I recall when first leaving the state,
A relay station set, history's date.
My younger brother followed in tears,
To a lodging south of the capital's spheres.
He bathed and fed me, time and again,
Thus one whole day's stay did remain.
At dawn we part by the ridge's stream,
Bitter farewell, heart as if aflame.
Hurrying back to guard my family's weight,
Then hung the sail to East River's fate.
Oars rested at Bian and Si's shore,
Reins grasped toward Huo and Qian I bore.
Through hardships we met once more,
Sharing a quilt in a poor hut's core.
Before ten days' joy could complete,
Already fed the steed for journey's feat.
Alas, my brother's toil and plight,
When will the burden lift its might?
Long I cherish the fragrant grass line,
Unread, yet tears have wet this robe of mine.
Our ancestors' household affairs,
My weak strength how could it bear?
Suddenly a strange disaster arose,
Fiercer than raging fire it glows.
Stubborn folly brought shame and blame,
Self-invited, not from slander's frame.
A perilous nest by wind and rain tossed,
Even coarse reeds cannot be lost.
Then my brother came back to me,
Resigned his post, no waiting to see.
Gathered the remnants of defeat,
Relied on this, our solitude to keep.
The whole family, hundreds to feed,
Each one with kindness met the need.
Harmonized discordant feelings tight,
No crack or flaw appeared in sight.
Gathered grain, not for a short ride,
A thousand miles, all satisfied.
A letter moved the lofty ear,
Grace bestowed, eastward to steer.
My parents prized what's rare and grand,
His upright stance was never bland.
Late integrity hard to expect,
Past faults many, with regret bedecked.
Like a lame man who suddenly stands,
Startled, cured by needle's hands.
Aged face layered with frost and snow,
Lucky to shed the bridle's woe.
Yesterday from sorrow and pressure came,
Now again peace I may claim.
In west corridor, eating beans I sit,
Enough to soothe hunger's fit.
Gradually wishing to approach the wine cup,
Rather think to put the medicine case up.
May my brother cherish his jade-like frame,
Nourish me until the western hill's claim.
From now on, under bright times we stay,
Joyful, with no dismay.
To repay grace, no place I find,
Incense and fire to Buddha and Laozi consigned.