16

Ye Mengxiong at the Emperor's Court

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The poem

The knotted brow relaxes for a little while,the clouds part and gladness comes of itself.Like jade that has been buried in the dung and earth,a fine craftsman recommends it out of the dust.

Original: 愁眉思虑暂时开 / 启出云霄喜自来 / 宛如粪土中藏玉 / 良工荐举出尘埃

The story

Ye Mengxiong of Huizhou passed the imperial examinations in 1565. In 1592, when a general seized Ningxia and the minister of war failed to retake it, Ye Mengxiong was given the command, broke the city and put down the revolt, and his reputation was made. Jade buried in the ground needs a craftsman with an eye to dig it out.

What it means

The image is yin and yang in accord; whatever you plan goes well. The furrowed brow relaxes, the clouds open, and gladness arrives on its own. The decisive line is the jade buried in the dirt. You do have something others do not, but the present situation has buried it, and you need someone with an eye to bring you forward. So two things are required now: make your strengths visible, and notice who the person with judgement actually is. There is no loss in what you gain and there is profit inside the setback.

By area of life

Wealth

Gain is available through legitimate channels, so avoid speculation, which will only cost you here. Good credit steadily accumulates customers and becomes your most reliable asset.

Love

The worry is nearly over and a go-between will speak for you. Approach the person honourably and you will find they suit you better than expected.

Work

Only one small obstacle stands in the way; clear it and things run. When applying, make your hidden skills visible, and the right person will back you.

Health

A long-standing illness needs its root found before it improves. Make an offering, and work on the knot in the mind that keeps it in place.

Travel

You will meet some difficulties abroad, all of them solvable. Meeting someone with judgement out there is what makes your name.

Advice

Polish one corner of the buried jade so that the person with an eye can recognise it.