Through the Dynasties · LH8

Northern and Southern

Landscape poetry, parallel prose and tonal rules, northern and southern folk songs, and mature literary theory

174works

7forms

33authors

Classical Poetry

13 works

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

  1. Han & Northern Yuefu · Ballad of MulanAnonymous (Northern Dynasties folk song) · Yuefu BalladsTen thousand miles marching to war, crossing passes swift as flight. Chill air rings the watch clapper, cold light shines on armor. Generals die in a hundred battles, warriors return after ten years.
  2. Imitating the Hard Roads (No. 4)Bao Zhao · Old-Style SongsPour water onto flat ground, and it flows east, west, south, and north in divergent paths. Human life has its destined lot—how can one pace in sighs and sit brooding in grief?
  3. Imitating the Hard Roads (No. 6)Bao Zhao · Old-Style SongsFacing the banquet table I cannot eat; drawing my sword I strike the pillar in long sighs. How long is a real man granted in this mortal world? How can I pace timidly with drooping wings!
  4. Climbing the Tower by the PondXie Lingyun · Old-Style SongsUpon the pond green spring grass sprouts anew; garden willows transform with warbling songbirds. Mourning the exile songs of Bin, moved by the lush laments of Chu.
  5. Returning across the Lake from the Stone Cliff RetreatXie Lingyun · Old-Style SongsBetween dawn and dusk the air and light change; mountains and waters hold a clear radiance.
  6. Climbing Three Mountains at Dusk and Looking Back Toward the CapitalXie Tiao · Old-Style SongsThe lingering clouds of sunset spread out like damask; the clear river lies still like white silk.
  7. En Route to Xuancheng Departing Xinlin Anchorage for BanqiaoXie Tiao · Old-Style SongsAt the sky's edge I make out returning boats; among the clouds I discern the riverside trees.
  8. Song of the Chile PlainsAnonymous (Northern Dynasties folk song) · Yuefu BalladsThe Chile Plains beneath Mount Yinshan. The sky is like a grand yurt canopy covering all four wildernesses. The blue heaven is boundless, the vast wilderness unending—the wind blows, grass bends low, and cattle and sheep appear.
  9. Song of the Western IsletAnonymous (Southern Dynasties folk song) · Yuefu BalladsGathering lotus in South Pond in autumn, lotus blossoms rise taller than human heads. Bending low to play with lotus seeds, seeds as crystal-clear as water. If the south wind knows my heart, blow my dreams across to the Western Islet.
  10. Song of the Water in the RiverXiao Yan (Emperor Wu of Liang) (traditionally attributed) · Yuefu BalladsWhat more in life could wealth and rank hope for? My regret is not having married Wang next door to the east.
  11. The Shrike Flies EastXiao Yan (traditionally attributed) · Yuefu BalladsThe shrike flies east, the swallow west; the Herd-boy and the Weaving Girl meet only at their season.
  12. On My Wife Napping in the DaytimeXiao Gang · Old-Style SongsSmiling in a dream, her charming dimples open; her sleeping coils of hair press on fallen flowers.
  13. Song of the Roosting CrowsXiao Gang · Yuefu BalladsAt the singing house in the tall tree the crows would roost; the silk curtains and kingfisher hangings are lowered for you.

Rhapsody & Parallel Prose

10 works

Grand rhapsodies and parallel prose showcasing acoustic symmetry and ornate eloquence.

  1. Rhapsody on Lament for the South (Preface)Yu Xin · Parallel ProseThe sun is setting and the road is long; what kind of world is this? The general has gone and the great tree is scattered; the hero does not return and the cold wind sighs.
  2. Rhapsody on the Withered TreeYu Xin · Parallel ProseYears ago I planted willows, swaying south of the Han; now I see them shedding their leaves, forlorn by the river pools. If trees fare like this, how can a man bear it!
  3. Rhapsody on PartingJiang Yan · Parallel ProseWhat darkens the spirit and melts the soul is parting, and parting alone!
  4. Rhapsody on ResentmentJiang Yan · Parallel ProseLook out over the plain: creeping weeds entwine the bones, and grave trees grown a span thick gather in the souls. When human life comes to this, how can one speak of the Way of Heaven?
  5. Rhapsody on the Ruined City of GuanglingBao Zhao · Parallel ProseThe frontier wind is fierce, the walls are cold; wells and paths are gone, the grave mounds broken. A thousand years, ten thousand ages, all come alike to an end; what more is there to say!
  6. Rhapsody on a Small GardenYu Xin · Short RhapsodiesFish of an inch or two, bamboos of two or three stems;
  7. Rhapsody on SpringYu Xin · Short RhapsodiesIn Yichun Park spring has already come back; in Pixiang Hall spring clothes are being made.
  8. Rhapsody on the Dancing CraneBao Zhao · Short RhapsodiesIt cries clear notes on the red palace steps and dances its flying form in the golden pavilion.
  9. Rhapsody on Gathering LotusXiao Yi · Short RhapsodiesThen the charming youths and lovely maidens, rowing their boats, give their hearts.
  10. Rhapsody on a Wanderer's Wife's Autumn LongingXiao Yi · Short RhapsodiesIn autumn, what moon is not clear? With the moon, what autumn is not bright?

