At Jiling Terrace: No. 2
The Lady of Guo enjoys the ruler’s favour;
At daybreak she rides through the palace gate.
She dislikes powder that might obscure her complexion,
And lightly brushes her brows before attending the sovereign.
Notes
The Lady of Guo was one of Yang Yuhuan’s sisters and enjoyed court favour. Daybreak marks her arrival at the palace. “Moth brows” describes slender eyebrows; the description of makeup is a poetic detail.
Meaning
The poem depicts the Lady of Guo riding to court at daybreak and attending the ruler with only lightly drawn brows.
Appreciation
The first couplet establishes the figure’s position and early arrival at court.
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The light makeup becomes the particular detail through which she is portrayed.
The poem does not state a direct judgment; the court context allows differing readings.
The two poems in the group choose different people and details from palace life.
About the poet
Zhang Hu, courtesy name Chengji, was a Tang poet; accounts of his dates and place of origin differ.
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His surviving poems include works about palace life, scenery and travel.
Palace Poem is also commonly titled He Manzi.