When a sage king governs the world, there is no excessive Yang in spring, no latent Yin in summer, no desolate wind in autumn, and no bitter rain in winter. Consequently, the people suffer no premature death or violent demise, and all things are free from blight and pestilence. The Qi of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Zhi Qi, the harmonious and balanced vital energy filling the universe) permeates heaven and earth. In such a state, where would there be talk of plague (Yi Wen)? However, the *Rites of Zhou* (*Zhou Li*) records that Nuo rituals were used to drive away epidemic pathogens, presided over by the Fangxiang Shi (an official responsible for exorcism rituals, wearing a mask with four golden eyes). This indicates that the origin of plagues has existed since ancient times. When the villagers performed the Nuo ritual, Confucius wore his court robes to demonstrate his sincerity and reverence. This was likely because when Righteous Qi (Zheng Qi) fills the interior, epidemic pathogens are quietly dissipated. This constitutes the practical achievement of nurturing and sustaining life. In antiquity, on New Year's Day, people drew clear spring water to drink aromatic herbs; on the Shangsi Festival, they gathered orchids to