Bian Que was the most famous Chinese physician in the 5th century B.C. One day he happened to meet Duke Huan of Cai.

"I believe Your Highness is suffering from some disease," he said to the Duke after observing him for a while. "The affected area is between the skin and the muscles."

"But I'm fine," said the Duke.

"If you do not cure it, it can get worse," Bian Que warned the Duke before he left.

The Duke dismissed his warning. "A doctor always tries to find something wrong with a healthy man just to show off."

Ten days later Bian Que met him again.

"Your disease is getting into the muscles," he warned the Duke. "It'll get worse if it is not treated."

The Duke was not pleased. He ignored the warning.

Another ten days went by before Bian Que saw the Duke.

"Your disease has gone into the intestines. You need urgent treatment."

The Duke turned the physician away with a sullen face.

Ten days later Bian Que saw the Duke again. But he walked away without a word. Seeing him act oddly, the Duke sent an aide to query him.
"When the Duke's disease was between the skin and the muscles," said Bian Que, "it can be treated easily with herbal compresses. When it got into the muscles, acupuncture and guasha could be applied. When it invaded the gastro-intestines, a herbal mixture could still be effective. But by the time it has sunk into the bone marrow, there is no cure.

His disease has reached its terminal stage. I cannot recommend any more treatment. It's too late."