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Taking a concubine without cause is by no means a good thing. All instances of marital discord and family ruin often stem from this. If it can be avoided, it should be; this is also one of the essential tasks in managing the household. However, if one is advanced in age and the wife is frail, with no heir being considered the greatest unfilial act, then circumstances may necessitate taking a concubine.

Yet, taking a concubine is easy, but maintaining her well is difficult. If there is no proper method for maintenance, one will have the name of having a concubine but not the reality, which is effectively no different from not having one at all. The methods for maintaining a concubine involve two aspects: interpersonal dynamics and residential arrangements.

Regarding interpersonal dynamics, when the principal wife encounters the concubine, it is rarely out of willing acceptance. Consequently, she may often display anger or scolding, blame the concubine's daily conduct on various pretexts, or use harsh tones and expressions. These are inevitable reactions of common sentiment. However, people fail to realize that reproduction depends on *xueqi* (Blood and Qi), which in turn depends on emotional state. If emotions are not smooth and unobstructed, the Chong and Ren meridians (the vessels governing reproduction) will not be filled. If the Chong and Ren meridians are deficient, conception cannot occur. Thus, even if a concubine is taken, what benefit does it bring? This is why the maintenance of a concubine must not be overly strict.

Regarding residential arrangements, it is ideal for the environment to be quiet and distant, minimizing the principal wife's auditory and visual contact. During intimate encounters, the key lies in the man's mental focus ("sharpness") and the woman's receptivity. Both focus and receptivity depend on *Qi*. At this moment, if the mind is concentrated, *Qi* gathers and directs forward; if timid, *Qi* dissipates and fails to sustain. This is the mechanism of conception or non-conception.

However, the source of courage or timidity lies in the heart. Wherever the heart goes, the *Qi* follows. If the heart harbors doubt or fear, it is not fully present. If the heart is not present, the *Qi* is not present either. If startled by sounds during the act, *Qi* remains in the ears and does not reach the genitalia. If distracted by sights, *Qi* remains in the eyes and does not reach the genitalia. If angry or fearful, *Qi* knots in the heart and does not reach the genitalia. If *Qi* does not arrive, it is like a stone thrown into water—the water remains unaware. It is akin to two armies clashing, where the greatest taboo is espionage; the mind cannot serve two masters, nor can it withstand slander that drives them apart. The dynamics of the boudoir and military strategy are fundamentally the same. This is why the concubine's quarters must be quiet and distant.

Nevertheless, these suggestions are only for those who find themselves in helpless situations. If the principal wife is wise and virtuous, reflects upon these words, and worries solely about the continuation of the ancestral line, she would not only refrain from jealousy but also feel compassion. In such a case, closeness brings comfort, making the advice of "distance" contrary to human nature. Or, if the husband is respectful and diligent, carefully managing the household, the concubine would be grateful just to have a place to stay and would dare not entertain thoughts of keeping him at a respectful distance. Such is the situation, and I am powerless to change it.