Chapter 9, Section 33: Eternal Masterpiece (5)

  Liu Xie listened to Ní Héng's words and clapped his hands, laughing: "This is a great idea!" To thoroughly conquer stubborn people like Ní Héng, one must show real strength and make them surrender willingly. Otherwise, it will be difficult to control them in the future.

  As for writing poetry, Liu Xie was not skilled, but as a man who carried the weight of 5,000 years of Chinese history on his shoulders, he wanted to show off with a poem. After some thought, he decided to choose one that he knew best. He shook his head and recited: "Don't you see, the Yellow River's waters come from heaven, flowing to the sea without returning."

  You don't see, in high halls and bright mirrors, white hair is lamented, in the morning it was like black silk, by evening it has become snow.

  Life's joys should be savored to the fullest, don't let the golden cup be empty when facing the moon.

  Heaven gave me talent, and it will be useful; a thousand pieces of gold can be spent and then come back again.

  Roast mutton and kill cattle, and make merry; for when we drink, we must drain three hundred cups.

  Ni Hengzi, Wen Ju Sheng, will make progress in wine, cup does not stop.

  Sing a song with you, please lean your ear and listen for me:

  The jade is not precious enough, but I wish to be drunk forever and never wake up again.

  Since ancient times, all saints and sages have been silent, only drinkers leave their names behind.

  King of Qi in former times held a feast at Pingle Palace, ten thousand gallons of wine were consumed, and everyone was joyful and merry.

  The host said, "Why so few words? Just buy some wine and let's drink together."

  Five-flowered horses, a thousand pieces of brocade, calling out to exchange for fine wine.

  With you, I share the eternal sorrow of the past. (The King of Qi referred to here is Duke Huan of Qi)

  A poem by Li Bai, "Bring in the Ale", Liu Xie slightly modified and recited it in one breath. Although it was just a lucky phrase, he believed that Qi Henggong, being the "Spring" and "Autumn" overlord, must have had experiences of feasting and drinking, and this poem was also one of Liu Xie's favorites. Not only was it majestic, but it also highlighted the poet's frustration and disappointment, using wine to drown his sorrows. Everyone's expressions were different, with Qi Heng's eyes slightly moist. He thought about how he had traveled thousands of miles from Jingzhou, only to find no opportunity, and couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy. He downed the wine in his cup, refilled it himself, and sighed: "I, Qi Heng, have lived for over 20 years, and I've only admired two people - Kong Rong and Yang Xiu. Now I can add you, Xiao brothers, to that list! Ah, heaven has given me talent, and it must be put to use. A thousand pieces of gold will come and go, but my name will remain!" After finishing speaking, he downed another cup.

  In contrast to Xiang Yu's 'fervor', Kong Rong seems much calmer, yet he was still intimidated by Liu Xie. This poem will surely be passed down as a classic for eternity. However, it appears to have revealed Liu Xie's discontent with reality, or rather his discontent with Cao Cao. He shook his head and tried not to think about the complexities.