I came out from the East Gate, not wanting to go home; but as soon as I entered the house, my heart felt so heavy that I wanted to cry. The rice jar in the house was bare, not even a piece of clothing hung on the beams. ("East Gate Journey" interpretation one)
Alas, I went out with my sword, and the child cried and pulled at my clothes. Other families are looking forward to wealth and prosperity, but I, just a lowly concubine, only want to eat simple fare with you. ("East Gate Journey" interpretation two)
Let's eat coarse grains together, working for the country above, and feeding the little ones at home. These days, things are pretty honest; it is difficult for me to go against the teachings, and you should also take care of yourself and not do bad things. ("East Gate Journey" interpretation three)
These days, things are pretty honest; it is difficult for me to go against the teachings, you should also take care of yourself and not do bad things. Let's go! I'm running late, so be careful, hoping for my early return. ("East Gate Journey" interpretation four)
How high is the West Mountain? It's so high you can't see the top! Two immortals live on the mountaintop, neither drinking nor eating. They gave me a medicine shining with colorful light. ("Folding Willow Journey" interpretation one)
After taking the medicine for four or five days, wings grew on my body. With a light leap, riding on the clouds, I flew countless miles in the blink of an eye. Flying over the four seas and the vast land, I couldn't see anything clearly. ("Folding Willow Journey" interpretation two)
Pengzu lived for seven hundred years, which seems impossibly long. Laozi went to the Western Rong and has not returned yet. What Wang Qiao and Chisongzi said was all nonsense. ("Folding Willow Journey" interpretation three)
Wise folks can tell what's true and what's not, while foolish people like to spread rumors. Thinking back on those ancient events, they're really complex and hard to count. Most of those theories are just plain ridiculous; only the wisdom of the sages is worth following. ("Folding Willow Journey" interpretation four)
The sun rises from the southeast, shining on the Qin family house. The Qin family has a beautiful girl named Luo Fu. Luo Fu enjoys raising silkworms and weaving cloth; she gathers mulberry leaves in the southern part of the city. She uses green silk for the ropes for her mulberry basket and cassia twigs for the hook. She wears her hair in a Wo Duo bun and adorns her ears with bright moon pearls. She wears a yellow silk skirt and a purple silk top. When people pass by Luo Fu, they set down their burdens and stroke their beards; young men take off their hats and adjust their headscarves when they see her. Those who are hoeing forget their work, and those who are plowing forget to plow. When they return home, they complain to one another, having only focused on Luo Fu. (Interpretation of "Yan Ge Luo Fu Xing")
An official arrived from the south, accompanied by five horses that walked slowly. The official sent someone to ask, "Who is this beauty?" The Qin family has a beautiful girl named Luo Fu. How old is Luo Fu? She is under twenty, just over fifteen. The official showed interest in Luo Fu and wanted to invite her to ride in the carriage. Luo Fu directly refused, saying, "Sir, you're being a bit naive! You have a wife, and I already have a husband."
A thousand cavalry soldiers came from the east, and Luo Fu's husband was at the front of the troops. How could she recognize her husband? He rode a white horse, with a black horse following behind. Their tails were tied with green silk, and their heads adorned with gold. He carried a precious deer Lu sword at his waist, worth millions. By the age of fifteen, he had become a minor official; at twenty, he became a court official; at thirty, he became a royal attendant; and at forty, he governed a city. He had fair skin, thick black hair, and a beard. He walked steadily and with elegance through the public office. Among the thousands present, everyone remarked that her husband was extraordinary.
The poem "Xiemen Xing" expresses the author's feelings about the brevity of life and the idea of seizing the moment to enjoy life.
Walking out of the west gate, I thought to myself: If I don't find a little happiness today, when will I? To be happy, one must seize happiness in the moment. How can one go on frowning, waiting for happiness to come again? Grab a nice drink and throw some fatty beef on the grill, and you can dispel your worries. Life may not last a hundred years, yet we often worry about what happens a thousand years later. The day is short and the night is long; why not light a candle and go out exploring? Unless you are like the immortal Prince Qiao, who can calculate the length of life well. Human life isn't set in stone, so how can we predict it? Greedy for money and stingy with its use, you only end up as a laughingstock.
This poem recounts historical tales, warning people to take heed. Silently doing bad deeds will inevitably bring retribution. Long Feng was killed, and Jie was exiled to Mingtiao. Zuyi's advice was not taken, but King Zhou waved the white flag around. Mislabeling a deer as a horse cost Hu Hai his life. Fu Chai said sorry to Wu Zixu before he died. King Rong's indulgence in women ultimately led to his country's downfall. Due to the jade and horses, the State of Guo faced a catastrophic downfall, and both countries became ruins.
