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Yu Jiayan recorded in *Yuyi Cao* (Meaningful Grass): Wang Huweng had a profound understanding of medical principles, and his prescriptions often hit the mark precisely, allowing him to live a long life. However, he suffered from tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and was unwilling to receive guests. Who among his attendants could devote themselves to studying medicine? After his previous illness was cured, everyone attributed it to the power of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra (Renshen, 人参), while those who had previously opposed its use claimed credit for it. They claimed that Wang Huweng originally intended to use Ginseng but dared not decide alone; he merely presented it for discussion to show thoroughness and caution. Thus, all matters of post-illness care were delegated to others, completely disregarding the consequences of repeated errors.

Previously, Wang Huweng suffered from Xu Feng syndrome (a condition caused by wind pathogen invading due to deficiency of healthy qi). I used two doses of sweet-cold natured herbs, which provided slight relief. Soon after, a different doctor treated him, leading to a critical condition, forcing us to summon me again. Although I used Xuanfu Daizhe Tang (Rehmannia and Hematite Decoction) for two doses to reverse the crisis, the original Xu Bing syndrome had not yet been fully eradicated. At that time, the host family and doctors were boasting about the efficacy of Ginseng, claiming that for convalescence, the dosage should be doubled without further consultation. They failed to consider that as the Xu Wind pathogen accumulated over time, even seeking excellent treatment later would be too late.

When I previously treated Wang Huweng, he listened to everything I said. However, for this serious illness, he refused to converse with me. Moreover, he had been eating mutton and pufferfish to induce wind pathogens, though this was not entirely within his control. The wind pathogen stirs the stomach qi, making digestion as swift as a rolling ball; food is easily digested, necessitating reliance on rich flavors. He did not realize that the primordial qi in his stomach had been secretly depleted. If the Xu Wind subsided, even light and thin foods would be difficult to digest, let alone rich and sweet ones. Current physicians do not investigate the mechanisms before and after the onset of disease. Even when explicitly diagnosing Xu Feng syndrome, they do not know what Xu Feng is. How can they discuss medicine? How can they discuss regimen and health preservation?

At that time, I was traveling to Zhejiang. A few days later, upon my return, I fell seriously ill myself. When summoned to diagnose him, he told me: "I nearly died from one illness; fortunately, I am slightly better now. But I have been revising chapters all night without stopping. What should I do about my chaotic spirit?" I replied: "Stomach wind-heat has persisted for a long time, drying up body fluids, with true fire burning internally. You should use Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu, 知母) one liang, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma Rubra (Renshen, 人参) and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草) each one qian. Taking two doses daily will bring peace." The crowd argued that the amount of Ginseng in the prescription was too small and lacked supporting tonic herbs, rendering it meaningless. They discarded it. Continuous administration of large doses of Ginseng and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu, 白术) proved ineffective. Three days later, the Ginseng dosage in the prescription was increased to one liang. After taking it, he expired shortly thereafter with upward rushing of qi.

Commentary: Reading this case, despite his own knowledge of medical principles and his usual trust in me, he was suddenly bewitched by contemporary mediocre physicians and obstructed by attendants, ultimately dying because the correct medicine could not be administered. This shows that destiny is determined, not controlled by human effort. Yu Jiayan had fulfilled his duty and could face Wang Huweng with a clear conscience; there is no need to worry about gossip. I am moved by this. In worldly affairs, wisdom comes easily in hindsight. After a major illness recovers, those seeking credit argue for tonifying or warming methods, causing chaos. Consequently, some patients are left with sequelae after recovery, and others fail just as success seems imminent. The major illness was cured by me, yet the plans for convalescence were not discussed with the patient for two reasons: first, believing someone else could handle it; second, to avoid paying gratitude fees. This frivolous and shallow trend leads to death, worthy of a sigh.