题临安邸

This biting satirical poem captures the stark contrast between the Southern Song ruling class’s decadence and the looming national crisis. Set in Lin’an (modern Hangzhou), the temporary capital after the fall of Bianzhou to the Jin Dynasty, the poem opens with a vivid depiction of endless green hills and lavish pavilions, paired with non-stop singing and dancing by West Lake—symbolizing the elite’s indulgent lifestyle. The warm breeze not only describes the physical climate but also represents the corrupting influence of luxury, lulling those in power into complacency. The closing line delivers a scathing rebuke: the rulers are so lost in pleasure that they treat Hangzhou as their permanent capital, completely forgetting the occupied homeland and the shame of the Jingkang Incident, urging readers to confront the ruling class’s neglect of national recovery.

About the Poet

林

林升

Lín Shēng

Lin Sheng, whose exact birth and death years remain unrecorded, was a poet active in the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Little is known about his personal life, but he is forever remembered for his searing satirical works that confront the social and political ills of his era. Though only a few of his poems have survived, his incisive critique of the ruling class’s decadence amid national crisis showcases his profound sense of justice and mastery of sharp, impactful poetic expression.

Cultural & Historical Context

1. Historical Background: The Southern Song Dynasty was founded after the 1127 Jingkang Incident, when the Jin Dynasty captured the Northern Song capital Bianzhou, forcing the imperial court to flee south to Lin’an. Despite constant threats from the Jin, the ruling class prioritized pleasure over reclaiming lost territories. 2. Cultural Background: Lin’an, with its scenic West Lake, became a center of leisure and luxury, attracting elites who indulged in banquets, music, and dance as a way to escape reality. 3. Social Background: While the upper class enjoyed opulence, ordinary people endured war-related hardships, heavy taxes, and displacement, creating a stark social divide. 4. Personal Experience: Little is documented about Lin Sheng’s life, but he was likely a concerned intellectual who witnessed this disparity and felt compelled to speak out through poetry. 5. Creative Purpose and Artistic Features: Lin Sheng aimed to expose the ruling class’s decadence and awaken their sense of national responsibility. Artistically, he uses vivid imagery and rhetorical questions to build tension, and the contrast between Hangzhou and Bianzhou amplifies the satirical impact. The poem’s straightforward language ensures its message is accessible and resonant, making it a timeless work of social commentary.