There is no need to go into detail about the opulence of the Marquis of Xinling's estate, for a residence of a first-class marquis must of course be top-tier, akin to an Immortal Palace—a veritable Shangri-La, an aerial island paradise. Besides gardens and pavilions, there were lakes to boat in; it was probably akin to the grand estates in Hong Lou Meng, reminiscent of a rich and luxurious place like the Grand View Garden.
Li Fan was not knowledgeable about such things and simply jotted down a few lines for everyone's appreciation.
On that day,
Cloistered halls rise high into the purple ether, golden dragons coil around embroidered posts.
Fair ladies by the window sport with the daylight, plucking strings and strumming zithers with their fingers.
Setting sail from the Heavenly Pool to wander Penglai, the boat startles the waves in its hasty passage.
Three thousand pairs of lovely eyes offer songs and smiles, beating drums and striking bells make the palace halls tremble.
