Carrying seeds from the eastern sea,
A phoenix fledgling nests in fairyland.
New blossoms bloom like brothers' petals fair,
And tiny cornel buds begin to stand.
Wealth and honor bestowed by heaven's grace,
Delicate charm, a rhythm fine and rare.
Light as a swallow over Zhao's domain,
Bright as a colored phoenix in Wu's air.
Though countless strains are catalogued with care,
One tree alone can captivate a town.
Mist veils her form, a spirit's frame concealed,
Frost dyes her skin like snow that's newly sown.
Wine-flush outshines the beauty Xi Shi knew,
Ice-pure demeanor mocks the fairy cold.
Warm winds part jade-like lips with gentle breath,
Chill rain congeals to pearls where tears are rolled.
Butterflies delight to pierce the oiled screen,
Bees, shy, decline to tax their honey's yield.
Leaves now sparse, now dense in alternating green,
Scent now present, now gone, a phantom field.
Bathed clean as brocade from Min River's flow,
Richly adorned with royal crimson's glow.
To sleep, she waits until the guests depart,
Feigns drunkenness, demands a helping arm.
Beyond the Sword Gate, Du Fu met her in heart,
In Huangzhou, Su Shi felt her fatal charm.
Many have returned to silken tapestry,
Yet not upon the woolen stage she's lain.
No fitting concubine in Golden Vale,
A homely maid in Sculpted Shade's domain.
Cherishing her own rosy cheeks so fine,
She must deplore the white beard's straying line.
Calling silver candles to light the tree,
Commanding jade dippers to drench the grove.
Once poems were sent to bid farewell to thee,
Now strength is gone to revive what cannot move.
A peerless beauty leaves common steeds behind,
Fragrant spring passes like a fleeting steed.
Yet by the flower's mirror, still I find
Plucked lines have formed a picture, sown from seed.