姚僧垣字法卫，吴兴武康人，吴太常信之八世孙也。曾祖郢，宋员外散骑常侍，五城侯。
父菩提，梁高平令。尝婴疾历年，乃留心医药。梁武帝性又好之，每召菩提讨论方术，言多
会意，由是颇礼之。
僧垣幼通洽，居丧尽礼。年二十四，即传家业。梁武帝召入禁中，面加讨试。僧垣酬对
无滞。梁武帝甚奇之。大通六年，解褐临川嗣王国左常侍。大同五年，除骠骑庐陵王府田曹
参军。九年，还领殿中医师。时武陵王所生葛修华，宿患积时，方术莫效。梁武帝乃令僧垣
视之。还，具说其状，并记增损时候。梁武帝叹曰∶“卿用意绵密，乃至于此，以此候疾，
何疾可逃。朕常以前代名人，多好此术，是以每恒留情，颇识治体。今闻卿说，益开人意。
”十一年，转领太医正，盖文德主帅、直 将军。梁武帝尝因发热，欲服大黄。僧垣曰∶“大
黄乃是快药。然至尊年高，不宜轻用。”帝弗从，遂至危笃。梁简文帝在东宫，甚礼之。四
时伏腊，每有赏赐。太清元年，转镇西湘东王府中记室参军。僧垣少好文史，不留意于章句。
时商略今古，则为学人所称。
及侯景围建业，僧垣乃弃妻子赴难。梁武帝嘉之，授戎昭将军、湘东王府记室参军。及
宫城陷，百官逃散。僧垣假道归，至呈兴，谒郡守张（嵘）〔嵊〕。嵊见僧垣流涕曰∶“吾过
荷朝恩，今报之以死。君是此邦大族，又朝廷旧臣。今日得君，吾事辨矣。”俄而景兵大至，
攻战累日，郡城遂陷。僧垣窜避久之，乃被拘执。景将候子鉴素闻其名，深相器遇，因此获
免。及梁简文嗣位，僧垣还建业，以本官兼中书舍人。子鉴寻镇广陵，僧垣又随至江北。
梁元帝平侯景，召僧垣赴荆州，改授晋安王府谘议。其时虽克平大乱，而任用非才，朝
政混淆，无复纲纪。僧垣每深忧之。谓故人曰∶“吾观此情势，祸败不久。今时上策，莫若
近关。”闻者皆掩口窃笑。梁元帝尝有心腹疾，乃召诸医议治疗之方。咸谓至尊至贵，不可
轻脱，宜用平药，可渐宣通。僧垣曰∶“脉洪而实，此有宿食。非用大黄，必无瘥理。”梁
元帝从之，进汤讫，果下宿食，因而疾愈。梁元帝大喜。时初铸钱，一当十，乃赐钱十万，
实百万也。
及大军克荆州，僧垣犹侍梁元帝，不离左右。为军人所止。方泣涕而去。寻而中山公获
使人求僧垣。僧垣至其营。复为燕公于谨所召，大相礼接。太祖又遣使驰驿征僧垣，谨（故）
〔固〕留不遣。谓使人曰∶“吾年时衰暮，疹疾婴沉。今得此人，望与之偕老。”太祖以谨
勋德隆
金州刺史伊芳娄穆以疾还京，请僧垣省疾。乃云∶“自腰至脐，似有三缚，两脚缓纵，不
复自持。”僧垣为诊脉，处汤三剂。穆初服一剂，上缚即解；次服一剂，中缚复解；又服一
剂，三缚悉除。而两脚疼痹，犹自挛弱。更为合散一剂，稍得屈伸。僧垣曰∶“终待霜降，
此患当愈。”及至九月，遂能起行。
大将军、襄乐公贺兰隆先有气疾，加以水肿，喘息奔急，坐卧不安。或有劝其服决命大
散者，其家疑未能决，乃问僧垣。僧垣，曰∶“意谓此患不与大散相当。若欲自服，不烦赐
问。”因而委去。其子殷勤拜请曰∶“多时抑屈，今日始来。竟不可治。意实未尽。”僧垣知
其
天和元年，加授车骑大将军、议同三司。大将军、乐平公窦集暴感风疾，精神瞀乱，无
所觉知。诸医先视者，皆云已不可救。僧垣后至，曰∶“困则困矣，终当不死。若专以见付，
