Treatise on Military Preparedness

If green vapor original: 青氣 (qīng qì). The color "qīng" is a traditional shade spanning blue, green, and azure; in divination, it often represents the element of Wood or an eerie, sickly atmospheric disturbance. arrives swiftly and spreads in all directions, it signifies that treacherous people will enter the city.

If there is green vapor situated above and below the sun, it is auspicious; the army may be deployed for battle.

If green vapor pierces through the sun, it signifies a minister plotting against the ruler, and war will arise in the Land of Qin original: 秦地 (Qín dì). A historical geographic region comprising modern-day Shaanxi and Gansu provinces..

When two armies are in close proximity and green vapor shaped like a half-moon appears at the side of the sun, you must advance the army quickly, and victory will be certain.

If green vapor in the shape of a cross original: 十字 (shí zì). Literally "the character for ten," which is a cross shape. pierces the very center of the sun, a great disaster is imminent. Signs of treachery and misfortune will first be revealed; those harboring resentment will create ominous portents original: 妖祥 (yāo xiáng). Supernatural signs or weird occurrences believed to precede a change in dynasty or a great catastrophe.. If this does not occur within one day, it will happen within fifty days: the foreign tribes 夷狄 (Yí Dí): Ancient collective terms for non-Han peoples to the East and North; often used generally to mean "invaders" or "barbarians." will invade the Central Kingdom, the ruler will flee, and there will be great chaos for three years.

If the green vapor beside the sun scatters as if in flight, taking the shape of wild geese in formation, the treacherous ministers of a small state will rebel.

If the green vapor beneath the sun is shaped like a bird, the enemy is plotting; one should urgently prepare defenses.