[Classical] Phoenix-Attracting Flute

The first chapter, "The White-Eyebrowed Immortal's Court Burns Snow with a Drum, the Yellow Calf Guest's Horn Hangs with a Coral Whip ,"
reads: "
The green window is empty and desolate, the garden birds while away the long day.
The sword on the wall gleams coldly, who pities the thin ancient crane?
Those within this place, all
once noble and virtuous, have all changed with the vicissitudes of life, their faces forgotten. They
willingly adopt the form of beasts, for their hearts must be beasts first.
Talented scholars stir up the waves of decline, washing away the filth of heaven and earth.
Even a long whistle brings a smile, let not your brows furrow.
Returning to wine, facing the remaining pages, let us sing of longevity.
Though the 'Selected Writings' are passed down, the unofficial histories are without error.
Coral is not a jade box, but merely placed in the corner of the seat."
It is said that during the Xining era of the Song Dynasty, in Le'an County, Qingzhou Prefecture, Shandong, there lived a man named Bai Rang, styled Ji Guang. A fourteenth-generation descendant of Bai Letian of the Tang Dynasty, over fifty years old, he held the official position of Censor, serving in the court. He lived on West Street in the county town, his wife being Lady Changsun, a descendant of Wuji. They had only one son, named Yin, styled Yunji, also known as the Eyebrow Immortal. At the tender age of fifteen, she was strikingly beautiful, rivaling even the Wang and Xie families in elegance, and her talent surpassed that of Cao and Gan. However, she was naturally eccentric and indifferent to fame and fortune, spending her leisure time seeking out flowers to compose poems and composing verses under the moon. She already had several poet friends. One was named Fang Kan, styled Duanru, and the other Yuan Hong, styled Jianlu, both a year or two older than Meixian, and also from Le'an County. I will not elaborate further. These two, however, found themselves particularly compatible due to their youthful talent.
One day, Meixian said to his wife, "Our family lives in the bustling city, constantly surrounded by noise and clamor. The villa in Huangnibao, south of the city, is where my father rests. Since my mother manages the household affairs, I wish to go to the villa to study, to use the natural scenery, the river breeze, and the villa moon to inspire my literary inspiration. Wouldn't that be wonderful?" His wife agreed. On the way, he instructed his maid, Wan'er, to pack his bags. Once everything was ready, he returned to his room to bid farewell to his mother.
The lady said, "My child, when you go, focus on your studies and do not be idle. Take care of yourself in the heat and cold, and be frugal with your food and drink. I will have someone send you all your salary and expenses. If you stay there for a while, come home to say goodbye, so that I will not wait anxiously at the gate of the village." After giving these instructions, Mei Xian bowed again to accept the order, went out, and got into a carriage. The lady also sent four servants to escort her. Wan'er also drove a carriage behind, slowly making her way out of the city. It was early winter, and all that could be seen was:
the north wind whistling, withered elm leaves falling like yellow coins; the frontier grasses sparse, a single white hair drifting on the remnant of a brush; the wild geese flying in formation, their killing intent sweeping the sky, the mournful gaze of the monkeys; the mournful cries of the fat horses driving across the fields, the dust of the barbarians flying over the Jade Gate Pass; the mournful bugle calls, the frontier songs echoing with the clamor of drums and gongs, the flames seemingly intended to be a good match for the hunt; mouse-rats lurking in their tracks, hunting with only hawks and hounds, rabbits and foxes roaming the roads. It was truly a time when red leaves were first inscribed on the sun, and the green forests were already thin.
Mei Xian admired the scenery along the way, her face lighting up with delight. A servant behind her said, "Sir, the small grove ahead is the villa." Mei Xian looked up and indeed saw lush bamboo and trees. A stream reflected the surrounding mountains, and two bamboo gates stood half-open. A small, pure black dog barked and howled. An old servant, knowing his young master had arrived, came out with his mother to greet him, and then stopped the carriage and helped Mei Xian into the gate.
Mei Xian stepped down and entered. A small street was paved with cobblestones. On both sides were exquisitely crafted Taihu stones, seemingly naturally formed. In the middle was a small thatched cottage, with bright windows and clean tables. Beside it were two side rooms, with books on all four walls. In the courtyard was a large white stone, as clean as jade, large enough to seat several people. Beside it were four blue stone drum-shaped stools, carved with the image of cranes circling among clouds. The surrounding area was also carved with a linked design. When Bai Juyi was on his day off, he would invite friends to drink and sit on these stones. Whether it was the blossoming spring mornings or the moonlit Mid-Autumn Festival evenings, people would also express their feelings and sentiments on this stone, so a skilled craftsman carved three characters on it: "Ruyi Stone" (meaning "as you wish"). Behind the hall was a series of multi-story buildings, providing a place to climb and enjoy the view. Behind the buildings was a pond planted with hibiscus and hundreds of goldfish. At this time, although the hibiscus was in full bloom, the sunlight shone brightly, and the goldfish leaped and played, creating a dazzling spectacle. Other exotic flowers, rare herbs, and beautiful birds could not be described in detail.
