Ten Thousand Years of Unity Album. Twelve leaves. Silk, gold-ink and colored (55.1x42 cm). Collection of the Taipei Palace Museum-PDF

This album, titled "Ten Thousand," praises the achievements of the imperial era. It consists of twelve frames, depicting in order: Ten Thousand in Unity, Ten Thousand Years of Longevity, Ten Thousand Stars Bowing North, Ten Thousand People Offering Prayers, Ten Thousand Nations at Peace, Ten Thousand Acres of Bountiful Crops, Ten Thousand Flowers as Sovereign, Ten Thousand Treasures Completed, Ten Thousand-Year Emperor, Ten Thousand Miles of Soaring Progress, Ten Thousand Schools Paying Homage, and Ten Thousand Staves Facing the Capital. In silk with colored painting, gold 泥 and gold ink, with images on the right and inscriptions on the left. This album is now housed in the Taipei Palace Museum.

Eternal Unity

At present, the four seas are one family. All men are united in purpose. Those who govern by literature and rites are all like Gao Kai, Qi Xi, and Lü, Zhao, Sun, Wu. Those who lead military campaigns are all like Lü Bu, Zhao Yun, Sun Tzu, and Wu Qi. Therefore, the six ministers coordinate their hearts and the five armies are disciplined. Moreover, those who govern as vassals and military commanders each perform their duties with reverence. Those who hold posts as magistrates and commandants all respect their responsibilities. Thus, the counties are adorned with rites and music, while the towns are filled with poetry and books. Families are harmonious, and people practice filial piety and fraternal love. Farmers enjoy their crops, scholars cherish loyalty and righteousness, merchants handle wealth and goods, and artisans refine their skills. They come from all corners of the world, even in infancy. As a result, yin and yang are harmonious, the four seasons follow their order, rain and sunshine come at the right time, and cold and heat respond to the climate. Auspicious clouds appear in the sky, sweet springs gush from the earth, the qilin are offered, and the phoenix arrives. The scene is further enhanced by the auspicious scenes of the bright star and sweet dew, the fragrant orchids and auspicious millet, the white elephant and the black rabbit, and the white crane and the macaw. Since the establishment of the great unity and the imperial chart, none have failed to gather in abundance, witnessing the favor of the heavens. The foundation for the emperor's rule for ten thousand generations is laid here. Our emperor, being holy, divine, literary, and martial, his virtue aligns with heaven and earth, and his way permeates past and present. His establishment of the heavens and the supreme principle matches the system of Fu Xi and Xuanyuan. His transformation and governance of the world align with the rules of Tang, Yu, Yao, and Shun. His following the heavens and responding to the people matches the principles of Shang Tang and Zhou Wu. Therefore, it is appropriate to build a palace city for residence, protect the mountains and rivers for self-defense, and leverage the abundant natural advantages to gain the assistance of heaven and humanity. To be the master and teacher of heaven and earth, and the parent of ten thousand generations. To occupy the supreme position in heaven and enjoy the land in peace. These words are profound. They can be recorded as the Ode to Eternal Unity.

Longevity and Eternal Spring

The emperor, ruling the calendar, spreads the brilliance of virtue. He unites the three correct principles under his command. He places the great robe in the correct position and drinks the middle spirit on auspicious days. The elders praise him in the crimson hall, and the ministers establish their fortune through holy arts. To celebrate the emperor's birthday, they compare it to the blessings offered to Yao in Huafeng. They present wine in the court, aligning with the laws of the heavens. At this time, the bronze dragon awakens to the dawn, and culture and art flourish. The six stars resound in harmony, and ten thousand nations gather together. Above, the jade scepter is held upright, and the emperor's demeanor is dignified. He spreads the bright mandate of life and promotes the great transformation through divine power. He wishes to proclaim the blessings to the distant lands and share the auspicious gifts with the nobles. He offers the longevity of the southern mountain, and all the land sings the songs of the Zhou Dynasty. He ascends to the northern pole, spreading benevolence through the fragrant wind. Then, he dances before the crimson palace, bows twice to offer the wine of Tang Yao, and approaches the clouds to present his words. He bows towards the incense smoke and ascends and descends gracefully. As he proclaims the morning of blessings, he looks up and down with tranquility, opening the great longevity of heaven. His movements are proper, and his ceremonies are magnificent. He praises the hundred spirits for renewal and praises the ten thousand years for the beginning. He spreads joy and the six levels are corrected. He distributes the spring order, and the five teachings are lenient. Thus, it is known that our way of governance is boundless, and virtue spreads like the wind. The imperial way is great, and the green yang begins to rise. The thousand-year calendar is the same as Fu Xi's words. The five-colored wine cups are different from the offering to Handan. The celebration flows through Huaxia, and virtue matches heaven and earth. The calls bring together precious talismans, and timely auspicious signs are abundant. Therefore, the qilin and phoenix bring auspiciousness to the sacred virtue, and the sun and moon reveal light to the origin of transformation. Scholars witness the glory of the nation and sing of great blessings. On the New Year's Day, they admire the emperor's demeanor with divine halberds. The sound of their robes and jade pendants is magnificent, indeed the ceremony of the three dukes. The auspicious aura is intertwined, reaching the heavens above.

