[English translation] 业火苍云歌 - Song of Hellfire and Ashen Clouds

The original cover that I intended to put was taken down from Youtube. I especially liked the opera singing in Ba Du's cover.
This is the video from Bilibili: https://www.bilibili.com/video/av8367029/

原唱//Original vocal：音频怪物 (Yin Pin Guai Wu)
作编曲//Music：TONY_MS
作词//Lyrics：荀夜羽 (Xun Ye Yu)

翻唱//Cover: Lao干妈 (Lao Gan Ma) [In the Youtube video above]

翻唱(戏腔)//Cover (opera singing)：八度 (Ba Du) [In the Bilibili video]

***

谁在翻云覆雨掌控这天下

燃三界烽火当赏红莲炎华

战鬼转生自然历灭天劫杀

是英雄就要耐得寂寥萧飒

Who’s stirring up storms to seize control of this world

Igniting war on realms of mortals and immortals alike, rightfully rewarded the tortures of hell

The warrior’s ghost incarnate has naturally seen the worst of catastrophes

One who calls himself a hero must endure bleak solitude

为守千秋霸业做漂泊生涯

拼死搏杀胜负往往只一刹

恩怨不提只因为无从做答

宿命无情索性莫要在意它

To defend my grand ambitions I live a wandering life

Battling to the death, difference between victory and defeat made oft in split seconds

Grace and vengeance shall not be addressed, as there’s simply nowhere to start

Fate’s merciless anyway, so I pay it no mind at all

男儿自当磊落

胸怀凌云壮阔

历经生死劫破

荡尽乾坤浑浊

Men should be open and frank

With guts rivaling the breadth of heaven

Brave through tribulations of life and death

Exhausting the entirety of this murky world

为你坠星劫火

换我堕天心魔

此生荣辱功过

休管他人做何评说

I down the stars and rob its flames for you

In turn I fall out of grace with heaven into demonic paths

For my lifetime glories and shames, achievements and failings, 

I care nothing for the judgement of others

关山 为血脉 谁肯割舍

拓疆土 与英魂对酌

江河 横利刃 哪个来夺

守家国 以血赋长歌

For one’s own flesh and blood, who’d be willing to part with their homeland

We’d expand our borders, and toast with heroic souls

Before our rivers I brandish my blade, who dares to come claim?

To defend my homeland, a song shall be written in blood

因你 勘不透 内心执着

荣华梦 千秋换予我

毁天灭地 便重新雕琢

举身赴山河 换你回眸一顾 秋波

Because you fail to see through your obsessions

Your dream of eternal glory becomes mine to own

Even with total destruction of heaven and land, I’ll sculpt it back again 

I charged into battle, in exchange for your rippling glance back at me

为守千秋霸业做漂泊生涯

拼死搏杀胜负往往只一刹

恩怨不提只因为无从做答

宿命无情索性莫要在意它

To defend my grand ambitions I live a wandering life

Battling to the death, difference between victory and defeat made oft in split seconds

Grace and vengeance shall not be addressed, as there’s simply nowhere to start

Fate’s merciless anyway, so I pay it no mind at all

酒方尽惬意时

负陌刀策飞马 

纵千里快哉风 

袭万里月霜沙 

Still in ecstasy after a drink

Carrying my blade, I drove a dashing horse

Over hundreds of miles like a hurricane

Assailing thousand miles of frost and sand under the moon

喋血刃绽朱花 

射苍狼星挂甲 

宣武讨战争霸

男儿自当立于天下

Killer blades bloomed crimson flowers

Arrows shot the armored Wolf Star

Declaring war, goading battles, fighting for dominance

Men ought stand proudly on their own under heaven

出鞘 一步外 平山破浪

引风雷 哪个敢来挡

设防 盾围内 铁壁铜墙

势如虹 谁人妄逞强

One step away, my unsheathed blade made mountains razed and broken waves

Drawing thunder and wind, who dares get in my way

Defenses set, within shield walls of impregnable iron and bronze

Facing such unstoppable forces, who dares flaunt their bravado

若果 入苍云 注定沧桑

以血 染江山 又何妨

悍将 渴战 舐刀头血凉

不知吾心者 切莫笑

轻狂

If devotion to the Ashen Clouds dooms us to vicissitudes 

What’s the fuss if the landscape should be dyed with our blood

For a vicious warrior thirsting for battle, blood on his blade shall cool his tongue

Those ignorant of my heart, laugh not

At my brazen arrogance

微醺意正酣

追风天嗣横

崩星卷飒沓

猎猎裹裘轻

雁门锁雕翎

敌血染红缨

Tipsy to the point of bliss

The warrior god dominates upon his steed

An avalanche of stars swept up behind him

His fur cloak flutters in the wind

Archers locked behind Yanmen Gate

Enemy blood dyes his tassel red

出鞘 一步外 平山破浪

引风雷 哪个敢来挡

设防 盾围内 铁壁铜墙

势如虹 谁人妄逞强

One step away, my unsheathed blade made mountains razed and broken waves

Drawing thunder and wind, who dares get in my way

Defenses set, within shield walls of impregnable iron and bronze

Facing such unstoppable forces, who dares flaunt their bravado

不知吾心者 切莫笑

轻狂

Those ignorant of my heart, laugh not

At my brazen arrogance

***

Translator's note:

If this isn't a manly song I don't know what is. 

It's really quite fun to attempt translation for songs with different sets of emotions (as compared to the usual, of the softer, gentler, melancholic variety we usually get).

But again, there's quite a number of terminology that's quite culturally specific, and makes references to mythology. I'm not sure if I've done them justice, but I tried my best. E.g. 红莲炎华 (or 红莲业火, "hellfire of red lotus") meaning tortures of hell. 

Background for the song: it's a song devoted to the Ashen Cloud sect, one of the two warrior sects as far as I'm aware of, from the Chinese MMORPG game Jiang Wang 3. 

