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Yao Sengyuan, courtesy name Fawei, was from Wukang, Wu Xing, and was the eighth-generation descendant of Yao Xin, Grand Commandant of Ceremonies of the Wu Kingdom. His great-grandfather, Yao Ying, served as a Gentleman of the Household for External Affairs and Cavalry Attendant-in-Ordinary of the Song Dynasty, with the title Marquis of Wucheng.
His father, Yao Puti, served as the Magistrate of Gaoping County in the Liang Dynasty. Having suffered from illness for many years, he paid close attention to medicine and pharmacology. Emperor Wu of Liang also had a fondness for medical arts, frequently summoning Yao Puti to discuss prescriptions and techniques. Their discussions often resonated well, leading to Yao Puti being treated with considerable respect.
Sengyuan was knowledgeable from a young age and observed all mourning rituals properly. At the age of twenty-four, he inherited his family's medical profession. Emperor Wu of Liang summoned him into the palace for an oral examination. Sengyuan responded fluently without hesitation. The Emperor found him exceptionally talented. In the sixth year of Datong (536 AD), he began his official career as Left Constant Attendant to the Prince of Linchuan. In the fifth year of Datong (539 AD), he was appointed as Military Administrator of the Field Department in the Prince of Luling's Stable General Mansion. In the ninth year (543 AD), he returned to the capital to serve concurrently as Physician of the Palace Guard. At that time, Ge Xiuhua, the birth mother of the Prince of Wuling, suffered from chronic ailments that resisted various treatments. Emperor Wu ordered Sengyuan to examine her. Upon returning, Sengyuan detailed her condition and recorded the timing of symptom fluctuations. Emperor Wu sighed, saying, "Your attention to detail is so meticulous. With such observation, what disease could escape detection? I have long noted that famous figures of past dynasties favored this art, and I have kept it in mind, gaining some understanding of treatment principles. Your explanation has further enlightened me." In the eleventh year (547 AD), he was transferred to serve as Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, concurrently holding titles of Commander of Wendé and Direct General. Once, Emperor Wu suffered from fever and wished to take Rhubarb (Da Huang). Sengyuan said, "Rhubarb is a potent purgative. However, Your Majesty is advanced in age and should not use it lightly." The Emperor did not heed this advice, and his condition became critical. Crown Prince Jianwen (Emperor Jianwen) showed great respect to Sengyuan while residing in the Eastern Palace, granting rewards during seasonal festivals. In the first year of Taiqing (547 AD), he was transferred to serve as Military Secretary in the Prince of Xiangdong's Garrison West Mansion. Sengyuan had loved literature and history since youth but did not focus on philological analysis. He was praised by scholars for his commentary on historical figures.
When Hou Jing besieged Jianye, Sengyuan abandoned his wife and children to join the defense. Emperor Wu commended him, appointing him as General Rongzhao and Military Secretary in the Prince of Xiangdong's mansion. When the palace city fell and officials scattered, Sengyuan sought a way home, reaching Chengxing where he visited Governor Zhang Sheng. Zhang Sheng wept upon seeing Sengyuan, saying, "I have been heavily indebted to the court's grace and now repay it with death. You are a prominent clan of this region and a veteran court official. With you here, my innocence can be proven." Soon, Hou Jing's forces arrived in large numbers, attacking for several days until the commandery city fell. Sengyuan hid for a long time before being captured. Hou Jing's general, Hou Zijian, who had heard of his fame, respected and treated him well, allowing him to escape punishment. When Emperor Jianwen ascended the throne, Sengyuan returned to Jianye, serving concurrently as Secretariat Drafter under his previous title. When Hou Zijian subsequently garrisoned Guangling, Sengyuan followed him north of the Yangtze River.
After Emperor Yuan of Liang pacified Hou Jing, he summoned Sengyuan to Jingzhou and appointed him as Advisor to the Prince of Jin'an. Although the great chaos had been quelled, incompetent personnel were employed, causing political confusion and loss of discipline. Sengyuan deeply worried about this, telling old friends, "Judging by the situation, disaster is imminent. The best strategy now is to move closer to the passes." Those who heard this laughed secretly. Emperor Yuan once suffered from abdominal pain and summoned physicians to discuss treatment. All agreed that due to the Emperor's supreme status, harsh drugs should be avoided; mild medicines should be used to gradually promote circulation. Sengyuan said, "The pulse is surging and full, indicating retained food. Without using Rhubarb (Da Huang), there is no hope of recovery." Emperor Yuan agreed. After taking the decoction, retained food was expelled, and the illness cured. Emperor Yuan was overjoyed. As new coins were minted where one coin equaled ten, he was rewarded with 100,000 coins, actually worth one million.