Three average cobblers can be as wise as Zhuge Liang; a loving mother who lost her shuttle must quickly find it again. Bian He was punished by having his feet cut off for presenting jade, but in the end, he returned to his own thatched cottage. These all convey important life lessons!
Emperor Wen penned the poem "The Grand Journey of Jingluo," in which he said: The peach trees in the garden grow lushly, but they just don't bear fruit. Beautiful on the outside but lacking any real value, just like those who are all show and no substance. Marquis Huaiyin Han Xin ultimately ended up with the fate of hiding the bow when the bird is gone; only Zhang Liang managed to save himself and maintain a good reputation. Han Xin was too resolute and ended up with a bad ending; he talked too much, but lacked sincerity, ultimately messing everything up.
Su Qin lobbied the six states, resulting in the downfall of all six states. His opportunistic and treacherous behavior ultimately led to his dismemberment by five horses, which he deserved. Although Chen Zhen was very intelligent and loyal, unfortunately, King Huai of Chu did not heed his advice, which ultimately led to the country's downfall, and he was unable to turn the tide. Although Wu Qi was very intelligent, his ambition was excessive and he ended up dying in battle in Xihé, which is a perfect example of the saying "cleverness can lead to one's own downfall." Guo Jie was an exemplary gentleman in ancient times; King Zhao of Yan had a wise minister in Yue Yi, and Master Zhong Lian of the state of Qi was even more noble. For the sake of his principles, he was willing to give up a high salary and leave Qi, even venturing far across the sea.
The poem "How Rare the Beautiful Song" or "Fei Hu Xing" tells the story of a pair of white swans: Look, two pure white swans flew in from the northwest, flying in formation, neatly lined up. My wife fell ill and couldn't walk, so she couldn't follow me. I glance back every five miles and hesitate every six miles. I want to carry you away, but I can't open my mouth; I want to fly away with you on my back, but my feathers are too tired. We were so happy when we first met, and now we have to part, and it fills me with sorrow. I hesitated, watching my companion, tears streaming down without me realizing. Thinking about parting with you, I'm so upset that words fail me; we must take care of ourselves, the road ahead is long, making it hard to meet again. I'll stay in the empty room, shutting the doors and windows. If we can meet again, even in death, we can reunite on the road to the afterlife. Today we are happily together, hoping that we can both live long lives!
The poem "Leaving the Xia Gate" was written by Emperor Wu, and in the poem he reflects: Clouds drift, rain walks, I cross the banks of the Jiǔjiāng River, taking in the beauty of the world around me. I think of traveling and resting, but I'm unsure of where to go next. Upon reaching Jiéshí Mountain, my heart swells with longing for the East Sea.
I stand at Jieshi Mountain, overlooking the boundless sea. The sea is so clear, with islands and mountains towering above. The trees are dense and lush, and various wild grasses are thriving. The autumn wind rustles, and mighty waves crash. The sun and the moon appear to be rising from the sea; the Milky Way sparkles, as if surging from the sea. It's truly magnificent! I sing to express my aspirations. "Viewing the Blue Sea," first interpretation.
In the tenth month of the lunar calendar, the north wind blows. The weather is cold and clear, with frost and snow everywhere. The crowing of the kuns in the morning, wild geese fly south, and birds of prey are lurking, while bears are hiding in their dens. The harvest is complete, and crops fill the threshing ground. Inns are ready for merchants to come and go. It's truly magnificent! I sing to express my aspirations. "Tenth Month of Winter," second interpretation.
The land here differs significantly from my hometown; the Hebei region is particularly frigid. Ice floats, and ships are difficult to navigate. The ground is too hard for a plow to penetrate; the ice layer is incredibly thick. The river dries up, and the ice is hard enough to walk on. Hermits are destitute, while brave and righteous men are not valued. Hearts are filled with resentment and sorrow. It's truly magnificent! I sing to express my aspirations. "Cold Hebei," third interpretation.
Although the mythical tortoise has a long life, it will eventually die; even the soaring serpent will eventually turn to dust. The thousand-mile horse, even in old age, still dreams of galloping a thousand miles; the martyr, even in old age, still has undiminished aspirations. One's lifespan is not solely determined by fate; cultivating a joyful mind and spirit can lead to a longer life. It's truly magnificent! I sing to express my aspirations. "Divine Tortoise's Longevity," fourth interpretation.
How can I not enjoy myself and be carefree? I should just drink fine wine and grill some delicious beef.
My eldest brother is a two-thousand-stone official, and my second brother wears a sable coat. (Explanation 2)
Although my younger brother has no official position, he rides a horse and enters the mansions of kings and nobles. (Explanation 3)
One should enjoy playing games such as shuttlecock and dice in the palaces of kings and nobles, sitting across from each other playing chess. (Explanation 4)
All great men in the world should strive hard; time flies, life is short, do not waste time. (Explanation 5)
When we were young, we played together and endured poverty together. What is there to argue about our anger and resentment? Now that we are separated, I must serve the king and not neglect etiquette. I feel ashamed before the heavens and guilty towards the young children. Why am I so fearful and anxious in my old age? Who can understand my loneliness and sorrow! (Under "少小" is a trend, before is bright.)
