Sima Xiangru, whose courtesy name was Changqing, was a native of Chengdu, Sichuan. When he was young, he loved reading books and also learned fencing, becoming quite famous. After completing his studies, he greatly admired Lin Xiangru and changed his name to Sima Xiangru. Later, he became a low-ranking official (langguan) and served under Emperor Jing of Han, holding the position of cavalry officer. However, this was not what he truly wanted to do. Emperor Jing happened to dislike literary works at the time, and when Prince Liang Xiao came to pay his respects, many smooth-talking scholars accompanied him, such as Zou Yang from Qi, Mei Cheng from Huaiyin, and Yan Ji from Wu. Sima Xiangru got along well with them and later resigned from his position on the pretext of illness, going to Liang to hobnob with the local bigwigs and literati. After several years, he finally wrote the famous "Zixu Fu."
After the death of Prince Liang Xiao, Sima Xiangru returned to his hometown, but his family was so poor that they were struggling to make ends meet. He had a good relationship with the county magistrate, Wang Ji, who invited him to his residence in Duting, saying, "Changqing, you've been an official for so many years with little achievement and now you're so poor. Come and stay with me." Sima Xiangru went to Wang Ji's place, where the magistrate showered him with attention, dropping by every day. At first, Sima Xiangru went to see him, but later feigned illness and sent his men to give Wang Ji the brush-off. This only made Wang Ji more respectful and cautious.
There were many wealthy people in Linquan County, such as the Zhuo Wangsun family with eight hundred servants and the Cheng and Zheng families with several hundred each. They decided to pool their resources to throw a proper welcome party. When the county magistrate arrived, the Zhuo Wangsun family sent over a hundred people to greet him. At noon, the county magistrate wanted to invite Sima Xiangru, who initially declined due to illness. The magistrate himself went to fetch him, and Sima Xiangru had no choice but to attend. The party was a smash hit!
When he was happily drinking, the magistrate of Linqiong County took out a qin and said, "I heard that Mr. Changqing likes to play the qin, so I want to entertain you with music." Xiangru declined and instead played the drum a few times for the magistrate. At that time, Zhuo Wangsun's daughter Wenjun had just become a widow and loved music, so Xiangru deliberately acted very intimate with the magistrate, using music to get Wenjun's attention. The vehicles and attendants that Xiangru was riding in at the time were very elegant, obviously a man of refinement. While drinking and playing the qin at Zhuo's house, Wenjun secretly watched from the door crack; she really liked Xiangru in her heart but was afraid that she was not suitable.
After the banquet was over, Xiangru had his servant send many gifts to Wenjun's maid to woo her. That night, Wenjun eloped with Xiangru, who then took her back to Chengdu. Their family was so poor that only four walls were left. Zhuo Wangsun was furious and said, "That ungrateful daughter! I can't bring myself to kill her, and I won't give her a penny!" Some people advised Zhuo Wangsun, but he refused to listen. Wenjun was unhappy for a while and said to Xiangru, "Let's go to Linqiong together. With the help of your brothers, we can scrape by; why make ourselves suffer so much?"
So Xiangru took Wenjun to Linqiong, sold the carriage and horses, bought a tavern, and made Wenjun the landlady. Xiangru himself wore simple trousers and worked with the common people, washing dishes in the market. Zhuo Wangsun was mortified and stayed cooped up inside. His brothers and relatives advised him, "You have both sons and daughters. What you lack is not money. Now that Wenjun is with Sima Xiangru, although Xiangru is no longer an official, he is talented and worth relying on. Plus, he even opened a tavern—how can you humiliate him like this?" Zhuo Wangsun had no choice but to give Wenjun a hundred servants, a million coins, and dowry. Finally, Wenjun and Xiangru returned to Chengdu, bought property, and became wealthy.
