Stick #68
Moderately GoodAsking about Love · one of the deck's middle-positive grade signs
The short answer
Your love life mirrors Jiang Taigong's patient wait by the river.
Reviewed 2026-06-08
Full readingStick No. 68
姜太公遇文王
Asking about Love · one of the deck's middle-positive grade signs
The short answer
Your love life mirrors Jiang Taigong's patient wait by the river.
Reviewed 2026-06-08
Full readingThe respectable hermit fished lonely by the river.
His ideals were so high that they had few followers.
The Emperor came one day from far far away, And asked the venerable man to run the state.
This stick tells the story of Jiang Taigong, a legendary sage who spent years fishing alone by the Wei River around 1100 BCE. Here's the twist — he used a straight hook without bait, claiming he was waiting for the right fish to come to him voluntarily. Sounds crazy, right?
But Jiang Taigong wasn't really fishing for fish. He was demonstrating his philosophy: true worth shouldn't have to chase after recognition. When King Wen of Zhou heard about this eccentric hermit, he traveled personally to meet him.
Recognizing Jiang's wisdom, the king appointed him as his chief strategist. Together, they eventually overthrew the corrupt Shang Dynasty and established the Zhou Dynasty, which lasted 800 years. The story became a symbol of patient preparation meeting perfect timing — when the right person recognizes your value, everything changes.
Your love life mirrors Jiang Taigong's patient wait by the river. You've been maintaining high standards in relationships, perhaps feeling lonely or misunderstood by people who don't appreciate your depth. Some friends might think you're too picky or idealistic about love.
That's actually your strength, not your weakness. This stick suggests someone special is coming who will truly see your worth — not someone you have to convince or chase, but someone who seeks you out because they recognize your unique qualities. The timing isn't quite here yet, but it's approaching.
If you're already in a relationship, this indicates a period where your partner will finally understand what makes you special. They might have taken you for granted before, but now they're seeing you with fresh eyes. Your relationship could reach a new level of mutual respect and appreciation.
For singles, resist the urge to lower your standards just to avoid loneliness. The right person will be drawn to exactly those qualities others might overlook. Think of someone who appreciates your intelligence, your principles, or your unconventional approach to life.
Focus on being authentically yourself rather than trying to appeal to everyone. Continue developing your interests and values — these are what will attract the right person. If you're dating, pay attention to how potential partners react to your true self, not just your surface charm.
Look for someone who asks thoughtful questions about your dreams and beliefs. In existing relationships, share more of your deeper thoughts and aspirations. Don't hide your complexity to keep the peace.