Stick #84: Misfortunes Never Come Alone (Very Unfavorable)
祸患相连势未休，先求自保莫强求。减少开支稳根基，祸去福来有来由。
Plain reading
Misfortunes link without rest — seek self-preservation first, do not force gain. Cut spending, steady the foundation; when harm departs, blessing follows for a reason.
Interpretation
This is a very unfavorable lot titled "Misfortunes Never Come Alone." Harm chains without pause — preserve yourself first, do not force success. "Cut spending, steady foundation; when harm leaves, blessing comes" shows survival first; blessing follows survival.
Advice
Cut all nonessential spending at once. List three things you cannot lose — all else may go. Seek no merit in misfortune; seek life in guarding.
From the Zuo Tradition: "Many hardships may revive a state" — in linked misfortune, ancients preserved themselves first; blessing follows harm for reason.