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Wang Jue, courtesy name Dafeng, of the Han Army, was well-versed in ancient and modern learning. He did not seek official advancement but excelled in medicine, capable of reviving the dying and saving lives from critical conditions; no matter how severe the illness, those who encountered him survived. A high-ranking nobleman in a certain army had his entire household of hundreds infected with an epidemic disease, on the verge of death, and invited Wang to treat them. Wang examined their pulses one by one and prescribed remedies, resulting in immediate recovery for all. Only the nobleman refused treatment. After Wang insisted twice, he finally agreed to receive a prescription, which Wang wrote in large characters: "Arsenic (Pishuang) 3 qian, strong liquor 4 liang, decocted and taken orally." The nobleman was astonished and said, "Wouldn't such a medicine cause rapid death?" Wang replied solemnly, "For someone like you, what else is there to wait for if not rapid death?" The nobleman asked, "What crime have I committed to deserve this?" Wang said, "As a high minister, instead of assisting the ruler and benefiting the people, you focus solely on profit, extorting and demanding excessively. The Eight Banners soldiers hate you to the bone. Once the Emperor knows of this, you will be ordered to commit suicide at the West Market, your head separated from your body, your property confiscated, and your wife and children enslaved. It would be better to quickly drink my arsenic wine, perhaps preserving your head and protecting your family. This is truly good medicine; would you reject it because you consider it poison?" Thus, the nobleman was terrified, accepted the advice, and ultimately changed his ways.

In the commandery, there was a man surnamed Zhu who suffered from a long-standing alcohol accumulation disorder (Yinpi). The alcohol accumulated under his left hypochondrium; upon onset, he experienced distending pain and vomiting. Initially, the attacks were mild, but physicians treated him with tonifying formulas each time, causing the attacks to become more frequent and severe. I warned him, "This is Yinpi, common among patients. Treatment should focus on resolving fluid retention and promoting Qi circulation. Warm-tonifying herbs must absolutely be avoided; using them will create hard, stubborn accumulations that are incurable." He did not believe me. Later, due to emotional frustration, his condition flared up severely with extreme pain, violent vomiting, mental exhaustion, and fatigue. Physicians then heavily administered Ginseng (Renshen) and Aconite (Fuzi), causing heat to rush upward and phlegm-fluids to obstruct, worsening the pain. His limbs became cold and his pulse faint. The physicians further increased the dosage of Ginseng and Aconite, exacerbating the obstruction. Upon taking a sip of the medicine, he felt as if knives and arrows were piercing his heart, begging to stop. His wife and daughters knelt around weeping, pleading, "Four famous physicians jointly prescribed this formula; how could it be wrong? Ginseng is so precious, how could it be ineffective?" Zhu said, "Do I not wish to live? But I truly cannot tolerate this medicine! Let me alleviate my pain slightly, and I will accept death willingly. If you insist on making me die in extreme pain, that is my fate." He reluctantly drank half. The heat boiled, phlegm obstructed, and after crying out and writhing, he died. Most deaths among the wealthy and powerful are similar, though not as severe. One must know that appropriate medicines do not need to be tasted to be recognized; one feels joy and desire to drink them upon smelling them. Inappropriate medicines cause disgust upon smell. Therefore, if taking medicine feels forced and difficult, it contradicts the disease. The *Neijing* states, "When facing a patient, ask about their preferences." This is truly the secret of effective treatment. As stated in *Mencius*, "If medicine does not cause dizziness or agitation, the serious disease will not heal." This refers specifically to attacking pathogens and breaking accumulations, not as a universal rule.

A neighbor named Gu suffered from bleeding from the scalp resembling sweat due to excessive sexual activity in his youth. This was caused by rebellious Fire of the Liver and Kidneys rising upwards; due to severe blood heat, it exited directly through the hair follicles. Sweat is the fluid of blood, transformed by Qi into white vapor. The classics mention "skin purpura" (Jinu), where scattered Qi fails to transform properly, causing blood to mix with sweat in the skin. This condition is not due to Qi's inability to transform, but rather insufficient transformation. He recovered after being given Ganlu Yin.

