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[Background Information]
Book: Neijing Yao Yue (Clarifications on Medicinals in the Inner Canon)
Author: Zhang Ji (Qing Dynasty)
Chapter: Five Years (Part 2/3)
Category: Materia Medica

The harmonization of growth and virtue allows the fire administration to be proclaimed, resulting in the flourishing of all kinds of life.
Wang Bing stated: The qi of fire and earth share the same generative transformation; it is suitable for movement. Zhang Zhicong stated: Because growth harmonizes with virtue, myriad things flourish. Zhang Jiebin stated: When metal qi declines, fire qi takes advantage; when fire qi is prosperous, it receives assistance from earth. Thus, growth harmonizes with virtue, the fire administration is proclaimed, and all kinds of organisms flourish.

Its fruits are plums and apricots.
Wang Bing stated: Plums belong to wood, apricots belong to fire; they are fruits. Zhang Jiebin stated: Plums are wood fruits, apricots are fire fruits; due to the deficiency of metal, these two fruits form.

Their substance involves shells and veins.
Wang Bing stated: Fruits that have shells externally and branched veins internally. Zhang Jiebin stated: Shells belong to metal, veins belong to fire, having distinctions of prosperity and decline.

Its grains are hemp and wheat.
Wang Bing stated: Hemp belongs to wood, wheat belongs to fire; they are grains. Wheat has a red color. Zhang Jiebin stated: Hemp is a wood grain, wheat is a fire grain; these two grains form.

Its flavors are bitter and acrid.
Wang Bing stated: Bitter flavor prevails over acrid; acrid flavor also includes bitter. Zhang Jiebin stated: Bitter prevails while acrid declines.

Its animals are chickens and sheep.
Wang Bing stated: Metal follows the combined transformation of fire and earth. The New Correction states: Upon detailed examination, the animal of fire is the horse, and the animal of earth is the ox; since the text mentions sheep, Wang’s note says it follows the combined transformation of fire and earth as sheep. Perhaps the character "earth" in the note is very incorrect. Zhang Jiebin stated: Chickens are metal animals and should be weak; sheep are fire animals and should be strong. In *Jinkui Zhenyan Lun*, it is said that the animal of fire is the sheep. Zhang Ji’s case: In years of Six Yi (Metal Transport Insufficient), Chen Wuzhe had a formula named Ziwan Tang, using Radix Asteris (Ziwan Rong), Cortex Mori Radicis (Sangbai Pi), Radix Ginseng (Renshen), Radix Astragali (Huangqi), Cortex Lycii (Digupi), Semen Armeniacae Amarum (Xingren), Radix Paeoniae Alba (Baishao), Radix Glycyrrhizae (Gancao), Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Shengjiang), and Fructus Jujubae (Dazao). One version contains Rhizoma Angelicae Dahuricae (Baizhi) instead of Baishao. Take four qian on an empty stomach. Miao Wen explained this formula: When metal is insufficient, Lung Qi becomes deficient, and Fire Qi exploits its weakness. Only by clearing fire and stopping leakage can one urgently rescue Lung Metal. Radix Asteris is bitter and warm, directing qi downward and harmonizing blood, treating cold, heat, and salinity; Cortex Mori Radicis is sweet and cold, nourishing blood and benefiting qi, meeting the needs of vomiting and livestock issues; Radix Ginseng consolidates formless qi to capture leaking Yin; Cortex Lycii clears latent fire in the Lungs and drains it; Semen Armeniacae Amarum astringes it; Radix Paeoniae Alba harmonizes it; Radix Glycyrrhizae tonifies Earth to generate Metal; Ginger and Jujube harmonize Ying and Wei, moderating the effects of various herbs at the highest level, allowing Ginseng and Astragalus to benefit the arms and hands. Generally, tonifying Earth can generate Metal, and solidifying Earth can resist Water pathogenic factors.

