Tilling Illustration 1: Soaking Seeds

The mild and harmonious weather begins the farmer's work;

from this moment, diligence is shared everywhere.

Distinguish early the non-glutinous rice jing: a variety of rice that is not sticky, often associated with northern or high-quality crops seeds for the eastern fields;

hike up your robes to wade into the stream and soak the bamboo baskets.

The hundred grains leave behind their excellent seeds;

the First Farmer Xiannong: the mythical "Divine Husbandman" Shennong, who taught humanity how to farm established great merit.

After the warmth of the second month of spring,

the seeds soak fragrantly in the middle of a stream.

Late and early varieties original: zhong lu, referring to crops that ripen at different speeds are distinguished as appropriate;

the effort spent on the bamboo baskets is the same.

Many wise elders are here,

observing the seasonal markers to predict a bountiful harvest.

Vital energy spreads through the "Green Brightness" original: Qingyang, a poetic name for the spring season, showing the power of creation;

in the eastern suburbs, the start of the farming year is the same across the land.

The stream where seeds are soaked is green as oil;

the spirit of life holds the spring, enveloped in vibrant beauty.

Soaking Seeds

In the mountain streams and flowing springs,
the sound of water is heard once more.
At the Vernal Equinox original: Chunfen, one of the 24 solar terms, occurring around March 21,
life emerges with the rhythm of ancient music original: Manhuo, a graceful, expansive style of music from the time of the legendary Emperor Tang.
With leisurely divine assistance,
the season arrives.
One performs sacred offerings original: yin, a ritual sacrifice involving smoke to reach the heavens in the suburbs;
The farmers’ future success can already be seen right here.

Written by the Imperial Brush in the spring month of the Gengchen year of the Qianlong reign [1760].