陈足甫，禀质素弱，上年曾经吐血，今夏患感后，咳嗽夜热，饮食渐减。医作损治，滋阴潜阳，久服不
效。秋杪，孟英诊之。曰∶阴分诚虚，第感后，余热逗留于肺，阻气机之肃降，搏津液以为痰，此关不清，虽
予滋填培补之药，亦焉能飞渡以行其事耶？先清肺气以保胃津，俾治节行而灌溉输，然后以甘润浓浓之法，补
实真阴，始克有济。如法施之，果渐康复。
孟英治其令叔王丈，高年痰嗽，喘逆碍卧，肢冷颧红，饮食不进。与真武汤而安。
仲冬，大雪连朝，积浓丈许，严寒久冻，西湖可行车马，斯时也，盛少云患痰嗽，夜热自汗，不寐，左
胁痛如针刺，肌削不饥，自问不起矣。请孟英托以后事，及诊其脉∶许以可生。盖病来虽恶，未经误药也。与
固本丸加龟板、鳖甲、苁蓉、知（母）、（黄）柏、青黛、石斛、花粉、白芍、楝实、海石、旋复、贝母、蛤
壳、牛膝，出入为方，大剂投之，即效。连服四、五十帖而痊。予谓斯证患于斯时，若经别手，未有不投温补
者。而少云能与孟英游，其亦具眼之人乎。此真所谓患难交，不可不留心于平日，然
亦不能人人而遇之。殆佛氏所谓有缘存乎其间欤！
石诵羲室，久患痰嗽，诸医药之勿瘳。孟英切其脉曰∶非伤风也，与∶北沙参 熟地 百合 麦冬 贝
母紫菀 苁蓉 枇杷叶 盐水炒橘皮 燕窝，一剂知，数剂已。
初秋又患脘痛，上及肩尖，向以为肝气。辄服破削之品。孟英曰∶亦非也。以∶砂仁炒熟地 炙橘红
楝实 延胡 枸杞 当归 茯苓 桑椹 蒺藜，为方服之，良效。继即受孕矣。
初冬，邵可亭，患痰嗽，面浮微喘。医谓年逾花甲，总属下部虚寒，进温补纳气之药，喘嗽日甚，口涎自
流，茎囊渐肿，两腿肿硬至踵，头仰则咳呛咽疼，不能略卧，痰色黄浓带血，小溲微黄而长。许芷卿荐孟英视
之，脉形弦滑有力。曰∶此高年孤阳炽于内，时令燥火搏其外，外病或可图治，真阴未必能复，且平昔便如羊
矢，津液素干，再投温补，如火益热矣。乃以白虎汤合泻白散加花粉、西洋参、贝母、黄芩，大剂投之。并用
北梨抖汁，频饮润喉。以缓其上僭之火。数帖后，势渐减，改投苇茎汤合清燥救
肺汤加海蜇、蛤壳、青黛、荸荠、竹沥，旬日外，梨已用
及百斤，而喘始息。继加∶龟板、鳖甲、犀角，以猪肉煮汤代水煎药，大滋其阴而潜其阳，火始下行，小溲赤
如苏木汁，而诸证悉平。下部之肿，随病降序。一月以来，共享梨二百余斤。
适大雪祁寒，更衣时略感冷风，腹中微痛。自啜姜糖汤两碗，而喘嗽复作。口干咽痛，大渴舌破，仍不能眠。
复用前方，以绿豆煎清汤代水煮药，始渐向安。孟英谓其郎步梅曰∶《内经》云∶“阴津所奉其人寿”。今尊翁
阴液久亏，阳气独治，病虽去矣，阴津非药石所能继续。况年逾六秩，长不胜消，治病已竭人谋，引年且希天
眷。予以脉察之，终属可虞，毋谓治法不周，赠言不早，致有他日之疑，成败之论也。
叶昼三，患咳逆上气，头偏左痛，口渴不饥，便泄如水。王瘦石荐孟英视之，曰∶此肝阴胃汁交虚，时
令燥邪外薄。与育阴熄风，清燥滋液之法，日以渐安。服及二月，大便反形干结而痊。
王开荣，素患痰嗽，兼有红证。今冬病头痛发热，渴饮不饥，便溏溺少，谵语神昏。自述胸中冷气上冲。医见
其面赤痰喘，欲投附、桂、黑锡丹等药，所亲翁嘉顺嘱勿轻服。为延孟英诊之，脉滑且数，曰∶温邪挟宿饮上逆，
法当清解。予∶北沙参 冬瓜子 知母 滑石 花粉 石菖蒲 贝母 杏仁 芦根 葱白 淡（豆）豉 竹沥，
两剂后，面赤退。乃去葱、豉、加麦冬、桑叶、枇杷叶，数帖，
热去泻减、谵语止，头痛息，喘定神清。乃裁（去）菖（蒲）、滑（石），加梨汁、地栗、海蜇，服数日，痰
渐少，谷渐安，渴止溺行，始进养阴之法，遂以霍然。
孙渭川，年逾七旬，脉象六阴，按之如无，偶患音嘶痰嗽，舌绛无津，孟英用甘凉清润法，音开而嗽不已。
仍与前药，转为滞下，色酱溺赤，脐旁坚硬，按之 ，舌犹枯绛，渴饮不饥，人皆危
之。孟英曰∶肠热由腑而出，痢不足虑，第高年阴液难充，不能舍凉润以为方。苟犯温燥，其败可必。幸
渠家平素恪信，竟服∶犀角 地黄 知母 银花 苁蓉 花粉 麦冬 白芍 石斛 楝实等药，十余
剂，痢止。而脐旁柔软，因去犀角，加西洋参，
又两旬，始解燥矢，而溲澈胃苏。又服半月，复得畅解，舌亦润泽而愈。
