The Sleepy Immortal

Chinese fortune poems, one page each

The 100 Thunder-and-Rain Fortune Poems

Thunder-and-Rain Fortune Poem No. 56: The Scheming Minister Wang; Zhang Gang Buries His Carriage Wheels

Thunder-and-Rain Fortune Poem No. 56 is rated Great Misfortune, and its story is “The Scheming Minister Wang; Zhang Gang Buries His Carriage Wheels”. In plain words: If you're in the wrong, don't double down, and keep away from people who twist the truth. The mirror will show things clearly in time, so save your energy for the people who care about you.

己己Great Misfortune
Wrong at heart, you cover it with bold and stubborn words;you set out to fool the court, and walk a crooked road.One day your true face meets the mirror of the moon;caught in the net of the law, it is too late to sigh.

Original Chinese

心頭理曲強詞遮直欲欺官行路斜一旦醜形臨月鏡身投憲網莫咨嗟

What it says about…

Love
Take time to really get to know each other. If something's wrong, talk it out. Small secrets kept too long turn into big ones.
Career
Keep an ear out for office whispers, and keep a record of your work. Time will speak for you.
Money
Stay away from money that comes from somewhere unclear, or that asks you to help cover something up.
Health
When your heart is carrying something heavy, your body gets tired too. If you feel unwell, see a doctor.
Family
Say what you mean. Less guessing means less fighting.

The story behind it

The Scheming Minister Wang; Zhang Gang Buries His Carriage Wheels

Video

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Questions people ask

Is Thunder-and-Rain Fortune Poem No. 56 a good fortune?

It is rated Great Misfortune. If you're in the wrong, don't double down, and keep away from people who twist the truth. The mirror will show things clearly in time, so save your energy for the people who care about you. A fortune poem is a reminder, not an order. The choice is yours.

What does Thunder-and-Rain Fortune Poem No. 56 say about love?

Take time to really get to know each other. If something's wrong, talk it out. Small secrets kept too long turn into big ones.

What does Thunder-and-Rain Fortune Poem No. 56 say in English?

Wrong at heart, you cover it with bold and stubborn words; / you set out to fool the court, and walk a crooked road. / One day your true face meets the mirror of the moon; / caught in the net of the law, it is too late to sigh.

Different temples may use slightly different versions.

A fortune poem is a reminder, not an order. The choice is yours.

Chinese poem font: Wang Han-zong Li Shu (GPL v2), with a few added glyphs