Peach Blossom Fan - (Exquisite Annotations. Elegant Illustrations)

Author: (Qing) Kong Shangren / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features:
(Sheng sees Xiaodan) The young man is Hou Chaozong from Henan, who has long yearned for this. Now his wish is fulfilled. (Sees Dan) Truly a peerless beauty in her youth. Lord Long's appreciation is indeed sharp eyes. (Sits) (Xiaodan) New tea from Tiger Hill, served for your honor. (Pours tea) (Everyone drinks) (Dan) Green willows and red apricot blossoms adorn the new season. (Everyone praises) Interesting! Brewing tea while admiring flowers can be called an elegant gathering. (Mo) Such an elegant gathering cannot be without wine. (Xiaodan) Wine is already prepared. Madam Yujing is hosting upstairs and cannot come downstairs to serve. I shall take her place. (Calls) Bao'er, warm the wine! (Chorus carries wine forward) (Xiaodan) Why not propose a game to make the evening more enjoyable? (Chou) Awaiting the host's initiative. (Xiaodan) How could I dare to overstep. (Jing) This is the old custom of the courtyard. (Xiaodan takes the dice bowl) My apologies. (Calls) Xiangjun, pass the cup, while I roll the dice for your honor. (Everyone) As ordered. (Xiaodan announces the rules) Wine must be drunk in order, and when a cup is empty, each person must present their specialty as the wine's theme. One is cherry, two is tea, three is willow, four is apricot blossoms, five is a scented fan pendant, and six is ice silk handkerchief. (Calls) Doujun, honor Lord Hou Chaozong with wine! (Dan drinks) (Xiaodan rolls the dice) It's a scented fan pendant. (Passes) Lord Hou, quickly finish this cup and present your theme. (Sheng says he has finished) I shall compose a poem. (Recites)
"Beauty of the South, adorned with jade,
Do not let her hide in the sleeves;
With the fan's shadow dancing with the lover,
She moves with the fragrance of her whole body." (Mo) Excellent poem, excellent poem! (Chou) A fine scented fan pendant, but I fear it might shake too much. (Xiaodan) It's time to honor Lord Yang. (Dan pours, Mo drinks) (Xiaodan rolls again) It's an ice silk handkerchief. (Mo) I shall compose a poem as well. (Xiaodan) No repetition. (Mo) Very well, I shall compose a rhyming couplet. (Recites)
"Seeing the handkerchief wiping sweat, the spring scenery stirs;
The sweat on the handkerchief must come from the spring's fresh face.
Whose face is wiped with ice silk, yet when red and white meet,
Is it not deeply charming?" (Sheng) Truly a marvelous piece. (Chou) With such literary talent, he should have passed both imperial examinations. P33