The record of dried-up streams is called "Reverse Yang."
Wang Bing stated: When Yin Qi is insufficient, it is replaced by Yang Qi, referring to Xin-Wei, Xin-Si, Xin-Mao, Xin-You, Xin-Hai, and Xin-Chou years. Zhang Zhicong stated: Water-Cold is insufficient, so Yang Qi counterattacks. Ma Shi stated: Zang Qi belongs to Water, Hua Qi belongs to Earth, Chang Qi belongs to Fire. Water Qi insufficiency means Yin Qi insufficiency, and Yang Qi counteracts it, which is Reverse Yang. All Bing-Xin years belong to Water Transport, but Xin, being Yin and soft, represents insufficiency. Thus, in the six Xin years of Yin Water, Yang Qi dominates. Zhang Ji’s case: In years of Six Xin (Water Transport Insufficient), insufficiency means I am weak; when I am weak, what conquers me exploits my decline to combine its transformation. "Combine" means adopting their transformation to transform me. This is Shaoyu Water Transport; Earth that conquers Water comes to combine Earth transformation, i.e., the Classic says "exploiting weakness to share transformation." Thus, Zang Qi does not issue orders, and Hua Qi flourishes.

Zang orders are not issued, Hua Qi flourishes.
Wang Bing stated: Less Water leads to abundant Earth. Zhang Jiebin stated: Due to Water deficiency, Zang Qi does not function; due to Earth superiority, Hua Qi flourishes.

Chang Qi is proclaimed, hibernating insects do not hide.
Wang Bing stated: The Sun-Yang in the Earthly Branch contradicts the classic text. Jueyin and Yangming ruling Heaven aligns with the text. Zhang Zhicong stated: If Water order is not issued, Fire has no fear, so Chang Qi can be proclaimed. Yang-Heat counterattacks, causing hibernating insects not to hide. Note: Here, Shou Qi is not mentioned because Metal and Water do not offend, hence insufficiency.

Its fruits are dates and apricots.
Wang Bing stated: Dates belong to Earth, apricots belong to fire; they are fruits. Zhang Jiebin stated: Dates are Earth fruits, apricots are fire fruits; with Water insufficiency, these two fruits form.

Their substance is moist and fleshy.
Wang Bing stated: Moistness corresponds to Water, flesh corresponds to Earth transformation. Zhang Jiebin stated: Moistness responding to Water declines, flesh responding to Earth prospers.

Its grains are millet and broomcorn millet.
Wang Bing stated: Millet belongs to fire, broomcorn millet belongs to Earth; they are grains. The New Correction states: According to the earlier part of this treatise, wheat is the fire grain; mentioning millet here suggests "wheat" might be a typo for "millet." Although *Jinkui Zhenyan Lun* uses millet, this treatise uses wheat, so we should follow this chapter's text. Zhang Jiebin stated: Millet is a fire grain, broomcorn millet is an Earth grain; these two grains form. Note: *Jinkui Zhenyan Lun* says fire grain is millet, but this treatise says wheat; there seems to be an error between the two characters.

Its flavors are sweet and salty.
Wang Bing stated: Sweet enters into salty; sweet flavor is delicious. Zhang Jiebin stated: Sweet prevails while salty declines.

Its animals are pigs and oxen.
Wang Bing stated: Water follows Earth animals. Zhang Jiebin stated: Pigs are Water animals and should decline; oxen are Earth animals and should prosper. Zhang Ji’s case: In years of Six Xin (Water Transport Insufficient), Chen Wuzhe had a Wuweizi Tang formula using Fructus Schisandrae (Wuweizi), Prepared Radix Aconiti (Fupian), Prepared Radix Rehmanniae (Shudi), Radix Morindae Officinalis (Bajitian), Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum (Lurong), Radix Eucommiae (Duzhong), Fructus Corni (Shanyuzhu), Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Shengjiang), and Salt. Take four qian before meals. Miao Wen explained this formula: In Xin years, the record of dried-up streams often presents Kidney deficiency with dampness. However, expelling dampness injures Yin, overcoming dampness consumes Qi, both violating the prohibition against treating deficiency with deficiency. The Sovereign herb, Fructus Schisandrae, with sour astringency, gathers Yin and Yang Qi within Kan (Kidney); the Minister herb, Radix Aconiti entering Kan directly, urgently assists Kidney Yang, traversing meridians to drive away yin turbidity; the Assistant herbs, Prepared Radix Rehmanniae fills Kidney Yin, assisted by Fructus Schisandrae to protect sealing and storing; methods for treating the Kidney are complete. Radix Morindae enters Yin to remove bi-syndrome; Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum nourishes blood and benefits marrow. Liver desires pungency, supplemented by pungent Radix Eucommiae; Liver likes sourness, given with sour Fructus Corni. These two drugs work together to remove damp-bi and benefit joints; tonifying Liver benefits Kidney, following the principle that the son can make the mother substantial.