Classical Prose

18 works

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

  1. Reply to Secretary XieTao Hongjing · Letters & PrefacesThe splendor of mountains and rivers has been universally celebrated from antiquity. Lofty peaks pierce the clouds; crystal streams reveal their gravel beds. Rock cliffs on both shores shimmer in kaleidoscopic hues; verdant woods and emerald bamboo flourish through all four seasons.
  2. Letter to Zhu YuansiWu Jun · Letters & PrefacesWind and mist have completely vanished; sky and mountains share the same crystalline azure. Drifting with the current, wandering freely east or west. Across the hundred leagues from Fuyang to Tonglu, the marvelous mountains and wondrous waters are peerless under Heaven.
  3. Letter to Attendant ShiWu Jun · Letters & PrefacesSheer cliffs reach the sky and a lone peak enters the Milky Way.
  4. Proclamation of Mount BeishanKong Zhigui · Essays & MemorialsThe orchid canopy is empty and the night crane cries in resentment; the mountain man is gone and the dawn gibbons are startled.
  5. Letter to Chen BozhiQiu Chi · Letters & PrefacesIn the third month of late spring, south of the Yangzi the grasses grow tall, assorted flowers bloom on the trees and flocks of orioles fly about.
  6. Book of the Later HanFan Ye · Historical NarrativeWhere there is a will, the deed is done at last.
  7. Commentary on the Water ClassicLi Daoyuan · Travel WritingAlong the seven hundred li of the Three Gorges, mountains line both banks without a break.
  8. Essential Techniques for the Common PeopleJia Sixie · Essays & MemorialsHuman life depends on diligence; with diligence there is no want.
  9. Edict of Six ArticlesSu Chuo · Essays & MemorialsThe mind is the master of the whole person and the root of all conduct.
  10. Letter to the Prince of XiangdongXiao Gang · Letters & PrefacesLately I see that the literary style of the capital is unusually feeble and dull, vying in loose and shallow writing, hasty yet slack.
  11. Admonition to Daxin, Duke of DangyangXiao Gang · Letters & PrefacesThe way to conduct oneself is different from the way to write: in conducting oneself one must first be careful and grave; in writing one should be free and unrestrained.
  12. Master of the Golden TowerXiao Yi · NotebooksI always laughed at Huainan for having others write for him, and mocked Buwei for relying on others.
  13. Lament at the Tomb of Bi Gan of YinEmperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei · Epitaphs & ElegiesThe Marquis of Gui had already been minced: did you not see it? The Marquis of Xing had already been dried into meat: did you not hear it?
  14. Account of the Causes and Conditions of the Transmission of the Dharma TreasuryTan Yao (trans.) · Essays & MemorialsHe closed the gate of the evil destinies and opened the road to nirvana.
  15. Book of WeiWei Shou (comp.) · Historical NarrativeThe one who will complete my work is surely this child.
  16. Book of SongShen Yue (comp.) · Historical NarrativeHis family was poor; he had great ambitions and cared little for the niceties of conduct.
  17. Biographies of Eminent MonksHuijiao · Historical NarrativeThis was the beginning of monks in the land of Han.
  18. Annual Customs of Jing-ChuZong Lin · NotebooksOn the fifteenth of the first month, bean gruel topped with fat is made and offered at the doors.

Fables & Lore

7 works

Philosophical fables, historical allusion narratives, and primordial mythology.

