Through the Dynasties · LH15

Qing

Dream of the Red Chamber and Liaozhai, Tongcheng prose and Nalan's lyrics: the grand summation of the classics

234works

8forms

57authors

Classical Poetry

13 works

Orthodox classical Chinese poetry spanning archaic ballads to Tang regulated verse.

  1. Song of YuanyuanWu Weiye · Old-Style SongsThe six armies wailed, all clad in mourning white; but the rage that lifted his cap was for a rosy-cheeked beauty.
  2. Bamboo and RockZheng Banqiao · Regulated QuatrainsClamping tightly upon green crags never letting go, its roots were firmly anchored in fractured rocks from the start. Enduring a thousand grindings and ten thousand strikes it remains adamantly firm, defying whatever winds blow from east, west, south, or north.
  3. Random ReflectionsHuang Jingren · Regulated OctavesNine men out of ten deserve a white-eyed glance; of all a hundred kinds, the most useless is the scholar.
  4. Composed on Setting Out for Exile to Show My FamilyLin Zexu · Regulated OctavesIf it benefits the country, I will give my life or death to it; how could I flee or seek a thing because it brings misfortune or fortune?
  5. Miscellaneous Poems of the Jihai Year: No. 5Gong Zizhen · Regulated QuatrainsBoundless parting sorrow swells as the pale sun slopes westward; pointing my chanting crop to the east, the road stretches to the edge of the world. Fallen petals are not unfeeling things: turning into spring mud, they nurture future flowers all the more.
  6. Inscribed upon the Prison WallTan Sitong · Regulated QuatrainsSeeking refuge at welcoming doors recalls Zhang Jian; enduring death for a brief while awaits Du Gen. I raise my blade and laugh toward Heaven: whether leaving in exile or staying to die, our loyal spirits stand like towering Kunlun peaks!
  7. Inscribed on a Scroll Combining Qu Wengshan's Letters, Small Landscapes by Shitao, Shixi and Bada Shanren, and Baiding's Ink OrchidsZheng Xie (Zheng Banqiao) · Regulated QuatrainsDaubed across and brushed down, thousands upon thousands of scrolls: few are the drops of ink, many the drops of tears.
  8. Inscribed on a Painting of PinesShi Jing'an (Eight-Fingered Monk) · Regulated QuatrainsHeavy snow weighs down the branches; a solitary pine stands firm upon the freezing hill. Defying the frost it never yields, its verdant azure green illuminating thousand autumns.
  9. Miscellaneous Poems of the Year Jihai (No. 125)Gong Zizhen · Regulated QuatrainsI urge the Lord of Heaven to rouse himself once more and send down talent without sticking to one mold.
  10. Tong PassTan Sitong · Regulated QuatrainsThe river, on the great plain, still chafes at its confines; the mountains, entering Tong Pass, refuse to lie level.
  11. Song on the Origin of the Way for Saving the WorldHong Xiuquan · Old-Style SongsThe Heavenly Father, God on High, belongs to every person alike; that all under heaven is one family has been handed down from of old.
  12. Song of the Yonghe PalaceWu Weiye · Old-Style SongsMoon over Yangzhou, flowers of Duling: along the road fragrant dust welcomes a Lihua.
  13. Song of Mandarin Duck LakeWu Weiye · Old-Style SongsOn the bank of Mandarin Duck Lake the grass clings to the sky; in the second month, deep in spring, it is good to let the boat drift.

Ci Lyrics

8 works

Pinnacle of lyric verse and musical poetry spanning delicate grace and heroic grandeur.

  1. Magnolia Blossom: Ancient Severing Words for a FriendNalan Xingde · Short LyricsIf only human lives could remain forever like our first encounter, why should chilly autumn breezes mourn over painted fans? Lightly inconstancy alters an old love's heart, yet they falsely blame an old love's fickle heart.
  2. Everlasting Longing: A Stretch of Mountains, a Stretch of RiversNalan Xingde · Short LyricsA stretch of mountains, a stretch of rivers, heading toward the far side of Shanhai Pass; deep into night gleam a thousand camp tent lamps. A watch of wind, a watch of snow, clamoring and shattering the homesick heart so dreams cannot form—in my homeland there is no such sound.
  3. Sands of the Washing Stream: Who Mourns in Chilly West WindNalan Xingde · Short LyricsWho pities this solitary chill in the autumn west wind? Amid rustling yellow leaves closing the curtained casement, lost in memories standing in fading twilight. Soothed with wine, let not heavy spring slumber be stirred; betting on texts won fragrant spills of tea—in those days, I thought it was merely ordinary.
  4. Gathering Mulberry: The Moon in Tender Pity Must Smile at MeNalan Xingde · Short LyricsThe bright moon in tender pity must smile at me, smile at my state today: betraying the heart of spring, walking alone and chanting in solitude. Lately I dread speaking of bygone days; under shallow moonlight and deep lamp shadows, where in dreams can drifting clouds be found?
  5. The River Turns Red: Sojourning in the CapitalQiu Jin · Long LyricsThough my body cannot stand in the ranks of men, my heart burns fiercer than any man's! In all my life, my loyal courage has ever burned for others. Who among common minds can fathom my spirit? Heroes at dead ends must endure cruel trials. Where in this vast dusty world can I find a kindred soul? My azure robes are drenched in tears!
  6. Lin Jiang Xian · Planting Begonias the Day Before QingmingGu Taiqing · Mid-Length LyricsAll worldly affairs drift away with wind and rain—let them cease, let them cease. Ancient traces south of Xima Terrace, overgrown mounds amidst partridge cries. Where are the wild poets of bygone years? Caressing carved railings in vain: when begonias bloom, do you remember ancient Jiangnan?
  7. Jinlv Qu · Sent to YunlinGu Taiqing · Long LyricsI too am a wanderer drifting at the ends of the earth—how could I bear turning back to gaze upon the Jiangdong road? Raising my cup to question Heaven, Heaven answers not; leaning high gazing till sight breaks against Jiangnan trees. In human life, how many joyful reunions can there be?
  8. Farewell · Outside the Long PavilionLi Shutong (Master Hongyi) · Self-Composed TunesOutside the long pavilion, along the ancient road, fragrant emerald grasses stretch to meet the sky. Evening breezes brush weeping willows as the fading flute melody dies; the setting sun sinks behind mountains beyond mountains. At heaven's edge and earth's corners, cherished soulmates have mostly scattered away. Draining a jar of cloudy wine to exhaust our remaining joy—tonight, dreams of parting will be cold.

