御龙吟 [yù lóng yín] [English translation]

White robes above the river's waters like untouchable clouds

As both flowers and wine flow to their last, a moment of clarity comes

The imperial dragon rides on the wind

Of old dreams in scarlet glass and jade roofs

As fires rage across the camp

Losing the way in the eight-trigram maze

As incense fades, so does life

Even as the Jin Kingdom is split in three

Beauty easily dies

As signal fires blaze between banners

Through the dark window set in bare walls

Seemingly endless in the cold rain

The imperial dragon rides on the waves

That swallowed seven armies whole

The sight of you in robes of blue remain vivid still

Who will

Cling to transient glory

Or a most beautiful bride

As heroes soak their lapels with tears?

Who will I give this yearning,

As I have broken my ties to my own past?

The broken spears sink into the murky autumn waters

As the full blossoms scatter, you too bid your farewell

Under a lone lamp, resentful words are exchanged across pillows cold as ice

The stink of grass and mud on the hills of Changban lingers

As dreams of glory are dashed like the reflection of the moon on water

The ringing of hooves

Bound in pages

The dust of war settles

As Destiny wills it

As signal fires blaze between banners

Through the dark window set in bare walls

Seemingly endless in the cold rain

The imperial dragon rides on the waves

That swallowed seven armies whole

The sight of you in robes of blue remain vivid still

Who will

Cling to transient glory

Or a most beautiful bride

As heroes soak their lapels with tears?

Who will I give this yearning,

As I have broken my ties to my own past?

The broken spears sink into the murky autumn waters

As the full blossoms scatter, you too bid your farewell

Under a lone lamp, resentful words are exchanged across pillows cold as ice

The stink of grass and mud on the hills of Changban lingers

As dreams of glory are dashed like the reflection of the moon on water

The ringing of hooves

Bound in pages

The dust of war settles

As Destiny wills it

The broken spears sink into the murky autumn waters

As the full blossoms scatter, you too bid your farewell

Under a lone lamp, resentful words are exchanged across pillows cold as ice

The stink of grass and mud on the hills of Changban lingers

As dreams of glory are dashed like the reflection of the moon on water

The ringing of hooves

Bound in pages

The dust of war settles

As Destiny wills it

• Artist:Bella Yao