I roamed the garden of letters in my youth,
And by mistake stepped into the path of officialdom.
Long I served as a clerk in the Orchid Secretariat,
A lone voice speaking out in the Frost Terrace.
Grateful for the special trust I received,
I dared not hesitate in my determined purpose.
Often summoned to face the maple-shaded throne,
Personally appointed by the imperial brush.
High ministers debated grand rites,
The Historian recommended a humble scholar.
When the throne faced the sun at dawn,
I first took up the brush at the dragon-carved steps.
In the Bright Hall, government affairs were proclaimed,
In the Roadside Chamber, officials in court robes gathered.
Embroidered tables lined the carved railings,
Heavenly fragrance wafted from the imperial censers.
The emerald banners came with the precious carriage,
The clear clearing warned of the mountain-shaking shouts.
The imperial carriage arrived at the True Lodge,
Fragrant dust followed the attendant carts.
His double-pupiled eyes gazed upon sun and moon,
His pure countenance looked up to jade-like virtue.
I stood in attendance near the dragon robe,
Recording words, the emperor's plans shone bright.
After court at Chongzheng Hall concluded,
Beyond the lectures at Erying Pavilion's end.
A lovely sun brightened the golden hall,
A gentle breeze chimed the jade pendants.
The water-clock's sound dripped cold and clear,
The locust tree's shadow lay green and sparse.
With the purple satchel among talents of the time,
In the yellow gate, I lodged at the duty chamber.
Such immortal wanderings seemed like the Lang Garden,
Such clear dreams, were they the Land of Hua Xu?
Facing matters, would I cling to official salary?
Bearing grace, how could I begrudge my own body?
Only ashamed my grasp of the Way is shallow,
How could I resent being out of step with the times?
Dogs and horses know to love their master,
Turtle and snake think to repay the pearl.
Before completing the ambition recorded in green history,
I once presented a memorial in the black bag.
Who said Yuan Ang was straightforward?
Truly, I was as foolish as Ji An.
Banished to Jianpu as an official,
I bundled my quilt and left the divine capital.
My grateful heart alone knows bitterness,
Drifting and fallen, the years have passed by.
Sorrowfully I long to care for my parents till their end,
Slowly I sigh over the journey's road.
All under heaven receives the imperial favor,
A lone minister only faces the corner.
I wish the light from heaven would turn back,
And revive the withered in the rut.