The Chinese narcissus 'graceful poise in the water inspired Yang to call it his "guest who floats on the waves." For him, the light yellow and pale white double-flowered "Delicate Jade" daffodil represented the true narcissus.
他因此另以其水中娉婷身姿，雅稱「凌波客」，且偏愛輕黃淡白的復瓣水仙「玉玲瓏」，並以之為「真水仙也」。