Chapter 95: The Chapter on the Return of a Traveler

（以用爻為主，月卦為憑。）世克用爻人未至，用爻克世許他歸。須問占者何人，詳為用爻。若世克用爻，行人尚是逗留，未有歸期。用爻克世，已為輜裝，刻時可到。如臨絕處求生日，凡在空鄉沖必回。用爻逢絕，須看那日來生，乃是輜裝之期。用象若空，必求沖日，方持歸帆，近以日斷，遠以月推。

This chapter discusses predicting when a traveler will return home. The main focus is on the "Useful God" and the "Month Hexagram" (Hexagram Body) as the basis. If the "World Line" is stronger and overcomes the "Useful God," the traveler has not yet arrived. If the "Useful God" overcomes the "World Line," then the traveler is expected to return soon. First, it is necessary to clarify who the subject of the divination is, in order to determine the "Useful God" accurately. If the "World Line" overcomes the "Useful God," the traveler is still away and has no definite return date. If the "Useful God" overcomes the "World Line," then the traveler has already prepared for the journey and will return soon. If the "Useful God" is in the "Absolute" position, one should look for the day it receives support, which indicates the departure date. If the "Useful God" is in the "Empty" position, one should look for the day it is stimulated by a conflict, which indicates the return. For short distances, predictions are made by days; for long distances, by months.

若乃卦中無主象，候觀值日散愁眉，卦身合日方言到，用遇生扶可接陪。若卦中內外及互變飛伏俱無用爻，是無主象也，直待日辰透出，乃是歸期。卦身者，即月卦也，與日相合亦作歸程。若干支相合，決到無疑。經云：假令丙子水為身，辛丑日辰以時道。若用爻遇動爻並日辰生扶者，皆是歸來之兆。卦靜應空皆莫望，六合歸魂共舉杯。六爻安靜或值空亡，莫雲倚門凝望。卦逢六合或遇歸魂，即返故園歡會。

If the "useful god" is not present in the hexagram, then on the day it is the day branch, the person's worries will naturally ease. Only when the "hexagram body" harmonizes with the day branch can it be said that the person has returned home. If the "useful god" is supported and assisted, it indicates that one can prepare a welcome. If the "useful god" is not found in the inner and outer trigrams, the nuclear hexagram, the resulting hexagram, the flying god, or the hidden god, then there is no main image, and one must wait until the day branch reveals the "useful god" to determine the return date. The "hexagram body" refers to the "month trigram"; when it harmonizes with the day branch, it can be interpreted as the return journey. If both heavenly stems and earthly branches harmonize, it is certain that the person will return. The classic says: if the "hexagram body" is Bingzi water, then use Xinchou as the day branch to determine the date. If the "useful god" is assisted by a moving line or supported by the day branch, these are signs of return. If all six lines are still and the responding line is empty, there is no need to expect. If the hexagram meets the "six harmony" or the "return soul," they can gather and celebrate together. If all six lines are still or fall into "empty death," there is no need to look forward to waiting by the gate. If the hexagram meets the "six harmony" or encounters the "return soul," the person will return home immediately to celebrate.

（以父母為主，朱雀為憑。）書柬來時父母興，父空雀動口傳音，應爻空絕誰捎寄，妻財持世信水沉。卦中內外父母興隆，千里書文傳至。父母空亡朱雀發動數聲音信傳來。應爻空絕書柬寫成無使雁。財爻持世或發動，當知音信已水沉。

This chapter discusses divination about receiving messages or letters from afar, with "parents" as the main focus and "Vermilion Bird" as the evidence. When a message is about to arrive, the "parents" line must be strong and flourishing. If the "parents" line is empty and the "Vermilion Bird" is active, then it indicates a brief verbal message. If the "response line" is empty and falls into a dead end, there will be no one to carry the message. If the "wealth" line is adjacent to the "world line," the message will be like a stone sinking into the sea, without a trace. If the "parents" lines in both the inner and outer trigrams are flourishing, then the message from a thousand miles away will arrive. If the "parents" line is in "empty death" and the "Vermilion Bird" is active, then a few words of verbal message will be received. If the "response line" is empty and falls into a dead end, the message may have been written but there is no messenger to carry it. If the "wealth" line is adjacent to the "world line" or is active, then it indicates that the message has sunk without a trace.

父帶青龍為喜信，如臨白虎作凶文，須臾得見因朱雀，中途阻隔為勾陳。父母帶青龍，賁來喜慶之書。印綬臨白虎，報傳凶惡之文，加朱雀遍傳迅速，逢勾陳阻滯淹留。印綬化空遺失去，逢沖偷折看虛真。父母化空，中途遺失，決難尋覓。印綬逢沖，被人偷開竅視情由。那日父臨生旺合，決然相遇帶書人。欲覓寄書之人，須看父母之爻，臨生日可見，臨旺日相逢，臨合日會晤耳。

The "Parents" with the "Azure Dragon" indicates good news, but if it is accompanied by the "White Tiger," it signifies bad news; the message can be received quickly because it is accompanied by the "Vermilion Bird"; however, if it is obstructed on the way, it is because it is accompanied by the "Gou Chen." The "Parents" with the "Azure Dragon" brings joyful news; the "Parents" (imprint) with the "White Tiger" brings ominous messages; adding the "Vermilion Bird" ensures quick transmission, while encountering the "Gou Chen" causes delay. If the "Parents" becomes empty, the message is lost on the way and cannot be recovered; if the "Parents" is in conflict, it means the message was secretly opened and its contents read. When the "Parents"爻 is on a day of birth, strength, or combination, one will certainly meet the person who brought the message. To find the messenger, one should look at the "Parents"爻: on a day of birth, one can see the messenger; on a day of strength, one can meet the messenger; on a day of combination, one can meet the messenger. Therefore, when inquiring about messages, the "Parents" determines presence or absence, the "Six Spirits" determines fortune or misfortune and speed or delay, and the days of birth, strength, and combination determine the time of response. By considering all three together, the judgment will not be empty.

（以世爻為主，外卦為憑。）訪友尋人忌六沖，游魂他必往途中，應空應動人非在，實主相逢世不空。爻值六沖，親不見，友難逢。卦是游魂，必在邂逅之間。應爻若空、應爻若動，其人已出外矣，決不在家，幾遍登堂難見面。世位不空、世位不動，不期而會面親歡娛。若覓他人外卦取，如尋親族用爻從，但臨空地終吁嘆，相合相生便得逢。若尋外姓他人，以外卦為用。若尋親戚族人，以六親為用。生若合我，可尋可見。若值旬空、或臨月破，萍蹤浪跡何處追隨。

This chapter discusses divination for searching for people or visiting friends, with the "World Line" as the main focus and the outer trigram as the basis. When seeking friends or people, the most dangerous is the "Six Clashes." If the hexagram is "Wuhun" (Wandering Soul), the person is definitely on the way. If the "Response Line" is empty or active, the person is not at home. Only when the "World Line" is not empty can a real meeting happen. If the line encounters "Six Clashes," relatives cannot be seen and friends are difficult to meet. If the hexagram is "Wuhun," it is mostly only possible to meet by chance on the way. If the "Response Line" is empty or active, the person has already left home and is definitely not at home, and even if you go several times, you won't meet them. If the "World Line" is not empty or active, you can meet unexpectedly and gather happily. If you are searching for someone outside your family, take the outer trigram as the "Useful God." If you are searching for relatives, use the Six Relations to determine the "Useful God." If the "Useful God" comes to me and generates harmony with me, the person can be found and seen. If it is in "Shen Kong" (ten-day emptiness) or under "Yue Po" (month breaker), the person is wandering and there is no place to find them. Therefore, the key points of this chapter are: "Six Clashes" and "Wuhun" determine whether the person can be found; the emptiness or activity of the "Response Line" determines whether the person is at home; the generation and harmony between the "Useful God" and me determine whether the search can be successful. By considering these three aspects, you can know before visiting whether the person is present or not.

