Sung / Conflict

above: Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven
below: K'an The Abysmal, Water

The third [six], divided, shows its subject keeping in the old place assigned for his support, and firmly correct. Perilous as the position is, there will be good fortune in the end. Should he perchance engage in the king's business, he will not (claim the merit of) achievement.

Line 3 is weak and in an odd place. Its subject is therefore not equal to strive, but withdraws from the arena. Even if forced into it, he will keep himself in the background; - and be safe. 'He keeps in the old place assigned for his support' is, literally, 'He eats his old virtue'; meaning that he lives in and on the appanage assigned to him for his services.