Now, let's look at the King of Dong'e, who wrote a poem "Wild Field Yellow Bird Walk," with the title "Kong Hou Yin," a total of four paragraphs. Let's look at it sentence by sentence.
First paragraph: Banquets are held in the high palace, gathering with good friends. The imperial kitchen prepares sumptuous dishes, roasting lamb and slaughtering cattle, very lively. The sound of the guzheng from the Qin region is vigorous, and the sound of Se from the Qi region is soft and gentle.
Second paragraph: The dance of Yang Ah is peculiar and beautiful, and the popular songs from the Jingluo region are equally delightful. Everyone happily drinks three cups of wine, loosens their belts, and eats various delicious dishes. The host wishes for longevity, saying he will live to be a thousand years old, while the guests wish the host eternal life.
Third paragraph: Long-lasting friendships should not be forgotten, and short-term benefits should not be overemphasized. What more is there to pursue for a true gentleman? Good times will not come again; a hundred years can pass in the blink of an eye.
Fourth paragraph: The strong wind blows in the daylight; time flies and flows to the west. While alive, we dwell in magnificent houses, but in death, we return to the earth. Who among the ancients has escaped death? Understanding this truth, what is there to worry about?
Next is another poem, "Man Ge Xing," which consists of four sections.
Section One: Joyful moments are always fleeting. I have encountered the dangers and hardships of the world, experienced countless farewells; oppressed by petty people, feeling unbearable sorrow. I look up at the North Star, the sky brightens, and the moon moves. Sorrow fills my heart; who else can understand me?
Section Two: I often find myself anxious and restless at night. Fortune is unpredictable, and I can only think of the wise men who lived in seclusion in ancient times. Having fulfilled my wish, I now find peace. I willingly live in seclusion in the mountains, guarding this peaceful happiness.
Section Three: The autumn wind rustles; I look west towards the sea, my heart is in turmoil. I dress and gaze at the night sky; the Big Dipper twinkles. The starlight shines on me, and I will continue forward. Serving my parents, my hard work is beyond words.
Section Four: Wealth and poverty are determined by fate; wise people do not worry; less worry naturally leads to happiness. Find contentment in simplicity, following the ways of Zhuangzi. Those who have left a legacy are the true nobles; Zixi and Boyi are such. These two wise men from ancient times, their names will forever endure.
In the last section, the author writes: Drink and be merry, for what's the point if we aren't happy? The sun, moon, and stars continue to move; life is short. Hustling and bustling in the world, what do we truly gain or lose? Greed and stinginess are extremely foolish! Life is as tough as striking sparks from flint; how long can one live in this world? We should seize the moment and enjoy life, fully embrace happiness, cultivate the virtues of a gentleman, and live to be a hundred.
Lastly, we have Xia Men's "Walking Out of Xia Men," also known as "Longxi Xing," consisting of two sections.
I stepped out of the city gates of summer and climbed up Shouyang Mountain to the east. Ah, reflecting on Yi Shu, Confucius praised his virtue. A gentleman is humble and deferential, while a petty person scrambles to get ahead; only these two types of people have been praised by others until now. Lin Zhong compromised his integrity for the sake of rewards; the world shifts, and the sun and moon keep their eternal dance. Ah, it's really great, too good! How happy this singing is! (First interpretation)
The evening breeze began to stir, and I lamented the cicadas of autumn; they changed shape and color, drifting with the wind on both sides. I turned to the west, where clouds and mist intertwined, the red glow covered the sun, and the rainbow seemed like a ribbon tied to the sky. Gentle waters flow gently, leaves fall one after another, and lonely birds, bereft of companions, cry out in sorrow. Ah, it's really great, too good! The mournful cry is right there! (Second interpretation)
In the morning, touring Qingling, in the evening sighing to go home. (Adding the character "艳" to "朝游")
Time is running short; evening is approaching. Crows and magpies are flying south. After circling the tree three times, they couldn’t find a branch to rest on. Finally, they encountered wind and rain, and the trees broke branches. The male bird flew away in fright, while the female bird sat alone in sorrow. The night, now companionless, wandered mournfully. Dense thorns and vines grow. I mourn for those weathered by the harsh elements, alone in pitying myself. When the moon is full, it will inevitably wane, and flowers will wither after blooming; this is an age-old adage, ah, a word sums up all worldly affairs. (Adding the character "趋" under "蹙迫")
The king implements education. (The fifth interpretation of Emperor Ming's "Zhaoge Xing")
The king carries out education, in harmony with the heavenly emperor, following the will of the earth. When the sunlight shines, darkness is dispelled, and the shifting of the sun’s shadow mirrors the changes of the seasons. (First interpretation)