The record of generation is called "Opening Old."
Wang Bing stated: Objects rely on Wood Qi to generate and open the old, revealing their qualities. This refers to the six-year transformations of Ren-Shen, Ren-Wu, Ren-Chen, Ren-Yin, Ren-Zi, and Ren-Xu. HT: Ancient character for "Chen" (Old). Zhang Zhicong stated: Year of excessive Wood is called Generation; opening, spreading, and distributing is the image of dispersing Yang Harmony and generating all things. Ma Shi stated: *Siqi Tiaoshen Lun* says in spring three months, this is called "Fa Chen" (Developing Old); this chapter says "Qi Chen" (Opening Old), both describing the imagery of generation. Zhang Jiebin stated: Below details the record of excess, Yang-gang Wood, specifically the six Ren years. Dispersing Yang Harmony, generating all things is the image. Zhang Ji’s case: In years of Six Ren (Wood Transport Excessive), excess means I am prosperous; when I am prosperous, I conquer, and those who conquer me fear my strength and reverse to match my transformation. This Taijiao Wood Transport, conquered by Metal, reverses to match Wood transformation, as the Classic says "fearing prosperity, one shares the transformation."

Earth is loose and draining, Azure Qi reaches.
Wang Bing stated: Sheng Qi rises, so Earth body is loose and draining; Wood’s exclusive administration causes Azure Qi to reach upward. Reaching means passing, exiting, moving. Zhang Zhicong stated: Earth obtains control and transformation, thus governing loose drainage; Azure Qi is Wood Qi. Zhang Jiebin stated: Wood Qi moves, Sheng Qi reaches, so Earth body is loose and patent.

Yang Harmony spreads transformation, Yin Qi follows.
Wang Bing stated: Shaoyang first generates on the surface of all things, Jueyin subsequently circulates among all phenomena. Zhang Zhicong stated: Above Jueyin, Wind-Wood governs; thus Yang Harmony spreads above, and Yin Qi follows below. Zhang Jiebin stated: Wood and Fire generate each other, so Yang Harmony spreads; as Yang Qi advances daily, Yin Qi retreats daily. "Follow" implies "follows later."

Sheng Qi purifies transformation, all things become glorious.
Wang Bing stated: Year Wood is surplus, Metal does not overcome; Sheng Order spreads transformation, so objects expand and glorify. Zhang Zhicong stated: Sheng Qi is surplus, so all things feel it and become lush. Zhang Jiebin stated: Wood Qi is surplus, thus able to purify transformation to glorify all things.

Its grains are hemp and rice.
Wang Bing stated: Wood transforms Metal. Zhang Jiebin stated: Hemp is Wood grain, Rice is Metal grain, matching their transformation.

Its animals are chickens and dogs.
Wang Bing stated: Matching chicken gestation. Zhang Jiebin stated: Chicken is Metal animal, Dog is Wood animal; Dog matches Chicken.

Its fruits are plums and peaches.
Wang Bing stated: Plum matches Peach fruit. Zhang Jiebin stated: Plum is Wood fruit, Peach is Metal fruit; Plum matches Peach.

