All hearts yearn for the straight royal way,
All states open to the sage's sway.
So near the pure and lofty ground,
The finest talents are carefully found.
Splendor arises from Brocade Town,
In throngs they ascend the Orchid Terrace renowned.
Soaring high across the Milky Way,
Great fortune comes with winds of the day.
Tortoise and dragon, mysteries profound,
The starry script in brilliance is unbound.
A floating city on the emerald sea,
A crimson stair near the Dipper's decree.
From here, promotion to the council's core,
This place is where great plans begin to soar.
Soon the dragon from the deep will leap,
To assist the throne, a pace calm and deep.
Our culture returns to ornate grace,
While my own path gathers dust in this place.
Han Wu's might made distant lands submit,
King Xuan of Zhou restored virtue, bit by bit.
Good governance starts with frugal care,
The state's foundation is strengthened with thoroughfare.
Kneeling in counsel, his heart will unfold,
Planning ahead, his strength will take hold.
He's fit to aid the throne, a pillar bright,
Not just for his vast learning's light.
In earlier days, among the first to rise,
His fame and deeds reached the skies.
Leading the charge, swift as the wind,
Then folding wings, pondering within.
A priceless treasure, hard to appraise,
A rare talent, not one to self-praise.
The sun and moon hang in mid-air,
Ten thousand miles feel the storm's blare.
Striving to engrave deeds on the bell and tripod,
His influence will reach the humblest period.
My old friend, once so vigorous and keen,
In later years, his spirit has worn lean.
I imagine you pity my dried-up lung,
And urge me on with wine, with a cheering tongue.