Renzi year the sixth, the Guichou year the seventh, the Jiayin year the eighth (the first year of the Yuanchu era), the Yimao year the ninth, the Bingchen year the tenth, the Dingsi year the eleventh, the Wuwu year the twelfth, the Jiwei year the thirteenth, the Gengshen year the fourteenth (the first year of the Yongning era), the Xinyou year the fifteenth (the first year of the Jianguang era), the Renxu year the sixteenth (the first year of the Yanguang era), and the Guihai year the seventeenth. This was the 2,239th year of the jīngchén cycle, in the Wu position.

The Jiazi year was the eighteenth year, and the Yichou year the nineteenth. The Bingyin year was the first year of the Yongjian era under Emperor Shun of Han. The Dingmao year was the second year, the Wuchen year the third, the Jisi year the fourth, the Gengwu year the fifth, the Xinwei year the sixth, the Renshen year the seventh (the first year of the Yangjia era), the Guiyou year the eighth, the Jiaxu year the ninth, the Yihai year the tenth, the Bingzi year the eleventh (the first year of the Yonghe era), the Dingchou year the twelfth, the Wuyin year the thirteenth, the Jimao year the fourteenth, the Gengchen year the fifteenth, the Xinsi year the sixteenth, the Renwu year the seventeenth (the first year of the Han’an era), and the Guiwei year the eighteenth.

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Interpretation

The Jia-Shen year was the nineteenth year.

In the Yi-You year, Emperor Chong of Han was on the throne. The era names were Yongjia and Shoujia.

In the Bing-Xu year, Emperor Zhi of Han was on the throne, with the era name Yuanchu.

In the Ding-Hai year, Emperor Huan of Han was on the throne, with the era name Jianhe.

The Wu-Zi year was the second year, and the Ji-Chou year was the third year.

The Geng-Yin year was the fourth year, with the era name Heping; the Xin-Mao year was the fifth year, with the era name Yuanjia.

The Ren-Chen year was the sixth year, the Gui-Si year was the seventh year, and the era name was Yongxing.

This sequence of years is called “the unfulfilled cycle of the heavenly stems,” corresponding to 2240.

The Jia-Wu year was the eighth year, the Yi-Wei year was the ninth year, and the era name was Yongshou. The Bing-Shen year was the tenth year, the Ding-You year was the eleventh year, and the Wu-Xu year was the twelfth year, with the era name Yanxi. The Ji-Hai year was the thirteenth year, the Geng-Zi year was the fourteenth year, the Xin-Chou year was the fifteenth year, the Ren-Yin year was the sixteenth year, the Gui-Mao year was the seventeenth year, the Jia-Chen year was the eighteenth year, the Yi-Si year was the nineteenth year, the Bing-Wu year was the twentieth year, and the Ding-Wei year was the twenty-first year, with the era name Yongkang.

In the Wu-Shen year, Emperor Ling of Han was on the throne, with the era name Jianning. The Ji-You year was the second year, the Geng-Xu year the third, the Xin-Hai year the fourth, and the Ren-Zi year the fifth, with the era name Xiping. The Gui-Chou year was the sixth year, the Jia-Yin year the seventh, the Yi-Mao year the eighth, the Bing-Chen year the ninth, the Ding-Si year the tenth, and the Wu-Wu year the eleventh, with the era name Guanghe. The Ji-Wei year was the twelfth year, the Geng-Shen year the thirteenth, the Xin-You year the fourteenth, the Ren-Xu year the fifteenth, and the Gui-Hai year the sixteenth.

This sequence of years is called “the fulfilled cycle of the heavenly stems,” corresponding to 2241.

The Jia-Zi year was the seventeenth year, with the era name Zhongping; the Yi-Chou year was the eighteenth year, the Bing-Yin year the nineteenth, the Ding-Mao year the twentieth, and the Wu-Chen year the twenty-first. The Ji-Si year was the twenty-second year, with the era name Guanghe.

In the Geng-Wu year, Emperor Xian of Han was on the throne, with the era name Chuping. The Xin-Wei year was the second year, the Ren-Shen year the third, the Gui-You year the fourth, and the Jia-Xu year the fifth, with the era name Xingping. The Yi-Hai year was the sixth year, and the Bing-Zi year the seventh, with the era name Jian’an. The Ding-Chou year was the eighth year, the Wu-Yin year the ninth, the Ji-Mao year the tenth, the Geng-Chen year the eleventh, the Xin-Si year the twelfth, the Ren-Wu year the thirteenth, the Gui-Wei year the fourteenth, the Jia-Shen year the fifteenth, the Yi-You year the sixteenth, the Bing-Xu year the seventeenth, the Ding-Hai year the eighteenth, the Wu-Zi year the nineteenth, the Ji-Chou year the twentieth, the Geng-Yin year the twenty-first, and the Xin-Mao year the twenty-second.

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Interpretation

This passage arranges dates according to the sexagenary cycle, a sixty-year cycle formed by combining the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. It also records the rulers and era names of the Three Kingdoms of Wei, Shu, and Wu. The numbers indicate the year within each respective reign period; words separated by slashes in parentheses indicate variant readings or characters in the source that remain uncertain.

Renchen is the twenty-third year, and Guisi the twenty-fourth year. From the You year of the Chen cycle, a total of 2,242 years have elapsed.

