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A guest suffered from *Pi* syndrome (a condition characterized by fullness and obstruction in the chest and abdomen), where pathogenic factors accumulated within, latent and unable to be expelled; external pathogens resisted entry, unable to be admitted. He sought medical advice, who said, "It is imperative to use purgation." Upon returning home and taking the medicine, a violent diarrhea ensued immediately. Within less than a day, the previously latent pathogens scattered completely, and the resistant pathogens became soft and unable to sustain themselves. The stifling sensation in the chest and diaphragm cleared, breathing became smooth, and he felt extremely relieved, as if he had never been ill. However, within a few days, the *Pi* syndrome recurred. Administering the same medicine produced the same sense of relief. From then on, within a month, the *Pi* syndrome manifested five times, followed by five purgations each time, with temporary relief after each purge. Yet, the guest's vital energy was drawn three times in a single conversation; his body sweated without exertion, and his thighs trembled without walking. While his skin and muscles appeared unchanged externally, his internal essence was depleted and hollow, unknown in origin. Alas! Was *Xin Pi* (Heart Pi) truly requiring purgation? I followed the prescription, and my technique was not flawed, but what happened here? Hearing of a skilled physician in southern Chu, I went to consult him. The physician smiled and said, "You need not be surprised by this outcome. You came to me precisely because of this. Sit, and let me tell you. In the world, whatever brings great pleasure to the mind often leads to damage at its end; if one seeks to avoid harming the interior, one must not expect such mental satisfaction. When Yin is latent and Yang is stored, and Qi and Blood fail to circulate, resulting in *Pi*, the burden obstructing your chest is significant. Striking it away removes this heavy burden instantly, an effect that gentle medicines cannot achieve; only forceful intervention can work. However, the harmonious Qi of a person is subtle and fragile, easily endangered. Once the forceful intervention is accomplished, your harmonious Qi is already injured. Thus, every time your *Pi* brings relief, your harmony suffers; five instances of relief within a month mean your harmonious Qi has been exhausted. Hence, the feeling of emptiness persists like a fleeting moment. To remove your *Pi* without harming your harmony, you should return home and rest quietly for three months before resuming medication. After three months of seclusion and purification, the guest returned to request treatment. The physician said, "Your Qi has slightly recovered." He handed over the medicine, saying, "Take it for three months, and the illness will stabilize; take it for another three months, and you will recover somewhat; after a year, you may return to normal. Medication must not be administered hastily." The guest followed this advice. Initially, progress seemed slow and frustrating, with three relapses after three doses. Daily, no obvious curative effect was seen, but long-term comparison showed monthly changes and seasonal differences. Ultimately, after a full year, the disease subsided. The guest bowed twice to thank the physician and asked for the reason. The physician replied, "This is the principle of governing a state, applicable not only to treating diseases. Have you not observed how Qin governed its people? The people were resistant to orders, lazy in duties, accustomed to old ways, and unafraid of laws. With disobedience and ineffective governance, the Qin people remained in a state of 'Pi'. Shang Yang, seeing this stagnation, used harsh laws and capital punishment to deter them, acting with ferocity and severity, showing no mercy, forcefully eliminating obstacles. Consequently, Qin's decrees flowed freely like water from a height, reaching all directions, with no resistance, and the 'Pi' of Qin was briefly resolved. From Duke Xiao to Er Shi, how many times did 'Pi' and 'relief' alternate? The stubborn were broken, the strong became soft, but the Qin people lost their joy. Each instance of harsh policy brought relief but cost a portion of the people's happiness. Accumulating such relief left the 'limbs' of Qin empty, merely appearing substantial. As the hearts of the people drifted away, the ruler stood isolated. Thus, when a commoner shouted, the people rose within a day. Qin could not mobilize its strength, which responded indifferently. Therefore, the fall of Qin was the fault of those seeking quick relief. In ancient times, the people of the Former Kings also experienced 'Pi'. Did the Kings not know that striking it away quickly would be efficient? They feared harming the interior, so they dared not seek quick satisfaction. Instead, they nurtured the people gently, taught benevolence and righteousness, guided them with rites and music, dissolved chaos secretly, and removed 'Pi'. Observers might have felt frustrated by the slowness, but month by month and year by year, the customs changed. Without force or conflict, there was no rebellion. Thus, hostile Qi was removed daily without disturbing the people's joy, leading to successful governance and lasting peace. The governance of the Three Dynasties required several sages and hundreds of years to establish good customs. Therefore, your cure taking a year is no surprise. It is said: Whatever brings great pleasure to the mind often leads to damage at its end; if one seeks to avoid harming the interior, one must not expect such mental satisfaction. This applies not only to governing the world." The guest bowed and recorded these words.