The Forest of the噬嗑 (Sixty-fourth Hexagram of噬嗑)

遯　坐席未溫，憂來扣門。踰牆北走，兵交我後。脫於虎口。

The seat has not yet warmed, but worries have already knocked at the door. Climbing over the wall to the north, pursuers fight behind, finally escaping from the tiger's mouth. This forest indicates that misfortune arrived suddenly but one was fortunate to escape. When questioning about encountering danger, it is advisable to flee quickly, and one can escape.

大壯　赤帝懸車，廢職不朝。叔帶之災，君子記廬。

The Red Emperor suspended his chariot and ceased to perform his duties, abandoning court. Prince Baidai conspired with the Di people to cause disorder, forcing King Xiang of Zhou to flee to Zheng. This is recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan" (Commentary of Zuo) under the 24th year of Duke Xi. The gentleman can only recall the days of living in a thatched hut in exile. This lord of the forest has abandoned his governance, and internal disorder has arisen. Divination concerning state affairs and official matters is ominous.

晉　子畏於匡，厄困陳蔡。明德不危，竟自免害。

Confucius was surrounded and frightened in the area of Kuang, and later faced starvation and hardship between Chen and Cai, as recorded in the Analects, chapters Zihan and Xianxian. Because his virtue was bright and pure, he ultimately did not suffer great peril and eventually escaped harm. This divination concerns a sage who encounters misfortune but is saved by his sufficient virtue, and it indicates that despite being in a difficult situation, he will eventually be able to escape.

明夷　逐雁南飛，馬疾牛罷。不見魚池，失利憂危。牢戶之冤，脫免無患。

Following the geese flying south, the horse is ill and the ox is exhausted. The fish pond cannot be found, and there is loss of profit with worry and danger. Fortunately, the wrongful imprisonment is cleared, and one escapes without harm. This omen indicates labor without success but the calamity can be resolved. Seeking wealth is unfavorable, but litigation is resolved.

家人　推輦上山，高仰重難。終日至暮，不見阜巔。

Pushing a cart up the mountain, looking up one sees it very high and heavy, extremely difficult. From morning until night, the mountain peak remains unseen. This indicates that the person in charge bears a heavy responsibility and lacks the strength to accomplish the task, and the divination suggests that endeavors will be difficult to achieve.

睽　憂不為患，福在堂門，使君偃安。

Worry has not turned into misfortune, and good fortune remains at the gate, allowing you to rest in peace. This indicates that worries will dissipate and blessings will come, bringing peace to both body and mind. If you inquire about safety, it is auspicious.

蹇　春桃生華，季女宜家。受福多年，男為邦君。

In spring, peach trees bloom, and it is auspicious for young women to get married. The Book of Songs, Zhou Nan, Tao Yao, says "It is good for the family home." They will enjoy many years of happiness, and the son they bear will become a local ruler. This oracle indicates timely marriage, noble offspring, and great fortune for marriage and descendants.

解　高山之巔，去地億千。雖有兵寇，足以自守。

The peak of a high mountain is thousands of feet above level ground. Even if there are military conflicts or bandits, this strategic position is sufficient for self-defense. This forest is situated in a secure and difficult-to-reach location, making it impervious to external threats. Divination regarding defense and the household is favorable.

損　過時歷月，役夫憔悴。處子嘆室，思我伯叔。

After the appointed time, the服役 person has endured several months, appearing weary and emaciated. The woman in the inner chamber sighs within the house, missing my elder brother and uncle. This forest's master is delayed in his service, and the woman in the inner chamber pines for a distant place. The divination asks about the return and reunion, both being delayed.

益　太微復明，說升傅巖，乃稱高宗。一作疾在頭頸，和不能生，滅其令名。

The Great Purple Enclosure shines brightly again, and Fu Yue was selected from his work at Fu Rock to become a minister, allowing King Wu Ding of the Yin dynasty to be known as the High King. This is recorded in the Book of Documents, the Sayings of Fu Yue. This forest indicates that a virtuous person is promoted from the common people, and the ruler and minister are in harmony, making it very auspicious for seeking talented individuals and advancing in officialdom. Another version of this entry states 'disease in the head and neck, harmony cannot be achieved, and the good name is destroyed.'

