<p class="ql-block">There are numerous herbaceous and woody flowers both in water and on land that are worthy of admiration. During the Jin Dynasty, Tao Yuanming had a unique fondness for chrysanthemums. Since the Li family's Tang Dynasty, peonies have been the favored choice for most people. However, I am singularly enamored with the lotus flower, which emerges from accumulated mud untainted, and despite being cleansed by clear water, remains unobtrusive. Its stem runs straight and clean through its form, devoid of creeping vines or excessive branches. Its fragrance diffuses with utmost purity as it stands erect in the water. The lotus can be observed from a distance, but it should not be casually toyed with.</p><p class="ql-block">In my perspective, chrysanthemums are the recluses among flowers; peonies, the opulent ones; and lotus flowers, the gentlemen among blossoms. Alas! The affection for chrysanthemums has been seldom heard of since the time of Tao Yuanming. Who else shares my fondness for the lotus flower? As for the adoration for peonies, it is undoubtedly widespread!</p><p class="ql-block">水陆草木之花，可爱者甚蕃。晋陶渊明独爱菊。自李唐来，世人甚爱牡丹。予独爱莲之出淤泥而不染，濯清涟而不妖，中通外直，不蔓不枝，香远益清，亭亭净植，可远观而不可亵玩焉。</p><p class="ql-block">予谓菊，花之隐逸者也；牡丹，花之富贵者也；莲，花之君子者也。噫！菊之爱，陶后鲜有闻。莲之爱，同予者何人？牡丹之爱，宜乎众矣！</p><p class="ql-block">宋代周敦颐《爱莲说》</p>