相为治之。”其家忻然，请受方术。僧垣为合汤散，所患即瘳。大将军、永世公叱伏列椿苦
利积时，而不废朝谒。燕公谨尝问僧垣曰∶“乐平、永世俱有痼疾，若如仆意，永世瘥轻。”
对曰∶“夫患有深浅，时有克杀。乐平虽困，终当保全。永世虽轻，必不免死。”谨曰∶“君
言必死，当在何时？”对曰∶“不出四月。”果如其言。谨叹异之。六年。迁遂伯中大夫
建德三年，文宣太后寝疾，医巫杂说，各有异同。高祖御内殿，引僧垣同坐，曰∶“太
后患势不轻，诸医并云无虑。朕人子之情，可以意得。君臣之义，言在无隐。公为何如？”
对曰∶“臣无听声视色之妙，特以经事已多，准之常人，窃以忧惧。”帝泣曰“公既决之矣，
知复何言！”寻而太后崩。其后复因召见。帝问僧垣曰∶“姚公为仪同几年？”对曰∶“臣忝
荷朝恩，于兹九载。”帝曰∶“勤劳有日，朝命宜隆。”乃授骑骠大将军、开府仪同三司，又
敕曰∶“公年过县军，可停朝谒。若非别敕，不劳入见。”
四年，高祖亲戎东讨，至河阴遇疾。口不能言；（脸）〔睑〕垂覆目，不复瞻视；一足短
缩，又不得行。僧垣以为诸脏俱病，不可并治。军中之要，莫先于语。乃处方进药，帝遂得
言。次又治目，目疾便愈。末乃治足，足疾亦瘳。比至华州，帝已痊复。即除华州刺史，仍
诏随入京，不令在镇。宣政元年，表情致仕，优诏许之。是岁，高祖行幸云阳，遂寝疾。乃
诏僧垣赴行在所。内史柳（ ）〔昂〕私问曰∶“至尊贬膳日久，脉候如何？”对曰∶“天子
上应天心，或当非愚所及。若凡庶如此，万无一全。”寻而帝崩。
宣帝初在东宫，常苦心痛。乃令僧垣治之，其疾即愈。帝甚悦。及即位，恩礼弥隆。常
从容
“此是尚齿之辞，非为贵爵之号。朕当为公建国开家，为子孙永业。”乃封长寿县公，邑一
千户。册命之日，又赐以金带及衣服等。
大象二年，除太医下大夫。帝寻有疾，至于大渐。僧垣宿直侍。帝谓随公曰∶“今日性
命，唯委此人。”僧垣知帝诊候危殆，必不全济。乃对曰∶“臣荷恩既重，思在效力。但恐
庸短不逮，敢不尽心。”帝颔之。及静帝嗣位，迁上开府仪同大将军。隋开皇初，进爵北绛
郡公。三年卒。时年八十五。遗诫衣白 入棺，朝服勿敛。灵上唯置香奁，每日设清水而已。
赠本官，加荆、湖二州刺史。
僧垣医术高妙，为当世所推。前后效验，不可胜记。声誉既盛，远闻边服。至于诸藩外
域，咸请 之。僧垣乃搜采奇异，参校征效者，为《集验方》十二卷，又撰《行记》三卷，
行
长子察在江南。（按∶姚察《南史》有传）
次子最，字士会，幼而聪敏，及长，博通经史，尤好着述。年十九，随僧垣入关。世宗
盛聚学徒，校书于麟趾殿，最亦预为学士。俄授齐王宪府水曹参军，掌记室事。特为宪所礼
接，赏赐隆浓。宣帝嗣位，宪以嫌疑被诛。隋文帝作相，追复官爵。最以陪游积岁，恩顾过
隆，乃录宪功绩为传，送上史局。
最幼在江左，迄于入关，未习医术。天和中，齐王宪奏高祖，遣最习之。宪又谓最曰∶
“尔博学高才，何如王褒、庾信。王、庾名重两国，吾视之蔑如。接待资给，非尔家比也。
尔宜深识此意，勿不存心。且天子有敕。弥须勉励。”最于是始受家业。十许年中，略尽其
妙。每有人造请，效验甚多。隋文帝践极，除太子门大夫。以父忧去官，哀毁骨立，既免丧，
