Taiyi is the one who holds the system of great unity, regulates the vital energy of Taihong, and establishes the proper positions of deities and spirits. Therefore, the Nine Emperors received instruction in order to seek the source of their existence. Instruction is called obtaining an understanding from Heaven; instruction is called attaining the beginning granted by Heaven and Earth; instruction is called Dao (the Way), attaining the constancy of Dao; instruction is called the Sage, for the Sage's way harmonizes with deities and spirits, hence it is called "Dao De" (Virtue of the Way). By encompassing the origin and exhausting the beginning, they attained an understanding of where order originates. Though each of the Nine Emperors had different systems, their governance was always effective; thus, they are called Taiyi. Taihuang asked Taiyi, "Among Heaven, Earth, and human affairs, which is most urgent?" Taiyi said: "To cherish essence, nurture the spirit, and maintain inner integrity is how one aspires to Heaven. Heaven is where deities and spirits take root; it purifies and transforms the four seasons, molds the formless, carves before things emerge, and separates patterns that are yet to come into being. Earth is what receives Heaven's unfolding, fully bearing and providing stability." I shall tell you the ultimate truth of deities and spirits: Heaven, Earth, and human affairs are ultimately one. Establishing the duties of ministers is called the Four Principles; dispersing them through the Eight Winds, measuring by the 六合 (Liu He), managing according to the four seasons, projecting onto the Eight Extremes, illuminating with the Three Lights, governing with Punishment and Virtue, regulating with the Five Tones, correcting with the Six Laws, dividing by measurements, representing with the Five Colors, transforming through Yin and Yang, directing toward north and south, aligning with the new and full moons, receiving through clear calendars. The sun reliably rises and sets; its path between north and south has limits—this is the standard of measurement. The moon reliably wanes and waxes; its movements follow a constant pattern—this is the basis of numbers. The constellations do not disorder their courses; they succeed one another without interference—this is the benchmark of position. Heaven, through the clarity of three principles, establishes unity; thus, all things come into being. Three seasons bring growth, one season brings killing and punishment; with the four seasons established, Heaven and Earth are fully determined. When things begin, they are faint and indistinct; when they come into being, they are quiet and unremarkable; when they take form, they become clear and distinct. Do not diminish or add to them. In youth and infancy, follow what is sufficient, adhering to the customs of one's teacher. Do not alter Heaven's nature, do not dissipate Heaven's simplicity. Remain as you are, and clarity will arise; if you act upon it, turbidity will follow. The sage and holy ones assume the position of support and assistance, harmonizing their virtue with the Divine Emperor. By referring to diagrams and establishing correctness, they reach the boundless. Two administrations and four contributions are arranged; intervals allow for rest and repose. Returning to time and separating vital energies, myriad endeavors are completed. One coming, one going—observing balance and elevation. The five senses and six organs each have their proper order according to principle. Without hooks or ropes, chaos remains undivided; the great form is not yet formed. Affairs lack established laws; spirits and energies clash violently, thus harming all peoples. Stealing vital energy at appropriate times allows later achievements to be established. First determine what is beneficial, then await things as they come of their own accord. Proceeding in order according to law, when things arrive, they naturally harmonize. Law is the proper instrument of Heaven and Earth. If law is not applied correctly, fundamental virtue cannot be achieved. The highest sage connects with Heaven and Earth, forming an unbreakable bond through six connections. Therefore, those who possess the Dao sit in governance facing south to protect deities and spirits; ministers on all sides—left, right, front, and back—stand quietly in attendance at the center. They open the original flow, allowing subtle energies to move freely, with careful and steady movement. Internally they hold firm for support, externally they tie together with guiding principles. They act according to reason and momentum, recording events from beginning to end. Though roles differ, unity is maintained; positions are established as clear offices. Five standards correspond to the four seasons; each follows its own category. The fundamental source gives rise to color; sounds and tones balance one another. The East is where all things begin to arise, hence it is regulated by Zhi (徵). The South is where all things flourish and mature, hence it is regulated by Yu (羽). The West is where all things complete their forms, hence it is regulated by Shang (商). The North is where all things are quieted and stored, hence it is regulated by Jue (角). The Center is the position of Taiyi; all deities look up to its authority, hence it is regulated by Gong (宮), with Dao taking precedence. Lifting and bearing deities and spirits, the brilliance ascends into Heaven. The origin begins with Huangzhong, which corresponds to the East; all things grow and flourish there. Wood causes objects to bloom—thus the whole world is wood. Therefore, it resides in the East as ruler of spring. Fire illuminates objects—thus the whole world is fire. Therefore, it resides in the South as ruler of summer. Metal cuts through objects—thus the whole world is metal. Therefore, it resides in the West as ruler of autumn. Water submerges objects—thus the whole world is water. Therefore, it resides in the North as ruler of winter. Above, it forms the great capital; thus the whole world is earth. Therefore, it resides at the Center to guard the land. Thus the whole world is human. Taking the Son of Heaven as the standard, regulate its vital energy, harmonize its flavors, listen to its sounds, and correct its form. By alternating between observing the past and examining the present, thus one can follow the path of achievements. Reversing the beginning and end, geography departs from its established principles; seizing affection causes disorder. Above, celestial phenomena are extinguished; patterns become unknowable, and deities and spirits lose their guidance. Patterns and principles are what clarify one another; colors and flavors are what measure one another; ornamental brilliance is what completes one another. The many regard me as one among themselves, hence I can serve as a single model for all. A government that follows the principle of love allows different kinds to communicate and harmonize; a government that opposes the principle of love causes even similar kinds to perish. Therefore, the sage establishes Heaven as father and Earth as mother; the model is not intended to force all people to have identical knowledge or unify them into one single individual. Amidst the vastness between Heaven and Earth, every person is enveloped by its harmony. Harmony is formless yet possesses flavor. Harmony in unity is benevolence; mutual tolerance is righteousness. Benevolence and righteousness are names for the same joy. To share in what brings joy, governance within formlessness becomes possible. Therefore, sages and wise ones skillfully regulate through the invisible, and all things follow Heaven to receive ornamental brilliance, which serves as the root of deities and spirits; Earth receives time to become the origin of all things. The sage and holy ones carefully examine principles; they detest the disruption of authority over fate. They gather and disperse radiant essence, thus fulfilling their duty to Earth and appeasing Heaven. By regulating flavors and displaying colors, by correcting sounds to establish order—Heaven, Earth, and human affairs all reach completion in this way."