The sage warns against coercing the ruler; the Spring and Autumn condemns it as regicide.
Pushing this heart with no higher restraint—to what extremes will it not go?
Lately the vicious minister returned, resolute—who could compare?
The foolish crowd, confused by his deeds, all say his will cannot be swayed.
This old man is no sage, yet I know surely it is not so.
If asked how I know, I reply it is no profound secret.
How could a man afraid of loss perform a brave retreat?
Never heard that Jie Zitui, returning, left his mother as a pledge.
Within the mansion all was overturned; they moved pots to plant flowers.
Two hundred guards before the hall, carts filled the city streets.
The capital folk, dense in their folly, every household lost its joy.
Rumors said he’d truly not return; click-click, they snapped fingers in debate.
The courtiers alone were pitiable, suddenly losing their support.
They jointly petitioned for the minister’s return; staying stubborn showed no difference.
Though the Son of Heaven is sage, he complied reluctantly, not by choice.
Golden placards before the throne, dozens issued in a day.
Officials in caps and robes, how bustling! Daily they dispatched clerks.
The Duanming scholar bore the jade missive; the vice-minister conveyed the wise decree.
The royal tutor tucked the personal note; his plea earnest, tears and snivel flowed.
The prime minister, lying firmer still, would not rise from the Eastern Hills.
"If Your Majesty presses your servant, I shall return to my old home."
The envoys, shocked by his words, jointly reported to the high court.
Who knew that by midnight his boat had already crossed Cao’e’s waters?
Waiting at Xinting was in vain; Liu Yu had already returned to his residence.
Di Qing crossed the Kunlun; Li Su captured Yuan Ji.
How could he bear, before ruler and father, to use this military deceit?
One effort could bring eternal ease; his desires were already fulfilled.
Henceforth the council hall will root deeply and firm its stem.
His wishes pleased like Zangsun; his monopoly surpassed that of the Ji clan.
High Heaven is truly awe-inspiring—does it know to follow you or not?