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(During the climate transition,) the atmosphere becomes dim and desolate. As soon as yellow loess dust (Huang Ai) appears, the earth becomes damp. When water qi attempts to move but is constrained by the cold transformation decree, its qi rises with the steaming dampness, causing the earth qi to resume control again. If this state persists without descending, it will be suppressed and transform into stagnant qi, which is referred to as "stagnation leading to recurrence." The people may suffer from Great Jue disease, characterized by heavy and lethargic limbs, impotence, and weakness; these are diseases caused by the eruption of water qi. The sky is filled with sinking yin qi, with steaming and dampness alternating; this is the manifestation of stagnant water qi.

The Yellow Emperor said: Regarding the obstruction of ascending and descending, I have understood its fundamental principle. I wish to hear about "Qian Zheng" (Advancement to Position), can you explain it clearly?

Ascending and descending discuss the relationships of the left and right interstitial positions, while Qian Zheng discusses the central positions of the upper and lower realms; therefore, I ask again.

Qi Bo said: "Zheng Si Zhong Wei" (Correctly Governing the Central Position) means fully occupying the Qian Zheng position to govern the Heaven (Si Tian). Those who fail to achieve Qian Zheng do so because the previous year's Si Tian qi has reached the day of exchange but encounters a period where the previous year's Si Tian qi was excessive and surplus. Consequently, it continues to govern according to the old heavenly numbers, preventing the new Si Tian qi from advancing to its position.

To advance to position (Qian Zheng) means to correctly govern the central position, fully occupying the advancement position to govern Heaven. Failure to advance occurs when the previous year's Si Tian qi reaches the exchange day but encounters a surplus of excessive qi from the previous year, thus continuing to govern according to the old numbers, thereby preventing the new Si Tian qi from advancing.

If Jue Yin (Wind Wood) fails to advance, wind will blow turbulently out of season, flowers and plants will wither, and the people will suffer from strangury and difficult urination, traction of the eye meridians, tendon spasms, mood swings (anger and joy), and dark red urine. This occurs when Wind Wood desires to govern but cold remains, the warm and turbid qi is incorrect, and the proper timing of Spring is lost.

In years of Si and Hai, if Jue Yin fails to advance, Wind Wood loses its seasonal timing, resulting in turbulent wind out of season and withering flora. The various diseases suffered by the people are due to Liver deficiency. Because it failed to advance and lost the seasonal order, Wind desires to govern but cold remains, the warm and turbid qi is incorrect, and the proper timing of Spring is lost.

If Shao Yin (Ministerial Fire) fails to advance, cold air will not recede, spring will remain cold after the cold spell, and warmth will arrive irregularly. The people will suffer from alternating chills and fever, vexing pain in the four limbs, and stiffness and rigidity of the waist and spine. Although Wood qi may still be surplus, its position cannot surpass the Sovereign Fire.

(Note: "Qiang" is pronounced with the departing tone; "Guo" is pronounced with the level tone, and "Guo" below follows the same pronunciation.)

In years of Zi and Wu, if Shao Yin fails to advance, Hot Fire loses its seasonal timing, resulting in the non-recession of cold air. In spring, after the cold spell, it remains cold, causing warmth to arrive irregularly. The various diseases suffered by the people are due to internal deficiency of the Shao Yin Heart and Kidney. Shao Yin's failure to advance is necessarily due to Jue Yin's failure to retreat. However, although Jue Yin Wood qi is surplus, its position cannot surpass the two Qi of Sovereign Fire.

If Tai Yin (Damp Earth) fails to advance, clouds and rain will lose their seasonal timing, and all things will wither and dry up. Plants that should sprout will fail to emerge. The people will suffer from swelling and fullness in the feet and joints, abdominal edema, chest fullness with loss of appetite, undigested diarrhea, hypochondriac fullness, and inability to raise the limbs. The Rain Transformation qi desires to converge, but Heat still governs; the warming qi is hyperactive and fails to moisten.

In years of Chou and Wei, if Tai Yin fails to advance, Earth Dampness fails to moisten, resulting in clouds and rain losing their timing, all things withering, and plants failing to sprout. The various diseases suffered by the people are due to Spleen deficiency. Tai Yin's failure to advance is necessarily due to Shao Yin's failure to retreat. Therefore, although Rain Transformation desires to govern, Heat still governs, warming the qi and causing hyperactivity without moisture.

If Shao Yang (Ministerial Fire) fails to advance, scorching heat will not govern, seedlings and weeds will not flourish, severe heat will extend into autumn, killing frost will arrive late, and frost and dew will appear irregularly. The people will suffer from malaria, bone-heat, palpitations, and fright, and in severe cases, bleeding.

