📖 Compendium of Rare Flowers

Preface My name is Bai Caosheng, and I have a deep love for flowers. I once vowed to catalog all the famous flowers in the world. When I discussed this idea with some esteemed flower enthusiasts from Jiangnan, they said that if I only recorded famous flowers, I would be following in the footsteps of many past flower compilations, which would be quite uninteresting. Later, I heard many fascinating stories from all over, including tales of extraordinary flowers. From these, I had an epiphany: instead of cataloging just famous flowers, why not search for rare and unique ones, and create a compendium of rare flowers? Thus, I embarked on a journey to gather these rare flowers, and along the way, I was fortunate to receive help from many kind-hearted heroes, allowing me to complete this book. Legend Section Immortal's Envy This flower is found in Peach Blossom Isle, a variety of peach blossom. When it first blooms, the flowers are white, but over the days, they turn red, and when they fall, they resemble a soft pink. The scent is gentle, and eating the petals leaves a slight bitterness. Notes: Immortal's Envy blooms throughout the year, with sturdy sepals, and very few petals fall. According to legend, the Grandmaster of the Yearning Sect, Madam Gongsun, once stood under the Immortal's Envy tree, reminiscing about a time when she and her beloved danced and composed poetry together. Moved by the memories, she struck her sword and brushed the flowers, thus discovering the "Yearning Swordplay." This flower was then planted within the Yearning Sect, and due to the influence of the sect's teachings, it is said to have a mystical power. Those who stand under the tree in silence, closing their eyes and focusing, may find the image of their true love appearing in their mind. In the Yearning Sect, connection is highly valued, and because Immortal's Envy is not protected by any barriers, many lovers visit the tree together, leaving with their hearts full. Author's Note: I once traveled to Hangzhou and visited West Lake, where I saw two butterflies flying together. This led me to Peach Blossom Isle, where I was greeted by young disciples. After talking with them, I learned that this place was, in fact, the Yearning Sect. Apologies for my unexpected intrusion, but the disciples welcomed me warmly and invited me to view their unique flowers, including Immortal's Envy. Through their introduction, I learned that this flower had been planted by the sect's Grandmaster, Madam Gongsun, in the peaceful, warm Peach Blossom Isle. The flowers bloom year-round, rarely shedding their petals. Its special power lies in its ability to help people clear their emotional entanglements. By focusing and closing their eyes, they may see the one they love in their heart. After hearing this, I immediately tried it myself, and to my surprise, the image that appeared in my mind was The entire Compendium of Rare Flowers! At the time, the book was only half finished, and I couldn't help but be moved by the experience. ... Golden Waistband A variety of peony with many leaves, its thick stalks split into four branches, each bearing a flower. The flowers are red at the top and bottom, with yellow stamens in the center, resembling a golden waistband wrapped around a red garment, hence the name "Golden Waistband." The fragrance is light and elegant. Notes: During the reign of Emperor Qingli, Lord Han Wei of Yangzhou saw a rare flower, a peony with four blossoms growing from a single stem. Each flower had yellow stamens in the center, so he named this flower Golden Waistband. While enjoying wine and admiring the flowers, Lord Han Wei divided the four blossoms among three guests at his banquet. The guests who wore the flowers later became Grand Chancellors. Since then, the Golden Waistband flower has been a symbol of promotion and good fortune. It is said that wherever this flower blooms, a person is destined to rise to a high position. Author's Note: The story of the four ministers with their flowers is truly a tale worth telling. During my travels to Yangzhou, I met a servant carrying a peony branch with four blossoms. To my surprise, it was the Golden Waistband! After asking, I learned that the owner of the house, hoping to become a Grand Chancellor, had instructed his servant to sew the four flowers onto a single stem using fine thread. It was so absurd I couldn't help but laugh. ...

