Openly Studying the Book of Changes, Secretly Obscuring Heaven's Secrets (Fourth Update)

Cao Cao's four sons had been recovered after being thought lost, and he was overjoyed.

Cao Cao immediately ordered the civil and military officials to attend a banquet at the Chancellor's Residence. They did not disperse until late into the night.

After everyone had left, only Cao Cao, Guo Jia, and Xi Zhicai remained in the hall.

Cao Cao took Guo Jia and Xi Zhicai's hands and said with a smile:

"I heard that Fengxiao and Zhicai are both skilled in divination. I'm curious—can I learn this art?"

Xi Zhicai said, "My lord possesses the talent to govern the world and bring peace to the people. Why bother with such a minor art? It would only waste your energy."

Guo Jia laughed. "Zhicai is teasing you, my lord. He's saying your talent is limited, and that no matter how much effort you waste, you still won't learn fortune-telling. You should just wash up and go to sleep early."

Cao Cao pretended to be angry. "What kind of reasoning is that? I insist on learning!"

Xi Zhicai fell into thought and quietly watched Guo Jia.

Guo Jia said, "Divination evolved from the Daoist Gate's Blessing Rituals. This art risks revealing heaven's secrets, so those of old generally left behind books for future generations to study. Few passed it down orally."

Cao Cao said, "I'm constantly occupied with warfare. How would I have time to study ancient books? Fengxiao, Zhicai, you must teach me. Whoever can teach me will truly prove his skill."

Guo Jia said, "It isn't impossible if you wish to learn, my lord. I have a method that can obscure heaven's secrets: as long as two people hold hands within their sleeves and secretly write words, they will not incur heaven's jealousy."

Cao Cao laughed heartily. "Excellent method!"

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