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After Master Zhu Danxi passed away, his clan relatives lost their reliance, the townspeople lost their support, and scholars who loved learning lost their teacher to serve. No one did not wander in longing and admiration, even shedding tears! I (Song Lian) heard of this and felt extreme heartbreak, choking with sobs. Since putting on the mourning cap, I had been close to him by his desk and cane, but suddenly my disciple brought the biography written by his cousin Zhu Wuji, requesting that I write a tomb table to be carved on his grave. How could I refuse! The master's given name was Zhenheng, courtesy name Yanxiu, surname Zhu. His ancestors descended from Yun, the Magistrate of Huaili in the Han Dynasty. They resided in Pingling, and during the Yongxing era of the Jin Dynasty, Fan, the Governor of Linhai, began to migrate to present-day Yiwu, Wuzhou. Descendants followed in succession, many becoming famous in the world, as recorded in detail in the local gazetteers and family genealogies. At the end of the Song Dynasty, there was a Lord Dongtang, named Liang, a virtuous gentleman who likely taught through the Six Classics to promote his lineage. The Lord had a son, who had Di Gong Lang Gui, who had Xiang Gong Jinshi Huan, the master's grandfather. His father was named Yuan, and his mother was of the [Unknown] clan. The master had a bright nature; upon reading, he immediately grasped the main ideas. He wrote rhythmic fu poems, completing them within the time it took for a candle to burn down, and elders all valued him, though he soon abandoned such pursuits. He valued chivalry and refused to be inferior to others. Local powerful families bullied him, but he would fiercely seek justice from the authorities, causing officials at all levels to warn each other not to offend him lightly. At that time, Xu Gong, a senior scholar known as Wen Yi, lectured on the Dao in Mount Bahuadong in Dongyang. Xu inherited the teachings of Zhu Xi of Kao Ting through four generations, with clear transmission and precise verification. Hundreds of people followed him with carrying poles. The master sighed, saying, "A man's study should not focus solely on chivalry without seeking the Dao; is this not confusing?" Thus, he adjusted his clothes and went to study. The master was about thirty-six years old then. Xu explained the secrets of Heaven's Mandate and the human heart, the inner sage and outer king. Hearing this, the master regretted his past ignorance, sweating profusely. From then on, he gained daily insights, his mind opening up, feeling as if his body grew. He often sat with friends until midnight, secretly verifying and observing, striving for practical application, curbing his wildness, and returning to purity and peace. He strictly distinguished between principle and desire, sincerity and hypocrisy, adhering firmly without self-excuse for any negligence. For several years like this, his scholarship became firm. When the time for civil service examinations came, the master took the autumn exam, fortunately obtaining a minor official post to test his abilities. Upon trying again, he failed, sighing, "Not serving is indeed meaningless, but success or failure is fate. If I can propagate family governance to reach the village and neighborhood, is this not serving?" Previously, the Lord had established over thirty mu of sacrificial fields, combined into one area, with heirs rotating agricultural duties for seasonal offerings, yet there was fixed sacrifice but no fixed place. The master built several bays of a ancestral hall on the ruins of Shiyi Pavilion to enshrine ancestral tablets and conduct seasonal rites. He referenced Zhu Xi's *Family Rituals*, adjusting the ceremonies. Elders and juniors attended, servants were respectful, wearing deep robes and wide belts, taking their places in order, dining privately without violating propriety. Shiyi Pavilion was built by the Lord to host Duke Xu Wenqing. Not willing to let it fall into ruin, the master rebuilt it south of the ancestral hall for descendants to study. The silver tax burden fell heavily on prefectures and counties, urgent as fire and stars. In one *li*, dozens of households suffered, and commoners dared not argue. In the master's *li*, only two families were relatively wealthy. The Prefect summoned the master, saying personally, "This is not standard law; do you not value your head?" The master smiled, "Valuing one's head is proper, but do the people not value theirs? This harm will poison future generations. If they must extend liability, the people are willing to double our property to compensate." Though angry, the Prefect could not force him. A cruel county clerk liked flattery and offending spirits, wanting to repair the Dazong Shrine for blessings, fearing the master wouldn't help, he tested him with words: "Life and death are controlled by him; who dares interfere with building his palace?" The master said, "I receive my mandate from Heaven; why flatter clay idols for life and death? Moreover, if the Mountain God exists and has awareness, in this famine year when people eat chaff and kernels unsatisfied, only if he can save us will he grant blessings." The matter was eventually dropped. Clerks manipulated cases, treating people as criminals. The master gathered villagers, saying, "Land brings taxes and corvée; being squeezed by clerks is not a good strategy. We should unite in righteousness, pool resources... Father and son, meetings must gather first. If oppressive levies