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My family has resided in Shanyin for generations. I studied Confucianism. After my ancestor, Lord Zhongmin, perished in the turmoil of the previous dynasty, our family turned to medicine. My grandfather, Mr. Guangsheng, was naturally astute from childhood and well-versed in Confucian classics. He meticulously investigated the principles of various schools of thought beyond the mainstream. Furthermore, since surgeons at that time were rarely highly skilled, he paid particular attention to their study, searching deeply into obscure mysteries until he exhausted their profound secrets. He was summoned by Emperor Shizu (Zhuang) and served as an Imperial Physician within the inner court.

My grandfather possessed a cautious and dignified character, which was especially appreciated and trusted by Emperor Shengzu (Ren). He was granted generous favors and repeatedly promoted to the position of Vice Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau. During his leave, he would sit alone in a room, attended by my father, Mr. Zhaoyuan, and his uncles, surrounded only by medical texts. They raised questions, debated difficulties, and reconciled discrepancies through verification. Regardless of severe cold or intense heat, they often worked until the third watch (midnight) before being ordered to rest. In the duty quarters, if he had insights in the middle of the night, he would surely summon a lamp to record them. When he returned home to mourn his great-grandmother, he further refined and contemplated these matters, compiling them into a book titled *Waike Dacheng* (Compendium of External Medicine). It consisted of four volumes and thirty-two categories. The woodblocks were carved and kept in our family home. At that time, my father also served as an Imperial Physician in the inner court. His nature was upright and cautious. Having served under both Emperor Shengzu (Ren) and Emperor Shizong (Xian), he received special grace and favor from two reigns and was posthumously awarded the title of Vice Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau.

I recall that when I was still a child with hair tied in horns, my father used *Waike Dacheng* to instruct my brothers and me. My eldest brother, Hongtao, died young, and my youngest brother, Guoxing, became a Jinshi in the Wuxu year, dedicating himself to state affairs, so neither completed their studies. My father once admonished me, saying, "You are the one who will inherit our family's medical learning." Being unworthy, I feared I could not live up to this expectation, so I strove diligently and dared not indulge in ease. It has now been over fifty years. In the winter of the Jiwei year, the current Emperor decreed that Wu Qian, Vice Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, and others compile the *Yizong Jinjian* (Golden Mirror of the Medical Tradition). Because my family has practiced external medicine for generations, I was imperially ordered to participate in its compilation. With my shallow knowledge and limited learning, what contribution could I make? I merely borrowed the intent of my grandfather's *Dacheng* to elaborate upon it. Yet, undeservedly receiving favorable recognition, I am filled with both gratitude and shame.

Alas! Medicine relies on intuition (Yi). Where intuition reaches, life and death hang in the balance. Moreover, external medicine involves the six pulses and three causes, yin and yang, good and evil omens; the threads are complex and tangled, making minute distinctions difficult. One may err by a foot without realizing it. This compilation clarifies principles and uses clear language, explaining characters and sentences in detail. Its categories are distinct, grasping the main points while listing details. Every subtle aspect of sores and ulcers is recorded, and every excellent method is prepared. To call it "Great Completion" (Dacheng) is indeed to say it gathers the greatness of external medicine. Now nearing seventy years of age, and fearing that my two sons, Bangxiang and Bangzhu, being dull-witted, might let our ancestral profession perish, I have ordered the printing houses to publish it throughout the land. Not only should practitioners of this specialty have something to follow, but hopefully, the spirit and scholarship of my grandfather will not be lost to oblivion.

Recorded respectfully by Grandson Hongyuan in the mid-month of the seventh lunar month, autumn of the Guihai year of the Qianlong era.