  1. Gazing at Plums to Quench ThirstLiu Yiqing · Historical AllusionsA vivid hope can lift people's spirits enough to get them through hardship.
  2. A Great Talent Put to Petty UseFan Ye · Satirical ParablesWasting great talent on small tasks harms both the person and the nation.
  3. Guarding Against the First Small SignsFan Ye · Satirical ParablesStop trouble at its first small sign, before it grows beyond control.
  4. Seeing the Leopard Through a TubeLiu Yiqing · Historical AllusionsThough one sees only a spot, a discerning eye can infer the whole leopard.
  5. Drawing a Tiger That Looks Like a DogFan Ye · Satirical ParablesImitating what is beyond your reach leaves you a clumsy caricature.
  6. A Tower Built in the AirSanghasena · Satirical ParablesSeeking the top floor without building the foundation achieves nothing.
  7. The Blind Men and the ElephantDharmakshema (translator) · Satirical ParablesTaking one part for the whole leads everyone to insist on a partial truth.

Sayings & Idioms

122 works

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

  1. Raising the Tray to Eyebrow LevelFan Ye · IdiomsMeng Guang raised the food tray to her brows when serving her husband; mutual respect between spouses.
  2. Unconcerned with TriflesFan Ye · IdiomsNot fussing over minor details or etiquette; easygoing and broad-minded in manner.
  3. Barely SatisfactoryFan Ye · IdiomsOriginally, still able to rouse spirits; now, passable or more or less satisfactory.
  4. Spilled Water Cannot Be GatheredFan Ye · IdiomsWhat is done cannot be undone, like spilled water that cannot be recovered.
  5. A Crane among ChickensLiu Yiqing (comp.) · IdiomsStanding out conspicuously from those around one in bearing or talent.
  6. A Rising TalentLiu Yiqing (comp.) · IdiomsA promising newcomer; an outstanding member of the younger generation.
  7. Old but Ever More VigorousFan Ye · IdiomsGrowing more vigorous and determined with age.
  8. Strength Fails the WillFan Ye · IdiomsWanting to do something but lacking the strength or ability.
  9. Too Much for the Eyes to Take InLiu Yiqing (comp.) · IdiomsSo much to see that the eyes cannot keep up.
  10. Silent, Imperceptible TransformationYan Zhitui · IdiomsOne's thinking or character is gradually changed by unnoticed influence.
  11. Pleasing to Heart and EyeXie Lingyun · IdiomsDelightful to the heart and pleasing to the eye.
  12. Quenching Thirst by Thinking of PlumsLiu Yiqing · IdiomsCao Cao's thirsty troops cheered by imagined plums; consoling oneself with fantasies.
  13. Ten Thousand People, One HeartFan Ye · IdiomsMillions united as one; complete solidarity.
  14. In High SpiritsLiu Xie · IdiomsOriginally of lofty, brilliant writing; now, elated and in high spirits.
  15. Different Mouths, One VoiceShen Yue · IdiomsMany people saying the same thing; unanimous.
  16. Leading into WonderlandLiu Yiqing · IdiomsDrawing one into an enchanting realm; captivating scenery or works.
  17. Too Many to Take InLiu Yiqing · IdiomsToo much beauty to take in at once; or too many matters to handle.
  18. A Hundred Feelings MingledLiu Yiqing · IdiomsAll kinds of feelings welling up at once; describes deeply mixed emotions.
  19. Growing Worse and WorseXiao Tong · IdiomsOriginally to develop further; now for something bad becoming even worse.
  20. Running Neck and NeckLiu Xie · IdiomsHorses harnessed side by side galloping together; being on a par with one another.
  21. Crouching Tiger, Hidden DragonYu Xin · IdiomsHidden dragons and crouching tigers; a place concealing undiscovered talent.
  22. Putting It Out of MindFan Ye · IdiomsGiving no thought to something, especially one's own safety or life.
  23. Overbearingly AggressiveLiu Yiqing · IdiomsAggressively overbearing; also, strikingly impressive in a way that puts others under pressure.
  24. Nipping Evil in the BudFan Ye · IdiomsTo check wrongdoing at its first sign and prevent it from growing.
  25. Viewing a Leopard Through a TubeLiu Yiqing · IdiomsSeeing only one spot of a leopard through a tube; a partial view, or inferring the whole from a part.
  26. Drawing a Tiger That Looks Like a DogFan Ye · IdiomsTrying to draw a tiger but ending with a dog; overreaching ambition or clumsy imitation.
