Poems that was used for chapter titles in the novel

Vol 1 Ch13 (Chapter 13) 桃之夭夭，灼灼其华  The Peach Blossom Beauty, Blooming in Glory

 Summary

Xiao Yao is back to being a girl, but not just any girl, she’s a Princess with bloodlines that are the most illustrious in the entire vast wilderness. She gets along the life in the imperial palace which reminds her childhood with her mom. She missed her but also had hatred because she felt abandoned by her mom. Jun Emperor celebrated her return with big ceremony where all the most noble families in Dai Huang were invited. CX treated her as a big brother. On the other hand, Ah Niam was jealous with XY. Jing asked CX to tell XY that he wanted to meet her outside the Dragon Bone Prison. XY dressed well and put nice make-up to meet Jing. However, Ah Nian helped Xiang Liu to sabotage her trip. Ah Nian push XY falling into the sea from a high cliff. There, XL was waiting. XY refused the gas-transfer from XL (aka, a kind of kiss). Later she told XL that she was afraid of letting him into her dream. He was not suitable to step in any girl's dream. That is even worse than death. XL was angry and left XY alone in the middle of the sea. She had to swim back to the shore.  

桃夭   [Tao Yao] Fresh Peach (from Classic of Poetry)

桃之夭夭、Peach trees are fresh and young
灼灼其華。Its flowers are flamboyant
之子于歸、This maiden is going to be a bride
宜其室家。And she will get along with her future family

Note: 華 = 华 = [hua] = flower

This poem is about Xiao Yao herself. Her name (Xiao Yao) was originated from this poem too. It also expresses her beauty, fresh and her wish for a simple life as any ordinary girl: get married and having a happy family

 [1] Classic of Poetry - 桃夭 (táo yāo) lyrics + English translation (lyricstranslate.com) 

Vol 1 Ch 15 (Chapter 15) 思往事，易成伤 Thinking of the Past is Easily Sorrowful

 Summary

Xiao Yao”s return to being a Princess finally takes these two cousins back to Xuan Yuan Mountain and it’s a bittersweet return trip indeed. She hasn’t been back since her mom took her away to stash in Jade Mountain, and whatever fond memories she had there is all long gone. She does still have a grandfather in the Yellow Emperor, a ruler who managed to topple the Sheng Nong Kingdom by will power and manipulation so vast the price he paid was losing his wives and many of his children. But if you asked him if it was worth it, his answer would probably be the same as what the Grand Emperor said to Xiao Yao “I gave up everything I have in exchange for everything I want.” That makes Xiao Yao’s personality and outlook so at odds with the people closest to her, because she will never give up anything she has because she wants for nothing. She wants for something so simple – a ordinary life. XY came to a dance hall where she saw a guy who looks similar to XL. Later she met him in an event in Cui Liang's maison. He is FFB, brother of FFYY. Jujiang attempted to kill CX when they left the party. XY sensed FFB's archery nearby. She used her own body to protect CX from intended archery attack by Bei. 

Literal meaning of the title: It summerized XY and CX' feeling when they return Xuan Yuan, facing their past in the palace, their relatives's graves

訴衷情       Expression of Passion by Ouyang Xiu

清晨簾捲輕霜，In the early morning, there is light frost on the curtains,
呵手試梅妝。     Try plum makeup with hands
都緣自有離恨，Both have hatred of separation
故畫作遠長。    Therefore, the consequence was long
思往事，              Thinking about the past,
惜流光，              Cherish the stream of light,
易成傷。              It's easy to get hurt
未歌先還顰，     Frown as soon as the previous song was sung,
最斷人腸。         The most heartbreaking.

Hidden meaning: the poem tells a girl's heartfelt emotion - missing her lover. Meeting FFB reminded her of Xiang Liu

Another translation by Draw back the curtain in the morning by Ouyang Xiu - Chinese Poetry (cn-poetry.com) 

Draw back the curtain in the morning,

frost here,you breathe to warm you hand

and start making up.

Because of the person you yearn so badly,

you paint a cresent-shaped brows.

Think back the past,what a beautiful day!

Your heart breaks,sing before hide the smiles.

He's come here,smile you want but don't know

how to show up.

Maybe it's the saddest thing,but also the happiest.

