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The physician witnessed these tragic scenes with a sorrowful heart. Therefore, in *Shenji Chuyan* (Cautious Words on Preventing Illness), he proposed theories regarding **drug preparation** (Zhi Ji, referring to the processing, dosage forms, and compatibility of herbs). In Article 2 of this volume of my humble manuscript, it is stated: "When using medication to treat disease, one must first weigh the condition of the disease against the strength of the patient's Stomach Qi." This conveys the same meaning.

However, physicians and patients often fail to understand this principle, leading to erroneous medication that harms life, which is truly lamentable. A medical case from Xu Lingtai (pseudonym Huixi) is recorded in detail below, serving as a warning for future generations.

In our prefecture, there was a surnamed Zhu who suffered from **Yin Pi** (a accumulation caused by retained fluids), located under the left hypochondrium. Upon onset, it presented with distending pain and vomiting. Initially, the attacks were mild. Physicians treated him repeatedly with tonifying formulas, resulting in more frequent and severe exacerbations. I warned him, saying, "This is Yin Pi. Many patients suffer from this; treatment should focus primarily on clearing fluids and promoting Qi circulation. Warm-tonifying methods must absolutely be avoided. If used, they will form hard accumulations that become incurable." He did not believe me. Later, due to emotional stagnation, his illness flared up severely. The pain was extreme, accompanied by violent vomiting, mental exhaustion, and physical fatigue. The physicians then aggressively administered large doses of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi). Heat surged upward, phlegm-fluids obstructed the channels, and the pain intensified. His limbs became cold, and his pulse was faint. The physicians increased the dosage of Renshen and Fuzi further, exacerbating the obstruction. After swallowing just one mouthful of the medicine, he felt as if knives and arrows were piercing his heart. He pleaded to stop taking it. His wife and children knelt around him, weeping and begging, "Four renowned physicians collaborated on this prescription; how could it be wrong? Renshen is so precious; how could it be ineffective?" Mr. Zhu said, "Do I not wish to live? But this medicine is truly unbearable. Let me alleviate my suffering slightly, and I would accept death willingly. If you insist on making me die in extreme pain, that is my fate." He reluctantly drank half. Internal heat boiled, phlegm became congested, and he cried out, rolled about, and then passed away. Most deaths among the wealthy follow this pattern, though not as severely as this case. One must know that appropriate medication can be recognized before ingestion; upon smelling its aroma, one feels joy and desires to drink it. Conversely, inappropriate medication causes aversion upon smelling it. Therefore, those who find taking medication forced and painful are taking drugs that contradict their condition. The *Neijing* states, "When attending to patients, inquire about their preferences." This is indeed the subtle secret of healing. As Mencius said, "If the medicine does not cause dizziness or vertigo, the serious disease will not be cured." This statement refers specifically to herbs that attack pathogens and break down accumulations, and cannot be applied universally.

This case is recorded in Wang Mengying's *Guiyan Lu* (Records from the Inkstone), where he added a note: "I omitted this entry when compiling *Huixi Yian*. I only realized it after the printing was completed. It was inconvenient to add it to the blocks, so I recorded it here." Note: *Huixi Yian* was compiled and printed by Wang Mengying. There is suspicion that some cases within it are pseudonymous. Furthermore, the preface to *Shenji Chuyan* differs significantly in style from the prefaces in Xu's *Liushu*, suggesting it may also be pseudonymous. However, when reading ancient texts, if the arguments and prescriptions are sound and accessible, they are worthy of emulation regardless. Otherwise, even authentic texts may be difficult to trust. Thus, distinguishing between authentic and forged works is not strictly necessary.

[34] A single herb remedy for food retention caused by eating mutton: decoct chestnut shells (Litchi Chinensis Exocarpium) and drink the soup. Immediate effect. Use the outer shell with spines. According to *Baiyun Ji* (written by Zhang Xiu Hu of Qiantang): "Qian Shoumo, father of Qian Yugong from Gusu, had miraculous healing abilities. The two sons of Minister Wang of Changzhou ate mutton simultaneously, resulting in abdominal distension and critical breathing. Qian Shoumo ordered one stone of boiling wine to be slowly poured over their abdomen, and instructed them to drink chestnut shell soup. They recovered immediately. Chestnuts can make sheep thin; sheep tethered under chestnut trees that eat the shells become emaciated. This comes from miscellaneous records and is not found in the *Bencao*." Thus, single-herb remedies have historical origins. Another case involved treating a nobleman suffering from epilepsy with uncontrollable laughter. Qian Shoumo ordered red carpets and five-colored silks to be displayed in the hall to amuse him. Suddenly, a rough man burst in, covering everyone with filth. The nobleman flew into a rage, chased the rough man around the hall, but the man escaped. Exhausted by the exertion, the nobleman slept heavily for three days and nights. Upon waking, his illness had completely vanished. The nobleman's disease was in the Spleen, and his nature was inherently stingy. By provoking anger (Liver Wood), it counteracted the Spleen Earth. These two cases demonstrate a deep understanding of natural laws and human emotions, inheriting the wisdom of ancient sages. The latter case not only used provoked Liver anger to treat Spleen disease but also induced movement. Movement generates Yang, thereby treating Yin stagnation, aligning with the *Neijing* principle: "For those who are sedentary, promote movement."

[Zhonggui's Note] In He Lianchen's preface to *Cuncunzhai Yihua Gao*, it is stated that the work consists of five volumes. However, only these two volumes were printed and circulated. Of these two, based on my observation, only large and small woodblock editions exist. They are now out of print and unavailable for purchase. The sections on "Rash" and "Sha" in Volume 3 were excerpted from Volumes 5 and 6 of Issue 1 of the *Shaoxing Medical Monthly*. The annotator was Yang Zhian, a disciple of Zhao Qing. It is unknown if Zhe Lu (the editor's pseudonym) had any connection to Zhao Qing.

[Jisheng's Note] Descendants of Zhao Qing possess scattered manuscripts that have not been organized. The legacy of their ancestors is lost and untransmitted, which is truly regrettable. Zhe Lu is the pseudonym of Mr. Yang.