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Mao Yunzhi contracted an exogenous disease in the winter of the Wuwu year. Initially, he was treated with warming and dispersing methods, followed by yin-nourishing methods, which caused his condition to deteriorate daily. By the spring of the Hai year, some suspected it was a hundred-day labor injury; others claimed it was a mishandled syndrome from Cold Damage (Shanghan). A monk from Fengshan used Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) to tonify; a doctor from Dingmao Bridge used Qingfen (Calomel), Bashuang (Crotonis Fructus) to purge. Various medicines were indiscriminately administered, causing his physical form and spirit to decline day by day. His father, Xuezhou, invited Wang Mengying for consultation. The pulse was choppy and rapid, overflowing upwards; there was hiccoughing and a sticky sensation in the mouth. Although he felt thirsty for water, water could not pass through the diaphragm, and he frequently vomited saliva. Bowels were closed, urine was red, there was tidal fever alternating with chills, and the lower abdomen felt like being branded hot, yet pressing it revealed no hardness or fullness. Wang Mengying said: "This disease originally belonged to Winter-Warmth (Dongwen). Treating it initially with surface-dispersing methods damaged the body fluids, causing the heat to blaze; subsequently using cloying and filling methods trapped the pathogenic heat further; applying warming tonification obstructed the qi mechanism even more. Using Shengma, Chaihu, Baizhu intended to raise the clear qi, but instead assisted the rebellious qi; using Bashuang, Qingfen intended to descend the turbid qi, but completely depleted the yin. The illness has lasted three months; the fever is not due to exterior pathogens; constipation for over ten days with dry, choppy stools is not related to accumulation. Moreover, a choppy pulse indicates damage to body fluids, a rapid pulse indicates lingering pathogenic heat, and an overflowing pulse indicates that the qi mechanism is blocked by heat and cannot descend downward. Is this not because the warm pathogen remains, and due to tonification, it becomes glued and stuck, difficult to eliminate? It merely burns the true yin internally and steams the clear orifices above, causing the qi of the whole body to lose its regulating command. The treatment method should be to search out and eliminate residual pathogens, so that heat is removed and fluids preserved, which is the way to nourish the root; to extend its regulatory function, allowing turbid qi to flow downward, which is the mechanism of unblocking and reaching. Why insist on using Renshen (Ginseng Radix) and Lurong (Deer Antler) to tonify deficiency, or point to Xiaoshi (Natrii Sulfas) and Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) as agents for purgation?" Therefore, a prescription was made: Beishashen (Glehniae Radix), Ziwan (Asteri Radix), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Tuber), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix), Lanco (Eupatorii Herba), Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis), Danpi (Moutan Cortex), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Sangye (Mori Folium), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Yinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium), Mutong (Akebiae Caulis), Lugeng (Phragmitis Rhizoma), Jupi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Ganlan (Litseae Fructus), Dilì (Dioscoreae Bulbifer), Haizhe (Metereorites) etc., modified according to the condition. After taking it, each symptom subsided in order, millet gruel intake gradually increased, and only after half a month did he have a large bowel movement, abdominal heat completely disappeared, and food intake became stable. Subsequently, yin-nourishing follow-up treatment was given, leading to recovery.

Jin Kuanfu contracted an exogenous disease in early winter. The local doctor, Mr. Huang, having heard that Jin usually recovered only with warming medicines regardless of the disease, held a preconceived notion. He prescribed formulas containing Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus). Gradually, Jin developed cold feet, a red face, delirium, and irritability. Suspected as "Floating Yang" (Daiyang), the doctors were at a loss. The family was in despair and invited Wang Mengying. Wang said: "This is a late manifestation of latent pathogens, mistakenly treated with lifting and raising methods, causing heat to float upward. Clearing and resolving will bring peace." Kuanfu still doubted this because he had never taken cooling medicines before and firmly refused to use Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) and Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) in the formula. His brother, Yuan Gu Zhonghan, exerted great effort to persuade him, urging the decoction and administration. Indeed, he recovered suddenly.

Zhou Xiaocang's son, Pinfang, suffered from Winter-Warmth. His relative, Gu Tingquan, knowing that Pinfang's constitution was yin-deficient and the disease was not Wind-Cold, avoided any warming or ascending herbs, yet the symptoms did not subside, and the situation was critical. Zhou humbly invited Wang Mengying. Wang said: "The previous treatment was correct. But adding Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), Ziwan (Asteri Radix), Dongguazi (Benincasae Semen) to the formula would have been effective. This shows that medicine must match the disease; even mild herbs can achieve miraculous results." Wang Mengying once said: "Severe diseases have light treatment methods," which is evident here.