Its flavors are sour, sweet, and acrid.
Wang Bing stated: Sour enters Sweet, Acrid matches transformation. Zhang Jiebin stated: The three flavors correspond to Wood, Earth, and Metal. Zhang Ji’s case: In years of Six Ren (Wood Transport Excessive), Chen Wuzhe had a Fuling Tang formula using Poria (Fuling), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Baizhu), Radix Glycyrrhizae (Gancao), Fructus Tsaoko (Caoguo), Pericarpium Magnoliae Officinalis (N Houpo), Pinellia Ternata (Banxia), Prepared Rhizoma Zingiberis (Pao Jiang), Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Qingpi), Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Shengjiang), and Fructus Jujubae (Dazao). Take six qian per dose, on an empty stomach. Miao Wen explained this formula: Wind-dominance is treated with bitter and sweet, treating Zang first by unblocking Fu. Thus, Poria is Sovereign to drain Spleen dampness; Atractylodes and Licorice are Ministers, one bitter and one sweet, tonifying Spleen substance; Caoguo and Houpo are Assistants, pungent and aromatic to guide stagnation and promote Spleen function; Banxia assists pungent and bland functions; Pao Jiang provides scorched-bitter aid. Methods for treating Spleen are exhausted here. For wind-dominance pacification, urgently add sour Qingpi, combined with sweet Gancao, i.e., "drain with sour, moderate with sweet." Ginger and Jujube regulate Ying and benefit Wei, essential for treatment. Truly, treating disease requires seeking the root.

The record of blazing heat is called "Flourishing and Lush."
Wang Bing stated: Objects encountering Sun-Yang flourish and become lush, referring to Wu-Chen, Wu-Yin, Wu-Zi, Wu-Xu, Wu-Shen, and Wu-Wu years. The New Correction states: Or perhaps "Sun-Yang" in the note should be "Tai Zheng." Detailed notes on excess of Wood, Earth, Metal, and Water do not mention Jiao, Gong, Shang, Yu transports, but Water excess note says "Yin Qi greatly acts"; this Fire excess says objects encounter Sun-Yang, how can it be called Tai Zheng? Zhang Zhicong stated: Year Fire is excessive, called Blaze, Chang Qi is prosperous, so grass and trees flourish. Ma Shi stated: Flourishing and lush means all things grow abundantly, described from meteorological perspective. *Siqi Tiaoshen Lun* summer three months says "Fan Xiu," consistent with this meaning. Zhang Jiebin stated: Six Wu years are all Yang-gang Fire; Yang prosperity means all things prosper, hence "Flourishing and Lush." Zhang Ji’s case: In years of Six Wu (Fire Transport Excessive), excess means I am prosperous; those who conquer me fear my strength and reverse to match my transformation. This Taizheng Fire Transport, conquered by Water, reverses to match Fire transformation, as the Classic says "fearing prosperity, one shares the transformation."

Yin Qi transforms internally, Yang Qi glories externally.
Wang Bing stated: Yin and Yang Qi obtain their order. Zhang Zhicong stated: Above Shaoyin, Jun Fire governs, thus Yin Qi transforms internally, Yang Qi glories externally. Zhang Jiebin stated: Yin descends below, Yang ascends above.

Blazing heat applies transformation, objects thrive.
Wang Bing stated: Because Chang Qi is abundant. Zhang Zhicong stated: Blazing heat applies transformation, governing Summer commands; objects thrive by receiving Chang Qi. Zhang Jiebin stated: It is the root of Yang Qi generation.

Its grains are wheat and beans.
Wang Bing stated: Fire matches Water transformation. Zhang Jiebin stated: Wheat is Fire grain, Beans are Water grain; Wheat matches Beans.

Its animals are sheep and pigs.
Wang Bing stated: Matching gestation. The New Correction states: Earlier in this treatise, Horse is Fire animal; mentioning Sheep here suggests "Horse" might be a typo for "Sheep." *Jinkui Zhenyan Lun* and *Zangqi Fazhi Lun* both use Sheep, but this treatise uses Horse, so we should follow this treatise's text. Zhang Jiebin stated: Sheep is Fire animal, Pig is Water animal; their gestation matches.

