<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">水陸草木之花，可愛(ài)者甚蕃。晉陶淵明獨(dú)愛(ài)菊。自李唐來(lái)，世人甚愛(ài)牡丹。予獨(dú)愛(ài)蓮之出淤泥而不染，濯清漣而不妖，中通外直，不蔓不枝，香遠(yuǎn)益清，亭亭凈植，可遠(yuǎn)觀而不可褻玩焉。</p><p class="ql-block">予謂菊，花之隱逸者也；牡丹，花之富貴者也；蓮，花之君子者也。噫！菊之愛(ài)，陶后鮮有聞。蓮之愛(ài)，同予者何人？牡丹之愛(ài)，宜乎眾矣！</p><p class="ql-block">宋代周敦頤《愛(ài)蓮說(shuō)》</p>