"Gold-Flecked Paper" - Volume Six Opening Verse: Immortal at the River · A Chance Contest

The moon chilled, the stars sank where the sword lay buried

Startling the Old Kingdom's southbound wild geese

Banners all pointed toward the tangled mountain throng

Mighty halberds bristled at the Cloud-Connecting Stronghold

Frost-bright blades roared in the winds of heaven

Who cast a glance as I struck my sword and sang long and loud?

How often had returning swallows passed the curtained windows?

Suddenly, in their graceful flight, I recalled a face of old

A clear-toned flute played a northern melody

On an icy pillow, I dreamed of the Southern Deep Pool

...Guan Pingchao.round