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The use of Jiawei Xiaoyao San (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) and Liuwei Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) to treat Yu syndrome (Depression/Stagnation) originated with Xue Ji (courtesy name Changzhou). However, Xue’s methods were actually derived from Zhu Danxi. The Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong) in Yueju Wan is equivalent to the Danggui Radix (Danggui) and Baishao Radix Alba (Baishao) in Xiaoyao San; the Atractylodis Rhizoma (Cangzhu) in Yueju Wan is equivalent to the Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) in Xiaoyao San; the Massa Fermentata (Shenqu) in Yueju Wan is equivalent to the Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi) in Xiaoyao San; the Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu) in Yueju Wan is equivalent to the Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) in Xiaoyao San; the Gardeniae Fructus (Zhizi) in Yueju Wan corresponds to the added ingredients in Xiaoyao San. Nevertheless, Yueju Wan is harsh in action, whereas Xiaoyao San is mild; Yueju Wan is drying, whereas Xiaoyao San is moistening. This can be described as "blue comes from indigo but is bluer than indigo," where later achievements surpass earlier ones, yet it still follows the ancient principle of transmitting without creating anew. Generally speaking, Li Dongyuan's Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) is indeed flawless compared to Zhizhu Wan (Immature Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Macrocephala Pill). But does this mean Zhizhu Wan is erroneous and should be prohibited from use?

Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) was created by Yan Yonghe of the Song Dynasty to treat diseases arising from the Heart and Spleen (specifically involving the Yangming channels or organ systems). The original prescription contained only Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Fushen (Poria with Hostwood), Gancao (Licorice Root), Muxiang (Vladimiriae Radix), Longyanrou (Longan Aril), Zaoren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), and Dazao (Jujube Fruit). In the Ming Dynasty, Xue Ji (courtesy name Xinpu) added Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix) and Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) to this formula to treat Blood deficiency. He further added Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex) and Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus) as modifications to treat Heat in the Blood, thereby completing the principle of "Yang generating Yin." Through flexible adaptation to various symptoms, it proved effective for all conditions. It is named "Guipi" (Restore the Spleen) because it tonifies the Heart via the Liver, and the Spleen via the Heart, following the cycles of generation and storage, and adhering to their controlling functions. This is known as treating the "second removed" organ. These are primarily Blood-nourishing herbs, not Qi-tonifying herbs. Later practitioners, seeing the efficacy of Xue’s prescriptions, blindly imitated them without understanding the underlying theory, making arbitrary modifications and losing the original meaning. Even those with slight knowledge merely stated vaguely that it treats Blood originating from the Spleen, mixing in warming and drying herbs that damage Yin, thus obscuring the principles of both Yan and Xue. Gao Gufeng of Siming, familiar with Zhao Xianke’s theories, independently grasped their subtleties. He argued that Muxiang (Vladimiriae Radix), while intended to guide blood back to its vessels, is aromatic and drying, potentially stirring up Liver Fire and consuming body fluids. Therefore, it is often omitted and replaced with Baishao (Paoniae Radix Alba) to retrieve lost True Yin. Furthermore, if the Lung is affected by Fire, the excessive dryness of Baizhu might aggravate coughing; with Baishao as an assistant, the Taiyin Spleen channel fulfills its role in nourishing Ying (Nutritive) Qi. Combined with Huangqi (Astragali Radix) to establish the Middle Jiao, the herb's nature becomes tame. Only in cases of Spleen deficiency with diarrhea is Muxiang retained to awaken the Spleen; only in cases of Spleen deficiency with Cold are Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) added to unblock the Yang of True Yin. In all other cases, the formula varies within the Heart, Liver, and Spleen meridians, utilizing sweet, neutral, clear, and moistening herbs. Thus, the methods of previous generations are fully preserved without omission. Even if the ancients were to rise again, they would not alter this statement.