Zhang Yuchen frequently dreamed of a white man holding a knife and cutting off his head, waking up only when blood flowed. Gradually, he dreamed even with eyes closed. Physicians were helpless. Shen Luzhen from Songjiang treated him, stating, "Seeing a white man during sleep indicates Lung deficiency." He prescribed Dushen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction), one liang per dose, which cured him.

Wang Xisheng, a civil official in Danghu, experienced trembling throughout his body whenever he ate pork in middle age, despite multiple treatments. Later, while treating another illness with Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) for several doses, his old ailment also resolved. When discussing this with me later, he asked for the reason. I cited the *Suwen*: "All cases of stiffness, shivering, and tremors belong to Fire." This must be pre-existing stagnant Heat in the Liver and Gallbladder. Pork is a wind-stimulating food that can trigger the disease but cannot resolve the stagnation, hence the reaction upon eating. Xiaoyao San resolves stagnation and dissipates fire, explaining why accidental use brought relief. I observed that Lady Wu, wife of Mr. Fuzhai from Qiantang, suffered abdominal pain, rushing Qi, and mental confusion resembling sleep after eating small amounts of pork, finding relief only after vomiting. This persisted for a year. I treated her as Jueyin Stagnant Heat, using Xueming Geng (Snow Soup) to deliver Danggui Longhui Wan (Angelica Sinensis and Gardenia Euphrasia Pill), which cured her.

A man in our commandery suddenly developed itching on the side of his neck, gradually forming a white streak extending toward his throat, unbearable in intensity. Physicians could not identify it. A Daoist practitioner lightly cut the streak with a knife, extracting many white lice, curing him. He explained, "This is a type of louse tumor. Any skin itching, marking, or elevation is a sign of this."

Zhou Nanxi from Hangzhou, in his thirties, was robust but sensitive to heat, preferring cold drinks and coolness. In mid-autumn, he suddenly suffered spasmodic pain in the tendons of both legs, which spread to his arms days later. Eventually, moving a finger triggered full-body tendon spasms leading to death, despite various treatments. His pulse was wiry (Xuan) and rapid (Ji). Wiry indicates fluid retention; rapid indicates Cold. This was Phlegm generated by Cold-Dampness flowing into the tendon channels. I prescribed Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) and Fuling (Poria) 3 qian each, Baijiezi (White Mustard Seed) 2 qian, Chener (Tangerine Peel) and Mugua (Chaenomeles Fruit) 1.5 qian each, Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) 1 qian, and Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) three slices, decocted to administer Kongxian Dan (Control Fluid Pill) 1 qian. After the first dose, finger movement returned; after the second, limb spasms ceased. He was then given Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) for convalescence and recovered.

Tang Rongguang, a Jieyuan degree holder from Huzhou, came from a family specializing in trauma surgery, achieving miraculous results in setting bones. A servant of his fell from a mulberry tree, landing on his abdomen against a dead stump, rupturing the area and causing unconsciousness. Tang instructed his apprentice to apply medication. The apprentice saw a wound over two cun, penetrating the membrane, exposing red flesh without visible intestines, and sutured it. However, the wound gaped open. Reporting this to Tang, he inspected it personally and ordered the servant to be carried home. Upon regaining consciousness, the servant was given medicinal wine to numb pain. Tang then incised the wound wider, hooked out the red flesh inside the membrane—which was palm-sized—and identified it as a chronic Mamo (Malaria Mass). The wound was dressed according to protocol, healing completely and removing the chronic ailment.

A wealthy man fell and dislocated his arm, guarding the pain and refusing movement. All physicians were stumped. Tang told the patient to stand facing a corner, then suddenly splashed cold water on his head. The patient shivered violently, allowing Tang to manipulate the arm, reducing the joint instantly.

Another patient suffered a spinal dislocation from a fall, with the lower segment displaced inward, making manipulation difficult. Tang secretly prepared a bamboo basket lined with cotton wool. He had the patient walk around a pillar until exhausted, then suddenly pushed him into the basket. The upper body remained straight while the lower body curled, protruding the dislocated vertebrae slightly, which Tang then pressed back into place. Such manual techniques require ingenuity beyond ordinary practitioners; mastering them removes difficulties.