Long ago, a man from Sichuan named Yang Deyi was the emperor's dog keeper, a eunuch in the palace. One day, the Emperor was enjoying Sima Xiangru's "Zixu Fu" when he sighed, "Ah, why can't I be his contemporary!" Yang Deyi replied, "Your Majesty, this was written by my fellow countryman, Sima Xiangru." The Emperor, surprised, immediately summoned Sima Xiangru to clarify. Sima Xiangru said, "Yes, I wrote it. But it only deals with feudal lords, hardly worthy of Your Majesty. I will write another Fu describing the emperor hunting." The Emperor ordered his secretary to get him pen, ink, paper, and inkstone. Sima Xiangru explained, "This 'Zixu' means fictional, used to metaphorically represent the Chu state; 'Wu You Xiansheng' means there is actually no such person, used to metaphorically represent the state of Qi; 'Wang Shi Gong' is also a fictional character, used to represent those incompetent ministers. I use the stories of these three fictional characters to highlight the majesty of the emperor and the estates of the feudal lords." Then he concluded the article with a message of frugality, using it to advise the Emperor. After finishing the article, he presented it to the Emperor, who was very pleased. The article went like this: The Chu envoy, Zixu, was visiting Qi, and the Qi king took him on a big hunting trip, bringing out all the pomp and circumstance. After the hunt, Zixu visited the fictional Wu You Xiansheng and Wang Shi Gong. Sitting down, Wu You Xiansheng asked Zixu, "Were you happy hunting today?" Zixu replied, "Yes." "Did you catch many prey?" Zixu said, "Not many." "Then why are you happy?" Zixu answered, "I am happy because while the Qi king wanted to show off with his grand procession of chariots and horses, I was able to respond with the Cloud Dream Marsh of the Chu state." "Tell me about it," said Wu You Xiansheng.
Zixu said, "Certainly. The King of Qi had thousands of chariots, accompanied by tens of thousands of cavalry, hunting by the sea. The soldiers filled the marshes, and their nets were spread throughout the mountains and forests. They chased rabbits, knocked down deer, shot roe deer and even qilin, and reached the salt flats, adorning their chariots with freshly cut marsh grass. After killing many prey, the King of Qi beamed with pride. He turned to me and said, 'Does Chu have hunting grounds as vast as ours? Is your king's hunting any better than mine?' I got off the chariot and replied, 'I'm just a humble Chu commoner, I've had the honor of serving in the palace for over a decade. Sometimes I also go hunting, but only in the palace gardens, hoping to find some game. I've only seen a small part, let alone the outer marshes.' The King of Qi said, 'Even so, tell me what you know.'"
I answered, "Yeah, yeah." I heard that there are seven large lakes in the State of Chu, but I have only seen one of them, and I haven't seen the others yet. The one I have seen is actually a very small part of it, called Yunmeng. Yunmeng, with an area of about nine hundred li (approximately 400 kilometers), has a mountain inside. That mountain is winding and steep, with peaks of varying heights that can block out the sun and moon; the mountains crisscross in every direction, piercing the clouds. The low-lying areas connect to ponds, swamps, and rivers.
The soil on the mountain is vibrantly colored, shimmering with flecks of gold and other precious minerals, like dragon scales. The stones on the mountain include red jade, rose quartz, agate, kunwu jade, and a variety of other precious stones. To the east of the mountain, there is a lush array of plants, including orchids, irises, and sweet flag. To the south, vast plains and lakes stretch out, with undulating terrain and a large river nearby that connects to Wushan.
In the higher, drier areas, you can find plants like zizania and baoli, while the low-lying, wet areas are home to aquatic plants such as lotus and reeds. The diversity of life here is astounding, with countless species of animals and plants thriving. To the west of the mountain, gushing springs and clear ponds create a lively scene, with water flowing continuously, covered in duckweed and water chestnuts, while enormous rocks and white sand lie hidden beneath the surface. The lake is home to aquatic animals such as giant tortoises, dragons, toads, venomous snakes, and soft-shelled turtles.
To the north of the mountain, a dense forest of fragrant hardwoods, including cinnamon, magnolia, and citrus trees, flourishes. Birds like swallows, peacocks, and phoenixes nest among the branches, and beneath the trees, fierce animals such as white tigers, leopards, and pythons roam.
The natural beauty of this place is truly breathtaking, a vivid tapestry of life that fills the heart with wonder.
Next, I will continue to describe the scenery of Yunmeng Marsh: various creatures make their home here, and the sights are so spectacular, they're almost impossible to capture. In short, the scenery of Yunmeng Marsh is simply stunning, with an abundance of species that leaves one in awe.
