Legend of the Meridian Terrace

The First Emperor constructed the Cloud Bright Terrace, gathering rare woods from all directions and seeking skilled craftsmen from across the world. From the south, he obtained the Jade Trees of Yanqiu, the Burning Sands of Li River, the Vermilion Clay of Bendu, and the Plain Bamboo of Yungang; from the east, the Brocade Cypresses of Congluan, the Dragon Pines of Piaosui, the Star Zhe Trees of Han River, and the Catalpas of Wanyun; from the west, the Floating Gold of Louhai, the Feathered Jade of Langyuan, the Rosy Mulberries of Dizhang, and the Round Counters of Chentang; from the north, the Dry Lacquer of Mingfu, the Patterned Catalpa of Yinban, the Black Soul of Qianliu, and the Fragrant Jade of Anhai. Thus, rare and exotic treasures were collected together. Two men ascended into the void and climbed the trees, wielding axes in mid-air. Construction began at the Zi hour and was completed by the Wu hour. The people of Qin called it the "Meridian Terrace," also saying that a terrace was built at each of the Meridian locations (north and south); these two explanations are questionable.

Note: The First Emperor once gathered rare treasures from the world. From the south, he obtained the Jade Trees of Yanqiu, the Burning Sands of Li River, the Vermilion Clay of Bendu, and the Plain Bamboo of Yungang (four treasures); from the east, the Brocade Cypresses of Congluan, the Dragon Pines of Piaosui, the Star Zhe Trees of Han River, and the Catalpas of Wanyun (four treasures); from the west, the Floating Gold of Louhai, the Feathered Jade of Langyuan, the Rosy Mulberries of Dizhang, and the Round Counters of Chentang (four treasures); and from the north, the Dry Lacquer of Mingfu, the Patterned Catalpa of Yinban, the Black Soul of Qianliu, and the Fragrant Jade of Anhai (four treasures). It is said that at that time, two people wielded axes to build the terrace, starting at the Zi hour and finishing at the Wu hour, taking only six double-hours (12 hours), hence the name Meridian Terrace. Another theory states that it was built in the Meridian locations (north-south), with one terrace built in the south and one in the north, hence the name Meridian Terrace.

Jade Trees of Yanqiu: Jade trees may refer to tree-shaped jade stones.

Burning Sands of Li River: Likely a combustible, sand-like stone substance discovered in the Li River.

Vermilion Clay of Bendu: Likely cinnabar.

Plain Bamboo of Yungang: Likely a rare type of bamboo; the specific species is unknown.

Brocade Cypresses of Congluan: Likely rare woods and stones, resembling a picture of mountain cypresses and pines.

Dragon Pines of Piaosui: As above; the specific wonders are unknown.

Star Zhe Trees of Han River: As above; the specific wonders are unknown.

Catalpas of Wanyun: As above; the specific wonders are unknown.

Floating Gold of Louhai: Likely a metal or stone object that can float on water.

Feathered Jade of Langyuan: "Bi" usually refers to jade or jade-like stones.

Rosy Mulberries of Dizhang: Likely belong to the category of rare stones and woods.

Round Counters of Chentang: Unknown what this object is.

Dry Lacquer of Mingfu: Lacquer is extracted from trees; this should be a type of wood that produces dry lacquer.

Patterned Catalpa of Yinban: Likely a rare wood; the specific type is unknown.

Black Soul of Qianliu: Perhaps a black stone floating on water?

Fragrant Jade of Anhai: This may also refer to sperm whale saliva or similar substances that float on the sea surface and have a unique fragrance.