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[Preface by Wang Ji]

The function of a "teacher" lies in guidance. It is essential for the learner to carefully observe every matter, accumulating truth and strength over a long period; only then can one perceive the state of vibrant progress when the teacher guides without fully revealing the answer. If this is not the case, the teacher may not be able to effectively guide, nor may the learner be able to inspire the teacher. Both parties must first establish this foundation; otherwise, what benefit would there be? Thus it is said: "Do not enlighten him unless he is struggling to understand but cannot; do not explain to him unless he is trying to express but fails. If I present one corner and he cannot deduce the other three, I will not repeat myself." This is precisely what is meant!

I had the privilege of reading this manuscript regarding Lianzhi (courtesy name of Dai Sigong), a renowned physician. Observing its contents, I found that all discussions are based on the intent of Master Danxi (Zhu Zhenheng). His disciples sought only to grasp the underlying meaning and expound upon what had not yet been expressed. This is what is meant by "guiding without directly pointing out," thereby achieving a state of sudden enlightenment. I deeply appreciated this work, so I copied it and took it home. Later, in Xiuning, Mr. Xiang Tian came to me for treatment due to illness. Chen Jue from Shishi, my fellow townsman, arrived at my residence regarding medical matters, and I showed him this book. The two shared a common understanding; one said, "This can benefit my illness"; the other said, "This can supplement my medical knowledge." They jointly requested of me, "Shall we co-fund the printing of this book to ensure its immortality?" I replied, "Medicine is an art of benevolence. Recording it in books aims to lead all under heaven toward benevolence. Now, if we print and distribute it to spread its influence, patients under heaven will benefit, and physicians under heaven will be enriched. Its benevolent influence will extend greatly across the world! Is this not significant beyond just these two individuals? This is what I deeply commend. Moreover, they have skillfully extended what I wished to promote. Therefore, I titled it *Tuiqiu Shi Yi* (Exploring the Teacher's Intent). Hence, I presumptuously wrote this preface to record my joy.

Dated July 5th, Jiawu Year of the Jiajing Era, Preface by Wang Ji, styled Shengzhi, of Xin'an.

[Preface by Wang Feng]

Yufengzi consulted Weiyi (courtesy name of Dai Sigong) regarding his illness. Weiyi's medical scholarship was profound, mastering the theories of Qibo and Leigong (representing TCM classics), and his treatments often yielded miraculous results, earning him respect among the literati. Tracing the source of his subtlety, it stemmed from the insights of Shishan Jushi (Chen Jue). Shishan had early on studied Confucianism, extensively collecting ancient medical texts and synthesizing their great achievements, gaining fame for his medical skills. At that time, Weiyi further comprehended and connected with these principles. They corrected each other through discourse and completed each other through mutual understanding. Gentlemen regarded Shishan as possessing the spiritual essence necessary for hereditary transmission.

In the year of Wu, while Yufengzi was convalescing in Jiangcun, Weiyi happened to bring volumes up and down of *Tuiqiu Shi Yi* to show me, bowing twice and requesting a preface. Upon reading it, I saw that his discussions on the changing states of Yin and Yang, along with his derivation of disease patterns and pulse diagnoses to determine prescriptions, were direct and transparent, referencing the *Suwen* and *Nanjing* to reveal profound truths. Examining his writings closely, I realized this represented the unfinished intent of Master Danxi, elucidated by his disciple Dai Yuanli (Dai Sigong), compiled and ordered in intent by Shishan, and proofread and preserved for posterity by Weiyi. I sighed, saying, "How difficult is the principle of medicine! Not the technique itself is difficult, but grasping the 'intent' is difficult. Medicine is transmitted through words; where words fail, one must forget them and meet through spirit. Meeting through spirit rather than words opens the apertures. Using spirit to analyze apertures, using intent to guide principles, wisdom arises from exceeding limits, and application becomes effortless, seeing no rigid boundaries. Otherwise, it is merely dregs, stiff and untransformable. Why speak of learning from Danxi? To transmit the heart-method of medicine for millennia, if one cannot make people agile, what use is it? Yet Yuanli was able to secretly comprehend his intent and expand upon what was incomplete; Shishan grasped the subtle thoughts of the heart-methods of both Danxi and Yuanli, desiring to pass on this benevolence to the world; Weiyi was able to broaden and expand this intent, achieving what he intended. People often claim that ancient and modern medicine are unrelated. Yet now, Shishan and Weiyi deepen their medicine to transmit it, claiming continuity with Danxi and Yuanli, is this not true! Thus it is said: Those who expanded Danxi's will were Yuanli; those who expanded Yuanli's will were created by Shishan and narrated by Weiyi. Today, with Yin and Yang imbalanced and epidemics proliferating, how can the world afford to disregard such people?

Some say: Many learned from Danxi, yet specific treatises belong to Yuanli. How should this be explained? I reply: Among Danxi's disciples, Yuanli was called the highest disciple. His principles were profound and mysterious, his arguments subtle yet clear. Without Yuanli, I do not know if these achievements would exist; therefore, credit is given to him.

Dated the Full Moon of the Late Autumn of the Jiawu Year of the Jiajing Era, Written by Wang Feng, styled Yufeng.