Translation of the inscription on the humble house: The mountain is not high, it is famous if there are immortals (living in it); the water does not have to be deep, it is spiritual if there are dragons (living in). This is a simple house, just because I (The people who live in the house) have high moral character, so they don’t feel humble. The moss marks are green and grow up to the steps, and the green grass is reflected in the curtains. Those who talk and laugh with me are all knowledgeable people, and there is no one who is ignorant of knowledge. People can play the simple guqin and read Buddhist scriptures. There is no (noisy) music to disturb the ears, and no official documents to make the body and mind tired. (It is like) Zhuge Liang's thatched cottage in Nanyang, or the Xuanting of Yangziyun in Xishu. Confucius said: What's so simple?
Translation of Ai Lian Shuo: There are many flowers of various plants and trees on the water and on the ground that are worthy of love. Tao Yuanming of the Jin Dynasty only liked chrysanthemums. Since the Tang Dynasty, people in the world have loved peonies. .I only like lotus - lotus grows from the mud, but is not contaminated by the mud; it is washed by clean water, but it does not look glamorous; (its stem) is hollow inside and straight outside, without (tangled) vines, ( Also) there are no (sideways) branches; the fragrance spreads far away, making it even more refreshing; it stands straight and clean in the water, (only) can be viewed from a distance, but cannot be played with up close.
I think chrysanthemum is the hermit among flowers, peony is the rich and noble among flowers, and lotus is the gentleman among flowers. Alas! Tao Yuanming rarely heard of chrysanthemums after that. As for lotus, people like me still don’t like it. Who is there? Of course there are many people who love peonies.