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Chen Xiuyuan was an old friend of mine, proficient in Qihuang Shu (Traditional Chinese Medicine). He proudly claimed to be the reincarnation of Zhang Zhongjing (who served as Grand Administrator of Changsha), and hereditary physicians surrounded him, mocking him. However, when critical cases arose, with all hands tied and no one knowing what to do, Chen would go to treat them. He would take off his hat on the table, reach out to feel the pulse, his eyes glaring upward, and after a long while, he would dry-laugh and say, "The pulse itself is not strange; it is the treatment that disturbs it." The host said, "I am a famous doctor." Chen replied, "You are mistaken." The host said, "My methods follow those of Zhu [Danxi], Zhang [Congzheng], Wang [Haogu], and Li [Dongyuan]." Chen said, "Even more mistaken. How can there be anyone in the world who can cure diseases merely by following Zhu, Zhang, Wang, and Li!" While stuttering curses from his mouth, his hand was writing prescriptions rapidly. Once the prescription was ready, he would critique, praise, and explain it himself, then get up to adjust the dosage and decoction method, urging the patient to take it. The patient followed his words.

He once considered Li Shizhen's *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica) to be shallow and crude, so he wrote *Shennong Bencao Jing Zhu* (Annotations on the Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) in six volumes. His words were concise, his purport comprehensive, and his meaning profound yet upright. In exploring the deep and hidden, it was profound beyond measure, like General Li Guang drawing his bow, refusing to let the arrow fly straight (implying subtlety and depth). In unlocking mysteries, it remained clear and simple, like the verses of Bai Juyi, understandable even to an old woman in the kitchen. He would resolve the seemingly unresolvable, and once resolved, it appeared no different from ordinary understanding. This could be described as having a heart of gold within and silver-like decisiveness in action.

After coming out of seclusion to practice medicine, he restrained his talents. For each illness diagnosed, he would spend about half a day before issuing a single prescription. When questioned, he would speak haltingly, as if unable to articulate. In the winter of the Renxu year, he returned to his hometown to observe mourning rituals, closing his door to guests. He took his previous six-volume work, selected over a hundred items that were practically useful, appended content from the *Bielu* (Wu Pu's Additional Records), and divided it into four volumes. All explanations were developed from the underlying principles ("so why"), differing significantly from his earlier works. He named it *Bencao Jing Du* (Reading the Divine Farmer's Materia Medica). The intent was for readers of the classics to read between the lines. Chen Xiuyuan told me that he had also authored *Shanghan Lun Zhu* (Annotations on the Treatise on Cold Damage) in four volumes, revised Ke Qin's *Shanghan Lun* commentary in eight volumes, revised *Huo Ren Bai Wen* (A Hundred Questions for Saving Lives) in eight volumes, *Jinkui Qianzhu* (Light Annotations on the Golden Cabinet) in sixteen volumes, *Yiyi Oulu* (Occasional Records of a Doctor) in two volumes, *Yixue Congzhong Lu* (Records of Medical Learning Following the Majority) in eight volumes, *Zhenfang Gekuo* (Songbook of True Prescriptions) in two volumes, *Jingyue Xin Fang Bian* (Critique of New Prescriptions by Jingyue) in four volumes, *Shanghan Lun Du* (Reading the Treatise on Cold Damage) in four volumes, *Jinkui Du* (Reading the Golden Cabinet) in four volumes, *Yiyue* (Medical Abridgments) in two volumes, and *Yijue* (Medical Instructions) in three volumes. Although categorized by type, each has its essential meaning. Their elucidation of ancient classics often complements this book. In my spare time, I will read them all.

Preface by Jiang Qingling, courtesy name Xiaorong, humble younger brother from Houguan, on the 15th day of the 5th month in the Guihai year of the Jiaqing era (1803).