[English translation] 锦鲤抄 - Tale of the Koi

演唱// Vocal：云の泣/ 银临 (Yun zhi Qi / Yin Lin)

作词// Lyrics：慕清明 (Mu Qing Ming)

作曲// Composer：银临 (Yin Lin)

编曲// Arrangement：灰原穷 (Hui Yuan Qiong)

混缩// Compress：灰原穷 (Hui Yuan Qiong)

文案

宁武皇仁光九年锦文轩刻本《异闻录》载:

扶桑画师浅溪，居泰安，喜绘鲤。院前一方荷塘，锦鲤游曳，溪常与嬉戏。

其时正武德之乱，藩镇割据，战事频仍，魑魅魍魉，肆逆于道。兵戈逼泰安，街邻皆逃亡，独溪不舍锦鲤，未去。

是夜，院室倏火。有人入火护溪，言其本鲤中妖，欲取溪命，却生情愫，遂不忍为之。翌日天明，火势渐歇，人已不见。

溪始觉如梦，奔塘边，但见池水干涸，莲叶皆枯，塘中鲤亦不知所踪。

自始至终，未辨眉目，只记襟上层迭莲华，其色魅惑，似血着泪。

后有青岩居士闻之，叹曰:魑祟动情，必作灰飞。犹蛾之投火耳，非愚，乃命数也。

Story

Originated during the reign of Emperor Ning Wu, ninth year of Ren Guang, the ancient texts in “Record of Strange Tales” writes:

Qian Xi, a painter from Fusang who lived in Tai’an, was especially fond of painting koi. In the waterlily pond at his yard koi fishes swam. He played with them often.

During the Chaos of Wu De, land was divided, and wars frequent still. Evils of all kind wrecked havoc across the realm. When armies approached Tai’an, all of Xi’s neighbours fled, but him alone stayed, for he could not bear to leave his fishes.

Night fell when his house went up in a blaze. A person entered the fire to protect Qian Xi. The person claimed to be a koi fish demon who intended to take Xi’s life, but developed feelings for him and couldn’t bring itself to do the deed. When dawn broke the following day, the fire died down, and the person had disappeared. 

Qian Xi, thinking it was all a dream, ran to his pond, and found the water dried, the water lilies withered, and the koi fishes nowhere to be seen.

From beginning till the end, he could not recollect its appearance, except the layered colors upon its collar, overlapping like lotus petals, dazzling and striking, as if made of blood and tears.

Later when the Hermit of Qing Yan heard of the story, he sighed and commented, “when demons are moved by emotions, they’re doomed to become flying ashes. Akin to the moth drawn to fire, it’s not foolishness, but fate.”

***

蝉声陪伴着行云流浪

回忆开始后安静遥望远方

荒草覆没的古井枯塘

匀散一缕过往

Cicada cries travel with the wandering clouds

I quietly looked into the distance when memories began

The ancient well and dried pond hidden in overgrown weeds

Diffused a streak of the past

晨曦惊扰了陌上新桑

风卷起庭前落花穿过回廊

浓墨追逐着情绪流淌

染我素衣白裳

Dawn awakened young mulberry trees by the country path

Winds stirred fallen flowers in the courtyard and passed through its cloisters

Ink chases the torrent of emotions

And dyed my plain white robe

阳光微凉 琴弦微凉 

风声疏狂 人间仓皇

呼吸微凉 心事微凉

流年匆忙 对错何妨

Slightly cold was the sunlight, slightly cold were zither strings

Wild was the wind, and hastily goes the mortal world

Slightly cold was my breath, slightly cold were my thoughts

So hurriedly the years flow by, why matter with rights and wrongs

你在尘世中辗转了千百年

却只让我看你最后一眼

火光描摹容颜燃尽了时间

别留我一人 孑然一身

凋零在梦境里面

You’ve wandered through the mortal world for hundreds and thousands of ages

Yet you allow me but one final glimpse 

The flames sketched your likeness, then burned through time itself

Don’t leave me all alone, bare and desolate

to wilt away in my dreams 

萤火虫愿将夏夜遗忘

如果终究要挥别这段时光

裙袂不经意沾了荷香

从此坠入尘网

Fireflies would wish to forget summer nights

If in the end they had to say goodbye to these times

My dress and sleeves heedlessly caught the fragrance of water lilies 

And I since fell into mortal’s net

屐齿轻踩着烛焰摇晃

所有喧嚣沉默都描在画上

从惊蛰一路走到霜降

泪水凝成诗行

Wooden sandals gently stepped past wavering candlelights

All clamors and silences sketched onto the paintings

Walking from the season of spring bugs till snowfall
Tears condensed into poetic lines

灯花微凉 笔锋微凉

难绘虚妄 难解惆怅

梦境微凉 情节微凉

迷离幻象 重叠忧伤

Slightly cold was the burnt candlewick, slightly cold was the drawing brush tip 

Difficult it is to sketch the surreal, difficult it is to resolve grief

Slightly cold was the realm of dreams, slightly cold was the story within

Disorientating illusions and phantasms, sadness overlapping upon sadness

原来诀别是因为深藏眷恋

你用轮回换我枕边月圆

我愿记忆停止在枯瘦指尖

随繁花褪色 尘埃散落 渐渐地渐渐搁浅

I only realized you bade farewell because of your deep hidden love

You incarnated to make me whole again

I wish memories would halt at the tip of these thin fingers

And fade with the flowers, scattered as dust, and slowly, slowly, be washed ashore

多年之后 我又梦到那天

画面遥远 恍惚细雨绵绵

Many years later, I dreamt of that day again

The scene was distant, like an endless drizzling rain

如果来生太远寄不到诺言

不如学着放下许多执念

以这断句残篇向岁月吊唁

老去的当年 水色天边 有谁将悲欢收殓

If our coming lives prove too distant for promises

Why don’t we learn to let go of our many obsessions

With these broken verses I mourn bygone years

Those aged years, by horizons the hue of water, who will lay down our joys and sorrows for their eternal rest

蝉声陪伴着行云流浪

回忆的远方

Cicada cries travel with the wandering clouds

To distances of memories past

***

I love how vivid some of the lyrics here are. Some examples that especially struck home with me was "Many years later, I dreamt of that day again; the scene was distant, like an endless drizzling rain." Simple and powerful. (More so in the original language, where I feel that the imagery evoked is even stronger.) 

Anyway, the "Record of Strange Tales" is a fictional book. But there is a historical literature piece in this genre (horror, I guess? With a dash of paranormal romance?), "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio" (聊斋志异). It has a collection of stories featuring relationships between humans and demons, some heartwarming, some sinister. Animal demons that cultivate into human forms is a prevailing figure in Chinese folklore. 

[English translation] 故人叹 - An Old Friend's Sigh

作词//Lyrics：胡芳芳 (Hu Fang Fang)
作曲//Music：温应鸿 (Wen Ying Hong)
编曲//Arrangement：王朝 (Wang Chao)
原唱//Original vocal：吴琼 (Wu Qiong)
演唱//Cover：王胖子、排骨节操收割机、西瓜JUN (Wang Pang Zi, Pai Gu Jie Cao Shou Ge Ji, Xi Gua JUN)
后期//Post-production：排骨节操收割机 (Pai Go Jie Cao Shou Ge Ji)
修改版后期//Post-production for new version：西瓜JUN (Xi Gua JUN)


-------

风沙漫延 扰乱晴天
丹心照明月
遥望城外 兵器相见
浮生又一劫

Looming dust and sand muddled the clear sky
Only a loyal heart shone against the moon

Looking out the city walls where arms clashed

Yet another catastrophe for all lives

君独守皇宫已非昨日威严

谁在此哽咽

故人一直就站在君的面前

不问也不怨

You guard your palace alone, without the majesty of yesterdays

Who sobs here?

