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When the supreme essence (Zhi Jing) of both parents combines and the vital qi (Yi Qi) first condenses, the conception of the fetus begins, gradually forming its shape and substance. The fetus in the womb hears sounds along with the mother. After pregnancy is established, the pregnant woman must maintain dignified posture and behavior, keep her temperament peaceful and joyful, reside often in quiet rooms, listen to beautiful words, hear others reciting poetry and books, and discuss rituals and music. Her ears should not listen to licentious sounds, nor her eyes behold ugly colors. By doing so, the child born will have a proper appearance, be loyal, filial, virtuous, and wise. This is what is called "internal sensation due to external images" (Yin Wai Xiang Er Nei Gan). In ancient times, when Tai Ren was pregnant with King Wen, the prenatal education methods recorded in *Biographies of Exemplary Women* (*Lü Nü Zhuan*) are clearly verifiable; this refers to such practices. Some ask: Why do some women give birth to twins? According to ancient and modern medical formularies, few discuss this matter. Only Chao Yuanfang stated: When Yang exerts and Yin transforms, if the essence and qi are abundant, then twins are born belonging to Yin; if Yin is virtuous, they become females. The *I Ching* states that the Dao of Qian creates males, and the Dao of Kun creates females; this is the distinction between men and women. Regarding why there are taboos against damaging the fetus or causing blood stasis when administering decoctions for pregnant women with diseases: The *Huangdi Neijing* says, "If a woman is heavily pregnant, how should toxic medicines be used?" Qibo replied, "If there is a disease, it will not cause destruction [to the healthy body], nor will it destroy [the fetus]; merely reduce the pathogenic factor by more than half." Generally, if a pregnant woman has a disease, medicine cannot be withheld. However, the physician must carefully assess the severity of the illness and the potency of the drugs, prescribing moderate treatments without using too many ingredients. Once the illness subsides, medication should stop. Thus, the disease is eliminated, the mother remains safe, and the fetus is undamaged. Why then fear therapeutic intervention!

The Gentleman says: Books on prenatal education and obstetric diagrams should not be dismissed as pedantic and unbelievable. Observing families of high status with literary traditions, who generations uphold strict domestic education and feminine conduct, being earnest, solemn, and dignified, naturally avoid rashness during pregnancy, resulting in children who are naturally clear-featured and handsome. Furthermore, observing movements, daily life, and diet, the responses are immediate like echoes. Even if neighbors undertake construction work, it may disturb the fetal qi. If disturbed by weapons/blades, the physical form will be injured; if disturbed by mud, the orifices will be blocked; if struck, the complexion becomes dark and bluish; if bound, the features become contracted; if eating sheep eyes, the child's eyes will be white (blind); if eating rabbit meat, the child will have a cleft lip. Such cases are verified as easily as turning one's hand. As for blessings for virtue and calamities for vice, it is indeed something that cannot be disbelieved.