The district of Chu is entirely surrounded by hills. Among the peaks in the southwest, the forests and valleys are especially beautiful. The one that appears lush, deep, and elegant is Mount Langya. After walking six or seven miles along the mountain path, one gradually hears the gurgling sound of water flowing out between two peaks – that is the Brewer’s Spring. As the path winds around the hill, a pavilion perches by the spring like a bird with spreading wings; this is the Drunken Old Man’s Pavilion. Who built the pavilion? A monk named Zhixian. Who named it? The Governor named it himself. The Governor came here with guests to drink; he would get tipsy after only a little wine, and being the eldest, he gave himself the sobriquet “The Drunken Old Man.” The Drunken Old Man’s interest lies not in wine, but in the mountains and rivers. The joy of nature is felt in the heart and expressed through drinking.
When the sun rises, the mist in the forest clears; when clouds gather, the grottoes grow dim. The changing light and dark are the morning and evening in the mountains. Wild flowers bloom with a subtle fragrance; fine trees grow lush and provide shade; the wind is crisp, the frost is pure, the water recedes and the stones appear – these are the four seasons in the mountains. Going in the morning and returning at dusk, the scenery of the four seasons is different, and the joy is endless.
As for those carrying loads singing on the road, travelers resting under trees, people calling out ahead and answering behind, the old and the young coming and coming without end – these are the people of Chu traveling. Fishing by the stream, the stream is deep and the fish are fat; brewing wine with the spring water, the spring is fragrant and the wine is pure; mountain game and wild vegetables are served in a jumble – this is the Governor’s banquet. The merriment of the banquet, without music, involves archers hitting the target and chess players winning; wine cups and chopsticks cross, people sit up and talk loudly – these are the guests enjoying themselves. Amidst them sits a man with a pale face and white hair, slumped over – this is the Governor drunk.
Soon the sun sets on the mountain, people’s shadows scatter in disorder; the Governor returns while the guests follow. The trees are shady, birds chirp above and below; after the travelers leave, the birds enjoy themselves. However, birds know the joy of the mountains and forests, but do not know human joy; people know to follow the Governor and enjoy themselves, but do not know that the Governor takes pleasure in their pleasure. To be drunk and share their joy, to wake up and write about it in words – that is the Governor. Who is this Governor? Ouyang Xiu of Luling.
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