This translation well expresses XY's yearning for XL. XY met FFB who looked similar to XL. In their meetings, she sometimes had feeling that FFB was XL. However, they were also different

Appeal to the original text, translation and appreciation, pinyin version and reading_Ouyang Xiu_Ancient Poetry Network (gushiwen.cn) 

Vol 2 Ch2 (Chapter 19) 风露立中宵  Standing Out in the Wind All Night

Summary:

XY enjoyed the time in the Middle Plains with FFB and Jing. She made poison, practiced archery and played in Zhi Yi and Zhe Province with FFB. The two of them were each other’s companion as they enjoyed life’s endless pleasures. Jing visited XY every 3 - 4 days, they spent time together in Cao Ao Crest. They cleaned their hair using hibiscus leaves. 

After 4 year practicing archery, XY needed a new bow. FFB and she went to buy the bow and met Jing and FFYY there. XY asked FFB to pay for the bow to insult Jing. After that FFB was angry at her. XY made the poison picture - "koi fish plays in lotus pond" for her apology to him and asked him to keep teaching her archery.  FFB said he would be away for some time and told her to wait until he was back. XY wished if he could forever be FFB. On another story, Jing got an attempt of murder. Luckily, it was his puppet which substituded him in that event while he was waiting for XY in Cao Ao Crest. 

Literal meaning of the chapter title refers to the event when Jing was waiting for XY ouside the hut in Cao Ao Crest. He had been standing in the dew and wind all the night there.

绮 怀   Tangle missing by Huang Tingjian

几回花下坐吹箫，How many have I sat under the flowers, playing flute
银汉红墙入望遥。Gazing at the red wall, the Milky Way in the distance
似此星辰非昨夜，It seems the stars and moon are not similar to last night
为谁风露立中宵？For whom standing out in the dew and wind all night
缠绵思尽抽残茧，Entangling thoughts like pulling out cocoons
宛转心伤剥后蕉。Heartbreak revolves like peeling the banana sterm
三五年时三五月，Full moon every month of the year
可怜杯酒不曾消     Pitifully, the cup of wine can not relieved the sadness 

Translation [1]

How many times have I sat under the flowers and played a flute, although the red wall where the silver man used to be is close at hand, it is as far away as the Milky Way in the sky.
The stars in front of me are no longer the stars of last night, for whom have I stood all night in the wind and dew?
The lingering feelings have been exhausted like a silkworm cocoon, and the heart has revolved like peeling plantain sterm.
Thinking back to the full moon night (on 15th day of each month), I am afraid  that the glass of wine in my hand could not dispel the sorrow in my heart.

Hidden message: 

The poem was about a woman's longing for her lover who was away. Looking at the full moon made her more sorrow that drinking could not relieved it. The full moon represents XL/FFB. He left for some time. Thus it caused her heartbroken and longing for him.

[1] 绮怀十六首·其十五原文、翻译及赏析、拼音版及朗读_黄景仁古诗_古诗文网 (gushiwen.cn) 

Bài thơ: Khởi hoài - 綺懷 (Hoàng Cảnh Nhân - 黃景仁) (thivien.net) 

Vol 2 Ch14 (Chapter 31) 追往事，空惨愁颜 Chasing Past Memories, Empty Hopes and Disappointed Visage

Summary:

After returning to Shen Nong Mountain, XY suffered a kind of depression time, desired to do nothing. Taking the Yellow Emperor's recommendation on reading Yan Emperor's note on medicine, XY decided to study medicine in a proper way from scratch. A few years passed, Feng Long wanted to wed XY. XY agreed with that. CX kept his love for XY secretly. Xing Yue sensed CX's feeling for XY, thus she was worried. She felt relieved when XY and FL finally proceeded the marriage. 2 months before the wedding date, she sent the last toxic gift to Xiang Liu at express delivery speed. It was an ice crystal ball which she had prepared since CX got the throne. She also went to Qingju to farewell Jing. Jun Emperor gave her 7 days for careful thought of her marriage. She spent 7 days sitting at the shore, gazing at the sea. 7 days passed, they set the date for the wedding. In QS Town, XL heard of the news of XY's wedding. He went to the river bank in a raining day, holding and gazing at the ice crystal ball with a lot of complicated thought.