Classical Prose

52 works

Authoritative classical prose from Pre-Qin philosophers to Tang-Song prose masters.

  1. Zhengshi, from Record of Daily KnowledgeGu Yanwu · Letters & PrefacesPreserving All-under-Heaven is a responsibility in which even the humblest common man has his share.
  2. Inquiry into the SovereignHuang Zongxi · Essays & MemorialsIn antiquity the world was the master and the ruler the guest; all that the ruler laboured at his whole life long was for the sake of the world.
  3. Anecdotes of Duke Zuo ZhongyiFang Bao · Historical NarrativeThe affairs of the state have rotted to this point. I, an old man, am finished; if you too make light of your life and lose sight of the great cause, who will be left to hold up the affairs of the realm?
  4. Notes from PrisonFang Bao · Informal Essaysthe living and the dead lie heel to head, with no room to turn or get away
  5. Record of Ascending Mount TaiYao Nai · Travel WritingThe blue-grey mountains bore snow, their brightness lighting the southern sky.
  6. Epitaph for My SisterYuan Mei · Epitaphs & ElegiesThe paper ash flies up, and the north wind blows wild across the open land. Your elder brother is going home, yet still turns back again and again to look at you.
  7. On Borrowing Books for Student HuangYuan Mei · Essays & MemorialsBooks are not read unless they are borrowed.
  8. Record of the Sick Plum PavilionGong Zizhen · Essays & Memorialsa plum is beautiful when curved, for a straight one has no grace; beautiful when leaning, for an upright one has no charm
  9. Ode to Young ChinaLiang Qichao · Essays & MemorialsTherefore today's responsibility lies not with others, but entirely upon our youth. If the youth are wise, the nation is wise; if the youth are prosperous, the nation is prosperous; if the youth are strong, the nation is strong... How magnificent is my Young China, ageless as Heaven! How glorious is China's youth, boundless as the realm!
  10. Fourth Letter Sent from the Fan County Magistracy to Brother MoZheng Xie (Zheng Banqiao) · Letters & PrefacesI think the first rank of people in the world is the farmers, while scholars are last of the four classes.
  11. Letter to Younger Brothers on Reading and AspirationZeng Guofan · Letters & PrefacesWhen scholars study, first they must have Aspiration (Zhi); second, Discernment (Shi); third, Perseverance (Heng). With aspiration, one refuses base mediocrity; with discernment, one recognizes learning is boundless and never grows complacent; with perseverance, there is nothing that cannot be achieved. None of these three can be lacking.
  12. Maxims for Managing the HomeZhu Bolu · NotebooksOver a bowl of congee or rice, reflect upon the arduous labor that produced it; holding half a strand of silk, keep in mind the difficulty of material resources.
  13. On Reading the Comprehensive MirrorWang Fuzhi · Essays & MemorialsThe system of commanderies and counties has endured two thousand years and could not be undone.
  14. Recipes from the Garden of ContentmentYuan Mei · NotebooksIn learning one must first know and then act — and so it is with food and drink.
  15. Six Records of a Floating LifeShen Fu · NotebooksI remember that as a small child I could look straight into the sun with my eyes wide open and make out the tip of an autumn hair.
  16. Family Letters of Zeng GuofanZeng Guofan · Letters & Prefaceslooking at books is like attacking cities and seizing territory to extend one's lands; reciting is like digging deep moats and building strong ramparts to hold what one has won.
  17. Evidential Study of the Meaning of Terms in the MenciusDai Zhen · NotebooksIf I understand it and do not speak, that is disloyal.
  18. Second Memorial to the Qing Emperor (the Gongche Petition)Kang Youwei · Essays & MemorialsIn our humble view, abandoning the people of Taiwan is a small matter, but scattering the people of the realm is a great one; ceding land is a small matter, but losing the state is a great one
  19. The Book of Great UnityKang Youwei · Essays & MemorialsIt is called an age of peace, but in truth every household under heaven is filled with resentment.
  20. A Study of the Forged Classics of the Xin LearningKang Youwei · NotebooksThe loss of the Six Classics was blamed on the Qin burning; that is Liu Xin's false story.
  21. The Study of HumanenessTan Sitong · Essays & MemorialsThe nets are layer upon layer, boundless as empty space.
  22. The Leader's Will (Sun Yat-sen's Political Testament)Sun Zhongshan · Letters & PrefacesThe revolution has not yet succeeded. All my comrades must continue to strive, following my Plans for National Reconstruction, Fundamentals of National Reconstruction, Three Principles of the People and the Manifesto of the First National Congress, to carry them through.
  23. Three Principles of the PeopleSun Zhongshan · Essays & MemorialsWe urgently need the deep meaning of the Three Principles of the People as material for propaganda.
  24. Biography of Tan SitongLiang Qichao · Historical NarrativeIn every country reform has been achieved through bloodshed; in China we have not yet heard of anyone shedding blood for reform, and that is why the country does not prosper. If there must be one, let it begin with me, Sitong.
  25. Proclamation Against the Cantonese BanditsZeng Guofan · Essays & MemorialsThis is not merely a crisis for our Great Qing but the strangest upheaval of the teaching of names since the creation of the world
  26. Letter to Shi KefaDorgon (traditionally attributed) · Letters & PrefacesOur dynasty's pacification of the Yan capital was taken from the rebel Chuang, not from the Ming.
  27. Maxims from the Family InstructionsKangxi Emperor · NotebooksI thought: if I do not know it myself, how can I judge who is right? So, stung by this, I set myself to learn.
  28. Complete Tang PoemsKangxi Emperor (comp.) · Letters & PrefacesPoetry reached the Tang with every form complete and every method present.
  29. Record of Great Righteousness Resolving ConfusionYongzheng Emperor · Essays & Memorialsonly the virtuous may be ruler of the realm
  30. Complete Library of the Four TreasuriesJi Yun (Ji Xiaolan), Qianlong Emperor (comp.) · Letters & PrefacesNow is the time to collect them and send them to the capital, to display the glory of a common script through a thousand ages.
  31. Edict Clarifying the Fundamental Policy of the StateGuangxu Emperor · Essays & Memorialsrooting themselves in the learning of the sages on moral principle, and also studying widely and in earnest those parts of Western learning that bear on current affairs
  32. Abdication Edict of the Qing EmperorPuyi (traditionally attributed) · Essays & MemorialsWhere the people's hearts turn, Heaven's mandate can be known.
  33. Annotated Catalogue of the Complete Library of the Four TreasuriesJi Yun (Ji Xiaolan) (comp.) · Letters & PrefacesThough some disorder and alteration of words and sentences is unavoidable, the work as a whole is still Qian's original.
  34. Miscellaneous Notes from ReadingWang Niansun · NotebooksNiansun notes: after Xiling the character shi ('clan') has dropped out.
  35. History of MingZhang Tingyu (comp.) · Historical NarrativeThose who speak of moving south should be beheaded. The capital is the root of the realm; once it is shaken, all is lost.
  36. Collected Works from the Ice-Drinker's StudioLiang Qichao · Essays & MemorialsOf all conduct, work comes first; of all evils, idleness is the chief.
  37. The Land System of the Heavenly KingdomHong Xiuquan (traditionally attributed) · Essays & Memorialsthere is land to be tilled together, food to be eaten together, clothes to be worn together and money to be spent together; nowhere unequal, no one not fed and warm.
  38. On the Origin of GoodnessDai Zhen · Essays & MemorialsGoodness is humaneness, propriety and righteousness: these three are the great foundation of all under heaven.
  39. Letter to SomeoneDai Zhen · Letters & PrefacesTo study the classics, first examine the meanings of the words, then understand the sense of the text.
  40. A Study of Confucius as Institutional ReformerKang Youwei · Essays & MemorialsTo see the rule of Great Unity and Great Peace is like seeing Confucius born.
  41. The Plan for National ReconstructionSun Zhongshan · Essays & Memorialsowned by the people, governed by the people and enjoyed by the people
  42. Complete Works of Li WenzhongLi Hongzhang · Essays & Memorialsto set coastal defence in order today, there is no way to begin except by changing methods and employing the right men.
  43. On the Origin of TalentZeng Guofan · Essays & MemorialsWhere do the thickness and thinness of customs come from? From the inclinations of the hearts of one or two people, nothing more.
  44. Miscellaneous Selections from the Classics, Histories and Hundred SchoolsZeng Guofan (comp.) · Letters & PrefacesEach category is always headed by the Six Classics: trickling streams take the sea as their home.
  45. Diary of an Envoy to Britain, France and RussiaZeng Jize · Travel WritingWe must gradually work toward self-strengthening before anything can be achieved.
  46. The Sixteen Maxims of the Sacred EdictKangxi Emperor · Essays & MemorialsBe earnest in filial piety and brotherly respect, to give weight to human relations.
  47. Amplified Instructions on the Sacred EdictYongzheng Emperor · Essays & MemorialsExpanding their text to some ten thousand words, We call it the Amplified Instructions on the Sacred Edict.
  48. Vermilion RescriptsYongzheng Emperor · Essays & MemorialsAll came from Our own thought; not one was handled by another
  49. Essence of Tang and Song Poetry (Imperially Selected)Qianlong Emperor (comp.) · Letters & PrefacesHaving a Prose Essence, we cannot be without a Poetry Essence.
  50. Draft History of QingZhao Erxun (comp.) · Historical NarrativeWhere the hearts of the people turn, the will of Heaven can be known.
  51. Record of the Submission of the Whole Torghut Nationthe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli) · Epitaphs & Elegiesthis is voluntary submission, not surrender.
  52. Annual Customs and Festivals in PekingFucha Dunchong · NotebooksA late-Qing record of the festival year in Beijing.

