苏轼跋曰。先朝值夷狄怀服。兵革寝息。而又体质恭俭。在位四十有二年。宫室苑囿无所益。故民无曝赋。
而生齿岁登。垦田日广。至于法令。则去苛惨尚宽简。守令则进柔良退贪残。牛酒以礼高年。粟帛以旌孝行。广
惠以廪 独。宽恤以省力役。除身丁之算。弛盐榷之令。用能导迎休祥。年谷登衍。其裕民之德。固已浃肌肤而
瀹骨髓矣。然犹慊然。忧下民之疾疹。无良剂以全济。于是诏太医集名方。日简要济众。凡五卷。三册。镂板模
印。以赐郡县。俾人得传录。用广拯疗。意欲锡以康宁之福。 之仁寿之域。已而县与律令同藏。殆愈一纪。穷
达之民。莫或闻知。圣泽壅而不宣。吏之罪也。乃书以方版。揭之通会。不独流传民间。痊 愈疾。亦欲使人知
上恩也。后之君子。傥不以为诮。岁一检举之。使无遗毁焉。（东坡大全集）
Su Shi wrote in his postscript: In the previous dynasty, barbarians submitted and served, warfare ceased, and the Emperor was personally respectful and frugal. Having reigned for forty-two years without excessive construction of palaces or gardens, the people were spared heavy taxation.
The population increased annually, and reclaimed land expanded day by day. Regarding laws and decrees, harshness and cruelty were abolished in favor of leniency and simplicity; local magistrates promoted gentle and virtuous officials while dismissing greedy and cruel ones. Cattle and wine were offered as rites to honor the elderly, and grain and silk were bestowed to commend filial conduct. Broad benevolence was extended to support widowers, widows, orphans, and childless elders, while relief measures alleviated corvée labor. The poll tax on individuals was abolished, and regulations on salt and iron monopolies were relaxed. Thus, auspicious omens were invited, and harvests became abundant. His virtue of enriching the people had indeed penetrated their skin, muscles, and marrow.
Yet, he remained dissatisfied, worrying about the diseases and rashes afflicting the common people, lacking good remedies to fully save them. Consequently, an edict was issued to the Imperial Physicians to collect famous prescriptions and compile the *Jianyao Jizhong Fang* (Essential Formulas for Saving the Masses). The work consisted of five volumes and three fascicles. It was woodblock printed and distributed to commanderies and counties, enabling people to copy and record it for widespread therapeutic use. The intention was to bestow blessings of health and longevity upon the people, guiding them into a realm of benevolence and long life.
However, shortly thereafter, the book was stored away alongside legal codes. For nearly a cycle of twelve years, neither the poor nor the wealthy knew of its existence. The imperial grace was obstructed and not disseminated, which was the fault of the officials. Therefore, the text was inscribed on wooden boards and displayed at major thoroughfares, not only to circulate among the populace and cure illnesses, but also to make people aware of the sovereign's kindness. May future gentlemen not ridicule this effort, but rather inspect it annually to ensure it is not lost or destroyed. (From *Dongpo Quan Ji*)