（親族以用爻為主，他人以應象為憑。）凡候鄰朋，應位怕臨月破。但迎親戚，用神忌值旬空。如卜官員官莫陷，若占僧道福宜興。凡途中守候之人，各有用爻。若鄰舍鄉里之人，以應為用。族中親眷，以六親取用。有祿之人，以官鬼為用。僧尼巫道，以子孫為用。其用興隆生合者，楚客吳賓終會合。若遇旬空月破者，魚沉雁杳永無音。

This chapter discusses divination for someone waiting halfway for a guest. For relatives, the main focus is the "Useful God" (用神), while for outsiders, the "Response Line" (应爻) is the basis. When waiting for neighbors or friends, one should be cautious if the "Response Line" is affected by the "Month Breaker" (月破). If welcoming relatives, one should avoid the "Useful God" falling into the "Decade Void" (旬空). If divining about an official, the "Official Ghost" (官鬼) should not be in a trap. If divining about a monk or Taoist, the "Children" (子孙), representing fortune and virtue, should be prosperous. Those waiting on the way each have their own "Useful God": neighbors and local people use the "Response Line" as their "Useful God"; relatives use the "Six Relations" (六亲) to determine their "Useful God"; those with official positions and salaries use the "Official Ghost" as their "Useful God"; monks, nuns, witches, and Taoists use the "Children" (子孙) as their "Useful God." If the "Useful God" is prosperous and harmonizes with the seeker, guests from Chu and those from Wu will eventually meet. However, if encountering the "Decade Void" or "Month Breaker," there will be no news, and the matter will remain unresolved.

游魂但化歸魂，轉回故里。世動再加應動，復往他鄉。游魂變作歸魂，旅商獲利跨鶴還鄉。世動又兼應動，騷人乘興泛棹他邦。騷人，詩人也。世破世沖，自己無心久候。應空應絕，他人無意來迎。世位或沖或陷，自己灰心難等。應爻遇絕遇空，他人事糾難來。

When a "Yóuhún" hexagram transforms into a "Guīhún" hexagram, a person is about to return to their hometown. If the "Shìyáo" (World Line) moves and the "Yìngyáo" (Response Line) also moves, the person will go to another place again. When "Yóuhún" changes to "Guīhún," it signifies a merchant making a profit and returning home like a crane flying back; when both "Shìyáo" and "Yìngyáo" move, it means a refined scholar or poet traveling by boat to another place. If the "Shìyáo" is broken or affected, it indicates the person has no intention of waiting long. If the "Yìngyáo" falls into emptiness or a dead end, it means the other party has no intention of coming to meet. If the "Shìyáo" is either affected or falls into a pit, the person becomes discouraged and unable to wait longer. If the "Yìngyáo" meets a dead end or emptiness, it means the other party is involved in complicated matters and cannot come forward.

世應二爻生合，聲未絕兮相逢。內外兩卦刑沖，眼望穿而未遇。世應相生相合，邂逅三生有幸。六沖之卦，望穿兩眼無蹤。日傷應位，當日難來。時克他爻，過時方至。日來克應，定知當日不來，時來傷用，便待過時可遇。旁爻動合應爻，遇朋留款。彼象化成空象，見路遊行。若見旁爻動合應爻，故友相邀留戀。用爻若成空象，尋花問柳閒行。捕賊捕逃，必要世爻克應。迎待親朋，須得用爻生世，斟酌吉凶稱理，參詳衰旺玄微。

The lines "World" and "Response" are mutually generating and harmonious, meaning that people meet before words are even spoken. However, the inner and outer hexagrams mutually clash and conflict, so even with longing eyes, they cannot meet. When "World" and "Response" are generating and harmonious, it is a fortunate meeting of three lifetimes. But when the hexagram of "Six Clashes" appears, even with longing eyes, there is no sign of the person. If the "Day Branch" harms the "Response Line," the person will not come on that day. If the hour harms the "Useful God," the meeting will be postponed until after that hour. If the "Day Branch" harms the "Response Line," it is certain that the person will not come on that day. If the hour harms the "Useful God," the meeting will be delayed until after that hour. If other lines move to harmonize with the "Response Line," it means the person meets a friend and is detained for hospitality. If the "Response Line" becomes empty, it means the person is wandering on the way. If other lines move to harmonize with the "Response Line," it indicates an old friend inviting and detaining the person. If the "Useful God" becomes empty, it means the person is wandering around, seeking pleasure. As for capturing thieves or apprehending fugitives, it must be that the "World Line" overcomes the "Response Line." For welcoming and entertaining relatives and friends, it is necessary that the "Useful God" generates the "World Line." The fortune and misfortune should be considered in a reasonable way, and the decline and prosperity should be examined for their subtle and profound meanings.

（以應爻為主，福德為憑。）涉險趨遐攬接貨，財通貿易掃門下榻，惟全信義款佳賓。未議商人之美惡，須憑易卦之精微。月合福生於世象，定接忠良。日沖應克於身爻，必招奸佞。開張行次之得失，招納商賈之往睞，難免奔馳，未知凶吉。若月日生世、子孫生世者，定有忠信之人千里來投，財利豈饒，信義允協。倘日辰沖世應爻克世者，決有奸佞之徒，一朝聚寓非惟無利，抑且有害。

This chapter discusses divination for attracting guests and welcoming merchants, with the "Response Line" as the main focus and the "Children" (Fortune Virtue) as the basis. If one ventures far to collect goods, with money circulating and trade flourishing, one should prepare a welcoming bed for guests, relying solely on trust and sincerity to entertain distinguished visitors. To evaluate the character of traveling merchants, one must rely on the subtle meanings of the Book of Changes. When the "Month Builder" and the "Useful God" harmonize, and the "Children" generate the "World Line," the guests welcomed will certainly be honest and virtuous. However, if the "Day Branch" conflicts with the "World Line" and the "Response Line" overcomes the "Body Line," the people coming will certainly be deceitful and wicked. Whether the establishment of a warehouse is profitable or not, and whether the reception of merchants is successful or not, one must inevitably go through much effort, yet the fortune remains uncertain. If the "Month Builder" and the "Day Branch" generate the "World Line," or if the "Children" generate the "World Line," there will certainly be honest and trustworthy people coming from afar, bringing not only abundant wealth but also mutual trust and sincerity. However, if the "Day Branch" conflicts with the "World Line" and the "Response Line" overcomes the "World Line," it is certain that deceitful people will gather, and once they reside in the dwelling, there will be no profit, only harm.

六沖乃實主無緣，空來空往。六合乃始終有利，能遇能逢。合處逢沖，縱得來而復去；沖中化合，雖未就以還成。六沖之卦，杳無客至，空在長途等候。六合之爻，定有商臨兼帶豐資到舍。倘遇合處逢沖，車馬臨門而復去。若得沖中化合，或被阻隔畢竟來歸。

"Six Clashes" indicate that the guest and host are not in harmony, and there is a sense of going and coming in vain; "Six Harmony" means there is always benefit, and the meeting is favorable. When "Harmony meets Clash," even if the guest arrives, they will soon leave; when "Clash includes Harmony," although the matter may not be completed, it can still succeed. A hexagram of "Six Clashes" suggests that no guest arrives, and it is merely a waiting in vain on the long road; a hexagram of "Six Harmony" indicates that a merchant with substantial capital will certainly arrive at home. If "Harmony meets Clash" occurs, it means that the carriage and horses have already arrived at the gate but then turn back; if "Clash includes Harmony" occurs, even if there is an obstacle along the way, the guest will eventually come. Therefore, both Clash and Harmony not only determine whether the guest comes or not, but also whether the guest stays or leaves.

