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Hibiscus Tower Farewell to Xin Jian
Author: Wang Changling
In the cold rain, the river flows into Wu at night,
As dawn breaks, I bid farewell to my friend from Chushan.
If friends from Luoyang inquire about me,
Tell them my heart is as pure as ice in a jade pot.
This poem was written by Tang Dynasty poet Wang Changling while bidding farewell to his friend Xin Jian at Hibiscus Tower. It expresses the poet's appreciation for friendship and his commitment to integrity.
The line "In the cold rain, the river flows into Wu at night" describes a chilly rainy night as the poet arrives in Wu (present-day Jiangsu and Zhejiang), where the rain merges into a misty atmosphere over the river.
"At dawn, I bid farewell to my friend from Chushan" indicates that at daybreak, the poet is sending off his friend, with Chushan's lonely mountains reflecting his feelings of parting.
"If friends from Luoyang inquire about me" suggests that if Xin Jian encounters friends from Luoyang, he should convey that Luoyang is his hometown, referring to his family and friends there.
"My heart is as pure as ice in a jade pot" uses ice to symbolize the poet's integrity and purity, while the jade pot represents an ancient vessel for wine, illustrating the poet's noble character.
Through vivid depictions of the farewell scene and expressions of inner emotions, the poem conveys the poet's value of friendship and pride in his own integrity. The language is concise yet rich in meaning, making it one of Wang Changling's representative works.
Story Title: "Xiao Chang's Farewell"
I have been in Hibiscus City for seven years, living with my father.
The liveliest place here is the towering Hibiscus Tower.
It is said that long ago, a poet bid farewell to his friend there.
Once, my father and I visited, gazing at the magnificent and cloud-piercing Hibiscus Tower.
I couldn't help but feel emotional, so I asked my father, "How does a poet feel when bidding farewell to a friend?"
"The poet's feelings are quite complex at that moment; there is sadness, but also a sense of anticipation," my father said slowly, gazing into the distance.
"At that time, he was about to leave Furong City and head to Luoyang, a faraway place from which he might never return."
I looked at the misty Furong Tower, as if I could see the poet and his friend bidding farewell on the tower.
My father continued, "The poet's friend may not fully understand what this farewell means; he simply feels reluctant to see his friend go. Yet he knows that friends must eventually part ways. The poet understands in his heart that this separation might be a final goodbye."
As I listened to my father's narration, I felt a wave of sadness wash over me, as if I had become the one bidding farewell to a friend, experiencing the poet's feelings of sorrow and longing.
"And then?" I asked.
"Then the poet wrote this poem." My father pointed to a stone tablet on Furong Tower, which bore an inscription of a poem.
I softly recited: "Cold rain enters Wu at night along the river; I send off my guest alone at dawn. If friends in Luoyang inquire about me, my heart remains pure as ice in a jade pot."
This poem was truly moving; I could not only feel the poet's longing for his friend but also grasp the purity and nobility within him.
My father explained, "In the poem, the poet expresses that his heart is like a piece of ice in a jade pot—pure and flawless. No matter where he goes, he will not forget his friends in Luoyang. He asks his friend to convey to those in Luoyang that he is doing well here and they need not worry."
I gazed at the stone tablet, feeling an unease settle in my heart. This poem not only conveyed the poet's emotions during the farewell but also reflected his attitude towards life.
My father continued, "The poet's friend waited downstairs, ready to depart. He told the poet that he would relay the poet's words to their friends in Luoyang, assuring them not to worry and wishing the poet all the best in Furong City."
I looked toward Furong Tower in the distance, as if I could see that poet standing above, watching his friend leave. Though there was reluctance in his heart, there was also hope and longing for the future.
Standing atop Furong Tower and gazing at distant Chushan, I felt a sense of loneliness and solitude. At this moment, I thought of my friends who were all in Luoyang; I wondered if they were missing me too.
I said to my friend, "Please tell our friends in Luoyang that even though I am far away in Furong City, I will not forget them."
"My heart remains as pure as ice, as noble as a jade pot." This statement is not a hypocritical courtesy, but a true reflection of my inner feelings. No matter where I am, I will never forget those who have accompanied me in the past.
My friend nodded and said to me, "Don't worry, I will convey your words to them. You take care of yourself here." After saying this, my friend turned and left the steps of the Furong Tower, embarking on the road to Luoyang.
I watched his figure fade away, feeling a bit reluctant, but more so filled with blessings and hope for him. I hope he travels safely and carries my words to Luoyang, so that my friends and family need not worry about me. I know that no matter where I go or what difficulties I encounter, I will maintain my inner purity and nobility.
This statement is not meant to showcase my superiority; rather, it is the message I wish to convey to my loved ones. I want them to know that although we are in different places, our friendship and familial bonds will remain unchanged.
I stood quietly atop the Furong Tower, gazing at the distant Chushan, silently reciting the poem: "In the cold rain, the river flows into Wu at night; at dawn, I send off my guest alone at Chushan. If friends in Luoyang inquire about me, know that my heart is as pure as ice in a jade pot."
I was moved by this story. Sitting by the window of Furong City, looking at the distant sky, I reflected on the scene of the poet bidding farewell to his friend. Indeed, true friendship does not change because of distance. Just like the poet and his friend in the poem, although they are miles apart, their hearts remain pure and noble.
I thought of my own friends; though they are not by my side, our bond remains strong. At this moment, I suddenly felt an even greater appreciation for this friendship. I decided that I too would strive to be a person of inner purity and nobility.
After my friend left, I returned to my residence. I took out paper and pen and began to write down this story. I wanted to share this story with more people, hoping they could also feel the warmth and strength of this friendship. I believe that as long as we keep our hearts pure and noble, no matter where we are, we can find true friendship.
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