Host: Prof Zong-qi Cai, Program HostThis episode shows how easily viewers can construct the regulated verse tonal patterns—simply by doubling the quatrain tonal patterns. The episode ends by inviting viewers to write out regulated verse tonal patterns on their own....

For a Painting of Ume BlossomsAuthor: Li Fangyin (1695-1755)The last brush stroke is just done and the watercolor still wet.These few ume blossoms outshine the rest of the picture.May the wind carry their beauty to faraway places!Then every household will become spring despite the laws of nature.Li...

Host: Prof Zong-qi Cai, Program HostThis episode shows how easily viewers can construct the regulated verse tonal patterns—simply by doubling the quatrain tonal patterns. The episode ends by inviting viewers to write out regulated verse tonal patterns on their own....

Wintry NightAuthor: Du LeiTea replaces wine for a visitor on a wintry night;Water boils on top of the bamboo stove with a newly started red flame.The same moon shines through the window as usual,But looks different with ume blossoms as its frame.Du was a Song Dynasty writer who worked for a local go...

Host: Prof. Zong-qi CAI, Program hostTaking advantage of ppt charts and animation, this episode shows viewers how to follow the three basic rules of tonal patterning to construct tonally regulated lines, then couplets, and finally quatrains. The episode ends by inviting viewers to write out quatrain...

Ume BlossomsAuthor: Wang Anshi (1021—1086)A few ume branches stretch from the corner,Being the only ones blossoming in the chilly air.We know those are not snow flakes even from a distance,For the subtly sweet scent they bear.Wang is among the so-called “eight best writers of the Tang and Song Dyn...

Host: Prof. Zong-qi CAI, Program hostTaking advantage of ppt charts and animation, this episode shows viewers how to follow the three basic rules of tonal patterning to construct tonally regulated lines, then couplets, and finally quatrains. The episode ends by inviting viewers to write out quatrain...

The Happiness of a Snow Flake (excerpt)Author: Xu Zhimo (1897—1931)If I were a snow flake,Halfway on the carefree journey I would take,I would know for certain where to go,Flying, flying, flying,In the direction I would be eying.During my elegant dance in the air,I would find her serene...