Jiawu through Jihai correspond, in order, to the twenty-fifth through thirtieth years. In the Gengzi year, Emperor Wen of Wei was on the throne. In the Xinchou year, the era name of Shu’s Former Lord is given as “Huangchu.” In the Renyin year, the era name of Wu’s Great Emperor is written as “Zhangwu.” In the Guimao year, Shu’s Later Lord used the era name “Jianxing,” while Wu’s era name is written as “Huangwu.” The Jiachen and Yisi years are respectively recorded as the fifth and sixth years, and as the second, third, and fourth years.

The Bingwu year is recorded as the seventh, fourth, and fifth years. In the Dingwei year, Emperor Ming of Wei used the era name “Taihe”; the fifth and sixth years are also recorded. The Wushen, Jiyou, Gengxu, and Xinhai years are recorded in order as the second through fifth years, then the sixth through ninth years. The Jiyou year also records Wu’s era name “Huanglong.” The Renzi year is recorded as the sixth, tenth, and eleventh years, and includes the era name “Jiahe.” The Guichou year is recorded as the seventh year (“Qinglong”), and as the eleventh and twelfth years. The Jiayin through Bingchen years are recorded in order as the eighth through tenth years, the twelfth through fourteenth years, and the thirteenth through fifteenth years. The Dingsi year is recorded as the eleventh year (“Jingchu”), and as the fifteenth and sixteenth years. The Wuwu year is recorded as the twelfth and sixteenth years, and includes Shu’s era name “Yanxi.” The Jiwei year is recorded as the thirteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth years.

In the Gengshen year, Wei’s Emperor Fang used the era name “Zhengshi”; the eighteenth and nineteenth years are also recorded. The Xinyou through Guihai years are recorded in order as the second through fourth years, and the twentieth through twenty-second years.

From the Xu year of the Chen cycle, a total of 2,243 years have elapsed.

The Jiazi through Wuchen years are recorded in order as the fifth through ninth years, the twenty-second through twenty-sixth years, and the twenty-third through twenty-seventh years. The Jisi year is recorded as the tenth year (“Jiaping”), and as the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth years. The Gengwu through Renshen years are recorded in order as the eleventh through thirteenth years, the twenty-eighth through thirtieth years, and the twenty-ninth through thirty-first years. The Guiyou year is recorded as the fourteenth and thirty-first years, and also mentions Wu’s Emperor Liang. In the Jiaxu year, the Wei emperor used the era name “Zhengyuan”; the thirty-second year and the second year are also recorded. The Yihai year is recorded as the second, third, and thirty-third years. In the Bingzi year, Wei used the era name “Ganlu,” and the third and fourth years are also recorded; Wu used the era name “Taiping.”

Some of the correspondences between numbers and era names in the source are unclear. The account above follows the sequence of the wording as it survives.

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Interpretation

Dingchou year: four, thirty-five, five.

Wuyin year: five, thirty-six; the Wu (Eastern Wu) emperor died, and the era name was Yong’an.

Jimao year: six, thirty-seven, two.

Gengchen year: the Wei emperor Huan (Cao Huan, Emperor Yuan of Wei), era name Jingyuan; thirty-eight, three.

Xinsi year: two, thirty-nine, four.

Renwu year: three, four, fifteen.

Guiwei year: four; Shu fell (the Shu Han dynasty was destroyed); six.

Jia shen year: five; the Wu emperor Hao (Sun Hao), era name Yuanxing.

Yiyou year: Emperor Wu of Jin (Sima Yan), era name Taishi; two; era name Ganlu.

Bingxu year: two, three; era name Baoding.

Dinghai year: three, four.

Wuzi year: four, five.

Jichou year: five, six.

Gengyin year: six, seven.

Xinmao year: seven, eight.

Renchen year: eight, nine.

Guisi year: nine, ten.

The calendrical count reaches the Hai position from the Chen position (a unit of time corresponding to the years counted by the twelve earthly branches), totaling 2,244.

Jiawu year: ten, eleven.

Yiwei year: eleven; era name Xianning; twelve; era name Tiance.

Bingshen year: twelve, thirteen.

Dingyou year: thirteen, fourteen.

Wuxu year: fourteen, fifteen.

Jihai year: fifteen, sixteen.

Gengzi year: sixteen; Wu fell (Eastern Wu was destroyed).

Xinchou year: seventeen.

Renyin year: eighteen.

Guimao year: nineteen.

Jiachen year: twenty.

Yisi year: twenty-one.

Bingwu year: twenty-two.

Dingwei year: twenty-three.

Wushen year: twenty-four.

Jiyou year: twenty-five.

Gengxu year: twenty-six.

Xinhai year: Emperor Hui of Jin (the Western Jin emperor Sima Zhong) ascended the throne.

Renzi year: year two.

Guichou year: year three.

Jiayin year: year four.

Yimao year: year five.

Bingchen year: year six.

Dingsi year: year seven.

Wuwu year: year eight.

Jiwei year: year nine.

Gengshen year: year ten.

Xinyou year: year eleven, era name Yongning.

Renyu year: year twelve.

Guihai year: year thirteen.

Volume Four of The Book of the Supreme Mystery (Huangji Jingshi) organizes “periods” under “cycles” and corresponds to Chapter Twenty-Two of the Treatise on Observing Things.

The calendrical count by days is at the Jia position, with a value of one; the count by months is at the Wu position, with a value of seven; the count by stars is at the Xin position, with a value of 188; the count by Chen is at the Zi position, with a value of 2,245.

Jiazi year: year fourteen; era names Yong’an, Jianwu, and Yongxing; the Han regime (established by Liu Yuan), era name Yuanxi.

