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by Chen Shubao Fair pavilions and fragrant woods stand by the lofty towers,Her newly dressed beauty outshines the whole city’s charms.Her tender grace glints by the gate, she lingers at first,Then steps from the curtain, smiling with graceful airs.Her lovely face like flowers draped in dewdrops glows,Jade trees’ bright radiance fills the rear courtyard.Flowers…
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Introduction: This article reveals Western Jin’s elite obsession with conspicuous consumption. Figures like Shi Chong and Wang Kai competed wildly in luxury – from lavish feasts to a famous coral tree contest. Their decadence, cruelty, and moral decay eroded the state, laying ground for the catastrophic War of the Eight Princes.
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The grandsons of Cai Jing, the notorious prime minister, who grew up in riches, could not tell wheat from rice.