戚氏   By Liu Yong

晚秋天，                               In late autumn,
一霎微雨灑庭軒。          In a flash, it drizzles in the courtyard.
檻菊蕭疏，                         The chrysanthemum hedge has not yet withered,
井梧零亂惹殘煙。          Yellow wutong# leaves fall, smoke fades. (#:wutong: chinese parasol plant)
淒然，                                     So sad,
望江關。                              Look towards the river pass
飛雲黯淡夕陽間。          Clouds are gloomy in the late afternoon.
當時宋玉悲感，               Which year did Song Yu feel sorry for him?
向此臨水與登山。          I also used to see vast mountains and water.
遠道迢遞，                         The road is long,
行人淒楚，                        Pedestrians look miserable
倦聽隴水潺湲。              Tired of listening to gurgling " Long Water"  ("long water" a piece of musis about longing)
正蟬吟敗葉，                    In the withered leaves, cicadas chirp,
蛩響衰草，                         cricket sound in withered grass
相應喧喧。                          Moaning in harmony.
 
孤館度日如年。                Spending time in a solitary place like a year
風露漸變，                          Gradual wind and dew,
悄悄至更闌。                     Quietly reaching even deeper.
長天淨，                                It's quiet,
絳河清淺，                           The clear Milky Way
皓月嬋娟。                           The moon is bright.
思綿綿，                                 Thinking continously
夜永對景，                           A long night of sightseeing
那堪屈指，                           Press knuckles to remember
暗想從前。                           The old days again.
未名未祿，                           No fame, no fortune,
綺陌紅樓，                           Tangle path red house
往往經歲遷延。                 Time often passes very slowly.
  , ,    
帝裡風光好，                      Capital with beautiful scenery,
當年少日，                            Young men in puberty,
暮宴朝歡。                            Early party afternoon tea.
況有狂朋怪侶，                  Moreover, as crazy friends, weird couple,
遇當歌、                                 Encountered nice music.
對酒競留連。                       Even competed drinking wine.
別來迅景如梭，                  The separation time passed as fast as textile shuttle
舊遊似夢，                            Playmate as if a dream
煙水程何限。                       Far thousands of miles of smoke and water away.
念利名、                                 Thinking of fortune and fame,
憔悴長縈絆。                      Haggard and lingering for a long time
追往事、                                 Chasing past memories,
空慘愁顏。                            Empty hope and dissappointed visage
漏箭移、                                 Change the indicator rod
稍覺輕寒。                            Feeling a slight chill
漸嗚咽、                                 Gradually sobbed
畫角數聲殘。                      Several sounds of horn left
對閑窗畔，                           By the idle window,
停燈向曉，                           Stop the lights and turn towards dawn,
抱影無眠。                           Embracing shadow without sleep.

Translations [1]:

It was late autumn, and a short drizzle was pouring into the courtyard. The autumn chrysanthemums on the side of the fence have gone, and the sycamore next to the patio has also withered. Shrouded in foggy smoke. What a bleak scene, looking at the rivers and mountains in the distance, the gloomy sunset floats in the afterglow of the sunset. Thinking back then, the sentimental Song Yu saw how sad this late autumn was, and once climbed the mountain near the water. The journey of thousands of miles is difficult and dangerous, and the travelers are so miserable and sad, especially disgusted to hear the sound of the murmuring of the water. At this time, the autumn cicadas that are wailing in the fallen leaves and the crickets that are chirping in the dead grass are noisy with each other one after another.

In the post house, there is a single one, and the days are like years. The autumn wind and the dew began to grow cold, and in the middle of the night, the sorrow in the chest was even worse. The vast sky is cloudless, and the moon is bright in the shallow Milky Way. Acacia, unbearable in the long night in front of such a scene, pinching his fingers and reminiscing about the past. At that time, his fame was not yet achieved, but he went in and out of amusement places such as the brothel of the song building, and the time was wasted year after year.

The beautiful scenery of the capital reminds me of my youth, and I only think about having fun every day. Besides, at that time, there were many crazy friends who were accompanied by them, and they lingered when they encountered the scene of drinking and singing. However, after parting, time flies, and those scenes of fun and pleasure are like dreams, and there is a fog ahead. When will I be able to get ashore? It's all those fame and fortune who have harmed me so haggard, and they have bound me. Reminiscing about the past, the empty face is sad. The dripping arrow moved slightly, the chill was slight, and the whimpering sound of the painting corner slowly drifted from afar, and the aftermath lingered. Quietly facing the window, extinguishing the green light and waiting for the dawn, the figure alone could not sleep all night.

