Preface to the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon: Grand Basis

Xiao Beicheng of Huangpi, a Xiaolian graduateoriginal: 孝廉 (xiaolian). Literally "Filial and Incorruptible," this was a title for candidates who passed the provincial-level civil service examinations during the Qing Dynasty., is a scholar who loves learning and practices profound reflection.

Back when I held the teaching chair at the Lianghu Academyoriginal: 兩湖書院 (Lianghu Shuyuan). The "Two Lakes" Academy in Wuchang, a prestigious institution founded by the statesman Zhang Zhidong to modernize Chinese education while preserving classical foundations., I often read his work, An Equitable Evaluation of the Philosophy of the Mind, which contained many insightful and original arguments. In my heart, I secretly admired and valued his character.

Later, I invited him to join my staff at the Longjiang Secretariatoriginal: 龍江幕 (Longjiang mu). Refers to the administrative staff or "private tent" of a high official in Heilongjiang province. to manage official documents, a task he performed with great diligence. During this period, we lived through the Turmoil of the Gengzi Yearoriginal: 庚子之亂 (Gengzi zhi luan). Refers to the Boxer Rebellion of 1900 and the subsequent invasion by the Eight-Nation Alliance, which caused massive displacement across China.. After traveling south together as companions...