A Prophet - Chapter 21 (Part 2)

Chapter 2 - A Discussion on the Dao by the Two Great Fortune-Tellers of the Republic Era

When Grandfather handed this letter to Gai Xia in the Plum Blossom Taoist Temple, Gai Xia held the letter and wept uncontrollably. The two of them went to Mei Xuanzi's grave once more, read the contents of the letter aloud to Mei Xuanzi resting deep beneath the earth, and then burned the letter right in front of the grave. Grandfather sighed with emotion: "Brother Mei, Nephew is modest and eager to learn, and he will surely accomplish great things in the future. You can rest in peace."

That night, after returning to the guild hall, Grandfather's mind was flooded with a myriad of thoughts. The Shanghai Bund had regained its former bustling prosperity, yet the foreign concessions that had lasted for nearly a hundred years were gone. Portraits of Chiang Kai-shek were plastered all over Shanghai, and songs praising his merits were everywhere. All sorts of female shamans and charlatans swarmed out once more, with fortune-tellers hanging up their signboards and survivors of the catastrophe beginning to enter temples and Taoist shrines to fulfill their vows.

The Muzi Lotus re-emerged into the pugilistic world, ascending to the front page of the Shanghai newspapers under the identity of "Patriotic Grand Master." The "Iron Plate Master" had returned: "Nan Yuan, Bei Wei, Dong Lewu, Three Immortals Return to Ask Grand Master." That year, Yuan Shushan was 65 years old, Wei Qianli was 35, Xu Lewu was 60, and Grandfather was 44. All four of these men were renowned fortune-telling masters throughout the country, summarizing human nature and generalizing human life along their respective paths of divination.

Grandfather very much wanted to hear the views on fortune-telling held by the other three masters of destiny. For many years, Grandfather had wanted to visit these high-level experts. However, in the earlier period, Grandfather was busy reorganizing the guild hall, and feeling that his foundation was still insufficient, he did not dare to act rashly. Later on, he was busy battling the Huidaomen sects and the Japanese, wandering about in displacement, leaving him with no opportunity. Now, Grandfather had undoubtedly become a recognized master—and a patriotic master at that. Whether in terms of status or ability, Grandfather was fully qualified.

Grandfather first went to visit Yuan Shushan, the 65-year-old senior.

Yuan Shushan as a person was extremely kind-hearted, and throughout his life, he admired two people the most: one was Fuxi, the founder of the Pre-Heaven Eight Trigrams; the other was Wu Xun, a pioneer of modern mass education and an educator of the poor. Yuan Shushan did not care for wealth; all his money was used for charity. He funded a primary school in his hometown where not only did he waive tuition, but he also provided brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones for poor children free of charge. During the War of Resistance, because his hometown suffered from the flames of war, he had no choice but to give up teaching and flee to the British Concession in Shanghai for refuge. As soon as the people of Shanghai heard that the fortune-telling master had arrived, they flocked to his door to seek his guidance.

Later, because there were too many people coming to seek divinations, Yuan Shushan had no choice but to have people wait in line. Furthermore, seekers had to fill out a form first, writing down their Eight Characters (Bazi) of birth and handing it in; only after Yuan Shushan reviewed it would the seeker be allowed inside to listen respectfully to his guidance.

The bustling prosperity of the fortune-telling parlor made the surrounding petty thugs green with envy. Since this fellow made so much money, he ought to cough up a share. Thus, every few days, local ruffians would come to the door with threats: "You've earned so much, cough some of it up, or else we'll smash your parlor!"

Yuan Shushan was utterly unfazed: "Alright! Smashing it will give me some peace and quiet! I didn't want to calculate fortunes in the first place!"

Upon hearing this, the thugs were at their wits' end, but they immediately came up with a wicked idea. They kept watch at the entrance of the fortune-telling parlor, and whenever they saw someone finish having their fortune told and walk out, they would step up and ask: "How did the reading go?"

Most people would say, "Hm, the reading was quite accurate."

The thugs would immediately retort: "Then didn't he calculate that you have a bloody disaster today?"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm going to beat you, you dog's bastard! Let's see you come and send him money again!" With that, the thugs would swarm forward and beat the citizen who had come for a fortune reading until his face was bruised and swollen.