张与之令堂，久患痰嗽碍卧，素不投补药。孟英偶持其脉，曰∶非补不可。与大剂熟地药，一饮而睡。与
之曰∶吾母有十七载不能服熟地矣，君何所见而重用颇投？孟英曰∶脉细痰咸，阴虚水泛，非此不为功。以前服
之增病者，想必杂以参、术之助气。昔人云∶“勿执一药以论方”，故处方者，贵于用药能恰当病情，
而取舍得宜也。
许守存，久患痰嗽，孟英主滋水舒肝法，以阴亏而兼郁也。业已向愈，所亲某，亦涉猎医书，谓滋阴药
不可过服，投以温补。已而咳嗽复作，渐至咽痛。冬初，又延诊
于孟英，曰∶六脉皆数，见于水令，其不能春乎？果验。世人不辨证之阴阳，但论药之凉热，因而偾事者多矣。
王浍涵室，年逾六旬，久患痰嗽，食减形消，夜不能眠，寝汗舌绛，广服补剂，病日以增。孟英视之曰∶
固虚证之当补者，想（系）未分经辨证，而囫囵颟顸，翻与证悖，是以无功。投以∶熟地 苁蓉 龟板 胡桃
百合 （紫）石英 茯苓 冬虫夏草等药，一剂知，旬日愈。以其左脉弦细而虚，右尺寸皆数，为阴亏气不潜
纳之候。及阅前服方，果杂用 、术以助气；二陈（汤）、故纸、附（子）、（肉）桂等以劫阴。宜乎愈补而愈剧也。
毕方来室，患痰嗽碍眠，医予补摄，至涕泪全无耳，目闭不饥，二便涩滞，干嗽（咳）无痰，气逆自汗，
孟英切脉，右寸沉滑，左手细数而弦。乃高年阴亏，温邪在肺，未经清化，率为补药所锢。宜开其痹而通其胃。
与∶（栝）蒌 薤（白） 紫菀 铃 杏（仁） 贝（母） 冬瓜子 甘（草） 桔（梗） 旋（复）
（竹）茹之剂而安。逾二年，以他疾终。
赵春山司马，向患痰嗽，自仲秋以来，屡发寒热。吴古年从伏暑化疟治，颇为应手。而一旬半月之后，病
必复至。延至季冬，董兰痴鹾尹，嘱其质于孟英，按脉滑数，舌绛苔黄，渴饮溲赤，动则喘逆，夜不成眠，痰
多畏冷，自问不起矣。孟英曰∶无恐也，不过膏粱酿痰，温补助热。是为病根。迨夏吸受暑邪，互相 ，秋
半而发，势颇类疟。古年虽识其证，惜手段小耳。因予∶羚羊（角） 豆豉 连翘 薄荷 知母 花粉 竹茹 贝
母旋复 海 元参 栀子 省头草 梨汁等药，服五剂，热退不畏冷。去前四味，加沙参、麦冬、葳蕤、枇
杷叶，渐能安寐，各恙降序。再加生地，服匝月，而体健胜昔，登高不喘。司马云∶
余昔曾服参、茸大补之药而阳痿，今服君方而沉 顿起，乃知药贵对证，不贵补也。
吴薇客太史令堂，患痰嗽喘逆，便秘不眠，微热不饥，口干畏热。年逾六旬，多药勿痊。孟英切其脉，右
寸关弦滑而浮，左关尺细软无神，是阴虚于下，痰实于上，微兼客热也。攻补皆难偏任。与∶（竹）茹 贝（
母） 旋（复） （石）斛 （海）浮石 芦根 冬瓜子 枇杷叶 杏仁 花粉为剂，以熟地泡汤煎服，则浊
药轻投，清上滋下，是一举两全之策也。投匕果应，再服而大便行，渐次调养获痊。
谢谱香，素属阴亏，情志抑郁，因远行持重，而患咳逆，左胁刺痛，寸步难行，杳不知饥，卧难着枕。
孟英诊之，脉象弦细软数，苔腻痰粘，便艰溲少。曰∶此乃肾气不纳，肝气不舒，肺气不清，胃气不降。投
以∶沙参 枇（杷）叶 （竹）茹 贝（母） 旋（复） 栀（子） 龟板 鳖甲 丝瓜络 冬瓜子 青铅 白
前金铃 藕肉，以熟地泡汤煎服，数剂而平，继渐滋填向愈。
谢某，患嗽，卧难偏左。孟英切其脉，右寸软滑。曰∶此肺虚而痰贮于络。以∶苇茎 丝瓜络 生蛤粉
贝母 冬瓜子 茯苓 葳蕤 枇杷叶 燕窝 梨肉，投之，果愈。
屠敬思，体气素弱，去冬因子殇于痘，医予舒郁填阴，病日以剧，佥云不治。乃延孟英诊之∶两关甚数，
寸上洪滑，嗽逆痰多，卧不着枕，溺赤便难，极其畏冷。是冬温未罢，误补热郁之候。世间之死于劳损者，何
尝尽是虚证？每以补药偾事。授以廓清肺胃之药，周身发疥，各恙渐安。蕴伏既清，始投滋养善后。不仅病
愈，次年春，更得一子。
董哲卿贰尹令正，胎前患嗽，娩后不痊，渐至寝汗减餐，头痛口燥，奄奄而卧，略难坐起。孟英诊脉，
虚弦软数，视舌，光赤无苔。曰∶此病之头痛口燥，乃阳升无液使然，岂可从外感治？是冲气上逆之嗽，初非
伤风之症也。与∶苁蓉 石英 龟板 茯苓 冬虫夏草 牡蛎 豆衣 甘草 小麦 红枣 藕肉，数帖，餐加，
头痛不作。加以熟地，服之遂愈。
钱闻远，自春间偶患痰嗽，医投苏、葛而失音。更医大剂滋补，渐至饮水则呛，久延愈剧。邀孟英诊之，
