Shih / The Army

above: K'un The Receptive, Earth
below: K'an The Abysmal, Water

The second [nine], undivided, shows (the leader) in the midst of the host. There will be good fortune and no error. The king has thrice conveyed to him the orders (of his favor).

How a line comes to be the symbol of the general in command of the army has been shown above in the Thwan. The orders of the king thrice conveyed to him are to be understood of his appointment to the command, and not of any awards conferred on him as a tribute to his merit. Nor is stress to be laid on the 'thrice'. 'It does not mean that the appointment came to him three times; but that it was to him exclusively, and with the entire confidence of the king.'