The Life of Fu Qingzhu

--- Translation: Zhu Weimin

In August 1607, during the Ming Dynasty, on a stormy day in Yangqu, Shanxi Province, a child was born. This child was the future renowned Red-Clothed Hermit, Fu Shan, a great Taoist physician of ancient China, also known as Fu Qingzhu.

Fu Shan's life spanned the upheavals of two dynasties and unfolded in a tumultuous period marked by hardships and incessant wars. In his eyes, the foreign-origin Qing Dynasty were invaders. As such, a significant part of Fu Qingzhu's life was devoted to the "restoration of the Ming Dynasty," until he sadly withdrew to the countryside upon realizing the futility of his efforts, all while continuing to provide care and save lives.

Fu Qingzhu was not only a accomplished physician but also a highly skilled martial artist. He possessed extensive knowledge of history and philosophy, as well as mastery in poetry, calligraphy, and medicine. Thanks to his broad erudition, he was recognized as an eminent master of his time.

The latter half of Fu Shan's life coincided with the first four decades of the newly established Qing Dynasty. During this period, brutality, massacres, and plundering occurred almost daily, while anti-Qing militias resisted tenaciously. The Qing government also persecuted Han intellectuals through literary purges and attempts at bribery. The ups and downs of his life forged his unique character and influenced his artistic creations. In secret collaboration with figures like Gu Yanwu, Fu Shan was arrested for his anti-Qing activities. In prison, he refused to yield under pressure, even going on a hunger strike for several days.

During the reign of Emperor Kangxi, the imperial government introduced the imperial examination in sciences, and despite being 72 years old, Fu Shan was forced by local authorities to travel to the capital to participate. Determined, he refused to leave his bed, but officials sent someone to forcibly carry him out of his house. At the city gates, Fu Shan chose to die rather than cross its walls. Instead of punishing him, the imperial court even named him "State Counselor" and allowed him to leave. He neither thanked nor accepted this distinction, and upon his departure, he was accompanied by a large crowd of admirers, reflecting his fearless nature.

The Qing government harbored both deep hatred and appreciation for Fu Qingzhu's talent and prestige. That's why his speeches and writings were restricted. Fu Shan's wife, Zhang, passed away when he was 27 years old, and since then, he never remarried. He lived with his son, Fu Mei, as his sole companion.

There are few records in historical archives about Fu Qingzhu's medical education. It can be assumed that he studied medicine under his master, Guo Jingzhong, during his Taoist cultivation period. After embracing the path of Taoism, Fu Qingzhu secretly practiced as a wandering Taoist, honed his medical skills, and became famous. It's said that he effectively cured many complex illnesses, attracting a constant stream of patients who nicknamed him the "Immortal Physician." To this day, many stories circulate throughout Shanxi Province about the healings and rescues performed by Fu Qingzhu.

During Fu Qingzhu's time, the Qing government prohibited the publication of medical works, forcing him to take on an apprentice in secret. His disciple was named Chen Shiduo, who became the author of "The Secret Record of the Stone Chamber" and "Small External Words," as well as a prominent physician of the Kangxi era. It's presumed that the works "Gynecology of Fu Qingzhu," "Andropathies of Fu Qingzhu," and "Pediatrics of Fu Qingzhu" were compiled by Chen Shiduo.

Fu Qingzhu was appointed as a professor at the Sanli Academy, where his rigorous scholarly approach was reflected in his methods of treating illnesses and saving lives. According to him, a good physician must first master medical principles and then use those principles as a guide to adapt treatments based on the progression of the disease. He emphasized caution, deep contemplation, and careful consideration before prescribing a treatment. Fu Qingzhu was adept at collecting and utilizing popular recipes and remedies, seeking effective results with minimal expenses. In the minds of the people of Shanxi, he was considered a savior.

《The Gynecology of Fu Qingzhu》 laid the foundation for systematic treatment of gynecological diseases, also known as "Divine Remedies for Women." This book gathers teachings from physicians of previous dynasties on gynecology and obstetrics, combining different perspectives and integrating his own clinical experiences. It elaborates in detail on aspects related to menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, providing concise differential analyses, rigorous treatment methods, and highly practical clinical approaches. This book covers the entire field of gynecology and obstetrics, making it an essential part of ancient literature for practitioners of Chinese medicine in this domain.

Furthermore, Fu Qingzhu also created a style of boxing called "Fu Quan," similar yet distinct from Tai Chi. A handwritten copy of the "Fu Quan Collection" dating back to 1985 has been preserved and passed down.

Beyond his fame in medicine, Fu Qingzhu also excelled in the fields of politics, literature, calligraphy, painting, and martial arts. His calligraphy was considered by his contemporaries as the finest of the early Qing Dynasty. "Rather heavy but not artificial, rather ugly but not flattering, rather disorganized but not superficial, to be candid rather than calculated" was his principle for calligraphy, as well as for life in general.

On February 9, the 23rd year of the Kangxi reign (1684), his son, Fu Mei, passed away at the age of 57. Deeply saddened by this loss, Fu Qingzhu couldn't bear the shock and departed from this world shortly after, at the age of 78. Thanks to his exceptional medical talent, he is recognized as another "Medical Saint" by posterity, succeeding Zhang Zhongjing of the Han Dynasty.

His national pride and spirit of learning continue to be worthy examples for future generations to follow.

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