YiMatrix · Academy Journal

Twenty Years of Fire: From the Restless Yisi to the Peak of Bingwu—A Fate Map of Su Shi

In 1073, Su Shi entered the Yisi (Wood Fire) decade, the beginning of his Fire luck, marked by disaster relief, relocations, and political struggles. Within ten years, he fell into

南荒December 25, 202550 min read

Preface

In 1073, Su Shi entered the Yisi (Wood-Fire) decade, the beginning of his Fire luck, marked by disaster relief, relocations, and political struggles. Within ten years, he fell into the depths of the 'Crow Terrace Poetry Case,' nearly losing his life over his writings.

Yet fate did not stop there. In 1083, he entered the Bingwu (Fire-Fire) decade, with Fire at its peak, warming his cold chart. Rising from the depths of Huangzhou, he reached the position of Minister, shining alongside his brother in the most glorious period of his life.

Yisi and Bingwu were the 'favorable regulating luck' in Su Shi's chart—the former as Fire on a horse, the latter as Fire's stronghold—forming the main theme of his fate for twenty consecutive years. But as with the complex texture of Su Shi's life, beneath this firelight lay violent structures of Seven Killers clashing with the treasury and Water-Fire conflict.

This article uses fate analysis as its axis, weaving together the twenty-year cycle from Yisi to Bingwu, restoring the true Su Shi—a man of extraordinary talent but ill-fated.

Section 1 | The Fourth Cycle of Life—Fire Luck Begins: Yisi Decade (1073–1082)

Su Shi entered the Yisi (Wood-Fire) decade. The annual pillars for this decade are as follows:

First five years: 1073 Guichou, 1074 Jiayin, 1075 Yimao, 1076 Bingchen, 1077 Dingsi
Last five years: 1078 Wuwu, 1079 Jiwei, 1080 Gengshen, 1081 Xinyou, 1082 Renxu

This was a decade of ups and downs in officialdom and repeated hardships, culminating in the 'Crow Terrace Poetry Case,' which plunged him into the abyss of life.

Event 1: Disaster Relief in Changzhou and Zhenjiang (1073 Guichou Year)

Historical Fact: In the eleventh month of the sixth year of Xining (1073), famine ravaged Changzhou and Zhenjiang. Su Shi, then Vice Magistrate of Hangzhou, was ordered to provide disaster relief. He toiled for over half a year, not returning until the following summer. Witnessing the suffering of the people, and reflecting on his youthful aspirations to serve the world and his current predicament, Su Shi felt a deep sense of disillusionment and confusion.
Fate Analysis:
1. Start of Decade: The beginning of the Yisi decade.
2. Annual Pillar Trigger (Guichou Year):
  - Guichou: The Gui Water Day Master went outward, with Chou Earth (Seven Killers) below, indicating a new role externally while retaining the original position.
  - Key Combination Image: The Chou Earth (Seal Treasury) of the annual pillar and the Si Fire (Horse, Officer environment) of the decade formed a virtual You Metal (Partial Seal) through a concealed combination.
    - Virtual You (no solid root): Symbolized having a nominal duty (Partial Seal as an empty title) but no real power, fitting his situation of rushing for disaster relief with a low position and heavy responsibility.
    - Concealed combination at Si (Horse): Indicated a life of toil and travel ('not on disaster relief, but on the road to disaster relief').

Event 2: Transfer to Mizhou, Then to Hezhong Prefecture/Xuzhou (1074 Jiayin Year–1077 Dingsi Year)

Historical Fact:
- September 1074 (Jiayin Year): Received an edict to become Prefect of Mizhou; left Hangzhou in October.
- 1077 (Dingsi Year): First appointed Prefect of Hezhong Prefecture, then changed to Prefect of Xuzhou. Arrived in Xuzhou in April. In July, the Yellow River burst its banks; Su Shi led the people in flood control to protect the city.
Fate Analysis:
1. Transfer to Mizhou (Jiayin Year):
  - Jiayin: Strong Hurting Officer annual pillar (Jia Wood exposed, Yin as root). Hurting Officer indicates change and departure ('Hurting Officer year led to leaving office'), fitting the move from Hangzhou to Mizhou.
2. New Appointment (Dingsi Year):
  - Dingsi:
    - Ding Fire (Indirect Wealth), Si Fire (Wealth, Officer, Seal) indicated Officer with Wealth.
    - Si Fire triggered the Si of the Yisi decade (Wealth, Officer, Seal working) → gaining real power (Prefect of Hezhong/Xuzhou).
    - Si-Hai Clash (Day Branch): Horse star clashed, again confirming long-distance relocation and environmental upheaval (from Mizhou to Hezhong/Xuzhou).
  - Flood control (July Dingsi Year): Fire strong (Dingsi year, Wuwei month) generated Earth to control Water (flood), with Wealth, Seal, and Officer (Si) energy demonstrating leadership in crisis.

