Stick #38
Moderately Good陶淵明辭官歸隱
Tao Yuanming Resigns from Office to Return to Seclusion
Quitting his busy office, leisurely sailed the poet home, Through not spacious, his little cottage pleased him well.
Often he relished poetry and wine by the south window; For the beauty of the mountains he'd go for a lazy stroll.
Asking about: Love
The Story Behind This Stick
Tao Yuanming was a 4th-century Chinese poet who made one of literature's most famous career pivots. After serving as a county magistrate, he famously quit his government job because he refused to bow to a visiting inspector — essentially giving up his pension for his principles. He returned to his family farm, choosing a simple life of growing chrysanthemums and writing poetry over political power and wealth.
His essay 'The Return' became a classic of Chinese literature, celebrating the choice of authenticity over ambition. In Chinese culture, Tao represents the wisdom of knowing when to step back from the rat race and find contentment in simpler pleasures. His story resonates because he chose personal happiness over societal expectations — a radical move in a culture that prized official success.
Your love life is calling for the same kind of brave simplicity that Tao Yuanming chose. Right now, you might be caught up in relationship games, trying to impress someone, or forcing connections that feel more like work than joy. This sign suggests stepping back from the drama and complications.
If you're single, stop chasing relationships that require you to be someone you're not. The right person will appreciate your authentic self, quirks and all — just like Tao found more happiness in his modest cottage than in his grand office. For those in relationships, this is about choosing substance over show.
Maybe you've been so focused on looking perfect as a couple on social media that you've forgotten to actually enjoy each other's company. The 'south window poetry and wine' energy here is about intimate, quiet moments together. This isn't about grand romantic gestures or expensive dates.
It's about finding someone who's content to sit with you in comfortable silence, who appreciates your thoughts as much as your looks. The sign suggests that forcing things won't work right now — but authentic connections will flourish when you stop trying so hard.
What To Do Next
Take a step back from dating apps and social scenes for a few weeks. Focus on activities that genuinely make you happy — your version of Tao's poetry and mountain walks. When you do engage romantically, choose quality time over quantity.
Have real conversations instead of surface-level small talk. If you're in a relationship, plan simple dates that let you actually connect. Skip the crowded restaurant and opt for a quiet hike or cooking together at home.
Most importantly, stop trying to be the 'perfect' partner and start being the real one.
Sometimes the best love stories begin when you stop chasing and start being yourself.
What you feel reading this is already part of the answer.
Next comes specific guidance — when to act, how to move, what to watch for.
Full Reading · HK$18One-time payment · Access forever
Further Reading
FAQ
- Is Stick #38 (Moderately Good) good or bad?
- "Moderately Good" is a middle-tier fortune. It suggests your situation has room for growth but requires attention and direction. The real value is in the specific guidance — fortune sticks are tools for self-reflection, not prediction.
- How accurate is Wong Tai Sin Stick #38 for love?
- Fortune sticks work as a mirror for self-reflection rather than prediction. If the interpretation resonates with you, that's the stick doing its job — revealing what you already sense but haven't articulated.
- Can I draw fortune sticks for the same question again?
- Traditionally, you should ask about the same matter only once. Drawing repeatedly often means you're seeking the answer you want rather than the guidance you need. To explore different angles, try a different life topic for the same stick number.