Stick #12: Patron's Aid (Favorable)
独行偏遇引路人，暗中有贵暗中伸。逢难自有援手至，事功渐显见新春。
Plain reading
This lot says though you walk alone, a guide appears on the road and hidden help reaches out. When trouble comes, aid arrives; work slowly shows fruit. New year nears — speak openly and widen good ties.
Interpretation
"Patron's Aid" is a favorable stick. Walking alone you still meet a guide; in hardship help comes unseen. Effort gradually appears; around the new year a turn is especially likely.
Advice
When blocked, do not carry all alone — ask for help. Remember kindness and repay it later.
Drawn from the Records of the Grand Historian — Xiao He pursuing Han Xin, and Zhang Liang meeting the old man at Huangshi — symbolizing keen eyes and hidden patronage.