The myriad stars bow northward

To serve in the heavens. Only the celestial pole revolves around the myriad stars in their positions. It marks the imperial throne in the northern direction. Thus, the bright rotation is set up as an image, allowing the sages to take it as a model. The Hook Star takes its place in a row, guarding the celestial palace like a camp. The gates and towers are connected on the sides, resembling the 藩屏 of a kingdom. It shines brilliantly, as if receiving their duties. Remembering that the vital essence has no partiality, it aligns with the 辅助 virtues of heaven and earth. Gazing at the bright round image, admiring its clarity, it does not hide its light in obscurity. Enduringly, it is not subject to the waxing and waning of fate. Warning those not to be constant in their virtue, they were able to establish their abode. When the celestial realm is clear, the constellations intersect, like the myriad things adjusting the jade candle. Like the sage holding the golden mirror, guarding the treasure position while nurturing the multitude of life. In the jade and pearl, the seven stars are aligned. The celestial image, bowing to the north star, relies on this. The customs of all lands also turn towards civilization without deviation. United in the joy of one person, the myriad people know their home. Otherwise, how could they orbit the Yellow River? Circle the Purple Palace? Suddenly combining colors to reveal their essence, they ultimately shine together, dividing their brilliance. To the left or right, none are lacking. Small or great, how could they only be those? Examining the changes of time, knowing the formation of heaven is here. Looking up, one can distinguish the bright and dark. Internally, it is not blocked by distance. Thus, the clear rivers are linked, dotting the blue sky. The flowing colors do not stop, Shu Province still occupies two envoys. The round light gathers, Yingchuan should meet the worthy. Then one knows that those who dwell are at peace, and those who assist are numerous. The spokes together cannot compare to its circumference. The Big Dipper in the sky, who can match its comparison? It is also like the great sages establishing the extreme, the vassals coming to court. Raising the three geniuses, the Han dynasty flourished. Attracting many scholars, King Wen was at peace. If the sage could rectify the time, may they dwell among the stars.

The myriad people offer their blessings

The mountains then descend the divine. The ruler becomes a sage, embracing the blessings of ten thousand years to serve the joy of one person. Sincerity is felt, auspiciousness has emerged from rare sounds. The full number is sufficient to prove it. The way is expected for a long life. In the past, the Han virtue was at its peak, the divine and human were at peace. Displaying the grand ceremony of ascension, preparing the bright report of the heavenly law. Auspicious signs appeared, the bright virtue was fragrant. The imperial way flourished and was created. The heavenly heart awakened and revealed the spirit. It is only faint and indistinct, yet it is not thunder or lightning. If one observes the heart, the number has surpassed divination and auspiciousness. Not because of soaring words, the matter is entirely beyond dreams. Different from stone speech, now receiving the imperial blessings. The ruler listens with solemnity, the queens and consorts look around in astonishment. Surprised by the silence with no one, yet always filled with joy in the ears. The number is ten thousand, showing the long period. Calling three times, expressing the careful intention. Gazing at that Mount Song, reaching the sky and being equal in height. The bright god is everywhere, responding to feelings subtly. Descending joyous sounds to the green peaks, following the secret command from the high sky. Celebrating the prosperous time, the mountains and peaks hear the faint sound. This harmonious atmosphere, the hearts of all people are joyful. Heaven supports without partiality, the god descends to the virtuous. In the exhalation, it reveals the extraordinary. Assisting in sound and brightness, it is beyond measure. Who would say they do not know or understand? How can it be revealed that some speak and some are silent? It is magnificent to issue this great call, soaring its grand sound. Warning the spirits of the 谷, shaking the high forests of mountains and water. Circulating on cliffs and peaks, scattered over rugged terrain. Harmonizing with the distant notes of the clear wind, condensing the layers of green mist. If it were not to report the earth and heaven, to be diligent and filial, overflowing with virtue and spreading widely, then how could it follow the traces of the three sages? The years show the effect of ten thousand. Suddenly it resounds, then it sinks. Like the emerald splendor about to descend, looking back at the Grand Palace. How great! This is the grand event of the previous generation. Only our ruler can achieve it.

