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Baseless talk, even if it originates from classics, should be judged by reason and not blindly believed. The saying "The virtuous do not recommend physicians" is not recorded in classics; rather, it has been passed down from generation to generation and spread far and wide. Whenever matters arise, people cite it as evidence for verification, and the masses consider it correct. I privately regard this as absurd. Why? Because the greatest misfortune for a person is lacking virtue. If one is truly virtuous, their heart must be benevolent, their insight high, and their deliberation thorough. For those who uphold major principles and achieve great things, when suddenly afflicted by illness, they cannot find a skilled physician to alleviate suffering even momentarily. In such moments of agonizing cries, they would wish to substitute themselves for the patient but fail to do so, until they witness with their own eyes their loved ones being killed by inferior physicians; the intensity of their indignation is indescribable. Would someone who knows both the other party and themselves remain silent and not say a word?

Some argue: "Human life is heavy; recommending lightly may harm lives and attract blame, merely increasing public criticism." If that were the case, one should say, "The virtuous who do not know medicine should not be recommended," or again, "The virtuous do not recommend mediocre physicians." Why then generalize it to simply "do not recommend"? If one does not recommend, fine. Others consider him virtuous, and he considers himself virtuous too. Who would take the trouble to explicitly show others that he is not virtuous? Although there is joy in recovering without medication, if physicians leave everything to natural progression, recovery without medication relies on heavenly luck, while leaving it to nature involves commercial speculation (profit-seeking). Wise individuals preserve themselves; would they dare to try such risks? One must wait for an expert's glance before agreeing to follow advice. How can one say "the virtuous do not recommend"?

Moreover, not everyone is virtuous. Since the virtuous do not recommend, those recommended must come from the non-virtuous. Recommendations made by the non-virtuous do not necessarily lose talent. If a recommendation fails, it is fate; if it is not accepted, I will strive for it, and there will surely be some approval. People say this serves as a strict prevention against the virtuous while excusing trust in the non-virtuous?

Another asks: "Your argument is complete, but where did these four characters originate?" I reply: "This likely stems from frivolous and treacherous individuals who flatter and attach themselves to powerful nobles. They are not jealous of the physicians' skills nor do they want them to succeed directly; perhaps harboring private grudges, they cannot bear to watch illnesses pass. Thus, they invent a solemn and startling phrase, personally taking responsibility for introductions, allowing both parties to excuse themselves. Over years, this became a proverb. Su Shi said: 'Things contrary to human nature are rarely not the work of great villains.' This reveals a glimpse of the truth. I believe that if the virtuous adhere to this and act accordingly, it is undoubtedly absurd. However, spreading doubt as fact causes distress to both doctors and patients, leaving those who cultivate virtue unsure of their direction.

Although good reputations are envied even by the wisest, useless trees like *chuliu* (paulownia) cannot escape refined appraisal. Today, under the flourishing civil governance of the world, even idle sons of nobility understand scholarship, distancing themselves from vulgarity and approaching elegance. Their talents surely surpass ordinary people. Why rush to prepare for official duties? As the saying goes, 'Peaches and plums do not speak, yet a path is formed beneath them.' This depends on whether the physician is virtuous, not on whether the virtuous recommend them. Scholars and gentlemen wandering with their arts often recite such texts, hoping for patronage. This is like walking backward while seeking to move forward—how erroneous is this!"