Song Dynasty literati Su Shi's ci poem 'The Charm of the Courtesan Niannu' is representative of the bold and unconstrained ci faction, and is also called 'Recalling the Past on the Red Cliffs'. The first section uses the landscape to set the tone, from the gurgling flow of the river we think of the historical figures who have disappeared in the river of time. It is said that the red cliffs were the site of an ancient battle during the Three Kingdoms Period. At that time Zhou Yu triumphed from a position of weakness here, forcing the Cao Wei to retreat and ensuring the continuance of the triumvirate states.

The last half of the poem uses the ancient world to express emotion, fusing rationality and emotion, thinking back on how heroic Zhou Yu must have been, how unperturbed and dashing, however the mountains and the rivers remain, but where are the heroes? Then the poet's thoughts turn to his own unrecognized talent, thinking back on heroes from fallen heroes in solitude, and can't help but laugh resignedly at being overcome by thoughts and emotions.

Now let's enjoy the poem itself.

"When did the bright moon first appear? I hold a glass to the heavens to ask, what date can it be in the divine imperial palace? Human life is full of both joys and sorrows, just as the moon waxes and wanes, and makes it hard to get satisfaction. If only men could live longer on the earth, although a thousand miles apart, they could both enjoy the beautiful glimmer of the same moonlight."