Top 6 most famous prophets in Chinese history

Zhang Liang (250 – 186 BC), also known as Zi Fang, was of Han ethnicity. He was a key strategist for Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty. Alongside Han Xin and Xiao He, Zhang Liang was honored as one of the 'Three Talents of the Early Han.' Historical records note that Zhang Liang was an exceptional strategist, and his critical support helped Liu Bang achieve victory in the Chu-Han Contention, establishing the Han Dynasty. As Liu Bang's trusted advisor, Zhang Liang's contributions were instrumental in securing the empire for his ruler.

In his lifetime, Zhang Liang was not driven by fame or power. In his old age, he chose to retire and travel the world. After his death, Zhang Liang was posthumously titled Duke Wen of Cheng. His life story was notably recorded in the 'Records of the Grand Historian' in the chapter 'The Biographies of the Liu Family.' It is said that Emperor Liu Bang himself acknowledged: 'The strategies crafted in the tent and the victories won from a thousand miles away were all thanks to Zi Fang.'

Gui Guzi, also known as Wang Hu, is considered one of the most mystical figures in Chinese history. His disciples, Sun Tzu and Pang Juan, were among his most favored students. According to historical records, Gui Guzi possessed vast knowledge in various fields, including mathematics and astrology. He was also a master strategist, able to devise military formations that even gods and spirits could not predict. He famously used flowers to forecast the futures of his disciples, Sun Tzu and Pang Juan.

Gui Guzi, also known by his other name Wang Tian, was a philosopher and teacher, with many students who went on to become influential during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. Four of his most famous disciples include Sun Tzu of Qi, Pang Juan and Zhang Yi of Wei, and Su Qin from Luoyang (capital of the Zhou Dynasty). Additionally, he had two other renowned disciples: Li Shizhen (as noted in Western Han writings) and Di Qing (from the 'Wan Hua Lou' literature).

According to historical texts and legends, Gui Guzi was well-versed in esoteric arts and profound knowledge. After retiring from public life, he lived in a mountain cave known as Gui Gu (the 'Ghost Cave'), a remote and eerie place surrounded by tall mountains and dense forests. This location, with its heavy, ominous atmosphere, was unsuitable for most people. Gui Guzi named himself after this place. People of his time often referred to him as 'Gui Guzi the Sage.' He is believed to have achieved immortality through his knowledge of Taoist alchemy and is regarded as the originator of divination, fortune-telling, and Feng Shui practices.

Jiang Ziya, born Jiang Shang, was a founding statesman of the Zhou Dynasty in the 12th century BC. He was also the founder of the state of Qi, which lasted from the Western Zhou period until the Warring States period in Chinese history.

Jiang Ziya is renowned as a brilliant general who played a crucial role in establishing the Zhou Dynasty, which lasted for over 800 years, the longest in Chinese history. His contributions were recognized by successive dynasties, and he is honored as a 'Master of a Hundred Schools.'

The 'Six Secret Teachings' are attributed to Jiang Ziya himself. He is considered the first military philosopher in China, offering the first systematic theories of warfare strategy. Renowned military strategists throughout history, such as Sun Tzu, Gui Guzi, Huang Shigong, and Zhuge Liang, all studied and adopted the teachings of Jiang Ziya, solidifying his primary position in military thought.

In the 'Investiture of the Gods,' Jiang Ziya is deified as a remarkable genius with extraordinary powers, even earning the respect of many deities and immortals.

Liu Bowen (1311-1375), born Liu Ji, was a renowned poet, scholar, and a key figure in the founding of the Ming Dynasty. It is said that Liu Bowen was highly skilled in classical literature, astronomy, and military strategy. He assisted Zhu Yuanzhang in founding the Ming Dynasty, played a significant role in consolidating the empire, and was famous for his success in quelling rebellions, earning him national fame.

Liu Bowen's talents were often compared to those of the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang. The people would say, 'Zhuge Liang divided the world, but Liu Bowen unified it,' highlighting Liu Bowen's profound impact on Chinese history. His military wisdom was often regarded as superior to that of Zhuge Liang, as expressed in the saying, 'Zhuge Liang led in ancient times, but Liu Bowen led in later times.' His influence was monumental.

Liu Bowen is said to have been a celestial being who reincarnated to assist a wise ruler. During the tumultuous end of the Yuan Dynasty, with wars and famines ravaging the land, the Jade Emperor sent Liu Bowen to aid Zhu Yuanzhang, helping him unify the country. His foresight and abilities were so remarkable that one could say, 'He knew the past 500 years, and could predict the next 500.'