曰∶左寸动数，尺细关弦，右则涩。乃心阳过扰，而暗耗营阴，肺金受灼，清肃不行，水失化源，根无荫庇，
左升太过，右降无权，气之经度既乖，血之络隧亦痹，饮水则呛，是其
据也，金遇火伏，其可虑乎。继而瘀血果吐，纳食稍舒；老医严少眉以为可治，竭力图维，仍殒于伏。
陈某，患嗽。嗽则先吐稀痰，次吐黄浓甜浊之痰，继以深红带紫之血。仍能安谷，别无所苦，多药不愈。
孟英切其脉，缓大而右关较甚。乃劳倦伤阳，而兼湿热蕴积也。与∶沙参 生薏苡 木瓜 茯（苓） 杏（仁）
竹茹 桑叶 枇杷叶 生扁豆 苇茎 花粉为剂，吞松石猪肚丸而愈。
谢普香，体属久虚，初冬患嗽痰减食，适孟英丁艰，邀施某视之，云∶“是肾气不纳，命火无权”。叠进
肾气汤月余，遂至呕恶便溏，不饥无溺。乃束手，以为必败矣。季冬，乃延孟英诊之，脉甚弦软，苔腻舌
红，乃中虚而健运失职，误投滋腻，更滞枢机，桂、附之刚，徒增肝横。与∶党参
白术 茯苓 泽泻 橘皮 半夏 竹茹 栀子 薏苡 蒺藜 兰叶 柿蒂之剂，培中泄木，行水蠲痰，旬日而愈。
郑妪，患咳嗽，自觉痰从腰下而起，吐出甚冷。医作肾虚水泛治。渐至咽喉阻塞，
饮食碍进，即勉强咽之，而胸次梗不能下，便溏溲频，无一人不从虚论。孟英诊曰∶脉虽不甚有力，右部微有弦
滑，苔色黄腻，岂属虚证？以苇茎汤合雪羹加贝母、知母、花粉、竹茹、麦冬、枇杷叶、柿蒂等药，进十余剂而痊。
Chen Zufu, whose constitution had always been weak, had previously suffered from hemoptysis (coughing up blood) last year. This summer, after contracting a cold, he developed cough and night fever, with his diet gradually decreasing. Physicians treated it as a consumptive disease (deficiency syndrome), using methods to nourish yin and subdue yang, but long-term administration was ineffective. At the end of autumn, Wang Mengying examined him. He said: "The yin aspect is indeed deficient. However, following the contraction of a pathogen, residual heat lingers in the lungs, obstructing the descending and diffusing function of lung qi, forcing body fluids to condense into phlegm. As long as this obstruction remains, even if one administers cloying tonifying and filling medicines, how can they reach the site of disease to perform their function? First, clear lung qi to protect stomach fluids, allowing the regulatory functions (governance and distribution) to operate and irrigation to proceed normally. Then, use sweet and moistening methods to tonify true yin, and only then will there be efficacy." Following this method, he gradually recovered.
