This Yongmei Ci belongs to the latter. The author personifies himself with plum blossoms to show his faith and character. The plum blossom in the poem symbolizes the author's unswerving patriotic stance and political integrity, as well as his fearless integrity in the face of filthy environment, despicable behavior of "envy of all" and all kinds of persecution he has suffered.
-I hope I can help you.