A Quatrain for the Emperor’s Chamber
- Poetry of Li Qingzhao

Li Qingzhao wrote this in 1143 when she settled in Lin’an ( today’s Hangzhou), the capital of Southern Song Dynasty.

It’s Chinese tradition to post red scrolls of poems on the frames of doors and windows during the Chinese New Year celebration ( Spring Festival ). The tradition was much more sophisticated in the Song Dynasty where the gentry homes would post many poems on screens and hangings – a popular decoration to celebrate the first season of the year. The noted families would receive many couplets and quatrains from their followers and friends as a seasonal greetings, similar to Christmas cards in the west. The content is usually full of wishes and praising words.

In this case, Yi’an wrote a quatrain for the Emperor’s chamber in the year 1143. It could also be just using the format to express her appreciation for the Emperor’s frugal living style.  The interesting feature here sees a light amusement, a witty satire for a greater purpose of  “ first make people laugh, and then make them think” ( Ig Nobel Prize).  

It’s said in some version  that our poet was asked by a friend to write this poem so that they could offer it to the Emperor among other gifts. Being a celebrity poet, she might find it hard to turn down her friends if they asked for the favour.