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Spring Palace Melody
Author: Wang Changling
Poem Title: Spring Palace Melody
Last night, the wind opened the peach blossoms by the dew well,
In Weiyang Palace, the moon hangs high.
In Pingyang, the songs and dances have newly gained favor,
Outside the curtain, the spring chill grants a brocade robe.
Explanation of the Poem:
This poem was written by Tang Dynasty poet Wang Changling. It depicts the scenes of a spring night in the palace, subtly alluding to the favored status of women in the court. "Last night, the wind opened the peach blossoms by the dew well" describes how the gentle spring breeze has caused the peach blossoms near the uncovered well to bloom. "Weiyang Palace, the moon hangs high" refers to Weiyang Palace, a Han Dynasty palace representing the imperial court; "the moon hangs high" describes how the moon illuminates the palace. "In Pingyang, the songs and dances have newly gained favor" refers to Princess Pingyang, sister of Emperor Han Wu; here, "Pingyang's songs and dances" signify the courtesans in the palace, and "newly gained favor" indicates that they have recently won the emperor's affection. "Outside the curtain, the spring chill grants a brocade robe" uses details of "spring chill" and "granting a brocade robe" to illustrate how a favored woman receives special gifts from the emperor due to the chilly spring weather, showcasing his affection for her. The entire poem conveys joy over a woman's favored status in the palace and reflects the emperor's admiration for beauty through vivid imagery and concise language, making it one of Wang Changling's masterpieces.
Story Title: Xiao Chang's Palace Adventure
Once again, it is that time of year when flowers bloom. Inside and outside Chang'an City, flowers are in full bloom, creating a vibrant scene of colors. I held my father's hand and skipped joyfully to the garden outside the palace.
The beautiful peach blossoms bloom in the spring breeze, just like the lovely smiles of the palace maids.
"Father, these peach blossoms are truly beautiful!"
"Yes, Chang'er, when the peach blossoms bloom, it signifies that spring has arrived."
With the peach blossoms blooming beautifully, my mood is also uplifted.
As I gazed at the blooming peach blossoms, a line from Wang Changling's "Spring Palace Melody" suddenly flashed through my mind:
"Last night the wind opened the dew-well peach,
The moon high over Weiyang Palace.
Pingyang's song and dance newly favored,
Spring chill outside the curtain grants brocade robes."
My father often teaches me poetry, so I casually asked him:
"Father, is the story happening in the palace in 'Spring Palace Melody' true?"
My father looked at my curious expression and smiled as he asked:
"Chang'er, who wrote this poem?"
"Wang Changling."
"When did he live?"
"He lived during the Kaiyuan era."
"Then how could he know about things happening in the palace today?"
"Is the poem false?"
"No, the poem is true, but the story is false."
I became even more curious: "Father, what does this mean?"
Seeing my serious expression, my father began to tell me a story.
He said there was a singer who was exceptionally beautiful and skilled in singing and dancing, winning the emperor's favor.
After entering the palace, due to her beauty and talent, she was deeply loved by the emperor.
She accompanied the Emperor every day, and he was very happy. Therefore, the Emperor bestowed upon the singer many gold, silver, and jewels, and conferred upon her the title of Beauty. The singer's favor with the Emperor aroused the jealousy of the other consorts. They united to frame the singer, causing the Emperor to gradually distance himself from her.
After being distanced by the Emperor, the singer was heartbroken and cried every night in the palace. Her cries attracted the attention of others in the palace, who began to discuss the matter. The Emperor heard these discussions and felt a twinge of compassion in his heart. He ordered someone to bring the singer to him, wanting to comfort her personally.
When the singer saw the Emperor, she cried even harder, lamenting her unjust treatment and hoping that he would stand up for her. Seeing her so sorrowful made the Emperor feel very sad as well. He comforted her and promised to advocate for her. Hearing this from the Emperor brought a glimmer of solace to the singer, and she stopped crying.
Seeing that the singer had calmed down, the Emperor said to her, "Do not cry anymore; your tears only make me feel sad." The singer felt warmth in her heart upon hearing his words; she nodded to indicate that she would no longer cry. From that day on, she ceased to weep and sang and danced in the palace every day, bringing joy to the Emperor.
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