An old friend had always stood in your wake

With no questions nor complaints

*

君本意欲寿与天齐

留万代功名

故人西辞不问情意

有何难说明

You yearned for longevity rivalling the heavens

And leave a lasting legacy for generations to come

The old friend left with no regards for past affections

What’s so hard to explain about that

打乱了君一统天下的约定

谁可以同行

原来不需要用战争去平定

要先得人心

Our plans to unify the world under heaven together
Who can now journey with you?
You didn’t have to win it all with wars
But first win the hearts of people

故人发已衰白 风尘覆盖 

不奢求重来

只盼君能 收起战台 

断头换不来

The old friend’s hair has turned white, dusted by trials in time
We cannot hope to rewind

The only hope lies, where you could resign the fight

All’s not worth losing one’s life 

最后的城墙破开 登高望海

一片烟火海

无能为力 尸遍满地

故人心已远

With the final gates breached, looking out a high vantage point
Was a sea of smoke and flames

Helplessly watch bodies strewn across the lands

The old friend’s heart had long faded into the distance

[Repeat*]


手一挥 膝一跪

拿玉杯赐天下无罪

没有人 喊万岁

只有故人看君落泪

Arms flung, knees down

With a jade cup raised, you absolved all sins under heaven 

No one to hail “long live the emperor”
Only an old friend present to witness your falling tears

君萧萧 拨剑鞘

还以为就此一了百了

人在生 责在身 

与谁同归都不可能

A pitiful sight, you drew your sword 

Thinking it will be the end of all

Born and bound in duties

There is no others with whom to walk this path to the end

故人发已衰白 风尘覆盖 

不奢求重来

只盼君能 收起战台 

断头换不来

The old friend’s hair has turned white, dusted by trials in time
We cannot hope to rewind

The only hope lies, where you could resign the fight

All’s not worth losing one’s life 

最后的城墙破开 登高望海

一片烟火海

无能为力 尸遍满地

故人心已远

With the final gates breached, looking out a high vantage point
Was a sea of smoke and flames

Helplessly watch bodies strewn across the lands

The old friend’s heart had long faded into the distance


[Repeat chorus]


****


At the height of summer, a new emperor ascended the throne. With it, came great hopes for the unification of the world under heaven. Renowned warrior and shrewd courtier from his early days, this handsome monarch would achieve all, and live forever in the glorious pages of history. That was what many believed.

His noble ambition naturally drew the support of many. Among them, there was one youth in particular, a shining gem among men. The emperor knew talent when he saw it. With warm wine and mild candlelight, they'd converse through many long nights, sketching the empire's future on a sprawling map. There was also the spark of mutual admiration in their eyes, and the genuine gratitude that each had for the other. The emperor had not hesitate to call the youth his true friend.

A genius with the emperor's full trust, what a fearsome force it was. Battles after battles won. Cities captured. Territory expanded. The emperor quickly distinguished himself a formidable power among his enemies.

As much as the emperor, son of heaven himself, had the mandate of the gods, he was not immune to follies of the common. To have risen to so high a place, the emperor became drunk on his success. His ambition grew, his patience waned. He found the words of his friend less agreeable by the day. Once an invigorating presence, now grated on his ears. The friend said things like 'This war is not necessary.' and 'First win the hearts of people, do not make haste!" And the worst of all, 'Forgive me sire, but this is only to satiate your own ego. You are being unwise!'

He thinks himself indispensable. The emperor was set to remind him of his place. He sought his friend's council less and less. Even when his advice was given, they were seldom heard. The other courtiers hadn't troubled themselves to reconcile the emperor with his former favorite.

Dejected and ignored, the friend requested to be released from service. Why? The emperor asked. I'm growing old and sickly, unable to be of much help to you. The friend gave an equally disingenuous reply. Nonsense. You're still strong enough to chastise me. The emperor chuckled and waved his hand. He then rose from his seat, walked to his friend, and clasped his shoulders. Have faith in me. Stay, will you?

So the friend stayed, and watched his predictions come true.

Rebellions broke out. Cities after cities fell. Loyal men slaughtered in battle. Almost as quickly as his empire was built, it crumbled. It came to the very last city, the capital. People fled, and the palace deserted.

The emperor refused to leave. He walked up to the balcony and looked over his capital. It was, after all, his duty to see it to the very end.

Behind him, his old friend stood alone in the silent hall, devoid of praise for the esteemed emperor, son of heaven.

A great roar erupted in the distance. The gates had been breached. Flames and smoke spread across the lands and obscured the evening sky. Everywhere he looked, there were pieces of his selfish dream of honor and glory, in ember and ashes. Fortune had a peculiar sense of humor. The emperor couldn't help but laugh. Bitter tears couldn't put out this fire.

He filled his jade cup with wine and went down on his knees. Lifting the cup, the symbol of his authority, the emperor granted pardon to all sins under heaven.

"There shall be no one to blame. No one to blame."

That was his last decree, before he unsheathed his sword and drew a bloody end to his reign.

The friend paid his full obeisance, stood, and left. As he walked out the palace gates, into the burning capital, he thought of the emperor's graying hair, and his own. How many decades have elapsed? They had been companions only in name. Ultimately, born and bound in duties of one's own, each have their lonely path to walk to the end.


****

易水诀 Farewell by Yi River - Story Behind the Song

These are historical events detailed in "Records of the Grand Historian", under "Assassins' Chronicles" (《史记·刺客列传》).

***

Jing Ke lived in the kingdom of Yan during the warring period of China. He was a capable man, well-read and skilled with the sword, earning his share of reputation among the elites.

During his stay in Yan, he crossed path with a musician who played the “Zhu” (an ancient stringed instrument, similar to a zither, struck with a stick) exceptionally well. His name was Gao Jian Li. They became fast friends. The pair often walked through the streets drunk, with Gao striking his Zhu, while Jing Ke singing and clapping to the musical beats. They laughed and cried together, completely absorbed in their pursuit, mindless of the looks from the crowd.

But those were tumultuous times, where kingdoms fought bloody wars for dominance over the central plains. To the west, there’s the rapidly expanding power, the kingdom of Qin. The monarch Ying Zheng seated on its throne will later be known as Qin Shi Huang Di, the first emperor to unite China.

