In spring of first year of Xuanhe, army was dispatched to western frontier, where General Liu Fa and his troops were annihilated. Those in power accused him of violating orders, denying him posthumous honors, which I deeply lament. I write this to mourn him. words are as follows:
Xia people were not submissive, and western frontier was alarmed.
They gathered like hedgehogs and ants, amassing stench of sheep and goats.
Emperor was furious and commanded generals to launch an expedition.
Gathering troops and organizing forces, they delivered divine retribution to rebellious.
How dare the small provoke a great nation.
They hid their elite troops, feigning non-resistance.
Royal army advanced as if entering an uninhabited land,
swiftly achieving victory at three cities.
Dividing into four routes,
They concentrated their forces to control troops of Xihe.
Alas, commander lacked strategy,
knowing impossibility but failing to comprehend.
Commanding a hundred thousand elite troops,
he believed he could trample deeply and roam freely.
Roads were winding and rugged,
mountains steep and towering.
Releasing accumulated waters from a thousand feet,
flooding camps with long waves.
army surrendered without a fight,
even a wise man could not apply his skills.
Falling into cunning trap of enemy,
losing advantage of time and terrain.
How long had they been beyond border,
losing every wheel and horseman.
Was there no courage and strategy among officers,
or ferocity among soldiers?
They abandoned their strong armor,
discarded their sharp weapons.
Mountains of clouds piled up beyond count,
all were thrown into gorge of Mount Lu,
crushed by jaws of hungry tigers.
Who were original soldiers,
fearing punishment and making their own plans.
Concealing truth and not reporting it,
claiming horses stumbled and fell off cliffs.
soldiers scattered in escape,
officers perished by their own hands.
Who can speak for loyal souls,
stirring anger of brave.
Victory and defeat
are common fate of warfare.
How could y not let our lord hear,
to use frontier affairs as a warning.
Though imperial palace is high and deep,
can eyes and ears of world be deceived and obscured!
Alas! Consider generals like tigers, troops like bears, their armor shining like sun, banners covering fields.
Yet their strength is waning, their forces exhausted, as their chariots are gradually torn apart.
Drums no longer sound, and morale has already declined.
They cannot advance to fight, nor retreat to a safe haven.
Like startled fish in a boiling cauldron, or terrified beasts trapped in peril.
When both front and back collapse, how can claws and fangs be employed?
They trample in chaos, fleeing in disarray.
Blood enriches wild grass, bones pile up on hills.
Their spirits rise mournfully to heavens, their souls wander with nowhere to rest.
Military discipline must be adhered to.
If one loses way like Li Guang, or delays like Zhang Qian,
hesitating and fearing enemy, or suffering defeat and losing troops,
missing opportunity in warfare,
then indeed, one can be blamed for violating discipline.
How can one ignore great sacrifices, with bodies scattered and heads severed,
taking up arms to defend nation,
beating war drums and dying at frontier,
forgetting their great valor and focusing on trivialities!
Even if a commander is at fault, how would entire army know?
Condolences are delayed, and funeral gifts are untimely.
Deceased are gone, and living mourn endlessly.
How can this inspire frontier officials and comfort thoughts of those at border?
In ancient times, when generals were appointed, they were given authority outside capital,
acting as they saw fit without central control,
advancing based on enemy strength, and planning for victory.
If advantageous, they would proceed; if not, they would hold back.
They would win battles and conquer in attacks.
Xiliu army of Yafu,
even if Emperor's orders were not fully obeyed;
strategy of Chongguo,
even if public opinion could not discuss it.
In later generations, military operations became chaotic and reversed.
Generals were deemed untrustworthy,
so they were fully monitored by central officials.
They spoke with imperial authority, holding power of state.
Merits and faults were unclear, rewards and punishments were inappropriate.
With hands tied and feet bound, how could strategies be implemented?
Reason nine military governors failed was due to court's favoritism.
But the reason Deyu, as minister to Emperor Wuzong, could suppress rebellion was by dismissing military overseers of all towns.
Understanding this is easy, but who dares to speak it?
I alone lament!
Serving ruler's affairs, eating ruler's food.
Taking up arms and joining army, dying is indeed their duty.
Only when body perishes and name fades, can one lament and sigh.
Vast are lands of barbarians, with drifting sands stretching for miles.
In the empty mountains, no one is seen, only eerie march of Qiang.
The barren desert, where snow and frost fall even in summer.
Oh soul, return! That western land is not a place to stay.
Spread virtue and grace in light and shadow, for holy Son of Heaven.