The Splendor of Jiangzuo

The hills still surround the old capital, while the tide beats against the empty city and returns in loneliness.

The moon that once shone over the eastern bank of the Huai River still passes over the battlements late at night.

During the Three Kingdoms period, Wei, Shu, and Wu vied for supremacy and waged war against one another, leaving the land barren and few heroes alive. The Jin dynasty took Wei, then annexed Shu and Wu. One could hardly call this contrary to Heaven's will or the people's hearts. Yet after taking the realm and bringing peace, it sought to make its mark within just a few years. Its government prized extravagance, and luxury became the norm. Tax revenues flowed into private hands, bribes littered the roads, and mountains were enclosed and lakes ringed with walls, leaving nine of every ten counties steeped in misery. Then an idiot prince took the throne, and the Eight Princes rose up together. Kin became enemies, and the realm collapsed. The regional governors each devised treacherous schemes and welcomed treacherous, ruthless warriors into their ranks. Thus the Xianyun laid waste to the Central Plains, and bloodthirsty forces ravaged China. Looking north today, one can still see beacon fires darkening the sun, and hear the chill of drums and horns.