Once in Every Life

'相親之中走一人,富星大运反伏两个吟,孝服不断哭煞天....................'

日主本身犯伏吟反吟财星、或与岁运伏吟反吟者，克父妻也.

When the Daymaster meets Fan Yin (Clash pillars) or Fu Yin (Duplicate pillars) on the Wealth star, it will harms the spouse or the father.

The next few days, Ah Shan was busy with getting their travels documents in order and as the company was a British Incorporated company, he had no problems getting their visas approved. Strangely, Ah Feng also appears to be getting better in Ah Shan's parents home and it could also be that she is excited about starting their life anew again in a country where there are four seasons. The mother had disagreed and even then said that Ah Shan should have stayed with them after marriage instead of staying on their own. The mother is a very good cook and even Ah Feng had to agreed as she had also regret suggesting to Ah Shan to have a place of their own. She was not a fussy eater and in the past, she seldom had dinner at Ah Shan's home. Now that she had stayed there so that her mother-in-law can take care of her while Ah Shan was at work, she marvels at the different dishes that the latter could whip out. She felt so energetic and even wanted to go shopping to get thicker winter clothes but Ah Shan refused to let her do it, telling her that he would get it for her. (She was still unaware of her terminal illness)

Finally everything was done and that night before they were to leave Hong Kong, the whole family decided to have dinner that night at home instead of having it at a restaurant to celebrate his new future. His parents had given him the full support after Ah Shan had revealed the circumstances of Ah Feng's terminal illness. Ah Shan's mother had remembered that time when Ah Feng had said it was her childhood wish to see snow and had almost broke down in tears and gave the secret away. They had steamboat that night for dinner as it was nearing Winter with a few days left for Autumn. The whole family that night was very happy and they had chatted and laughed about Ah Shan childhood as Ah Feng was curious and asked about it.

It was past midnight when Ah Shan had finished checking the travel papers and their luggages and he had prepared to take a hot bath to relax. Meanwhile, Ah Feng was already asleep as she had not spend so much time out of bed in the past few weeks. While he was drying himself, there was suddenly heavy knockings on his bedroom door and he heard her mother shouting: 'Ah Shan! Ah Shan!'. He immediately put on his clothings and rushed out of the bathroom. Ah Feng was already awakened and had answered the mother who then open the door. The mother shouted: 'Ah Shan, there is something wrong with your father, quick come and take a look as I don't know what is happening to him.'

When Ah Shan got out ot the bedroom, he saw his father slumped unconsciously on the sofa in the living room. He then told the mother to call the house doctor at the same time while he try to awaken his father.

Finally the mother says:  'I have called Dr.Tan and he says that he is coming over now.'

Ah Shan: 'Not to worry, I think that Dad have a stroke again but I don't think it would be serious as he is still very careful about his diet. I noticed that he avoid those oily foods while we were having dinner tonight.'

They then had then tried rubbing medicated oil on the unconscious father to make the latter comfortable while waiting for the doctor. In a while, the doctor arrived as he was staying not far away from them. He immediately took out his stethoscope from his bag and checked the father's condition.

After a while, Dr. Tan looked at Ah Shan and said: 'I think we have to send him to the hospital immediately, can you make a call to ask for an ambulance.'

Ah Shan then went to make the call when the Doctor suddenly called him back.

Dr. Tan: 'Ah Shan, my deepest condolences, there is nothing more I can do. your father just left for paradise. I will not give you false hope as we are like a family. '

The mother started to wail on hearing it and Ah Shan then felt a sadness enveloped him like never before. Even when his ex-girlfriend ditched him for a rich guy, he did not feel this kind of pain in his heart. Since young, his though strict father doted on him and even at that time, comforted him and drank beers with him when he had fallen out of love. The doctor's voice woke him up from his thoughts and then he realised that he had to inform his boss who would definitely be upset with this as the latter would have to inform the head office.

