Inscription for the Five Hundred Stones Grotto: Wielding the Whisk

It is a misfortune to point out excellence, for to speak too accurately of the subtle is a loss. Mere empty talk—what remedy does it provide?
When one's virtue is high, slander will surely accumulate; but I turn my head and pay it no mind.
Stone Brother original: 石兄 (shí xiōng). The poet personifies the rocks in Qiu Shuyuan's collection, addressing them as living companions or "brothers.", you must understand: hold a green pine branch to sweep away the chaff original: 埽糠粃 (sǎo kāng bǐ). "Chaff and husks" represent the corrupt, superficial, or worthless elements of society. from this world.
Ten thousand mouths are like buzzing flies and gnats original: 蠅蚋 (yíng ruì). A metaphor for petty critics or the clamor of a chaotic society.; draw your sword and drive them away—do not let them bewilder you.
The master’s countenance grows more joyful: "Demons, from whence do you come?"
With tears, wearing jade blossoms; if they disturb the Grotto-Heaven original: 峒天 (dòngtiān). A "Grotto-Heaven" is a sacred site in Daoist tradition, a paradise hidden within a mountain; here it refers to Qiu Shuyuan's sanctuary of stones., the precious sword will circle in your defense.
Harness the "Heaven’s Escape" sword-light or pull the fire dragon; try the Palm-fiber Whisk original: 棕拂子 (zōng fú zǐ). A whisk used by Daoists and scholars to sweep away dust, symbolizing the purging of worldly distractions or demonic influences. just once.
Even Dongpo The pen name of Su Shi (1037–1101), the famous Song dynasty poet and legendary stone enthusiast. admired Chouchi A legendary mountain; also a specific mountain-shaped stone Su Dongpo prized and wrote about extensively., buying the strange and wondrous for a hundred gold pieces.

The immortal is indignant in his play; his meaning lies elsewhere.
Alas, I am banished to the human realm, consuming Stone Marrow original: 石髓 (shí suǐ). A mythical substance found in deep caves, said to grant spiritual clarity or immortality. in this ancient grotto.
In the hut for "boiling stones" to satisfy my hunger, I strike original: 皷 (gǔ), to drum or beat; here it refers to striking stones to test their quality or to create a resonant sound. the stones to sharpen my teeth.
My heart is ultimately "not a stone" A famous allusion to the Book of Songs: "My heart is not a stone, you cannot roll it," meaning the poet’s convictions are firm and cannot be easily moved.; I lean sadly against the Grotto-Heaven.
Wielding the whisk to sweep the eight corners of the world; firmly supporting the Primordial Beginning.
To know the truth and not speak—this lowly servant’s crime would deserve death.
The Quail's Head original: 鶉首 (chún shǒu). An astrological region that corresponds to the territory of the ancient Qin state; the poet uses it to discuss the division and fate of the nation. was carved up by the Qin; what use was a Prime Minister then?
O Heaven! O Emperor! Why are you so drunk as this?

I bow my head and leave the Grotto-Heaven; the Emperor’s Gate original: 帝閽 (dì hūn). The entrance to the celestial palace or the imperial court, now seemingly unreachable. is ten thousand miles away.
I wish to strengthen the lineage of the Great Rock; writing songs to praise the Walking Reeds original: 行葦 (xíng wěi). A poem from the Classic of Poetry (Shijing) that celebrates kinship and the idea that even common reeds should be protected, symbolizing a benevolent and inclusive social order..
I pray the handle of authority does not shift; I hold the yellow battle-axe while wearing red clogs.
Looking up, the sky is a deep Azure original: 蔚藍 (wèi lán).; looking down, the wind bows everything before it.
Wiping my tears, I write ten thousand words, cleaning the Azure paper with the whisk.