Worlds at Peace

Lofty Sage, whose teachings are divine. Embracing unity, myriad affairs are without disturbance. Establishing models, all gather in order. Holding to the heavens, grasping the core. The people establish models and stand. This is the transformation of the Way, bringing purity back to the eight directions. Laozi said, "The sage king does not lose. Protecting the world, he can endure. Leading the world, he guards unity. This is because of the wonder of unity. It crowns the four great ones and strengthens the use of names. Rectifying the myriad spirits, all order is in harmony. The marvelous and the non-existent merge, the subtle and the manifest are one. Removing the pure and simple, the truth is revealed. Clear and pure, without disturbance, easy and simple, yet not understood. Following the Yellow Emperor's quest for pearls, my true self has not been lost. Joining Zhuangzi's equality of things, my transformation is all trusted. Without scent, without sound, this is the imitation. It encompasses the rites and music of nature, nurturing benevolence and filial piety without favor. Removing extravagance and excess, only the essence of the ultimate Way remains. From west to east, all are blessed by the unspoken teaching. Is it not because unity is the fundamental form of the Way, the measure for governance? If one can hold onto the intangible, one can control all under heaven. It is like the Great Play's void being the foundation of the four campaigns. The sun has no second, serving as the head of the seven planets. Quietly holding the world, it pacifies China. Holding this essence, one achieves the profound. Thus, all are blessed with this wind, spreading from top to bottom, truly great. The highest virtue does not seek virtue, acting without acting. Protecting the spirit without dominating, nurturing the humble as if there were no private interest. Governance returns to the rope, without second commands. Order fosters bonds, setting the rules for the billions. Now my ruler surpasses the achievements of the five emperors, advancing the virtue of the three kings. Nurturing all under heaven, the four seasons are the handle. Quiet and reserved, the myriad states follow the model. Thus, the people flourish, ascending the spring platform to the realm of longevity.

Myriad acres of fine grain

Below the Southern Mountain, a place without people. Tilling here, balancing restlessness and tranquility. Labor is not to be shunned. Cold, they plow; hot, they cultivate. Celebration has its place. Suddenly, different fields yield the same ears. Stems grow parallel, admiring their lush color. Shoots unite, casting noble shadows. Here, one sees auspicious signs, also marveling at their difference. Compared to trees, it is the sign of intertwined branches. For humans, it is the meaning of unity of heart. The ears have been heard of in two grains. The stems are unique in nine ears. Is it not the reach of virtue? Truly, it is the achievement of the sage dynasty. Examining the auspicious signs, the year of abundance is relied upon. Wheat grows in pairs, able to match. Reed has three ridges, merely called. Surely, the divine granary can be stored. It is hoped to be offered in the temples. To offer to Yao on the steps, and to hear the abundant harvest. To ascend the divine offering, and to enter the steaming steam. The heavens operate silently, signs reveal virtue. Is there no fertile land? Yet it shines in our family. Is there no distant land? Yet it blesses this kingdom. Without fine produce, who would call it a guest's honor? The hearts of friends take joy in intertwined growth. The joy of brothers leads to caution in divided branches. Hearing Tang Shu's offering of praise, my ruler's peace ascends.