occur, I will step forward with earnest words; superiors often listen and reduce demands." When the County Magistrate promoted farming in the countryside and sought benefits from people, the master... arrived at the border, wearing leg wraps and shoes, welcoming him on the road left. The Magistrate asked in surprise, "Why do you go to such lengths?" The master said, "People have official duties; etiquette dictates this." The Magistrate asked, "Is promoting farming good?" The master said, "Private fields need no official promotion, only public fields... grow green fodder." At that time, *gui* field taxes were heavy, causing many farmers to flee, so the master used this as satire. The Magistrate laughed and left. There was Shushi Pond in the township, surrounding 3,600 steps, irrigating 6,000 mu with surplus; when the dike broke and water dried up, drought reports were frequent. The master led people to rebuild, setting up labor camps, creating three outlets, regulating depth and discharge. People benefited. Ten years later, mountain floods hit, breaking the dike again. The master ordered his second cousin Zhang to lead the effort to complete it. When magistrates asked about judicial decisions, the master always guided them carefully. The Guo family of Dongyang, father and three sons, abused and beat a small abdomen, forcing swallowing. The case moved to Yiwu for trial, sentencing the son and father to death. The master said, "Investigating the intent of intentional homicide, one life suffices. One son obeying his father should be treated leniently; killing both is too heavy." The report followed the master's opinion. Zhang Jia was on the path; Li Yi carried tools, nearly hitting Jia's eye. Jia punched Yi's ear to death. Both were poor; Jia had a ninety-year-old relative. The master... convicting Jia breaks the law; following the law leads to Jia's emaciation and death, leaving the relative unsupported. Yi's corpse lies exposed; who buries it? Better let him bury his relative, then return to prison to serve time." Someone asked, "What if Jia flees?" The master said, "Treat him with sincerity; he won't." Later, an amnesty occurred. A commoner cut trees on the master's mound; the master interrogated him, but the commoner denied it. The master reported to the county, intending arrest. People rebuked each other, "How can you offend a benevolent man?" The commoner asked, "What to do?" Someone said, "The master is an elder. Quickly return the wood..." The master indeed forgave and didn't pursue. The master stayed at Wumiao Zhan Temple; a nun carved wooden figures for witchcraft. Guest Chen Geng found them and wanted to expose it; the nun was terrified. Knowing this, the master tricked Chen out, smashing the wood. Chen returned angry and cursing. The master calmly said, "You are a scholar; gaining such a reputation in Wu and Chu is not beneficial. If short of money, use mine; don't worry." The nun later sent gold and silk to thank him; the master scolded her away. High officials and inspectors, hearing of the master, wished to meet him; after meeting, they wanted to recommend him. The master declined all. Only regarding corrupt officials did he frown and advise repeatedly, as if suffering himself. Zheng Gong of Qainhuai held office in Eastern Zhejiang, respecting the master greatly with guest honors. Some disliked this, slandering him before Zheng. Zheng laughed, "Zhu Pinjun praises the master's virtues, yet you slander him; why such a gap in magnanimity?" They were ashamed. Initially, in his prime, due to his mother's spleen illness, the master studied medicine. Later he researched deeply, saying, "Since I am poor and low, unable to benefit widely, what else can I do but medicine?" Then the 197 formulas of *Daguan* by Chen Shiwen and Pei Zongyuan were popular. The master alone... said, "Medicine is like a balance; it moves with the weight of the object. Ancient formulas and new symptoms, how can they match?" So he sought teachers to correct theories, traveling to Wu, Wanling, Jianye, without success. Returning to Wulin, someone mentioned Luo Situ Zhiti. Zhiti, courtesy name Zijing, was a eunuch in the Song Baoyou era, skilled in medicine, inheriting Liu Yuansu's learning and referencing Li Gao and Zhang Congzheng, but very arrogant. The master visited... "If you live in Jiangnan and lose this scholar, people will criticize your descendants." Luo hastily prepared to see him; they met as old friends. He told him the key to medicine is based on *Suwen*... books detailed in internal injuries... day, counting moments like years, yet wanting ease?" Poor people seeking medicine were never refused, no repayment asked. Those in distress without help received medicine without waiting for summons, even from a hundred *li* away. The Jiangzhe Provincial Minister campaigned against Min rebels, entered miasma lands, fell ill, returned to Qiantang, preparing to return north. The master diagnosed, "He dies in twenty days. If passing through Sanqu, summon... he can return to Yan, but cannot be saved." He died as predicted at Gusu Post Station. A powerful noble summoned for a minor illness, sat upright in the courtyard, surrounded by third-rank officials. After diagnosing, the master spoke nothing and left. When pressed, he said, "He will be a ghost in three months," still retaining arrogance. Upon death, his family... revered the master's medical skill, bringing grain for longevity; the master declined. A youth with fever had red cheeks, uncontrollable restlessness, running in the courtyard, about to