Dr. Tan, being a family friend stayed behind to help Ah Shan make arrangement for his father bereavement without being asked. It was almost morning when Ah Shan then started calling his father's siblings as a matter of respect on the funeral arrangements. His uncle, the younger brother of his father then told Ah Shan to leave the funeral arrangements to him. By then, it was about 8.00 am in the morning when the relatives arrived to help out. Ah Shan then called the company and left a message with his secretary to inform the boss.

 

After the father was buried, the mother told Ah Shan that there is something that needs to be done. Ah Shan's father was supposed to go back to his hometown to exhume the ancestral grave as the Chinese Government in Mainland China is taking over the land for development purpose. In fact, the construction company had already begun the works a year ago around the cemetery.He had actually wanted Ah Shan to see to it but because Ah Feng had a terminal illness, the father had decided to make the trip and see to the relocation of the ancestral tomb at the end of January when this unfortunate incident had happens. She suggested that Ah Shan to do it now so that it would not affected his job transfer to Canada as Ah Shan's Boss who also treated Ah Shan like his son, had already went over to Canada to run the company while waiting for Ah Shan to complete his deceased father arrangement. Another problem then arises as the father' s younger brother was insistent that the mother to move to his house so that they can tempoary take care of her as she will be alone. They did not know of Ah Feng's illness too and the mother had also not wanted to let them know. Ah Feng, not wanting to put the mother in a difficult position then suggested that she move back to their apartment and get a temporary caretaker by paying more for the services which will not be a problem. After all, she said it is only a few weeks after which they will immigrate to Canada. Though Ah Shan was loath to leave her to see to the relocation of his ancestral tomb but he had no choice as the Chinese Government had given a deadline and it was also his father's wishes to see to it.

When Ah Shan arrived in his father hometown, the father’s cousin, a spritely man in his sixties was there to receive him and see to his accommodation for the night. He had then told Ah Shan that another relative, a highly respected feng shui master would be there to help out and in fact Ah Shan’ s father had asked him to see to the new location for the ancestral tomb.

The next day, Ah Shan and his uncle set forth to the cemetery area and the feng shui master known as Yi Dao was already waiting for them. The grave workers then started the works after getting a nod from Master Yi Dao who was quiet throughout the exhumation after acknowledging Ah Shan and his uncle when they arrived. Ah Shan was surprised that the coffin was covered with white ant nests when the gravedigger bought it out. Master Yi Dao was expressionless and beckoned to one of them to bring the Urn over. After everything was done, Master Yi Dao nodded to Ah Shan’s uncle who then brings Ah Shan to him. The uncle then told Master Yi Dao of the position of the father in the family tree hierarchy.

Finally the master spoke his first sentence to them: ‘It is destined that only at this moment that you have come instead of your father. Do not be too sad as life is itself unpredictable.’

Ah Shan felt tears coming to his eyes as he then remembered about Ah Feng’s illness and being alone at home. He felt anxious suddenly wanting to go back as soon as possible.

The Master then asked: ‘Are you born in the year of Xin Si (Snake year)?’

Strangely, Master Yi Dao appeared to know something when Ah Shan nodded as he then said: ‘I suggest that you go back to Hong Kong as soon as possible as your loved one wants to see you. Leave everything here to me here as your presence was just required for the documentations by the Government.’

Ah Shan then thanked the master profusely at which the master then while looking kindly at him, said: ‘You don’t have to stand on ceremony as we are relatives. If you have anything you are unsure of and needs help, there should be someone you know with the word Metal 金 in his name whom you can seek for advice. Go now, you don’t have much time.’

With that, Master Yi Dao then turned away and the grave workers immediately congregate around him for instructions. The uncle then immediately sent Ah Shan back to arrange for his return trip to Hong Kong also sensing the urgency in Ah Shan and that there is already a preexisting problem with Ah Shan apart from the Father’s death. Master Yi Dao while watching them leave from the corner of his eyes, then said to his quiet respectful disciple by his side: ‘It is fated that he have come at this time instead of earlier as something could  have be done to avert all this tragedy that is starting to unfold.’  at which the assistant nodded. The master then muttered to himself while shaking his head: ‘桃李谢春风，西飞又复东，家中无意绪，船在浪涛中.' 

