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Preface states: When a child presents with high fever, yawning, restlessness and oppression, occasional palpitations and fright, vomiting or diarrhea, coldness of the hands and feet at times, redness of the cheeks and malar area, coughing, and sneezing, this is indicative of Smallpox (Dòuzhèng). Generally, smallpox originates from the Five Zang Organs and manifests from the interior to the exterior; therefore, each organ displays its corresponding signs. Yawning and restlessness are signs of the Liver. Occasional palpitations and fright are signs of the Heart. Vomiting or diarrhea accompanied by cold extremities are signs of the Spleen. Red cheeks, coughing, and sneezing are signs of the Lung. Qian Yi (Qian Shi) claimed that only the Kidney has no specific signs, which is greatly incorrect. If there is lower back pain and a preference for sleep, these are signs of the Kidney. When signs of all five Zang organs are fully manifested, the eruption of pustules will be abundant; when only one or two signs are manifested, the eruption will be sparse. Wei believed that smallpox originates from excessive fire pathogenic factors. His theory surpasses ancient predecessors. Although his main prescription approach was somewhat rigid, by recording fourteen ancient prescriptions, he demonstrated flexibility to practitioners. Modern physicians often criticize him on this account. If those past masters were resurrected, I, Wu Kun, would bow in submission and take Wei as my teacher, while regarding Qian and Chen, I would merely follow behind them. The reason is that the scholarly attainment of Qian and Chen did not match that of Wei. In examining various prescriptions here, I synthesize insights from a hundred schools, varying and adapting them, without being strictly bound to these three masters.

Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) (each 2 qian); Baishao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) (1.5 qian); Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (1 qian).
When a child initially presents with vigorous fever, and it is difficult to distinguish between Wind-Cold and Smallpox, this prescription is safe and appropriate, suitable for primary use.
Vigorous heat at the Exterior indicates excess pathogenic factors at the surface. The Classics state: "Light substances can dispel excess." Therefore, Shengma and Gegen are used to vent the Exterior, assisted by Gancao to harmonize Qi at the surface. Shaoyao assists to harmonize Ying (Nutritive Qi) at the surface, dispelling excess pathogens and harmonizing Ying and Wei (Defensive Qi). Thus, Wind-Cold is resolved, and smallpox/rash erupts. This is indeed an excellent formula for the initial stage. If by the fourth or fifth day, rashes are mixed with smallpox pustules, this formula is also indicated. Once the rash dissipates, treat the smallpox according to standard methods.

Zisu (Perillae Folium), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum), Fuling (Poria), Gange (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), Qianhu (Peucedani Radix), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) (each 1 qian); Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (0.5 qian); Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (0.7 qian).
For cases of Wind-Cold causing high fever, heavy body, headache, and severe phlegm-cough congestion, this formula is indicated.
Wind-Cold lodging externally necessitates Zisu and Gange to release the Exterior. Phlegm-cough congested internally necessitates Banxia, Qianhu, Jiegeng, Chenpi, and Fuling to settle the Interior. After the pathogen is expelled, both the Exterior and Interior become deficient; Renshen and Gancao urgently secure this deficiency. In this manner, the Exterior Qi becomes harmonious, facilitating the eruption of smallpox; the Interior Qi becomes harmonious, preventing depletion of Zheng Qi (Upright Qi), and the Exterior...