Su Xiaomei Tests Her Bridegroom
Neutral
The poem
Original: 日上吟诗月下歌 / 逢场作戏笑呵呵 / 相逢会遇难藏避 / 唱彩齐唱连理罗
The story
Su Xiaomei, sister of the poet Su Dongpo, was famously quick-witted. On her wedding night she set the bridegroom Qin Shaoyou three riddles before she would let him in. He struggled through two and stuck fast on the third, until Su Dongpo, listening outside the window, prompted him. The story has been told for centuries as a compliment to her wit.
What it means
The image is of keeping to the old and moving with the time, and matters are favourable as they stand. Poems by day and songs by night, laughter and good company: there is no hiding at a gathering, so let yourself be part of it. The sign teaches you to meet people with an open face, since a smile brings goodwill and courtesy brings opportunity. Fortune and misfortune are allotted, but the openness of your mood is your own, and when you are glad other people solve your riddles for you.
By area of life
Wealth
Invest in a cheerful frame of mind, choose your moment, and give a little away; the harvest comes to those in good spirits.
Love
Greet people warmly and a match appears almost at once. Sincerity in ordinary company is what makes this marriage actually happen.
Work
Courtesy to colleagues and respect for clients is the whole method. Once people like you the work opens up by itself.
Health
An open heart opens the illness. Keeping your spirits up is a real part of the recovery, not a decoration on it.
Travel
Set out with optimism and confidence. The wind is behind you; raise the sail and the prospects abroad are good.
Advice
Unknot your brow and laugh, and someone else will answer the hard question.