Event 3: Transfer to Huzhou and the 'Crow Terrace Poetry Case' (1079 Jiwei Year)

Historical Fact:
- March 1079 (Jiwei Year): Su Shi transferred to Huzhou. Upon leaving Xuzhou, the people lined the streets to see him off.
- Same year:
  - July: The Censorate (Crow Terrace) impeached him for 'satirizing the New Policies and slandering the court' in his poems.
  - August 18: Su Shi was arrested in Huzhou, his life hanging by a thread.
  - December 28: Case concluded; demoted to Deputy Military Training Commissioner of Huangzhou (without authority to sign documents, effectively a supervised criminal official).
Fate Analysis:
1. Core Annual Pillar (Jiwei Year):
  - Eating God Entering Tomb: The core talent star in the original chart—the Yimao (Eating God) in the month pillar. The Wei Earth of the annual pillar is the Wood Treasury (i.e., Eating God's tomb). Yi Wood (Eating God) entering the Wei tomb symbolized talent (poetry) causing disaster and imprisonment ('a small action led to imprisonment').
  - Uncontrolled Seven Killers and Villains: The Wei Earth of the annual pillar clashed with and overcame the Chou Earth (Seal Treasury) of the year branch (Chou-Wei clash). The clash strengthened Earth, causing the Ji Earth Seven Killers to overflow. Seven Killers (villains, lawsuits, death threats) ran rampant without control. This was a strong signal of 'encountering villains,' being framed, and imprisoned.
  - Tomb Timeliness: 'Once the annual pillar passed, the tomb was over'—after the Jiwei year (1080 Gengshen year), the Eating God exited the tomb (Wei no longer dominated as Yi Wood's tomb), and the crisis was resolved (released and demoted).
  - Decade Background: In the Yisi decade, Si Fire was originally favorable, but unfortunately, at the earthly branch, it drained Wood and generated Earth, strengthening the Seven Killers and making them uncontrollable. Moreover, in the Jiwei year, Earth (Wei) was strong, draining Fire (Si), weakening the Officer star, which could not protect him.

Event 4: Exile in Huangzhou (1080 Gengshen Year and After)

Historical Fact: In February 1080 (Gengshen Year), Su Shi arrived in Huangzhou, beginning four years of exile as a titular Deputy Military Training Commissioner.
Fate Analysis:
- Annual Pillar Energy (from 1080 Gengshen Year): Entered strong Metal years like Gengshen and Xinyou.
  - Metal (Officer, Killers) strong overcame the core useful god Yimao Wood (Eating God) ('Metal also harmed Yi Wood, the active god').
  - Result: Talent suppressed ('don't talk about state affairs'), actions restricted (no authority to sign documents), physical and mental distress ('exile'), fitting his status as a 'criminal official' in Huangzhou during a period of depression.

Section Summary

The Yisi decade (Wood-Fire) superficially showed Wood (Eating, Hurting) and Fire (Officer) mutually generating, but it concealed deadly threats, ultimately becoming Su Shi's 'darkest decade':

Nominal Duties and Toil (Guichou): At the start, Guichou formed a virtual You (Partial Seal), setting the tone for low position, heavy responsibility, and futile toil (disaster relief).
Relocations and Duties (Jiayin → Dingsi): Jiayin Hurting Officer year triggered departure from Hangzhou (to Mizhou); Dingsi Officer star gained strength finally brought real power (Prefect of Xu/Hu), but Si-Hai clash caused constant moves.
Literary Inquisition Disaster (Jiwei): The Jiwei year formed a 'death combination':
- Eating God entering tomb (Yi Wood entering Wei): Poetry caused disaster.
- Uncontrolled Seven Killers (Chou-Wei clash strengthened Earth Killers, harming Eating God): Villains framed him, leading to the Crow Terrace case and life-threatening danger.
- Fortunately, once the year passed, he exited the tomb and was demoted (Huangzhou).
Hardship in Huangzhou (from Gengshen): Strong Metal years overcame Yi Wood (Eating God), suppressing talent, reducing him to a 'criminal official,' physically and mentally isolated.

