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Shen Ch’uan-ch’i (656–715) was from Neihuang in Honan province and served at the court of Empress Wu. Following her death in 705, he was accused of corruption and exiled to Vietnam but was soon recalled and served as a court poet under Chung-tsung (r. 705–710) and Jui-tsung (r. 710–712). Here, he records Chung-tsung’s visit in 709 to the villa of his favorite daughter. The princess was as ambitious as Empress Wu and is said to have exceeded her in depravity and licentiousness. However, she was not as long-lived and was killed in 710 during a coup that led to the enthronement of Hsuan-tsung (r. 712–756). The River of Heaven was another name for the Milky Way. Singing Phoenix Ridge was in Shensi province, and Drinking Dragon Stream refers to a stretch of the Wei River just west of Ch’ang-an. But here both are meant to summon images of a Taoist paradise. “Chuntien Kuanglo” (“Joy Pervades Heaven”) was an ancient court tune.

Attending a Banquet at the New Residence of Princess An-lo

SHEN CH’UAN-CH’I

Her Royal Highness loves immortals and gods

she built her estate near the River of Heaven

with hills like those of Singing Phoenix Ridge

and ponds that rival Drinking Dragon Stream

her green-curtained balconies invite the spring to stay

her gold-decked pavilions imitate the sun

as our imperial majesty’s entourage arrives

she toasts his long life with “Joy Pervades Heaven”