Wang Mengying treated his uncle, Mr. Wang, an elderly man suffering from phlegm-cough, wheezing and rebellious qi preventing lying flat, cold limbs, malar flush, and inability to eat. He prescribed Zhenwu Tang (True Warrior Decoction), which brought relief.
In mid-winter, heavy snow fell for days, accumulating to a depth of about one zhang (approx. 3.3 meters). The severe cold froze everything so thoroughly that carriages and horses could travel on West Lake. At this time, Sheng Shaoyun suffered from phlegm-cough, night fever with spontaneous sweating, insomnia, stabbing pain in the left hypochondrium, emaciation, and loss of appetite. He believed he would not survive. He asked Wang Mengying to settle his affairs. Upon taking his pulse, however, Wang promised recovery. Although the illness was severe, it had not been mistreated with medication. He prescribed Guben Wan (Solidify the Root Pill) modified with Gui Ban (Tortoise Shell), Bie Jia (Softshell Turtle Shell), Rong Rong (Cistanche), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Huang Bo (Phellodendron), Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis), Shi Hu (Dendrobium), Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Chuan Lian Zi (Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit), Hai Shi (Sea Coral/Calcined Sponge), Xuan Fu Hua (Inula Flower), Bei Mu (Fritillaria), Ge Qiao (Clam Shell), and Niu Xi (Achyranthes). The prescription was adjusted according to conditions and administered in large doses, yielding immediate effect. After forty to fifty doses, he fully recovered. I believe that given the season, other physicians would invariably have prescribed warming tonics. That Sheng Shaoyun could associate with Wang Mengying shows he was a person of discernment. This truly illustrates the value of friends made in adversity; one must cultivate such relationships daily, yet not everyone is fortunate enough to encounter them. Perhaps, as Buddhism says, fate plays a role.
Shi Songxi's wife had suffered from chronic phlegm-cough for a long time without improvement despite various treatments. Wang Mengying took her pulse and said: "This is not a wind-cold injury." He prescribed Bei Sha Shen (Glehnia Root), Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), Bai He (Lily Bulb), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Root), Bei Mu (Fritillaria), Zi Wan (Aster Root), Rong Rong (Cistanche), Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf), Ju Pi (Citrus Peel stir-fried with salt water), and Yan Wo (Swallow's Nest). One dose brought noticeable improvement, and several doses led to a cure.
In early autumn, she again suffered from epigastric pain radiating to the shoulder tip. Previously, this had been attributed to liver qi stagnation, and she had taken drugs that break and reduce qi. Wang Mengying said: "That is also incorrect." He prescribed Sha Ren Chao Shu Di (Cardamom-stir-fried Prepared Rehmannia), Zhi Ju Hong (Honeysuckle Stem/Citrus Peel roasted), Chuan Lian Zi (Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Rhizome), Gou Qi (Goji Berry), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Fu Ling (Poria), Sang Shen (Mulberry Fruit), and Ji Li (Tribulus). She took excellent results and subsequently conceived.