When the imperial army conquered Jingzhou, Sengyuan continued to attend Emperor Yuan, never leaving his side. He was detained by soldiers and left only after weeping. Soon, Duke Zhongshan (Yuwen Hu) sent people to seek Sengyuan. Sengyuan went to his camp. He was then summoned by Duke Yan (Yuwen Jin), who received him with great honor. Emperor Taizu (Yuwen Tai) also sent an envoy via courier station to summon Sengyuan, but Jin firmly detained him. Jin told the envoy, "I am aging and plagued by severe illness. Now that I have this man, I hope to grow old with him." Due to Jin's high merit and virtue, when Yifang Lou Mu, Governor of Jinzhou, returned to the capital ill, he asked Sengyuan to examine him. Mu said, "From waist to navel, it feels like bound by three ropes; my legs are limp and uncontrollable." Sengyuan diagnosed his pulse and prescribed three doses of decoction. After the first dose, the upper binding sensation resolved; after the second, the middle binding resolved; after the third, all bindings disappeared. However, his legs remained painful, numb, spastic, and weak. Sengyuan prepared another dose of powder, allowing slight flexion and extension. Sengyuan said, "Wait until frost descent; the ailment will heal." By September, he could walk.
General Helan Long, Duke of Xiangle, previously suffered from Qi disorders and edema, with rapid breathing and restlessness. Someone advised taking Jueming Dasan (Great Powder for Life Decision), but his family hesitated and consulted Sengyuan. Sengyuan said, "I believe this condition does not match the indications for Jueming Dasan. If you wish to take it yourself, no consultation is needed." He then departed. The son earnestly begged, "We have suppressed our hopes for a long time and finally came today. It cannot be that it is incurable. We truly do not give up." Sengyuan understood their intent... In the first year of Tianhe (566 AD), he was added to the ranks of Great General of Chariots and Cavalry, deliberating equally with the Three Excellencies. General Dou Ji, Duke of Le Ping, suddenly contracted wind-stroke, becoming mentally confused and unconscious. Previous doctors declared him incurable. Sengyuan later examined him, saying, "Though critical, he will ultimately survive. If entrusted entirely to me, I will treat him." The family joyfully accepted the prescription. Sengyuan prepared decoctions and powders, and the illness immediately improved. Chi Fulie Chun, Duke of Yongshi, suffered from chronic diarrhea for a long time but did not miss court audiences. Duke Yan Jin once asked Sengyuan, "Both Le Ping and Yongshi have chronic illnesses. In my opinion, Yongshi's condition is lighter." Sengyuan replied, "Diseases vary in depth, and seasons can be fatal. Le Ping, though critical, will likely survive. Yongshi, though symptoms seem light, will inevitably die." Jin asked, "If he must die, when?" Sengyuan replied, "Within four months." It happened exactly as predicted. Jin marveled at this. In the sixth year, he was promoted to Middle Daifu of Suibo.
In the third year of Jian De (574 AD), Empress Dowager Wenxuan was bedridden. Physicians and shamans offered conflicting theories. Emperor Gaozu sat with Sengyuan in the inner hall, asking, "The Empress Dowager's condition is serious, yet all physicians say there is no cause for worry. As a son, I feel deep concern. Between ruler and minister, words should be unhidden. What do you think?" Sengyuan replied, "I lack the subtle skills of listening and observing complexion, but having experienced much, comparing to common cases, I privately fear for the worst." The Emperor wept, saying, "Since you have decided, what more need be said!" Soon after, the Empress Dowager passed away. Later, during another audience, the Emperor asked, "How many years has Lord Yao served as Yi Tong?" Sengyuan replied, "This humble servant has received court grace for nine years." The Emperor said, "Your diligence has been evident; the court appointment should be elevated." He was granted the title of Great General of Qipiao and Kai Fu Yi Tong San Si, with an edict stating, "You are past military service age; you may cease attending court. Unless specially summoned, no audience is required."
In the fourth year, Emperor Gaozu personally led troops eastward and fell ill at Heyin. He could not speak; eyelids drooped covering eyes, preventing vision; one leg was shortened and immobile. Sengyuan believed all five Zang organs were diseased and could not be treated simultaneously. The priority in the army was restoring speech. He prescribed medicine, and the Emperor regained speech. Next, eye treatment cured the ocular issue. Finally, leg treatment healed the limb. By the time they reached Huazhou, the Emperor had fully recovered. Sengyuan was appointed Governor of Huazhou but was ordered to return to the capital with the army, not to garrison the town. In the first year of Xuan Zheng (578 AD), he submitted a memorial requesting retirement, which was graciously approved. That year, Emperor Gaozu toured Yunyang and fell ill. An edict summoned Sengyuan to the imperial residence. Liu Ang, Neishi (Director of the Palace Secretariat), privately asked, "The Sovereign has reduced food intake for many days; how is the pulse?" Sengyuan replied, "The Son of Heaven corresponds to the Heavenly Heart; perhaps this is beyond my estimation. If a commoner were in this state, survival would be impossible." Soon after, the Emperor died.
