The Story

A new governor rode into his province with a small retinue and no proclamations. He visited each county within three months, ate the local food, asked the farmers about the river levels, listened to widows about the taxes. By autumn he knew the province as a man knows a familiar coat. "The time for approach is short," he said. "Before fear calcifies into habit, before the magistrates invent reasons to be elsewhere, walk the whole length and meet what is real." Those who use the open season properly do not need force when the cold comes.

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The Judgment

Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. When the eighth month comes, there will be misfortune.

The Image

The earth above the lake: the image of approach. Thus the superior person is inexhaustible in their will to teach, and without limit in their tolerance and protection of the people.

Interpretation

Two yang lines rising from below: an advance is beginning. A hopeful, expansive moment — but time-limited. The counsel is to act vigorously now while the door is open, and to remember that no advance lasts forever; build with the turning in mind.

Trigrams

The Six Lines

1. First (Bottom) Joint approach. Perseverance brings good fortune. Move forward with a companion of like mind.
2. Second Joint approach. Good fortune. Everything furthers. A confident advance supported from above; use the momentum.
3. Third Comfortable approach. Nothing that would further. If one is induced to grieve over it, no blame. Taking things for granted loses the favourable wind; genuine concern restores it.
4. Fourth Complete approach. No blame. Engagement without reservation; the right match for the moment.
5. Fifth Wise approach. This is right for a great prince. Good fortune. Advance by understanding rather than force; give capable people their assignments.
6. Sixth (Top) Greathearted approach. Good fortune. No blame. Broad, generous engagement at the mature stage.