After the wine and food had been cleared away, the scholars and poets in attendance began to amuse themselves with verse.
"Your Highness, allow me to compose a poem!"
"Last night, cooled by the breeze, I awoke from a dream to a pot of wine..."
"I mourn for the common people; alas, the hardships of life are many, with not enough food to fill their bellies..."
Suddenly, Crown Prince Liu Ju cast a glance at Sima Xiangru, who was drinking moodily, and asked with a steady gaze, "Master Sima, it is said that your Han-style *fu* poetry is unparalleled in the Great Han. Have you written anything exceptional of late?"
Chapter 75