夬　旁多小星，三五在東。早夜晨行，勞苦無功。

The sky is filled with many small stars, with the Three Stars mansion and the Hairy Head mansion appearing in groups in the east. The "Small Star" poem from the "Book of Songs," "Zhaonan," describes officials who work day and night. They start early and work late, traveling hard but without results. This person is constantly moving without achieving anything, working hard but gaining little. Divination indicates that traveling and planning affairs are not favorable.

姤　東鄉煩煩，相與笑言。子般鞭革，圉人作患。

In the eastern village, there was a bustling and lively atmosphere as people laughed and chatted with each other. Lord Lu's son, Bo, whipped the stableman Luo, who harbored resentment in his heart. Eventually, this led to a regicide incident. This event is recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan" (Commentary of Zuo) under the thirty-second year of Duke Zhuang. This case shows that amidst joy and celebration, hidden dangers may exist; disrespecting subordinates can bring about calamity. The divination suggests that one should be cautious in dealing with subordinates.

萃　鼻移在頭，枯葦復生。下朽上榮，家乃不寧。其舍不成。

The nose has grown to the top of the head, and withered reeds have sprouted new shoots. Below is decayed, while above is flourishing; the foundation is unstable, causing the household to be in disorder and the house unable to be built. This omen indicates that the main and the root are reversed, with a weak foundation. Divination concerning the family and construction is ominous.

升　蝦蟆群聚，從天請雨。雲雷集聚，應時輒與。得其所願。

A group of toads gathered together and prayed to heaven for rain. Clouds and thunder gathered, and at the right time, sweet rain fell, fulfilling their wish. This forest indicates sincere prayer with a response, and all desires will surely be fulfilled. Divination concerning prayers and requests is favorable.

困　大步上車，南到喜家。送我貂裘，與福載來。

He took a big step onto the carriage and went south to the house where there was good fortune. The host gave him a sable coat, and the good fortune came back with him. This indicates that the visitor will receive a gift and carry good fortune with him. Divination for travel and seeking wealth both show favorable outcomes.

井　賊仁傷德，天怒不福。斬刈宗社，失其土宇。一本此下有皆頤之三字，闕一字）

Causing harm to benevolence and righteousness, damaging virtue, Heaven is enraged and no longer bestows blessings. The ancestral temples and state altars are completely destroyed, and even the territory and dwellings are lost. This indicates that the ruler has committed grave offenses, leading to the loss of the country, the land, and the ancestral sacrifices. Divination for the state and family is extremely ominous. Below this line, there are three characters: '皆颐之', with one character missing.

革　從蝟見虎，雖危無殆，終已不處。

Following the hedgehog, one encounters a tiger, though dangerous, does not lead to defeat, and ultimately does not stay long. The forest master escapes danger by taking precautions and leaving quickly. Divination suggests that encountering danger should prompt swift departure, ensuring no harm.

鼎　履行素德，卒蒙佑福。與堯侑食，君子有息。

Practicing simple and modest virtues eventually brings divine blessings and good fortune. Being able to share meals and sit with a sage like Yao, the gentleman thus finds sustenance and prosperity. This person has long cultivated virtue and now receives reward, encountering a wise ruler and attaining peace. Divination for seeking blessings and advancement in officialdom is favorable.

震　利在北陸，寒苦難得。憂危之患，福為道門。商叔生存。

The benefit lies in the northern land, where it is cold and harsh, making it difficult to obtain. In the midst of worries and dangers, misfortune becomes the gateway to fortune, allowing Shang叔 to survive. This forest signifies seeking benefit in a cold and harsh place, gaining fortune through danger, and predicting that difficulty will precede success.

艮　四蹇六盲，足痛難行。終日至暮，不離其鄰。

The person is lame in four places and blind in six, with foot pain making it difficult to walk. From morning till night, they cannot leave their nearby area. This forest indicates restricted movement and difficulty in taking even a step. Divination regarding travel and endeavors shows they will not succeed.

漸　臺駘昧子，明知地理。障澤宣德，封居河涘。

Tai Dai was of humble origin but deeply knowledgeable in geography. He built dikes to control water, dredged swamps, and widely spread benevolence, and was granted a fief along the Fen River for his achievements, as recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan" from the first year of King Zhao's reign. This indicates that those of low status may possess great ability and achieve success in water control and receive rewards, which are auspicious for matters of governance and rewards.

歸妹　畜水待時，以備火災。柱車絆馬，郊行出旅。可以無咎。

Store water for use when needed, to prevent fires. Support the cart and tie up the horse, go on a journey to the outskirts, and there will be no mistakes. This forest owner is well prepared and has proper conduct, so the divination for travel indicates safety.