In early winter, Shao Keting suffered from phlegm-cough, facial edema, and slight wheezing. The physician stated that at over sixty years old, the root cause was lower jiao deficiency-cold, and prescribed warming tonics and qi-grasping herbs. Consequently, wheezing and cough worsened, saliva flowed involuntarily, the scrotum swelled, legs became swollen and hard down to the heels, tilting the head back triggered coughing fits and sore throat making lying down impossible, sputum was yellow and thick with blood, and urine was slightly yellow and prolonged. Xu Zhixing recommended Wang Mengying. The pulse was wiry, slippery, and forceful. Wang said: "This is solitary yang blazing internally in an elderly patient, combined with seasonal dryness-heat attacking externally. While external symptoms might be treatable, true yin may never recover. Moreover, he usually has stool like sheep pellets, indicating chronically dry fluids. Administering warming tonics now is like adding oil to fire." He prescribed Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) combined with Xiebai San (Drain White Powder), modified with Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root), Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng), Bei Mu (Fritillaria), and Huang Qin (Scutellaria), in large doses. He also advised frequent sips of juice from northern pears to moisten the throat and mitigate the rebellious fire. After several doses, the condition improved. The formula was changed to Weijing Tang (Reed Shoot Decoction) combined with Qingzao Jiufei Tang (Clear Dryness Rescue Lung Decoction), modified with Hai Zhe (Sea Cucumber), Ge Qiao (Clam Shell), Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis), Bi Qi (Water Chestnut), and Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap). Over ten days, over 100 jin (approx. 50 kg) of pears were consumed before the wheezing ceased. Then, Gui Ban (Tortoise Shell), Bie Jia (Softshell Turtle Shell), and Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn - *Note: Substitute with Buffalo Horn in modern practice*) were added, decocted in pork broth to strongly nourish yin and anchor yang. Fire began to descend, urine turned red like safflower juice, and all symptoms resolved. Lower limb swelling subsided sequentially with the decline of the disease. Within a month, over 200 jin of pears were consumed.
Coinciding with heavy snow and extreme cold, he caught a slight chill while changing clothes, causing mild abdominal pain. He drank two bowls of ginger-sugar soup, triggering a relapse of wheezing and cough. Mouth and throat became dry and painful, thirst was extreme with tongue cracking, and insomnia persisted. The previous formula was reused, but decocted with mung bean clear soup instead of water, leading to gradual stability. Wang Mengying told his son, Bu Mei: "The *Neijing* states: 'Where yin fluids are abundant, longevity is ensured.' Your father's yin fluids have been depleted for a long time, leaving yang to dominate unchecked. Although the acute illness has passed, yin fluids cannot be continuously replenished by medicine alone. Furthermore, at over sixty, vital energy cannot withstand consumption. Medical efforts have reached their limit; extending life depends on heavenly grace. Based on the pulse, the prognosis remains concerning. Do not blame me later for incomplete treatment or late advice, questioning my success or failure."
Ye Zhou San suffered from cough with rebellious qi, unilateral headache (left side), thirst, loss of appetite, and watery diarrhea. Wang Shitou recommended Wang Mengying. Wang said: "This is simultaneous deficiency of liver yin and stomach fluids, compounded by seasonal dryness-pathogens." He employed methods to nourish yin, extinguish wind, clear dryness, and moisten fluids. Gradual improvement occurred daily. After two months of treatment, stool became dry and constipated, marking recovery.
Wang Kairong, who typically suffered from phlegm-cough and hemoptysis, developed headache, fever, thirst, loss of appetite, loose stools, scanty urine, delirium, and coma this winter. He described a sensation of cold qi rushing upward in the chest. Seeing his flushed face and phlegm-wheezing, doctors wanted to prescribe Fu Zi (Aconite), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), and Hei Xi Dan (Black Tin Pill). His relative, Weng Jiashun, advised against it and invited Wang Mengying. The pulse was slippery and rapid. Wang said: "Warm pathogens combined with retained fluid rebellion require clearing and resolving." He prescribed Bei Sha Shen (Glehnia Root), Dong Gua Zi (Winter Melon Seed), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Hua Shi (Talc), Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root), Shi Chang Pu (Acorus), Bei Mu (Fritillaria), Xing Ren (Apricot Seed), Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome), Cong Bai (Green Onion White), Dan Dou Chi (Fermented Soybean), and Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap). After two doses, facial flushing subsided. Cong Bai and Dou Chi were removed, and Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Sang Ye (Mulberry Leaf), and Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf) were added. After several doses, heat and diarrhea decreased, delirium stopped, headache ceased, wheezing stabilized, and consciousness cleared. Shi Chang Pu and Hua Shi were removed, and pear juice, Di Li (Water Chestnut), and Hai Zhe (Sea Cucumber) were added. After a few days, phlegm reduced, appetite improved, thirst stopped, and urination normalized. Only then was yin-nourishing therapy initiated, leading to complete recovery.
