North of the Northern Mountains, how many ages have passed?
Peaks upon peaks, layer upon layer of misty cliffs, hundreds of folds,
Majestically they lie across, pillowing the Zhe River's flow.
Up the winding stone steps of Mount Qian, a continuous ascent,
Here lies the mountain bridge, a sight beyond compare—
Where thunderous torrents and snowy spray clash and roar all year long.
In gentle breeze and warm sun, the fragrance of flowers awakens,
With staff in hand and straw sandals, I set out for a solitary roam.
Climbing inch by inch over rugged, jagged rocks,
As if treading upon the vast, formless void of the great ether.
Sheer cliffs stand ten thousand ren tall,
A pavilion set opposite peers into the deep, yawning gorge.
Among the clouds, springs and stones pile even more ruggedly,
Like jade rainbows, each step echoes with the gurgling stream.
A clear wind fills the gorge, billowing my sleeves,
Clear rapids, tall bamboos, and a slanting bridge flying across.
Gazing a thousand miles from the layered railings,
In the dim, hazy misty light,
Towers, terraces, and layered city walls faintly emerge in a chaotic display.
Above, the sun and moon race like flying chariot wheels,
Below, coiled pines and reclining cypresses stand like attendants to banners and flags.
Where is Anqi's chessboard now?
At times, a pair of cloud-carriages suddenly rise from the empty sky.
The Cave Yang Lodge is fit for lofty repose,
Where spirit merges with breath, purging the world's maladies.
When the Dipper turns and stars slant, all sounds fall silent,
Night after night, mountain spirits peek at the lamp's glow in the vat.
I admire how your mind holds the universe, yet feels it narrow,
Lucid and open, with eight windows flung wide.
You built a study hall to embrace this wondrous beauty,
Your noble fame reached the imperial court, bestowed with radiant, five-colored carved jade.
Nurturing a lifelong ambition to bring timely rain to the people,
You would not hide your treasure and forsake your land.
Feasting on herbs and chrysanthemums is the business of our kind,
With hearts as free as spring gibbons and autumn cranes.
Truly, I wish to join your pact with Red Pine and Yellow Stone,
And inscribe your merits on banners, achievements that will endure on crimson poles.