Its fruits are apricots and chestnuts.
Wang Bing stated: Equal fruits. Zhang Jiebin stated: Apricot is Fire fruit, Chestnut is Water fruit; they are equal.

Its flavors are bitter, acrid, and salty.
Wang Bing stated: Acrid substances combine Bitter and Salty, transforming equally. Zhang Jiebin stated: Also Fire, Metal, and Water three flavors. Zhang Ji’s case: In years of Six Wu (Fire Transport Excessive), Chen Wuzhe had Maidong Tang formula using Radix Ophiopogonis (Maidong), Radix Ginseng (Renshen), Cortex Mori Radicis (Sangpi), Radix Asteris (Ziwan), Rhizoma Pinelliae (Banxia), Rhizoma Angelicae Dahuricae (Baizhi), Folium Bambusae (Zhuye), Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Shengjiang), and Fructus Jujubae (Dazao). Take four qian on empty stomach. Miao Wen explained this formula: Ophiopogon nourishes Lung Yin, Ginseng benefits Lung Qi. Zhang Jiegu stated Ginseng is bitter and sweet, sweet can drain fire; Ophiopogon is bitter, also draining Heart Yang, saving Metal and suppressing Fire, achieving both advantages. Cortex Mori is sweet and cold, Radix Asteris slightly acrid, opens depression; Pinellia and Licorice benefit Spleen Earth, tonifying the mother when deficient; Angelica is pungent and fragrant, disperses Lung Wind-Damp; Bamboo leaf is ascending, guides medicine upward. Methods for tonifying Lung are complete.

The record of towering mounds is called "Broad Transformation."
Wang Bing stated: Earth surplus, so Hua Qi broadly covers objects, referring to Jia-Zi, Jia-Xu, Jia-Shen, Jia-Wu, Jia-Chen, and Jia-Yin years. Zhang Zhicong stated: Earth Transport excessive is called Dunfu, Earth Qi is prosperous and Hua Qi spreads to four directions, hence Broad Transformation. Ma Shi stated: Broadly spreading transformation, also from meteorological perspective. Zhang Jiebin stated: Earth excess is called Dunfu, six Jia years are all Yang-gang Earth; Earth Hua Qi broadly covers objects, hence Broad Transformation. Zhang Ji’s case: These six Jia years are Taigong (Earth Transport Excessive), meaning I am prosperous; when I am prosperous, I conquer, and those who conquer me fear my strength and reverse to match my transformation. This Taigong Earth Transport, conquered by Wood, reverses to match Earth transformation, as the Classic says "fearing prosperity, one shares the transformation."

Thick Virtue is clear and quiet, following Growth to fill.
Wang Bing stated: Earth nature is compliant and non-contentious, so Virtue is thick but not irritable, following Fire’s growth to make all things' Hua Qi full. Zhang Zhicong stated: Thick Virtue and clear quietness are Earth's substance; following Growth to fill is Fire-Earth combined transformation. Zhang Jiebin stated: Earth Virtue is extremely thick, Earth nature is extremely quiet, following Fire’s long Qi to fulfill administration, Earth is born from Fire.

Extreme Yin is solid internally, object transformation is filled and completed.
Wang Bing stated: Extreme Yin is Earth essence. All things’ transformation relies on Extreme Yin spiritual Qi generating internally. Zhang Zhicong stated: Above Taiyin, Damp-Earth governs, thus Extreme Yin is solid internally, object transformation is filled and completed. Taiyin is the extreme Yin within Yin; only after Yin Qi is solid internally can it transform objects externally. Zhang Jiebin stated: Extremely thick and quiet, hence called Extreme Yin. All things’ transformation relies on Earth, so object transformation is filled and completed.

