In the past, Chen Shiwen and Pei Zongyuan once compiled two hundred and ninety-seven prescriptions from the *Daguan* era, which were later revised by Zhu Danxi. Their judgments were entirely based on the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), the *Suwen* (Basic Questions), and the *Nanjing* (Classic of Difficult Issues), thereby establishing the fundamental principles of medicine. This indicates that diseases cannot be treated without medical art, and medical art, if not transmitted by one who has attained the Supreme Way (Dao), will not be valued. Why? Because the Way guides and empowers the Art; thus, people trust the Art because it is rooted in the Way.
I humbly served Governor Wang in the commandery and privately observed his ability to respond adeptly to complex and numerous clinical situations. His demeanor was calm and abundant, his spirit clear and bright, his complexion lustrous, and his vital Qi solid. In conversation, he often drew upon the *Neijing* and *Suwen*, eloquently dissecting the profound mysteries of the Dao. One day, during a gathering at the Juzhe Hall, he showed me the book *Renshu Bianlan* (Convenient Guide to Benevolent Medical Arts), saying: "This was compiled by Mr. Zhang, my fellow townsman. Having tested it, every case proved effective; therefore, it is being printed for dissemination." Alas, this person truly values Mr. Zhang's work!
Furthermore, I have heard that physicians refer to conditions characterized by obstruction, blockage, flaccidity, and numbness as "Bu Ren" (Non-Benevolence/Insensitivity). Those in the world who study this medical art should integrate their understanding of these "non-benevolent" conditions with benevolence to treat them. In this way, the Art will be established through the Way, and the Way will be expanded through the Art. This will help remedy the limitations of nature and bring the warmth of spring to the general public. Why should one merely seek fame as a physician like Zhu Danxi? Therefore, it is said: The essence of the Dao is used to cultivate oneself, while its remnants are used to govern the world and the state. Governor Wang possesses these qualities.
Written by Zhou Jiugao of Qi, on the first day of the tenth month, winter of the Yiyou year of the Wanli reign [1645].