Classical Fiction

5 works

Narrative masterworks from Six Dynasties strange tales to epic Ming-Qing novels.

  1. Strange Tales from a Chinese StudioPu Songling · Qing Tales of WonderGathering scraps of fur into a robe, I presume to continue the records of the netherworld; drinking deep as I write, I have made only a book of solitary indignation.
  2. Dream of the Red ChamberCao Xueqin · Chapter NovelsPages full of absurd words, a handful of bitter tears. All call the author a fool; who understands the flavor within?
  3. The Unofficial History of the ScholarsWu Jingzi · Satirical NovelsFame and wealth have no firm ground; they wear out the heart and squander the passing years.
  4. Notes from the Thatched Cottage of Close ScrutinyJi Yun · Qing Tales of WonderSo in the affairs of the world there are many cases where people know one side but not the other; can one judge by reasoning alone?
  5. Biography of YuanyuanLu Ciyun · Qing Tales of WonderHer voice was the finest voice in the realm, her beauty the finest beauty in the realm.

Fables & Lore

3 works

Philosophical fables, historical allusion narratives, and primordial mythology.

  1. Pulling Chestnuts from the FireJean de La Fontaine · Satirical ParablesBeware taking the risks while someone else takes the rewards.
  2. Killing the Chicken to Scare the MonkeyAnonymous · Satirical ParablesPunishing one to frighten many may assert power, but it cannot replace fair management.
  3. Killing the Hen to Get the EggsAesop · Satirical ParablesGreed for immediate gain destroys the source of lasting benefit.

