The traditional Chinese fortune-telling system, with its in-depth study of one’s birth hour and date (referred to as the “eight characters”), often provides fascinating insights into various aspects of life, including the reasons for a poor marriage.
However, the compelling narratives from ancient records shed light on the multi-layered reasons behind the ups and downs of marital relationships and the deep thread that may connect us all — spanning multiple lives.
The karmic ties that bind can be the reason for a poor marriage
One such story from the Qing Dynasty encapsulates the belief in karmic retribution and its impact on marital life. It narrates the tale of Liu and his wife from the Zhou family, vividly illustrating how past deeds could influence current relationships.
Liu’s cruelty toward his obedient and hardworking wife, coupled with his eventual downfall, contrasts sharply with his wife’s rise from poverty to prosperity after his departure. This transformation not only highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of Liu’s wife, but also brings to the forefront the concept of repaying karmic debts within the marital bond.
From suffering to success: The journey of Liu’s wife
There was a man named Liu in Tong’an who married a woman from Zhou’s family, who was very obedient. However, Liu was very violent and cruel to her, whipping and scolding her at every turn. Liu’s wife was even more diligent at home, giving birth to four sons without a word of complaint.
Liu’s wife’s journey from suffering under Liu’s hand to becoming the matriarch of a prosperous family serves as a powerful testament to the strength and determination of individuals facing adversity.
It so happened that a rich man in the neighborhood wanted to buy the dilapidated houses behind the Liu family’s house to enlarge his own garden, so Liu’s wife sold the houses for a hundred taels of silver, which served as the capital for a small business, and over time, little by little, they gradually became rich.
Her ability to sell off dilapidated houses and use the proceeds as capital for a small business laid the foundation for her family’s eventual success — a remarkable feat that illustrates the unforeseen twists and turns of fate.
Her four sons grew up and started their own businesses. Liu’s wife married them off in order of seniority, and then remodeled the old house to look like a big house of a big family.
The return and remorse of Liu
Liu was not successful in his business endeavors, and even though he left home, it took him a few years before he was able to go overseas. Liu traveled from country to country for a few more years before he was able to build up some savings. But on his way home, he was caught in a hurricane, and all of his possessions were lost in the flood, leaving him with only with his life, so he returned dispirited.
Liu’s return, marked by the realization of his wife’s death and the success she achieved in his absence, paints a poignant picture of regret and the consequences of one’s actions.
When he arrived home, he saw the splendor of his original home and hesitated to enter. A neighbor went in and told his sons, who came out to greet him, but by then Liu’s wife was already dead. The sons cried and told of their mother’s difficulties, and the reasons for their subsequent fortune, and Liu was extremely remorseful and heartbroken.
Liu heard that Master Zhang, a local fortune-teller and master of the spiritual arts, could summon the souls of the dead, so Liu sought him out and brought a lot of money to beg Master Zhang to connect him with his wife’s soul.
Master Zhang accepted and told Liu to come back another day.
On the appointed day, Master Zhang led him into a secret room. In it, Liu was startled and frightened by a glimpse of a black-faced man pointing a large knife at him. Liu was so scared that he quickly retreated, thinking that Master Zhang was deceiving him.
But the truth was something else, as Liu would soon find out.
Master Zhang told Liu: “The glimpse you caught was really your wife.”
“But I saw a man holding a large knife at me,” Liu responded. “How does that relate to my wife?” Liu further asked.
In a soft yet piercing voice, Master Zhang replied: “Your wife was a male robber in a previous life, who killed you and robbed your property. “
In this life, that robber was reborn as a woman to be your wife, and to pay the debt owed to you.
As you see, with the wealth of your sons through the sacrifices and struggles of your wife, it has now been settled.
Liu was at a loss, suddenly as if he had come to his senses — he realized his past shortcomings and the struggles he had put his wife and family through.
Modern relevance and timeless lessons
While the story is rooted in the beliefs and values of ancient Chinese culture, its themes of resilience, karma, and the transformative power of adversity resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.
It serves as a reminder of the unbreakable connections between our past actions and present circumstances, while encouraging readers to ponder the profound effects of their behavior on their relationships.
This tale, rich with historical and cultural significance, not only entertains, but also offers valuable insights into the enduring human experience of navigating the complexities of love, marriage, and personal growth.
As we delve into these ancient records, we uncover timeless wisdom that speaks to the heart of today’s concerns and values, bridging the gap between the past and the present in a language that resonates with all.
Translated by Eva
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