The phrase “before the hall” means before the court steps. The term “auspicious herbs” refers to fragrant plants. The image of orchids and cassia filling the courtyard with sweet scent is a portent seen only in blessed, prosperous households.
Auspicious vapors rise beyond the gate; both toon‑tree father‑symbol and day‑lily mother‑symbol flourish in full vigour.
Auspicious vapours denote propitious cosmic energy. The flourishing toon‑tree symbolises a living father; the luxuriant day‑lily stands for a living mother. This depicts the blessing of both parents being alive, with auspicious aura lingering outside the household gate.
Trace back to the root cause: much of this blessing springs from self‑restraint against lust.
To trace means to investigate. Upon investigating the origin of such blessings, much accrues to those who abstain from illicit lust; the source of their good fortune is self‑evident.
Yet from antiquity onward, there has been no shortage of men given to lechery.
This observes that throughout history many have yielded to lust and carnal desire.
King Jie of Xia abandoned Dao; enamored by Mo Xi, he brought ruin to his realm. King Zhou of Shang lacked humaneness; infatuated with Da Ji, he laid waste to the state.
Jie was the last king of the Xia Dynasty; Mo Xi was his royal courtesan. Zhou was the last king of the Shang Dynasty; Da Ji was his royal mistress. Realm and state are alternative terms for the empire. Both Jie and Zhou lost their kingdoms because they fell enslaved by feminine charms.
Duke Zhuang of Qi lost his life over Tang Jiang; his fate was unspeakably wretched. Duke Ling of Chen perished for the Xia clan woman; the scandal was too foul to recount.