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The relationships of mutual synergy (Xiangxu), mutual assistance (Xiangshi), mutual aversion (Xiang'e), and mutual incompatibility (Xiangfan) among herbs originate from Xu Zhicai's *Yao Dui* (Drug Pairs) of the Northern Qi dynasty, rather than being theories from ancient times. Upon examining prescriptions in *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases), *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet), and *Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold), it is found that herbs with mutual aversion or incompatibility are often used together. "Mutual aversion" is likened to a general fearing his commander, marching bravely forward without retreating; "mutual incompatibility" implies mutual taboo, yet each can still achieve its efficacy. Those with flexible wisdom need not rigidly adhere to the narrow-minded conventions of their time!

The *Zhi Yao Lun* chapter of *Suwen* states: "For conditions near the surface, use odd-numbered formulas; for conditions far within, use even-numbered formulas. For diaphoresis (sweating method), do not use odd numbers; for purgation, do not use even numbers." The phrase "near uses odd, far uses even" refers to odd numbers governing the upper (ascending) and even numbers governing the lower (descending), analogous to the fixed positions of Heaven and Earth. However, "purgation should use odd numbers, and diaphoresis should use even numbers" because descending actions correspond to Heaven (in this context referring to the downward movement of Qi) and ascending actions to Earth; only when Earth's Qi ascends can it transform into clouds and rain. The principle of Heaven and Earth's Yin and Yang is that Heavenly Qi descends, flowing into the Earth, while Earthly Qi ascends, rising to Heaven. If this does not occur, the Qi of Heaven and Earth becomes blocked, and from where would sweat come? Those who fail to understand the Dao of Qi interaction between Heaven and Earth, by clinging literally to the phrases "near uses odd, far uses even," mistakenly reverse them to "diaphoresis does not use even, purgation does not use odd," which is extremely illogical. The *Da Yao* states: "One sovereign herb and two minister herbs constitute an odd formula; two sovereign and four minister herbs constitute an even formula; two sovereign and three minister herbs constitute an odd formula; two sovereign and six minister herbs constitute an even formula." When the condition is near, whether using odd or even formulas, the dosage is small; when the condition is far, whether using odd or even formulas, the dosage is large. Large formulas have fewer ingredients but heavier dosages; small formulas have more ingredients but lighter dosages. The number of ingredients may reach nine, or be as few as two. Generally, formulas with fewer ingredients and heavier dosages are considered large formulas, while those with more ingredients and lighter dosages are small formulas. Thus, ancient formulas contained one to three ingredients, each weighing three or four liang, and rarely exceeded eight or nine ingredients, with dosages varying accordingly. (Two liang in ancient times equate to one liang today.) All these formulas had distinct roles of sovereign (Jun), minister (Chen), assistant (Zuo), and courier (Shi). Some praise Li Dongyuan solely for his ability to use large formulas, comparing him to Han Xin leading troops, where more is better. Alas! This shows knowledge only of Li Dongyuan, but ignorance of the *Neijing*. Li Dongyuan's "large formulas" are merely combinations of several existing formulas, known as compound formulas. For instance, *Qingshu Yiqi Tang* (Clear Heat and Boost Qi Decoction) combines *Buzhong Yiqi Tang* (Tonify the Middle and Boost Qi Decoction) with *Er Miao San* (Two Marvels Powder) and *Shengmai San* (Generate the Pulse Powder). How can this compare to the large formulas of the ancient sages? (Large formulas were occasionally used in ancient times.) Consider *Biejia Jian Wan* (Softshell Turtle Pill), which contains twenty-four ingredients, intricately arranged like Zhuge Liang's Eight Formation Diagram, incomprehensible to ordinary people.