[Xia Wai Za Zu]

In the early year of Dingyou in the Jiajing era, I participated in military campaigns in Shu. One day, while our boat was moored on an empty beach waiting for favorable wind conditions, I donned casual attire and ascended the shore to gaze into the distance. Following a winding and secluded path, I entered a flat forest, crossed a stone bridge, and then zigzagged westward for several hundred steps. There, I saw steep cliffs and clustered peaks resembling screens or barriers. In the center lay a stone pool with dark, clear water that could reflect one's beard and eyebrows. Beside the pool stood stone pillars side by side, appearing as if they might fall. A spring issued from a rock crevice, spraying like snowflakes, and gurgled into the pool. Nearby lay a large, flat stone like a mat; beside it grew three ancient pines with twisted, rugged branches and lush green shade. Delighted by this scene, I sat upon the stone to watch the flowing spring. Soon, an old man approached, leaning on a cane, dressed in simple mountain hermit clothing, exuding a Daoist aura. I bowed and invited him to sit, engaging in heartfelt conversation for some time. I then asked if he knew the essentials of preserving health. He replied, "I only take one dose of 'Kuaihuo Wuyou San' (Happy and Carefree Powder) daily. If matters are unsatisfactory, I take one dose of 'Heqi Tang' (Harmonious Qi Decoction)." I asked again, "When living in leisure and solitude, do you also read books?" He said, "In my youth, I kept the 'Nine-Character Scripture' firmly in mind. Now that I am old, I feel ashamed for having failed this scripture many times." I asked further, "Do you have any desires in this world?" He answered, "Destiny is fixed for all life. Scheming and calculating are useless; one must simply await fate. What else could I seek?" As twilight deepened, I returned from the mountains. We parted ways. The old man took a book from his sleeve and handed it to me, saying, "This was compiled by Iron-Foot Daoist. I dare to offer it as a longevity gift to you." Returning to my boat, I opened the received book for reading. Everything the old man had said on the stone was recorded therein. Reading it repeatedly over several days, I cherished its simple yet profound words, believing that practicing them throughout one's life would yield endless benefits. Thus, I ordered someone to copy several passages in regular script to send to relatives and friends back home. Written by Donggu Jushi (Hermit Donggu), Ao Ying, aboard a boat at the mouth of Qutang Gorge.

**Kuaihuo Wuyou San (Happy and Carefree Powder)**
Eliminate worries, sever delusions.
The above two elements [referring to the mental acts of eliminating worries and severing delusions], in equal parts, are ground into an extremely fine powder and taken with clean water. Although this formula contains few ingredients, its efficacy is great. Its nature is neither cold nor hot, neither bitter nor pungent. It requires no distant sourcing of medicinal materials; one seeks it within oneself and obtains it from oneself. Although not recorded in *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) nor discussed by Li Dongyuan or Zhu Danxi, it is indeed a wonderful medicine in the human realm. If one takes one dose daily, it surpasses taking one hundred doses of Sizijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction). To prepare this medicine, one must first clean a room thoroughly, ensuring windows are bright, placing small railings in front, planting flowers and bamboo, storing water and raising fish. Inside the room, set up a table, a bed, and a meditation cushion. Every day, sit cross-legged in stillness, close your eyes, regulate your breathing, take the medicine beforehand, and continue until two or three incense sticks have burned. Then move freely as you wish. You may stroll in the empty courtyard, enjoy the wind and moon, admire calligraphy copies and famous paintings, or chant ancient poems. When tired, drink a cup of bitter tea and lie down to rest. Over time, you will feel refreshed in spirit and qi, and your mind (Tianjun) will be tranquil. You will be unaware of worldly worries and see no worries in your heart; thus, the efficacy will be evident.

**Heqi Tang (Harmonious Qi Decoction)**
Specifically treats all types of external pathogenic qi, anger qi, resentment qi, and depressed or uneven qi.
First, employ the character "Ren" (Endurance/Tolerance); subsequently, employ the character "Wang" (Forgetfulness).
The above two elements [referring to the mental states of endurance and forgetfulness] are mixed evenly and swallowed with saliva produced during silence. This formula begins with "endurance," which prevents sudden anger; followed by "forgetfulness," which avoids lifelong regrets. After taking it, drink five to seven cups of mellow wine; being slightly intoxicated is particularly beneficial.

**Nine-Character Scripture**
Do not deceive your conscience, be cautious in speech, uphold integrity and shame.
This scripture is concise in wording but broad in meaning. Knowing it is easy, but practicing it is difficult. Those who can practically implement it can become gentlemen.

[Confucius did not eat wine or dried meat bought in the market] Zheng Xuan interpreted "Gu" as referring to official liquor sales. Zhu Xi stated: "Gu" and "Shi" both mean to buy. This likely follows Zheng's commentary. The *Classic of Poetry* says: "Buy wine for me." Mao Heng's commentary states: "Wine brewed for one night is called Gu." Generally, there were no wine sellers in the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties; official monopolies began in the time of Emperor Wu of Han. Therefore, "buying wine" likely refers to wine brewed for one night.