豐　歲暮花落，君衰於德。榮寵殞墜，陰棄其室。

As the year comes to an end and the flowers wither, the virtue of the sovereign also declines. Glory and favor fall, and the effeminate person abandons his family. This omen indicates the decline of virtue, the loss of favor, and the downfall of the family. Divination concerning the state and favor brings ill fortune.

旅　夏敗蔡悲，千里為市。黃落潱鬱，利得無有。

In the summer, the country suffered defeat and the state of Tsai experienced sorrow; a thousand miles became a place for trade. Grass and trees withered and turned yellow, water vapor stagnated, and no profit could be obtained. This forest indicates the country's downfall, trade stagnation, and the disruption of the financial path. Divination for seeking wealth is highly unfavorable.

巽　仲春巡狩，東見群后。昭德允明，不失其所。

In the middle of spring, the Son of Heaven travels east to meet the feudal lords. The Book of Documents, Shun's Classic, records that Shun "traveled east in the second month of the year." This demonstrates virtue and sincerity, ensuring that everyone holds their proper position. This indicates that the master is traveling to meet others, with harmony between superiors and inferiors. Divination regarding travel and court ceremonies is favorable.

兌　冽潔縲縲，締構難解。嫫母衒嫁，媒不得坐。自為身禍。

The rope is wound tightly and securely, making the knot difficult to untie. Ugly Mama boasts and seeks marriage everywhere, causing the matchmaker to be troubled and unable to sit in peace, and instead bringing misfortune upon himself. This forest chief is entangled and difficult to resolve, self-displaying and inviting calamity. Divination on marriage and disputes is ominous.

渙　鳥嚕夜中，以戒災凶。重門擊柝，備憂外客。

A bird calling out at midnight serves as a warning of impending calamity and danger. Doors are set in layers and drums are beaten to guard against unexpected intruders; the phrase "heavy doors and drumming" comes from the Great Treatise of the Book of Changes. This indicates that the person in question maintains strict vigilance and takes precautions in advance, and the divination for defense is favorable.

節　朝霽暮露，纖我衣濡，道無行牛。

This morning it had just cleared up, but by evening there was dew that gradually soaked my clothes. There was not even a single ox on the road. The forest master indicates unstable weather and a desolate journey, suggesting that traveling is not advisable.

中孚　抱璞懷玉，與桀蹠觴。詘坐不申，道無良人。

Holding a raw gemstone and cherishing a fine jade, yet drinking with people like King Jie of Xia and Zhao She; the story of Bi Han holding the gem without recognition is found in "Heshi" from Han Feizi. Kneeling down to sit, with his talents unfulfilled, there has been no good person along the way. This master of the forest is talented but unrecognized, associating with the wrong people; divination shows that seeking advancement and forming friendships are both unfavorable.

小過　兩心相悅，共其茀□。一作茅蘆）夙夜在公，不離房中。得君子意。

Two hearts find mutual joy, both staying under the same shelter. They are engaged in official duties day and night, yet people remain within the house. The Book of Songs, Zhaonan, Xiaoxing, says, "Morning and evening they are occupied with public affairs." In the end, this satisfies the heart of the gentleman. This indicates that the person in question has mutual affection and harmony within and without, and both marriage and working together are auspicious. "Fú" is also interpreted as "máo lú."

既濟　載饋茹田，破鉏失餐。苗稼不闢，獨飢於年。

He sent food to eat in the fields, but the hoe broke, and even this meal was missed. The crops and grain remained unworked, and that year he was left to suffer from hunger alone. This indicates that the owner of the forest has damaged farming tools and neglected cultivation, and divination regarding agriculture and livelihood is ominous.

未濟　甘露醴泉，太平機關。仁德感應，歲樂民安。屯之謙）

Heaven sends sweet dew and the earth produces sweet spring water, which is the key to a peaceful and prosperous era. Beneath the influence of benevolent virtue, heaven responds, bringing joy in the years and peace to the people. This indicates that both auspicious signs and virtue harmonizing with heaven are present. Divination concerning the state and seeking blessings is highly favorable. The same oracle also shows 'Zun (Obstruction) of Qian (Primordial)'.

