No, there is a correct way, Rx < Tx and Tx > Rx, and there is an opinion, which is erroneous, and I think you can safely conclude that the diagram in reply #5 is amongst the latter. Until you get that firmly sorted, there is no point in proceeding. This may indeed have been your only problem in the first place......
You will find a comprehensive tutorial here
in which the code is clear, along with pictures, and a manual which leaves you in no doubt about how to connect it properly >>> here