袭
俄转蜀王秀友。秀镇益州，迁秀府司马。及平陈，察至。最自以非嫡，让封于察，隋文
帝许之。秀后阴有异谋，隋文帝令公卿穷治其事。开府庆整、郝伟等并推过于秀。最独曰∶
“凡有不法，皆最所为，王实不知也。”榜讯数百，卒无异辞。最竟坐诛。时年六十七。论
者义之。撰《梁后略》十卷，行于世。
姚僧垣，字法卫，是吴兴武康人，也是吴国太常卿姚信的八世孙。他的曾祖父姚郢，担任过宋朝的员外散骑常侍，封爵五城侯。
父亲姚菩提，担任过梁朝的高平县令。曾经长期患病，因此留心研究医药。梁武帝生性也喜好医术，经常召见姚菩提讨论方术，言语多能契合心意，因此对他颇为礼遇。
姚僧垣自幼学识渊博，在守丧期间尽守礼节。二十四岁时，便继承了家传医术。梁武帝将他召入宫中，当面进行考核测试。姚僧垣应答流畅，毫无滞碍。梁武帝认为他非常奇特出众。大通六年，他初任临川嗣王国的左常侍。大同五年，被任命为骠骑将军庐陵王府田曹参军。九年，回朝兼任殿中医师。当时武陵王生母葛修华，患有陈年旧疾，多方治疗无效。梁武帝于是命令姚僧垣去诊治。姚僧垣回来后，详细描述了病情，并记录了病情增减的时间变化。梁武帝感叹道：“你用心如此缜密细致，达到这种程度，凭此来诊察疾病，什么病能逃得掉呢？朕常常认为前代的名人，大多喜好这门技艺，所以一直留意其中，颇懂治疗的要领。今天听了你的解说，更加开阔了我的思路。”十一年，转任太医正，兼任文德主帅、直阁将军。梁武帝曾经因发热，想要服用大黄。姚僧垣说：“大黄虽然是泻下快药。然而陛下年事已高，不宜轻易使用。”皇帝没有听从，结果病情危重。梁简文帝在东宫时，对他非常礼遇。四季伏日腊日，常有赏赐。太清元年，转任镇西将军湘东王府中记室参军。姚僧垣年少时喜好文史，不专注于章句训诂。当时评论古今人物，常被学者所称道。
等到侯景围攻建业，姚僧垣便抛弃妻儿赴难。梁武帝嘉奖他，授予戎昭将军、湘东王府记室参军。等到宫城陷落，百官逃散。姚僧垣借道回家，走到呈兴，拜谒郡守张嵊。张嵊见到姚僧垣流泪说：“我深受朝廷恩惠，如今以死相报。您是这地方的大族，又是朝廷的老臣。今天能得到您，我的事情就辩白清楚了。”不久侯景军队大举到来，攻城作战数日，郡城最终陷落。姚僧垣躲藏了很久，才被拘捕。侯景的将领侯子鉴一向听闻他的名声，十分器重优待他，因此得以获免。等到梁简文帝即位，姚僧垣回到建业，以原职兼任中书舍人。侯子鉴随即镇守广陵，姚僧垣又随他到了江北。
梁元帝平定侯景之乱后，召姚僧垣前往荆州，改授晋安王府谘议。当时虽然平定了大乱，但任用非人，朝政混乱，不再有纲纪法度。姚僧垣对此深感忧虑。对老朋友说：“我看这种情势，祸败不会太久。现在的上策，不如靠近关隘。”听到的人都掩口窃笑。梁元帝曾经有心腹疼痛的疾病，于是召集众医生商议治疗方案。大家都认为至尊至贵，不可轻率用药，应该使用平和的药物，可以逐渐宣通。姚僧垣说：“脉象洪大而实，这是有积食。不用大黄，一定没有痊愈的道理。”梁元帝听从了他的建议，服完汤药后，果然排出了积食，因而疾病痊愈。梁元帝大喜。当时刚铸造钱币，一枚当十枚用，于是赐钱十万，实际价值百万。