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King of All Flowers

With stars, there is scenery. With clouds, there is a companion. Its light hangs downward. It takes form with flowing matter. Plants obtain it and bloom as red blossoms. The most red of blossoms, it resides in peonies. It transcends all categories and surpasses norms. Its national fragrance surpasses orchids. Observing its physical nature, observe it in order. In late spring, the qi reaches its peak. Green buds like pearls. Clear morning dew lies still at night. Beautiful light drives away the morning. It moves and shakes its branches, as if resolving congealments. A hundred meridians flow smoothly. Its qi is unstoppable. Gentle sunlight spreads open. It shines fiercely. Beautiful skin and body, all forms are unparalleled. Brocade quilts cover each other. Embroidered curtains connect. Sunny cages are scented by day. Night dew is damp at night. Sometimes it towers elegantly. Sometimes it stands tall with dewy uniqueness. Sometimes it waves like a summons. Sometimes it appears thoughtful. Sometimes it faces the sun and embraces the steps. Sometimes it reflects its image on the pool. Sometimes the mountain rooster has tamed it. Sometimes the majestic phoenix is about to fly. Its forms are myriad, impossible to enumerate. Jade railings are filled with wind. Flowing clouds form waves. Climbing steps to high terraces, ten thousand blossoms in a thousand clusters. Horns and red lanterns compete. They vie with green maids. Playing shadows show beauty. They press against each other shoulder to shoulder. Seats surpass silver candles. Stoves rise with crimson smoke. Immortal sages meet in the cave. They gaze at each other, yet never speak. Arrays are set in the courtyard. Step screens open with clouds. Curved curtains hang over beams. Pines and bamboos add to it, as if stored in a deep inner chamber. As if separated by red gauze. Vaguely like the sighing Xi, vaguely like the elegant Guan. It transcends all categories, standing alone in spring. Its size is a foot. Its fragrance fills the room. Leaves like green feathers, embracing combs side by side. Buds like gold dust, adorning gentle beauty. According to flower classifications, this flower is first.

All Treasures Complete

When the Holy Emperor reaches the peak, he extends great coverage to all sides. Remembering that food is the treasure of the people, he prays to the vast sky for health. With refined movement and sincere feeling, he receives blessings from his generals. Then, in years of good fortune, he presents the land with abundant crops. Since the earth's richness has nourished liquids in the mist, all living things flourish. Facing the golden wind, they offer fruits. Wet with jade dew, they hold fragrance. Red ears spread fragrance, white ears hang with ears. The barley of the north is like forests. The ears of the jade mountain are full of fields. Who is Su Hou? Bright moon falls scattered on the fields. Suspended jade forms green. It fills the alleys. Not only do farmers celebrate, but it is also 珍 of the imperial screen. Rolling the six ears of fire, crossing the different stems of Cang Ji. The middle caps of Jishou, what can compare to your auspiciousness. Then, join thousands of couples to the marshes, holding scythes to harvest. Build fields and gardens in the wilderness, gathering heavy ears. Taking granaries from three hundred, leaving sheaves along the road. Widows and widowers pick resources, cherishing the blessings of the holy age. High granaries are stored, like combs side by side and walls high. Making clear wine and cold nectar, and resting to enjoy the abundance. Ascend the hall to celebrate birthdays, offering sheaves to the public. The red grass of the middle court, and the flowers of the spring garden, though the auspiciousness of the emperors, how could they help the people. Who knows that the prosperity of farming is the beauty, it is the life of the people. The world holds food in abundance, surely it will use pottery and images to solve the sun and moon ropes. Chorus: Only the sage, compassionate, governs ten thousand states. With one virtue, he ascends to the nine lights. Warm liquid pours on the earth, offering auspiciousness. The western land of Shu is abundant with a hundred things. Gods and immortals celebrate, happy and healthy. Only the sage, ten thousand years, may there be no boundless blessings.

The Ten Thousand Year Emperor

The vermilion court is magnificent and spacious. Entering the inner chambers, one extends their gaze. It seems like the capital of the true realm, with the surrounding halls adorned with jade. Here, the osmanthus is wrapped in Xiang silk, the orchid shades the eaves. The jade-like treasures sway in the wind, and the precious agates glisten like rain. Truly the realm of the divine, where the rarest of creatures reside. How can this weak and humble plant be so favored? Its stem is like jade cut from unadorned 璞, its leaves are like fragments of blue-green jade. Its color contains the essence of red ointment, and its fruit is ripe like autumn. Nourished by the fertile center, it is called the Eastern Heaven Tree. It is said that Nuwa mended the blue void with it, and Gongsun wore it on a distant ascent. It came from the Western Sea, planted in the lotus garden. The wind god Feilian halted its chariot for it, and Fengyi ceased its dance. At this time, Shennong did not yet know of medicine, and Houji had not yet sown grains. The millet ear was still hidden, and the dodder remained concealed. The orchid was mixed with mushrooms, and the club moss grew alongside the toxic aconite. Things unknown to Shennong, and unrecorded in the Qi Qi. It was raised in the divine marsh garden and named in the hall of the spiritual. Now, its fragrance overshadows the asafoetida and galangal, its aura rivals the bamboo. Dense as the finest mist, it is arranged like stars. The sea reed and the sea shrimp cannot match its purity. The fragrant lotus and the aromatic land cannot compare to its scent. It shines brilliantly above the nine gates, and moves gracefully beside the three steps.