  27. Thousand Character ClassicZhou Xingsi · Rhymes & JinglesHeaven is dark and earth is yellow; space and time are vast and wild.
  28. Heartbroken at PartingJiang Yan · IdiomsWhat dims the heart and melts the soul is parting, and parting alone!
  29. Layer upon Layer of CliffsLi Daoyuan · IdiomsCliffs piled on cliffs, peaks stacked on peaks, hiding the sky and screening the sun; unless it is noon or midnight, one sees neither sun nor moon.
  30. The Sky Like a Domed Yurt Over the GrasslandAnonymous (Northern Dynasties folk song) · AphorismsThe sky is like a domed felt tent, covering the plains on every side.
  31. Sky and Mountains Share One HueWu Jun · AphorismsWind and mist have all cleared away; sky and mountains share one color.
  32. Wondrous Peaks and Rare Waters of the FuchunWu Jun · AphorismsFrom Fuyang to Tonglu, a hundred li or so, the wondrous mountains and rare waters are unmatched in all the world.
  33. Hares Hard to Tell ApartAnonymous (Northern Dynasties folk song) · IdiomsThe buck's feet kick, the doe's eyes squint; but when two hares run side by side along the ground, who can tell if I am male or female?
  34. Ambition Stilled at the Sight of the PeaksWu Jun · IdiomsThose who soar to heaven like a hawk would still their hearts on seeing these peaks; those who manage the world's affairs would gaze into these valleys and forget to return.
  35. Peering into the Valleys and Forgetting to ReturnWu Jun · AphorismsThose who manage the world's affairs, peering into these valleys, forget to return.
  36. Wind and Haze Swept Clean over the Fuchun RiverWu Jun · AphorismsWind and haze were all swept clean; sky and hills shared one colour.
  37. Mulan Crosses Passes and Mountains as if FlyingAnonymous (Northern Dynasties folk song) · AphorismsTen thousand li she rode to the business of war, crossing passes and mountains as if flying.
  38. The Chile Plain Beneath the Yin MountainsAnonymous (Northern Dynasties folk song) · AphorismsThe Chile Plain lies beneath the Yin Mountains.
  39. Wind Bends the Grass to Reveal the HerdsAnonymous (Northern Dynasties folk song) · AphorismsThe sky is deep blue, the plain is boundless; the wind bends the grass and the cattle and sheep appear.
  40. Each Soldier Worth a Hundred at KunyangFan Ye · IdiomsHaving won victory upon victory, the officers grew ever bolder, and every one of them fought like a hundred.
  41. Spoils Beyond Counting at KunyangFan Ye · IdiomsThey captured all the army's supplies and baggage; the chariots, armour and treasures were beyond counting, a month of hauling could not finish them, and some of the rest was burned.
  42. The Son-in-Law Lying on the East CouchLiu Yiqing (comp.) · IdiomsOnly one young man lay on the east couch with his belly bare, as if he had heard nothing.
  43. Cliffs Where Five Colours Shine TogetherTao Hongjing · AphorismsOn both banks the stone cliffs shine together in five colours.
  44. Sunset Clouds Spread Like Patterned SilkXie Tiao · IdiomsThe lingering clouds spread out like patterned silk; the clear river lies still as white silk.
  45. Entering the Fish Market and No Longer Smelling the StenchXiao Gang · AphorismsSo those who gallop on their hunches and love fame over substance carve meat from the benevolent beast and play Xi Ke at Handan; they enter the fish market and forget its stench, and copying faults brings them disaster.
  46. Entrusted with a Young Orphan RulerFan Ye · AphorismsDeng Yu, Marquis of Gaomi, is foremost among the founding ministers, and Cang, King of Dongping, is generous and resourceful; both can receive the charge of a young orphan and stand unbending at a great crisis.
  47. Governing the Realm Together with the RulerSu Chuo · AphorismsTherefore emperors of former ages always said that those who governed the realm together with them were only good prefects and governors.
  48. Crumbling and Splitting ApartFan Ye · IdiomsAll the realm is crumbling and splitting apart; the situation is plain to see.
  49. Shrike and Swallow Flying ApartXiao Yan (traditionally attributed) · IdiomsThe shrike flies east, the swallow flies west; the Herdboy and the Weaver Girl meet only now and then.
  50. Diligence Keeps Want AwayJia Sixie · AphorismsThe commentary says: 'Life depends on diligence; with diligence there is no want.'