應空則賓不能招，縱招不至。世陷則主不能得，縱得難諧。應落空亡，則無客商，縱使接而不來，來而不久。世遭空陷，自無力量，勉強而為，為而不振。克爻合應傷身，同類人唆人去。應動化爻合世，忠心客引客來。妻強子旺，倍得財源。父發兄興，反虧資本。兄弟者，為詐為虛，又為伴侶，若動來合應而傷世者，乃忠良之客。輾轉舉薦必是商賈填門。子財俱旺，財利倍增，父兄併發，本資當失。無福則休迎其客，無財則莫望其資，無鬼則所為不就，無身則所作不成，既明奇偶，便見虧盈。卦無子孫休迎客，爻內無財莫望財，無世無身難成就，無官無鬼主無商，大象盈虧，用心斟酌。

If the "Response Line" falls into an empty position, guests will not come, and even if they do come, they will not arrive. If the "World Line" falls into a depressed position, the host will not be able to retain them, and even if they are retained, harmony will be difficult to achieve. If the "Response Line" falls into "Empty Wasteland," there will be no merchants. Even if someone is sent to meet them, they will not come, and if they do come, they will not stay long. If the "World Line" is both empty and depressed, it lacks strength; even if one tries to act, the effort will not be effective. If a line comes to attack the "World Line" and harmonizes with the "Response Line" while harming the "Hexagram Body," it indicates that a fellow practitioner is inciting the guest to leave. If the "Response Line" is activated and the transformed line harmonizes with the "World Line," it means a loyal guest is recommending another guest. If "Wealth" is strong and "Children" are flourishing, the source of wealth will be doubled. If "Parents" are activated and "Siblings" are rising, losses will occur. The "Siblings" line represents deceit and false appearances, as well as companions. If it is activated and harmonizes with the "Response Line" while harming the "World Line," it indicates that fellow practitioners are inciting guests to leave, and through repeated recommendations, merchants will naturally come in large numbers. If both "Children" and "Wealth" are strong, profits will increase. If both "Parents" and "Siblings" are activated, capital will be lost. In summary, if the hexagram lacks "Children" (Fortune Virtue), one should not go to invite guests. If there is no "Wealth," one should not expect others' capital. If there is no "Official Ghost," the matter will not succeed. If there is no "Hexagram Body," the matter will not be accomplished. Once one understands the principles of yin and yang and the odd and even numbers, the gains and losses will naturally become clear. If the hexagram lacks "Children," one should not invite guests. If there is no "Wealth" in the lines, one should not expect profits. Without the "World Line" and without the "Hexagram Body," success will be difficult. Without the "Official Ghost," there will be no merchants. The gains and losses of the entire hexagram should be carefully considered.

（以應爻為主，福德為憑。）家延門客號陪賓，應上還須論淺深，不動不沖能久處，不空不絕永歡忻。陪賓者，乃宦豪之幕主也，以應爻為用，但喜不動不沖不空不絕，即攸久相處而無間阻。若得世應相生，彼此和諧之兆。又云：應生世，乃客來求謁於主。世生應，乃主去聘賓耳。

This chapter discusses divination concerning guests invited into the family. The "Response Line" is taken as the Useful God, and "Children" (Fortune Virtue) is used as a reference. The song says: When a family invites a guest to their door, they are called "companion guests." The depth of the relationship between host and guest depends entirely on the "Response Line." If this line is not activated and not affected by the Day Branch or Month Builder, the host and guest can maintain a long-term relationship. If it is not in "empty旬" or "deserted land," they will always be harmonious. "Companion guests" refer to those hired by officials or wealthy families as advisors. When divining, the "Response Line" is the Useful God. If this line is still and not disturbed by the Day Branch or Month Builder, not in empty旬, nor in deserted land, it indicates that the host and guest will stay together without any obstacles. If the "World Line" and "Response Line" mutually generate and support each other, it is a sign of harmony and mutual understanding. Previously, it was also said: If the "Response Line" generates the "World Line," it means the guest actively visits the host. If the "World Line" generates the "Response Line," it means the host actively invites the guest.

應如克世賓欺主，鬼雀兄搖惹禍臨。若應來克世，必定賓欺主人。若帶龍德貴人來克，是逞多能確勢欺壓主人。若帶劫殺凶神，必奸食佞狂妄侮賤而已。若合財爻，興奴僕同欺，加咸池玄武，恐恃淫亂而至此。若得雀虎兄鬼臨克、又或興旺決致禍患不寧。

The song says: If the Response Line comes to restrain the World Line, it indicates that the guest is bullying the host. If the Official Ghost, Vermilion Bird, and Siblings lines are also in motion, misfortune is about to arrive. When the Response Line restrains the World Line in the divination, it means that the hired guest is oppressing the host. If the restraining Response Line is accompanied by auspicious spirits such as Dragon Virtue or Nobleman, it suggests that this person is arrogant due to his talent and power, suppressing the host. If it is accompanied by凶 spirits like劫杀, it indicates that the person is cunning, flattering, arrogant, and disrespectful, only mocking the host. If the Response Line combines with the Wealth Line, it suggests that he is colluding with the household servants to oppress the host. If combined with Salty Pool and Black Tortoise, it is likely that the trouble arises from immoral relationships between men and women. If Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, Siblings, and Official Ghost all appear on the line that restrains the World Line, or if these凶 lines are in their prosperous and strong phase, misfortune will certainly come, and the household will not be at peace.

福德交重好佞滅，六沖不日兩灰心。子孫發動、或生世或生應，名為解歡之神群好自退。倘值六沖，彼此情疏漸漸分散矣！倘然幕府迎參贊，獨喜官興忌子孫。凡公門將佐、師府參隨之類，最喜官興財動以生扶，惟對子發兄搖而克害。

A song诀 says: When the "Children" (Fortune Virtue) line is activated in the form of an intersecting line or a repeated line, the wicked and deceitful people among the guests will naturally be eliminated; if the hexagram meets "Six Clashes," the host and guest will soon lose heart and become disheartened. When the "Children" line is activated, it either supports the "World Line" or the "Response Line," and this line is a divine force that resolves conflicts and brings harmony. With its presence, those who flatter and take advantage will naturally retreat. If the hexagram meets "Six Clashes," the relationship between host and guest becomes distant, and over time they will gradually part ways. The song诀 also says: If the divination is about a military camp hiring advisors and strategists, then it is favorable for the "Official Ghost" line to be prosperous, and it is undesirable for the "Children" line to be activated. All those who are officials, assistants, or attendants in government offices or military camps most prefer the "Official Ghost" line to be prosperous and the "Wealth" line to be activated to support the "Official Ghost" line. They particularly fear the activation of the "Children" line and the movement of the "Siblings" line, because these two lines are the ones that harm the "Official Ghost" line.

