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The elder sister of Scholar Ding frequently suffered from syncope, regaining consciousness only after vomiting approximately one bowl of phlegm. This occurred three to five times a month. Later, she developed thirst, early morning epigastric fullness (Dao Bao), borborygmus, abdominal pain, diarrhea, scanty and dysuric urination, and coughing. Upon pulse diagnosis, the Cun positions on both wrists were soggy and weak (Ru Ruo), while the Guan positions were slippery and large (Hua Da). This indicated accumulation of phlegm-dampness in the Middle Jiao. I initially prescribed Er Chen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction), adding Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus), and Mai Ya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus) as Deputy Ministers (Chen) to strengthen the Spleen and dispel dampness; Bai Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) as Sovereign (Jun) to alleviate pain; Hua Shi (Talcum) and Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma) as Assistants (Zuo) to guide damp-heat out through urination; and Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) as an auxiliary assistant (Bi Zuo). After ten doses, the pain in the Yin aspects ceased. The prescription was then changed to Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) with added Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), and Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), which stabilized the condition.

A patient named Jin Liangmei, aged eighteen, suffered from coughing with hemoptysis (Tu Hong), afternoon tidal fever, and nocturnal emissions. Local physicians treated him for half a year with Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction) plus Tian Men Dong (Asparagi Radix), Huang Bo, and Zhi Mu. However, his condition worsened, presenting with distending pain in the left hypochondrium, inability to lie on the side, progressive hoarseness, nausea upon eating, and significant muscle wasting. All six pulses were rapid (Shu). The physicians declared their skills exhausted, so he sought my treatment. Observing his pale complexion with a faint bluish hue, and noting his flaccid and powerless lower limbs, I told him: "This syndrome involves Qi deficiency and Blood heat. The Liver pulse is very wiry (Xian). A wiry pulse indicates excessive Wood energy, which damages Earth (Spleen), causing it to fail in controlling blood. It likely originated from initial anger, followed by injury from cold-cooling agents, leading to nausea and emaciation. Medical texts state: 'When the Spleen and Stomach are deficient, Lung Qi perishes first.' Due to insufficient Lung Metal, Liver Wood becomes even less restrained. Turbid phlegm and stagnant blood congeal in the Lung orifices, causing cough and hoarseness; stagnation in the Liver causes the left hypochondrium to be unable to rest against the bed, indicating a critical condition. Fortunately, being young, treatment is still feasible." I urgently prescribed Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) 2 qian and Bie Jia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) 5 qian as Sovereigns; Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Bai Shao Yao, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Fu Ling (Poria), Tong Cao (Tetrapanacis Medulla), and Bei Mu (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus) at 1 qian each as Deputies; Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix) and Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) at 7 fen each as Assistants; and Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix) at 5 fen as Envoy (Shi). After twenty doses, the tidal fever ceased, and cough decreased by more than half. After thirty doses, his voice became clear, and he could lie with his left side against the bed. He was subsequently fully recovered after conditioning with Da Zao Wan (Great Creation Pill). I advised him: "Although recovery is gratifying, the wiry pulse has not disappeared. You must strictly avoid anger and mental/physical exertion to ensure safety. If you do not heed this advice and trigger bleeding through fatigue and anger, the hemorrhage will be uncontrollable. Beware and prevent this." Thereafter, his spirit grew vigorous daily, and his body became moderately plump. For six years, there were no incidents. One day, due to dissatisfaction with an event, he flew into a great rage and engaged in mental labor regarding accounts. Consequently, blood gushed like a spring, filling a basin in an instant. His upper lip became black and swollen, and he sweated profusely. I was urgently summoned to diagnose him; the pulse was chaotic and disordered. After the examination, he told his attendants that he needed to defecate. I said, "This is a sign of death; Yin and Yang have separated." I took my leave and exited the door. Before I had gone far, he expired. His parents wept and thanked me, saying: "Initially following your instructions, I survived for six years. Once I failed to be cautious, it happened exactly as you predicted. Life and death may be fate, but this was caused by my own lack of prudence." This person was narrow-minded and stingy with money. I record this case to warn those in the world who value wealth over life.