Lady Lu had been ill for twenty days. Upon entering, she lay naked, confused, pulling covers over her chest. Her pulse was fine and spiritless; her eyes were dim with internal irritability; her throat hurt preventing swallowing; her body was ice-cold, sweating profusely. Recalling Zhang Zhongjing: "Severe Cold with sweating and ice-cold body, accompanied by sore throat and visual disturbance, indicates Dragon-Legion Fire flaming upward." I prescribed Shudi (Rehmannia Root) 1 liang, Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Fuzi (Aconite Root) 1 qian each, Juhua (Chrysanthemum Flower) 3 qian. Decocted and cooled in cold water before administration, all symptoms vanished, and she requested porridge. A second dose the next day, followed by ten-plus tonic prescriptions, stabilized her. I note that "Severe Cold with sweating" indicates Yin excess repelling Yang outward, causing ice-cold body; sore throat and visual disturbance indicate Yang floating upward. Both Ge Yang (Repelling Yang) and Dai Yang (Floating Yang) represent deficient Yang escaping outward—true internal Cold with false external Heat. Thus, Guizhi and Fuzi guide Yang inward; misidentifying this as Dragon-Legion Fire is dangerous. Dragon-Legion Fire arises during peak Yang times (Spring/Autumn equinoxes). In the body, Liver corresponds to Wood/Thunder; Dragon-Legion Fire is Liver Fire, arising only with Kidney Yin Deficiency allowing Liver Yang to blaze. Treatment requires nourishing Water to control Fire. Ignoring this and blindly applying "Fire Returning to Source" theories is like adding fuel to a fire. Ancient texts often fail to distinguish these clearly, causing significant errors. Ye Tianshi's *Jingyue Fahui* and He Xichi's *Yi Bian* clarify this best; students must study them. My brother Zhongshao suddenly suffered severe diarrhea in early autumn, sweating profusely after each bowel movement, leaving him barely alive. His pulse was deep and fine, body cool, mimicking Deficient Cold, except for a yellow-greasy tongue coating and complete absence of urine, indicating Damp-Heat. Guiling Ganlu Yin cured him in one dose. Recorded here for comparison.

Friend Hong Yueshan used Tan of Xianrenzhang (Opuntia Cactus Charcoal) and Niu Chi (Cow Tooth) powder mixed with egg white to draw out pus effectively. Later, I treated a case of Liver Stagnation causing epigastric distension and pain, progressing to abdominal swelling. After twenty-plus doses of regulating and nourishing methods, the abdomen felt relaxed, but the large belly remained protuberant. Adding Xianrenzhang to the original formula flattened it in one dose. Young bamboo naturally withers after emerging; utilizing its natural property matched the pathology, yielding quick results.

I believe indications for formulas and herbs can be adapted. Someone suffered hypochondriac pain after labor, unresponsive to other drugs. I happened to receive Baotai Shenyao Wan (Fetal Protection Divine Blessing Pill) from Xu Yazhi and gave three qian, resulting in immediate recovery. Another patient with kicking-induced intermittent abdominal pain also took this pill once, passing black stool and recovering.

In the autumn of Dinghai (Daoguang era), patients with alternating chills and fever presented with epigastric masses like inverted bowls. Xiexin Tang and Xiongxiong Tang failed, causing many deaths. Reading *Waitai Miyao*, I found Zengsun Lizhong Wan, highly effective. Applying it yielded immediate results. For persistent cases, pills were used to eradicate the root. The most severe case was a Shaanxi man named Wang, treated by others for twenty days with large, tender masses, cold limbs, emaciation, blue complexion, dry teeth, glazed tongue, constipation for ten days, and faint pulse. I diagnosed pathogenic Qi knotting in the Middle Jiao, depleting Zheng Qi and fluids. Following the method, I used Dongyangshen (Japanese Ginseng) and Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala) 2 qian each, Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) and Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) 0.5 qian each, Muli (Oyster Shell) 5 qian, Huafen (Trichosanthes Root) 3 qian, Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange) 1.5 qian, and Yuanmingfen (Mirabilite) 3 qian. Bowel movement occurred, masses reduced, pulse strengthened, limbs warmed. Adjustments over ten doses led to recovery.