（以世應為主，生克為憑。）交友往來如手足，卦中兄弟忌空亡。交友者，各有不同，有同氣連枝，有邂逅鳥合、或同藝業、或同遊俠、或長幼之不同，或貴賤之嫌避。既為朋交，兄弟可推，不宜空絕。

This chapter discusses divination for making friends, focusing on the "World Line" and "Response Line" as main indicators, using the relationship of generation and overcoming between these two lines as the basis. The mnemonic says: friends come and go, closely related as if they were brothers and sisters, so the "Siblings" line in the hexagram should most avoid falling into "empty亡". When it comes to making friends, the situations vary: there are those who are real siblings, sharing the same breath and blood; those who meet by chance, like birds gathering temporarily; those who share the same trade or profession; those who are fellow wanderers or adventurers; some with age differences; and others with differing social statuses who avoid each other. Since we are discussing friendships among peers, the "Siblings" line is used for interpretation, and this line should not fall into the "ten-day empty" or be in a "terminal" position.

世空我意多遷變，應破他心每改張。相合相生如管鮑，相沖相剋如孫龐，比和彼我無高下，世位卑憂應克傷。世空世動，則我之猶豫未決。應破應虛，乃彼之更變不常。若日世應生合者，情孚契合。世應克者兩必參商。世應生合，必為攸久和同，而無彼此。惟獨應克世爻，占者大忌。

The song says: If the World Line falls into an empty position, it indicates that my own intentions are uncertain and changeable; if the Response Line is broken, it suggests that the other party's plan is constantly changing. When the two lines generate and harmonize with each other, their relationship is like Guan Zhong and Bao Shuyu, who remain loyal to each other through life and death. When the two lines clash and control each other, it is like Sun Bin and Pang Juan, who turn against each other. When the two lines have the Five Phases in harmony, they are equal to each other, with no distinction of superiority or inferiority. However, if the World Line is weak and is controlled by the Response Line, it is a bad omen. If the World Line is in an empty period or is active, it shows my own indecisiveness; if the Response Line is broken by the month or is weak and ineffective, it indicates the other party's unpredictability. If the day branch causes the World and Response lines to generate and harmonize, it means mutual understanding and affection. When the World and Response lines control each other, there will certainly be disputes between the two parties. When the World and Response lines generate and harmonize, they will certainly remain harmonious and united, without any distinction. However, when the Response Line controls the World Line, it is the most feared in divination.

結議官員官鬼淪，相知僧道福神當。男占女色財宜旺，女卜男情鬼要強。又論用爻，假如有緣之人，以官鬼為用，朋友結主之類，以兄弟為用，男占女以財為用，女占男以鬼為用。師巫僧道，以子孫為用，朋友結義之類，以兄弟為用，男占女以財為用，女占男以鬼為用。師巫僧道，以子孫為用，餘皆仿此詳之。

The rhyme says: If you associate with officials, take the "Official Ghost"爻 as the useful god; if you know a monk or Taoist, take the "Children" (Fortune Virtue) as the useful god; when a man divines a woman's feelings, the "Wealth"爻 should be strong; when a woman divines a man's feelings, the "Official Ghost"爻 should be strong. Here it further explains how to determine the useful god: for example, if you meet someone with official status, take the "Official Ghost" as the useful god; for sworn brothers, take the "Siblings" as the useful god; when a man divines a woman's feelings, take the "Wealth" as the useful god; when a woman divines a man's feelings, take the "Official Ghost" as the useful god; for monks, Taoists, and so on, take the "Children" as the useful god. This passage repeats the same points, emphasizing that for sworn brothers take "Siblings," for a man divining a woman take "Wealth," for a woman divining a man take "Official Ghost," and for monks and Taoists take "Children." All other types of people should be judged in the same way.

用爻若也傷身世，來往終須反受殃，合世生身終有益，用臨空絕少禎祥。用爻固不可無，如有而來克世者，不惟無益反受其虧，必得生世合世，方好信義益友。用臨空絕之鄉，彼此非美，交朋大忌。

The song says: If the useful god line harms or controls the hexagram body and the world line, then this friend, after long association, will eventually cause harm; if the useful god combines with the world line and generates the hexagram body, the relationship will be beneficial in the end. If the useful god falls into the ten-thousand-empty period and the terminal position, there will be little good fortune. Although the useful god should not be missing, if it exists in the hexagram but instead harms the world line, then this relationship will not bring benefit but rather loss. It is essential that the useful god generates or combines with the world line, only then can it be considered a trustworthy friend who is helpful. If the useful god falls into the ten-thousand-empty period and the terminal position, the relationship will be unsatisfactory, which is a major warning in divination about making friends.

雀同鬼發招非訟，合處逢沖豈久長。朱雀招唇吻，白虎作凶強，玄武能奸磅興，同官鬼而動者，乃雞豚狗尋同群奸盜，詐偽靡所不為訟非種種而生，豈可交結乎？又憑合處逢沖交朋合侶若然犯此，聚不多時意冷情寒漸漸而解矣，大意不成，亦從此決。

The song says: "When the Vermilion Bird and the Official Ghost are both activated, there will certainly be disputes and legal troubles; if the hexagram is originally harmonious but meets a conflicting situation, how can the relationship last long? The Vermilion Bird signifies verbal disputes, the White Tiger signifies violence and aggression, and the Black Tortoise signifies deceit and secrecy. If these deities are activated together with the Official Ghost on the same line, the people involved will be those who engage in petty crimes, form gangs, and commit all sorts of fraud and deceit, leading to endless disputes and legal troubles. Such people should not be associated with. Moreover, one should also consider 'harmony met with conflict': if forming friendships or partnerships involves this, the group will not last long, and the relationship will gradually become cold and distant, eventually dispersing. In general, if things cannot be accomplished, this can also be determined by this principle."

（以世應為主，生克為憑。）凡去糾人，先究相生相剋；如來合夥，次憑相合相沖。土若生賓，挈人之美。應如扶世，益已之為。凡糾人合夥者，須看卦中生克報合，便見吉凶，若世生應爻或內生外卦，皆主扶人而得成，引入而得進，如應生世或外生內者，必然委之而得力，賴之而有功。

This chapter discusses divination for attracting partners. It mainly focuses on the "World Line" and "Response Line," using their mutual generation and control as the basis. If I am the one inviting others, first examine the relationship between the two lines; if others are approaching me to form a partnership, then look at their mutual harmony or conflict. If the "World Line" generates the "Response Line," it indicates my support for others; if the "Response Line" supports the "World Line," it benefits me. When divining about forming partnerships, simply observe the generation, control, punishment, and harmony within the hexagram. If the "World Line" generates the "Response Line," or the inner trigram generates the outer trigram, it signifies my assistance to others and the successful completion of the matter, or my recommendation leading to the other person's advancement. If the "Response Line" generates the "World Line," or the outer trigram generates the inner trigram, it definitely means entrusting the task to someone who can be effective and relying on them for success.

吾克他爻，久服吾之驅使。彼傷我象，終被彼之侵虧。卦得比和，雖異姓交如骨肉。爻逢沖擊，縱親人一似冤仇。凡占以世為我，應為他，世如克應，彼必心悅誠服，愈久而如堅。若世被應克者，其心不善，定見侵欺。世應若得比和，彼此相得，情同管鮑。卦若六沖，兩心相反，仇若孫龐。本卦雖吉，若變出六沖，或合處逢沖，是皆有始無終之兆也。

If my line overcomes the other's line, he will obey me for a long time; if the other's line overcomes my line, I will eventually suffer loss and be taken advantage of. When the two lines in the hexagram have elements that are in harmony, even though they are from different families, their relationship will be as close as family; but if the two lines clash, even if they are close relatives, they will act like enemies. When divining about partnerships, take the 'World Line' as myself and the 'Response Line' as the other party. If the 'World Line' overcomes the 'Response Line', the other party will certainly be willing to obey, and the longer they stay together, the more reliable the relationship becomes. If the 'World Line' is overcome by the 'Response Line', the other person has ill intentions and will surely try to deceive and take advantage. If the 'World' and 'Response' lines are in harmony, they will be mutually compatible and their relationship will be like Guan Zhong and Bao Shu. If the hexagram encounters 'Six Clashes', the two parties will have conflicting thoughts and will develop enmity like Sun Bin and Pang Juan. Even if the original hexagram is favorable, if the changing hexagram results in 'Six Clashes', or if the original relationship was harmonious but is later affected by clashes, it is a sign of a relationship that starts well but ends badly.

