向子諲，字伯恭，号芗林居士，临江（今江西清江县）人。哲宗元符三年（1100）以荫补官。徽宗宣和间，累官京畿转运副使兼发运副使。高宗建炎处任迁江淮发运使。素与李纲善，李纲罢相，子湮也落职。起知潭州，次年金兵围潭州，子諲率军民坚守八日。绍兴中，累官户部侍郎，知平江府，因反对秦桧议和，落职居临江，其诗以南渡为界，前期风格绮丽，南渡后多伤时忧国之作。有《酒边词》二卷。
向子諲·《浣溪沙·宝林山间见兰》
绿玉丛中紫玉条，
幽花疏淡更香饶，
不将朱粉污高标。
空谷佳人宜结伴，
贵游公子不能招，
小窗相对诵《离骚》。
Orchid—to the melody of Huan Xi Sha
Xiang Ziyin
Amidst the green-jade grove are twigs of violet jade,
Still more fragrant and fascinating the secluded flower with delicate shade.
Taint not loftiness and integrity with rouge-powder decoration.
It is decent to enjoy the companionship of the fair in the valley hollow.
Defying the loafing, pampered son of wealthy and influential family, she flatly declines his seductive invitation,
And, affront the small casement, via-a-vis with the fair, chant in common Freedom from Sorrow.
