External Wind-Heat Pathogen Invasion

Ma Jingbo and I shared both a scholarly bond as fellow provincial-level scholars* and the mentorship of Master Long Lanyi. In 1795, while he was preparing to purchase a magistrate position*, a remarkable courtesan named Yunshang captivated Beijing’s elite with her artistry and beauty, becoming Jingbo’s cherished companion.

One evening during a banquet near Qianmen market district, Jingbo’s servant urgently summoned me: “My master is dying!” I rushed into the carriage only to realize we were heading toward Shaanxi Lane – the notorious pleasure quarter. The coachman merely chuckled, “You’ll understand soon, sir.”

Under crimson lanterns, Jingbo confessed at the alley entrance: “Forgive the deception. Yunshang burns with fever but feared you’d refuse a courtesan’s plea.” In her scented chamber, attendants parted to reveal the unconscious beauty – hair disheveled, skin scorching, pulse racing like war drums. Diagnosing severe wind-heat invasion*, I prescribed an adjusted version of Fangfeng Tongsheng Powder: ​replacing ephedra (má huáng) with milder cinnamon twig (guì zhī), supplemented by nitrum and rhubarb.

Jingbo blanched at the potent formula: “These harsh medicinals could shatter her delicate constitution!”
“Though both induce sweating,” I explained, ​**”cinnamon twig opens pores gently where ephedra storms through. Medicines are soldiers – deployed precisely, they （helps manage）; misapplied, even tonics poison.”**

At dusk next day, Jingbo’s carriage intercepted me again. Expecting crisis, I instead found Yunshang radiant in peony silks, her attendants kowtowing: “The fever broke at third watch*! She perspired rivers yet awoke reborn.” The courtesan knelt tearfully: “We soiled creatures dare not taint your virtue, but our gratitude…”

Jingbo lifted his wine cup: “Should we scorn temple offerings as unclean? Let scholars and butterflies share this moment!” Through midnight poetry and pear blossom wine, Yunshang revealed her literary brilliance. Departing at fourth watch*, I discovered twin lotus-embroidered sachets in my sleeve – a courtesan’s silent vow. Returning them through Jingbo five days later, I sealed this chapter where medicine met moonlight.