Chronicles of China’s Splendor

Simple version: A traditional xianxia story.

Literary version:

Bright stars shine, disturb not my waking dream.

With flowers in hand, I travel, first heading north.

In the north, a good friend walks beside you.

We study the classics and tune the zither; the whole house rings clear.

Bright stars shine, disturb not my waking dream.

With flowers in hand, I travel, next heading west.

In the west, a bright moon walks beside you.

We raise our cups and invite the pale moon; the whole house glows clear.

Bright stars shine, disturb not my waking dream.

With flowers in hand, I travel, then head south.

In the south, a lovely garden walks beside you.

Fragrance fills our sleeves; the whole house overflows.

Bright stars shine, disturb not my waking dream.

With flowers in hand, I travel, last heading east.

In the east, a cherished bond walks beside you.

With flowers in hand, we return; the whole house stands serene.

The stars fade from sight, the Three Stars take shape.

The wild geese vanish far away; the swans fly into the dark.

We travel together, finding joy wherever we go.

The flowers bloom out, their fragrance gone, leaving only regret.