Sun Weichuan, over seventy years old, had a six-position pulse that was deep, fine, and nearly imperceptible. He occasionally developed hoarseness and phlegm-cough, with a crimson tongue lacking fluids. Wang Mengying used sweet-cool clearing and moistening methods. Hoarseness resolved, but cough persisted. Continuing the same prescription led to dysentery: sauce-colored stool, red urine, hardness around the umbilicus with tenderness, and a withered crimson tongue. Thirst with no appetite prevailed, and others deemed it critical. Wang said: "Intestinal heat exiting via the bowels makes dysentery manageable. However, in the elderly, yin fluids are hard to replenish; we cannot abandon cooling and moistening formulas. If warming-dry herbs are used, deterioration is certain." Fortunately, the family trusted him. He prescribed Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn), Di Huang (Rehmannia), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Rong Rong (Cistanche), Hua Fen (Trichosanthes), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Bai Shao (White Peony), Shi Hu (Dendrobium), and Chuan Lian Zi (Sichuan Chinaberry). After ten-plus doses, dysentery stopped, and umbilical hardness softened. Xi Jiao was removed, and Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng) added. Twenty days later, dry stool was passed, urine cleared, and stomach qi revived. Another half-month of treatment resulted in smooth bowel movements, a moist tongue, and full recovery.
Zhang Yuzhi's mother suffered from chronic phlegm-cough affecting sleep and had never taken tonics. Wang Mengying palpated her pulse and said: "Tonification is indispensable." He prescribed a large dose of Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia). She slept immediately after drinking it. Zhang Yuzhi asked: "My mother hasn't tolerated Shu Di Huang for seventeen years. What insight do you have?" Wang replied: "Fine pulse and salty phlegm indicate yin deficiency with water flooding. This herb is essential. Those who worsened previously likely mixed it with Qi-tonifying herbs like Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes). Ancients said: 'Do not judge a formula by a single herb.' Prescribers must match herbs precisely to the condition and exercise proper discretion."
Xu Shoucun suffered from chronic phlegm-cough. Wang Mengying primarily used Kidney-water nourishing and Liver-soothing methods due to yin deficiency with depression. Recovery seemed imminent when a relative, familiar with medical texts, argued against excessive yin-nourishing and prescribed warming tonics. Cough recurred, progressing to sore throat. In early winter, Wang was consulted again. He noted: "All six pulses are rapid. In the water season (winter), this indicates wood/fire imbalance manifesting in spring." It proved accurate. People often fail because they ignore yin-yang differentiation, focusing only on herb temperature.
Wang Huihan's wife, over sixty, suffered from chronic phlegm-cough, weight loss, insomnia, night sweats, and a crimson tongue. Extensive tonic use worsened her condition. Wang said: "It is indeed a deficiency requiring tonification, but previous treatments lacked meridian differentiation, being vague and contradictory to the syndrome, hence ineffective." He prescribed Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia), Rong Rong (Cistanche), Gui Ban (Tortoise Shell), Hu Tao (Walnut), Bai He (Lily Bulb), Zi Shi Ying (Purple Quartz), Fu Ling (Poria), and Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps). One dose helped; ten days cured. Left pulse was wiry, fine, and deficient; right cun and chi were rapid, indicating yin deficiency with failing qi grasping. Reviewing past prescriptions revealed inappropriate use of Ren Shen/Bai Zhu for qi, and Er Chen Tang, Gu Zhi (Psoralea), Fu Zi (Aconite), Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) to deplete yin. Hence, tonification aggravated the disease.
Bi Fanglai's wife suffered from phlegm-cough disturbing sleep. Doctors gave tonifying/astringent remedies, resulting in absence of tears/saliva, closed eyes, loss of appetite, urinary/fecal retention, dry cough without phlegm, rebellious qi, and sweating. Wang's pulse: right cun deep and slippery; left hand fine, rapid, and wiry. Diagnosis: Elderly yin deficiency, warm pathogen in lungs, un-resolved, trapped by tonics. Treatment should open blockage and regulate stomach. He prescribed Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Fruit), Xie Bai (Macrostemon Bulb), Zi Wan (Aster), Ling Lan (Lily/Melissa - *contextual*), Xing Ren (Apricot Seed), Bei Mu (Fritillaria), Dong Gua Zi (Winter Melon Seed), Gan Cao (Licorice), Jie Geng (Platycodon), Xuan Fu Hua (Inula), and Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings). She stabilized. Two years later, she died of another illness.