When Emperor Xuan was Crown Prince, he often suffered from heart pain. Sengyuan treated him, and the illness cured. The Emperor was very pleased. Upon ascending the throne, his favor increased. He casually remarked, "This is a term respecting elders, not a title of nobility. I will establish a fiefdom for you as a permanent legacy for your descendants." He was enfeoffed as Duke of Changshou County with 1,000 households. On the day of investiture, he was gifted a gold belt and clothing.
In the second year of Daxiang (580 AD), he was appointed Lower Daifu of the Imperial Medical Bureau. The Emperor soon fell critically ill. Sengyuan stood night watch. The Emperor told Sui Gong (Yang Jian), "My life today is entrusted solely to this man." Knowing the Emperor's prognosis was dire and recovery unlikely, Sengyuan replied, "Having received heavy grace, I desire to serve. But fearing my mediocrity is insufficient, how dare I not exert myself?" The Emperor nodded. When Emperor Jing ascended, Sengyuan was promoted to Great General of Shang Kai Fu Yi Tong. Early in the Sui Kaihuang era, he was advanced to Duke of Beijiang Commandery. He died in the third year at age eighty-five. His final instructions were to be buried in white clothes without formal court attire. Only an incense box and daily fresh water were placed on the spirit tablet. He was posthumously awarded his former office and the governorships of Jing and Hu provinces.
Sengyuan's medical skills were superb and highly regarded by his contemporaries. His successful cases were countless. His reputation spread to border regions and foreign states, who all requested his diagnosis. Sengyuan collected extraordinary cases and verified effective treatments, compiling *Ji Yan Fang* (Collected Verified Prescriptions) in twelve volumes, and wrote *Xing Ji* (Travel Records) in three volumes, which circulated widely.
His eldest son, Yao Cha, remained in Jiangnan. (Note: Yao Cha has a biography in *History of the Southern Dynasties*).
His second son, Yao Zui, courtesy name Shihui, was smart from childhood. Growing up, he was well-versed in classics and history, especially fond of writing. At nineteen, he entered the pass with Sengyuan. Emperor Shizong gathered scholars to collate books in Linzhi Hall, and Zui participated as a scholar. He was soon appointed Water Department参军 (Military Administrator) in Prince Qi Xian's mansion, managing secretarial duties. He was particularly honored by Prince Qi, receiving generous rewards. When Emperor Xuan ascended, Prince Qi was executed due to suspicion. Emperor Wen of Sui, as Chancellor, restored his titles. Yao Zui, having accompanied him for years and received excessive favor, compiled a biography of Prince Qi's merits and submitted it to the History Bureau.
Yao Zui had not learned medicine while in Jiangnan until entering the pass. In the Tianhe era, Prince Qi petitioned Emperor Gaozu to send Zui to study medicine. Prince Qi told Zui, "With your broad learning and high talent, how do you compare to Wang Bao and Yu Xin? They were renowned in both states; I regard them lightly. The reception and support they received were unmatched by your family. You must understand this and pay attention. Moreover, there is an imperial decree. You must strive harder." Thus, Yao Zui began to learn the family trade. Over ten years, he mastered its subtleties. Whenever people sought his help, results were often effective. When Emperor Wen of Sui ascended the throne, Zui was appointed Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. He resigned due to his father's mourning, grieving so severely he became emaciated. After the mourning period, he inherited... (text missing, likely title/position).
He was soon transferred to Friend of Prince Shu Xiu. When Prince Shu garrisoned Yizhou, Zui was promoted to Sima (Military Intendant) of Prince Shu's mansion. After the conquest of Chen, Yao Cha arrived. Yao Zui, being non-primary, yielded the fief to Yao Cha, which Emperor Wen permitted. Prince Shu later harbored rebellious intentions. Emperor Wen ordered ministers to investigate thoroughly. Kai Fu Qing Zheng, Hao Wei, etc., shifted blame to Prince Shu. Only Yao Zui said, "All illegal acts were done by me; the Prince knew nothing." Beaten and interrogated hundreds of times, he maintained his statement. Yao Zui was eventually executed at age sixty-seven. Scholars considered him righteous. He authored *Liang Hou Lüe* (Brief History of Later Liang) in ten volumes, which circulated.