Ying Zheng’s army crushed neighbouring kingdoms with terrifying force and speed, devouring the north like a silkworm would a mulberry leaf. Prince Dan of Yan, fearful of the threat that encroached on his kingdom, sought council with wise men of the kingdom. Jing Ke was then introduced to the prince.

It was decided that Jing Ke shall be sent as an emissary to the king of Qin to negotiate peace by surrendering Yan cities…... in name, that is. Within the scroll of map that he would unroll in the king's vicinity concealed a poisoned dagger.

On the day of Jing Ke’s departure, Prince Dan and Gao Jian Li bade farewell for Jing Ke by Yi river. All dressed in sombre white. All knew, whether his mission succeeded or failed, this wasn’t one he could return from.

As Jing Ke made his way to his carriage, Gao Jian Li started playing his Zhu. Jing Ke clapped with each beat, and sang with a wistful tune. He ended the song with a striking “Shrill winds rise, waters cold; the hero shall go and never come home!” And left without once looking back.

Alas, the mission failed. Ying Zheng survived. Jing Ke died. Five years later, the kingdom of Yan fell to Qin.

Gao Jian Li, known for his talent for the Zhu, was brought to Ying Zheng. Wary of the musician because of his connections to Jing Ke, the king ordered him blinded, thinking it would nullify his threat. Jian Li was then granted the position of court musician. He played spectacularly every time, earning the king’s trust. Just as the king was completely captivated by his performance, he smashed his lead-filled Zhu towards the king. His efforts were in vain, and the king had him killed. Thus, by his relentless wish to avenge his friend, Gao Jian Li too perished.

[English translation] 易水诀 - Farewell by Yi River

总策划//Main producer：木宁木蒙 (Mu Ning Mu Meng)
企划运营//Project manager：塔库 (Ta Ku)
监制//Supervisor：落落无尘、卿雅、小仙、克迪奥洛夫斯基 (Luo Luo Wu Chen, Qin Ya, Xiao Xian, Ke Di Ao Luo Fu Si Ji <something-something-ovsky... I have no idea>)
作曲// Music：银临 (Yin Lin)
编曲//Arrangement：灰原穷 (Hui Yuan Qiong)
作词//Lyrics：慕清明 (Mu Qing Ming)
视频：溺水金鱼【麻薯映像】(Drowned goldfish / Ni Shui Jing Yu [Mochi pictures])
曲绘：花开之所 (Hua Kai Zhi Suo)


[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]

Shrill winds rise, waters cold; the hero shall go and never come home.

***

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　风萧萧兮易水寒
[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　炽烈肝胆

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　壮士一去不复还

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　心决然

Shrill winds rise, waters cold

Fiery passions in his guts

The hero shall go and never come home

His heart is set

风萧萧兮易水寒

壮士一去不复还

阵云昏  逝水黯

怕触目霜雪衣冠

清肃容颜  炽烈肝胆

心决然

Shrill winds rise, waters cold

The hero shall go and never come home

Storm clouds dim, currents dark

I dread seeing him clothed in stark white garbs

His visage solemn, and fiery passions in his guts

His heart is set

风萧萧兮易水寒
壮士一去不复还
陈年酒  尚余半
添入往事尝浓淡
敬你我俱能从容踏狂澜

Shrill winds rise, waters cold
The hero shall go and never come home
Still with half our aged wine left
Adding flavors to our past
A toast to us both, for our grace in traversing wild storms


最怕是独活  最狠是回忆
当年燕市击筑扬歌在耳际
倾十分孤勇  步无归命局
明朝少年邀同醉　白头人间何处你

I fear most to survive alone, I’m pained most by our memories
Zither music in the town streets from past years echoed still in our ears
You gave all your courage, and stepped into this ill-fated scheme

When invited for a drink on the morrow, where could you be?

浮生旧事多不值一提

除却曾得知音你

浩然江海与苍茫天地　都将替我铭记

Most of the past don’t deserve to be mentioned

Except the fact I’ve met my soulmate, you

Rivers and open seas, endless breadth of heaven and earth, shall remember for me

光阴坦荡若飞鸿雪泥

采撷传说里的相遇别离

珍藏在西风古道清明雨

Time is frank with its transcience and brevity

Picking out the meetings and partings in legends

And cherished them within west winds through ancient streets, and rains on remembrance day

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　风萧萧兮易水寒

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　炽烈肝胆

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　壮士一去不复还

[风萧兮易水寒　壮士去不复还]　心决然

Shrill winds rise, waters cold

Fiery passions in his guts

The hero shall go and never come home

His heart is set

风萧萧兮易水寒
壮士一去不复还
仓促梦  狼藉盏
梦里朗笑归远帆
共睹你舍身相护的河山

Shrill winds rise, waters cold
The hero shall go and never come home
What a hurried dream, in the midst of scattered cups
In that dream came your clear laughter from a returning voyage
Together we witnessed the lands you defended with your life

故友长别离  故国成追忆

当年燕市击筑扬歌在耳际
倾十分孤勇  步无归命局
明朝少年邀同醉　白头人间何处你

Old friends separated, old kingdom turned memories

Zither music in the town streets from past years echoed still in our ears

You gave all your courage, and stepped into this ill-fated scheme

When invited for a drink on the morrow, where could you be?

浮生旧事多不值一提

除却曾得知音你

浩然江海与苍茫天地　都将替我铭记

Most of the past don’t deserve to be mentioned

Except the fact I’ve met my soulmate, you

Rivers and open seas, endless breadth of heaven and earth, shall remember for me

光阴坦荡若飞鸿雪泥

采撷传说里的相遇别离

珍藏在西风古道清明雨

Time is frank with its transcience and brevity

Picking out the meetings and partings in legends

And cherished them within west winds through ancient streets, and rains on remembrance day

烽烟乱世中怀抱勇气

慨然孤注手中棋

放浪形骸的江湖岁月

滚烫一点一滴

We embrace courage within this chaotic, war-torn world

And handsomely threw in our bets

Our carefree wandering days

Turned into scalding drops and drips

原来生死之交这命题

是毋庸许什么豪言誓语

就并辔奔赴下一世风雨

So it was realized, the thing with sworn friends for life and death

Is the needlessness of passionate words and vows

But just riding side by side towards the storms of our next lives

***

Translator’s note:

• Qing Ming, or Tomb Sweeping Day, is as its name describes. It’s a day of remembrance for those who have passed. Both "西风古道" and "清明雨" reference other ancient poems with somber themes (though these date much later than the famous line starred in this song).

