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The daughter of my clan brother, aged three, presented with smallpox lesions as dense as silkworm eggs. The physician initially misdiagnosed them as chickenpox (Ma Zhen). Only after a day did he recognize it as smallpox (Dou), and in shock, he resigned. Subsequent physicians indiscriminately administered standard clearing-heat and detoxifying prescriptions.

By the ninth day, the lesions were pale with depressed centers, and the condition was critical, threatening to collapse due to itching. My brother consulted me for treatment. I said, "The pathogenic toxin is excessive while Qi is deficient; this is like a light boat carrying a heavy load, inherently a dangerous and adverse pattern. If treated according to proper methods at the onset, there might be hope for survival; now it is too late." My brother pleaded for rescue. Reluctantly, I prescribed Baoyuan Tang (Preserve the Origin Decoction), decocting the medicine using broth made from glutinous rice, crucian carp, and mutton. We administered it frequently day and night. Fortunately, the pus formed and the depressed areas rose. Subsequently, we added warming and tonifying substances such as Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Gou Qi Zi (Lycii Fructus), and Lu Rong (Cervi Cornu Colla) to achieve a fortunate recovery.

Shortly thereafter, his wife suffered from an exogenous febrile disease. Two administrations of Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) were ineffective. She exhibited intense heat, rapid pulse, thirst, and a yellow tongue coating. Following the original formula, we added Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) and Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix). The next day, symptoms remained unchanged, progressing to coma and a dry, black tongue coating. I stated, "The illness is critical; only a heavy dose can save her." Thus, I used a large dose of Ganlu Yin (Sweet Dew Drink), instructing them to decoct it strongly into several bowls and consume it all within that night. Upon morning review, the coma, heat, and black tongue persisted, accompanied by increased chest and abdominal distension. Bystanders argued that Dong Tian (Asparagi Rhizoma) and Dong Hua (Ophiopogonis Radix) were too cold, and Di Huang (both raw and prepared) were too cloying, which conflicted with the distension. I replied, "Ancient texts on treating exogenous febrile diseases emphasize preserving body fluids as the primary principle. With such intense heat and a dried-out tongue, there is no other good method besides this." My brother said, "I know the medicine is good, but how can it work if the abdominal distension prevents its action?" After deep thought, I instructed someone to buy a large watermelon, extract its juice, and give it to her. Shortly after finishing the juice, she suddenly experienced chills, closed her eyes and slept deeply, sweating profusely until her clothes and bedding were soaked. This subsided by evening. When asked about the cause, I explained, "This is Zhan Han (battle sweat); without this, the pathogen cannot be expelled. There is no need to worry now." Afterwards, the heat receded, consciousness cleared, appetite returned, though she felt extremely weak and fatigued. Gradual tonification of blood and Qi led to her recovery.

A vegetable vendor initially suffered from abdominal distension with difficulty in urination and defecation. I used formulas similar to Weiling Tang (Stomach-Lining Decoction), yielding slight improvement. Desiring quick results, he sought another physician who diagnosed "cold in the zang organs causing fullness" and aggressively prescribed Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), and Yu Zhu (Evodiae Fructus). This exacerbated the distension; his abdomen swelled like a urn, his umbilicus protruded, he had dry mouth, and passed scanty urine dark as ink. His life seemed hopeless. His brother came along and pleaded for treatment on his behalf. I told him, "Your illness stems from internal accumulation of damp-heat leading to isolated abdominal distension (Dan Zhang), further worsened by harsh medicines. It seems uncurable by ordinary herbs. I have a miraculous remedy; would you not disdain its filth?" He wept and said, "I only seek cure now; how dare I disdain filth." I ordered one sheng (approx. 1 liter) of dried Ji Shi Bai (Galli Stercoris Candidum), stir-fried and powdered, divided into several doses. Each dose included Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) one qian (approx. 3g), decocted in clear wine during the fifth watch (early morning). We would discuss further if effective. He prepared it accordingly. After the first dose, borborygmus occurred with several stools, and distension slightly relieved. After the second dose, the abdomen softened and distension decreased. After several more days, six or seven-tenths recovered. Finally, using spleen-regulating powder, he was cured. The crowd considered this strange, unaware it was a method from the *Neijing* (Inner Canon). What is strange about it? In my practice, this method has proven effective often for such cases, far surpassing the efficacy of Fangs like Yugong San (Yugong Powder) and Shenyao Wan (Shenyao Pill).