jump... The master said, "This is a Yin syndrome; prepare Fuzi Tang." Others stuck out their tongues. After drinking, the illness vanished. Such cases were numerous; disciples recorded them, not detailed here. The master was aloof like a crane, outstanding, eyes with small large wheels, bright at sunrise, stern expression unapproachable. Yet clear and open, not superficial, spirit full, gentle in interaction, people loved approaching him. Speech had essence, ringing like metal, making people listen intently, inspiring rise. Regarding heavenly-human resonance and disaster/fortune, he strongly warned against them, repeating tirelessly, thus teaching people. People understood brightness/darkness, strength/weakness, winning hearts. Elders loved kindness, youth loved obedience; none didn't know loyalty and trustworthiness were beautiful. Though unable to instantly reach the Dao, removing excess, there was much to observe. Small faults were hidden, fearing the master's knowledge. Wherever the master walked, people transformed. Zheng Taihe of Puyang lived ten generations together; the master was pleased, consulting him on wedding/funeral rites. The master's learning, examining texts, focused on practice, uniting heart with Heaven, ears/eyes as origin of ritual/music, accumulated long, inner/outer consistent. Night sleep equaled day action, dark room equaled public sight, diligent, more firm in old age. Seeing show-off scholars, he said, "Sages' words, practiced for a lifetime, are endless." Considered excess. He disliked flowery language, viewing it as pests of the Way. Writing, he prioritized principle, discussing only綱常 (ethical constants) and governance. Homes were simple walls, clothing coarse linen, just covering body; vegetable soup and dry rice eaten as delicacies. In rich houses, feasts laid out, land/sea delicacies mixed. The master sat upright silently, never eating. His pure cultivation and bitter integrity, doing what others couldn't, while indifferent to worldly pleasures; only desiring to hear goodness, recording it for encouragement. Encountering non-conformists, he taught correction; difficult matters, guided methods. Late years' insight was outstanding. Returning from Kuocang, passing Yongkang, he said, "Qingtian people are unruly; with lax laws, they will surely gather in mountains... defy superiors. Heaven's anger is extreme; He will use hands to destroy them. Why not strive for good to prolong their line?" Times were peaceful; listeners laughed at his pedantry. Soon, chaos erupted, empty villages for hundreds of *li*. Works included *Song Lun* 1 vol., *Gezhi Yulun* vols., *Jufang Fahui* vols... total 7 types... I can remain silent." Thus his writings focused mostly on medicine. Born Xin Si Nov 28, Zhiyuan; died Wu Xu June Zhi Zheng... lifespan... young. ... therefore ... split ... classics, seemingly commendable, yet stuck in exegesis, differences chaotic like litigation. Viewing body/mind as unrelated, knowledge lower than ignorant commoners. Alas, since Qin/Han, perhaps so. But if spiritual beasts don't cry, demon foxes don't cease; if Huangzhong doesn't play... expect to clear obscurity, restore clarity. Transmission: Kao Ting collected great success; Kao Ting's transmission, only Jinhua sages continued legitimate lineage, like seal on clay, exact. Hence brilliance connects, fragrant deeds manifest. Young master bore chivalrous spirit,不屈 (unyielding), hearing moral/nature teachings, changed to firmness, broad capacity, heavy load, dreaming of sages, days insufficient, "people are my brothers" thought, never forgotten. Though strength might fail, if benefiting things slightly, he would maneuver, seeking to exhaust heart. In interactions, using human inspiration, applying benevolence/righteousness training, extending categories, transforming things. As wind/rain/dew are all gentleman's teaching, this cannot be denied. Thinking on medicine, searching secrets, advocating Southern unique learning. Infants... relied on life. Master was a commoner, yet benefiting things so much; if positioned in court to practice his way, what great effects? Alas, master is gone! Mountain-still, abyss-clear color, well-clean, stone-true integrity, and untransmittable parts, cannot be immediate. Only reciting deeds, limited knowledge, how to get 1/1000? Although, leaving this, nothing seeks the master. Dare to pick... Song/Luo arose, nature learning clarified. Kao Ting inherited, collected success. Transformation spread Jing/Yang to Min/Yue. Timely rain acts, sprouts complete... legitimate lineage, truly returns to Jinhua. Extending four leaves, flowers bloom brighter. Like high wine vessel, placed on crossroad. Following... beautiful gentleman, wants to振奇 (shake wonders). Blood/qi fresh, who insults me? Seven-foot body, endure falling? Prime passed, quickly change track... change to what? My book has text. Carry east travel, remove doubts. Not carving, not harsh, how plan how investigate? Not only saving yin, night also day. Formerly left... small profit. Trust benefit home/state, enjoy will. Diligent temple affairs, lead clan. Besides poetry/books, to mold/to grind. To smooth application, hope longevity of things. Harsh body can donate, why worry? Benevolent/righteous words, continuous don't stop. Manifest Dao truth, release desire enemy. High God has majesty, sun notes... continue absolute... World scholars, mouth/ear exit. Compete art fight... treat classics as play, which is worse? Without practice, loss how engrave? World path dark, needs raise beacon. Dreaming heaven, makes bury shine