Gui Shan Cao

Like numbers 13, 14 and perhaps 16, this melody connects to an episode in the life of Confucius. The picture at right illustrates the present story, as recounted in his family biography, Section 47 of the Records of the Grand Historian.⁴

The people of Qi, fearing how Lu was growing strong because of Confucius' advice, decided to try to weaken the duke of Lu by sending to Lu a present of 80 beautiful dancing girls and 120 fine horses. An official named Ji Huanzi led the duke to see the girls at the city gate. Confucius disciple Zilu told Confucius it was probably time for them to move on, but Confucius wanted to give the duke a chance to do the proper sacrifices. When, instead, the duke accepted the gift and did not hold court for three days, Confucius left, staying at the village of Dun. Here, when another friend came to see him off, he sang a song which in the Shi Ji account had the following lyrics (trans. Yang).

A woman's tongue can cost a man his post;
a woman's words can cost a man his head.
Then why not retire to spend my last years as I please?

Neither Yuefu Shiji (see p.842) nor Taigu Yiyin includes these lyrics. Instead the melody is set to the lyrics in Yuefu Shiji by Han Yu (768-824), in the voice of Confucius. These lyrics are translated below.

Original preface⁵

Turtle Mountain is in Lu (the home state of Confucius). When Confucius was an official there the people of Qi sent as a gift some female musicians. Ji Huanzi received them, and for three days (the duke) did not hold court. Confucius realized the times were inappropriate, so he wandered off. Looking at Turtle Mountain he wrote this piece.

Music and Lyrics: One section
A largely syllabic setting, following the structure of the lyrics ([4+4] x 6)

The evaporation of water in Guishan is not sufficient to make clouds and rain.
The wood (?) in Guishan is not suitable for pillars and beams.
But the greatness of Guishan is sufficient to cover the whole country of Lu.
I know it will collapse, and I am sad because this is not where I am.
Of Zhou Gong I have (inspirational) thoughts, so I will return to my home.

Footnotes (Shorthand references are explained on a separate page)

1 49837.4. Zha Fuxi's index has two others, Chongxiu Zhenchuan Qinpu (1585) and Ziyuantang Qinpu (1802). They have the same lyrics and related melodies. (Return)
2 Taigu Yiyin does not directly indicate mode. (Return)
3 From a reprint of a collection of Qing dynasty prints illusrating the life of Confucius. (Return)
4 Translated by Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang in Records of the Historian; Hong Kong, Commercial Press, 1974, p.9. (Return)
5 Chinese original not yet online. (Return)