等到大军攻克荆州，姚僧垣仍然侍奉梁元帝，不离左右。被军人强行留住。才哭着离去。不久中山公宇文护派人寻找姚僧垣。姚僧垣来到他的军营。又被燕公于谨召见，受到极大的礼遇。太祖（宇文泰）又派使者乘驿马征召姚僧垣，于谨坚决挽留不放。对使者说：“我年纪衰老，病痛缠身。现在得到这个人，希望与他共老。”太祖鉴于于谨功勋德行隆重，金州刺史伊芳娄穆因病回京，请姚僧垣探视病情。娄穆说：“从腰部到脐部，好像有三条绳索捆绑，两脚松弛无力，不再能自主控制。”姚僧垣为他诊脉，开了三剂汤药。娄穆起初服下一剂，上面的束缚感立即解除；接着服下一剂，中间的束缚感也解除了；再服一剂，三种束缚全部消除。但是两脚疼痛麻痹，仍然挛缩虚弱。又为他配制了一剂散药，稍微能够屈伸。姚僧垣说：“等到霜降时节，这个病应当痊愈。”等到九月，便能起身行走。
大将军、襄乐公贺兰隆先前有气疾，加上水肿，喘息急促，坐卧不安。有人劝他服用决命大散，他的家人怀疑不能决定，于是询问姚僧垣。姚僧垣说：“我认为这个病与决命大散不相适应。如果想自行服用，不必赐问。”于是告辞离开。他的儿子殷勤拜请说：“长久以来压抑委屈，今天才来求治。竟然不可治愈，心里实在不甘心。”姚僧垣知道他们……（原文此处似有缺漏或断句问题，依上下文理解为姚僧垣知晓其家属的急切心情）天和元年，加授车骑大将军、议同三司。大将军、乐平公窦集突然感受风疾，精神昏乱，没有知觉。之前诊治的医生都说已经无法救治。姚僧垣后来诊治，说：“虽然困顿，但最终不会死。如果专门托付给我，我为你们治疗。”他的家人很高兴，请求接受方术。姚僧垣为他们配制汤散，所患疾病立即痊愈。大将军、永世公叱伏列椿长期苦于腹泻，但不影响上朝拜见。燕公于谨曾经问姚僧垣说：“乐平公和永世公都有慢性病，如果按我的意思，永世公的病较轻。”姚僧垣回答说：“疾病有深浅之分，时令有克制致死的时候。乐平公虽然困顿，最终应当保全。永世公虽然症状轻，必定不免于死。”于谨说：“你说必定死亡，将在什么时候？”姚僧垣回答说：“不出四个月。”果然像他说的那样。于谨赞叹惊异。六年，迁任遂伯中大夫。
建德三年，文宣太后卧病，医生和巫师的说法杂乱，各有不同。高祖在内殿御座旁，邀请姚僧垣同坐，说：“太后的病情不轻，众医生都说不用担心。作为人子的心情，是可以意会的。君臣之义，说话不应隐瞒。您觉得怎么样？”姚僧垣回答说：“我没有听声辨色的高妙医术，只是经历的事情多，参照常人情况，私下里感到担忧恐惧。”皇帝哭泣说：“您已经决定了，还有什么可说的！”不久太后去世。之后又因召见。皇帝问姚僧垣说：“姚公担任仪同几年了？”姚僧垣回答说：“臣愧受朝廷恩惠，到现在九年了。”皇帝说：“勤劳有功，朝廷的命令应当隆重。”于是授予骑骠大将军、开府仪同三司，又下敕令说：“您年龄超过县军（注：此处原文可能有误，通常指年老），可以停止上朝拜见。如果不是特别敕令，不需要入宫觐见。”
