This article attempts to examine the metrical, textual and symbolic issues of the time-honoured ci poem "Nian Nu Jiao- Thoughts about Antiquity at the Red Cliff," written by Su Si (1036-1101) of the Song (960-1279) dynasty. This ci poem contains the writer's deep feelings aroused by the sight of the Red Cliff, the same in name as the place where the joint forces of Liu Bei (162-223) and Sun Quan (182-252) defeated a large northern army led by Cao Cao (115-220) back in the year 208. Virtually unequalled in popularity, this ci poem is also known for its tonal, caesural and textual problems. Besides these, the choice of symbol in one of its lines has suggested two vastly different interpretations. Without the solution to these problems, the correct interpretation of certain parts of this one-hundred-character ci poem is bound to remain elusive. This article aims at resolving all of these problems.