Complete collection of all the literature of the Sui Dynasty; literature before the Tang Dynasty

Author: (Qing) Yan Kejun (compiler)
Publisher:
Publication Date: 1999-10-01
Features: Excerpt: Qi Mu Shi Qi Mu Shi, whose name is unknown. (Note: During the time of Emperor Hui of Jin, Lu Bao hid his name when writing "The Argument for Money," saying: "An official named Gongsong Gu met Mr. Qi Mu, and 'Qi Mu' likely means 'there is no such official.'" This text may have been written by someone after Lu Bao.)
"The Argument for Money" The copper square from the west kowtows and replies: "I come from the western Geng Xin, ruling over various states, present everywhere. Changsha and Yue Jun are the regions I guard. Gold is my father, silver is my mother. Lead is the eldest son, tin is the younger wife. By nature, I am tough and unyielding, requiring fire from start to finish. My body is round, mirroring the sky, and my square holes reflect the earth. I was born in the late Zhou Dynasty. During the reign of Jing Yu, large-scale casting of me began. Greedy people see me and feel as if they have found a cure. Filling their bellies with great feasts, nothing surpasses me. (From "Collected Learning" Volume 27, "Imperial Readings" Volume 836)