1. Moxiao’s farmhouse is full of cured wine, and in good years only chickens and dolphins are enough for visitors. The mountains and rivers are full of doubts and there is no way, and the willows and flowers are dark and the flowers are bright in another village. The flutes and drums follow the spring society, and the clothes and clothes are simple and ancient. From now on, if I am allowed to take advantage of the moonlight, I will knock on the door all the time and night with my stick. (Lu You's "Visiting Shanxi Village")
Translation: Don't laugh at the farmers' wine. In a good harvest year, there will be plenty of delicacies to entertain guests. There are mountains and rivers, and there is no way out in doubt. Suddenly, there is no way out. I saw the willows were dark green, the flowers were bright, and a village appeared in front of me. You played the flute, I beat the drum, and we formed a team to celebrate. The Spring Society Festival is approaching, the common people wear plain hats, and the simple ancient customs are still preserved. From today on, if allowed, Taking advantage of the moonlight for a leisurely stroll, I, a white-haired old man, also want to enjoy the night, leaning on a cane and knocking on the wood door.
2. The mountains are green and the plains are white and the rivers are full, and the rain is like smoke amid the sound of the rules. There are few idle people in the countryside in April, so they are planting sericulture and planting fields. (Weng Juan's "April in the Countryside")
Translation: The hillsides and fields are lush with vegetation, and the color of the water in the rice fields complements the skylight. There is mist and rain in the sky, cuckoos are singing, and the earth is a prosperous scene. April is here, and no one is idle. They just finished sericulture and have to plant rice seedlings again.
3. The grass is growing, the orioles are flying in February, and the willows are brushing against the embankments intoxicated by the spring smoke. The children came back early from school and were busy taking advantage of the east wind to fly kites. (Gao Ding, "Village Residence")
Translation: In the second month of the lunar calendar, the grass in and around the village has gradually sprouted and grown, and orioles are flying here and there. The willows are covered with long green branches, swaying in the wind, as if gently stroking the embankment. The water vapor that evaporates between the water and vegetation condenses like smoke. The willows seem to be intoxicated by this rich scenery. The children in the village hurried home after school and took advantage of the east wind to fly kites into the blue sky.
4. Silkworms are born in spring in March, and spring mulberries are green. My daughter picks spring mulberry trees and sings and plays spring music. (Folk song "Plucking Mulberry" from the Southern and Northern Dynasties)
Translation: In spring, silkworms gradually emerge in March, and the mulberry leaves sprout green buds in spring. The woman was picking mulberry leaves and singing spring tunes.
5. Plant beans at the foot of the southern mountain, and the grass is full of bean seedlings. I wake up in the morning to sort out the wasteland and filth, and return with a hoe in the moonlight. The road is narrow, the grass and trees are long, and the evening dew touches my clothes. It's not enough to regret the stain on your clothes, but your wishes are fulfilled. (Tao Yuanming's "Returning to the Garden and Living in the Fields")
Translation: I plant beans at the foot of Nanshan Mountain. The weeds are lush and the bean seedlings are sparse. Get up early in the morning and go to the fields to weed weeds, and return home with a hoe under the moonlight at nightfall. The narrow mountain path was overgrown with vegetation, and my clothes were wet with night dew. It's not a pity if your clothes get wet. I just hope it doesn’t go against my intention to return to farming.
6. It’s noon on the day of hoeing, and the sweat is dripping from the soil. Who would have thought that every meal on the plate is hard work? (Li Shen's "Compassion for the Farmers")
Translation: At noon in midsummer, the sun is scorching, and the farmers are still working, and beads of sweat drip into the soil. Who would have thought that every grain of rice in our bowls contains the blood and sweat of farmers?
7. An old friend invited me to Tian’s house with chicken and millet. The green trees border the village, and the green mountains and hills slope outside. Open a pavilion and a garden, talk about mulberry and hemp over wine. When the Double Ninth Festival comes, there will be chrysanthemums. (Meng Haoran's "Visiting the Old Friend's Village")
Translation: An old friend prepared a sumptuous meal and invited me to his hospitable farmhouse. Green woods surround the village, and green mountains lie outside the city. Open the window and face the vegetable garden of the threshing floor, holding a wine glass in hand and chatting about the crops. When the Double Ninth Festival comes, please come here to enjoy the chrysanthemums.