Berthing on the Qinhuai River
By Dumu (Tang Dynasty)
Cold water was shrouded in the mist and sands were shrouded by the moonlight.
My boat was moored nearby a tavern in Qinhuai River at night.
The singing girl doesn't understand the sorrow of national subjugation.
Still singing the "Flowers and Jade Trees at Back Courtyard".
泊秦淮
杜牧（唐）
烟笼寒水月笼沙，夜泊秦淮近酒家。
商女不知亡国恨，隔江犹唱《后庭花》。
Creative background
Du Mu was very concerned about politics in the early stage, and expressed concern about the Tang Dynasty, which was full of holes and wounds at that time. He saw the corruption and mediocrity of the ruling group, the support of the military and self-reliance of the towns, and the frequent border diseases. He felt deeply that the society was in danger, and the prospect of the Tang Dynasty was sad. This thought of worrying about the time and hurting the world prompted him to write many poems with practical significance. It is on the basis of this thought that “Berthing on the Qinhuai River” came into being.
Both sides of the Qinhuai River in Jinling, the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties, have always been places for dignitaries and dignitaries to enjoy banquets, "Qinhuai" has gradually become a synonym for extravagant life. When the poet stayed here at night, he saw the lights and wine, heard the beautiful songs and songs, and felt the scenery and emotion. He also thought of the decline of the national power of the Tang Dynasty and the ignorance and debauchery of those in power. He was filled with emotion and wrote this poem "berthing Qinhuai River".
Introduction of related words
- Qinhuai River: It originates from the mountains of Damao mountain in Jurong, Jiangsu Province and Donglu mountain in Lishui, and flows into the Yangtze River through Nanjing. It is said that it was dug by First Emperor of Qin during his southern inspection to dredge the Huaihe River, so it is called Qinhuai River. It has been a prosperous place for sightseeing in all dynasties.
- Flowers and Jade Trees at Back Courtyard: the song was writted by Chen Shubao, the emperor of the Southern Dynasty. He was addicted to the pleasures of song and women, he wrote this song to have fun with the beautiful women in the harem, which eventually led to the subjugation of the country. Therefore, later generations took this song as the representative of the voice of subjugation.