Madam Dai, aged fifty-six, contracted an exogenous disease in mid-winter. She first took one dose of Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix) from Doctor Yang; then five doses of Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Coccineus), Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) from Doctor Zhu. Suddenly, she experienced a burst of uterine bleeding. It was said to be "Heat Entering the Blood Chamber" (Re Ru Xue Shi) and deemed incurable. Only then was Wang Mengying consulted. The pulse was empty, soft, hurried, and rapid; the coating was black, the tongue crimson; her feet were cold and stiff; her breath was faint, and she laughed frequently. Inquiring about her menstruation, it had ceased for over ten years. Wang said: "Winter-Warmth was neglected and not cleared/resolved, causing sudden depletion of Ying blood below. How can this be equated with Heat Entering the Blood Chamber? This must be caused by mistakenly taking hot medicines." Examining the previous prescriptions, he sighed: "Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) has nothing to do with Winter-Warmth. Even regarding Cold Damage, it cannot be used at the initial stage. Furthermore, substituting Danshen for Renshen is particularly absurd. Renshen tonifies Qi, while Danshen moves Blood; their main indications are worlds apart. Regardless of Wind, Cold, Summer-heat, or Dampness, when various pathogens first invade, blood-invigorating drugs are strictly contraindicated. Premature use draws pathogens deeper. Once drawn in, repeated misuse of acrid-hot and drying-aromatic drugs forces the remaining little blood to deplete entirely from below. Women take Blood as their foundation. After Tian Gui (Menstrual Fluid) ceases, even healthy individuals should avoid leakage. How much more so when Warm pathogens are blazing and Yin is depleting from below? One should fear this!" The family pleaded repeatedly. Wang prescribed: Xiyangshen (American Ginseng Radix), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), Congrong (Cynomorii Herba), Xijiao (Rhino CeratUs - *Note: Modern substitute often used*), Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis), Sheng Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Yinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Tuber), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Zhe Jiang (Sugarcane Juice), Tong Niao (Child's Urine). After two doses, her feet warmed, tongue moistened, she passed dark brown stool, pulse rapidity decreased and became softer. Xijiao was removed, Gaolishen (Korean Ginseng) added. After several doses, the pulse harmonized, heat receded, porridge was tolerated, and subsequent regulation led to safety.

Wu Fuzhai's wife, after delivering a child who did not survive in spring, had not menstruated once. She accidentally developed vomiting, fever, vertigo, palpitations, loose stools, thirst, and painful urination. Some suspected pregnancy; others suspected consumptive disease. Wang diagnosed: "One year postpartum without menses, abdomen not distended, pulse string-taut and slow. Neither pregnancy nor consumptive disease. It is Blood deficiency with Phlegm stagnation complicated by Winter-Warmth." Prescription: Lingyangjiao (Saigae Tataricae Cornu), Danshichi (Sojae Semen Praeparatum), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Baiwei (Cleistanthi Radix), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Congbai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus), Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix). After three doses, heat receded, vomiting stopped. Congbai, Danshichi, Lingyangjiao were removed; Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Jupi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) added. Regulation led to recovery.

Sister of Zhang Xiaojiang, contracted an exogenous disease in late winter. After several doses of warming-dispersing medicines from Doctor Zhu, the condition worsened. When Wang examined her, her eyes were wide open and she could not speak, face was red, Qi was rebellious, she needed to be held sitting day and night, and had not slept lying down for four days. This was Winter-Warmth with Phlegm, mistakenly lifted, causing Qi to fail to descend. Prescription: Xuanfu (Inulae Flos), Zhesi (Hematitum), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix), Maogen (Imperatae Rhizoma), Dongguazi (Benincasae Semen), Ziwan (Asteri Radix), Xiebai (Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus), Louren (Trichosanthis Fructus), Suzi (Perillae Fructus), Shichangpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), Zhuli (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), decocted in Lufu (Radish) soup. After three doses, bowels moved, and she could lie down. Complaining of chest confusion, the formula changed to Xiao Xianxiong Tang (Minor Chest-Manipulating Decoction) combined with Sanzi Yangqin Tang (Three-Seed Decoction to Nourish the Elderly) plus Shashen (Glehniae Radix), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Xuanfu (Inulae Flos), Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium). After several doses, heat receded, hunger returned, and she recovered.