坎：有鳥黃足，歸呼季玉。從我睢陽，可避刀兵。與福俱行，有命久長。

A yellow-footed bird flies back to its old nest, calling out repeatedly for Ji Yu, leading me to move to Suzhongyang, where I can escape the calamity of war. Good fortune follows me all the way, and my lifespan is long. Suzhongyang is in the heartland of the ancient Song state, considered by Han people as a place to avoid turmoil and find safety. The yellow-footed bird is a auspicious bird that signals both warnings and good omens. The owner of this forest is moving far away to avoid danger and thus gains fortune and longevity, which is a great auspicious omen.

乾：太王為父，季歷孝友。文武聖明，仁德興起。孔張四國，載福綏厚。

Ancient King Gong Danfu was a father whose son Ji Li was filial and kind. It came to King Wen and King Wu, whose virtue was bright and their benevolent governance flourished, enabling the Zhou dynasty to expand greatly in all directions and receive abundant blessings. This is the old story of the Zhou family's three generations accumulating virtue and founding the state, praised in the "Book of Songs · Da Ya." This family has accumulated goodness over many generations, leading to a flourishing household and abundant blessings and good fortune.

坤：猿墮高木，不踒手足。保我全生，還歸其室。

A monkey fell from a high tree but did not twist its limbs, preserving its life and safely returning to its nest. Monkeys are skilled climbers, and falling without injury illustrates a natural ability that protects them. This situation indicates that the person involved, although experiencing a dangerous situation, ultimately suffers no harm and can return home safely, which is a fortunate outcome without actual danger.

屯：重耳恭敏，遇讒出處。北奔戎狄，經涉齊楚。以秦代懷，誅殺子圉，身為伯主。

The Duke of Jin, Prince Chong'er, was respectful, cautious, diligent, and quick-witted, but he was forced to flee after being slandered by Li Ji. He first fled north to the Rong and Di tribes, then moved on to Qi and Chu. Later, with the help of Duke Mu of Qin, he replaced Duke Huai of Jin, killed Zi Yu, and established himself as king, eventually becoming the hegemon of the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Wen of Jin. This situation is similar to the case of the master of the forest, who first suffered slander and was exiled to a foreign land, but after enduring prolonged hardship, he eventually reached a high position. This is an omen of first misfortune followed by good fortune, and ultimately achieving success after enduring suffering.

蒙：倚鋒據戟，傷我胸臆，耗折不息。

The body is leaning on the edge of a blade, the hand pressing against a long spear, with a wound in the chest, and the loss and damage continue without end. To use one's body against weapons is to invite injury. This person is being reckless and taking unnecessary risks, acting without knowing when to avoid conflict, and will surely suffer bodily harm and financial loss, which is ominous.

需：狗冠雞步，君失其所。出門抵山，行者憂難。水灌我園，高陸為泉。

A dog wearing a crown and a chicken walking like a human signify a reversal of proper roles and names, with the ruler losing his rightful place. Going out meets a great mountain, blocking the traveler's path and causing sorrow. A great flood enters the garden, even raising water from the high ground. "A dog wearing a crown and a chicken walking like a human" is a common expression used by Han people to describe a disorder of names and reality. This situation involves disorder in hierarchy, obstruction in movement, and a flood disaster, which is ominous.

訟：眾鳥所翔，中有大怪。丈身長頸，為我驚憂。

In a place where flocks of birds circle around, a monster appears in the center, tall one zhang, with a long neck, causing people to be startled and fearful. The Han people regarded strange-shaped birds as omens of portentous change. This forest indicates unexpected disturbances and events arising from unforeseen circumstances, leading to worries and disputes, which are inauspicious.

師：虎行相逐，未有休息。戰於平陸，為夷所覆。

Two tigers chase each other continuously without pause, finally fighting in the plains of Pinglu, only to be defeated by foreign tribes and suffer collapse. Pinglu was a border town of the state of Qi, symbolizing the situation where two strong forces fight each other, allowing external enemies to take advantage. This omen indicates internal strife leading to external threats and eventual downfall, which is extremely ominous for military campaigns.

比：禹鑿龍門，通利水泉。同注滄海，民得安然。

Daxu opened the龙门 mountain, cleared the water channels and springs, enabling all streams to flow into the sea together, allowing the people to live in peace and security. This event is recorded in the "Shangshu · Yugong," which describes Yu's achievement of diverting the nine rivers. This forest represents proper guidance and unified efforts, capable of eliminating disasters and ensuring the people's safety, which is a great blessing.