The Yisi decade began with nominal toil on disaster relief (Guichou), passed through relocations and duties (Jiayin → Dingsi), suddenly plunged into the life-and-death crisis of the Crow Terrace prison (Jiwei), and finally settled into the long winter of exile in Huangzhou (Gengshen →). Its fate trajectory, from the helplessness of 'virtual Seal' to the danger of 'Eating God entering tomb and Seven Killers Earth strong,' deeply imprinted the fragility and tragedy of a genius in the political vortex.

Section 2 | The Fifth Cycle of Life—Fire Luck at Its Peak: Bingwu Decade (1083–1092)

Su Shi entered the Bingwu (Fire-Fire) decade. This was an important regulating favorable god (Gui born in Chou month, cold and damp, likes Bing Fire to warm the chart), indicating a decade of renewed vitality. The annual pillars are as follows:

First five years: 1083 Guihai, 1084 Jiazi, 1085 Yichou, 1086 Bingyin, 1087 Dingmao
Last five years: 1088 Wuchen, 1089 Jisi, 1090 Gengwu, 1091 Xinwei, 1092 Renshen

Although this decade was illuminated by fire, the image of Water-Fire conflict was still hidden within.

Event 1: Friend's Arrival and Eye Disease (1083 Guihai Year)

Historical Fact: In the spring of 1083 (Guihai Year), the chivalrous man Chao Gu traveled a thousand miles to join Su Shi in Huangzhou. Chao Gu valued promises and despised death; he had once spent all his wealth to fulfill a friend's last wish. His loyalty moved Su Shi deeply. However, in June of the same year, Su Shi suddenly suffered from a severe eye disease. The doctor advised him to abstain from meat, and he recorded his distress in his notes with self-mockery.
Fate Analysis:
1. Decade Background: At the beginning of the Bingwu (Fire) decade, the fire energy rose, and the overall luck warmed up.
2. Annual Pillar Trigger (Guihai Year):
  - Friend's Arrival (Hai-Wu Concealed Combination):
    - The Hai Water (Rob Wealth) of the annual pillar symbolized friends and peers.
    - The Wu Fire (Wealth, Officer, and position) of the decade represented Su Shi's current residence and resources.
    - Hai-Wu Concealed Combination: Hai (friend) actively combined with Wu (own environment), vividly reflecting a friend coming from afar to seek refuge.
  - Sudden Eye Disease (Gui Water Overcoming Bing):
    - The heavenly stem Gui Water (rain, yin water) directly overcame the Bing Fire (sun fire) of the decade.
    - Bing Fire in the human body governs eyes and brightness. Gui Water overcoming Bing formed 'Water-Fire conflict,' indicating eye injury and inflammation ('suffered from eye disease'). Some say Su Shi liked Taoist elixirs, which might have caused dryness leading to eye disease.
    - The earthly branch Hai Water (big water) aided the evil, intensifying the Water overcoming Fire situation.
    - The annual pillar and the day pillar both being Guihai (same stem and branch) also reinforced the information of personal illness.

Event 2: Transfer to Ruzhou and Infant Son's Death (1084 Jiazi Year)