King Chu decided to go hunting. As for King Chu himself, he sat on a magnificent jade chariot, drawn by four stunning horses, its fish-whisker banners adorned with moon-bright pearls, and bearing a Gan Jiang halberd. On the left was a beautifully crafted bow, and on the right were powerful arrows styled after the clothing of the Xia Dynasty. Yang Zi accompanied the king, while Xian A drove the chariot. Before the hunt was properly underway, they rushed toward the cunning wild beasts, the wheels spinning rapidly and raising dust, exceeding the speed of wild horses like a gust of wind. King Chu's arrows flew true, each finding its mark with deadly accuracy, bringing down the beasts like rain, covering the ground with prey. Only then did King Chu stop, slowly admiring the dark woods around him, watching the brave expressions of the warriors, sensing the fear of the fierce beasts, appreciating the grandeur of the hunt, and observing the wildlife.
Then came Manji, the stunning beauty from Zheng, wearing a gorgeous silk dress, subtly colored but exquisitely detailed with threads and gauze. Her layered silk skirt drifted like a wisp of smoke as she walked elegantly in the valley, her clothes fluttering and her posture light, like a goddess herself. Her carriage was equally lavish, with jade accents on the roof, and her graceful figure resembled a divine being descending.
Afterwards, everyone had a grand old time in the Huicao Garden, chatting and laughing as they headed to Jindi to capture jade birds and egrets. They cast their nets and loosed their arrows, bringing down cranes and geese into the water. Everyone raised flags under emerald canopies and ornate feather standards. They also netted purple shells, beat their drums, and played music, their singing filling the air and startling the water creatures; waves crashed, springs surged, and rocks thundered, the sound echoing for miles.
An envoy back from Chu told King Qi, "In Chu, it was a constant cacophony of music, blazing beacons, rumbling chariots, and massed cavalry. Meanwhile, King Chu lounged on the Yangyun Platform, unconcerned, waiting for his feast. Now, you, Your Majesty, are out hunting all day, grilling your own meat right there in the chariot—that's living! So, Qi's way better than Chu, Your Majesty!" King Qi was speechless.
Mr. Wuyou immediately retorted when he heard this: "Hold on a minute! You came all the way to the State of Qi, and the King of Qi brought out the whole army to greet you, prepared loads of carts and horses, and even went hunting with you to roll out the red carpet. How can you say this is showing off? You asked about Chu, wanting to know about its customs and grandeur, and get my take on things. But instead of praising the benevolence of the King of Chu, you overdid the luxury of Yunmeng Marsh and Chu's extravagant lifestyle. That doesn't sound right. Even if it were true, it's not Chu's fault, it's yours. By saying this, it makes you look either snooty about Chu, or just plain unreliable. Offending Chu would damage relations between our countries – not a good look. That'll make Qi think less of you and Chu resent you.
Furthermore, Qi boasts a coastline to the east, the majestic Mount Langya to the south, and endless opportunities for hunting, boating, and exploring. Compared to Qi's vast plains and exotic overseas sights, Yunmeng Marsh is nothing special. Qi also has various rare treasures and unique wildlife, not even the legendary Yu the Great could name them all, and not even the mythical Gao could count them. But even the King of Qi wouldn't brag about his own gardens, so why are you criticizing Chu's in front of everyone? No wonder he didn't answer you!"
I said, "Man, that's funny. Chu's done for this time, but Qi hasn't exactly won either. The tribute given by the vassal states isn't for money; it's to pledge their allegiance. The demarcation of borders isn't for defense; it's to keep them in line. Right now, Qi's bragging about being the big dog in the east, but it's secretly cozying up to the Sushen, ignoring borders and grabbing land across the sea—that's just plain wrong. Furthermore, the squabbling between the monarchs of Qi and Chu isn't about proper ruler-subject relations or rituals; they're just obsessed with one-upmanship—bigger gardens, more lavish parties, the whole shebang. That's not going to win them any friends; it'll just ruin their reputations and hurt their countries."
