On the banks of the Jiulong River in the southwest of Zhangzhou City, there stands a towering circular mountain with various shapes. From different angles, its appearance is different, showing a total of twelve faces. Therefore, there is a saying that “the twelve faces of the circular mountain hide treasures on each face”. Among them, there is a lush forest at the foot of the northeast, shaped like a pipa, affectionately known as “Pipa Ban”. On this magical land, a clear spring flows out, nourishing the surrounding countryside. This is the hometown of the renowned narcissus flowers. However, there is a fantastic legend circulating about the origin of narcissus flowers.
According to legend, during the Jingtai period of the Ming Dynasty, there was a clear official named Zhang Guanghui who, dissatisfied with the corruption and dirtiness of the officialdom, resolutely resigned and retired, returning to Pipa Ban at the foot of Yuanshan Mountain in Nanxiang, Zhangzhou. One day, he crossed the vast Dongting Lake by boat, leisurely leaning against the side of the boat, immersed in the scenery of the lake and mountains. The blue sky, clear water, and verdant mountains in the distance made him feel relaxed and happy, as if he had forgotten the hustle and bustle and wandered in a dreamlike realm.
At this moment, in a trance, he saw a fairy wearing golden feathers and stepping on jade stockings, standing at the bow of an ivory carved boat, with emerald green sails raised behind her, riding the wind and waves, breathtakingly beautiful. Zhang Guanghui was amazed by the beauty of heaven and was about to take a closer look when the fairy and the fairy ship suddenly disappeared, leaving only a strange flower floating on the surface of the water – an arrow shaped flower stem standing tall among the green leaves, with a pure white and flawless flower blooming at the top. The petals were like a hexagonal jade plate, and the center of the flower held a golden wine glass, elegant and elegant, intoxicating.
Zhang Guanghui felt a pity for this mysterious flower and wanted to reach out to pick it up, but unexpectedly it seemed to have a spirit and was easily avoided, always maintaining a distance that was ambiguous, swaying gently with the boat. Despite several unsuccessful attempts, Zhang Guanghui gradually realized that all things have spirits, and when dealing with this water fairy, one should treat her with courtesy and not force her. So he straightened his clothes, lit three sticks of fragrant incense, and devoutly prayed to the floating flower:
Fairy of Lingbo’s gentle steps, your country is beautiful and fragrant, drifting on the surface of the lake. Where do you want to go? If you are willing to follow me to retreat to the foot of the Pipa Pass, it will also be another fairyland for you
This legend not only endows the narcissus with mystery and elegance, but also adds a touch of legendary color to the land of Pipasaka.
