The Assembly at Chessboard Mountain
Neutral
The poem
Original: 劝君切莫向他求 / 似鹤飞来暗箭投 / 若去采薪蛇在草 / 恐遭毒口也忧愁
The story
With Emperor Taizong besieged in the west, Xue Dingshan was made marshal and sent to relieve him. Past the Jade Gate the column reached Chessboard Mountain and was surrounded by thousands of bandits. The chief's sister, trained by an immortal and carrying a magic cord, captured Luo Tong and then trapped Xue Dingshan himself. An ordinary hillside held a snare nobody had expected.
What it means
The image is keeping to your own place: caution in everything. The verse is blunt: do not go to that person and ask for anything. What flies toward you looking like a white crane is a hidden arrow; go up the hill for firewood and a snake is coiled in the grass. There is deception in this business, and the harm comes from somewhere concealed rather than in the open. Keep your mouth shut, stay out of other people's affairs, and understand that advancing is dangerous while withdrawing is safe. Any dishonesty of your own will rebound on you.
By area of life
Wealth
Wait for gain. Investment is full of risk and one lapse of attention costs you. In trade, scrutinise promises and stop if they seem doubtful.
Love
Be careful whom you trust. Do not seek a match now, guard against false affection if you are attached, and do not chase a reconciliation.
Work
There are hazards in the job search, including being undercut and being deceived. Business is full of traps; stay conservative and avoid speculators.
Health
Recovery is slow. Repent thoroughly, clear the shadow in your own mind first, and guard carefully against misdiagnosis and against remedies whose origins you cannot verify.
Travel
There are hazards along the route and mistakes are likely. Withdrawing keeps you safe; obstruction is heavy on this road.
Advice
There is something in this you cannot see, so do not go asking, and one step back will keep you safe.