Guanyin Oracle Lot 41: Dong Zhuo wins over Lu Bu
The Verse
Remember this, though all seems fair: it is like taking a thief for a son.
Do not crave the sweetness of the moment; consider the suffering that may come.
Translation by MyFate.AI. The Chinese original is the authoritative text.
AI readingWhat seems like a promising opportunity may conceal danger. Do not chase short-term gains, which may bring hardship later; distinguish right from wrong and do not trust the wicked lightly.
The Story Behind the Lot
Dong Zhuo wins over Lu Bu
Toward the end of the Eastern Han dynasty, the powerful minister Dong Zhuo monopolized the court, deposing and installing emperors and ruling with ruthless brutality. Seeing that Lü Bu, a fierce warrior from Bingzhou, was exceptionally brave and unmatched in battle, Dong Zhuo offered him gold, pearls, and fine horses, adopted him as his son, and appointed him as his personal guard, relying on Lü Bu’s valor to cow the court officials. Yet Dong Zhuo prized the immediate advantage of having a mighty warrior at his side and failed to see Lü Bu’s fickle, self-serving nature. Later, the Minister over the Masses Wang Yun devised an elaborate scheme to sow discord between them, using the beauty Diaochan and promises of high office and honors to stir Lü Bu’s resentment toward Dong Zhuo. At last, Lü Bu slew his adoptive father Dong Zhuo in the court; the trusted enforcer of old became the man who took his life. Dong Zhuo valued only Lü Bu’s momentary courage and ignored the danger of keeping a tiger and wolf at his side. In the end, he brought ruin upon himself, dying in disgrace. This story warns against chasing a short-lived advantage and focusing only on immediate gain while planting the seeds of disaster. A moment of triumph may be when danger is already taking root. Guard against threats close at hand, and do not invite endless trouble for a small reward. Thus this is the gravest of ill omens.
The Story Behind the Lot (alternate version)Another traditional version, for reference
Dong Zhuo Hides Gold at Meiwu
Toward the end of the Eastern Han dynasty, the powerful minister Dong Zhuo sought to win the warrior Lü Bu over with a famous horse, lavish gifts of gold, and repeated rewards, then adopted him as his son. For a time they called each other father and son, and Lü Bu enjoyed extraordinary favor. But Lü Bu later had an affair with Diaochan, Dong Zhuo’s beloved concubine. The two men became enemies, and Lü Bu joined forces with the Minister over the Masses Wang Yun to kill his adoptive father with his own hands. He also urged Wang Yun to execute all of Dong Zhuo’s former followers. Lü Bu himself met no happy end: Cao Cao defeated him, captured him, and had him executed. A bond built on profit, with a criminal taken as one’s own son, may seem sweet at first, but in time it turns against its maker. This lot is a gravely inauspicious sign. It warns the seeker not to be blinded by a passing reward. People and ventures drawn by private gain or deceit are not worthy of trust. The profit coveted today may become the source of tomorrow’s suffering; cut it off early and leave no hidden trouble behind.
Readings by Topic
- Career
- Beware of false allies: an immediate reward may hide future trouble. Do not trust too readily.
- Wealth
- A small gain may be bait; pursuing it can bring later suffering. Keep your distance.
- Relationships
- The other person may seem kind while harboring ill intent; taking a thief for a son cannot make a good match.
- Home and Family
- Hidden dangers in the household may unsettle everyone. Be cautious and guard against ill-wishers.
- Personal Outlook
- Fortune is dim, and you may be misled by ill-wishers. Think carefully and do not covet easy gains.
- Health
- The illness may recur and conceal serious danger. Seek professional medical care promptly; prayer may offer comfort, but is not a substitute for treatment.
- Travel
- You may encounter dangerous people or traps on the road. If travel cannot be avoided, take extra precautions.
- Finding Someone
- The missing person may be concealed by ill-wishers. A search may prove fruitless.
- Business
- The deal may be fraudulent: it looks profitable but could leave you cheated. Better to stop.
- Pregnancy
- A boy may be born, but complications are feared. Seek appropriate prenatal care and follow your clinician’s advice.
- Legal Matters
- The case is more likely to go badly than well. Seek an early settlement and avoid further entanglement.
- Lost Property
- A dishonest person has taken the item. Its trail is gone, and it will be difficult to recover.
- Relocation
- Moving is unfavorable. It is better to stay where you are for now and pray for relief.
Ask with a sincere heart: draw this lot yourself in the MyFate workbench.
Draw a lot online →