Li Fangyu (Defense Commander) of the Ribbon Belt was a native of the capital. Initially, he served as an Imperial Physician within the Inner Court, attending to the Consorts in the Pavilion of Noble Ladies. The Consort suffered severely from phlegm-cough (Tan Sou), unable to sleep throughout the night, with her face swollen like a plate. At that time, she was highly favored by the Emperor. Emperor Huizong visited her pavilion, saw her condition, and felt concerned. He urgently dispatched someone to summon Li Fangyu. Li had previously used various medications without success. The Emperor issued an edict ordering him to report to the Inner East Gate, stating that if there were no effect within three days, he would be executed. Li was anxious and desperate, weeping with his wife. Suddenly, they heard someone shouting outside: "Cough medicine! One wen per packet; take it and you will sleep tonight." Li sent someone to buy ten packets. The medicine was light greenish-blue in color, taken by mixing a few drops of sesame oil into light salt water. Li suspected that the herbal properties might be harsh, potentially causing diarrhea or loosening of the viscera. He combined three components into one dose and tested it on himself, finding no adverse effects. He then took three packets, combined them into one, and entered the forbidden palace to give them to the Consort, instructing her to divide the dose and take it. That night, the cough stopped. By dawn, the facial swelling had also subsided. An eunuch ran to report this to the Emperor, whose countenance lit up with joy. He bestowed gold and silk, worth ten thousand min (a unit of currency). Although Li was relieved that the Consort was safe, he worried that the Emperor would inevitably demand the prescription. He did not know how to decline, fearing death. He ordered his servant to wait for the previous medicine seller passing by, invite him in for a drink, and say to him using a large cup: "I have seen many neighbors taking your medicine with good results. I wish to obtain the prescription. If you share it with me, I will gift you these items valued at one hundred taels of silver, without hesitation." The seller replied, "How can medicine costing one wen be worth so much?" Li insisted on obtaining the formula. The seller finally said, "It is only one ingredient: clam powder (Beng Fen), stir-fried in a new tile until red-hot, mixed with a small amount of Qingdai (Indigo Naturalis)." When asked about its origin, the seller said, "I joined the army when young and was discharged when old. I once saw my commander use this medicine, so I stole the method. Since it is easy to prepare, I borrowed it to survive my remaining years; I have no other skills." Li thus preserved his life for his entire lifetime. (From *Leibian*)

The daughter of a veteran soldier in Xinzhou, aged three, developed asthma (Chuan) due to excessive salt intake, refusing breast milk and food. Her family was too poor to hire a doctor. A Daoist priest passed by the door, saw the sick girl panting incessantly, and taught her to seek seven sweet melon seeds (Tian Gou Di), grind them into a coarse powder, mix with half a tea cup of cold water, let settle, and take a small sip of the clear juice. Following this instruction, upon finishing the drink, she vomited phlegm-saliva resembling glue. Her chest felt relaxed, and her breathing stabilized. A few days later, the condition recurred, but taking the medicine again cured her immediately. After three doses, the root of the disease was swept away. This medicine tastes extremely bitter and is hard to swallow, confirming the proverbial saying that "Gan Gou Di" (Sweet Melon Seed) is actually bitter. (Same source)

Li Hanlin was a person from Tiantai. A Mr. Mo suffered from asthma and sought medical treatment. Li Hanlin said, "This illness has lasted long; I will treat it for you." He took a piece of green tangerine peel (Qing Ju Pi), unfolded it, placed one Jiang Zi (Croton Seed) inside, tied it with hemp thread, burned it over fire until the smoke disappeared, retained the medicinal nature, ground it into powder, and administered it with ginger juice and a large cup of wine. The symptoms ceased immediately after ingestion. It was truly a miraculous prescription. (From *Mingyi Lu*)