  51. A Name Recorded on Bamboo and SilkFan Ye · IdiomsI only wish that your virtue and might reach the four seas, and that I may render some small service and have my merit written on bamboo and silk.
  52. Swallowing One's Words and Pacing in SilenceBao Zhao · AphorismsMy heart is not wood or stone; how can it feel nothing? I swallow my words and pace in silence, not daring to speak.
  53. Singing Out One's Feelings and NatureXiao Gang · AphorismsI have never heard of poems that sing of feeling imitating the Domestic Regulations chapter instead.
  54. Belly Bare on the Eastern Couch: Wang Xizhi Chosen as Son-in-LawLiu Yiqing (comp.) · IdiomsOnly one young man lay on the eastern couch with his belly bare, as if he had heard nothing.
  55. Rich in Springs and Autumns: Yuan Shao Defends the Young EmperorFan Ye · IdiomsThe present emperor is rich in springs and autumns, and nothing bad about him has been made known to the realm.
  56. Biyu, the Girl from a Humble HouseXiao Yi · IdiomsBiyu, a girl of a humble house, came to marry the Prince of Runan.
  57. The Beauty of Hills and Streams: Tao Hongjing's LetterTao Hongjing · AphorismsThe beauty of hills and streams has been talked of by all since ancient times.
  58. A Heart Not Made of Wood or StoneBao Zhao · AphorismsThe heart is not wood or stone; how can it feel nothing? I swallow my voice and pace, not daring to speak.
  59. Thought Reaching Across a Thousand YearsLiu Xie · AphorismsSitting still and concentrating, thought links up with a thousand years; quietly changing countenance, vision passes through ten thousand li.
  60. Spirit Vigorous and Bright in WritingLiu Xie · AphorismsWhen the language is upright and firm, the bone of the writing is formed; when the spirit is vigorous and bright, its wind is clear.
  61. Ladling Boiling Water to Stop the BoilFan Ye · IdiomsLadling boiling water to stop it boiling is not as good as removing the firewood; lancing an abscess, though painful, beats letting it eat away within.
  62. Throwing Down the Brush to Take Up ArmsFan Ye · IdiomsA real man should at least follow Fu Jiezi and Zhang Qian and win merit in foreign lands; how can he spend his days among brushes and inkstones?
  63. Laying Open One's Heart and SoulFan Ye · IdiomsHow dare I not lay open my heart, to repay a ten-thousandth part?
  64. Drawing a Sword to Strike the PillarBao Zhao · AphorismsFacing my table I cannot eat; I draw my sword, strike the pillar and sigh long.
  65. Stirring the Heart into Song and DanceZhong Rong · AphorismsBreath moves things, and things move people; so the feelings are stirred and take form in dance and song.
  66. Great Is the Power of Literary PatternLiu Xie · AphorismsGreat indeed is the power of pattern! How is it that it was born together with heaven and earth?
  67. Late in the Day With the Road Still LongYu Xin · IdiomsThe day is late and the road is long: what kind of world is this?
  68. The Willows I Planted in Years Gone ByYu Xin · AphorismsThe willows planted in years gone by swayed softly south of the Han; now I see them shedding their leaves, a bleak sight by the river's pools. If trees fare so, how can people bear it!
  69. Spring Grass Green at the Southern Shore of PartingJiang Yan · AphorismsSpring grass is green, spring water ripples clear; seeing you off at the southern shore, how can I bear this grief!
  70. Slender Wisdom, Grand DesignsXiao Yi · IdiomsOnce a man of ritual vessels, now a soldier in armour; my wisdom slender and my designs grand, where then is my fame?
  71. Setting Out at Dawn and Arriving by DuskLi Daoyuan · IdiomsLeaving Baidi at dawn and reaching Jiangling by dusk, a distance of twelve hundred li; even riding a galloping horse or the wind would not be so fast.
  72. Staff in Hand, Crossing North to Follow Liu XiuFan Ye · AphorismsWhen he heard that Liu Xiu was pacifying the lands north of the river, he took up his staff and crossed north, catching up with him at Ye.
  73. Not Turning on One's Heel Even Before DeathFan Ye · IdiomsI truly know my guilt and will face death without turning on my heel; I beg only five more days to destroy the chief villain, and then I will go to the cauldron. That is my wish in life.