Smoke and haze appear in thick soil.
Wang Bing stated: Thick soil is mountains; smoke and haze are Earth Qi. Zhang Zhicong stated: Smoke and haze are Earth Qi; thick soil appears between hills. Zhang Jiebin stated: Earth is originally thick soil, especially thick in mountains and rivers. Smoke and haze are Earth Qi, hence appearing here.

Heavy rain occurs frequently, Damp Qi acts, Dry Administration retreats.
Wang Bing stated: When Damp Qi acts, Dry Administration retreats, natural logic. Zhang Zhicong stated: Heavy rain occurs, Damp Qi steams upward, eventually becoming excessive rain. Retreat means avoid. At summer-autumn transition, Damp-Earth governs, Damp Qi is strong, thus Autumn Dry Qi retreats. Zhang Jiebin stated: Earth transforms Damp; when Damp Qi acts, Dry Qi retreats.

Its grains are broomcorn millet and hemp.
Wang Bing stated: Earth and Wood match transformation. Zhang Jiebin stated: Broomcorn millet is Earth grain, Hemp is Wood grain, Earth matches Wood transformation.

Its animals are oxen and dogs.
Wang Bing stated: Matching gestation. Zhang Jiebin stated: Ox is Earth animal, Dog is Wood animal; their gestation matches.

Its fruits are dates and plums.
Wang Bing stated: Earth matches Wood transformation. Zhang Jiebin stated: Date is Earth fruit, Plum is Wood fruit. Zhang Ji’s case: In years of Six Jia (Earth Transport Excessive), Chen Wuzhe had Fuzi Shanyu Tang formula using Prepared Radix Aconiti (Fupian), Fructus Corni (Shanyu), Fructus Mume (Wumei), Fructus Papaveris (Mugua), Pericarpium Arecae (Roukou), Rhizoma Pinelliae (Banxia), Fructus Tingitidis (Dingxiang), Radix Aucklandoniae (Muxiang), Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Shengjiang), and Fructus Jujubae (Dazao). Take four qian on empty stomach. Miao Wen explained this formula: Classic says Damp dominance inside is treated with bitter-hot. Aconite, with great heat and pure Yang, reaches Kan Yang directly to eliminate Yin shadows, treating Kidney and simultaneously Spleen. But Aconite is pungent and penetrating, requiring maintenance, like Bai Shao in Zhenwu Tang or Wuweizi in Dihuang Yinzi. Without assisting with sour Shanyu, how can it enter Kidney without fearing fluid depletion? Without accompanying sedating Wumei, how can it return to Earth without fearing drying Lung? Zang should be tonified, already having Shanyu to cultivate Yi Wood; Fu should be drained, additionally having Mugua to drain Jia Wood. Pacifying Jia and Yi benefits Wu and Ji. Roukou is pungent and warm, assisting Earth; Banxia drains dampness; Muxiang treats Stomach; Mugua and Wumei treat flaccidity; Ginger and Jujube harmonize Middle. Insight is radiant.

The record of firm completion is called "Gathering and Pulling."
Wang Bing stated: Gathering and restraining, Yang Qi gathers, Yin Qi acts, so all things contract, referring to Geng-Wu, Geng-Chen, Geng-Yin, Geng-Zi, Geng-Xu, and Geng-Shen years. Zhang Zhicong stated: Year Metal is excessive, named Jiancheng, Autumn command governs gathering, called Gathering and Pulling. Ma Shi stated: Gathering and pulling means Yang Qi contracts and Yin Qi extends, from Metal’s gathering command perspective. *Siqi Tiaoshen Lun* calls it Rongping, also from meteorological perspective. Zhang Jiebin stated: Metal excess is called Jiancheng, six Geng years are Yang Metal. Metal victory means Gathering Qi greatly acts, hence Gathering and Pulling. Pulling means Yin is strong, Yang is weak, all things are drawn back and avoid. Zhang Ji’s case: These six Geng years are Taishang (Metal Transport Excessive), meaning I am prosperous; when I am prosperous, I conquer, and those who conquer me fear my strength and reverse to match my transformation. This Taishang Metal Transport, conquered by Fire, reverses to match Metal transformation, as the Classic says "fearing prosperity, one shares the transformation."

