Xue Rengui Meets His Sovereign
Neutral
The poem
Original: 投身岩下雕鸟居 / 须是还他大丈夫 / 及早营谋谁可得 / 通行天地此人无
The story
Xue Rengui enlisted three times and each time was made a cook. When Emperor Taizong was being hunted down during the eastern campaign, it was Rengui who threw himself into the pursuit and saved him. He was raised on the spot to commander and won victory after victory. Only in upheaval does real quality show itself.
What it means
The image is a man offering himself in a dangerous place. Whoever steps forward at the cliff edge must be genuinely capable, and such people are rare. The lot cuts both ways. If you have real ability and are willing to carry the risk, this unstable moment is precisely where you will be seen. If you do not have the ability, do not volunteer for the danger. Chaos produces heroes and hardship reveals true friends. Judge yourself and others now by demonstrated capability, not by reputation or friendship.
By area of life
Wealth
Depressed markets and violent price swings are the entry point for those with judgement. Without nerve and expertise, stay out.
Love
The right partner is recognisable only under strain. Whoever is willing to sacrifice for you now is the rare and genuine match.
Work
A downturn is when good positions open, but only to those who clearly outmatch their peers. Survive the crisis and you stand alone in the field.
Health
Illness tends to worsen around seasonal turning points. Get past those and the picture brightens; make offerings and keep to a solid regimen.
Travel
Building a life abroad will cost you a great deal and demands a genuine skill. Without one you will simply return home and start over.
Advice
Step forward when the moment calls for it, but first be honest about whether you can carry what you are volunteering for.