 

When Ah Shan reached his home, he got worried when he see nobody around, he then anxiously call his uncle where his mother is staying to find out where Ah Feng went to. The uncle then told him that his mother is the hospital as Ah Feng had fainted at home and had been sent there by the housekeeper just a few hours ago. Ah Shan then immediately rushed to the hospital and upon reaching the ward, heard the sound of people crying and sobbing. He pushed the door open that nearly hit a nurse who was coming out. He saw a few of his relatives looking somber and his mother crying loudly together with Ah Feng’s mother at the side. Ah Feng’s father was looking dazedly at the bed. He then saw the covered bed and his heart sank. His tears then started coming out and he did not hold back as he lets out his coped  up feelings he had kept in his heart from the time of Ah Feng in the hospital and the death of his father. His uncle’s son and daughters came over to console him, telling him that Ah Feng had left peacefully without any sufferings. Ah Shan cried out loud: ‘Why did Heavens have to be so cruel to me? It was just a few hours ago only, why can’t Heaven let me have a last word with her before taking her away.’  Ah Shan then fainted from his exhaustion of rushing back from Guandong and the stress that he had undergoes the last few months.

When he awoke, he saw his mother at the side asleep in the chair. He then felt bad as it must have worried his mother and that he should think of his mother welfare as he is now the only nearest next of kin left to her. He then saw his mother’s hand on a letter which was addressed to him that is left on the table by the side of his bed. He gently took the letter without waking up his mother. It was in Ah Feng’s handwriting and immediately he took it out to read.

‘My dearest beloved Ah Shan,

When you read this letter, I regret that I would no longer be around to share the rest of our lives together.  I had found out my health conditions after I had received a letter from the hospital asking me to go for a checkup. I had then called the hospital to fix the appointment and the nurse unknowingly out of good will advise me not to delay as my condition is critical. I had then spoken to the doctor who had told me that you had not wanted me to know of this terminal illness.

I imagine the anguish and sufferings you must have gone through every day when you were with me and especially after the blow you received from your father’s death. I had therefore written this letter as that life is as unpredictable as can be seen from your father who left without any words.

I want you to know that I have no regrets knowing you and having at least spent some time with you as your wife in this lifetime which had made me very contented. When I was sullied and you will still willing to accept me convinced me of your love for me. I am willing and hope that in our next lifetime, we will be together again. But I want you to carry on living happily though without me as I would be sad if you were to give up on yourself. Think also for your mother who is alone too.

I will also not blame you if you need to remarry so that you can have someone to take care of you as well as your mother. But I do not want you to find one that is much better than me as I will be jealous because I will be watching you from where I am. Ha-ha, I am just pulling your leg. You see, I am still the cheerful Ah Feng that you know and therefore I want you to wish the best for me where I am and I would also wish for you to be the same. I would also like you to have me cremated and bring my ashes with you when you go to Canada as I told you I want to see snow, right?  I know you would do this for me without doubt and therefore such, I will go with peace, knowing that you will be with me to watch the snow.

Do not let me down about taking care of yourself and your mother. With this, I bade you farewell  for this lifetime only and that we will meet again in our next lifetime, my dearest Ah Shan.

Forever and ever, Your Ah Feng

Ah Shan felt his tears coming out again as he read and read again the letter, feeling the pain and yet there was this strange peaceful feeling as if Ah Feng was next to him.