• “风萧萧兮易水寒，壮士一去不复还。” This phrase is from the Song of Yi River. A more literal translation would be “The winds are shrill, Yi waters cold; the hero goes and never returns.” I modified it for the sake of rhyme and smoother cadences. I'll post the story separately here so this one doesn't get too long. 

I think a lot of the charm of this song is knowing the heartbreaking story behind it. It is an actual historical event detailed in the Records of the Grand Historian (史记), involving the very famous (or infamous) Qin Shi Huang Di, the emperor who united China and ordered the production of those terracotta armies we see today. 

(And can we take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous the video is. I absolutely love it.)


EDIT: Changed "rains during Qing Ming" to "rains on remembrance day", because alliterations are fun. 

EDIT (7/12/2020): Shout out to Youtube user juann in the comments, and all who helped put up/approve the annotations in the official Sanwu music video. Thanks very much! I just recently realized it's up there and it really made my day. You guys are awesome! Cheers!

[English translation] 洛阳夜雨 - Rainy nights in Luoyang

作词/文案/美工// Lyrics/Story/Art：梁阿渣 (Liang A Zha)

作曲/编曲//Music & arrangement：Winky诗 (Winky Shi)

演唱//Vocal：HITA

和声//Harmonics：Braska

混音/母帶//Mix/Master tape：安迪 (An Di)

题字//Calligraphy：零雨其蒙蒙 (Ling Yu Qi Meng Meng)

说来应数洛阳夜雨 惹得人唏嘘

荒草浅滩寒鸦嘶啼 洛阳孤城闭

别后 时而梦中起 挑灯听淅沥

洗落池中青青浮萍 沉浮不由己

Of all lamentable matters, do consider the rainy nights in Luoyang

By sparse reeds and shallow banks the crows screeched, that lonely city of Luoyang closed to the world

Since our parting, I sometimes wake from my dreams, and with a lantern lit, listen to the pattering rain

Wash into the pond of duckweeds, bobbing haplessly in the waters not by their own will

该笑我 宿命在烽烟里愈渐清晰

乱世中 逃不出征轮轧过的轨迹

How laughable, that my fate should come clearer in signalling smokes

In times of chaos, one cannot escape the tracks of warring chariots

我伸手抚你眉上寒霜 无言空相觑

暗火下掌心 错乱纹理

何必论万千俗人口舌 抛冷眼几记

我只贪求你 承认一句

我转手云雨 只为了你

I reached out and brushed the frost over your brows, while we stared at each other wordlessly

Under dim lights, the lines of your palm criss-crossed haphazardly

Why bother with gossips of the vulgar masses, and the many cold glances they throw

I plead you only to acknowledge one thing

That I stir up winds and rains, solely for your sake

有一年春海棠得意 廊前有愁绪

紫陌之上绵延天际 落三千花雨

料得 最怕旧回忆 只剩你身影

沸反盈天刹那平息 屈下了双膝

Spring one year when the begonia flowers were especially charming, by the corridor resided someone’s melancholy

Over violet fields the endless sky stretched, raining down petals in thousands

I guess what I fear most, is your figure alone, abandoned in my memories

The cacophony of people suddenly hushed, and you went on your knees

该笑我 宿命在烽烟里愈渐清晰

乱世中 逃不出征轮轧过的轨迹

How laughable, that my fate should come clearer in signalling smokes

In times of chaos, one cannot escape the tracks of warring chariots

我伸手抚你眉上寒霜 无言空相觑

暗火下掌心 错乱纹理

何必论万千俗人口舌 抛冷眼几记

我只贪求你 承认一句

我转手云雨 只为了你

I reached out and brushed the frost over your brows, while we stared at each other wordlessly

Under dim lights, the lines of your palm criss-crossed haphazardly

Why bother with gossips of the vulgar masses, and the many cold glances they throw

I plead you only to acknowledge one thing

That I stir up winds and rains, solely for your sake

虽无幸 能够携你遍踏洛阳夜雨

亦冥顽 且用余生换得一份长情

Though not fortunate enough to walk through the rainy nights in Luoyang with you

Still, I’m stubborn enough to give the rest of my life up for this lasting love

我伸手抚你眉上寒霜 无言空相觑

暗火下掌心 错乱纹理

何必论万千俗人口舌 抛冷眼几记

我只贪求你 承认一句

I reached out and brushed the frost over your brows, while we stared at each other wordlessly

Under dim lights, the lines of your palm criss-crossed haphazardly

Why bother with gossips of the vulgar masses, and the many cold glances they throw

I plead you only to acknowledge one thing

我捻起一抹殷血描补 眼尾妆一笔

便自此流离 命如飞絮

I dabbed a touch of crimson blood to paint the wings of my eyes

Since then I turned a lost soul, the likes of flying catkins

这天下广袤也便只如 一局珍珑棋

我转手云雨 只为了你

No matter how wide this world can be, it’s but a delicate game of chess

I stir up winds and rains, solely for your sake

我魂归故里 故里是你

My soul shall return home, and home’s wherever you’ll be

***

Translator's comment:

Again, just like the other works, this is not an absolute literal translation. I take a bit of artistic liberties so to capture the emotions best I can. 

For example, "stir up winds and rains" is suppose to describe how rulers and politicians make their politicking moves with huge stakes that can affect the empire/world. 

Also, I too, find it creepy to draw one's eyeliner with blood. I like to think that the line is metaphorical, more along the, playing the political game full of treachery and bloodshed to climb to the top.

[English translation] 白石溪 - White Stone Creek

作曲//Composer : 纯白 (Chun Bai / Pure white)

作词//Lyrics : 果汁凉菜 (Guo Zhi Liang Cai)

演唱//Vocal: 玄觴 (Xuan Shang)

Other versions:

Vocaloid (Luo Tianyi and Yuezheng Ling) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2B0MAjloGk 

凑诗 (Cou Shi) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9x8-fCmi0Q

微露点滴 沾衿落袖

丽日绰约 轻解莲舟

蒹葭荣茂 燕雀啁啾

白石溪畔 斜阳逐流

Beads of dew dripped down on our robes

The day’s bright with a charming sun as we released our boat

Thick reeds flourished, while finches chirped

By White Stone Creek, the setting sun chased its flow

可嫌金风玉露 兼程久

灵犀心念 便相谋

前路崎岖躞蹀攀援 亦同守

Would a lengthy stay of autumn winds ever be resented?

