In the autumn, when A-Tu had almost forgotten to expect it, the "Black Gold Rice" finally came into ear.
The ears of rice were heavy, shimmering with a black-golden luster, like a silent, surging wave in the autumn wind.
A-Tu completed the harvest alone. He didn't ask anyone for help. With a sickle, he harvested these hard-won fruits one bundle at a time, in the most primitive and reverent way.
When he milled the first batch of "Black Gold Rice" and cooked a pot of it, a strange, rich aroma—a mix of earthy fragrance and nutty notes—filled the entire wooden hut. He scooped up a bowl. The grains were crystal clear and glistening. As he took the first bite, the full, rich texture and the complex aroma that bloomed on his tongue brought tears to his eyes.
This was the earth's reward. It was the most abundant prize for all his patience, sweat, learning, and waiting.
He had done it. With his own two hands, he had transformed a barren wasteland into a fertile estate. He no longer needed to depend on anyone. He could be self-sufficient and live with grace and dignity.
He was like the noblewoman on the card, standing alone in her lush vineyard, surrounded by the abundance she had created with her own hands. Her posture was calm and confident, because this richness came not from inheritance or luck, but from her own ability and wisdom. This was a complete, self-reliant fulfillment.
【Echo from the Mirror】
Have you ever tasted the flavor of the Nine of Pentacles? It is the abundance and joy that comes from achieving self-sufficiency through your own efforts. Take some time to be grateful for and celebrate everything you have created independently, no matter how big or small.