四年，高祖亲自率领军队向东讨伐，到达河阴时生病。口不能说话；眼睑下垂覆盖眼睛，不能再看东西；一条腿短缩，又不能行走。姚僧垣认为五脏都生病了，不能同时治疗。军中紧要之事，莫过于恢复言语。于是开方进药，皇帝于是能说话。接着又治疗眼睛，眼疾便好了。最后治疗腿脚，腿脚疾病也痊愈了。等到华州时，皇帝已经康复。于是任命他为华州刺史，仍下诏让他随军进入京城，不让他驻守该镇。宣政元年，上表请求退休，皇帝下优诏准许。这一年，高祖巡幸云阳，于是卧病。于是下诏让姚僧垣前往行在所。内史柳昂私下问道：“至尊减少饮食日子久了，脉象如何？”姚僧垣回答说：“天子顺应天心，或许不是愚钝之人所能揣测。如果是普通人这样，万无一全。”不久皇帝驾崩。
宣帝当初在东宫时，常苦于心痛。于是让姚僧垣治疗，疾病立即痊愈。皇帝非常高兴。等到即位，恩礼更加深厚。常常从容地说：“这是崇尚年长的说法，不是为了尊贵爵位的称号。我将为您建国开家，作为子孙的永久基业。”于是封为长寿县公，食邑一千户。册命之日，又赐给金带及衣服等。
大象二年，任命为太医下大夫。皇帝不久有病，到了病危时刻。姚僧垣值夜班侍奉。皇帝对随公（杨坚）说：“今天的性命，只托付给这个人。”姚僧垣知道皇帝的脉象危殆，一定不能救活。于是回答说：“臣蒙受恩惠既重，想着效力。只怕平庸短浅不及，怎敢不尽心。”皇帝点头同意。等到静帝即位，迁任上开府仪同大将军。隋开皇初年，进爵北绛郡公。三年去世。享年八十五岁。留下遗诫穿白衣入棺，朝服不要收敛。灵位上只放置香奁，每天摆设清水而已。追赠本官，加荆、湖二州刺史。
姚僧垣医术高超奇妙，被当世人推崇。前后有效验的案例，不可胜数。声誉既然盛大，远闻边疆地区。至于各藩属国外域，都请求诊治。姚僧垣于是搜集采集奇异有效的案例，参考验证效果者，编写《集验方》十二卷，又撰写《行记》三卷，流传于世。
长子姚察在江南。（按：姚察在《南史》中有传记）
次子姚最，字士会，年幼时聪明敏捷，长大后，博通经史，尤其喜欢著述。十九岁时，跟随姚僧垣入关。世宗大量聚集学徒，在麟趾殿校书，姚最也参与成为学士。不久授予齐王宪府水曹参军，掌管记室事务。特别被齐王宪礼遇，赏赐丰厚。宣帝即位，齐王宪因嫌疑被诛杀。隋文帝担任丞相，追复官爵。姚最因为陪伴游历多年，恩顾过于隆重，于是记录齐王宪的功绩写成传记，送上史局。
姚最年幼时在江左，直到入关，未学习医术。天和年间，齐王宪奏请高祖，派遣姚最学习医术。齐王宪又对姚最说：“你博学高才，与王褒、庾信相比如何。王、庾名重两国，我看他们微不足道。接待资助供给，不是你家能比的。你应该深刻体会这个意思，不要不在意。况且天子有敕令。更需要勉励。”姚最于是开始接受家传医术。十许年中，大致穷尽了其中的奥妙。每当有人造访请教，效验很多。隋文帝登基，任命为太子门大夫。因为父亲忧丧离职，哀伤毁损，瘦骨嶙峋，守丧期满后，继承……（原文此处似有缺漏，结合语境应为继承爵位或职位）
不久转任蜀王秀友。蜀王镇守益州，升任蜀王府司马。等到平定陈朝，姚察到来。姚最自认为不是嫡子，将封爵让给姚察，隋文帝允许了。蜀王后来暗中怀有异谋，隋文帝命令公卿彻底查办此事。开府庆整、郝伟等都推卸过错给蜀王。唯独姚最说：“凡是不法之事，都是我所做，王爷确实不知道。”拷打审讯数百次，始终没有改变供词。姚最最终因此被处死。享年六十七岁。论者认为他是义士。撰写《梁后略》十卷，流传于世。
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.