Watching Fish at the Deep Abyss: The Story of the First Line of the Qian Hexagram

In the late Kaiyuan era, deep within Chongren Ward of Chang'an stood an old residence. Moss crept over its stone steps, and ancient scholar trees shaded the sun from the sky. This was the home of Chang Yuan, a member of a collateral branch of the Longxi Li clan. Chang Yuan was a man of great talent, yet his family fortunes had declined, leaving only an elderly servant in his household. He had no desire to curry favor with the powerful and noble; instead, he shut himself away all day, digging a pond and channeling water in the backyard, raising several red carp, reading by the pond, and playing the qin for his own amusement.

One day, Wang Sheng, a former classmate, came to visit. Wang Sheng had just been appointed as a proofreader in the imperial library, and he was full of vigor and ambition. Seeing Chang Yuan dressed in plain cloth and eating simple meals, he sighed and said, "The Right Prime Minister is now recruiting talented people far and wide. With your great ability, how can you waste away in obscurity? I have already submitted your literary works on your behalf for recommendation, and there should be a reply soon."

Chang Yuan put down his book and led Wang Sheng to the backyard. It was early autumn, and the pond water was clear and cool. All the red carp were competing for food on the water's surface, except for one black carp, which lay dormant in the dark depths of the pond, completely still.

Chang Yuan pointed to the bottom of the pond and said, "What do you think of this fish?"

Wang Sheng replied, "This black carp lurks at the bottom of the water, not competing for food like the others. It seems rather dull and slow-witted."

Chang Yuan smiled faintly. "It is not dullness, but an understanding of the times and circumstances. Though there are floating baits on the water's surface, the autumn wind is rising, and cormorants on the bank are watching and waiting. Only by diving into the deep abyss can one preserve oneself, gathering strength to await the spring waters."

Wang Sheng still tried to persuade him: "A man should build merit and establish his career. How can you end your days in the mud like a creature confined to a pond?"

Chang Yuan stood by the pond with his hands behind his back, his gaze deep and profound. "In the court today, the powerful prime minister holds dictatorial power and排斥 those who oppose him. Though I am untalented, I know that a tree that stands out in the forest will be broken by the wind. Though this residence is humble, it is a place where I can find peace and settle my life. My knowledge and state of mind have not yet reached the realm of perfection. If I rush to achieve success, I fear I will suffer a backlash. It is better to be a *qianlong* (hidden dragon) for now, not displaying my sharp edge, cultivating my temperament within this small home, and quietly waiting for the right time from heaven."

Wang Sheng fell silent for a long time, then bowed deeply and took his leave.

After that, the situation in Chang'an changed dramatically. Most of those who had gone to seek patronage with Wang Sheng in the past were demoted or exiled after being caught up in political strife. Chang Yuan continued to live in his old residence, sweeping his couch, brewing tea, and watching the fish by the pond.

As the years passed, the ancient scholar tree in the courtyard grew ever more lush and verdant. One day, in a light rain, Chang Yuan sat alone under the veranda. He saw ripples gently stir the pond's surface, and the black carp suddenly flicked its tail, vanishing into the deeper darkness. Chang Yuan lightly plucked the strings of his qin, and the lingering notes curled and drifted, scattering into the misty rain and deep alleys. The residence gate was tightly shut, leaving only a courtyard of serene seclusion— as if a hidden dragon lay in the abyss, quietly listening for the wind and thunder.