Mei Xian enjoyed the sights and decided to choose two side rooms next to the hall where she would reside. Originally intended as a study, it remained closed due to Bai Gong's presence at court. She then stayed at the Caixia Tower. She also ordered Wan'er to renovate the three rooms downstairs into a study. After completing the arrangements, she sent her four servants back to inform her lady. She also instructed the old servant to keep the garden gate closed at all times, preventing any unauthorized people from disturbing the peace. In her spare time, she would tend to the flowers and trees and compose poems. Even those friends who knew that Mei Xian lived in an outer villa would come to visit him, especially Yuan Jianlu and Fang Duanru, who visited frequently. From then on, poets and writers flocked to the area, turning Huangnibao into a land of literature and art.
Now, let's talk about Bai Juyi, who was serving as an imperial censor. Emperor Shenzong had just appointed Wang Anshi as prime minister and wanted to implement new laws. All the officials flattered and fawned on him, but Bai Juyi alone submitted a memorial. The gist of his memorial was that the key to governing the country was to prioritize rites, music, punishments, and administration. However, the former kings had already clearly defined the territory, and future generations should follow the established path. Although the prime minister criticized the emperor and wanted to achieve the rule of Tang and Yu, Yao and Shun originally only practiced non-interference, so why carry out so many reforms and dazzle the world? After this memorial was submitted, Anshi wanted to demote him, but since the new laws and teachings could not openly criticize officials, he let it go.
Seeing that his memorial was not approved, Bai Juyi asked to retire due to old age. He was delighted that his retirement was granted, so he disguised himself and set off immediately. He arrived home in a few days. Upon learning of her father's return home from the villa, Meixian went back to inquire about his situation and asked why he had retired. Bai Gong explained in detail, then said, "In this world, do not aspire to high office. Even if you manage to obtain an official hat, you will find yourself in a precarious position. Why? Because those who crave favor and wealth will fawn and flatter, becoming his lackeys and henchmen. Though they may achieve temporary success, they will leave a lasting stain on their reputation. If they possess even a modicum of self-respect and a sense of shame, they will surely incur punishment, ranging from demotion to execution. Would not that be painful? As the sage said, 'When the Way prevails, one should appear; when the Way does not prevail, one should remain hidden.' How profound these words are!"
Meixian, upon hearing this, accepted the order and from then on, never again sought fame or fortune. Several days later, she bid farewell to Bai Gong and Lady Changsun, and returned to the countryside. It was the dead of winter, exceptionally cold. One day, in extreme cold, Meixian sat in her study and instructed Wan'er to light charcoal in the stove and warm pine wine in a green earthenware jar. As they drank, dark clouds gathered, light sleet drifted down, and soon six-petaled flowers flew, carpeting the surrounding countryside. Mei Xian, her spirits high with wine and her poetic inspiration ignited, readily took up her brush and composed a seven-character regulated verse.
The poem reads:
Dark clouds blanket the sky, six-petaled flowers adorn the spring of yesteryear.
Frost-covered blades shatter the Milky Way, wind-ground jade dust. Searching for plum blossoms on the
river, a companion is hard to find; reciting poems before the wine cup, who is my confidant?
I pity the green mountains aging overnight, yet laugh at the poverty of a thousand white houses.
The merit of calming the Huai River at night is already evident; truly, the dragon rises anew in the middle of the night.
On the donkey's back by the wild bridge, poetry becomes a painting; in the golden tent, lamb wine enters the lips.
Closed door, I sleep soundly, my pure reputation far-reaching; I quickly read, my heart truly sincere.
Ten thousand willows hide golden threads, all around, weeds lie on green grass.
Seeing geese, I still remember the envoy holding the imperial staff; catching geese, I recall the scribe writing scriptures.
The light floating on the orange tree is priceless; the coldness pressing upon the spiritual platform is divine.
My talent is meager, yet I dare to inscribe verses on the osmanthus blossoms; my purse is empty, unable to buy a new branch to hang on.
I send off the cold with songs of celebration for a bountiful year, and intend to hold a
sacrificial ceremony for the round-shaped osmanthus. Having finished writing, I suddenly let out a long howl. I picked up my brush again, ready to write something more, when I heard a dog barking at the garden gate. I ordered Wan'er to open the gate and see. There stood Fang Duanru and Yuan Jianlu, each riding a donkey, wearing felt hats and fox fur coats, slowly dismounting before the hall. Meixian greeted them with a smile, saying, "You two brothers look just like Meng Haoran." Duanru said, "There are two Meng Haorans? That's strange." Jianlu said, "If they are the same Meng Haoran of yesteryear, then there are three of them." They all laughed heartily. After exchanging greetings and taking their seats, Mei Xian said, "I just saw the Jade Dragon defeated, its scales flying everywhere. I was just about to offer a cup of wine to celebrate when you two brothers arrived. It's perfect to share this pleasure with you." Duan Ru replied, "I heard that Lord Zun had returned to his residence, but I haven't had the chance to see him yet. I also heard that you visited my home and came to my villa the other day. Therefore, Brother Yuan and I braved the snow to visit you and ease our longing."