Since our hearts are bound, so we shall act as one

Despite our difficult road ahead, treading light or climbing high, we’ll stay by each other’s side 

共你百年暮昏 到白昼

依山临水 景看旧

而你美胜山水万筹 尽入一人眸

I’ll be with you, dusk till dawn for a hundred years

By the mountains and waters, we’ll watch the sceneries till we tire

While your beauty outmatch the landscape by ten thousand folds, only for one you show

琴瑟愿与 共沐春秋

滢溪潺潺 炊烟悠悠

敢请东风 玉成双偶

遥递佳信 知否知否

Like zithers in harmony, we relished the seasons together

The clear stream ambled on, the chimney smoke lazily wafted

I appealed to the eastern wind, grant us our union

As I send out my letter from afar, do you know, do you know?

为理云鬓 为簪银钩

明月可鉴 情深亦寿

此生相依 人间白首

千金不易 清茶淡粥

I fixed my hair, and fastened it with a silver hairpin

The bright moon shall witness, this love’s as deep as it’s old 

In this life we’ll count on each other, till our hair whitens

Not for a thousand gold I’ll trade a simple life with you

前缘既断 便再无求

云泥之异 难越鸿沟

相思不扫 久积弥厚

他年君归 我葬南丘

Since the severance of our ties, there’s nothing more I’ve come to yearn

The gap between the clouds and earth proved too wide to close

My longings I neglected to sweep away, while it piled thicker by the day

And when you finally return, I’ve laid buried under the southern hill

逢春枯木忽生 花飞柳

纷纷绵绵 结作愁

随风四散却又轻易 染眉头

Spring arrived with soft willow flowers sprouted upon barren boughs

Sprinkled in the air to weave our sorrows

Then scattered by the wind and feathered one’s brows

当时一双鸳鸯 入深藕

荷香绕水 乐同游

月下花前本来无酒 对看竟忘忧

Back when a pair of mandarin ducks swam into the tangles of lotus roots

Encircled by the fragrance of water lilies, ecstatic in their excursion

By the moon and flowers, though devoid of wine, our cares were left behind when we looked into each other’s eyes

何年何夕 两相执手

蚀骨相思 风侵寒透

仙人近侧 怕倚小楼

金缕为笼 歌乐成囚

When again was it, when we both held our hands

This longing gnaws my bones, the wind chills my core

In close company of deities, I fear to lean forlornly against the towers

I’m in a cage made of golden threads, a prison made of joyous songs

凉夜凄长 应怨更漏

数得千枚 零落红豆

遗君一心 一心怎收

杳渺音绝 余我孤奏

This cold night stretches long and sorrowful, echoing hints of sad laments

I’ve counted a thousand scattered red beans

All I have now is but a sole heart for you, a sole heart I know not to temper

Without a trace of your goings, you left me playing our songs alone

何年何夕 共沐春秋

银汉邈邈 炊烟悠悠

敢请东风 小住暂留

托书天地 安否安否

When was it again, when we relished the seasons

The Milky Way yawned in the distance, the chimney smoke lazily wafted

I appealed to the eastern wind, please accommodate a short stay

So to carry my letter for you out into the world, is that alright, is that alright?

尘心如练 长悬银钩

鱼雁不闻 斯人难候

九霄一曲 人间白首

隔世相问 忆否忆否

My mortal heart is worn and weary, forever hooked to the crescent moon

The fishes and geese have not known, how testing is this wait for you

Reverberating through nine tiers of heaven, a song of lasting love till old

Separated by worlds, we ask one another, do you remember, do you remember? 

***

Translator's note:

For context, this story is about the forbidden love between a fairy descended from the heavens with a mortal, likely inspired by the folklore of the romance between a cowherd (mortal) and a weaver girl (immortal). The song lyrics are very moving. Enjoy!

[English translation] 中华铄金娘 - China Molten Metal Girl

作曲 / 编曲 // Music & arrangement：纯白P (Chun Bai P / Pure White P)

作词 // Lyrics：薇采之依 (Wei Cai Zhi Yi)

调教 // Vocal arrangement：DIGGER

混音 // Mix：Gold Rum

母带 // Master tape：Irecorder

打击乐 // Percussion：司鼓君 (Si Gu Jun)

二胡 // Erhu：柠檬CC露 (Ning Meng CC Lu / Lemon CC Lu)

古筝 // Guzheng (Chinese zither)：陶特 (Tao Te)

琵琶 / 三味线 // Pipa (Chinese lute) / Shamisen：远坂麦芽 (Yuan Ban Mai Ya)

笛子 // Flute：O天气晴朗O (Tian Qi Qing Lang / Sunny Weather)

曲绘 // Art：盐 Yoisy 铃茉 (Yan Yoisy Ling Mo)

PV：冰镇甜豆浆 (Bing Zhen Tian Dou Jiang / Iced Sweet Soymilk)

踟蹰而过路边街头

学着别人一样饮酒

谁的掌心中

半寸箭刃渴望咽喉

Lingering by the streets with hesitant steps

Taking drafts of wine like others do

Held in whose palm

Was an arrow lusting for its victim’s throat

隐入不知名的层楼

恍然如老练的猎手

阴影中 在等候

Disappearing into a nameless tower

Just like a seasoned hunter

Waiting in the shadows

午时燕子划过杨柳

金鸾引车光华左右

升平歌舞中

究竟深埋多少阴谋

At noon swallows soared past the willow tree

A carriage made of golden birds shimmered in its glory

In this prosperous celebration of songs and dances

How many conspiracies within were buried deep

尾羽抹去一丝颤抖

黑暗之中獠牙通透

无情 也无仇

I brushed the quivering fletching

And bared my fangs in the dark

Without love or vengeance both


机会转瞬之间弦擎出手

箭过后 万事已休
孰是孰非就让他人评说
终不过 成王败寇

In the chance of a heartbeat I sprang the trigger
Once the arrow’s loosed, it shall all be done
Let people judge right and wrong as they will
After all, history’s told only by the winners


只身一人行 漂过 海角天涯
携剑百步走 点过 房檐砾瓦
谁在抚琵琶 只为 一场肃杀
转过身 流矢飒踏

Wandering alone to the ends of the world
Carrying a sword, tiptoeing over eaves and rooftops
Who plucked the lute only for a merciless slaughter
I turned around and stepped past a flurry of arrows


对错真与假 霓裳 掩盖狡黠
离别生与死 不过 只在一霎
半寸鱼肠剑 抵过 千军万马
倾覆了谁的天下

Right and wrong, truth and lies, my cunning veiled by garments fine
The line between life and death crossed in a split second
Half an inch of Fish Gut Dagger, reigned over an army of thousands
Whose realm had I toppled over?


