Tagomi consults oracle

Nobusuke Tagomi, a high-ranking official of the Trade Mission, consults the I Ching in his office. He is anxious about the upcoming meeting with Mr. Baynes, a Swedish businessman, and about the gift he must present. He receives Hexagram Twenty-eight, Preponderance of the Great, indicating imbalance. He also receives a line about a withered poplar putting forth flowers, suggesting that Childan will have nothing of worth to offer. Tagomi reflects on the coded message from Tokyo that hinted Baynes is not what he seems, possibly a spy.