Library

Jianping King's consorts and concubines were all beautiful but childless; selecting unmarried young women of good families for service also resulted in no pregnancy. The King asked, "Is there a method to obtain male offspring?" Cheng replied, "Union between man and woman must be at appropriate ages. Although a man's essence may become clear at sixteen, he should not marry until thirty; although a woman's Tian Gui (menstruation) may arrive at fourteen, she should not marry until twenty. This is to ensure that both Yin and Qi are complete and substantial before intercourse, so that conception occurs, gestation proceeds smoothly, and the born child is robust, strong, and long-lived. Now, girls who have not yet undergone the capping ceremony have just begun their Tian Gui; if they approach men prematurely, their Yin Qi leaks early, damaging them before development is complete, and moving them into desire before their vitality is solid. Thus, intercourse leads to infertility, or if pregnant, failure to deliver, or if delivered, a fragile and short-lived child. This is why the King has no sons. However, some women bear only daughters, others only sons. If Your Highness could seek out women known for bearing many children and place them in the palace, this would be a way to obtain male heirs." The King said, "Good." Within less than a year, six sons were born. This illustrates the principle of Old Yang meeting Young Yin, and Old Yin meeting Young Yang, which is also a path to having children.

The above constitutes one volume of Chu Cheng's posthumous writings. Initially, it was preserved intact thanks to the protection of its stone coffin by the Xiao family father and son. Subsequently, it was copied onto paper by the monk Yikan, ensuring its survival. Finally, it was woodblock printed by Zexian, allowing it to circulate widely. One can say this is great fortune. Cheng, courtesy name Yandao, was from Yangzhai, Henan. He was the nephew of Emperor Wu of Song, son of Zhanzhi, Left Prime Minister of the Department of State Affairs, husband of Princess Lujiang, and younger brother of Yuanyuan, Grand Preceptor, Attendant in the Palace, and Recorder of Secretarial Documents of Qi. In Song, he served as Commandant of the Imperial Horses, holding various prestigious posts. In Qi, he rose to Attendant in the Palace and General Who Assists the Country. He died in the first year of Yongming (Note: *History of the Southern Dynasties* erroneously states the first year of Yongyuan). The Donghun Hou (Marquis Donghun) established his daughter as Empress and posthumously honored him as Gold Guanglu Daifu (Gold Light Luxurious Officer). This actually occurred in the first year of Yongyuan, seventy years after his death. The posthumous title on the book suggests that perhaps Xiao Guang obtained the stone coffin, verified historical records, and added the inscription at the front?

At that time, Yu Zhang Wang Yi, favored son of Emperor Gao of Qi, fell ill upon returning to the capital from Jiangling, with his condition worsening daily. The Emperor's worry was evident on his face, leading to a general amnesty. Hearing that Cheng possessed a secret prescription from Yang Chun, the Emperor summoned Cheng to treat the prince, who recovered immediately. Overjoyed, the Emperor promoted Cheng to Left Shi Shangshu (Left Minister of the Household) as a favor. At the time, Cheng was serving as Governor of Wujun. A commoner named Li Daonian came to the commandery on official business. Cheng saw him from afar and said, "You have an unusual ailment." Daonian replied, "I have suffered from cold disease for five years." Cheng examined his pulse and said, "This is not cold disease; it is caused by excessive consumption of eggs. Boil one dou of Perilla leaf and take it, and you will vomit up a quantity resembling a sheng measure. It will be wrapped in saliva and moving. Extract the saliva to inspect it, and you will find a chick, fully formed with wings and spurs, capable of walking." Cheng said, "Not yet finished. Why not take the remaining medicine?" Following his advice, thirteen chicks were vomited in total, and the illness subsided. Such wonders were typical of his practice. This book is profound, subtle, concise, and pertinent, containing much that predecessors had not expounded upon. Was it merely superficial? The chapter "Asking About Sons" mentions Jianping Wang, who was likely Jusu, the nephew of Cheng's wife. Jusu had six sons, including Yanling and Yannian.

Colophon by Ding Jie, hermit of Ganquan, on the Winter Solstice of the first year of Jiatai.