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Jin Jian contracted a warm disease in spring. After twenty days of mismanagement, it developed into an extremely severe fatal syndrome. High fever persisted without abatement. Delirious speech was incoherent. The skin was dry and rough. The chest felt stiff and board-like. The tongue was curled and the lips scorched.
The body was curled up with cold feet. Bowel and bladder movements were barely patent. Thirst fluctuated between present and absent. The face presented a patch of dark, stagnant hue. The medicines used by previous physicians were generally limited to methods of sweating (releasing the exterior), purging (draining downward), harmonizing, and warming. None had any effect. They sought help from me. I said, "This syndrome is no different from Lianggan Shanghan (Two-Channel Cold Damage). However, in Lianggan syndromes, the pathogen transmits through two meridians daily; death occurs when the transmission cycle completes in three days. If the patient survives, they will die after another three-day cycle of transmission. This Spring Warmth syndrome does not transmit through meridians; therefore, although the pathogenic factor lingers without receding, it inevitably prolongs for several more days until the primordial Qi is exhausted and death ensues."
Observing his Yin and Yang syndromes, both are mixed together. Treating the Yang aspect hinders the Yin, and treating the Yin hinders the Yang. This conforms to the pathology of Lianggan syndromes. Zhang Zhongjing originally classified this as a fatal syndrome and did not establish treatment methods. Yet he stated that releasing the exterior and purging the interior are fundamentally different. He also said that living methods depend on the practitioner's ingenuity and divine understanding; he never taught people to rigidly abstain from medication. I have a method: use Zhang Zhongjing's formulas for the exterior and interior to treat this. Although untested, my innate intuition spontaneously generates changes, as if aided by spirits or gods. It must be effective. Thus, I employed Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang (Ephedra, Aconite, and Asarum Decoction) to simultaneously resolve the pathogenic factors of both Yin and Yang at the exterior. Indeed, sweat permeated the skin, and the heat completely cleared. Then, I used Fuzi Xiexin Tang (Aconite and Rhubarb Decoction) to simultaneously resolve the pathogenic factors of both Yin and Yang at the interior. Indeed, the chest became soft and flexible, mental clarity returned, and all symptoms receded. The next day, he desired congee. Thereafter, no further medication was needed. With merely these two doses, one life was rescued from the brink of nine deaths. How gratifying!

Xu Guozhen suffered from Shanghan (Cold Damage) for six or seven days. His body was hot, eyes red. He demanded water brought before him, but upon receiving it, he put it down without drinking. He exhibited extreme restlessness. He opened doors and windows wide, lay on the ground, and rolled about dissatisfied. He even begged to enter a well. A physician hastily administered Chengqi Tang (Rhubarb Decoction). I palpated his pulse: it was boundlessly surging (Hong) yet powerless upon deep pressure. I told the physician, "This is a case requiring Renshen (Ginseng), Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), and Ganjiang (Dried Ginger). Why do you consider it a syndrome suitable for purgation?" The physician replied, "Body heat and red eyes indicate excess pathogenic factors. Such extreme restlessness suggests that administering Renshen, Fuzi, and Ganjiang would cause him to climb walls and roofs." I said, "Yang Qi is about to violently collapse, manifesting false heat externally while true cold exists internally. Even with Ginger and Aconite, we might fear failing to fulfill the task of restoring Yang. How dare we use purely Yin-cold drugs to severely deplete his Yang? Observe that he obtains water but does not wish to swallow it; his true condition is already largely exposed. If he cannot bear to swallow water, how could he possibly tolerate Da Huang (Rhubiz Radix et Rhizoma) and Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas)? When the weather is sultry and steaming, heavy rain is inevitable. This syndrome will soon result in profuse sweating over the entire body, which will be incurable. Furthermore, if you mistakenly identify great heat as a Yang syndrome and purge it, Jie Xiong (Chest Binding) will certainly form, which is even more alarming. Only the use of Ginger and Aconite can be considered 'tonification with dispersion,' capable of scattering pathogens and reducing fever, achieving two goals with one stroke. It is the most stable and appropriate method. What doubt remains? I will sit here for a long time. If there is any error, I shall bear the responsibility."
Thus, I prescribed Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) and Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), each 5 qian, Renshen (Ginseng) 3 qian, and Gancao (Licorice Root) 2 qian. The decoction was prepared and administered cold. After ingestion, he experienced chills and teeth chattering. We covered his head with thick cotton blankets. He withdrew his hand, refusing pulse diagnosis, indicating that the signs of minute Yang finally became apparent. Another dose of the same prescription was given. He sweated slightly, the heat subsided, and he stabilized.
Mr. Hu Youchen said, "Your eloquence is sufficient to embody Ren (Benevolence)."