五行

One is the root; two is the instrument; three is the complement; four governs order; five governs education; six governs defense; seven establishes; eight goes before; nine brings completion; ten makes the five offices complete with the six treasuries, and the five tones complete with the six pitch-pipes. In ancient times the Yellow Emperor obtained Chi You and became clear about the Way of heaven; obtained Da Chang and perceived the advantages of earth; obtained She Long and became discerning about the east; obtained Zhu Rong and became discerning about the south; obtained Da Feng and became discerning about the west; obtained Hou Tu and became discerning about the north. The Yellow Emperor obtained these six ministers and heaven and earth were governed. He then created the five tones and regulated five bells to harmonize with the five phases and correct the timing of heaven. The five phases established, the five offices set — man and heaven were in harmony, and heaven and earth's beauty was born.