倘合長親，父宜合世。但糾下輩，子忌沖身。如糾伯叔上人為伴者，父作用爻，官宜旺相，生世合世尤佳。若合子侄下輩同處者，子為主象，大忌空亡，又不宜沖世克成也。共作生涯，財絕兄興皆費本；同行買賣，世空應陷兩無情。凡合夥生意，須要妻財有氣，兄弟休囚，世應不空，方為大吉。倘若財臨空絕，兄又交重，反虧資本。卦內財爻縱旺，倘若世空，則自心疏懶，應空則他意更張。世應俱空，兩無情況，豈成伴侶乎？

If the partner is a senior relative, the "Parents" line should harmonize with the "World Line"; if the invitation is to a younger relative, it is undesirable for the "Children" line to clash with the hexagram body. For example, if inviting uncles or fathers to accompany, take "Parents" as the useful god, and "Official Ghost" should be prosperous and strong, being able to generate the "World Line" or harmonize with it is better. If inviting younger relatives to join, take "Children" as the main image, and it is most undesirable for it to fall into "Kongwang" (void), and it should also not clash with the "World Line" or control it. As for joint business operations, if "Wealth" is in a dead state and "Siblings" are strong and active, it will cause loss of capital. If working together in trade, if the "World Line" falls into void or the "Response Line" is trapped in void, both sides lack sincerity. In general, when partnering in business, it is necessary for "Wealth" to have strength, "Siblings" to be weak and confined, and both the "World Line" and "Response Line" not to fall into void, which is considered very auspicious. If "Wealth" is in a dead state and "Siblings" are active, it will result in loss of capital. Even if "Wealth" is strong in the hexagram, if the "World Line" falls into void, it indicates my own laziness and lack of effort; if the "Response Line" falls into void, it means the other party has other intentions. If both the "World Line" and "Response Line" fall into void, both sides lack sincerity, and how can they form a partnership?

問利有無，察財爻之消息。觀人勤惰，憑用象之興衰。問得利之多寡，惟看財爻，旺則多，而衰則少，空則無。財克世則有，世克財則無。要知人之勤惰，當察用爻，旺則勤儉，衰則疏懶，空則無能無力也。最喜財業克我。

To determine if this business will be profitable, examine the strength and decline of the '妻财' line; to see if the partner is diligent or lazy, judge based on the strength and weakness of the '用神' line. To know the amount of profit, look only at the '妻财' line: if it is prosperous and strong, the profit is great; if it is weak, the profit is small; if it is empty, there is no profit. When the '妻财' line overcomes the '世爻' line, the wealth will come to me; but if the '世爻' line overcomes the '妻财' line, there will be no gain. To know if the partner is diligent or lazy, look at the '用神' line representing him: if it is prosperous and strong, he is diligent and thrifty; if it is weak, he is lazy and lazy; if it is empty, he is incapable. Therefore, the most favorable situation is when the line of wealth and business overcomes me.

（以應爻為主，官鬼為憑。）賓來投主，難知美惡之心；貨脫求財，未審淺深之利。惟憑神卜，方得忠良。凡占脫貨求財，必托牙行專主。忠信者固有，奸偽者亦多，易觀面貌，難議心田，欲從善美，謾看吉凶。

This chapter discusses the success or failure of entrusting a broker to handle transactions. It focuses on the "Response Line" and uses the "Official Ghost" as a reference. Merchants coming to seek the help of a broker find it difficult to judge the sincerity of the broker; they also cannot know whether the profit from selling goods will be substantial or not. Only through divination can one select a trustworthy person. Whenever a transaction involves selling goods for profit, it is necessary to entrust the broker to handle it. Although there are honest and reliable brokers, there are also many dishonest and deceitful ones. A person's appearance is easy to judge, but their character is hard to assess. To find a good and reliable broker, one should look at the fortune's auspicious or inauspicious signs.

官若興隆，行主有千觸之力。應如空陷，牙人無毫忽之能。官旺應又旺，主人命亨、心實、行確、言忠，四方信服，千金盡托。應空官又空，其人家發必險力竭瞧喪外張聲勢，內蓄侵欺，不可交遊，遠之遠之。

If the "Official Ghost" line is prosperous and strong, the person in charge will have great ability in handling affairs; if the "Response Line" is empty and陷, the intermediary will have no ability at all. When the "Official Ghost" line is prosperous and strong and the "Response Line" is also prosperous, this person in charge will have a smooth destiny, be sincere-hearted, act steadily, and be trustworthy in speech. Everyone around him will believe in him, and even valuable goods can be entrusted to him. However, if the "Response Line" is empty and the "Official Ghost" line is also empty, the family business will decline and there will be certain dangers. His strength will be exhausted and his demeanor will be dispirited. He may appear strong outwardly, but inwardly he has the intention of cheating and deceiving. One must not associate with him and should keep a distance.

世被應傷，憂人抖欠。財遭兄克，慮彼侵欺。應克世爻，舊帳且延新帳難清楚。兄克財爻，後貨那償前貨終被侵欺。兄動則貨難脫卸，子興則物易交關。兄弟動，阻隔迭生，貨難盡脫。子孫興，價值屯增，利息培厚。

The World Line is harmed by the Response Line, indicating concern about the other party delaying payment; if the Wealth Line is restrained by the Siblings, one should be cautious of them embezzling. When the Response Line restrains the World Line, it suggests old debts remain unsettled and new ones are also difficult to resolve; when the Siblings restrain the Wealth Line, it means using money from a later shipment to settle an earlier debt, ultimately leading to loss. If the Siblings move, the goods will be hard to sell; if the Children line is strong, the goods will sell easily. When the Siblings move, continuous obstacles arise, and the sale will be incomplete; when the Children line is strong, the price keeps rising, and the interest becomes higher.

買物反要財衰，更要身持兄弟。脫貨正宜財旺，兼宜世值官爻。將錢買物，財衰易得，又宜世克財爻。若脫貨求財，妻興可去，偏喜財爻生克世爻。兄雀並搖，難逃口舌，武官同發不免穿偷。朱雀隨兄動時，招咭聒。玄武並官興，每遭盜賊。

When buying goods, the 'Wealth'爻 should be weak, and the Hexagram Body should have the 'Siblings'爻; when selling goods for profit, it is most suitable for the 'Wealth'爻 to be strong and flourishing, and it is especially favorable for the 'Wealth'爻 to generate or control the 'World Line'爻. When using money to purchase things, a weak 'Wealth'爻 makes it easier to buy, and it is also favorable for the 'World Line'爻 to control the 'Wealth'爻. If selling goods for profit, a strong and flourishing 'Wealth'爻 allows goods to be sold easily, especially when the 'Wealth'爻 generates or controls the 'World Line'爻. When the 'Siblings'爻 and the 'Vermilion Bird' move together, there is likely to be disputes. When the 'Black Tortoise' and the 'Official Ghost' move together, theft is inevitable. When the 'Vermilion Bird' follows the movement of the 'Siblings'爻, disputes and quarrels are likely to arise. When the 'Black Tortoise' and the 'Official Ghost' move together, theft is often encountered.