Heaven Qi is clean, Earth Qi is bright.
Wang Bing stated: Autumn Qi is high and clean, same as Metal Qi. Zhang Zhicong stated: Heaven Qi is clean, Earth Qi is bright, Metal Qi is clear.

Yang Qi follows Yin to govern transformation.
Wang Bing stated: Yang follows Yin to generate and transform. Zhang Zhicong stated: Above Yangming, Dry Qi governs, thus Yin Metal governs transformation above, and Yangming Qi follows below. Zhang Jiebin stated: Following behind.

Dry Qi exercises its administration, objects manage completion.
Wang Bing stated: Dry Qi applies transformation, all things specially manage their maturation without omission. Zhang Zhicong stated: Autumn governs harvest, so Dry Qi exercises administration, objects manage completion. Zhang Jiebin stated: Dry Qi exercises administration, Qi transformation becomes firm, thus managing completion of all things.

Gathering Qi spreads profusely, Harmonious transformation does not finish.
Wang Bing stated: Gathering killing Qi arrives early, Earth’s transformation cannot finish its use. The New Correction states: Profuse character is suspected to be erroneous. Zhang Zhicong stated: Autumn governs gathering, Changxia governs transformation; Gathering Qi spreads early, thus Harmonious transformation does not finish. Zhang Jiebin stated: Metal’s Gathering Qi is strong and spreads early, so Harmonious Qi cannot finish its command. Harmonious means gentle and moistening.

Its grains are rice and millet.
Wang Bing stated: Metal and Fire match transformation. The New Correction states: Earlier in this treatise, Wheat is Fire grain; should say grains are Rice and Wheat. Zhang Jiebin stated: Rice is Metal grain, Millet is Fire grain, Metal matches Fire transformation.

Its animals are chickens and horses.
Wang Bing stated: Matching gestation. Zhang Jiebin stated: Metal and Fire two animals, gestation matches.

Its fruits are peaches and apricots.
Wang Bing stated: Metal and Fire match fruiting. Zhang Jiebin stated: Metal matches Fire fruiting.

Its flavors are acrid, sour, and bitter.
Wang Bing stated: Acrid enters Sour and Bitter, matching transformation. Zhang Jiebin stated: Also Metal, Wood, and Fire three flavors. Zhang Ji’s case: In years of Six Geng (Metal Transport Excessive), Chen Wuzhe had Niuxi Mugua Tang formula using Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae (Niuxi), Fructus Papaveris (Mugua), Radix Paeoniae Alba (Baishao), Radix Eucommiae (Duzhong), Ramulus Pinus Massoniana (Huang Songjie), Semen Cuscutae (Tusizi), Fructus Lycii (Gouqizi), Rhizoma Gastrodiae (Tianma), Radix Glycyrrhizae (Gancao), Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Shengjiang), and Fructus Jujubae (Dazao). Take four qian on empty stomach. Miao Wen explained this formula: Principle of medication: Tonifying Liver Blood can follow sour, tonifying Liver Qi cannot follow acrid. Why? Sour can nurture Liver Yin, Acrid robs Liver Blood. Formula uses Achyranthus, sour and neutral, reaching down as Sovereign; Papaya, sour and warm, relaxing sinews as Minister; Baishao harmonizes Jueyin Yin, controls Lung Metal horizontal invasion; Duzhong nourishes Wind-Wood Qi, naturally avoiding pungent-arid bias, heavily taking Liver Yin is most insightful. Pine joint drains dampness in blood; Cuscuta enters three Yin meridians; Goji berry, sweet and neutral, moistens Lung; combined with Gastrodia, pungent and warm, extinguishes wind; Metal is safe and Wood is calm, this is the way of soft overcoming hard.