Historical Fact: In the first month of 1084 (Jiazi Year), Emperor Shenzong issued a personal edict saying 'talent is hard to come by,' transferring Su Shi to Deputy Military Training Commissioner of Ruzhou (still a nominal post). Just as a glimmer of hope appeared, his infant son Su Dun (less than a year old) died suddenly. The pain of losing a son in old age was like cutting out his heart; Su Shi's 'old tears flowed like water,' and his concubine Zhaoyun was nearly broken.
Fate Analysis:
1. Decade Foreshadowing (Bingwu Decade):
  - Chou-Wu Harm (Loss of Offspring): The Wu Fire of the decade and the Chou Earth (Seven Killers) of the year branch formed Chou-Wu harm. Seven Killers (Ji Earth) in a male chart also represent sons (especially young sons). This harm planted the hidden danger of losing offspring.
2. Annual Pillar Trigger (Jiazi Year):
  - Official Position Change (Jia Wood Hurting Officer): The Jia Wood (Hurting Officer) of the annual pillar was exposed, indicating change and appointment (transfer to Ruzhou).
  - Pain of Losing Son (Zi-Wu Clash Triggering Chou-Wu Harm):
    - The Zi Water of the annual pillar clashed with and overcame the Wu Fire of the decade (Zi-Wu clash), violently triggering the latent 'Chou-Wu harm' pattern of the decade.
    - At the same time, the Zi Water of the annual pillar combined with and activated the Chou Earth of the year branch (Zi-Chou combination), directly involving Chou Earth (son star) in the clash and harm battle. Moreover, the Zi Water triggered Wu Fire and the offspring palace Mao Wood, with Mao-Wu harm and Zi-Mao punishment, simultaneously damaging the son star and the offspring palace.
    - Double Trigger: Zi clashing Wu (triggering harm) + Zi combining Chou (triggering offspring palace) fully activated the destructive power of 'Chou-Wu harm' on the Seven Killers (son star), ultimately leading to the tragedy of infant son's death.
  - Timing: The first month (Yin month), when Wood was strong and generated Fire (Jia Wood got root), seemed favorable but intensified the conflict (harm + clash) between Fire (Wu) and Water/Earth (Chou, Zi), becoming the temporal trigger for the event.

Event 3: Summoned Back to the Capital, Rapid Promotion (1085 Yichou Year)

Historical Fact: In 1085 (Yichou Year):
- Mid-year: On his way to take up a post in Changzhou, Su Shi ran out of travel funds and petitioned to settle in Yixing, Changzhou, which was approved.
- August 17: Suddenly received an edict to become Prefect of Dengzhou (Shandong). After only five days in office, he was urgently summoned to be a Gentleman of the Ministry of Rites (a key central cultural and educational post).
- After arriving in the capital: Within half a month, he was repeatedly promoted: first to Qiju Sheren (imperial attendant, recording the emperor's words and state affairs), then entered the Yande Hall to participate in confidential affairs. This position was powerful and prestigious.
- Su Shi's reaction: Well aware that 'high places are cold,' he feared sudden prominence would bring disaster, and actively resigned from the new post.
- December: Su Shi arrived in Bianjing (Kaifeng), fifteen years after leaving the capital (1071). Things had changed, and it felt like a different world.
Fate Analysis:
1. Decade Key: In the Bingwu decade (Fire strong, regulating), the overall cold and dampness (Gui born in Chou month) was warmed, and luck fully recovered.
2. Annual Pillar Trigger (Yichou Year):
  - Eating God Controlling Killers (Yi Wood Controlling Chou Earth):
    - The heavenly stem Yi Wood (Eating God) of the annual pillar was exposed → talent (Eating God) became prominent, abilities recognized.
    - The earthly branch Chou Earth (Seven Killers) of the annual pillar duplicated the month pillar Xinchou → Officer, Killers (power, pressure) reappeared.
    - Yi Wood sitting on Chou (Eating God controlling Killers): Symbolized using literary talent to wield power ('Eating God controlling Killers effectively'), fitting his rapid promotion based on literary knowledge (Ministry of Rites → Qiju Sheren).
  - Bing Fire Warming the Chart (Foundation of Good Luck):
    - The strong Bingwu Fire (regulating favorable god) of the decade warmed the chart and brought brilliance → political winter ended, imperial favor (Fire as source of Officer star) returned (after Shenzong's death, the New Party lost power, the Old Party was reinstated).
    - Fire strong generated Earth (Chou), also resolving the original chart's cold Water and frozen Earth predicament → official career suddenly thawed, successive promotions.
  - Warning of Duplication (Chou Earth Reappearing):
    - The Chou Earth of the annual pillar duplicated the Chou Earth (Seven Killers) of the month pillar → although gaining power, it also hinted at the recurrence of old crises (Seven Killers duplication) ('well aware that high places are cold').
    - This duplication strengthened his sense of caution, so he actively resigned to avoid the spotlight (self-preservation).

