A Chapter on Human Sentiments
Pink-and-White Fragrant Lotus
The large-leaf fragrant lotus blooms in pale red hues. Pale red at its outer edges, the flower fades to a soft white near the calyx, its center blooming with a charming scatter of pink and white like the lustrous hue of clam meat. The flower's center bears almost no stamens or pollen a true marvel of nature. When consumed, it offers an elegant, sweet, and refreshing taste.
Notes
As the insects awaken in summer, the pink and white fragrant lotus blooms for several days, exuding a unique, elegant aroma. Though nearly devoid of stamens, it still attracts bees and butterflies drawn by the fragrance, they circle thrice yet never land, creating an amusing spectacle.
Author's Note: The Zhan family in Hangzhou is skilled in flower cultivation. However, their young master cannot freely smell flowers and plants first developing a rash, then falling into a deep sleep. The elder young master of the Zhan family, heartbroken over his brother's illness, cultivated the pink-and-white fragrant lotus a pollen-free bloom with a subtle fragrance to ease his brother's suffering. Their bond moved the author deeply.
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Jade Emerald Peony
This flower was first discovered in the capital before spreading to other regions. It has a single leaf and unusual coloration with a verdant bloom whose hues are reminiscent of green beans. Near the calyx, the color deepens to an emerald shade, gradually lightening toward the petal tips. The fragrance is remarkably strong.
Notes
The Jade Emerald Peony was first cultivated by a gardener surnamed Ou. Its rare green coloration earned it the name "Jade Emerald Peony." As rarity enhances value, Jade Emerald Peony drew thousands of admirers, gaining fame throughout the capital and becoming particularly prized by wealthy households.
Author's Note: After extensive inquiries, the author found a friend acquainted with the gardener and learned that Gardener Ou had cultivated the green peony in memory of his mother. As his mother had loved both peonies and green attire, he created this bean-green variety. Such filial devotion was profoundly touching. Despite the many flower stalls in the capital, the Jade Emerald Peony remains elusive. While traveling by carriage along Imperial Street, the author overheard a vendor hawking wares and purchased the last pot at a premium price. Upon examination, the peony's form appeared majestic, its unusual green hue lending an air of gentleness. Remembering the gardener's story, the author gazed at the verdant blossoms lost in thought and in memories of his own mother.
Satsuki Azalea
This flower is native to Azalea Valley in Cizhou. It features sparse foliage but dense clusters of deep red blossoms, which bloom continuously for several months. The plant emits a pungent aroma and is toxic if consumed.
Notes
Legend holds that the Satsuki Azalea blooms when the cuckoo sings, and that the bird cries until its throat bleeds, staining the flowers red. In reality, this is mere folklore. The Satsuki Azalea thrives in Cizhou's Azalea Valley, where it develops exceptionally vivid hues and distinctive spots resembling bloodstains. Meanwhile, crimson-tongued cuckoos frequent the valley, calling ceaselessly day and night a coincidence that leads visitors to mistakenly Stats the flowers' coloration to the birds' blood. Capitalizing on Bianjing's floral obsession, the Lu family developed Azalea Face Wash a product whose heady perfume transports users to Cizhou Bloomfield, capturing the capital's heart.
Author's Note: Though Azalea Face Wash boasts a unique fragrance, each tube costs five hundred! Tempted by the Lu family servant's praise of its efficacy, the author purchased one only to immediately regret it upon remembering rouge was rarely used. Thus, the author turned back and bought a box of rouge. After applying rouge haphazardly, then meticulously washing with the face wash by the stream, the author didn't find any noticeable difference... Later, when the author visited Azalea Valley seeking Satsuki Azaleas, this incident came to mind. Determined to record it in the book, the author resolved to warn scholars worldwide against trusting merchants' words too readily.
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Compendium of Rare Flowers End.