靡音萦绕舞榭歌楼
薄丝轻纱漫过衣袖
谁的发髻中
半寸短剑不停颤抖

Dreamy melodies echoed through pavilions of the music hall
Soft muslin fabric drifted past my sleeves
Tucked in whose bun of hair
Was a dagger relentlessly shivering


笙歌曼舞摆动轻裘
一颦一笑如怨如忧
试问君 入瓮否

My fur coat swayed gently with the songs and dances
Each smile and frown captivating you in its elusiveness
Are you falling into my trap yet?


抬手弄弦待君垂眸
几多娇嗔无心而就
纸醉金迷中
纷乱翻腾多少阴谋

I raised my hand to pluck the strings, awaiting your lowered gaze
Serving flirtatious banter that came effortlessly to me
In this decadent indulgence
Brews and boils how many foul plots


款款相偎斟满烈酒
氤氲之间酒色通透
愿者 便上钩

I lovingly leaned in and poured you a full cup of strong liquor
Caught in this thick air, wine and women colored your cheeks
Alas, those who desire shall take the bait


是时擎起匕首贯透咽喉
来不及半声呼救
孰是孰非就让他人评说
终不过 成王败寇

In a flash my dagger pierced through your throat
So swiftly, you make naught a sound
Let people judge right and wrong as they will
After all, history’s told only by the winners


只身一人行 漂过 海角天涯
携剑百步走 点过 房檐砾瓦
谁在抚琵琶 只为 一场肃杀
转过身 流矢飒踏

Wandering alone to the ends of the world
Carrying a sword, tiptoeing over eaves and rooftops
Who plucked the lute only for a merciless slaughter
I turned around and stepped past a flurry of arrows


对错真与假 霓裳 掩盖狡黠
离别生与死 不过 只在一霎
半寸鱼肠剑 抵过 千军万马
倾覆了谁的天下

Right and wrong, truth and lies, my cunning veiled by garments fine
The line between life and death crossed in a split second
Half an inch of Fish Gut Dagger, reigned over an army of thousands
Whose realm had I toppled over?

只身一人行 漂过 海角天涯
五更钟声起 晨曦 掂量枝桠
多少不眠夜 躲在 星辰月下
杀人者亦会被杀

Wandering alone to the ends of the world
The clock bell chimed five hours past midnight
How many sleepless nights I hid under the stars and moon
After all, even killers can be killed


对错真与假 霓裳 掩盖狡黠
离别生与死 不过 只在一霎
尔虞我诈中 敢相信 谁的话
江湖中何处 是 家

Right and wrong, truth and lies, my cunning veiled by garments fine
The line between life and death crossed in a split second
Amidst a game of lies and manipulations, whose words dare I trust
Where in this world can I call home?




*****

Translator's comment:

I like how the lyrics in this song describe the adventures of an assassin. It evokes much imagination for the reader, reminiscent of the historical fiction I loved, so I thought it'd be fun to do a translation on it.

The Fish Gut Dagger (鱼肠剑) has an interesting story behind it. During the Spring and Autumn period of China, there was a certain Prince Guang in the kingdom of Wu who wanted to get rid of his baseborn uncle, King Liao of Wu (who was born of a concubine instead of the queen) and claim his right to the throne. Minister Wu Zixu recommended Zhuan Zhu to the prince, having known the butcher's outstanding courage and strength. Prince Guang treated Zhuan Zhu with the utmost respect and generosity to win this man over. Zhuan Zhu took to master the king's favorite dish, grilled fish. On the day of the assassination, Zhuan Zhu hid the dagger by sliding it into the mouth of the fish to slip it past the royal guards. Nobody suspected a thing when he served the dish to the king. Alas, when he approached the king's table, he pulled out the dagger and stabbed the king through three layers of armor. King Liao died on the spot, but the assassin was killed by the guards shortly after. Prince Guang ascended the throne as planned and became King Helü of Wu. That was how the name "Fish Gut Dagger" came about.

The term "成王败寇" literally means "The winner is king, the loser made the villain/bandit". Therefore, I phrased it as "history is told by the winners", which is the essence of this saying.

There's also a line that I didn't do a full translation because I was a little confused, which is "晨曦 掂量枝桠". "掂量" means measuring or pondering or weighing, "枝桠" means branches. So... pondering branches? I mean, I get that the narrator is hiding within branches, but I couldn't find a way to incorporate it gracefully into the translated text, so I left it out.

Anyway, that's it for this song. From the lyrics, what kinds of stories can you dream up?

[English translation] 眉間雪 - Snow Between Brows

[Music video]

原曲/ Original music：吳雨霏《生命樹》(Kary Ng “Sheng Ming Shu / Tree of Life”) 

填詞/ Lyrics：陸菱紗 (Lu Ling Sha)

原唱/ Original vocal：晴愔 (Qing Yin)

翻唱/ Cover：HITA

後期/ Post production：Mr.魚 (Mr Fish / Mr Yu)

文案：

彼时年少不知事 牵着师父的袖子 就天不怕地不怕

后来鲜衣怒马少年意气 不懂她可有可无的陪伴有何意义

然而江湖如潮

终于携手同去 策马独归

恍然想起那一年她在窗前仰头任雪花落满眉目

等着他抬袖去拂

所谓的江湖路

不过是她撑着伞 走向年幼的他

道一句 初心莫负

Story: 

As a child, he knew little of the world. So long as he held on to his master’s sleeve, he was utterly fearless. 

Later, he blossomed into a handsome young man, full of youthful pride. Failing to understand the significance of her company, he thought it more or less expendable. 

The world comes and goes like the tides. 

Alas, they set off hand-in-hand, yet he returned on his horse alone. 

A recollection struck, of her lifting her head by the windows, letting snow sprinkle over her brows, waiting for him to sweep them away with his sleeve. 

So called the worldly path, is nothing but her holding up an umbrella, walking towards the little boy, with only one simple line. “Don’t lose your heart.” 

师父：俯首作辑谢师恩，呐，我喝了你的茶，就是你师父了。江湖险恶，咱们师徒一心，同去同归。

徒弟：嗯。

师父：我先去给你买包包和糖葫芦，你等着我！怎么了？一个人害怕？

徒弟：才没有！

师父：那你为何拽着我的衣角？

徒弟：我…… 

师父：不怕，师父跟着你。

“Pay obeisance as a gesture of thanks. Alrighty! Now that I’ve accepted your tea offering, I’ve become your master. The world’s full of perils, so we master and disciple have to be as one. We set off together, and return together!” 

“En.” 

“I’ll first buy you a bag and sugared hawsticks, you wait for me! Why now? Are you scared being alone?” 

“N-No.” 

“Then why are you tugging my sleeve?” 

“I...…” 

“Don’t be scared now, master will follow you.” 

