Qian 91: Cao E Weeps at the River
Inferior Fortune
Story
A filial daughter of the Eastern Han, Cao E's father drowned in the river; his body could not be found. She wept along the riverbank for seventeen days, then threw herself into the water and died. Five days later, she emerged clutching her father's corpse. Though her act was one of extreme filial piety, sacrificing her life for a relative is not the balanced way. This sign warns the seeker against becoming trapped by obsessive thoughts.
Oracle Poem
By the long river she wept, but no one appeared; / Into muddy waves she plunged, her father's body she shared. / Her filial heart could move both heaven and earth, / Yet she warns the living: don't imitate her worth.
Interpretation
Career: Overly attached to old projects or positions, inflexible. Relationships: Deep love leads to heartbreak; must learn to let go. Wealth: Losing money for the sake of love, more loss than gain.
Source:《后汉书·列女传》