King Wu Ascends the Throne
Neutral
The poem
Original: 父贤传子子传孙 / 衣食丰隆只靠天 / 堂上椿萱人快乐 / 饥饭渴饮困时眠
The story
King Wu marched against the tyrant Zhou, eight hundred lords joining him; the Shang troops turned their spears, and Zhou burned himself alive in his tower. Taking the throne, King Wu opened the granaries, freed prisoners, honoured the tomb of the loyal Bi Gan, laid up his weapons, and turned the war horses out to pasture. The realm settled into peace.
What it means
The image is of water led through jointed bamboo, flowing on without a break. What passes from father to son and son to grandson is not only property but the conduct and household rules that make property safe. Comfort is credited to heaven, yet it rests on merit others accumulated for you. Parents in health, an ordinary day of eating, drinking and sleeping: this plainness is the blessing. What you hope for can be achieved simply by following the honest, established way, and there is no need to start a new furnace.
By area of life
Wealth
Income is ample and, more importantly, steady. Investments go smoothly; when the profit comes, set aside a portion for something that serves other people.
Love
Simply say what you want. Once word gets out, good matches present themselves; this is a marriage that ripens rather than one you must hunt.
Work
Follow the family style and the methods already proven. Steady work makes you prosperous; do not aim at something far above your present ground.
Health
Regular hours and an unhurried mind mean there is no serious illness here. Taking care of daily life is itself the cure.
Travel
Study abroad along established lines. Finish what you set out to do and you will come home both accomplished and safe.
Advice
Take the spring your elders opened and keep leading the water down.