To be terminally ill; beyond cure; to be in a desperate or hopeless state; beyond remedy or recovery.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, Duke Jing of Jin fell seriously ill. He heard that there was a highly skilled doctor in the State of Qin, so he specifically sent someone to invite him.
Before the doctor arrived, Duke Jing had a vivid dream. He dreamt of two children quietly talking beside him. One said, "That brilliant doctor is coming soon. I think we won't be able to escape this time. Where should we hide?" The other child replied, "There's nothing to fear. We'll hide above the 'huang' and below the 'gao.' No matter how he tries to use medicine, he won't be able to reach us."
Soon after, the renowned doctor from Qin arrived and was immediately invited into Duke Jing's bedroom to treat him. After the diagnosis, the doctor told Duke Jing, "This illness is beyond cure. The disease is above the 'huang' and below the 'gao.' Moxibustion won't work, acupuncture cannot reach it, and oral medicines will also be ineffective. This illness is truly incurable."
Upon hearing this, Duke Jing realized that the doctor's words confirmed the conversation he had dreamt of between the two children. He nodded and said, "Your medical skills are truly superb!" With that, he had someone present a generous gift to the doctor and sent him back to Qin.