[updated September 2022]
Open House at Mr. Yao’s Rock and Pond Garden
姚 开 府 山 池
主 人 新 邸 第
相 国 旧 池 台。
馆 是 招 贤 辟
楼 因 教 舞 开。
轩 车 人 已 散
萧 管 凤 初 来。
今 日 龙 门 下
谁 知 文 举 才。
Yao Kai Fu Shan Chi
Zhu ren xin di di
Xiang guo jiu chi tai.
Guan shi zhao xian pi
Lou yin jiao wu kai.
Xuan che ren yi san
Xiao guan feng chu lai.
Jin ri long men xia
Shei zhi wen ju cai.
Open House at Mr. Yao’s Rock and Pond Garden
Arrive at the host’s new house
Empress uncle’s property with old ponds and terraces.
Mansion has talented people doing the renovations
On one floor dance lessons have begun.
Curtained-carriage people have already dispersed and gone home
Desolate rock and bamboo sounds like musical instruments begin.
Today there has been a change of imperial power
Who knows, maybe I can get a job in the palace.
Commentary:
A change in emperor’s usually created new employment opportunities for those wanting a government position. Sorry Meng, you are now way too old and too unconnected with the palace elites to even be considered!