In literature, Liu Bowen, along with Song Lian and Gao Kai, is considered one of the 'Three Great Literary Figures of the Early Ming.' He is venerated as the 'Master of Divine Strategy and Mystical Calculations.' To this day, the saying 'No one excels in military strategy like Sun Tzu, but Liu Ji surpasses all in celestial knowledge' is still widely remembered.

In ancient times, there were many extraordinary individuals whose names were not recorded in official histories, but their legendary stories and anecdotes live on through the ages. Yuan Tiangang was one such person, known for his profound knowledge of astronomy and geography, as well as his remarkable talents in all matters.

Yuan Tiangang was a famous diviner and prophet during the Tang Dynasty. His expertise was in physiognomy, the art of reading a person's fate based on their appearance. Historical records are filled with accounts of his accurate predictions. For example, he once read the fortune of Shen Wenban, predicting that if the Shen family achieved high official ranks, their longevity would be shortened. Indeed, Shen Wenban rose to prominence in the court, eventually becoming the prime minister. Shortly after his appointment, he passed away.

Yuan Tiangang also made famous predictions about the Wu family. When Wu Zetian, as a child, was held by her wet nurse, Yuan Tiangang immediately remarked, 'A dragon's eye and a phoenix's form, destined for greatness. However, if this were a girl, she would be an emperor.' His prophecy about Wu Zetian's eventual rise to power as China's only female emperor came true.

At the end of the Zhenguan era, someone asked Yuan Tiangang about his own fate, and he calmly responded, 'In April of this year, I will die.' True to his words, his predictions always came to pass.

Yuan Tiangang was extremely well-known in his time. When the imperial court was selecting officials, they would often consult Yuan Tiangang to determine whether an individual was fit for a particular position. His advice became an important standard for appointments. It was also customary for noble families to invite Yuan Tiangang to assess their daughters' potential suitors when they came of age, helping them find the perfect match.

According to the Encyclopedia, Zhuge Liang (181 - 234), courtesy name Kongming, and titled 'Crouching Dragon,' was an extraordinary strategist and military advisor to Liu Bei of the Shu Kingdom during the late Eastern Han Dynasty. He hailed from Yangdu (now part of Yinan County in Shandong). Not only a genius in military tactics and politics, Kongming was also a brilliant scholar and inventor. He created renowned military strategies such as the 'Eight Trigrams Formation,' 'Repeating Crossbow,' and the 'Wooden Ox and Flowing Horse' (a type of mechanical transport). Legend has it that he invented the 'Sky Lantern' (a type of small hot air balloon) and also the famous Chinese steamed bun. His talents were not limited to warfare and engineering; for the Chinese people, Zhuge Liang was also considered an unparalleled prophet, famously adept at predicting the future.

One particularly famous story of his 'divine foresight' is still passed down in Chinese folklore. It is said that before his death, Zhuge Liang warned his family: 'After my death, one of you will face a great calamity. When the time comes, dismantle the house and retrieve a package from the wall; it contains the secret to saving your life.' After Zhuge Liang passed away, Sima Yan ascended to the throne. Hearing that one of Zhuge Liang's descendants was serving as a general, Sima Yan sought to eliminate him. One day, Sima Yan found an excuse to accuse the general of a crime and asked, 'What did your grandfather say before he died?' The general faithfully repeated Zhuge Liang's warning, and Sima Yan ordered his soldiers to dismantle the house and retrieve the package. Inside, they found a sealed letter with the words: 'Only the Emperor should open this.'

The soldiers presented the letter to the emperor, who read the message: 'Step back three paces.' Sima Yan obeyed, and as he did, a beam crashed down exactly where he had been sitting, destroying the throne and surrounding furniture. Terrified, Sima Yan continued reading the letter, which ended with the words: 'I saved your life. Now spare the lives of my descendants.' After seeing this, Sima Yan was deeply impressed by Zhuge Liang's prophetic abilities and restored the general to his post. According to the Encyclopedia, Zhuge Liang fell seriously ill during his sixth trip to Mount Qi. Knowing his time was near, he called upon his trusted general, Jiang Wei, to pass on his military teachings. Zhuge Liang also warned his commanders to remain vigilant against possible attacks from the Wei forces, particularly from Wei Yan, who was suspected of betrayal. True to Zhuge Liang's predictions, Wei Yan turned against the Shu forces, but Jiang Wei, following his mentor's advice, executed him. When Sima Yi's forces attacked, the Shu army used a wooden effigy of Zhuge Liang in battle, causing Sima Yi to panic and retreat. Once again, Zhuge Liang's foresight saved the lives of the Shu soldiers and preserved the stability of the kingdom. To this day, the saying 'Zhuge Liang's death still chased away Zhang Dat's life' is used to honor his legacy.