A peaceful and prosperous age... What a fine peaceful and prosperous age. From officials in government to merchants in the marketplace, who among them isn't squeezing the people dry?
I toil for half my life, a commoner.
I thought the imperial examinations would change my fate.
Alas, the court is full of wolves and tigers.
No honest official stands beneath the heavens.
Natural disasters and man-made calamities take lives.
How laughable that the upright officials turn a blind eye.
After half a lifetime adrift, I have no blessings to show for it.