Wenzhi flourishes with the times, and martial skills are not used arbitrarily to start wars. Chonghuashi danced while striking the ceremonial weapons, and Miaoshi surrendered to the tribe with the surname Gui. (Second interpretation)
Those foolish rebels from Wu and Shu, relying on mountains and rivers, obstruct traffic. The poor people look up to the court but find no support. (Third interpretation)
The emperor sympathized with these people and had long been angered. I set off from Xuchang Palace, with boats lined up along Changpu. (Fourth interpretation)
The next day, we advanced with the waves, singing a mournful tune. Dachangbo waved a white flag, and the flags unfolded one after another. (Fifth interpretation)
We will raise the banners and axes to demonstrate our might there. Suppressing evil to comfort the people, pacifying the southeastern territory. (Add the character "趋" below "将抗")
Reflections on Luoyang. (Ancient poem "The Prefect of Yanmen," eighth interpretation)
During the reign of Emperor Xiaohe, the county magistrate Wang Jun of Luoyang, originally from Yizhou Guanghan, went out to work as an official when he was young, studying and understanding the Five Classics and various discussions. (First interpretation)
He had a strong understanding of the law, serving as a model for officials throughout the ages. After becoming the county magistrate of Luoyang, he governed the local area with wise political achievements, caring for the people and nurturing them like parents. (Second interpretation)
He enforced the law firmly while showing compassion internally. Well-versed in both civil and military matters, he empathized with the people, understood their poverty and wealth, changed the names of wrongdoers, and recorded these deeds in five memorials. (Third interpretation)
For murderers, he punished them in accordance with the law. He prohibited the use of eight-foot-long spears, arrested frivolous young people, punished them with whips, and conducted public trials at the horse market. (Fourth interpretation)
He refrained from imposing arbitrary taxes, placed great importance on seeking justice for the people, ordered officials to enforce the law fairly, and prohibited them from making things difficult for the people. He spent just thirty coins on ropes and sacrificial poles. (Fifth interpretation)
How wise! Our county's Lord Wang! His officials are all neatly dressed, wholeheartedly serving the emperor. The clerks and secretaries are outstanding among people. (Sixth interpretation)
During his tenure, he never compromised the law for personal interests. He was honest, self-disciplined, and worked tirelessly day and night. His political achievements are remarkable and well-known far and wide. (Seventh interpretation)
He died young, leaving the world prematurely. People built a shrine for him near Anyang Pavilion. Hopefully, future generations will praise his virtues. (Eighth interpretation)
The melodies of "White Head Lament" and "Rowing Song" are the same. (Ancient poem, Fifth interpretation)
The sunshine is as bright as the clouds on the mountain, the moonlight is as bright as the moon in the clouds. I heard you've changed your mind, so I came to say goodbye. (First interpretation)
When did we ever drink together happily while living in the city? Today we drink happily, tomorrow we will part by the ditch. I linger by the imperial ditch, where the water flows east and west. (Second interpretation)
There are woodcutters in the east and west courtyards. The two woodcutters decline each other, with no blood ties; who would take pride in that? (Third interpretation)
Sorrow, deep sorrow, even on the day of marriage, do not cry; just hoping to find a devoted partner to grow old with. (Fourth interpretation)
The bamboo pole is so long, the fish tail is so swaying; why do real men need to understand each other, why use money and swords? Teeth are like five horses munching on bean stalks, the hermit by the river is at play. Today we are happy together, hoping for long life. (Fifth interpretation)
(There is a saying: above this poem there are the words "purple Luo Dodo helplessness.")
"Moonlight" (Dong'e Wang's poem, Seventh interpretation)
The bright moon shines on the tall building, the moonlight cascades down, swirling gently. Upstairs lives a sorrowful woman, sighing, which is heartbreaking. (First interpretation)
Who is the sighing person? She claims to be the guest's wife. Her husband has been away for ten years, leaving her alone at home.
I miss you more than thirst, miss you more than hunger. You are like a cypress on a high mountain, and I am like dirty soil.
The north wind howls, coldly seeping into my ears. Thinking of old friends far away, tears keep falling.
Alas, we are both drifting, with troubled fates. Will we ever meet again in the future? I really want to become a gust of northeast wind and blow you to my side!
But you've never truly held me in your heart. What is this poor woman to do? Our feelings have been severed midway, and we will each go our separate ways in the future.
I'm about to finish singing this song; it's so sorrowful and lengthy. Today we are happily together, and even if we part in the future, let's promise to remember each other!