Six month later, Ah Shan came back from Canada for holidays with his mother who was homesick and wanted to see her siblings and relatives. Ah Shan had contemplate about letting her stay in Hong Kong as he can tell that she was bored after the initial excitement of exposure to a different environment. While going through those mails that have not been redirected to him yet, he saw a letter from his uncle in Mainland China about the new location for his ancestral tomb. He then remembered the other relative, the feng shui master had said that he know someone with the word metal 金 in his name who could help him in times of need. He felt ironically that even so, he does not think that it can do anything for Ah Feng’s situation. He then recalled Xiao Jin which the word Jin means metal and wonder if he is the one that the master mentioned. Having nothing to do as most of his friends are working, he decided to call Xiao Jin and was surprised that the company telephone line is no longer in use. He then called the home and it was the same. Suddenly he remembered that Xiao Jin had given him a telephone number to call if he cannot find the latter. It was as if he knows Ah Shan would still looks for him though at that time, Ah Shan had no wish to contact him anymore. That slip of paper was still in his wallet and he immediately called and looks for a person called Ah Kang. He was told by Ah Kang that Xiao Jin had relocated to Singapore as his company had closed their operations in Hong Kong.

Ah Kang then told him that if there is anything he wants to know again that concerns fortune telling  which Xiao Jin had done for Ah Shan that time, he would be able to help as Xiao Jin had request him to help. Ah Kang is actually the senior disciple of that Ziwei Master who had taught Xiao Jin. Ah Shan then remembered about the temple divination and which till date, is still puzzled why the divination was wrong as the temple is well-known for its divination. He then invited Ah Kang out for Afternoon Tim Sum at a Chinese restaurant in Causeway Bay.

When he reached the restaurant, he asked for the table he had reserved under his name which he had told Ah Kang to look for as they have not seen each other before.  Ah Kang was already sitting at the table and reading a newspaper when he found the table number. To his surprise, he found a good looking young man who does not looks like those fortune tellers that he had in his mind. Ah Kang would have look like a young master from a rich family who do not have to work.

After introducing each other and ordering their drinks.  Ah Shan felt that Ah Kang gave him a comfortable feeling as if they have known each other for years. He then immediately  told Ah Kang about what happened to him and his puzzlement about the divination which had stayed in his mind till now.

Ah Kang: ‘This is actually not an auspicious divination, there is a hidden meaning to it if you still do not get the meaning of the first prose.’

Ah Shan: ‘I still don’t understand as there are no inauspicious words in both lines.’

' 艷於春而盛於夏, 無心之怨一筆解決.'

Colours belongs to Spring while Magnificence is in Summer, Unintentional Grievances is resolved with a Stroke.......

Ah Kang then said: ‘I do not know whether the interpreter at the temple intentionally or not gave you a different translation as it is a very bad omen. However since matters have already reached this stage, let me explained.’

‘艷於春而盛於夏 is part of a poem of 艷於春者, 望秋先零, 而盛於夏, 未冬已萎  meaning colors belongs to Spring but do not wish for Autumn as it will still ends in Autumn even though with colors. Magnificence is in summer but will lose its spirit or wither away in winter. It is saying everything have a beginning and will have an end. You had asked for the divination in Spring and you should roughly guess that what should happen in autumn and winter.’

Ah Shan: ‘If that is the case, I understand as with life, there is death. But this is what everybody knows and do not really tally with what happens to me.’

Ah Kang: ‘Okay, the hidden meaning is in 無心之怨一筆解決 when you look at it further. Here it is saying 無心 which means no heart and you then take away the heart 心 from the word 怨 and 一筆解決 means you add a stroke 一 on top of it giving you the word 死 Death. And therefore, how can the divination be good?’

With that Ah Shan was stumped and had no further objections on the accuracy of the divination from the temple.

Ah Kang then said: ‘Anyway, do not blame anyone who had read it wrongly for you as such is destiny. These people are part of the big picture arranged by the Heavens to make a mockery of Man in destiny analysis.

With this, the two of them then started talking about other things with Ah Shan finally convinced that chinese metaphysics is indeed mysterious in the way Fate works or what we will says Xuan 玄.....

The End

With thanks to ZiWei Master Yang for the story and my apologies that I have made some changes to it.

Okay folks, that will be all and I hope all the Ah Shan and Ah Feng will not make the mistake of mixing up the Angels with the Demons in their pursuit of happiness. However if you do, do not blame anyone as this is what we call destiny as in life though there are good guys but you still needs the bad guys to complete the Yin and the Yang, just an opinion.

Till-then, cheers.