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Those who are now referred to as the "Grand Masters of Medicine" (Yi Zong) speak of the "Four Great Schools." The first is Zhang Zhongjing, followed by Liu Wansu, then Li Dongyuan, and finally Zhu Danxi. They also claim that Zhang Zhongjing specialized exclusively in *Shanghan* (Cold Damage diseases). Since the Ming Dynasty, no one has dared to alter this statement.

However, I have privately investigated: since Shennong authored the *Bencao* (Materia Medica), divine and sagely physicians emerged successively, establishing the system of Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, and Courier (Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi) for prescription composition, and distinguishing the appropriate uses of Major, Minor, Odd, and Even formulas. Consequently, instead of praising individual herbs alone, they praised formulas, such as the Banxia Shumi Decoction recorded in the *Neijing* (Inner Canon). By the time of the Shang Dynasty, there was the theory of Yi Yin creating decoctions (Tangye). Generally speaking, the method of decoctions flourished during the Shang Dynasty; it did not begin with Yi Yin. Figures such as Bian Que and Cang Gong were all proficient in secret prescriptions (Jin Fang), but their books failed to be transmitted. Only Zhang Zhongjing independently revered the Jingfang (Classic Formulas) and synthesized their greatest achievements, extending far back to the medical traditions of the Yellow Emperor (Xuanyuan Huangdi) and closely incorporating the strengths of various schools. When he wrote his books to instruct future generations, there must have been more than one work. What remains today are two books: the *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet) and the *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases). Before the Song Dynasty, these two works were originally combined into one volume. It was only after Lin Yi and others collated and published them that they were separated into two distinct books.

In fact, *Shanghan* is merely one type among many diseases. Zhang Zhongjing dedicated a separate book to it because *Shanghan* presents diverse complications and errors in treatment are common; thus, he paid particular attention to it, as evident from his own preface. Moreover, the 113 formulas in the *Shanghan Lun* were all selected and included from formulas used for treating miscellaneous diseases (Zabing). Furthermore, the formulas for *Shanghan* can generally be applied to treat miscellaneous diseases as well. Zhang Zhongjing's works are available before our eyes, clear and obvious. As for the books of the other three masters, although each made unique contributions, their level differs vastly from Zhang Zhongjing's, a gap too great to measure in miles. To group these four schools together is already incongruous; how much more so to claim that Zhang Zhongjing specialized solely in *Shanghan*? Alas! Can such people be considered those who truly understand Zhang Zhongjing's writings?

The *Jingui Yaolue* is precisely Zhang Zhongjing's manual of formulas for treating miscellaneous diseases. The formulas within it do not necessarily all originate from Zhang Zhongjing himself, but are classic formulas passed down through sages across generations. Zhang Zhongjing compiled them into a book and adjusted them according to his own insights. How do we know this? For example, the Gualou Guizhi Decoction in the first volume is essentially the Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) with added Gualou (Trichosanthes Fruit). However, it is not called "Guizhi Jia Gualou Tang" (Guizhi Decoction plus Trichosanthes), but rather "Gualou Guizhi Tang," indicating that the ancient formula originally bore this name. The Guizhi Jia Longgu Muli Tang (Guizhi Decoction plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell) in the sixth volume is simply Guizhi Tang with added Longgu (Dragon Bone) and Muli (Oyster Shell). Yet, it does not receive a new name but retains the structure "Guizhi Jia Longgu Muli Tang," showing that Guizhi Tang is an ancient formula, while Longgu and Muli were additions by Zhang Zhongjing. Cases like these are countless. Thus, we know that among the methods of healing employed by ancient sages, the ones that can be verified are only these two books. They are truly the "Ancestors of Classic Formulas," worthy of standing alongside the *Lingshu* (Spiritual Pivot) and *Suwen* (Basic Questions). If one is serious about this path, can one afford to neglect these two texts?

Critics argue: "Ancient formulas cannot treat modern diseases. Using Zhang Zhongjing's formulas to treat contemporary illnesses yields few successes and often causes harm." This point is particularly lamentable. Zhang Zhongjing's formulas are like a powerful crossbow capable of drawing a hundred jun (a unit of weight). If it hits the target, it pierces through leather in one shot; if it misses, the strength of the bow and speed of the arrow cause it to fly even further away from the target. Is it not strange for the archer to blame the bow for being too strong rather than blaming oneself for failing to aim carefully? In cases where the syndrome differentiation is correct, but slight modifications to the herbs result in ineffectiveness, it is because the Bencao (Materia Medica) of ancient and modern times differ. A detailed examination reveals that only Shennong's *Benjing* (Original Classic) captured the true nature of medicinal substances. Ancient formulas relied entirely on this text. After the Jin and Tang dynasties, individuals added content based on personal opinions. When figures like Zhang Jiegu appeared, they further influenced interpretations, engaged in mutual refutations, and lost the orthodox transmission of the Bencao. Later practitioners adhered rigidly to these changes without alteration, causing treatments to be rejected by the body. Thus, "ancient formulas cannot treat modern diseases" became an accepted truth.

Alas! The heaven and earth remain the same, and human beings and creatures remain the same. If human vitality is weak, the properties of medicinal substances may also seem weak. How could humans be modern while medicines remained strictly ancient? Therefore, to use Zhang Zhongjing's formulas, one must first study ancient learning, exhaustively investigate the classics, differentiate syndromes accurately, and understand the properties of herbs before engaging in clinical practice.

Mr. You Zaijing is a learned and elegant scholar. From a young age, he enjoyed studying this art. Whenever he treated patients, he always based his approach on Zhang Zhongjing's principles, often achieving miraculous results. He frequently sighed at the decline of ancient scholarship and feared that this wisdom would soon be lost. Consequently, he selected the *Jingui Yaolue*, expounded upon its correct meanings, studied diligently day and night, explored subtleties, and probed fundamental principles. It took ten years of winter and summer to complete. The logic within is coherent, and the guidance is clear. The language need not be verbose for the meaning to be complete; it need not be obscure for the intent to be conveyed. Although the profundity of this book is inexhaustible, advancing from this foundation makes entering Zhang Zhongjing's inner sanctum (mastering his essence) effortless.

Mr. You shares my interests and requested a preface for his work. Having read Mr. You's book, I felt deeply moved. Thus, I present some points I have discussed previously at the beginning. Mr. You's intention in annotating this book is likely aligned with these sentiments.

Preface by Xu Dachun of Songling, in the tenth month of the Renzi Year, the 10th year of the Yongzheng Reign.