Literary Criticism

7 works

Classical literary aesthetics, treatises on poetic craft, and critical commentaries.

  1. The Sixth Book of Genius · Romance of the Western Chamber PrefaceJin Shengtan · Drama CriticismIn human life between Heaven and Earth, no supreme joy equals reading books. Reading Romance of the Western Chamber is like walking along the scenic Shanyin roads, where ten thousand ravines compete in cascading streams and lush flora enchant the eye. Every single character and phrase pours from the deepest genuine nature.
  2. On the Origins of PoetryYe Xie · Literary TheoryPrinciple, event and feeling: these three words suffice to exhaust the transformations of all things.
  3. Remarks on Poetry from the Sui GardenYuan Mei · Poetry TalksFrom the Three Hundred Poems to this day, every poem that endures springs from native sensibility, not from piled-up learning.
  4. Poetic Remarks in the Human WorldWang Guowei · Poetry TalksIn ci poetry, jingjie is supreme: with it, a lyric attains a loftiness of its own and yields famous lines of its own.
  5. Sayings on PaintingShitao · Literary TheoryIn remote antiquity there was no method, for the primal simplicity had not yet dispersed; once it dispersed, method was established.
  6. Casual Expressions of Idle FeelingLi Yu · Drama CriticismThis one person and this one event are the controlling idea of the chuanqi play.
  7. Kangxi DictionaryKangxi Emperor (comp.) · Rhetoric & Stylewith no meaning left undetailed and no sound left incomplete.

Sayings & Idioms

144 works

Living Chinese linguistic heritage comprising idioms, proverbs, aphorisms, and couplets.

