I write this poem to my brother Gun, to express the gloom within my heart.
I've heard that all is well at home, and you can study free from care.
Recently I got a letter from our eldest brother, it said you've visited Cai Hou.
Cai Hou is truly a gentleman, who values even minor virtues.
I wonder what you said to him, and indeed I heard he wrote you back.
Cai Hou read my policy proposals, and found the words redundant and flawed.
My words were far too rough and brief, I hear they made him shy to read.
Later I got your letter too, and sighed at your unwise design.
You claim you're ready to advance, having studied the Book of Changes and Spring and Autumn.
One should not worry about lacking position, but fear one's virtue is not cultivated.
The ancients also had a saying, that wealth and honor cannot be sought.
When I was first about to transfer, I planned to tell Gao and Liu.
Fearing others wouldn't know me, I stopped the plan from then on.
Earlier, Assistant Prefect Lu urged me to send mail swiftly.
I truly wished to seek it out, did I not have a tongue and throat?
Why then did I not act? Even in death I'd hang straight on a hook.
Since I came to Shanye region, I've not encroached on others' goods.
The common folk endure their toil, and gradually know some ease.
The state enjoys ample profit, and privately there is no blame.
Fuge sold the silver mine, but soldiers stole it back outright.
The case was tried, he faced official caning, whips revealed his flowing blood.
Private favor weighs like flesh and blood, but official law is hard to shield.
This servant is truly foolish and stubborn, instruction cannot turn his head.
My heart finds no joy in this, illness and suffering have not yet healed.
Dragging on for over two months, I've not finished a week's reading of the Changes.
At night I dream of returning home, at morning meal my bowl's not full.
For me, tell our eldest brother, the selection exam is this autumn.
You should attend to peaceful pursuits, not forget the ways of Ke and Qiu.
Elder sister Shou may marry now, her speech and looks are gentle and soft.
Teach and summon Ning and Luo sisters, with slender hands they sew fur robes.
Do not let Zesun scatter away, take care of Liu and Liu.
When I return and see you, I'll recount each worry one by one.