23

Gao Huaide Marries into the Palace

Neutral

The poem

You wish to grasp the cassia and enter the moon palace;the gate of heaven opens wide, why should it refuse you?Suddenly some ordinary news arrives, and it is good,and everyone is laughing at the flowers on the ridge.

Original: 欲扳仙桂入蟾宫 / 普开天门不任君 / 忽遇一般音信好 / 人人皆笑岭顶花

The story

Gao Huaide of Changshan supported Zhao Kuangyin at the Chenqiao mutiny that founded the Song, and was promoted to deputy commander of the palace guard. He then married the emperor's sister, the Princess of Yan, and was made imperial son-in-law. A founding minister who is also the emperor's brother-in-law need not worry about rank or income.

What it means

The image is grasping the cassia branch: there is always a patron. To reach the moon palace you must first take hold of the cassia. Once you have the key, why should the gate not open? The good news that suddenly arrives is that key. The lot tells you that success here does not depend on how hard you push but on whether you have found the decisive person and the decisive step. Find them and everyone shares the celebration; miss them and all your effort is shouting through a closed door.

By area of life

Wealth

Gain goes as you wish. Managing money takes skill and investing takes judgement; in trade, wide goodwill and solid credit are the root of profit.

Love

Marriage is obstructed, but with a patron at hand you will not lack a match. Treat each other with respect, and to reconcile, find the actual sticking point.

Work

With a real skill you will not lack an occupation. Seize the decisive person and the decisive step and the work shines.

Health

For a chronic illness, first find the root. The right method and the right practitioner will cure it; do not consult at random.

Travel

Abroad there is no reason for failure, since a patron will support you and your aim can be achieved. Take care of your safety on the road.

Advice

Find the cassia branch, the one person or the one step that matters, and the gate opens by itself.