54. Kuei Mei / A Loveless Marriage
(Thunder above Lake)
Description
The Thunderstorm inseminates the swelling Lake, then moves on where the Lake cannot follow:
The Superior Person views passing trials in the light of Eternal Truths.
Any action will prove unfortunate.
Nothing furthers.
Analysis
This is at best a Marriage of Convenience.
You have found yourself in desperate straits, a position of weakness, and you are tempted to pay dearly for a remedy.
A drowning man isn't picky about who throws him a rope.
The rescue offered to you now is undesirable.
It may pull you out of this sticky situation, but it will cause even greater predicaments down the road.
Don't obligate yourself in this way.
You are selling your future for a quick fix today.
Changing Lines
Line 1
Even becoming a concubine would be an advance in this woman's life.
For the lame, any step forward is a good step.
Line 2
Left alone in her marriage, she remains content in her illusions.
Sometimes a one-eyed man is blessed for what he can't see.
Line 3
Not fulfilled by her marriage, the young woman returns home to her former life.
Line 4
The maiden waits far longer than seems wise, to make sure her marriage is right.
Line 5
The princess bride dresses humbly, out of respect for her commoner groom.
Her bridesmaids outshine her by far.
She is a treasure.
Line 6
The groom draws no blood from the sacrifice.
The bride's basket remains empty.
A barren marriage.