Stick #81: Perseverance Required (Very Unfavorable)
至暗时刻莫言弃，坚持一日是一日。寒冬终会过去也，梅花香自苦寒出。
Plain reading
At the darkest hour, do not speak of giving up — hold one day at a time. Winter will pass; plum blossom fragrance comes from bitter cold.
Interpretation
This is a very unfavorable lot titled "Perseverance Required." At the darkest hour, do not speak of quitting — hold one day as one day. "Winter will pass; plum fragrance comes from bitter cold" shows sweetness follows bitterness; only those who endure taste the blossom.
Situation notes
- Career: Though setback, each day keep the post — await turn.
- Relationships: At love's darkest, speak one honest sentence daily — holding is hope.
- Wealth: Even when tight, each day secure basics — await spring.
Common misread
Auspicious tiers (such as Very Unfavorable) are tone, not a verdict. Name one action you control before redrawing.
Advice
Each day do one thing: survive and make no irreversible choice. Record "what I held to today" — small merit waits for spring.
From the Plum Blossom poems: "Sword edge comes from grinding; plum fragrance from bitter cold" — those who endure the darkest hour finally see blossom.
Related sticks
- Stick #80: Troubles Within and Without — neighboring lot for tone contrast
- Stick #82: Reflection Required — neighboring lot for tone contrast
Editorial note: entertainment and cultural reference. Source last revised: 2026-09-14. See Methodology and fortune stick guide.