The lads of Shanxi are strong and skilled,
Their courage vast as wheels, their gall as a bushel filled.
At fifteen they hunt in youthful fields,
Playing at slaying brown bears like rotten wood that yields.
At twenty they join the army's roll,
On iron steeds they race like wind, swift as a foal.
With bows at arm and arrows at waist they spend their life,
They only love to attack, not to guard in strife.
At midnight orders leave the camp gate,
The general's command is strict, who dares to be late?
They boast their bravery unmatched under the sky,
Swearing to sweep all rebels for the court on high.
To deal with barbarians has always been a risk,
The supervisor's trick falls into others' disc.
Black Mountain's unrest, the Yellow River's roar,
Border dust suddenly reaches the palace door.
Deep into Central Plains, scouts are no more seen,
Already heard they water steeds at Golden Bright Pool, I ween.
The Zhong family's fierce generals, loyalty bright as sun,
Hair standing on end, directing with chin, the battle's won.
To live in shame when lord is humbled is not brave,
Warriors glare with rage, eager their lives to save.
Eastward they cross Tong Pass to reach the capital's ground,
On city walls at night the general's flag is found.
All armies dismount and bow to our father, they plead,
To retreat and make peace is what they truly need.
Meat-eaters plan for state with a prince's air,
Holding troops unmoved, they escort with care.
Warriors are bound, fierce generals die,
Enemies come to insult like children passing by.
Clearly two sages, rulers like Yao and Shun,
Heaven overturned, earth split, all in vain done.
Heaven overturned, earth split, all in vain done,
Gazing north, tears of blood soak cheeks, every one.
The true ruler revives like Emperor Guangwu of old,
Red brows, green calves, with whips they are controlled.
At one call they strike hard, willing to die,
Wind and cranes still startle the royal army nearby.
Alas! Why turn your back on the campaign?
Red scarves and helmets half become robbers' gain.
East house last night saw a young girl seized,
West woman met at dawn, holding a knife, pleased.
Silk robes and jade meals, luxury they crave,
Green brows and red cheeks, their violent power they save.
The emperor now worries, missing meals in distress,
How can he bear to let wolves live in wilderness?
In perilous times, such arrogance and might,
Listen close to the mournful edict's plight.
The aura of five tombs is lush and green,
To avenge great hatred, secure nine temples, serene.