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Generally, summarizing the main points is called "brief" (lüe). There are also many miscellaneous diseases in plague (wenyi), but is it acceptable to treat them briefly? There is a reason for this. Content already discussed in Wu Youke's *Treatise on Plague* (*Wenyi Lun*) is not recorded; methods of treatment from the section on cold damage and miscellaneous diseases that can be adapted and integrated are not recorded; content that has not been personally experienced or plagiarized from others is not recorded. Apart from these four categories, even if one wishes not to be brief, it is impossible. This is because I dare not act subjectively, nor is there any need for excessive elaboration. If one were to shy away from using the term "brief" and instead provide exhaustive details, it would be like drawing legs on a snake (adding superfluous details).

There are numerous treatments for epistaxis (nuxue), which have been discussed in detail in texts on cold damage. For the treatment of epistaxis caused by plague, any methods applicable from the cold damage section are not included here. Here, we only discuss the category of diaphoresis (han san - releasing the exterior through sweating). Zhang Zhongjing treated epistaxis caused by wind-cold in the Taiyang (Greater Yang) channel at the exterior level using Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) or Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) to induce sweating. However, he also stated that individuals prone to frequent epistaxis should not undergo diaphoresis. These two statements seem contradictory, but Haicang (Zhang Yuansu) explained that the prohibition against diaphoresis for those prone to epistaxis applies when the pulse is faint (wei). If the pulse is not faint but floating-tight (fu jin) or floating-slow (fu huan), then dispersing treatment is indicated. The purpose of dispersing treatment for those prone to epistaxis is to scatter pathogenic factors within the meridians, preventing them from becoming congested and forcing blood to flow recklessly. Therefore, Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) and Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) are originally not hemostatic agents; once the pathogen is dispersed, the epistaxis stops spontaneously without specific hemostatic intervention. Regarding epistaxis caused by plague pathogens at the exterior level, not only are Mahuang and Guizhi contraindicated, but also Zisu (Perillae Folium), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), and Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) are of no use. Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) and Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) have ascending properties and seem unsuitable during active epistaxis. Only the consumption of Lüdou Tang Yin (Mung Bean Sugar Drink) (see previous section) often yields effective results. Adding a few slices of fresh ginger (Shengjiang) and several red dates (Dazao) (pitted) is even better. Mung bean (Ludou) is cooling but not bitter-cold; white sugar (Yangtang) has a dispersing effect without the risk of causing upward rising. Adding ginger and jujube harmonizes Ying (Nutrient) and Wei (Defensive) Qi, ensuring the exterior syndrome resolves. Moreover, since the action is dispersing rather than ascending, it does not exacerbate epistaxis. If sweating does not occur immediately after ingestion, add 2-3 qian (approx. 6-9 grams) of Fuping (Spirodela Polyrrhiza) while boiling the beans.

Epistaxis originates from the Lung and travels through the clear pathways. Hematemesis originates from the Stomach and travels through the turbid pathways. The heat associated with epistaxis resides in the channels and pertains to the exterior; the heat associated with hematemesis resides in the fu organs and pertains to the interior. Blood retained in the Stomach is "guarding Ying blood," which remains stationary and does not wander. When the various Yang aspects are affected by heat, and sweating should occur but does not, toxic heat penetrates deeply into the interior. The blood is forced upward by fire pathogens, follows the Lung orifices, exits through the throat, and manifests as hematemesis. There are also cases of blood accumulation in the upper Jiao leading to hematemesis. In plague patients suffering from this condition, the pathology is consistently heat throughout. For excess patterns, Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction) is used; for slightly deficient patterns, modifications of Huangqin Shaoyao Tang (Scutellaria and Peony Decoction) etc., can achieve efficacy. Zhang Zhongjing's Mahuang Shengma Tang (Ephedra and Cimicifuga Decoction) in the chapter on treating mishandled diseases treats spitting of blood due to complex yin-yang disorders, but improper use can cause harm. As for Shengma Biejia Tang (Cimicifuga and Turtle Shell Decoction) in the *Jin Gui Yao Lue*, although Li Yun stated it treats epidemic pestilence, it contains Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), which seems unsuitable for hematemesis. My opinion is that for all conditions involving hematemesis and epistaxis, herbs with ascending properties are generally contraindicated.