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Pheasant (Wild Pheasant)

Chicken

Jinji (Brocade Chicken / Golden Pheasant)

Bamboo Partridge

Taste: Sour. Nature: Slightly Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Another view states it is Neutral, Warm, and slightly toxic. It is found in the mountains and wilds of both the north and south. Males and females differ in plumage color, and its call resembles that of a chicken; it actually belongs to the chicken family. Empress Lü's name contained the character "Zhi" (Pheasant), so Emperor Gaozu of Han referred to it as "Yeji" (Wild Chicken). It does not fly high, moving straight forward like an arrow. It falls within a hundred paces, hence the name "Zhi". In modern boats and carts, people sometimes attach its tail feathers to the top of poles, desiring speed comparable to an arrow. In culinary use, its benefits are few while its harms are many. Eating it during the ninth and tenth months provides tonification. It shows remarkable efficacy for wheezing and incessant panting caused by rebellious Qi in the five Zang organs, as well as for Xiao Ke disease (Wasting-Thirst syndrome, similar to diabetes) with frequent urination. For dysentery due to deficiency of Qi in the stomach and intestines, accompanied by anorexia (Jin Kou Li) and severe anal pain, it produces immediate effects. It is also a crucial prescription for treating various [text missing, likely dysentery or related disorders]. Eating it in other months causes sores and triggers hemorrhoids. One theory holds that the pheasant is a bird associated with the Li trigram (Fire), possessing vigorous Fire energy; if encountered on a Bing-Wu day, one must strictly avoid consuming it. Consuming it with walnut meat induces Dou Feng heartache; consuming it with buckwheat noodles generates roundworms and abdominal pain. Consuming it with mushrooms or wood ear fungus triggers hemorrhoids and persistent hematochezia (blood in stool). If the pheasant dies naturally, its claws do not extend; consuming such meat kills a person instantly. Long-term consumption leads to gradual emaciation and recurrence of chronic diseases. Boiled pheasant eggs eaten with scallions yield the best results.

The Jinji (Golden Pheasant) is similar to the Dan Xiong Ji (Red Male Chicken), with tail feathers over a chi long. Its plumage is predominantly red and yellow with circular spots. The flesh at the crop is loose, and the eyes protrude outward. Those who see it suffer from blurred vision, commonly believing this is caused by eating Jinji. Boiled and eaten, it is fragrant, delicious, and enhances hearing and sight; when kept for observation, its colorful appearance is captivating, and it can ward off fire disasters and epidemics.

Zhe Yu (Partridge) is yellowish-black and abundant in the Shangdang region. In the *Qin Jing* (Classic of Birds), it is called Yi Niao. ("Yi Niao refers to the Partridge; Ou refers to the Gull.") Because of its ferocity and fighting spirit, even after death in battle, it does not move far. To this day, helmets of martial artists often feature its tail feathers. Excessive consumption strengthens men and tonifies weakness and emaciation. Ying Ji has a hot body and lacks feathers because it consumes crushed quartz. Humans who eat it become fat, healthy, and lustrous, which is attributed to the replenishment of Yang Qi.

It is only produced in Zezhou, where it is relatively easy to obtain.

The Bamboo Partridge is small with a short tail (this is the Shan Ji, now very common in Jiangdong). The Shan Ji is small with a long tail. Both can be caught in nets for food. If poisoned by excessive alcohol or food intake, chewing fresh ginger quickly resolves the toxicity. This is because these two birds frequently consume the seedlings and leaves of Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome), and thus ginger can counteract their poison.