Guanyin Oracle Lot 72: Wang Mang seeks able men
The Verse
To coax the bees, you must seek their honey;
But beware the sting hidden in their tails.
A different road may seem open before you,
Yet thorns and brambles lie concealed within.
Translation by MyFate.AI. The Chinese original is the authoritative text.
AI readingYou may seek a benefit or a shortcut, and the way ahead may look clear, but hidden dangers lie behind it. Be cautious in partnerships and financial dealings; do not let greed drive you into rash action.
The Story Behind the Lot
Wang Mang seeks able men
Wang Mang was a member of the imperial in-law clan in the late Western Han. He built his reputation by appearing humble toward his subordinates and respectful of the worthy. He recruited talented scholars from across the realm, distributed his wealth, cultivated allies, and presented himself as modest and frugal, earning praise at court and among the people. Eventually, invoking the appearance of popular support, he usurped the Han throne and founded the Xin dynasty. Yet his recruitment of the worthy was not truly for the realm; it was a way to pave his path to power. He was like someone attracting bees to take their honey, unaware that their stingers hid danger. After becoming emperor, he sought to restore ancient institutions, but his reforms were misguided and his decrees erratic. Heavy levies threw the realm into chaos. During the Red Eyebrows and Green Forest rebellions, he was killed by rebel troops at the Jiantai Terrace, and his head was displayed. The lot invokes Wang Mang’s false benevolence in seeking the worthy and his ambition that brought disaster. It warns that schemes driven by self-interest and shortcuts to immediate gain may seem clever but conceal mortal danger. This very inauspicious lot cautions against risking everything for quick profit.
The Story Behind the Lot (alternate version)Another traditional version, for reference
Lü Buwei
Lü Buwei was a wealthy merchant from Yangdi during the Warring States period, skilled at speculation and profit. He saw that the Qin prince Yiren (Zichu), held hostage in Zhao, was in a desperate position and decided that he was “a rare commodity worth investing in.” Lü spent his fortune cultivating connections and lobbied Lady Huayang to help Yiren become her designated heir. Yiren returned to Qin and became King Zhuangxiang; Lü Buwei was appointed chancellor, made Marquis Wenxin, and granted revenues from ten thousand households, giving him great power. When Ying Zheng succeeded to the throne, he honored Lü as “Secondary Father,” and Lü’s influence seemed unmatched. But the gains of speculation held the seeds of disaster. After he was implicated in the Lao Ai rebellion, and the Qin king grew wary of his excessive power, Lü was dismissed and sent to his fief. In fear and despair, he eventually drank poison and died. Throughout his life, Lü Buwei used a merchant’s calculations to pursue wealth and status. Though it looked like a shortcut to fortune, each step concealed a trap, and in the end he brought disaster upon himself. This lot warns that those who chase shortcuts and clever profits often invite trouble; keep to the proper path and avoid speculation.
Readings by Topic
- Career
- Speculative projects conceal pitfalls; steady, cautious work is best.
- Wealth
- A rush for profit may leave you vulnerable to schemers.
- Relationships
- It may look promising, but hidden conflicts lie beneath the surface.
- Home and Family
- Fortunes at home are poor; beware of arguments and disputes.
- Personal Outlook
- Be wary of people close to you who may be plotting against you.
- Health
- The illness may linger and be slow to resolve; seek medical care early. Serious illness requires care from a qualified medical professional.
- Travel
- There may be hidden dangers along the way; avoid long-distance travel where possible.
- Finding Someone
- The search will be difficult, and their whereabouts hard to discover.
- Business
- Delay making plans for a partnership.
- Pregnancy
- There may be several false alarms during pregnancy; consult a healthcare professional for appropriate prenatal care.
- Legal Matters
- You are likely to lose the case; avoid litigation if possible.
- Lost Property
- The item will be difficult to recover; do not force the search.
- Relocation
- Do not move; a rash change may bring trouble.
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