The Theory of Love of Lotus
Author Zhou Dunyi Dynasty and Song Dynasty
The flowers of land and water are very lovely. Tao Yuanming of Jin Dynasty only loved chrysanthemums. Since Li Tang, people have loved peonies very much. I only love the lotus that emerges from the mud but is not stained, washes the ripples clear without being evil, is straight in the middle and has no vines or branches.
I say chrysanthemum, the flower that represents seclusion; peony, the flower that represents wealth; lotus, the flower that represents the gentleman. Alas! The love of chrysanthemum is rarely heard of after Tao. Who can share the love of the lotus? The love of peony is suitable for everyone!
Su Shi
It is better to eat without meat than to live without bamboo.
No meat makes you thin, and no bamboo makes you vulgar.
Those who are thin can still gain weight, but scholars and common people cannot cure it.
Others laugh at this statement, as if it is high and foolish.
If you still chew on this, are there any Yangzhou cranes in the world?