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Xu Xi, courtesy name Qiufu, was of unknown origin. At that time, he served as the magistrate of Sheyang County. In his youth, he was skilled in medical arts, and his fame spread throughout the land. Once, at night, he heard a ghost moaning in a very mournful and painful voice. Xu Xi said, "You are a ghost; what do you need?" The ghost replied, "My surname is Hu, given name Si, and my home was in Dongyang. I died suffering from lower back pain. Although I am now a ghost, the pain is unbearable. I have heard that you are proficient in medical techniques; I wish for your relief." Xu Xi said, "You are a ghost and have no physical form; how can treatment be administered?" The ghost said, "You only need to bind straw into the shape of a human, locate acupoints, and needle them." Xu Xi did as instructed, needling four locations on the waist of the straw figure and three locations on Jianjing (GB21). He set up sacrifices and then buried it. The next day, a person came to thank him, saying, "Thanks to your medical treatment, I am able to offer sacrifices again. My illness has been removed, hunger alleviated, and I deeply appreciate your kindness." Suddenly, he vanished. People at the time praised him for his spiritual connection. His eldest son, Xu Daodu, and second son, Xu Shuxiang, both mastered his techniques (from *History of Tang*).

Tang Zhenquan was from Fugou County, Xuzhou. Because his mother was ill, he and his younger brother, Tang Liyan, specialized in studying medical prescriptions, thereby exploring their subtleties. In the early Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, he served as Corrector of Documents in the Secretariat. Later, citing illness, he resigned from the post of Prefect of Luzhou. Kudi Qinruo suffered from wind-disease resulting in hand immobility, and various physicians were unable to cure him. Tang Zhenquan said, "Simply hold a bow and arrow aiming at the target; after one needle insertion, you will be able to shoot." Needling the Jianyu (LI15) acupoint, he recovered immediately. In the mid-Zhenguan era, Tang Zhenquan was 103 years old. Emperor Taizong visited his home, observed his diet, and consulted him on medicinal properties. Consequently, he was granted the title of Chaosan Dafu (Grand Master of Court Gentlemen), and presented with a table, cane, and clothing. His compiled works, including *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic), *Zhen Fa* (Needling Methods), and *Mingtang Renxing Tu* (Illustrations of the Mingtang Human Figure), each in one volume, are still in use today (ibid.).

During the Tiansheng era, Emperor Renzong of Song fell ill. Imperial physicians administered medicine for a long time without effect. Someone recommended Xu Xi, who was skilled in acupuncture. He was summoned to treat the emperor. After three needle insertions, the illness was cured. The acupoint referred to is Xinglong. Emperor Renzong was greatly pleased and immediately appointed him an official, bestowing generous gifts. After thanking the emperor, Xu Xi bowed twice towards the northwest. Emperor Renzong asked curiously about this. Xu Xi replied, "That direction is where the temple of my teacher, Bian Que, is located." Emperor Renzong appreciated his sentiment. At that time, the descendants of Confucius had long lost their noble titles. Therefore, Yan Taichu wrote the poem *Xu Xi Shi* to satirize/admonish the court. An edict was subsequently issued to search for the 47th-generation descendant of Confucius to inherit the title of Duke Wenyuan (from *Huangchao Lei Yuan*).

Those skilled in acupuncture guide Yang qi from Yin meridians and Yin qi from Yang meridians; they treat the left side using the right, and the right side using the left; they understand the patient's condition through their own, and understand interior conditions through exterior manifestations.

Qin Minghe served as an imperial physician. Emperor Gaozong suffered from wind-dizziness, heavy head, and inability to see clearly. Empress Wu also harbored malicious intentions, hoping to capitalize on the disaster. When the illness worsened, she summoned Qin Minghe and Zhang Wenzhong for diagnosis. Qin Minghe said, "Wind-toxin attacks upward. If the head is pricked to release a small amount of blood, the illness will heal." The Empress Dowager angrily shouted from behind the curtain, "This deserves execution! Is the Emperor's head a place to test bleeding?" Emperor Gaozong said, "Physicians discuss pathology; no crime shall be incurred. Moreover, my head feels heavy and stifled, almost unbearable. Releasing some blood may not be bad." He ordered the needling. Qin Minghe needled Baihui (GV20) and Naohu (GV16), releasing blood. Emperor Gaozong said, "My vision is clear." Before he finished speaking, the Empress Dowager kowtowed from behind the curtain in gratitude, saying, "This is Heaven-sent for me, my teacher!" She personally presented silk treasures to Qin Minghe.