Madam Chen suffered summer cholera with vomiting/diarrhea, abdominal cramping, cold limbs, cold sweats, tetany, sunken eyes, restlessness, intense thirst for cold drinks (vomited immediately), and hidden pulses. I diagnosed Zang Jue (Visceral Cold Collapse) despite Cholera symptoms. The classics state atmospheric invasion causing abdominal pain and downward flow leads to death. Urgent Yang rescue was needed. Si Ni Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction): Jiang (Ginger) and Fuzi (Aconite) 3 qian each, Zhi Gancao (Honey-fried Licorice) and Wuyu (Evodia Fruit) 1 qian each, Mugua (Chaenomeles) 4 qian. Decocted and taken cold. Three doses day and night restored limb harmony and resolved crisis. Thirst shifted to preferring hot soup, revealing true Cold. Adding fluids-preserving herbs cured her. While the diagnosis was insightful, omitting tongue diagnosis was incomplete. The key differentiator is preference for cold drinks followed by immediate vomiting, indicating True Internal Heat with False External Cold.

Patient Ni suffered cholera. Initially non-thirsty, warm limbs, normal pulse. A physician used Dashun San for two doses, worsening the condition. Seeing cold limbs, he added Fuzi, aggravating the pulse and symptoms. I diagnosed double error leading to impending death. If truly Cold, heat meds should have worked. Now, cold limbs and deep/faint pulse indicate Deep Heat with Deep Cold (Re Shen Jue Shen), akin to Heat entering Jueyin. Zhuyeshigao Tang (Leaf, Pearl, and Soybean Decoction) replaced Ren Shen with Xiyangshen (American Ginseng), plus Huanglian and Huashi, cured him in two doses. Meanwhile, Patient Lu received Yang-restoring agents day and night, worsening cold limbs and restlessness. Denied cold water, he licked phlegm from the floor, dying after ten days. Even if true Yin-Cold, such agitation suggests heat-drug toxicity; cooling herbs would help. Ignorance causes sighs.

Girl Zhang suffered summer cholera. Doctors used warming herbs (Ginger, Aconite, etc.). Vomiting stopped, but abdominal pain persisted, evolving into five-colored dysentery. On day eight, I examined her: cloudy eyes, red lips/crimson tongue, chest irritation, thirst, fine-rapid pulse with strength in deep position. Summer-turbidity toxin disturbed the Middle Jiao. Bitter-hot herbs attempted to resolve stagnation/vomiting but aided pathogens, causing toxic dysentery. Zihe's Guiling Ganlu Yin plus Huanglian, Jinyinhua (Honeysuckle), and Heidou (Black Soybean) cleared cloudiness in two doses, improving symptoms. Reluctant to continue, I prescribed Sandou Tang (Three Bean Decoction) with Licorice as tea, frequent sips cured her.

Li Luji Yuan treated cold-damp induced cough using a pig lung tube stuffed with Mahuang (Ephedra) 2-3 fen, tied at ends, decocted with Xingren (Apricot Seed), Yuanshua (Kudzu Leaf), Chenpi, Zhike (Bitter Orange), and Suzi (Perilla Seed). Clever design.

Wang Xie'an's son suffered spasms with opisthotonos, untreatable by pediatricians. Wang used Danggui Sini Tang (Angelica Sinensis and Cinnamon Twig Decoction), curing him with one dose showing sweating resolution. This demonstrates mastery of Zhang Zhongjing's works. However, this applies only to Taiyang Wind-Cold invading Jueyin due to Blood deficiency, not all spasms.

A tailor suffered San Nüe (Triennial Malaria) for years, followed by dysentery, then generalized edema, awaiting death. A remedy of fresh mushroom from a Chinaberry tree, chopped, cooked, and drunk with broth cured all three ailments in one sip.

Young Wang Xie'an, after measles, ate too much sour food, causing persistent coughing, emaciation, and five-palm heat for over a year, approaching childhood consumption disease. A remedy advised beating one fresh egg over a thousand times at dawn, adding salt, and drinking with boiling water daily for 100 days, resulting in cure.

