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Qin Zi Huangshi was a native of Shanghai. In his youth, he harbored the lofty ambition to benefit and save the world, so he devoted himself to the study of medicine, becoming thoroughly proficient in ancient and modern medical texts and prescriptions. He took as his guiding principle the foundational philosophy of the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) and Shennong regarding the preservation of life. In clinical practice, he invariably strove to exhaustively investigate the root and branch of diseases, as well as their severity and urgency, pushing his analysis to the most minute details. He once said, "My goal is not merely to master medicine, but to ensure that my conscience remains clear." This truly reflects the mindset of a benevolent gentleman. Consequently, his reputation became widely renowned. Although Haichang was more than four hundred li away from Haiyi, his fame spread as intimately as if it were known among neighbors. Could this have been achieved by anyone other than one of great virtue?

In the past, I traveled extensively, deeply regretting the inability to seek instruction face-to-face. Since the winter of the Renwu year, when I was specially selected to serve in the inner court, I had become increasingly distant from contemporary scholars. However, Qin Zi's actual virtue grew ever greater, and his reputation ever more resonant; virtuous scholars and officials from all directions came from afar to welcome him, day by day increasing in number. In the spring of the Yiyi year, he accepted an invitation to Jiahe. Upon arriving at my locality, he cured countless critical cases, and his name filled the air with praise.

I reflected that in ancient times, when learning was mastered and reputation established, one would necessarily compile a book to share with the world. Given Qin Zi's profound scholarship and illustrious reputation, if nothing were transmitted to the public, those ancient figures who sought to benefit the world would not have acted thus. Later in the winter season, Chen Zisheng came to the capital for the Spring Examination. It happened that his family members brought several volumes of medical texts titled *Zhengyin Maizhi* (Symptom, Etiology, and Pulse Diagnosis), comprising approximately five or six hundred fascicles. Upon reviewing them, I discovered they were authored by Qin Zi Huangshi. The work categorized conditions meticulously, addressing both root and branch, and appropriately balancing severity and urgency. It enabled readers, by relying on this text, to naturally attain a state of divine efficacy and transformative mastery, allowing everyone to alter their destiny through healing.

Subsequently, Mr. Yuzhan and the brothers Zhongji donated funds to have the book engraved and printed for public use. They earnestly requested me to write a preface to place at the beginning of the volume. I could not help but leap with joy, believing that Qin Zi's ambition to benefit the world might now be perpetuated indefinitely. The merit of these gentlemen in illuminating the world and future generations aligns perfectly with my intention to make this work public.

Written by Cha Shenxing, Tongjia Di (Brother of the same clan/family friend), Jinshi degree conferred by imperial grace, currently serving as Compiler in the Hanlin Academy, on New Year's Eve of the Yiyi year of the Kangxi era.