Mei Xian ordered the seats to be moved to the hall and invited the two to sit down. A red stove was placed beside the table, and dishes and wine were laid out in abundance. Looking back at the courtyard, the snow was over a foot high. On the Ruyi Stone, the snow was also over a foot high, rising prominently like a jade mountain. Several plum trees were blooming all around, their high and proud colors vying for attention in the cold, their fragrance rich and delicate. The snow on the stone drum-shaped bases on both sides had frozen solid, dripping down like jade liquid, like icy tendrils. Mei Xian said, "Today's gathering cannot be truly complete without a grand celebration to fully express our deepest feelings." Wan'er then brought in candles and ordered a snow drum to be placed in the hall. Oil was poured into a wine cup, a wick was floated on top, and the oil was brought in through a side opening. The snow, illuminated by the firelight, became crystal clear on all sides. The two friends, seeing this, exclaimed in astonishment, "Bai Guang is truly extraordinary! Only now can we truly appreciate the snow!" The three of them played drinking games and drank heartily. When the torch in the snow drum was almost out, they were all thoroughly drunk.
The next day, the three rode donkeys again to the south of the fort to see the plum blossoms. They saw only frozen snow along the way, truly a vast expanse of jade-like beauty. In the forecourt, hundreds of plum trees bloomed, their fragrance filling the air, pure white against the snow. Deeper in the woods, several red plum trees shone brightly like the sunset. Suddenly, they saw an old man, wearing a black cloth hood, a crane-feather cloak, a deerskin belt tied with vines, and straw sandals. He rode a yellow-spotted calf, a coral whip hanging from its horn, which he whipped. Mei Xian, not knowing who he was, and fearing to wake him, turned their donkeys around and stood deep among the red plum blossoms. The two said, “Brother Bai, your poetry is truly wonderful; we have long missed your guidance. Now, seeing this scene, why not compose a poem?”
Mei Xian asked for a topic. Duanru said, “Let’s use ‘red plum’ as the topic.” Mei Xian then asked for a rhyme. Jianlu pointed to the yellow calf and said, “Let’s use ‘ox’ as the rhyme.” Mei Xian then spontaneously recited: “
A slender painting of green woods, a lone goose in sorrow, fragments of sunset falling from branches.”
A shepherd boy, still half-asleep, mistook a plum grove for a forest and tried to graze his cattle.
His two friends, hearing this, clapped and laughed, exclaiming, "Brother Mei, you are truly a genius!" The old man, startled by the laughter, wiped his eyes, stretched, and began to sing: "
How vast and boundless is the universe, let the vicissitudes of life change as they may.
The Taoist awakens from a short dream, unaware of the passing years.
" After finishing the song, he said, "I was just sleeping when someone laughed so loudly, waking this old Taoist." Looking back, he saw the three elegant figures and asked, "Who was that who just now let out such a long laugh?"
Mei Xian dismounted, bowed, and replied, "I was just speaking casually, and my two friends inadvertently burst into laughter, waking you, sir. Please forgive my anger." The old man said, "Since it was unintentional, I won't hold it against you, but I would like to hear your poem." Mei Xian recited the poem aloud. The old man, upon hearing it, quickly dismounted and took Mei Xian's arm, saying, "Your poem is profound and insightful; you are a great talent for poetry. May I ask your hometown and name?" Mei Xian replied, "My name is Bai Yin, and my pen name is Mei Xian."
The old man then pointed to the two men and asked for their surnames. Mei Xian said, "One is surnamed Yuan, named Hong, styled Jianlu; the other is surnamed Fang, named Kan, styled Duanru. Both are from this county." The old man said, "These two friends are the ones Your Majesty relies on." Mei Xian then asked the old man his name. The old man said, "This old Daoist has no surname." The three laughed, "How can you have no surname?" The old man said, "I remember in the previous dynasty, I served as an official in the Censorate. During the Yongxi era of Emperor Taizong, a hermit named Chen from Xihua Mountain came to court, was granted a carriage and a palanquin, and was given the title 'Master Xiyi,' before being released back to the mountains. I then resigned my post and followed Master Xiyi into the mountains to cultivate myself. However, I have a natural love for snow, and every time it snows, I must go out for a stroll. Master Xiyi then gave me a yellow calf as my mount. From then on, I did not pass on my name to the world, only calling myself 'Yellow Calf Guest.' Yesterday, because of the snow, I happened to be out here and rested briefly under the plum grove, unexpectedly meeting the three of you. You are truly my friends from a past life." (
Chapter incomplete, please complete as soon as possible. Tailing Martian)

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