After being put through this commotion a few times, Yuan Shushan couldn't take it anymore: What on earth should he do?

At this time, Huang Jinrong, one of the three major tycoons of Shanghai, also heard the news of Yuan Shushan settling in Shanghai and came to pay a visit and seek guidance. Yuan Shushan calculated Huang Jinrong's Bazi with pinpoint accuracy. Upon hearing the reading, Huang Jinrong was filled with boundless emotion: "The Master is thoroughly versed in the principles of the Changes; I am filled with admiration!"

With that, he prepared to pull out silver dollars.

Yuan Shushan said, "There is no need for silver dollars; I have a favor to ask of you..."

"Please speak, Master!"

Yuan Shushan explained his recent distress.

Upon hearing this, Huang Jinrong was extremely indignant: "Is there still heavenly justice? Is there still law?"

Upon returning to his gang, Huang Jinrong personally commissioned a painted scroll titled "Heroic Independence," had his subordinates drive a jeep carrying a band, and sent it to Yuan Shushan with drums beating and music playing all the way.

When the thugs saw this formation, they were scared shitless. This fortune-telling master was sworn brothers with a Green Gang boss! It was over; this time they were in for it and had nowhere to hide. Thus, they successively came to Yuan Shushan's fortune-telling parlor to beg for mercy.

Yuan Shushan knew how to conduct himself. Not only did he not scold them, but he also smiled and said: "You are all heroes of the greenwood; you simply intercepted the wrong place. The money I earn here all has its uses—part of it is used to resist Japan, and part of it is used to build schools. Therefore, I ask all you great heroes to raise your hands in mercy." Having said this, he took out some silver dollars: "I don't have much, but every good hero can take two pieces, consider it money to buy wine!" The thugs took the money, expressed their thanks one after another, and then retreated politely.

This affair spread throughout the entirety of Shanghai, and even Huang Jinrong felt that Yuan Shushan knew how to handle affairs.

Grandfather had been away from Shanghai for many years, and upon returning, he had also heard about this incident, which filled him with even greater admiration for senior Yuan Shushan. His only worry was that back in the day, he had made a huge gimmick in the newspapers by creating the phrase "Nan Yuan, Bei Wei, Dong Lewu, Three Immortals Return to Ask Grand Master," and he wondered if the venerable elder Yuan might harbor displeasure in his heart.

Grandfather arrived at Yuan Shushan's residence and knocked on the door. A young maid walked out: "Who are you looking for?"

"I am looking for the venerable elder Yuan."

"My master no longer tells fortunes."

"Oh, I am not here to have my fortune told. Please go in and announce me, just say that the 'Iron Plate Master' requests an audience."

"Wait a moment." After saying this, the maid went inside.

After a short while, the maid returned: "Master, please come in."

The stone in Grandfather's heart finally dropped, and he hurriedly followed the maid inside.

"Greetings, venerable elder Yuan. This junior pays his respects." As soon as Grandfather entered the door, he bowed respectfully to Yuan Shushan.

Yuan Shushan smiled amiably: "Grandfather is a rising star of Jianghuai, with exquisite mastery of the arts of the Changes and noble patriotism, unlike old wrecks like us who can only hide in the concession and compromise for survival."

"The venerable elder flatters me; this junior truly does not dare accept such praise. I have long heard of your esteemed name, senior, and had always wanted to pay a visit, but alas, I was caught up in the wars and running about in displacement. Now that I have just returned, I have come specifically to pay my respects today."

_name, senior, has long been like thunder ringing in my ears. Your Iron Plate Divine Calculation is a school of its own; holding an abacus in your hand, you can calculate fortunes. Out of 520,000 kinds of Bazi, a movement of your fingers calculates it instantly..."

Grandfather's face flushed red, and he hurriedly said: "It's all empty fame, all empty fame. Previously... previously this junior was young and vigorous, coupled with the fact that the guild hall had just been established, I made a bit of empty noise in the newspapers. If there was any offense given to the senior predecessor, I hope..."

