This chapter is a gift for all you readers. The gift is simple and straightforward, and I hope you like it.
First Art of Changing Fate: sweep the courtyard and clean the home, keeping filth away from your body; keep your appearance neat and clean, so filth cannot cling to you. Do not lie down in places that stink of filth and are cluttered and disorderly, nor sleep in dark, damp places.
[Clean your courtyard and home so your body does not become soiled; keep your appearance clean and tidy so foul energies cannot cling to you. Do not sleep in filthy, foul-smelling, disorderly places, nor in dark, damp surroundings. This art concerns the mutual influence between individuals and their environment. These are the environmental conditions for improving your fortune.]
Second Fate-Changing Art: rise on time, eat on time, work on time, and rest on time. With the four periods in order, the mind becomes focused.
[Get up on time, eat on time, work on time, and rest on time. Only with a consistently regular routine can the mind become focused and peaceful. Peace of mind is a necessary condition for fortune to settle upon you.]
Third Fate-Changing Art: speak plainly and with substance; let your words be kind and sincere. Utter no malicious words, spread no unfounded claims, and take no part in slander or ridicule. A noble person's fortune begins upon their lips.
[Speak plainly and substantively, with kindness and sincerity. Do not say vicious things, spread unfounded claims, or participate in slander and mockery. Your fortune begins to sprout and reveal itself through your speech.]
Fourth Art of Changing Fate: navigate the world with a clear understanding of gain, and wealth can be sought. Acquire wealth with the intent to harm, and you defy the Heavenly Dao