Liu Bei Takes a Bride
Neutral
The poem
Original: 失意反成得意时 / 龙吟虎啸两相宜 / 青天自有通霄路 / 许我功名再有期
The story
Governor of Jingzhou and newly widowed, Liu Bei was offered Sun Quan's sister in marriage, a trap meant to hold him hostage until Jingzhou was surrendered. Zhuge Liang saw through it and gave Zhao Yun three sealed plans. The false wedding became a real one: Liu Bei took Lady Sun and returned safely, and Zhou Yu was said to have lost both the lady and his army.
What it means
The image is of the dragon's chant and the tiger's roar, each answering the other at the right time. What looks like a setback is the opening of your good fortune, and the very difficulty that hems you in is what delivers you. There is a road through the sky, and recognition delayed is not recognition denied. Go when told to go, stay when told to stay, and be flexible rather than stubborn, for the end of the matter is profit. When you meet an obstacle, do not panic: that is the force lifting you.
By area of life
Wealth
The heaviest profit hides in a depressed market. If you are caught in a position, hold with courage and patience; long endurance in trade brings the large gain.
Love
A present disappointment is a good omen. Hardship draws the two of you closer, feeling deepens, and the match is finally made.
Work
Obstacles on the road are the very thing pushing you upward. Manage matters well and a prosperous stretch of your career is genuinely in prospect.
Health
The illness seems to come and go. Face it bravely, follow the treatment, and you may well end up stronger than you were before.
Travel
The first stage abroad is hard. Meet the challenge instead of retreating and your reputation will eventually come safely to shore.
Advice
Treat this disappointment as the door your good fortune walks through.