Madam Huang suffered continuous metrorrhagia, diarrhea, and hemiplegic pain. Pulse: right soggy, left floating-wiry-slightly rapid. Spleen Dampness accumulation, Liver Stagnant Heat, external Wind sinking inward. Entering intestines/stomach caused diarrhea; entering blood chamber caused bleeding; entering collaterals caused pain. Xuanfuhua Tang (Inula Flower Decoction) plus Guixu (Angelica Tail), Taoren (Peach Kernel), Baiziren (Baiji Seed) to moisten blood/harmonize collaterals; Chuanxiong (Szechwan Lovage) and Shenqu (Medicated Leaven) to resolve Dampness; Huangqin (Scutellaria) and Fangfeng (Siler) to stabilize Ying and scatter Wind. Five doses cured all three.

Wu from Changzhou, usually robust, collapsed in pain while eating, describing chest/throat cutting pain. Physicians baffled. After three days, near death. An elderly visitor suggested grinding aged ink paste and drinking it. Pain stopped instantly. Explained as mistaking heavenly silk poison; ink is harmless, so tried it.

Person from Gushi ate tangyuan on New Year's Day, went out greeting, then suffered burning abdominal pain, fainting, then screaming pain. Physicians saw thread-like pulse, deemed incurable. Next day, a beggar-monk arrived. Family hesitated but allowed examination. Monk diagnosed "mistaken ingestion of Snake Essence." Gave a pill from his bag dissolved in water. Patient vomited bird-egg-sized clots, then debris, finally an egg-sized object containing a coiled small snake wrapped in blood, moving when seen. Illness vanished. Monk explained: old grain contaminated by mating snakes; residue ingested formed this mass, eventually piercing abdomen. Monk took the snake. These cases are hard to identify. Sudden severe post-prandial abdominal pain without other signs usually indicates poisoning. Heavy use of Yushu Dan (Jade Pivot Pill) ground and灌ed seems effective.

Liu's son from Haizhou, age five, had smallpox with bowl-sized pustules, 30-40 count. Physicians unrecognized. Old woman identified as "Bao Dou" (Wrapped Pox), rare but safe. Pustules broke in 6-7 days, filling with layers of pus like pomegranate seeds. Unrecorded in pox books. Shows depth of medical theory.

Postpartum woman suffered bladder/intestine damage, fecal blockage, mixing of clear/turbid, reversed urination/defecation. Sheng Huangsi Juan (Raw Yellow Silk), Huangla (Yellow Wax), Baiji (Bletilla), Mingfan (Alum), Hupo (Amber) powdered and pillized, taken with Pig Bladder decoction, cured her.

Man with tongue protruding one cun. Baidu smoke and Heart/Spleen clearing meds failed. I applied Cock Comb Blood, had someone drop a bronze gong behind him loudly. Startled, he looked back, tongue retracted. Explanation: Tongue is Heart sprout; Heart governs Blood. Use similar nature (Cock Comb = pure essence). Dropping gong startles Qi into Heart, treating the root.

Rich man Feng had malaria-like chills/fever, urinary obstruction, hypogastric dull pain, profuse sweating. Diagnosed as Tuberculosis (Zhai), treated with tonics, becoming emaciated. Pulse fine, deep-tight-solid upon pressure. Diagnosed Small Intestine Abscess from Blood Stasis, indicated for purging. Others feared weakness from purging. I asked if he lifted heavy objects recently. He recalled carrying money hastily a month prior, followed by chills/fever. Used Tao Ren Cheng Qi Tang (Peach Kernel and Major Order the Qi Decoction) mixed with Tu Niuxi (Achyranthes Bidentata) root juice. Next day, severe lower abdominal pain, dark blood passed in urine. Repeated several times, pain ceased, illness resolved.

I prioritize sequential observation. Once spotted a man with white spot on forehead, arm slight swelling. Identified as "White Blade Ding" (Carbuncle), color spreading to mouth corner imminent death. Died before reaching home.

Servant with swollen heel, intense itching. Identified as Louse Tumor. Incised, extracted hundreds of black/white lice, itch/swelling subsided.

Patient with epidemic disease, madness/delirium, claiming entity demanded hand bones. Fingers softened/dropped. Diagnosed Jin Jie (Tendon Dissolution), actually...