Zhao Chunshan, a Sima (official), had chronic phlegm-cough. Since mid-autumn, he had recurrent chills and fever. Wu Gunian treated it as latent summerheat transforming into malaria, with good initial results. However, relapses occurred every 10-15 days. By late winter, Dong Lanzhi suggested consulting Wang Mengying. Pulse: slippery and rapid. Tongue: crimson with yellow coating. Symptoms: thirst, red urine, exertional wheezing, insomnia, profuse phlegm, aversion to cold. Patient despaired. Wang said: "Fear not. This is phlegm generated from rich foods, exacerbated by warming tonics. Summerheat absorbed in summer interacted with this, manifesting in autumn like malaria. Wu recognized the pattern but lacked sufficient skill." He prescribed Ling Yang Jiao (Antelope Horn - *Substitute with Water Buffalo Horn*), Dou Chi (Fermented Soybean), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Bo He (Mint), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Hua Fen (Trichosanthes), Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings), Bei Mu (Fritillaria), Xuan Fu Hua (Inula), Hai Shi (Sea Coral), Yuan Shen (Scrophularia), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Sheng Tou Cao (Perilla Leaf), and Pear Juice. Five doses eliminated fever and cold aversion. The first four herbs were removed; Sha Shen (Glehnia), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Wei Rui (Polygonatum), and Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf) were added. Sleep improved, symptoms subsided. Sheng Di (Rehmannia) was added. After a month, strength exceeded previous levels, and climbing hills caused no wheezing. Zhao said: "I once took massive tonics (Ginseng, Deer Antler) causing impotence. Your formula restored my potency. Medicine must suit the syndrome, not just tonify."
Wu Weike's mother, a Taishi (Grand Secretary)'s wife, suffered from phlegm-cough, wheezing, constipation, insomnia, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, dry mouth, and heat aversion. Over sixty, multiple treatments failed. Pulse: right cun/guan wiry, slippery, floating; left guan/chi fine, soft, spiritless. Diagnosis: Yin deficiency below, phlegm excess above, slight external heat. Attack and tonification both difficult to prioritize. He prescribed Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings), Bei Mu (Fritillaria), Xuan Fu Hua (Inula), Shi Hu (Dendrobium), Hai Fu Shi (Lithotrix), Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome), Dong Gua Zi (Winter Melon Seed), Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf), Xing Ren (Apricot Seed), and Hua Fen (Trichosanthes). Decocted with Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia) soak-water. This lightens heavy herbs, clears upper jiao, and nourishes lower jiao—a dual benefit. Response was immediate. Second dose promoted bowel movement. Gradual conditioning led to recovery.
Xie Puxiang, constitutionally yin-deficient and emotionally depressed, developed cough with rebellious qi, stabbing left hypochondriac pain, immobility, anorexia, and orthopnea after strenuous travel. Pulse: wiry, fine, soft, rapid. Coating: greasy. Phlegm: sticky. Stool: difficult. Urine: scant. Wang said: "Kidney qi fails to grasp, liver qi stagnates, lung qi is unclear, stomach qi rebels." He prescribed Sha Shen (Glehnia), Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf), Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings), Bei Mu (Fritillaria), Xuan Fu Hua (Inula), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Gui Ban (Tortoise Shell), Bie Jia (Softshell Turtle), Si Gua Luo (Luffa Vine), Dong Gua Zi (Winter Melon Seed), Qing Qian (Lead), Bai Qian (Cynanchum), Jin Ling Zi (Sichuan Chinaberry), and Ou Rou (Lotus Meat). Decocted with Shu Di Huang soak-water. Several doses stabilized her; gradual yin-nourishing completed recovery.
Mr. Xie suffered from cough, unable to lie on his left side. Pulse: right cun soft and slippery. Wang said: "Lung deficiency with phlegm stored in collaterals." He prescribed Wei Jing Tang (Reed Shoot Decoction), Si Gua Luo (Luffa Vine), Sheng Ge Fen (Raw Clam Powder), Bei Mu (Fritillaria), Dong Gua Zi (Winter Melon Seed), Fu Ling (Poria), Wei Rui (Polygonatum), Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf), Yan Wo (Swallow's Nest), and Li Rou (Pear Flesh). Cure followed.
Tu Jingsi, constitutionally weak, suffered worsening condition after his child died of smallpox last winter. Doctors prescribed qi-regulating and yin-filling herbs, aggravating the illness. All deemed it incurable. Wang Mengying diagnosed: Guan pulses very rapid; Cun pulses surging and slippery. Symptoms: cough-rebellious qi, profuse phlegm, orthopnea, red urine, difficult defecation, extreme cold aversion. Diagnosis: Winter-warmth lingering, mistreated with tonics causing heat stagnation. Many die of "consumption" not because they are purely deficient, but because tonics harm them. He prescribed lung/stomach-clearing herbs. Prickly heat erupted on the body; symptoms gradually eased. Once latent pathogens cleared, nourishing tonics were given for recovery. Not only did he recover, but he had a son the following spring.