Yichou year: year fifteen, year two.

Bingyin year: Emperor Huai of Jin (the Western Jin emperor Sima Chi) ascended the throne, era name Yongjia; year three; the Later Shu regime (established by Li Xiong), era name Yongwu.

Dingmao year: year two, year four, year two.

The original mainly links year counts, emperors, and era names through the sexagenary cycle, while recording the rise and fall of regimes. Some numbers are not explicitly assigned to particular chronological entries in the original, so they have been retained here in their original order.

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Interpretation

Wuchen year: Three, five; (Yong/Feng) three.

Jisi year: Four, six; (He/Rui) four.

Gengwu year: Five; Liu Cong of the Han dynasty, reign title “Guangxing,” year five.

Xinwei year: Six; (Mengchen/Pingyang) two, six.

Renshen year: Seven, three, seven.

Guiyou year: Emperor Min of the Jin dynasty, reign title “Jianxing,” four, eight.

Jiaxu year: Two, five; (Jian/Yuan) nine; Zhang Shi of Former Liang, reign title “Yongxing.”

Yihai year: Three, six, twelve.

Bingzi year: Four; (Mengchen/Pingyang) seven; (Lin/Jia) eleven, three.

Dingchou year: Eastern Jin, reign title “Jianwu,” eight, twelve, four.

Wuyin year: Two; Liu Yao of Former Zhao, reign title “Guangchu,” thirteen, five.

Jimao year: Three; (proclaimed emperor/Taixing) twenty, four, six; Shi Le of Later Zhao proclaimed himself King of Zhao.

Gengchen year: Four, three, fifteen; Zhang Mao of the Liang dynasty, reign title “Yongyuan,” two.

Xinsi year: Five, four, sixteen, two, three.

Renwu year: Six; (Yong/Chang) five, seventeen, three, four.

Guiwei year: Emperor Ming of the Jin dynasty, reign title “Taining,” six, eighteen, four, five.

Jiashen year: Two, seven, nineteen; Zhang Jun of the Liang dynasty, reign title “Taiyuan,” six.

Yiyou year: Three, eight, twenty, two, seven.

Bingxu year: Emperor Cheng of the Jin dynasty, reign title “Xianhe,” nine, twenty-one, three, eight.

Dinghai year: Twenty-two, twelve, four, nine.

Wu Zi year: Three; Former Zhao fell; twenty-three, five, ten.

Jichou year: Four, twenty-four, six, eleven.

Gengyin year: Five, twenty-five, seven, twelve.

Xinmao year: Six, twenty-six, eight, thirteen.

Rencheng year: Seven, twenty-seven, nine, fourteen.

Guisi year: Eight; Li Ban in Shu; ten; Shi Hong of Zhao, reign title “Yanxi.”

The 2,246th year in the “Jingchen zhi Chou” chronology.

Jiawu year: Nine; Li Qi of Shu, reign title “Yuheng”; eleven, two.

Yiwei year: Twelve, twelve; Shi Hu of Zhao, reign title “Jianwu.”

Bingshen year: Eleven, three, thirteen, two.

Dingyou year: Twelve, four, fourteen, three.

Wuxu year: Thirteen; Li Shou of Shu, reign title “Hanxing”; fifteen, four.

Jihai year: Fourteen, two, sixteen, five.

Gengzi year: Fifteen, three, seventeen, six.

Xinchou year: Sixteen, four, eighteen, seven.

Renyin year: Seventeen, five; (Tai/He) nineteen, eight.

This passage consists of chronological entries from the Huangji Jingshi. It is arranged mainly by sexagenary year, with references interspersed to rulers and reign titles of regimes such as Jin, Former Liang, Former Zhao, Later Zhao, and Shu. The original places various chronological numbers alongside reign titles and regime information, and some entries give variant readings or abbreviations in parentheses. Since the complete column headings of the table are unavailable, the relationships among the numbers cannot be determined with certainty from this passage alone; they are therefore presented here in their original order.

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Interpretation

In the Gui Mao year: Emperor Kang of Jin (Sima Yue), using the era name Jianyuan, was on the throne; it was the twenty-ninth year of Han (Cheng Han, Li Shi).

In the Jia Chen year: the successive chronological columns record two, two, twenty-one, and ten.

In the Yi Si year: it was the third year of Emperor Mu of Jin (Sima Dan), using the era name Yonghe; the other chronological columns record two, twelve, and eleven.

In the Bing Wu year: it was the fourth year of Emperor Mu of Jin, with the era name Jianing; the other chronological columns record twenty-three, Yongle, and twelve.

In the Ding Wei year: it was the third year of Emperor Mu of Jin; Shu Han fell. Liang (Zhang Chonghua) was in its thirteenth year.

In the Wu Shen year: it was the fourth year of Emperor Mu of Jin; the other chronological columns record two and twenty-four.

In the Ji You year: it was the fifth year of Emperor Mu of Jin; the other chronological columns record three and fifteen, with the era name Taining; Former Yan (Murong Jun) was founded and began its first era year.

In the Geng Xu year: it was the sixth year of Emperor Mu of Jin; the other chronological columns record four, sixteen, and two.

In the Xin Hai year: it was the seventh year of Emperor Mu of Jin; Later Zhao fell and the Zhao territories were pacified; Former Qin (Fu Jian) was founded and adopted the era name Huangshi.