世應對沖行卻改，財官共合主方投，飛伏闡明，行藏自定。世沖應。應沖世，其行或改或移。鬼合妻、妻合鬼、其主堪投堪托。精詳飛伏互變，斷決休咎行藏。

The "World Line" and "Response Line" are in opposition, indicating that this business establishment should seek another; the "Wealth" and "Official Ghost" are in harmony, suggesting that this master is worthy of reliance. By thoroughly examining the relationship between the "Flying God" and the "Hidden God," one can naturally determine whether to stay or leave. When the "World Line" conflicts with the "Response Line," or vice versa, the business partner will either change or move. When the "Official Ghost" and "Wealth" are in harmony, or the "Wealth" and "Official Ghost" are in harmony, this master can be relied upon and entrusted. By carefully analyzing the interactions between the "Flying God," "Hidden God," and the original and changing lines, one can determine fortune and misfortune, and decide whether to stay or leave.

（將本以財爻為主，福德為憑。空拳以官爻為主，財象為憑。）將財求利，財為用，凡值旬空月破，凶旺相生身兼死世。金銀倍得利無窮，財源增益。搖福德資本虧傷，動弟兄父發助兄能克子，生涯有始定無終。將本求財，以財為用，不可空無，如遇旬空月破，不但無利，本亦虧折。如若旺來克世者，利息津津。生世者，財源滾滾。若得子孫發動，乃生財之神，財如源水流而不竭，故經云：子動會青龍，乃生財之大道，若兄動而子不動者，本利俱無，若父動而兄不動更加白虎，乃在克子孫元神，財無生助，故經云：父興臨白虎，為絕利之根源也。

This chapter discusses divination for seeking wealth and profit, and there are two approaches to identifying the useful god. For those who invest capital to trade, the "Wealth"爻 is the main focus, with the "Children" (Fortune Virtue) as a supporting factor. For those who make money without initial capital, the "Official Ghost"爻 is the main focus, with the "Wealth"爻 as a supporting factor. When seeking profit with capital, the "Wealth"爻 is the useful god. If this爻 falls in "Ten Empty" or "Month Breaker," it is an ominous sign. If the "Wealth"爻 is prosperous and strong, and it generates the hexagram body while overcoming the world line, then wealth will be abundant, interest will be endless, and the source of wealth will continuously increase. If the "Children"爻 moves, it can generate wealth, but if the "Siblings"爻 moves, there will be a loss of capital. If the "Parents"爻 moves, it will support the "Siblings" and harm the "Children," leading to the failure of the business. When seeking profit with capital, the "Wealth"爻 must not be missing or empty. If it encounters "Ten Empty" or "Month Breaker," there will be no interest, and even the capital will be lost. If the "Wealth"爻 is prosperous and strong and overcomes the world line, interest will come continuously. If it generates the world line, the source of wealth will be abundant. If the "Children"爻 moves, it is the origin god that generates wealth, and the wealth will flow like a river with a source, never running out. Therefore, the classic text says: "When the 'Children'爻 moves and meets the 'Azure Dragon,' it is the great path of generating wealth." If the "Siblings"爻 moves while the "Children"爻 remains still, both capital and interest will be lost. If the "Parents"爻 moves while the "Siblings"爻 remains still, and the "White Tiger" is present, it is specifically harmful to the "Children"爻, the origin god of generating wealth. The "Wealth"爻 loses its support, so the classic text says: "When the 'Parents'爻 is strong and moves with the 'White Tiger,' it is the root of cutting off the path to profit."

空拳問利宜官旺，財作元神莫犯空，反怪子興來制鬼，不嫌父母值興隆。空拳問利者，九流之輩。工匠餐食之流，皆名白手求財，以官為主，須要興隆生世合世，又喜財爻興旺而來扶助，此為大吉。犯忌子孫動，動則傷官，而用無用也。父母發動，空拳無害，將本為殃。將本為殃，有資本者遭殃。

Those who seek profit without capital should have the "Official Ghost" (官鬼) prosperous and strong, and the "Wealth" (妻财) should be its origin god and not fall into emptiness; they actually fear the "Children" (子孙) to be activated and restrain the "Official Ghost," but do not mind the "Parents" (父母) being strong.the so-called empty-handed seeking profit refers to people from various professions and craftsmen who live by their skills and start with nothing, all considered as seeking profit from nothing. They take the "Official Ghost" as their useful god, which needs to be prosperous and strong, generating and harmonizing with the "World Line" (世爻), and also prefers the "Wealth" to be prosperous and strong to support the "Official Ghost," which is a great auspicious sign. This type of divination most fears the "Children" to be activated, as once activated, it harms the "Official Ghost," and the useful god loses its function. If the "Parents" are activated, it does no harm to those seeking profit from nothing, but it brings disaster to those who operate with their own capital—so called "capital brings disaster," meaning those with capital are the ones who suffer from this.

衙門但怕官傷世，店肆惟愁卦六沖，走水官衰無險厄，祝巫鬼旺有神通。公門之役，官為用爻但不可傷世，若加白虎，必有刑之憂。店肆肄業，切忌六沖，沖則主僱難聚，貨物不豈。若涉江湖而覓利，風波不險全賴官衰。惟有圓光召將、施符設咒太保師巫等類，必仗官興鬼旺，其應如音。經云：請師來巫水祈延術、蓍龜之卜，官旺合真人之應，法必高明。鬼空，無野祟之靈道非通撤。

In the government office, serving as an official's attendant, one fears that the "Official Ghost" will harm the "World Line"; in running a shop, one worries about encountering the "Six Clashes" in the divination; when traveling by water for trade, the "Official Ghost" must be weak to avoid danger; for those performing rituals, the "Official Ghost" must be strong for the magic to work. Officials in the government office take the "Official Ghost" as their useful god, but this line must not harm the "World Line"; if the "White Tiger" is also present, there will be worries of punishment. For those running a business, the most feared is the "Six Clashes" in the divination; once there is a clash, customers will not gather and goods will not be able to be sent out. When sailing on the water for profit, the reason the waves are not dangerous is because the "Official Ghost" is weak. Only those like the circle-lighters, those who draw talismans and chant spells, must rely on the "Official Ghost" being strong for their magic to be effective. The classic text says: when calling a master to perform rituals, praying for longevity, or using yarrow stalks and tortoise shells for divination, if the "Official Ghost" is prosperous and in harmony with the true human energy, the power of the magic will certainly be great; if the "Official Ghost" is weak, it will not be able to connect with the other world, and the spiritual arts will not be effective.

血財更慮文書發，頓貨財衰利轉濃，脫物用爻宜發動，開張主象莫交重。若是收養六畜，偏怪父母交重而克害子孫者，則畜不長而財利輕。頓貨偏要財爻衰弱而可置。脫貨最宜財旺而動則易洩。開張店業，只要財靜，縱若舉動必定敗移。

Raising livestock for profit is most feared when the "Parents" hexagram moves; stockpiling goods is beneficial when the "Wealth" hexagram is weak, as it allows for cheaper purchases. Selling goods is most favorable when the "Wealth" hexagram is strong and active, making the goods easier to sell. Opening a new shop requires the "Wealth" hexagram to remain calm and stable; if it moves recklessly, the business will surely fail and relocate. If raising livestock, it is most undesirable for the "Parents" hexagram to move heavily and harm the "Children" hexagram, leading to small livestock and meager profits. Stockpiling goods requires the "Wealth" hexagram to be weak, allowing for low prices to buy in. Selling goods is most suitable when the "Wealth" hexagram is strong and active, making the goods easy to sell. Opening a new business requires the "Wealth" hexagram to remain calm and steady; if it moves recklessly, the business will surely fail and have to relocate.

