Library

Medicine is indeed not a trivial skill. At its highest level, it investigates the changes of *Lianqi* (the continuous transformation of the Six Qi in Five-Phase theory); at its lowest level, it traces the differences between regions and local environments. From afar, it penetrates the profound mysteries of the Two Sages (referring to ancient medical founders like Qibo and Huangdi); from near, it understands the academic lineages of numerous philosophers. Only then can one have a method that hits the mark when palpating the pulse, and no disease will remain unhealed during clinical practice. This can be said to be technique advancing into the Dao (Way).

In the past, my father once spoke to me, his young son: My great-grandfather, Mr. Chunyan, lost his father in childhood. He was intelligent and fond of learning. By the age of fifteen (*Wuxiang*, referring to the age of 15-20), he had extensively read all books, often pawning clothes to make up for deficiencies. He was particularly devoted to medicine, testing it daily among his fellow villagers, with nothing failing to prove effective. Later, he traveled through the Three Wu regions, deeply admiring Mr. Lu Shengye of Pinghu, and studied under him. Even after returning home, he still traveled thousands of miles to analyze doubts. Consequently, he authored the book *Xu Che Lu*. At that time, he saved many lives, and his fame was well-known throughout the Wu and Yue regions.

Later, he traveled east to Qi, lamenting people's inability to properly care for their health, and thus wrote *Yangsheng Leyao* (Essentials of Health Preservation). Soon after, he went to Yan, fell ill, and from then on became famous as Fu Ri (Note: Textual ambiguity here, likely referring to rising fame or specific illness context). When high-ranking officials suffered from severe illnesses, he even revived Grand Marshal Wang Gong from apparent death. He sighed and said that the changes of vital energy (Yunqi) and the differences of geography cannot be truly understood unless one has personally experienced cold and heat and traveled north and south. This is why *Yi Yan Lu* (Records of Medical Verification) was written. Thus, his reputation spread wildly in the capital, reaching the imperial palace. At that time, Emperor Shenzong of Ming was still reigning. The Crown Prince (text implies a royal heir) was unwell but recovered quickly after taking medicine. A month later, a certain noble princess was dying, yet she also healed upon his treatment. Emperor Muzong of Ming bestowed upon him lavish praises and abundant rewards.

One night, all the Imperial Physicians hosted a banquet for him. He was open and sincere, inspiring no suspicion. After drinking and returning home, he passed away by dawn. At that time, my grandfather, Ju Jing, was serving his father and studying nearby. Seeing this situation, he realized it was incurable. How dangerous human hearts are! Alas! When power is great, there is inevitably contention for fame; when status is high, there is inevitably jealousy. The court and the marketplace are alike; how much more so with medical skills? The danger of human hearts is indeed severe.

When my father taught me to this point, I could not help but weep and stand with hair bristling in indignation. Before this, *Yangsheng Leyao* was printed in Qi, becoming as valuable as paper in Luoyang. *Yi Yan Lu* was completed in Yan, along with *Huo Xin Ren* (Reviving Hearts), and this *Maizheng Zhifang* (Pulse, Symptom, and Treatment Formulas). These were compiled from ancient methods, recording teachers' theories, supplemented with personal insights, but had not yet been published widely. I, a humble descendant, secretly explore this path. There are many authors. Some mix elegant and vulgar citations; others collect strange cases with narrow perspectives. Bias leads to omission, leaving regrets; too little appears messy, too much is overwhelming. However, *Maizheng Zhifang* examines the pulse, assesses symptoms, teaches treatments, and prioritizes formulas. It is orderly, rich in meaning but concise in language, consistent inside and out, grand yet precise. Beginners can follow the path to reach the highest levels without needing to innovate. If the goal is to gather the lineages of philosophers and probe the mysteries of the sages, it lies here.

My late grandfather was good at reading his father's books. All uncles and brothers respected his profession. Able individuals appeared in every generation. As for me... (Text gap/typo "HT") ...when I came of age, I occasionally fell ill. Therefore, I suspended my studies for the civil service examinations and reread my great-grandfather's works. I gained joyful insights, and my illness also healed. Later, thinking that minor skills cannot lead far, I traveled with abacus/calculations through Wu, Yue, Huai, and Hai regions, finding harmony wherever I went. For relatives and friends suffering from stubborn diseases that could not be cured, I diagnosed by palpating the pulse and assessing symptoms, prescribing formulas to treat them. None failed to be effective. This is not due to my own merit, but the efficacy of my great-grandfather's books. Now old and returned home, lying by the south window, I wish to compile and print my great-grandfather's various works, so that achievements of one era may benefit future generations, allowing me to verify them. In this way, my grandfather's conduct would likely align with the heart of Heaven and Earth, and the aspirations of sages past and present.

This year, the harvest was poor, and supplies were insufficient. I respectfully offer *Maizheng Zhifang* to the world first. I await the day when my nephews and descendants work the fields and achieve an autumn harvest, to finally fulfill this ambition. Written with bowed head in the Chrysanthemum Month of the Yihai Year, by Lu Sun Xiangxian.