China during the Cultural Revolution: Zhou Enlai stands amidst plum blossoms, comparing him to the blossom of the plum tree. Colour lithograph, 1977, after Zeng Shanqing.

The title is derived from Mao’s famous poem 'Praise plum blossom': "By the time mountain flowers are in full bloom, she is smiling among them!" The "she" referred to by Mao is the plum tree, as it alone blossoms in the cold of winter and forecasts the spring. When spring actually arrives, and all other flowers blossom and flourish, the plum does not compare its blossom with theirs, but only quietly smiles among the flowers and enjoys the happiness of others. Premier Zhou Enlai is glorified as a high-minded leader. In this painting, produced immediately after Zhou's death, he is metaphorically compared to the plum blossom. He devoted himself wholly to the people’s revolutionary career. But when the revolution is successful, the homeland is prosperous and the people are well off, he feels happiest and smiles with gratification