Literal meaning of the title: the statement can be applied for CX. He kept his love for XY secretly. Hearing the wedding plan, he was very dissapointed, hopeless. In his mind, he knew he used to have best chance compared to other men to be with her. But he had to compromise for the power pursue. XY had accepted FL's proposal in order to help CX. Now he had several wives althought he did not love any of them. He could not meet XY's requirement about only partner.

Beneath meaning: first part of the poem describbles the scenery in late afternoon in autum after a rain. The character of the poem was sitting by the water, looking towards the scenery with sorrow feeling. It got darker, he/she kept thinking about the past. He/she remembered youth in capital, having a playmate who both of them had enjoy good time together. The playmate was far away. He seemed to think of it a lot, feeling no hope and disappointed. Overall, the content of the poem can be applied to Xiang Liu's feeling when he heard the news of XY's wedding. The scenery by the river in a rainy afternoon where he gazed at her ice crystal ball matched well with the content of the poem. He and XY had enjoyed much time together in Xuan Yuan and the Middle Plains (e.g., going to dance hall, archery, drinking, eating etc.). He loved her. However, XY and he didn't have fate together. 

[1] Liu Yong's [Qi's Late Autumn] Full Text, Annotation, Translation and Appreciation_Song Dynasty_Ancient Poetry Collection Network (gushiji.cc)

Bài thơ: Thích thị - 戚氏 (Liễu Vĩnh - 柳永) (thivien.net) 

Vol 1 Ch 7 (Chapter 7) 人转迢迢路转长 People Become Far Away and the Road Becomes Long

南乡子_江上野梅芳 by 荣諲

江上野梅芳。

粉色盈盈照路傍。

闲折一枝和雪嗅，思量。

似个人人玉体香。

特地起愁肠。

此恨谁人与寄将。

山馆寂寥天欲暮，凄凉。

人转迢迢路转长。

南乡子_古诗文网 (gushiwen.cn) 

Chapter 16 思郎恨郎郎不知  Missing You, Hating You, It’s Not Worth It 

台湾竹枝词 梁启超 [Liang Qichao]

相思树底说相思，Under the lovesickness tree, I say I miss you

思郎恨郎郎不知。Think of you, hate you but I don't know my darling

树头结得相思子，The tree head knots bear lovesickness seeds 

可是郎行思妾时？But my dear darling, when do you think of me?

台湾竹枝词原文_梁启超_古诗文网 (gushiwen.cn)

Note: 郎: Lang, darling, used by woman to address her husband or lover

Red bean lovesickness plant

Vol 2 Ch 8 (Chapter 25) 忽闻悲风调 Suddenly Hear the Sorrowful Wind Tune

Chapter summary:

In this chapter, returning from Gaoxin, XY had made some special toxic gift for XL as her gratitude for his live saving. After sending the package in a Tushan's shop in Zhe Zhou, she enjoyed the crowded and colorful mortal live which as in her hope could keep FFB in it. She saw him on the street and wanted to show him her new bow. Later, FFB said that XY graduated and she didn't need to take more archery lessen. XY came to Qing Qiu to help Jing's grandmother make medicine pill (for 7 days). She also found down that FFYY pregnant. She splited with Jing and returned to Shen nong. Upon arriving, she vomitted blood and showed her deep sorrow. A Nian and CX tried to comfort her.  

月夜听卢子顺弹琴 by 李白〔唐代〕(By Li Bai [Tang Dynasty])

闲夜坐明月，幽人弹素琴。
忽闻悲风调，宛若寒松吟。
白雪乱纤手，绿水清虚心。
钟期久已没，世上无知音。

Translation and annotation: [1]

Translation:
Sitting under the bright moon at night, listening to the ghostly Mr. Lu playing the guqin.
Suddenly, I heard the tune of "Sad Wind", which seemed to be the sound of "Cold Pine".
The fingering of "White Snow" makes you busy, and the syllables of "Green Water" are really nourishing and pure.
It's a pity that Zhong Ziqi has long since died, and there is no such bosom friend in the world. (*)

