The moral degeneration of society is getting worse.

flamboyant calligraphy

so much blood being shed as to float the pestles

The set of etiquette collapses and the music is lost.

beautiful and clever

ignore what is superficial and forgive somebody for doing what is reasonable

A scene of bustling activity

tell lies about this and about that

exhaust all sources of getting money

Farewell to Li

One's face is pale as death

inferior

an array of ancestors(forefathers)

the tiger's backside

to have an axe to grind (idiom)

enviable

the bondage of wealth and reputation

an earthen pot sounding like thunder

close together in a row in serrate formation

know perfectly well