Since imperial tax
revenues
from the lower Yangzi could no longer be sent up the Grand Canal to the Yellow River, the route up the Han River through Hanzhong was essential.
Du Fu - 5
The Han?
s bleak windswept waters are clear,2 12 a remote route for tax from the Huai and lakes.
Men on missions are as many as scattered stars, the royal net of rule is still like banner tassels attached.
3 The Earl of the South is worthy in handling matters,4 16 you will go to where he stands and chats.
5 You full well understand tracking the Seven Luminaries, your hand marks out the Grand Army?
s dispositions.
Your apprehension is as bright as ice and snow, 20 your military sharpness speeds like thunder.
In headquarters you were allowed to be a remonstrating official; such is unprecedented in the court.
His Majesty now takes his meals late,6 24 and depends on you to spread his fine grace.
An omissioner, summoned into court in the evening, a censor, journeying and resting at dawn.
Right now we are in times of difficulty, 28 and we truly depend on long-range plans.
1 This refers either to the recall of the northwestern armies or to Suzong?
s Uighur allies.
2 Probably referring to the appointment of Du Fu?
s friend Li Yu as Prince of Hanzhong.
Since imperial tax revenues from the lower Yangzi could no longer be sent up the Grand Canal to the Yellow River, the route up the Han River through Hanzhong was essential. 3 ? Attached tassels,? zhuiliu ? ? , was an old figure for the way the feudal lords were attached to the ruler. The inverted form used here, liuzhui ? ? , was used in Liu Kun? s (271? 318) famous memorial during the breakup of the Western Jin: ? The peril of the ruling house is something like banner tassels attached? ? ? ? ?
Since imperial tax revenues from the lower Yangzi could no longer be sent up the Grand Canal to the Yellow River, the route up the Han River through Hanzhong was essential. 3 ? Attached tassels,? zhuiliu ? ? , was an old figure for the way the feudal lords were attached to the ruler. The inverted form used here, liuzhui ? ? , was used in Liu Kun? s (271? 318) famous memorial during the breakup of the Western Jin: ? The peril of the ruling house is something like banner tassels attached? ? ? ? ?