I just laughed and said, "Yeah, Chu blew it, but Qi hasn't exactly won." The purpose of the vassal states paying tribute is not for money, but to show their allegiance; and the demarcation of borders is not for defense, but to restrain the vassal states and prevent them from indulging in debauchery.
The trivial matters between Qi and Chu are not worth mentioning! You haven't seen anything until you've seen the Emperor's gardens! Imagine: Cangwu Mountain on one side, Xiji Mountain on the other, the Danshui River winding down from the south, the Ziyuan from the north...a breathtaking panorama. It flows out from Baling, Chanling, passes through the Jing River, Wei River, Feng River, Hao River, Lia River, winding and twisting its way through.
Eight mighty rivers, flowing in every direction—east, west, south, and north—burst forth. They rush out from the city gate of Jiaoqiu, winding through the riverbanks of Zhouyu, passing through the heartland of Guilin, crossing the vast wilderness, and converging into a powerful torrent. The waters flow downstream through low-lying areas, crashing against steep mountains and rocks, sending up sprays, rolling and rushing. The current is swift and turbulent, waves surging and roaring as they collide with each other, rushing and crashing, rolling and spinning. The water is a force of nature, with waves rolling and twisting, rushing forward, eroding the rocks, roaring and smashing against the riverbanks, flowing into the valleys. The sound of the rushing water echoes, splashes fly, and the current continues to surge forward, long and continuous.
Silent and still, it eventually flows into the sea. Then, the water calms, moving gently and shimmering as it flows east into the great lake, overflowing into the pond. Dragons and other mythical creatures, along with various fish, swim gracefully, their strong fins swaying and powerful tails flapping, causing ripples in the water. Fish and turtles make merry sounds, gathering together in joyful camaraderie. Precious stones of every color and description—bright pearls, Shu stones, yellow jade, and water jade—dazzle at the bottom of the pool. Various birds gather on the water's surface, some preening their feathers, others chasing each other, and some pecking at the water plants.
The water ripples, swaying with the wind, as water birds dip and dance on the surface, preening their feathers and pecking at the water plants, while gentle ripples sway with the breeze.
Wow, those mountains, one after another, towering into the clouds, breathtaking in their grandeur, with steep terrains and dense forests where tall trees obscure the sky. Jiuyun Mountain and Nanshan rise with towering peaks, a network of rugged rocks and gullies crisscrossed everywhere, deep valleys, and undulating hills that dot the landscape, all presenting dangerous terrains and rugged paths, with ponds and swamps scattered throughout.
The water winds through the fields, creating a vast plain of fertile land stretching for miles, all cultivated and adorned with a riot of colorful plants. There are vibrant green orchids, fiery red Jiangli, sweet-smelling Miwu, and countless other wildflowers, all interwoven and thriving. The air is filled with the intoxicating fragrance of grass and trees, a delightful blend of scents that refreshes the spirit.
As I wandered around, taking in the scenery, I found it incredibly intricate, dazzling, and seemingly endless, a landscape that felt both overwhelming and unfathomable. The sun rises from the swamp in the east and sets in the pond in the west. To the south, even in the depths of winter, the vegetation remains lush, and the waters flow swiftly; here, one can find water buffalo, tapirs, bison, musk deer, elk, and other fantastical creatures. Meanwhile, to the north, even in the height of summer, the land remains frozen, with rivers encased in ice; this region is home to mythical beasts like the qilin and various exotic animals, including donkeys and mules, among others.
Speaking of this palace, the palaces and villas are scattered throughout the valleys, with tall corridors connecting in all directions, forming a sprawling complex of buildings. Ornate roofs and exquisite jade carvings adorn the structures, while wide imperial roads stretch endlessly, with carved beams and painted rafters. It would take ages to explore the whole place. The palaces are built along the mountains and rivers, layered and towering into the clouds, some even carved directly into the mountains. Looking down, nothing can be seen; looking up, it feels like touching the sky. Stars shine in the windows of the boudoirs, and rainbows float on the palace walls and eaves. To the east, the Azure Dragon is coiled around it; to the west, the elephant carriage moves slowly, while playful guards can be seen in the quieter parts of the palace. To the south, many busy attendants are bustling about. Clear spring water gushes out from the palaces and flows through the courtyards. The stones around the palaces are of various shapes: some resemble huge curtains, some are steep and rugged, some tower into the clouds, and others have strange peaks, all unique in form. Precious stones – roses, jade, coral, and more – were everywhere, a dazzling array of color.
