To secure the border, a good general is key,
So said Chao Cuo, and his words are indeed true.
Without loyal ministers guarding the frontier,
How can we defend our land, firm and secure?
Who are the nation's worthy men? Four virtues they must combine:
Wisdom to subdue fierce foes, benevolence to soothe the ranks.
Courage to serve as sharp claws, loyalty to be the heart and spine.
Truly, they are heroes among men, their feats recorded in royal annals.
Such men are never lacking in this world,
Awaiting a wise lord to meet and employ.
Our founding emperor, endowed with brilliance and might,
With a single sword, he unified the realm.
Angered by the enemy's arrogance,
He sought ten thousand tiger-like allies.
Fourteen generals across three borders,
Each displayed valor and martial skill.
Their fame spread through grass and trees,
Victory was won from feasts and talks.
In those days, favor was abundant,
Even Huan and his peers were no match.
They controlled tariffs at passes and markets,
Gold and silk were lavishly bestowed.
Important matters were reported face to face,
Summoned to court, they stood before the throne.
The emperor's face was but a foot away,
In the hall, they sat at ease.
Rank and status forgot high and low,
Affection was shared like kin and flesh.
Long garrisoned for twenty years,
Or at least a decade of cold and heat.
Han Chao guarded south of the pass,
Trading like a great merchant.
How could laws allow such acts?
Special edicts granted permission.
Jin also built his residence,
With glazed tiles covering his roof.
Officials often dropped strict enforcement,
Treating Jin like their own children.
The treasury had surplus stores,
Spent freely as if dirt and dust.
Feasts with beef and wine rewarded troops,
Brave warriors all cheered and danced.
Greedy men risked deadly perils,
Enemy situations fully observed.
Though plots for invasion were many,
Preparations were strict and thorough.
Though troops were not numerous,
Their bravery none dared insult.
Though attacks were seldom heard,
Their might and virtue spread far and wide.
Thus we know the plan to secure borders,
Protecting the realm is the greatest feat.
Was Emperor Gaozu of Han not great?
Yet at Pingcheng he suffered much.
With humble words he made peace through marriage,
Offering gold and silk to the arrogant foe.
How unlike our Song's rise to power,
With a sage lord and dragons as aides.
Northerners knelt first in submission,
This deed surpasses ancient times.
Though now the land is peaceful and well-governed,
Mend the roof before the rain comes.
Can peace accords be relied upon?
We must store up more talents.
Since ancient times, even tiny states,
Selecting ten, could find five worthy men.
Shu had Guan Yu and Zhang Fei,
Wu employed Zhou Yu and Lu Su.
Many scholars now stand like a forest,
Cut the firewood, pick the finest wood.
Do not go through doors of power and favor,
But raise them through public discourse.
We should overlook minor faults,
Lest they fear the net of law.
Deeply plant the roots of foundation,
Securely fasten doors and windows.
Grace and honor will stir gratitude,
Measures taken will face no discord.
I hear in the Chunhua era past,
There was a minister named Cheng Ju.
He used square fields to halt enemy cavalry,
Ponds and marshes made deep and perilous.
When he first proposed his strategy,
Many voices opposed and argued.
The emperor's mind was firm, not swayed,
The border towns remained secure.
Past deeds can serve as models,
In bright times, is there no place for them?
Plans must be made to last long,
Deficiencies must be mended and repaired.
Weapons must be practiced and familiar,
The people must multiply and gather.
If appointment is truly without doubt,
How dare slanderous words be lightly uttered?
If guardians are indeed the right men,
Success will surely be recorded.
Who, in these present times,
Can look to our founding ancestor?