In the Ren Zi year: it was the eighth year of Emperor Mu of Jin; the other chronological columns record six and four; the era name of Former Yan was Yuanxi, year two.

In the Gui Chou year: it was the ninth year of Emperor Mu of Jin; Liang (Zhang Zuo) adopted the era name Yongping and was in its fifth year; another chronological column records three.

In the Jia Yin year: it was the tenth year of Emperor Mu of Jin; the other chronological columns record two, six, and four.

In the Yi Mao year: it was the eleventh year of Emperor Mu of Jin; Liang (Zhang Xuanjing) adopted the era name Taishi and was in its seventh year; another chronological column records five.

In the Bing Chen year: it was the twelfth year of Emperor Mu of Jin; the other chronological columns record two and eight; Qin (Fu Sheng) adopted the era name Shouyuan.

In the Ding Si year: it was the thirteenth year of Emperor Mu of Jin; the other chronological columns record three and nine, with the era name Guangshou; Qin (Fu Jian) adopted the era name Yongxing.

In the Wu Wu year: it was the fourteenth year of Emperor Mu of Jin; the other chronological columns record four and twelve.

In the Ji Wei year: it was the fifteenth year of Emperor Mu of Jin; the other chronological columns record five, eleven, and three, with the era name Ganlu.

In the Geng Shen year: it was the sixteenth year of Emperor Mu of Jin; another chronological column records six; Yan (Murong Wei) adopted the era name Jianxi and was in its fourth year.

In the Xin You year: it was the seventeenth year of Emperor Mu of Jin; the other chronological columns record seven, two, and five.

In the Ren Xu year: Emperor Ai of Jin (Sima Pi) adopted the era name Longhe; the other chronological columns record eight, three, and six.

In the Gui Hai year: it was the second year of Emperor Ai of Jin, who adopted the era name Xingning; Liang (Zhang Tianxi) adopted the era name Taiqing; the other chronological columns record four and seven.

At the Yin position in the Chen cycle, the count is 2,247.

In the Jia Zi year: it was the third year of Emperor Ai of Jin; the other chronological columns record two, five, and eight.

In the Yi Chou year: it was the fourth year of Emperor Ai of Jin; the other chronological columns record three, six, and nine.

In the Bing Yin year: Emperor Fei of Jin (Sima Yi) adopted the era name Taihe; the other chronological columns record four, seven, and ten.

In the Ding Mao year: it was the second year of Emperor Fei of Jin; the other chronological columns record five, eight, and eleven.

In the Wu Chen year: it was the third year of Emperor Fei of Jin; the other chronological columns record six, nine, and twelve.

In the Ji Si year: it was the fourth year of Emperor Fei of Jin; the other chronological columns record seven, ten, and thirteen.

In the Geng Wu year: it was the fifth year of Emperor Fei of Jin; Former Yan fell; another chronological column records fourteen.

In the Xin Wei year: Emperor Jianwen of Jin (Sima Yu) adopted the era name Xian’an; the other chronological columns record nine and fifteen.

In the Ren Shen year: it was the second year of Emperor Jianwen of Jin; the other chronological columns record ten and sixteen.

In the Gui You year: Emperor Xiaowu of Jin (Sima Yao) adopted the era name Ningkang; the other chronological columns record eleven and seventeen.

In the Jia Xu year: it was the second year of Emperor Xiaowu of Jin; the other chronological columns record twelve and eighteen.

In the Yi Hai year: it was the third year of Emperor Xiaowu of Jin; the other chronological columns record thirteen and nineteen.

In the Bing Zi year: it was the fourth year of Emperor Xiaowu of Jin, who adopted the era name Taiyuan; the kingdom of Liang fell; another chronological column records twenty.

In the Ding Chou year: it was the fifth year of Emperor Xiaowu of Jin; the other chronological columns record two and twenty-one.

In the Wu Yin year: it was the sixth year of Emperor Xiaowu of Jin; the other chronological columns record three and twenty-two.

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Interpretation

This passage is not continuous narrative prose but a chronological table arranged by year: it first records the sexagenary cycle designation, then lists the era names and regnal years of the various regimes. The source has missing characters, variant forms, and apparent copying errors. The interpretation below follows the text as it survives; missing characters shown in square brackets cannot be identified with certainty.

In the year Jimao: the seventh year and the twenty-third year.

In the year Gengchen: the eighth year and the twenty-fourth year.

In the year Xinsi: the ninth year and the twenty-fifth year.

In the year Renwu: the twelfth year and the twenty-sixth year.

In the year Guiwei: the eleventh year. Later Yan, the regime founded by Murong Chui, was in the twenty-seventh year of the Yanyuan era.

In the year Jiashen: the twelfth year and the second year. Later Qin, the regime founded by Yao Chang, was in the twenty-eighth year of the Baique era.

In the year Yiyou: the thirteenth year, the third year, and the second year. Later Wei; Western Qin, the regime founded by the Qifu clan, whose era name appears in the source as “Renjianyi”; and Qin, the regime founded by Fu Pi, in the second year of the Tai’an era.

In the year Bingxu: the fourteenth year, in the Jianxing era; the fourth year, in the Jianchu era; the third year; and the second year, in the Dengguo era of the regime founded by the Tuoba clan. Later Liang, the regime founded by Lü Guang, was in the Tai’an era; Qin, the regime founded by Fu Deng, was in the Taichu era.

In the year Dinghai: the fifteenth year, the fifth year, the fourth year, the third year, the third year, the second year, and the second year.