"Summer had arrived, and the palace gardens overflowed with a profusion of fruits – from familiar favorites like oranges and grapes to exotic varieties I couldn't even name. The hills and plains were ablaze with color, a stunning testament to the season's abundance." Look at this palace; everywhere you look, there are green leaves and red flowers, creating a scene of prosperity that is breathtaking!
"Towering oaks, vibrant maples, fallen leaves scattered about, fragrant magnolias, Yuzhang privets, reaching heights of a thousand feet, Dalian trees embracing the sky, their straight and smooth branches boasting lush foliage, standing densely together, intertwining and rolling, Cui Cuo Bai Wei, rare pits, hanging twigs sparse, fluttering petals falling, swirling in the breeze, a beautiful sight, like a symphony of nature, the chime of bells and the whisper of wind through reeds." All kinds of trees, both tall and short, stood in profusion, their branches laden with fruit, leaves rustling in the breeze, creating a vibrant tapestry of color and sound, with petals dancing gracefully in the wind, a beauty that resembles a painting, and the sounds that echo the charm of nature.
The flowers and plants cultivated in the palace are eventually transported back to the harem, layer upon layer, blanketing the valleys from the hillsides to the low-lying areas, stretching endlessly to the eye, truly a sight to behold!
Speaking of the mountains, a variety of monkeys, apes, flying squirrels, grasshoppers, snakes, and insects make their home there. Monkeys chattered and swung through the branches, while agile squirrels darted among the trees, their antics adding to the lively cacophony, creating a bustling and spectacular scene.
Such places are countless, numbering in the thousands! The emperor often visits to revel in the beauty, with accommodations and meals lavishly arranged, while the harem and officials accompany him, every comfort and provision supplied in abundance.
After autumn and through winter, the emperor organized a massive hunt. The Emperor rode a lavishly carved elephant, his carriage adorned with jade and preceded by magnificent banners, followed by a colorful retinue and a strong guard. Sun Shu was at the reins, with Wei Gong riding alongside. The sound of the horn shook the earth, and the hunt was on! The rivers shrunk to mere streams, and even Mount Tai seemed dwarfed by the commotion; the sound of the carriages and horses resounded, and the heavens trembled! The air crackled with excitement as everyone scattered to chase, pursuing all the way to the water's edge of the hill. Hunters bagged tigers and leopards, wrestled jackals, and even cornered bears and wild sheep. Clad in bird-embroidered jackets and white tiger pelts, they rode wild horses, fearless in the face of rugged mountains and treacherous riverbeds. They chased various prey, shooting wild boars with deadly accuracy; every shot a kill, either hitting the neck or piercing the head.
The Emperor's carriage surged forward, patrolling the area, observing the actions of the soldiers and checking the commanding situation of the generals. Then, he accelerated, his own hunting as swift and deadly as his troops'. He bagged white deer and rabbits with effortless grace, his arrows a blur as he carved a path through the teeming wildlife, bending the bow and shooting arrows that found their mark, selecting good prey and striking with precision, arrows flying, and prey falling one after another.
Then, he surfed the wind and waves, rocketed skyward, flew over the turbulent seas, passed through the void, and soared with immortals. He chased after Lin Xuanhe, the ethereal kun chicken, the strong Kong Luan, the light Yun Yi, the Yibird, whose wings blotted out the sun, the soaring phoenix, the agile Yuan Chu, and even caught up with the legendary Jiao Ming.
Tired of flying, he turned for home. He vanished from Xiangyang, landed on the northern border, flew along a straight path, and eventually returned to his hometown. He swept over Shiguan, crossed the continuous mountains, passed where magpies nested, gazed out at the distant Hanlu mists, landed on the pear tree in front of the hall, and rested in Yichun. Then he flew west to Xuanqu, purified himself at Niu Shou Mountain, climbed the Longtai, shaded himself beneath the slender willows, and witnessed the scholars' diligent work and the hunters' bountiful harvest. Everywhere there were traces of crushed cart tracks, horse-trampled footprints, and the coming and going of people. Mountains of exhausted horses, fallen to the sword, piled high, choked the valleys, and blanketed the plains and marshes.
