Describes magnificent and luxurious buildings, often featuring intricately carved balustrades and splendid, jade-like steps; indicative of grandeur and opulence in architecture.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
In 960 AD, Zhao Kuangyin initiated the Chenqiao Mutiny, establishing the Song Dynasty and conquering various states such as Nanping, Later Shu, and Nan Han.
Li Yu, the last emperor of the Southern Tang Dynasty, neglected his governmental duties, instead immersing himself in poetry and lyric composition. He was eventually defeated by the Song Dynasty. After his surrender, he was granted the title of 'Marquis of Disobedience'.
While in captivity, Li Yu penned a famous lyric that read: 'Carved balustrades and jade steps should still be there, but the youthful countenances have changed.' Emperor Taizong of Song interpreted these lines as an expression of sorrow for his lost kingdom and a veiled criticism, using it as a pretext to have Li Yu executed.