典藏书目

Dai Yuanli from Jinhua studied under Zhu Yanxiu, mastering all his techniques before coming to the Wuzhong region to practice medicine. When local people sought medical treatment, he would prescribe a formula for each case, typically charging only a certain amount of silver. At that time, Yang Zhongguang was still a Confucian scholar and did not understand medicine. Out of admiration for Dai Yuanli, he visited him to inquire about the path of learning medicine. Dai Yuanli said, "Simply read the *Suwen* (Plain Questions) thoroughly." Upon returning home, Yang Zhongguang studied it diligently. Three years later, when Dai Yuanli met him again, he was greatly astonished by their discussion on medical principles, believing that his own knowledge was inferior to Yang's. Fearing that his skills might be surpassed, he went to Yang's house to pay respects to his mother to establish a formal friendship. Although Yang Zhongguang had mastered the theoretical knowledge from books at that time, he was not yet able to apply it clinically. Dai Yuanli possessed ten volumes of Zhu Yanxiu's medical cases, which he kept secret and refused to teach to Yang. Yang secretly observed where they were hidden and, while Dai was out, took them home. When Dai returned and discovered the loss of the medical cases, he regretted it deeply, sighing, "Alas, I could not ultimately bestow this favor." From then on, Yang Zhongguang's reputation as a physician spread throughout the Wu region. (From *Yang Nanfeng Su Tan*)

Jiang Yongwen from Huainan was both a scholar and a physician, becoming more refined in his practice with age. Recommended by Dai Yuanli, he entered the imperial court as an Imperial Physician (*Yiyi*). During the Yongle reign, he was promoted to Vice President of the Imperial Medical Bureau (*Yuanpan*), receiving exceptional favor and distinction. The Emperor Renzong specifically elevated him to President of the Imperial Medical Bureau (*Yuanshi*) and posthumously honored him with the title "Gongyi" (Respectful and Resolute). He was the only official of the Imperial Medical Bureau in our dynasty to receive a posthumous title. Shen Yiqian, a fellow townsman of mine, was conscripted into the capital as a Medical Attendant (*Yishi*) during the Xuande reign but was not very famous at the time. When Vice President Jiang Yongwen fell ill, the Emperor sent an eunuch to ask, "If you were to die, who could replace you?" Jiang Yongwen submitted Shen Yiqian's name. The Emperor immediately promoted Shen Yiqian to Imperial Physician. Shen's responses pleased the Emperor, who remarked to Jiang Yongwen, "You know how to recognize talent; Shen Yiqian has not failed your recommendation." Observing this, one can see that the loyal and honest ethos of the seniors involved mutual recommendations of such depth.

Zeng Dexian stated: Only when a person possesses perseverance and conducts themselves with integrity and caution can one discuss the Way of Medicine with them. Whenever summoned for consultation, regardless of day or night, cold or heat, distance, closeness, or whether the patient is rich or poor, one must respond immediately upon hearing the call. One should view the patient's illness as if it were one's own; medications must be genuine, without greed for wealth or excessive expectations; one should save patients with sincerity and not fear labor. In the unseen realm, there will naturally be divine protection. For example, Zhang Yanming from Lin'an practiced medicine without ever calculating profit. Whenever someone requested medicine, he aimed for a definite cure. One day, a fire broke out in the city, burning down surrounding houses, yet his residence alone remained standing amidst the flames. Later, his descendants enjoyed prosperity and prominence. This shows that the Way of Heaven returns good for evil (karma), and this truth is indeed not deceptive. (From *Huoyou Xinshu*)

In the past, during the reign of Emperor Shenzong of Song, Qian Yi treated the Prince of Yiguo for *chizong* (convulsions/spasms). The National Physicians (*Guoyi*) were unable to cure him. Qian Yi prescribed *Huangtu Tang* (Yellow Earth Decoction), and the prince recovered. Emperor Shenzong asked, "Why did *Huangtu Tang* cure this disease?" Qian Yi replied, "Because Earth overcomes Water, allowing Wood to achieve balance, thus stopping the Wind. Moreover, the other physicians' treatments had brought the condition close to recovery; it was merely that this humble subject happened to coincide with the moment of healing." The Emperor was pleased with his answer and bestowed generous gifts. Recently, I saw Master Danxi's Ten Instructions for Educating His Sons, one of which states: Among colleagues, one must be humble and peaceful, never arrogant towards others. Respect those who are older; treat those with learning as teachers. If encountering other medical practitioners, one should yield according to righteousness and not seize opportunities, thereby avoiding resentment and slander. The Classics state: "In the application of propriety, harmony is most precious." Alas, observing the humble virtues of these two gentlemen serves as a model for future learners.