Xiang Xiaoqing, wealthy and benevolent, aged thirty-five, very robust, contracted slight Winter-Warmth. His resident physician prescribed Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus), causing restlessness. Another doctor, flattering, used large doses of warming tonics. After two doses, he went mad uncontrollably. Multiple doctors were summoned for consultation, prescribing only a few qian of Qinglin Wan. His relative, Liang Chusheng, hearing of the danger, urgently invited Wang Mengying, but the condition was already irretrievable. Alas! How important it is to be cautious with medication! Families of wealth should take this as a stern warning.

In our dynasty, national governance is vigorous; peacocks' heads remain red, crown ornaments feature red tassels, chewing tobacco is common—all signs of excessive Yang. Thus, Fire syndromes are prevalent. Medicines correct imbalance; doctors save from dysfunction. How can one ignore these macro-trends and rigidly adhere to Si Tian Zai Quan (Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch theories) for treatment? This is akin to a fool talking dreams.

Mr. Cheng from Anhui province contracted an exogenous disease in mid-winter. The doctor heard he ate a raw radish the day before, had loose stools, and white tongue coating. Given that the current year is Wet Earth ruling the Lower Heaven, he diagnosed Middle-Jiao Deficiency Cold-Damp. Large doses of Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata), Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus) were administered, leading to black tongue and coma. Still suspected as severe deficiency. Shen Liuyi from Hezhong saw this, recognized the medicinal error, and invited Zhang Jingjiang. Zhang said: "It is Winter-Warmth." Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Rhino Horn and Rehmannia Decoction) was given continuously without improvement. Twenty days later, Wang Mengying was consulted. Tongue retracted, base crimson, coating black as lacquer, mouth open, penis flaccid, pulse fine, rapid, and string-taut; right pulse felt non-existent upon pressure. This indicated total burning of Yin fluids, deep entrapment of Warm-Toxin. Even sweet dew and jade nectar could not restore the exhausted fluids. Soon, he died.

Subsequently, Pan Shengzheng contracted an exogenous disease in mid-winter. After fever subsided on the 14th day, he lost all appetite. Various doctors treated him miscellaneously. By late winter, he developed dysentery with five colors, edema with cracked bleeding skin, scanty painful urination, and dry mouth. Wang was consulted. Left pulse string-taut, fine, rapid; right pulse string-taut, slippery, empty; coating yellow, greasy, root scorched; spontaneous sweating occasionally. This indicated exhaustion of both Qi and fluids, with lingering Heat-Toxin. It must be due to previous overuse of warming tonics. Otherwise, why would fever subside on day 14 but linger for over 50 days with such stubborn symptoms? His brother Hongxuan said: "For this illness, tonic medicines were only 2-3 doses; however, during Autumn malaria, the doctor said his white coating and plump body indicated 'Cold-Damp', so he took Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) dozens of doses, and drank liquor daily." Wang said: "These are the tools brewing the disease. Treating illness is hard enough, let alone with such internal drug toxicity. What method can save him?" He firmly refused to prescribe. The family insisted on seeking medicine to get through the year. Wang said: "That is acceptable." Prescription: Baitouweng Tang (Pulsatilla Decoction) plus Yinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Lvdou (Phaseoli Semen), Guishen (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Chenmi (Aged Rice), Lujing (Reed Stem), Lanye (Orchid Leaf), Ourou (Lotus Root Flesh). Separately, Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Middle-Boosting and Qi-Invigorating Decoction) large dose steamed dew used as water for decoction. After taking it, scorched coating retreated, stool color normalized. Family rejoiced, begged Wang to continue. However, pulse showed no turning point, so Wang declined.

Furthermore, Mother of Shen Tingsong contracted malaria in late autumn. Wang had previously diagnosed: "Transformed from latent Summer-heat. Constitution is Yang-strong with much Phlegm-Fire. Do not fear deficiency and blindly use warming tonics." But the patient desired quick recovery and sought many doctors. Some said "Three Yin" syndrome, others "Mother-Child Malaria," others "Fetal Malaria" in the elderly. Conflicting opinions prevented cure. By winter, it turned into dysentery, with muscle swelling, buttock sores, oral ulcers, and tongue blisters. Doctors were helpless. Wang was consulted again. Pulse was identical to Pan Shengzheng's case; incurable by medicine.