1. Poem: It is better to hold incense in the branches and die than to be blown into the north wind.

from: Painting Chrysanthemums by Zheng Sixiao in Song Dynasty

Interpretation: I would rather wither and die in the branches than be blown down in the cold north wind!

2. Poem: I am full of life, and I am full of poetry and books.

from: Song Dynasty Su Shi's "Farewell to Dong Chuan"

Interpretation: Although I am wrapped in coarse clothes and poor cloth in my life, my learned temperament naturally shines.

3. Poem: Insist that the green hills are not relaxed, and the roots are originally in the broken rocks.

from: Zheng Xie's Bamboo Stone in Qing Dynasty

Interpretation: Bamboo is not relaxed in grasping the green hills, and its roots are firmly rooted in the cracks in the rocks.

4. Poem: A strong grass is known by a high wind, and a sincere minister is known by a swaying board.

from: Li Shimin's "To Xiao Yu" in the Tang Dynasty

Interpretation: Only in the strong wind can you identify the tough vegetation, and only in troubled times can you identify the loyal courtiers.

5. Poem: I am not afraid of floating clouds to cover my eyes, and I am at the highest level.

from: Wang Anshi's "Climbing the Flying Peak" in the Song Dynasty

Interpretation: I am not afraid of clouds blocking my distant sight, just because I am standing at the highest level now.