Library

Mr. Jin Tan's *Zhengzhi Zhunsheng* (Standard for Diagnosis and Treatment) is widely read and appreciated. My friend He Xichi regards it as the premier medical text of modern times. Worrying that its profound and extensive content might be difficult to read, I composed *Yi Que* (Medical Whetstone) to support and supplement it. This book features concise language and comprehensive meaning, presenting deep insights in an accessible manner; it will undoubtedly be transmitted alongside *Zhengzhi Zhunsheng*. Both authors are renowned Confucian scholars distinguished by their literary talents, yet they have unveiled the secrets of Huangdi and Qibo (Yellow Emperor and Qi Bo, legendary founders of Chinese medicine), which explains why their works can endure for a long time.

However, Jin Tan wrote *Zhengzhi Zhunsheng* after being dismissed from office, whereas Xichi wrote *Yi Que* due to his illness characterized by melancholy and sorrow. Is this not what is meant by "writing books amidst poverty and distress"? I recall that in his youth, Xichi had a household of over ten people, including his wife, children, servants, and maids, along with dozens of mu of land sufficient to provide porridge. His spirits were high; after drinking, with flushed cheeks, he would freely discuss current and historical affairs, refusing to stop even when candles burned out. He once engaged me in intense discussions on Western calendar methods, plane trigonometry, spherical trigonometry, logarithms, and the principles of lyric composition and musical tuning. Our words resonated perfectly, leading us to dance joyfully, unaware at that time of the hardships and sorrows of the world.

Once he entered official service, his fields fell into ruin, and the number of mouths to feed increased significantly, straining his livelihood. Consequently, he cited illness as a reason to retire to his hometown and supported himself through medical practice, leaving behind his former heroic aspirations. I once visited his home: a few dilapidated rooms barely sheltered him from wind and rain; outside his instrument case and medicine chest, there was nothing else. There was a child of a few years old, wearing tattered clothes and wooden clogs, walking on the sunlit steps. The child suddenly approached and bowed politely, appearing gentle and lovely. Upon inquiry, I learned he was his grandson, Ah Huang. I said to Xichi: "Among our fellow jinshi (degree holders), only you and Kong Jianrong excel in medicine and poetry, and your predicaments are similar. After Kong Jianrong resigned from his post in Yichun, he practiced pediatrics (pediatric medicine), earning one hundred cash per day, during which he played the zither and sang, feeling content and free. Does it mean that both medicine and poetry lead to poverty? Or does it imply that honest officials cannot sustain themselves?"

Now, Kong Jianrong has prospects for reappointment, while Xichi remains reclining and inactive. Judging by his intentions, he seems determined to spend his remaining years practicing medicine. Thus, poverty is something he willingly accepts, and writing books born of distress is something he finds joy in. Some say, "Abundance in writings constitutes wealth." Xichi previously participated in the examination for Distinguished Scholars (Hongbo), and his literary achievements follow in the footsteps of Jin Tan. What wealth could surpass this? This compilation will continue to circulate alongside *Zhengzhi Zhunsheng*, ensuring immortality. Compared to the fleeting nature of wealth, status, and profit—which bloom in the morning and wither by evening—which gain is greater? It is clear that Xichi would not exchange these for worldly riches. Alas, these are the words of one who understands!

Presented with respect by Xin Changwu, my younger brother and clansman, who holds the degree of Jinshi conferred by imperial decree, serves as Reviewer in the Hanlin Academy with a first-class addition, formerly a Junior Scholar of the Han Books in the Hanlin Academy, and served as Co-examiner for Fujian Provincial Examination in the Renzi Year and Chief Examiner in the Jiyi Year.