Wandering the Jianghu
Once I step into the jianghu
I’m no longer my own ruler
Talent breeds jealousy
That can never be severed
Easy to learn the dream
Hard to live the dream
Easy to draw the sword
Hard to sheathe the sword
Though years wear down the dream
Ambition burns in my breast
The dream can never be deceived
Sword shadows and blade glints
I roam with unbridled zest
Grudges and feuds
Tie to the hero’s crest
I yearn to hide my original heart
Yet storms surge forth unrest
A chance meeting
Kindles a warm glow in my chest
Smoke builds the bridge wine paves the road
Greet with smiles read the world’s code
Pleasure is the delight money wards off load
Generous gifts open the back door’s abode
To storm the fortress
Wine serves as soldiers bold
On rough roads
Money acts as steeds untold
The vast red dust of the world
Fades with three cups of wine behold
A grand undertaking through the ages
Unfolds over a cup of tea untold
Though frost and snow assail
My resolve will never be entombed
I still offer my heart and gall
To the dust beneath my roomed
When the string snaps I can still
Pick up the old tune resumed
When the flute cracks it can still
Pierce through the clouds consumed
Don’t mock the fool
For his stubborn rule
Half a lifetime of unyielding pride
Never broken in duel
In drunkenness I hold the lamp high
To gaze at my sword cool
The gentle breeze accompanies me
To sail the boundless pool
The wine in the cup is still warm
The sword not yet sheathed calm
Alone in my boat I ferry myself
As the water flows east palm
The string’s melody lingers on
The flute’s song rises charm
Half a tale of the jianghu
I entrust to the evening palm
Though gold and silver
Pile up like mountains tall
I’ll never bend my backbone
Never bow my head thrall
I smile at the wealthy gates
Where wine and meat rot fall
Rather return to the cold river
To fish for the moon thrall
Rules are made by men
Not ordained by heaven ken
Even an inch holds the tai chi
The dream draws strength amen
Hide the blade’s edge keep humble
Wait for the tide of fortune then
Never vie with the vulgar crowd
For trivial gains amen
Soft as spring waves
That wear away stones craze
Firm as ancient cypresses
Standing tall in cold haze
No need to crack the whip
To astound the world maze
Leave behind a pure spirit
That fills heaven and earth haze
Once I step into the jianghu
Storms rage fiercely brew
Fame is easy to bear
Original heart is rare dew
Easy to raise my brows in pride
Hard to lower them adieu
Easy to turn around
Too late to look back dew
I urge my horse crack the whip
Roaming while singing flip
In drunkenness I hold the lamp high
To see my sword shine drip
Unbridled vengeance and gratitude
Pass in the blink slip
Alone I stand
Facing the bright moon drip
Wind is the matchmaker rain is the vow
Unbridled enmity and favor last but now
Profit is the bait fame is the shackle
All schemes and plots end up as a show
To break the maze
Thought is