In the year Wuzi: the sixteenth year, the sixth year, the fifth year, and the fourth year. The regime founded by Qifu Gangui was in the third year of the Taichu era; another regime was also in its third year.

In the year Jichou: the seventeenth year, the seventh year, the sixth year, the fifth year, the second year, the fourth year, and the fourth year.

In the year Gengyin: the eighteenth year, the eighth year, the seventh year, the sixth year, the third year, the fifth year, and the fifth year.

In the year Xinmao: the nineteenth year, the ninth year, the eighth year, the seventh year, the fourth year, the sixth year, and the sixth year.

In the year Renchen: the twentieth year, the nineteenth year, the eighth year, the fifth year, the seventh year, and the seventh year.

In the year Guisi: the twenty-first year, the eleventh year, the nineteenth year, the sixth year, the eighth year, and the eighth year.

“Jingchen zhi mao”: 2,248. This figure appears in the source; its meaning is unclear.

In the year Jiawu: the twenty-second year and the twelfth year. Qin, the regime founded by Yao Xing, was in the seventeenth year of the era whose name appears in the source as “Huangchu”; Former Qin came to an end.

In the year Yiwei: the twenty-third year, the thirteenth year, the twenty-first year, the eighth year, and the tenth year of the Longfei era.

In the year Bingshen: the twenty-fourth year. Yan, the regime founded by Murong Bao, was in the third year of the Yongkang era; then came the second year, the ninth year, and the eleventh year.

In the year Dingyou: Jin, under Emperor An, was in the second year of the Long’an era; then came the fourth year, the thirteenth year, the tenth year, and the twelfth year. Southern Liang and Northern Liang are listed together in the source. Northern Liang, the regime founded by Duan Ye, has a missing era name.

In the year Wuxu: the second year. Yan, the regime founded by Murong Sheng, was in the fifth year, the fourteenth year, and the eleventh year; then came the thirteenth year and the second year of the Taichu era. Southern Yan appears in the source as “Zhenrong,” with “Yuan Year” given as its era name.

In the year Jihai: the third year, the second year, and the sixth year. Qin, the regime founded by Yao Xing, was in the fifteenth year of the Hongshi era and the twelfth year. Liang, the regime founded by the Lü clan, was in the third year of the era whose name appears in the source as “Xianping”; then came the third year of the Tiansheng era and the second year.

In the year Gengzi: the fourth year, the third year, the seventh year, the sixteenth year, the thirteenth year, and the second year. Liang appears in the source as “Guli,” with the fourth year of the Jianhe era and the third year of the Jianping era. Western Liang is listed, but its ruler and era name are missing.

In the year Xinchou: the fifth year. Yan, the regime founded by Murong Xi, was in the eighth year of the Guangshi era, the seventeenth year, the fourteenth year, the third year, and the second year. Northern Liang was in its fourth year and its second year.

In the year Renyin: the sixth year, the second year, the ninth year, the eighteenth year, and the fifteenth year. Liang, whose era name or regime name is incomplete; and Liang, the regime founded by Tufa Rutan, in the second year of the Hongchang era, the fifth year of the Yong’an era, and the third year.

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Interpretation

In the Gui Mao year: the entries are “seven, thirty, nineteen, sixteen, two, two, three, six, four.”

In the Jia Chen year: the entries are “eight, four, eleven, twenty, seventeen”; Later Liang fell; following entries: “three, four, seven, five.”

In the Yi Si year: the entries are “nine, five, twelve, twenty-one, eighteen”; following entries: “four, five”; “surpassed (or: ascended) six (Jian/Chu).”

In the Bing Wu year: the entry is “ten”; Northern Yan was established (Gao Yun, era name Zhengshi); following entries: “thirteen, twenty-two, nineteen, five, six, two, seven”; Xia was established.

In the Ding Wei year: the entries are “eleven, two, twenty-four, twenty-three, twenty (Geng/Shi), six, seven, three, eight, two.”

In the Wu Shen year: the entries are “twelve, three, fifteen”; Wei was established (Emperor Ming, era name Yongdian); following entries: “twenty-one, seven, eight, four, nine, three.”

In the Ji You year: the entry is “thirteen”; Southern Yan fell; Northern Yan (Feng Ba, era name Taiping); following entries: “sixteen, two, twenty-two, eight, nine”; after the record of Southern Yan’s fall, “fourteen” is listed again.

In the Geng Xu year: the entries are “fourteen, two, seventeen, three”; Western Qin (Qifu Chipan, era name Yongkang); following entries: “nine, ten, eleven, five.”

In the Xin Hai year: the entries are “fifteen, three, eighteen, four, twenty, eleven, twelve, six.”

In the “Qian Zi” year (probably Ren Zi): the entries are “sixteen, four, nineteen, five, three, eleven, twelve, thirteen, seven.”

In the Gui Chou year: the entries are “seventeen, five, twenty, six”; “Shen (Li)”; following entries: “four, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, eight (Feng/Xiang).”

In the Jia Yin year: the entries are “eighteen, six, twenty-one, seven, five”; Southern Liang fell; following entries: “fourteen, fifteen, nine.”

In the Yi Mao year: the entries are “nineteen, seven, twenty-two, eight (Tai/Chang), six, fifteen, sixteen, ten.”

In the Bing Chen year: the entries are “two, eight”; Qin was established (Yao Hong, era name Yonghe); following entries: “nine, seven, sixteen, seventeen, eleven.”

