Library

Zhongze had a lady named Cheng Mengkui, who was nearly fifty years old. She had only one son, who died of smallpox at the age of one. She wept day and night, her grief lasting for over a month. Looking in the mirror, she said, "Why has my complexion and physique not withered despite my son's death?" Because of this thought, she struck her chest with an iron ruyi (a ceremonial scepter), abstained from food and drink, and her body became increasingly emaciated. It was early autumn, and chills and fever alternated. She experienced vomiting and hiccups, mental restlessness and vexation, and pain throughout her body. Her husband invited many doctors to examine her, but she refused medicine and fluids. Physicians offered various explanations and advice, which she rejected; her daughter-in-law and grandson knelt to plead with her, and relatives and clansmen went to instruct her, but she ignored them all as if she heard nothing. She simply closed her eyes, awaiting death. Soon after, she spoke sternly to her husband: "With my illness in such a state, why do you not invite a famous physician to determine life or death?" The husband replied, "Those invited are all renowned scholars." The patient asked, "I often heard that when Commander Cheng Fangtang suffered from madness for three years and recovered, who was it?" He answered, "It was Dr. Sun." She asked again, "When Lady Wu Xiyuan suffered from dryness syndrome with phlegm and asthma for three years, and when Mrs. Cheng Daowu suffered from consumption and fainting, who treated them?" He gave the same answer. The patient said, "Why not invite Dr. Sun to determine my fate?" Upon hearing this, her husband sought me out and invited me. I arrived five days later, by twilight. The patient still suspected me of being a fraud. She privately visited three households to inquire about my appearance, and they all described me as a tall man with a long beard. The next morning, after examining her face and pulse, she asked, "On what day will I die?" I replied, "The condition is critical; death is near." The patient sighed deeply and said, "Death is of little consequence; my regret is that my vow to make a pilgrimage to Jiuhua Mountain remains unfulfilled." I said, "Madam, you do not consider your great vow; why cling to this minor wish?" She replied, "There is no great vow." I said, "Human lifespan is determined by destiny. Countless people died from smallpox this year; the death of your son was also destined. However, you have two grandsons to carry on the family line. If you can restrain your grief and raise them until they mature, marry, and produce offspring, then although your son is dead, he lives on through them, and you will earn a good reputation. If you do not think this way and perish from sorrow, your husband will surely remarry. A new wife will likely be young; if she bears a son, she will favor him and slight your grandsons. Have you not heard the rumors about 'stepmothers and stepfathers'?" You come from a wealthy family. If your grandsons are mistreated, your son in the underworld may harbor resentment. What benefit is there in worrying yourself to death? Is there any greater vow than this? Therefore, I say you have not reflected deeply. Madam, please consider: who is lighter and who is heavier? You will know." After speaking, she looked lost and said, "Sir, since you speak thus, I feel as if I have awakened from a dream. Yet the illness seems close to death; how can I achieve my wishes?" I said, "By 'close,' I refer to the disease severity, not the pulse. Your left pulse is wiry and fine, and the right guan position is slippery. Thus, you have fever, body pain, vomiting, and hiccups. This is malaria acquired in autumn, not a fatal pulse. If you continue to obstinately refuse medicine and food, as texts say, those who starve themselves perish. This is not empty talk. If you truly listen to me, think of your two grandsons, and prioritize the big picture, I will treat your internal injury with blood-invigorating and nourishing agents. Using Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) added with Zhu Ru (Bambusa Textilis Caulis) and Hua Shi (Talcum) to harmonize yin and yang and stop vomiting and hiccups, you will be well within a month. Why worry?" She followed my advice and took food and medicine. Within five days, chills, fever, vomiting, and hiccups ceased. Later, I prescribed Dan Shen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza Radix et Rhizoma) and Liu Ji Nu (Agrimonia Pilosa Herb), each 3 qian, as deputy ministers; Wu Jia Pi (Acanthopanacis Cortex), 5 qian, as sovereign; and Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rotundus Rhizoma), 1 qian, as assistant, decocted with Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction). Indeed, she fully recovered within a month. When Lady Cheng recovered, everyone said, "Qi Fa Qi cured the Crown Prince's illness," and seeing Dr. Sun's case confirmed this belief even more.