During a visit to Duke Huan of Qi, Bian Que—a household Chinese physician living during the Warring States period (around 407 to 310 B.C.)—examined him and warned, “You have an illness in your skin.” The duke dismissed the concern, scoffing, “I’m not sick—this charlatan just wants my money.”
Five days later, Bian Que returned and said: “The illness has entered your blood vessels. If left untreated, the consequences will be serious.” The annoyed duke ignored him again.