In the Ding Si year: the entries are “twenty-one, nine”; Later Qin fell; following entries: “eighteen, seventeen”; Western Liang (Li Gao, era name illegible); following entry: “twelve.”

In the Wu Wu year: Jin was established (Sima Dewen); following entries: “ten, eleven, nine, eighteen, two”; “twenty-three (Wu/Chang).”

In the Ji Wei year: the entries are “two (Yuanxi), eleven, twelve, ten, nineteen, three, fourteen (Zhen).”

In the Geng Shen year: Song was established (Liu Yu, era name Yongchu); following entries: “twelve, thirteen, eleven, two, four, fifteen.”

In the Xin You year: the entries are “two, twenty-three, fourteen, twelve, twenty-one, five, sixteen.”

In the Ren Xu year: the entries are “three, four, fifteen, thirteen, twenty-two, six, seventeen.”

In the Gui Hai year: Song was established (Liu Yifu, era name Jingping); following entries: “fifteen, sixteen, fourteen, twenty-three”; Western Liang fell; following entry: “eighteen.”

The cycle of the jichen years totals two thousand two hundred and forty-nine.

This passage appears to be a chronological table arranged by the sexagenary years, recording the rise and fall of various regimes along with emperors’ titles and era names. The numbers in the original are likely entries in different table columns, but the column headings are missing. Some characters and words are also corrupt or missing, so the text above follows the order of the surviving wording, with uncertain readings indicated in parentheses.

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Interpretation

This passage is a sexagenary year chronology in the Huangji Jingshi. It records the reign years of regimes such as Song, Wei, Xia, Western Qin, Northern Yan, and Northern Liang, as well as when those regimes fell. Names or reign titles in parentheses identify the corresponding rulers and reign titles; the numbers on each line are year counts in the chronology. Since the original omits some column labels, it is not advisable to assign each number individually to a particular regime.

From the Jiazi year through the Guisi year, the chronology records, in sequence, the Yuanjia era under Emperor Wen of Song and the reign of Emperor Taiwu of Wei. The year counts for Xia, Western Qin, Northern Yan, and Northern Liang are interspersed as well. The period includes entries for the fall of Western Qin, Xia, Northern Yan, and Northern Liang. The chronology also gives Emperor Taiwu of Wei’s reign title Taiping Zhenjun, followed by the reign of Emperor Xiaowu of Song. In “Song (Emperor □/Xiaowu),” the original has a missing character after “Emperor.”

“Through the sexagenary cycle to Si, 2,250” is the time marker for this section. After it, the chronology continues from the Jiawu year, listing the year counts for Song, Wei, and other regimes, and ends at Jiachen with “Song, thirteen.”

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Interpretation

In the year yisi, the fourteenth year of the Song dynasty (Emperor Liu Yu of the Liu Song, reign title Taishi).

In the year bingwu, the second year of Northern Wei.

In the year dingwei, the third year of Song and the second year of Northern Wei.

In the year wushen, the fourth year of Song and the third year of Northern Wei.

In the year jiyou, the fifth year of Song and the fourth year of Northern Wei.

In the year gengxu, the sixth year of Song and the fifth year of Northern Wei.

In the year xinhai, the seventh year of Song and the sixth year of Northern Wei.

In the year renzi, the second year of Song under Emperor Liu Yu, with the reign title Yuanhui.

In the year guichou, the second year of Song and the third year of Northern Wei.

In the year jiayin, the third year of Song and the fourth year of Northern Wei.

In the year yimao, the fourth year of Song and the fifth year of Northern Wei.

In the year bingchen, the fifth year of Song and the sixth year of Northern Wei, with the reign title Taihe.

In the year dingsi, the seventh year of Song under Emperor Shun, Liu Zhun, with the reign title Shengming.

In the year wuwu, the second year of Song and the eighth year of Northern Wei.

In the year jiwei, the ninth year of Qi under Emperor Gao of Qi, Xiao Daocheng, with the reign title Jianyuan.

In the year gengshen, the second year of Qi and the tenth year of Northern Wei.

In the year xinyou, the third year of Qi and the eleventh year of Northern Wei.

In the year renxu, the fourth year of Qi and the twelfth year of Northern Wei.

In the year guihai, the thirteenth year of Qi under Emperor Wu of Qi, Xiao Ze, with the reign title Yongming.

The Wu phase of the Chen period, the Wu segment of this calendrical cycle, totals 2,251 years.

In the year jiazi, the second year of Qi and the fourteenth year of Northern Wei.

In the year yichou, the third year of Qi and the fifteenth year of Northern Wei.

In the year bingyin, the fourth year of Qi and the sixteenth year of Northern Wei.

In the year dingmao, the fifth year of Qi and the seventeenth year of Northern Wei.

In the year wuchen, the sixth year of Qi and the eighteenth year of Northern Wei.

In the year jisi, the seventh year of Qi and the nineteenth year of Northern Wei.

In the year gengwu, the eighth year of Qi and the twentieth year of Northern Wei.

In the year xinwei, the ninth year of Qi and the twenty-first year of Northern Wei.

In the year renshen, the tenth year of Qi and the twenty-second year of Northern Wei.

In the year youyou, the twenty-third year of Qi under Emperor Zhao of Qi, Xiao Zhaoye, with the reign title Longchang.

In the year jiaxu, the twenty-fourth year of Qi under Emperor Ming of Qi, with the reign title Jianwu.

In the year yihai, the second year of Qi and the twenty-fifth year of Northern Wei; the capital was moved to Luoyang.

