Tilling Illustration 4: Harrowing

East and west, the paths between the fields are filled with the sound of murmuring water. Holding the harrow amidst the mud, there is no time for rest. I keep in mind that every meal original: yong sun, a classical term for breakfast and dinner, representing the basic necessity of food comes from hard toil; how could I withhold my care as the fields are opened for the season?
By the Kangxi Emperor (r. 1661–1722). His poem emphasizes the ruler's empathy for the physical labor required to sustain the empire.

Plowing in the southern fields has just ended; now we turn to the western plots for harrowing. Listen to the splashing original: huohuo, an onomatopoeia for the sound of hooves or water moving rhythmically of the buffalo's four hooves. Across ten qing qing: a traditional unit of land area; one qing is roughly 16.5 acres, the fields appear neat and leveled. Butterflies dance among the yellow daylilies in the evening; orioles return to the fresh greenery of the trees. The beauty of spring is never lost on those who dedicate themselves to the labor of the land.
By the Yongzheng Emperor (r. 1722–1735). This poem focuses on the sensory experience of the landscape and the orderliness of the well-managed farm.

The new field is as flat as the palm of a hand, with murmuring water. Guiding the harrow all morning, how could one find a moment of leisure? Hands and feet are covered in mud, but that is of no concern; when the bright moon rises, we shall wash together in the cool, quiet stream.
By the Qianlong Emperor (r. 1735–1796). This poem provides a more intimate, almost romanticized view of the farmer's labor, ending with a peaceful evening scene.

Respectfully recorded in the second month of spring, the yihai year of the sexagenary cycle, being the twentieth year of the Qianlong reign [1755], by Imperial Command.

Respectfully transcribed:

The new field is as flat as the palm of a hand, with murmuring water.
Guiding the harrow all morning, how could one find a moment of leisure?
Hands and feet are covered in mud, but that is of no concern;
When the bright moon rises, we shall wash together in the cool, quiet stream.

Your servant, Liang Shizheng, respectfully wrote this.

Liang Shizheng (1697–1763) was a high-ranking official and a renowned court calligrapher often tasked with transcribing the Emperor's poems onto paintings.