Stick #71: A Cornered Beast Still Fights (Unfavorable)
困兽犹斗势虽凶，不可硬拼宜智取。保存实力寻出路，斗而不僵是良图。
Plain reading
A trapped beast fights fiercely — yet a frontal clash wounds both sides. Do not meet force with force; use wit, preserve strength, and find a way out without stalemate.
Interpretation
This is an unfavorable lot titled "A Cornered Beast Still Fights." The situation is fierce, yet hard collision harms both sides. "Do not fight head-on; use wit; fight without deadlock" shows saving strength, finding exit, and clever escape are the wise course.
Advice
When facing a strong opponent or stalemate, avoid frontal clash — approach from the side, through time, or through a third party. Set the worst outcome you can accept and maneuver flexibly above it.
From the Records of the Grand Historian: Liu Bang at Hong Gate — weak in force, he did not crash but withdrew and planned later — fight without deadlock, win by wit.