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Shaoyang disease (diseases caused by cold pathogenic factors), I merely retain its name and do not elaborate further. Since Zhang Zhongjing established the principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment in Nanyang, scholars of successive dynasties have provided detailed discussions, each with their own merits. Students should naturally seek to understand it; why would they wait for my words? However, those who are adept at studying the *Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases* (*Shanghan Lun*) not only comprehend the meridians but also have a clear grasp of symptoms, and can furthermore appreciate the subtlety behind the formulation of prescriptions. Thus, predecessors said: "To understand the *Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases* is not only to treat cold diseases, but also to master more than half of the knowledge regarding miscellaneous diseases." Is this not due to the brilliance of prescription formulation? Those who are not good at reading the text may find themselves scratching an itch through a boot (metaphor for missing the point) even when treating genuine cold diseases, let alone using such methods to treat miscellaneous diseases, which would lead to significant harm to patients!

When I was young, I once saw a patient suffering from stomach pain and vomiting acid fluid that looked like grass juice. A Doctor Wang from the north of the city was invited to treat him. He said: "This condition exactly matches the section following 'Jue' (cold extremities) in the *Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases*. It is appropriate to use Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction)." The prescription consisted of Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), Banxia (Pinellia Tuber), Fuling (Poria), Renshen (Ginseng Root), Baizhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Baishao (White Peony Root), and Gancao (Licorice Root). After one dose, the patient recovered; the medication was appropriate. I also witnessed another case where a patient, in summer, suffered from aversion to wind, spontaneous sweating, fever, shortness of breath, and fatigue. A doctor was consulted and prescribed Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction); after one dose, the patient died. This was due to inappropriate medication. Therefore, I say: One must study the *Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases* skillfully to gain broad benefits; failing to do so causes serious harm. Is this an empty statement?

Macules and papules (Ban) are transformed from warm-heat pathogens and acquired through external contraction. The pathogen gradually moves from the skin and hair follicles to the Stomach. Since the Stomach governs the muscles, if warm-heat becomes stagnant and cannot vent, it transforms into macules and papules. Initially, symptoms such as a surging and rapid pulse, yellow tongue coating, chest tightness, thirst, foul breath, and high fever must appear. In severe cases, delirium may occur. Regardless of whether macules and papules have appeared or not, it is appropriate to disperse the exterior and clear the Stomach heat. Use herbs such as Ziyeh (Perilla Leaf), Dansh douchi (Fermented Soybean), Gegen (Kudzu Root), Bohe (Mint), Huangqin (Scutellaria Root), Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit), Huafen (Trichosanthes Root), Digupi (Dogwood Bark), Niuzibei (Burdock Fruit), Juhong (Exocarpium Citri Grandis), Lugeng (Reed Rhizome), and Gancao (Licorice Root). After one or two doses, if no macules appear, the illness can be resolved. If the heat does not subside and instead there is sudden shortness of breath, a dark and oily complexion, and constipation for several days, use Dahuang (Rhubarb Root), Yuanmingfen (Mirabilite), Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange), along with other herbs to clear heat, disperse stagnation, and resolve both interior and exterior conditions. Once the fu-organs' qi flows freely, existing macules will erupt, and non-existing ones will heal. Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Rhino Horn and Rehmannia Decoction) and Huaban Tang (Resolve Macules Decoction) can be selected according to clinical presentation. Shuijingban (Crystal Macules) indicates extreme heat, presenting as an image of extreme yang resembling yin; thus, Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) must be heavily used in the prescription. Lanban (Blue Macules) usually results from previous mismanagement, where heat has depleted Kidney water; such cases are often untreatable. Regarding macule diseases, if tonifying herbs are slightly involved, death is rarely avoided.