Stick #51
King Cheng of Zhou Enfeoffs His Brother
FairPoem
Cutting paulownia leaves as child's play,
Yet his brother's enfeoffment stood firm as jade.
How did a jest transform to solemn decree?
For a king's word, once spoken, can never fade.
剪桐雖是作兒嬉
封弟成圭語不移
何以偽為成實事
言因無戲故如斯
Interpretation
King Cheng of Zhou once playfully cut paulownia leaves into the shape of a ceremonial jade tablet, joking that he would enfeoff his younger brother as a lord. When the Duke of Zhou came to congratulate him, the king said it was merely a jest. The Duke replied, 'A ruler's words are no jest.' Thus, the younger brother was duly enfeoffed in the land of Tang, which later became the state of Jin. This sign cautions that one's words and actions must be carefully considered, for even playful remarks may become reality. While the omen itself suggests an ordinary situation without major obstacles, it warns against careless speech that may lead to irreversible consequences.
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