The record of flowing abundance is called "Sealing and Storing."
Wang Bing stated: Yin Qi greatly acts, then Heaven and Earth seal and store transformation, referring to Bing-Yin, Bing-Zi, Bing-Xu, Bing-Shen, Bing-Wu, and Bing-Chen years. Zhang Zhicong stated: Water Transport excessive is called Liuyan, Winter governs closing and storing, hence called Sealing and Storing. Ma Shi stated: Sealing and storing means Yin Qi is up, Yang Qi is down, Heaven and Earth transformation hides here. *Siqi Tiaoshen Lun* winter three months says Bi Cang. Zhang Jiebin stated: Water excess is called Liuyan, Yang Water years, six Bing are them. Water prosperity means Yin Qi greatly acts, Heaven and Earth close and all things hide, hence Sealing and Storing. Zhang Ji’s case: These six Bing years are Taiyu (Water Transport Excessive), meaning I am prosperous; when I am prosperous, I conquer, and those who conquer me fear my strength and reverse to match my transformation. This Taiyu Water Transport, conquered by Earth, reverses to match Water transformation, as the Classic says "fearing prosperity, one shares the transformation."

Cold governs, object transformation, Heaven and Earth are strict and congealed.
Wang Bing stated: Yin Qi. Zhang Zhicong stated: Cold Qi governs transformation, thus Heaven Qi is strict and congealed. Ma Shi stated: All things’ transformation is governed by Cold Qi; Heaven and Earth are all strict and congealed Qi. Zhang Jiebin stated: Yin Qi is prosperous.

Zang Administration is spread, Chang Command does not rise.
Wang Bing stated: When Zang Qi acts, Chang transformation stops, thus command does not rise. Zhang Zhicong stated: Water Administration is spread, thus Fire Command does not rise. Zhang Jiebin stated: Water conquers Fire.

Its grains are beans and broomcorn millet.
Wang Bing stated: Water matches Earth. Zhang Jiebin stated: Beans are Water grain, Broomcorn millet is Earth grain; Water surplus matches Earth transformation.

Its animals are pigs and oxen.
Wang Bing stated: Matching gestation. Zhang Jiebin stated: Pig is Water animal, Ox is Earth animal; Pig matches Ox gestation.

Its fruits are chestnuts and dates.
Wang Bing stated: Water and Earth match fruiting. Zhang Jiebin stated: Chestnut matches Date fruiting.

Its flavors are sour, bitter, and sweet.
Wang Bing stated: Salty enters Bitter and Sweet, transforming equally. Zhang Jiebin stated: Also Water, Fire, and Earth flavors. Zhang Ji’s case: In years of Six Bing (Water Transport Excessive), Chen Wuzhe had Huanglian Fuling Tang formula using Radix Coptidis (Huanglian), Radix Scutellariae (Huangqin), Polyporus (Chiling), Rhizoma Pinelliae (Banxia), Herba Verbenae (Tongcao), Semen Plantaginis (Cheqianzi), Radix Glycyrrhizae (Gancao), Radix Polygala (Yuanzhi), Radix Ophiopogonis (Maidong), Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens (Shengjiang), and Fructus Jujubae (Dazao). Take four qian on empty stomach. Miao Wen explained this formula: *Neijing* says Qi is cold and cool, treat with cold and cool. The prescription’s wonder lies not in regulating Heart Yang but solely in promoting Water. Clearing heat with Coptidis, capable of ascending and descending, cold overcoming heat, levels upper and lower heat; further with Scutellaria, capable of left and right, driving water-damp, clearing exterior heat, drains internal and external pathogens. Poria and Pinellia unblock Yangming; Tongcao is light, specifically treating edema; Cheqian is black, power reaches water source. Licorice is essence of nine Earths, truly resisting Water, making Water not overwhelm Heart so Heart is peaceful. Polygala’s pungency removes delirium, handling with ease. Assisted by Ophiopogon to nourish fluid and protect Metal, combined with Cheqian to remove damp-bi, again borrowing Pinellia’s pungency to loosen Earth. Practical application’s wonder, how can thought reach it!

Supreme Truth Essential Discussion, Emperor said: How are the diseases they govern?