Liu Ji Remonstrates with His Lord
Neutral
The poem
Original: 一谋一用一番书 / 虑后思前不敢为 / 时到贵人相助力 / 如山牆立可安居
The story
Liu Ji, known as Bowen, was a master of history, astronomy and strategy who helped Zhu Yuanzhang unify China. When Zhu proposed to march to relieve the besieged city of Anfeng, Liu Ji urged him urgently not to go, predicting defeat. Zhu went, was trapped, and was saved only by his generals. The unwelcome advice had been the sound plan.
What it means
The image is a house with good walls: solid and without danger. Every move requires deliberation, and thinking it round from both ends leaves you unable to act, which is exactly where you are. The lot does not scold you for hesitating; it simply tells you the ending. When a patron finally puts a hand to it, the matter stands like a wall and you can live in it. The process is bound to be repetitive, with defeats and retreats, and that is normal. The old is renewed, the winter flower meets spring, and the past obstruction turns to satisfaction.
By area of life
Wealth
Gains and losses alternate repeatedly, and you come home in profit at the end. Property deals go back and forth but eventually close.
Love
Even after several partings and disappointments you settle firmly at last. With a patron's support the relationship becomes solid as a mountain.
Work
After much searching you find the work you wanted. Business rises and falls repeatedly and still produces good results, so do not read a reversal as an ending.
Health
Health fluctuates and even the decision whether to treat is unclear. Prefer gentle methods without side effects to anything drastic.
Travel
The journey brings setbacks and repeated second thoughts about whether to go at all. With a patron's help the matter can be settled and made safe.
Advice
Your hesitation is not a fault; once the right person lends a hand this will stand like a wall.