The imperial domain stretches to the central sky,
With the great river north and the Lu-hun plain nearby.
Below Lu-hun lies the source of the Yi,
Rushing straight through passes, eroding mountain roots nigh.
This unbroken range forms the earth's very spine,
Reversing to churn the Ru Sea, waves surging high.
Suddenly Heaven's will proves unfathomable,
Splitting the gorge, a torrent swallows all dry.
Long waves like myriad silk scrolls sweep the void,
Piercing the capital, through Luo, like storm-thunder they fly.
Cliffs and banks tower, touching the celestial gate,
This is called Dragon-Carved, Yu's Door to the sky.
The stone path winds deep into secluded gloom,
Where pines and firs, half-hidden, like sacred gardens lie.
Peering down at court and market, only dust is seen,
Not sharing the clamor of the mortal world's cry.
The elder of Tianzhang Pavilion, true heir indeed,
Commissioned to guard the northern frontier, strict and spry.
Outriders and archers pause, lingering awhile,
Setting wine on high, by the cliffside pavilion they rely.
This month, the twelfth, the year draws to a close,
Spring winds are chilly, haze veils the darkened sky.
The gnomon's shadow shows the sun's path now true,
Jade sands let warm water through, the waves comply.
Far, far the palace gates shine on the imperial seat,
Guarded by Xiao and Han passes, Zhou's Huan-yuan nearby.
Transcendent, feasting and gazing, sighs arise,
Sitting in state councils, ashamed of my triviality.
Then I know Duke of Zhou's intent in divining Luo,
The root and stem decide an era's fate, live or die.
The law palace today should have its proper form,
Modeled on Taiwei, honoring the supreme on high.
Governing by the Dipper's handle, myriad jades attend court,
None matches Luo's mansion, central to earth and sky.
Three mounds' aura threads through starry fields,
Auspicious clouds bless descendants from clouds on high.
Not just for defense against the myriad Xia,
But also to ward off harm, bring peace far and nigh.
Act where action is possible, then success is assured,
A vessel large, hard to move—all have this to imply.
A lowly minister, retired in seclusion, dares this thought,
Wishing before the throne to argue with maps, to try.