小畜：堯舜仁德，養賢致福。眾英積聚，國無寇賊。

Yao and Shun governed the world with benevolence and virtue, supporting capable ministers and thus attracting blessings. Outstanding talents gathered at court, and there were no thieves in the country. This refers to the old story of the two sage kings appointing Gao Yao, Ji, and Qi. This is also the case with Lin Ren, who values virtuous men and gathers talents, resulting in the country's peace and security, which is a great auspicious omen.

履：陸居少泉，山高無雲。車行千里，塗不汙輪。渴我為怨。

A person lives on a high land where the spring water is scarce, and though the mountain is high, it does not produce clouds or rain; a carriage travels for a thousand li, yet the road is dry enough that the wheels do not get muddy, and people become thirsty and resentful. This is an omen of a prolonged drought with no rain. This forest indicates that although the path is smooth, the necessities are lacking, and due to thirst and resentment, there is a minor worry of deficiency.

泰：朝不見光，夜不見明。暝抵空床，季女奔亡。愴然心傷。

On a day with no sunlight and a night without moonlight, returning in the dark only meets an empty bed; the young daughter has secretly run away, causing deep sorrow and grief. This indicates that the household is in darkness and neglect, with family members scattered apart. The head of the household is missing, suffering from sorrow and grief, which is ominous.

否：齊魯永國，仁聖輔德。造禮雅言，定公以安。

Qi and Lu states enjoyed long-lasting rule because they relied on the virtue of sages in governance; they created rituals and music, and pursued refined speech, so Duke Ding of Lu was able to remain secure. Lu was the descendant of the Duke of Zhou, the repository of rituals and music, and Confucius once served as the prime minister of Duke Ding. This forest is characterized by the use of propriety and righteousness in governance, leading to stability, which is auspicious.

同人：束帛元圭，君以佈德。伊呂百里，應聘輔國。

Holding a bundle of gifts and a large jade tablet, the sovereign uses them to widely bestow favors, thus attracting virtuous ministers like I Yin, Lü Shang, and Bai Li Xi to come forward and assist in state affairs. A bundle of silk and a jade tablet were ancient grand gifts for hiring virtuous talents. This person shows respect for talents and humbly seeks their counsel, thus gaining capable ministers to help in planning matters, which is a great auspicious omen.

大有：棘鉤我襦，為絆所拘。靈巫拜祝，禍不成災。東山之邑，中有肥土，可以饒飽。

Thorny bushes caught my short robe, causing me to stumble and be unable to move freely; I respectfully prayed to a powerful shaman, and the misfortune did not turn into calamity. The area around the eastern mountain has fertile land, sufficient to provide food. The owner of this forest initially faced minor obstacles, but after performing rituals to appease, the danger was averted, and he also gained the benefit of farmland, thus experiencing a delay followed by good fortune.

謙：門燒屋燔，為下所殘。西行出戶，順其道理。虎臥不起，牛羊歡喜。

The door was burned and the house was set on fire, indicating harm caused by subordinates; going west to leave is in accordance with reason. The fierce tiger lies still and does not rise again, so the cattle and sheep are happy. This forest originally had a disaster caused by an internal traitor setting fire; by fleeing westward, it turns to safety, theInauspicious Sha retreats, and ultimately becomes auspicious.

豫：牆高蔽目，崑崙翳日。遠行無明，不見歡叔。

The walls are built too high, blocking the view, while Mount Kunlun is so high that it blocks the sun; on the long journey there is no light, and the longed-for uncle cannot be seen. The person in charge is obstructed and isolated, unable to communicate, unable to see the person they wish to see, indicating blockage and difficulty in movement, which is not auspicious.

隨：天地際會，不見內外。祖辭遣送，與世長訣。

Heaven and Earth merge and become indistinct, no longer able to distinguish inside from outside. Performing the rites of departure to bid farewell and see someone off, from this point on they are forever separated from the world of the living. Originally, the rite of departure was a ceremony held before a journey to pay respects to the road god; here it is used to refer to the act of sending someone to their death. This forest symbolizes the confusion of yin and yang, the eternal separation of life and death, and represents an omen of loss and misfortune, which is extremely ominous.

蠱：深水難涉，泥塗至轂。牛罷不進，浮陷為疾。

Water is too deep to wade through, mud has covered the wheels; the ox is exhausted and can't move, the cart floats and sinks, becoming a great problem. This oracle indicates that the road is obstructed, strength is exhausted and progress is difficult, all affairs are stuck and cannot advance, which is ominous.