In years of Yin and Shen, if Shao Yang fails to advance, Fire Heat delays its time, resulting in scorching heat not governing, seedlings and weeds not flourishing, and failure of growth. Severe heat extends into autumn, indicating delayed heat. Autumn brings heat instead of coolness, causing killing frost to arrive late and frost/dew to be irregular. The various diseases suffered by the people are caused by Shao Yang Fire Stagnation.

If Yang Ming (Dry Metal) fails to advance, heat dominates early, and drying/cold dominates late, causing grass and trees to flourish contrary to nature. The people will suffer from alternating chills and fever, nasal congestion and sneezing, dry skin and hair, brittle nails, and in severe cases, wheezing cough with high-pitched breathing, sadness, and unhappiness. Heat transformation spreads, but Dryness transformation does not govern; clear and crisp qi acts first, causing Lung Metal disease.

In years of Mao and You, if Yang Ming fails to advance, it is because Shao Yang has not retreated. If it does not retreat, heat dominates early and Metal drying dominates late, with more heat and less clarity, causing grass and trees to flourish contrary to nature. The various diseases suffered by the people are due to Metal deficiency and Lung disease. Heat spreading is the remnant of Fire. Dryness not governing is Metal deficiency. Metal deficiency means clear/crisp qi does not act; if clear/crisp qi acts and Lung Metal disease recurs...

If Tai Yang (Cold Water) fails to advance, winter clarity turns back to cold, changing the command in spring. Killing frost appears first, solid ice follows later. Sunlight resumes governance, biting cold does not arise, and fog/clouds wait for their time. The people will suffer from warm plagues, throat closure, dry pharynx, irritability, thirst, and wheezing with audible sounds. Cold transformation waits, while Dryness still governs heaven. The qi deviates from order, bringing disaster to the people.

In years of Chen and Xu, if Tai Yang fails to advance, Tai Yang governs Cold Water qi. Tai Yang's failure to advance is because Yang Ming has not retreated. Yang Ming's non-retreat means the clear/dry cold qi of winter changes its command in the spring of Tai Yang's ruling year. Early killing frost indicates Metal excess. Late solid ice indicates Water delay. Water qi is deficient, so sunlight resumes governance, biting cold does not arise, and fog/clouds wait. The various diseases suffered by the people are due to Water deficiency and Fire disease. Since Tai Yang has not advanced, Cold transformation coincides with Yang Ming's non-retreat, so Dryness still governs heaven. The qi being out of order brings disaster to the people.

The Yellow Emperor said: The timing of advancement determines the directive. I wish to hear about "Tui Wei" (Retreat from Position), can you explain it?

The meaning of Qian Zheng is clear; I wish to hear about Tui Wei.

Qi Bo said: What is meant by non-retreat is that the heavenly numbers have not ended, i.e., there is surplus in the heavenly numbers. It is called "Fu Bu Zheng" (Restoring the Governance), hence also called "Zai Zhi Tian" (Ruling Heaven Again). This means the heavenly command remains as before and does not retreat.

If spring arrives without gentle/warm qi, resembling last year's winter, this is non-retreat.

If Jue Yin does not retreat, strong winds will rise early, timely rain will not fall, and the damp command will not transform. The people will suffer from warm epidemics, skin eruptions due to wind, joint pain, headache, internal stagnation of heat with vexation, dry throat, and desire to drink.

In Si-Hai years, if Jue Yin does not retreat, then Zi-Wu Shao Yin cannot advance. In Zi-Wu years, strong winds rise early due to Wood excess. Timely rain does not fall, and humidity fails to transform because Wood controls the Earth. Warm epidemics and wind-generated eruptions are Wind-Heat diseases. Joint pain, headache, internal heat/vexation, dry throat, and drinking are all Jue Yin Wind-Heat diseases.

If Shao Yin does not retreat, warmth arises in spring and winter, hibernating insects appear early, and grass/trees sprout. The people will suffer from diaphragmatic heat, dry throat, bleeding, fright, dark/scanty urination, erysipelas, tumors, and lingering toxins/sores.

In Zi-Wu years, if Shao Yin does not retreat, then Chou-Wei Tai Yin cannot advance. In Chou-Wei years, warmth arises in spring/winter, insects appear early, and plants sprout due to Fire excess. Diaphragmatic heat and other symptoms are all Shao Yin Fire-Heat diseases.

If Tai Yin does not retreat, and cold/heat are irregular, dusty haze spreads, and dampness lingers, the people will suffer from limb weakness, inability to eat/drink, projectile diarrhea, strangury/fullness, cold calves/shins, impotence, urinary retention/incontinence, and frequent urination.

