Huang Yuanyu—–Return of the Imperial Physician

Meeting Emperor Qianlong Again

Unlike the portrayals in television dramas, Emperor Qianlong’s visits to the south of the Yangtze River were grand and elaborate. According to official Qing Dynasty records, Emperor Qianlong traveled to the south six times, spending over twenty million taels of silver in total, averaging about four million taels per visit.

Each journey required the company of princes, concubines, office staff, most ministers, and palace guards, totaling at least 3,000 to 4,000 people. Naturally, doctors were indispensable to care for the royal entourage in case of illness.

When selecting the imperial physicians for the trip, Emperor Qianlong suddenly remembered Huang Yuanyu.

“The one who treated me last year must still be at the Imperial Hospital. Let’s take him with us,” he said.

An attendant replied, “Your Royal Highness, he stayed at the Imperial Hospital for only a short time before resigning and returning home.”

Emperor Qianlong, no fool, sensed there must be a reason behind this. He ordered an investigation and discovered that Huang Yuanyu had been outcast. Angered, he commanded his men to bring Huang Yuanyu back. After a thorough search, they found Huang Yuanyu in the south, where they were heading.

Pleased with this news, Emperor Qianlong sent a message to Huang Yuanyu, instructing him to wait in Huaiyin.

“I am traveling south via the canal. We will pass through Huaiyin, so ask him to wait for me there,” he said.

When Emperor Qianlong passed by Huaiyin, he took Huang Yuanyu with him. During the southern tour, Huang Yuanyu treated numerous illnesses, both minor and severe, with great success.

Historical records note, “The prescriptions and medicines he wrote were all miraculous.”

In his first encounter with Emperor Qianlong, Huang Yuanyu had demonstrated his medical skill by curing the emperor. In this second encounter, he impressed the emperor and his ministers by curing many sick people.

Recognizing Huang Yuanyu’s exceptional medical skills, Emperor Qianlong invited him to return to Beijing, promising that he would not be outcast again.

He bestowed upon Huang Yuanyu the inscription “Miao Wu Qi Huang,” which translates to “Extraordinary use of the skill of Qibo and Huangdi,” referring to two renowned figures in traditional herbal medicine. This inscription was made into a sign and hung at the entrance of the Imperial Hospital.

Return to the Imperial Hospital

Since the emperor had spoken, Huang Yuanyu had no choice but to follow Emperor Qianlong back to the capital. After more than a year, he returned to the Imperial Hospital. This time, with Emperor Qianlong’s support, Huang Yuanyu’s responsibilities were limited to treating the emperor and his immediate family. As a fourth-rank imperial physician, he enjoyed a high income, ample spare time, and access to a vast collection of medical books and medicinal materials.

With these favorable conditions, Huang Yuanyu was able to focus on deepening his knowledge. He took the time to think seriously, carefully summarize his experiences, refine his theories, and write books. This period of reflection and study led to a significant breakthrough, elevating him to the esteemed ranks of “grandmasters.” He completed eight medical books, which, along with his previous three, formed the renowned “Eleven Huang’s Medical Books.”

Huang Yuanyu, who had once failed to become a good minister to serve the country, ultimately fulfilled his great wish of becoming an excellent doctor to help the people.
So, what is Huang Yuanyu’s unique theory, and how can it help us to revitalize our health?

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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