Interesting couplet anecdotes～The silkworm is the finest insect in the world; the wild goose is the most remarkable bird by the riverside
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Jiang Yan during the Southern Dynasties was poor in his youth but possessed a sharp mind. Once, a group of literati were strolling by the river when they encountered a silkworm spinner. At that moment, a quite famous writer improvised a couplet: “The silkworm is the finest insect in the world.” ”Breaking down “silkworm” into “heaven” and “insect” was a creative idea that stumped many talented scholars for a time. By chance, a flock of wild geese landed by the river, and inspired by this sight, Jiang Yan said, “Wild geese are birds that live by the river.” ”Breaking down “Hong” into “jiang” and “bird” is a clever and apt approach that conveys a deeper meaning, instantly winning widespread applause.
A man and a boy went on an outing and saw a woman washing clothes by a mountain stream. The man came up with a couplet: “It’s nice to see a woman by the white-water spring.” ”Yi looked around and saw a very large dead tree at the foot of the mountain, hence he said: \"An ancient dead tree beneath the mountain rocks.\" ”Jia was reluctant, but after a moment’s thought, he added, “Young girls are truly wonderful!” ”B immediately replied, “This wood is firewood.” ”Of these two: “The woman by the White Water Spring is lovely; the maiden is truly wonderful.” ； Beneath the rocky cliffs, ancient trees withered; these trees are used as firewood. ”
Women in long-sleeved tents are lovely, and young girls are especially wonderful. Before the Temple of Inch Tu, the sun and moon shine bright; once, a man was a monk there
Jiang Yan (444–505), styled Wentong, was a renowned literary figure and essayist of the Southern Dynasties. He served in three different dynasties and was from Kaicheng in Jiyang, Songzhou (present-day Minquan County, Shangqiu City, Henan Province). In his youth, Jiang Yan was poor and lonely but eager to learn; he could write poetry at the age of six, and lost his father at thirteen. At around the age of twenty, he began his political career by serving under Liu Ziluan, the King of Xin’an, and went on to serve throughout the Southern Dynasties of Song, Qi, and Liang. Jiang Yan did not achieve much success in his early career. In the second year of Taishi (466), Jiang Yan joined the entourage of Prince Jianping Liu Jingsu. He became involved in a case related to Guo Yanwan, the magistrate of Guangling, and was falsely accused of accepting bribes and imprisoned. While in prison, he submitted a petition explaining his situation and was released as a result. Liu Jingsu conspired to stage a rebellion; Jiang Yan advised him against it on several occasions, but Liu Jingsu ignored his advice and demoted Jiang Yan to the position of magistrate of Wuxing County in Jian’an. In the first year of the Shengming era of Emperor Song Shun (477), when Emperor Qi Gao, Xiao Daocheng, was in power, he summoned Jiang Yan back from Wuxing and appointed him as a member of the Imperial Chariot Department as well as an advisor to the imperial cavalry, granting him great importance and responsibilities.
Poem on Thinking of Returning at the Beginning of Autumn, Southern and Northern Dynasties: Jiang Yan, From the Collection of Zhanran – To the north of the Han River, I gaze back at the fields on Gou Mountain. Endless gorges stretch in layers, and mountains rise in uneven rows for miles. Chu’s passes connect to Qin and Long, while Jing’s clouds crown Wu’s mists. The grass fades at the edge of the water, while the tree leaves stretch along the river. On the Autumnal Equinox, the fairy descends; guests grieve at her beauty. A trial visit to the Huaihai envoy; on the way back, thousands were formed. The drive never ceases to its limit; the flag’s spirit remains hung in vain. If Huo Wa seeks no solace, worry will surely harm her years.
Throughout history, there have been many poets who held official positions, but those who became famous through their poetry mostly faced difficulties in their careers, and their most renowned works were created during periods when they were not in high favor.
“Women by the white spring are lovely; young girls are truly wonderful； Beneath the rocky cliffs, ancient trees withered; these trees are used as firewood. ”
Ten hearts filled with thoughts of the beloved, the country, and the realm; eight eyes that delight in admiring flowers, the moon, and the scents of autumn. A humble heart that expresses gratitude to heaven, earth, and the king