In Chou-Wei years, if Tai Yin does not retreat, then Yin-Shen Shao Yang cannot advance. In Yin-Shen years, irregular cold/heat, dusty haze, and lingering dampness indicate Earth excess. All diseases are Tai Yin Earth-Dampness diseases.

If Shao Yang does not retreat, heat arises in spring, summer heat is delayed, winters are warm without freezing, flowing water does not ice over, and hibernating insects appear. The people will suffer from shortness of breath, alternating chills/fever, hematochezia with upper heat, hardness/fullness of the lower abdomen, dark copious urination, and in severe cases, bleeding.

In Yin-Shen years, if Shao Yang does not retreat, then Mao-You Yang Ming cannot advance. In Mao-You years, heat in spring, delayed summer heat, warm winters, unfrozen water, and appearing insects all indicate surplus Fire-Heat qi. All diseases are Shao Yang Fire-Heat diseases.

If Yang Ming does not retreat, spring brings cold/clarity, grass/trees bloom late, and cold/heat alternate. The people will suffer from vomiting, projectile diarrhea, inability to eat/drink, dry stool, limb paralysis, dizziness, and vertigo.

In Mao-You years, if Yang Ming does not retreat, then Chen-Xu Tai Yang cannot advance. In Chen-Xu years, influenced by Cold Water qi, spring is cold/clammy, plants bloom late. Clear qi is cold, Dry qi is hot, causing alternating cold/heat. All diseases are Yang Ming Clear-Cold/Dry-Heat diseases. The preceding five qi, excluding Tai Yang, can be inferred similarly.

The Yellow Emperor said: I know the timing of Heavenly Years. I wish to hear about Earth Numbers, please explain.

Governing Heaven is called Heavenly Year; Governing Earth is called Earth Number.

Qi Bo said: The methods of Earth advancing/ascending and retreating/not advancing refer to the production/transformation of Earth and the loss of seasonal timing in all things.

"Descending advancement" refers to moving from Heaven to Earth. "Correct ascending" refers to rising from Earth to Heaven. "Retreat" means those who have completed their duty step down. "Not advancing" means those commanding should ascend but do not. Any loss in between results in Earth's production/transformation becoming a loss of seasonal timing for all things.

This section clarifies the meaning of descending/ascending, advancing, and retreating in the lower chapter.

The Yellow Emperor said: I have heard that Heaven and Earth have two sets of Sexagenary cycles (Jiazi). The Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches weave through Heaven and Earth. Their numbers shift and overlap; if they lose their positions, can this be explained?

In the upper chapter, Qi Bo mentioned the concept of Earthly Jiazi. Thus, asking about Heaven/Earth Jiazi and overlapping shifts refers to the "Gang Rou Shi Shou" (Loss of Rigorous/Yielding Positions) in the upper chapter.

Qi Bo said: Losing the overlapping position means that although one obtains the correct year stem, one does not obtain the correct governing position. This leads to irregular seasons and major epidemics. The commentary in *Xuan Zhu Mi Yu* states: For Yang years over thirty years, excluding six years of Heavenly Punishment, there are twenty-four years of Excess. Excluding these six years, all are treated as Excess. However, the current text implies otherwise. Now, regarding overlapping branches and positions, even Excess can be treated as Deficiency.

"Losing" is synonymous with "Losing Guard." "Overlapping position" means shifting the position. Losing guard and overlapping position means obtaining the correct year stem but not the correct governing position, leading to irregular seasons and epidemics. *Xuan Zhu Mi Yu* is a book title. Using Yang Stems (Jia, Bing, Wu, Geng, Ren) with Yang Branches (Zi, Yin, Chen, Wu, Shen, Xu), there are thirty years. Excluding the six years of Heavenly Punishment (Jia-Chen, Jia-Xu, Bing-Zi, Wu-Wu, Geng-Shen, Ren-Yin), there are twenty-four years where Yang years are Excess. Excluding these six, all are treated as Excess. But the current text suggests otherwise: overlapping branches/positions mean that even if Excess/Surplus exists, it can be treated as Deficiency. This implies that if a position is occupied but not properly governed, even surplus becomes deficiency.

