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It is commonly said that treating diseases and governing a state share the same origin. A newly established country is difficult to govern due to its nascent ailments, just as diseases in infants are difficult to treat due to their tender age. In a newly founded state, the difficulty lies in the people's hearts not yet being convinced and the laws and systems not yet being complete; therefore, matters require endless discussion, much like the Zhou people discussing politics in the market or the Zheng people debating in local schools. For young children, the problem lies in their Qi and Blood not yet being fully developed and their sinews and vessels not yet being firm. If one were to look for vitality akin to bamboo shoots growing rapidly or small crab claws being solid, such examples are rare. This is why *Kouyi* (Oral Discussions) was written.

Master Zeng (Zeng Shirong) possessed a straightforward nature without pretension, and was simple yet substantively eloquent. Whether discussing syndromes, herbs, or evaluating various prescriptions, his arguments were precise and unyielding, like an experienced judge deliberating on penalties, allowing no deviation by even a hair's breadth. While his literary style might seem lacking in rhetorical flourish, his grasp of underlying principles is abundant and profound. Even precious secrets like "Phoenix Marrow" or "Jade Decisions" would hardly surpass him.

Some say that a wheelwright's mastery of wheels or Cook Ding's skill in butchering oxen come from hand responding to heart and heart grasping the essence, achievements far beyond mere oral transmission. Now, Master Zeng uses "mouth" (speech/oral tradition) as the basis for his writing. Compared to those who cannot teach their children or lack the insight to see the whole ox, the difference is vast and obvious. Alas, this is indeed true! If one were to discard verbosity and prioritize returning to the source, then discussions on breastfeeding, dietary taboos, and injuries might be considered unnecessary. Yet, Master Zeng continues to admonish through speech. Is his intention merely for the sake of craftsmen? If anyone can take the care of infants as their heart, treasure this book, and practice its teachings as if receiving direct instruction from Master Zeng, providing care at the time of birth and regulation after delivery, what worry could there be regarding childhood illnesses? Even if faced with stubborn cases, I will tell them: Master Zeng's *Kouyi* is here. Thus, extending love for one's own child to others' children, leading them all to a realm of longevity and health, is Master Zeng's original intent. Therefore, when examining this discourse, one should seek it in Master Zeng's heart, and do not dismiss it as superficial talk.

Written by Xiong Huai of Qieshifeng on the first day of the Plum Month in the Guiwei year.

According to Mr. Wei's preface: "Examining its literary structure, it seems indeed lacking." I dare not rashly comment on this, but will only mention a few essential points discussed in the text. Critics are invited to inspect.

1. While in the womb, the fetus requires the mother to have regular diet and natural daily routine. When spirit is complete and Qi is harmonious, fetal Qi remains stable, resulting in a robust child.
2. After conception, one must strictly avoid consuming hot and toxic foods, lest the newborn suffer from conditions such as umbilical hernia, sores, or paralysis.
3. The nursing mother must constantly nourish her Blood and harmonize her Qi, maintaining joy to forget worries, ensuring the milk is warm and balanced. Even if the infant falls ill, half may recover spontaneously.
4. Infants without ordinary illness need not take medicine, as it may fail to take effect immediately when disease strikes.
5. Newborns must be shielded from contact with strangers to avoid "Ke Wu" (stranger-induced fever). This is one reason ancients avoided guests.
6. Children should not eat meat too early to prevent damage to the Spleen and Stomach, which could lead to worm accumulation or malnutrition syndromes (Gan Ji).
7. Fever during the "Bian Zheng" (developmental fever) period in children is not a disease; it resolves spontaneously without medication.
8. Illnesses located in the navel area in children may resolve on their own. Hence, ancient sages focused on regulating Zang organs rather than Fu organs, because Fu belongs to Yang and Zang to Yin. For example, the measles syndrome is a Fu organ disease.
9. An unclosed fontanelle in children is caused by Qi deficiency and should not be regarded as trivial.
10. Imperforate anus in newborns is often incurable, with no rapid drug efficacy; physical intervention is required to create an opening.
11. During convulsions from wind-stroke, limbs are restless. Restraint may provoke wind-phlegm or allow pathogenic factors to invade meridians, damaging limbs.
12. Mothers should not enter temples with their children to avoid fright caused by flickering lights or solemn atmospheres, which can induce fear.
13. If a child laughs excessively, provide calmness; if crying excessively, provide comfort. Do not disturb the child when sleep is deep.
14. Vomiting in female infants and diarrhea in male infants are acute symptoms. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea lead to Spleen deficiency and internal wind generation, requiring urgent treatment.
15. For children with chickenpox/rash accompanied by convulsions, purgatives are contraindicated. If the convulsive medicine is hot, cooling medicines are contraindicated. If sweating occurs, stopping sweat is contraindicated. Similarly, treating vomiting or diarrhea may sometimes be unnecessary depending on the context.
16. Symptoms such as nostrils black as coal, ears scorched black, eyes rolling back, black fingernails, crow-like sounds, roaring, or seeking parents' clothes indicate terminal conditions with no curative treatment available.
17. Medicinal taboos include musk powder, mercury, acupuncture, moxibustion, and especially arsenic poison. These must not be used lightly.
18. Dietary taboos: Sweet foods cause Gan syndromes; overeating damages; cold foods cause stagnation; fatty foods generate phlegm. Burnt, bitter, spicy, sour, or rancid foods are potentially toxic and should definitely be avoided.