Before Grandfather could finish speaking, Yuan Shushan laughed merrily: "Grandfather is worrying too much! Heh heh, the waves behind the Yangtze River drive the waves ahead, and each wave is higher than the last. If a person who studies the Changes does not possess a broad mind, how can they achieve great mastery in discerning the yin, yang, and all things of the universe? I am like this, and in the future Grandfather must be like this as well. When juniors emerge, never be jealous, let alone suppress them; you must cherish them and cultivate them, so that Chinese Yi studies can be passed down from generation to generation and carried forward!"

After hearing this, Grandfather was filled with incomparable admiration: "The venerable elder truly possesses both virtue and art in full measure!"

"Grandfather has honored my humble home with his presence; what instruction do you have?" Yuan Shushan turned to the main topic.

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. Actually, this junior has come this time simply to ask a single question, and I ask the venerable elder to teach me..."

"Please speak."

"Master has been engaged in the destiny profession for so many years; what is your greatest realization?" Grandfather asked.

"My greatest realization is: yin and yang have fixed numbers, yet human life is ever-changing."

"Please enlighten me, venerable elder," Grandfather said deferentially.

Yuan Shushan nodded and said: "Grandfather himself is also a master of destiny, so he naturally knows the subtlety of the Book of Changes. All matters and things are within the Five Phases of Yin and Yang; grasping the pulse of the Five Phases allows one to perceive the trajectory of human life. Whether it is Bazi, the Six Lineages, Qimen Dunjia, or Da Liu Ren, all roads lead to the same destination, and the principles are identical. Calculating the fortune of the very same person using different methods will inevitably yield the exact same result—otherwise, wouldn't a person have two or more lives? Humans are born endowed with the qi of the Five Phases. Since the Five Phases follow regular patterns, human life must also follow regular patterns. This is called 'yin and yang having fixed numbers,' and it is also the source and value of the birth of the Book of Changes. But does having this fixed number mean that a person's destiny remains unchangeable? The answer is no. You and I have both calculated fortunes for decades; have we not frequently encountered situations where, according to the Book of Changes, a person's fortune was calculated to have a great disaster in a certain year, yet that year they remained safe and sound? Or situations where it was calculated that someone would make a huge fortune in a certain month of a certain year, but they did not make a fortune, or only made a small one?"

Grandfather nodded: "Yes. Every fortune-teller has encountered this kind of situation."

"Then has Grandfather summarized the relevant patterns for why this situation occurs?" Yuan Shushan asked in return.

Grandfather nodded deeply once more: "I have summarized them. Anyone whose trajectory of destiny undergoes a change is invariably one of two types of people: those of great benevolence, and those of great wickedness. People of great benevolence can turn misfortune into good fortune and disasters into auspiciousness when facing adversity; whereas people of great wickedness, even the wealth and blessings that should rightfully belong to their destiny, will gradually diminish as they commit misdeeds, until they end up with nothing!"

"Heh heh." Yuan Shushan smiled with his kind eyebrows and pleasant eyes. "Since Grandfather has already penetrated the profound mysteries of human life, why come to ask me?"

"Is this the reason why the venerable elder no longer tells fortunes?" Grandfather asked another question.

"It is one of the reasons. Speaking of not telling fortunes, in truth, having created this cause myself, I cannot shake it off for a time; there are always visitors coming to the door. I have my disciples go out to block them, but if they truly cannot be blocked, I have no choice but to receive them. Grandfather, those of us in this profession all know that anyone who comes to have their fortune told is invariably one of three types of people: first, those suffering from major psychological stimulation; second, those infatuated with fame and fortune; and third, those driven to the end of their rope. Therefore, no matter what, one must counsel and guide them—encourage those who are sinking to regain their courage, and make the arrogant understand how to restrain themselves."

"The venerable elder's instruction is correct." Grandfather nodded.

Yuan Shushan raised his head, looked out the window, and said with boundless emotion: "In this matter of fortune-telling, no matter how you calculate, there is always a part that cannot be calculated; this is called 'human calculation is inferior to heaven's calculation.' Just like human life, no matter how you plan, there is always a part you could not anticipate; this is called 'heaven's will.' Therefore, in this world, there is no division between clever people and foolish people; there is only a division between good and evil. No matter how clever a person is and how many schemes they hatch, there is always a time when they will misstep. Heaven's eye cannot be evaded, and heaven's will cannot be violated!"

