pearlescent(radiate brilliant light)

at intervals(every now and then)

turn out as expected

getting up before dawn and eating late (busy with state affairs)

achieve success and acquire fame

be a notch higher than others

be an eloquent(have a shrewd tongue)

dare to think and speak

appear and disappear mysteriously

be crowned with success

The nation is thrown into a turmoil.

bolt the door

be hopelessly outnumbered

a pillar of the state

put on a false show of peace and prosperity

Inspiring joy

fertile soil

be a ball of fire(be a live wire)

All is quiet in the dead of night.

limited outlook