Huang Yuanyu: The Arrogant Imperial Physician
Favored by Emperor Qianlong
Huang Yuanyu, the founder of the Zunjing School and an imperial physician appointed by Emperor Qianlong, initially enjoyed high favor from the emperor. He earned his position by curing Emperor Qianlong’s illness when other physicians were at a loss. As a result, he was awarded the title of fifth-rank government official without the usual protocols. Additionally, Emperor Qianlong played chess with him, gifted him a chessboard and jade pieces, and bestowed upon him the title “Yu Qiu Zi,” which he used in some of his writings. These honors marked the peak of Huang Yuanyu’s life, but they also brought significant trouble.
Offending Colleagues at the Imperial Hospital
The Imperial Hospital was filled with renowned physicians who considered themselves superior. When Huang Yuanyu joined as a new colleague, he did not start as an apprentice but was given a high official position, causing discomfort and jealousy among his peers.
Instead of making friends, he was outspoken and offended others even before officially joining the hospital. During his initial treatment of Emperor Qianlong, he bluntly told the other attending physicians, “The emperor’s illness has worsened because you don’t know how to use medicine. Your medical skills are poor.”
This statement angered the senior physicians, and Huang Yuanyu had already alienated himself from the entire Imperial Hospital staff before becoming a member. His straightforward personality and disdain for his colleagues’ skills only worsened the situation.
Despised by High Government Officials
In ancient times, medical practice was considered a lowly profession compared to scholarship and government service. As an imperial physician, Huang Yuanyu faced disdain from court officials, which fueled his resentment towards mediocre doctors.
He lamented, “My knowledge is not inferior to anyone’s, but why is fate so unfair to me?”
Despite his brilliance and position at the prestigious Imperial Hospital, he was still scorned by government officials, leading to an inferiority complex. He hated the scholarly officials who looked down on him and despised the mediocre doctors for ruining his bright future.
Comments on His Contemporaries
He made numerous comments on his contemporaries such as:
Need for Education: In his writing, “The Four Sacred Heart Sources,” Huang Yuanyu expressed his dissatisfaction with mediocre doctors and their poor skills.
He wrote, “People suffer from unexpected diseases, but doctors have no way to save them. They are like tigers or eagles harming patients. I wrote this book to educate them.”
Looking Down on Contemporaries: Huang Yuanyu believed that understanding the six qi was essential to curing any disease. He criticized his contemporaries for their lack of understanding, stating, “Since Zhang Zhongjing, no one has understood the principle. Doctors can’t even comprehend cold, heat, dryness, and dampness. They prescribe medicine randomly, causing many to lose their lives in vain.”
Scolding Contemporaries: He also criticized modern medical books for their mistakes in treating illnesses. He argued that most people suffer from yang-deficiency, yet modern treatments focus on nourishing yin, causing endless harm.
Hated by His Contemporaries
Huang Yuanyu’s harsh criticisms and outspoken nature led to widespread dislike among his peers. He respected only a few sages in medicine, such as Huangdi, Qibo, Bian Que, and Zhang Zhongjing, while despising and scolding all other doctors in his writings.
This resulted in an unhappy life at the Imperial Hospital, where he was excluded, had few apprentices, and struggled to publish his books.
Fortunately, a prince’s grandson admired his skills, became his apprentice, and preserved his knowledge by copying his books.
Resignation and Return Home
After six months at the Imperial Hospital, Huang Yuanyu resigned in anger due to the hostility he faced. Despite being specially recruited by Emperor Qianlong, the emperor rarely needed medical treatment and gradually forgot about him. The hospital staff’s ostracism went unnoticed by the emperor, and by the time he learned of it, Huang Yuanyu had already resigned.
What happened to Huang Yuanyu when he returned to his hometown?
Looking ahead
For more stories about Huang Yuanyu and his contributions to traditional herbal medicine, and how it helps in rejuvenating our health, stay tuned for the next episode.
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