For example, in a Jia-Zi Yang year, Earth Transport is excessively obstructed. If Gui-Hai had surplus heavenly numbers, although the year transitions to Jia-Zi, Jue Yin still governs Heaven. Earth has advanced, with Yang Ming at the Bottom (Zai Quan), and last year's Shao Yang serves as the Right Intercalary. Thus, Jue Yin's position hosts Yang Ming, so they do not harmonize. Gui and Ji meet; Earth Transport is too deficient and is instead overcome by Wood, so it is not Excess. Moreover, the Huangzhong bell does not resonate with the Tai Gong pitch. After Wood overcomes, Metal returns. Once Metal returns and Shao Yang advances (advances to position), Wood's victory is like Fire, and Metal's return is weak. Thus, Jia-Ji lose their guard. Three years later, an Earth Epidemic forms. It arrives late in Ding-Mao or early in Bing-Yin. The severity is deduced from Heaven/Earth and detailed in Tai Yi.

Similarly, in a Jia-Zi year, if Jia meets Zi (Yang meets Yang), they should govern Heaven. If below, Ji-Mao has not advanced, and Wu-Yin Shao Yang has not retreated, this is also a Jia-Ji connection below. Thus, Earth Transport is not Excess, but Wood takes advantage of the deficiency to overcome Earth. Metal then returns to overcome Wood, leading to pathogenic transformation and epidemic. Heaven and Earth differ in Yin/Yang, so the severity follows the principles of Heaven and Earth.

(Note: "Zhi" means obstructed/surplus but不通. Jia-Zi are Yang; Jia-Ji transform to Earth. Jia is surplus, Ji is deficient. Example: Jia-Zi Yang year, Earth Transport is excessive but obstructed. Last year Gui-Hai had surplus. Although transitioning to Jia-Zi, last year's Jue Yin still governs Heaven—this is loss of Heaven's guard. Zi-Wu Shao Yin governs Heaven, so Yang Ming is at Bottom. If Heaven's guard is lost but Earth has advanced, Yang Ming is at Bottom. Last year's Shao Yang at Bottom is now Yang Ming's Right Intercalary. Earth has advanced, but Jue Yin still governs Heaven, creating a conflict between Jue Yin and Yang Ming. Yang Ming Metal controls Wood above, so they do not harmonize. Last year Gui-Hai has not retreated. Jia-Ji transport Earth, so Gui-Ji meet. Ji is Yin Earth, so Earth Transport is deficient. Deficiency allows Jue Yin Wood to overcome. Gui transforms Fire, which generates Earth, so Earth should be Excess. But Ji Transport is Deficient, so it is not Excess. This discusses Ji alongside Jia. Jia governs Earth Transport (Tai Gong). Loss of Heaven's guard means Huangzhong does not resonate with Tai Gong. Earth is deficient, Wood overcomes, then Metal returns. Metal returns, Shao Yin advances. Shao Yin is Fire. Initially Wood overcomes, finally Fire overcomes. "Wood victory like Fire" means Fire's victory equals Wood's. Fire overcomes, Metal's return is weak. Such victories/returns constitute Jia-Ji Earth Transport loss. Three years later, Earth Epidemic forms. Late Ding-Mao (3 years later), Early Bing-Yin (exactly 3 years). Severity depends on Heaven/Earth Yin/Yang and Tai Yi movements. Also, in Jia-Zi year, Jia meets Zi (Yang meets Yang). They should govern Heaven. Below, Ji-Mao has not advanced, and last year's Wu-Yin Shao Yang has not retreated. This is also a Jia-Ji connection (from above connecting to below). Even if Earth Transport is not Excess, Wood overcomes Earth due to deficiency. Metal returns to overcome Wood, causing pathogenic epidemic. This is due to Heaven/Earth Yin/Yang differences. Severity follows Heavenly principles.)

For example, in a Bing-Yin Yang year (Excess), if Yi-Chou had surplus heavenly numbers, although transitioning to Bing-Yin, Tai Yin still governs Heaven. Earth has advanced, Jue Yin governs Earth. Last year's Tai Yang serves as Right Intercalary. Thus, Heaven is Tai Yin, Earth is Jue Yin, so Earth does not obey Heaven's transformation. Yi-Xin meet; Water Transport is too deficient and is overcome by Earth, so it is not Excess. The Taicu pipe does not resonate with Tai Yu. Earth overcomes, Rain transforms; Water returns as Wind. This is Bing-Xin losing their meeting. Three years later, Water Epidemic forms. Late Ji-Si, Early Wu-Chen. Severe is fast, mild is slow. Severity depends on Heaven/Earth numbers and Tai Yi's palace.

Similarly, in Bing-Yin year, Bing meets Yin (should govern Heaven). Xin-Si has not advanced, and last year's Geng-Chen Tai Yang has not retreated. This is Bing-Xin lacking virtue harmony. Water Transport is slightly deficient and slightly overcome, possibly with return. Three years later, plague forms, named Water Plague, similar to Water Epidemic, treated as before.