Dong Zheqing's wife, primary consort of an Er Yin (Assistant Prefect), had cough during pregnancy, unresolved postpartum. Progressed to night sweats, reduced intake, headache, dry mouth, lethargy, and difficulty sitting. Pulse: deficient, wiry, soft, rapid. Tongue: bare, crimson, no coating. Wang said: "Headache and dry mouth result from rising yang without fluids. Cannot treat as external pathogen. This is rebellious衝 (Chong) qi causing cough, not wind-cold." He prescribed Rong Rong (Cistanche), Shi Ying (Quartz), Gui Ban (Tortoise Shell), Fu Ling (Poria), Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps), Mu Li (Oyster Shell), Dou Yi (Soja Hull), Gan Cao (Licorice), Xiao Mai (Wheat), Hong Zao (Jujube), and Ou Rou (Lotus Meat). Several doses increased appetite and stopped headache. Adding Shu Di Huang completed the cure.
Qian Wen Yuan contracted phlegm-cough in spring. Doctor prescribed Su Ye (Perilla Leaf) and Ge Gen (Kudzu), causing aphonia. Another doctor used massive tonics, leading to choking on water, worsening over time. Wang Mengying diagnosed: Left cun pulsating and rapid; chi fine, guan wiry; right choppy. Diagnosis: Heart-yang over-disturbing, secretly consuming Ying-blood; Lung-metal scorched, clearing/descending impaired; water source lost, roots unprotected; left ascending too much, right descending powerless. Meridian pathways disrupted, blood collaterals blocked. Choking on water confirms this. Metal encountering hidden fire is dangerous. Subsequently, bloody stasis was expectorated, eating improved. Old doctor Yan Shaomei thought it treatable and tried hard, but the patient died due to deep-seated pathogens.
Chen Mou suffered from cough. Initially expectorated thin phlegm, then yellow-thick-sweet turbid phlegm, followed by dark-red-purple blood. Appetite remained normal, no other discomfort. Multiple treatments failed. Pulse: slow-large, more pronounced at right guan. Diagnosis: Fatigue injuring yang, combined with damp-heat accumulation. He prescribed Sha Shen (Glehnia), Sheng Yi Yi (Coix Seed), Mu Gua (Chaenomeles), Fu Ling (Poria), Xing Ren (Apricot Seed), Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings), Sang Ye (Mulberry Leaf), Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf), Sheng Bian Dou (Fresh Hyacinth Bean), Wei Jing (Reed Shoot), and Hua Fen (Trichosanthes). Taken with Song Shi Zhu Du Wan (Pine-Stone Pig Stomach Pill). Cure achieved.
Xie Puxiang (different case or recurrence), constitutionally long-term deficient, developed cough, reduced phlegm/appetite in early winter. Wang Mengying was observing mourning. Shi Mou was consulted, stating: "Kidney qi fails to grasp, Mingmen fire lacks authority." Multiple doses of Shenqi Tang (Kidney Qi Decoction) for over a month led to vomiting, loose stools, anorexia, and anuria. Shi gave up. In late winter, Wang was consulted. Pulse: very wiry-soft. Coating: greasy. Tongue: red. Diagnosis: Middle jiao deficiency with failed transportation, mistreated with cloying tonics further blocking pivot mechanisms. Gui/Zhi (Cinnamon/Aconite) stiffness merely increased liver hyperactivity. He prescribed Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Ze Xie (Alisma), Ju Pi (Citrus Peel), Ban Xia (Pinellia), Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Yi Yi (Coix Seed), Ji Li (Tribulus), Lan Ye (Orchid Leaf), and Shi Di (Persimmon Calyx). Tonifying middle, draining wood, moving water, eliminating phlegm. Cure in ten days.
Granny Zheng suffered from cough, feeling phlegm rising from below the waist, expectorated very cold. Doctors treated as kidney deficiency with water flooding. Progressed to throat obstruction, difficulty swallowing, chest stuffiness, loose stools, frequent urination. All agreed on deficiency diagnosis. Wang said: "Pulse not very forceful, but right side slightly wiry-slippery. Coating yellow-greasy. How can this be deficiency?" He prescribed Wei Jing Tang (Reed Shoot Decoction) combined with Xue Geng (Snow Broth - Radish/Water Chestnut), plus Bei Mu (Fritillaria), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Hua Fen (Trichosanthes), Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf), and Shi Di (Persimmon Calyx). Over ten doses led to cure.