Jinse by Li Shangyin is a famous poem in China literature. It is regarded as one of Li Shangyin's representative works, and is widely appreciated for its beautiful language and allusions. However, although this poem is very popular, it is also one of the most difficult poems to interpret.
For centuries, people have had many interpretations of Jinse. Some people say that this is a love poem written for a servant girl named "Jinse" of Chu family in Tinghu. Some people say it is a poem in memory of Li Shangyin's late wife, Mrs. Wang, while others think it is a poem about music. The four lines in the middle of the poem correspond to four different emotions in music: happiness, resentment, clarity and harmony. In addition, there are some interpretations that can see political references, autobiography and other elements in poetry. Although there are many explanations, most people usually think it is a poem about mourning and self-pity.