The Sleepy Immortal

Chinese fortune poems, one page each

The 100 Thunder-and-Rain Fortune Poems

Thunder-and-Rain Fortune Poem No. 72: Fan Li Retires to the Lakes; Xunzi Travels to Study at Fifty

Thunder-and-Rain Fortune Poem No. 72 is rated Great Misfortune, and its story is “Fan Li Retires to the Lakes; Xunzi Travels to Study at Fifty”. In plain words: The road is bumpy right now, and it's okay to walk slowly. The good times are lined up further ahead, so keep going.

辛乙Great Misfortune
The road beside the river rises and falls;the way is long, and the sun is sinking west.Even if glory and good times are coming,you must wait for Monkey and Dog to trade for Rooster.

Original Chinese

河渠傍路有高低可歎長途日已西縱有榮華好時節直須猴犬換金雞

What it says about…

Love
Marriage comes late, but late isn't never. If you want to settle down, it's okay to wait a little longer.
Career
The road was never flat, and you happen to be on a tiring stretch. Go slowly.
Money
Money will come, just a little slowly. Keep it where you can see it.
Health
Put your health first. See a doctor if you feel unwell, and go to bed early when you're tired.

The story behind it

Fan Li Retires to the Lakes; Xunzi Travels to Study at Fifty

Video

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Questions people ask

Is Thunder-and-Rain Fortune Poem No. 72 a good fortune?

It is rated Great Misfortune. The road is bumpy right now, and it's okay to walk slowly. The good times are lined up further ahead, so keep going. A fortune poem is a reminder, not an order. The choice is yours.

What does Thunder-and-Rain Fortune Poem No. 72 say about love?

Marriage comes late, but late isn't never. If you want to settle down, it's okay to wait a little longer.

What does Thunder-and-Rain Fortune Poem No. 72 say in English?

The road beside the river rises and falls; / the way is long, and the sun is sinking west. / Even if glory and good times are coming, / you must wait for Monkey and Dog to trade for Rooster.

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