  1. Not Bound by a Single PatternGong Zizhen · IdiomsNot confined to one standard or form; flexible and open, especially in choosing talent or creative methods.
  2. A Hundred Flowers BloomLi Ruzhen · IdiomsA hundred flowers blooming together; varied artistic styles flourishing freely.
  3. Seize the DayMao Zedong · IdiomsMaking every moment count to reach a goal as quickly as possible.
  4. A Cornered Dog Leaps the WallCao Xueqin · IdiomsEven a dog jumps the wall when desperate; a cornered person will do anything.
  5. Primer of Sound and RhythmChe Wanyu (comp.) · CoupletsCloud pairs with rain, snow pairs with wind, evening glow pairs with clear sky. Arriving swan pairs with departing swallow, roosting bird pairs with singing insect.
  6. Seeing the Tip of an Autumn HairShen Fu · IdiomsI remember that as a child I could open my eyes wide to face the sun and see the finest autumn down clearly.
  7. A Huge Hulking ThingShen Fu · IdiomsOne day I saw two insects fighting among the grass; as I watched with great interest, suddenly a huge hulking creature came on as if uprooting mountains and felling trees: it was a toad.
  8. Tastes like Chewing WaxLi Yu · IdiomsShelled and eaten as you go, they have flavor; if someone else shells them and I eat them, not only do they taste like chewing wax, they no longer seem to be crab, melon seeds or water caltrops at all, but something else entirely.
  9. Many Days Lie AheadLiang Qichao · IdiomsThe road ahead is like the sea; many days still lie ahead.
  10. Not Half an Acre, Yet Anxious for the World (Self-inscribed Couplet)Zuo Zongtang · CoupletsI own not half an acre, yet my heart is anxious for all under Heaven.
  11. Regarding Death as a HomecomingZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsI regard death as going home, and now it has truly come.
  12. You Finish Your Song and I Take the StageCao Xueqin · AphorismsIn noisy confusion, you finish your song and I take the stage, mistaking a strange land for home.
  13. The Beauty Who Shone in the AnnalsWu Weiye · AphorismsHis whole family lies as white bones and dust; the beauty of an age shines in the annals.
  14. Pressing Ever Forward Without RetreatSun Zhongshan · IdiomsWherever my will was set, I pressed forward without retreat, growing bolder with every setback and striving again and again; thus I was able to stir up a movement and shape the times.
  15. Neither May Be Neglected for the OtherZeng Guofan · IdiomsWide reading is close to Zixia's 'learning each day what one did not know', and recitation is close to 'not forgetting what one has mastered'; neither may be neglected for the other.
  16. Neither Proud Nor Boastful of His MeritZhao Erxun (comp.) · IdiomsThe prince was humble and did not puff himself up. Thanking the emperor, he said: 'It happened in a rush, and there was no one to fight the rebels; I had no choice, and the more I think of it afterwards, the more afraid I am.' Such was his freedom from pride and boasting.
  17. Vanished Without a Trace in the Palace FireZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsFire broke out in the palace, and no one knew what became of the emperor.
  18. Ugliness Laid Bare in TimeKangxi Emperor · IdiomsOf the deceitful, whose deeds look well for a time, very many are later exposed in all their ugliness.
  19. Holding to One Point and Discarding a HundredDai Zhen · IdiomsBut they were wrong at the root, holding to one point and discarding a hundred; their intentions were not bad, yet their words could only harm the Way, and so Mencius could not refrain from arguing.
  20. Everything in Its Proper OrderZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsThough his duties piled up, his planning was orderly.
  21. Where the People's Hearts TurnPuyi (traditionally attributed) · IdiomsWhere the people's hearts turn, the mandate of Heaven can be known.
  22. Talent Emerging Generation After GenerationGuangxu Emperor · IdiomsThose who wish to enter the school shall all be permitted to enrol and study, in the hope that talent will emerge generation after generation to help the country through its difficulties.
  23. Orders Obeyed and Prohibitions HeededZhao Erxun (comp.) · IdiomsIn his five years in Zhejiang, Li Wei governed with quick intelligence; what he ordered was done and what he forbade stopped.
  24. Seeing Things Through the SelfWang Guowei · AphorismsIn the realm with self, one sees things through the self, so all things bear the colouring of the self.
  25. Seeing Things as ThingsWang Guowei · AphorismsIn the realm without self, one sees things as things, so one does not know which is the self and which is the thing.
  26. Bearing Both Toil and BlameZeng Jize · IdiomsIf you do this kind of work for the state, these people will surely abuse you one day; but you must bear both the toil and the blame.
  27. Many Mouths Can Melt MetalSun Zhongshan · IdiomsLittle did I expect that as soon as the revolution succeeded, party members would raise objections, saying my proposals were too idealistic to suit China; many mouths melted metal, the view swept all before it, and even my comrades were all misled.
  28. Youmeng in the Late Minister's RobesKangxi Emperor (comp.) · IdiomsHow could those who choose without discernment and seek only Youmeng's outward likeness be fit to discuss poetry?
  29. Not a Patch of Skin Left WholeZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsOnce he was thrown into the imperial prison, Xu Xianchun interrogated him with cruel tortures until not a patch of his skin was whole.
  30. Siding with One's Faction and Attacking DissentersZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsIn the fifth year his ally Xu Dahua, assistant of the Court of Judicature, impeached Lian and Guangdou for siding with their faction and attacking dissenters, grasping power and taking bribes, and Wang Wenyan was ordered arrested and interrogated.
  31. Selfless Loyalty and Devotion to the StateZeng Jize · IdiomsHer Majesty said: 'Zeng Guofan was truly a man of selfless loyalty to the state.'
  32. Open in Every Direction and Every SeasonKang Youwei · IdiomsGreat and small, fine and coarse, open in every direction and every season, there is nowhere it does not reach.
  33. Reviving Fallen States and Restoring Broken LinesDorgon (traditionally attributed) · IdiomsOnly then will the court not betray its first intention of upholding justice against the rebels, reviving fallen states and restoring broken lines.
  34. Gathering and Storing Everything of UseJi Yun (Ji Xiaolan), Qianlong Emperor (comp.) · IdiomsJade-root and cinnabar, red arrow and green fungus, plantain and puffball and the hide of a broken drum: to gather and store them all so that nothing is lacking when needed is the mark of a good physician.
  35. One Hair-Raising Rage for a BeautyWu Weiye · AphorismsThe six armies wept, all clad in mourning white; his hair-raising rage was for a rosy-cheeked beauty.
  36. Breaking Through the Nets of ConventionTan Sitong · AphorismsSo to break through the nets is never to have broken through them at all.
  37. A Future as Boundless as the SeaLiang Qichao · AphorismsBehind it stretch a thousand ages, around it the eight wildernesses; its future is as boundless as the sea, its days still long ahead.
  38. Settling Matters as Swiftly as Flowing WaterZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsWhen business began, he settled matters as swiftly as flowing water; the others stared, unable to utter a word, and began to give way.
