In the mid-Tang Dynasty, there lived a renowned poet named Meng Jiao. Despite his talent and diligence, his path to officialdom was fraught with difficulty, failing the imperial examinations multiple times. Poor but upright, he resolved to rely on his own abilities.

In 797 AD, Meng Jiao finally passed the imperial examination, attaining the Jinshi degree. Overjoyed, he donned new attire, adorned himself with ribbons, and rode a magnificent horse through Chang'an. The city's beauty coupled with his triumph inspired him to write the famous poem 'After Passing the Imperial Examination': 'The squalid past is unworthy of boast, Today's wild spirits know no coast. In the spring breeze, my horse's hooves fly fast, In one day, all Chang'an's flowers I've seen at last.' These lines vividly captured his elation.

The phrase '走马看花' (riding a horse to view flowers) originated from this poem, initially conveying a feeling of joy and exhilaration while taking in sights quickly. Over time, its meaning evolved to describe merely glancing at something in a hurried and superficial manner, without deep appreciation or understanding.