In the year bingzi, the third year of Qi and the twenty-sixth year of Northern Wei; the imperial surname was changed to Yuan.

In the year dingchou, the fourth year of Qi and the twenty-seventh year of Northern Wei.

In the year wuyin, the fifth year of Qi and the twenty-eighth year of Northern Wei.

In the year jimao, the twenty-ninth year of Qi under the Marquis of Donghun, Xiao Baojuan, with the reign title Yongyuan.

In the year gengchen, the second year of Qi and Northern Wei under Emperor Xuanwu, with the reign title Jingming.

In the year xinsi, the second year of Qi under Emperor He of Qi, Xiao Baorong, with the reign title Zhongxing.

In the year renwu, the third year of Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan, with the reign title Tianjian.

In the year guiwei, the second year of Liang and the fourth year of Northern Wei.

In the year jiashen, the third year of Liang and the fifth year of Northern Wei, with the reign title Zhengshi.

In the year yiyou, the fourth year of Liang and the sixth year of Northern Wei.

In the year bingxu, the fifth year of Liang and the seventh year of Northern Wei.

In the year dinghai, the sixth year of Liang and the eighth year of Northern Wei.

In the year wuzi, the seventh year of Liang and the ninth year of Northern Wei, with the reign title Yongping.

In the year jichou, the eighth year of Liang and the tenth year of Northern Wei.

In the year gengyin, the ninth year of Liang and the eleventh year of Northern Wei.

In the year xinmao, the tenth year of Liang and the twelfth year of Northern Wei.

In the year renchen, the eleventh year of Liang and the thirteenth year of Northern Wei, with the reign title Yanchang.

In the year guisi, the twelfth year of Liang and the fourteenth year of Northern Wei.

The Wei phase of the Chen period, the Wei segment of this calendrical cycle, totals 2,252 years.

In the year jiawu, the thirteenth year of Liang and the fifteenth year of Northern Wei.

In the year yiwei, the fourteenth year of Liang and the sixteenth year of Northern Wei.

In the year bingshen, the fifteenth year of Liang; Northern Wei under Emperor Ming, with the reign title Xiping.

In the year dingyou, the sixteenth year of Liang and the second year of Northern Wei.

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Interpretation

From the Wuxu year through the Yihai year, the text records the sexagenary cycle in sequence, along with the era names and imperial titles used by different regimes at the time. The items in parentheses are mostly era names, imperial titles, or supplementary notes. When several names appear for the same year, this usually indicates that northern and southern regimes were dating their years separately.

Beginning with the Wuxu year, the sequence is: Jihai, Gengzi, Xinchou, Renyin, Guimao, Jiachen, Yisi, Bingwu, Dingwei, Wushen, Jiyou, Gengxu, Xinhai, Renzi, Guichou, Jiayin, Yimao, Bingchen, Dingsi, Wuwu, Jiwei, Gengshen, Xinyou, Renxu, and Guihai; the sequence then continues with Jiazi, Yichou, Bingyin, Dingmao, Wuchen, Jisi, Gengwu, Xinwei, Renshen, Guiyou, Jiaxu, and Yihai.

In this chronology, the Gengzi year is marked “Putong” and “Zhengguang”; the Yisi year, “Xiaochang”; and the Dingwei year, “Datong.” For the Wushen year, it records that Emperor Xiaozhuang of Wei changed the era name to “Jianyi” or “Yong’an.” The era names “Zhongdatong,” “Jianming,” “Putai,” “Taichang,” and “Yongxi” also appear later.

From the Jiayin year onward, the record notes the coexistence of Western Wei and Eastern Wei: Western Wei recognized Yuan Baoju as emperor, while Eastern Wei recognized Yuan Shanjian, and its era name included “Tianping.” The two Wei regimes subsequently used the era names “Datong,” “Xinghe,” and “Wuding,” among others.

During the period when Liang, Western Wei, Eastern Wei, and later regimes coexisted, the entries continue to list Liang era names and imperial titles alongside the dating systems of Western Wei and Northern Qi. For example, the Dingmao year is marked with Liang’s “Taiqing”; the Jisi year records Emperor Jianwen of Liang; and the Gengwu year records Northern Qi’s “Tianbao.” The Renshen year records Emperor Yuan of Liang’s “Chengsheng” and an era name of Western Wei; the Jiaxu year records Emperor Gong of Liang and Emperor Gong of Western Wei; and the Yihai year lists era names including “Shaotai” and “Dading.”

“Jingchen zhi shen erqian erbai wushi san” is a calendrical cycle notation in this system. The original text focuses on the sexagenary cycle and era names; some correspondences between dynasties, imperial titles, and era names are abbreviated or incomplete, so they are outlined here in the original order.

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Interpretation

Bingzi year: Second year of Taiping; first year of Emperor Min of Northern Zhou; seven.

Dingchou year: Third year of Yongding under Emperor Wu of Chen; first year of Emperor Ming of Northern Zhou; eight.

Wuyin year: two, four, two, nine.

Jimao year: three, five, three; Wucheng; ten.

Gengchen year: Sixth year of Tiankang under Emperor Wen of Chen; Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou seeks territory; Huangjian under Emperor Zhao of Northern Qi.

Xinsi year: two, seven, two; Taining under Emperor Wu of Northern Qi.

Renwu year: three; third year of Tianbao under Xiao Kui of Later Liang; two; Heqing.

Guiwei year: four, two, four, three.

Jiashen year: five, three, five, four.

