Wang Mang (45 BC--23 AD) was well versed in this art. In 5 AD the emperor Ping Di died, and was succeeded by his great-great-grandson, aged two. But then a report reached the court of a stone, found while a well was being dug, on which was written: "Proclaim the Emperor, the Lord Mang, Protector of the Peace of Han."
西漢平帝駕崩後，平帝玄孫孺子嬰繼嗣位，同月即有地方奏報，在陝西武功縣挖浚水井時，挖出一塊上圓下方的白石，上面寫著：「告安漢公莽為皇帝」。