Wiping the Dust at the Five-Hundred-Stone Grotto Heaven, Vol. 1

Wielding the Whisk in the Five Hundred Stones Grotto: Volume 1, Part 2

Born by the Yi River, for a thousand years a white sun has been pierced by a long rainbow. original: 白日貫長虹. A celestial omen recorded in the Strategies of the Warring States, signifying a momentous or murderous event, specifically Jing Ke’s attempt on the King of Qin. If the Crown Prince of Yan had diligently employed Jing Qing An honorary name for Jing Ke, the famous assassin-retainer. earlier, he could have naturally extended his awe-inspiring power to supplant the Qin?.

The First Poem Tian Guang and Ju Wu were both master strategists, yet their plan failed in a fleeting moment when they sought to kidnap the King of Qin. How could their spirits return to the dagger? original: 七首 (qīshǒu). Literally "seven-inch blade," referring to the poisoned dagger hidden in the map of Ducheng. They only left behind a bitter grief that broke the dragon’s lips. The author’s own note refers to the story of the Crown Prince of Yan severing the hands of a beautiful zither player. According to legend, when Jing Ke admired the hands of a musician, the Crown Prince had them cut off and presented to him on a gold platter to show his absolute devotion to Jing Ke's needs. The wind soughs and sighs, making the hair stand on end; the wind blows chill and sharp.

The Second Poem In the dust of the road at the start of the journey, the tragic songs of the Yan market-place ceased from that moment. The butchers and wine-sellers are gone, and no one remains to repay a debt of gratitude. Jing Ke famously spent his days drinking with a dog-butcher and the musician Gao Jianli in the marketplace of Yan.

The Third Poem He studied books and practiced swordsmanship, never wasting his time. He was elegant and scholarly, yet possessed even more passionate courage. How could such a man not be a second Yue Yi? A famous general of the Yan state known for his brilliance. How was it that only the Crown Prince recognized the worth of Jing Ke? The winds of Yan have already risen, carrying the "Lyrics of Departure;" original: 離騷 (Li Sao). A reference to the style of Qu Yuan’s poetry, used here to evoke tragic exile and loyalty. the melodies of Chu follow the "Song of the Yi River." Even today, the hero’s story makes one's hair stand on end; with his hat tied on, he long pillowed his head on his spear to avenge himself against Qin.

The Second Poem Throughout his life, his swordsmanship was never sloppy, and moreover, he was a deep man who understood good books. He knew that the agreement with Gai Nie was impossible; Gai Nie was a master swordsman who once glared at Jing Ke, causing Jing Ke to leave, showing Gai Nie’s superior "spirit." when he departed with Gao Jianli, what were his thoughts? The Six Kingdoms held a grudge only against the bronze pillars of the palace; Refers to the King of Qin hiding behind a pillar during the assassination attempt. that single throw achieved nothing, much like the failed strike at the secondary carriage. A reference to Zhang Liang’s later failed attempt to assassinate the King of Qin with a heavy iron hammer at Bolangsha. It is a pity that the Han dynasty required founding ministers, yet these heroes did not have the chance to hesitate for a moment.

The Fifth Poem The meddlesome Tian Guang suffered to die for his reputation, Tian Guang committed suicide to prove to Jing Ke that he would not leak the secret plan. hurriedly drawing his sword to incite Jing Ke to action. A hero does not concern himself with success or failure; a man of honor and chivalry knows nothing of life or death. All wore white robes and caps as they held the large wine vessels; their hair bristled up against their hat strings. Before the farewell cup was half-empty, the carriage drove away; the mourning leaves held the sound of the Bian Zhi tone. original: 變徵 (biàn zhǐ). A musical scale or mode associated with profound sadness and tragedy; it was the key in which Jing Ke’s companions sang as he left for Qin.

Among those praised at the same time as Qu Wengshan The literary name of Qu Dajun (1630–1696), a famous poet and Ming loyalist. were Chen Yuanxiao of Shunde The literary name of Chen Gongyin (1631–1700). and Liang Gongyin of Nanhai. Refers to Liang Peilan (1629–1705). Together with Qu and Chen, they are known as the "Three Masters of Lingnan."