  74. The Vital Breath Stirs All ThingsZhong Rong · AphorismsThe vital breath moves things, and things move people; so feelings are stirred and find expression in dance and song.
  75. Jiang Yan's Talent Run DryJiang Yan · IdiomsJiang Yan reached into his robe, took out a five-coloured brush and gave it to him. After that his poems had no fine lines at all, and people of the time said his talent was spent.
  76. A Monkey Washed and Wearing a CapXiao Gang · IdiomsIf you stood facing a wall, or were a monkey washed and wearing a cap, that I would not approve.
  77. As Distinct as the Clear Jing and the Muddy WeiXiao Gang · IdiomsDistinguish the clear from the muddy, making them as plain as the Jing and the Wei.
  78. The Clear River Smooth as White SilkXie Tiao · IdiomsThe lingering clouds disperse like brocade; the clear river lies calm as white silk.
  79. Swallow's Chin and Tiger's Neck: Ban Chao's FortuneFan Ye · IdiomsYou have a swallow's chin and a tiger's neck; you fly and eat meat. This is the face of a lord ten thousand li away.
  80. Wild Blossoms Filling the Room in Yu Xin's Small GardenYu Xin · AphorismsFallen leaves cover half the bed, wild blossoms fill the room.
  81. Repaying Every Angry Glare: Fan Ju's RevengeFan Ye · IdiomsEvery meal of kindness he repaid; every angry glare he avenged.
  82. Arrows Rain Down on KunyangFan Ye · AphorismsMassed crossbows fired at will, arrows fell like rain, and in the city people carried doors on their backs to fetch water.
  83. How Hard It Is to Find a True Listener: Liu Xie's LamentLiu Xie · AphorismsHow hard it is to find a true listener! The music is hard to know, those who know it hard to meet; to meet one happens once in a thousand years!
  84. Disaster Before a Heel Can Turn: Chen Fan's MemorialFan Ye · IdiomsIf I speak out fully, the villains will glare at me, and disaster will come before a heel can turn.
  85. A Tower Built in the AirSanghasena · IdiomsBy the sea, the vapours of the clam-dragon look like towers and terraces; over the wide plains, vapours take the shape of palaces.
  86. Guan Ning Cuts the Mat in TwoLiu Yiqing (comp.) · IdiomsGuan Ning cut the mat and sat apart, saying: you are no friend of mine.
  87. Lavish Ornament, Scant Feeling: Liu Xie on Hollow WritingLiu Xie · AphorismsLavish in ornament and scant in feeling, it is sure to weary those who savour it.
  88. Framing Words Straight and Upright: Liu Xie's Bone of WritingLiu Xie · AphorismsWhen words are framed straight and upright, the bone of writing is formed; when the spirit is brisk and vigorous, its wind is clear.
  89. Superb Words: Yang Xiu Solves the Riddle on the Cao E SteleLiu Yiqing (comp.) · IdiomsThat is, 'superb and exquisite words'.
  90. Abandoning the Root to Chase the Branches: Jia Sixie on FarmingJia Sixie · IdiomsAbandoning the root to chase the branches is condemned by the wise.
  91. Creeping Weeds Twine Round the Bones: Jiang Yan's Rhapsody on RegretJiang Yan · AphorismsLook out across the plain: creeping weeds twine round the bones, and great trees gather the souls.
  92. Armoured and Armed in the Front Line: Liu Yu at GouzhangShen Yue (comp.) · IdiomsGaozu always wore armour and bore sharp weapons, going ahead of his soldiers, and in every battle broke the enemy's front.
  93. Vision Reaching Ten Thousand Li: Liu Xie on the ImaginationLiu Xie · AphorismsIn silent concentration, thought joins a thousand years; with a quiet change of countenance, vision reaches ten thousand li.
  94. Seeing You Off at the Southern ShoreJiang Yan · AphorismsThe spring grass is green, the spring water ripples clear; I see you off at the southern shore, and how can I bear the grief!
  95. The Patterning of the Dao in NatureLiu Xie · AphorismsSun and moon, like paired discs of jade, hang down the bright images of heaven; mountains and rivers, gleaming like brocade, spread out the ordered forms of earth. This is the patterning of the Dao.
  96. Former Students and Old SubordinatesFan Ye · IdiomsThe Yuan clan has bestowed favours for four generations, and its former students and old subordinates are found throughout the realm.
  97. Cliffs That Hide the Sky and Blot Out the SunLi Daoyuan · IdiomsLayered cliffs and piled peaks hide the sky and blot out the sun; unless it is noon or midnight one sees neither sun nor moon.