Annotation:
Sitting on the moon at night, a work of "sitting on the moon at night".
Shi Juyue's "Qin Music Score" includes "Sad Wind Exercise", "Cold Pine Exercise", and "White Snow Exercise". "White Post": "Yang Chun", "White Snow", "Green Water", "Sad Wind", "Youlan", "Farewell Crane", and the title of the guqin songs.
(*): this sentence refers to the following original story: Boya is good at drumming and piano, and Zhong Ziqi is good at listening. Boya drum and piano, aiming at the high mountains. Zhong Ziqi said: "Good, E's beautiful like Mount Tai!" Aiming at flowing water, Zhong Ziqi said: "Good, like a river!" "What Boya reads, Zhong Zi will get. When the Zhong Zi died, Boya said that there was no more acquaintance in the world, he broke the strings of the guqin and never regained the drum for life.

---------------------------------------

Literal meaning of the chapter title "Suddenly Hear the Sorrowful Wind Tune" refers to the event when XY found out that FFYY got pregnant.

Hidden message:

The poem expresses the sadness and disappointment of the author since his soulmate, bosom friend who understood and enjoyed his music died.

This refers to the situation when FFB told XY that she graduated and she didn't need to take archery lesson with him anymore. XY could sensed that FFB started parting away from her life. FFB was her soulmate, confiant who had the same characteristics, attitude to life and shared a lot of time and nice experience with XY. He was also the only one who could enjoy/appreciate her talent in making poinsonous delicacy.

[1] 月夜听卢子顺弹琴原文、翻译及赏析、拼音版及朗读_李白古诗_古诗文网 (gushiwen.cn)

Listen to Lu Zishun playing the piano on a moonlit night, the original text, translation and appreciation, pinyin version and reading_Li Bai Ancient Poems_Ancient Poetry Network (gushiwen.cn)

Vol 3 Ch9 (Chapter 42) 魂梦安能定 Soul Dreams Cannot Rest Easy

忆周秀才、素上人，时闻各在一方

作者：孟郊 (Author: Mengjiao)

东西分我情，Things divide my feelings,
魂梦安能定。Soul dreams can be settled peacefully.
野客云作心，Wild guests cloud their hearts,
高僧月为性。The high monk's moon is his nature.The moon is the nature of the eminent mon
浮云自高闲，Floating clouds idle from high,
明月常空净。The bright moon is always empty and pure.
衣敝得古风，My clothes are worn in an ancient style,
居山无俗病。Living in the mountains without common diseases.
吟听碧云语，Whispering to the blue clouds,
手把青松柄。Hand held green pine handle.
羡尔欲寄书，Xian Er desires to send a book,
飞禽杳难倩。Flying birds are rare and difficult to find

Translations of works

My friends are divided into different places, which affects my love and my dreams.

The heart of the wild guest is floating like a cloud, and the nature of the monk is as quiet as the moon.

The drifting clouds are lofty and elegant, and the quiet moon sky is silent and clean.

Hard-working cultivation has the style of the ancients, and he lives in the deep mountains without earthly diseases.

You listen to Biyun's conversation, and you hold the handle of the green pine's staff.

I want to express my envy in letters, but the road is far away and it is difficult to invite the wild goose. 

Appreciation of works

During the Middle Tang Dynasty, Buddhism, especially Zen Buddhism, accelerated its sinicization process. There are many scholars and scholars, monks and scribes, and there are even robes and Confucian crowns or Confucian crowns and robes. Meng Jiao himself was a monk and then returned to the world. In the process of the integration of Buddhism and traditional Chinese culture, there are many points of convergence in the exchanges between Buddhists and scholars, and the pursuit of a lofty and leisurely artistic conception has become the common aspiration of literati and many monks. It is on this tone that the poem is written, the friendship between the scribe Xiucai and the Venerable Monk. The scribe and the monk were both friends of Meng Jiao, and the beginning of the poem expresses his thoughts about them. Then write about the hearts of the two: the wild guest is the showman, and his heart is as idle as a cloud; The Venerable Monk is the Venerable Master, and his nature is as clear as the moon. And this cloud, this month, actually has the same quality that is beyond reality.

Reference

Recalling Zhou Xiucai and Su Shangren, when they heard that they were in one side of the original text|Translation|Appreciation_Mengjiao Ancient Poems_Ancient Poetry Network (gushiwen.cn) 

Remembering Zhou Xiucai, when he was a master, he heard that he was on one side_Baidu Encyclopedia