(Note: Yin-Shen stems/branches are Yang. Example: Bing-Yin Yang year Excess. If last year Yi-Chou had surplus, although getting Bing-Yin, last year's Tai Yin still governs Heaven. Yin year Shao Yang governs Heaven, so Jue Yin is at Earth. If Earth has advanced, Jue Yin governs Earth. Last year's Tai Yang at Bottom is now Earth's Right Intercalary. Earth advanced, but Tai Yang still governs Heaven. Heaven Tai Yin (Yin), Earth Jue Yin. Jue Yin Wood controls Earth above, so Earth does not obey Heaven. Last year Yi-Chou has not retreated. Bing-Xin transport Water, Yi-Xin meet. Xin is Yin, so Water Transport is deficient, overcome by Tai Yang Earth, not Excess. This discusses Xin alongside Bing. Bing governs Water Transport (Tai Yu). Loss of Heaven's guard means Taicu does not resonate with Tai Yu. Earth overcomes, Rain/Damp transforms. Rain is Water; Water generates Wood, so Water return is Wind. Wind is Wood. This discusses Bing-Xin Water Transport loss. Three years later, Water Epidemic forms. Late Ji-Si, Early Wu-Chen. Severity depends on Heaven/Earth numbers and Tai Yi. Also, Bing meets Yin, should govern Heaven. Bing-Xin combine. Shao Yang Yin is above, Jue Yin is below. Xin-Si has not advanced, last year Geng-Chen Tai Yang has not retreated. Stem is Bing, but Bing-Xin lack virtue harmony. Water Transport is slightly deficient/surpassed, possibly with return. Three years later, Earth qi transforms into plague, named Water Plague, similar to Water Epidemic, treated as in *Ci Fa Lun*.)

For example, in a Geng-Chen Yang year (Excess), if Ji-Mao had surplus heavenly numbers, although transitioning to Geng-Chen, Yang Ming still governs Heaven. Earth has advanced, Tai Yin governs Earth. Last year's Shao Yin serves as Right Intercalary. Thus, Heaven is Yang Ming, Earth is Tai Yin, so Earth below honors Heaven. Yi-Ji meet; Metal Transport is too deficient and is overcome by Fire, so it is not Excess. The Guxian pipe does not resonate with Tai Shang. Fire overcomes, Heat transforms; Water returns as Cold Punishment. This is Yi-Geng losing guard. Three years later, Metal Epidemic forms. Fast to Ren-Wu, Slow to Gui-Wei. Severity depends on current year numbers and Tai Yi.

Similarly, in Geng-Chen year, Geng meets Chen (should govern Heaven). Yi-Wei below has not advanced, and Earth Jia-Wu Shao Yin has not met position. Yi-Geng lack virtue harmony. Yi-Wei below, Stem loses Rigidity, Metal Transport is slightly deficient. There may be slight overcoming or no return. Three years later, plague forms, named Metal Plague, similar to Metal Epidemic, treated as before.

(Note: Geng-Chen is Yang year Excess. If last year Ji-Mao had surplus, although getting Geng-Chen, last year's Yang Ming still governs Heaven—loss of Heaven's guard. Chen year Tai Yang governs Heaven, so Tai Yang is at Earth. If Earth has advanced, Tai Yin governs Earth. Last year's Shao Yin at Bottom is now Earth's Right Intercalary. Heaven is last year's Yang Ming, Earth is this year's Tai Yin. Tai Yin at Bottom is Earth, Yang Ming at Heaven is Metal. Bottom is below Earth, Earth generates Metal, so Earth below honors Heaven above. Last year Ji-Mao has not retreated. Yi-Geng same transport, Yi-Ji meet. Yi is Yin, so Metal Transport is deficient, overcome by Shao Yin Fire. Yi is Metal Transport, Yang Ming governs Heaven, so Metal should be Excess. Being overcome by Fire, it is not Excess. This discusses Yi alongside Geng. Geng governs Metal Transport (Tai Shang). Loss of Heaven's guard means Guxian does not resonate with Tai Shang. Metal loses guard and becomes Deficient, Fire overcomes with Heat. If Metal regains position, it generates Water, Water returns as Cold Punishment to overcome Fire. All this discusses Yi-Geng Metal Transport loss. Three years later, Metal Epidemic forms. Fast to Ren-Wu (3 years), Slow to Gui-Wei (3 years later). Severity depends on current year numbers and Tai Yi. Also, in Geng-Chen year, Geng meets Chen, should govern Heaven. Yi combines with Geng, both Metal. Tai Yang Chen is above, so Tai Yang is not below. Extending this, Yi coming below has not advanced. This year Yi-Wei corresponds to last year Jia-Wu, i.e., last year's Earth Jia-Wu...)