Liu Bang toiled hard to chase the Qin deer down,
Yet wished to whip his steed to the belly's crown.
The chieftain of the tribes slept without fright,
By the sea, with topknot, rode in carriage bright.
The warriors of Jiang-Huai just found some ease,
How could they bear to cross the bamboo groves in breeze?
Lu Jia held the official seal in hand,
And called the elder to share meat across the land.
The classics still knew how to scorn the pedant old,
Why fear the fierce and wild, too stubborn to be controlled?
He bowed twice at the altar, received the king's seal,
His eloquent words, so chilling, made listeners feel.
No northern aides assisted the court then,
Long stay in the south stained them with customs of men.
Hearing his lofty talk, eyes and ears felt clear,
Like covering reed pipes, playing ice-jade so dear.
The finest spots within the realm should be trod again,
Sailing upstream to the foothills, past the royal fen.
Why do only Yue people esteem this lord?
Han court's ministers all in awe adored.
Chen Ping's cunning plans need deep reflection,
Zhang Liang saved himself, fasting for protection.
Other lords seldom knew how to read or write,
Merits carved on stones led to half being slain outright.
Only you made generals and ministers agree,
Feasting in peace, Liu's fortune blessed with glee.
Young Zhong Jun learned to stride with lofty aim,
Vain fame he had, but fate cut short his flame.
Thus know the wise who fit the world's demand,
Skilled like the butcher, knife in hand so grand.
Past events like floating clouds vanish away,
Yue River soaks the mountains green in endless sway.
The desolate shrine stands lonely by the monks' abode,
At dusk, hungry crows caw on the tall trees' road.
I come, sigh thrice, and linger long in thought,
To offer cold spring water and autumn chrysanthemum brought.