Guanyin Oracle Lot 15: Su Qin attains success
The Verse
Another's cutting words are bitter to endure;
Then suddenly, danger and disaster reach your door.
The eggs are broken, the nest empty, with no shelter left;
Keep prudence close at heart and seek secure ground.
Translation by MyFate.AI. The Chinese original is the authoritative text.
AI readingYou may suffer from others' hostility, gossip, and disputes, while unexpected trouble arrives at your door. The present situation is unstable. Exercise restraint and patience in all matters, and hold fast to your principles to protect yourself.
The Story Behind the Lot
Su Qin attains success
Su Qin was a celebrated diplomatic strategist of the Warring States period. In his youth, he studied the arts of diplomacy and alliance-building under Guiguzi. After completing his studies, he first traveled in search of distinction and attempted to persuade the king of Qin to adopt a horizontal alliance strategy, but he repeatedly met with indifference. His traveling funds exhausted and his clothes in tatters, he returned home in humiliation. His wife would not leave her loom to greet him, his sister-in-law would not cook for him, and his parents would not speak to him. Mocked and treated with contempt, he was as destitute as a bird whose nest had been destroyed, with nowhere to find shelter. Deeply stung, Su Qin devoted himself to study, tying his hair to a beam and pricking his thigh to keep himself awake as he labored over the Yinfu text. Eventually, he worked out the strategy of a vertical alliance. This lot draws specifically on the period before his rise, when he endured ridicule and neglect. It suggests that when the right time has not yet arrived, a person may be belittled and find themselves in distress. Remember that this is only the darkness before dawn. Endure humiliation, shoulder your burdens, and build your strength while awaiting the right moment. Only by refusing to abandon yourself can you later attain the distinction symbolized by Su Qin's bearing the seals of chief minister of six states.
The Story Behind the Lot (alternate version)Another traditional version, for reference
Shang Yang Ignores Zhao Liang's Advice
Shang Yang was a renowned reforming minister of Qin during the Warring States period. Serving Duke Xiao of Qin, he introduced strict laws and harsh punishments that made the state wealthy and powerful. For his achievements, he received a fief at Shang and became known as Lord Shang, enjoying immense power and prestige. Yet his severe enforcement of the law made him many enemies, particularly among the crown prince's supporters. The worthy adviser Zhao Liang earnestly remonstrated with him, warning, 'Those who rely on virtue prosper; those who rely on force perish.' He urged Shang Yang to surrender his fief promptly and retire to avoid disaster. Confident in his great achievements, however, Shang Yang refused to listen. Once Duke Xiao died, he lost his protector, and his former enemies rose against him. After ascending the throne, the former crown prince ordered his arrest on charges of rebellion. With no avenue of escape, Shang Yang was ultimately torn apart by chariots, and his clan was exterminated. Drawing on the fatal consequences of Shang Yang's obstinacy and rejection of loyal advice, this lot warns that those who disregard sound counsel, insist on their own way, and accumulate deep enmities will eventually face disaster and struggle to protect themselves. It is a neutral lot that counsels humility, restraint, and receptiveness to advice.
Readings by Topic
- Career
- Petty antagonists, gossip, and disputes abound. Speak and act carefully, keep a low profile, and protect yourself.
- Wealth
- Financial prospects remain favorable, but guard against losses caused by involvement in disputes.
- Relationships
- Arguments and gossip obstruct relationships. Exercise restraint and patience while awaiting a turn for the better.
- Home and Family
- Adversity comes before good fortune. Sudden trouble may arrive at your door, so take extra precautions.
- Personal Outlook
- Guard against malicious people, gossip, and disputes. Restraint, patience, and fidelity to your principles can preserve your peace.
- Health
- Fulfill vows made in prayer, seek blessings, and attend carefully to your recovery. The illness may stabilize. Serious illness requires professional medical care.
- Travel
- The journey should be reasonably smooth. Careful speech and conduct can keep it free of trouble.
- Finding Someone
- The person you seek can be found, and news of them can be obtained.
- Business
- Transactions can be concluded smoothly, but guard against arguments and disputes.
- Pregnancy
- The lot predicts a son and a safe outcome for mother and child.
- Legal Matters
- Right is on your side, but keep a low profile and exercise restraint to guard against malicious accusations.
- Lost Property
- The lost item will be difficult to recover and may already be irretrievably gone.
- Relocation
- A long-distance move to escape trouble is feasible; moving nearby is unfavorable.
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