The Great Canal II Pi Ri-xiu

The Great Canal was blamed for the Sui Empire's fall,
But on its waves the goods and food are brought to all.
Could the flood-fighting emperor do anything more
Than the Sui dragon-boats of three stories or four?

Original Poem:

「汴河怀古 · 其二」
尽道隋亡为此河，至今千里赖通波。
若无水殿龙舟事​，共禹论功不较多。

皮日休

Interpretation:

This poem, composed by late Tang dynasty poet Pi Rixiu, offers a reflective commentary on Emperor Yang of Sui and his construction of the Grand Canal. While the canal facilitated transportation and economic integration between north and south China, Emperor Yang’s extravagant journeys and oppressive labor demands provoked widespread discontent, contributing significantly to the fall of the Sui dynasty. Through a unique perspective, Pi Rixiu reevaluates this historical event, recognizing the canal's enduring contributions while subtly critiquing Emperor Yang’s misdeeds.

First Couplet:“尽道隋亡为此河，至今千里赖通波。”
(The common belief holds that the Grand Canal led to the Sui dynasty’s demise, yet even today, thousands of miles of land still benefit from its flowing waters.)
In the first line, the poet references a conventional view blaming the canal for the Sui dynasty's collapse. The second line, however, challenges this perspective by emphasizing the canal's long-lasting utility and significance for the nation. The deliberate use of “赖” (benefit) expresses the poet’s appreciation of the canal's legacy, revealing his innovative argument and critical insight.

Second Couplet: “若无水殿龙舟事，共禹论功不较多。”
(Had it not been for the lavish water palaces and imperial dragon boats, could Emperor Yang’s achievements not rival those of Yu the Great?)
By hypothesizing the absence of Emperor Yang’s excessive indulgences, the poet subtly juxtaposes him with Yu the Great, who is revered for controlling floods and serving the people. This clever comparison simultaneously acknowledges the historical importance of the canal and critiques Emperor Yang’s extravagance, which led to his downfall. While appearing to elevate Emperor Yang, the poet effectively underscores his moral failings through contrast with the virtuous Yu.

Features of the Poem:

1. Innovative Use of Counterarguments
   The poet employs a "reversal" technique, challenging the simplistic notion that the canal solely caused the Sui dynasty's demise. By highlighting the canal’s contributions, he offers a nuanced perspective that acknowledges its benefits while critiquing the emperor's excesses.
2. Subtle Criticism through Contrast
   The juxtaposition of Emperor Yang with Yu the Great is both indirect and striking. While ostensibly praising Emperor Yang’s achievements, the poet deftly uses this contrast to highlight the emperor’s indulgence and irresponsibility.
3. Sophisticated Argumentation
   With its focus on debate and reasoning, the poem combines hypothetical scenarios and rhetorical questions to present a well-rounded critique. Its logical structure and fresh insights make the argument compelling.
4. Concise Yet Profound Language
   Despite its brevity, the poem conveys layered meanings. Through carefully chosen imagery and phrases, it captures both the monumental contributions of the Grand Canal and the tragic consequences of imperial excess.

Overall Appreciation:

Pi Rixiu’s poem provides a balanced and thoughtful reappraisal of Emperor Yang’s Grand Canal project. While recognizing the canal’s significant role in enhancing the nation’s prosperity, the poet does not shy away from exposing the emperor's recklessness and its disastrous outcomes. The phrase “若无水殿龙舟事” serves as a pivotal point, blending subtle irony with profound critique. This dual focus on praise and admonition embodies the poet’s nuanced understanding of history, reflecting both his intellectual depth and his moral concern. By integrating analytical rigor with artistic expression, the poem emerges as a classic example of Tang-era historiographical poetry.

Insights:

This poem underscores the complexity and duality of historical events. The Grand Canal, though a monumental achievement that benefited later generations, was marred by the emperor's oppressive policies and extravagant lifestyle, ultimately leading to the dynasty’s demise. Pi Rixiu’s work reminds us that leadership requires a delicate balance between ambition and responsibility. A ruler’s legacy is judged not only by accomplishments but also by their treatment of the people. This enduring lesson cautions against the misuse of power and the neglect of civic welfare, highlighting the timeless importance of ethical governance.

Poem translator:

Xu Yuan-chong (许渊冲)

About the poet:

Lu Guimeng (陆龟蒙), ? - 881 A.D., Tang Dynasty agronomist and literary scholar, native of Wu County, Jiangsu Province. He was a member of the staff of the assassins of Huzhou and Suzhou, and later lived in seclusion in Fuli, Songjiang, and his poems are mostly about scenery and objects.