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The principle of Yin and Yang is that union leads to gathering, while disunion leads to separation; union leads to success, while disunion leads to failure. This applies to both the Way of Heaven (Tian Dao) and human affairs, but it is particularly crucial in the matter of reproduction. The key to union or disunion lies in ten factors; if one can grasp these keys, the initiative rests with oneself.

First is Opening and Closing (He-Bi), which is the motive force for women's conception. When Qi is still, it closes; when Qi moves, it opens. Movement occurs due to the arrival of Qi, like a giant whale drinking from a river, or a large goblet being emptied drop by drop. At this moment, inhalation is natural, and its entry is imperceptible. Thus, there is no case where opening does not receive, nor where reception fails to result in pregnancy. However, this opportunity exists only for an instant. If action is taken before opening, it is too early; if taken after opening has passed, it is too late. At this juncture, there are subtle influences and conditions that can be intuitively understood but cannot be fully expressed in words. Only those who are attentive can perceive them. Like clouds bringing rain, harvest is rarely lacking.

Second is Slowness and Speed, which is the timing of male-female union. Slowness should match slowness, and speed should manifest as speed. However, the constitution and temperament of Yin and Yang vary. Those who are firm tend to be slow, while those who are not firm tend to be fast. If the slow party dislikes the fast party, it is like waiting hungrily for food but being unable to swallow when it arrives. If the fast party fears the slow party, it is like adding another cup to intoxication, wanting to vomit but unable to do so. If slowness and speed do not correspond, they will not harmonize. When facing speed with slowness, one should use surprise tactics and take shortcuts, avoiding premature display of strength. When facing slowness with speed, one should remain calm and self-possessed, provoking before engaging. By reversing the mechanism, one can meet the opportune moment.

Third is Strength and Weakness, which is the dynamic of mutual apprehension between men and women. If Yang is strong and Yin is weak, one may fear like insects or weapons and flee like before spears. If Yang is weak and Yin is strong, one may collapse at the sound of wind and retreat at the sight of dust. When strength and weakness clash, it is rare for their paths and intentions to align. However, there is a way to soothe the weak: one must act with benevolence and righteousness, striving to win their heart. Overcoming the strong is difficult; without concentrating essence and spirit, how can one seize their soul? Therefore, the strong need not be overly feared, nor the weak overly worried; it depends on how one acts.

Fourth is Distance and Proximity, which is the timing of male-female convergence. Some rely on physical stature to force entry, making abrupt intrusion unbearable. Others peek stealthily at the door, daring to spy into the inner chambers. The desire to reject is impossible, and the desire to accept is unfulfilled. With such separation, how can success be achieved? However, restraining one's form lies in the body, while reaching far lies in Qi. Restraining the form is temporary, but nurturing Qi takes time. Without long-term planning for cultivation, one may lack the vigorous energy needed to penetrate defenses and occupy the nest (metaphorically succeeding).

Fifth is Fullness and Emptiness, which is the vital mechanism of men and women. The stomach has fullness and emptiness: it is full when satiated and empty when hungry. The Kidney (Shen) has fullness and emptiness: it is full when storing and empty when excreting. Prosperity and decline depend on this, as do success and failure. If one does not know how to utilize it, one gains temporary satisfaction but loses normalcy.

Sixth is Labor and Rest, which is the Qi mechanism of men and women. Labor scatters Qi, leading to timidity; rest gathers Qi, leading to solidity. This can serve as military strategy for breaking enemy lines or as agricultural tools for planting. If movement is appropriate, victory is common.

Seventh is Mindset and Emotion, which is the emotional mechanism of men and women. When emotions align, there is union; when they conflict, there is separation. Joy follows Yang, so those with abundant Yang are often joyful. Depression and anger follow Yin, so those with abundant Yin are often angry. Abundant Yang generates life-giving Qi, while abundant Yin generates killing Qi. The Qi of life and death is the mechanism for conceiving wise or foolish offspring. If one does not know which path to follow, why would it happen thus?

Eighth is Hidden Miscarriage, which represents the man's missed opportunity. Do not assume that because you are strong, you need not worry about heirs. Do not think that because you are young, indulgence is harmless. Ignorance causes one to miss the prime time. The "strong" may lack substance (sourness/flavor metaphor for essence), losing what they gain immediately, unaware of the cause. From once to twice, from twice to thrice, it remains the same. Refer to the previous discussion on spontaneous abortion for further inspection.

Ninth is Childhood/Adolescence, which is the timing for women. Just as buds have not yet opened and vital energy is not yet舒展 (unfolding), or just as a girl has reached puberty but Tian Gui (menstrual/reproductive essence) is not yet abundant, can one find immature grains suitable for seed? Can an underdeveloped silkworm produce a cocoon? Can one who forces effort while aging wait for results? This is also a failure to grasp the timing.

Tenth is the Two Fires, which is the Yang mechanism of men and women. Ministerial Fire (Jun Huo) resides in the Heart (Xin), which is the sovereign; Ministerial Fire (Xiang Huo) resides in the Kidney (Shen), which is the root. These two fires interact; silence meets with response. Therefore, the Heart should be still. If not still, Fire moves due to desire, stirring the Kidney from the Heart. Acting Heart first, then Kidney, means using Yang to scorch Yin, which is forced. Force causes Qi to descend, leading to loss of control over the Dantian and deviation from the true nature of Primordial Yang (Yuan Yang). The Kidney should be sufficient. When Kidney Qi is sufficient, Yang rises from the earth, moving from Kidney to Heart. Acting Kidney first, then Heart, means using Water to balance Fire, following nature. Nature causes Qi to ascend, reaching all meridians simultaneously. This is the true mechanism of creation. However, frail individuals often rely on force, leading to deficiency consumption (Xu Lao), making heirs unlikely. Robust individuals often follow nature, ensuring prosperity of all things, leaving no reason to worry about descendants. The gentleman who understands these mechanisms should strive for the true essence of the Yang path.