臨：羊驚虎狼，獼猴群走。無益於僵，為齒所傷。

A sheep is startled by tigers and wolves, and a group of monkeys flee in panic. Fleeing does no good for the already fallen companions, and the sheep is ultimately bitten by the sharp teeth. The forest owner is frightened and runs away, but it does no good, and still suffers harm. This is ominous.

觀：履蛇躡虺，與鬼相視。驚恐失氣，如騎虎尾。

He stood on a long snake and a short viper, facing eye to eye with ghosts and spirits, terrified to the point of losing his composure, as if riding on the tail of a tiger. The phrase "to tread on the tiger's tail" comes from the "Zhou Changes" (I Ching) hexagram "Lu" (Following). It symbolizes being in an extremely dangerous situation. This person is in a perilous situation, filled with fear and unease, which is ominous.

噬嗑：車驚人傾，兩輪脫去。行者不止，人生憂懼。結締復解，夜明為喜。

The carriage and horses were startled, the person was overturned, and both wheels fell off; yet the traveler would not stop, thus feeling anxious and fearful. Later, a knot that had been tied in a dead end was undone, and the long night turned into daylight, becoming a happy event. This oracle indicates that the person in charge of the forest may encounter accidents on the way and suffer damage to belongings. Advancing recklessly may bring more troubles, but the entanglements will eventually be resolved, turning from initial misfortune to good fortune.

賁：南販北賈，與喜為市，利得百倍。

Going south to trade goods and going north to engage in commerce, trade proceeds smoothly and brings joy, with profits a hundredfold. This indicates that the person in charge of the forest will gain great wealth through long-distance business, which is an auspicious sign for those seeking wealth.

剝：延陵適魯，觀樂太史。車鄰白顛，知秦興起。卒兼其國，一統為主。

The state of Wu's Prince Ji Zha was granted the territory of Yancheng. When he visited Lu, he asked the historian to perform the musical pieces of the various states. Upon hearing the line "There are white-hoofed horses" from the "Carriage Neighbors" section of the "Qin Wind," he predicted that the state of Qin would become powerful. Later, Qin indeed conquered the other states and unified the realm, becoming the dominant power. This incident is recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan," volume 29 of the "Xiaogong" section, where Ji Zha observed the music. This example shows the ability to discern subtle signs and foresee the rise and fall of states, with later emerging powers ultimately achieving great success, which is auspicious.

復：出門逢惡，與福為患。反相擊刺，傷我手端。

Going out and encountering a wicked person, one intended to seek blessings but ended up causing trouble; they turned against each other, attacking and injuring my finger. This omen indicates that the person going out will meet with evil, seeking profit but instead encountering disputes, with a minor injury involving blood, it is ominous.

旡妄：獐鹿群走，自然燕喜。公子好遊，他人多有。

Deer and wild boar run in groups, free and happy; the young lord only cares about playing and enjoying himself, while his family's business is mostly taken over by others. The owner of this forest enjoys ease and comfort himself, but due to neglecting management, his property falls into the hands of others, bringing both joy and loss.

大畜：恭寬信敏，履福不殆。從其邦域，與喜相得。

The person is respectful to others, kind and generous, honest, diligent, and quick to act. They stand on a prosperous land without danger. They follow the boundaries of their own domain, and everywhere they encounter joy. Respectfulness, kindness, honesty, and promptness are the virtues of the benevolent person as mentioned in the "Analects of Confucius, Yanghuo." This person upholds virtue and remains within their proper role, thus happiness and blessings naturally come, which is auspicious.

頤：欲飛無翼，鼎重折足。失其福利，庖羞為賊。一下有上卿之家，富其蒙宰。喜除我憂，解吾思愁。

He who wishes to fly high but lacks wings, finds the tripod overloaded and breaks its foot, thus losing all benefits; the fine food in the tripod becomes a calamity. The phrase "the tripod breaks its foot and spills its contents" comes from the fourth line of the ninth section of The Zhou Changes (I Ching), symbolizing failure due to exceeding one's capacity. Another version adds below this line: "The high official's household first enriches its servants. Joy comes to remove my worries and relieve my sorrows." This suggests that the high official's household initially enriches its servants, and only later does joy arrive to remove worries. This situation indicates that Lin's strength is insufficient for his responsibilities, inevitably leading to collapse. He must await external help to relieve his troubles, beginning with misfortune but eventually turning for the better.