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I believe that all beings, including humans and other creatures, are born by inheriting the Qi (vital energy) of Heaven and Earth. However, these things are also what Heaven and Earth use to nourish humans. If their utilization deviates from the principle of nourishment, it may lead to harm. For instance, fabrics, beans, grains, chickens, and pigs are indispensable in daily life, and their nourishing effect on the body is significant. Yet, excess leads to imbalance, while deficiency fails to achieve the desired effect; both result in harm. If matters with great nourishing potential are handled this way, how much more so for those things that do not nourish but rather cause harm! This discussion pertains specifically to satisfying bodily needs and desires. As for a gentleman's movements, rest, dignified demeanor, daily routine, and comings and goings, they should all be conducive to nourishment, which serves to cultivate virtue. I have previously observed the Yuan Dynasty book *Yinshan Zhengyao* (Correct Essentials for Diet and Drinking), which comprehensively covers the essentials of nourishing the body and cultivating virtue. It was likely compiled by the officials in charge of imperial diet and medicine at that time. By mastering their professional skills to demonstrate loyalty and love, even those deeply versed in the Way of the Sages would find nothing outside this scope. There is no greater good than learning from others; taking the best from others to improve oneself was prioritized by Emperor Shun. I appreciate this book and utilize it to assist in health preservation, and I have ordered it to be printed and distributed to benefit the people widely, which aligns with the benevolence of cherishing life. Although life is endowed by Heaven and cannot be fully controlled by human effort, harming it is akin to standing under a high wall, where accidents may occur due to factors beyond one's control. Therefore, this book is not merely an aid to health preservation but also a significant assistance in conforming to the correct natural order to protect life.

On the first day of the fourth month of the seventh year of Jingtai

I have heard that ancient gentlemen who were skilled in self-cultivation regulated their movement and rest to preserve life, used appropriate diet and clothing to nurture the body, and adhered to propriety and righteousness to cultivate virtue. Thus, the Duke of Zhou established rituals. The emperor's daily routine, clothing, and diet were managed by specific officials under the supervision of the Minister of State Affairs, reflecting extreme caution. Our current Emperor, endowed with sagely wisdom and profound literary thought, reviews books in the Yan Pavilion with consistent diligence morning and night. Through revering and nurturing his moral character, he manages complex state affairs, embodying the Way of Inner Sage and Outer King. Consequently, Zhao Guogong (Duke of Zhao) Chang Puxian presented the *Yinshan Zhengyao*, written by my subordinate, Imperial Diet Physician Hu Sihui. The book states: In the past, Emperor Shizu (Kublai Khan) consulted the Materia Medica for food and drink and strictly followed laws and regulations for movement and rest, thereby achieving longevity and leaving boundless blessings for his descendants. This book was indeed compiled by the officials in charge of diet and medicine at that time. Alas! The person presenting this book can be said to have utilized his professional skills to express loyalty and devotion. After the book was presented, the Empress Regent reviewed it. Remembering the ancestral admonitions on hygiene and health, and appreciating the diligence of her subjects in presenting righteous principles, she sought ways to assist the Emperor in sincere self-cultivation and to extend his benevolence to the people. She ordered Baizhu, the Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, to print and widely disseminate it. This initiative aims to extend the peace and longevity of one individual to all people under heaven. How profound is this grace! Upon completion of the book, Jin Jianu, the Governor of Dadu, conveyed the imperial decree instructing me, Yu Ji, to write a preface. I, Yu Ji, bow my head and say: I have read in the Commentaries of the *I Ching* (Book of Changes): "Great is the Creative Power (Qian), by which all things begin"; "Supreme is the Receptive Power (Kun), by which all things are nurtured." The greatest virtue of Heaven and Earth is simply the generation of life. Now, the Holy Emperor reigns above following the Qian Way, and the Holy Empress supports within following the Kun Way. With the completeness of the Qian and Kun principles, this era is flourishing. How fortunate are the people and all living things born in such times! May this be proclaimed so that future generations may understand. Such lofty and broad manifestations are truly magnificent.

Respectfully prefaced on the first day of the fifth month of the third year of Tianli
Yu Ji, Scholar-Attendant of Kuizhang Pavilion, Hanlin Academician, Zhongfeng Daifu, Director of Drafting Edicts, and Co-Compiler of National History