Event 4: Return to Jiangnan, Out to Hangzhou

Historical Fact:

In the spring of the fourth year of Yuanyou (1089), the court granted Su Shi 'treatment equivalent to Vice Grand Councilor' to become Prefect of Hangzhou. Upon arrival, he submitted a memorial saying: 'The homeland of rivers and mountains, wherever I go, it feels like home; the elders and survivors ask about me.' This line expressed his deep affection for the landscapes and people of the Two Zhe regions. In March, the fifty-four-year-old Su Shi once again set out on the road south from the capital—a road he had traveled eighteen years earlier. Time flew by, and revisiting old places inevitably brought sighs of 'growing old.'

Fate Analysis

1. Bingwu Decade → Wu Luck at Peak

1089 was the 'Wu' luck of the Bingwu decade: Bing Fire was the favorable god, Wu Fire was the strong root, indicating peak status and reputation.
In the Wu luck, the original chart's Yi Wood was supported by strong Fire, so literary talent (Eating God) and official career (Officer, Killers) were both achieved, fitting the image of 'great fame, high position in a region.'

2. Jisi Annual Pillar → Eating God Controlling Killers

The annual stem Ji Earth Seven Killers was high and exposed, exerting authority over the day stem Gui Water; the chart's Yi Wood Eating God controlled the Killers effectively, turning danger into good fortune, so he could receive 'treatment equivalent to Vice Grand Councilor' without substantial opposition from political enemies.

3. Si-Hai Clash → Horse Star Clashed

Si clashed with the chart's Hai Water, Si being the 'Horse star.' When the Horse star is clashed, it often indicates relocation, travel, and moving to distant places, corresponding to Su Shi's southward journey.

Event 5: Refused Summons, Then Summoned Again, Left the Capital Due to Factional Strife (1091 Xinwei Year)

Historical Fact: In February 1091 (Xinwei Year), Empress Dowager Gao wanted to recall Su Shi to the capital as Hanlin Academician. Su Shi, aware of the dangers at court (his brother Su Zhe was already in a high position; brothers standing together would surely invite jealousy), immediately submitted a memorial strongly declining and requesting to continue serving outside. In May, forced by the imperial edict, he returned to the capital to take up the post. In June, just after taking office, political enemies dug up old poems to frame him for 'slander.' Su Shi had anticipated this, repeatedly requesting a prefecture post. The empress dowager had no choice but to order him to be Prefect of Yingzhou in August.
Fate Analysis:
1. Decade Background: The Bingwu (Fire) decade was generally auspicious, but the annual pillar's evil spirits could trigger turmoil.
2. Annual Pillar Trigger (Xinwei Year):
  - Chou-Wei Clash Opening Killers Treasury (Encountering Villains): The Wei Earth of the annual pillar clashed with and overcame the Chou Earth (Seven Killers) of the year branch (Chou-Wei clash). The clash opened the Killers treasury, causing the Seven Killers (villains, slander, political attacks) to run rampant without control → political enemies dug up old accounts to frame him ('played the old game of reading poems').
  - Xin Metal Exposed (Villains Apparent): The Xin Metal (Partial Seal) of the annual pillar sat on Wei Earth (Killers), symbolizing attacks disguised as documents (Seal) (using poems to fabricate charges).
  - Fire and Earth Obscuring Light (Decade Good Luck Hard to Resist Annual Evil): Although in the auspicious Bingwu decade, the Wei Earth (dry Earth) combined with and bound the Wu Fire (Wealth star) of the decade, weakening its protective power → the empress dowager, though valuing talent, could hardly withstand pressure, finally allowing his external appointment.

Event 6: Frequent Transfers to Yangzhou, Sudden Promotion to Minister, Dramatic End of Decade (1092 Renshen Year)

