| | What great river is so vast and mighty, its surging current boundless and darkly clear? Assigned a name among the stars of Heaven, it spreads over the rich soil and bears form. Its source ascends from Baizhong, drawing on Yangli rivers as it advances eastward. It receives the waters exhaled by Yanggu and also bears the distinct names of Hanmian. Gathering the myriad fluids from fields and ditches, it flows with the yin essence of the western land. Meeting Wanshan Mountain, it turns leftward; circling Xiangyang, it winds southward. Cutting through the eastern hills of Dabie, it communicates spiritually with the Yangtze and Xiang rivers. Praising its clear source and form, it flows calmly and gently. Its scales and armor nurture myriad creatures; dragons gather here to play and roam. Precious pearls are formed within divine clams, their night-glowing light hidden in the dark isles. Numerous divine treasures fill it abundantly; how could mere fish and turtles be worthy of collection? Thus, with a sweeping gaze, it reaches south to three states, converges northward at the capital city, controls from above Longdi Plateau, and connects below to rivers and lakes. It guides wealth and cargo, facilitating abundant exchange between abundance and scarcity. Then, with the wind howling and roaring, it rises vigorously; Yanghou's surging waves dash forward, great tides surge and boil. One wishes to ride the current upward and downward, exploring the blue waves at Sanshi, observing omens of rivers converging toward the sea, gazing upon the confluence at Dongting Lake.
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