To Lord Zhang, Amid the turmoil within the Uhu, long has it been since I last wrote. Though I maneuver within…
To Lord Zhang,
Amid the turmoil within the Uhu, long has it been since I last wrote. Though I maneuver within the wolf's den, I have failed to broker peace between the Tang and the Uhu—a matter of profound regret.
I recall our wager of yesteryear: whoever first stabilized Liangzhou and united Hexi would be the victor. Today, I am a captive, my life hanging by a thread; yet your banners have not reached Liangzhou, so you too have not yet won.
I am now unarmed, with naught but this command hairpin. Within it are hidden the records of my years in this land; upon its surface, my title is engraved as a prayer for a peaceful era. I gift this pin to you. When that prosperous age arrives, and the historians set down their brushes, you must remind them to write of my title.
The world is in chaos; I fear I shall not see the day you win our wager. When the willows are green once more, pluck a branch and cast it into the river. Let it be a message, a boast to me that you have finally won.