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Liu Bei’s Dark Machinations: The Seizure of Xuzhou [Three Kingdoms]
When it comes to the story of Tao Qian thrice offering Xuzhou to Liu Bei in the Three Kingdoms, people immediately think of the benevolent Liu Bei. In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, it is largely due to this narrative that Liu Bei is portrayed as a generous, humble, and righteous gentleman.
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Gazing at the Waterfall of Mount Lu [Tang Poems]
–Li Bai The sunlit Censer Peak exhales incense-like cloud; Like an upended stream the cataract sounds loud. Its torrent dashes down three thousand feet from high, As if the Silver River fell from the blue sky.
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Along the Clear Stream [Tang Poems]
— Li Bai The Clear Stream clears my heart; Its water flows apart. I ask the River New, “Why transparent are you?” On mirror bright boats hie; Between the screens birds fly. At dusk the monkeys cry; In vain the wayfarers sigh.
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Ode to the Moon over Mount Emei [Tang Poems]
— Li Bai The crescent moon looks like old Autumn’s golden brow; Its deep reflection flows with limpid water blue. I’ll leave the town on Clear Stream for the Three Gorges now. O Moon, how I miss you when you are out of view!
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In the Hills [Tang Poems]
— Wang Wei White pebbles hear a blue stream glide; Red leaves are strewn on cold hillside. Along the path no rain is seen, My gown is moist with drizzling green.
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Chants under the Moon at the West Tower of Jinling [Tang Poems]
— Li Bai The cool breeze blows on silent night in Town of Stone, To view the south I mount the high tower alone. White clouds and city walls mirrored on ripples swoon; Dewdrops look like pearls dripping from the autumn moon. Crooning long, I won’t go back; drowned in moon rays; How few…