Library

*Wei Sheng Yi Jian Fang* (Hygiene and Simplicity Formulas) consists of twelve volumes, with an additional appendix of one volume. It is a book compiled by Hu Yuanjie, the Minister of Rites. Initially serving as Censor-in-Chief (Ji Ge Shi Zhong), he was later transferred to the position of Vice Minister of Rites. For nearly twenty years, he was entrusted with missions to various regions. He traveled to famous mountains and scenic spots without exception; the places his footsteps reached were far beyond those visited by Sima Qian! During his inquiries and consultations, he occasionally obtained convenient medical prescriptions from those who had been cured. He classified and arranged these into a book, naming it "Yi Jian" (Easy and Simple). The rationale is that being simple means the language is not verbose, and being easy means the medicinal materials are not obscure or rare. If the language is not verbose, everyone can understand it; if the medicinal materials are not obscure, they might be obtainable in emergencies. Compared to other medical formularies that are extensive but lack essential points, this book differs greatly.

Once completed, the manuscript was presented to the court. The Emperor was pleased, wrapped it in multiple layers of cloth, sealed it, and stored it in the imperial secret library. After retiring from official duties, the Duke distributed copies for printing and dissemination to distant and nearby areas. Alas, the Duke's diligence in his efforts can be described as remarkable! His benevolence and benefits to humanity can be described as profound! I have also heard that in recent times, the Duke inherited medical practices and maintained a stock of good medicines to meet people's requests. He did not charge the poor for the cost, relying on him to survive numbered in the thousands. Thus, the Duke received his reward during the prosperous times of the Ming Dynasty. Now, with the circulation of this book, the number of people saved relies increasingly on it, and it is certain that his descendants will enjoy the rewards in the future. Nevertheless, endowed with a broad, erudite, elegant, and dignified demeanor, the Duke serves as the trusted minister and pillar of the Sage Emperor, offering counsel and assisting in decision-making to achieve governance through non-action (Wu Wei). This enables the myriad people to reach the realm of benevolence and longevity. All of this is based on the principle of "Yi Jian" (Simplicity). The scope of his virtue and grace extends far beyond what is contained in this book alone.

Inscribed on the first day of the second month in the spring of the second year of Xuande, by Huang Huai of Yongjia, Grand Master of Glory and Virtue, Junior Guardian, Minister of Revenue, and Grand Secretary of the Hall of Martial Heroism.

*Wei Sheng Yi Jian Fang* (Hygiene and Simplicity Formulas) is compiled by Hu Yuanjie, the current Minister of Rites from Piling. During the Yongle era, the Duke was promoted from Censor-in-Chief to Vice Minister of Rites and frequently served as an envoy to various regions. He thoroughly observed and understood the reasons behind the diverse climates and customs of different landscapes and the varying habits of the common people. Occasionally, he would use medicinal items recorded in medical texts or transmitted by popular custom to relieve others' suffering, always recording and verifying their effects. As time passed, his accumulated experience grew, leading him to carefully collect extensively, categorize, and compile them into a book of twelve volumes, named *Wei Sheng Yi Jian Fang*. His dedication was indeed diligent. In the autumn of the Gui Mao year of Yongle, I accompanied the Emperor on a tour outside the Great Wall. The Duke happened to go to the imperial camp on business and presented this book. At that time, it was mid-autumn, and the weather was very cold. The Emperor summoned the Duke into the tent, conversed with him, and repeatedly reviewed the book, praising it highly. Until nightfall, candles were brought, and eunuchs were ordered to mark it with the imperial seal, after which it was boxed and stored. By the time we retired, it was already the second watch of the night. I privately rejoiced at the high honor bestowed upon the Duke and deeply appreciated the fortunate encounter of this book. In recent years, the Duke has refused to keep it secret, ordering it to be printed to benefit all directions. He did not disdain asking me to write a postscript. Only benevolent gentlemen exert their minds in everything they do in the world. When the Duke traveled widely, pausing to inquire, he aimed to propagate the Emperor's virtue and convey the feelings of the people, extending his benevolence to the masses significantly! Moreover, he particularly considered compiling this work to help those suffering from disease and injury who had no place to rest. How profound is his intention! Now, holding a position among the Six Ministers, he assists the Emperor and takes regulating the primordial qi of the state as his duty. He wishes to widely disseminate this book so that people everywhere can alleviate their suffering and preserve their lives. His benevolent and compassionate mind, thorough and meticulous as it is, does this not serve as an aid to regulating the state's vital energy? I hereby further praise the fortune of this book and realize that the reason our Taizong Emperor praised the Duke was not accidental. Therefore, I wrote these words at the end of the volumes to highlight the Duke's benevolent intention. Those who obtain this book should study it carefully...

Inscribed on the Jia Wu day of the seventh month in the autumn of the Ding Wei year of Xuande, by Jin Youzi of Linjiang, Junior Guardian of the Crown Prince, Minister of Rites, and Grand Secretary of the Hall of Martial Heroism.