And so, he began to have a really good time, throwing a party on the rooftop and making music in the huge palace. He tolled the massive Qianshi bell, erected the Wan Shi altar, raised vibrant green flags, beat the war drums, did a Taotang dance, and listened to the songs of Getian. A thousand people sang, joined by ten thousand more; the mountains trembled, and the valleys echoed. Musicians from Ba, Yu, Song, and Cai played hits like Huainan's "Ganzhe," while friends and family jammed together, taking turns to perform. Drums and gongs blasted; the music was deafening, totally awesome. Musicians from Jing, Wu, Zheng, Wei, and other places played classics like "Shao," "Huo," "Wu," "Xiang," and more. Actors, clowns, and singers put on a non-stop show, and the music and scenery were amazing; it was a feast for the eyes and ears.
Women like Qingqin and Fu Fei were unreal. Stunningly beautiful, they were dressed to kill. Their grace, delicate beauty, and sweet smiles – they were totally captivating.
The feast was in full swing when the emperor suddenly appeared deep in thought, his face serious and worried. He sighed and said, "Alas, this is too extravagant! I only hunt and play in my spare time, passing the time and conquering according to Heaven's will. Occasionally, I rest here, but I worry that future generations will become addicted to pleasure and never return. This isn't looking out for the country and its people." So he gave up drinking and hunting and ordered the relevant departments, saying, "All land that can be cultivated should be used to grow crops to feed the people. Demolish city walls, fill in ditches, and make it easier for people in mountainous and swampy areas to travel. Dredge ponds and do not prohibit people from taking water. Reduce the construction of government buildings and stop building tall palaces. Open granaries to help the poor, make up for their losses, and take care of widows and orphans. Issue benevolent decrees, reduce punishments, reform the system, change the style of clothing, reform the calendar, and usher in a new era with the people."
Then, the emperor chose an auspicious day to purify himself, put on court attire, rode in the imperial carriage under a magnificent display of flags, and the jade bells pealed as he arrived at the Six Arts Garden to play. He rode the path of righteousness and virtue, viewed the classics of "Spring and Autumn," practiced archery, including shots at the *li* and *zouyu*, hunted cranes with a bow and arrow, performed the Gan Qi dance, wore a cloud-patterned crown, played elegant music, performed the mournful "Fatan," played the cheerful "Yue Xu," refined his spirit amidst the rites and music, delved into the classics, explained the principles of the "Book of Changes," released strange beasts in a ritualistic manner, ascended the Ming Hall, sat in the Qing Temple, convened his courtiers, listened to their reports of gains and losses, and his grace touched everyone in the land. At this time, all the people in the world were very happy, all emulated the emperor's behavior, followed the trend and changed, and education flourished, benevolence and righteousness prevailed, and punishments were rare. Thus, the hunt served a vital purpose!
If one spends the whole day indulging in frivolous pursuits, exhausting oneself physically and mentally, stopping the horses, depleting the soldiers' energy, and spending all the money in the treasury, but gains no benefit, only seeking one's own pleasure, disregarding the welfare of his people, forgetting about national affairs, and only craving the pleasure of hunting, righteous people will not associate with them. Look at the events in the states of Qi and Chu, isn't it lamentable? Despite a kingdom of only a thousand miles, he enclosed a hunting park nine hundred miles wide, leaving the people to starve. Those small vassals, imitating the extravagance and waste of the emperor, I am worried that the common people will suffer because of this!
When the two young men heard this, their faces changed, as if the wind had been knocked out of them. They quickly stood up and backed away, saying, "We were out of line; we messed up. Today we have learned a lot and will definitely follow your teachings carefully!"
The emperor loved the article and gave him a job as a minor official. However, because the article exaggerated the size of the huge Lin Yuan imperial hunting park, with tons of mountains, valleys, streams, and wildlife in the front, and then described even more things in the even bigger Yunmeng swamp in the back, which was way over the top and didn't make sense. So the emperor cut it down to size and focused on the main points.
