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Li Lishan was a recluse in the early Qing Dynasty. He was skilled in composing ci poetry and qu tunes, and his remarks were novel and ingenious. He once said: "If Heaven had only three seasons and no summer, human diseases would certainly be fewer." This is because during the summer months, temperatures are scorching, and humid heat steams and roasts. In such an environment, people inevitably consume raw and cold foods, seek coolness by sitting outdoors, and expose themselves to the elements. Laborers, despite dripping with sweat, have solid internal organs (Zang-Fu) and can still endure; whereas those living in luxury, lacking these two factors (labor and sweating), often suffer from cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea, or malaria (Malaria) and dysentery (Dysentery). Observe other seasons; do they ever have so many such ailments? Even autumn diseases are brewed during summer and manifest when the time comes. Thus, if there were no summer heat, people could avoid illness. His argument is indeed valid.

I maintain that Heaven has four seasons, corresponding to growth, flourishing, harvesting, and storing; how can one be missing? If people abstain from sexual intercourse (avoiding the bedchamber) before the Summer Solstice (Xiazhi); and during the intense heat of the Sanfu days, remember that Yin Cold lurks within the body. One should drink warm tea, eat warm meals, keep flavors light, consume few melons and peaches, avoid sitting outdoors to cool off, travel by leaving at dawn and resting during the day, and live at home with a tranquil mind and few desires. If one has large trees shading the house, sheer curtains, and cool bamboo mats, using external objects to regulate mood, feeling that long days are delightful, then how can summer heat become a disease?

Draft animals and horses often appear emaciated, and post-horses often die young due to insufficient rest. Wild birds and beasts, not hunted by humans, are never seen dying naturally, due to their free and scattered lifestyle. Cattle and horses fall ill because they are役ed by humans. Birds and beasts remain healthy because they enjoy freedom. The *I Ching* (Book of Changes) states: "The movement of Heaven is full of power. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring." Can humans simply eat their fill and do nothing? One must not overwork oneself, nor worry excessively. From dawn until noon, whatever tasks need to be done should be carried out; after noon, one may rest to nourish the spirit (Shen). The labor of cattle and horses is not their desire; being domesticated, they cannot stop. Wild birds and beasts, apart from their nests and burrows, only need to forage to avoid hunger. Can humans act like them? On a grand scale, serving the country and people; on a small scale, seeking food and clothing, each following their will and finding joy. Therefore, although diligence can lead to longevity, those who are decadent and lazy may not necessarily extend their lifespan. Horses in stables and oxen in fields, provided their fodder is appropriate and their work and rest are balanced, do they ever become emaciated and die young? In my previous volume on health preservation, I often emphasized quiet nourishment. However, can humans completely abandon affairs? Thus, I write this for reference.