Library

Chen Yuan Gong, a man from Shanyin, traveled extensively throughout the realm and acquired "Lao Hu Cong Zhu" as well as medical texts attributed to Xuanyuan (Yellow Emperor) and Qibo. His scope of observation was both broad and profound; thus, the uniqueness of his book was to be expected. Nevertheless, one cannot write without insight, nor without courage. If one observes mountains, rivers, plants, trees, birds, beasts, fish, dragons, and insects, but lacks the insight to discern their meanings and the courage to expound upon them, how could the resulting work be unique? Chen's insight spans antiquity to the present, overturning previous precedents and elucidating their subtleties. It is neither bizarre nor eccentric, but entirely consistent with logical necessity. His unique courage transcends boundaries, vast and free, leaving no sentence without exploring its mysteries, and devoid of any obscure or difficult language in his writing. Here, insight strengthens courage, and courage aids insight; it would be difficult for his work not to be unique. I, along with Tian Shi Qibo and Chunyang Lu Gong (Lu Dongbin), appreciate Chen's literary achievements. Had he read "Bi Luo Wen" again, the uniqueness of his work would surely extend beyond what is presented here. In the autumn of Ding Mao, I visited Chen at Yan Market. There, Chen paid respects to us three in the hall. Tian Shi transmitted all of "Bi Luo Wen" to him, and I transmitted books such as "Liu Qi" (Six Qi). Chen suffered from incomplete understanding, so I guided and enlightened him for three months. Chen rejoiced, saying, "From now on, I dare not leave my literary contributions to later generations." He completed works on "Nei Jing" (Inner Canon), "Ling Shu" (Spiritual Pivot), and "Liu Qi". He then wrote "Ben Cao" (Materia Medica); it was truly unique! Yet Chen himself did not realize its uniqueness. Having encountered rejection a hundred times, he sighed at the obscurity of exceptional talent. Alas! It is common for talent to remain unused. To possess the talent for writing yet fail to utilize it is indeed regrettable. Now, although Chen has not met with recognition, he continues to write until old age; this means he possesses talent and does not betray it. What is there to regret? Moreover, aided by "Bi Luo Wen" in strengthening his courage and insight, the uniqueness of his book is certainly sufficient to endure for a long time. Therefore, Chen's act of writing in old age despite lack of recognition is precisely Heaven's generous endowment to Chen. Why should Chen grieve himself?
Inscribed by Zhang Ji, Han Dynasty Governor of Changsha, after the Full Moon in late spring of the Jisi year of Kangxi, at Wujiang.