Tang Dynasty poet Meng Haoran paid a visit to an old friend's house that was surrounded by serene rural scenery. As they chatted about everyday life, Meng also shared an intriguing story involving the emperor. Dive into this episode of the AI-animated series "Poems of Timeless Acclaim" to unravel the captivating story!
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00:00At Yellow Crane Tower in the west, my old friends...
00:04After one night of wind and showers, how many are the fallen flowers?
00:07A thousand miles from home, I'm grieved at autumn's...
00:10Lonely smoke rises straight over endless river...
00:13How rare the moon, so round and clear.
00:16With cup in hand, I ask of the blue sky.
00:30What a scene with petals falling and grass growing.
00:41Birds and butterflies flying and frolicking.
00:44Brother Zhao! Brother Sun! I'm here!
00:50Brother Meng, how you kept me waiting!
00:57If you got here any later, all the wine would be gone.
01:02My bad. I'll drink up to extend my apologies. Hope you forgive me.
01:09Brother Haoran, it's so nice we get together.
01:13But I've always been curious. With your talent...
01:17You should have made a name for yourself in Chang'an.
01:20Why did you come back to Xiangyang?
01:23I did not mean to be secretive with you.
01:25But the reason for my return to Mount Lumen of Xiangyang is rather embarrassing.
01:36It's mid-evening! Close your doors and windows! Watch out for thieves!
01:46Wang Wei? We didn't quite have our fill at this banquet.
01:51Let's go back and continue.
01:53All right. As Brother Haoran invites, I cannot refuse.
01:57Let's drink until we're drunk today.
02:07Somebody bring some food and wine!
02:10We have an emergency, sir!
02:12His Majesty has arrived! He has now entered the mansion!
02:17What? Hurry, let's welcome His Majesty!
02:24It's not okay. I fear offending His Majesty in my intoxicated state.
02:29Brother Haoran, don't panic!
02:31His Majesty is approachable and will surely not blame us.
02:35No, really not proper.
02:40I'd better hide for now.
02:42Hey, Brother Haoran, don't...
02:45It's His Majesty!
02:58Were you drinking with someone?
03:10Please pardon, Your Majesty.
03:11This is my friend Meng Haoran.
03:13We were catching up today and had a few extra drinks.
03:16Haoran feared he might seem rude to Your Majesty, so he hid under the table.
03:21You may rise.
03:24Meng Haoran is here, Your Majesty.
03:27You are Meng Haoran? I've heard your name.
03:31People of all ages in Xiangyang are reciting your poems these days.
03:35Your Majesty overpraises me. It's just a few poems.
03:39My friends went out of their way to support me.
03:42Don't be so modest. Since I happen to see you here,
03:46why don't you recite one of your recent works for me?
03:49Haoran, haven't you wanted to serve the country?
03:52Now is the perfect opportunity.
03:55My honor, Your Majesty.
04:07Got one.
04:10No more petitions will I submit at the North Palace Gate,
04:13because on South Mountain my humble hut for me does wait.
04:17As I'm talentless, His Majesty bears me not in mind.
04:21And sickly too, my old friends leave me alone and behind.
04:25Bears me not in mind?
04:29I've never met you before, and you haven't introduced yourself to me.
04:33Now you are blaming me in this poem?
04:36Pardon, Your Majesty. Haoran must be drunk and muddle-headed at the moment.
04:40Drunken words are true thoughts. You don't need to defend him.
04:44As he accused me of being neglectful, I'll neglect him as he said.
04:58Brother Haoran, I never thought you would do such a thing.
05:02If what you say is true, your future career will...
05:06Forget about the past. From now on, I will live a simple life,
05:10writing poetry every day, drinking with my brothers.
05:14Sounds delightful, doesn't it?
05:17For this magnanimous mindset, you have my respect.
05:21Cheers.
05:22Cheers.
05:25Today, as the three of us brothers drink to the fill,
05:28why not compose another poem, Brother Haoran?
05:31Of course, why not?
05:33My friends prepare chicken and rice. I'm invited to his cottage hall.
05:38Green trees surround the village. Blue hills slant beyond city wall.
05:43Windows open to field and ground. Oh, a wine we talk of crops of grain.
05:48On double ninth day, I'll come round for the chrysanthemums again.
05:54Good poem. Good poem indeed.
05:57Today, let this poem serve as an oath.
06:00When the Chongyang Festival arrives, we must come back here to appreciate the chrysanthemums together.
06:05A gentleman's promise is as good as gold. It's a deal.
06:23The End