The Marrying Maiden — 初六

The Line

Interpretation

The princes of antiquity had a firm order of rank among the palace ladies, who were subordinate to the queen as the younger sisters to the eldest. They were also often from the family of the queen, who herself led them to her husband. The sense is that a young maiden, when she enters a family in agreement with the wife, does not stand on a level with her outwardly, but will modestly step back. But if she knows how to fit herself into the connection, she gains a position that is thoroughly satisfactory, and she will feel herself sheltered in the love of the husband to whom she bears children. The same meaning arises in the relations of officials. A prince has perhaps a man with whom he is personally friendly and whom he takes into his confidence. This man must tactfully step back outwardly behind the official minister of state. But although he is hindered by this position like a lame person, he can still accomplish something through the goodness of his being.