Yiyou year: six, four, six; Tiantong under Gao Wei of Northern Qi.

Bingxu year: seven, five, seven, two.

Dinghai year: six under Chen; eight; three.

Wuzi year: seventh year of Emperor Xuan of Chen; nine; four.

Jichou year: two; eighth year of Taijian; fifteen.

Gengyin year: three, nine, eleven, six.

Xinmao year: four, ten, twelve, seven.

Renchen year: five, eleven, thirteen, eight.

Guisi year: six, twelve, fourteen, nine.

The Jingchen-to-you period, 2,254: This section is marked from “Chen” to “You,” and its number is 2,254.

Jiawu year: seven, thirteen, fifteen, ten.

Yiwei year: eight, fourteen, sixteen, eleven.

Bingshen year: nine, fifteen, seventeen, twelve; Longhua.

Dingyou year: ten, sixteen, eighteen; the fall of Northern Qi.

Wuxu year: eleven, seventeen; Tiancheng under Emperor Xuan of Northern Zhou.

Jihai year: twelve, eighteen; Daxiang under Emperor Jing of Northern Zhou.

Gengzi year: thirteen, nineteen, two.

Xinchou year: fourteen, twenty; Emperor Wen of Sui ascends the throne.

Renyin year: fifteen, twenty-one, two.

Guimao year: Zhidesheng under Chen Nushi; twenty-two, three.

Jiachen year: two, twenty-three, four.

Yisi year: three, twenty-four, five.

Bingwu year: four; Guangyun under Xiao Cong of Later Liang; six.

Dingwei year: five; Zhenna’s state was made clear to Sui; seven.

Wushen year: six, eight.

You year: the Chen dynasty falls; nine.

Gengxu year: ten.

Xinhai year: eleven.

Renzi year: twelve.

Guichou year: thirteen.

Jiayin year: fourteen.

Yimao year: fifteen.

Bingchen year: sixteen.

Dingsi year: seventeen.

Wuwu year: eighteen.

Jiwei year: nineteen.

This is a chronological record from the Huangji Jingshi. Each entry first gives the year in the sexagenary cycle, followed in turn by the reign titles, rulers, or year counts of the various dynasties. Many entries in the table give only numbers, without identifying the dynasty to which they belong; the words in parentheses are annotations in the text, such as rulers’ names and reign titles. Some characters may have variant readings or have been corrupted in transmission, so the wording of the original has been retained.

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Interpretation

The Gengshen year, the twentieth year.

The Xinyou year, the twenty-first year (the Renshou era).

The Renxu year, the twenty-second year.

The Guihai year, the twenty-third year.

The 2,255th year of the “Xuchen Cycle.”

The Jiazi year, Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne.

The Yichou year, the second year (the Daye era).

The Bingyin year, the third year.

The Dingmao year, the fourth year.

The Wuchen year, the fifth year.

The Jisi year, the sixth year.

The Gengwu year, the seventh year.

The Xinwei year, the eighth year.

The Renshen year, the ninth year.

The Guiyou year, the tenth year.

The Jiaxu year, the eleventh year.

The Yihai year, the twelfth year.

The Bingzi year, the thirteenth year.

The Dingchou year, the Sui dynasty fell.

The Wuyin year, Emperor Gaozu of Tang ascended the throne and adopted the Wude era.

The Jimao year, the second year.

The Gengchen year, the third year.

The Xinsi year, the fourth year.

The Renwu year, the fifth year.

The Guiwei year, the sixth year.

The Jiashen year, the seventh year.

The Yiyou year, the eighth year.

The Bingxu year, Emperor Taizong of Tang ascended the throne.

The Dinghai year, the second year, under the Zhenguan era.

The Wuzi year, the third year.

The Jichou year, the fourth year.

The Gengyin year, the fifth year.

The Xinmao year, the sixth year.

The Renchen year, the seventh year.

The Guisi year, the eighth year.

The 2,256th year of the “Xuhai Cycle.”

The Jiawu year, the ninth year.

The Yiwei year, the tenth year.

The Bingshen year, the eleventh year.

The Dingyou year, the twelfth year.

The Wuxu year, the thirteenth year.

The Jihai year, the fourteenth year.

The Gengzi year, the fifteenth year.

The Xinchou year, the sixteenth year.

The Renyin year, the seventeenth year.

The Guimao year, the eighteenth year.

The Jiachen year, the nineteenth year.

The Yisi year, the twentieth year.

The Bingwu year, the twenty-first year.

The Dingwei year, the twenty-second year.

The Wushen year, the twenty-third year.

The Jiyou year, the twenty-fourth year.

The Gengxu year, Emperor Gaozong of Tang ascended the throne and adopted the Yonghui era.

The Xinhai year, the second year.

The Renzi year, the third year.

The Guichou year, the fourth year.

The Jiayin year, the fifth year.

The Yimao year, the sixth year.

The Bingchen year, the seventh year; the era name was changed to Xianqing.

The Dingsi year, the eighth year.

The Wuwu year, the ninth year.

The Jiwei year, the tenth year.

The Gengshen year, the eleventh year.

The Xinyou year, the twelfth year.

The Renxu year, the thirteenth year.

The Guihai year, the fourteenth year.

The above is the middle section of juan four of the Huangji Jingshi. It records, in sequence, the cyclical years marked by the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, changes of emperors, and era names. “The Xuchen Cycle” and “the Xuhai Cycle” are chronological markers in the work’s system of calendrical reckoning.

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