With a sweeping bow and heroic talk—his manner was extraordinary;
The beauty's keen eyes recognized the hero in his poverty.
A corpse with lingering breath in Minister Yang's tent—
How could it confine a woman of such manly spirit?
English titles, text, and notes are AI-assisted for reading only; for scholarship cite the Chinese and authoritative editions.
Annotation
Daiyu's fifth poem, about Hongfu (Red Whisk Lady). She was a servant of Minister Yang Su but had the vision to recognize the hero Li Jing and boldly eloped with him. 'The beauty's keen eyes recognized the hero' praises her courage and judgment. Daiyu admired her bravery in choosing her own fate.
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