A famous poem by Li Yu of the Southern Tang Dynasty: When will the spring flowers and autumn moon come? How much do you know about the past? The rain is gurgling outside the curtain, and the mood of spring is fading. Silently, I went up to the west tower alone, the moon was like a hook. I linger in the scenery to cherish the beauty, and lean alone against the lantern at dusk. But the night was long and I couldn't sleep. I heard several sounds and the moon came to the curtains.
1. When are spring flowers and autumn moon? How much do you know about the past?
Original text: When will spring flowers and autumn moon come? How much do you know about the past? There was an east wind in the small building last night, and the motherland could not bear to look back at the bright moon. The carved railings and jade masonry should still be there, but the beauty has changed. How much sorrow can you have? Just like a river of spring water flowing eastward.
Translation: When will this year end? I don’t know how many past events there are! Last night, the spring breeze blew again from the small building. On this night with the bright moon in the sky, how could I bear the pain of recalling my homeland. The finely carved railings and jade steps should still be there, but the person I miss is already aging. Ask me how much sadness is in my heart, just like the endless spring water flowing eastward.
2. The rain is gurgling outside the curtain, and the mood of spring is fading.
Original text: The rain is gurgling outside the curtain, and the mood of spring is fading. Luo quilt cannot bear the cold at midnight. In the dream, I didn't know that I was a guest, and I was greedy for pleasure for a while. Don't lean on the fence alone, the world is unlimited. It's easy to say goodbye but hard to see. The flowing water and falling flowers are gone in spring, and the world is in heaven and earth.
Translation: The gurgling sound of rain came from outside the door curtain, and the rich spring spirit was about to wither again. Even the richly woven brocade quilt couldn't withstand the cold at the fifth watch. Only by forgetting that you are a guest in a dream can you enjoy a moment of happiness. One should not lean on the railing and look into the distance. The boundless mountains and rivers of the past are no longer the rivers and mountains of the Southern Tang Dynasty. It is easy to leave but difficult to see the homeland again. In the past, the withered red flowers were like the passing river and returned with spring. Comparing the present and the past, one is in heaven and the other is on earth.
3. Silently, I went up to the west building alone, the moon was like a hook.
Original text: Silently, I went up to the west building alone, the moon was like a hook. The lonely Wutong deep courtyard locks Qingqiu. Continuous cutting and confusion are the symptoms of divorce and separation, and the ordinary feeling in the heart.
Translation: Silent and lonely, I slowly climbed up the empty west tower alone, looked up at the sky, and was only accompanied by the cold moon, which was as curved as a hook. Looking down, I saw the lonely isolated courtyard of the sycamore tree. The deep courtyard was shrouded in the cold and desolate autumn colors. The shearing is endless, and the rationale cannot be sorted out. What makes people feel confused is the pain of country subjugation. The lingering sorrow lingered in my heart, but it was another kind of indescribable pain.
4. Lingering in the scenery, cherishing the beauty, leaning against the lantern alone at dusk.
Original text: The east wind blows the water and the sun carries the mountains. When spring comes, it is leisure. The fallen flowers are in a mess, the wine has faded, and the music is played in a drunken dream. The sound of the clothes is quiet, and the makeup is ruined at night. Who can groom the green servant girl? I linger in the scenery to cherish the beauty, and lean alone against the lantern at dusk.
Translation: The east wind blows the spring water, and the distant mountains connect with the setting sun. Spring has been boring for a long time. The fallen flowers were in a mess, and the joy of drinking was gradually fading. Playing the sheng and singing all day long was like being in a drunken dream. When I wake up from a spring nap, I know that my evening makeup is messy, but who would bother to tidy it up? Time flies by, and beauty grows old without anyone appreciating it. At dusk, I can only lean on the railing alone.
5. It’s helpless that the night is long and I can’t sleep, and the sound of the moon comes to the curtains.
Original text: The deep courtyard is quiet, the small courtyard is empty, and the intermittent cold wind blows. Helpless, the night is long and I can't sleep. Several sounds and the moon come to the curtains.
Translation: The autumn wind brought intermittent cold anvil sounds, which were heard very clearly in the small courtyard. The long night was helpless, and it was difficult to fall asleep. The sound of anvils and the moonlight penetrated the curtains, making people full of worries.