Lang Yi, courtesy name Yaguang, hailed from Anqiu in the Beihai region. His father, Lang Zong, courtesy name Zhongsui, was skilled in observing celestial phenomena to predict worldly events. During the reign of Emperor An of the Han Dynasty, Lang Zong served as the magistrate of Wu County. At the time, sudden violent storms frequently swept through the area. Based on his observations, Lang Zong predicted that a fire would soon break out in the imperial capital. He recorded the predicted time and dispatched messengers to wait for the event. True to his calculations, the capital was engulfed in flames precisely as foretold.
When this incident reached the emperor, he sought to appoint Lang Zong as a court scholar. However, Lang Zong considered it shameful to leverage his knowledge for personal gain. He resigned from his post overnight, leaving behind his official seal, and lived the rest of his life away from public office.
Urging the emperor to reform
Lang Yi followed in his father’s footsteps, mastering celestial observation and interpreting its connections to human affairs. During the reign of Emperor Shun, disasters and unusual phenomena became increasingly frequent. Summoned by the imperial court, Lang Yi submitted a heartfelt memorial. He argued that the celestial anomalies and terrestrial calamities signaled heaven’s displeasure with the emperor’s governance. He implored the emperor to reflect on his actions and moral conduct to restore order and harmony in governance.
Lang Yi’s memorial was both sincere and direct. He cited classical texts to highlight issues such as the court’s extravagance, neglect of virtuous talent, excessive punishments, and the complacency of officials. He also boldly predicted that a destructive earthquake accompanied by flooding would occur around the summer solstice unless changes were made.
Risking it all to deliver a message
Upon reading Lang Yi’s memorial, the emperor ordered his officials to interrogate him. Undeterred by the threat of execution, Lang Yi submitted another detailed account. He explained the connections between celestial phenomena and earthly governance, proposing practical measures to avert disaster. Among his recommendations, he outlined four specific reforms to benefit the nation. He declared that timely rainfall would alleviate the looming drought if the court implemented these changes. If not, he was willing to accept death as punishment for his supposed audacity.
Although the emperor appointed Lang Yi to an official position as a reward for his efforts, Lang Yi feigned illness and returned to his hometown, avoiding the court’s summons.
Disasters strike as predicted
The emperor failed to heed Lang Yi’s warnings or reflect on his governance. As foretold, the fourth month of that year saw earthquakes and ground fissures. Summer brought severe drought, and the autumn months witnessed the Xianbei tribe invading Mayi City. The following year, the Qiang people attacked Longxi. These calamities mirrored Lang Yi’s predictions almost exactly. Despite the court’s repeated attempts to recall him, Lang Yi steadfastly refused to return.
Ancient wisdom and the laws of Heaven
An old saying goes: “When people err, Heaven sends warnings. If they fail to amend their ways, Heaven punishes them.” Changes in celestial phenomena often correspond to shifts on earth. When human actions defy divine principles, Heaven sends anomalies or disasters as a warning. If these warnings go unheeded, greater calamities follow. This perspective is not superstition, but a truth that transcends modern understanding — a higher form of science.
Immersed in a culture bestowed by the divine, ancient people revered Heaven and accepted their destinies. Whether in the imperial court or among the common folk, many wise individuals could interpret celestial signs to foretell events. These individuals, often practitioners of spiritual disciplines, conveyed messages from Heaven to guide humanity.
Translated by Audrey Wang
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