梨園不忌官和弟，搏戲猶嫌鬼興兄，屠戶官宜臨白虎，空門子要帶青龍。搬演走戲、傀儡偶兒等類，不是二人所為之事，又要主僱來尋，兄弟為之伴侶，官鬼為用爻，若得兩動，方為全美，故云不怕官興兄發。博弈賭錢關採爭勝，乃係財物往來而決輸贏，兄弟耗財，官鬼剋剝，若值兄隆鬼旺，必致全輸。屠宰之流須見血，必得官騎白虎，空門修道要安然，惟祈子跨青龍者也。

Playwrights and actors do not fear the 'Official Ghost' and 'Siblings' hexagrams, but gamblers dislike these two lines being strong. Butchers prefer the 'Official Ghost' to be accompanied by the 'White Tiger', while monks and ascetics desire the 'Children' to be accompanied by the 'Azure Dragon'. Performing plays and puppet shows are not jobs that one or two people can do alone; they require customers to come and invite them. The 'Siblings' represent fellow performers, and the 'Official Ghost' is the essential element for this profession. Both lines need to be active for perfection, so they do not fear the 'Official Ghost' being strong or the 'Siblings' moving. Gambling and betting involve the exchange of money and the outcome of winning or losing. The 'Siblings' consume wealth, and the 'Official Ghost' drains capital. If both the 'Siblings' are strong and the 'Official Ghost' is vigorous, one will certainly lose everything. Butchers need blood, so the 'Official Ghost' must be on top of the 'White Tiger'. Monks and ascetics seek stability, so they hope the 'Children' will be on the back of the 'Azure Dragon'.

抽豐卻喜財官旺，合會須憂世應空，開礦淘沙兼取藏，伏財有氣福駢從。抽豐者，晉眉侯門餐食伊利，以官為用，惟喜官旺官生官合，彼必慨然厚贈，又得財動助鬼，則積心遂意。而回合會者，糾集親朋湊財濟急以世空為主，但得應爻生世合世，乃易成易得，若應空他人見卻，應被日沖月破、或兄弟動沖，皆主被人擾阻不成。若世空，我不能興，雖興物難入手。若世應兩空或值六沖，則彼此灰心難濟其事，地中寶乃藏而不露，但只取伏財為用，須要有氣可獲。沙內之金乃理而禾吐必得。財隱旺土動而變化淘之方，有劈山開曠破石尋珍以此無異，一理同推。

When someone comes to beg for help, the "Wealth" and "Official Ghost" are both strong, which is favorable. However, if gathering funds for a gathering, one should be cautious if the "World Line" and "Response Line" are empty. For mining and digging up hidden treasures, the "Hidden Wealth" must be strong to bring continuous good fortune.the so-called "drawing from abundance" refers to seeking help from wealthy families, taking the "Official Ghost" as the useful god. It is favorable if the "Official Ghost" is strong and prosperous, and it supports and harmonizes with the "World Line." In this case, the wealthy will generously give help. If the "Wealth" also moves to assist the "Official Ghost," it will be even more satisfactory. As for gathering funds through friends and relatives, the key is that the "World Line" should not be empty. As long as the "Response Line" supports the "World Line" and harmonizes with it, money will be easily gathered. If the "Response Line" is empty, others will refuse to help. If the "Response Line" is clashed by the day branch, broken by the month builder, or attacked by the "Siblings," it indicates that someone will interfere and the matter will not succeed. If the "World Line" is empty, it means I cannot organize the funds myself. Even if I try to organize, the money will be hard to get. If both the "World Line" and "Response Line" are empty, or if the hexagram meets the "Six Clashes," then both sides will lose heart and the matter will not succeed. Hidden treasures underground are not revealed, and only the hidden "Wealth" can be used as the useful god, which must be strong to be obtained. Gold in sand must be washed out to be found. When the "Wealth" is hidden but strong, and the earth element moves to generate changes, it is the right place to start digging. As for breaking mountains to mine and breaking stones to find treasures, the principle is the same and can be treated similarly.

又云欲知何日得錢財，但逢合處定歡諧。凡一應求財，要知何日到手，但以日辰生合財爻是期矣！經云：財合日辰，方能入手。死絕財爻生日得，太旺財爻死墓來。財爻逢衰絕之地，必得日辰生扶，乃可得之期。若財爻太旺太多，決定墓日免有。故經云：財逢墓庫便可歸還，又云多財反覆，必須墓庫以收藏。卦中有福無財者，財星值日也開懷。六爻無財出現，雖有子孫尚未可獲，必逢財爻值日，物乃歸囊。

Earlier writers also said: to know which day one can obtain wealth, simply look at the day when the "wife's wealth" is in harmony. That day will certainly bring joy and harmony. For all matters concerning seeking wealth, to know on which day the wealth will arrive, one should take the day when the day branch generates or harmonizes with the "wife's wealth" line. The classic text says: when the "wife's wealth" harmonizes with the day branch, money can be obtained. If the "wife's wealth" is in a dead or exhausted state, one must wait for the day when it is generated or supported. If the "wife's wealth" is too strong, one must wait for the day when it enters the dead or storage state to receive it. If the "wife's wealth" is in a declining or exhausted state, one must wait for the day when the day branch generates or supports it, and that day will be the day of obtaining wealth. If the "wife's wealth" is too strong or excessive, it will certainly be received on the day it enters the storage state, so the classic text says: when the "wife's wealth" meets the storage state, it can be collected. It also says that when there is an abundance of wealth, it is unstable and must be stored in the storage state. In the hexagram, if there are only "children" but no "wife's wealth," one will be satisfied when the day of the "wife's wealth" arrives. In the six lines, if the "wife's wealth" does not appear, even if there is "children" generating wealth, it cannot be obtained, and one must wait for the day when the "wife's wealth" is in its position, and then the wealth will be obtained.

（將本以財爻為主，福德為憑。空拳以官爻為主，財象為憑。）開張口訣無多語，卦內須求財福全，福德臨門人濟濟，妻財持世利綿綿，空拳財鬼皆宜動，將本財官各要安。開張店業亦有二端：將本求財者，以財為用，須要財子兩全，財興則財源熾盛無窮。子動則主僱絡紜不絕，但不宜兄動又值世克財者，縱是勤謹之人，終無利息。故經云：世克動財若越沙場之馬。空拳問利者，以官為主，必得財鬼並值，財動則助鬼，鬼動則發財。九流之術，無中生有，空手得財，故經云：空拳問利，官爻喜遇興隆。

This chapter discusses divination for opening a shop, which is divided into two categories: those who operate with their own capital, which mainly rely on the "Wealth" line and the "Children" (Fortune Virtue) line; and those who start from scratch, which mainly rely on the "Official Ghost" line and the "Wealth" line. The formula for opening a shop is not very long; as long as the "Wealth" and "Children" lines are both present in the hexagram: if the "Children" line is present, then customers will come in great numbers; if the "Wealth" line holds the "World Line," then profits will be continuous. For those starting with no capital, both the "Wealth" and "Official Ghost" lines should be active; however, for those operating with their own capital, the "Wealth" and "Official Ghost" lines should remain quiet. There are two situations when opening a shop for business. For those seeking profit with their own capital, the "Wealth" line is the main deity, and both the "Wealth" and "Children" lines must be present: if the "Wealth" line is strong, then the source of wealth will be abundant and endless; if the "Children" line is active, then customers will come in a continuous stream. However, it is not advisable for the "Siblings" line to be active, nor should the "World Line" be attacking the "Wealth" line. If these taboos are violated, even if one is diligent, there will be no profit at the end. Therefore, the classic text says: if the "World Line" attacks the active "Wealth" line, it is like leading a horse across a battlefield, which is a wasted effort. For those starting with no capital, the "Official Ghost" line is the main deity, and both the "Wealth" and "Official Ghost" lines must be present in the hexagram: if the "Wealth" line is active, it will assist the "Official Ghost" line; if the "Official Ghost" line is active, it will bring about a source of wealth. The nine schools of divination are originally about creating something from nothing and earning wealth without capital, so the classic text says: for those asking about profit without capital, the "Official Ghost" line most prefers to be in a flourishing state.