Finally, Yuan Shushan gave a single sentence, which Grandfather carefully pondered on the way back, unsure whether it was a piece of advice or a prophecy: The larger the faction, the deeper the karma created; nothing else, it is simply cause and effect.

Later on, Grandfather did not visit Wei Qianli, nor did he disturb Xu Lewu. Grandfather had already found his answer. From then on, he began laying out his plans—laying out the final plan of his life.

In the year 1947, Master Yuan Shushan published an article titled "On Fortune-Telling" in the Shanghai newspapers. Upon reading it, Grandfather was filled with even more boundless emotion.

Destiny is the creation of the prior heaven; fortune is the journey of the eight pillars. Destiny is carried by the Five Phases and calculated through the four pillars; entering the major fortune cycles causes yin and yang to transform each other, and encountering annual years causes celestial stems and terrestrial branches to convert. Now, the major fortune cycle is like the place one arrives at, and the annual year is like the person one meets. The interaction of the interior and exterior is the method of dialectics.

Destiny can be calculated, yet it also cannot be calculated. That which can be calculated is the reasoning of yin and yang; that which cannot be calculated is the law of cause and effect. Fortune-telling is not the goal, but a means. Using the method of destiny calculation to achieve the goal of seeking good fortune and avoiding calamity is the single reason why numerology swept the contemporary world! Yet how does one seek good fortune and avoid misfortune? Can destiny be altered? Having practiced numerology for over thirty years, I have once tried using feng shui, names, talismans, and other methods to help people seek good fortune and avoid calamity; in the end, the therapeutic results were negligible!

Why? Feng shui cannot withstand the human heart, and spiritual powers cannot surpass karmic force.

Feng shui and talismans are external causes, serving as auxiliary and minor factors; personal cultivation is the fundamental root and guiding principle, serving as the internal cause. A person with a poisoned and corrupted heart—no matter how their surroundings are adjusted—will never have a good destiny. For example, if a person spends hundreds of taels of silver searching everywhere for prosperous feng shui sites, yet never manages to obtain one; while a kind-hearted person, without expending an ounce of effort, naturally and spontaneously resides in the most prosperous spatial layout. This is what is meant by: "A blessed person dwells in a blessed land, and a blessed land is dwelt in by a blessed person."

The Book of Changes is a book of supreme goodness, containing the principles of human conduct within its pages. People in this world merely need to understand the principles of human conduct to seek good fortune, avoid misfortune, and turn disasters into auspiciousness. There is no need whatsoever to take a detour to repair destiny and alter fortune through unorthodox paths and side doors like feng shui, talismans, and name-changing. Set your mind entirely on goodness, and a mountain of knives will melt away by itself; keep your mind completely pure, and a sea of flames will dry up of its own accord!

Those who are skilled in the Changes do not divine. I only came to know this principle at the age of fifty (the age of heavenly mandate), and now, leaning on my age to preach to my juniors, I offer this as a precedent for others to reflect upon, so that they may examine it themselves. My sole wish is that future great worthies will discourse more on the principles of the Changes and dabble less in the arts of magical techniques, so as not to disgrace the intentions of the sages...

Yuan Shushan meant what he said and followed through with his actions. In his later years, his son Yuan Furu wanted to learn fortune-telling from him. Yuan Shushan sternly told him: "I have two sets of inheritances—one for fortune-telling and one for medicine. After I die, you must smash and burn the fortune-telling inheritance, and inherit my medical practice!"

Yuan Furu was very obedient. From then on, he never touched a single bit of numerology, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to medicine. Later, he studied abroad in Japan, continued his study of medical arts, and subsequently traveled to reside in the United States, where he established a Chinese medicine hospital, saved the lives of the dying and healed the wounded, promoted traditional national medicine, and became a grand master of medicine of his generation.

Among the four great fortune-tellers of the Republic era, Wei Qianli used the Book of Changes to trade stocks in his later years, losing almost all his family property; Xu Lewu died suddenly of a heart attack; Grandfather's life and death remained unknown; only Yuan Shushan made a dignified exit. This was precisely because Yuan Shushan was the earliest to recognize that fortune-telling creates karma, and therefore he withdrew in time, eliminating karma and resolving disaster.