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The manuscript was just completed when a guest visited and reproached me, saying, "Who are you, and what learning have you accumulated, to dare to shamelessly write a book for publication? This is truly what is called being unaware of shame!" I smiled and apologized, saying, "I am merely a commoner who has never studied deeply. Having written these few volumes, I use them merely to teach students. As for publishing them for the world, how would I dare?" The guest said, "Since you say they are for teaching students, then before Zhang Zhongjing there were Xi (Fuxi), Nong (Shennong), Xuan (Yellow Emperor), and Bo (Bo Gao); after him, there were Liu (Liu Wansu), Li (Li Dongyuan), Zhu (Zhu Danxi), Zhang (Zhang Congzheng), and other great masters. Their works number in the thousands and hundreds. Among them, those suitable as models for later learners are countless. Why must you definitely write *Shi Bing Lun* (Treatise on Seasonal Diseases) to transmit knowledge? Even if you exhaust your Dao, you would only be a 'Shi Yi' (Seasonal Physician, i.e., a physician treating diseases according to seasons). Why are you so unwilling to avoid trouble?" I said, "Your words are not entirely wrong, but to look down upon 'Shi Yi' is incorrect. Please allow me to explain my view; please listen."

"Diseases occurring in spring are warm diseases; in summer, heat diseases; in autumn, cool diseases; in winter, cold diseases. What constitutes Zheng Qi (Upright Qi/Normal Pathogenic Factors) and what constitutes Bu Zheng Qi (Abnormal Pathogenic Factors)? Both Sheng Qi (Victorious Qi) and Fu Qi (Rebounding Qi) exist; both Zheng Hua (Orthodox Transformation) and Dui Hua (Opposite Transformation) occur. Treatment must follow either the Ben (Root) or the Biao (Branch), and must be differentiated and treated according to the Four Seasons, Five Movements, and Six Qi. This is called Shi Yi. Therefore, a Shi Yi must understand the seasonal timing, treat seasonal diseases based on this timing, use seasonal prescriptions for these diseases, prevent changes at specific times, and determine resolution at specific times, adjusting carefully as circumstances change. This is the reason for my writing this book on seasonal diseases. If one considers Shi Yi inferior because they follow seasonal movements, it implies that medicine works only when the season arrives and fails when the season passes, placing the patient's life in the hands of the doctor's luck. Does this mean that one who does not understand time cannot be a doctor? And does seeking a doctor require first observing the movement of fortune/time? Is there such logic? However, I have practiced this art for over twenty years. I sincerely fear I may not live up to the name of 'Shi Yi.' Why do you disdain the term 'Shi Yi'?"

Before I finished speaking, the guest frowned, changed his expression, and suddenly realized the truth. He stood up and said, "My views were narrow and ignorant. Hearing your words has enlightened me as if removing a blindfold." After the guest left, I recorded this dialogue and placed it at the beginning of the text, submitting it to those in the world who understand the times, wondering whether my words will be considered as absurd as the Milky Way (i.e., nonsense).

Recorded by Shaoyi Shanren at Yanghe Study House.