Chinese characters are among the most unique written languages in the world. Their pictographic and ideographic nature allows them to convey profound meaning through intricate structures. Some characters can be deconstructed into parts, each with its own independent meaning. This unique characteristic has given rise to fascinating literary forms, such as poetry, couplets, riddles, and the practice of “character divination,” which is deeply intertwined with Chinese philology. This practice, believed to have originated in the Zhou Dynasty, flourished during the Tang and Song Dynasties and remained popular in the Ming and Qing periods. Prominent figures like Yuan Tiangang, Xie Shi, Li Chunfeng, and Shao Yong exemplified its mastery during the Tang and Song eras.
Here is a captivating story that showcases the mysterious power of character divination.
A princess’s treasure disappears
Princess Taiping, the youngest daughter of Emperor Gaozong of Tang and Empress Wu Zetian, was known for her sharp wit, commanding presence, and political acumen. Greatly favored by her mother, she was once gifted several hundred taels of gold by Empress Wu. To safeguard her treasure, the princess hid it in a secret location. Despite her precautions, the entire hoard was stolen.
When Empress Wu learned of the theft, her fury was boundless. She summoned the Chief Administrator of Luozhou and gave him three days to catch the thief, threatening him with execution if he failed. Terrified, the administrator passed the ultimatum to two county magistrates, who in turn pressured their constables to solve the case within a day under penalty of death. One constable, paralyzed by fear, wandered the streets in despair, believing his fate was sealed.
A chance encounter with a diviner
While aimlessly walking, the constable passed a fortune-teller’s stall. The diviner, noticing the constable’s anxious demeanor, called out: “You seem troubled. Why not share your burden? Perhaps I can help.”
Annoyed and skeptical, the constable initially brushed him off. However, the diviner persisted, suggesting: “Why not write a character to represent your predicament? Let me analyze it.”
Desperate and out of options, the constable scribbled the character “窮” (“poverty”) on a piece of paper. After examining it closely, the diviner remarked: “The character ‘窮’ consists of ‘穴’ (cave) above and ‘躬’ (to bow) below. Together, they suggest someone bowing inside a cave — a grave robber.”
The constable was incredulous. “What does grave robbing have to do with the stolen gold?” he asked. The diviner explained: “Whoever dared to steal from the princess must be extraordinarily bold. Given the weight of the gold, it would have been impossible to transport it far. Where would you hide such a treasure if you were the thief?”
The constable, overwhelmed and unable to think clearly, admitted he had no idea. The diviner continued: “The safest place to hide something valuable is within a grave. Now, tell me — when was the theft discovered?”
“Last night,” replied the constable. The diviner clapped his hands and exclaimed: “This morning, a funeral procession passed through this street, heading west. Investigate where they buried the coffin.”
The thieves are caught
Following the diviner’s advice, the constable gathered his men and tracked down the grave. At the burial site, they found a man and a woman mourning. A gust of wind lifted the woman’s white mourning clothes, revealing luxurious garments underneath. Recognizing the man as a notorious fugitive named Mao San and the woman as an infamous thief, the constable arrested them both.
Under interrogation, the pair confessed to hiding the stolen gold inside the coffin. When the grave was opened, the treasure was recovered in its entirety. The diviner’s remarkable deduction earned him widespread fame, a generous reward, and even an audience with Princess Taiping.
The enduring allure of character divination
Practices like fortune-telling and character divination hold a mysterious and timeless appeal. Skilled practitioners combine intuition, knowledge, and profound insights into metaphysics to unravel complex problems and offer guidance. This ancient tradition continues to captivate people, proving its value and resilience through the ages.
Translated by Katy Liu
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