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In the autumn of the ninth month in the Ding Si year, on the twenty-sixth day, a relative from my maternal grandfather's family, the Hong clan, suddenly developed a throat disease. White patches resembling coins appeared abruptly in the throat, accompanied by alternating chills and fever, and ice-cold hands and feet. The following morning, a physician was summoned, and Niubangzi (Fructus Armeniacae), Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae), and Jiegeng (Radix Platycodonis) were administered, but the condition did not resolve. Upon taking more medicine, the illness worsened. Another friend was consulted, who prescribed Zizheng Dihuang Tang (Purple Correct Rehmannia Decoction). Subsequently, yet another friend was invited to prescribe Qianghuo Dahuang Tang (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix and Rheum Decoction). By the first day of the next lunar month, the patient had passed away. Some said: "This is a malignant syndrome; there are no treatment methods for it in ancient texts." Others said: "This is a true cold syndrome presenting with false heat; fewer than one in a hundred will survive." I felt sorrowful, lamenting that Heaven is too cruel to humans.

The next morning, Shuzu (Uncle Shu) came to console me, and I recounted the details to him. Shuzu said: "This is caused by Dryness pathogen. The patient died due to fate, not merely because of the disease. What good does your grief do? A physician is one who understands principles. Wind overcomes dampness; Fire tends toward dryness. This is deficient fire, not excess fire. You understand the Five Elements; do you not know the laws of mutual generation and restriction? Without Water, Earth cannot generate; without Earth, Water cannot be nourished. If Water dries up, Wood dies; if Wood dries out, Fire dies; if Fire becomes excessive and dry, Earth dies; if Earth collapses and dries, Metal dies; if Metal becomes rigid and dry, Water dies. Thus, the vital energy is extinguished. Is it not appropriate that such symptoms appear? The Classic says: 'Dryness should be moistened.' If moisture is not applied, how can death be avoided?" I recorded this at the time, daring not to forget.

A few days later, my youngest daughter, under one year old, exhibited the same symptoms. Treatment was sought immediately, and within seven days, the white putrid coating covering her mouth disappeared completely. The situation changed from failure to success, and gain replaced loss. Only then did I believe that this syndrome is not malignant, that there are treatment methods for it, that syndromes have no true or false distinctions, and that life can be preserved. My uncle's words proved accurate.

Now, in mid-winter of the Ren Xu year, having compiled the manuscripts into a collection, I handed them to my daughter to read. She traced the origins and clarified the sources, speaking eloquently and explaining the Dao with enthusiasm. This was not the result of a single day or night, but accumulated gradually. His theories are precise, his insights genuine, his expertise profound, and his heart arduous. Because his theories are precise, his words are concise and essential; because his insights are genuine, his efficacy is rapid; because his expertise is profound and his heart arduous, it reflects his uncle's steadfast faith and love for learning. Would those in the world who panic, considering this a malignant syndrome, not all ascend to a state of peace and enjoy longevity? At that time, three patients presented with the same syndrome. Two were critically ill and incurable; six or seven died, passing away on the same day. Only my youngest daughter, under one year old, survived alone. Alas! Had we not met Uncle Shufu, it would have been fate. Reflecting on the past from the present, I am deeply moved. Therefore, I append this postscript, deeply feeling the preciousness of this thread of survival.

Recorded respectfully by the Dweller at Lianhu, Shuangqiao, during the upper ten days of the first month of winter in the seventh year of the Jiaqing reign, corresponding to the Ren Xu year.