Cao Jingzhao: Palace Poems [two from a Series of Six]

Jingzhao, a native of Wanping, was born during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. She was known by the courtesy name of Yueshang or Yueshi, and was a well-born daughter of the Cao family. Originally a palace concubine in the Ming Dynasty, she later renounced her worldly life and became a nun.

《宫词六首》

静照

一树寒花冒雪开，幽香寂寂映妆台。

女官争簇传呼近，知是鸾宫选侍来。

宝妆云髻亸金衣，娇小丰姿傍玉扉。

新入未谙宫禁事，低头先拜段纯妃。

Palace Poems [two from a Series of Six]

Cao Jingzhao

II

A tree full of chilly flowers blooms right in the snow,

Faintly fragrant, utterly silent, dazzling tower and terrace.

Palace maids cluster around, their calls draw near,

Making known the Phoenix Palace chosen attendants are here.

III

Bejeweled makeup, cloud-coiffure, trailing golden garments,

Small and dainty the pose she strikes beside the door of jade.

A newcomer still unfamiliar with palace matters,

Head lowered, first she bows to the number one concubine.

（Nancy Hodes and Tung Yuan-fang 译）