  98. Standing Face to the WallXiao Gang · IdiomsTo stand with one's face to the wall, or to be a monkey wearing a hat, is what I will not accept.
  99. Bowing Low and Holding One's BreathFan Ye · IdiomsFrom then on the eunuchs and palace attendants all bowed low and held their breath, and did not dare leave the palace even on their days of leave.
  100. Leaping City Walls and Clearing Moats: Lü Bu's Red HareFan Ye · AphorismsBu always rode a fine horse called Red Hare, which could gallop over city walls and leap across moats.
  101. Yellow Silk and Young Woman: The Riddle of Cao E's SteleLiu Yiqing (comp.) · IdiomsYellow silk is coloured silk, which makes jue; young woman is a girl, which makes miao; daughter's son is woman and son, which makes hao; a mortar receives the pungent, which makes ci.
  102. Without Entering the Tiger's Den, How Can One Catch the CubFan Ye · IdiomsWithout entering the tiger's den, one cannot catch the cub. Our only plan now is to attack the barbarians with fire under cover of night.
  103. Telling River Trees Apart Among the CloudsXie Tiao · AphorismsAt the sky's edge I recognise returning boats; among the clouds I make out the river trees.
  104. First Spring Light Displaces the Lingering WindXie Lingyun · AphorismsThe first light of spring displaces the lingering wind; the new sun changes the old shade.
  105. South Wind, Blow My Dream to West IsleAnonymous (Southern Dynasties yuefu folk song) · AphorismsSouth wind, if you know my heart, blow my dream to the Western Islet.
  106. Why Walk Timidly with Drooping Wings?Bao Zhao · AphorismsHow long does a man have in this life? How can he shuffle along with drooping wings!
  107. Alone and Upright, Like UsBao Zhao · AphorismsSince ancient times the sages have all been poor and lowly; how much more men like us, alone and upright!
  108. Pattern Rests on SubstanceLiu Xie · AphorismsWater is yielding by nature, and ripples form on it; wood is solid in substance, and blossoms open on it: pattern rests on substance.
  109. Catkins Rising on the Wind: Xie Daoyun's Snow SimileLiu Yiqing (comp.) · AphorismsBetter to liken it to willow catkins rising on the wind.
  110. A Fairyland in the Realm of Desire: Tao Hongjing's Mountain LetterTao Hongjing · AphorismsThis is truly a fairyland in the realm of desire. Since the Duke of Kangle, no one has been able to share in its wonders.
  111. Water Poured on Level Ground Runs Every Way: Bao Zhao on FateBao Zhao · AphorismsPour water on level ground and it flows off east, west, south and north. Human life too is ruled by fate; how can I sigh as I walk and grieve as I sit?
  112. Ascending the Dragon Gate: An Audience with Li YingFan Ye · AphorismsAny scholar who was received by him was said to have ascended the Dragon Gate.
  113. What Does the Falling Snow Resemble? Xie An's Question to His FamilyLiu Yiqing (comp.) · AphorismsSuddenly the snow came down hard, and the Duke asked with delight: what does the swirling white snow resemble?
  114. Lotus Seeds Clear as Water: The Song of West IsletAnonymous (Southern Dynasties folk song) · AphorismsShe bends her head to play with the lotus seeds; the lotus seeds are as clear as water.
  115. Marquis Cai's Paper: Cai Lun's Gift to WritingFan Ye · AphorismsAnd so everyone under heaven called it Marquis Cai's paper.
  116. Shattering the Coral with an Iron Ruyi: Shi Chong's Contest of WealthLiu Yiqing (comp.) · AphorismsWhen Shi Chong had looked at it, he struck it with an iron ruyi, and it shattered at the blow.
  117. Heaven Dark and Earth YellowZhou Xingsi · AphorismsHeaven is dark, earth is yellow; the universe is vast and primeval.
  118. The Universe Vast and PrimevalZhou Xingsi · AphorismsHeaven is dark, earth is yellow; the universe is vast and primeval.
  119. Knowing a Fault, Be Sure to Mend ItZhou Xingsi · IdiomsKnowing a fault, be sure to mend it; having gained an ability, do not forget it.
  120. Ceaseless as a Flowing RiverZhou Xingsi · IdiomsLike a river flowing without rest, like a deep pool clear and reflecting.
  121. One Breath, Joined BranchesZhou Xingsi · IdiomsBrothers care most deeply for one another, sharing one breath like joined branches.
  122. Isolated, Narrow and Ill-InformedZhou Xingsi · IdiomsIsolated and ill-informed, I share the ridicule due to the ignorant.