  39. Becoming Spring Earth to Nourish the FlowersGong Zizhen · AphorismsTurning into spring earth, they go on to nourish the flowers.
  40. Thousands Upon Thousands of WordsZeng Guofan · IdiomsAs for the way of being a person, the sages' thousands upon thousands of words come down, by and large, to two: respect and empathy.
  41. Outspoken Words and Searching JudgementsZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsGuangdou worked in harmony with them, devoting himself to outspoken words and searching judgements and sorting officials by quality, and upright men all relied on him.
  42. Seek the Fault in OneselfZeng Guofan · IdiomsIf he shoots and misses, he does not resent those who beat him; he simply seeks the cause in himself.
  43. Vigorous as the Stamping Steps of the War DanceLu Ciyun · IdiomsWhen Wu was flushed with wine, he would always draw his sword and dance, putting on the bold, stamping bearing of the war dance.
  44. Danger Arising at One's ElbowZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsShould disaster arise at the elbow, it would be cause for grave concern. This is the twenty-second great crime.
  45. Biting Fast into the Green MountainZheng Banqiao · AphorismsIt bites fast into the green mountain and never lets go.
  46. Enemy Ramparts Round the Capital: Yu Qian Declines RewardZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsEnemy forts all around the capital are a disgrace to its ministers; how dare I seek reward?
  47. Teaching Each According to Their GiftsYongzheng Emperor · IdiomsThis was acting according to the person and teaching by measuring his capacity.
  48. Fortify the Walls, Strip the Fields: Qianlong and the Torghut Returnthe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli) · IdiomsThough some spoke of fortifying the walls and stripping the fields, at Ili the walls could not easily be made strong, nor the fields be cleared.
  49. Sturdy Armour and Sharp Weapons: The Reform Edict of 1898Guangxu Emperor · IdiomsCan we truly take up wooden staves and beat strong armour and sharp weapons?
  50. Wholly Public and Free of Self: The Last Qing EdictsZhao Erxun (comp.) · IdiomsSo that all may clearly understand the court's intention to accord with Heaven and the people, wholly public and free of self.
  51. All Under Heaven One Family: Hong Xiuquan's HymnHong Xiuquan · IdiomsGod the Heavenly Father is shared by all; all under heaven are one family, as handed down from of old.
  52. The Realm as Master, the Ruler as Guest: Huang ZongxiHuang Zongxi · AphorismsIn ancient times the realm was the master and the ruler the guest; all that the ruler laboured at throughout his life was for the realm.
  53. Granted by Heaven, Embraced by the People: The Torghut Come Homethe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli) · IdiomsBut the return of the Torghut was truly granted by Heaven and embraced by the people, something that came about unsought.
  54. Darkness over Heaven and Earth: Zeng Jing's Charge Against the QingYongzheng Emperor · IdiomsHe went so far as to say that for more than eighty years heaven had been dark and earth gloomy, and the sun and moon had no light.
  55. Bending to Preserve the Whole: Zeng Guofan and the Tianjin CaseZeng Jize · IdiomsSo he bent and compromised to keep things whole, and preserved the peace.
  56. A Book of Lonely Indignation: Pu Songling's PrefacePu Songling · AphorismsDrinking as I wrote, I made only a book of lonely indignation; to have placed my feelings in such a thing is sad indeed!
  57. Dressed Before Dawn, Dining After Dark: Kangxi's Sixty YearsYongzheng Emperor · IdiomsFor sixty years he dressed before dawn and ate after dark, hoping only that all within the seas would cultivate kindness and courtesy.
  58. Known in Every Home: The Amplified Sacred EdictYongzheng Emperor · IdiomsSo that the multitudes of common people understand it in every family and know it in every household.
  59. Sung and Recited in Every Household: Qianlong's Call for BooksJi Yun (Ji Xiaolan) (comp.) · IdiomsThe books that scholars should recite in every household and sing in every home have already been largely gathered.
  60. Wealth and Rank Like Drifting Clouds: Hong Xiuquan's HymnHong Xiuquan · IdiomsThe good and upright of old cultivated Heaven's honours; wealth and rank are drifting clouds, nothing to marvel at.
  61. My Heart Is Not Yet Dead: Xi Fangping Defies the UnderworldPu Songling · AphorismsMy great wrong is not yet righted, and my heart is not yet dead. If I said I would not sue, I would deceive Your Majesty. I will sue!
  62. Not a Blade of Grass Left: Zeng Guofan's Proclamation Against the TaipingZeng Guofan · IdiomsBoats large and small, people rich and poor, all are plundered bare, and not an inch of grass is left.
  63. Shops Undisturbed: Xu Da Takes the Yuan CapitalZhang Tingyu (comp.) · AphorismsOfficials and people lived in peace, and the market shops did not change.
  64. A Petty and Contemptible VillainZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsWhy be held in check by a petty villain, so that everyone high and low fears for his life?
  65. In Accord with Heaven and the People's WillZhao Erxun (comp.) · IdiomsLet all clearly understand that the court acts in accord with Heaven and the people, with impartial and selfless intent.
  66. Clear the Moment the Book Is OpenedKangxi Emperor (comp.) · AphorismsDivided by sections and set in order, it is clear the moment the book is opened; no meaning is left unexplained and no sound unrecorded.
  67. A Crime That Fills the SkyKang Youwei · IdiomsLater ages blamed the loss of the Six Classics on the Qin burning, so the First Emperor came to bear a crime that fills the sky; they did not know this was Liu Xin's false story.
  68. Strengthen the Trunk, Weaken the BranchesKang Youwei · IdiomsIn truth this was to raise the capital and suppress the provinces, a plan to strengthen the trunk and weaken the branches.
  69. Holding Nothing but an Empty TitleZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsBut Lin'er had risen from banditry and had no great ambition; he did as Futong told him, holding only an empty title.
  70. Ever Present in One's Thoughtsthe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli) · IdiomsThinking of him, he is in my mind; setting thought aside, he is there; naming him, he is there; praising sincerely, he is there.
  71. Earning Pardon Through MeritZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsFight the bandits while under charge, and redeem yourselves by merit.
  72. Unstoppable Wherever It MarchesZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsHis discipline was severe: the army only advanced, never retreated; offenders died even if they were his own kin, so it was unstoppable.
  73. Seize the Throat, Strike the VoidZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsSeize the throat and strike the void, block the position, and the knot loosens by itself.
  74. Enough Whips to Dam the RiverDorgon (traditionally attributed) · IdiomsWith my host of troops, if we threw our whips into the river, it would be enough to stop its flow.
  75. Avenging Wrongs and Wiping Out DisgraceZeng Jize · IdiomsIt is by no means avenging wrongs and wiping out disgrace to destroy a church or kill a foreigner.