The Ten Thousand Li Stirrup

In the Northern Ocean, there is a fish named Kun. It lies across the seabed, narrow at the Dragon Gate. Its eyes gleam like the moon, never setting. Its mouth opens wide, ready to swallow the long voyage. One day, it rode the cycle of yin and yang, met the master of creation. It shed its scales, grew wings and feathers. Its back bears mountains, pressing the rugged peaks of the sea. Its feet stand on mountains, while the waves rise and fall. Its vision is vast, its prowess unmatched by the ancients. Those who pass by Lu Gate number in the hundreds, yet none dare to witness it. Those who come from Qiaozi form flocks, and are too numerous to count. With this extraordinary and brave heart, it has its merits. As it stretches its wings to the sky, it stirs the great waves. The sea god stirs behind it, while Yanghou surges ahead. It is turbulent, it is brilliant. The dragons and turtles are frightened, the islands tremble. At this height, between the upper and the highest, it spans three thousand miles. Connected to the sea's movement, it grasps the wind with ease. The wind god Feilian moves swiftly, the whirlwind turns abruptly. It is fierce, it is ethereal. The sea mist is obscured by its light, the mountains and valleys change color. At this height, between the high and the highest, it soars ninety thousand miles. Its feet tread the primordial energy, its back brushes the celestial clarity. It points to the heavenly pool and gathers far away, it presses the high road and travels swiftly. It aligns with the times, its path follows the moment. It leaves behind the mortal world, embracing its carefree spirit.

Myriad Schools Converge

How vast! The sea is vast and boundless. Its edges are indistinct, its appearance unfathomable. It benefits all things to cultivate virtue, uniting all rivers as its head. Gentle yet humble, it embraces vastness like a deep chasm. Holding all streams, it converges. Observing the return of all currents. Thus, for those who face uncertainty, its depth is beyond measure. For those who seek to cross, its width is beyond praise. Examining its nature, one finds it in gentleness. At its source, it begins with a single scoop, gradually expanding. Its circulation is endless, like its flow over three years. In ancient times, when floods ravaged, Yu the Great managed them. After dredging Kunlun's channels, he marked the southern lands. Thus, he guided the waters far beyond, not stopping them with obstructions. He chose to receive them with virtue, achieving greatness. He understood the wisdom of avoiding heights and embraced the principle of nourishing from below. He began with moisture, imagining its vast approach, and ended like fertile land absorbing heat. Seeing its endless flow. Understanding that water returns to valleys, the sea never tires of depth. It is vast. It has no fear of overflowing. It is fine yet unstoppable. Thus, all streams converge. Different sources will merge. It flows without depletion, seen only in its currents. Full yet not overflowing, it further expands like the sea. How vast the great ocean! None can compare. For ten thousand miles, waves gather. Four seasons are calm. The Jing River cannot mix its turbidity. The Wei River cannot enhance its clarity. It does not surge with waves or foam. It alone maintains fullness and achieves perfection. Thus, all caves rush to join. The nine rivers align. Like clouds following dragons, birds following phoenixes. It resembles one ruling a nation, with all lands paying tribute. May it embody tolerance, a lesson in accepting impurities. Thus, one knows the sea is the king of rivers and valleys, gaining all through its width.

Ten Thousand Canes Facing the Sky

In ancient times, when sages ruled the world, they distinguished directions, wore robes, created hand plates, and organized frameworks. All was clear, with virtue and talent evident. They modeled after heaven and earth, embodying yin and yang. To display ability outwardly, they combined external elegance with inner substance. To show humility before others, they were round above and square below. The significance of the cane was far and great. Xiao He established its profound principles. Guo Pu explained its subtle meanings. They sought the essence of its use and the origins of its creation. They selected bamboo and ivory, planning and designing. They studied and admired, crafting with skill and brilliance. They shone like flying clouds, adorned with flowing time. Their forms were unique, their patterns exquisite. They embodied the five mountains and four seas. Above, they reached the 君帝; below, the common people. Some resembled fish whiskers, displaying their patterns. Some were like jade tablets, expressing their beauty. Thus, red and purple did not overshadow each other, and all ranks were in order. How virtuous! They cultivated upright and balanced nature, with fair character and proper conduct. Between them, jade crowns and white hair shone. Opposite them, colorful ribbons and ice-clear garments stood. They moved with books, bowed with respect. In temples, they wore them to offer sacrifices. In courts, they stood straight to receive orders. How could they be dismissed or commanded by things? Even though they wore crowns and robes, adorned with patterns, they were merely for court ceremonies. Who could match them in virtue?