Wong Tai Sin Sign 74 · Zhu Maichen's Abandoned Wife

This tells the story of Zhu Maichen, a Han dynasty scholar who spent his days chopping firewood and studying ancient texts. His wife couldn't bear their poverty and constantly nagged him to give up his books for practical work. When he refused, she divorced him and married a wealthier man. Years later, Zhu passed the imperial examinations and became a high-ranking official. His ex-wife, realizing her mistake, begged to return. But as the Chinese saying goes, 'spilled water cannot be gathered up' — some decisions can't be undone. The story became a cautionary tale about loyalty, patience, and the danger of judging people by temporary circumstances. It reflects the traditional Chinese belief that education and perseverance ultimately triumph over immediate material concerns.