Guanyin Oracle Lot 17: Cao Cao eases thirst with imagined plums
The Verse
Pay no heed to gossip, blame, or idle strife;
Morning and evening, recite Amitabha’s name.
If you mistake false words for what is real,
How can a painted cake relieve your hunger?
Translation by MyFate.AI. The Chinese original is the authoritative text.
AI readingDo not readily believe other people’s gossip. Empty words are like a painted cake: they cannot resolve real difficulties. Remain true to your principles in all things, and do not be taken in by rumors.
The Story Behind the Lot
Cao Cao eases thirst with imagined plums
The story of quenching thirst with thoughts of plums comes from A New Account of Tales of the World and recounts an episode from one of Cao Cao’s military campaigns. According to tradition, Cao Cao was leading his army on a distant expedition along difficult roads in the scorching summer heat. With no water available, the soldiers were tormented by thirst and too exhausted to advance, and their morale was beginning to collapse. Cao Cao suddenly had an idea. Pointing his riding whip into the distance, he falsely declared that a vast grove of plum trees lay ahead, laden with sweet, tart fruit that would quench their thirst. At the mention of plums, the soldiers’ mouths began to water, temporarily easing their thirst. Their spirits revived, they quickened their march and eventually reached a place with water. This lot draws on the idea of quenching thirst through imagined plums, emphasizing that such a measure offers only temporary reassurance through fantasy and empty promises. The plum grove is ultimately an illusion, with no real spring of fresh water to sustain anyone. The implication is that what you seek currently offers only illusory comfort, with no tangible benefit to be gained. Be practical and examine your own judgment; do not let empty talk and enticing promises lead you astray. This moderately inauspicious lot warns against relying on wishful thinking.
The Story Behind the Lot (alternate version)Another traditional version, for reference
Li Si Brings About Han Fei’s Death
Li Si and Han Fei were both students of Xunzi in the late Warring States period. Han Fei was a prince of the state of Han and the author of essays including Solitary Indignation and The Five Vermin; his learning and ability far surpassed Li Si’s. King Ying Zheng of Qin read his writings and greatly admired them. Wishing to secure his services, the king launched an intensified attack on Han, which led to Han Fei being sent to Qin as an envoy. Li Si, already a senior minister at the Qin court, knew that his talents fell short of Han Fei’s and feared that Han Fei’s appointment would cost him his position and royal favor. Jealousy took hold, and he joined Yao Jia in slandering Han Fei. They alleged that, as a member of Han’s royal house, Han Fei would never sincerely serve Qin, and urged the king to eliminate him. The king initially believed them and had Han Fei imprisoned. Li Si then secretly sent poison to the prison and forced Han Fei to take his own life. By the time the king regretted his decision and sought to pardon him, Han Fei was already dead. Yet Li Si, who had harmed another through slander and used false allegations to frame a fellow student, was later himself framed by Zhao Gao. He was executed by being cut in two at the waist in the marketplace, and his three branches of kin were exterminated: a bitter consequence of his own wrongdoing. This lot draws on Li Si’s jealousy of a worthier man, his malicious accusations, and the retribution that followed. It warns against readily believing slander or secretly plotting against others, for those who harm others ultimately bring harm upon themselves.
Readings by Topic
- Career
- Petty people spread gossip and stir up disputes. Do not readily accept others’ advice; remain true to your principles.
- Wealth
- Believing unverified tips and empty promises can easily lead to financial losses.
- Relationships
- Rumors and attempts to sow discord obstruct the relationship. Discernment is needed to overcome these difficulties.
- Home and Family
- Pray sincerely for blessings and peace. Do not let idle talk unsettle you.
- Personal Outlook
- Your fortunes fluctuate. Give little credence to gossip and rumors; integrity brings peace.
- Health
- Honor any devotional vows, pray for blessings, and take care of your recovery. Do not trust unproven remedies or unfounded claims. Serious illness requires professional medical care.
- Travel
- The traveler’s return is delayed; obstacles or interruptions may arise along the way.
- Finding Someone
- The person you seek can be found, but the search will involve many setbacks and obstacles.
- Business
- Postpone cooperation. Do not be taken in by empty words and promises.
- Pregnancy
- There may be disappointment after premature hopes. Rest and pay close attention to the pregnancy.
- Legal Matters
- Seek a private settlement. Do not let malicious advice draw you into a stubborn fight.
- Lost Property
- The lost item cannot be recovered. It is better to make alternative arrangements.
- Relocation
- Remaining in your present home is best. This is no time for a hasty move.
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