"Secret fragrance" refers to the fragrance of plum blossoms. The plum blossoms are compared to human beings. They bloom alone in the cold weather, indicating that they are noble in character. The refreshing fragrance symbolizes their talents.
Poem: "Plum Blossom" Song Dynasty: Wang Anshi
There are several plum blossoms in the corner, and Ling Han blooms alone. I know it's not snow from a distance, because there is a faint fragrance coming.
Translation: The few plum blossoms in the corner bloomed alone despite the severe cold. Why do you know from a distance that the white plum blossoms are not snow? Because there is a faint fragrance of plum blossoms. Extended information
Background:
Wang Anshi's new ideas for reform were overturned. He resigned as prime minister twice and was re-elected twice, giving up the reform. This poem was written by Wang Anshi after he retired as prime minister and retired to Zhongshan.
Appreciation:
By admiring the noble character of plum blossoms that are not afraid of the severe cold, the poet uses snow to describe the purity of plum blossoms, and also uses the "secret fragrance" to point out that plum blossoms are better than snow. It illustrates the great charm of a strong and noble personality. In the extremely complex and difficult situation of the Northern Song Dynasty, the author actively reformed but received no support. His lonely mentality and difficult situation are naturally similar to plum blossoms. This little poem has profound meaning, and its sentences are very simple and natural, without any trace of elaboration.