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Wang Shuhe was from Gaoping. His temperament was calm and quiet, and he had a broad interest in classical prescriptions, particularly excelling in diagnosis and prescription. He thoroughly understood the principles of health preservation and deeply comprehended the origins of disease treatment. He collected various theories and compiled them into ten volumes of *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic). The work narrates Yin and Yang, exterior and interior; differentiates the three positions and nine inspections; distinguishes the Renying (Stomach Meridian pulse at neck), Qikou (Lung Meridian pulse at wrist), and Shenmen (Kidney Meridian pulse at wrist) pulses; systematically lists the twelve meridians and twenty-four Qi periods; and covers the eight extraordinary vessels, five zang organs, six fu organs, Sanjiao (Triple Burner), and their relationship with the four seasons. The content is detailed and complete, all applicable for clinical use. There are ninety-seven chapters in total. He also reorganized Zhang Zhongjing’s prescriptions and theories into thirty-six volumes, which were widely circulated in the world.

Cheng Wuji was from Liaoshe. His family had been scholars and physicians for generations. He was intelligent and quick-witted, with an extensive memory and broad knowledge. His commentaries on the *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage) contained insights not previously mentioned by others. His approach focused on determining the physical constitution and analyzing syndromes, clarifying cases that appeared similar but were distinct, and distinguishing those that seemed correct but were actually erroneous. Throughout history, those discussing cold damage have taken Zhang Zhongjing as their ancestor, yet they merely applied treatments based on symptoms without elucidating the underlying meanings. Cheng Wuji studied extensively and refined his expertise, achieving deep understanding through personal insight. He relied on classics such as *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues), *Su Wen* (Basic Questions), and *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot) to reveal their profound mysteries. Using Zhang Zhongjing’s prescriptions and theories, he analyzed their rationale, exploring concepts of exterior-interior, deficiency-excess, Yin-Yang, death, and life, and investigating the severity of drugs versus diseases, as well as the logic behind adding or subtracting ingredients. He truly grasped the essence of Zhang Zhongjing (the Earl of Changsha). His works, including ten volumes of commentary on the *Shanghan Lun*, three volumes of *Ming Li Lun* (Theory Clarification), and one volume of *Lun Fang* (Discussion on Prescriptions), were widely circulated.

The text states: Whenever I read about Bian Que (Yueren) diagnosing the Crown Prince of Guo and observing the complexion of the Duke of Qi, I cannot help but sigh and admire their outstanding talent. I am puzzled that scholars of today do not pay attention to medicine or carefully study medical arts. They fail to treat the illnesses of rulers and parents above, rescue the poor and lowly below, preserve their own long-term health, and nurture their lives. Instead, they compete for glory and power, aspiring to associate with the wealthy and powerful, diligently pursuing only fame and profit. They adorn the superficial while neglecting the fundamental, appearing splendid on the outside but deteriorating within. If the skin does not exist, where can the hair attach? Suddenly struck by pathogenic winds, suffering from unusual illnesses, when disaster strikes, they tremble in fear. They lower their dignity, submit to rituals, and hope in witchcraft and prayers. When all remedies fail, they resign themselves to fate, surrendering to defeat. They entrust their century-long lifespan and precious bodies to mediocre physicians, allowing them to act arbitrarily. Alas! The body perishes, the spirit vanishes, becoming a strange object, sinking into the depths, leaving only tears behind. How pitiful! The whole world is confused, unable to awaken. They do not cherish their lives; if they treat life so lightly, what glory or power matters? They cannot love or understand others when advancing, nor love or know themselves when retreating. Encountering disasters, they find themselves in dire straits, ignorant and dull, like wandering souls. How sorrowful! Scholars chasing worldly trends rush after vanity, failing to consolidate their foundation, sacrificing their bodies for external things, facing dangers as precarious as walking on ice or standing in a valley, reaching such a state. My clan was originally large, numbering over a hundred people. Since the Jian'an era, less than ten years have passed, yet two-thirds have died, seven out of ten due to cold damage. Grieving the past losses and mourning the untimely deaths that could not be saved, I diligently sought ancient teachings and widely collected prescriptions. Utilizing the nine volumes of *Su Wen*, *Ba Shi Yi Nan* (Eighty-One Difficult Issues), *Yin Yang Da Lun* (Great Treatise on Yin and Yang), *Tai Lu Yao Lu* (Record of Fetal Care and Drugs), along with *Ping Mai Zheng Bian* (Differentiation of Pulse and Syndromes), I compiled the *Shanghan Zabing Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases) into sixteen volumes. Although it may not cure all diseases, it allows one to see the source of the disease upon observing its manifestations. If one explores the collection I have assembled, one will understand more than half. Heaven distributes the Five Elements to operate all categories of life; humans inherit the Five Constants to possess five Zang organs. Meridians, Fu organs, and acupoints connect through Yin and Yang; the profound and subtle changes are difficult to exhaust. Unless one possesses high talent and profound insight, how can one explore its principles? In ancient times, there were Shennong, Huangdi, Qibo, Bogao, Leigong, Shaoyu, Laoshi, and Zhongwen. In the middle ages, there were Changsang Jun and Bian Que. In the Han Dynasty, there were Gongcheng, Yang Qing, and Cang Gong. Since then, none have been heard of. Observing modern physicians, they do not reflect on seeking the meaning of classics to expand their knowledge; instead, they each inherit family skills and follow old traditions. When examining patients, they focus on eloquence. After a brief conversation, they immediately prescribe decoctions. They palpate the Cun position but not the Chi position; they hold the hand but not the foot; they do not compare the Renying, Futai, and Cun Kou pulses. The pulse rate during respiration does not reach fifty beats. They do not know how to determine prognosis for short-term conditions; they lack subtle observation of the Nine Inspections. They do not observe the color of the Mingtang and Yueting areas of the face. This is merely looking at the sky through a tube. To distinguish between death and life is truly difficult. Confucius said: Those who know from birth are superior; those who learn are next; those who hear much and know broadly are inferior. I have long valued medical arts and will strive to follow these words. Written by Zhang Ji, Administrator of Changsha, Nanyang, Han Dynasty.