若遇六沖兄弟發，定是開張不滿年。卦值六沖，不論將本空拳者，畢竟不成，成來不久，豈有利祿哉？若兄弟獨發，將本猶嫌，空拳無忌。又云世動己心多改易，應空夥伴再宜更。世為自己，豈宜發動，動則心有變多端。應為伴夥，亦宜安靜，動則懷反背之心，空則無能亦不久遠，若動而克世者，尤當欺害而分離。財化鬼兄無結果，財之子象有收成。財為根本，不可更變。若化鬼變兄，則財被耗散，兩途無益，終難結果，若財化子孫，則利祿津津，永久無韁。

If the hexagram encounters "Six Clashes" and the "Siblings" line is also activated, this shop will certainly not last a full year. When a hexagram is of "Six Clashes," whether it is with capital or without, it will ultimately fail. Even if it manages to start, it will not last long, so how can it ever bring profit or status? If only the "Siblings" line is activated, those who invest capital will find it troublesome, but those seeking profit without capital need not be concerned. A rhyme says: "If the 'World Line' is activated, it shows one's mind is constantly changing; if the 'Response Line' is empty, one must change partners." The "World Line" represents oneself; where it should be stable, if it moves, one's mind will change frequently. The "Response Line" represents a partner; it should also be stable. If it moves, it indicates a desire to leave, and if it is empty, one is powerless and the venture will not last. If it moves and attacks the "World Line," it will harm oneself and eventually lead to a breakup. If "Wealth" changes into "Official Ghost" or "Siblings," there will be no result, but if it changes into "Children," there will be a harvest. "Wealth" is the foundation of business; it must not change. If it changes into "Official Ghost" or "Siblings," the money will be lost, and both paths are unprofitable, leading to no result. If "Wealth" changes into "Children," then profits will come continuously and last indefinitely.

（以妻財為主，衰旺為憑。）凡占頓貨，先訪脫期。有遲速之不同，取旺衰之名異，近買近賣，於本月當旺相而得財。今置後脫，於經年值休囚而有利。置買貨物慾求利息，專看遲速之期，可覓厚薄子財。近買即賣，求目下財旺之日而利入手。今制後脫，待年餘財逢生旺之日而可入囊。

This chapter discusses divination for stockpiling goods, focusing on "wife's wealth" as the main factor, using its prosperity and decline as the basis. When divining about stockpiling goods, one must first clarify the date of selling: selling can be early or late, and the condition of "wife's wealth" will vary accordingly. For goods bought and sold recently, one should look at the prosperity of "wife's wealth" within this month to gain profit. For goods bought now and sold later, one needs "wife's wealth" to be weak at present, so that there will be substantial profit in the future. When buying goods to seek interest, one should focus on the time period for selling, and estimate the amount of profit based on this. For goods bought and sold immediately, one should look for the day when "wife's wealth" is prosperous to receive the interest quickly. For goods bought now and sold later, one must wait more than a year until "wife's wealth" meets a favorable and prosperous condition before the money can be obtained.

且如冬藏夏貨，宜巳午之財爻。秋放春收，喜卯寅之妻位。夏育冬魚利見水，春培秋果要逢金。假令冬收夏發，乃夏旺於火，在四五巳午之期有財。秋置春賣，乃春旺於木，故正二月卯寅之期大吉。夏養冬魚，乃冬旺於水，是十月十一月亥子節而得利。春種秋收，乃秋旺於金，在七八月申酉之令而財可得。

For example, if you store goods for use in summer during winter, it is favorable to take the '巳' and '午' fire '妻财' lines; if you buy in autumn for sale in spring, you should favor the '卯' and '寅' wood '财位'; if you raise fish for sale in winter during summer, it is beneficial to see water; if you plant in spring for harvest in autumn, you should encounter the metal element. For instance, if you collect goods in winter and sell them in summer, since summer has strong fire, you will gain wealth during the months of巳 and午 in the fourth and fifth months; if you buy in autumn and sell in spring, since spring has strong wood, you will have great fortune during the months of寅 and卯 in the first and second months; if you raise fish for sale in winter during summer, since winter has strong water, you will gain profit during the months of亥 and子 in the tenth and eleventh months; if you plant in spring and harvest in autumn, since autumn has strong metal, you will receive money during the months of申 and酉 in the seventh and eighth months.

買時，世克財當賤；賣時，財克世為高。兄臨月將，價不長而宜收。財值提綱，利當興而可脫。但世克財爻、或兄臨月將、或財值休囚，皆係價值賤而貨宜買。若財爻克世或財值月建，皆屬貨價高而利倍增，各趕其時不可挫也。

When buying, if the World Line爻克 the Wealth爻, the price will definitely be low; when selling, if the Wealth爻克 the World Line爻, the price will definitely be high. If the Siblings爻 occupy the Month Builder, the price cannot rise, making it an ideal time to buy; if the Wealth爻 occupies the Month Builder, the profit is flourishing, making it a good time to sell. Whenever the World Line爻克 the Wealth爻, or the Siblings爻 are at the Month Builder, or the Wealth爻 is weak and confined, these are all signs that the goods are cheap and suitable for buying. If the Wealth爻克 the World Line爻, or the Wealth爻 is at the Month Builder, these are signs of high prices and increased interest. One must seize these opportunities for buying and selling, and must not miss them.

內宮為目下之時，外卦乃未來之節。內強外弱，必前重而後輕。內弱外強，必前輕而後重。凡內卦為近時，外卦為遠期，內卦旺相外卦衰，彼決見前貴後賤，外象強盛內象無氣，必然後重前輕。置脫用子孫發動，始終嫌兄弟交重。貴賤趕時，盈虧據卜。大凡脫貨制貨，最宜子動，子動生財，獨忌兄興，興則克財，大概如此據理推詳。

The inner trigram represents the current situation, while the outer trigram represents the future period. If the inner trigram is strong and the outer trigram is weak, it indicates that something will first be valuable and then become cheap. If the inner trigram is weak and the outer trigram is strong, it means that something will first be cheap and then become valuable. In general, the inner trigram represents the near term and the outer trigram the distant term. If the inner trigram is prosperous and strong while the outer trigram is weak, it signifies that the current price is high but will fall later. If the outer trigram is strong and the inner trigram is weak, it means that the price will rise later but is currently low. Buying and selling should be guided by the movement of the "children" line, and throughout the process, the presence of "siblings" lines causing disorder is undesirable. The price fluctuations should be determined by the timing, and the gains or losses should be judged by the hexagram. Generally, when it comes to selling off or stockpiling goods, it is most favorable for the "children" line to be active, as the "children" line can generate the "wealth" line. However, it is to be avoided if the "siblings" line is strong, as its strength will lead to the decline of the "wealth" line. This is the general principle; other details can be understood by reasoning accordingly.