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Waterpox (Shuidou) is characterized by pale color and thin pus, hence the name. Those with red color are called Red Pox (Chidou). At the time of onset, fever also occurs in both. The rash progresses from red spots to vesicles with a red base, then to pustules, and finally to scabs. However, waterpox features thin skin and delicate appearance, while red pox appears red and soft in shape. Generally, neither resembles regular smallpox (Zhengdou), which has round, clean, and tight roots. Moreover, the stages of eruption, development, suppuration, and scabbing for waterpox occur within five to six days, indicating that the pathogenic factor is mild and superficial. This condition arises from wind-heat stagnating in the muscle and surface layers. Children, with their tender and thin muscles, are particularly susceptible. It should be treated with Dalianqiao Tang (Large Lonicera Decoction). There are cases where it occurs alongside measles (Zhen) or regular smallpox. If regular smallpox erupts after the resolution of waterpox, the smallpox will likely be milder.

Smallpox originates from fetal toxin (Taidu) rooted in congenital constitution, but its eruption is triggered by seasonal epidemic qi (Shiqi). Consequently, it spreads throughout communities, affecting safety collectively, similar to infectious epidemics. Additionally, it is often complicated by external wind-cold, internal retention of food stagnation, as well as trauma and fright, causing various unpredictable harms. Since the time of Ma Yuan, natural birth and death have been beyond human control. In recent years, the method of inoculation (Zhongdou) has emerged, starting in Jiangxi and spreading to Yanqi, and now prevalent across the north and south. Investigating its origin, it is said to derive from a formula revealed by the goddess Xuannü through spirit writing. It specifically uses the vaporization of smallpox qi to stimulate the child's fetal toxin during a healthy state, allowing for a smooth development process, unlike regular smallpox which involves simultaneous heaven-human interaction and complex internal-external pathogens that are difficult to resolve. The "seed" for inoculation contains no other drugs; it merely steals the pus from the pustules of a child suffering from smallpox, places it in cotton, and inserts it into the child's nostrils—right for girls, left for boys. After seven days, the qi circulates, fever arises, and spots appear. The number ranges from a few to over a hundred. Some may experience slight facial swelling, after which the fetal toxin resolves. Generally, if the seed is favorable, the eruption is favorable, which is a necessary principle. If pus cannot be obtained, scabs can be used. If scabs are unavailable, clothes worn by a child who recently had smallpox can be given to another child to induce the disease. The core mechanism relies on the resonance of similar qi (Tongqi Yinyun) acting as a guide for the fetal toxin. This secret method is unknown to the world, yet divine efficacy arises from it. If the eruption is delayed, spots do not rise immediately, or it mixes with measles requiring medicinal support, treatment follows the methods for regular smallpox, ensuring recovery through proper care. One must understand that fetal toxin is limited, whereas factors aiding evil are infinite. Furthermore, since inoculated smallpox lacks external pathogens stirring blood and qi, there is no risk of itching, collapse, or distress. With righteous qi guarding internally, even alcohol or foul odors cause no harm. Scabs fall off without leaving scars, and there is no risk of oral or nasal deformity. It is indeed a rapid way to avoid danger and seek safety. Occasionally, unexpected changes occur because the child's righteous qi is depleted internally, compounded by aggressive external pathogens, leading to inevitable failure. Life depends on qi, which is the principle of the Dao. Inoculating children under such conditions inevitably leads to adverse outcomes. Therefore, children recovering from illness, those with overly delicate complexions, weak frames, or loose tissue structure, are suitable candidates for mild trials. During the initial spread of smallpox when epidemic evil is strong, one must avoid its sharp momentum and wait until the situation stabilizes before applying profound interventions. If irregularities occur, it is likely due to non-favorable seeds or inexperienced practitioners, resulting in the regret of forcing growth. These practices belong to alchemists and folk healers. People perceive their divinity but do not understand the underlying reasons. Observing calmly, it is better to follow nature and timing rather than forcing outcomes.