China's Treasury of Classics · Selections of Time-Honored Writings. New Odes from the Jade Terrace

Author: Tan Guoqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-03-01
Features:
To soar high and encompass the sun, this is something I have yet to witness;
A thousand doors and houses, once described by Zhang Heng.
On the Jade Terrace of the Zhou King, in the Golden Pavilion of the Han Emperor,
Jade trees had coral branches, and pearl curtains had tortoiseshell edges.
Among them were beautiful women.
These women were from the noble families of the Five Mountains, selected for the Imperial Harem;
From the good families of the Four Surnames, renowned in the Eternal Corridor.
There were also beauties from Yingchuan, Xinshi, Hejian, and Guanjin,
Whose original names were "" (delicate women) and "" (skillful smiles).
In the palace of the Chu King, none did not praise their slender waists;
In the beautiful women of Wei State, all marveled at their delicate hands.
To read poetry and uphold rituals, how could they be like the self-soliciting neighbor;
Gentle and graceful, different from Xi Shi being taught.
The new pipa melodies did not need Shi Chong;
The mixed konghou tunes were not related to Cao Zhi.
Passing on the guqin music to the Yang family,
Learning the flute from the Qin maidens.
As for being favored in Changle, Empress Chen felt injustice upon knowing;
Painted as celestial fairies, the concubine could not help but call from afar.
Like the neighbor's skillful smiles, serving as attendants in the changing clothes room;
Like Xi Shi's subtle frown, lying across the golden bed in the pavilion.
Accompanying the ruler in the dance of the Sowa,
Showing their slender waists in the wind;
The Changle couple, playing new melodies in the measured tunes.
Adorning their thin hair like the chirping cicada,
Shining their hanging hair like the fallen horse.
Reversely pulling the gold hairpin,
Cross-pulling the precious tree hairpin.
The southern capital's stone dye,
Dyeing double eyebrows on the hair;
The northern land's bird droppings,
Opening two dimples on the cheeks.