Marvelous Chapter Radiant Flower This flower grows only on the Isle of Fallen Deities in the Eastern Sea. It has a thousand petals, with dense leaves encircling its core. The petals are crystal clear, resembling flowing light under the moonlit night. It is neither fragrant nor harmful. Note According to Nightwaker disciples, only those who practice Nightwaker martial skills are affected by the Radiant Flower, as its pollen has hallucinogenic effects. If consumed with the island's wine, "Eternal Spring," one will become lost in sweet dreams and unable to awaken. Nightwaker disciples often drink in the bloomfield, severing attachments in their dreams to temper their minds. It is said that the Radiant Flower is not native to the Isle of Fallen Deities and has a connection to the Nightwaker Grandmaster Su Zhenyi. After the fall of Southern Tang, he lost his family and love, wandering alone at sea until he reached the island. Upon landing, a nameless seed fell from his sleeve, which he casually discarded, eventually blossoming into a vast Bloomfield. One day, Su Zhenyi, drunk in the bloomfield, dreamt of meeting his lover under the moon. He awoke with the wind, his beautiful dream shattered, leaving him heartbroken. He lamented, "The flowing light does not wait," and in his grief, slashed the flowers with his blade, inadvertently mastering the unparalleled sword technique "Nightwaker." Thus, the flower was named "Radiant." The flower language of the Radiant Flower signifies "deep affection," and outsiders often seek it to gift to their beloved. Author's Note: The Radiant Flower cannot be found anywhere else but the Isle of Fallen Deities, making it a rare and extraordinary flower. Although I yearn for knowledge, my seasickness renders me incapable of reaching it. I thought this book would remain incomplete, but fortunately, a chivalrous hero assisted me, gifting me a Radiant Flower. I am deeply grateful and note this here. ... Quill Epiphyllum This flower is mostly found on the shaded side of Kunlun Void. It is a white flower with large, thick leaves and a twisted stem. The leaves have emerald spots resembling eyes, akin to peacock feathers, hence the name Peacock Feather Ephemeral Flower. Its blooming period is extremely short, making it rare and precious. It has a subtle fragrance that brings tranquility when inhaled. Note The Peacock Feather Ephemeral Flower is scarce, and the mountain guardians of Kunlun Void pick it whenever they encounter it. It often blooms at night, appearing briefly before quietly falling. A painter in the capital once witnessed its full bloom, noting that as it neared blossoming, the flower and leaves would extend, with the emerald spots indeed resembling peacock feathers. The flower's brilliance was like sudden moonlight. By the time he returned to paint, the ephemeral flower had already begun to wither. Author's Note: I ventured to Kunlun Void, climbing for days, my limbs frozen, but found nothing. The mountain guardian said that to pick a Peacock Feather Ephemeral Flower, one must reach the summit and gaze upon it. This ephemeral flower often grows in cliff crevices, making it difficult to harvest. Later, I heard of a painter in Bianjing who had seen the Peacock Feather Ephemeral Flower. Thanks to a friend's introduction, I had a brief conversation with him. During our chat, the painter gifted me a small drawing of the ephemeral flower. ... Emerald Flower A blue flower with small leaves and long stems, dense foliage, and a flower heart the color of the azure sky. It has a fresh and elegant fragrance, with a sweet taste. This flower grows in Herbal Valley, with strong roots that thrive even in toxic areas of the valley. It can be used medicinally, as its juice can neutralize mild toxins. Note Herbal Valley is filled with Emerald Flowers. As spring arrives, a gentle fragrance fills the air. Numina disciples speak of the Emerald Flower, knowing only that the Numina Grandmaster Tuoba Chong once planted it throughout Herbal Valley, but the reason remains unknown. Author's Note: Years ago, I heard that the Sylph sect often resides in Herbal Valley, and Sylph disciples love to plant medicinal herbs. Perhaps rare flowers could be found there, so I traveled north from Peachspring Village, gradually entering Herbal Valley. The valley paths were winding, and I was ambushed by a venomous snake, my legs swollen and unbearably itchy. Fortunately, a Numina disciple appeared, picked an Emerald Flower, crushed its juice onto my wound, and the snake venom was somewhat alleviated. Later, a Sylph disciple arrived to treat me. I was deeply grateful for their timely help; without it, my legs might have been lost! I wished to thank my two benefactors, but the Numina disciple had already quietly left... I offered a small gift to the Sylph disciple, only to find ten pieces missing from my sleeve. The Sylph disciple said she saw the Numina disciple take the reward during the treatment.

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. ... 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. ... Compendium of Rare Flowers End.