  76. Judging by Theory AloneJi Yun · AphorismsThere are many cases where we know one side but not the other; can we judge by reasoning alone?
  77. Worn Bare from Crown to Heel for OthersTan Sitong · IdiomsMozi loved all equally; if rubbing himself bare from crown to heel would benefit the world, he would do it.
  78. Storming Cities and Seizing TerritoryZeng Guofan · IdiomsLooking through books is storming cities and seizing territory; close reading is deep moats and strong ramparts that hold the land won.
  79. Winning Hearts Is the Highest StrategySun Zhongshan · IdiomsIn war, attacking the mind is best and attacking cities is worst; psychological war is best and battle is worst.
  80. Devoted to One's Work, Happy Among CompanionsLiang Qichao · IdiomsAfter one year, examine their punctuation of the classics and their aims; after three, their devotion to study and enjoyment of their fellows.
  81. Snapping Off a Stanza to Suit One's PurposeLiang Qichao · IdiomsMy title was made by taking, out of context, two sayings: 'respect your work and enjoy your companions' from the Book of Rites, and 'be content in your homes and happy in your work' from the Laozi.
  82. No Belief Without EvidenceLu Ciyun · IdiomsThe saying goes, 'without evidence there is no belief.' Is there evidence for the story of Yuanyuan? There is.
  83. The Realm Where the Self DisappearsWang Guowei · AphorismsIn the realm without the self, one views things through things, so one cannot tell which is the self and which is the thing.
  84. Well Fed All Day, With a Mind Set on NothingLiang Qichao · IdiomsConfucius said: 'Those who eat their fill all day and set their minds on nothing: how hard it is to do anything with them!'
  85. Sun and Moon Robbed of Their LightYongzheng Emperor · IdiomsThey went so far as to say that 'for more than eighty years, heaven has been dim and earth dark, and the sun and moon have had no light.'
  86. All Under Heaven to the Very Edge of the LandYongzheng Emperor · IdiomsFrom the corners of the sea where the sun rises to all the people under heaven to the edge of the land, none do not know that the great unity lies with our dynasty.
  87. The Realm Where the Self Is PresentWang Guowei · AphorismsIn the realm with the self, one views things through the self, so all things bear the colour of the self.
  88. Only Forward, Never BackZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsHis laws were severe: when his army marched it only advanced and never retreated, and those who disobeyed were executed even if they were his sons or sons-in-law, so he was invincible wherever he went.
  89. Killing the Chicken to Scare the MonkeyAnonymous · IdiomsIn the old days, when people trained monkeys and a monkey would not obey, they killed a chicken in front of it.
  90. Killing the Hen to Get the EggsAesop (traditionally attributed) · IdiomsSo he killed the hen, and found that there was not a single golden egg inside.
  91. Analysed Strand by Strand, Point by PointKangxi Emperor · IdiomsNow all the methods of calculation have been gathered into books and analysed strand by strand, so that later students find them easy; who knows how hard I laboured over them then!
  92. When the Ridgepole Snaps and the Rafters FallKang Youwei · IdiomsIf the ridgepole snaps and the rafters fall, we graduates will all be crushed beneath; therefore, braving execution by the axe and the crime of overstepping our place, we lay out the whole situation for Your Majesty.
  93. Implicating Others Like Spreading Roots and Creeping VinesZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsHe then issued the Record of the Treacherous Faction to the whole realm. The implications spread like roots and vines, and for several years the matter was not settled.
  94. Withered Wood and Cold Dead AshesSun Zhongshan · IdiomsThe sincere heart I had kept for thirty years nearly melted away because of this, and my will, which had never yielded to a hundred setbacks, nearly turned to withered wood and dead ashes.
  95. Making Camp at Every Step of the AdvanceZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsThe Japanese made camp at every step and rested in turns, and the imperial troops dared not attack.
  96. The Fisherman's Gain from the Snipe and the ClamDorgon (traditionally attributed) · IdiomsYou wish to hold the south in strength and sit back to reap the fisherman's gain.
  97. Pulling Chestnuts from the FireJean de La Fontaine · IdiomsThe monkey tricked the cat into taking chestnuts out of the fire; the monkey ate them, and the cat burned the fur off its paws.
  98. Jade and Stone Burned Together: Zeng Guofan's WarningZeng Guofan · IdiomsWhen the great army bears down, jade and stone will burn together, and no distinction can be made.
  99. Power of Life and Death: Yang Lian Indicts Wei ZhongxianZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsYour Majesty is in the prime of life; over life and death, giving and taking, can you not decide for yourself?
  100. Hating Evil as a Personal Foe: Zhou Shunchang of SuzhouZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsShunchang was upright, square, steadfast and incorruptible, and hated evil as a personal foe.
  101. Unbowed After a Hundred Setbacks: Sun Yat-sen's PrefaceSun Zhongshan · IdiomsWholehearted and unbowed by a hundred setbacks, I could not be made to yield by the might of the Qing, nor bent by the hardships of a dead end.
  102. Of a Hundred Uses, a Scholar Has None: Huang Jingren's Bitter JestHuang Jingren · IdiomsNine in ten deserve only a scornful glance; of a hundred uses, the scholar has none.
  103. Gazing Toward Jiangnan Till Sight Fails: Gu Taiqing to a FriendGu Taiqing · AphorismsI raise my cup and question heaven, but heaven is silent; from the heights I gaze until the trees of Jiangnan fade from sight.
  104. Knowing When to Stop Averts Danger: Qianlong on the Torghut Returnthe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli) · IdiomsOne who knows contentment suffers no disgrace; one who knows when to stop meets no danger, and can long endure.
  105. Contentment Keeps Disgrace Away: Laozi's Maxim and the Torghut Stelethe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli) · IdiomsKnowing contentment avoids disgrace; knowing when to stop avoids danger.
  106. Blessings Overflow to the House That Stores Up GoodYongzheng Emperor · IdiomsA family that accumulates goodness will surely have blessings to spare; a family that accumulates evil will surely have calamities to spare.
  107. Studying Antiquity and Honouring Letters: Qianlong's Book EdictJi Yun (Ji Xiaolan), Qianlong Emperor (comp.) · AphorismsWe study antiquity and honour letters as an aid to government, and in the leisure from affairs We study the classics, diligent day by day.
  108. Inheriting the Throne and Upholding the Laws: the Longqing EmperorZhang Tingyu (comp.) · AphorismsInheriting the throne and upholding the laws, he may be called a good ruler.
  109. Betraying the Public Good for Private Ends: the Wanli Edict of 1572Zhang Tingyu (comp.) · AphorismsIf they sink back into old habits, betraying the public good for private ends and offending the ancestors, We will not dare to pardon them.
  110. Attacked Front and Rear: Wang Shouren Strikes at NanchangZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsIf we pass Nanchang to face them on the river, the troops of those two prefectures will cut off our rear, and we shall be attacked front and back.
