A Struggle Against Entrenched Corruption

This flow follows the campaign to remove a powerful bad actor while balancing public accusation, collective support, and the danger of force.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Small Power Gains Entry

Corruption Begins Small A single weak line Coming to Meet begins with one divided line among strong ones. Legge interprets it as a small or unworthy person beginning to enter government. The danger lies in what an unchecked beginning can become. Early resistance matters If the entrant is allowed to grow, he may displace capable men and appoint others like himself. Prevention must begin before corruption becomes a settled order. The conflict starts as a contest over access to authority.

The Intruder Must Be Contained

Restraint Before Movement A dangerous arrival The first line portrays a bold, bad woman who seeks to win all the strong figures. Legge treats the image as political symbolism for an unworthy official. The threat is sudden and potentially expansive. Internal and external checks The line recommends binding the figure firmly and warns that movement will bring evil. Legge explains that restraint must come from more than one source. The crisis can still be contained if those with authority act before the newcomer acquires allies.

The Strong Center Blocks Access

A Minister Protects the Court Possession of the fish The second line holds a wallet of fish, an image Legge's commentators associate with the weak first line. The strong central figure can prevent it from reaching other guests. His position makes him a barrier between the threat and the wider court. Guarding the ruler's circle The line warns against allowing the intruder access to the ruler's guests. Legge admits that the symbolism is strained, yet sees its political purpose clearly. The conflict becomes a struggle over who may enter the networks of power.

The Ruler Chooses Concealment

Force Is Not the Only Answer Strength held back The fifth line depicts a strong ruler connected to a spreading gourd. Legge reads the image as a warning not to destroy or repress the unworthy person by force alone. The ruler should keep his excellence concealed and restrain his own response. Heaven's judgment and patience A good outcome may come from self-command rather than a dramatic purge. The ruler's virtue must remain steady even while the danger is contained. The conflict complicates resistance: urgency does not erase the need for proportion.

The Bad Power Is Removed

A Public Reckoning The culprit is named Breakthrough requires wrongdoing to be exposed openly, including in the royal court. The person seeking removal must appeal sincerely for support and recognize the danger of the task. Public clarity is essential to legitimate action. Force remains a last resort The text warns against turning too quickly to arms. Legge reads the movement as a campaign grounded in character and collective agreement rather than violence alone. The conflict reaches resolution through a visible charge, shared understanding, and careful judgment.

At the approach of the fifth-month hexagram

At the first line of Coming to Meet

At the second line of Coming to Meet

At the fifth line of Coming to Meet

During the subsequent Breakthrough