I respectfully observe that our dynasty possesses the Four Seas, with distant and near regions all submitting tribute. Rare delicacies and exotic items are gathered in the inner treasury. However, some may be unsuitable for local constitutions, or their dryness and moisture may not harmonize. If kitchen officials fail to examine their nature and flavor before offering them, consumption might inevitably lead to illness. We revere Emperor Shizu for his sageliness. According to the *Rites of Zhou - Heavenly Offices*, there were Physicians, Dietary Physicians, Disease Physicians, and Surgeons, each with distinct responsibilities. Following ancient precedents, four Imperial Physicians in Charge of Diet and Drink were appointed. From the Materia Medica, non-toxic, non-contradictory herbs suitable for long-term consumption and possessing tonifying properties were selected to complement diets, harmonize the Five Flavors, and prepare daily delicacies. The imperial meals required meticulous preparation. Specific personnel and materials were designated. When serving wine, cups made of agarwood, sand gold, or crystal were mandatory. Dosages were carefully balanced, and duties were performed competently. Daily usage was recorded in calendars to verify subsequent effects. Preparations such as decoctions, Qiongyu Paste, Polygonatum Paste, Asparagus Root Paste, Atractylodes Paste, beef marrow, and Goji Berry extracts, along with various rare dishes, were all appropriately prepared. Thus, Emperor Shizu enjoyed a long and healthy life. We devoutly pray that Your Majesty, since ascending the throne amidst heavy state affairs, will, in your leisure, follow ancestral regulations regarding tonification and care, and continuously refine dietary appropriateness, ensuring your sacred health remains secure. Since being appointed to the position of Imperial Diet Physician during the Yanyou era, I, Sihui, have served for many years, enjoying heavenly favor. Reflecting on my inability to repay this great kindness, I dare not withhold my loyalty. Thus, using my spare time, together with Zhao Guogong Puxian, I compiled a book titled *Yinshan Zhengyao* (Correct Essentials for Diet and Drinking), divided into three volumes. This compilation includes rare delicacies served in previous reigns, herbal pastes and extracts, references from various Materia Medicas, prescriptions from famous physicians, and daily staples like grains, meats, fruits, and vegetables, selecting those with beneficial natures and flavors. Any unrecorded items in the Materia Medica have been added. I hope Your Majesty will forgive my presumption and recognize my loyal intent. By drawing upon the preservation methods of ancient sages during leisure time and adapting to seasonal climates, discarding the empty for the substantial, we aim to achieve peace and health, extending Your Majesty's lifespan indefinitely and allowing all under heaven to share in this virtue. I respectfully present this collection of *Yinshan Zhengyao* for your imperial review, trembling with excitement and humility.

Presented on the third day of the third month of the third year of Tianli
Hu Sihui, Imperial Physician in Charge of Diet and Drink

What Heaven generates and Earth nourishes, combined with the Qi of Heaven and Earth, allow humans to be born. These three—Heaven, Earth, and Man—are known as the Three Powers. Among the aspects of human existence, the Heart (Shen/Spirit) is paramount. The Heart is the master of the body and the root of all affairs. Therefore, only when the body is healthy can the Heart respond to changes and manage affairs. Preservation is essential for bodily stability. The best method of preservation is to maintain the Center (Zhong). Maintaining the Center avoids extremes of excess and deficiency. Harmonizing with the four seasons, regulating diet cautiously, and maintaining regular routines allow the Five Flavors to harmonize the Five Zang Organs. When the Five Zang Organs are peaceful, Blood and Qi are nourished, spirit is vigorous, and mind is stable. Pathogenic factors cannot invade, nor can cold and heat attack, allowing one to live in tranquility. Ancient sages treated disease before it occurred rather than after, valuing food over goods. Hence it is said: "Do not despise refined food, do not despise finely cut meat." Rotten fish or meat, food with bad color or odor, improperly cooked or outdated food, should not be eaten. However, this is not for gluttony but for nourishing Qi and the body without causing harm. If food natures clash, Essence is damaged; if flavors are unbalanced, the Form is harmed. The Form relies on the Five Flavors to develop. Thus, sages first used dietary taboos to preserve nature, then used medicine to protect life. Medicinal substances vary in toxicity: highly toxic medicines remove six-tenths of disease; moderately toxic remove seven-tenths; slightly toxic remove eight-tenths; non-toxic remove nine-tenths. Then, grains, meats, fruits, and vegetables provide the remaining one-tenth of nourishment. Overconsumption harms the Righteous Qi. One must select the essence of foods, understanding their tonifying benefits, freshness, thermal properties (warm, cool, cold, hot), and diseases caused by flavor imbalances. Partiality in taste, ignoring freshness, or improper preparation leads to illness. Actions should be taken based on suitability, and contraindications observed. Pregnant women must avoid harmful actions, and nursing mothers must observe dietary restrictions, otherwise the child suffers. Greasing the palate while ignoring precautions allows latent diseases to arise unnoticed. Ruining a lifetime of health for a momentary taste is pitiable. Sun Simiao said: "A physician must first understand the source of disease and its causes. First employ dietary therapy; if ineffective, then prescribe medicine, which can cure nine-tenths of cases." Therefore, those skilled in health preservation practice this diligently. Is this not a sufficient method for preserving life?