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(Zhen [Needle]. From *Bencao Gangmu* [Compendium of Materia Medica])

**Names:** Jianggong Fish (common name), Tongyu Fish.
Li Shizhen states: This fish has a needle-like structure in its beak, hence the various names. The folk saying that it is the needle used by Jiang Taigong for fishing is also an apocryphal attribution.

**Collection:** Li Shizhen states: It lives in rivers and lakes. Its size and shape are identical to those of *Ling* fish (a type of carp), except for the fine black bone like a needle at the tip of its beak, which is its distinguishing feature. *Dongshan Jing* [Classic of Mountains and Seas] records: "Water flows north into the lake, where there are many Zhen fish, resembling Tiao fish,"

**Flavor and Nature:** Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.

**Indications:** Consumption prevents epidemics (Li Shizhen).

(Yu [Writing Brush]. From *Bencao Gangmu*)

**Names:** Chunyu Fish (common name). When made into cured meat, it is called Emao [Goose Feather].
Li Shizhen states: *Erya* [Ancient Dictionary] records: "Yu is a small fish." The meaning of the name is unclear. "Chun" [Spring] is named according to the season; "Yu" is named according to the dried-cured process.

**Collection:** Li Shizhen states: According to Duan Gonglu's *Buhu Lu* [Records from the Northern Window], goose feathers are produced in Enzhou, Guangdong, and their taste is extremely delicious. Guo Yigong mentioned Wuyang small fish as large as... Those produced in Dongyang County are exactly these Yu fish. However... flowing out, resembling newly hatched fry. Locals collect them, dry them in the sun to serve as gifts or food. Seasoned with ginger and vinegar, they taste like dried shrimp. Some say they are fry of snakehead fish (*Li*).

**Flavor and Nature:** Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.

**Indications:** Harmonizes the middle jiao [digestive system], benefits qi, and brings joy (Li Shizhen).

(From *Bencao Gangmu*)

**Collection:** Li Shizhen states: Goldfish include several varieties such as carp, crucian carp, loach, etc. Only *Buhu Lu* records: Produced in Qiongposai River, with gold in the brain; this is likely a false transmission. *Shuyi Ji* [Records of Strange Tales] records: Jin Dynasty Huan Chong... had red-scaled fish. This is it. Keeping them began in the Song Dynasty, and now they are raised everywhere for amusement. In late spring, they lay eggs on grass, enjoy eating each other, and easily mutate into new forms. They emerge black and turn red over time. Some turn white, named Zhiyu [Paper Fish]. There are also those with irregular patterns of red, white, black, and spots. Their flesh is short-flavored and tough. *Wulei Xianggan Zhi* [Record of Mutual Influence among Things] states: Goldfish die if fed olive residue or soap water. They do not get lice if exposed to white poplar bark. There is also Dan fish; it is uncertain if this belongs to the same category. It is appended below.

Meat

**Flavor and Nature:** Sweet, salty, neutral, non-toxic.

**Indications:** Treats chronic dysentery (Li Shizhen).

**Attached Prescription:** New prescription one.
Chronic dysentery with inability to eat, critical condition approaching death: Take one golden-thread carp weighing one to two jin [approx. 0.5-1 kg], clean it as usual, use salt, soy sauce, and scallion, must add three to four qian [approx. 11-14 g] of pepper powder, cook thoroughly, place in front of the patient for them to smell (Gong, *Yifang Jiyao* [Essentials of Medical Prescriptions]).

**Appendix:** Dan Fish. According to *Baopuzi* [The Master Who Embraces Simplicity]: Dan Water originates from Zhongling Mountain northwest of Shangluo County, Jingzhao, and flows into Jun... Ten days before the Summer Solstice, watch at night. The fish floats on the side of the water, there must be red light shining upwards, blazing like fire. Cut the blood...