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I have always disbelieved the theory that "Long-Lei Fire (a metaphor for hyperactive ministerial fire in the lower jiao resembling dragon and thunder) can be extinguished by tonifying Yang." Later, upon reading Ye Gui's *Jingyue Quanshu Fahui · Bencao Zheng* (Elucidation of Jingyue's Complete Book · Correct Classification of Materia Medica), I realized that someone had expressed this view before me. He stated: "Current physicians often say that Long-Lei Fire, when exposed to the sun, naturally dissipates. This statement is highly illogical. The rise of Long-Lei Fire occurs precisely during periods of intense heat and scorching sunlight; it does not arise during cold weather, frozen earth, or dark, biting chill. Therefore, we know it is still due to Yang hyperactivity, and cannot be treated with hot herbs. If hot herbs are used, it applies only to conditions like Floating Yang (Dai Yang) or Repelling Yang (Ge Yang), where extreme Yin mimics Yang. This distinction must be clarified. Ye’s explanation is very appropriate. Regarding the saying 'Dragon Fire burns when meeting water and flares when meeting dampness,' this originated from Wang Taipu’s (Wang Bing’s) commentary on the *Suwen · Zhi Zhen Yao Da Lun* (Essential Questions · On the Most Essential Truths). It was merely borrowed to illustrate that excessive heat cannot be forcibly subdued by cold; if subduing it with cold prevents the heat from venting, it will inevitably consume Qi and Blood leading to death. Hence the metaphor of 'things reaching an extreme reverse themselves' in the commentary. In the *Zhi Yao Lun* chapter, Six Qi are listed first, followed by treatment methods; thus, this commentary likely refers to exogenous diseases. For instance, in exterior-stage Shanghan (Cold Damage), where the body feels hot as if burning, one should rather use the warming nature of Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) rather than the cooling nature of Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum). Hence the scripture mentions 'contrary treatment' below. The meaning ends here; there is no need for deep speculation. Now, prompted by Ye’s remarks, I traced the source to Ye’s book, which was published in the Daoguang era by his fifth-generation grandson. This passage appears in Volume Four.

Regarding 'Baifen' (White Powder), commentators claim it is Qian Baifen (Lead White Powder). I argue that the classic formula places this after administering toxic drugs because the previous toxic treatment failed. If Baifen were Lead White Powder, it would still be a toxic substance; why employ toxicity to follow toxicity? Essentially, this formula, along with the Zhufu Tang (Pig Skin Decoction) for Shaoyin disease in Shanghan Lun, both utilize Fenmi (Rice Flour) and Honey. Cheng Wuji’s commentary states that Baifen benefits Qi and stops diarrhea, clearly indicating it is Rice Flour. By analogy, the principle is evident. Examining Waitai Mi Yao (The Outer Cabinet’s Secret Essentials) for treating various drug poisonings: Gancao (Licorice Root) 3 liang (roasted), boiled in 5 sheng of water to yield 2 sheng, then add 1 he of Fen (powder), boil for three more boils, add 0.5 liang of Honey, and divide into doses to stop the toxicity. Qianjin Yi Fang (Supplement to the Thousand Golden Formulas) for persistent drug poisoning and relieving irritability: Gancao (Licorice Root) 2 liang (roasted), Bailiang Fen (White Grain Rice Flour) 1 sheng, Honey 4 liang; the decoction and administration method are identical to Waitai Mi Yao. Based on these classics, it is undoubtedly that the Fen here is Rice Flour. Moreover, the scripture states 'when toxic drugs do not cease,' referring to drug toxicity damaging Stomach Qi, causing continuous ascariasis (roundworm agitation). If interpreted as using toxic drugs to kill parasites and detoxify, would the mild and harmonious nature of Gancao Fenmi Tang (Licorice, Rice Flour, and Honey Decoction) truly surpass toxic drugs, killing what toxic drugs could not with a neutral herb? This is certainly unreasonable. Zhang Zhongjing’s writings are concise and profound; some require deriving formulas from symptoms, while others require deriving symptoms from formulas. In writing this article, I employed the method of deriving symptoms from the formula.