  111. A Lofty Style of Its Own: Wang Guowei's JingjieWang Guowei · AphorismsWith a poetic world, a lyric naturally attains a lofty style and naturally has famous lines.
  112. Fierce Outside, Faint Within: Confucius on the Hollow BullyZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsStern in countenance but weak within: compared to petty men, he is like a thief who digs through walls!
  113. Dark Mountains Bearing Snow: Yao Nai Climbs Mount TaiYao Nai · AphorismsThe dark mountains bore snow on their backs, its brightness lighting the southern sky.
  114. It Is My People Who Suffer: the Chongzhen Emperor on Coal HillZhang Tingyu (comp.) · AphorismsIt is only my people who suffer.
  115. No Agreement on What Is Right: the Guangxu Edict of 1898Guangxu Emperor · IdiomsYet the climate of opinion is not yet open, and arguments reach no agreement.
  116. Listening with an Open Mind: the Yongle Emperor and His Grand SecretariesZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsIf those who advise have nothing to fear and those who listen take no offence, why should the realm not be well governed?
  117. Inside and Outside in League for Evil: Wei Guangwei and Wei ZhongxianZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsThe grand secretary Wei Guangwei allied himself with Zhongxian, the two in league for evil inside and outside, and Dazhong always wanted to impeach him.
  118. Hands in Sleeves, Looking On: Gao Panlong and the Red Pill CaseZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsWhen their sovereign is in peril, to stand by with hands in their sleeves is the road to great disorder.
  119. At His Wits' End: Shi Xing and the Japanese Invasion of KoreaZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsThe minister of war Shi Xing was at his wits' end and sought men able to talk with the Japanese to spy on them.
  120. Memorising Whatever Passes Before One's EyesZhao Erxun (comp.) · IdiomsThe Sage Ancestor saw him and loved him, and had him study in the palace under the scholar Fumin; whatever he read once he could recite.
  121. No Ground to Advance or Retreatthe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli) · IdiomsHaving turned their backs on Russia and come, if they were also to harass the border of our great state, they would have no ground to advance or retreat; where could they go?
  122. Page upon Page of Lengthy WritingYongzheng Emperor · IdiomsI have gone over everything in full detail, page upon page; the main purpose is no more than this, and I have already exhausted my efforts on it.
  123. Thought Commonplace at the TimeNalan Xingde · AphorismsHeavy with wine in spring sleep, I was not woken; quoting books, we spilled the fragrant tea. At the time I thought it merely ordinary.
  124. Striking Like a Whirlwind and a Lightning BoltZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsDayou, the veteran, put steadiness first; Jiguang struck like a whirlwind and a lightning bolt, repeatedly crushing great bands of raiders, and his fame rose even above Dayou's.
  125. Arrogant, Overbearing and UnrestrainedZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsJing has controlled Henan for fourteen years, and has always harboured wild, overbearing ambitions.
  126. The Flying Dragon in the HeavensZhang Tingyu (comp.) · IdiomsIt is auspicious. The flying dragon is in the heavens, attended by wind and rain. The tiles have fallen because they will be changed to yellow.
  127. Full-Fed All Day with Nothing on One's MindLiang Qichao · IdiomsThose who eat their fill all day and use their minds on nothing, it is hard indeed for them!
  128. Coming to Pass Unlooked Forthe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli) · IdiomsThe return of these Torghuts was truly a matter of Heaven granting and men turning to us; it came about without being sought, and so it must be recorded.
  129. Of Two Harms, Take the LesserZhao Erxun (comp.) · AphorismsWhen two harms are compared, take the lighter.
  130. Two Kunlun Peaks of CourageTan Sitong · AphorismsI draw my sword and laugh toward the sky; those who go and those who stay, loyal hearts, are two Kunlun peaks!
  131. Troops Prized for Quality, Not NumbersZhao Erxun (comp.) · AphorismsFrom this I know that troops are prized for quality, not numbers.
  132. Hills Beyond Hills in the Setting SunLi Shutong (Master Hongyi) · AphorismsThe evening wind stirs the willows, the flute dies away; the setting sun over hills beyond hills.
  133. A Change Unseen in Thousands of YearsLi Hongzhang · AphorismsWhen one country makes trouble, the others stir it up; this is truly a change unseen in thousands of years.
  134. Land Tilled Together, Food Shared Together: The Taiping IdealHong Xiuquan (traditionally attributed) · AphorismsLet all under heaven share the great blessing of the Heavenly Father, the Lord and Sovereign God: land tilled together, food eaten together, clothes worn together, money used together, so that nowhere is unequal and no one is hungry or cold.
  135. If You Would Not Have It Known, Do Not Do It: Wei Dazhong's MemorialZhang Tingyu (comp.) · AphorismsYour Majesty says the palace is closely guarded and the outer court cannot know, but Mei Cheng said: if you would not have others know, do not do it. There has never been a deed done that others did not know.
  136. Where the Lamplight Is Dim: Wang Guowei's Third RealmWang Guowei · AphorismsIn the crowd I searched for her a thousand times; suddenly I turned my head, and there she was, where the lamplight was dim.
  137. A True King's Army Is Like Timely Rain: Zuo Zongtang in XinjiangZhao Erxun (comp.) · AphorismsWherever the great army goes, let there be no rape or plunder and no slaughter. The army of a true king is like timely rain, and now is its time.
  138. Knowing One Thing but Not the Other: The Stone Beasts in the RiverJi Yun · IdiomsSo in the affairs of the world, many know one thing but not the other; how can one judge arbitrarily from general principles?
  139. Doing What One Knows Cannot Be Done: Tan Sitong's Last DaysLiang Qichao · IdiomsEven so, in the affairs of the world one does what one knows cannot be done.
  140. No Joy Greater Than Reading: Jin Shengtan and the West ChamberJin Shengtan · AphorismsLiving between heaven and earth, there is no greater joy than reading.
  141. Fragrant Grass Green to the Sky's Edge: Li Shutong's Farewell SongLi Shutong (Master Hongyi) · AphorismsOutside the long pavilion, beside the ancient road, the fragrant grass is green to the sky's edge.
  142. The Sash Grows Loose, Yet No Regrets: Wang Guowei's Second RealmWang Guowei · AphorismsMy sash grows ever looser, yet I have no regrets; for her I am worn and wasted, and it is worth it.
  143. In Lyric Poetry the Realm Comes First: Wang Guowei's Opening PrincipleWang Guowei · AphorismsIn lyric poetry the realm comes first. A lyric that has a realm will naturally have lofty style and famous lines.
  144. The Revolution Has Not Yet Succeeded: Sun Yat-sen's Last ChargeSun Zhongshan · AphorismsNow the revolution has not yet succeeded. All my comrades must follow my Plans for National Reconstruction, Fundamentals of National Reconstruction, Three Principles of the People and the Manifesto of the First National Congress, and continue to strive until they are carried out.