是不是 每種感情都不容沉溺放肆 

交心淡如君子 

只道是 那些無關風花雪月的相思 

說來幾人能知

Is it true, for every sort of relationship, there’s no room for indulgence and recklessness 

Keep them calm and reserved, that’s the gentleman's way 

I’ll only say, it’s got nothing to do with trivial longings 

How many can truly understand 

徒弟：都跟你说别跟着我了，你怎么还跟着！

师父：…… 

徒弟：干嘛不说话！

师父：你不是嫌我吵么？

徒弟：我……不是那个意思。

师父：马上就要出师了，我给你准备了新衣裳， 你试试？

徒弟：你做的衣服太丑了，穿着这么丑的衣服我怎么名扬天下？

师父：【直接把糖葫芦塞他嘴里】

徒弟：唔……呸，都跟你说了我不吃糖葫芦 

“I told you not to follow me, why are you still following?” 

“......” 

“Why don’t you speak!” 

“Thought you said I was noisy.” 

“I… That’s not what I meant.” 

“You’re almost graduating. I made you new clothes, want to try it out?” 

“The outfits you make are too ugly, how am I supposed to make a name for myself wearing such an ugly outfit?” 

She stuffed a sugared hawstick in his mouth. He spat it out. 

“I told you I don’t eat sugared hawsticks!” 

院內冬初 昔年與你栽的桃樹

葉落早做塵土

新雪來時 又將陳酒埋了幾壺

盼你歸來後對酌

At the start of winter, from the peach tree I planted with you in the yard many years ago 

The leaves shed had long turned to dust and dirt 

When fresh snow arrives, how many urns of old brew are buried 

While I hope to toast with you when you return

徒弟：喂，你一直在这，都没去过别处，是不是在等着谁？

师父：我谁也没等。谁也不会来。

徒弟：你一个人这么久，就没想过去别的地方看看？

师父：我…… 

“Hey, you’ve been here all along, never gone to other places. Are you waiting for someone?” 

“I’m waiting for no one. Nobody will come.” 

“You’ve been alone for so long, haven’t you thought of exploring other places?” 

“I……”

穿過落雁修竹 看過月升日暮

你說有一日總會名揚天下實現你抱負

那時低頭替你劍穗纏著新流蘇

心願未聽清楚

We’ve passed through flocks of geese and forests of bamboos, seen the moonrise and sunset

You said, one day you’ll make a name for yourself and realize your ambitions

I had been busy tying a new tassel on your sword hilt then

And hadn’t heard your wish clear enough

還掛著流蘇 是否應該滿足

也為你縫好冬衣寄去書信一兩句叮囑

該慶幸至遠至疏你我還未至陌路

是時光從來殘酷 

The tassel hung still, should I have contented myself there? 

I’ve also delivered winter clothes sewn for you, attaching a letter with an advice or two 

I should be happy that though we’ve drifted apart, we’ve not turned complete strangers 

But time had always been cruel

最害怕 酒肆閑談時候聽見你名字 

語氣七分熟識 

回過神 笑問何方大俠姓名竟不知 

笑容有多諷刺

I fear most, to catch your name during casual conversations over drinks 

Uttered with a tone so familiar 

Snapping back to reality, I asked “why hadn’t I known the name of such a hero?” 

Smiling, with such stinging irony 

徒弟：你又输了。

师父：知道了知道了，徒弟还是长大了啊。

徒弟：这下你不用一直跟在我后面，担心我被人欺负了吧。

师父：你这身新衣服不错呀，看起来像名扬天下那么回事儿。

徒弟：师傅，你的亲友呢？

师父：这是你的小马驹吗？挺帅的嘛！你记得要每天刷洗，这样它长大了毛色会——

徒弟：这些我知道。

师父：对了！我这还有些上好的马草！

徒弟：不用了，我都有。

“You lost again.” 

“I know I know." My disciple’s all grown up.

“Now you don’t have to shadow me all the time, worried that I’d be bullied.” 

“The new outfit’s not bad. You look almost like the real deal, becoming famous and all.” 

“Master, where are your friends and family?” 

“Isn’t this your colt? Looking pretty handsome! Remember to brush him everyday, then when he grows up his fur will-” 

“That I know.” 

“Oh, right! I still have some quality hay over here-” 

“No need, I have them all.” 

斟酒獨酌 細雪紛紛覆上眉目 

清寒已然入骨 

還憶最初 有你扯過衣袖輕拂 

笑說雪融似淚珠

Pouring wine I down myself, light snow crowded upon my brows 

Its chill already seeped into my bones 

I still remember at the very beginning, I swept them off with the sleeve you used to tug 

And said, with a smile, that the melting snow looked like teardrops

曾經相伴相護 說著初心不負 

想起某一日陪你策馬同游鬧市中漫步 

那時正逢揚州三月桃花鋪滿路 

神情難免恍惚

We used to watch over one another, and promised not to lose our heart 

I remembered that day I drove a horse with you, that day we strolled through the bustling market 

It was March in the Province of Yang, where peach blossoms paved our way 

I can’t help falling into a bleary-eyed trance

江湖的盡頭是否只剩孤獨 

都怪我玲瓏心思執念太過以塵網自縛 

前方太遼闊若問此去應去向何處 

把來路當做歸途

Is it true that at the end of the world, the only thing left is loneliness 

Perhaps it’s my own fault for my delicate thoughts, for these obsessions I cocooned myself in 

The path ahead is far too vast, how should I decide where to go 

So I can only take the path I came from 

桃樹下 那年落雪為你唱一段樂府 

信了人不如故 

只如今 茫茫大雪之中等著誰回顧 

明知無人回顧 

誰能初心不負

Under the peach tree, I sang you a poem while it snowed that year 

I’ve come to believe that people do change 

Only now, in the endless stretch of snow, who am I waiting to look back 

I already know nobody will 

Who can keep their heart still

徒弟的徒弟：师傅，你在等谁？

徒弟：我谁也没等。谁也不会来。

徒弟的徒弟：你一个人，就没想过去别的地方看看？

徒弟：我…… 

徒弟：你一个人这么久，就没想过去别的地方看看？

师傅：我怕我一转身，连你也不见了。

师傅：看，下雪了

徒弟的徒弟：看，下雪了

“Master, who are you waiting for?” 

“I’m waiting for no one. Nobody’s going to come.” 

“You’ve been alone for so long, haven’t you thought of exploring other places?” 

“I…...” 

***

“You’ve been alone for so long, haven’t you thought of exploring other places?” 

“I’m scared that once I turn my back, even you will disappear.” 

***

“Look, it’s starting to snow.”