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A gentleman establishes his character, becoming the hope of the world. Even when in poverty and lowly status, whatever he undertakes is invariably connected with the welfare of the world. Therefore, only those who can establish the heart for Heaven and Earth can establish destiny for the people. My friend, Cheng Fengchu, is such a person.

Cheng Fengchu was appreciated by Mr. Jiang Shenzhai and was praised as a literary giant of our Chu region (Hubei and Hunan). Since I served as the Jiaoshu (educational official) of Jiangxia County, I had already kept him in mind. Later, through gradual interaction, I came to know that Fengchu was not only skilled in literature; his vast spirit within truly encompassed all knowledge of the contemporary world, with medicine being just one aspect of it.

Medicine has many schools, but he prioritized writing *Ciyou Shu* (Book of Compassion for Children) because he pitied infants crying out without anyone to hear them. Currently, the malpractice in medicine under heaven is either mediocrity or recklessness. The mediocre are narrow-minded and self-limiting, adhering rigidly to one master's theory without flexibility. The reckless act out of selfishness and forced interpretations, applying tonifying and purging methods indiscriminately without perceiving subtleties. Although their techniques differ, the result—killing people—is the same.

Previously, Mr. Wei Bingshu from Ningtou said that Fengchu's medical practice was divine and changeable, greatly resembling Zhuge Liang's use of troops. Upon hearing this, Fengchu said, "How dare I compare myself to Zhuge Liang? My teacher is Deng Yu." Deng Yu once said, "I led an army of a million men, besieged cities and charged formations, yet never killed a single person unjustly." Both Deng Yu and Zhuge Liang were able to comprehend the mechanisms of creation and transformation.

In my observation of the book *Ciyou*, broadly speaking, it covers prenatal care, childbirth, smallpox/rashes, convulsions/epilepsy, colds, and fevers. Specifically, it details the ears, eyes, throat, teeth, as well as sores, boils, scabies, and tinea. It is extensive, profound, and meticulous, leaving nothing out. This is akin to Zhuge Liang embracing his knees in Longzhong or commanding from a chariot; it is no strange matter. Could Mr. Bingshu's words be deceiving me?

I also heard that Fengchu studied the Great Elixir (Da Dan) with Vice Minister Zhao Zhao'an, along with Erwu Shanren from Yanling and Banlun Daoshi from Mount Hua, discussing the crossing of the Magpie Bridge to harmonize Water and Fire. He had indeed tasted the butter of Tianmu Mountain. Now, this medical transmission passed down in an elbow kit (Zhouhou), how could it still be merely ordinary medical texts!

Fengchu, possessing talent capable of great deeds, lacks the position to exercise them. He intends to nurture the people of the world through this book. His intentions are deeply earnest. Compared to officials of minor rank whose benevolence extends only to a corner, his merit is multiplied many times over. Alas! In the past, serving as a quiet official in the Hanlin Academy and overseeing education in Zhejiang, although I devoted day and night to rectifying scholar conduct and refining customs, looking around at the wounded and fallen beneath the carriages, I found no way to save them. This is inferior to what Fengchu's efforts can achieve, enabling the common people to enter the realm of benevolence and longevity. I feel even more ashamed.

Written by Zhang Xiliang of Huang'an.