Historical Fact:
- February 1092 (Renshen Year): Su Shi had been Prefect of Yingzhou for less than half a year when he was transferred to Yangzhou.
- August of the same year: The court urgently summoned him back to the capital (as Emperor Zhezong was about to take personal rule, needing important ministers to assist in the suburban sacrifice ceremony). Su Shi again requested an external post but was refused; instead, he was promoted to Minister of Rites (in charge of national culture, education, and diplomacy), reaching the pinnacle of officialdom. His brother Su Zhe was also promoted to Vice Director of the Chancellery (Vice Grand Councilor). The brothers were prominent for a time, seemingly fulfilling Emperor Renzong's prophecy of 'peaceful prime ministers.'
Fate Analysis:
1. Decade Key Point: This year was the last year of the Bingwu decade, at the transition of luck (Bingwu → Dingwei), where energy changes, indicating major upheaval ('destined to change abnormally').
2. Annual Pillar Trigger (Renshen Year):
  - Water-Fire Conflict (Ren Overcoming Bing): The Ren Water (Rob Wealth) of the annual pillar clashed with and overcame the Bing Fire (regulating favorable god) of the decade, indicating repeated events and physical/mental exhaustion (within half a year: Yingzhou → Yangzhou → Bianjing).
  - Shen Metal Combining with Si Fire Horse Star (Image of Travel): The earthly branch Shen Metal combined with the Si Fire (Horse star) and also half-combined with the day branch Zi Water (Lu star) (Shen-Zi half-combination) → frequent transfers, tight schedule ('on the road again, submitting memorials').
  - Transition and Rise (Hidden Crisis):
    - Although Ren Water overcame Bing, the residual power of the Bing Fire decade was still present, and with the full support of the empress dowager (Seal star) ('promoted to Minister of Rites').
    - However, the Metal and Water energy of Renshen had already emerged, indicating that the next decade (Dingwei) would turn from light to dark (foreshadowing Zhezong's personal rule and the resurgence of the New Party).

Section Summary: Ten Years of Glory and Sorrow Tempered by Water and Fire

Fate Main Axis: Bingwu double Fire as regulating favorable gods warmed the chart and broke the cold, but could not resist the attacks of Water (Gui, Ren) and Metal (Xin), ultimately forming an image of 'good luck hiding evil opportunities.'

I. Fire Luck Injured: Shadows Under the Warm Sun

Guihai (1083):
- Hai-Wu Concealed Combination → Chivalrous friend (Rob Wealth) Chao Gu arrived, bringing warmth in the cold.
- Gui Overcoming Bing + Hai Water Assisting → Water-Fire conflict injured eyes, eye disease dimmed the light.
Jiazi (1084):
- Zi Clashing Wu and Harming Chou → Triggered the decade's 'Chou-Wu harm' on Seven Killers (son star) → infant son died, heart-wrenching in old age.

II. Factional Strife Devouring Fire: High Position Hard to Defend Against Hidden Arrows

Xinwei (1091):
- Chou-Wei Clash Increased Earth Energy, Seven Killers Overflowed → Villains (Seven Killers) dug up poems to frame him, using Xin Metal (Partial Seal) to fabricate charges.

III. Extreme Change at Decade's End: Boiling Oil and Hidden Storms

Renshen (1092):
- Year of Luck Transition → Destined for dramatic change (three moves in half a year: Ying → Yang → Capital).
- Ren Overcoming Bing + Shen Metal Horse Star → Water-Fire conflict and travel, exhausted by imperial orders.
- Fire Shining at Peak → Supported by the empress dowager, brothers shone together (Minister of Rites + Vice Grand Councilor), reaching the pinnacle of officialdom.
- Metal and Water Exposed (Renshen) → Under the glory of prosperity, the killing intent after Zhezong's personal rule was already hidden.

Fate Revelation

The Bingwu decade was Su Shi's paradoxical luck of 'fire shining but body covered in wounds':

Fire's Warmth: Melted the cold of Huangzhou (Chao Gu), rose to the peak of Yuanyou (Minister).

Water's Blade: Guihai injured eyes, Jiazi lost a son, Renshen forced moves, piercing the illusion of the favorable god.

Metal's Darkness: Xinwei clashed with Killers, planting the root of factional strife; Renshen transitioned, hiding the political tsunami.

When the fire of the decade burned brightest in 1092, it also became the beginning of ashes—the next Dingwei decade (from 1093), the ice age of Zhezong's personal rule, was quietly approaching.

Conclusion

From Yisi to Bingwu, Su Shi walked a path paved by 'regulating fire.' This fire thawed the cold game of his life, illuminating his official career, literary fame, character, and friendships; yet at the very peak of this firelight, fate quietly laid out the script of Water-Fire conflict and Seven Killers breaking the treasury.

He went from Mizhou to Xuzhou, from Huangzhou to Bianjing, holding the seal of Minister, but his heart remained clear. He had long known that 'high places are cold' and understood that 'though fire luck is auspicious, one must not forget caution.'

The twenty years of fire luck were the most turbulent, glorious, and dangerous climax of Su Shi's life. In this cycle, he left behind the most painful poems, the brightest fame, and the deepest echoes of fate.

And in the year the fire burned out, the ice and storms were quietly approaching.