the enemy approached the walls

load one's pages with references - páng zhēng bó yǐn

surge of great fury - nù huǒ chōng tiān

peaceful and mild steps -- walking slowly - yōng róng yǎ bù

A long way to go - dào yuǎn zhī jì

economize on food and clothing - suō yī sè shí

fail to report the facts - zhī qíng bù jǔ

elegant words - yìng yǔ pán kōng

as easy as blowing away the dust - chuī huī zhī lì

There is no smoke - yǒu qì wú yān

bring destruction on oneself - fēi é fù yàn