Guanyin Oracle Lot 73: Mutiny at Chenqiao

Xiao He Pursues Han Xin by Night

Han Xin was a commoner from Huaiyin. He was poor in his early years, once enduring humiliation by crawling between someone’s legs and receiving food from an old woman who washed clothes by the river. He first served Xiang Liang and then Xiang Yu, but was not given a position. He later joined Liu Bang, the King of Han, yet was given only a minor post overseeing provisions. Frustrated at being overlooked, he fled one night. Chancellor Xiao He knew Han Xin was a peerless talent. When he heard of the escape, he raced after him through the night without first reporting to the King of Han, and persuaded him to return. Xiao He strongly recommended Han Xin to Liu Bang, saying that no one but Han Xin could win the realm. Liu Bang chose an auspicious day, built an altar, fasted and bathed, and appointed Han Xin commander-in-chief. Han Xin then led the army: openly repairing the plank road while secretly crossing at Chencang, forming a formation with his back to the river, and laying an ambush at Gaixia on all sides. He eventually defeated Xiang Yu and secured the Han dynasty, rising from an unknown soldier to a founding hero. The oracle uses this story to describe a talent long trapped in obscurity who meets a discerning patron and, when the moment arrives, rises from humble beginnings to great success. It signals that a long period of concealment is nearing its end and that a benefactor is at hand; now is the time to act boldly.