Library

Scholars study the classics to understand principles, hoping to contribute to society, establish merit and fame to be respected by their contemporaries; this is a learning that integrates substance (Ti) and function (Yong). If one has achieved scholarly success and clarity of principle, yet has no intention of seeking fame, while possessing a compassionate mind that constantly desires to save the world at all times and places, is not such a person's moral attainment even higher than others? I was moved after reading Mr. Lunsheng Xu's book "Waike Zhengzhi" (Surgical Treatment Verification).

Lunsheng loved learning since his youth. Beyond the Classics and History, he extensively studied the Hundred Schools of Thought. Regarding even minor matters of nomenclature or skills, he read them with his own hands and eyes, gaining insights from each. Living in the mountains for decades, he was content and happy, refusing to show off his learning. Occasionally, when virtuous families fell into decline, he would guide them on how to seek auspiciousness and prescribe formulas. When infants suffered from illnesses that contemporary physicians could not treat, he would administer medicines, achieving rapid effects without fail, which led people to marvel at him. Consequently, his reputation spread among the scholar-officials. As invitations for consultation became numerous and he could not refuse, he eventually chose to settle near a large city in a scenic area and agreed to practice medicine. Those who interacted with him discussed essays on statecraft and governance, never mentioning trivial matters.

In the spring of the Gengyin year, I met him in the prefectural city of Wanjiang. He was over eighty years old, with sparse white hair, yet his spirit remained vigorous. Was this not due to his profound cultivation of learning and character? Later, while acting as the supervisor of the Wuguan customs, I corresponded with him via letters, inviting him to travel by boat through the snow. We sat around a stove discussing for the whole day. When I asked about his life experiences, he mentioned that just as adding a high pavilion to the local academy can lead to a flourishing of culture within a year, so too does virtue bring its own rewards. He humbly claimed he had no time for such achievements. He stated that good and bad fortune are natural laws of waxing and waning; attempting to evade fate would offend the Creator. In renowned scenic areas, where there are many virtuous people, auspiciousness arises naturally. Thus, the concept of "seeking auspiciousness" is merely a coincidence of events, not entirely dependent on human effort. His words seemed humble but contained profound truth.

Upon parting, while inspecting his luggage, I saw a copy of "Waike Zhengzhi" (Surgical Treatment Verification), which was actually the completion of the unfinished work of his late friend Bi Canglin. The first section distinguishes Yin and Yang syndromes for treatment, and the final volume lists five emergency treatments. The book consists of five volumes, with detailed self-explanations, further confirming my admiration for his excellent character and scholarship. Upon completing the book, he did not claim sole credit but attributed the merit to his pioneering friend. The categories and classifications he established were based on over twenty years of practical experience saving countless lives, unlike those who write books solely to gain reputation. As I was about to depart for thousands of miles away, fearing the book might be lost if taken back, I borrowed a copy to have it printed, presenting it to experts in medical theory for review. Although surgery is considered a "minor path," it sufficiently demonstrates the remnants of Lunsheng's learning and his original intention to help others.

The gentleman's name was Kechang, a Guosheng (Student of the State Academy) from Hezhou, and Lunsheng was his courtesy name.
Written by Cheng Huai, Commissioner of Customs from Yunmeng, at the Shanghai Customs Office in the summer of the Xinmao year of the Daoguang reign.